Rest in peace, Luciano

One of the greatest voices of our time. He will be missed.

An old friend

Sure passing through the different stages of my still-somewhat-brief life has meant giving up the freedom and innocence that childhood offers. But the exchange rate in the world of adulthood is one I have found worth the trade. Well, mostly worth the trade.

At this time of year, however, I am reminded of a sensation that goes nearly beyond the realm of words. A day that represented the doorway to a kingdom of sunscreen and the smell of chlorine: the last day of school. Whether it was elementary, high-school or college, that glorious moment in time brings with it a promise of hope that still puts a smile on my face.

In grown-up terms: It's like a Friday afternoon before a long three-day weekend. Except instead of three days, it's three glorious months of endless possibilities. Or at least it was for me. Sure there were weeds to pull, lawns to mow and fences to paint, but there were also late nights, tackle-football games, days at the beach and - as I got into high school - the prospect of meeting mysterious girls from other schools.

Every night on my drive home from the office, I pass by a small elementary school. Last week, I witnessed the kids storming out and plunging into the freedom of summertime. I couldn't help but remember. I remember finishing up that last final. Nearly coming unglued waiting for that bell to ring. Turning in text books. Signing yearbooks. Basking in the glow of climbing up one more ring in the social totem poll.

There's just a nostalgic-filtered magic I get when I think about those times. It's matchless and spectacular. And it put a smile on my heart to see those kids experiencing it with the same inexpressible glee.

Like I said, I really haven't minded growing up. But the times, places and people left behind still live in a treasured place that my heart loves to visit. I don't miss scantrons, report cards and homework. But I remember my old friend -- the summertime -- with fondness and wonder.

Krunch Time

Tonight Shelley and I hit the Tom Thumb for an emergency ice-cream pit-stop. I enjoy the supermarket, especially later in the evening when the shopping population has dwindled. One of my intellectual abnormalities is a fascination with product packaging (and product jingles . . . but that's not the topic of the moment).

The experience reminded me of something that has befuddled me since adolescence: the Blue Bell Ice Cream box. Who are these people? What was the art director thinking? What's the connection?

The mystery of it all was enough to make me pull out my camera phone and share some late-night thoughts . . .

We'll start with this blue collar, hard-hat-wearing hero. Can someone explain the excessive filth? Did this guy rub chocolate all over this face or does he just not regularly bathe before taking a perfect crescent moon shaped bite out of this Krunch Bar? And there's something a little creepy about the juxtaposition of his brillitant-white, perfect smile. Furthermore, why is this tough guy holding his Krunch bar like it's a little tea cup he uses when he plays with his dolls?

It's all enough to drive me crazy. Seriously... this guy haunts me at night.

Next we have a man that surely regrets ever having dreams of becoming a male model. His career peaked in the freezer isle. From the look in his face, one can apparently only enjoy the Mooo Bar while sitting atop something . . . pointy.

Wow. So many possible directions I could take this one . . . and all of them inappropriate.

Does anyone think this box actually helps the Blue Bell company move ice cream sandwhiches? Honestly, do you want that face staring back at you when you open your freezer? I feel like I should take the box to a priest and have it excorcised before it haunts me forever. "The Power of Christ compels you! The power of Christ compels you!" Yikes.

And finally... tell me this guy doesn't remind you of Christopher Meloni of Law & Order SVU fame . . . in a referee's outfit . . . holding a Great Divide Bar that looks like it's talking to him.

Ok. That's enough of Halloween night at the Blue Bell office for now.

Sweet relief

One of the best and often over-looked pleasures of life is the back scratch.

Once and again

One of our favorite music groups, Snow Patrol, was in town. It had been a few months since my last concert . . . and so, too, it had also been a few months since I had an irrational bout with one of my bizarre pet peeves: the purported conclusion to a concert followed by the requisite encore(s).

Before I go any further, let me first say that the concert was outstanding. Going to a great concert is always exhilarating. It's even better when you know the songs well enough to sing along and notice when something special is done. This was one of those events for us.

So back to the encore . . .

"Thanks so much for coming out. This is our last song!"

So was the counterfeit declaration of Mr. Gary Lightbody, Snow Patrol front man.

Ohhhhh really? Really Gary? Is that so? Or are you just saying that to let us know that you are going to momentarily step off the stage, keep the house lights off and wait until people start wondering if the concert is really over.

Concert after concert this happens. Why is it that we must engage in this charade?

So many questions flood my mind. Why is the encore mandatory? Why is it assumed? And what are they doing backstage? Are they just chit-chatting? Enjoying a beverage? Are they having a laugh?

When Shelley and I went and saw Prince a few years ago, not only did he do three (count them once, twice, and thrice!) encores - he made us wait nearly twenty minutes for the first one. That's right. Twenty eternal minutes of sitting there clapping. In the dark. Seriously. That's ridiculous.

It's not that I don't want to hear my favorite bands play more music, I just don't have an appreciation for the liturgy of events that includes the false pretense that the show is really coming to an end.

"Thank you for coming out! Have a good night."

I would have gladly clapped in the dark for you Gary. But I knew what was coming . . . whether I wanted it or not.

So I took the chance to sit back, rest my legs, and - of course - prepare to sing along.

Hamburg Song

I don't wanna be adored
Don't wanna be first in line
Or make myself heard
I'd like to bring a little light
To shine a light on your life
To make you feel loved

No, don't wanna be the only one you know
I wanna be the place you call home

I lay myself down
To make it so, but you don't want to know
I give much more
Than I'd ever ask for

Will you see me in the end
Or is it just a waste of time
Trying to be your friend
Just shine, shine, shine
Shine a little light
Shine a light on my life
Warm me up again

Fool, I wonder if you know yourself at all
You know that it could be so simple

I lay myself down
To make it so, but you don't want to know
You take much more
Than I'd ever ask for

Say a word or two to brighten my day
Do you think that you could see your way

To lay yourself down
And make it so, but you don't want to know
You take much more
Than I'd ever ask for

Tivo for the rest of my Life

It didn't take long, but Tivo has permeated my very existence.

Whether it's at work, listening to the radio or at the movies -- I find myself reaching for the rewind button when I don't hear something quite right, for the pause button when I need to use the restroom, or the fast forward button when time is short.

I can't be the only one.

The Marathon Man

I've been thinking a lot lately about how I live my life.

I don't mean on a moral or ethical level, although that is equally important, but rather in "carpe diem", "grand-scheme-of-things", "what am I doing with the time God has given me" sort of way.

Let me back up.

About two months ago, I was chatting on the phone with my dear old buddy Marshall. In addition to being a loyal and trustworthy friend, Marshall is a running machine of sorts. Running comes as easily to him as bad jokes come to me. It's just a God-given gift. That being said - running a marathon is no small task for anyone, even well oiled machines.

On the phone that night, Marshall was describing the many hurdles he traversed while training for and completing his first marathon. I found myself fully inspired, not to mention encouraged, by the passion in his voice. (As a side note, the expression "not to mention..." is really odd. I don't know if it makes sense. I mean, you DID just mention it... but I digress...)

My inspiration was not to run a marathon. That's not a goal that stokes my passion. Instead, it came from something he said.

"Stephen - I have never been stretched as thin and pushed as hard as I was in achieving this goal."

I think that's a fairly simple concept to wrap our brains around. He hadn't just unraveled pedantic theories of astrophysics. But still, it struck a simple guy like me quite deeply.

Like I said... I've been thinking about how I live my life.

I am a fairly goal-oriented guy. I like to think that when I confront or foresee challenges, I rise to them. Sometimes dramatically. But I think it is sometimes my habit to set goals I believe I can achieve from where I stand today. Good goals. Worthy of my time and effort. But these alone don't require me to grow deeper or stronger than I already am. Essentially, all that is required is my effort.

But what about the finish lines beyond the view of my current perspective? If I take myself from point A to point B - if I stretch myself beyond what I believe I am capable of - won't the reward be so much greater?

To use my friend with the tireless legs as the example: am I settling to run the distance I know I can complete instead of pushing myself towards the horizon just beyond my sight?

There's a world of wonder just beyond the mountains in my mind. Mountains aren't easy to climb and they aren't simply conquered on a whim. But the view from the top provides its own reward... not to mention the joy in the journey itself. (although I did just mention it.)

Let's take a hike. Together.

Not a happy camper? Maybe...maybe not

Most of you who know me well know that I am not what one would describe as "an outdoorsman". I take no offense at this categorization (or is it a lack of categorization? anyway.) While I do love nature and very much enjoy quite a bit of outdoorsy-type activities (fishing, hiking, anything involving lakes and rivers) -- I have a fairly strong disdain for camping. To be more specific, I am averse to circumstances that leave me with no access to a hot shower, provide bathroom with no plumbing, and, most of all, force me to sleep in a tent.

Well, this past weekend our good friends Luke and Mary invited us on a weekend primitive camping extravaganza in Billy Creek, Oklahoma. Needless to say, I was less than enthusiastic about the general premise, but figured that it would still be ok. I have to say that I had as much fun as I could possibly have had on a November camping trip! This in spite of a massive thunder and lightning storm on the last night that flooded our tent and made the environment less than favorable. We actually ended up sleeping the last night in the back of the Xterra.

So is there hope that I may become a fan of camping after all? I doubt it. But I am always a fan of good times with good friends.

We drove back up early Sunday so that we could attend MLS Cup 2005. This is the championship game for Major League Soccer. Shelley and I had midfield seats in the fourth row. Unlike camping, I unabashedly love soccer and this particular environment was breathtaking. Fans flew in from around the country and the atmosphere was electric. With a national television audience, perfect weather, and an overtime finish: it was absolutely incredible!

As is my unfortunate habit, I forgot my camera.

So that's the update from The Boudreaus.

A Pirate, No More

I've been meaning to post this for months now, but...

As of this past summer, every piece of software and each and every mp3 in my possession is completely legal and/or paid for. I have to say it feels great to have removed this stain of hypocrisy and cognitive dissonance from my life.

When it came right down to it, I have decided to no longer willingly participate in thievery.

Unfortunately, I'm sure there are plenty of other areas of life marked by a little Boudreausian hypocrisy. One day at a time...

----COMMENTS----
Can copyright infringement be properly called theft?
Chris Campbell | Email | Homepage | 10.07.05 - 12:25 am | #

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My primary motivation was moral, not legal. Although both are relevant.

Since you mention it, though, I suppose that my decision to no longer willingly participate in thievery has yet another positive byproduct: no longer being a willing and active participant in copyright infringement.
stephen | Email | Homepage | 10.07.05 - 1:03 am | #

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I wasn't speaking with regards to your particular situation. More accurately, I'm using it as a springboard to question some of the assumptions we make regarding immaterial things like music, software, etc.
Chris Campbell | Email | Homepage | 10.08.05 - 11:08 pm | #

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i might be missing something, but i'm not entirely sure what your point is.

why would theft be confined to objects you can touch or hold? the only difference between walking into Virgin Megastore and stealing a copy of the latest Coldplay album with illegaly downloading it off the web is the so-called courage of the theif.

even worse: ultimately, we are stealing more than just "a cd" -- we are stealing the compensation a musician, software developer, business executive, etc. have requested in exchange for their work by putting it in the marketplace. theft deprives people of the appropriate remuneration for their work.

if the assumption that stealing people's music, software, ideas, identity and/or information is not "properly called theft", then we have inapproriately called it something else.
stephen | Email | Homepage | 10.09.05 - 12:25 am | #

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One cannot loan an idea to a friend, and expect the friend to return the idea once they're done using it. The reason for this is that information is fundamentally different in its nature from the material world.

Once an individual shares the information with another, it ceases to be in the ownership of the one and has thus become the ownership of the two. Now suppose the second shares the idea with a third. This transference of the information has not cost the first anything. And so forth the sharing can continue without costing the first anything. This is the nature of information. It is the ownership of all who happened upon it.

Therefore, if information is owned by all those who happen upon it, it cannot properly be stated that another 'steals' information from one whom has shared the information.
Chris Campbell | Email | Homepage | 10.09.05 - 11:20 pm | #

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Though, it should be stated, copyright infringement is still illegal and should not be done.

Though, there is a gray area as to whether or not downloading copyrighted music without permission constitutes copyright infringement. The uploading and/or sharing of such music is more than likely copyright infringement as it could be argue it constitutes 'distribution.'
Chris Campbell | Email | Homepage | 10.09.05 - 11:22 pm | #

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unfortuantely, your argument is based on a false premise. an "idea" is not protected by copyright law.

copyright law protects original works of authorship, including literary works, musical works, dramatic works, pictures, graphics, motion pictures and other related works.

copyright belongs exclusively to the author of the work and violation of copyright involves, among other things, the reproduction of the work. therefore, if i have the latest version of Photoshop on my computer and didn't acquire it via an accepted, legal channel -- i am in possession of an unauthorized reproduction of a copyrighted work. this is stealing.

on top of it all, you can't honestly compare the sharing of an idea with a friend and someone spending time and money producing an original, creative work. aside from falling flat on its face legally, this argument simply fails logically.
stephen | Email | Homepage | 10.10.05 - 12:19 am | #

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My analogy was intended to convey the nature of ideas/information. The point was to show the fundamental difference between the immaterial and the material. Information, by it's nature, is not 'owned' by any one individual, but is the possession of the collective who have obtained it through whatever means. Music itself is nothing more than an idea/information. Therefore, it is not logically inconsistent to compare the nature of the two.

You are correct in saying copyrights do not protect ideas. They exist to protect the limited monopoly the creator is provided for a period of time. The copyright is what belongs to the creator solely, not the ideas they have created. Thus, copyright infringement is not 'theft.'

I should note, being in possession of an 'unauthorized reproduction' of copyrighted material does not make one a copyright infringer. The infringer is the one who provided (distributed) said material, assuming it does not fall within the areas of fair use and other uses provided by copyright laws.
Chris Campbell | Email | Homepage | 10.10.05 - 10:42 am | #

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Again, your argument is based on a completely false premise.

Music is not merely an idea or item of information, at least not legally speaking. Music is considered an original work of authorship protected by copyright law and owned, yes – owned by the author of the work.

When Clay Aiken comes out with an album he and/or his record label and/or his song publisher own the rights to that original work. There are no ideas or pieces of information in this discussion, so you needn’t keep bringing that up as if it were a valid point. We are talking about an original work of authorship. When you rush out and download Clay’s album off an unauthorized file sharing network, you have participated in copyright infringement by acquiring an illegal reproduction of a copyrighted work. You didn’t buy a copy of the album believing it to be a legal copy – only to later discover that you had purchased stolen goods. You willingly took part in the infringement of copyright.

Even further, these songs are, indeed, the property of Mr. Aiken. He owns the right to choose whether or not he wants to sell them and by which means he wants to make them available. Copies of these songs could have been purchased through appropriate legal channels, but were not. Clay’s personal property has been taken against his will. Clay’s personal property has been stolen.

Legally speaking, copyright infringement and theft are classified as two separate violations of federal law. But as in the case above, they often go hand in hand. Morally speaking, I believe the lines blur even more.

And sorry, the “fair use” doctrine of copyright law does not include wanting to sing along to Clay’s Christmas album the other 11 months of the year.
stephen | Email | Homepage | 10.10.05 - 12:22 pm | #

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Which premise is false, and why is it false?
Chris Campbell | Email | Homepage | 10.10.05 - 1:57 pm | #

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Your premise that music is nothing more than an idea/information. It's false because Music is an original work of authorship protected by copyright law.
stephen | Email | Homepage | 10.10.05 - 2:06 pm | #

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I disagree. Let me explain why.

Point 1. The idea.

An idea is something which exists in the mind as the result of thought. Because an idea exists in the mind of individual's, the idea can be said to be in the possession of the individual. Thus, it can be said the individual owns the idea.

However, this idea differs from material objects in the fact that it cannot be taken away from the individual. There is nothing anyone can do to take the idea away from the individual. The idea will always exist -- memory aside -- in the mind of the original author.

So the question is how do we define 'to steal.' If we say to steal means to remove from the owner's possession then obviously one cannot steal an idea from another.

There is also the concern of sharing the ideas of the original author. Should said activity be considered 'stealing?' Well, if we look at the definition provided, then I think we can easily conclude that sharing an idea is not stealing.

Thus, I believe we can agree it is philosophically impossible for one to steal an idea.

Point 2. The music.

Music without a mind is nothing. The reason for this is that without the mind, music could not exist. It requires a mind to develop the 'idea' of the song. It also requires a mind to perceive it. Thus, music is little more than a mental construct, an idea -- albeit a powerful one at that.

Point 3. The copyright laws.

One of the fundamental points of copyright laws is an acknowledgment that ideas cannot be owned by any one individual in the same manner as a car can. This is precisely why ideas, themselves, are not protected by copyrights. What is protected by copyright laws is the original author's rights to a limited monopoly on the expression of those idea. This is why it is necessary for one to fix the idea(s) into a "tangible medium of expression" to gain such rights. Without fixing the ideas into such a medium, no copyright protection will be granted.

Further, making a copy of this expression cannot be deemed stealing because the original still remains.

Based on this, we can understand copyright infringement to be infringing upon the rights of another rather than stealing their ideas.

It is upon this basis which I disagree with the idea of calling copyright infringement, theft.

Point 4. The extension.

It is my belief that the modern entertainment industry wants people to believe copyright infringement is stealing. The reason for this is that stealing is generally perceived as a bad thing. If people perceive stealing as a bad thing, and the industry can label copyright infringement as stealing, then generally people will avoid doing it.

The other problem with much of modern is the twisting of the original intent of copyright laws. The original intent was for the benefit of society, not for the benefit of the individual. Thus, society took precedence over the individual. Unfortunately, it has been flipped around where there are no more and ever expanding rights for the author's rights over those of society. This can be clearly seen with the numerous extensions applied to copyright terms.

Well, those are my thoughts on the subject. Though, I anticipate you'll disagree me. Lousy musicians.
Chris Campbell | Email | Homepage | 10.10.05 - 3:39 pm | #

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Another interesting related topic to this is 'ripping' Internet (mp3) streams from legit online radio stations. I tend to view the action as legit, and equivalent to recording songs from the radio (which is legal).
Chris Campbell | Email | Homepage | 10.10.05 - 4:03 pm | #

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chris, i am sorry, but i don't believe you have a very solid understanding of the actual copyright laws on the books. i am even more apologetic if that sounds rude.

the bottom line is that a song, a piece of software, etc. can absolutely be legally "owned". i am not "hoping" that this statement is correct; i am informing you of the law as it currently exists. again, i apologize if that sounds arrogant.

you have strong, well articulated opinions on the matter, but your posts are a commentary on how you wish things were, not as they are.

again, the whole reason i even brought this topic up to begin with was to raise a moral question, not a legal one. my moral opinion is simple enough: if i am getting music/software/movies/anything for free, when i should in fact be paying for it, i am stealing. if you need any more evidence or reasons not to do it, please re-read the discussion above.

thanks for the discussion. i honestly have nothing further to say on this topic.
stephen | Email | Homepage | 10.10.05 - 4:12 pm | #

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The opinions I've developed are the result of my thinking through the nature of information and the copyright laws (U.S. Code Title 17 and the Constitution). If you wish to suggest I am ignorant of them, then that's fine I can live with that.

However, I think my point has been misunderstood. I never intended to justify copyright infringement. In fact, I never argued against it. I accept the need for copyright laws. I believe financial reimbursement is a good incentive to encourage the creation of new information. I also believe it to be unethical and (with no doubt) illegal to infringe upon someone's rights granted by copyright. Where our disagreement rests is not in that point, but in whether it is proper to call copyright infringement theft or not. And I was merely using your post as a springboard to explore the idea.

So, aside from that, are you going to the Angels or the Yankees?
Chris Campbell | Email | Homepage | 10.10.05 - 5:11 pm | #

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i am rooting for the astros.

i never root for the yankees.
stephen | Email | Homepage | 10.10.05 - 5:22 pm | #

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to make matters worse, i typically root for the cubs, the red sox and most of all, the rangers.

what a headache!
stephen | Email | Homepage | 10.10.05 - 5:25 pm | #

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I didn't know you were a Cubs fan. Ever been to a game at Wrigley? If you haven't, you need to. It's so cool!
Chris Campbell | Email | Homepage | 10.10.05 - 5:32 pm | #

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oh yeah! my family lived in chicago for many moons.... we sat third row, behind the cubs dugout. quite a thrill!
stephen | Email | Homepage | 10.10.05 - 5:37 pm | #

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The 'Stros all the way! I don't like the cubs, or red soxs very much but I very much dislike the yanks.

[quote]even worse: ultimately, we are stealing more than just "a cd" -- we are stealing the compensation a musician[/quote]

I think its funny that you come to this when you have a real CD coming out soon. Which BTW I would like to purchase one, any chance they will be sold through your website?

most of those comments were too long for me to read.
jason | Email | Homepage | 10.11.05 - 11:20 am | #

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actually, i have believed some form of everything i stated above for years. unfortunately, the allure of getting so much music and software for free has a way of blurring the lines between right and wrong. i finally decided that there was more at stake than just the legalities of my actions -- i believe my character, my values, and my integrity were on the line. obviously, that's a pretty big deal.

so anyway, that's that.

as for the album, i am not sure if we are going to have it for sale online. if we do, i'll definitely post it here.
stephen | Email | Homepage | 10.12.05 - 8:58 am | #

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First - GO STROS!

Second - Congrats Steve on your moving to the pirate free lifestyle. I found both of the arguments on this issue compelling, but ultimately I'm in agreement with you. I started doing the 'legal' download thing while in grad school after studying the issue in a business law class. Since then, I've been a loyal iTunes customer and agree that the feeling of rightfully owning great music is rewarding and I'm not stressed out about getting sued or caught by the relevant authorities.

Go Stros! Go Aggies! Go Spurs! Go COWBOYS!
Teno Villarreal | Email | Homepage | 10.14.05 - 5:07 pm | #

Carpe Forward

I'm sure I am not the only one to whom the following scenario has occurred.

Computer: "Ding"

Stephen: "Awesome. New email. Oh man... it's from an old friend (probably Teno). How exciting!"

Computer: "Friendship is the ship that never sinks. Forward this to 20 friends or risk titanic-like elephantitis on your genitals."

Stephen: "Thanks Teno. What a pal."

Needless to say, the forwarding chain usually ends when it meets my inbox. That, my friends, will probably never change.

But on this very day, much to my surprise, I received a forward (not from Teno) that I thought was a pleasant and creative reminder of an important truth. Instead of forwarding it on to everyone I know, I'll do the next worse thing: post it on my website. Your welcome.

----

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "how heavy is this glass of water?"

Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g. The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it."

"If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."

"So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment. Relax... pick them up later after you've rested."

----

Not bad, eh?

I recognize that some of you may feel intellectually insulted by the wisdom via email forward concept. Hopefully everyone's egos can withstand the risk of enjoying this little story and its simple message. If nothing else, it reminds us of Christ's words on this subject.

So contrary to what I once believed, all email forwarding is not of the devil. I still experience great disdain when Teno emails me one of his "forward this, or else..." letters, but like most generalizations... there are exceptions to the rule. For Teno, personal letters are that exception. Haha! Sorry Teno... just teasing.

All of this to say: life is short. Carpe diem, my friends.

Communication Breakdown

"Big Huge"...Where did this term come from? It is everywhere. I've seen it on television shows and movies, read it in newspaper columns and websites, heard it from friends, family and it has even been known to emanate from (gasp!) my own mouth! This is more than a new idiom of pop culture jargon -- it has taken on a form of manifest-destiny and stretched from coast-to-coast.

Seriously. How did the term "big huge" so deeply infiltrate our vernacular? When did it become such an accepted term to describe something large. And frankly, who was the sage elementary student that coined this phrase -- sparking a cultural movement that would penetrate the vocabulary of one of the world's most spoken languages?

Honest-to-goodness, I may be one of the few stirred with such passion, but there's no way I am the only one who has noticed this linguistic phenomenon!

Is huge, by itself, not dramatic enough to express the immense dimensions of an object, issue or event? Are "colossal", "astronomical" and "mammoth" not theatrical enough to communicate the titanic-like measurements of Shaquille O'Neill's gargantuan feet?
Truth be told... I am willing to consider these deeply relevant questions, but defer to a higher standard of neologism.

One of the primary reasons for my displeasure, disapproval and dissatisfaction with the term is its basic lack of lexical creativity. For example, I have heard it often said that something of king-size proportions is "ginormous". This is a witty combination of the words gigantic and enormous. When something is bigger than enormous and more massive than gigantic... this, my friends, is ginormous. Ginormous! Nicely done my good wordsmith!

Am I overstating the issue? Are these merely the ill conceived ramblings of a man who is taking a break from long hours of work? In a word... yes. But words still matter. The manner in which we express ourselves is no small trifle! It's a big! It's huge! It's big and huge! But it is definitely not big huge.

Emotional Chocolate

“I hate to admit it, but that’s my guilty pleasure.”

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably heard that phrase come up in a conversation or two. In fact, you’ve probably said something along those lines yourself. We’ve all got them. Those dastardly little habits, preferences, quirks, activities, thoughts, sayings… really, the list can go on and on. I’ve heard them defined as “emotional chocolate”.

For the sake of this post, I am defining it in two ways. It can be something you take pleasure from, but know isn’t really good for you. On the other hand, a guilty pleasure might simply be something you enjoy that you do not want to go around advertising about yourself. Perhaps because it seemingly goes against who you think you are… or perhaps because you simply don’t want people to know you indulge in something. Context, oftentimes, creates the circumstance for a guilty pleasure.

So what inspired me to write this post? Two words: Fear Factor. I love that show. Since it hit syndication a few months ago, I have been hooked. This past weekend I think I watched it four times. I love the stunts, the excitement, and the shock value. And yes… this is a guilty pleasure of mine. Not only do I regularly watch Fear Factor… I will sometimes watch two or three successive episodes in one sitting on a Sunday afternoon. Ha!

So this got me to thinking… what are some other guilty pleasures in my life? So I took some time and am listing a few here:

- Long naps. Not just an hour on top of the covers. I’m talking two-three hour naps under the sheets and everything. Preferably Sunday afternoon (after Fear Factor, of course.)

- When I was in college, I wrote for the school newspaper. I had a weekly column that included my photo. Sadly, one of my guilty pleasures was to have the page open to my column near my desk so someone would – by coincidence – recognize me. Yep… guilty as charged. Ha!

- And finally… I shave my armpits. Yes, it’s true.

So there you have it. It’s all out in the open now.

So what are some of yours? Please keep them acceptable for public consumption. A few examples that might be kept to yourself would be, “stealing cars”, “drinking and driving”, “collecting toe nail clippings”… honestly, if you enjoy these things, let’s go ahead and work these issues out somewhere else.

Smokes for Soldiers

A radio talk show host in Illinois has started a campaign called "Smokes for Soldiers" aimed at getting people to send care-packages to our troops in Iraq. These are special packages, though. Instead of being filled with magazines, movies, and candy, these will be packed with evil cigarettes!

Now this is a cause that fascinates me. Not because I am a smoker or support smoking, but because I am impressed at the chutzpah of this cause. Doesn't he realize that smoking is the new villain of our day?

I'm not here to argue the effects that a life-long smoking habit can cause, but I am blown away by how our culture has demonized smoking. I believe the war against tobacco has saturated American society with the belief that smoking is wrong, even immoral, and not simply unhealthy.

Back in the "olden days", you could attend sporting events where most spectators smoked, but none cursed. Today there is no smoking at stadiums, but obscene language is shouted out with impunity. We have traded in opposition to firsthand cursing for opposition to secondhand smoke.

If nothing else, this is a fascinating study in a shift of values of our culture.

Where have you gone Bobby Jones?

Well, by now you've probably heard the news and read the headlines. In so many words, Barry Bonds admitted to being all juiced up. This is a devastating blow to Barry Bonds, the game of baseball, and professional sports in general. To make matters even more dubious for Bonds, he claims he didn't realize that he was taking steroids.

Wow. That's wild.

This weekend I watched a movie called "Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius" which recounted the inspiring story of legendary pro golfer Bobby Jones. For those of you who don't know, Bobby Jones is widely considered the greatest golfer to ever play the game. In spite of his wild success, he learned from his mistakes, valued personal integrity and excellence, and, shockingly, never went pro. He passed on millions of dollars and maintained his amateur status the length of his career and played solely for, as he put it, the love of the game.

Please don't misunderstand me, I don't believe it's wrong or have any problem with athletes being financially rewarded for their talents. It was the priorities, values, and actions of Bobby Jones that created a legacy that is still respected and admired to this day. Unfortunately, I don't believe the same will be said about Barry Bonds in 70 years.

In the middle of the movie one of the characters made a simple and poignant statement: "Money will one day destroy sports". As an avid sports fan, I can't help but sadly admit that I agree. Professional sports are suffering from a moral degeneration of enormous proportions. The unquenchable lust for fame and fortune has infected the moral compass of so many past the point of no return.

The discovery of steroid use by Barry Bonds may or may not cost him his records. Maybe they'll put an asterisk next to his numbers in the record books. Unfortunately, the ultimate price has already been paid in the form of integrity. I say that with no pleasure or self-righteousness, but with the sadness of a disappointed sports fan and (former) Barry Bonds fan.

The Houston Oilers

The sweet old days of pale blue jerseys, Warren Moon, the electric slide, and an addictive habit of crumbling in the playoffs have come and gone. Former Houston Oilers fans, like me, are left with a mere handful of memories, most of them disappointing. (Ha!)

If it wasn't a last minute John Elway comeback, it was a monumental collapse to the Buffalo Bills. Choking was the most defining characteristic of the Houston football club. And of course, being the glutton for punishment that I am, this drew me to them.

Back in the day I was both an Oilers and Cowboys fan. Flashback to 1993. My sophomore year of high school at St. Joseph Academy in Brownsville, Texas. My best friend Jerry Ruiz (a loyal Cowboys fan) and I got in a lively and expressive debate about the Oilers. In this conversation Jerry paid very little homage to the Oilers and, in fact, was quite disrespectful.

WELL THAT WAS IT! (insert me pumping my fist here)

As a result of that conversation I vowed to never root for the criminal Cowboys again and devoted my fanhood soley to my beloved Oilers. I realize that story is both amusing and pathetic.

Well, many years have passed and I have slowly but surely gone back on my vow and loosely embraced the Cowboys. I certainly still enjoy the NFL, but it has never been quite the same since the Oilers packed up and moved to the music city. There are even disquieting rumors that I secretly and inexplicably cheer for the Arizona Cardinals! Just a rumor, mind you, but my sources are solid.

Well that's life and, of course, it is just a game. That's definitely the best perspective to have, especially when you're an Oilers fan.

Calculator Watches: Math on the Go!

I can't be the only one who sported one of these babe-magnets at some point during adolescence. Mine was so hot, in fact, it became hot. That's right, my bitchin' black Casio calculator watch got stolen! This traumatic event may explain so much.

Not having this cutting-edge tool available to me at a moments notice may explain why I developed a childhood aversion to math. Which may also explain why it still takes me a (long) second to do simple math in my head. Of course, that's just a theory.

Having worn this watch in junior high may also explain why attractive women had an aversion to me. Actually, there are many theories out on that issue.

Honestly, though, of all features to include on a watch, why a calculator? Is figuring out the square root of 149 so urgent that it requires attention at a moments notice? Not to mention that you had to have surgeon-like hands and precision to press the buttons accurately!

As with all things retro, these watches are making a mild comeback. One of my friends has already acquired (a pink) one and sports it regularly. Although, I must say I've never seen her do long division on it. More style than substance, I suppose.

The Passion of the Christ

I went and saw "The Passion of the Christ" last night.

Nothing could have prepared me for what I witnessed. It was beautiful and awful. I was touched and horrified. I was inspired, but completely silent. These are the range of emotions I experienced as I caught a glimpse of what the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was like. To say Jesus died for my sins is one thing. To watch it happen is entirely different.

We live in a time when movie making is not only a profitable business, but it is an artistic outflow with creative potential like the world has never had before. We can simulate worlds from long ago, creatures long extinct, and bring the dead back to life. I have looked at works of art like Da Vinci's "Last Supper” and been filled with wonder as to what all the characters might be thinking, saying, doing. I’ve listened to pieces of music and been inspired in ways I cannot describe. But as I watched "The Passion" last night, I was confronted with the great question of Christ's sacrifice: why? As a Christ follower, it is a question that I hope and pray everyone faces and answers.

In the end, as much as the counter-culture (and in my world, that's the *Christian culture*) twenty-something inside me would like to say otherwise, I cannot say, "it was just a movie". I don't believe this film was intended to be "just" another movie, nor do I believe it was. With complete sincerity, I believe this movie will change the way I view my relationship with Christ. It certainly hasn't transformed me into some saint that will never betray my grace-giving God! In that sense, it was definitely just a movie. But it has deepened and richened my evaluation of what it really means to follow in the footsteps of the one I claim as my savior. It has made scripture come alive to me in a way so vivid, that I can't help but feel closer to the love that Christ freely gives me, but I rarely truly embrace and experience for myself. This movie is a dramatic reminder of Christ’s love for me and the very reason I should return that love to Him.

As Shelley and I got home last night -- we were trying to put words to the overwhelming experience we had just encountered. As we were sharing, she said something very poignant to me and I'd like to share it here.

"I try to think if I could go through anything like that for the people I love most in this world, let alone everyone that has ever lived. But even if I just narrow it down to me dying for you . . . it would be like me being crucified to save you and you being the one nailing me to the cross."

And that is truly the mystery of the Christian faith. The amazing love of God that we don't deserve. We certainly haven't earned it. We are given life through it. And are called to freely share it.

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other." - John 15:9-17

Best Sound Editing

So my thought for today comes from watching part of the Grammy's last night. What are your thoughts on awards ceremonies like that? Whether these types of events interest you or not, it isn’t difficult to recognize the fascination that comes with events like this. Celebrities, music, competition, suspense, fashion, etc. Certainly, the Academy Awards take the cake when it comes to capturing people's interest and curiosity.

As an avid aficionado of both films and music, these types of events usually interest me on some level. Over that past few years, though, I have lost the capacity to sit through even brief portions of these things. I'm interested enough to read about them the next day, but frankly, the entire spectacle seems incredibly narcissistic and a huge self-tribute. The megalomania of events like this is on par with people who have websites where they post their life events, photos, and every mundane thought that crosses their mind. Wait a sec... Scratch that last point.

Anyway, I have grown tired of these ceremonies. At least the Grammy's provide a slew of live performances to entertain the viewer. But the Oscars rely on often disappointing comedians and the latest Disney song performed by Elton John or Phil Collins spattered between exciting awards like "Best Sound Editing". (How do they determine all those editing awards anyway?) After which, as the clock nearly strikes midnight, they finally give out the anti-climactic award for "Best Picture".

Fortunately, we, the viewer, have been able to use gambling, alcohol, and large gatherings of friends to salvage the Academy Awards in what we affectionately have come to know as "The Oscars Party". Yes, good ol' debauchery to the rescue again!

In the end, whether you drink a Barqs or a Heineken, the only part of the Oscars Party that usually disappoints is, of course, the awards ceremony itself.

On a side note, I’ve been itching for the opportunity to use the word megalomania for weeks.