Kickers are better than ever, but the record pace of long attempts this
season has been remarkable.
3 days ago
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The Haitus List- Volume 2
I know, I know...Been awhile. Lots of stuff happened in the time off. Here's a list of things that happened during that time. As always, the list is in no particular order.
1. Preached without notes
2. Got a KISS present from a complete stranger
3. Did ministry in a public school
4. Conducted the Johnny Cash service
5. Saw a Rams victory in Detroit
6. Finally got offended by something on "Family Guy"
7. Ate elk meat for the 1st time
8. Took the cat to the vet
9. Had lunch with a pal from the Organized Living days
10. Ate at a Brazilian steakhouse in Canada
11. Went through an "orange phase" (ongoing)
12. Saw Mini-KISS again
13. Bought tons of new T-shirts
14. Discussed films at the Lutheran Campus Ministry (UB)
That's not everything, but it gives you an idea of what's been going on. I've seen tons of movies as well. However, I won't be doing any film reviews until after Christmas.
1. Preached without notes
2. Got a KISS present from a complete stranger
3. Did ministry in a public school
4. Conducted the Johnny Cash service
5. Saw a Rams victory in Detroit
6. Finally got offended by something on "Family Guy"
7. Ate elk meat for the 1st time
8. Took the cat to the vet
9. Had lunch with a pal from the Organized Living days
10. Ate at a Brazilian steakhouse in Canada
11. Went through an "orange phase" (ongoing)
12. Saw Mini-KISS again
13. Bought tons of new T-shirts
14. Discussed films at the Lutheran Campus Ministry (UB)
That's not everything, but it gives you an idea of what's been going on. I've seen tons of movies as well. However, I won't be doing any film reviews until after Christmas.
Johnny Cash- Yes or No
Does this look like Johnny Cash to you? It's supposed to be a drawing of him, but i just don't see it. And I don't wanna hear about how I would recognize him if I was really a fan.
image- http://www.teefury.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Installation Anniversary
Last month, I informed you that July 22 is the anniversary of my ordination. It was 2 years ago that I was installed as pastor here.
I post this not for shameless self-promotion, but to express my gratitude for another year of God's grace.
New Cell Phone
Dear Readers, I have finally solved a nagging problem for myself. And in the process, I upgraded my personal technology. Here's what I mean:
Yesterday, I got a Blackberry Curve. And I switched cell phone providers. The nagging problem was that I got no cell phone reception inside my house. And I got poor reception and dropped calls aplenty in town. So, the solution was to drop Sprint when the contract was up and switch to Verizon. So, that is what I did.
It was so refreshing to actually make a cell phone call in the parsonage last night! The image above is actually from Blackberry's website.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Erie County Fair Pics- Animal Edition
These are more photos fromt he Erie County (NY) Fair. These show the animals that were featured in the petting zoo. I love baby animals. It was cool how my niece and I got to feed the animals too. Enjoy!
Erie County Fair Pics- Random Edition
Here's some photos from the Erie County (NY) Fair. A good time was had by all. the cute little kid in the pictures is my niece. Also, the things in the white bag are deep fried Oreos. Enjoy!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Silver Creek Flooding
Earlier this week, the town of Silver Creek, NY (where I currently reside) was devastated by massive flooding. The trailer court was pretty much destroyed, as was the fire house. Here are some pics. Also included is a video of some of the devastation.
This is absolutely heartbreaking, dear readers. Please keep all of the people in Western NY in your thoughts and prayers.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Pastoral Reading List: 2009-10 Edition
As I explained in a post last year, I have a reading list. The list is organized by month. Each month has a different theme. I try to read books and articles in that category each month.
It's a system that works for me. I don't actually plan what specific books I'll read. I just read what's in that category for the months, and looks good. The cycle starts over every September. Also, I should note that this list IS in a particular order.
SEP: Evangelism
OCT: History
NOV: NT/Luke
DEC: Preaching
JAN: Lutheran Confessions
FEB: Other Religions
MAR: Prayer
APR: Pastoral Theology/Pastoral Ministry
MAY: Old Testament
JUN: Worship
JUL: Gospel of John
AUG: Christian Lit. Classics
Like I said, this list and this reading plan works for me. Other pastors have different systems which work for them.
It's a system that works for me. I don't actually plan what specific books I'll read. I just read what's in that category for the months, and looks good. The cycle starts over every September. Also, I should note that this list IS in a particular order.
SEP: Evangelism
OCT: History
NOV: NT/Luke
DEC: Preaching
JAN: Lutheran Confessions
FEB: Other Religions
MAR: Prayer
APR: Pastoral Theology/Pastoral Ministry
MAY: Old Testament
JUN: Worship
JUL: Gospel of John
AUG: Christian Lit. Classics
Like I said, this list and this reading plan works for me. Other pastors have different systems which work for them.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Youth T-Shirts
Let me bring up something that's been on my mind for a little while. At the risk of sounding like Andy Rooney or some other bitter old man, let me ask what's the deal with little kids wearing replica concert T-shirts or band T-shirts?
The other night I attended National Night Out block party in Buffalo. There was a little girl wearing a T-shirt that had a replica of the Woodstock poster. And she was way too young to even have attended the one in 1994!
This isn't the first time. I've seen kids as young as 8, 9, and 10 wearing shirts bearing the name and/or album covers as such luminaries as Led Zepplin, AC/DC, and Jimi Hendrix. You just want to walk up to these kids and say, "I'll give you a dollar if you can name a Led Zepplin song. I mean, other than 'Stairway to Heaven.'" Maybe they can, and I am simply underestimating them.
Look, I'm no great dresser or fashionista. Even a cursory glimpse at the photos on this page should inform you of that fact. But, even I know that "faux vintage" is just not cool.
Just wondering what the deal is. Feel free to comment.
The other night I attended National Night Out block party in Buffalo. There was a little girl wearing a T-shirt that had a replica of the Woodstock poster. And she was way too young to even have attended the one in 1994!
This isn't the first time. I've seen kids as young as 8, 9, and 10 wearing shirts bearing the name and/or album covers as such luminaries as Led Zepplin, AC/DC, and Jimi Hendrix. You just want to walk up to these kids and say, "I'll give you a dollar if you can name a Led Zepplin song. I mean, other than 'Stairway to Heaven.'" Maybe they can, and I am simply underestimating them.
Look, I'm no great dresser or fashionista. Even a cursory glimpse at the photos on this page should inform you of that fact. But, even I know that "faux vintage" is just not cool.
Just wondering what the deal is. Feel free to comment.
Frosty Goodness
This place is really close to my house on Routes 5 & 20. Technically, it's in Irving, NY. I know summer has officially arrived when this place opens.
They've got all kinds of specialty sundaes. They're all pretty tasty. Especially interesting is their "flavor of the week." Each week they have a new flavor of soft-serve ice cream. As you can see in the pic, this particular week's flavor is pistachio. Pretty good. You can get the flavor of the week by itself or twisted with vanilla.
I just felt the need to tell you how great Frosty Treat is. And to give them a little free press. As always, I received no compensation for my endorsement. And I needed to post something.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wine Fish
So, a while back, I asked for suggestions for redecorating the kitchen/dining room area of my parsonage. The choice came down to wine or chickens. The polls indicated that the wine theme was the overwhelming favorite. So, that's what I went for. Though, I am still tempted by the chickens at times. Anyway, as part of the decor, I felt I needed a wine rack. I looked all over for ones that I liked, as well as ones that would look good in the room (they weren't always the same). Anyway, I was at a wine store in Dunkirk, NY and came across this cool number.
I like it for a couple reasons:
1) Uniqueness.
2) My living room has an outdoors/nature theme. It would ease the transition.
Anyway, here's the pic. Please note: the photo was taken at the store, not in the house.
Movie Review- "Ice Age 3" (in 3D)
What a fun movie! That's the best way to summarize the whole experience. I saw the movie in 3D, as the title informs you. That really enhanced my film watching.
This is the third film in the Ice Age franchise. And, I am a big fan of it! The film features the familiar characters and voices of the previous two. The plot is certainly scientifically inaccurate. More mature viewers will recognize this, and the kids will have plenty of time to learn the science as they advance in school. But, on the other hand, it is a work of fiction. And a fun one at that.
The comparisons to the Shrek franchise are inevitable I suppose. (I loved the first 2 Shrek movies, and was kind of bored by the third.) But I will say this about the Ice Age films. there are enough regular jokes and sight gags for everyone. That is to say, they don't feel the need to resort to a bombardment of pop culture references for the grown-ups (as the Shrek films tend to do). And this is coming from a guy who loves his pop culture references (couldn't love Family Guy if I didn't)!
The discussion factor is not as high as it might be in other films, but the are opportunities for dialogue. Part of it is technical, as in the animation and 3D aspects. But, it might spur a conversation about friendship, families, and other areas of life. The "That Guy" factor is a pretty tough for two reasons: 1) the characters are all voiced by actors, and 2) most of them are well-known actors. The us the grades at the end of the review will reflect that.
But, overall, the film is a good one. It's a great way to kill a little time. Good animation, good action sequences, good family movie. Not too much else I can say. I wholeheartedly recommend this film. Besides, anything with dinosaurs rules!
Acting: NA
Directing: A-
That Guy: NA
Overall: A
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sunday Morning @ The Improv
Let me explain the title of this post.
For the last couple of weeks, my congregation has experimented with an early service on Sunday morning beginning at 8:00. We decided that there would be no early service today a few weeks ago, since we had a congregational meeting after our normal 10:30 service. So, I took advantage of this morning's surplus of time to do a couple of things around the house as well as prepare some notes for the meeting. Before I had a chance to jump in the shower, there was a member at my back door asking if there was an early service. I said there wasn't. I was then informed that a family of four was outside, waiting to be let into the church for the early service.
I quickly let them in, set up communion, and put on my vestments. We did the service a cappella. I then informed the Bible study class that I would be a little late this morning. Actually, it only ended up being a few minutes late.
For once I was glad the cat woke me up early! Just wanted to put this story out there.
For the last couple of weeks, my congregation has experimented with an early service on Sunday morning beginning at 8:00. We decided that there would be no early service today a few weeks ago, since we had a congregational meeting after our normal 10:30 service. So, I took advantage of this morning's surplus of time to do a couple of things around the house as well as prepare some notes for the meeting. Before I had a chance to jump in the shower, there was a member at my back door asking if there was an early service. I said there wasn't. I was then informed that a family of four was outside, waiting to be let into the church for the early service.
I quickly let them in, set up communion, and put on my vestments. We did the service a cappella. I then informed the Bible study class that I would be a little late this morning. Actually, it only ended up being a few minutes late.
For once I was glad the cat woke me up early! Just wanted to put this story out there.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Actress List
I promised last October that I would do this list. Then, I kinda forgot about it. That 4-month hiatus didn't help much. Anyway, here's a list of my fave actresses. As always, the list is in no particular order.
1. Diane Keaton
2. Scarlett Johansson
3. Lauren Bacall
4. Faye Dunaway
5. Pam Grier
6. Meryl Streep
7. Janet Leigh
8. Mia Farrow
9. Liv Ullman
1. Diane Keaton
2. Scarlett Johansson
3. Lauren Bacall
4. Faye Dunaway
5. Pam Grier
6. Meryl Streep
7. Janet Leigh
8. Mia Farrow
9. Liv Ullman
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Ordination Anniversary
I posted these 2 pics for a very specific reason. Today (July 22) is St. Mary Magdalene day. It's also the anniversary of my ordination.
Self-promotion? Maybe a little.
PS: The painting is "Why Weepest Thou" by Dewey.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Random Golf Pics 2009- Volume 3
These are fresh golf pics, dear readers. These were taken yesterday at Sugar Hill golf course in Westfield, NY. Good shots, beautiful day. The day was marred only by the fact that their restaurant, which is really tasty, is closed on Monday.
Enjoy the pics, dear readers!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Movie Review- "Harry Potter 6"
I'm going to level with you. I've only seen the Harry Potter movies. I'm not one of those obsesssed fan who starts reading the novels the second they buy it, and then lose sleep trying to finish it. So, for thos eof you dear readers who happen to find themselves to be that type of fan, my review will probably be very simplistic to you. Even still, feel free to comment.
Overall, I found this film to be decent. However, I felt that there was much more that could have been done with it. I know this is the problem with trying to translate a long, detail-filled novel with a rabid fanbase into a film that must have appeal for the masses.
But, let's start with the good. Some of the kids are really finding themselves as actors. As such, their performances are getting increasingly better. This is,I believe, especially true of Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry himself.
The problem with the film is this: It's not the "darkest one yet". It's all teenage crushes and love stories. Was the director trying to make this a "Twilighted" version of Harry Potter? I will say that romance movies are not generaly my cup of green tea. We've been lead on this cinematic journey to believe thatthere's this coming ultimate showdown between good and evil. Suddenly, we need a romantic interlude? Also, I thought the battle in the bathroom between Harry and Draco could have been more substantial. And where was the funeral for Dumbledore? (I was told there was one in the book.)
I am waiting for the director's cut on DVD. There has to be more than just this.
This film left me with a few questions:
1. Why call it "...and the Half-Blood Prince" if that's a minor detail in the movie?
2. Where does Tim Burton end and Helena Bonham Carter begin? (They're married in real life)
3. Why is Dumbledore so "touchy-feely" all of a sudden?
The discussion factor is actually decent here. The most obvious one is the discussion over how much the film differed from the book (I'm told). Other discussions which may stem from this film are the nature of trust, divine plans and purpose, as well as the limits of academic freedom and pursuit. The "that guy" factor is not really that high as well, with the regular cast of Hogwarts faculty doing that particular duty. The new addition here is Jim Broadbent as Professor Horace Slughorn. Broadbent, of course doing his part of filling the role which calls for "Old British gent without a cool, deep voice."
Acting: B
Directing: C-
That Guy: B
Overall B-
Friday, July 17, 2009
Random Golf Pics 2009- Volume 2
The difference is that I will tell you where these pics are from. A couple are from the golf tourney that me and 3 other guys won. The others are from the golf simulator at the 2009 Taste of Buffalo.
Enjoy!
Random Golf Pics 2009- Volume 1
These pics were taken during various golf outings of 2009. I'm sure if I tried hard enough, I could remember actual dates. But, that smacks of effort. Anyway, dear readers, enjoy the pics. They're basically here for the sake of posting something.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Man-Crush Overload!!
In this video (which has no sound for some reason), you see President Barack Obama throw out the first pitch in the 2009 MLB All-Star Game. Catching the pitch is Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols. Both of these guys show up in my man-crush list.
Even in complete silence, the images are inspiring!
The Hiatus List
Sorry, dear readers for taking a couple months off. I've been extremely busy. I've also had any number of things happen to me. So, here's the list of things I can remember. As always, this list is in no particular order.
1. Served as a vacancy pastor
2. Won a golf tournament (with 3 other guys)
3. Started work on a D. Min degree
4. Helped at Confirmation Camp for Camp Pioneer
5. Bought some cool new T-shirts
6. Showed my friend Katie my seminary
7. Saw "Watchmen" 4 times
8. Had "cat issues"
9. Innundated Facebook friends with Jay Cutler stories
10. Went to the District Convention
11. Finally got to the Albright-Knox
12. Got addicted to Kan Jam
13. Started growing tomatoes
14. Got addicted to MonsterQuest
15. Got elated when any Boston sports team was bounced from the playoffs
16. Finally got use The Simpsons in minstry again
17. Finished redecorating the master bathroom
18. Got rid of a bunch of stuff
There's other things as well. I'll keep you posted.
1. Served as a vacancy pastor
2. Won a golf tournament (with 3 other guys)
3. Started work on a D. Min degree
4. Helped at Confirmation Camp for Camp Pioneer
5. Bought some cool new T-shirts
6. Showed my friend Katie my seminary
7. Saw "Watchmen" 4 times
8. Had "cat issues"
9. Innundated Facebook friends with Jay Cutler stories
10. Went to the District Convention
11. Finally got to the Albright-Knox
12. Got addicted to Kan Jam
13. Started growing tomatoes
14. Got addicted to MonsterQuest
15. Got elated when any Boston sports team was bounced from the playoffs
16. Finally got use The Simpsons in minstry again
17. Finished redecorating the master bathroom
18. Got rid of a bunch of stuff
There's other things as well. I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Blues Playoff Exit Thoughts
Like many fans of the St. Louis Blues, I am just happy they made the playoffs, after a five year drought. And, I will join the chorus of fans and pundits saying this really is a learning experience for such a young team.
I stopped shaving and grew a solidarity playoff beard. I shaved it as soon as the game was over and I got back home. Couldn't even make it thru the night. Which is OK. I prefer to be clean-shaved anyway.
I really do hope this is the start of great things for the Blues. I hope the fans aren't treated to another 30 years of playoff mediocrity.
And I do think the drought has made the STL fanbase a bit more appreciative of the playoff.
Sorry, dear readers. Nothing new, original, or exciting in this post. I agree with pretty much everyone else on this issue.
I stopped shaving and grew a solidarity playoff beard. I shaved it as soon as the game was over and I got back home. Couldn't even make it thru the night. Which is OK. I prefer to be clean-shaved anyway.
I really do hope this is the start of great things for the Blues. I hope the fans aren't treated to another 30 years of playoff mediocrity.
And I do think the drought has made the STL fanbase a bit more appreciative of the playoff.
Sorry, dear readers. Nothing new, original, or exciting in this post. I agree with pretty much everyone else on this issue.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Product Endorsement- Cherry Dr. Pepper
I tried this a while back. I fell in love with it instantly. And yes,it is very smooth. Besides, I really the above commercial.
A little tip: Try it over some premium vanilla ice cream.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Fantasy Golf Update
Wow! That's all I can say, dear reader. I find it fascinating just how uninterested I am in Fantasy Golf. Was not prepared for that.
I just don't care as much as I thought I would. Oh well. Live and learn.
I'll be sticking with football and hockey for my fantasy sports from now on.
I just don't care as much as I thought I would. Oh well. Live and learn.
I'll be sticking with football and hockey for my fantasy sports from now on.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
New Batman Cartoon
As you know, dear readers, I am slow on the uptake sometimes. Apparently, there's a new Batman cartoon on. I've seen a few episodes. It's called "Batman: The Brave and The Bold". Apparently, each episode is Batman teaming up with some hero to fight some villain or other.
For me, the gold standard will always be the classic "Batman: The Animated Series". form the 1990s.
But this one is kinda cool in its own way. It's like a stylized, animated version of the 1960's show, but way less campy. Enjoy the clip!
I dunno. I enjoy it.
Bowling Pics (3-22-09)
These are some pis taken on Sunday (3-22-09). They were taken at Lakeview Lanes here in Silver Creek. They feature some really cool people, my friends Paul and Naomi. Also in attendance were Paul's mom, and their baby son, Jonah. Jonah let me hold him for a bit without fussing. How rad is that!
Enjoy the pics!
Complete Set
I am finally the owner of a complete set of something. I now own all 9 seasons of Everybody Loves Raymond. The entire series from "Pilot" to "Finale".
Jealous?
Seriously, this is the way to go. It's been fun to re-watch some of my fave episodes. It's also cool to discover some I missed, especially in the earlier seasons.
The clip is one of my absolute favorite moments from the series.
Monday, March 23, 2009
L'affaire Cutler
For the last couple of weeks, I've been following the Jay Cutler story with great interest. This is, of course, Jay Cutler the QB for the Denver Broncos, not Jay Cutler the professional bodybuilder. I'm not sure if anybody outside the sports media or the Denver area (or a Broncos fan) is as interested in the story as I am.
And that's what I don't get. Why, exactly, am I so interested in the story? I have no particular stake in the Denver Broncos. I'm not a hardcore fan, but I don't wish them a losing season. They're a classy organization in the NFL. And I like Jay Cutler. I think he's a fine young QB.
I've posted (shared) at least 1 or 2 stories a day on Facebook and Twitter. The above clip is from ESPN's "Around The Horn" program a couple weeks ago. You can find all these articles out there on the web. My Facebook friends are probably getting annoyed with these postings.
So, I was reflecting on why this story is so fascinating to me. It really shouldn't be. It's your basic "I'm being disrespected" story. It's also a story where I truly can see every side's point. I think that's 1 reason I find this story so compelling. Each side in the dispute makes some valid points. Each can make the argument that they are "right". That makes for some interesting observing.
But, when all is said and done, it comes down, really, to 1 thing. I miss football season. I love football. I love the NFL. I love spending Sunday afternoons and evenings watching America's real game. Since there's no more drama on the fields right now, I have to settle for drama off the field. And you have to admit that this story is way more interesting than pre-draft manufactured hype.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
St. Paddy's With The Kofahls Pics
So, I had a truly ecumenical experience yesterday. And this one didn't involve joint worship! (See! It CAN be done!) I went to Bolivar, NY to hang with my buddy Matt and his family. It was essentially a Lutheran pastor and a Methodist pastor celebrating the life of a Roman Catholic. We all had a terrific time! The ribs were grilled to perfection, the rest of dinner was excellent as well. In fact the only thing which might have marred the evening was that the Guinness was frozen. But this ice cream we had for dessert more than made up for that.
After dinner we watched part of last night Sabres-Senators suckfest.
Thanks for a great time, Matt and Mary!
And, it was great meeting you, Andy!
Enjoy the pics, dear readers!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Erie Vs. Guelph Pics (3-15-09)
These are some pics taken at the game between the Erie Otters and Guelph Storm. You'll note a couple of interesting things, dear reader. One, in honor of St. Patrick's Day, the Otters were wearing special jerseys. I tried to get a pic, but apparently, the OHL does not permit game photos. I found this out after taking the other 2. Also, the ice was tinted green for the holiday.
Finally, I met some really cool Guelph fans who made the trek down to Erie. They let me get a pic with them. Thanks so much! I gotta say, Guelph has some pretty snazzy jerseys. I would not mind owning one.
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