Unwed and . . .

Every so often, you see a classic example of that beautiful pithy saying, "be the change you want to see in the world." Take this story, written by a former "executive and screenwriter in Hollywood" now serving his community, yea, even the world, as a high school English teacher. The article is a bit on the long side, but is well worth the time. If you don't have the time or inclination for another mouse click, just read this excerpt: "Within my lifetime, single parenthood has been transformed from shame to saintliness. In our society, perversely, we celebrate the unwed mother as a heroic figure, like a fireman or a police officer."

It's easy to be drawn in to the drama, to the things that we should rightfully lament. It's difficult to come up with solutions, to work toward being the change that can positively impact lives such as the ones described in this article. What can we do? What are you doing?

How can we make sense of Art?

I was reading a paper this week about the Tower of Babel and the philosopher Jacques Derrida.The paper was quite interesting except for the two page commentary on the above picture which is a famous piece of art portraying the Tower of Babel from the 16th century by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. As I looked at the picture initially, I was left empty on seeing "it's brilliance." Sure it's pretty and it would be nice to have it hanging up in my room, but outside of that i couldn't discuss it whatsoever analytically....And the commentary about the piece of art didn't help out that much more....

I guess, as much as I like reading philosophy and not having a problem with spending 20 minutes trying to read a single page of Kant, I can't figure out art for the life of me, and i know as an Apostolic, I am not alone.

I want to understand art, but a love for the aesthetic things in life such as art has been for more or less absent in our movement. And i feel i am beyond repair....

Well, this article was a step towards understanding and the best part is, it was written for Christians who have no previous understanding in art criticism.....

Bill Graham's age won't stop him from saying things that will make you stop and ponder

Billy Graham, all of 92 years old, did an interview at Christianity Today, and it was a very enjoyable read. Graham talks about old age and the struggle to put it into perspective Biblically, as well as advice for the children of aged parents who  suddenly find their independent parents in need of help as they become older....

But perhaps the most interesting remark was when he was asked if he would change anything about his past....

I.... would have steered clear of politics. I'm grateful for the opportunities God gave me to minister to people in high places; people in power have spiritual and personal needs like everyone else, and often they have no one to talk to. But looking back I know I sometimes crossed the line, and I wouldn't do that now.


Unfortunately Graham doesn't elaborate on this position.  And as much as I would like to put words in his mouth of what he meant and why he came to that position, i will refrain (many of the news websites seem to be doing a good enough job as it is regarding this story.)


It is interesting nonetheless though that perhaps the only Christian preacher who has been more influential in regards to politics than James Dobson, now lives in regret of ever having anything to do with politics.

Classical Top 10

Doesn't everyone love top 10 lists? Anthony Tommasini presents his list here. While I can't argue with most of his picks, I think I'd have to swap in Mahler for Debussy and Chopin for Bartok.

MLK: How the Wicked Use Time

"(Time) can be used either destructively or constructively. I am coming to feel that the people of ill will have used time much more effectively than the people of good will. We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Where Does Your City Rank?

Central Connecticut State ranks the Top 10 Literate Cities in the United States! USA Today can't help but offer commentary.

Where does your city rank? Is it a chain bookstore kind of city, or proud to support independents? With Top 10 Crime stats, & Top 10 Vacation spots, is a Top 10 list focused on literacy a very good thing to make people stop and reevaluate?

Give us your thoughts!

NFL Playoff Picks . . .

...and more at sister blog "Momo's Musings." Momo picked the Seattle upset (not I), but the Colts loss wasn't expected.

(& personally, I'm tired of Peyton Manning being nailed for losing playoff games when the team shouldn't have even been in the playoffs to begin with, except for him. Let's keep it in perspective and stop the hatin'!)

New Year, New Diet? Try Twinkies!

Yep, if you're wanting to shed some holiday pounds, the try the Twinkie diet!

The man in this study lost 27 pounds in 2 months by eating junk food! Boo-ya!

Reading in 2010. Writing Hopes for 2011

The crew at sister blog Word shares their reading choices in 2010 (mysteries, poetry, college texts) and reading resolutions for 2011. If you read or write, check it out.