I'm a shill

Watch The Amazing Race tonight. It's good semi-clean fun. Tonight is the premiere of the ninth race. As it is with most reality-type television, you will probably find yourself rooting for one team and rooting against the rest. I've explained before, but I really like the show because I enjoy watching the personal interaction between teammates and teams. Because each teammate has a pre-existing relationship with the other, they already know a lot about each other. And that always makes things interesting, especially when it's siblings or romantically-linked couples. I also love the fact that they travel all around the world and it allows me to see all sorts of cool places.

And if I can get a whole bunch of you watching it, then we can talk about it here on the blog. So watch it! Or not.

And it was good

Have you ever had this?


If not, then you need to get yourself over to the nearest Cracker Barrel and try out their Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola cake. It's quite fantastic. And I don't even like chocolate cake. The fudge icing is at least half an inch thick (more in some places) and the cake is moist goodness. They serve it hot at the restaurant, but I prefer to chill mine in the fridge at home and then enjoy with 24 oz. of milk. You can buy this happiness to-go for only $2.79. But please hurry, it's only around until 03/12/06.

It hasn't even been a month

I was at Target tonight and there were about four racks of Steelers merch that was marked down 30%, Now, one of those racks was all AFC Champions merch, but the other three were filled with Super Bowl Champions merch.

Very curious. I guess there aren't many Steeler fans who shop at Target. Either that, or Target ordered too much merch.

Dale and Flo

Good people doing good things. Read more.

NASCAR

I have a new favorite driver. His name is Ricky Bobby.

Morning Commute Randomness

Did you know that the surface of the planet Venus is always approx. 850 degrees F? It's atmosphere retains heat whether it's day or night.

Do you think that there are smokers who don't throw their cigarette butts on the ground when they're done? People who actually consistently dispose their butts in an ashtray or something?

I had two dreams last night. One before I got up to go to the bathroom, and one afterwards. I don't remember the latter, but the former involved me running along a mountain ridge as a participant in The Amazing Race. This works well, because I was going to plug The Race here anyway. The season premiere is Tuesday night and I'll be watching. It's my favorite reality-typed show.

I went to bed at 11:15pm last night, and when I had to get up to use the bathroom, I had to wait for my roommate to finish brushing his teeth. At 2:00am.

Harrisburg currently has four movie theaters.

And now we're getting a fifth..

Harrisburg Mall to get 14-screen theater

Plans for a movie theater at Harrisburg Mall in Swatara Township are taking shape. Aliance Management Inc., also known as The Great Escape Theatres, has agreed to build a 14-screen multiplex with stadium seating, love seats, concessions and a café.

Over the next few months, mall owner Feldman Mall Properties Inc. plans to announce several new tenants that would complement the theater. Feldman is a real estate investment trust based in New York

*Source - Central Pennsylvania Business Journal

Project Runaway

Okay. Last Monday I asked you guys to help me out with an unspecified project that I was working on. I know you all were wondering "what sort of great scientific and/or humanitarian project is he working on?" Or what are the numbers all about? Well, my friends, in honor of that Hallmark holiday last week, I decided to dish out some compliments. And instead of going with an arbitrary number for each person, I let each person decide.

It was rather difficult for the people I didn't know or don't see very often, but I did make an effort. Unfortunately, some of you (high numbers people), won't have your complete compliment of compliments. I'm sorry about that. But if you would like to email some complimentary things about yourself, I will add them in. Some compliments may actually appear to be facts. But the fact that I included these facts is a compliment in itself. So without further Adu, let's look at the results:

Isaac
1. Was a great roommate
2. Taught me the difference between 250cc and 500cc
3. Took me to a Texas Rangers baseball game
4. He knows lots of girls
5. He introduced me to Mrs. Renfro
6. He's compassionate
7. Whenever I eat barbeque, I think about him

Lara
1. She's not afraid to speak her mind
2. She has a heart for the college kids
3. She's driven
4. She has a love for people

Matt
1. He is musically talented
2. He is very smart
3. He prays for me

Super Swede
1. I enjoy conversing with him
2. He's loyal
3. He likes going to the movies
4. He treats people right

Ellie
1. She is one of the most hospitable people I know
2. She likes sports
3. She's good in the kitchen
4. Her family is a high priority for her
5. She's a dog person
6. She's a good person to talk to
7. Every time I see a bridge, I think about her

My_Coke
1. He is the biggest roller coaster nut I know of
2. He's a pretty good volleyball player
3. We went to see the Harrisburg Heat (R.I.P.)!
4. I think we've been to a few hockey games

Stephanie
1. She has good taste in music
2. She works with Habitat
3. She knows how to fix a toilet

Mai Chai

Had two cups of chai this weekend from two different places. Saturday, I had a cup of chai at Barnes and Noble. I think it was just plain chai. If you've been to the B&N in Camp Hill, it's the chai on the left-side of the menu board. It was decent. I also had this oatmeal fudge bar which was really fantastic. Sunday, I tried the chai latte at The Olde Cafe in Hummelstown. It was good, but not great. I am still a little confused about how "latte-ing" a beverage makes it thinner. Is it because the steam waters things down? Whatever, the reason, it didn't seem as thin as the chai latte I had at Borders. They make their own chai blend at the cafe, so maybe that had something to do with it.

So for those of you keeping track at home, this is how my chai ratings currently break down:

The Best - Dayton's Coffee
Second Best - Eat'n Park
Third Best - Barnes and Noble (Starbucks)
Fourth Best - The Olde Cafe
Worst - Borders

Driving

I was driving on the Turnpike yesterday, and I found myself thinking bad thoughts about the drivers speeding past me. It was a construction zone. And the speed limit was 55. And I was going 60.

I was breaking the law, but I was getting miffed at other people breaking the law along with me. They were just going faster. And I thought to myself, what gives me the right to get upset with these people when I'm just as bad as they are? We're all speeders, but somehow I thought I was better because I was only five mph over the speed limit. But I'm not better. And now I'm working to not think bad thoughts about people who pass me, while I'm breaking the speed limit.

In other news, I'm still working on the project. Hope to have most of it done by early next week.

Bluetooth

This has been a topic of conversation among my friends over the past few weeks. So I thought I'd post a little FAQ about it from Verizon.

Rock-step, Triple-step, Triple-step

Over the weekend, I learned how to swing dance. Perhaps I shouldn't say "how to." It might be better if I said "learned the fundamentals of swing dancing." That's probably more accurate. It was all the rage back in the 40's, and it's finally caught up with me. The evening was very different for me, in that with the exception of one of the instructors, I didn't know anyone at this dance. Me, being the quiet type, tried not to expect the worst. People had told me, "Dude, it's like forty year-old women." Uh-oh. And I don't thrive among strangers. Part of me wanted to do it, and another part of me was hoping that the dance would be cancelled because of snow.

The dance was not cancelled. And I went. And I stretched myself. (For those of you not familiar with the term, stretching yourself refers to reaching or stretching, outside of your comfort zone). I think I probably danced with seven different women. And I would do it again...with maybe four of them. The ones I would prefer not to dance with ever again were the ones who were quick to point out my timing issues and mis-steps. It's the gracious ones with whom I would dance again.

But I did learn some stuff and I think I did improve by the end of the night. I know I made progress. Not just with dancing, but also on a personal level. I'm now about ten times more risky then I used to be. Now before you get all complimentary, keep in mind that I didn't use to be risky at all. And I do get intimidated looking women in the eye while dancing. But I'm a work in progress. And the best is yet to come.

Alright with me

On Tuesday, I learned about Kelly Clark's Olympic run. I had become familiar with her earlier this year via the X-games (which I don't watch, but I had read about). So I was reading what she said. Read these words:

"I love Jesus. It's more joyful knowing him than all that snowboarding stuff. And so being able to snowboard for him is amazing."

Oh. My. Gracious. I got to thinking about this statement. What popped in my mind first was that this girl definitely has her priorities straight. Not only that, but it appears that her heart is straight too. You have to be all out for Jesus to say what she said. Think of your proudest accomplishment. Now when you talk about that, do you say that Jesus is more important than that? Never mind saying it, do you believe it? I know that would be tough for me. I don't think I'm there yet. But it's definitely something to strive for.

Another Project

Okay, there's this thing called the Johari Window. Basically, it's a way for you to compare what you think about yourself with what others think about you. So if you wouldn't mind taking four minutes out of your day, and clicking over to my window, I would appreciate it. Please do not put your name in the system as I wish the comments to be placed anonymously. If you don't know me too well, don't worry about it (and by "don't worry about it," I mean don't participate).

Thank you.

Hear ye, Hear ye!

I believe that my parents may be two of the most wonderful people in the world.

They sent me a valentine's day card.

It is my opinion

That the greatest salads in the world should contain cheese, chicken and bacon. And lettuce. I had one of these salads for lunch today and it was dynamite.

How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure
That he should give his only son, to make a wretch his treasure
How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turned his face away
As wounds which mar the chosen one, bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon his shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held him there until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything: no gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ; his death and resurrection
Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart: his wounds have paid my ransom

-Stuart Townend

Do me a favor

I'm doing a little project, and I would like your help. Please pick a number between 1 and 10 and enter that number in the comments section. Thanks.

Encouragement

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

I was reading an article today about a television show. Some of the things that I read disturbed me. It disturbed me more that this was one of the most popular shows on cable and network television. I have noticed that one of my favorite shows has gotten much more tawdry this season. And that bugs me.

I'm not here to legislate morality**. I wasn't even sure I wanted to make this entry. But I have to. I want to enourage you to consider everything you do, in the light of this verse. And not just from a media perspective. What kind of thoughts go through your mind? What kind of words come out of your mouth? And what kind of actions come out of your heart?

[**Note: I ain't perfect. I'm still working through this stuff and I expect to be working through it for a long time to come.]

Growing up is hard to do

I was reading through some of the celebrity playlists on itunes and I noticed that they had posted Ginny Owens' playlist. What song should appear, but "Toxic" by one Britney Spears. Interesting, no?

Also, I have to issue a food advisory. If you eat hot dogs, please stay away from Hatfield hot dogs. They are bad news. I'm afraid I need a little snap in the casing, and there is none with these dogs. Didn't realize how much I missed the snap. Probably serves me right for abandoning Sabrett's. Anywho, beware of the hot dogs. However, the hot links and the cheddar links are still good choices, if you like the beef sausage.

Movie Review - Glory Road

Saw Glory Road over the weekend. For those not aware, it's the story of how tiny Texas Western University (now known as UTEP), a team with seven black players, beat the University of Kentucky in the 1966 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship game. It was significant because it was the first time in college basketball history that all five starters were black. In fact, they were starters for the entire year.

The movie was pretty decent. Josh Lucas plays coach Don Haskins who is brought into coach the program, and immediately goes about recruiting black players. Because this was in the heart of the civil rights struggle, you can imagine the problems that the coach and his players are faced with. Each of the actors playing the players did a respectable job and it wasn't a stretch to see the real-life players in their game. The cinematography was also good. What stands out to me is a scene towards the end of the movie that was edited almost in a stop-motion manner where camera flashes puctuated the stops.

I said the movie was pretty decent. Almost worth the eight bucks I spent. It's certainly not Hoosiers. I don't know if any basketball movie can top that. I'm going to give it a "7.5." I'd recommend it, but wait till it comes to a cheap theater or dvd.

More on Chai

I found a place over the weekend that makes a great cup of chai tea. And it's cheap! Head over to Dayton's Coffee at the West Shore Farmer's Market. They're good people.

And one of my old roommates suggested that if I wanted good chai, I should visit an Indian restaurant. So I may have to head over to Passage to India sometime.

Chief of Sinners

Yep, that's me. I've been thinking a lot about sin lately. It's been a little bit disconcerting. But then again, it would mean big trouble if I wasn't thinking about my sin (because it would imply I wasn't concerned about it). I wish I could say that I can go an entire day without sinning. But if I said that, I'd by lying and that would be sin. I don't like to sin. But I am very thankful for God's grace when I do sin.

Yesterday in church, we sang a song by Phillips, Craig and Dean entitled "Your Grace Still Amazes Me." I would like to leave you with the lyrics to this song, as a reminder of His grace.

My faithful Father, enduring Friend
Your tender mercy’s like a river with no end
It overwhelms me, covers my sin
Each time I come into Your presence
I stand in wonder once again

CHORUS:
Your grace still amazes me
Your love is still a mystery
Each day I fall on my knees
Your grace still amazes me
‘Cause Your grace still amazes me

Oh, patient Saviour, You make me whole
You are the Author and the Healer of my soul
What can I give You, Lord, what can I say
I know there’s no way to repay You
Only to offer You my praise

It’s deeper, it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
It’s deeper it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
than anything my eyes can see

Good Word

Good message this morning in church. Pastor Phil spoke on sin (the actual title of the message was "A Closer Look"), using Romans 1 as his reference point. He made this great analogy that I wanted to share about the solar system. He talked about the sun and how it's graviational pull keeps all the planets in their respective orbits. Not only that, but he also talked about how all living life depends on the sun. If we had no sun, this planet would be one big snowball and my computer probably wouldn't work and I couldn't post this. Yhe sun obviously, is God. Everything we do should revolve around him. He keeps us in orbit. Without Him, we are free to careen throughout this solar system we call life.

Your quote of the message is this: "The essence of sin, is the rejection of God and a refusal to let God be God."

Oh you didn't know?

Prince Caspian has officially been greenlit. It's official when there's a press release about it. However, I suspect if you are a Narnia Nerd, you've know about this for at least a month.

I just want to thank God for the beautiful day today. I went outside for lunch today and it was just spectacular. It'll be gone tomorrow, but I will certainly enjoy today for all it's worth.

Prayerful lyrics

Holy Fire,
Burn Away
My Desire,
For Anything
That is not of you
And is of me.
I want more of you
And less of me.

~Jeremy Camp, My Desire

Winning.

If you're initials are MK, you know I watch a lot of the NFL Network. I love it. And this week it's caused me to think about winning. It sounds kinda odd to ask, but what do people get out of winning? I have experienced winning. In high school, my soccer team won the league championship by defeating our rival. It was euphoric. We had traveled a long road, and now we had the glory and a new trophy for the trophy case. I think all the players even got individual trophys to commemorate this accomplishment. But it all happened roughly 14 years ago. What's that win done for me lately?

Everybody, myself included, strives for success. Whether we measure our success in wins, dollars, posessions or by some other descriptor, we strive for success. But to what end? Sunday evening, one team will leave Ford Field as a winner. The other team by cultural default, cannot be a winner, despite their success. They are therefore, losers. They have failed. The runner-up is the first loser.

I've often thought about my life, and how successful or unsuccessful it's been. I was a good student in high school, but mediocre in college. I have a job, but it's not a job that fulfills me. I have friends, but no wife to report of as yet. All that can be discouraging. Until I add a little light to my history. I attended and graduated from college. I have a job and I'm not unemployed. I have friends who add richness to my life. It's easy to apply cultural standards of success to our lives. But it's another thing, to look at it from an eternal perspective. When I look at things in the light of Him, I've fared much better. When illuminated, the success I see is lasting and it's impact resonates with me throughout life. Sure, it's nice to have the glory and adulation that comes with man's triumphs. But as they say, you can't take it with you.

And a note for my perfectionist friends. If you view perfection as success, it won't mean much in this lifetime.