It seems that everything around me is changing. Fittingly this season of change is starting in the fall when the leaves change and the weather changes rapidly. I have made a big change in my professional life. After five years of working for a firm, I decided that it was time for me to try solo practice. The timing just seemed right. I realized that I was not working on the cases that I like and that I am passionate about. I also realized that I could if I started my own practice. Therefore, I decided to give up the easy paycheck to work the cases that I am passionate about.
In the weeks leading up to my decision, I kept coming back to the Bible verse Micah 6:8, "What does the Lord require but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" I feel like I can best put this verse into practice by devoting the majority of my time to CPS cases and criminal law. I realized that I could maintain my lifestyle with the income from the cases that I love. I have no desire to be the richest lawyer in town. Nothing is more humbling than working with persons who come from the most disadvantaged backgrounds and who have no foreseeable opportunity to move forward in life. I feel that God has given me a passion for this type of law, and I trust that He will take care of me as I pursue what I feel that He would want me to do. I know that there will still be material temptations, but I never want to have to choose between a case that pays more by the hour or a case where life and death really are on the line. As of November 1, 2010, I work for Cyndia Hammond, Attorney at Law!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
I must be a nerd
I have come to the conclusion that I am officially a self-proclaimed nerd. Up to this point in life, I think that I have only heard others apply that label to me and I have chosen to use descriptive labels such as nerdy instead of the noun version. However, I am willing to embrace the nerdiness and state that I am a nerd.
I came to this conclusion when I read the transcript of the Supreme Court oral arguments from last week's Snyder v. Phelps case. I read the transcript because I wanted to know how the oral arguments went, I decided not to wait for the audio of the oral arguments to be posted, and I wanted to know what Scalia said. Now I am anxiously awaiting the opinion/concurrence/dissent of Scalia. Notice I said the decision of Scalia instead of the decision of the Court. I think that out of all of the justices on the US Supreme Court, Justice Scalia is the one that I agree with most. Part of the reason for this is that Justice Scalia is rarely, if ever, guilty of making a decision based on emotion instead of the Constitution.
For example, Justice Scalia wrote an opinion that I thought that I did not agree with at the time it was issued. He wrote that a rape victim has to testify in front of the accuser. Although I do not remember the facts of the case now, I am sure it was probably a child victim making the victim someone that society naturally wants to protect. However, there is a Constitutional right of an accuser to confront a victim. Justice Scalia and the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional right of the accused to confront the victim. At the time, I thought it was a horrible decision. The more I thought about it, the more I admired Justice Scalia for taking the facts away and looking only at the text of the Constitution.
I think that the Snyder v. Phelps case is similar. We have a constitutional right to free speech. The government can place reasonable restrictions on where the speech can occur. Those restrictions were in place at the soldier's funeral. The Phelps group was out of the eyesight and hearing of the family. The family member is the one who decided to turn on the TV to see the media coverage (which is a problem with the media, but I will not go there on this one). It was also the family member who decided to go to the website and see what was said about the son and family. Does that mean that the Phelps group should have said the things that they are saying? No. However, that does not mean that they should not have the right to say those things.
I am interested to see if the Supreme Court is going to uphold the group's right to speak in this situation. If there is ever a set of facts that the majority of Americans can get behind and say that it was not right for this to occur, protesting at a funeral qualifies. However, there is a right to protest (I should add peacefully because protesting can get out of hand and protesters can lose the right). I am interested to see what Scalia writes. I hope that he continues to uphold the Constitution. I hope that he resists the temptation to carve an exception to free speech. I think that restricting the group to a particular time and place is sufficient, but I do not think that they should have their speech stifled. I think that the world would be better off if the group would quit saying what it is saying. However, this can be said by someone about almost any group.
Interestingly, the Court will be deciding if the speech was an intentional infliction of emotional distress which is a civil cause of action. There are times when our words, although we have a right to say them, have consequences. I find it hard to pin an intentional infliction of emotional distress on someone who put a thought out there in the public discourse, but did not force the intended or unintended victim to watch. If the media had not jumped on the protesting like they did, the intended/unintended victim may have never seen the speech that harmed the victim. I guess the argument can be made that the speaker knew that the media would cover the event and the speech would be likely to reach the victim. I guess that the ultimate question becomes what speech can have financial consequences outside of threats which already have criminal/civil consequences and slander/libel which has civil consequences.
On a completely different note, I am surprised by the argument presented by Phelps' daughter at the oral arguments. She came off much more articulate and much less crazy than her father. She was surprisingly well prepared and carried herself better in the oral argument than she has in interviews since the arguments (and probably before too). Sure she had some crazy moments (repeated use of "in your grille"), but overall she presented the argument better than I expected (my expectations were pretty low so maybe it was easy to exceed the expectations).
I came to this conclusion when I read the transcript of the Supreme Court oral arguments from last week's Snyder v. Phelps case. I read the transcript because I wanted to know how the oral arguments went, I decided not to wait for the audio of the oral arguments to be posted, and I wanted to know what Scalia said. Now I am anxiously awaiting the opinion/concurrence/dissent of Scalia. Notice I said the decision of Scalia instead of the decision of the Court. I think that out of all of the justices on the US Supreme Court, Justice Scalia is the one that I agree with most. Part of the reason for this is that Justice Scalia is rarely, if ever, guilty of making a decision based on emotion instead of the Constitution.
For example, Justice Scalia wrote an opinion that I thought that I did not agree with at the time it was issued. He wrote that a rape victim has to testify in front of the accuser. Although I do not remember the facts of the case now, I am sure it was probably a child victim making the victim someone that society naturally wants to protect. However, there is a Constitutional right of an accuser to confront a victim. Justice Scalia and the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional right of the accused to confront the victim. At the time, I thought it was a horrible decision. The more I thought about it, the more I admired Justice Scalia for taking the facts away and looking only at the text of the Constitution.
I think that the Snyder v. Phelps case is similar. We have a constitutional right to free speech. The government can place reasonable restrictions on where the speech can occur. Those restrictions were in place at the soldier's funeral. The Phelps group was out of the eyesight and hearing of the family. The family member is the one who decided to turn on the TV to see the media coverage (which is a problem with the media, but I will not go there on this one). It was also the family member who decided to go to the website and see what was said about the son and family. Does that mean that the Phelps group should have said the things that they are saying? No. However, that does not mean that they should not have the right to say those things.
I am interested to see if the Supreme Court is going to uphold the group's right to speak in this situation. If there is ever a set of facts that the majority of Americans can get behind and say that it was not right for this to occur, protesting at a funeral qualifies. However, there is a right to protest (I should add peacefully because protesting can get out of hand and protesters can lose the right). I am interested to see what Scalia writes. I hope that he continues to uphold the Constitution. I hope that he resists the temptation to carve an exception to free speech. I think that restricting the group to a particular time and place is sufficient, but I do not think that they should have their speech stifled. I think that the world would be better off if the group would quit saying what it is saying. However, this can be said by someone about almost any group.
Interestingly, the Court will be deciding if the speech was an intentional infliction of emotional distress which is a civil cause of action. There are times when our words, although we have a right to say them, have consequences. I find it hard to pin an intentional infliction of emotional distress on someone who put a thought out there in the public discourse, but did not force the intended or unintended victim to watch. If the media had not jumped on the protesting like they did, the intended/unintended victim may have never seen the speech that harmed the victim. I guess the argument can be made that the speaker knew that the media would cover the event and the speech would be likely to reach the victim. I guess that the ultimate question becomes what speech can have financial consequences outside of threats which already have criminal/civil consequences and slander/libel which has civil consequences.
On a completely different note, I am surprised by the argument presented by Phelps' daughter at the oral arguments. She came off much more articulate and much less crazy than her father. She was surprisingly well prepared and carried herself better in the oral argument than she has in interviews since the arguments (and probably before too). Sure she had some crazy moments (repeated use of "in your grille"), but overall she presented the argument better than I expected (my expectations were pretty low so maybe it was easy to exceed the expectations).
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Problem with the Media
Something else I have been pondering about the scheduled Koran burning is that the media might be just as much at fault for putting the lives of Americans around the world in danger because of their treatment of the story. The burning is scheduled by a small church in Florida. If the media had not jumped on this story and made it much bigger than it probably would ever have been, I bet that very few, if any, lives would be in danger. Therefore, should this pastor decide to go through with his plan, and should someone around the world lose their life because of the decision, the media is at fault too for putting that person's life in danger. The persons committing the violence because of an idiotic display halfway around the world are also at fault, and should receive the blame as well. When idiots in Florida burn a book and idiots in the media cover the event, a person is not excused from responsibility for being an idiot that acts out in violence.
One final set of thoughts. I think that Christians need to be very wise before invoking certain American rights. This pastor has every right under the Constitution to do what he is planning to do. The Muslim community has every right to build a mosque at Ground Zero as well. However, just because we as Americans have the right to do something does not mean that we should do it. Christianity is supposed to be a peace loving religion just as some proponents of Islam state that it is a peace loving religion. However, Christians often take actions that do not promote peace. I am not suggesting peace at the expense of the gospel. There are going to be people who think that you are not promoting peace just because they do not recognize the gospel of Jesus Christ as true peace.
The church in Florida has an opportunity to promote true peace. By burning the Koran in such a public way, the church is Florida is being an example of hatred instead of love. I believe that this is just as unwise as certain Islamic leaders planning a mosque and Islamic cultural center so near to Ground Zero. Do both groups have every right to do what they are planning to do? Yes. Are both groups unwise for planning what they are planning? Definitely. One of the problems in the American church today is we want to talk about our individual rights too much. Just because we have the right to do something does not mean that it is wise to do it.
One final set of thoughts. I think that Christians need to be very wise before invoking certain American rights. This pastor has every right under the Constitution to do what he is planning to do. The Muslim community has every right to build a mosque at Ground Zero as well. However, just because we as Americans have the right to do something does not mean that we should do it. Christianity is supposed to be a peace loving religion just as some proponents of Islam state that it is a peace loving religion. However, Christians often take actions that do not promote peace. I am not suggesting peace at the expense of the gospel. There are going to be people who think that you are not promoting peace just because they do not recognize the gospel of Jesus Christ as true peace.
The church in Florida has an opportunity to promote true peace. By burning the Koran in such a public way, the church is Florida is being an example of hatred instead of love. I believe that this is just as unwise as certain Islamic leaders planning a mosque and Islamic cultural center so near to Ground Zero. Do both groups have every right to do what they are planning to do? Yes. Are both groups unwise for planning what they are planning? Definitely. One of the problems in the American church today is we want to talk about our individual rights too much. Just because we have the right to do something does not mean that it is wise to do it.
You Really Should Watch This
If you can make it to the end (I watched in two sittings to get there), you will not be sorry. Wow.
I do not think I have ever seen anyone that fired up sharing their name before they ever get to the heart of their message.
HT: @drmoore and Political Wire
I do not think I have ever seen anyone that fired up sharing their name before they ever get to the heart of their message.
HT: @drmoore and Political Wire
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Two Completely Unrelated Things
(1) I have a new reason to watch The Biggest Loser this season. One of the contestants is a woman who was one of my really good friends in middle school and part of high school. You can read more about Sandy here. She lived within walking distance of my house, so I remember hanging out quite a bit. I hate the color pink, but I will be rooting for pink this season on The Biggest Loser! Sandy's brother, Mike, died this past spring just a few days after trying out for The Biggest Loser. His death was due to complications because of his weight. I hope that Sandy and Mike's story will encourage people to get up and get moving. So if you see any Facebook/Twitter posts pulling for pink, I have not lost my mind, but I am cheering Sandy on!
(2) It is probably unfair to include this in the same post since it is so completely unrelated. I do not usually write about things that are too written about on blogs, but I am making an exception for the Florida church. There are some things that strike me about the burning of the Koran in the Florida church. One of the things that struck me was covered here with some of the same thoughts I had about how it might not be smart to burn other people's religious books. Something else that I have been pondering is that this Florida church seems to be willing to risk other people's lives for what they think is the gospel instead of their own lives. It is no secret that certain Muslim zealots are willing to kill, riot, terrorize when someone does something offensive to a belief that they hold dear. There were murders, riots, and calls for death due to a cartoonist drawing a picture of Mohammed. This Florida church knows this. Yet this church is willing to risk the lives of others around the world because it wants to prove a point? What point it is exactly that they are trying to make anyway? We are called to risk our lives for the gospel, not the lives of others. Sometimes our actions for the sake of the gospel may put others at risk. New converts are often subject to persecution and therefore, conversion can result in a risk. However, this church is putting lives at risk without conversion, without risking their own lives, without actually taking the gospel where it needs to go.
Finally, if you have a heart for reaching the Islamic world for Christ, you are not going to do what is quite possibly the most offensive display towards the Muslim community in an effort to reach the community for Christ. We are called to love our enemies, not hate them. Burning the Koran is a sign of hate. I do not like to see millions/billions of people around the world deceived by the Koran, but that makes me pray for those who are sharing the gospel to Muslims around the world, or send money to missionaries in that part of the world, or research ways to share teh gospel with a Muslim, or show acts of love and mercy towards Muslims. Love would not lead you to burn the books just to be completely shut off from all opportunities to share the gospel because of your act of hatred.
I am slightly encouraged to see that the pastor is now "praying" about his decision due to the government attention that he has received and due to the counsel he is receiving from others in the Christian community. I sincerely hope and pray that he considers whether his church's actions are going to bring glory to God and further the spread of the gospel or hinder the spread of the gospel. I cannot think of how this act will spread the gospel. Instead I can only see how it can potentially endanger mission efforts around the world. I do trust that God can use this event to open conversations in mission efforts around the world and hopefully lead God's people to prayer and a commitment to spreading the gospel to those who are of the Muslim faith.
(2) It is probably unfair to include this in the same post since it is so completely unrelated. I do not usually write about things that are too written about on blogs, but I am making an exception for the Florida church. There are some things that strike me about the burning of the Koran in the Florida church. One of the things that struck me was covered here with some of the same thoughts I had about how it might not be smart to burn other people's religious books. Something else that I have been pondering is that this Florida church seems to be willing to risk other people's lives for what they think is the gospel instead of their own lives. It is no secret that certain Muslim zealots are willing to kill, riot, terrorize when someone does something offensive to a belief that they hold dear. There were murders, riots, and calls for death due to a cartoonist drawing a picture of Mohammed. This Florida church knows this. Yet this church is willing to risk the lives of others around the world because it wants to prove a point? What point it is exactly that they are trying to make anyway? We are called to risk our lives for the gospel, not the lives of others. Sometimes our actions for the sake of the gospel may put others at risk. New converts are often subject to persecution and therefore, conversion can result in a risk. However, this church is putting lives at risk without conversion, without risking their own lives, without actually taking the gospel where it needs to go.
Finally, if you have a heart for reaching the Islamic world for Christ, you are not going to do what is quite possibly the most offensive display towards the Muslim community in an effort to reach the community for Christ. We are called to love our enemies, not hate them. Burning the Koran is a sign of hate. I do not like to see millions/billions of people around the world deceived by the Koran, but that makes me pray for those who are sharing the gospel to Muslims around the world, or send money to missionaries in that part of the world, or research ways to share teh gospel with a Muslim, or show acts of love and mercy towards Muslims. Love would not lead you to burn the books just to be completely shut off from all opportunities to share the gospel because of your act of hatred.
I am slightly encouraged to see that the pastor is now "praying" about his decision due to the government attention that he has received and due to the counsel he is receiving from others in the Christian community. I sincerely hope and pray that he considers whether his church's actions are going to bring glory to God and further the spread of the gospel or hinder the spread of the gospel. I cannot think of how this act will spread the gospel. Instead I can only see how it can potentially endanger mission efforts around the world. I do trust that God can use this event to open conversations in mission efforts around the world and hopefully lead God's people to prayer and a commitment to spreading the gospel to those who are of the Muslim faith.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Entering the World of the Casserole
I am 30 and nothing shows my age more than my recent desire to cook instead of eat out all the time. I realized I was wasting money on food and that I could eat out only one to three meals a week and still save money by cooking at home. My investment into a Crockpot has more than paid for itself in the money I have saved by making as many meals as possible and packing my lunch for work. This weekend I dared to go where I had not gone before in the Crockpot. I made a casserole.
I have made dishes that are close to casseroles before this weekend. I made a meatloaf, but I do not count that as a casserole (although it does share some of the same characteristics as a casserole so you might). I made a lasagna, but I do not consider that a casserole because it is a lasagna. Again, you can disagree. This weekend I wanted to make something that was Mexican food like in my Crockpot but I could not find a recipe that sounded good, so I made one up.
All good casseroles, I concluded as I enjoyed my creation, have to be born of a similar process. I wanted to make enchiladas in the Crockpot, but I could not find a recipe that sounded right. I found some inspiration by reading different recipes and comments to get some tips. I wrote down a list of ingredients in quantities that sounded right before heading to the store. Once in the store as I picked up the two cans of enchilada sauce and headed back down the aisle, my eye caught the chili. I remembered mom putting chili over enchiladas. I pondered how good it might be to mix a can of the enchilada sauce with the chili and use that instead of two cans to add more meat. You see, I am going through an anemic stage right now, and chili has more iron in it than enchilada sauce. I even checked the can to make sure. I threw in some black beans too for the same reason. I then went back to the chili section to trade out cans of chili because I decided that the brand in hand would be too chunky and I would need a runny chili for the casserole so that it would be more like enchilada sauce. I never buy the runny chili. I was being bold. Then it came time to buy the meat. I decided on fajita chicken. The recipe called for ground beef. I could not leave out onion because I do not consider a meal a meal unless there is onion in it. By the time I left the store, I had 2-1/2 of the original ingredients in the recipe - corn tortillas, cheese, and one of the two cans of enchilada sauce called for. The recipe was officially inspiration. Or guidance on how to cook a casserole in a Crockpot.
As I threw the casserole together and left it alone while it cooked, I was nervous and excited about how it would turn out. It was either going to be a keeper or a dud. The chili mixed with enchilada sauce did not look promising as the casserole was being assembled. In fact, the whole thing looked pretty unappetizing in the Crockpot before it cooked and after it was done. I encouraged myself by reminding myself that I cannot think of a single casserole that I like that is appetizing when you put it in and pull it out of the oven.
It came time to take the first bite. The first bite was not good. I burned my tongue. My tongue was in so much pain I do not remember the rest of the first bite, including how it tasted. I waited a while longer before the second bite. Finally, I could tell that this was going to be a keeper, not a dud. In fact, the more I ate, the better it tasted. By the second helping, I was loving it. It reminded me of enchiladas, but without having to prepare the tortillas, assemble the little rolls, remember to put the tortillas with the seem side down, and pouring the sauce on top. The sauce had soaked into the chicken and the tortillas infusing them with deliciousness. It was incredible. I thought that the world should know about this recipe. Of course, it looked very unappetizing (still) but the taste made up for it.
I have determined that this must be how all casseroles are formed. Or at least how they are formed in the information age when cooks can compare recipes. I started with several recipes, but decided on one that sounded best. Then as I bought the ingredients, I altered the recipe based on what sounded good. At that point you can only hope that it is edible because you are in charted (or unblogged about) territory. Once you determine that the recipe is a keeper (and secretly thank yourself for writing down the ingredients as soon as you threw them together into a pot), you want to share it with others. I am going to share it, but more for your inspiration and guidance!
Crockpot Enchilada Casserole
1-1/2 lbs of precooked meat. I used frozen chicken fajita meat, thawed.
1 can of enchilada sauce
1 can of chili
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 onion
3 cups Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
12 corn tortillas
Cook the meat if it is not cooked already. This recipe has a relatively short cooking time for meat, so raw meat probably will not get done. Cut the tortillas into six wedges per tortilla. Use a Crockpot liner (that part is not inspiration - trust me, it is worth it!), but spray the liner with cooking spray. Layer the ingredients starting with one stack of the tortilla wedges, meat, sauce, beans, onions, cheese. Repeat three to four more times. After you have used up the meat, sauce, beans and onions, top it off with a final layer of tortilla wedges and cheese only. Cook in the Crockpot on low for 4-6 hours. My Crockpot has an automatic warmer, so I set the timer for 5 hours and then let it warm for a few more. It was perfect for consumption after 3 hours on the warmer setting. At two hours, the sauce was a little runny still, but that could have been because it was so hot. Plus, at two hours on warm I burned my tongue with the first bite which may have had something to do with my thinking it was perfect for the second helping and hour later.
I have made dishes that are close to casseroles before this weekend. I made a meatloaf, but I do not count that as a casserole (although it does share some of the same characteristics as a casserole so you might). I made a lasagna, but I do not consider that a casserole because it is a lasagna. Again, you can disagree. This weekend I wanted to make something that was Mexican food like in my Crockpot but I could not find a recipe that sounded good, so I made one up.
All good casseroles, I concluded as I enjoyed my creation, have to be born of a similar process. I wanted to make enchiladas in the Crockpot, but I could not find a recipe that sounded right. I found some inspiration by reading different recipes and comments to get some tips. I wrote down a list of ingredients in quantities that sounded right before heading to the store. Once in the store as I picked up the two cans of enchilada sauce and headed back down the aisle, my eye caught the chili. I remembered mom putting chili over enchiladas. I pondered how good it might be to mix a can of the enchilada sauce with the chili and use that instead of two cans to add more meat. You see, I am going through an anemic stage right now, and chili has more iron in it than enchilada sauce. I even checked the can to make sure. I threw in some black beans too for the same reason. I then went back to the chili section to trade out cans of chili because I decided that the brand in hand would be too chunky and I would need a runny chili for the casserole so that it would be more like enchilada sauce. I never buy the runny chili. I was being bold. Then it came time to buy the meat. I decided on fajita chicken. The recipe called for ground beef. I could not leave out onion because I do not consider a meal a meal unless there is onion in it. By the time I left the store, I had 2-1/2 of the original ingredients in the recipe - corn tortillas, cheese, and one of the two cans of enchilada sauce called for. The recipe was officially inspiration. Or guidance on how to cook a casserole in a Crockpot.
As I threw the casserole together and left it alone while it cooked, I was nervous and excited about how it would turn out. It was either going to be a keeper or a dud. The chili mixed with enchilada sauce did not look promising as the casserole was being assembled. In fact, the whole thing looked pretty unappetizing in the Crockpot before it cooked and after it was done. I encouraged myself by reminding myself that I cannot think of a single casserole that I like that is appetizing when you put it in and pull it out of the oven.
It came time to take the first bite. The first bite was not good. I burned my tongue. My tongue was in so much pain I do not remember the rest of the first bite, including how it tasted. I waited a while longer before the second bite. Finally, I could tell that this was going to be a keeper, not a dud. In fact, the more I ate, the better it tasted. By the second helping, I was loving it. It reminded me of enchiladas, but without having to prepare the tortillas, assemble the little rolls, remember to put the tortillas with the seem side down, and pouring the sauce on top. The sauce had soaked into the chicken and the tortillas infusing them with deliciousness. It was incredible. I thought that the world should know about this recipe. Of course, it looked very unappetizing (still) but the taste made up for it.
I have determined that this must be how all casseroles are formed. Or at least how they are formed in the information age when cooks can compare recipes. I started with several recipes, but decided on one that sounded best. Then as I bought the ingredients, I altered the recipe based on what sounded good. At that point you can only hope that it is edible because you are in charted (or unblogged about) territory. Once you determine that the recipe is a keeper (and secretly thank yourself for writing down the ingredients as soon as you threw them together into a pot), you want to share it with others. I am going to share it, but more for your inspiration and guidance!
Crockpot Enchilada Casserole
1-1/2 lbs of precooked meat. I used frozen chicken fajita meat, thawed.
1 can of enchilada sauce
1 can of chili
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 onion
3 cups Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
12 corn tortillas
Cook the meat if it is not cooked already. This recipe has a relatively short cooking time for meat, so raw meat probably will not get done. Cut the tortillas into six wedges per tortilla. Use a Crockpot liner (that part is not inspiration - trust me, it is worth it!), but spray the liner with cooking spray. Layer the ingredients starting with one stack of the tortilla wedges, meat, sauce, beans, onions, cheese. Repeat three to four more times. After you have used up the meat, sauce, beans and onions, top it off with a final layer of tortilla wedges and cheese only. Cook in the Crockpot on low for 4-6 hours. My Crockpot has an automatic warmer, so I set the timer for 5 hours and then let it warm for a few more. It was perfect for consumption after 3 hours on the warmer setting. At two hours, the sauce was a little runny still, but that could have been because it was so hot. Plus, at two hours on warm I burned my tongue with the first bite which may have had something to do with my thinking it was perfect for the second helping and hour later.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Where have all the ladies gone?
I am in the midst of a really difficult period at work, so I enjoy coming home to Netflix movies to escape. However, I am often disappointed at what I am seeing. Last night, the selection was The Break-Up. I knew that I probably would not like the movie, but I guess part of me hoped it would be funny. Plus, it was just PG-13, so how bad could it be? It was REALLY bad. The profanity was unbearable. What I noticed most as I watched it though was how unladylike Jennifer Aniston's character was as she cursed in almost every sentence. When did it become ok for women to use that type of language? Society used to believe that cursing was an indication of lower class or lack of class. Now it is accepted no matter the class. I find it completely unattractive. There are plenty of words to use in the English language without having to use vulgar words. Women (and men) have lost their creativity in speaking. Society becomes more and more disrespectful. People begin to lose respect for themselves and others.
On the flip side of this, I am learning that society begins to respect you more just because of your difference in speech when you choose not to curse. Women want equality in the workplace, but yet they put themselves on the same level as men by using foul language. Why not gain more respect by being more careful with words? It definitely gives the appearance of being more professional, and it is an easy thing to do. I have not even gotten into all of the religious reasons that words need to be spoken carefully. I will save that for another post on another day. For now, I will turn to faithful friends in books instead of vulgar movies. Maybe it is time to invest in a language filter for my TV too.
On the flip side of this, I am learning that society begins to respect you more just because of your difference in speech when you choose not to curse. Women want equality in the workplace, but yet they put themselves on the same level as men by using foul language. Why not gain more respect by being more careful with words? It definitely gives the appearance of being more professional, and it is an easy thing to do. I have not even gotten into all of the religious reasons that words need to be spoken carefully. I will save that for another post on another day. For now, I will turn to faithful friends in books instead of vulgar movies. Maybe it is time to invest in a language filter for my TV too.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Clearance Aisle Chicken
I am the clearance aisle chicken queen. You know the game. You are in a store that has a big clearance sale and there are aisles and aisles of disorganized clearance items. If you are patient enough, you can find shirts for less than $10.00 that are not too out of date.
Inevitably someone else will start at the opposite end of the rack working toward you instead of coming behind you. There is going to be a meeting at some point in the racks. I am always determined to win the chicken meeting. This involves careful positioning and posturing. I avoid all eye contact. Eye contact results in the need to be polite. Eye contact would make me want to surrender. I speed up my search not skipping any articles of clothing no matter how hideous. If you are grazing, you are going to feel it is polite to step out of the way. Plus if you are going fast, the other person feels that it will not take you long to move past them and will let you pass.
Saturday, I won four games of clearance aisle chicken. I only scored three shirts. However the shirts are from Macy's (which used to mean something but now is turning into another JC Penney's). I challenge anyone to beat me at a game of clearance aisle chicken!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Inevitably someone else will start at the opposite end of the rack working toward you instead of coming behind you. There is going to be a meeting at some point in the racks. I am always determined to win the chicken meeting. This involves careful positioning and posturing. I avoid all eye contact. Eye contact results in the need to be polite. Eye contact would make me want to surrender. I speed up my search not skipping any articles of clothing no matter how hideous. If you are grazing, you are going to feel it is polite to step out of the way. Plus if you are going fast, the other person feels that it will not take you long to move past them and will let you pass.
Saturday, I won four games of clearance aisle chicken. I only scored three shirts. However the shirts are from Macy's (which used to mean something but now is turning into another JC Penney's). I challenge anyone to beat me at a game of clearance aisle chicken!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The Wire
I will be writing more on this, but I have to recommend The Wire for pretty much anyone. It was on HBO, so a language/nudity/violence disclaimer is necessary. However, it is the most realistic depiction of the inner city that has ever been written. It watches like a novel in five parts with each season taking a different theme/focus. I do not think that any other television show comes close to the writing, directing, producing of The Wire. Now I can't wait to watch Treme which has I believe the same producer as The Wire. Brilliant.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, June 11, 2010
Learning Early
I am so excited that my lil guy loves books! I have brought at least one book for him with me each time I have visited since July of last year, and this past weekend, the first thing he asked for was a book. Nevermind that the Mr. Potato Head was right there. He wanted a book. Fortunately I brought him two this trip. I am very excited that he likes to read. It will also make it easy for me to know what to bring him each time I come in - a book of his own. I recently read an article that said that the number of books a child has in the home is a better indicator of educational success than socio-economic level. Books (which usually result in the love of reading) are important. I have a feeling that I will do my part to stock lil guy's own personal library!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
These are a few of my favorite things!
Here are some things that I am currently obsessed with:
1. My Crockpot -
I decided to purchase a Crockpot in April, and I have thoroughly enjoyed cooking in it since. My oven has been broken for a while now, but the Crockpot has been the perfect solution for me. I usually feel like cooking on Saturday mornings, so it is really convenient to put the dish together on Saturday morning, and have lunch for the rest of the week. How is it that more people are not using this wonderful tool?!?! I have made meatloaf, taco soup, chicken chili, Mexican corn chowder, baked regular and sweet potatoes, buffalo chicken, baked potato soup, bread pudding, and French toast since buying the Crockpot. I have been eating good (and cheap)!
2. A Year of Slow Cooking blog - In line with number 1 above, I have found that I can explore my obsession with the Crockpot and create culinary experiments using this blog as inspiration. Who knew that you could make so many different things in a Crockpot?
3. Billy the Exterminator -
If you have not yet watched an episode of Billy the Exterminator on A & E, you do not know what you are missing. I mean, where else can you find a guy who is going to tell you that all household pests are carriers of dangerous bacteria that can kill you. If you are lucky, you will catch an episode where he is bitten by a snake, stung by a wasp, bit by a bat, wrestles a gator, or accidentally kills an animal. It is highly entertaining, although hard to explain what is entertaining about the show. Plus, you get to see all sorts of socio-economic classes on the show. Most of the people Billy "helps" are middle and upper-middle class, but it is extremely funny to see what they choose to wear on TV. Some women dress to impress, have the big hair and full make-up. Others open the door in their pajamas, making you want to say "is that the best you can do for national TV?" Throw in some family drama, and it makes for a very entertaining 30 minutes.
4. Chocolate milk -
Thanks to an article about the benefits of chocolate milk before and after working out, I have made chocolate milk part of my daily routine. I prefer Bordens to the Walmart brand because the quality of chocolate is much better, but really any chocolate milk will do. Considering that I have not lost weight, but I continue to lose inches, at least I can say that the chocolate milk is not hurting me. Plus, it is better for me than the empty calories in Gatorade, so that is a bonus!
5. The Biggest Loser: The Workout - Last Chance Workout
-
I am officially obsessed with this workout. It is tough. Seriously. Do not try this workout. Seriously. The workouts on the 30 Day Shred became a little too "easy" (the term is used very loosely), but this workout is no easier today than when I started almost 5 weeks ago. It is tough. However, this probably accounts more for my continued loss of inches, but not weight, than the chocolate milk. If you have seen the show, you know that it would be crazy to buy, much less do, the Last Chance Workout DVD. However, it is awesome for quick toning of the arms and legs. Consider this your warning if you choose to purchase this amazing, almost-instant liposuction for the small price of $10. As with all workouts that I have tried where Jillian Michaels is the torturer/trainer, this workout is extremely effective and the results start to show pretty quick. However, I would highly recommend using another of her workouts or the Biggest Loser workouts as a starter before jumping to this workout.
1. My Crockpot -
I decided to purchase a Crockpot in April, and I have thoroughly enjoyed cooking in it since. My oven has been broken for a while now, but the Crockpot has been the perfect solution for me. I usually feel like cooking on Saturday mornings, so it is really convenient to put the dish together on Saturday morning, and have lunch for the rest of the week. How is it that more people are not using this wonderful tool?!?! I have made meatloaf, taco soup, chicken chili, Mexican corn chowder, baked regular and sweet potatoes, buffalo chicken, baked potato soup, bread pudding, and French toast since buying the Crockpot. I have been eating good (and cheap)!
2. A Year of Slow Cooking blog - In line with number 1 above, I have found that I can explore my obsession with the Crockpot and create culinary experiments using this blog as inspiration. Who knew that you could make so many different things in a Crockpot?
3. Billy the Exterminator -
If you have not yet watched an episode of Billy the Exterminator on A & E, you do not know what you are missing. I mean, where else can you find a guy who is going to tell you that all household pests are carriers of dangerous bacteria that can kill you. If you are lucky, you will catch an episode where he is bitten by a snake, stung by a wasp, bit by a bat, wrestles a gator, or accidentally kills an animal. It is highly entertaining, although hard to explain what is entertaining about the show. Plus, you get to see all sorts of socio-economic classes on the show. Most of the people Billy "helps" are middle and upper-middle class, but it is extremely funny to see what they choose to wear on TV. Some women dress to impress, have the big hair and full make-up. Others open the door in their pajamas, making you want to say "is that the best you can do for national TV?" Throw in some family drama, and it makes for a very entertaining 30 minutes.
4. Chocolate milk -
Thanks to an article about the benefits of chocolate milk before and after working out, I have made chocolate milk part of my daily routine. I prefer Bordens to the Walmart brand because the quality of chocolate is much better, but really any chocolate milk will do. Considering that I have not lost weight, but I continue to lose inches, at least I can say that the chocolate milk is not hurting me. Plus, it is better for me than the empty calories in Gatorade, so that is a bonus!
5. The Biggest Loser: The Workout - Last Chance Workout
- 
I am officially obsessed with this workout. It is tough. Seriously. Do not try this workout. Seriously. The workouts on the 30 Day Shred became a little too "easy" (the term is used very loosely), but this workout is no easier today than when I started almost 5 weeks ago. It is tough. However, this probably accounts more for my continued loss of inches, but not weight, than the chocolate milk. If you have seen the show, you know that it would be crazy to buy, much less do, the Last Chance Workout DVD. However, it is awesome for quick toning of the arms and legs. Consider this your warning if you choose to purchase this amazing, almost-instant liposuction for the small price of $10. As with all workouts that I have tried where Jillian Michaels is the torturer/trainer, this workout is extremely effective and the results start to show pretty quick. However, I would highly recommend using another of her workouts or the Biggest Loser workouts as a starter before jumping to this workout.
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Ugliness of Sin
I have a confession to make. As I watched the Ohio man whose wife ran off with another man give an interview this morning, I wanted him to say what church he attended. Why? So I could immediately begin justifying what occurred and reasoning that the same could not happen in my church. It started with the piece leading up to the interview saying that the mother felt that she could not get a divorce, but instead would have to run off and start a new life because of her deeply held spiritual beliefs. Immediately I thought, she must be Church of Christ because of the stand that they take on divorce. I jumped to that conclusion because surely it had to be a church that put so much emphasis on the outer and works. My next thought was, maybe it is not a Christian church, but Mormon or some other type of religion. Mormons have the reputation of being oppressive to women. Cults are often oppressive to women. Soon the husband was talking, and I was only looking for hints as to what type of church it might be. Who cares if they are supportive, what do they believe? Who cares if they are stepping up and showing you love as the body of Christ (if it is a Christian church) should, what are they doing about her? Are they giving you permission to divorce since it is probably justified in Matthew? These are the things I wanted to know. Sure, I said one of those token prayers that you say for someone when you know it is the right thing to do so you do it, but your heart is not fully behind it. You know the type - the ones we pray in church to justify the spreading of gossip in the guise of prayer requests. There was no mention of the name of Jesus or even of God by the man, so maybe he is Scientologist or Episcopalian (don't they have an atheist preacher?) or Unitarian. All of these thoughts were going through my head.
These thoughts are sinful. I wanted to find some way that my religion and religious systems were better than this family. I wanted to distinguish myself from this family because the word church was used. I wanted to be able to say, well, what do you expect from a religious system that does not believe the true gospel, or is oppressive to women, or is legalistic. In reality, this situation could happen in any church that teaches the true gospel. Divorce is sinful. So is adultery. Churches should take both very seriously. If the church does take it seriously, it may result in decisions like this woman made. Instead of judging or distinguishing, I should have been driven to sadness over the sin at the heart of the scandal. Humans are sinners. There is a family hurting because of many sins, some of which are now very public, and some of which are probably very private. A church is hurting, and I sincerely hope it is a church that preaches the true gospel because the church has an opportunity to be the picture of the gospel to this family. I should also be humbled because my own sinfulness is apparent as I judge complete strangers and try to make myself feel better than them. I will also try to allow the Holy Spirit change the mindset that allowed me to think the sinful thoughts first into thinking about the ugliness of sin in my own life when I see others caught in a public way.
These thoughts are sinful. I wanted to find some way that my religion and religious systems were better than this family. I wanted to distinguish myself from this family because the word church was used. I wanted to be able to say, well, what do you expect from a religious system that does not believe the true gospel, or is oppressive to women, or is legalistic. In reality, this situation could happen in any church that teaches the true gospel. Divorce is sinful. So is adultery. Churches should take both very seriously. If the church does take it seriously, it may result in decisions like this woman made. Instead of judging or distinguishing, I should have been driven to sadness over the sin at the heart of the scandal. Humans are sinners. There is a family hurting because of many sins, some of which are now very public, and some of which are probably very private. A church is hurting, and I sincerely hope it is a church that preaches the true gospel because the church has an opportunity to be the picture of the gospel to this family. I should also be humbled because my own sinfulness is apparent as I judge complete strangers and try to make myself feel better than them. I will also try to allow the Holy Spirit change the mindset that allowed me to think the sinful thoughts first into thinking about the ugliness of sin in my own life when I see others caught in a public way.
My Dream Wedding Cake
OK ... maybe not, but it still made me think of how it matches my Peptobismal pink bedroom with Mardi Gras masks hanging on the wall. Now if it was gold, and had some purple beads mixed in too, maybe :)
You can find this and other wedding cake wrecks here on Cake Wrecks. Check them out!
** In case you are wondering about my mental health, beads are gross right out of the bag, so I would never subject guests at a wedding to a cake with real beads on it. Icing beads, maybe!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The Princess and The Frog
I loved this movie! Of course that is no surprise since it is about New Orleans. Part of me did not want to like it since it is about New Orleans, but I fell in love just as soon as the first streetcar appeared on the screen.
First the negative. The accents were way off to the point of being almost annoying.
However the postives are way better than the negatives. I mean, how can you not like a movie with beignets in it? And jazz? And Mardi Gras? And a trumpet playing alligator? And steamboat on the Mississipi?
The music is incredible. It definitely had a New Orleans flair. There was even a dirge to celebration music remniscent of a jazz funeral if you listened closely.
The heroine, Tiana, was well written. Disney may have waited too long to have an African-American main character, but they wrote her well when they made her. She was the perfect Disney princess even when she was a frog. The other characters are exactly what makes Disney movies great.
The movie was cleverly written. I actually laughed out loud a few times. It was a throwback to the Disney classics for the first time, in my opinion, since The Lion King or maybe Tarzan. The animation was beautiful. The Mardi Gras floats were so realistic and colorful even as a cartoon. I am pretty sure I will own this movie very soon!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
First the negative. The accents were way off to the point of being almost annoying.
However the postives are way better than the negatives. I mean, how can you not like a movie with beignets in it? And jazz? And Mardi Gras? And a trumpet playing alligator? And steamboat on the Mississipi?
The music is incredible. It definitely had a New Orleans flair. There was even a dirge to celebration music remniscent of a jazz funeral if you listened closely.
The heroine, Tiana, was well written. Disney may have waited too long to have an African-American main character, but they wrote her well when they made her. She was the perfect Disney princess even when she was a frog. The other characters are exactly what makes Disney movies great.
The movie was cleverly written. I actually laughed out loud a few times. It was a throwback to the Disney classics for the first time, in my opinion, since The Lion King or maybe Tarzan. The animation was beautiful. The Mardi Gras floats were so realistic and colorful even as a cartoon. I am pretty sure I will own this movie very soon!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Buy These ... They are worth it!
Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred
Tone without bulk. Anyone can do the workout, although it may take time to get to the point where you can make it all the way through without a break. It is tough, but doable. Much cheaper than a gym membership. Only requires arm weights and, if you prefer, a mat. Plus, it is only 30 minutes.
Gazelle Edge
Easy on the knees. Full body motion. Easy to add tension with arm and leg weights. Cheaper than most exercise equipment or a gym membership.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
My Huge Announcement
I announced to the Facebook and Twitter world this morning that today I have lost 50 lbs in less than a year! Obviously this is a huge milestone for me. It probably took me around two to three years to gain it, so I knew it needed to come off slowly and methodically. Here are some answers to things that people ask (or want to ask) when they see how much weight I have lost:
(1) I have not dieted. I eat the same things I ate before I started trying to lose weight. I try to leave a bite when I am eating. I now make sure that the biggest meal of my day is at lunch. I do not eat after 6 p.m. except on Fridays and sometimes Saturdays. Those are the only changes I have made to my eating habits. The cutting out eating after 6 p.m. made the pounds melt off. Basically, I learned my metabolism.
(2) I have exercised - pretty hard too. Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred is well worth the $9-15 (and some money for hand weights). It takes 30 minutes from start to finish, approximately 20 minutes is feeling like you are going to die workout, but since each exercise lasts a minute at the longest (two minutes if you count the repeat), it is completely doable. The 30 Day Shred jumpstarted my weight loss and it is now going to tone my arms so that I have bridesmaid's dress ready arms for my brother's wedding in May. Those pictures are going to last for years - no old lady arms for me! I also workout on the Gazelle when I am not doing the 30 Day Shred. I can now do three miles in about 36 minutes, which is basically running for 36 minutes with the pace. Easy on the knees, cheap equipment, privacy of my own home. I found workouts that work for me.
(3) I have to exercise 7 days a week. No breaks for me. That does not mean that I do not take a break periodically. I just figured out that I do better not taking a day off. I may workout less one day than the others. I even did not workout during my Mardi Gras trip, although I did walk a whole lot and stand a whole lot (standing burns more calories than sitting, right?) and carry a ton of beads. Maybe eventually my body will allow me to work out only three to four days a week, but I am not there yet.
(4) I have been very careful not to lose too much weight too fast. While doing the Shred video, I would allow myself to lose 5-7 lbs in a week early on. However, I prefer to average only 1-2 lbs, and I did not get upset in the weeks I had no weight loss, in part because I did not have weight gain either. I was sick in December and lost 5 lbs without doing anything other than being sick in a week, so I made sure and packed two of the pounds back on the next week before resuming my weight loss so that I was not losing weight too fast. Weight lost fast usually comes back faster, and I do not want it to come back!
(5) I drink lots of water. I realized I was wasting money at most fast food places by ordering drinks. Since I usually take my lunch back to the office anyway, I started getting my food without the drink and just drinking water. I think I gave up many empty calories by making that financial decision. I still enjoy a good sweet tea periodically, but I pretty much stick to water. Plus, if I drink enough water in the day, I am not as hungry as I am on days when I do not drink enough water. I know I sound like one of those fitness guru columnists on this one, but I have to be honest that I think it helps more than most people want to believe.
(6) 50 lbs is approximately three jean sizes, three or four dress sizes (depending on the maker), two belt sizes, and I do not know how many shirt sizes because I have not bought a shirt that fits in months. No wait - I bought one from Mardi Gras and it was two sizes smaller. I do not know about button up shirts though. The only things in my closet that fit right now are my t-shirts from college (and the new Saints Super Bowl t-shirt I just bought), my Levis I bought two weeks ago and my Mardi Gras shirt. Even my winter coat is too big. Even the suits I bought at the beginning of January are too big. When I can afford to buy clothes that fit, I am sure I will look even skinnier! In fact, the only thing annoying about weight loss is the clothing situation.
So there you go - there are the secrets to my weight loss and the clothing issue that no one is ever brave enough to ask, but everyone wants to know. All future weight loss is about toning and losing that last ten pounds that I can now physically see in my stomach region. The fact that I can physically see exactly where I need to lose the last few pounds is a pretty big deal to me!
(1) I have not dieted. I eat the same things I ate before I started trying to lose weight. I try to leave a bite when I am eating. I now make sure that the biggest meal of my day is at lunch. I do not eat after 6 p.m. except on Fridays and sometimes Saturdays. Those are the only changes I have made to my eating habits. The cutting out eating after 6 p.m. made the pounds melt off. Basically, I learned my metabolism.
(2) I have exercised - pretty hard too. Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred is well worth the $9-15 (and some money for hand weights). It takes 30 minutes from start to finish, approximately 20 minutes is feeling like you are going to die workout, but since each exercise lasts a minute at the longest (two minutes if you count the repeat), it is completely doable. The 30 Day Shred jumpstarted my weight loss and it is now going to tone my arms so that I have bridesmaid's dress ready arms for my brother's wedding in May. Those pictures are going to last for years - no old lady arms for me! I also workout on the Gazelle when I am not doing the 30 Day Shred. I can now do three miles in about 36 minutes, which is basically running for 36 minutes with the pace. Easy on the knees, cheap equipment, privacy of my own home. I found workouts that work for me.
(3) I have to exercise 7 days a week. No breaks for me. That does not mean that I do not take a break periodically. I just figured out that I do better not taking a day off. I may workout less one day than the others. I even did not workout during my Mardi Gras trip, although I did walk a whole lot and stand a whole lot (standing burns more calories than sitting, right?) and carry a ton of beads. Maybe eventually my body will allow me to work out only three to four days a week, but I am not there yet.
(4) I have been very careful not to lose too much weight too fast. While doing the Shred video, I would allow myself to lose 5-7 lbs in a week early on. However, I prefer to average only 1-2 lbs, and I did not get upset in the weeks I had no weight loss, in part because I did not have weight gain either. I was sick in December and lost 5 lbs without doing anything other than being sick in a week, so I made sure and packed two of the pounds back on the next week before resuming my weight loss so that I was not losing weight too fast. Weight lost fast usually comes back faster, and I do not want it to come back!
(5) I drink lots of water. I realized I was wasting money at most fast food places by ordering drinks. Since I usually take my lunch back to the office anyway, I started getting my food without the drink and just drinking water. I think I gave up many empty calories by making that financial decision. I still enjoy a good sweet tea periodically, but I pretty much stick to water. Plus, if I drink enough water in the day, I am not as hungry as I am on days when I do not drink enough water. I know I sound like one of those fitness guru columnists on this one, but I have to be honest that I think it helps more than most people want to believe.
(6) 50 lbs is approximately three jean sizes, three or four dress sizes (depending on the maker), two belt sizes, and I do not know how many shirt sizes because I have not bought a shirt that fits in months. No wait - I bought one from Mardi Gras and it was two sizes smaller. I do not know about button up shirts though. The only things in my closet that fit right now are my t-shirts from college (and the new Saints Super Bowl t-shirt I just bought), my Levis I bought two weeks ago and my Mardi Gras shirt. Even my winter coat is too big. Even the suits I bought at the beginning of January are too big. When I can afford to buy clothes that fit, I am sure I will look even skinnier! In fact, the only thing annoying about weight loss is the clothing situation.
So there you go - there are the secrets to my weight loss and the clothing issue that no one is ever brave enough to ask, but everyone wants to know. All future weight loss is about toning and losing that last ten pounds that I can now physically see in my stomach region. The fact that I can physically see exactly where I need to lose the last few pounds is a pretty big deal to me!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Snow and Social Media
There is no longer a need for a weatherman. I knew it would snow in Texarkana just from reading Facebook statuses. I knew how much by receiving statuses from my Facebook friends in Dallas and Quinlan. I knew it started in Texarkana not by seeing the first flake fall, but by reading a tweet. I knew it was sticking when someone started talking about their snowball fight on Twitter. Who needs a window in the office when I can depend on others to keep me informed about the weather?!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, February 5, 2010
Turning in my girl card?
I have a confession to make. I hated Twilight. I do not get what makes the story so appealing to women. Or teenage girls for that matter.
First of all the movie tried to be too artsy. The use of color and lighting was over the top and added to the ridiculousness of the movie to me.
Second the heroine was dull. Really dull. There was no personality at all. She was emotionless. She did not have an interesting part at any point in the movie. Even worse, she was the narrator.
Third the "hero" and object of Bella's emotionless affection was way too effeminate. He was overly emotional. He expressed his feelings with words too much to be a realistic guy. I don't want a guy who talks about his feelings more than me ... or that has this overwhelming desire to kill me by sucking my blood. Plus I thought the actor is unattractive, and I find it disturbing that grown women are talking about how hot this guy who is forever 17 (and therefore forever a minor) is. My guess is that it is even worse for the new film since the actor that plays Jacob really was 17 when he played the part, and grown women are fantasizing over him too. Too weird for me! I don't get why women think that Edward is ideal.
I was afraid to watch the movie because I felt I would get sucked in like I did with Harry Potter. Fortunately this movie was not well written enough to entice me to read the books like Harry Potter was. Twilight ranks right there with The Notebook for me. I feel that both movies prove that women are too easily entertained. Plus both have too much teen porn - visually in The Notebook and emotionally (through Edward's unmasculine expressions of love) in Twilight. Since women almost universally choose those two movies as some of the best chick flicks of all time, I guess I need to turn in my woman card. However I still like a good Jane Austin book so maybe I can hold onto the woman card a little longer ... so long as I remember that Mr. Darcy doesn't exist!
I doubt that I could bring myself to watch New Moon. I wish I had the time back that I spent watching Twilight.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
First of all the movie tried to be too artsy. The use of color and lighting was over the top and added to the ridiculousness of the movie to me.
Second the heroine was dull. Really dull. There was no personality at all. She was emotionless. She did not have an interesting part at any point in the movie. Even worse, she was the narrator.
Third the "hero" and object of Bella's emotionless affection was way too effeminate. He was overly emotional. He expressed his feelings with words too much to be a realistic guy. I don't want a guy who talks about his feelings more than me ... or that has this overwhelming desire to kill me by sucking my blood. Plus I thought the actor is unattractive, and I find it disturbing that grown women are talking about how hot this guy who is forever 17 (and therefore forever a minor) is. My guess is that it is even worse for the new film since the actor that plays Jacob really was 17 when he played the part, and grown women are fantasizing over him too. Too weird for me! I don't get why women think that Edward is ideal.
I was afraid to watch the movie because I felt I would get sucked in like I did with Harry Potter. Fortunately this movie was not well written enough to entice me to read the books like Harry Potter was. Twilight ranks right there with The Notebook for me. I feel that both movies prove that women are too easily entertained. Plus both have too much teen porn - visually in The Notebook and emotionally (through Edward's unmasculine expressions of love) in Twilight. Since women almost universally choose those two movies as some of the best chick flicks of all time, I guess I need to turn in my woman card. However I still like a good Jane Austin book so maybe I can hold onto the woman card a little longer ... so long as I remember that Mr. Darcy doesn't exist!
I doubt that I could bring myself to watch New Moon. I wish I had the time back that I spent watching Twilight.
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Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Haiti Tweets
I have been following some of the tweets coming out of Haiti, but I have to say that the ones that have affected me most are being posted by Mark Driscoll (@PastorMark). You can read his tweets even if you do not have Twitter. Driscoll is a sometimes controversial pastor who is known for stating some attention getting things in the pulpit. Maybe that is why his tweets are currently my favorite. No sugar coating. No exaggeration. No trying to find the right words for a news article. Just honest. It would be easy to shield the eyes and ears to all that is said and the pictures coming out. Yet, I believe that maybe we are to look and listen so that we can feel and sympathize and pray.
American Idol, you did it again
American Idol must have the smartest production staff ever. AI knows that there are only two reasons to watch the audition rounds - the personal stories and the really bad singers. Last week's episodes did not disappoint. The first one to grab the attention was the girl who has the Down's Syndrome brothers. She may not be the best singer (yet), but she is definitely one that I am rooting for. Of course some of American fell for a girl that completely annoyed me - the bumpkin that jumps bridges for fun and wears the Dollar Store dress. Seriously, she cannot sing, and they gave her unrealistic expectations that are going to be dashed and hurt her more than if they had been honest with her up front. She is terrible. If she makes the ten in the running when the real season starts, there is a serious lack of talent.
The producers know how to make us the audience talk about the really bad singers. They know that if the bad ones are not included, the audience is going to get bored. You had to have the freak out guy - there is one almost every season. The country bumpkin who could not sing a lick was represented (I would say twice, but one made it to Hollywood for some reason - see previous paragraph). Each year there has to be the one act that leaves everyone talking, at least since William Hung created the mold in Season Three. The producers found a classic one in General Larry Platt. If you read into Platt's background, there is no mistake as to why he was chosen to be this year's Internet sensation to have us talking about AI. He is a veteran, civil rights leader, and a local celebrity in Atlanta. They knew he would be appealing because of his ATL popularity. I suspect that they possibly even sought him out after hearing about him instead of him showing up on his own. Or maybe he showed up just to entertain the crowd. It was obvious that he would not qualify, and his tryout was only for show. Yet, knowing that we have been manipulated, the audience still cannot stop singing the song or talking about the guy. YouTube is now full of covers of the song. Late night hosts and football players are singing it. Facebook statuses (including one of my own) have been talking about him for a week.
Part of the reason that AI continues to be popular is because of the genius of the producers putting this material in front of us for our entertainment year in and year out. Part of the only reason I watch the early episodes is to see and laugh at the train wrecks. This year's overnight sensation quite possibly could be the best one of all. It was an original song instead of a cover, and now America is singing it. Brilliant. Instead of talking about how bad the general is, we are singing his song. By putting it in the first week, AI just created interest for the next few weeks of auditions. AI manipulates America, we know it, and yet it is still entertaining. Incredible.
The producers know how to make us the audience talk about the really bad singers. They know that if the bad ones are not included, the audience is going to get bored. You had to have the freak out guy - there is one almost every season. The country bumpkin who could not sing a lick was represented (I would say twice, but one made it to Hollywood for some reason - see previous paragraph). Each year there has to be the one act that leaves everyone talking, at least since William Hung created the mold in Season Three. The producers found a classic one in General Larry Platt. If you read into Platt's background, there is no mistake as to why he was chosen to be this year's Internet sensation to have us talking about AI. He is a veteran, civil rights leader, and a local celebrity in Atlanta. They knew he would be appealing because of his ATL popularity. I suspect that they possibly even sought him out after hearing about him instead of him showing up on his own. Or maybe he showed up just to entertain the crowd. It was obvious that he would not qualify, and his tryout was only for show. Yet, knowing that we have been manipulated, the audience still cannot stop singing the song or talking about the guy. YouTube is now full of covers of the song. Late night hosts and football players are singing it. Facebook statuses (including one of my own) have been talking about him for a week.
Part of the reason that AI continues to be popular is because of the genius of the producers putting this material in front of us for our entertainment year in and year out. Part of the only reason I watch the early episodes is to see and laugh at the train wrecks. This year's overnight sensation quite possibly could be the best one of all. It was an original song instead of a cover, and now America is singing it. Brilliant. Instead of talking about how bad the general is, we are singing his song. By putting it in the first week, AI just created interest for the next few weeks of auditions. AI manipulates America, we know it, and yet it is still entertaining. Incredible.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Background Change
I realized that my blog could not be read on an iPhone because of the previous background (and the need to have white letters), so I had to part with my favorite background to make it easier to read. I am sad that I had to go with a new look, but I think this one may grow on me.
Sacrificial Giving
I do not know what has made me so empathetic in this disaster. Maybe it is because it reminds me of Hurricane Katrina, just on a much larger scale. A city has been destroyed by a natural disaster and millions of lives are affected. Katrina was similar in that respect. Of course, add on the poverty in Haiti that was so much more desparate than in New Orleans, and it is truly catastrophic. New Orleans is just now getting back to what I would call "normal." I am afraid that Haiti will take even longer. I am also concerned that some organizations will create dependence instead of training the Haitian people in independence financially.
That having been said, if you have seen me promote giving to an organization, I have already given to it. I plan to give small amounts monthly to Compassion because I think it is an organization that promotes the gospel and financial independence for the children in its program. Even if you do not want to sponsor a child and want more freedom in choosing amounts to give each month (or once a year), there are options.
On another note, our former employee Darlynn is back on American soil and should be arriving in Texarkana by Wednesday. I know that her family must be relieved, but as someone who dealt with the emotions of Katrina even though I did not have to deal with the storm itself, this is when she and her family need more prayers than ever.
That having been said, if you have seen me promote giving to an organization, I have already given to it. I plan to give small amounts monthly to Compassion because I think it is an organization that promotes the gospel and financial independence for the children in its program. Even if you do not want to sponsor a child and want more freedom in choosing amounts to give each month (or once a year), there are options.
On another note, our former employee Darlynn is back on American soil and should be arriving in Texarkana by Wednesday. I know that her family must be relieved, but as someone who dealt with the emotions of Katrina even though I did not have to deal with the storm itself, this is when she and her family need more prayers than ever.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Compassion and Haiti
Yesterday I briefly mentioned Compassion, but today I wanted to provide more information for donating to the Haiti earthquake disaster relief. Compassion International is a wonderful child sponsorship organization and has the relationships necessary to hit the ground running in response to this disaster.
Here is an excerpt of an e-mail that Compassion sent out today:
WHY GIVE TO COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL:
FINANCIAL INTEGRITY: The FBI is warning of several Haiti charity scams that have popped up in the wake of this earthquake. http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/wayoflife/01/13/haiti.charity.scams/
They are suggesting that donations only be made to organizations monitored and rated by CharityNavigator.org and The American Institute of Philanthropy. Both organizations have given Compassion International their highest approval ranking. Compassion International is the only non-profit in it's category to receive eight consecutive years of four star rating from CharityNavigator.org.
Links regarding Compassion International's financial integrity:
http://www.compassion.com/about/financial/default.htm
http://www.compassion.com/press/currentnews/charity-navigator-awards-compassion-highest-rating-8th-year-in-row.htm
FIRST RESPONDER: In this disaster it is crucial that first responders receive support quickly. Because Compassion International ministers through local churches to meet the needs of that church's neighbors, and because these church partners are respected aid workers in their communities, Compassion is uniquely positioned to assess and meet the needs of it's sponsored children quickly. This is an advantage of our church-based model in practice for more than 50 years.
IN JESUS' NAME: Compassion International does not accept government funds which could at times restrict our ability to meet the physical and spiritual needs of children in Jesus' name. Because of this Compassion International's primary financial support comes from individual donors.
HOW DONATIONS WILL BE USED: All funds raised in response to the Haiti earthquake will be used immediately to provide for Compassion-assisted children and families affected by this crisis. Any funds raised in excess will be stewarded by Compassion for additional and future disaster relief efforts.
You can provide immediate relief today.
• $35 helps provide a relief pack filled with enough food and water to sustain a family for one week.
• $70 gift helps care for their needs for two weeks.
• $105 helps provide relief packs filled with enough food and water to sustain two families for two weeks.
• $210 gift helps care for two families' needs.
• $525 helps provide relief packs filled with enough food and water to sustain 10 families for two weeks.
• $1,050 gift helps care for 10 families' needs.
• $1,500 helps rebuild a home.
• $2,100 helps supply 20 families with the basics for three weeks.
Due to the high number of responses it may take longer than normal to process your transaction.
Here is an excerpt of an e-mail that Compassion sent out today:
WHY GIVE TO COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL:
FINANCIAL INTEGRITY: The FBI is warning of several Haiti charity scams that have popped up in the wake of this earthquake. http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/wayoflife/01/13/haiti.charity.scams/
They are suggesting that donations only be made to organizations monitored and rated by CharityNavigator.org and The American Institute of Philanthropy. Both organizations have given Compassion International their highest approval ranking. Compassion International is the only non-profit in it's category to receive eight consecutive years of four star rating from CharityNavigator.org.
Links regarding Compassion International's financial integrity:
http://www.compassion.com/about/financial/default.htm
http://www.compassion.com/press/currentnews/charity-navigator-awards-compassion-highest-rating-8th-year-in-row.htm
FIRST RESPONDER: In this disaster it is crucial that first responders receive support quickly. Because Compassion International ministers through local churches to meet the needs of that church's neighbors, and because these church partners are respected aid workers in their communities, Compassion is uniquely positioned to assess and meet the needs of it's sponsored children quickly. This is an advantage of our church-based model in practice for more than 50 years.
IN JESUS' NAME: Compassion International does not accept government funds which could at times restrict our ability to meet the physical and spiritual needs of children in Jesus' name. Because of this Compassion International's primary financial support comes from individual donors.
HOW DONATIONS WILL BE USED: All funds raised in response to the Haiti earthquake will be used immediately to provide for Compassion-assisted children and families affected by this crisis. Any funds raised in excess will be stewarded by Compassion for additional and future disaster relief efforts.
You can provide immediate relief today.
• $35 helps provide a relief pack filled with enough food and water to sustain a family for one week.
• $70 gift helps care for their needs for two weeks.
• $105 helps provide relief packs filled with enough food and water to sustain two families for two weeks.
• $210 gift helps care for two families' needs.
• $525 helps provide relief packs filled with enough food and water to sustain 10 families for two weeks.
• $1,050 gift helps care for 10 families' needs.
• $1,500 helps rebuild a home.
• $2,100 helps supply 20 families with the basics for three weeks.
Due to the high number of responses it may take longer than normal to process your transaction.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Haiti
If you are like me, you often want to help when you see a tragedy like the earthquake in Haiti, but you often do not know the best way to help. Since I believe that money should be sent to persons that already have relationships with the people on the ground and to places where I know it is going to be put to good use, I offer these two options for everyone to consider.
First, our office employed a legal assistant who is now a missionary to Haiti. Here is the e-mail that one of my colleagues sent out:
Also, Compassion International is a wonderful organization that I currently donate to for support of two children living in poverty. Compassion has ongoing ministries in Haiti, and is accepting donations designated specifically for disaster relief. Here is the link to donate.
First, our office employed a legal assistant who is now a missionary to Haiti. Here is the e-mail that one of my colleagues sent out:
Dear friends,
News reports from Haiti show that there has been tremendous damage and loss of life in Haiti.
As you may know one of our former legal assistants Darlynn Hon is a missionary in Haiti working at an orphanage.
Prior to the earthquake Darlynn indicated to me that the living conditions were poor and basic food and water needs were barely being met.
One can only imagine the conditions now and I anticipate that the conditions will be poor for a long time.
We have contacted Darlynn Hon's church "Church on the Rock" in Texarkana, Texas and they stated that they are accepting donations in the name of "Church on the Rock" with a memo of "Haiti missions." They indicated to us that they intend to send support as soon as they can. If you wish to make any contributions I'm sure they will be appreciated. You can contact Church on the Rock directly at 1601 Mall Drive, Texarkana, Texas 75503.
Also, Compassion International is a wonderful organization that I currently donate to for support of two children living in poverty. Compassion has ongoing ministries in Haiti, and is accepting donations designated specifically for disaster relief. Here is the link to donate.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Football Pet Peeve
I have watched my fair share of football to start 2010, and all the football has led me to decide my biggest pet peeve in football - the tackle celebration. It seems that all defensive linemen and backs must celebrate after every single tackle. Too often there is a celebration after a fifty yard run cut short by a touchdown saving tackle by the back who got beat fifty yards back. If you get beat, you cannot celebrate a tackle fifty yards down the field. The same is true if it was your teammate that got beat. Here are my rules for defensive celebrations:
1. Players are allowed to celebrate tackles that result in negative yardage.
2. Players are allowed to celebrate tackles when the other team went for it on fourth down and did not make it.
3. Tackles inside the five yard line on third and fourth down can be celebrated if there is no penalty and no score.
4. No offensive tackles can be celebrated because they come after turnovers unless your tackle results in the other team fumbling the ball and you getting it back.
5. The only special team tackles to be celebrated are the hard hitting tackles that result in the stands erupting into an immediate oooh.
Football players that follow these rules will earn my respect. Otherwise, I will continue to be unimpressed by most defensive players.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
1. Players are allowed to celebrate tackles that result in negative yardage.
2. Players are allowed to celebrate tackles when the other team went for it on fourth down and did not make it.
3. Tackles inside the five yard line on third and fourth down can be celebrated if there is no penalty and no score.
4. No offensive tackles can be celebrated because they come after turnovers unless your tackle results in the other team fumbling the ball and you getting it back.
5. The only special team tackles to be celebrated are the hard hitting tackles that result in the stands erupting into an immediate oooh.
Football players that follow these rules will earn my respect. Otherwise, I will continue to be unimpressed by most defensive players.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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