There's not much to cheer for if you're a Reds fan. Ryan Freel's collision in the outfield yesterday with Norris Hopper is just insult to injury. But at least after Freel went all out, Norris made sure it wasn't in vain. It appeared that Freel made the catch but, apparently, he dropped the ball. As Hopper went over to check on Freel, he placed the dropped ball in Ryan's glove. Check the video with this ESPN box score and you can see Norris move the ball. Instead of an inside-the-park home run, it was an out. That lightning quick move helped secure a rare win for the Redlegs. All of which begs for the hyperbole: [Chuck] Norris Hopper is so fast he can run around the world and punch himself in the back of the head.
For Some Reason . . .
. . . Kelly and I continually found ourselves whistling a hook from this song this past weekend. Click on that link and it'll be in your head all day too. It's a song by a group named Peter, Bjorn and John. It's sorta trippy.
Brooklyn
I haven't seen Charlie and Kelly Butler in person in almost five years. We all attended the same college. Charlie and I played soccer and won a regional championship together and Kelly and I spent a couple of years as co-workers. They have a beautiful little girl, Brooklyn, whom we've never met but know her through many pictures [ah, the power of the interwebs]. Just recently, Brooklyn was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a condition that effects their neurodevelopment. It predominantly effects little girls. They have a blog where they're explaining their new journal in addition to some wonderful pics of the little lady. So drop them a prayer and then take a couple minutes to check out brooklynbutler.blogspot.com.
Kaelyn Walks
Here's the video of her very first steps. The only thing that I pray is that her feet don't fail her now.
Gotta Laugh
If you don't, you'll cry. Kelly and I decided to do some work tonight and left the Reds game on the television. They're tied and go into extra-innings where the Reds proceed to allow EIGHT RUNS in the tenth.
I was but a young lad in 1982, unaware at how bad the Reds really were. That year they lost a franchise high 102 games. This year's team is on pace to break that record. Could be a very long summer.
At least there'll be no problem getting tickets to the games.
Who Do I Think Jesus Is?
For my Historical Jesus class we were asked to write down our image of Jesus. We're then supposed to revisit our image at the end of the course and see if it has changed. I sat down the other day and, in a few minutes, without consulting a Bible penned my thoughts concerning who I believe Jesus was. Here's what I came up with: Jesus. Was. A. Man. But so much more than just a man. He was God, Creator of the Universe, come to earth in human form. Flesh and Blood and Hair and Bones. Just. Like. Me. But so much more than I could ever attain to. He lived a normal childhood in a small podunk town. He became a man. Took on a trade. Eeked out an existence. But then was unleashed. A mikveh and a voice released Him to ministry. He wandered the countryside and tended to His congregation. He transformed the physical, restoring the broken; His teachings were backed up by His miracles. Oh, and He taught as well, speaking words that have resonated two thousand years. What. An. Incomparable. Teacher. But so much more than a teacher. He was the Paschal Lamb. The only worthy sacrifice for the sins of the world. He was executed like a common criminal, subject to unspeakable brutality He did not deserve. He. Was. Murdered. But He did not stay dead. He rebuked the grave, owning mortality, proving He was who he claimed to be. He ascended into to heaven to reclaim the seat that He had left. But He did not hold on to the past tense. For there is a truth that has lasted far beyond His earthly presence and will forever more. Jesus. Is. Alive.
Habina Pherfday Mob Dellion
Why American Idol Sucks
I was in class tonight so we DVR'd tonight's American Idol finale. For some strange reason, probably the fact that we know own a DVR, we've watched about every week this year from beginning to now. So Kelly and I sat here and endured the crazy sing-alongs [do these kids know who Smokey Robinson is?], the random pairings [Joe Perry loses major street cred singing with Sanjaya], and insane special performances [was Bette Middler toasted or what?] to get to finally see who will win this thing.
By the time they're doing the American Idol tribute to Sgt. Pepper [nothing like watching angelic AI contestants sing about getting "high with a little help from my friends"] I notice the clock. This show is running late. I start doing the math and realize that we're not going to make it to the end. Sure enough, the commercial break before the announcement our DVR stopped recording. We watched an hour and twenty minutes of slop and were deprived dessert.
Don't chastise me that I should know better and should've added extra recording time. This isn't a sporting event where there's supposed to be overtime. It's freakin' American Idol. Instead of letting Clive Davis ramble on while promoting his record company, they should've focused on getting to the actual announcement. I wonder how long they actually showed the announcement. I'd guess that from the time Ryan announced the winner to the time they went of air was thirty seconds total. Why even have a winner? Just let everyone sing. So now we had to search on the internet to discover that Jordin won. Hooray. Thanks for the memories.
Don't hook me in to your stupid show if you're going to take advantage of me.
Just kidding. I'll be watching again next year.
School'd 'Em
Allow me an opportunity to gloat for a minute. This school is in the city, in the urban area, in the ghetto, in our backyard. And it's one of the best in the nation.
Suck it, suburbs.
Where We Came From
This evening Kel, the kid, and I participated in a pastor's perk tonight as we got a sneak peak at the new Creation Museum of Answers In Genesis [AIG] in Northern Kentucky. There's been a lot of hub-bub recently, even talks of protest on their opening day, so I thought I'd give you my impressions on our experience. First, even though the facility isn't 100% finished, it appears that the finished product will be amazing. There were a couple annoying design features [a oddly located stairwell ends one part of the museum] but overall the construction was attractive. Adjacent to the museum is a garden area that, when fully matured, will be a place where couples will want to be wed. Kelly and I were saying that the quality of the displays and the overall ambiance was more impressive than the disappointing Freedom Center. I really can't believe they were able to do it all with private funds. AIG has definitely got the skills to pay the bills.
That being said, there was plenty there that left me scratching my head. Some of it was rather innocuous, such as a display of Moses holding the Ten Commandments written with the Masoretic vowel marks which were added thousands of years after Moses died [I'm a geek]. Some of it was just confusing, such as the bookstore being called Dragon Hall [OK, dinosaurs = real, dragon = not real, and the Dragon in the Bible is symbolic of Satan?]. Some of it was semantics, as they continued to pit "Biblical Wisdom" against "Human Reason" [so belief in the Scriptures is unreasonable?].
But, even after observing the museum, I found one thing disturbing more than any other: AIG speaks beyond the reach of Scripture. There are quite a few examples I could give here, but let me offer just one.
There is the concept known as Pangaea, which was the super-continent that was supposed to exist before plate-tectonics took over and spread them out to where they are today. This process, as evolutionary scientists propose, would have taken thousands, if not millions, of years. The AIG people suggest that it all happened during the Noadic flood, in a time period lasting little more than a year.
So they take a theory of Pangaea [which is not yet 100 years old] and try to fit it into the Biblical narrative; they attempt to explain certain natural topography by using Scripture. Now they could be right, or they could be wrong, but the truth is that they have no idea. So why even attempt to make a definitive statement? Because they accept the premise that the Bible has all the answers we have about everything [i.e., Answers In Genesis]. But Genesis 1 isn't meant to be a scientific reading. It's a way to let God's people know one inescapable concept that His people need to know: God created everything. Beyond that, we need to be careful how authoritatively we state what we know about creation.
But that lack of 100-percentness does not diminish our faith. For instance, I personally believe in the six-literal-day creation that AIG purports; throughout the museum was the Hebrew word "Yom" which means "day". But AIG states that if you don't believe in the six-literal-day creation that you aren't a true Christian. Friends, that's bunk. I would say it's imperative that you believe that God created the universe [isn't He the center of the universe, the only one who could offer grace?] but (dis)belief in one aspect of the creation story does not a(n) (un)believer make.
I have good Christian friends who don't agree with "six-literal days," not because God couldn't do it, but because it doesn't fit into an "old earth" point of view. "AH-HA!" AIG people cry. "They're letting popular science determine the way we view God!" But isn't trying to fit Pangaea into the Noadic Flood the same thing, accepting a theory as fact in implementing it in your Biblical interpretation? Why can't we accept that some things are unknown, and teach that faith is a stretch? Why do we feel a need to try to manipulate the Bible into something it isn't?
I really believe that the AIG folk are well-intentioned people but parts of this museum and their view of Scripture bother me.
So here's my final take on the Creation Museum:
1) Would I recommend that Christian parents take their children there? Yes. They did a very good job of trying to make parts of the Bible come to life. The rooms about Noah's ark did a great job trying to show the size and scope of the boat. Some of it was extremely graphic for younger kids [some rather "nekkid" Adam and Eve figures and skinned sheep sacrifices], but there is a benefit there. I think kids would find it fascinating.
2) Would I recommend that Christians take non-Christian friends there? Not really. There is too much in the museum that defies popular science with insufficient explanation. I think it would cause more harm than good, even though I think AIG sees at as a possible evangelistic tool. It's just me, but I'd say there are better ways to explain the message of Jesus than in this form.
3) Would I recommend that you go? Sure, why not? It's always useful to come to grips with the way you view the world and this museum is a good opportunity to do so. I'm not quite sure it's worth the $20 fee, but they gotsta make ends meet somehow. Judging from the license plates in the parking lot, I think people are going to come from all over to see this anyway.
On Friday we're going to the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History at Union Terminal. It's another opportunity to attend for free one of these museums. I'll be on the look-out to see how the pagan effort compares to the Creation Museum.
First Class
Went rather well. The course I'm taking is The Historical Jesus. Really enjoy the professor, Dr Dewey, who graduated from Havard Theological and was a member of the Jesus Seminar. For those unfamiliar with it, it's a literary critique of the Biblical narrative [specifically the gospels] to try to ascertain who He was and/or wasn't. A lot of Christians would absolutely struggle to sit through some of the discussion tonight; they'd see it as an affront to God. Unlike certain sit-com stars I realize that I'm not going to be able to lob a theological hand grenade that will instantaneously destroy this critique. And I'm cool with that so I'm approaching this class differently, not feeling like I need to defend God. God has some rather broad shoulders so I'm not sure he needs me to defend Him. So I'm going to be selective about my comments, taking it all in stride, seeing how the experience shapes my faith.
One of our "assignments" is to write down our image of Jesus and then revisit it at the end of the course. Interesting question to ponder. I'll post my thoughts here soon.
Otherwise, it'll be an interesting journey. Here I go . . .
Breaking [Inaccurate] News
I feel the need . . . the need for a mini-rant.I was a little angry early today when I heard that Chris Henry, maligned wide-receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, was in trouble again. This time a Kenton County Kentucky prosecutor claimed Henry tested positive for opiates, which would net him an automatic three months in jail. This would have to be the last straw, forcing the Bengals to cut him.
But then the source of my anger shifted as, apparently, the prosecutor now admits that he might be wrong. One test might be negative but the other test is still pending. So what motivated this attorney to come out and make such a strong statement? I'd say this guy wanted some media face-time. Already ESPN has picked up the story and who, lawyer or not, wouldn't want a sound-bite on SportsCenter?
Now if Chris actually failed a test, then this is all a moo point, as Joey from Friends would claim. But if he didn't fail a test then I would hope Kenton County would profusely apologize. And, who knows, maybe Chris could sue them.
I hate this situation because it forces me to defend a guy in Henry who can't seem to stay out of trouble. But his misdeeds don't ignore the fact that Kenton County was irresponsible in the way the disseminated information. What if Chris has finally decided to turn his life around? What if he he's figured out that a lucrative NFL career is more important than hanging with strippers? But because certain civil servants are more interested in feeling important by distributing inside information instead of the truth, then his road to restoration gets steeper.
In addition to this lawyer, where is the responsibility from the media here? Rather than trying to be first, maybe they might want to try getting their facts straight. Even if Henry is clean, the damage has already been done. He's again viewed as a deviant, now for things he hasn't done. In this age of instant news, the media needs to be even more responsible in the way they handle their jobs. An arrest/indictment is front page worthy but an acquittal is relegated to page 13? Where's their accountability? I had a friend go through a local media frenzy this year because of an indictment and I was disgusted by the lack of integrity the reporters brought to the table. False truths were aired and nothing can be done about it.
Then again, maybe we're all culpable because we want the latest news. We give in to our 24-hour news channels and websites not realizing that we're contributing to the system. I believe that the media can attain a balance between their speed and their accuracy.
Additionally, I'm feeling sorry for head coach Marvin Lewis. I still think he's the best thing the Bengals have done since Super Bowl 23. Sure, he's had some guys get into trouble, but he's coming into his own as an NFL coach. This, along with the AJ Nicholson arrest this last week [who, by the way, was released today and, interesting enough, his girlfriend is already admitting she made the story up], is another black-eye for a coach who's trying to get it right. The national media will continue to run with the over-used "the Bengals are thugs" storyline regardless of what happens in these cases.
Just one last comment: It seems like all of these Bengals keep getting into trouble in northern Kentucky. Maybe they'd be best served to hang out on this side of the river.
Email I Just Sent
. . . to my buddy Dale who is traveling in China for business this week. He asked if I wanted him to get me anything while there. My response:
Dear Dale,
Please get me a chicken from China. I have no other reasoning beyond the ability to sing the line from the Barenaked Ladies song, "Chickity china the chinese chicken You have a drumstick and your brain stops tickin'." If it is illegal for you to get me a chicken, then I will be disappointed.
My second choice would be something labeled "Made In China." I don't think I've ever owned anything from there before.
I trust you will do your best.
IMHO . . .
. . . this is pretty cool.
School's In For Summer
I didn't have much to say last week as I was trying to live it up. I feel I'm losing a portion of my life: I go back to school tonight.
It's been five years since I finished my Masters degree and I now find myself going back for more. But at that point I was wrapping up 21 consecutive years of schooling. I have to admit that, in those last few months of academics, I was mailing it in. I was still excited about learning, but not about school.
I think this time off has done me rather well. I've been free to read what I want to read and explore in-depth the topics of my choosing. Now I'll again submit to course plans and assigned readings, forcing me to be more disciplined again. It could be just what I need. I'll take two courses this summer [one until Independence Day, the second through Labor Day] and a couple more in the fall. Hopefully I'll wrap this up by Christmas of next year.
But with the twinges of anxiety I feel, I'm rather stoked. I'm looking forward to this new challenge. I even bought a Xavier shirt a couple of weeks ago to get some new school spirit.
It'll be good.
Getting Organized
I've been loving the Canon S3 IS that I got for Christmas. I'm getting more comfortable with the settings and how to get the best pictures out of it. I have a ton of pictures I had yet to show off so I carved out some multi-tasking time while watching The Office finale tonight and uploaded them to my Flickr page. So if you get incredibly bored, check them out. Additional motivation: plenty of Kaelyn pictures to peruse.
Mothers Day Remix
Take a look at this very special Tuesdays With Kaelyn dedicated to my wonderful wife. Special A-Team cameo included. I've been trying to get it to appear here on the blog, but you might have to click to the YouTube link. Update: still struggling to embed the video, but the link works fine.
Mr Mom
I've had a lot I've wanted to write about the past few days but haven't found the time. I've been busy. I've been playing the role of single parent.
Kelly had the opportunity to travel to Missouri the past couple of days for work, so it's been just me and Kaelyn the past two days. Fortunately we spend enough time alone together that I didn't think it would be a big deal. But the longest we've ever been alone is like 10 hours. So this length of time, sun-up to sundown, has been more involved than I thought. Kelly's on her way home now, and will be here when Kaelyn wakes up in the morning. The past couple of days has got me thinking.
First, I absolutely love spending time with my daughter. She's only fifteen months old, but she has a great sense of humor. No matter how many times she insists on playing with the television [the most consistent cause of corporal punishment] she always comes back with something that cracks me up. Also, she's quite the people person. We ran some errands the past few days and everywhere we went she would interact with people. I went to Bursar office [apparently the place where they take your money] at Xavier today and Kaelyn immediately reached out to the woman helping me with my account. As I paid my bill a group of five people in the office we surrounding Kaelyn amazed at how friendly she was.
In a related note, I'm continually amazed at how people react to a little child. Wherever we go, people smile more at us; whereas I usually start conversations, people will talk to me uninitiated. The premise of the movie Children of Men [still a must rent, if you haven't seen it] was that the world was a darker place without children in it. I guess I never really noticed until it became my child that everyone focused on.
The last inescapable lesson is how incredible my wife is. She does a phenomenal job caring for our little girl. I really didn't drop a Mother's Day post, but I'm always letting my wife know how awesome a mother she is. Before Kaelyn was born, Kelly always wondered if she'd be a good mommy. I knew she'd rock at it. And she does. Thanks, Kel, for being the best mother Kaelyn could ever ask for.
I can't imagine how single parents do it. I guess they just rise up to the call. Those are some incredible people who balance work and family all by themselves.
As for me, I'm looking forward to having Kelly home.
Come On, DJ, Play My Song
I would say that Susan Cagle is one smart cookie. The aspiring musical artist was searching for a schtick that would get her some publicity so she pens the song Dear Oprah. Of course, Mrs Stedman has her own her show to perform her song. Needless to say, people now know who Susan Cagle is. One of the lyrics goes like this:
"Dear Oprah, Have you ever felt like breakin’ down/ when there ain't no one who cares around/did ever you feel this way back in the day so blue/ what did you do?"
I'm thinking I should do something similar in an effort to get some free publicity for Echo. Since Oprah's already taken, I'll have to set my sights on another target.
Be on the lookout for my single, Dear Jerry, to be released this fall. One of the lyrics will probably be:
"Dear Jerry, have you ever felt so strung out/hosting a show featuring little people being tossed about/ Steve's bald head creating a glare/obscuring the view of a tranny's bare derriere."
That's all I have so far.
Speaking The Truth
The Reds suck this season: true. We're looking for scapegoats: true.
The easiest target is always Ken Griffey Junior: true.
But he isn't an acceptable scapegoat because he's playing well this season: true.
Even better, Junior's having fun this season: true.
At least Junior tossing his jock-strap to a heckler gives us something fun to talk about this season: true.
Nothing but blue skies for the Redlegs for the rest of the season: false.