This is a random assortment of advice given to me over the years. While most of this advice was given to me as a minister, I think it fits well with whatever profession one is involved. Here are a few sayings that have stuck with me (I am giving credit to the one who gave me the advice):
"To be on time is to be late; to be early is to be on time." - John Hume
"When I'm talking and you're talking - nobody's listening!" - Randy Hall
On Revelation: "I'm not on the planning committee; I'm on the preparation committee." - Dr. Dominy
On tough theological issues that no one really knows the answer to: "I reserve my right to change my mind when I get to heaven." - Dr. Dominy
On hospital visits: "Be brief, be bright, be gone." - Pappaw
"Don't be so heavenly bound that you're no earthly good." - Dr. Wade
"Babylonians 4:12 - No one can please anyone all the time." - Dr. Winfred Moore
"Don't hug anyone over 7 or under 70." - Dr. Winfred Moore
And my favorite:
"Keep your hands of the women and off the money - and tell the truth." - Dr. Wade
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Monday, July 07, 2008
Fatherhood Success
I oftentimes wonder how effective a father I am to my children. Am I raising them up in the way they should go? Are they learning how to act, how to treat others, etc? Am I a godly example for them? I don't know the answers to these questions, and I guess I won't until much later in life, long after I can do anything to correct my mistakes. But I am encouraged by one influence I have made with Grant - he loves baseball!
On Saturday afternoons, FOX has its MLB game of the week. Since we don't have cable, and since only 40 Ranger games are on regular TV, and most of those are at night, Saturday afternoon has become a good time for us to watch baseball. But let me back up a second. We are able from time to time to go to a Ranger game. Last year, whenever Grant and I would go, he would be more excited about the jumbo-tron and gimmicks than the game itself. He loved how the "H" in "Southwest" would light up whenever anyone got a hit, and of course, he loved the occasional fireworks after a homerun. But as far as the game itself, he really didn't care all that much. Toward the end of last season, he began to catch on a little more, perhaps from playing T-ball and watching more games with me. But this summer, baseball has captured Grant's attention. Like I said, we watch the FOX game of the week. Usually, this involves the Yankees, Red Sox, or Cubs. So we choose a team to root for and go from there. Grant has quickly learned the rules: always cheer for the Rangers, always cheer against the Yankees. Last week, the Red Sox were playing the Yankees. He kept me up to date on the game. As we were watching, he would say "Oh man! The Yankees got a hit. I wish they would have gotten out!" and "Yes, he struck him out!" We discussed why Giambi is a cheater and why we don't like the Yankees. Anyway, the last two weeks, the Yankees have won, much to our displeasure. In fact, the week before we also watched the Cubs play the White Sox. We pulled for the Cubs and they lost as well. We are not having much luck, unless, as Grant reminded me, we go to the Ranger game - the Rangers have won both times we have gone this year. So he thinks we should go again.
Over the weekend, we watched Wimbledon as well (uncle Ben would be happy). I haven't kept up with tennis since Sampras and Agassi, so we decided to pull for Federer. He lost, but it was still fun to see Grant get excited about tennis as well. (Tennis by the way is much more difficult to explain scoring wise to a 5 year old.) But when the epic match was over, we flipped over to the Ranger game, which was actually on regular TV. It was in the 8th inning. Grant said, "I wish it was just the 2nd so we could watch the whole game." I am smiling. I don’t know how good a job I am doing as a father, but I am so happy that Grant loves baseball. And I am even happier that he loves to watch it with me.
On Saturday afternoons, FOX has its MLB game of the week. Since we don't have cable, and since only 40 Ranger games are on regular TV, and most of those are at night, Saturday afternoon has become a good time for us to watch baseball. But let me back up a second. We are able from time to time to go to a Ranger game. Last year, whenever Grant and I would go, he would be more excited about the jumbo-tron and gimmicks than the game itself. He loved how the "H" in "Southwest" would light up whenever anyone got a hit, and of course, he loved the occasional fireworks after a homerun. But as far as the game itself, he really didn't care all that much. Toward the end of last season, he began to catch on a little more, perhaps from playing T-ball and watching more games with me. But this summer, baseball has captured Grant's attention. Like I said, we watch the FOX game of the week. Usually, this involves the Yankees, Red Sox, or Cubs. So we choose a team to root for and go from there. Grant has quickly learned the rules: always cheer for the Rangers, always cheer against the Yankees. Last week, the Red Sox were playing the Yankees. He kept me up to date on the game. As we were watching, he would say "Oh man! The Yankees got a hit. I wish they would have gotten out!" and "Yes, he struck him out!" We discussed why Giambi is a cheater and why we don't like the Yankees. Anyway, the last two weeks, the Yankees have won, much to our displeasure. In fact, the week before we also watched the Cubs play the White Sox. We pulled for the Cubs and they lost as well. We are not having much luck, unless, as Grant reminded me, we go to the Ranger game - the Rangers have won both times we have gone this year. So he thinks we should go again.
Over the weekend, we watched Wimbledon as well (uncle Ben would be happy). I haven't kept up with tennis since Sampras and Agassi, so we decided to pull for Federer. He lost, but it was still fun to see Grant get excited about tennis as well. (Tennis by the way is much more difficult to explain scoring wise to a 5 year old.) But when the epic match was over, we flipped over to the Ranger game, which was actually on regular TV. It was in the 8th inning. Grant said, "I wish it was just the 2nd so we could watch the whole game." I am smiling. I don’t know how good a job I am doing as a father, but I am so happy that Grant loves baseball. And I am even happier that he loves to watch it with me.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Happy July 4th!
In 1993, I was fortunate enough to travel with a group from my high school to the Presidential Inauguration in Washington , DC . While we participated in many events and visited numerous places, certainly the event that made the most remarkable impression on me was the actual inauguration ceremony. There, in span of a few minutes, President George H. W. Bush became former president, while Bill Clinton became President Bill Clinton. Both men stood only a few feet apart. Both had just endured a long campaign. Power was transferring from one political party to the next - with only a short recitation of an oath. No bloodshed, no intimidation, no fighting. After the ceremony, Bush left via helicopter, Clinton rode in the presidential limo to the White House. Simply remarkable.
Fast-forward to Zimbabwe today. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai initially wins against highly corrupt long-time leader Robert Mugabe. However, Mugabe is in charge of releasing the vote totals. After holding the results secret, Mugabe declared that Tsvangirai did not have a majority and there would be a run-off. Over the last month leading up to the run-off, Tsvangirai has been arrested, run out of town, and threatened, while his supporters have been beaten, harassed, and intimidated to the point that Tsvangirai withdrew from the election. Mugabe then forced everyone to vote and claimed victory a few days ago, holding on to his power. The world has called the election a sham, but yet Mugabe still maintains his power. Meanwhile, the people of Zimbabwe face 4 million percent inflation - that number is not an exaggeration.
In America, George W Bush is highly unpopular, the economy is sagging, and the war in Iraq has been heavily criticized. McCain and Obama, campaigning to succeed Bush, trade barbs daily in the race to the White House. It looks like over the next few months we will see McCain and Obama go after each other as hard as they can. As nasty as our politics in America can be, come January, our new president will be sworn in as Bush stands a few feet away, and as the losing candidate heads back to the Senate. Bush will get in a helicopter and fly away, the new president will ride in a limo to the White House. And while some may be upset or depressed that their candidate didn’t win, we will peacefully continue on as a free, democratic nation. Perhaps Zimbabwe will claim the same one day. Happy July 4th!
Fast-forward to Zimbabwe today. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai initially wins against highly corrupt long-time leader Robert Mugabe. However, Mugabe is in charge of releasing the vote totals. After holding the results secret, Mugabe declared that Tsvangirai did not have a majority and there would be a run-off. Over the last month leading up to the run-off, Tsvangirai has been arrested, run out of town, and threatened, while his supporters have been beaten, harassed, and intimidated to the point that Tsvangirai withdrew from the election. Mugabe then forced everyone to vote and claimed victory a few days ago, holding on to his power. The world has called the election a sham, but yet Mugabe still maintains his power. Meanwhile, the people of Zimbabwe face 4 million percent inflation - that number is not an exaggeration.
In America, George W Bush is highly unpopular, the economy is sagging, and the war in Iraq has been heavily criticized. McCain and Obama, campaigning to succeed Bush, trade barbs daily in the race to the White House. It looks like over the next few months we will see McCain and Obama go after each other as hard as they can. As nasty as our politics in America can be, come January, our new president will be sworn in as Bush stands a few feet away, and as the losing candidate heads back to the Senate. Bush will get in a helicopter and fly away, the new president will ride in a limo to the White House. And while some may be upset or depressed that their candidate didn’t win, we will peacefully continue on as a free, democratic nation. Perhaps Zimbabwe will claim the same one day. Happy July 4th!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
I Love the New Wal-Mart
A new Wal-Mart opened near our house a few weeks ago. It has quickly become my favorite store. It's not crowded like other Wal-Marts, it's clean, and the service is spectacular. Anyway, I think I have told Jessica how much I love this Wal-Mart a thousand times, and apparently, Grant has overheard me too. A couple of days ago, Grant and I were looking for a replacement cord for a DVD player, so we went to Wal-Mart. But they didn't have the right cord. As we were leaving, Grant said, "But Daddy, I thought Wal-Mart had everything!" I did too, Grant, but don't worry, this particular Wal-Mart remains my favorite store.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
2nd Annual Father's Day Camp Out
One of my favorite traditions in our family is our Father's Day Campout. This was the second year to do this, and this year, Claire joined us over night in the tent. I didn't realize it until the next day, but the night of the campout was the hottest day of the year - 101 recorded at DFW that day. And while it was a bit warm in the tent, it didn't matter. After cooking hot dogs and roasting marshmallows, Grant, Claire, and I climbed into the tent with about 10 books and 2 flashlights. We read books, sang songs, laughed, got in and out of the tent a billion times, and then finally went to sleep. The next morning, I asked them what their favorite part of the campout was. Their answer: "Hot dogs and acting silly in the tent." I love these moments with my family - all the sweat in a tent on the evening of the hottest day of the year is worth it to see how happy they were to spend the evening camping with Daddy. Can't wait until next year.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Heroism and Faith of John McCain
"I was finding that prayer helped. It wasn't a question of asking for superhuman strength or for God to strike the North Vietnamese dead. It was asking for moral and physical courage, for guidance and wisdom to do the right thing. I asked for comfort when I was in pain, and sometimes I received relief. I was sustained in many times of trial." - John McCain on his experience as a POW in Vietnam. After reading his first-person account of his time as a POW, I have even more respect and admiration for what he went through serving our country. I wonder how I would have responded in similar circumstances. McCain doesn't flaunt his faith in the public square, which is why I highlighted the above quote from the account. I think it reveals a little as to who God is to him. Thursday, June 19, 2008
Happy Juneteenth
"I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free." -Emancipation Proclamation
I know there are many days of observance that receive much more attention, but my favorite Texas holiday is Juneteenth. In September of 1862, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation which went into effect January 1, 1863. In our fast paced information age, I know it is hard to fathom, but the news of the Emancipation Proclamation did not reach Texas until June 19, 1865 - almost 2 ½ years later. General Granger landed in Galveston and shared the news that the "slaves are free." With the victory in the Civil War and the leadership of Lincoln, along with the religious voices of the day, America 's Original Sin, this injustice embedded into our Constitution, began to be overcome. Granted, the newly found freedom wasn't fully protected by law for another 100 years, and obviously, there is still racism and prejudice in our country and state today; however, today, June 19th, is a day to celebrate the news that all are free. I thank God for the freedom I have in Christ and for the freedom I have here in this country, and I pray for the courage to speak up against injustice around me. Happy Juneteenth!
"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
I know there are many days of observance that receive much more attention, but my favorite Texas holiday is Juneteenth. In September of 1862, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation which went into effect January 1, 1863. In our fast paced information age, I know it is hard to fathom, but the news of the Emancipation Proclamation did not reach Texas until June 19, 1865 - almost 2 ½ years later. General Granger landed in Galveston and shared the news that the "slaves are free." With the victory in the Civil War and the leadership of Lincoln, along with the religious voices of the day, America 's Original Sin, this injustice embedded into our Constitution, began to be overcome. Granted, the newly found freedom wasn't fully protected by law for another 100 years, and obviously, there is still racism and prejudice in our country and state today; however, today, June 19th, is a day to celebrate the news that all are free. I thank God for the freedom I have in Christ and for the freedom I have here in this country, and I pray for the courage to speak up against injustice around me. Happy Juneteenth!
"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
_____ for VP Part II
Following up on my post featuring potential Republican nominees for VP, here's my analysis for Barack Obama's potential running mates. Whereas the Republican field is sorely lacking, I believe the Democratic field has a few excellent choices for Obama. What factors into Obama's pick? Does he choose an elder statesman to give him gravitas (see Dick Cheney for Bush)? Does he pick Hillary? No way. He does not want Hillary anywhere around. (Because with Hillary comes Bill. His campaign has been about change, so I don't see how Hillary helps him with that or with his weakness in national security… except for her experience in Bosnia of course.) But Obama has to secure Hillary supporters, beef up his national security expertise, and/or choose someone to win a key state. With this in mind, here are his best options:
1. Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana. Big Clinton supporter, so he may help with her supporters. Indiana is in McCain's column, but Bayh is extremely popular in Indiana and could swing the key state to Obama. Bayh is a fairly conservative Democrat, which would balance the liberal Obama and appeal to independents. I don't know about his foreign policy experience, but I think Bayh would be his best choice.
2. Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico. Another swing state that Obama would win if Richardson were on the ticket. Richardson would be the first Hispanic on a major ticket, which would certainly help with the Hispanic vote. He has foreign policy experience with the Clinton administration. Ran unsuccessfully for president, but definitely brings a lot to the table for Obama to consider. If I were McCain, I would fear Obama selecting either Bayh or Richardson.
3. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas. Traditionally Kansas is Republican state, but Sebelius is very popular and would bring Kansas in for Obama. She would possibly satisfy the "because she's a female" Clinton supporters. She lacks any foreign policy experience, so Obama would still be at a deficit there. But she's an outsider and adds to Obama's campaign for change in Washington.
4. Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia - appeals to independents, military experience, traditional Republican state that could be up for grabs. However, Webb is in his first term as a Senator. Some could say he won in 2006 only because of George Allen's fateful comment. He would appeal to the yellow dog Democrat, but I think he is too inexperienced for Obama to select him.
5. Sam Nunn - Another conservative Democrat. Brings ample foreign policy credentials. Is a southerner. He would be to Obama what Cheney was perceived to be to Bush, or Bentsen was for Dukakis.
There's my prediction. Much stronger candidates in my mind than what the Republican side has to offer.
1. Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana. Big Clinton supporter, so he may help with her supporters. Indiana is in McCain's column, but Bayh is extremely popular in Indiana and could swing the key state to Obama. Bayh is a fairly conservative Democrat, which would balance the liberal Obama and appeal to independents. I don't know about his foreign policy experience, but I think Bayh would be his best choice.
2. Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico. Another swing state that Obama would win if Richardson were on the ticket. Richardson would be the first Hispanic on a major ticket, which would certainly help with the Hispanic vote. He has foreign policy experience with the Clinton administration. Ran unsuccessfully for president, but definitely brings a lot to the table for Obama to consider. If I were McCain, I would fear Obama selecting either Bayh or Richardson.
3. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas. Traditionally Kansas is Republican state, but Sebelius is very popular and would bring Kansas in for Obama. She would possibly satisfy the "because she's a female" Clinton supporters. She lacks any foreign policy experience, so Obama would still be at a deficit there. But she's an outsider and adds to Obama's campaign for change in Washington.
4. Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia - appeals to independents, military experience, traditional Republican state that could be up for grabs. However, Webb is in his first term as a Senator. Some could say he won in 2006 only because of George Allen's fateful comment. He would appeal to the yellow dog Democrat, but I think he is too inexperienced for Obama to select him.
5. Sam Nunn - Another conservative Democrat. Brings ample foreign policy credentials. Is a southerner. He would be to Obama what Cheney was perceived to be to Bush, or Bentsen was for Dukakis.
There's my prediction. Much stronger candidates in my mind than what the Republican side has to offer.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
________ for VP
Barring a Clintonian-esque comeback by Hillary Clinton, it appears the impossible has happened - Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee. So now, the question becomes, who will McCain and Obama choose as their VPs? One could debate just how much a VP helps/hurts a candidate. (Quayle certainly cost Bush I votes, but has Cheyney for Bush II? Bentsen couldn't deliver Texas for Dukakis.) Perhaps VP John Nance Garner was right when he said the Vice Presidency wasn't worth "a bucket of warm spit." Nonetheless, a short run down of potential choices:
First McCain. His age, 71, is definitely a factor. His political appeal is that of a Maverick, which helps him among independents. However, some hard-core conservatives are balking at voting for him. Does he choose a VP that shares his conservative-independent nature, or does he choose a candidate whom the Religious Right will support, but in the process, cause him to possibly lose some independents? Here's a short list:
1. Colin Powell - I don't think that Powell wants to run or would run, but if McCain convinced him to run, I believe Powell would tip the election clearly to McCain, even if the conservatives were ticked with a McCain/Powell ticket. I give this about a 1% chance of happening though, which by the way, would be the same percentage I would give Powell of being Obama's running mate.
2. Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina - I don't know much about him except that he would be favored by conservatives. However, South Carolina is a state that McCain will win no matter what, so Sanford would not be much help regionally. But if he unites conservatives behind McCain without alienating moderates, he would be a safe, albeit boring, choice.
3. Kay Bailey Hutchison - Intriguing. Let's say that Clinton supporters, namely women, are really upset that Obama won. Would Hutchison help McCain win the female-leaning Clinton vote? Would Hutchison be perceived as presidential? This is a must for any McCain pick due to his age. Hutchison has planned to run for Governor, which won't happen until 2010.
4. Mike Huckabee - McCain needs to thank Huckabee for helping him win the nomination, but I don't see how choosing Huckabee would help McCain at all. Huckabee may have "shot" himself in the foot last week with his NRA comment about Obama anyway. I like Huckabee. But I don't view him as presidential. He needs to go the road of Stephanopoulos and become a political commentator.
5. Mitt Romney - Please no. I cannot figure out how Romney has become Mr. Conservative with so many people in the Republican Party. A year ago, he was pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, liberal ex-governor from Massachusetts who ran left of Kennedy for the Senate in the '90s. Now he's Mr. Conservative? I don't get it.
6. Condoleezza Rice - She would be the most qualified, however, serving eight years in the Bush administration would make her a liability to the McCain campaign, as they try to counter the "Bush-third-term" label.
So there's the Republican short-list. In my view, not much of one. The Republican Party is sorely lacking in leadership right now. One name not on this list is Bobby Jindal, the Louisiana Governor. He's only 36, but apparently has been dubbed as the next Reagan. However, he probably isn't ready for national politics quite yet. Any of these names get you excited?
First McCain. His age, 71, is definitely a factor. His political appeal is that of a Maverick, which helps him among independents. However, some hard-core conservatives are balking at voting for him. Does he choose a VP that shares his conservative-independent nature, or does he choose a candidate whom the Religious Right will support, but in the process, cause him to possibly lose some independents? Here's a short list:
1. Colin Powell - I don't think that Powell wants to run or would run, but if McCain convinced him to run, I believe Powell would tip the election clearly to McCain, even if the conservatives were ticked with a McCain/Powell ticket. I give this about a 1% chance of happening though, which by the way, would be the same percentage I would give Powell of being Obama's running mate.
2. Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina - I don't know much about him except that he would be favored by conservatives. However, South Carolina is a state that McCain will win no matter what, so Sanford would not be much help regionally. But if he unites conservatives behind McCain without alienating moderates, he would be a safe, albeit boring, choice.
3. Kay Bailey Hutchison - Intriguing. Let's say that Clinton supporters, namely women, are really upset that Obama won. Would Hutchison help McCain win the female-leaning Clinton vote? Would Hutchison be perceived as presidential? This is a must for any McCain pick due to his age. Hutchison has planned to run for Governor, which won't happen until 2010.
4. Mike Huckabee - McCain needs to thank Huckabee for helping him win the nomination, but I don't see how choosing Huckabee would help McCain at all. Huckabee may have "shot" himself in the foot last week with his NRA comment about Obama anyway. I like Huckabee. But I don't view him as presidential. He needs to go the road of Stephanopoulos and become a political commentator.
5. Mitt Romney - Please no. I cannot figure out how Romney has become Mr. Conservative with so many people in the Republican Party. A year ago, he was pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, liberal ex-governor from Massachusetts who ran left of Kennedy for the Senate in the '90s. Now he's Mr. Conservative? I don't get it.
6. Condoleezza Rice - She would be the most qualified, however, serving eight years in the Bush administration would make her a liability to the McCain campaign, as they try to counter the "Bush-third-term" label.
So there's the Republican short-list. In my view, not much of one. The Republican Party is sorely lacking in leadership right now. One name not on this list is Bobby Jindal, the Louisiana Governor. He's only 36, but apparently has been dubbed as the next Reagan. However, he probably isn't ready for national politics quite yet. Any of these names get you excited?
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Plastic Grocery Bag
Whip. Flap. Flap. Whip. Whip. What's that noise? Just a plastic grocery bag stuck high in a tree in our backyard. How long has it been there? Quite a while. Where did it come from and how did it get so high in the tree?
Drive down Eastchase. Exit onto Division. As you take the loop around, try to count the number of plastic bags you see. It may take you a few hundred trips to be able to spot them all.
Cleaning up these plastic bags costs the city over a million dollars every year. Who pays for that? We do.
Thankfully, Arlington is discussing banning the plastic grocery bag. I am all in favor of it. Paper bags would be easier to recycle and easier to control if littered. To go one step further, we could bring environmentally friendly bags with us to the store each time we shop. If we provided our own bags, that's less cost for the store to provide the bags, which may be passed on to us in savings. So this proposal to ban plastic bags makes sense economically (for the city, for property value, and for our grocery costs) and environmentally (both for recycling and neighborhood litter).
With that said, how's the best way for the city council to handle it? Before they just make the decision themselves, I think receiving public response and educating the public as to the benefits would be very wise. Some like the handles on plastic bags, thus objecting to the change. However, the canvas bags that can be re-used have handles as well. Also, many places have paper sacks with handles (Braum's for example). Encouraging local supermarkets to voluntarily remove plastic bags while publicly praising the ones that do (free advertising) might make the transition smoother. If they won't budge, then the council should move forward to do what's best for the community. But grocery stores shouldn't be given a lot of time to comply. Wal-mart, for example, shouldn’t need much time to remove their plastic bags. If they are able to move the merchandise they do, they can move out the plastic bag as well.
Unfortunately, many people view all environmental improvements as some conspiratorial agenda by "liberal evil forces." Forcing the issue right away just feeds that irrational fear. (As an aside, mentioning San Francisco as an example the city is following doesn't help with this group either.) But, I think through partnering with grocery stores and educating the public as to the economic and environmental benefits, perhaps the fears of those opposed to anything "environmental" can be alleviated, and we can take a step to make Arlington a cleaner, more attractive place to live.
Drive down Eastchase. Exit onto Division. As you take the loop around, try to count the number of plastic bags you see. It may take you a few hundred trips to be able to spot them all.
Cleaning up these plastic bags costs the city over a million dollars every year. Who pays for that? We do.
Thankfully, Arlington is discussing banning the plastic grocery bag. I am all in favor of it. Paper bags would be easier to recycle and easier to control if littered. To go one step further, we could bring environmentally friendly bags with us to the store each time we shop. If we provided our own bags, that's less cost for the store to provide the bags, which may be passed on to us in savings. So this proposal to ban plastic bags makes sense economically (for the city, for property value, and for our grocery costs) and environmentally (both for recycling and neighborhood litter).
With that said, how's the best way for the city council to handle it? Before they just make the decision themselves, I think receiving public response and educating the public as to the benefits would be very wise. Some like the handles on plastic bags, thus objecting to the change. However, the canvas bags that can be re-used have handles as well. Also, many places have paper sacks with handles (Braum's for example). Encouraging local supermarkets to voluntarily remove plastic bags while publicly praising the ones that do (free advertising) might make the transition smoother. If they won't budge, then the council should move forward to do what's best for the community. But grocery stores shouldn't be given a lot of time to comply. Wal-mart, for example, shouldn’t need much time to remove their plastic bags. If they are able to move the merchandise they do, they can move out the plastic bag as well.
Unfortunately, many people view all environmental improvements as some conspiratorial agenda by "liberal evil forces." Forcing the issue right away just feeds that irrational fear. (As an aside, mentioning San Francisco as an example the city is following doesn't help with this group either.) But, I think through partnering with grocery stores and educating the public as to the economic and environmental benefits, perhaps the fears of those opposed to anything "environmental" can be alleviated, and we can take a step to make Arlington a cleaner, more attractive place to live.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Arlington City Council District 6
City politics shouldn't be this ugly. District 6 in the Arlington City Council election has become so. I am trying to make up my mind for whom to vote in District 6. I have narrowed my selection to Vera McKissic and Robert Shepard. However, instead of hearing about the issues that each candidate would address and how they plan on serving Arlington, I have received fliers and phone calls concerning McKissic's "confrontational" approach to governing. Nobody seems to be able to give examples of this confrontational approach, but they have labeled her so nonetheless. Additionally, I have received a phone call from the McKissic campaign stating that she is not confrontational.
Last night was the last straw though. We received a recorded message from Dick Malec, blasting Vera McKissic. His reasons? He mentions her confrontational style and her "dark agenda." The "dark agenda" is the most bothersome aspect of this call. What is Malec implying with his choice of words? Now I'm not a big PC guy, so please don't think I am overreacting to this, but I am very curious why the term "dark agenda" would be used against an African-American candidate. If Malec does not intend a racial undertone with this statement, he should come out and explain his choice of words. Evidently, according to the Star-Telegram, he is bitter that the McKissic campaign is not taking his advice anymore. Good for them. This phone call shows a lack of professionalism - no candidate needs that type of character as an advisor.
I would also like to hear Shepard come out against the negative attacks against McKissic, since he is evidently the one benefiting the most from the attacks. Most importantly, I would like to hear McKissic and Shepard share their ideas on how to fight crime, to attract business, to partner with the school district, and to alleviate traffic concerns. And I would appreciate the newspaper covering these topics so that the voters of Arlington can make a more informed decision than whether or not one is "confrontational."
Besides, here's the deal: I don't mind "confrontational" if it means making Arlington better. In fact, a fighting spirit on the council might be just what the city needs.
Last night was the last straw though. We received a recorded message from Dick Malec, blasting Vera McKissic. His reasons? He mentions her confrontational style and her "dark agenda." The "dark agenda" is the most bothersome aspect of this call. What is Malec implying with his choice of words? Now I'm not a big PC guy, so please don't think I am overreacting to this, but I am very curious why the term "dark agenda" would be used against an African-American candidate. If Malec does not intend a racial undertone with this statement, he should come out and explain his choice of words. Evidently, according to the Star-Telegram, he is bitter that the McKissic campaign is not taking his advice anymore. Good for them. This phone call shows a lack of professionalism - no candidate needs that type of character as an advisor.
I would also like to hear Shepard come out against the negative attacks against McKissic, since he is evidently the one benefiting the most from the attacks. Most importantly, I would like to hear McKissic and Shepard share their ideas on how to fight crime, to attract business, to partner with the school district, and to alleviate traffic concerns. And I would appreciate the newspaper covering these topics so that the voters of Arlington can make a more informed decision than whether or not one is "confrontational."
Besides, here's the deal: I don't mind "confrontational" if it means making Arlington better. In fact, a fighting spirit on the council might be just what the city needs.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
American Idol's Dark Side...or Paula Abdul is a Complete Idiot
Stunning. I don't really know what else to make of Paula Abdul's complete mental breakdown last night. I know she has one every week, but none this blatant. I was so flabbergasted by it that I basically tuned out the rest of the show thinking about what her comments meant for American Idol. Here are the options:
1. She is just simply crazy. She truly thought she heard Jason Castro sing twice. While this is a possibility, I find it hard to believe.
2. When mentioning Jason's second performance as lacking, she was meaning to reference David Cook, who sang second. However, this is out the window because she said David Cook was her favorite.
3. The entire show is scripted, or at least her lines. It's obvious that the producers want the show to come down to David vs David. Kind of like how MLB wants Boston or New York or the NBA wants the Lakers and Celtics. In order to make David vs David happen, they have scripted at least Paula's comments to reflect their views. Paula screwed up last night by reading her lines for the next round too soon.
I go with the 3rd option. So what does this mean? Just another "reality" show that is completely scripted? What about the voting, is it controlled as well? I have not read an explanation of what happened last night, but this moment kills AI's credibility. Kind of like how The Biggest Loser lost all it's credibility on the next to last weigh-in this past season. (I know very few people watched the Biggest Loser, but it actually is an intriguing and inspiring show.) Anyway, American Idol meet 21. Charles Van Doren lives again.
1. She is just simply crazy. She truly thought she heard Jason Castro sing twice. While this is a possibility, I find it hard to believe.
2. When mentioning Jason's second performance as lacking, she was meaning to reference David Cook, who sang second. However, this is out the window because she said David Cook was her favorite.
3. The entire show is scripted, or at least her lines. It's obvious that the producers want the show to come down to David vs David. Kind of like how MLB wants Boston or New York or the NBA wants the Lakers and Celtics. In order to make David vs David happen, they have scripted at least Paula's comments to reflect their views. Paula screwed up last night by reading her lines for the next round too soon.
I go with the 3rd option. So what does this mean? Just another "reality" show that is completely scripted? What about the voting, is it controlled as well? I have not read an explanation of what happened last night, but this moment kills AI's credibility. Kind of like how The Biggest Loser lost all it's credibility on the next to last weigh-in this past season. (I know very few people watched the Biggest Loser, but it actually is an intriguing and inspiring show.) Anyway, American Idol meet 21. Charles Van Doren lives again.
Monday, April 28, 2008
To All Christian Drivers in Florida
Florida, my home state for 2 years, is attempting to approve a Christian license plate (pictured above). Of course, whenever a government entity desires to produce a religious work, certain people question the constitutionality of it. In this case, with Florida having so many vanity plates to choose from, I would surmise that it would be upheld as constitutional, so long as the state prints plates for all faiths (or no faiths.) If this were to happen, then Christians in Florida who have the "I Believe" plate should not become enraged when they pull up behind an "I Don't Believe" plate, or an anti-religion plate. In our pluralistic society, what one claims as free exercise of religion (in this case having a Christian plate on the back of one's car) should apply to all equally.
I don't have a problem with the state producing these plates, but I do wish we could somehow control who is able to get them. Yes, I know that would be too much government entanglement, but I fear the person who gets the plate, only then to drive like the biggest jerk on the road. It might not be the best witness to cut someone off in traffic with one's "I Believe" plate staring the other driver in the face. Or, someone with the plate throwing trash out the window, speeding through a school zone, not yielding at a 4-way stop sign, or picking up a prostitute. So if one could pass an "I'm not a Christian Jerk" test, then I would feel much more comfortable with them having the plate. But having lived in Florida for two years, I would gather from the other drivers that there aren't any Christian drivers in Florida - at least not from what I could tell driving around others. (To all my Christian friends in Florida, I, of course, don’t mean you!)
Oh well, if it's a Christian plate you want, go for it, but please be careful how you drive. And don't cause a stink when you pull up behind a car with an "Oprah is My God" plate.
I don't have a problem with the state producing these plates, but I do wish we could somehow control who is able to get them. Yes, I know that would be too much government entanglement, but I fear the person who gets the plate, only then to drive like the biggest jerk on the road. It might not be the best witness to cut someone off in traffic with one's "I Believe" plate staring the other driver in the face. Or, someone with the plate throwing trash out the window, speeding through a school zone, not yielding at a 4-way stop sign, or picking up a prostitute. So if one could pass an "I'm not a Christian Jerk" test, then I would feel much more comfortable with them having the plate. But having lived in Florida for two years, I would gather from the other drivers that there aren't any Christian drivers in Florida - at least not from what I could tell driving around others. (To all my Christian friends in Florida, I, of course, don’t mean you!)
Oh well, if it's a Christian plate you want, go for it, but please be careful how you drive. And don't cause a stink when you pull up behind a car with an "Oprah is My God" plate.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Take Your Child To Work Day
Yesterday afternoon was so much fun… it was "Take-Your-Child-to-Work" Day at G's school. So, after helping Jessica all morning with all she does, Grant spent the afternoon with me at work. The highlights… Grant comparing my class sizes with his class size - he informed me that only one of my classes has more students in it than his… After giving him a tour of the fitness center, or "gym," Grant asked who the gym teacher was… the wheels on the chairs in the classroom were way too much of a temptation for a 5-year-old to remain perfectly still throughout the class… Grant wanting a copy of the quiz that I was giving out to the students… Grant wishing that everyday but Wednesday was a "Take-Your-Child-To-Work" Day. (Not sure why he singled out Wednesday, but he thought it would be good to just go to school one day a week.) Anyway, we had a great day.
Friday, April 04, 2008
In the Name of Love
Early evening, April 4, shot rings out in the Memphis sky.
Free at last, they took your life, they could not take your pride.
Oftentimes in our past, when religious organizations and political parties have joined forces, religious groups have lost their prophetic voice, morphing into a political group that once was religious. This is one of my chief contentions with the Religious Right movement and most notably James Dobson. (Now I don’t want to go off on a James Dobson tangent, perhaps in another post.)
Every once in a while, though, religious voices rise up, challenge the status quo, and help usher justice into the laws of the land. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s effort for racial equality represents one of those times in our history where religious voices made a positive difference (in politics and religion). On this date 40 years ago, MLK was assassinated. As someone who was born in '76, it is hard for me to fathom the extent to which our country justified segregation just a few years before my birth. Schools, water fountains, restaurants, neighborhoods - all segregated simply due to the color of one's skin. King, along with other religious leaders, led the charge to point out these injustices. I am not naïve enough to think that we are in racial harmony now, discrimination and racism certainly still exist in all segments of America, but I do believe that the change brought forth through the civil rights movement has allowed my generation and my children's generation to begin to embrace racial differences not as something to be frightened of, but rather, as something to celebrate.
Our experience in inner-city Tampa taught me many things, one of which is the extent to which discrimination still exists. Having kids in our house after school everyday was such a joy - they were great kids who taught us a lot as we tried to minister to them. Of course, not everyone in the neighborhood shared our view. On one occasion, a neighbor's garage had been broken into during the school day. This "neighbor" confronted me in my front yard, angrily blaming the break-in on the kids that came to our house. As kindly as I could, I attempted to correct his cloudy and prejudiced view, but to no avail. I finally said, "In case you haven't noticed, we live in a bad neighborhood, so why you want to blame the kids who are staying out of trouble by being at our house is beyond me to understand. Plus, they're in school right now." (What I wanted to say was, "You're an idiot, get out of my yard," but he was pretty upset and I don't think I would be a good fighter.)
Our society has a long way to go - de facto segregation, subtle discrimination and racism, socio-economic prejudice - but big strides are being made as well. Much of our progress is due to the determination and prophetic leadership of MLK: "I just want to do God's will. And he's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land… Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord." (MLK, April 3, 1968)
Free at last, they took your life, they could not take your pride.
Oftentimes in our past, when religious organizations and political parties have joined forces, religious groups have lost their prophetic voice, morphing into a political group that once was religious. This is one of my chief contentions with the Religious Right movement and most notably James Dobson. (Now I don’t want to go off on a James Dobson tangent, perhaps in another post.)
Every once in a while, though, religious voices rise up, challenge the status quo, and help usher justice into the laws of the land. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s effort for racial equality represents one of those times in our history where religious voices made a positive difference (in politics and religion). On this date 40 years ago, MLK was assassinated. As someone who was born in '76, it is hard for me to fathom the extent to which our country justified segregation just a few years before my birth. Schools, water fountains, restaurants, neighborhoods - all segregated simply due to the color of one's skin. King, along with other religious leaders, led the charge to point out these injustices. I am not naïve enough to think that we are in racial harmony now, discrimination and racism certainly still exist in all segments of America, but I do believe that the change brought forth through the civil rights movement has allowed my generation and my children's generation to begin to embrace racial differences not as something to be frightened of, but rather, as something to celebrate.
Our experience in inner-city Tampa taught me many things, one of which is the extent to which discrimination still exists. Having kids in our house after school everyday was such a joy - they were great kids who taught us a lot as we tried to minister to them. Of course, not everyone in the neighborhood shared our view. On one occasion, a neighbor's garage had been broken into during the school day. This "neighbor" confronted me in my front yard, angrily blaming the break-in on the kids that came to our house. As kindly as I could, I attempted to correct his cloudy and prejudiced view, but to no avail. I finally said, "In case you haven't noticed, we live in a bad neighborhood, so why you want to blame the kids who are staying out of trouble by being at our house is beyond me to understand. Plus, they're in school right now." (What I wanted to say was, "You're an idiot, get out of my yard," but he was pretty upset and I don't think I would be a good fighter.)
Our society has a long way to go - de facto segregation, subtle discrimination and racism, socio-economic prejudice - but big strides are being made as well. Much of our progress is due to the determination and prophetic leadership of MLK: "I just want to do God's will. And he's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land… Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord." (MLK, April 3, 1968)
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
This Is the Pitching As Best As I Can Remember It
This is my favorite time of year - warmer weather, plants budding, and baseball beginning. After the very unstable start of the MLB season in Japan between the Red Sox and the A's, the real MLB season is about to begin. As always, the Texas Rangers are not expected to do much of anything. In fact, it will probably be considered a success if they win 70 games this year. Even so, I love baseball. (I am disappointed that the Rangers will only be televised on regular TV about 40 times this season. As one of the few remaining people in the country with just rabbit-ears as our TV service, I am frustrated that so many games will be on Fox Sports rather than My 27 or whatever the station is currently called.)
Of course, the Ranger problem this year is a familiar one - pitching. It has been maddening to see the many pitching duds come to town. From Oil Can Boyd to Chan Ho Park to Kevin Millwood, it seems that the Rangers have a hard time landing good pitching. So I began to wonder, "Who are the best pitchers I have ever personally seen pitch?" Not on TV, but in person, at the stadium (or Field, or Ballpark). Here's what I have determined are the best pitchers I have ever seen (in no particular order):
1. Nolan Ryan - Arlington Stadium - early 90s. Even though I missed his 7th no-hitter (9th grade Biology Bug project), I was fortunate enough to see Ryan on other occasions. Definitely one of the greatest.
2. Greg Maddux - Wrigley Field 2006. I don’t have a list of things to do before I die, but if I did, I always said that watching Greg Maddux in person would be one of them. In my opinion, he is the best pitcher in my lifetime. I know that he has deteriorated a bit over the last few years, but in his prime, the Cy Young Award could have been renamed the Greg Maddux Award. Nothing imposing about his presence, just knows how to pitch.
3. Roger Clemens - Fenway 91? and Tampa 2002. I will set aside his performance enhancing drug use to say this - He was awesome to watch in person. While he was with the Red Sox, I saw him at Fenway, then as a Yankee, he was making a rehab start for the Yankees AAA team in Tampa. I got to watch him for a $1. He has the presence and he was good.
4. Pedro Martinez - Spring Training 2002. Yes it was just a Spring Training game, but he was amazing. I am glad I got to see him in person. He may rival Greg Maddux as the greatest pitcher of my lifetime.
Honorable Mention - Kenny Rogers - Ballpark - Perfect Game. I only saw the last inning. I was working one summer at the Ballpark, exchanging the vendor's money for their product. As he got closer to the perfect game, the vendors began to cash out for the night so they could go watch it. I counted the money quickly and headed out too. I sat in the outfield bleachers with $5000 in a bag, high-five-ing drunk guys all around me. It was awesome. And I made it to the bank safely with the money too.
Well, that's my list.
Of course, the Ranger problem this year is a familiar one - pitching. It has been maddening to see the many pitching duds come to town. From Oil Can Boyd to Chan Ho Park to Kevin Millwood, it seems that the Rangers have a hard time landing good pitching. So I began to wonder, "Who are the best pitchers I have ever personally seen pitch?" Not on TV, but in person, at the stadium (or Field, or Ballpark). Here's what I have determined are the best pitchers I have ever seen (in no particular order):
1. Nolan Ryan - Arlington Stadium - early 90s. Even though I missed his 7th no-hitter (9th grade Biology Bug project), I was fortunate enough to see Ryan on other occasions. Definitely one of the greatest.
2. Greg Maddux - Wrigley Field 2006. I don’t have a list of things to do before I die, but if I did, I always said that watching Greg Maddux in person would be one of them. In my opinion, he is the best pitcher in my lifetime. I know that he has deteriorated a bit over the last few years, but in his prime, the Cy Young Award could have been renamed the Greg Maddux Award. Nothing imposing about his presence, just knows how to pitch.
3. Roger Clemens - Fenway 91? and Tampa 2002. I will set aside his performance enhancing drug use to say this - He was awesome to watch in person. While he was with the Red Sox, I saw him at Fenway, then as a Yankee, he was making a rehab start for the Yankees AAA team in Tampa. I got to watch him for a $1. He has the presence and he was good.
4. Pedro Martinez - Spring Training 2002. Yes it was just a Spring Training game, but he was amazing. I am glad I got to see him in person. He may rival Greg Maddux as the greatest pitcher of my lifetime.
Honorable Mention - Kenny Rogers - Ballpark - Perfect Game. I only saw the last inning. I was working one summer at the Ballpark, exchanging the vendor's money for their product. As he got closer to the perfect game, the vendors began to cash out for the night so they could go watch it. I counted the money quickly and headed out too. I sat in the outfield bleachers with $5000 in a bag, high-five-ing drunk guys all around me. It was awesome. And I made it to the bank safely with the money too.
Well, that's my list.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Happy Easter
It hasn't felt like Holy Week to me this year. Maybe it's because Easter is so early this year, maybe it's because I no longer work in a church so I am not as mindful of it, or maybe it's just me. But I have had to remind myself that this is Holy Week. So I have been reading the crucifixion and resurrection stories in the Gospels, reminding myself of God's amazing love for us.
One passage in particular stuck out to me. It is a rather obscure couple of verses in Matthew. I do not recall ever hearing a sermon on these verses, but yet, the power of Jesus' work on the cross is mightily revealed in these verses. The verses that grabbed my attention were Matthew 27:52-53. Jesus has just given up his spirit, the curtain in the temple tore in two, and there was an earthquake. Then Matthew writes in verses 52 and 53, "The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people."
Wow! I know I must have read that many times in my life but I can't really fathom just how wild that must have been. Imagine being in Jerusalem and one day seeing a bunch of people that had been dead coming through the city again alive. What a crazy scene. The life that Christ brings through the cross was so powerful that it broke open some graves and brought folks back to life even before Christ was resurrected.
It reminds me of eight years ago when Jessica and I were in Washington, DC over Thanksgiving. (Thanks Dad for the free trip!) (Funny side note: We had spent Thanksgiving Day touring the various monuments and museums. However, being Thanksgiving, there were no restaurants open there around where we were. So for our Thanksgiving lunch we ate at the little deli connected to the Holocaust Museum. Probably the most random place to ever eat a Thanksgiving lunch - and why exactly is there a restaurant as part of the Holocaust Museum anyway?) But anyway, one day we made it out to the National Cemetery. As we were looking out over all the white tombstones in the cemetery, I remember a lady and her friends discussing how crazy it will be when Christ comes back and the dead in Christ rise. She was describing how so many of the graves we were looking at would tear open as the people would rise to meet Christ in the clouds. A pretty amazing picture!
Well, this passage and this memory have helped me reflect on the significance of this week and on the amazing love that Christ has for us. God loves us so much.
One passage in particular stuck out to me. It is a rather obscure couple of verses in Matthew. I do not recall ever hearing a sermon on these verses, but yet, the power of Jesus' work on the cross is mightily revealed in these verses. The verses that grabbed my attention were Matthew 27:52-53. Jesus has just given up his spirit, the curtain in the temple tore in two, and there was an earthquake. Then Matthew writes in verses 52 and 53, "The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people."
Wow! I know I must have read that many times in my life but I can't really fathom just how wild that must have been. Imagine being in Jerusalem and one day seeing a bunch of people that had been dead coming through the city again alive. What a crazy scene. The life that Christ brings through the cross was so powerful that it broke open some graves and brought folks back to life even before Christ was resurrected.
It reminds me of eight years ago when Jessica and I were in Washington, DC over Thanksgiving. (Thanks Dad for the free trip!) (Funny side note: We had spent Thanksgiving Day touring the various monuments and museums. However, being Thanksgiving, there were no restaurants open there around where we were. So for our Thanksgiving lunch we ate at the little deli connected to the Holocaust Museum. Probably the most random place to ever eat a Thanksgiving lunch - and why exactly is there a restaurant as part of the Holocaust Museum anyway?) But anyway, one day we made it out to the National Cemetery. As we were looking out over all the white tombstones in the cemetery, I remember a lady and her friends discussing how crazy it will be when Christ comes back and the dead in Christ rise. She was describing how so many of the graves we were looking at would tear open as the people would rise to meet Christ in the clouds. A pretty amazing picture!
Well, this passage and this memory have helped me reflect on the significance of this week and on the amazing love that Christ has for us. God loves us so much.
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