You can read some things that I've written about stuff going on in the news or on TV. Sometimes the stuff I write is just about my life or even completely made up. So, I guess that's my welcome message.
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Here are some interesting stories to check out this weekend. Thanks for reading!
Discovery Canyon Campus, an elementary school in Colorado, has banned the game of tag from being played by students. Following the example of other schools like Willett Elementary School in Massachusettes, Cindy Fesgen, the assistant principal, says that the activity causes too much conflict. Fesgen says that students can still play running games just as long as they aren't chasing each other. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you eliminate all games that include tagging or chasing others when you run, aren't you just left with pretty much the game of Run?
Think about it. You run in pursuit of others in football, basketball, baseball, racing, kickball, and soccer. I hope these schools have LOTS of swings and tether ball poles. What are we trying to do to our children? When I was little, recess was the part of the day I looked forward to the most and all the games I played involved some form of physical chasing, tagging, or public ridicule to some degree. This is what builds up the character of our kids. We can't be so afraid as adults that our kids might get hurt feelings, or experience failure, etc, that we start eliminating experiences that could also be positive for them.
If we aren't careful, we are going to end up turning all of our kids into pansies. Of course we want to teach our children to avoid unnecessary conflict, but not at the cost of being afraid of it at times in their life when it is needed. Let's choose not to breed passivity into our children's character and put tag and other chasing games like it back on these playgrounds where they belong.
The Mormon Church does not open its temple doors to the public. Entry into one of these sacred meeting places requires a properly signed official church voucher called a temple recommend. In an apparent effort to protect church rituals and secrets, the old recommends are being replaced with new versions that include a personal bar code. (Bar codes for people? Time to check the rapture index.)
How does one go about getting a temple recommend? For starters, you'll have to answer a series of questions to determine your worthiness. Questions like:
Reuters found it necessary to report that the online retailer, Christian Outdoorsman, is selling camouflage bibles. Well I am too(sort of)and here's why.
Most people think of Christian men as timid and passive. A sort of doughty happy-go-lucky character that would thrive in a sit-com about marriage or parenting. Do you follow me? More and more, men do not want to go to church or be caught carrying around a bible or be seen or heard praying because of the stigma that will go along with those things. What man wants to be thought of as timid and passive? Well, that is not how a Christian man should be perceived and I think a having a waterproof camouflage bible is a step in the right direction.
Although it would come in handy if I were to take up game hunting, I mostly want one because I would feel like my bible is telling people, "Hey, I a man's man and this is my bible is ready to do combat." Or hunt the Predator. Maybe my argument for it isn't so strong, but I still really like the idea.
The CBS reality tv juggernaut, "Survivor: China" premieers on September 20 at 8pm and I'm stoked. This season we will get to watch a professional WWE female wrestler, a lunch lady, and other colorful characters square try to outlast, outwit and out-whatever else the each other for one million bucks.
Most anticipated of all, is the match between the gay Mormon contestant and the Christian radio host. Will the Latter Day Saint be wearing only his sacred undergarments and trademark buffer? Will the radio host be flaunting around his bible (perhaps one with a camouflage cover)? Perhaps they'll surprise everyone and get along OR argue about whether or not you can baptize the dead or become the God of your own planet when you die.
Hey, how did a gay person get a temple recommend?
I spend a fair amount of time in several different comedy related forums online. One thing I have come to learn is that there seems to be an endless supply of teenagers who are aspiring to break into the stand-up industry. For the most part, this eclectic group consists of sad hopefuls who really love watching comedy but don't understand what makes something funny or how to do it themselves. They love quoting Dane Cook and have massive archives of themselves doing stand-up in front of an audience of one - their web cam.
Occasionally, I'll see someone who (although VERY green) seems to have that certain rhythm, that je ne sais quoi that shows they aren't there yet, but they're working at it. And working hard. I decided to run a short series of features based on the "kid comedians" who I think have the guts, spunk, and moxie to make it. The first of these young up and comers I would like to introduce is Chris Palmieri.
Read more of Friday's featured comic: Chris Palmieri at Punchline Magazine!
Cecil Howard Sinclair was a Navy veteran who died this week at 46 from an infection after having surgery. His brother, a janitor and member at High Point Church, arranged for a funeral service to be held there. After reading the man's obituary, church officials discovered something crucial. Something that prompted the immediate cancellation of Sinclair's service just 24 hours prior to the event. Cecil Sinclair was gay.
It turns out that High Point was not willing to run the risk of giving people the impression that their church endorsed homosexuality. I'm not sure how it works, but apparently using your church building to host a funeral service for a member's love one who was gay means that you also accept/condone being gay. Whatever your stance is (here's mine), a church that doesn't want to serve and love others in your community just because you don't approve of the type of choices they make or how they live should close its doors and hit the road.
In the defense of Gary Simmons, the church's pastor, he did have the following to say, "We did decline to host the service — not based on hatred, not based on discrimination, but based on principle. Had we known it on the day they first spoke about it — yes, we would have declined then. It’s not that we didn’t love the family.”
Well, then who didn't you love?
I really like movies. Not just watching them, but writing scenes, getting into the sub-plot, tearing apart the storyline - really getting into movies. I visited a startup blog this week called Intermission at Work and it fits perfectly into the movie niche. Mostly filled with honest movie reviews and speculation about upcoming weekend releases, this blog is easy to follow and light hearted. A nice change in pace from the deep heady blogs, or websites about how evil President Bush is.
I think what this site lends itself to best is the opportunity for ongoing conversations in the comments section of each review. Let's say someone checks out the review on a movie releasing next weekend. If the review was positive but they thought the movie was awful (like Crocodile Dundee 2 awful)then they could return to the blog and leave some feedback or vice versa.
Here's a sample review of the upcoming movie,"War."
How I think it will do – You can’t really go wrong with Jet Li and Jason Statham. Both are just plain awesome. I think this movie could be a surprise at the box office, a welcome addition for those who are missing an action movie after having seen Bourne Ultimatum. Hopefully this one will not get banned in China like Rush Hour 3, but I suspect it might, since it has Triad gang references.
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Last week in my post titled, "Goldmans to publish Simpson book of murder," I shared my thoughts about the plan to release O.J. Simpson's book, "If I Did It." Looks like the book chain Barnes & Noble isn't so excited for this title to hit the press either. Mary Ellen Keating, a Barnes & Noble spokeswoman, told the Associated Press that due to a perceived lack of customer interest, the book will only be available online.
"Our buyers don't feel there will be enough of a demand to carry it in our stores," Keating said.
Maybe it isn't completely refusing to sell the book but I find some satisfaction in that announcement nonetheless. Personally, if I was in the publishing business and saw that Rupert Murdoch decided to pass on, "If I Did It," I'd be turning the other way.
An Italian scientist believes that within the next three to ten years, experts should be able to create completely synthetic life from scratch. These first cells of synthetic life will be made from the basic chemicals in DNA and will have untold possibilities for life as we know it. In fact, according to Mark Bedau, chief operating officer of ProtoLife, "We're talking about a technology that could change our world in pretty fundamental ways—in fact, in ways that are impossible to predict." That leads me to my question - should we be trying to create something that will fundamentally change the world in ways that we cannot predict?
If you think about it, if something has a completely unpredictable outcome, I could come up with any kind of possible outcome and they would all be just as viable as the next. So this artificial life could:
Although it wasn't in the same room, Gyneth Paltrow was in Chicago this weekend staying in the same hotel as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Taking a time out from filming "Iron Man" to promote a new fragrance line, Paltrow noted that the were much more paparazzi in the city than a few years ago. She hoped that the media circus would end once Brangelina left town.
"When Brad and Angelina leave, won't they go too?'' Paltrow wondered.
Honestly, this isn't my usual sort of post. I've noticed however, that for several months now, my top visited story and most frequently searched key words had to with Gwyneth Paltrow. Anyone landing on Chaseblogger searching for Paltrow would find a story I commented on back when she made some disparaging comments about Americans. I thought it might be appropriate to have something a little more current to offer about this one time A-list actress (as Yoda says, "starring in comic book movie an A-list celebrity does not make." Well, that's what my Yoda is always saying.)
I wonder if her new perfume is apple scented?
Here is my selection of things I read this week that I found really interesting. Just not interesting enough to form a long winded opinion on. Have a read and let me know what you think in the comment section!
Some comics have a very distinguished stage presence. Their look, voice, and mannerisms set them apart from the average performer. Chicago native, John Roy, is one of those kinds of comics. Aside from the fact that he is the only completely bald comedian I can think of off the top of my head, for me it is John's voice and quick delivery that makes him unforgettable. I found a clip on YouTube that I consider to be the ideal of what a great set should be.
Read the rest at Punchline Magazine!
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A Manhattan Mini Storage advertisement has people in an uproar over their new billboard ad that says, "Your closet space is shrinking as fast as her right to choose," over a picture of a wire coat hanger. While some people thought the ad was clever and edgy, a louder majority thinks it vile and shameful. The hanger, I'm sure, is supposed to allude to the women who attempted extremely dangerous, and often fatal, self abortions. Personally, I think the billboard was a bad business move.
Setting the obvious issue aside for a moment, let's look at this from the business perspective of Manhattan Mini Storage. Their entire target market has a 50% chance of either being Pro-Life or Pro-Choice. What sense does it make to start an ad campaign that will potentially alienate 50% of that market?
Now for the real issue - Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice. I don't know about you, but I'm both and I believe God is both as well. The Pro-Choicers want women to have the final decision on whether or not they keep a pregnancy under the logic that it is their body and should therefor be their choice. I have to say, that is a fair argument. I also want women to be able to choose for themselves. Pro-Lifers believe life begins at conception and that any kind of termination of a viable pregnancy is the same as murder (yikes! That doesn't come across as loving) and think that every effort should be made to protect that life. Well, I also think every effort (within reason) should be made to protect life and that life begins at conception - but I still believe the woman should have the right to choose. What!? Is that even possible!? Is he asking himself these question in third person? (Technically, that was in fourth person.)
I would love to see a time when people on both sides of this issue could come together and agree that at the heart of this debate are women who need to be helped, to be loved, and maybe to have someone to grieve with. Luckily, there are Christians in this world who believe they have been called on to be that kind of loving, compassionate person to help them through tough decisions and obstacles in life. Not just to picket clinics with signs or make a woman who is already struggling become ridden with guilt or shame. I've said it before and I will say as often as necessary- it's all about love people. It's all about love.
Remember O.J. Simpson's book, "If I Did It," about how he would have committed the murders of Ron Goldman and Nichole Brown? You know, the one that got the Goldman family to start a media frenzy over how unethical it would be to print it? Well, the Goldman's are singing a different tune.
According to The ShowBuzz, the Goldman's have reached a deal with a New York publishing company to completely repackage the book and release it. The "repackaging" will entail leaving all of Simpson's original book intact, but will also include a commentary from the Goldman family. Portions of the proceeds will go toward the Ron Goldman Foundation for Justice.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but if everyone was up in arms about this book being released the first time when Simpson was going to profit from it, isn't it still wrong to release it even though someone else is going to profit from it? Maybe it is or is not unethical. I just think that it raises questions about the character of the Goldmans as well as their motives, when they aren't at least putting all of their proceeds toward this foundation.
Speaking of, what exactly does the Ron Goldman Foundation for Justice do? I've tried to find a website for it that explains why it exists, but one doesn't exist. Seems to me like a good way to put aside some tax free money. The kind you make when you publish about how your son was killed that was written by the man who was charged with killing him.
Since Simpson was acquitted of the original murder charges, and because his book is hypothetical, I guess that makes this latest Goldman venture merely hypothetically unethical.
I was reading a news story today about some people from the Westboro Baptist Church (you know the ones that overtly celebrate national tragedy as evidence of God's wrath on our 'disobedient' nation) who were on vacation in Daytona Beach, FL. They decided to stand outside the front of a church to picket a soldier's funeral. Shirley Phelps (one the hate-mongers) considers it her prophetic duty to to America to repent the sin of sodomy. Shirley's family were holding signs that read, "God is America's Terror," "Soldiers die, God laughs," and "Pray for more dead kids." Just what Jesus would say. . .
In an attempt to defend their atrocious picketing and others' assertions that they are not acting in accordance to God, Rebekah Phelps said "you can't pick what you like (out of the Bible)." To me, that statement implies that there is a way to just accept the bible at face value when really, anyone who attends church or studies the bible is deciding to follow or making their own interpretations about the bible. It is a mysterious and interactive collection.
There are verses describing how women should dress, directing us to greet each other with a holy kiss, telling us to stone people who blaspheme God, and commanding us to sell our possessions and give to the poor. Obviously, since few churches are doing things these ways, someone at some point made some decisions about how to interpret the bible and others are following that. When someone set forth to translate scripture from Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek into English, that person had to make decisions like this as well. Sometimes, there are not exact English words to use and so the translator would have to make a decision on how best to interpret what the original writer wanted to convey. So whenever we read the bible in English we are following a translator's best interpretation.
I am not saying that the bible isn't the authoritive word of God, I believe it is. I'm just saying that the book makes so many statements and raises so many questions that a group of believers need to decide collectively what general interpretation that are going to go with.
Logically, Rebekah Phelps has contradicted herself by claiming, "you can't pick what you want," because its obvious to me that the people at Westboro Baptist have chosen to ignore 1Corinthian 13.
I want to know what you think. Is it possible for a church to just "teach the bible," or is everyone following someone's interpretations? Also, feel free to vent about disgusting the folks at Westboro Baptist conduct themselves.
Here is a quick list of stories I found interesting this week that I think you should read.
Approximation of priest with clothes on.
Rev. Robert Whipkey likes to jog early in the morning before sunrise. . .naked. Whipkey, 53, was spotted by Frederick, CO police walking naked down the street after a jog at a nearby high school around 4:30 AM.
In Whipkey's defense, he did tell the officers that if he wears clothing while jogging, he will sweat profusely. I can understand that if he were to wear a sweat suit of even a shirt and jogging pants that a lot a dripping sweat could occur at his age. What if he were only wearing shorts? Does he expect us to believe that his holy regions have omnipotent sweat glands?
According to prosecutors, if Whipkey is convicted of indecent exposure he would have to register as a sex offender. What is the world coming to when Catholic priests have to register as sex offenders?
Oh, wait.
It's no secret by now that I'm a big fan of stand-up comedy. To some extent I guess you could say that it's something I covet. Since I can't go out and do it, I read about it, write about it, and sometimes even write material for it. One blog site I have found that I am really enjoying, keeps me up to speed on the comedy events, projects, and happenings. It is called Dead-Frog.com and it is authored by Todd Jackson, who is also the "Editorial Director for Comedy Central's web arm" and "Managing Editor of Cracked Magazine."
Dead-Frog.com also boats a massive Stand-Up Comic Archive. A complete list of stand-up comedians that spans across the ages. This fully interactive archive includes video clips, lists of works for sale through Amazon.com, a feature for registered user (don't worry it's free) to select their favorite performers and a list of other suggested comics that are favorite-ed by users who also enjoy the one you are previewing.
If you're like me, and really enjoy watching new comics or reminiscing on comedian of old, then visit Dead-Frog.com. It's fun , entertaining and worth your time.
Andi Smith doesn't act like the typical stand-up comic. That's not to say that she doesn't take the stage and make you laugh immediately. Typically, a comic will run out on stage, grab the microphone while smiling enthusiastically, and wow you with their high energy onslaught of material. Mostly, Smith takes the mic with her arms half folded (looking more annoyed than excited (and maybe a little sick to her stomach)) and sort of sounds like she's complaining while telling jokes. . . and I love it!
Read the rest of this feature article at PunchlineMagazine.com!
Great news everybody! If you are here hoping to read the Friday's Featured Comic Post, they have been moved. As of yesterday, I have been welcomed in as a guest writer at the PunchlingMagazine.com blog!
From now on you can follow my stand-up comedy reviews and feature articles along with a whole group of talented industry regulars who know their stuff.
Thanks for reading and if you haven't already, SUBSCRIBE!
As I sit here starting my post for the day, I find myself struggling within trying to find the strength to press on. Why the sudden slump? It's because Elton John doesn't like what I do.
"Let's get out in the streets and march and protest instead of sitting at home blogging," says Sir Elton according the The Sun Online.
Hey. I do most of my blogging at work.
Elton's recent Unibomberesque anti-technology rant stems from his belief that "the Internet has stopped people from going out and being with each other, creating stuff."
Sir Elton doesn't think people should be allowed to sit in their home and make records through the easy use of computer technology. He has also suggested that the entire Internet be shut down for five years to see what sort of art would be produced over that span of time. Since he seems to be the only artist with this position, I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that any music produced during that time would sound remarkably like Elton John's.
Isn't the world wide web actually helping more emerging artists find larger audiences for their nice of creativity? I always considered it to be an amazing advancement for humankind that allows the instantaneous transfer of information (be creative in form or otherwise) to an enormous amount of people all at once. But what do I know? I'm just a blogger.
TheIndyChannel.com is reporting another separate incident that occurred this week involving an adult attempting an exorcism on a minor. This time, the so-called exorcist was 22-year-old Edward Uyesugi II, an usher at the Cherry Hill Christian Center. The victim was 14-year-old Jacob, who suffers from autism.
From what I have gathered after reading this report, is that the parents were approached by Uyesugi and that he claimed he could cure the boy's autism by casting out demons who posses him through prayer. Personally, I do believe that God is big enough to miraculously heal anyone from any infliction although I cannot say off hand that I know anyone personally who has experienced this, but I believe it firmly to be true. What this man did to this young boy however, was not a method practiced at my church's prayer meetings.
Uysesugi, at one point, forced Jacob down, punched him in the face several times and then induced vomiting by putting his fingers down the boy's throat. According to Detective Brad Swain, it was at that point (but not until the vomitting) that the parents objected to what was going on. The parents didn't even call the police at that point - instead opting to call the pastor of the church. The pastor then notified authorities. What is going with these parents!?
With all the recent news on exorcism going around, I would like to share a valuable resource to anyone to who may be thinking that someone you know is possessed by demons. First off, it is important to understand the signs that someone may be demon possessed. Those signs include: speaking foreign or ancient languages of which the possessed has no prior knowledge, supernatural abilities and strength, knowledge of hidden or remote things which the possessed has no way of knowing, an aversion to anything holy, and profuse blasphemy. The proper exorcising techniques are laid out in the 84-page Roman Catholic document, "Of Exorcisms and Certain Supplications," and is to only be performed by an ordained priest. I suppose the protestant version of that would be the pastor. Last I checked, ushers were not delivering the message on Sunday morning.
Cherry Hill Christian Center is refusing to make comment, but I wonder just how much of this they teach to their members? On their website, they claim to an "Apostolic Prophetic Training Center." I'm taking this to mean that they believe that they can "teach" members how to have the spiritual gift of prophecy while going out and planting churches. What else could they be teaching the unequipped and unqualified members to go out and do?
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