Saturday, February 18, 2006
The Dumbest Statement Ever
Two of best-known development corporations in the tri-state expect to be among the competitors to redevelop a 13.9-acre tract on the Newport riverfront where demolition of a public housing project began this week.
The site, just west of Newport on the Levee, is being cleared to make way for what the city anticipates will be a signature urban village, where people will live, shop and work.
The city's broad vision for the site includes such amenities as plazas, public art and fountains mixed among condos, office building and hotels.
...Both Fennell and Knepshield rejected the notion that the redevelopment plan is part of an effort to muscle poor and low-income residents out of a city where an upscale revitalization has been under way for at least a decade.
"I can say with a clear conscience that that's not what is happening," Fennell said. "This old concept of warehousing people in one location has gone by the wayside all over the country."
She pointed out that a variety of programs are being employed to blend low-income people into neighborhoods all over the city.
...Knepshield also stressed that the theory behind the relocation effort is to "eliminate the large concentration of (public housing) units that has not worked anywhere in the country."
He said he couldn't comment about whether low-income people might have an opportunity to live in the new development because no one knows what will be built there.
Knepshield should be run out of office for that comment.
The site, just west of Newport on the Levee, is being cleared to make way for what the city anticipates will be a signature urban village, where people will live, shop and work.
The city's broad vision for the site includes such amenities as plazas, public art and fountains mixed among condos, office building and hotels.
...Both Fennell and Knepshield rejected the notion that the redevelopment plan is part of an effort to muscle poor and low-income residents out of a city where an upscale revitalization has been under way for at least a decade.
"I can say with a clear conscience that that's not what is happening," Fennell said. "This old concept of warehousing people in one location has gone by the wayside all over the country."
She pointed out that a variety of programs are being employed to blend low-income people into neighborhoods all over the city.
...Knepshield also stressed that the theory behind the relocation effort is to "eliminate the large concentration of (public housing) units that has not worked anywhere in the country."
He said he couldn't comment about whether low-income people might have an opportunity to live in the new development because no one knows what will be built there.
Knepshield should be run out of office for that comment.
Quote of the Day II
[T]he debate playing out in the blogosphere, cable airwaves and on talk radio pits the Vice President against an allegedly left-wing, overly cynical, prissy White House press corps in a tizzy because it wasn't the first to know and angry because it hates the President and Vice President anyway. -- NBC's David Gregory
While Gregory doesn't agree that this is true (the left-wing bias and prissyness of the press corps), we all know that it its.
While Gregory doesn't agree that this is true (the left-wing bias and prissyness of the press corps), we all know that it its.
Quote of the Day
Cheney is a terrorist. He terrorizes our enemies abroad and innocent citizens here at home indiscriminately. Who ever thought Harry Whittington would be the answer to America's prayers. Finally, someone who might get that lying, thieving Cheney into a courtroom to answer some direct questions. -- actor Alec Baldwin
Now, Baldwin is universally recognized as one of the bigger dopes in Hollywood. However, I do believe his unhinged worldview is fairly typical of the Hollywood crowd.
Now, Baldwin is universally recognized as one of the bigger dopes in Hollywood. However, I do believe his unhinged worldview is fairly typical of the Hollywood crowd.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Ooops!
From the NY Times:
For most of the 20th century, therapists in America agreed on a single truth. To cure patients, it was necessary to explore and talk through the origins of their problems. In other words, they had to come to terms with the past to move forward in the present.
Thousands of hours and countless dollars were spent in this pursuit. Therapists listened diligently as their patients recounted elaborate narratives of family dysfunction — the alcoholic father, the mother too absorbed in her own unhappiness to attend to her children's needs — certain that this process would ultimately produce relief.
But returning to the past has fallen out of fashion among mental health professionals over the last 15 years. Research has convinced many therapists that understanding the past is not required for healing.
So what do you say to all of those people that shrinks have screwed up over the past 100 years. Ooops. Nice work guys.
For most of the 20th century, therapists in America agreed on a single truth. To cure patients, it was necessary to explore and talk through the origins of their problems. In other words, they had to come to terms with the past to move forward in the present.
Thousands of hours and countless dollars were spent in this pursuit. Therapists listened diligently as their patients recounted elaborate narratives of family dysfunction — the alcoholic father, the mother too absorbed in her own unhappiness to attend to her children's needs — certain that this process would ultimately produce relief.
But returning to the past has fallen out of fashion among mental health professionals over the last 15 years. Research has convinced many therapists that understanding the past is not required for healing.
So what do you say to all of those people that shrinks have screwed up over the past 100 years. Ooops. Nice work guys.
I'm With Chuck On This One
From Chuck Colson:
When church music directors lead the congregation in singing some praise music, I often listen stoically with teeth clenched. But one Sunday morning, I cracked. We had been led through endless repetitions of a meaningless ditty called, “Draw Me Close to You.” The song has zero theological content and could be sung in a nightclub, for that matter. When I thought it was finally and mercifully over, the music leader beamed at us and said in a cheerful voice, “Let’s sing that again, shall we?” “No!” I shouted loudly. Heads all around me spun while my wife cringed.
When church music directors lead the congregation in singing some praise music, I often listen stoically with teeth clenched. But one Sunday morning, I cracked. We had been led through endless repetitions of a meaningless ditty called, “Draw Me Close to You.” The song has zero theological content and could be sung in a nightclub, for that matter. When I thought it was finally and mercifully over, the music leader beamed at us and said in a cheerful voice, “Let’s sing that again, shall we?” “No!” I shouted loudly. Heads all around me spun while my wife cringed.
"Do You Still Rock The Mic Like A Vandal?"
From WaPo online forum with Vanilla Ice:
Minneapolis, Minn.: Yo Vanilla -- do you still rock the mic like a vandal?
Vanilla Ice: Oh, of course, that'll never stop. A lot of people don't remember anything since Ice Ice Baby, but I've got 3 records out since then and they're all successes -- but not commercially...
Washington, D.C.: ...Do you ever feel that your contributions are unfairly disregarded?
Vanilla Ice: Yes. ... I'm over it now, though, and I feel I've been vindicated by the success of my last three records. ...
Arlington, Va.: Wanted to let you know that the very first tape I ever bought was yours (many years ago). You'll always have a special place in my heart!
Vanilla Ice: Awwwww. That's super sweet. That gives me goosebumps.
Minneapolis, Minn.: Yo Vanilla -- do you still rock the mic like a vandal?
Vanilla Ice: Oh, of course, that'll never stop. A lot of people don't remember anything since Ice Ice Baby, but I've got 3 records out since then and they're all successes -- but not commercially...
Washington, D.C.: ...Do you ever feel that your contributions are unfairly disregarded?
Vanilla Ice: Yes. ... I'm over it now, though, and I feel I've been vindicated by the success of my last three records. ...
Arlington, Va.: Wanted to let you know that the very first tape I ever bought was yours (many years ago). You'll always have a special place in my heart!
Vanilla Ice: Awwwww. That's super sweet. That gives me goosebumps.
Holy Crap!
How many Oscar winners have ever said things like this:
Roberto Benigni's Advice to Young People
TERNI, Italy, FEB. 16, 2006 (Zenit.org).- On the eve of the feast of St. Valentine's Day, film director and actor Roberto Benigni told a young audience that Jesus is the "inventor of selfless love." Being the man who could not sin, explained the director and actor of "Life Is Beautiful," Jesus "bore the sins of all."
The man who could not die "died for love of all," said Benigni. "He invented selfless love."
"You will tell me that love already existed," he added. "It's true! Radio waves and electricity also always existed, but if there had not been someone to discover them, we would not have known them."
Benigni on Monday was addressing a gathering of young people who filled the Verdi Theater in this city of the patron of lovers, St. Valentine. The meeting was organized Bishop Vincenzo Paglia, who heads the Diocese of Terni-Narni-Amelia, according to the Italian newspaper Avvenire.
For others Oscar-winner Benigni told his audience that Jesus "has truly stated that he is Love." Love is for others, "as our happiness depends on their happiness, and this is what Jesus has taught us," explained the actor-director.
Benigni gave young people a piece of advice. "May your steps move at the pace of [Jesus'] steps, fix your gaze in his direction."
During the show, Benigni recited passages of the Song of Songs and addressed a last thought to Mary, quoting one of the verses of Dante from "The Divine Comedy": "O Virgin Mother, daughter of thy Son! Created beings all in lowliness surpassing, as in height above them all; term by the eternal counsel pre-ordain'd."
I'd bet none.
Roberto Benigni's Advice to Young People
TERNI, Italy, FEB. 16, 2006 (Zenit.org).- On the eve of the feast of St. Valentine's Day, film director and actor Roberto Benigni told a young audience that Jesus is the "inventor of selfless love." Being the man who could not sin, explained the director and actor of "Life Is Beautiful," Jesus "bore the sins of all."
The man who could not die "died for love of all," said Benigni. "He invented selfless love."
"You will tell me that love already existed," he added. "It's true! Radio waves and electricity also always existed, but if there had not been someone to discover them, we would not have known them."
Benigni on Monday was addressing a gathering of young people who filled the Verdi Theater in this city of the patron of lovers, St. Valentine. The meeting was organized Bishop Vincenzo Paglia, who heads the Diocese of Terni-Narni-Amelia, according to the Italian newspaper Avvenire.
For others Oscar-winner Benigni told his audience that Jesus "has truly stated that he is Love." Love is for others, "as our happiness depends on their happiness, and this is what Jesus has taught us," explained the actor-director.
Benigni gave young people a piece of advice. "May your steps move at the pace of [Jesus'] steps, fix your gaze in his direction."
During the show, Benigni recited passages of the Song of Songs and addressed a last thought to Mary, quoting one of the verses of Dante from "The Divine Comedy": "O Virgin Mother, daughter of thy Son! Created beings all in lowliness surpassing, as in height above them all; term by the eternal counsel pre-ordain'd."
I'd bet none.
Al Queda vs. the Teamsters
Indeed, some of the documents used by researchers indicate that al Qaeda has vacation plans -- seven days every three weeks for married members, five days a month for bachelors -- and provides its members with 15 days of sick leave a year.
One document states that al Qaeda operatives must request vacation 10 weeks in advance, and another document outlines the pay scale for members: about $108 a month for married members, less if they're single and more if they have more than one wife.
One document states that al Qaeda operatives must request vacation 10 weeks in advance, and another document outlines the pay scale for members: about $108 a month for married members, less if they're single and more if they have more than one wife.
Quote of the Day
"Finally, tonight, the Winter Games. Count me among those who don’t like them and won’t watch them ... Because they’re so trying, maybe over the next three weeks we should all try too. Like, try not to be incredulous when someone attempts to link these games to those of the ancient Greeks who never heard of skating or skiing. So try not to laugh when someone says these are the world’s greatest athletes, despite a paucity of blacks that makes the Winter Games look like a GOP convention. Try not to point out that something’s not really a sport if a pseudo-athlete waits in what’s called a kiss-and-cry area, while some panel of subjective judges decides who won ... So if only to hasten the arrival of the day they’re done, when we can move on to March Madness — for God’s sake, let the games begin." -- Bryant Gumble
I liked this comment on the Gumble comment:
Suffice to say that Mr. Gumbel will not, in the near future, be commenting on the NBA looking like a Biggie Smalls funeral procession.
I liked this comment on the Gumble comment:
Suffice to say that Mr. Gumbel will not, in the near future, be commenting on the NBA looking like a Biggie Smalls funeral procession.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
The Big Man Sticking It To The Little Man
I don't know which is sadder: Netflix sticking it to frequent renters or the fact that this dude watches over 20 DVDs each month.
SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) -- Manuel Villanueva realizes he has been getting a pretty good deal since he signed up for Netflix Inc.'s online DVD rental service 2-1/2 years ago, but he still feels shortchanged.
That's because the $17.99 monthly fee that he pays to rent up to three DVDs at a time would amount to an even bigger bargain if the company didn't penalize him for returning his movies so quickly.
Netflix typically sends about 13 movies a month to Villanueva's home in Warren, Michigan -- down from the 18 to 22 DVDs he once received before the company's automated system identified him as a heavy renter and began delaying his shipments to protect its profits.
The same Netflix formula also shoves Villanueva to the back of the line for the most-wanted DVDs, so the service can send those popular flicks to new subscribers and infrequent renters.
The little-known practice, called "throttling" by critics, means Netflix customers who pay the same price for the same service are often treated differently, depending on their rental patterns.
"I wouldn't have a problem with it if they didn't advertise 'unlimited rentals,' " Villanueva said. "The fact is that they go out of their way to make sure you don't go over whatever secret limit they have set up for your account."
SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) -- Manuel Villanueva realizes he has been getting a pretty good deal since he signed up for Netflix Inc.'s online DVD rental service 2-1/2 years ago, but he still feels shortchanged.
That's because the $17.99 monthly fee that he pays to rent up to three DVDs at a time would amount to an even bigger bargain if the company didn't penalize him for returning his movies so quickly.
Netflix typically sends about 13 movies a month to Villanueva's home in Warren, Michigan -- down from the 18 to 22 DVDs he once received before the company's automated system identified him as a heavy renter and began delaying his shipments to protect its profits.
The same Netflix formula also shoves Villanueva to the back of the line for the most-wanted DVDs, so the service can send those popular flicks to new subscribers and infrequent renters.
The little-known practice, called "throttling" by critics, means Netflix customers who pay the same price for the same service are often treated differently, depending on their rental patterns.
"I wouldn't have a problem with it if they didn't advertise 'unlimited rentals,' " Villanueva said. "The fact is that they go out of their way to make sure you don't go over whatever secret limit they have set up for your account."
Monday, February 13, 2006
Who Woulda Thunk It?
February 10, 2006 -- A New Jersey go-go lounge made famous as the location for "The Sopranos" Bada Bing club became linked to a real-life mob drama yesterday, when prosecutors announced the strip joint's manager was swept up in one of the biggest illegal gambling dragnets in state history.
Chris Henry, Call Your Agent
Already on probation for a weapons conviction, Chicago Bears defensive tackle Terry "Tank" Johnson was charged Sunday with aggravated assault and resisting arrest after allegedly threatening a police officer.
"You ain't the only one with a Glock," Johnson told the officer, according to Chicago Police. "If it wasn't for your gun and your badge, I'd kick your ass."
The threat was against an officer who was ticketing a limousine illegally double parked at 1045 N. Rush at 3:45 a.m. Sunday, said Lt. Joe Schmit of the Near North District. When the officer tried to arrest Johnson, the player allegedly refused to place his hands behind his back to be handcuffed.
A struggle ensued, ending after the officer sprayed Johnson with Mace and overpowered him with the help of other officers, Schmit said. Johnson was released on a signature bond. Attempts to reach him, his agent or his attorney Sunday were unsuccessful.
On Nov. 2, Johnson pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor after a loaded gun was found in his truck in Chicago. He received probation.
"You ain't the only one with a Glock," Johnson told the officer, according to Chicago Police. "If it wasn't for your gun and your badge, I'd kick your ass."
The threat was against an officer who was ticketing a limousine illegally double parked at 1045 N. Rush at 3:45 a.m. Sunday, said Lt. Joe Schmit of the Near North District. When the officer tried to arrest Johnson, the player allegedly refused to place his hands behind his back to be handcuffed.
A struggle ensued, ending after the officer sprayed Johnson with Mace and overpowered him with the help of other officers, Schmit said. Johnson was released on a signature bond. Attempts to reach him, his agent or his attorney Sunday were unsuccessful.
On Nov. 2, Johnson pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor after a loaded gun was found in his truck in Chicago. He received probation.
Read!
Think of his astonishing request in 2 Timothy 4:13 where he asks “When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.” Now think of it. Paul is only months away from death. He has written the bulk of the letters of the New Testament. He has a lifetime of ministry behind him. And what does he want to do? Study! Winter is approaching and so Paul asks for his cloak, but more importantly he asks for books and parchments. Though almost at the end of his course, Paul aims to keep learning and growing by spiritual reading.
Nobody has ever uttered a more poignant pastoral meditation on this little verse than C.H. Spurgeon. Here is what he says:
...How rebuked are they by the apostle! He is inspired, and yet he wants books! He has been preaching at least for thirty years, and yet he wants books! He had seen the Lord, and yet he wants books! He had had a wider experience than most men, and yet he wants books! He had been caught up into the third heaven, and had heard things which it was unlawful for a man to utter, yet he wants books! He had written the major part of the New Testament, and yet he wants books! The apostle says to Timothy and so he says to every preacher, "GIVE THYSELF UNTO READING."
The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own. Brethren, what is true of ministers is true of all our people. YOU need to read. Renounce as much as you will all light literature, but study as much as possible sound theological works, especially the Puritanic writers, and expositions of the Bible. We are quite persuaded that the best way for you to be spending your leisure, is to be either reading or praying. You may get much instruction from books which afterwards you may use as a true weapon in your Lord and Master's service. Paul cries, "Bring the books" — join in the cry.
Paul herein is a picture of industry. He is in prison; he cannot preach: WHAT will he do? As he cannot preach, he will read. As we read of the fishermen of old and their boats. The fishermen were gone out of them. What were they doing? Mending their nets. So if providence has laid you upon a sick bed, and you cannot teach your class — if you cannot be working for God in public, mend your nets by reading. If one occupation is taken from you, take another, and let the books of the apostle read you a lesson of industry" (from Spurgeon’s sermon #542 "PAUL - His Cloak And His Books" in the Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit 9 (1863): 668-669).
Nobody has ever uttered a more poignant pastoral meditation on this little verse than C.H. Spurgeon. Here is what he says:
...How rebuked are they by the apostle! He is inspired, and yet he wants books! He has been preaching at least for thirty years, and yet he wants books! He had seen the Lord, and yet he wants books! He had had a wider experience than most men, and yet he wants books! He had been caught up into the third heaven, and had heard things which it was unlawful for a man to utter, yet he wants books! He had written the major part of the New Testament, and yet he wants books! The apostle says to Timothy and so he says to every preacher, "GIVE THYSELF UNTO READING."
The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own. Brethren, what is true of ministers is true of all our people. YOU need to read. Renounce as much as you will all light literature, but study as much as possible sound theological works, especially the Puritanic writers, and expositions of the Bible. We are quite persuaded that the best way for you to be spending your leisure, is to be either reading or praying. You may get much instruction from books which afterwards you may use as a true weapon in your Lord and Master's service. Paul cries, "Bring the books" — join in the cry.
Paul herein is a picture of industry. He is in prison; he cannot preach: WHAT will he do? As he cannot preach, he will read. As we read of the fishermen of old and their boats. The fishermen were gone out of them. What were they doing? Mending their nets. So if providence has laid you upon a sick bed, and you cannot teach your class — if you cannot be working for God in public, mend your nets by reading. If one occupation is taken from you, take another, and let the books of the apostle read you a lesson of industry" (from Spurgeon’s sermon #542 "PAUL - His Cloak And His Books" in the Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit 9 (1863): 668-669).
The Boy Did It!
Lynn (who was helping out at Peter's school) just called and said Peter has successfully recited all of the U.S. Presidents (first name, middle initial, and last name) in front of his entire pod (about 4 classes). Because he included first names and middle initials, he received an extra special prize.
Not impressed. Well, do you know who succeeded US Grant as president? Nope, didn't think so.
Not impressed. Well, do you know who succeeded US Grant as president? Nope, didn't think so.
Europe Is Dying...And May Already Be Dead
Here's a laundry list of important articles on Europe's intractable problems:
Fareed Zakaria has an important piece on “The Decline and Fall of Europe.” This is the economic system liberals would have us emulate. Have a look at what’s become of it. Zakaria makes the demographic point too, adding that protests are halting even the partial fix of raising the retirement age. And check out The Economist on “The Fertility Bust.” The Economist usually downplays Europe’s demographic problems. That makes this piece all the more powerful. And for the latest see “Controversy Over Rising Retirement Age Heats Up in Germany.” Meanwhile, France is gloomy and beginning to lose faith in its vaunted welfare state. The good news is that just might lead to serious reform of both economics and immigration. See “French Swing Behind Sarko’s Revolution” .
Fareed Zakaria has an important piece on “The Decline and Fall of Europe.” This is the economic system liberals would have us emulate. Have a look at what’s become of it. Zakaria makes the demographic point too, adding that protests are halting even the partial fix of raising the retirement age. And check out The Economist on “The Fertility Bust.” The Economist usually downplays Europe’s demographic problems. That makes this piece all the more powerful. And for the latest see “Controversy Over Rising Retirement Age Heats Up in Germany.” Meanwhile, France is gloomy and beginning to lose faith in its vaunted welfare state. The good news is that just might lead to serious reform of both economics and immigration. See “French Swing Behind Sarko’s Revolution” .
Children and War
The English Catholic weekly magazine The Tablet just published Trauma in a Time of Conflict, a review of the new book "Then They Started Shooting". The book looks at the effect of the Bosnian conflict upon the country's children. Among its observations:
One of the things that matters most to children is the attitudes of those around them. This conclusion, was, as the author points out, anticipated during the Blitz, when some children who lived through the bombings were found to be remarkably psychologically healthy, against all the odds, so long as their parents, neighbours and friends were positive and robust in adversity.
What mattered much more to the children in the Bosnian war, like those in the Blitz, was whether they were separated from their parents, and whether someone close to them had been killed or injured in the war. Such losses accompany war, but are not an inevitable consequence of it.
As the author puts it: “Children are not the passive recipients of experience. They are actively engaged in it, from an early age. They gather meanings from what is around them, first from their parents or caretakers and then from the world beyond – friends, school, community – as well as from their own previous experiences.”
Another sobering reality is that when it came to psychological disturbance, family conflict affected some children far worse than the war itself.
One of the things that matters most to children is the attitudes of those around them. This conclusion, was, as the author points out, anticipated during the Blitz, when some children who lived through the bombings were found to be remarkably psychologically healthy, against all the odds, so long as their parents, neighbours and friends were positive and robust in adversity.
What mattered much more to the children in the Bosnian war, like those in the Blitz, was whether they were separated from their parents, and whether someone close to them had been killed or injured in the war. Such losses accompany war, but are not an inevitable consequence of it.
As the author puts it: “Children are not the passive recipients of experience. They are actively engaged in it, from an early age. They gather meanings from what is around them, first from their parents or caretakers and then from the world beyond – friends, school, community – as well as from their own previous experiences.”
Another sobering reality is that when it came to psychological disturbance, family conflict affected some children far worse than the war itself.
The Trials and Tribulations of UK Basketball
From the Enquirer:
Then there's Kentucky. What a mess Tubby Smith has on his hands in Lexington. One day, he criticizes the Wildcats players because they all try to be heroes. The next day, he says they don't have heart or don't seem to care. Can both things be true? Of course not.
And frankly, for the kind of money he makes, Smith should be able to solve the riddle of this team. Instead, he has spent half the season looking like a man who has given up, one who doesn't think his players are good enough to win. It's not a quantum leap to assume his players have picked up on that sense of self-defeat.
Looking ahead, Kentucky should win its next three games, then lose its last three, barring a Senior Day miracle in Rupp against Florida in the season finale. That puts UK at 18-12. That record defines the NCAA Tournament bubble. UK has a very good win over West Virginia and a perfectly harmless loss to Iowa. The Cats also have a decent win over Iona, of all teams. But the victory over Louisville is meaningless, and all their SEC wins thus far are against the league's lower echelon.
March 12 is going to be a very long day in the Commonwealth.
Then there's Kentucky. What a mess Tubby Smith has on his hands in Lexington. One day, he criticizes the Wildcats players because they all try to be heroes. The next day, he says they don't have heart or don't seem to care. Can both things be true? Of course not.
And frankly, for the kind of money he makes, Smith should be able to solve the riddle of this team. Instead, he has spent half the season looking like a man who has given up, one who doesn't think his players are good enough to win. It's not a quantum leap to assume his players have picked up on that sense of self-defeat.
Looking ahead, Kentucky should win its next three games, then lose its last three, barring a Senior Day miracle in Rupp against Florida in the season finale. That puts UK at 18-12. That record defines the NCAA Tournament bubble. UK has a very good win over West Virginia and a perfectly harmless loss to Iowa. The Cats also have a decent win over Iona, of all teams. But the victory over Louisville is meaningless, and all their SEC wins thus far are against the league's lower echelon.
March 12 is going to be a very long day in the Commonwealth.
Question Answered
So why are many of the mainline denominations dead? Because of silliness like this:
Much of the opposition to the theory of evolution comes from conservative Christians, but Charles Darwin's birthday will be celebrated this Sunday in churches nationwide.
"Evolution Sunday" will be observed at hundreds of liberal and mainline churches whose pastors have agreed to preach a sermon or hold a class or discussion supporting Darwin's theory.
Darwin Day Celebrations, some prompted by the "intelligent design" controversy, also are planned at atheist and humanist societies and public museums nationwide.
Charles Darwin was born on Feb. 12th, 1809.
More than 400 churches around the country, including about a dozen in Texas, are expected to participate Sunday.
You can't sacrifice your theological, philosophical and intellectual credibility and expect to attract - or keep - converts.
Much of the opposition to the theory of evolution comes from conservative Christians, but Charles Darwin's birthday will be celebrated this Sunday in churches nationwide.
"Evolution Sunday" will be observed at hundreds of liberal and mainline churches whose pastors have agreed to preach a sermon or hold a class or discussion supporting Darwin's theory.
Darwin Day Celebrations, some prompted by the "intelligent design" controversy, also are planned at atheist and humanist societies and public museums nationwide.
Charles Darwin was born on Feb. 12th, 1809.
More than 400 churches around the country, including about a dozen in Texas, are expected to participate Sunday.
You can't sacrifice your theological, philosophical and intellectual credibility and expect to attract - or keep - converts.
Where Did Our People Go?
I think most of the mainline Christian denominations are already dead, but nobody's told them yet:
The forces reshaping Christianity come with many names.
In Nigeria, the Mountain of Fire and Miracles congregation holds huge all-night revivals. Across Asia, the True Jesus Church preaches biblical interpretations that include shunning Christmas as a pagan-tainted holiday. In Brazil, the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God says rewards - spiritual and material - may await those who give to its fast-expanding empire.
Such ways of worship that challenge the dominance of Christianity's mainline denominations on every continent will be high on the agenda this week as envoys from the faith's main branches gather in Brazil for their most ambitious conference in eight years.
The World Council of Churches hopes to leave its assembly in Porto Alegre, starting Tuesday and running through Feb. 23, with a clearer vision of how to address the sharp growth of Pentecostal, charismatic and evangelical groups around the globe.
The head of the council, the Rev. Samuel Kobia, will urge delegates to fully recognize the spiritual shifts and begin serious dialogue with Pentecostal and other groups, who have often regarded the WCC as a threat to their independence, fundraising methods and animated worship style.
"We need a fresh look at global Christianity," Kobia told The Associated Press from the WCC headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. "I will also call on Pentecostals, charismatic and others to approach us in an open mind and not with the hostility of history that has led to suspicion."
The forces reshaping Christianity come with many names.
In Nigeria, the Mountain of Fire and Miracles congregation holds huge all-night revivals. Across Asia, the True Jesus Church preaches biblical interpretations that include shunning Christmas as a pagan-tainted holiday. In Brazil, the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God says rewards - spiritual and material - may await those who give to its fast-expanding empire.
Such ways of worship that challenge the dominance of Christianity's mainline denominations on every continent will be high on the agenda this week as envoys from the faith's main branches gather in Brazil for their most ambitious conference in eight years.
The World Council of Churches hopes to leave its assembly in Porto Alegre, starting Tuesday and running through Feb. 23, with a clearer vision of how to address the sharp growth of Pentecostal, charismatic and evangelical groups around the globe.
The head of the council, the Rev. Samuel Kobia, will urge delegates to fully recognize the spiritual shifts and begin serious dialogue with Pentecostal and other groups, who have often regarded the WCC as a threat to their independence, fundraising methods and animated worship style.
"We need a fresh look at global Christianity," Kobia told The Associated Press from the WCC headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. "I will also call on Pentecostals, charismatic and others to approach us in an open mind and not with the hostility of history that has led to suspicion."
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Coburn for President
From George Will:
Coburn is the most dangerous creature that can come to the Senate, someone simply uninterested in being popular. When House Speaker Dennis Hastert defends earmarks -- spending dictated by individual legislators for specific projects -- by saying that a member of Congress knows best where a stoplight ought to be placed, Coburn, in an act of lese-majeste, responds: Members of Congress are the least qualified to make such judgments.
Recently, when a Republican colleague called to say "his constituency" would not allow him to support Coburn on some measure, Coburn tartly told the senator that "there is not one mention in the oath [of office] of your state." Senators are just not talked to that way under the ponderous rituals of vanity that the Senate pretends are mere politeness. . . .
Civilization depends on the ability to make even majorities blush, so it is momentous news that shame may be making a comeback, even on Capitol Hill, as a means of social control. Embarrassment is supposed to motivate improved education in kindergarten through 12th grade under the No Child Left Behind Act: That law provides for identifying failing schools, the presumption being that communities will blush, then reform. And embarrassment is Coburn's planned cure for Congress's earmark culture.
"Quite time-consuming" was Coburn and John McCain's laconic description, in a letter to colleagues, of their threat to bring the Senate to a virtual standstill with challenges to earmarks. In 1999, while in the House, Coburn offered 115 anti-pork amendments to an agriculture bill -- in effect a filibuster in a chamber that does not allow filibusters. Collaborating with Coburn makes McCain, the Senate's dropout from anger management school, look saccharine.
When Coburn disparaged an earmark for Seattle -- $500,000 for a sculpture garden -- Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) was scandalized: "We are not going to watch the senator pick out one project and make it into a whipping boy." She invoked the code of comity: "I hope we do not go down the road deciding we know better than home state senators about the merits of the projects they bring to us." And she warned of Armageddon: "I tell my colleagues, if we start cutting funding for individual projects, your project may be next." But Coburn, who does not do earmarks, thinks Armageddon sounds like fun.
Coburn is the most dangerous creature that can come to the Senate, someone simply uninterested in being popular. When House Speaker Dennis Hastert defends earmarks -- spending dictated by individual legislators for specific projects -- by saying that a member of Congress knows best where a stoplight ought to be placed, Coburn, in an act of lese-majeste, responds: Members of Congress are the least qualified to make such judgments.
Recently, when a Republican colleague called to say "his constituency" would not allow him to support Coburn on some measure, Coburn tartly told the senator that "there is not one mention in the oath [of office] of your state." Senators are just not talked to that way under the ponderous rituals of vanity that the Senate pretends are mere politeness. . . .
Civilization depends on the ability to make even majorities blush, so it is momentous news that shame may be making a comeback, even on Capitol Hill, as a means of social control. Embarrassment is supposed to motivate improved education in kindergarten through 12th grade under the No Child Left Behind Act: That law provides for identifying failing schools, the presumption being that communities will blush, then reform. And embarrassment is Coburn's planned cure for Congress's earmark culture.
"Quite time-consuming" was Coburn and John McCain's laconic description, in a letter to colleagues, of their threat to bring the Senate to a virtual standstill with challenges to earmarks. In 1999, while in the House, Coburn offered 115 anti-pork amendments to an agriculture bill -- in effect a filibuster in a chamber that does not allow filibusters. Collaborating with Coburn makes McCain, the Senate's dropout from anger management school, look saccharine.
When Coburn disparaged an earmark for Seattle -- $500,000 for a sculpture garden -- Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) was scandalized: "We are not going to watch the senator pick out one project and make it into a whipping boy." She invoked the code of comity: "I hope we do not go down the road deciding we know better than home state senators about the merits of the projects they bring to us." And she warned of Armageddon: "I tell my colleagues, if we start cutting funding for individual projects, your project may be next." But Coburn, who does not do earmarks, thinks Armageddon sounds like fun.
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