All of us want our lives to go well, to not get in trouble, to accomplish some goals. We hope by doing so we will be satisfied and happy. However, we wonder how best to do this and seek out wise counsel and advice that might point us in the right direction. In our consumer age, every demand is met with an abundant supply, and thus there is no end to the number of self-help books, videos, MP3s and even blog posts providing advice on how to live well in our relationships, in our job, in raising our children, and in providing meaning to our lives so we are able to live motivated and purposeful lives. However, I recently returned to the best book of practical advice I have ever read: The Book of Proverbs in the Bible.
Proverbs provides a multitude of brief pieces of advice for living and can be easily picked up and understood by anyone of almost any age. It provides practical advice on how to manage your finances, handle yourself at work, the sort of spouse you should seek, and much more. Furthermore, if you are a parent it is especially important to be well versed in Proverbs. Many of the chapters were written as advice from a wase father to his son, and are thus particularly applicable to the lives of young people. I believe that any person will benefit from reading the Proverbs and thinking about how the advice could be utilized. If you haven't read them recently, check them out.
7/27/2009
6/11/2009
Exciting Retreat for Teens and Adults with Physical Disabilities (Aug 28-30 in ATL)
If you have a family member or friend who suffers from a physical disability such as Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis or major paralysis you should to forward this on to them.
Announcing the 2009 SPEAK Retreat in Atlanta, GA- August 28-30!
We hope to see you all at the first annual retreat for the Speak Foundation in Atlanta, GA on August 28-30th. This will be for anyone who is dealing with Muscular Dystrophy and would like to connect in person with other adults living with the same condition. This retreat will be aimed mainly at young adults. However, others are more than welcome, and if there is a family that would like to attend with their teenager who has Muscular Dystrophy, we would love to have you. We have a fantastic rate at the Hyatt in Atlanta and they have very accessible features at this hotel for those of us who need it. The swimming pool even has a lift for all of us! We will be providing food for many of the events, so some costs for the weekend will be covered. Don't let finances prevent you from coming; some financial help is available to those who qualify. If you are interested in attending, please email us at thespeakfoundation@yahoo.com and we will give you all the details! Please email us before June 30th so we can add you to our reservation. Hope to see you soon!
For further information go to: http://www.thespeakfoundation.com/dnn/
Announcing the 2009 SPEAK Retreat in Atlanta, GA- August 28-30!
We hope to see you all at the first annual retreat for the Speak Foundation in Atlanta, GA on August 28-30th. This will be for anyone who is dealing with Muscular Dystrophy and would like to connect in person with other adults living with the same condition. This retreat will be aimed mainly at young adults. However, others are more than welcome, and if there is a family that would like to attend with their teenager who has Muscular Dystrophy, we would love to have you. We have a fantastic rate at the Hyatt in Atlanta and they have very accessible features at this hotel for those of us who need it. The swimming pool even has a lift for all of us! We will be providing food for many of the events, so some costs for the weekend will be covered. Don't let finances prevent you from coming; some financial help is available to those who qualify. If you are interested in attending, please email us at thespeakfoundation@yahoo.com and we will give you all the details! Please email us before June 30th so we can add you to our reservation. Hope to see you soon!
For further information go to: http://www.thespeakfoundation.com/dnn/
1/26/2009
Local Man Deemed to be Bad News by Sports Teams
Palm Bay, FL (AP)—A local youth pastor is being asked by college and professional sports teams to resign as a fan. Matt Jackson, a resident of Palm Bay, has been dubbed a "curse" by numerous teams including Florida State, the University of Texas, and the Tennessee Titans. Those who oppose Jackson's fandom include other fans and representatives from the respective schools/teams.
Those people cannot cite when or how Jackson became a curse, but some conjecture that it was probably sometime in 2006 when he lost his feared title of "Generale." The story of that downfall is well beyond the scope of this article. At any rate, Jackson cannot seem to shake the moniker of curse. He has garnered the attention of many people of influence and those people have practically begged him to give up his support of their team.
Last week, FSU president TK Wetherell and Athletic Director Randy Spetman landed their seaplane in the lake behind Jackson's Palm Bay home. They were greeted by the Jackson family, but despite their pleading could not convince the youth pastor to resign. A few days earlier, Texas coach Mack Brown called Jackson and offered him a month long vacation to the destination of his choosing if he stopped rooting for Texas, but his efforts were to no avail.
Jackson claims that he is not curse and cites specific instances of success. "Now wait a minute", he says while sipping on a large beverage from Sonic, "I watched FSU beat Colorado and Wisconsin in person. And I watched the entire Fiesta Bowl and saw Texas win." Opponents of Jackson are quick to claim that these victories had asterisks.
"Clearly the Colorado game was a result of Iron Brent watching with Jackson, and the other two—well we all know those are just the Big 10," claims Brent Doughty, aka Iron Brent. Doughty is said to be the cure for Jackson's kryptonite and his powers have overcome Jackson's curse in more than one instance. Doughty's reference to the Big 10 addresses the obvious inferiority of the Big Ten conference in all athletics. Opponents also cite that the only games FSU won during the season were ones where Jackson did not watch and instead pursued his favorite pastime of shopping, or took in a children's romantic comedy at the cinema.
Jackson adamantly denies any wrongdoing and says he will continue to support whomever he likes. He recently put forth fervent support for Oklahoma in the national championship game, writing "Boomer Sooner" on his arms. The Sooners lost the game to the loathed Florida Gators, 24-14. That put Coach Bob Stoops in the anti Jackson corner.
Representatives from the teams Jackson supports are not the only ones visiting with him these days. Urban Meyer and Charlie Strong recently took a trip to Palm Bay to thank Jackson for his support of FSU and threatened that he should think twice about ever being a Gator fan. Unfortunately, these are not the only threats Jackson has received. He will likely continue to get pressure to resign as a fan and many fear that this pressure may turn violent. Still, Jackson seems oblivious to it all. When asked at one point he would consider ceasing team support, he simply replied "why don't you ask your mom."
Those people cannot cite when or how Jackson became a curse, but some conjecture that it was probably sometime in 2006 when he lost his feared title of "Generale." The story of that downfall is well beyond the scope of this article. At any rate, Jackson cannot seem to shake the moniker of curse. He has garnered the attention of many people of influence and those people have practically begged him to give up his support of their team.
Last week, FSU president TK Wetherell and Athletic Director Randy Spetman landed their seaplane in the lake behind Jackson's Palm Bay home. They were greeted by the Jackson family, but despite their pleading could not convince the youth pastor to resign. A few days earlier, Texas coach Mack Brown called Jackson and offered him a month long vacation to the destination of his choosing if he stopped rooting for Texas, but his efforts were to no avail.
Jackson claims that he is not curse and cites specific instances of success. "Now wait a minute", he says while sipping on a large beverage from Sonic, "I watched FSU beat Colorado and Wisconsin in person. And I watched the entire Fiesta Bowl and saw Texas win." Opponents of Jackson are quick to claim that these victories had asterisks.
"Clearly the Colorado game was a result of Iron Brent watching with Jackson, and the other two—well we all know those are just the Big 10," claims Brent Doughty, aka Iron Brent. Doughty is said to be the cure for Jackson's kryptonite and his powers have overcome Jackson's curse in more than one instance. Doughty's reference to the Big 10 addresses the obvious inferiority of the Big Ten conference in all athletics. Opponents also cite that the only games FSU won during the season were ones where Jackson did not watch and instead pursued his favorite pastime of shopping, or took in a children's romantic comedy at the cinema.
Jackson adamantly denies any wrongdoing and says he will continue to support whomever he likes. He recently put forth fervent support for Oklahoma in the national championship game, writing "Boomer Sooner" on his arms. The Sooners lost the game to the loathed Florida Gators, 24-14. That put Coach Bob Stoops in the anti Jackson corner.
Representatives from the teams Jackson supports are not the only ones visiting with him these days. Urban Meyer and Charlie Strong recently took a trip to Palm Bay to thank Jackson for his support of FSU and threatened that he should think twice about ever being a Gator fan. Unfortunately, these are not the only threats Jackson has received. He will likely continue to get pressure to resign as a fan and many fear that this pressure may turn violent. Still, Jackson seems oblivious to it all. When asked at one point he would consider ceasing team support, he simply replied "why don't you ask your mom."
10/05/2008
Video Allegory of Being a Cubs Fan
Well, for the hundredth straight year the Cubs have disappointed their fans, this time getting swept in the first round of the playoffs after having the best record in the National League. I believe that being a Cubs fan takes optimism and hope, despite all the evidence. This video pretty much sums it up. You only need to watch the first minute and a half.
Charlie is me, and Lucy is the Cubs.
Charlie is me, and Lucy is the Cubs.
10/03/2008
Does the "Prosperity Gospel" Share Blame for People's Bad Finances?
Time has an interesting, though brief, article on their website today with musings from some theologians who say congregants at prosperity gospel churches may well be highly represented amongst those who have overextended themselves financially. (LINK) The hypothesis is that such congregants were told that God will create prosperity for them if they "step out in faith" and thus many of these folks may have taken out mortgages they cannot afford under the assumption that God would bless them for doing so. I'd guess that at least some people acted in this way, and that's a shame. In fairness, the article fails to provide proof of the contention that prosperity-theology followers took out more bad mortgages and loans.
PS: The story at the end of the article isn't necessarily magical and could have been an answer to prayer. Also, the mortgage trouble the person was in may or may not have been a result of irresponsible borrowing.
PS: The story at the end of the article isn't necessarily magical and could have been an answer to prayer. Also, the mortgage trouble the person was in may or may not have been a result of irresponsible borrowing.
9/25/2008
A Well Deserved Spanking on the Economy
Victor Davis Hanson's column today points out that greedy, irresponsible consumption on the part of the American consumer has as much to do with the current financial crisis as the greedy, irresponsible behavior of the Wall Street fat cats. He's right.
9/24/2008
A Smart Move Politically: McCain Campaigning Halt and Call for a Debate Postponment to Work on Wall Street Bailout
John McCain is the underdog in the '08 presidential election (my official prediction for months now has been that Barack Obama wins by about 4% in the popular vote and gets about two more states than he needs in the Electoral College). However, I have been very impressed by the campaign his political advisers have run for him. From the "superstar" ads to the pick of Sarah Palin, they've made some bold moves, probably because they realize they are going to have to take some chances to win. McCain's announced suspension of campaign activities and Friday's foreign policy debate for the purpose of going back to Washington to work on the Wall Street bailout legislation is another bold move and one that I believe will work in McCain's favor.
Senator McCain had pulled even with Sen. Obama in the polls following the Republican convention. However, the failure of Lehman Bros., the government bailouts of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and AIG, and the proposed $700 billion bailout of the financial services industry through purchases of troubled mortgage backed securities is a potentially fatal blow to McCain's campaign. The average American is angry that over $1 trillion dollars could be used in assistance to Wall Street companies, while similar feeding from the government trough is not afforded the common man. Because people generally associate Republicans with favoring big business and Wall Street, that anger is being directed more towards Republicans and thus John McCain, as shown by recent polls that McCain is falling behind by about 5%-10%. Even if the bailout were approved and it succeeds in stabilizing the market, voters will still be extremely angry about such a large expenditure of taxpayer money going to the rich, which will allow Sen. Obama to use populist rhetoric effectively against McCain by associating his party with favoritism to Wall Street.
McCain's only hope is to come out strongly as an advocate for the "common man" and hammer "big business" and Wall Street for its irresponsibility. McCain's move to suspend his campaign and head back to Washington to work on the pending economic legislation is a gambit that can help him do this, particularly if Obama is stupid enough to keep campaigning and isn't a major part of the negotiations in Congress. For it to work, McCain will need to be out in front of the issue, lambasting Wall Street and demanding it be held responsible, while also insisting on reforms to protect the common man; news reports will not be able to avoid reporting on McCain if he is forceful and loud enough. McCain will also need to actively criticize both proposals by liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans as needed to establish his reformer credentials in a time of crisis. Then, he needs to pick a limited number of negotiating demands and either make sure they are in the bill or rip the President and Congress for not enacting his proposals. Through this, McCain can portray himself as a man of action who is fighting "for the people" and putting "country first" while Obama talks about the problem in his campaign stops. McCain will have to be forceful and get some results, the latter of which makes this the risky move that it is since Congress could certainly pass something deeply unpopular with the American people, or even worse see the market go into a tailspin despite passing a plan which will result in McCain being more closely identified with a failed plan even if both he and Obama vote for it. However, when the odds are against you, you need to make bold political moves and I think this one was worth making. It also has the additional value of being the right thing to do as John McCain is an member of the Senate and as such should be involved in negotiating the bailout package.
Senator McCain had pulled even with Sen. Obama in the polls following the Republican convention. However, the failure of Lehman Bros., the government bailouts of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and AIG, and the proposed $700 billion bailout of the financial services industry through purchases of troubled mortgage backed securities is a potentially fatal blow to McCain's campaign. The average American is angry that over $1 trillion dollars could be used in assistance to Wall Street companies, while similar feeding from the government trough is not afforded the common man. Because people generally associate Republicans with favoring big business and Wall Street, that anger is being directed more towards Republicans and thus John McCain, as shown by recent polls that McCain is falling behind by about 5%-10%. Even if the bailout were approved and it succeeds in stabilizing the market, voters will still be extremely angry about such a large expenditure of taxpayer money going to the rich, which will allow Sen. Obama to use populist rhetoric effectively against McCain by associating his party with favoritism to Wall Street.
McCain's only hope is to come out strongly as an advocate for the "common man" and hammer "big business" and Wall Street for its irresponsibility. McCain's move to suspend his campaign and head back to Washington to work on the pending economic legislation is a gambit that can help him do this, particularly if Obama is stupid enough to keep campaigning and isn't a major part of the negotiations in Congress. For it to work, McCain will need to be out in front of the issue, lambasting Wall Street and demanding it be held responsible, while also insisting on reforms to protect the common man; news reports will not be able to avoid reporting on McCain if he is forceful and loud enough. McCain will also need to actively criticize both proposals by liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans as needed to establish his reformer credentials in a time of crisis. Then, he needs to pick a limited number of negotiating demands and either make sure they are in the bill or rip the President and Congress for not enacting his proposals. Through this, McCain can portray himself as a man of action who is fighting "for the people" and putting "country first" while Obama talks about the problem in his campaign stops. McCain will have to be forceful and get some results, the latter of which makes this the risky move that it is since Congress could certainly pass something deeply unpopular with the American people, or even worse see the market go into a tailspin despite passing a plan which will result in McCain being more closely identified with a failed plan even if both he and Obama vote for it. However, when the odds are against you, you need to make bold political moves and I think this one was worth making. It also has the additional value of being the right thing to do as John McCain is an member of the Senate and as such should be involved in negotiating the bailout package.
9/23/2008
Merkle's Bonehead Play: The First Famous Sports American Sports Blunder
Today is the 100th anniversary of "Merkle's Blunder," which allowed the 1908 Cubs to go to the World Series (their last title) and cost the New York Giants the pennant. Late in the season, the Cubs and Giants were tied 1-1 in the 9th inning and the Giants had baserunners on 1st and 3rd base. The batter, Al Bridwell sent a base hit into the outfield and the runner on third came home. However, a young 19 year old ballplayer by the name of Fred Merkle was on first base. When the winning run scored fans stormed the field and Merkle didn't touch second base, which as it turns out was the custom of the day but was illegal under the playbook. Well, Cubs 2nd baseman Johnny Evers got the ball, went to the umpire and stepped on the bag. After deliberation late into the night (the game took place in the era before stadium lights) Merkle was called out and it wa decided that the game wouldn't count. Newspapers blared headlines about "Merkle's Bonehead play." The Cubs and Giants finished the season tied and the game was replayed at the end of the year with the Cubs winning 4-2. Poor Fred Merkle cost his team the championship and would never outlive the moment as folks called him "bonehead" for the rest of his life. There are plenty of other interesting facts about the story that can be found in an excellent New York Times story here and a good ESPN story here. If you are a fan of baseball or just a fan of sports it's worth your time to check it out.
9/22/2008
ESPN Is Right, For Us Cubs Fans There Is No Love Lost
Well, my beloved Chicago Cubs clinched the NL Central Division crown Saturday and a playoff spot where they will have the opportunity to do something that they haven't done in 100 years--win the World Series. ESPN.com recently produced a good feature on Cubs fans called No Love Lost that consists of video interviews and accompanying article of 10 different Cubs fans, each representing each of the 10 decades since the last time the Cubs won it all. Cubs fans are without a doubt the most loyal fans of any team in all of sports and you'd be surprised the number of little life lessons you can take from being a Cubs fan:
If you are a baseball fan or sports fan in general, it's worth a look, particularly for the septuagenarian Cubs fan interviewed for the 1908-1909 time period and the ex lobbyist who started the Emil Verban Society.
- The importance of loyalty and sticking by your commitments.
- Learning to enjoy the good you receive without bemoaning what you don't have.
- Having hope and optimism for better things despite experiencing disappointment after disappointment.
- Some things in life are worth waiting for.
If you are a baseball fan or sports fan in general, it's worth a look, particularly for the septuagenarian Cubs fan interviewed for the 1908-1909 time period and the ex lobbyist who started the Emil Verban Society.
9/19/2008
Who, Exactly, is Irrational and Superstitous?
Many people like to portray religious believers as superstitous rubes who do not believe in science and ignore hard facts and data in favor of superstition. However, it appears that this belief is not based on empirical facts or data. Today's Wall Street Journal has a column by Mollie Ziegler Hemingway that focuses on a recently released Baylor University poll and study conducted by Gallup indicates that Evangelical Christians are the least likely people to believe in paranormal activity than other groups, while athiests and the irreligious are the most likely. The article reveals some "interesting" beliefs held by the virulently anti-religious Bill Maher as well.
Hat Tip: NRO's The Corner
Hat Tip: NRO's The Corner
9/18/2008
Understanding the 2008 Mortgage Loan Financial Crisis
NPR’s This American Life has produced the best explanation in easily understandable layman’s terms I’ve heard regarding the causes of the current financial meltdown. This is a "must listen" if you want to understand exactly what happened. Click on the orange “full episode” link on the left side of the webpage to listen.
For a great explanation of how “credit default swaps” sunk AIG, check this article out.
Rank greed and foolishness on the parts of many homebuyers, mortgage brokers, banks, investment houses, and investors has resulted in the meltdown we currently face. Understanding the financial crisis is simply exercising wisdom. The sad thing is that simple common sense would have saved many people a lot of money and heart ache. It made as much sense as the price of a Toyota Camry rising from $21,000 to $40,000 and expecting the same person who can essentially afford to make a $400 a month car payment over 5 years to pay off that $21K Camry to now be able to pay off the $40K Camry during the same time frame simply by giving them a low interest rate at the start. On its face, it is a ludicrous proposition.
For a great explanation of how “credit default swaps” sunk AIG, check this article out.
Rank greed and foolishness on the parts of many homebuyers, mortgage brokers, banks, investment houses, and investors has resulted in the meltdown we currently face. Understanding the financial crisis is simply exercising wisdom. The sad thing is that simple common sense would have saved many people a lot of money and heart ache. It made as much sense as the price of a Toyota Camry rising from $21,000 to $40,000 and expecting the same person who can essentially afford to make a $400 a month car payment over 5 years to pay off that $21K Camry to now be able to pay off the $40K Camry during the same time frame simply by giving them a low interest rate at the start. On its face, it is a ludicrous proposition.
9/15/2008
Understanding the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac Crisis
Here is a great C-Span video interview with Peter Wallison, who served as general counsel to the Regan Administration and counsel to the US Treasury Department. Definitely worth watching if you want an education on the reasons why they failed and the irresponsible actions that lead to their failure.
LINK
Hat Tip: Jonah Goldberg, NRO's The Corner
PS: I'm going to try and blog a bit more and get back in the swing of things. Let's hope I keep up with things...
LINK
Hat Tip: Jonah Goldberg, NRO's The Corner
PS: I'm going to try and blog a bit more and get back in the swing of things. Let's hope I keep up with things...
2/28/2008
William F. Buckley, RIP
In honor of the life of Bill Buckley, here are some links and videos that pay proper tribute to the man:
The New York Times Obit
Buckley on Faith in God
An anecdote showing Buckley's good humor, character, and his respect of ideological opponents.
(hat tip to National Review Online)
The New York Times Obit
Buckley on Faith in God
An anecdote showing Buckley's good humor, character, and his respect of ideological opponents.
(hat tip to National Review Online)
2/12/2008
Emergent Church Pretensions
Quite frankly, this little spoof article does more to explode some of the internal contradictions and pretensions of the "emergent church" movement than most any scholarly article could.
The Speak Foundation
Here is the link to The Speak Foundation website, the non-profit that Miss Kathryn Bryant is starting to help childiren and young adults with physical disabilities. The foundation is focusing first on creating mentoring programs in public schools for children with physical disabilities, the goals of which are to help youngsters learn to deal with their disability, encourage them to achieve great things with their lives in spite of the disability, and to provide the opportunity for friendship with people who have experienced the challenges that such disabilities pose. It's a good idea and a great cause. Keep it in mind once the non-profit status is achieved if you have some additional money to give to charity.
8/03/2007
Knut Goes on a Diet
Knut the polar bear (no longer a cub) is back in the news again--he has to go on a diet. (Click here for the video story)
I can relate. As a young boy I was quite heavy, and like Knut, I enjoyed eating croissants whenever I could--in my case the one's from Burger King that included egg, sausage, and cheese. Unfortunately for me, when I was in grade school people who saw me (like the girls in 7th grade who were my classmates) did not say that I was "a growing boy, and should be able to eat what I want." However, I would like to tell Knut--if he could understand and would not maul me--that his diet will be a good thing in the long run. He'll be more physically fit and more able to enjoy the sorts of things polar bears enjoy. And besides, I'm told that the lady polar bears have to have a man that enjoys fish, not croissants.
I can relate. As a young boy I was quite heavy, and like Knut, I enjoyed eating croissants whenever I could--in my case the one's from Burger King that included egg, sausage, and cheese. Unfortunately for me, when I was in grade school people who saw me (like the girls in 7th grade who were my classmates) did not say that I was "a growing boy, and should be able to eat what I want." However, I would like to tell Knut--if he could understand and would not maul me--that his diet will be a good thing in the long run. He'll be more physically fit and more able to enjoy the sorts of things polar bears enjoy. And besides, I'm told that the lady polar bears have to have a man that enjoys fish, not croissants.
7/17/2007
Humor: Community in the Church
I look forward to the time (in the not too distant future) when this spoof story becomes true.
(via LarkNews.com)
Fickle Younger Generation Decides It’s Done With Community
(via LarkNews.com)
Fickle Younger Generation Decides It’s Done With Community
G.K Chesterton--Quote Machine Vol. 1
One of the most talented yet unknown writers and thinkers of the turn of the 20th century was G.K. Chesterton. Go ahead and check this out for a quick into. Chesterton was a master of brilliant, witty turns of phrase that often contain much truth and are thought provoking. To prove this, I plan to post a few Chesterton quotes from time to time and give my thoughts on them.
"When you break the big laws, you do not get freedom; you do not even get anarchy. You get the small laws."
Working in state government, I can attest to the truth of this maxim. That the statue books increase in size each year testify to the fact that people fail to follow the law. I would also add that when you see a small law or a small change in the law, it too often creates an additional burden of regulation that is a nuisance for the private sector and creates very little actual value added. When a private sector actor wants that small change, it is usually for the benefit for a particular interest (not necessarily bad and to be expected) and too often for the purpose of using government to obtain a competitive advantage (most certainly bad).
"The whole modern world has divided itself into Conservatives and Progressives. The business of Progressives is to go on making mistakes. The business of the Conservatives is to prevent the mistakes from being corrected."
I will not comment too extensively on this one for reasons of job security other than to comment on the fact that Chesterton, who lived 100 years ago, appears to have his pulse on the current mood of the electorate.
"Don't ever take a fence down until you know the reason it was put up."
This is a brilliant point. Most rules, standards, or norms of conduct are designed or naturally develop in response to a need in the community. Not only this, but as Chesterton points out in his book Orthodoxy, the rules of God are often placed in order to provide safe parameters within which we may enjoy freedom. When looking at possibly wanting to change a societal norm, it is wise to think of why the norm is in place and think through the negative effects of eliminating it. We do this far too little, often not realizing the harm we do.
"Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about."
This quote from Orthodoxy points out the arrogance and lack of respect that comes from not giving consideration to tradition in the church. Chesterton would not say that tradition is sacrosanct--after all they are to have a vote, not be an oligarchy of the dead. However, to not recognize and utilize the wisdom and experience of our forebears is shortsighted, foolish, and arrogant.
Well, I hope you enjoyed these quotes and that they'll motivate you to check G.K. out. He is unlike any author I have ever read, and is not easy to read at all. If you are a Christian, I recommend picking up Orthodoxy. And if I haven't convinced you to check him out, I'll be posting more quotes.
"When you break the big laws, you do not get freedom; you do not even get anarchy. You get the small laws."
Working in state government, I can attest to the truth of this maxim. That the statue books increase in size each year testify to the fact that people fail to follow the law. I would also add that when you see a small law or a small change in the law, it too often creates an additional burden of regulation that is a nuisance for the private sector and creates very little actual value added. When a private sector actor wants that small change, it is usually for the benefit for a particular interest (not necessarily bad and to be expected) and too often for the purpose of using government to obtain a competitive advantage (most certainly bad).
"The whole modern world has divided itself into Conservatives and Progressives. The business of Progressives is to go on making mistakes. The business of the Conservatives is to prevent the mistakes from being corrected."
I will not comment too extensively on this one for reasons of job security other than to comment on the fact that Chesterton, who lived 100 years ago, appears to have his pulse on the current mood of the electorate.
"Don't ever take a fence down until you know the reason it was put up."
This is a brilliant point. Most rules, standards, or norms of conduct are designed or naturally develop in response to a need in the community. Not only this, but as Chesterton points out in his book Orthodoxy, the rules of God are often placed in order to provide safe parameters within which we may enjoy freedom. When looking at possibly wanting to change a societal norm, it is wise to think of why the norm is in place and think through the negative effects of eliminating it. We do this far too little, often not realizing the harm we do.
"Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about."
This quote from Orthodoxy points out the arrogance and lack of respect that comes from not giving consideration to tradition in the church. Chesterton would not say that tradition is sacrosanct--after all they are to have a vote, not be an oligarchy of the dead. However, to not recognize and utilize the wisdom and experience of our forebears is shortsighted, foolish, and arrogant.
Well, I hope you enjoyed these quotes and that they'll motivate you to check G.K. out. He is unlike any author I have ever read, and is not easy to read at all. If you are a Christian, I recommend picking up Orthodoxy. And if I haven't convinced you to check him out, I'll be posting more quotes.
7/11/2007
Movie Review: Transformers (**1/2)
Transformers is a movie that is interesting, facile, humorous, and ludicrous. If I were a 10 year old boy I would undoubtedly give it 4 out of 4 stars and think it is the greatest movie ever made. However, since I am a good bit older than that I cannot ignore the movie's flaws.
The plot to the movie is simple enough. Transformers are alien robots that can transform into cars, planes, military hardware, and other items as a means of disguise. As it turns out, there are good Transformers (the Autobots) and evil ones (Decepticons) and they have been battling for millenia to control their home planet. Each side wants the McGuffin (The Spark) which is incredibly powerful and would turn the tide of the war. As it turns out, the Spark is on earth and thus the two sides are going to battle for it here.
The best part of this movie are the action sequences, with robots transforming constantly and all sorts of things going on all over the screen. You really almost can't keep up, partly due to director Michael Bay's proclivity for extreme close-ups and erratic camera views. Despite this, the fight scenes between the US military and the Decepticons are quite good. Also, the movie has some chuckles and is tongue in cheek in an almost campy way, which is a must given how ludicrous the film is at times. Shia LeBouf does a good job as young Sam Witwicky who is befriended by the Autobots. The main problem with the movie is that there is no character development of the various robots. They are the stars of this film, but we have no idea why they act as they do, other than that they are either a good or evil sort of robot and that explains it. Also, the plot is rather ludicrous and has plot threads that could be completely cut from the film and not be missed at all.
Transformers are a line of toys for children that were first introduced in the USA around 1984 by Hasbro, along with an accompanying cartoon that was produced by Marvel Comics. With that as the source material, perhaps it isn't too surprising that what ends up on screen here is essentially a cartoon brought into real life. If you understand that what you are seeing is completely ludicrous and embrace that fact, I think you can enjoy Transformers as a fun movie for its action sequences and spurts of lowbrow humor, taking it all in very tongue in cheek.
RATING: **1/2 of 4 stars (fair to good); **** of 4 stars if you are a young boy.
The plot to the movie is simple enough. Transformers are alien robots that can transform into cars, planes, military hardware, and other items as a means of disguise. As it turns out, there are good Transformers (the Autobots) and evil ones (Decepticons) and they have been battling for millenia to control their home planet. Each side wants the McGuffin (The Spark) which is incredibly powerful and would turn the tide of the war. As it turns out, the Spark is on earth and thus the two sides are going to battle for it here.
The best part of this movie are the action sequences, with robots transforming constantly and all sorts of things going on all over the screen. You really almost can't keep up, partly due to director Michael Bay's proclivity for extreme close-ups and erratic camera views. Despite this, the fight scenes between the US military and the Decepticons are quite good. Also, the movie has some chuckles and is tongue in cheek in an almost campy way, which is a must given how ludicrous the film is at times. Shia LeBouf does a good job as young Sam Witwicky who is befriended by the Autobots. The main problem with the movie is that there is no character development of the various robots. They are the stars of this film, but we have no idea why they act as they do, other than that they are either a good or evil sort of robot and that explains it. Also, the plot is rather ludicrous and has plot threads that could be completely cut from the film and not be missed at all.
Transformers are a line of toys for children that were first introduced in the USA around 1984 by Hasbro, along with an accompanying cartoon that was produced by Marvel Comics. With that as the source material, perhaps it isn't too surprising that what ends up on screen here is essentially a cartoon brought into real life. If you understand that what you are seeing is completely ludicrous and embrace that fact, I think you can enjoy Transformers as a fun movie for its action sequences and spurts of lowbrow humor, taking it all in very tongue in cheek.
RATING: **1/2 of 4 stars (fair to good); **** of 4 stars if you are a young boy.
Movie Review: Life Free or Die Hard (***)
The fourth Die Hard installment once again finds John McClane taking on a group of terrorists. The movie delivers what you'd hope to get in a Die Hard movie--plenty of action and McClane showing again why he's the working man's action hero and one of the best action movie characters ever created. Bruce Willis has some good one liners, and his alliance with a young hacker (Justin Long) works pretty well. Timothy Olyphant is solid as the villain Thomas Gabriel, but I would have preferred an actor who is a bit older with a bit more gravitas in the role. I suppose that since Bruce is getting a bit older, they decided to cast a younger actor as the villain to appeal to a younger demographic (no doubt Justin Long also was brought in to do this) and the ladies. Maggie Q plays Gabriel's femme fatale far-east assassin, and does well enough, though her character is so tough in a fight scene with Willis that I laughed to myself and wondered if this girl was the female terminator from Terminator 3.
This time the plot, in a nod to our internet age, involves a terror group that uses computer nerds to create havoc. If you remember what the ultimate goal of the villian in Sneakers was, you'll have a good idea of what these villains are up to. In fact, the enormity of the villain's goals is really my main problem with this movie. The whole premise of Die Hard surrounds whether the hero can overcome overwhelming odds and defeat the criminals by himself. However, if the criminal's goals are too extravegant, then it ceases to be realistic that only one man would be involved in taking on the bad guys. In Die Hard, it made sense that an off duty cop would be in an office building where hostages were being held, and would heroically take matters into his own hands. In Die Hard 4, our terrorists are aiming so high and succeeding to such an extent, that it simply isn't believable that one man is taking them on. Quite frankly, the entire US military would be called back from Iraq and anywhere else they might be to secure the country and get the enemy. My other problem with this movie is a certain chase scene towards the end. Let's just say that when the stinking military finally shows up, it is in the form of just one jet and the resulting action is just a little too over the top.
Despite these flaws, Live Free or Die Hard is simply a fun action film. There's plenty of action to take in and some wry chuckles to be had. It's a good action film that is worth catching in the theater if you want to have a nice two hour escape and some thrills. Really, isn't that what a summer action movie is supposed to accomplish?
RATING: ***/4 (Good)
This time the plot, in a nod to our internet age, involves a terror group that uses computer nerds to create havoc. If you remember what the ultimate goal of the villian in Sneakers was, you'll have a good idea of what these villains are up to. In fact, the enormity of the villain's goals is really my main problem with this movie. The whole premise of Die Hard surrounds whether the hero can overcome overwhelming odds and defeat the criminals by himself. However, if the criminal's goals are too extravegant, then it ceases to be realistic that only one man would be involved in taking on the bad guys. In Die Hard, it made sense that an off duty cop would be in an office building where hostages were being held, and would heroically take matters into his own hands. In Die Hard 4, our terrorists are aiming so high and succeeding to such an extent, that it simply isn't believable that one man is taking them on. Quite frankly, the entire US military would be called back from Iraq and anywhere else they might be to secure the country and get the enemy. My other problem with this movie is a certain chase scene towards the end. Let's just say that when the stinking military finally shows up, it is in the form of just one jet and the resulting action is just a little too over the top.
Despite these flaws, Live Free or Die Hard is simply a fun action film. There's plenty of action to take in and some wry chuckles to be had. It's a good action film that is worth catching in the theater if you want to have a nice two hour escape and some thrills. Really, isn't that what a summer action movie is supposed to accomplish?
RATING: ***/4 (Good)
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