LOST Predictions

I'm going to make 9 hasty predictions about what is going to happen on LOST.
(some bold, some obvious)

1 - Jack's Dad (Christian) isn't dead.

2 - John Locke will never leave the Island.

3 - Michael and Walt never left the Island.

4 - Kate picks someone we haven't even met yet

5 - Rousseau will die in the ensuing showdown of rescue

6 - Michael will be murdered by one of the survivors

7 - Juliette will kill a bad guy

8 - Jin will die before the end of the premiere

9 - Desmond will predict the future. Jack will chose against it

Here's how I feel: I have a man-crush on Locke. I want justice enforced regarding Michael. I want the island to really be alive. I really want to like Ben aka Henry Gale, but I can't. I hope they really build the mythology of the story. And I want this to be the best season yet.

Perspective

I've started reading a book, A Shorty History of Progress, by Ronald Wright. And I've got a variety of thoughts/reactions/questions. For now, I'll connect it to a recent train of thought I had.

We find ourselves in a unique time in human history. And by "we" I naturally mean Americans. I could further narrow the scope of what "we" means, but I want to leave it broad on purpose. Here in the last, oh, 200 years have found ourselves in varying states of being able to decide the course of our living. Terms like "social mobility" and "self-made man" have become certain realities, to an extent. For thousands of years, "what I want to be when I grow up" was a question not pondered. Where should I live, what should I eat...these were not choices but facts, largely unalterable details of lives shaped by technological, financial, even religious limitations.

So, in light of this, I find it logical that so many of "us" struggle with what our role in this world is. "How, now, shall we live?" Call it post-modern if you like, the fact is that (again, to an extent) the growing tolerance, flexibility, and sense of entitlement places us in a situation of firsts. We have decision to make that our ancestors perhaps could not even imagine.

But, as I read this book, I come to realize that, perhaps, the themes are the same, just with different scenery and names. The book posits that as a race, humans continue on a path of ever-increasing progress. With each step of progress, another set of challenges open up. With each new step of progress, the rate of change and progress increases. And at certain points, our technological progress surpasses our moral progress, leaving us in a "progress trap." For example:

Go back thousands of years: when the hunter-gatherers improved their ability to make stone weapons, as well as improved their hunting capabilities, their populations grew because of increased, more consistent food, but their prey shrank - their technology altered their reality. They were forced to either A) keep hunting at the current rate and then starve and die or C) develop farming. They chose C. (that's incredibly simplified, too much in fact, but hopefully you get the point).

All this to say, we are over-consuming. Our technological advantages over nature (both bodily and earthly) give us "ease," but our moral understanding of life has not adapted or effected our decision making. Sure, its great to have eat tomatoes or peaches year-round. But at what cost? Taking a Caribbean cruise is undoubtedly relaxing and beautiful. But at what cost? Shop where prices are gracefully low, and where they promise to help us live "better lives," but you have to ask: At what cost?

If you've made it this far, I'm impressed. Thanks for reading my ramblings. All I'm saying is that I'm putting more thought into so much more of my life. I suspect that it is far more valuable to grow my moral stance and world view, and in result living according to those conscious choices rather than blind assumptions and cultural predispositions.


I'm not even sure what I just said. If anything.

On MLK

Just a link to a good photo essay on MLK, for MLK Day.

Smattering of This-and-That

This evening I'm venturing back into the world of hanging - out - with - guys - and - books - and - talking - about - things - that - are - deep - and - relevant. This is something I could get used to.

We're going to be reading/discussing the book "Simply Christian" by N.T. Wright.

I've never read one of his books, but have heard good things. And in doing a little research into who he is and all, I came across some things that I'd forgotten about. Here (along with links) are a few of those things:

The Jesus Seminar - The basic idea is that 200 "leading scholars" get together and debate every sentence and sentiment in the Bible related to Jesus and decide its authenticity. Here's there voting system:

The Fellows used a "bead system" to vote on the authenticity of about 500 statements and events. The color of the bead represented how sure the Fellow was that a saying or act was or was not authentic.

• Red beads – indicated the voter believed Jesus did say the passage quoted, or something very much like the passage. (3 Points)
• Pink beads – indicated the voter believed Jesus probably said something like the passage. (2 Points)
• Grey beads – indicated the voter believed Jesus did not say the passage, but it contains Jesus' ideas. (1 Point)
• Black beads – indicated the voter believed Jesus did not say the passage—it comes from later admirers or a different tradition. (0 Points)

They do averages, and weigh things. It turns out that they are 70% sure Jesus told the parable of Prodigal Son. All-in-all, about 18% of his sayings were "likely to be uttered" and authentic, according to this group. I'm just reminded of how absurd this all seems.


Church and State - I forget that the separation in the U.S. is not the way it always is and was. It turns out that N.T. Wright is the Bishop of Durham, one of the highest ranking bishoprics in the Church of England. What I failed to realize was that this means he is a member of the House of Lords, the British Parliament. How bazaar it is, to think what our country would look like if certain religious appointments came with a political office (I will admit that I don't wholly understand British politics and so therefore have no idea what effect his being in the House is in reality). Imagine just for a second Jerry Falwell, James Dobson, even Rob Bell or Joel Osteen being in Congress (I have an entire post on Osteen, just waiting in the wings). An interesting exercise in "What if."


Finally, the mysterious possibility of document Q.

Not all that interesting to most people, but in short it is "a postulated lost textual source for the Gospel of Matthew and Gospel of Luke." It reminded me that when I went to college, it was for "educational ministries." I took classes in New Testament, Discipleship, epistemology, eschatology, and others. We used to have 2 a.m. conversations in our boxers about these sorts of things. And at times, I miss it.

Maybe tonight can help with that.



p.s. Don't judge me for linking to Wikipedia. I'll defend if I have to.

Cards, anyone?

Clinton wins precinct tie with queen of hearts

Posted: 07:47 PM ET

(CNN) – You know you're in Vegas when victory at a caucus precinct comes in the form of a card draw.

On Saturday, Sen. Hillary Clinton won the caucus at Mojave High School in North Las Vegas when one of her supporters pulled out the queen of hearts — besting the 10 of spades for Obama.

Tom Komenda, a Clinton supporter, told CNN there was an even number of supporters for the two candidates — 48 each. But the caucus had five delegates, so they couldn't be split evenly.

How to break the tie? A good old fashioned card draw. Carrie Giddins — a Democratic organizer — confirmed to CNN that indeed, that's how the race at Mojave High was ultimately decided. "That's the rule," she said.

Komenda — who sent CNN the story via I-Report — said a sealed deck was unwrapped. But as the shuffling started, he was concerned that the shuffler might have been shuffling in a way that exposed the faces of the cards to some of the nervous onlookers.

"I said, 'Wait wait wait — if we have to do this idiotic thing with cards, we're going to shuffle them the way they're supposed to be shuffled,'" he told CNN, laughing. "Then they said, 'If you want to shuffle, come down here and shuffle. So I went down and shuffled!"

Komenda says an Obama supporter drew first, and up came the ten of spades. Next, a Clinton supporter drew, and a queen of hearts decided the tie-breaker in favor of Clinton. So the final delegate count was two delegates for Obama, and three for Clinton.

It all ended, he said, in "cheers from one side of the room, groans and boos from the other."

Those cheering ended up rewarding Komenda — he was chosen to be one of the delegates for Clinton.

–CNN's Josh Levs

Hilarious

(From CNN.com)

Karl Rove dismissed Hillary Clinton’s Michigan primary win Wednesday, telling a group of Republican party leaders that her victory showed signs of weakness.

Clinton, the only major candidate to appear on the Democratic presidential primary ballot, received roughly 55 percent of the vote. About 40 percent of those voting in the primary opted for the “uncommitted” option, and 5 percent of the vote went to other candidates, including Dennis Kucinich, Chris Dodd and Mike Gravel.

“Think about that. She’s running against ‘nobody’ and ‘nobody’ gets 40 percent of the vote,” said Rove. “The other 5 percent of the vote went to three other people: 27,924 votes went to the guy who believes in UFOs, the guy who dropped out and the guy who last held public office somewhere around 1855.”

Goodbye, Chap

"Well George, we finally knocked the bastard off."

Those were Sir Edmund Hillary's' first words to lifelong friend George Low on returning from Everest's summit. And this past week, Hillary died.

Honestly, I didn't even know he was still alive. And I'm confident 50% or more of America wouldn't be able to identify his accomplishment. Alas, he was a great explore, perhaps one of the last great ones.

That's all.

A Few Things

Here are a few things I've come across in the past few days. I thought they were worth sharing.



This is a preview at a new application on the iPhone. You can order Starbucks on your phone - Grande Frappuccino, 2%, extra cream. And then to pay, just wave your phone in front of the QuickPay scanner. (I'll hold my comments until I can complain in person).

- Sidenote: There are 171 Starbucks in Manhattan alone!




And as you can see, Disney is hiring! I think it's a neat concept. They just have a way of really creating a sense of wonderment, even for employees. "Imagineers" "Chief Magic Official" It's almost worth making a video and applying.



And finally, a new word: Locavore
Definition: Someone who eats only foods produce/grown/raised within 100 miles of their home.

I'm not making this up - I read it in an article.
Here's the article: Food & Wine

Here's another one declaring Locavore the "Oxford Dictionary 2007 Word of the Year."

And here's a source for finding locally grown food in the US (calculating by "food miles.")

Creative Outlet

In reading blogs tonight, ones I read on a regular basis, I was reminded of a simple fact. I really enjoy writing, photography, and creative outlets. Given my career choice, this may seem odd - but when you've gone corporate (ha!), you creations are directed, deliberate, and for an audience not yourself.

So, I'm going to try doing more "creative outlet"-y stuff. I'll probably start by dragging out old creative writings from the college days (oh so long ago). For now, let it be sufficient for me to put up this slide show of some good pictures from the Bouses in 2007.

Where, Oh Where Should We Go?

Stacey and I are thinking about taking a short little trip this winter/spring. Three or four days long probably. The thing is, we aren't real sure where we want to go. So, if you were going on said trip where would you go (continentally)? Lists are appropriate.

Bare With Me

At the risk of turning this into a political blog, I thought I'd share some thoughts on tonights ABC/Facebook Debate.

(sorry this post is so stinking long.
I want to vomit at the length)


I'm just really getting into the Presidential race and have stepped out of my comfort zone and made it quasi-public knowledge that I actually have political thoughts. I guess I grew up in the sphere of either don't talk about it, or don't care about it. Another way I'm different from my parents I suppose.

(My thoughts will now wander to-and-fro)

I should start by thanking my wife for letting me watch all four hours. She is gracious.
The Republicans came on first (McCain, Thompson, Paul, Romney, Giuliani). I'll say I haven't paid much attention to them so far. But I think I learned some things. It's true that Giuliani is still trying to ride the wave of "9/11." I'm not sure that's a good (or valid) platform. Romney seemed...seemed...gross. That's not the right word, but he just seemed like he was trying to be a tough guy, but sucked at it. He got hit with some personal jabs, and seemed to sort of whimper and complain (mostly because they were good, clean personal jabs). Fred Thompson slipped into "Law and Order" mode. Maybe, just maybe, that is the best idea he can run with. It seemed plausible. McCain...I'm still not too certain he won't just snap, streak camo-paint on his face and start launching pencil grenades from under a desk. He just seems unstable (and old).

Ron Paul, he is an interesting fellow. He garners a ton of young uns' support. Which is moderately confusing, given that he is 72. But he seemed to have the most genuine responses and maybe the one Republican I agree with (on some things). But he seemed a bit too exasperated about world problems. Sure, get up set and passionate about things. But, don't seem overwhelmed by it. Just go for whelmed. He does seem, at times, like a well spoken Mr. Magoo. (Sidenote: I think he's the most real candidate, which is too bad because the other five just laugh at him and shove him to the side for it - he just won't play their game. Even the moderator pointed out that he is consistent and stands strong on what he believes.)

Overall, it seemed to me that the Republicans are still running on a campaign of fears (the term "Islamic Fascim" was used at least once). As a whole (using stereotypes, which is wrong, but right at some point), Republicans support some things that just don't jive with me - tax cuts for the rich, uninhibited gun control, the notion that big business is the salvation of America and the world (i.e. Wal-Mart, Pharmaceuticals). OH MY GOSH! I just remembered that Mitt Romney said, quote (paraphrase), "Drug companies are not the bad guys. They are doing things to help make our lives better." Stacey retorted, "Like making Viagra and restless-leg-syndrome medicines?"

The Democrats came on and crossed paths with the Republicans. Then they began their debate (Edwards, Obama, Richardson, Clinton). It was pretty funny/entertaining to watch Edwards/Obama tag team against Clinton within the first 10 minutes or so. She got flustered and sort of lashed out, spouting ad nauseum about her "35 years experience" again. Nauseum is right.


Bill Richardson is similar to Ron Paul in that he is the most honest, perhaps well rounded candidate. Too bad he hasn't got a chance. But, he could be a stunt doulbe for Horatio Sanz on SNL.

I'll say this about Hillary Clinton. Actually, Obama said it: "Hillary, you're likable...enough."

What I will say is this: Being a woman is not a valid credential for being elected President (that is not to say I am against a woman President). I pray from the depths of my being that not a sole will actually vote for her solely because she is a woman. That is the most absurd thing I can think of. Same goes for Obama; don't vote for him solely because he is black. Or Huckabee, because he is Evangelical Christian. These are horrible reasons to vote for someone. Horrible.

Screw It or Rock it? - A Creeping Conversion

I predict that half of the two people who read this will tune out by the end of the first paragraph. Tomorrow marks the unofficial official beginning to electing our next President of the United States. The Iowa Caucus will take place tomorrow, increasing hopes and dashing others who want to be the Commander-in-Chief. And I find myself caring to an ever-increasing degree.

(Now, to the one person left reading) I can honestly say there was a time in my life when I actively campaigned for people not to vote, that our system was broken and true representation wasn't possible, that (especially in Indiana) your vote didn't matter (especially Presidentially). And so I never voted. Yet, somewhere, somehow, my thinking began changing. I don't know how or why, but I'm sure it started slowly. A creeping conversion. And today I find myself moving across the spectrum of attitudes. I've voted in the last three possible elections, read up on political news and websites, even read a candidates book this winter.

Most people say that politics are so messed up: corrupt and just a game, detached from real life, boring, a waste of time, and most of all, completely dividing. And I'll agree to a certain degree on most of that. But, for some reason I've come to the point of setting a personal goal for myself this year, politically. My goal is this:

Get/Persuade/Cause/Lead 15 people to vote in the upcoming election who did not vote in the last election.

I think the reason is this: In my growing interest in politics, one thing has changed, not my perspective on the electoral college, or the political system, or the Washington goons - but instead my understanding of our my State, our Nation, our World. In listening to what positions candidates take, in listening to what issues are (and maybe more importantly what issues aren't) at the forefront, I've been able to do my own reading, my own postulating, growing of my own worldview.

I don't think anyone should vote or actively follow politics because it is necessarily fun or exciting or beneficial in a tangible way. I think people should vote (or actively follow politics) because it causes you to examine your own beliefs and understanding of the world. Issues like Fair Trade, Medicare, and Maternity Leave are issues that had only a technical meaning or understanding in my mind, but then I started read and attempting to understand these concepts/theories/themes through the perspective of someone who has to deal with them. The human drama of it makes it clear that something is at stake, even if it won't ever effect me.

And that is what Americans experience every day: an isolated life. At least here in middle-America, where people shop at Wal-Mart in order to "Spend Less. Live Better", meaning, spend less on peanut butter so we can afford to buy a $500 cell phone with games, photos, movies, and Wi-Fi capability (Lord save me if I can't Google or Wikipedia the name of the drummer from Def Leppard [I'm a hypocrite, I know]). I digress.

I'm stepping out and risking what I sense to be the prevalent pop-culture pride, that not caring about politics and never voting is cool. Sort of like being in class and not wanting to answer a question, because you don't want to be "that guy."

We are all in this world. We all play a part. Not all of us realize that. And I think that playing a part begins with understand where we are and where those playing along with us are starting from. For me, that means learning about the issues, the problems, and the people whether they are or aren't represented properly in a government thwarted by special interests, lobbyists, zealous causes, and party lines. My vote may not change the world, but learning about and understanding people and their lives, that just might change me. And I consider that to be well worth all the trouble.

So it begins. And tomorrow, good luck Barack.



(that's Obama hooping it up at the Des Moines YMCA)

No Whitty Title

When I turned 25 on May 1, I made a list of goals, things I wanted to accomplish within the next year. While I haven't been wholly dedicated to completing most of them, I have managed to check a few off. Now that a new year is upon us, and I've less than 5 months to finish up, here's a review of what I've done, what I've officially failed at, and what's left to do (obviously the largest category). If you see any way you can help in getting some of these checked off, let me know.


DONE:

• Go to a new state
• Drove through Nebraska on the way to Colorado for Thanksgiving with the Smiths)
• Bowl a 150
• Bowled a 151 (starting off the game with a Turkey!) Darbi has photo proof of it all
• Try five new foods
• I could do a whole post on this, mostly thanks to my job. Squash pudding, rice pudding, mincemeat pie, Gooseberries, currant ketchup. Just to name a few.
  
• Recycle
• Starting today, I'm committed to the cause
  
• Ride a horse
• Stacey and I went to McCormick Creek's State Park for our anniversary. It included a 90-minute horseback ride
• Lose twenty pounds (lbs.)
• Mostly thanks to manual farm work, but remember that the goal did not include keeping it off
  
• Go to two (2) live theater performances
  
• Halfway done, Stacey and I went to Beef 'n' Boards for the Christmas Show

FAILED TO DO:

• Take a walk every Sunday
• I'm not sure I've done even one.
  

STILL TO DO:

• Catch a fish
• Go canoing/whitewater rafting
• Test Gravity (e.g. sky-dive, bungee, roller coaster)
• Buy/Eat from a Farmers Market
• Have my portrait painted
• Plant a Tree
• Write the government a letter
• Write a letter to the editor
• Start a garden
• Learn a new necktie style
• Experience a hot lather shave
• Go to an Indianapolis Indians game
• Eat a 100-mile diet meal
• Go to the Indiana Museum of Art
• Learn 5 knots
• Teach my dog to catch a frisbee
• Attend a rally/protest
• Donate blood two (2) times
• Be a vegetarian for a week
• Watch three (3) movies in a theater in one day
• Visit a zoo
• Go on a hot-air balloon ride
• Leave a huge tip for a waiter
• Go to a drive-in movie theater
• Ride a ferris wheel
• By a stranger something from their Amazon.com wishlist
• Celebrate five (5) dead people's birthdays
• Go to an auction
• Order room service
• Sell a picture that I've taken
• Get a pen-pal (e- or text)
• Complete a newspaper crossword puzzle
• Finish a bottle of Guinness
• Stop into a church and let them know how absurd/worthless their signs are
  

•