CHP For A Day

One of my pet peeves involves people driving slow in the fast lane on the freeway. What's that you say? You didn't know there was a fast lane on the freeway? EXACTLY MY POINT! You and every other stinking driver in Southern California need to learn the rules of the road.

One of the many great lessons I learned from my paternal grandfather was that while driving on the freeway (or any multi-lane Highway) slower traffic should keep right. Additionally, the far left lane is for passing only. He taught me that when you pass a slower moving vehicle on the freeway, pass to the left and then once you have passed move back to the lane(s) to the right so that if anyone wants to pass you they have the far left lane to do so! I learned this lesson as he allowed me to drive his pickup back and forth on I-82 between Yakima and Ellensburg. It also helped to explain all of those "Slower Traffic Keep Right" signs.

As I grew older and began driving on the freeway more, I noticed that most people had no clue about this rule of the road. I did come across this question on a drivers test once so I know my grandpa didn't steer me wrong (pun intended). Maybe it is the fact that I have become more curmudgeonly in my old age, or maybe it's just that they don't emphasize this in drivers training any more, or just maybe it's that people are idiots and truly don't care. Whatever the reason, it still really ticks me off when people drive slow in the far left passing lane. 

Hmmmm....It seems pretty straight forward to me. What about this concept don't you people get?

I make frequent trips to Southern California and when I do, I spend about three hours in freeway traffic (the 99 to the 5 to the 210 - I could probably drive it in my sleep). How well the drive goes depends on how many idiots I encounter along the way. The idiot count is based on how many people are driving 50 miles an hour in the far left/passing lane. For some reason, it makes me feel better if I call them an idiot, while I am passing them in the far RIGHT lane because they won't get over! Sometimes, I like to pull along side of them and give them the evil eye and call them an idiot at the same time. Of course, I won't mention the time I did that before recognizing that it was two law-enforcement officers in an unmarked vehicle. They didn't seem too pleased with my gesture. Anyway, a five idiot trip is usually a decent ride. However, I have had 12-15 idiot trips before.

One of my fantasies is being appointed to be a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer for a week. All I would do is pull over people driving slow in the passing lane. I would be a lean-mean ticket writing machine. I could probably solve California's budget crisis, if they would just give me a week!

I can see it now, Officer Wheeler or Wheels to my fellow officers. Maybe they would consider making my week in uniform into a reality show. They could call it... "Idiot People" or "CHiPs the Return."

I'm no Erik Estrada (or even a Larry Wilcox)...but hey, I guy can dream!

Fat Preacher Donut Club

I mentioned in a previous post that after high school I attended a small bible college called Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College (PCBBC or PC for short). It was an interesting little college situated up in the hills of San Dimas next to a development called Via Verde. In order to get onto campus you had to follow Valley Center Boulevard until it ended and then you entered a little ravine area with a one lane road that wound down through the ravine across a small bridge and then up the other side of the hill. Once you reached the top of the other side you entered a beautiful campus where the buildings were designed in Spanish style architecture.

To say that we were isolated is an understatement. There was the ravine to the north and west, the 57 freeway to the east and a walled off Via Verde housing development to the south. We were in our own little world. The isolated location and the topography of the surrounding area led to some interesting pranks and other feats of mischief that we participated in because we had nothing better to do. But I will save those stories for another time.

One of the interesting dynamics that we had at PC was the demographic make-up of the school. There was a strange mix of young 18-20 somethings, both males and females and "older" married men attending. The "youngsters" (myself included) were mostly all there straight out of high school. We had been encouraged to enroll at PC by the church youth groups that we attended. Most of older men were there because they had "surrendered" to the full-time ministry (mostly to the mission field) after already having established a family and a career.

My younger friends and I would often find ourselves in class with many of these older guys. Let's just say that they didn't always appreciate our sarcastic, juvenile sense of humor. I have to say that we, in our arrogant youth, did not always show these guys the respect they probably deserved. What's scary to me though, as I look back, is that many of them were younger than I am now! 

The school had a courtyard area with a small cafeteria. Between classes you could go to the cafe and buy coffee, donuts and other snacks. Normally, my friends and I would go to the cafe to get something and hang out. The older guys would also come to the cafe and they would usually buy donuts and drink coffee. But rather than "hang-out" they could usually be overheard discussing some theological concept or idea that we learned about in class. Now remember these guys, were middle-aged men. They were good preachers in training because they already had developed their preacher bellies!

Now I am not sure who came up with the term, but we started calling them the "Fat Preacher Donut Club!" Yeah, I know. But at the time it was funny. Also at the time, we looked like this.

We were all much younger and thinner back then...especially me! I'm the one in the red shirt and overalls (don't ask).

Who is that skinny guy? Here's the ironic thing. Twenty years later, I became a member of the Fat Preacher Donut Club!

Here I am at my installation ceremony! Ironically, shortly after my installation I lost a considerable amount of weight and had to resign my membership! I lost my girth and I gave up the calling but I remain an alumnus in good standing!

So what is the point of this stroll down memory lane? Be careful who you make fun of when you are young, someday you may become them!

Get Your Bad Boy On!

I am convinced that despite their protestations to the contrary, all women are attracted to "bad boys." These two studies described at Live Science seem to explain why this might be the case. I am not sure that I completely buy their conclusions, but it is interesting nonetheless. The reason I am suspicious is because even when women no longer ovulate or they are no longer fertile, they still seem to be drawn to the bad boys. I tend to think it is built into the DNA (evidence of the fall maybe?).

The thing I found ironic about the second study is that it points to the fact that most women think that she and only she can be the one to change the bad boy.

The researchers followed up that find with a second study in which women interacted directly with male actors who played the roles of sexy cad and reliable dad once during ovulation and again at low fertility. Again, ovulating women thought that the sexy cad — but not the reliable dad — would contribute more to childcare, but only as her partner (not if he shacked up with another woman).

"When asked about what kind of father the sexy bad boy would make if he were to have children with another woman, women were quick to point out the bad boy's shortcomings," said Durante. "But when it came to their own child, ovulating women believed that the charismatic and adventurous cad would be a great father to their kids."

We men certainly have our inherent faults, so I'm not trying to pick on the ladies. It's just that men and women are both predictable. We men freely admit to our predictability. We have no problem acknowledging that we are single-minded and shallow when it comes to women. Women however, don't want to admit that they are predictable. They will go to the ends of the earth to prove they are not, but when it comes down to it, they act instinctually as females in very predictable ways. Not the least of which is that they think they can be the one to change the bad boy.

I thought this debate was very interesting  I was surprised by the fact that it was the female that argued you can't change a bad boy and the male argued that you could! Warning: this is an adult/secular conversation about dating, but I think there are some very good points they make about men and women and the psychology of relationships in general.



I think that the bottom line is that both men and women alike seem to have tremendous difficulty distinguishing between what makes the opposite sex attractive and what makes an individual member of the opposite sex a wise choice as a mate. Those two concepts are not always, and probably rarely congruent. Sexy cad or reliable dad? Are they really the only two choices that women have? And, what can nice guys do about it?

Here's my word to you men. Get your bad boy on! No, I don't mean that you should become a jerk or a member of a motorcycle gang, but I do think you should look in the mirror and ask yourself, what do you see? Is there a man looking back at you? Is there an inner sexy cad just waiting to break out? Set aside for the moment any hormonal or ovulational reasons that women might be attracted to bad boys, and ask yourself what is it about a bad boy that is so appealing to women? First and foremost I think women are attracted to a man's confidence. Women will say they hate cockiness in a guy, but it has been my observation that the cockiest guys are the ones with the most dates. Here's the thing though, this is not something you can fake, it needs to be real or the ladies will sniff it out and then you will be the object of their derision.

The key to confidence guys is to just be yourself. Learn to be comfortable in your own skin. Don't be afraid to be a man. Take a class on leadership. Learn how to repair or build something. Don't ever apologize or be ashamed for being a male. Again, you don't have to be a jerk or mean or abusive, that is NOT what being a man is all about. Being a man is about courage, hard work, faithfulness, duty, honor and many other qualities. If you're married, be a leader in your house. Make your wife and children feel secure. Make your wife feel cherished. Talk to her. Fix the broken sink in the bathroom. Help her out of the car, open the door for her. Hug her. Grab her and kiss her, OFTEN. Be a reliable dad AND her sexy cad! Be her bad boy!

For you single guys, develop your confidence. Start living your life "out loud." Learn to be interesting. Go where the ladies are and be the most charming guy there. Demonstrate your character and value in your actions. Again, don't be a phony, just be yourself, and...be the man! Let the ladies see that you're worthy of their attention...you bad boy you!

Saturday Night Video Theme: Let's Kiss

Someone recently asked me if I kiss on the first date? Since I don't kiss (or not) and tell, I will instead say...

I don't feel the need to give such secrets away
You think maybe I need help though I know i am right, all right
I'm just better off not listening to friends advice

When they insist on knowing my bliss, I tell them this
When they want to know what the reason is
I only smile when I lie, then I tell them why

Because your kiss, your kiss is on my list

On the other hand I have been told before to, "shut up and kiss me!"

Tom Jones does Prince: "Kiss"

 Sixpence None the Richer: "Kiss Me"

I am not a big Faith Hill fan, but she is easy on the eyes..."This Kiss"

Husky Highlights - "All I Saw Was Purple"

It is no secret that I am a huge Washington Husky football fan. I grew up listening to the Husky football games on the radio and have fond memories of hearing the broadcasts while in my room at home. I was hooked for life.

When we moved from Yakima, Washington to Wasco, California in January of 1990, one of the first things I noticed was that I was no longer in Husky land. Most every one here were either USC or UCLA fans. In fact, I had some new "friends" that were "in-your-face" USC fans. Their arrogance really irritated me. I couldn't wait until football season so that the Dawgs could (hopefully) shut them up!

The University of Washington football program had been revived by Don James in the late 70s and for most of the 80's they had been a dominant Pac-8 team. However, in the latter part of the 80s they faltered and the program seemed to be floundering a bit. So going into the decade of the 90s there were doubts about the direction the program was headed. Late in the 80s Coach James had revamped his staff, his defensive philosophy and particularly his recruiting strategy (with a greater focus on athleticism and speed). There were hints that these changes were going to pay-off, especially in the last half of the 89 season when the Dawgs closed with several blow-outs, including a 34-7 drubbing of the University of Florida Gators in the 1989 Freedom Bowl. A Florida team that featured future Hall of Fame running back Emmit Smith. Still, no one really knew how dominant this team would become. That is, until USC traveled to Husky stadium.

It was September 22, 1990 and the conference opener for both teams. USC came in ranked #5 in the country but that would soon change as the Dawgs took apart the Trojans in the game. A game that would be known as the All I saw was purple game, when "Robo" quarterback Todd Marinovich uttered the words that ultimately defined the era of Husky defensive football: "All I saw was purple, that's all. No numbers, just purple."

The Dawgs would go on to three straight Rose Bowls and win a share of the National Title in 1991. Oh, and by the way, my new friends did shut up! Enjoy the video.

What the #$%^%&**&^%$#@#$% Did You Say?

True story, while in Bible College I worked at a place called Kwikset Lockset along with several other students from the school. It was a good place to work  and it was good money for a poor struggling college student. Since none of us single guys owned a car, we had to carpool with one or two of the married guys. One Friday night after work, on the way home from Anaheim, we stopped to get gas at a station on Walnut just off the 57 freeway in Fullerton. Since the driver was pumping the gas, my friend Pete and I went in to the station/mini-mart to get something to drink. While we were inside standing in line, a very large and apparently drunk gentleman in front of us was being belligerent with the clerk. He very loudly yelled at the clerk, "give me the blankety blank" cigarettes! Not one to let an opening like that go without comment, my friend Pete said, loud enough so that everyone could hear, "I didn't know they made that brand!" Now if you know my friend Pete, you would know that his comment was meant to be funny but it was also a sarcastic way of making a point about the large (have I mentioned this guy was big?) man's language in public.

Les Miserables Pt. 5

This clip contains some of the best songs in the show, including, "Red and Black" and "Do You Hear the People Sing?" My favorite though, is "Stars" because it once again illustrates the contrast between Jean Valjean and Javert, mercy and legalism. If you listen to the words of the song (or read the subtitles) you will see just how legalistic Javert is. He is self-righteous. Though he sings of falling from grace, he has no idea what grace really is.

The Bakcground: A street gang led by the Thénardiers prepares to ambush Valjean, whom Thénardier recognizes as the man who took Cosette. Éponine sees Marius, whom she secretly loves, and warns him to stay away, but Marius accidentally bumps into Cosette and immediately falls in love. Javert thwarts the Thénardiers' attempt to rob Valjean and Cosette, not recognising Valjean until after he escapes. Javert gazes at the night sky, comparing his hunt of Valjean and justice to the order of the stars. Meanwhile, Marius, although he does not know Cosette's name, persuades a reluctant Éponine to help him find her.

The scene then shifts to a political meeting in a small café where Enjolras leads a group of idealistic students to prepare for a revolution that they believe will materialise after General Lamarque's death. Marius arrives late and when Gavroche brings the news of the General's death, the students march into the streets.

MARCONI UNION - WEIGHTLESS

Scientists discover the most relaxing tune ever.

Click on the link below to listen.

MARCONI UNION - WEIGHTLESS

What do you think?

Past - Passed

There are some people that just write well. I have a few friends on Facebook that always seem to write a comment in a way that reads smoothly. It makes me jealous because I feel like my writing needs a great deal of work. In my efforts to become a better writer, I often struggle with the proper usage of grammar. There are so many grammar rules in the English language that it takes hard work to remember them all (not an easy task for an old guy like me!). I am not sure I will ever get the I / Me rule down pat. However, I do want to improve, so I often do a little research to refresh my memory on how to properly use certain words and phrases. The most recent question I had related to the correct way to use Past / Passed.

Here is a good link to help explain the difference.

The general rule is this: "Passed" is the past tense of "to pass." For everything else, use "past."

Another way to remember. "Passed" is a verb, while "past" can be an adjective, noun, adverb or preposition. So when trying to decided whether to use "passed" or "past" ask yourself whether you are using the word as a verb or not.

You can test yourself in this paragraph by determining whether you should you use "passed" or "past?"

Bonzo, the youngest marmoset in the new compound, delighted onlookers in the town’s zoo on Saturday. Just minutes into his first public appearance, Bonzo passed / past a banana to his mother, who peeled it and passed / past it back. With new banana in hand, Bonzo ran excitedly passed / past his father who deftly whipped Bonzo’s lunch out of his young paw. Bonzo’s mother released a reprimanding yell, at which point, Bonzo’s father passed / past the banana back to Bonzo.

The correct answers are:

Bonzo passed a banana to his mother
who peeled it and passed it back
Bonzo ran excitedly past his father
Bonzo's father passed the banana back to Bonzo

Here's another test.

The passed / past has a habit of repeating itself. In a carbon copy of last year’s final, the young Argentinean blasted the ball passed / past the post after being awarded a penalty in the last minute. Visibly distraught, he removed his captain’s armband and passed / past it to Wells. He stormed off the pitch, walking straight passed / past his manager without so much as a glance.

The correct answers are:

The past has a habit of repeating itself
the young Argentinean blasted the ball past the post
he removed his captain's armband and passed it to Wells.
walking straight past his manager

Please remember I am in no way claiming to be a grammar expert. I just want to share with you what I am learning in my efforts to becoming a better writer. Now that I passed these tips to you, I hope I can get past my fear of making a fool of myself in my writing!

Classic Rush Vol. 3

This is one of my favorite Rush videos, it really captures the unique look and sound that was Rush in the 70s (when many of us became their fans). If you have seen the DVD Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage you'll see that the power trio is made up of three pretty normal guys...three very talented but normal guys. This song has a wonderful sound musically and is lyrically interesting.  

Start a new chapter, I find what I'm after
It's changing every day
The change of a season is enough of a reason
To want to get away

Quiet and pensive, my thoughts apprehensive
The hours drift away
Leaving my homeland, playing a lone hand
My life begins today

Fly by night away from here
Change my life again
Fly by night, goodbye my dear
My ship isn't coming and I just can't pretend
My ship isn't coming and I just can't pretend

On Blended Families

I don't know how it works for every blended family, but for mine, the whole "blended" thing has been both a blessing and a struggle. Most of you know that I have always endeavored to be open and transparent in my life. I do realize however, that my transparency has sometimes been cathartic for me but painful for others. I also realize that by sharing my thoughts and heart about this subject in this post, I run the risk of offending one or more of my own family members. Be assured though, that is not my intention. So out of respect for my family, "the names have been changed to protect the innocent!"

Whenever I try to explain the make-up of my family, I always preface it by telling them that I have the quintessential American family. I have two biological sisters, two step-sisters and two half-brothers...no...really I do! Throw in two moms and two dads and I am a sociologists dream come true!

Just a little background. My biological parents were separated and eventually divorced when I was young (around third grade - about 9 years old). My dad retained custody of me and my two biological sisters (around 7 and 4 years old). I don't remember much about that time but I do remember that during my third grade year I attended three schools and moved twice. We moved from Washington State to Missouri to live with my maternal grandparents and then we moved from Missouri back to Yakima to live with my paternal grandparents. For my fourth grade year we moved to Ellensburg, Washington when my paternal grandparents decided to live there.

During this time my dad met my future step-mother (with her two daughters) and eventually they decided to marry. Once more we moved to Yakima to began the life together as a blended family. I now had two biological sisters and two step-sisters. Later my dad and step-mom would add a half-brother to the fold, and my biological mother and my step-father would add another half-brother to their new family. So there was me, the oldest, a step-sister that was in the same grade as I was but six-months younger. There was my oldest biological sister who was almost exactly one year younger than me, then my youngest biological sister who was three years younger and then my youngest step-sister who was about nine years younger than me...and I am not even going to try to remember how far apart my paternal half-brother is from me.

Whew...I almost want to break out in song..."Here's the story, of a man named Wheeler, who was busy with three kids of his own..."

Unlike the Brady Bunch however, the new blended family brought with it many difficult years of transition, especially for the six children that now made up the "Wheelers." First, there were the issues related to names, since my two step-sisters came from my step-mother's two previous marriages, they both had different last names. I always felt awkward being in the same class as my step-sister and having to try to explain why her last name was different than mine (and I'm sure the same was true for her as well). I'll never forget when my youngest step-sister, still trying to come to terms with the family dynamics, thought she had it all figured out. In her mind it made sense because her biological dad was now married to a woman with the same first name as my biological mom. So to her, it just seemed to make sense that the men just traded wives! (That's the way I remember the story anyway).

Bryan Duncan - When it Comes to Love

I can only go by what's happened to me
And now I realize when it comes to love

You're gonna cry a little, hurt a little
Feel a little pain in your heart
Laugh a little, care a lot
Take a look at what you've got
It's true we're human, we make mistakes, but
We're gonna live to see a brighter day
So do what you gotta do, what you gotta do

When it comes to love I just wanna have it all
It's not something you can buy
In any store
Someone to trust that's what I'm lookin' for
I'm gonna open up my heart and ask you
To open yours 

50 Years of Government Spending

I came across this very interesting graph, from the National Public Radio (NPR) website. I know what you're thinking, but let it never be said that This Jim is too conservative to post an item from the VERY liberal NPR!

It clearly illustrates the problem that we have in dealing with the budget deficit. After defense (which has shrunk considerably as a percentage of the budget), Social Security, Medicare and Safety Net programs make-up nearly half of the budget. Clearly something is going to have to be done with those three programs if we are going to get serious about cutting the budget. Good luck with that! I think we could start with means-testing Social Security. I would rather see the wealthy lose their Social Security benefits than see their taxes raised. Why? Because raising taxes on the wealthy will not significantly improve the budget situation and it will harm the economy (while also giving the politicians more money to spend instead of cutting the budget). On the other hand, taking away their Social Security benefits will immediately lower the size of the Social Security budget and minimally impact the investment power of the wealthy. What we need for the economy to get going again is more incentive for people to invest and be productive.

How Do I Love Thee?

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. 

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height 

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight 

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of everyday's 

Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight. 

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right; 

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use 

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. 

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose 

With my lost saints,--I love thee with the breath, 

Smiles, tears, of all my life!--and, if God choose, 

I shall but love thee better after death. 

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
 

Les Miserables Pt. 4

The next scene occurs in an inn at Montfermeil run by the Thénardiers, where Cosette (Fantine's daughter) has been living. The Thénardiers have been abusing the little girl, while indulging their own daughter, Éponine. Cosette dreams of a better life. She sings the wonderful song "Castle on a Cloud" before Madame Thénardier sends her to get some water in the dark. As the inn fills for the evening, the Thénardiers cheat their customers in various ways as humorously bragged about in the song "Master of the House." Valjean now on the run from Javert, finds Cosette getting water and begins to bargain with the Thénardiers, ultimately paying them 1,500 Francs to let him take her away (thus fulfilling his promise to Fantine).

The musical them skips ahead nine years to Paris where the city is in upheaval because General Lamarque, the only man in the government who shows mercy to the poor, is ill and may soon die. The young "street urchin" Gavroche mingles with the prostitutes and beggars on the street, while students Marius Pontmercy and Enjolras discuss the general's imminent demise in the song "Look Down".

Doing One Thing at a Time

Okay, I'll admit it...I am a man...as in male, and I do NOT like to multi-task. Unfortunately, with my job I am often required to do so, working on several projects during the day. I remember reading somewhere that it takes 15-20 minutes to get refocused when you switch back and forth between projects (I am looking for the link to that article but can't seem to find it). That's why when I came across this article by Tony Scwartz discussing the dangers of trying to do too many things at the same time for too long, I wanted to share it.

The article called "The Magic of Doing One Thing at a Time" is very insightful. Schwartz says:

What we've lost, above all, are stopping points, finish lines and boundaries. Technology has blurred them beyond recognition. Wherever we go, our work follows us, on our digital devices, ever insistent and intrusive. It's like an itch we can't resist scratching, even though scratching invariably makes it worse.

I find myself lacking technological boundaries in my life. Whether it is my personal cell phone, my computer at work or some other electronic device, I find that I am usually over-attached to the activities of others. Ironically, during those times that I am alone in the office working on a project with no music or other noise in the background, the quiet almost seems eerie. In fact, I don't like it! However, it is in those times of silence, that I seem to be the most productive.

Schwartz has some good advice on how to fuel better productivity for both managers and individuals.

For managers he suggests the following:

1. Maintain meeting discipline.

Have you ever been in a meeting that was supposed to last 30 minutes but goes 90 minutes instead? I can promise you that nothing kills productivity in your employees more than undisciplined, unnecessarily long meetings. I know from my own personal experience that once the meeting goes 15 minutes over its scheduled length I am no longer tuned-in and focused. Why? Because I am thinking about the three other projects sitting on my desk that are due tomorrow. I am thinking about the other four meetings I have scheduled for the week and I am getting angry that you are wasting my time! You can usually tell when a meeting goes too long because the cell phones and other digital devices start coming out. If you're going to waste my time, I might as well answer my emails and respond to my text messages. Particularly, the texts from my colleagues who are sending each other messages about how horribly over-time you are on the meeting!

2. Stop demanding or expecting instant responsiveness at every moment of the day.

What's the old saying? "Failure to plan on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part." Nothing frustrates employees more than being required to drop a project they are intensely focusing on in order to deal with some suddenly urgent project. There have been a few times when I have had to ask a supervisor which "urgent" project was the most "urgent!" I like a challenge, and I can work on the fly with the best of them. But when this type of thing becomes the norm, it can be very disheartening.

3. Encourage renewal.

Schwartz recommends creating "at least one time during the day when you encourage your people to stop working and take a break." I have been fortunate that in the last three places I have worked I have been able to get out of the office from time to time, whether it was to do something work-related (but different) or whether it was just taking a walk around the building for a few minutes. Those times have allowed me to stretch, relax and get re-focused so that I could finish the project I was working on. The older I get the more I like the idea of a siesta! I'm trying to figure out a way I can get that one passed my Board.

For individuals he recommends the following:

1. Do the most important thing first in the morning,

2. Establish regular, scheduled times to think more long term, creatively, or strategically.

3. Take real and regular vacations.

It's really up to us as individuals to establish these boundaries for ourselves so that we can be productive and satisfied in our jobs.

My Results for the 2012 Presidential Election Quiz

My Results for the 2012 Presidential Election Quiz

Classic Rush Vol. 2

Known primarily as a progressive rock band, this is a rare Rush song with a bluesy feel and it's one of my favorites. The songs on the self-titled first album were largely influenced by the style of both Led Zeppelin and Cream. They were also written without the participation of Neil Peart who did not join the band until the album had been completed. Once Peart joined Rush, the band would begin to develop it's progressive sound.

For Mothers and Others...

Anna May Jarvis, quote:

“Mother’s Day has nothing to do with candy.  Candy is junk. You give your mother a box of candy and then go home and eat most of it yourself. . . .”

Anna May Jarvis, quote:

“A maudlin, insincere printed card or a ready-made telegram means nothing except that you’re too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone else in the world.  You ought to go home and see your mother on Mother’s Day.  You ought to take her out and paint the town red. . . .”

Anna May Jarvis, still quoting now:

“You ought to give her something useful, something permanent.  A lot of mothers are sleeping on mattresses that are as hard as rocks.  Maybe she needs new eyeglasses, comfortable shoes, a pair of slippers, or better lighting fixtures.  Is she sleeping warm at night?  Could she use an eiderdown?  Maybe the stairs in her home need fixing. . . .”

What about flowers, Anna May?

“Flowers are about half dead by the time they’re delivered.”

And Anna May goes on to say that she won’t rest “until Mother’s Day becomes the personal family Memorial Day it was intended to be.”

If anyone had the right to speak out against the commercialization of Mother’s Day, it was Anna May Jarvis.  That second Sunday of thoughtfulness each and every May was Anna’s idea in the first place.

Anna May Jarvis was the Mother of Mother’s Day.  Anna May Jarvis, born May 1, 1864.

She was a minister’s daughter, described as a quiet, studious girl in school who liked everyone and whom everyone liked.

Anna was just two weeks forty-two, working for a life insurance company in Philadelphia, when her mother died on the second Sunday of May, 1906.

Friends noticed a change in Anna in the months following that unhappy occasion.  No longer the gentle, easy-going woman they knew, Anna became obsessed with but one desire:  to see her mother and motherhood honored annually throughout the world.

After more than a year of careful planning, Anna arranged the first Mother’s Day church service – May 10, 1908 – at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, where Anna’s mother had taught Sunday school.

Anna worked hard to promote her idea.  A year after that first memorial service in West Virginia, Philadelphia became the first city to proclaim an official Mother’s Day.

Cussin', Smokin', Drinkin' and Dancin'

Any good Baptist (active or recovering) can name the four big vices of cursing, smoking, drinking and dancing. Over my life I have heard numerous sermons on all four (plus a fifth vice...gambling). I may have even mentioned a few of them over the years in my own sermons (although I really did try to stay away from being too legalistic about those issues).

I don't drink alcohol, not because I have anything against it per se and I don't judge others for imbibing. In fact, if you drink you should love me since I am the perfect friend to have...I am the ideal designated driver (when we go out you'll never have to feel bad that you're drinking and I'm not!). I don't drink for several reasons. First, I genuinely don't like the taste of alcohol. A few of my friends and even my sons have tried to get me to have a beer with them and every time I taste one my response is the same...I just don't get it. Second, since I have an ongoing struggle with my weight, I would rather get my calories from what I eat rather than what I drink. Most alcoholic beverages are are heavy in carbohydrates and sugars, and I religiously watch my carb intake...so I avoid alcoholic beverages. Third, I am too cheap to drink! I have been out a few times with friends at bars (usually to listen to live music) and at the end of the night when the tab is due, I am always thankful that I didn't spend the night ordering the $5 beers, the $7 vodka and cranberries and the $9 margaritas! Finally, I have seen the effects that alcohol can have on some people and I would rather not take a chance at possibly drinking too much and losing control. I don't know anyone that drinks that hasn't been drunk at least once...I am afraid I might turn out to be a mean drunk! Or, maybe it's the poem I memorized when I was younger:

Late one night in October,

when I was far from being sober,

I was walking down the road full of manly pride,

when my feet began to stutter,

and I fell down in the gutter,

and a pig came near and lay down by my side.

Well a lady passing by was heard to say,

"you can tell a man who boozes,

by the company he chooses,"

and the pig got up and quickly ran away!

Les Miserables Pt. 3

When Fantine fights back against an abusive customer, Javert, now stationed in Montreuil-sur-Mer, arrests her. Jean Valjean (who is revealed to be the mayor) soon arrives, and realizing his part in Fantine's circumstances, orders Javert to let her go and takes her to a hospital.

Soon after, the Mayor rescues a man pinned by a runaway cart and Javert is reminded of Jean Valjean (who he knew to be exceptionally strong). Javert, has been hunting Valjean for years for breaking his parole. However, Javert assures the mayor that Valjean has been arrested recently and will be in court later in the day. Unwilling to see an innocent man go to prison in his place, Valjean confesses his identity to the court—that he is the prisoner 24601—revealing the convict's brand on his chest as proof in the amazing song "Who Am I?" The lyrics truly reveals the dilemma and inner turmoil that Valjean is going through to do the right thing. Even though his life has been changed, he still must deal with his past. 

He thinks that man is me
He knew him at a glance!
That stranger he has found
This man could be my chance!

Why should I save his hide?
Why should I right this wrong
When I have come so far
And struggled for so long?

If I speak, I am condemned.
If I stay silent, I am damned!

Laugh at My Jokes, Please

I am always amused by studies that discover differences between men and women.  While the study mentioned in this article says that both men and woman want to find someone with a sense of humor, this means different things to men and women.

Studies of attraction show that women find a man more attractive and desirable when he is funny than when he is not. But, studies suggest that men value a sense of humor, but do not find a woman more attractive or desirable when she is funny.

I personally think that women who can be funny are very attractive, but hey, I may be weird. To me, there's nothing more appealing than a quirky sense of humor. But, I digress! The authors of the study try to explain the contradiction through the way that men and women define a "good sense of humor."

When women say that they want a man with a good sense of humor, they generally mean that they want someone who will both make them laugh and will laugh at their jokes. In contrast, when men say that they want a woman with a good sense of humor, they mean primarily that they want someone who will laugh at their jokes. 

I don't know why that last line makes me smile, but it does. Men, we are so vain! Speaking from my own personal experience, I know the fastest way to my heart is through your laugh. I am a sucker for a cute laugh...so, go ahead, laugh at my jokes, please...

Baby on Board

I wish I had this shirt to wear before the births of my four children!

Seven (somewhat) funny maternity shirts!

Bryan Duncan - Love Takes Time

There are many great Contemporary Christian artists and many more great songs being written today. However, I have always been partial to "old school" CCM (Contemporary Christian Music). I particularly have a fondness for Bryan Duncan. His website is here and his wikipedia page is here.

Bryan is a Dove Award and Grammy Award-winning singer who started his career in 1973 with the Jesus music group the Sweet Comfort Band. After the band split-up in 1984, Bryan started his solo career. Since then he has released numerous solo albums and sold over a million records.

What sets his music apart for me is its soulful sound. Some of his music is borne out of the struggles he has had in his life for which he has been very transparent. On his website in the behind the songs section, Duncan tells of how he found himself depressed and disillusioned with his life.

He writes:

I was sincere in my proclamation of the Gospel in song, though tainted with my own self-centeredness, my faith was genuine. But I forgot that from the beginning God saw that it was not good for man to be alone.

This song opens with “have you ever been lied to?” I was referring to the way I was flattered into believing that I was somehow immune to human frailties because I was doing “Gods work.”

The best lies lie in flattery! You believe it because you want to...I bought the idea that my work was enough. The sacrifice of time with those you love has additional requirements in truly seeing each other.

Here's the video of that song, one of my favorites.

Wean Yourself

I recently came across this poem titled “Wean Yourself” by Rumi, (translated by Coleman Barks). It’s a poem about leaving your comfort zone and taking chances.

Little by little, wean yourself.
This is the gist of what I have to say.

From an embryo, whose nourishment comes in the blood,
move to an infant drinking milk,
to a child on solid food,
to a searcher after wisdom,
to a hunter of more invisible game.

Think how it is to have a conversation with an embryo.
You might say, “The world outside is vast and intricate.
There are wheat fields and mountain passes,
and orchards in bloom.

At night there are millions of galaxies, and in sunlight
the beauty of friends dancing at a wedding.”

You ask the embryo why he, or she, stays cooped up
in the dark with eyes closed.

Listen to the answer.

There is no “other world.”
I only know what I’ve experienced.
You must be hallucinating.

It's a good reminder that even at 50, I need to be challenged to look at things from a different perspective. It is so easy for me to get set in my ways and to get comfortable with my life and philosophy and politics. I need to wean myself from the lessor things and to continue to grow in my understanding of the world around me.

It's a good word for all of us!

Classic Rush Vol. 1

What if trees acted like people?

Husky Highlights

It's no secret that I am a diehard Washington Husky football fan. I have been one since the 1970s when Don James took over the program. Although Husky football has a great tradition and had amazing success during the 70s, 80s, and 90s, the the last decade (thanks to Ty Willingham) has been tough. Now that Steve Sarkisian (aka Sark) has taken over, the Dawgs are on their way back to the top. In honor of what has been and what will once again be, I will be making a weekly post of Husky Highlights because, well...it's my Blog and I can post what I want!

So sit back and enjoy this highlight from the 1992 Rose Bowl where #2 Washington dismantles #4 Michigan in a quest for the national championship. After the win, the Dawgs would go on to share the 1991 National Championship title with the University of Miami. Sadly, since there was no BCS back then, the college football world was deprived of what would have been a great match-up between the two schools.

Languages of Love

During my separation and divorce I did a great deal of reading. Some of it was to help me heal and some of it was to help me understand what went wrong. One of the best books I read to help with the latter category was a book called the The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.

The book had been around for awhile and I was vaguely familiar with the concepts before I started reading it. However, as I worked my way through the book it just made so much sense to me. The basic idea is that individuals have their own unique emotional needs and that they feel loved most when their partner can express their affection for them in a meaningful way (through a specific love language). After decades of marriage counseling, Dr. Chapman was able to to identify 5 key love languages which proved to be universal and comprehensive. Dr. Chapman asserts that everyone has a love language and will primarily identify with one of the five: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. You can read an overview of each of the 5 languages here and this article shows how the concept works in a practical way.

Yosemite Range of Light

This is a very cool time-lapse video of Yosemite National Park taken by Shawn Reeder over a two year period.

You can learn more here.

Les Miserables Pt. 2

In this second video we see that Valjean's life has indeed been changed and he has not wasted the mercy he had been shown. He's now the Mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer and the owner of the town factory. We are also introduced to the character of Fantine. Through Fantine we see the harshness of life. She sings about her broken dreams and the struggle she has had in caring for her daughter alone. In fact, she has had to leave her daughter in the care of the conniving Thenardiers (who we will meet later).

Desperate for money, Fantine has to sell her locket, and her hair, before becoming a prostitute. When she fights back against an abusive customer, Javert, now stationed in Montreuil-sur-Mer, arrests her.

The three songs in this video are all wonderfully written and capture the times very well. "At the End of the Day," "I Dreamed a Dream," and "Lovely Ladies" are all memorable both lyrically and musically.

Losing Your Faith

A friend and high school classmate of mine recently posted two articles on his Facebook wall about Christians (and Pastors in particular) "losing their faith." Another one of my friends (and also a high school classmate) commented that she couldn't wait to read my response. Instead of getting into an unproductive back and forth on Facebook I wanted to share my thoughts in a blog post. You can find the first article here and the second here.

First, let me say that this story does not shock or surprise me. I think most people with a Christian background go through a crisis of faith in their life. I actually think it's a part of the process that God uses to prove whether or not we have a real faith. That's what Peter had in mind when he wrote:

⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire —may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9

Scripture mentions several people who at one point-in-time professed to know and serve God but later left the faith, Hymenaeus and Alexander for example (1 Timothy 1:18-20).  This is nothing new. Not even for "Ministers." It happens.  

Is your Boyfriend A Vampire?

Because I am always trying to help out my lady friends. You just never know.