Last week, a promotional company called me at IU South Bend and said they had delivered a bunch of cartons of Twix bars to Notre Dame to give away (this was a new Twix made with peanut butter and chocolate wafers). They ended up with more than they needed so they asked me if I'd want some to give away at new student orientation or any other events. I said sure. I asked how many they had, and he said, "20 cartons." I assumed this to mean 20 cartons of 24 candy bars.
The delivery came, and in comes 10 BOXES of candy bars. Each box had 12 cartons of 24 candy bars. Furthermore, that was only half of the delivery. The delivery guy goes out and brings in 1o more boxes. So, I now have 20 boxes of Twix bars in my office. If you want to do the math, that is a total of 5,760 candy bars.
I like Twix, but not that much. For my family reading this, don't be surprised if Twix bars end up as presents this year.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Listen to Your Body
On Friday morning, Dorene woke up with some severe pain in her lower abdominal area. She first thought it could be appendicitis, but wasn't sure. She took the day off work and decided to go see her doctor later in the afternoon. The pain subsided a bit but was still there throughout the day, although she went with a friend to some garage sales.
At her doctor's appointment, she was told she needed to go to the ER to get tested. Dorene questioned it and was asking, "well, what if it's just some intestinal thing?" The doctor said that she had to play it safe and go get tested. So, somewhat reluctantly, Dorene went to the ER.
I joined her there after work as she was waiting the results of the test. After a couple hours, the nurse came in and said, "You have appendicitis, the surgeon will be down in about an hour to talk about the surgery tonight." Actually, the surgeon came down in about 15 minutes and the preparations were immediately made. He said it was "early" appendicitis. I figured that meant real trouble was a few weeks or months away. He said, no, real trouble was 48 to 72 hours away.
So, Dorene was wheeled up to surgery. One of the surgical assistants on duty that night was a woman named Esther, a good friend of Dorene's and Bible Study regular. Another assistant was part of a family from our former church. So, that was nice. Neither of us was worried about the procedure, and Dorene was especially shocked that she even needed to have surgery, she just didn't think she really had appendicitis.
Surgery was over in about 20 minutes. Dorene came home yesterday and under doctor's orders, will be off work this week. We've already had one family from our church bring us dinner and have been told not to worry about the rest of the week. That's certainly nice.
I am so glad listened to what her body was telling her. Sometimes we can tell others what they should do when it comes to medical issues, but ignore the same advice when it comes to us. Dorene followed through and because of that, prevented what could have been a much more dire situation later in the weekend.
At her doctor's appointment, she was told she needed to go to the ER to get tested. Dorene questioned it and was asking, "well, what if it's just some intestinal thing?" The doctor said that she had to play it safe and go get tested. So, somewhat reluctantly, Dorene went to the ER.
I joined her there after work as she was waiting the results of the test. After a couple hours, the nurse came in and said, "You have appendicitis, the surgeon will be down in about an hour to talk about the surgery tonight." Actually, the surgeon came down in about 15 minutes and the preparations were immediately made. He said it was "early" appendicitis. I figured that meant real trouble was a few weeks or months away. He said, no, real trouble was 48 to 72 hours away.
So, Dorene was wheeled up to surgery. One of the surgical assistants on duty that night was a woman named Esther, a good friend of Dorene's and Bible Study regular. Another assistant was part of a family from our former church. So, that was nice. Neither of us was worried about the procedure, and Dorene was especially shocked that she even needed to have surgery, she just didn't think she really had appendicitis.
Surgery was over in about 20 minutes. Dorene came home yesterday and under doctor's orders, will be off work this week. We've already had one family from our church bring us dinner and have been told not to worry about the rest of the week. That's certainly nice.
I am so glad listened to what her body was telling her. Sometimes we can tell others what they should do when it comes to medical issues, but ignore the same advice when it comes to us. Dorene followed through and because of that, prevented what could have been a much more dire situation later in the weekend.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Football Headlines
So, do you think the latest O.J. story will gone on for a while? Consider this an early Christmas present for Nancy Grace and Geraldo Rivera.
Bill Belicheck is in t-r-o-u-b-l-e. Mr. NFL Commissioner not too happy with what he did in stealing coaching signals. A very stupid move on his part. Belicheck said in a press conference that he's said all he's going to on the subject. Not so fast, I imagine there may be more to come on this one and this could really taint his legacy of 3 Super Bowl wins.
The Arizona Cardinals lost in week 1 because they couldn't recover a fumble. They won this week because of a bonehead play by the Seahawks, fumbling a snap as they drove for the winning field goal. Finally, they are on the right side of a lucky break. If they can keep it going, this could maybe, just maybe, be an interesting year for them.
I heard Notre Dame Coach Charlie Weiss speak at a luncheon back in the spring. Talked about how he and his wife were truly dedicated to planting their roots in South Bend and staying here for a while and being dedicated to giving back to the community. He'd better be careful not to plant those roots too deep, because the fans may be getting out their lawn equipment to pull out some weeds real soon. Weiss says that "God should strike me dead" if he ever uttered the words that this was a rebuilding year. I guess he views an 0-3 start with a total of 10 points scored and not one offensive touchdown as being on the verge of something great. Hmm, wonder if he helped steal signals while he was with the Patriots?
Bill Belicheck is in t-r-o-u-b-l-e. Mr. NFL Commissioner not too happy with what he did in stealing coaching signals. A very stupid move on his part. Belicheck said in a press conference that he's said all he's going to on the subject. Not so fast, I imagine there may be more to come on this one and this could really taint his legacy of 3 Super Bowl wins.
The Arizona Cardinals lost in week 1 because they couldn't recover a fumble. They won this week because of a bonehead play by the Seahawks, fumbling a snap as they drove for the winning field goal. Finally, they are on the right side of a lucky break. If they can keep it going, this could maybe, just maybe, be an interesting year for them.
I heard Notre Dame Coach Charlie Weiss speak at a luncheon back in the spring. Talked about how he and his wife were truly dedicated to planting their roots in South Bend and staying here for a while and being dedicated to giving back to the community. He'd better be careful not to plant those roots too deep, because the fans may be getting out their lawn equipment to pull out some weeds real soon. Weiss says that "God should strike me dead" if he ever uttered the words that this was a rebuilding year. I guess he views an 0-3 start with a total of 10 points scored and not one offensive touchdown as being on the verge of something great. Hmm, wonder if he helped steal signals while he was with the Patriots?
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Three Good Movies about Germany (in German)
Over the past few months, I've seen some really good foreign films, all of which are in German. So yes, they are subtitled, but if you'd like a good story, you can't go wrong with any of these.
The Lives of Others
Winner of the Oscar for best foreign film of 2006. This is about the "Stasi," the East German secret police that utlized thousands of informants to keep track of just about everyone in the country that was seen as a threat (during the cold war years, a threat was very loosely defined).
This movie tells the story of a Stasi officer and his latest assignment of spying on a playwright and his girlfriend. This isn't Hollywood, so don't expect non-stop action, but it is a very involving story, very well told, and since the movie is in German, gives it a very authentic touch. In fact, I just read that the actor portraying the Stasi officer was in fact kept under surveillance by the Stasi himself from age 16.
Sophie Scholl: The Final Days
Wow, what a woman! I had never heard of her, and her story is certainly one of those sidebar items in the whole of World War II that gets tucked away. Sophie Scholl, her brother, and some other students formed the "White Rose" movement. This was a student-led movement of German college students that wrote and distributed anti-Nazi literature.
Scholl and others get caught distributing the information very early on in the movie (this movie starts quickly and is quite suspenseful early on). The rest of the movie is Scholl's interrogation and trial. In fact, a large chunk of the movie is simply Scholl sitting in front of an officer's desk being interrogated. So, this is a very dialogue heavy movie, but boy is it good. I read that the actual transcripts of Scholl's interrogation and trial were just recently discovered, so what you see on screen is almost verbatim as to what happened.
Justice was swift for those that dared to stand up against Hitler, and you'll see what I mean. But Scholl comes of as one courageous figure. Kinda reminds me of that lone Chinese student standing down the tank in Tianemen Square back in 1989. One lowly student, temporarily bringing a whole evil regime to a momentary standstill.
Downfall
My favorite movie of the three. This is the story of Hitler's last days in the bunker. Yep, you've seen it before, but never like this. I think what really helps is having it in German. Instead of English speaking actors portraying Hitler and his henchmen with fake German accents, you have German actors speaking in the native language. That to me really made a difference.
The opening scene kinda throws you a bit. It shows Hitler interviewing several women to be his next secretary. This isn't Hitler the monster, but Hitler the kind superior (his secretary said he always treated her well). But, never fear, Hitler the paranoid maniac does come out before long, and it is just a fascinating portrayal of what all went on in that bunker. Not all of the German officers were convinced of Hitler's strategy during this time, and while some were committed to fighting to the death, others felt quite differently.
With all the maniacs that ran Germany, the one that comes across as the most icy and cold blooded may be Mrs. Goebbels. If you are not familiar with what she does in her final moments, you'll find out. Forget any other portrayals of Nazi Germany you've seen. This is the real deal and I strongly recommend it.
The Lives of Others
Winner of the Oscar for best foreign film of 2006. This is about the "Stasi," the East German secret police that utlized thousands of informants to keep track of just about everyone in the country that was seen as a threat (during the cold war years, a threat was very loosely defined).
This movie tells the story of a Stasi officer and his latest assignment of spying on a playwright and his girlfriend. This isn't Hollywood, so don't expect non-stop action, but it is a very involving story, very well told, and since the movie is in German, gives it a very authentic touch. In fact, I just read that the actor portraying the Stasi officer was in fact kept under surveillance by the Stasi himself from age 16.
Sophie Scholl: The Final Days
Wow, what a woman! I had never heard of her, and her story is certainly one of those sidebar items in the whole of World War II that gets tucked away. Sophie Scholl, her brother, and some other students formed the "White Rose" movement. This was a student-led movement of German college students that wrote and distributed anti-Nazi literature.
Scholl and others get caught distributing the information very early on in the movie (this movie starts quickly and is quite suspenseful early on). The rest of the movie is Scholl's interrogation and trial. In fact, a large chunk of the movie is simply Scholl sitting in front of an officer's desk being interrogated. So, this is a very dialogue heavy movie, but boy is it good. I read that the actual transcripts of Scholl's interrogation and trial were just recently discovered, so what you see on screen is almost verbatim as to what happened.
Justice was swift for those that dared to stand up against Hitler, and you'll see what I mean. But Scholl comes of as one courageous figure. Kinda reminds me of that lone Chinese student standing down the tank in Tianemen Square back in 1989. One lowly student, temporarily bringing a whole evil regime to a momentary standstill.
Downfall
My favorite movie of the three. This is the story of Hitler's last days in the bunker. Yep, you've seen it before, but never like this. I think what really helps is having it in German. Instead of English speaking actors portraying Hitler and his henchmen with fake German accents, you have German actors speaking in the native language. That to me really made a difference.
The opening scene kinda throws you a bit. It shows Hitler interviewing several women to be his next secretary. This isn't Hitler the monster, but Hitler the kind superior (his secretary said he always treated her well). But, never fear, Hitler the paranoid maniac does come out before long, and it is just a fascinating portrayal of what all went on in that bunker. Not all of the German officers were convinced of Hitler's strategy during this time, and while some were committed to fighting to the death, others felt quite differently.
With all the maniacs that ran Germany, the one that comes across as the most icy and cold blooded may be Mrs. Goebbels. If you are not familiar with what she does in her final moments, you'll find out. Forget any other portrayals of Nazi Germany you've seen. This is the real deal and I strongly recommend it.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
9/11 Remembered?
In years past, I've always watched several documentaries, reflections, etc. as we approached the anniversary of September 11. This year, didn't watch a single one. There didn't seem to be that many on either. Maybe there's not much more to be said that hasn't been said already.
Kinda interesting how such a major event will now probably start to disappear from our memories. Last year was the 5-year anniversary, and a lot was done to commemorate that. But now, the years will keep going by and less and less will get said about it. But maybe that's the point. President Bush urged everyone after the attacks to return to doing what we've always done, not to alter our way of life.
Anna asked me why the flags yesterday were at half-mast. She's too inquisitive to brush her off, so I told her that some very bad people crashed airplanes into some buildings in New York City and a lot of people died. That seemed to satisfy her curiosity and she moved on and didn't ask anymore about it.
Kinda interesting how such a major event will now probably start to disappear from our memories. Last year was the 5-year anniversary, and a lot was done to commemorate that. But now, the years will keep going by and less and less will get said about it. But maybe that's the point. President Bush urged everyone after the attacks to return to doing what we've always done, not to alter our way of life.
Anna asked me why the flags yesterday were at half-mast. She's too inquisitive to brush her off, so I told her that some very bad people crashed airplanes into some buildings in New York City and a lot of people died. That seemed to satisfy her curiosity and she moved on and didn't ask anymore about it.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Headline of the Week
From USA Today, in a preview of next weekend's Notre Dame v. Michigan game: "Clash of the Titanics."
Friday, September 07, 2007
In Front of the Class
For the past two weeks, I've been in class. But unlike the past 10 years as I slowly pecked away at getting my Master's Degree, this time was different. I'm in front of the class . . .in the role of instructor.
I am teaching a class called Threshold Seminar, which is is a learning strategies/study skills class designed for first semester freshmen. More specifically, it's designed for students that are coming in underprepared and need some extra help. This past summer, myself and several other staff were recruited to teach the class. In the past, the class was taught by part-time instructors who taught the class, then left. The idea was now to use full-time employees to teach the class, thus fostering a better connection between student and instructor.
Beginning in early May, we all went to workshops led by Dr. Randy Isaacson, Education instructor extraordinaire, to learn the ropes on teaching the class. A great deal of the time spent in the summer was learning about the new generation of student, known as "millenials" and how they differ from past generations, such as baby boomers and my own, which is "generation x." They think different, learn different, and have different expecations coming in.
It has been both rewarding and a little nerve-wracking teaching thus far. I have a class of 20, ranging from students right out of high school, to those that are older and returning to school after being in the "real world" for a while. At times I'm not sure if they are getting anything I'm telling them, and at other times they've been very responsive. It'll get easier as I go, and I'm looking forward to connecting even more to these students as the semester progresses. They are a great group, and my role is to see them succeed not only this semester, but to lay the foundation that ensures their future success in college. A lot of responsibility there, but it's a challenge I'm glad I took up.
I am teaching a class called Threshold Seminar, which is is a learning strategies/study skills class designed for first semester freshmen. More specifically, it's designed for students that are coming in underprepared and need some extra help. This past summer, myself and several other staff were recruited to teach the class. In the past, the class was taught by part-time instructors who taught the class, then left. The idea was now to use full-time employees to teach the class, thus fostering a better connection between student and instructor.
Beginning in early May, we all went to workshops led by Dr. Randy Isaacson, Education instructor extraordinaire, to learn the ropes on teaching the class. A great deal of the time spent in the summer was learning about the new generation of student, known as "millenials" and how they differ from past generations, such as baby boomers and my own, which is "generation x." They think different, learn different, and have different expecations coming in.
It has been both rewarding and a little nerve-wracking teaching thus far. I have a class of 20, ranging from students right out of high school, to those that are older and returning to school after being in the "real world" for a while. At times I'm not sure if they are getting anything I'm telling them, and at other times they've been very responsive. It'll get easier as I go, and I'm looking forward to connecting even more to these students as the semester progresses. They are a great group, and my role is to see them succeed not only this semester, but to lay the foundation that ensures their future success in college. A lot of responsibility there, but it's a challenge I'm glad I took up.
Monday, September 03, 2007
A Big Pile of #*^#$, Part II
Last year, I went to the Notre Dame v. Michigan game. At the conclusion, a fan uttered, "That was a big pile of suck." My friend Peter called me late Friday night and said he had a ticket for the Georgia Tech game the next day, of which I quickly said yes.
After about the second play from scrimmage, it was obviously going to be a long day. This will be a rebuilding year for the Irish. Notre Dame doesn't do rebuilding years very well, so coach Charlie Weiss isn't gonna have a great time. They went through three quarterbacks en route to a 33-3 loss. The one bright spot was when the third quarterback came in, a freshman by the name of Jamie Clausen, who was the #1 recruit last year. For a freshman, he looked very poised and made some great throws. My friend and I said that maybe if this kid becomes a star, we can look back and say, "We were there when . . ."
The biggest cheer of the day? That was simple. When they announced that Division I-AA school Appalachian State beat #5 Michigan, the place went crazy. Sorry Michigan fans, but it's gonna be a very long time before you live that one down. That's a team Michigan brought in on opening weekend as a sacrificial lamb to beat up on. It's been rightfully called the biggest college football upset ever.
After about the second play from scrimmage, it was obviously going to be a long day. This will be a rebuilding year for the Irish. Notre Dame doesn't do rebuilding years very well, so coach Charlie Weiss isn't gonna have a great time. They went through three quarterbacks en route to a 33-3 loss. The one bright spot was when the third quarterback came in, a freshman by the name of Jamie Clausen, who was the #1 recruit last year. For a freshman, he looked very poised and made some great throws. My friend and I said that maybe if this kid becomes a star, we can look back and say, "We were there when . . ."
The biggest cheer of the day? That was simple. When they announced that Division I-AA school Appalachian State beat #5 Michigan, the place went crazy. Sorry Michigan fans, but it's gonna be a very long time before you live that one down. That's a team Michigan brought in on opening weekend as a sacrificial lamb to beat up on. It's been rightfully called the biggest college football upset ever.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
I Kinda Like John Edwards
I always tell my Democrat colleagues that had their ticket been reversed in 2004, then they'd be in the White House right now. But with Kerry as the nominee, that sealed it for Bush.
I actually kinda like John Edwards and think he has one of the better messages out there with his "Tale of Two Americas." He is trailing behind Clinton and Obama big time, but I think there's a chance he could pull a surprise in Iowa. Maybe not, he could get trounced, but I don't think he's done yet.
I also like hearing what Elizabeth Edwards has to say. She's not afraid to put it out there and say things everyone's thinking but no one wants to say (maybe she should go on "The View"). She said something recently that I told my colleagues after the 2006 election bloodbath. I told everyone that the only thing that could reenergize the Republicans is a Hillary Clinton ticket. She has been demonized over the years, and with her as the nominee, that could actually give hope to Republicans.
I don't think she's as bad as everyone makes her out to be, but I'm not sure I want her to be president either. But Elizabeth said, “I don't know where it comes from. I don't begin to understand it. But you can't pretend it doesn't exist, and it will energize the Republican base."
Could be.
I actually kinda like John Edwards and think he has one of the better messages out there with his "Tale of Two Americas." He is trailing behind Clinton and Obama big time, but I think there's a chance he could pull a surprise in Iowa. Maybe not, he could get trounced, but I don't think he's done yet.
I also like hearing what Elizabeth Edwards has to say. She's not afraid to put it out there and say things everyone's thinking but no one wants to say (maybe she should go on "The View"). She said something recently that I told my colleagues after the 2006 election bloodbath. I told everyone that the only thing that could reenergize the Republicans is a Hillary Clinton ticket. She has been demonized over the years, and with her as the nominee, that could actually give hope to Republicans.
I don't think she's as bad as everyone makes her out to be, but I'm not sure I want her to be president either. But Elizabeth said, “I don't know where it comes from. I don't begin to understand it. But you can't pretend it doesn't exist, and it will energize the Republican base."
Could be.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Bathroom Techniques
Another Republican lawmaker biting the dust. Yet another so-called man of upstanding virtue caught in the act. I don't have any sympathy for Larry Craig. You get caught doing what he was evidently doing in an airport bathroom, ya got it coming.
But I really had to laugh at one of his defenses. You see, he tapped the guy in the next stall with his foot, which was evidently a signal of, well, whatever. What was Craig's excuse? Honest to goodness, he said he had a "wide stance" when using the bathroom, which caused his foot to inadvertantly bump that of the police officer in the next stall.
A wide bathroom stance?!? I didn't realize there was such technique involved when using the facilities. Wow, you could come up with all kinds of football metaphors here with the stance and what he was wanting to accomplish. But, we'd better just stop now . . .
But I really had to laugh at one of his defenses. You see, he tapped the guy in the next stall with his foot, which was evidently a signal of, well, whatever. What was Craig's excuse? Honest to goodness, he said he had a "wide stance" when using the bathroom, which caused his foot to inadvertantly bump that of the police officer in the next stall.
A wide bathroom stance?!? I didn't realize there was such technique involved when using the facilities. Wow, you could come up with all kinds of football metaphors here with the stance and what he was wanting to accomplish. But, we'd better just stop now . . .
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Being Chastised by the Eye Doctor
For the last few days, my left eye has been really red. Not really painful, but just very red and irritated. I've had this before but have always chalked it up to my contact lens causing it. So, I kept putting in my lenses anyway, figuring it would clear up.
Well, yesterday afternoon, the pain started to get a little intense, and any sunlight at all was literally blinding me. So, I called the eye doctor to see if I could get in. Luckily, there was an opening. So I drove over, which I had no business doing. I had to pull over about 4 times because I was at the point I was sqiniting so bad I could barely see out of just one eye. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Well, I finally got there and was subjected to the worst experience ever at an optometrist. For over an hour, he kept putting drops in my eyes and then looking at them through this extremely bright light. He'd pause, put in more drops, then back to the light. I was about to confess my links to terrorism so Mr. Bauer would stop the torture, but finally he was done.
It just so happened Dorene was there for Cameron's annual exam. The doctor spoke to her and said that if I had kept putting in my lenses, I could have lost the eye. It turns out I have a severe cornea infection. It's a good thing Dorene was there because I could not drive home by any means. Dorene had to walk me to the car because I couldn't open my eyes.
Added to the torture was the fact we had to take my car, which has no air conditioning and it was over 90 degrees on this day (she drove in our van, but we left it there because the brakes are going out). Yikes, what else could happen? The sunlight was so bad that I had to throw a jacket over my head to block out all light, which made me look like a major dork to people driving by us. We finally got home and Dorene made me, per doctor's orders, put in eyedrops on the hour.
I don't think I'll need much persuading this time to seek out the doctor if my eye starts acting up again, because the experience yesterday with the drops and bright light was one I don't care to go through again.
Well, yesterday afternoon, the pain started to get a little intense, and any sunlight at all was literally blinding me. So, I called the eye doctor to see if I could get in. Luckily, there was an opening. So I drove over, which I had no business doing. I had to pull over about 4 times because I was at the point I was sqiniting so bad I could barely see out of just one eye. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Well, I finally got there and was subjected to the worst experience ever at an optometrist. For over an hour, he kept putting drops in my eyes and then looking at them through this extremely bright light. He'd pause, put in more drops, then back to the light. I was about to confess my links to terrorism so Mr. Bauer would stop the torture, but finally he was done.
It just so happened Dorene was there for Cameron's annual exam. The doctor spoke to her and said that if I had kept putting in my lenses, I could have lost the eye. It turns out I have a severe cornea infection. It's a good thing Dorene was there because I could not drive home by any means. Dorene had to walk me to the car because I couldn't open my eyes.
Added to the torture was the fact we had to take my car, which has no air conditioning and it was over 90 degrees on this day (she drove in our van, but we left it there because the brakes are going out). Yikes, what else could happen? The sunlight was so bad that I had to throw a jacket over my head to block out all light, which made me look like a major dork to people driving by us. We finally got home and Dorene made me, per doctor's orders, put in eyedrops on the hour.
I don't think I'll need much persuading this time to seek out the doctor if my eye starts acting up again, because the experience yesterday with the drops and bright light was one I don't care to go through again.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
The Dog Days of Michael Vick
I have nothing more to say, I just wanted to put in my own cheesy headline of the Michael Vick story.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Pulse Fest 2007
Today I spent all day at the World Pulse Festival, an annual Christian music festival held on the grounds of a contemporary Christian radio station in South Bend. The festival typically occurs on a Saturday when I work so I have not been able to attend for years. However, this year I didn't have to work so I was finally able to make a return trip.
The Festival has grown immensely from when I last attended. When I went about 10 years ago, the groups were The Imperials, Phillips, Craig & Dean, and Billy Crockett. Yeah, not too exciting. This year, the lineup was Kristal Myers, Superchic(k), Sanctus Real, Desperation Band, Kutless, Third Day, and Michael W. Smith. Yeah, they've "slightly" improved the lineup. Attendance has also skyrocketed. There had to be thousands there today and for good reason. The festival is free (parking costs, but that's it).
But this year there was an added bonus. My niece Paula and her husband Tom, and my nephew Benjamin came over from Ohio with their youth group to attend the festival. They came up on Friday night and stayed at our church as we hosted a "Pre-Pulse Festival" party along with a church from Michigan. That was a lot of fun and it was great to see my nephew and niece interacting with their youth (they are great leaders).
After serving everyone breakfast this morning, we headed out to the festival about 90 minutes before it was scheduled to begin. People had been camping out since about 2:00 a.m. so we knew we wouldn't get front row seats. That's okay, even being pretty far back you could still see well and there was a jumbotron screen which also helped. Typically this time of year it is very hot. But today, it was 78 degrees, which was absolutely perfect.
The first artist was Kristal Myers, who someone commented looks like Paris Hilton . . .and she does. Her music? Boring! Let's move on. Next group was Superchic(k) which consists of two sisters singing lead and their band. They weren't bad but I wasn't all that crazy about their music. So, the festival didn't really begin for me until the next group, Sanctus Real. I had just seen them earlier in the year in Fort Wayne. I enjoyed them then and enjoyed them again today.
I had never heard of the Desperation Band so I figured I'd go check out the merchandise tents during their set. But I stuck around anyway, and this is one of the great things about seeing a big lineup of bands which contain ones you've never heard of . . .you may discover one of those bands is actually quite good. That's how it was with Desperation Band, which is the worship band from New Life Church in Colorado Springs (Ted Haggard's former church). They started out with "I am Free," a song they had written and had been performing on their own, but it only became more widely known when the Newsboys included it on their newest CD. Desperation Band not only had a good sound, but they looked like they were having a lot of fun out there (something lots of bands don't seem to get). The set was extremely short, only about 4 songs. I'll be checking out their CD's now.
Next up was Kutless, and they were loud and crazy and full of energy. I'm not a huge fan of their music, but they are a very good live band and they were my favorite act of the day. Benjamin took most of his youth group closer to the stage so they could get some "moshing" going. He said it was moderately successful although some older folks with earplugs gave them some dirty looks (what they were doing that close to the stage anyway, I have no idea).
Third Day is a band I have always been continuously disappointed at when it comes to their CD's. A few good songs here and there but they never seem to let loose in the studio. Live, however, is a different story. They were doing some major rockin' and Mac Powell is a great lead singer. On tape, I think they can be pretty dull, but in person, they are probably one of the better bands out there.
Finishing out the day was Michael W. Smith. Basically, his set was pretty yawn-inducing, save for a couple songs here and there. It started raining and about half the crowd (including us) were headed to the exits during his set. I first saw Michael W. Smith in 1985 as the opening act for Petra. Needless to say, he was a far different live performer back then. His "Big Picture" tour of 1986 still, for me, ranks as the best Christian concert ever. Youth today can't believe it when I say one of the loudest, most rockin' and jammin' concerts I ever went to was a Michael W. Smith concert. Today, he's gone all profound and "worship moment" on us, so it's kind of impossible to imagine him in any other context than up there singing praise and worship songs.
It was a great day and Paula and Benjamin said their youth had a wonderful time. We hope to make this an annual tradition and have them back next year.
The Festival has grown immensely from when I last attended. When I went about 10 years ago, the groups were The Imperials, Phillips, Craig & Dean, and Billy Crockett. Yeah, not too exciting. This year, the lineup was Kristal Myers, Superchic(k), Sanctus Real, Desperation Band, Kutless, Third Day, and Michael W. Smith. Yeah, they've "slightly" improved the lineup. Attendance has also skyrocketed. There had to be thousands there today and for good reason. The festival is free (parking costs, but that's it).
But this year there was an added bonus. My niece Paula and her husband Tom, and my nephew Benjamin came over from Ohio with their youth group to attend the festival. They came up on Friday night and stayed at our church as we hosted a "Pre-Pulse Festival" party along with a church from Michigan. That was a lot of fun and it was great to see my nephew and niece interacting with their youth (they are great leaders).
After serving everyone breakfast this morning, we headed out to the festival about 90 minutes before it was scheduled to begin. People had been camping out since about 2:00 a.m. so we knew we wouldn't get front row seats. That's okay, even being pretty far back you could still see well and there was a jumbotron screen which also helped. Typically this time of year it is very hot. But today, it was 78 degrees, which was absolutely perfect.
The first artist was Kristal Myers, who someone commented looks like Paris Hilton . . .and she does. Her music? Boring! Let's move on. Next group was Superchic(k) which consists of two sisters singing lead and their band. They weren't bad but I wasn't all that crazy about their music. So, the festival didn't really begin for me until the next group, Sanctus Real. I had just seen them earlier in the year in Fort Wayne. I enjoyed them then and enjoyed them again today.
I had never heard of the Desperation Band so I figured I'd go check out the merchandise tents during their set. But I stuck around anyway, and this is one of the great things about seeing a big lineup of bands which contain ones you've never heard of . . .you may discover one of those bands is actually quite good. That's how it was with Desperation Band, which is the worship band from New Life Church in Colorado Springs (Ted Haggard's former church). They started out with "I am Free," a song they had written and had been performing on their own, but it only became more widely known when the Newsboys included it on their newest CD. Desperation Band not only had a good sound, but they looked like they were having a lot of fun out there (something lots of bands don't seem to get). The set was extremely short, only about 4 songs. I'll be checking out their CD's now.
Next up was Kutless, and they were loud and crazy and full of energy. I'm not a huge fan of their music, but they are a very good live band and they were my favorite act of the day. Benjamin took most of his youth group closer to the stage so they could get some "moshing" going. He said it was moderately successful although some older folks with earplugs gave them some dirty looks (what they were doing that close to the stage anyway, I have no idea).
Third Day is a band I have always been continuously disappointed at when it comes to their CD's. A few good songs here and there but they never seem to let loose in the studio. Live, however, is a different story. They were doing some major rockin' and Mac Powell is a great lead singer. On tape, I think they can be pretty dull, but in person, they are probably one of the better bands out there.
Finishing out the day was Michael W. Smith. Basically, his set was pretty yawn-inducing, save for a couple songs here and there. It started raining and about half the crowd (including us) were headed to the exits during his set. I first saw Michael W. Smith in 1985 as the opening act for Petra. Needless to say, he was a far different live performer back then. His "Big Picture" tour of 1986 still, for me, ranks as the best Christian concert ever. Youth today can't believe it when I say one of the loudest, most rockin' and jammin' concerts I ever went to was a Michael W. Smith concert. Today, he's gone all profound and "worship moment" on us, so it's kind of impossible to imagine him in any other context than up there singing praise and worship songs.
It was a great day and Paula and Benjamin said their youth had a wonderful time. We hope to make this an annual tradition and have them back next year.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Raising Ebenezer
Last Sunday, we sang the classic hymn, "Come thou Fount (of every blessing)" during our morning worship. As we sang that one line, "Now I raise my Ebenezer . . ." I turned to Dorene and asked her what the heck that means. Wondered if anyone knew.
So, I checked it out and the answer was simpler than I thought. It's based on a passage in I Samuel when Samuel erected a rock commemorating a victorious battle in which the Israelites reclaimed the Ark of the Covenant over a battle with the Nazis, I mean, Philistines.
"Samuel took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer—"the stone of help"—for he said, "Up to this point the Lord has helped us!" —1 Samuel 7:12"
So, the next time we sing this song, I'll be more knowledgeable on the whole Ebenezer thing and know I'm not singing about a character from Charles Dickens. The last time I heard this song in church was during special music when this child from the 60's sang a rendition of it (okay, she was only 20, but dressed like a child of the 60's). Her rendition mixed the traditional hymn with U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." Yes, you read that right. I guess you had to be there, because it was pretty cool.
So, I checked it out and the answer was simpler than I thought. It's based on a passage in I Samuel when Samuel erected a rock commemorating a victorious battle in which the Israelites reclaimed the Ark of the Covenant over a battle with the Nazis, I mean, Philistines.
"Samuel took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer—"the stone of help"—for he said, "Up to this point the Lord has helped us!" —1 Samuel 7:12"
So, the next time we sing this song, I'll be more knowledgeable on the whole Ebenezer thing and know I'm not singing about a character from Charles Dickens. The last time I heard this song in church was during special music when this child from the 60's sang a rendition of it (okay, she was only 20, but dressed like a child of the 60's). Her rendition mixed the traditional hymn with U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." Yes, you read that right. I guess you had to be there, because it was pretty cool.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Witness to (yawn) History
Last night, I stayed up late to watch Barry Bonds break one of the biggest records in all of sports, that of all-time home runs. Since the game was in San Francisco, his big moment didn't come until 11:30 p.m. or so. It wasn't all that exciting. They love Barry in the bay area, which is good for him, because he certainly isn't loved anywhere else.
Almost 10 years ago, I remember watching Mark McGwire break the single-season home run record set by Roger Maris. That was really exciting to watch, as was that whole season as he and Sammy Sosa battled it out (although it's been tainted now with the revelations that both of them likely were steroid users). But on that night, when the Cardinals were home against the Cubs, it was truly a moment to remember when he smacked #62.
As for Bonds, it seems so obvious that he has used steroids. If you look at pictures of him from the late 90's and then now, he is so bulked up he almost looks like Hanz and Franz from Saturday Night Live. Plus, he's basically been a total jerk all his life, which media and players alike have atested to. So now that he breaks one of the biggest records in all of sports, it was impossible to get excited for him. Bob Costas commented on the "Today" show that if this were a criminal case, the circumstantial evidence would be so overwhelming that he would easily be convicted.
Bonds will likely retire after this year. The debate over his record will go on, but maybe it'll be short lived. This past weekend, Alex Rodriguez hit number 500. If he keeps up the pace (and he's only 32), he could approach Bonds in 7 - 8 years. If that happens, everyone will get very excited about it, because A-Rod is very well liked and has not had any inkling of scandal around him.
There is still something to get excited about in baseball this year. The Cubs are making a run again, and I have the perfectly scripted moment. The Cubs get to the World Series, and throwing out the first pitch in Chicago is none other than Steve Bartman, the fan who is blamed for their playoff loss in 2003. That would be really cool to watch.
Almost 10 years ago, I remember watching Mark McGwire break the single-season home run record set by Roger Maris. That was really exciting to watch, as was that whole season as he and Sammy Sosa battled it out (although it's been tainted now with the revelations that both of them likely were steroid users). But on that night, when the Cardinals were home against the Cubs, it was truly a moment to remember when he smacked #62.
As for Bonds, it seems so obvious that he has used steroids. If you look at pictures of him from the late 90's and then now, he is so bulked up he almost looks like Hanz and Franz from Saturday Night Live. Plus, he's basically been a total jerk all his life, which media and players alike have atested to. So now that he breaks one of the biggest records in all of sports, it was impossible to get excited for him. Bob Costas commented on the "Today" show that if this were a criminal case, the circumstantial evidence would be so overwhelming that he would easily be convicted.
Bonds will likely retire after this year. The debate over his record will go on, but maybe it'll be short lived. This past weekend, Alex Rodriguez hit number 500. If he keeps up the pace (and he's only 32), he could approach Bonds in 7 - 8 years. If that happens, everyone will get very excited about it, because A-Rod is very well liked and has not had any inkling of scandal around him.
There is still something to get excited about in baseball this year. The Cubs are making a run again, and I have the perfectly scripted moment. The Cubs get to the World Series, and throwing out the first pitch in Chicago is none other than Steve Bartman, the fan who is blamed for their playoff loss in 2003. That would be really cool to watch.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Mamma Mia, Send Her Over!
Mia Farrow has offered to "exchange her freedom" and take the place of an ailing Darfur rebel leader to ensure safe passage out of a hospital. Don't you just love it when celebrities do this and sound so compassionate and willing to put their lives on the line (puke alert).
What I would just love to see is for the President of Sudan to say, "Okay, come on over." Hmm, wonder if she'd still be as eager?
What I would just love to see is for the President of Sudan to say, "Okay, come on over." Hmm, wonder if she'd still be as eager?
Monday, August 06, 2007
My Luck with the Cops Runs Out
It's been a while since I've been stopped by the police. It's been a loooong while since I've ever gotten a ticket from being pulled over. I've gotten lots of warnings, but rarely actually get a ticket (insert obligatory Steve-gets-pulled-over joke here).
So, a few weeks ago, we are all headed to Meijer on a stretch of road where everyone does about 60 mph (see, I'm already going with the "everyone else does it" defense). Well, I was actually going 52 mph but there was a cop sitting in what was a sneaky speed trap. The speed limit goes from 40 to 30 to 40 real quick. Well, he got me in the 30 mph zone.
But, I figured I'd still be okay. I went with my usual admit-what-I-did-wrong defense and say that he had every right to stop me. But, I knew immediately this wasn't going to work. The cop as he walked up to me said, "Yeah, I was going to stop the car before you, but you came along and were going much faster." I knew right then that nothing was going to spare me from the ticket this time. He conceded that I was very nice and everything but still had to give me the ticket. Part of me wanted to cry out at the injustice of it all. Yes, those red mini-vans are a real nuisance and should be pulled over. The cop really had an attitude of "Ha, Gotcha!" and then lectured me on how much worse it could have been, yada, yada, yada. But, whatever, just give me the ticket.
When we finally got to Meijer, Cameron was very, very reserved. We asked him what was wrong but he wouldn't answer. Basically, as we ultimately found out, he basically thought daddy was going to get hauled off to jail and it really had him rattled. I mean, it really bugged him a lot. So much so that he reminds me every minute he's in the van now for me to slow down.
I do slow down now, because today I mailed the fine that I owed . . . . . . .$181.50!!!!
So, a few weeks ago, we are all headed to Meijer on a stretch of road where everyone does about 60 mph (see, I'm already going with the "everyone else does it" defense). Well, I was actually going 52 mph but there was a cop sitting in what was a sneaky speed trap. The speed limit goes from 40 to 30 to 40 real quick. Well, he got me in the 30 mph zone.
But, I figured I'd still be okay. I went with my usual admit-what-I-did-wrong defense and say that he had every right to stop me. But, I knew immediately this wasn't going to work. The cop as he walked up to me said, "Yeah, I was going to stop the car before you, but you came along and were going much faster." I knew right then that nothing was going to spare me from the ticket this time. He conceded that I was very nice and everything but still had to give me the ticket. Part of me wanted to cry out at the injustice of it all. Yes, those red mini-vans are a real nuisance and should be pulled over. The cop really had an attitude of "Ha, Gotcha!" and then lectured me on how much worse it could have been, yada, yada, yada. But, whatever, just give me the ticket.
When we finally got to Meijer, Cameron was very, very reserved. We asked him what was wrong but he wouldn't answer. Basically, as we ultimately found out, he basically thought daddy was going to get hauled off to jail and it really had him rattled. I mean, it really bugged him a lot. So much so that he reminds me every minute he's in the van now for me to slow down.
I do slow down now, because today I mailed the fine that I owed . . . . . . .$181.50!!!!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
The Passing of Two Movie, uh, Legends
Both Ingmar Bergman and Michelangelo Antonini died yesterday. I already can picture next year's Oscar ceremony full of tributes to their films.
Pop quiz, hotshot, how many of their films have you seen? I have not seen a single film from either director, and I'm a big fan of foreign films. Bergman's films all seem kinda strange and I'm just not sure I'll have a Bergman film festival anytime soon.
Pop quiz, hotshot, how many of their films have you seen? I have not seen a single film from either director, and I'm a big fan of foreign films. Bergman's films all seem kinda strange and I'm just not sure I'll have a Bergman film festival anytime soon.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Watching My Table (tennis) Manners
The South Bend Table Tennis Club has been on hiatus for the summer, so I've been making the drive over to Elkhart to play at their club. Much smaller, but you get a lot of play time in, so I enjoy going there.
In table tennis, you occasionally have those times where you hit the ball and it hits the top of the net and drops over for an easy point. Or, you hit the ball and it richochets off the side or back of the table, again for an easy point. When those instances occur, you are supposed to do one of two things: 1) say "I'm sorry" or 2) raise your hand to acknowledge you were lucky on that point. In other words, you're supposed to apologize for making those points.
So, when I make points in that fashion, I do the sportsmanlike thing and say I'm sorry or wave my hand. The thing is, I'M NOT SORRY! Hey, deal with it. Sometimes you get lucky breaks, sometimes not. Why should I apologize for scoring a point like that? If LeBron James gets a lucky bounce off the rim and makes a basket, does he stop and say, "You know, I'm really sorry about that, I hope next time it gets nothing but net. Please accept my apologies and I'll try better next time not to get so lucky." No way.
But, that's the way of table tennis. So, for all you players out there, if I ever play you and I score a point with a drop over the net or a bounce off the side, I'll follow protocol, but deep down, I ain't feelin' it!
In table tennis, you occasionally have those times where you hit the ball and it hits the top of the net and drops over for an easy point. Or, you hit the ball and it richochets off the side or back of the table, again for an easy point. When those instances occur, you are supposed to do one of two things: 1) say "I'm sorry" or 2) raise your hand to acknowledge you were lucky on that point. In other words, you're supposed to apologize for making those points.
So, when I make points in that fashion, I do the sportsmanlike thing and say I'm sorry or wave my hand. The thing is, I'M NOT SORRY! Hey, deal with it. Sometimes you get lucky breaks, sometimes not. Why should I apologize for scoring a point like that? If LeBron James gets a lucky bounce off the rim and makes a basket, does he stop and say, "You know, I'm really sorry about that, I hope next time it gets nothing but net. Please accept my apologies and I'll try better next time not to get so lucky." No way.
But, that's the way of table tennis. So, for all you players out there, if I ever play you and I score a point with a drop over the net or a bounce off the side, I'll follow protocol, but deep down, I ain't feelin' it!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Kentucky's State Drink
Dorene brought me back a couple 6-packs of a very popular drink from the hills of Kentucky. No, my relatives down there aren't running some distillery. It's the soft drink that folks down there are wild about . . . Ale-8.
I'm not completely sure why people love this drink so much, it's basically a form of ginger ale, but with a lot of sugar and caffeine. Basically a turbo version of Vernors. It tastes okay, but I'm not necessarily wild about it. But anywhere you go in Kentucky, especially around where it's produced, it's everywhere. I remember going out for breakfast one morning and literally half the restaurant had an Ale-8 on their table instead of (or in addition to) coffee or juice. Go to any gathering, and there are cases of the stuff.
If you do drink it, make sure you get it in the bottles, it does taste better, but I'm not sure why. Pop in general tastes better in bottles (the best is still Coca-Cola classic in the little bottles). For the best cold bottled pop ever, go to a little dumpy market called Jernagins in Pixley, California. Growing up, that was always a treat to stop by there. It was very, very cold, not quite iced over when you opened it, but just right. I'm sure the store is long closed by now, and pop is pretty much in cans now, but on a hot summer day, Jernagins was the place to be.
I'm not completely sure why people love this drink so much, it's basically a form of ginger ale, but with a lot of sugar and caffeine. Basically a turbo version of Vernors. It tastes okay, but I'm not necessarily wild about it. But anywhere you go in Kentucky, especially around where it's produced, it's everywhere. I remember going out for breakfast one morning and literally half the restaurant had an Ale-8 on their table instead of (or in addition to) coffee or juice. Go to any gathering, and there are cases of the stuff.
If you do drink it, make sure you get it in the bottles, it does taste better, but I'm not sure why. Pop in general tastes better in bottles (the best is still Coca-Cola classic in the little bottles). For the best cold bottled pop ever, go to a little dumpy market called Jernagins in Pixley, California. Growing up, that was always a treat to stop by there. It was very, very cold, not quite iced over when you opened it, but just right. I'm sure the store is long closed by now, and pop is pretty much in cans now, but on a hot summer day, Jernagins was the place to be.
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