Seth MacFarlane's Mario

As a fan of the old NES (remember the old 8-bit Nintendo from the 80s? The one where the controller hurt your hand after holding it for 5 solid hours?), I had to laugh at this. Enjoy!

Thanx Eve Pics

Here's a couple pics from the Thanksgiving Eve worship service here at Trinity. I especially love the top photo. It's my friend, Naomi, playing the organ while holding her son, Jonah. I couldn't resist a picture of that good shot.

Enjoy!

A New Worship Service?

I had an interesting idea last night. We had about 12 people in our Thanksgiving Eve worship service. Which is fine. It's not about the numbers. Anyway, here's my idea.

Technically, Thanksgiving is not on the Church's calendar. It is a government holiday. But, the idea of it makes good theological and Biblical sense. So, why not have a church service?

I grew up having the service on Thanksgiving Day. But, my fieldwork church and the church I pastor hold it on the night before. And I know plenty of other churches that hold this tradition. The theory is that by holding it the night before, people aren't as pressed for time the next day. Which also makes a theological statement.

I know the day after Thanksgiving, called Black Friday is a big deal to many people across the nation, including many Christians. This is somewhat problematic. Many good Christians decry the commercialization of Christmas but participate in the opening kickoff of that commercialization. So, what to do?

I came up with the idea of having a church service on Black Friday about 3 or 4 in the morning before the stores open. The idea here is, "Come, worship the true God, before worshipping a false one." Or maybe have the same service around noon or so, to give shoppers a spiritual respite and a time for confession and absolution.

Thoughts?

Fredonia State Hockey Pics

These photos are a bit overdue as well. I took that at the Friday night matchup between SUNY Fredonia and SUNY Morrisville State. Enjoy!

More MNF Pics

Here's some more random pics from the Bills-Browns MNF game (11-17-08). Enjoy!

Monday Night Football Pics

OK, so these pics are a little late.

My dad and I are in the midst of a possible lifelong father-son project. You know how some people make it a goal to visit all the Major League ballparks? Well, dad and I have a plan to visit all the NFL stadiums.

We've done 2 thus far (and seen the Buffalo Bills at both). Anyway, these are some random pics from the Bills Monday Night Football game (11-17-08) against the Cleveland Browns. Enjoy!

PS: See the post titled "Vacation Pics- Rams vs. Bills" for more details.

The Mike Shannon List

Admittedly, Nik and I have shared a good many laughs at Mike Shannon's expense. So, here's a list of people's names that I would probably pay money to hear Mike Shannon say. If you're unclear about why this list is funny, email me, or ask any local St. Louis Cardinals fan. As always, the list is in no particular order. Also, most of these people are football players.

1. Ben Roethlisberger
2. TJ Houshmanzadeh
3. Oshimago Atogwe
4. Nnamdi Asomugha
5. Adawale Ogunleye
6. Akbar Gbaja-Biamila
7. Charlie Dooley (shout out to Nik!)

If you have other suggestions, feel free to comment.

Movie Review- "W"

I didn't realize how long it had been since I paid a visit to my local picture house. So, last night, I decided to catch a flick. I saw Oliver Stone's biopic of the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC. I wasn't sure what to expect. After all, Stone's use of history has been sketchy in the past (see JFK, Born on the 4th of July). But, he's directed some really great films (see above, plus Platoon, etc.)

Let me begin my putting my biases out on the table. As regular readers know, I'm no great fan of George W. Bush. I think his presidency is one of the worst in American history. Back in the 2000 campaign, I just thought he was the biggest tool ever. And now, 8 years later, it's a mess.

That said, this makes Bush come off way better than I would have expected. He is not portrayed as a complete idiot, as he sometimes is. He comes off, at least in terms of being president, as naive. As president, he is portrayed as a person who has coasted through his life and career being helped by a lot of other people, doesn't realize it, but is surrounded by "yes-men" who keep the myth alive. In other words, as the biggest tool ever.

Is Josh Brolin the new Samuel L. Jackson? This guy is in everything now, it seems. Just like Jackson a few years ago. And he usually does a pretty decent job. Brolin does a good job of humanizing George W. Bush. And, his Bush impression gets better as the film goes along.

Really, most of the acting is good. And, except for Scott Glenn as Donald Rumsfeld and Jeffery Wright as Colin Powell, they look pretty much like the actual people. The question then is, What to to with these characters? How do they fit in? Are they accurate? The answer here, is a mixed bag. Colin Powell is portrayed as a man who is concerned about going to war with Iraq, vocalizes those doubts, but then sells out and is a team player. George Tenet comes off pretty much the same way. This is probably accurate. Powell put his credibility on the line with his speech to the UN, and despite his grave concerns, puts his stamp on the invasion. By the same token, Condoleeza Rice doesn't fare much better, but for a different reason. She is portrayed as the consummate "yes-man", which is pretty accurate for the time frame in the film. However, she gets the intellectual shaft. The viewer is not shown just how intelligent and insightful Dr. Rice is in real life. I wish more of that would have come through in the script.

The real villains in the film are not the Bush family. In his previous life, the enemies are Bush's struggle with alcohol, and the family name. As president, the real bad guys are (portrayed to be) Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, and Karl Rove. Richard Dreyfuss gives and excellent performance as Cheney. You really do see him as the power behind the throne. Also, Karl Rove is as ubiquitous in the film as he was in the actual administration.

As I said before, the film humanizes Bush. It steers clear of making Bush into parody. True, there's no shortage of reasons or opportunities for doing so. But, Bush, in his humanity is isolated by the major players in his cabinet. Thus, while wrong, he is totally comfortable thinking he has made no mistakes in the conduct of the war. (In the film. He has recently admitted that the "Mission Accomplished" banner was a mistake. Kudos, Mr. President!) The other humanizing thing is that this film does a pretty decent job of showing just how much Bush loves and is devoted to his wife, Laura.

I was impressed by the directing. As I said before, I wasn't sure how Stone would handle this divisive figure. True, Stone will probably not be nominated for this film (best director). And rightly so. The "That Guy" factor is is nearly off the charts in this film. Jeffrey Wright, an (IMO) underrated character actor is good as Colin Powell. Several others fall into this description as well, notably, Thandie Newton as Dr. Rice, Rob Cordry as Ari Fleischer (who is pretty much there only look like Ari Fleischer), and James Cromwell as George H.W. Bush (the 41st POTUS).

The discussion factor is high as well. Any conversation about George W. Bush and his presidency is a highly emotionally charged experience. Even outside of politics, there is rich fodder for a good discussion: the impact of faith on life and politics, team building, the role of advisers in one's life and career, the limits of power, etc.

Basically, the message of the film is this: You may think that the administration is a complete and abject failure, but it's OK to like George W. Bush as a person. You can kinda see where he's coming from. You don't have like it, you don't have to agree. But you can kinda understand. At the end, you really do want to have a beer with the guy (so long as his in non-alcoholic, by his own admission). That's pretty much how he got elected. So, does that make the film a tragedy or a comedy?

Acting: B+
Directing: A
That guy factor: A
Overall: B+

Hotel Room Pics

Here are a couple pics from my room at Willow Valley in Lancaster, PA. That's where my district's church worker convention is this this week. I couldn't stay for the whole thing.

I totally recommend Willow Valley. It's a really pretty drive from Silver Creek to there. It's longer than hell, but it's pretty.

Enjoy!

Random Blues-Sabres Pics

Here's a couple pics from the Blues-Sabres game the other night. The Blues lost 4-3.
Enjoy!

I'm just posting these for the sake of posting something.

Fellow Pastor- Good Story

The guy in the pic with me is a fellow pastor and friend of mine, Rev. Peter Richert in Mt. Pocono, PA. It's actually a pretty good story of how we got to be friends. Here's the tale:

We both served our vicarges in Northern IL. He was in Lockport, I was in Joliet. Our churches were in the same circuit. So, we got to know each other there. We both got ordained on the same day (Me in STL, him in Mt. Pocono). And we serve churches in the same district. What are the odds?

I realize there's a ton of LCMS jargon in there. Sorry about that. For an explanation, ask your local LCMS pastor. Or email me. Whichever is easier for you.

The Depressing Movie List

Every now and then, sometimes people just need to be sad or have a good cry. Maybe that makes me overly-sensitive. Regardless, I need that sometimes. And when I'm in that mood, I have a list of films that I find really depressing that I turn to. (An enneagram 4 thinks aesthetically, remember.) These are in no particular order.

1. The Seventh Seal
2. Cold Mountain
3. The Deer Hunter
4. No Country For Old Men
5. Taxi Driver
6. Interiors
7. Crimes and Misdemeanors
8. Leaving Las Vegas

After viewing these movies, there's always a lingering question for me. Which is more depressing, the movie itself or the fact that people really are like this.

I should mention, however, there are 2 films which depress me, but are omitted from the list. They are: The Hours and Schindler's List. I omitted them for obvious reasons.

Monks Fighting

This is just freakin' sad. The Orthodox monks were engaging in some fisticuffs in Jerusalem. There's always somebody that comes along and ruins it for the rest of us.
The video from CNN shows the perp walks after Israeli police intervened.

Camp Pioneer Lunch Pics

So, I almost forget to tell you. On Wednesday (11-5-08), I cooked lunch for the staff at Camp Pioneer. I made steak, gourmet mashed potatoes, Buddha's Delight, and mocha pudding.

I love to cook, and I love to cook for other people. They seemed to enjoy it. I was invited back.

What a blessing. Enjoy the pics!

The Dinner List- Deceased Edition

"If you could have dinner with 3 people, living or dead, who would you pick?"

I love that question, but I can never really answer it. Sometimes I roll that question around in my head when I can't sleep. So, why not put it into a list? There's just too many to pick just 3 in any category. So, this list will actually be given in 3 parts at different times. 3 parts? yeah: living, dead, and fictional characters.

I've already cover those currently alive who I would like to dine with. So, no I present some folks who fit this category, but are, sadly, no longer among us. Like all lists, this is in no particular order.

1. St. John the Evangelist
2. Greg Freeman
3. Humphrey Bogart
4. Martin Luther King, Jr.
5. Julia Child
6. Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers)
7. John Lennon
8. Kate Chopin
9. Langston Hughes
10. Martin Luther*
11. Henri Nouwen
12. Rod Serling

* I think I'm required to put him on the list. Either way, he's fascinating.

Stay tuned for the 3rd and final installment of this list, where I identify fictional characters with whom I'd like to have dinner.

Enneagram Observation 2

I've discovered a fear about The Enneagram. I am afraid that The Enneagram, like many personality type tools, works largely on stereotypes. And that bugs me. Maybe those fears are unfounded, and maybe they're not. Only more research can reveal that. But, I'm afraid of being pigeonholed.

Let me tell you a story. The Seminary I attended was big on the Myers-Briggs personality inventory. I'm an ENFP. Anyway, they used the MB to the exclusion of just about everything else. I'm not sure about MB. To be sure, I do exhibit a good deal of the typical ENFP qualities. But, there are other times that I do not. Plus, I've taken the test several times, and have been identified as an introvert on a couple of those test-taking occasions. (Many of those closest to me would have a hard time believing that ANY introverted fibers exist in me at all.) At any rate, much of my discussions with that department was centered around this ENFP result.

How that relates to The Enneagram is this. I have identified myself as a 4 on The Enneagram. But, depending on what I read, there are characteristics of just about every other point in the device. Except for 1; there's no way I'm a perfectionist. But,I just wonder how rigid The Enneagram is. Plus,I haven't figured out what the connecting lines mean yet. So, maybe that will hold the key.

Like just about everybody else in the world, I don't like to be stereotyped. So, i hope The Enneagram doesn't to that. Still, The Enneagram is just a tool, nothing more.

The Buffalo List

So, I've been in western NY for a little over a year. And, I'll be completely honest here. Small town life took some getting used to. However, I do believe that God provides us with blessings even in the darkest of times. So, while I may complain about snow and such, there's plenty about this area that I love. So, here's a list of my fave things about Buffalo and the surrounding communities. No particular order.

1. The Anchor Bar
2. Shredd and Ragan (103.3 The Edge)
3. Bills and Sabres
4. Bills and Sabres fans
5. Canada is close
6. Scenic beauty
7. Best wings in the universe
8. The beef on weck sandwich
9. Aunt Rosie's Loganberry
10. Wine Country
11. Cassadaga Country Club
12. Niagara Falls

Brarack Obama's Acceptance Speech

The videos are the actual footage of Barack Obama's acceptance speech (in 2 parts). The text below is a transcript of the speech:

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House. And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

I know you didn't do this just to win an election and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

Reminder- Please Vote!!!

Just a reminder to all my dear readers: Please get out there and vote today!

For a little election day footage, the videos are from the interviews that both candidates gave last night on ESPN's Monday Night Football. Really, both interviews are pretty pointless. Enjoy!

Football Commercial

When I post video footage, I don't normally post commercials. But I just love this commercial for Nike Football. It features LaDanian Tomlinson and Troy Polamalu. I don't what it is about this ad. It's just kinda poetic.

Dig This Shirt!

I'm getting this shirt as a result of donating to Sen. Barack Obama's campaign. I know it's the waning days. But, I decided to donate anyway. I've given money before, and besides, I liked the shirt.

I have several Obama shirts. When this one arrives, I'll do a post with all of them.

You too can donate: http://www.barackobama.com

The Actor List

If you're even a casual reader of this blog, you know that movies are a big part of my existence. You also know, it's tough to have a flick without actors. Here's a list of my favorite actors. Keep in mind, I said favorite. Not the best, not your favorite. Mine. Some are still living and working, some are no longer among us. Again, no particular order. Enjoy!

1. Humphrey Bogart
2. Denzel Washington
3. Basil Rathbone
4. Boris Karloff
5. Frank Sinatra
6. Leonardo DiCaprio
7. Paul Giamatti
8. Anthony Hopkins
9. Javier Bardem
10. Michael Caine

PS: I'm not discriminating here. An "Actress List" is forthcoming.

Enneagram Observation 1

In my limited (to this point) study of The Enneagram, I have already identified myself as a Point 4 (see the post entitled Point 4). I will now elaborate on one of the items not mentioned in that particular posting. And that is this point: Fours tend to see the world aesthetically. I can certainly relate to that.

I tend to see the world aesthetically. This is why a good number of my sermons have an illustration form movies, TV, or literature at some point. This is also why some of my insights come in the form of expressions like, "This is just like that scene in (insert film title here)..."

Seeing the world in this manner has both its pros and cons. One obvious pro is that it makes it easy to establish connections with people. Just like the sermon illustration, it gives a handle for my message or facilitates that common ground with a listener. Another pro is that it gives me a way to either get more enjoyment out of a book or film, or to find some redeeming value to the work, even if, on the surface, it's terrible.

An obvious con is that is can seem that I do not live in reality. In conjunction with that, it can seem that I don't live in the present, but I focus more on a future which might or might not exist. I have been guilty of this in the past. And I'm working on it. However, this is typical of Fours.

So, what does all this mean? I think it's a good thing to have a well-defined sense of aesthetics, even if that aesthetic is only personal. In other words, a self should know what he or she likes in music, art, literature, style, even fashion. That also involves articulating why you like something. I've also been guilty of NOT doing this. The reason is not simply to make one a more interesting/well-rounded self. It can also tell us a great deal about ourselves and our worldview.

That's this 4's take on it.