Funniest line from this week's worth of "Gilmore Girls" reruns
"You're funny. They say pretty women aren't funny because they never have to be. Were you a fat child?"
I'm just saying
It's interesting that both on TV and in much of the world around us, guys are allowed to check out other women and be attracted to them because they're "wired that way." Not so for the fairer sex. When women act like this, it's seen as deliberate and intentional. Is it my imagination? Random, I know. I'm just saying ...
Ouch, etc.
OK, I saw this today and knew I had to share. I was wondering how long it would be before the fit hit the shan (pardon my French). Ouch.
But I can't very well post on just Tom Cruise and his vitamin crusade ... how "glib" (to use one of his favorite words).
I'm sitting at my home computer (a Mac to be precise), sipping riesling and quasi-watching (mostly listening) to "The Royal Tenenbaums" on our DVD drive. Not a bad way to spend a Thursday night. And I'm remembering a phone conversation with my sister yesterday, in which she recounted her recent college essay that drew comparisons between "Gulliver's Travels" and Jon Stewart. Who does that? She must be brilliant.
Typing isn't easy at the moment due to my injury. Did I mention that before? Don't think so. I guess you could say I got a little over-zealous with cutting the cabbage for our festive St. Paddy's Day meal (the things we do for the homeland). But I'm healing fast -- no worries.
Today I got Feng Shui-ed. I had to go to a class for work, and learned the ins and outs of the ancient Asian practice. I had to have the discernment to separate the practical from the, uh, UNpractical, but it was interesting. I like the idea of adding upward and flowing movement in a room, but I don't think I'll be giving a job to a rock any time soon (worker's comp is too outrageous for them anyway).
In the spirit of enlightenment, I took a "color personality test" online tonight. Here's the gist of what it told me. Tell me what you think:
* "Your Existing Situation -- Attracted by anything new, modern or intriguing. Liable to the bored by the humdrum, the ordinary or the traditional.
*• Your Stress Sources -- Has an unsatisfied need to ally herself with others whose standards are as high as her own, and to stand out from the herd. This desire for preeminence isolates her and inhibits her readiness to give herself freely. While she wants to surrender and let herself go, she regards this as a weakness that must be resisted. This self-restraint, she feels, will lift her above the rank and file and ensure recognition as a unique and distinctive personality.
* Your Restrained Characteristics -- Feels listless, hemmed in, and anxious; considers that circumstances and forcing her to restrain her desires. Wants to avoid open conflict with others and to have peace and quiet. Emotionally inhibited. Feels forced to compromise, making it difficult for her to form a stable emotional attachment.
* Your Desired Objective -- Wants to make a favorable impression and be regarded as a special personality. Is therefore constantly on the watch to see whether she is succeeding in this, and how others are reacting to this makes her feel she is in control. Uses tactics cleverly in order to obtain influence and special recognition. Susceptible to aestheticetic or original.
* Your Actual Problem -- Needs to be valued and respected as an exceptional individual, in order to increase her self-esteem and her feeling of personal worth. Resists mediocrity and sets herself high standards."
Hmmmm ... Take it for yourself and see. Emotionally inhibited and self-restrained? I wish.
Now, aren't you glad I wasn't glib?
But I can't very well post on just Tom Cruise and his vitamin crusade ... how "glib" (to use one of his favorite words).
I'm sitting at my home computer (a Mac to be precise), sipping riesling and quasi-watching (mostly listening) to "The Royal Tenenbaums" on our DVD drive. Not a bad way to spend a Thursday night. And I'm remembering a phone conversation with my sister yesterday, in which she recounted her recent college essay that drew comparisons between "Gulliver's Travels" and Jon Stewart. Who does that? She must be brilliant.
Typing isn't easy at the moment due to my injury. Did I mention that before? Don't think so. I guess you could say I got a little over-zealous with cutting the cabbage for our festive St. Paddy's Day meal (the things we do for the homeland). But I'm healing fast -- no worries.
Today I got Feng Shui-ed. I had to go to a class for work, and learned the ins and outs of the ancient Asian practice. I had to have the discernment to separate the practical from the, uh, UNpractical, but it was interesting. I like the idea of adding upward and flowing movement in a room, but I don't think I'll be giving a job to a rock any time soon (worker's comp is too outrageous for them anyway).
In the spirit of enlightenment, I took a "color personality test" online tonight. Here's the gist of what it told me. Tell me what you think:
* "Your Existing Situation -- Attracted by anything new, modern or intriguing. Liable to the bored by the humdrum, the ordinary or the traditional.
*• Your Stress Sources -- Has an unsatisfied need to ally herself with others whose standards are as high as her own, and to stand out from the herd. This desire for preeminence isolates her and inhibits her readiness to give herself freely. While she wants to surrender and let herself go, she regards this as a weakness that must be resisted. This self-restraint, she feels, will lift her above the rank and file and ensure recognition as a unique and distinctive personality.
* Your Restrained Characteristics -- Feels listless, hemmed in, and anxious; considers that circumstances and forcing her to restrain her desires. Wants to avoid open conflict with others and to have peace and quiet. Emotionally inhibited. Feels forced to compromise, making it difficult for her to form a stable emotional attachment.
* Your Desired Objective -- Wants to make a favorable impression and be regarded as a special personality. Is therefore constantly on the watch to see whether she is succeeding in this, and how others are reacting to this makes her feel she is in control. Uses tactics cleverly in order to obtain influence and special recognition. Susceptible to aestheticetic or original.
* Your Actual Problem -- Needs to be valued and respected as an exceptional individual, in order to increase her self-esteem and her feeling of personal worth. Resists mediocrity and sets herself high standards."
Hmmmm ... Take it for yourself and see. Emotionally inhibited and self-restrained? I wish.
Now, aren't you glad I wasn't glib?
The funny thing about humility
The universe always finds a way to say "you are not that cool." Today, I am exhibit A.
"He must be forgiven"
These are the words of Moayuddin Baluch, a religious adviser to Afghan President Hamid Karzai. He's speaking of Abdul Rahman, a man on trial for rejecting Islam and converting to Christianity. He could be put to death for it, according to the laws of his country.
But Baluch isn't speaking as Rahman's advocate. He thinks the man should be pardoned only if he is "mentally unfit." Ironically (or maybe I just don't understand the way their advocacy groups work over there) the group that called for Rahman's initial punishment was the state-sponsored Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission.
Prosecutors said they would drop the charges if Rahman turns back to Islam, but so far he has refused.
"Forgiveness," it seems, doesn't translate across the religious board.
But Baluch isn't speaking as Rahman's advocate. He thinks the man should be pardoned only if he is "mentally unfit." Ironically (or maybe I just don't understand the way their advocacy groups work over there) the group that called for Rahman's initial punishment was the state-sponsored Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission.
Prosecutors said they would drop the charges if Rahman turns back to Islam, but so far he has refused.
"Forgiveness," it seems, doesn't translate across the religious board.
A worse decision than making "Dukes of Hazzard"?
Illustrious film star Jessica Simpson has decided a private meeting with George W. at a Republican fund-raiser is not an ideal way to raise awareness for her the charity she champions, Operation Smile. The full story reveals that she may not want the organization to look partisan.
Yes, I'm sure the facially disfigured, disadvantaged children in foreign countries are very concerned that the U.S. Republican party might have something to do with their surgeries.
But this is my favorite part of the story:
"NRCC spokesman Carl Forti told Reuters he was surprised at Simpson's position. 'It's never been a problem for Bono,' he said, referring to the U2 rock star who has met regularly with political leaders from both sides of the aisle. 'I find it hard to believe she would pass up an opportunity to lobby the president on behalf of Operation Smile.' "
Word.
Yes, I'm sure the facially disfigured, disadvantaged children in foreign countries are very concerned that the U.S. Republican party might have something to do with their surgeries.
But this is my favorite part of the story:
"NRCC spokesman Carl Forti told Reuters he was surprised at Simpson's position. 'It's never been a problem for Bono,' he said, referring to the U2 rock star who has met regularly with political leaders from both sides of the aisle. 'I find it hard to believe she would pass up an opportunity to lobby the president on behalf of Operation Smile.' "
Word.
Has your newspaper been sold?
Here is something of note in the print media biz. While I don't anticipate newspapers dying out any time soon, there are some interesting trends right now -- many pointing downward (incidentally, the publication I work for is one of the few and far between that actually keeps increasing its circulation).
My question(s) of the day: Are newspapers on their way out? If yes, how long do you think we have? Could you or could you not care less, and why?
My question(s) of the day: Are newspapers on their way out? If yes, how long do you think we have? Could you or could you not care less, and why?
By our love
"By this all will know that you are My disciples -- if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)
Not if you have great theological insight; not if you are full of enthusiasm. As the old song says, "and they'll know we are Christians by our love." But even beyond that, it's love for one another Jesus is emphasizing. Only He could understand a future wrought with denominational strife, resulting in many believers being more concerned with "one-upping" each other than loving each other.
Now, I'm the first one to stand up in support of Christian denominations. I realize doctrinal distinctions are important to many. But at what cost? Denominations can be a healthy, beautiful thing because they speak to the heart of "freedom in Christ." Like a rainbow, there are many different colors or varieties, but they're all part of the same thing.
The tragedy is when that rainbow becomes a puddle of running colors -- no longer a glory in the sky, but a muddled mish-mash on the ground. That's what Christianity looks like to the world when we can't even love our brothers and sisters.
So let the vibrant colors emerge, different as they may be (and forgive the over-extended metaphor). But let's not forget our badge of identification: Love for one another.
Not if you have great theological insight; not if you are full of enthusiasm. As the old song says, "and they'll know we are Christians by our love." But even beyond that, it's love for one another Jesus is emphasizing. Only He could understand a future wrought with denominational strife, resulting in many believers being more concerned with "one-upping" each other than loving each other.
Now, I'm the first one to stand up in support of Christian denominations. I realize doctrinal distinctions are important to many. But at what cost? Denominations can be a healthy, beautiful thing because they speak to the heart of "freedom in Christ." Like a rainbow, there are many different colors or varieties, but they're all part of the same thing.
The tragedy is when that rainbow becomes a puddle of running colors -- no longer a glory in the sky, but a muddled mish-mash on the ground. That's what Christianity looks like to the world when we can't even love our brothers and sisters.
So let the vibrant colors emerge, different as they may be (and forgive the over-extended metaphor). But let's not forget our badge of identification: Love for one another.
Hollywood's Super Bowl
In the words of Jimmy Fallon on "SNL's" Weekend Update, "I have an opinion!" It's relatively unimportant, and probably inaccurate. But it's an opinion nevertheless, and sometime's I'm a good predictor :)
Actor in a leading role:
*Philip Seymour Hoffman in "Capote" (will)
Joaquin Phoenix in "Walk the Line" (should)
Actor in a supporting role:
*Paul Giamatti in "Cinderella Man" (will/should)
Actress in a leading role:
*Reese Witherspoon in "Walk the Line" (will/should)
Actress in a supporting role:
*Rachel Weisz in "The Constant Gardener" (will)
Animated feature film:
*"Wallace & Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit" (will/should)
Art direction:
*"Pride & Prejudice" (will)
Cinematography:
*"Good Night, and Good Luck."Â (will)
Costume design:
*"Memoirs of a Geisha" (will)
Directing:
*Ang Lee, "Brokeback Mountain" (will)
Steven Spielberg, "Munich" (should)
Original score:
*Gustavo Santaolalla, "Brokeback Mountain" (will)
Original song:
*"Travelin' Thru," from "Transamerica," Dolly Parton (will)
Motion picture of the year:
*"Brokeback Mountain" (will)
"Crash" (should)
Visual effects:
*"King Kong" (will)
"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"Â (should)
Adapted screenplay:
*"Capote" (will/should)
Original screenplay:
*"Crash" (will/should)
Actor in a leading role:
*Philip Seymour Hoffman in "Capote" (will)
Joaquin Phoenix in "Walk the Line" (should)
Actor in a supporting role:
*Paul Giamatti in "Cinderella Man" (will/should)
Actress in a leading role:
*Reese Witherspoon in "Walk the Line" (will/should)
Actress in a supporting role:
*Rachel Weisz in "The Constant Gardener" (will)
Animated feature film:
*"Wallace & Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit" (will/should)
Art direction:
*"Pride & Prejudice" (will)
Cinematography:
*"Good Night, and Good Luck."Â (will)
Costume design:
*"Memoirs of a Geisha" (will)
Directing:
*Ang Lee, "Brokeback Mountain" (will)
Steven Spielberg, "Munich" (should)
Original score:
*Gustavo Santaolalla, "Brokeback Mountain" (will)
Original song:
*"Travelin' Thru," from "Transamerica," Dolly Parton (will)
Motion picture of the year:
*"Brokeback Mountain" (will)
"Crash" (should)
Visual effects:
*"King Kong" (will)
"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"Â (should)
Adapted screenplay:
*"Capote" (will/should)
Original screenplay:
*"Crash" (will/should)
Yet another reason homeschooling is looking better
If you haven't read about this Colorado high school teacher, you must.
Geography instructor Jay Bennish was put on paid leave while the school district investigates the circumstances surrounding an audio tape of one of his lectures. There is a five-minute audio clip if you scroll down and to the right (called "Radical Remarks"). I encourage anyone to listen to it.
About 150 kids walked out of class yesterday in support of Bennish's "free speech." As hard as it is to get 17-year-olds to skip class (cough), I can't help but think the purpose of it is mostly lost on them. This isn't about freedom of expression, it's about taxpayer money and unfair advantage.
We do have freedom of speech in this country, but none of us are naive enough to think it's absolute. All of us enjoy a culture that supports expression and even protests. But sometimes there are consequences for our words. For instance, my pastor COULD use the pulpit as a political soap box, but as a consequence he would lose the church's tax-exempt status as a charitable organization.
In the same way, teachers who use their lectures as sermons (all this guy needs is a big tent and a microphone to max-out his preachiness) are failing the taxpayers. If you're going to spout off your opinions, which should be done in careful moderation, you ought to present a balance. Failing to do so makes one no better than a bully.
A teacher's job is not to convince students to think like he or she does; a teacher's job is to impart knowledge. Much like a journalist's code of ethics, their aim as well should be to inform as much as possible as objectively as possible. Kids are smart enough to draw the "right" conclusions. If they're not, it is not in a teacher's job description to do it for them.
Geography instructor Jay Bennish was put on paid leave while the school district investigates the circumstances surrounding an audio tape of one of his lectures. There is a five-minute audio clip if you scroll down and to the right (called "Radical Remarks"). I encourage anyone to listen to it.
About 150 kids walked out of class yesterday in support of Bennish's "free speech." As hard as it is to get 17-year-olds to skip class (cough), I can't help but think the purpose of it is mostly lost on them. This isn't about freedom of expression, it's about taxpayer money and unfair advantage.
We do have freedom of speech in this country, but none of us are naive enough to think it's absolute. All of us enjoy a culture that supports expression and even protests. But sometimes there are consequences for our words. For instance, my pastor COULD use the pulpit as a political soap box, but as a consequence he would lose the church's tax-exempt status as a charitable organization.
In the same way, teachers who use their lectures as sermons (all this guy needs is a big tent and a microphone to max-out his preachiness) are failing the taxpayers. If you're going to spout off your opinions, which should be done in careful moderation, you ought to present a balance. Failing to do so makes one no better than a bully.
A teacher's job is not to convince students to think like he or she does; a teacher's job is to impart knowledge. Much like a journalist's code of ethics, their aim as well should be to inform as much as possible as objectively as possible. Kids are smart enough to draw the "right" conclusions. If they're not, it is not in a teacher's job description to do it for them.
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