I’m at a retreat right now in the flatlands of Kansas. It is stormy, cold, wet and wonderful. We’re having a great time a couple of thoughts which I’ll share at a later time. Right now I wanted to update on a couple of other things.
First, Thanksgiving was amazing. We traveled home to Oregon, a place I miss and a place I feel so (ironically) at home in. The land of starbucks and trader joe’s and outdoors it was great. My biggest highlight was probably the late night dinner just me and Ang back in the Mexican restaurant we went to on our honeymoon enjoying the same meal, a phenomenal plate of nachos and thinking back over our 6+ years together. I am truly blessed.
Secondly was 2 nights ago. I went and watched a great “kid” Aaron Hill and his team play at Missouri Southern there in Joplin. They kicked tail, Aaron played great and it was fun to see how much he’s changed and yet how similar he is from his days at Canton High. His team has a great mix of talent and he is certainly more than a contributor. I wish I shoot just one three as smooth as he pulls the trigger. Other than the joy of watching him play, my other favorite part was sitting and listening to the MoSo fans scream at the refs. My opinion, maybe because the team I wanted to win did, they did a very fair and good job. My goodness though, those guys tried to stomp holes in the bleachers with their feet. Two of my favorite lines, delivered in true Missouri were. “He’s gonna need counseling because the boy molested him.” And the tried and true “Hey ref, go give your jersey back to foot locker.” My other favorite was a guy who let out a sigh/guttural groan every time they “finally” called a foul on Rockhurst. Quite nice.
So that’s a quick update on life. I’m hoping for lots of snow but after Ang and Carter fly back into Tulsa and we’re safely home for our 3 day weekend. Be warm and well fed.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
So I'm at the missionary convention. You know, the party with polyester and bell bottoms. Actually, it is full of amazing people. I'm looking forward to seeing old friends, seeing and hearing some amazing stuff and enjoying one of my 10 favorite towns, Indianapolis. Tonight it was a late night dinner at Hard Rock Cafe and an attempt to figure out the internet here at the hotel. My favorite moment of the day and then I move to bed:
I'm standing at our booth when a lady comes up and hands me a flyer. I must have given her one of my classic what the heck looks. Anyway she looks at me and in all seriousness she says to me: "It's for burned out missionaries." I'm gonna guess that means I looked burned out? She might want to work on her presentation, I slipped the flyer in someone else's book, maybe it will help them. Enjoy your weekend.
I'm standing at our booth when a lady comes up and hands me a flyer. I must have given her one of my classic what the heck looks. Anyway she looks at me and in all seriousness she says to me: "It's for burned out missionaries." I'm gonna guess that means I looked burned out? She might want to work on her presentation, I slipped the flyer in someone else's book, maybe it will help them. Enjoy your weekend.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Adverbs and Dangling Participles
Currently Listening: Skin and Bones by Foo Fighters
It’s cloudy, dark, rainy and beautiful. The last few days have been splendid, we had a great weekend and I’ve been able to spend some good time with the family. I wish there was more I could do to help Ang be comfortable, this new baby can’t come soon enough. Carter continues to amaze us, his little mind is pretty sharp and some of the stuff he says or in this case the incredible amount of food he has been eating is both inspiring and frightening. I’ve been wondering if we ought to find a competitive eating competition for 3 year olds.
I’ve been thinking about words lately. I’ve always been fascinated by them because there are so many that I remember. Whether they are statements made during a sermon, from a parent, from a friend. Some are encouraging, some discouraging. Some I don’t know why I remember them but I do, always. Some pop into my head in certain situations as little nuggets of wisdom. This summer when I’d be at a worksite I run through a checklist in my head of advice on how to do something from instructions given by someone.
I listened to the same sermon two times in a row. That’s rare for me. I rarely do that because I usually catch enough once or have a hard time going over it again. I listen to stuff way down the road—but this particular sermon was so good I wanted to hear what I’d missed the first time. I found myself laughing at the same parts, looking forward to how he delivered a certain line and enjoying the beauty of seeing how something was building towards the point.
I’m amazed how you can read the same words of scripture so many times and always find something new, how suddenly an insight jumps out that to this point you’ve avoided discovering.
When I preach I focus on words. Not always as much as I should. I sometimes put a word or phrase in there that I want everyone to hear. I’ve also been guilty of putting a line or phrase in there specifically for someone. I want them to hear that message loud and clear. What usually happens is they don’t, or they aren’t there to hear it.
Sometimes the words of encouragement nag at me in a good way. Why don’t you do this? When are you going to do that? Have you ever thought about this?
When I was in high school my best friend Knowah (he changed it from Noah) and I used to ride around in his ’82 Datsun. It was a beater, there are so many memories about that car including how he had the CD adapter that went in the tape deck and was propped up by a folded piece of paper that had to be just thick enough to keep the tape connected or else we’d lose the music. He was a CD freak—back before MP3 you just had to carry the CD. He always had the booklets as well and so as I was riding shot gun—I never had a car so I always rode, he always drove—I’d read through them. I will never forget that he always said if a CD came with the lyrics in the booklet, it was lame. All great CD’s kept an aura of mystery and if you could read the words, it meant the CD sucked. I laughed the other day because I realized almost all of my music sucks if put under than highly scientific and thorough lens.
I’m listening to the new Foo Fighters disk. It is amazing. It’s like an unplugged thing that actually shows their musical ability and highlights their skill and the **gasp** lyrics. The funny thing is there are a couple songs I now know the words too. For all this time I’ve liked it and not understood what they were saying.
It seems to me that in the desire to be cool, to be complex, to be edgy, we’ve buried the words, the actual thing we’re trying to communicate, underneath so much stuff that people walk away without that which we really wanted them to hear.
It’s cloudy, dark, rainy and beautiful. The last few days have been splendid, we had a great weekend and I’ve been able to spend some good time with the family. I wish there was more I could do to help Ang be comfortable, this new baby can’t come soon enough. Carter continues to amaze us, his little mind is pretty sharp and some of the stuff he says or in this case the incredible amount of food he has been eating is both inspiring and frightening. I’ve been wondering if we ought to find a competitive eating competition for 3 year olds.
I’ve been thinking about words lately. I’ve always been fascinated by them because there are so many that I remember. Whether they are statements made during a sermon, from a parent, from a friend. Some are encouraging, some discouraging. Some I don’t know why I remember them but I do, always. Some pop into my head in certain situations as little nuggets of wisdom. This summer when I’d be at a worksite I run through a checklist in my head of advice on how to do something from instructions given by someone.
I listened to the same sermon two times in a row. That’s rare for me. I rarely do that because I usually catch enough once or have a hard time going over it again. I listen to stuff way down the road—but this particular sermon was so good I wanted to hear what I’d missed the first time. I found myself laughing at the same parts, looking forward to how he delivered a certain line and enjoying the beauty of seeing how something was building towards the point.
I’m amazed how you can read the same words of scripture so many times and always find something new, how suddenly an insight jumps out that to this point you’ve avoided discovering.
When I preach I focus on words. Not always as much as I should. I sometimes put a word or phrase in there that I want everyone to hear. I’ve also been guilty of putting a line or phrase in there specifically for someone. I want them to hear that message loud and clear. What usually happens is they don’t, or they aren’t there to hear it.
Sometimes the words of encouragement nag at me in a good way. Why don’t you do this? When are you going to do that? Have you ever thought about this?
When I was in high school my best friend Knowah (he changed it from Noah) and I used to ride around in his ’82 Datsun. It was a beater, there are so many memories about that car including how he had the CD adapter that went in the tape deck and was propped up by a folded piece of paper that had to be just thick enough to keep the tape connected or else we’d lose the music. He was a CD freak—back before MP3 you just had to carry the CD. He always had the booklets as well and so as I was riding shot gun—I never had a car so I always rode, he always drove—I’d read through them. I will never forget that he always said if a CD came with the lyrics in the booklet, it was lame. All great CD’s kept an aura of mystery and if you could read the words, it meant the CD sucked. I laughed the other day because I realized almost all of my music sucks if put under than highly scientific and thorough lens.
I’m listening to the new Foo Fighters disk. It is amazing. It’s like an unplugged thing that actually shows their musical ability and highlights their skill and the **gasp** lyrics. The funny thing is there are a couple songs I now know the words too. For all this time I’ve liked it and not understood what they were saying.
It seems to me that in the desire to be cool, to be complex, to be edgy, we’ve buried the words, the actual thing we’re trying to communicate, underneath so much stuff that people walk away without that which we really wanted them to hear.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Throwdown
Currently Listening: Playlist entitled worship
Current Song: Over the Rainbow by Shawn McDonald
Let's talk about football. Seems like the right thing to do. BTW it was in the 80's here yesterday and will be again. Nice I guess. I did have to break out the Chaco's for a couple more days.
So last night it was #1 Webb City vs. #3 Carthage. Somewhat of a local rivalry. Except Webb always wins. And they did again. It leads to some fun and colorful conversations here in the hallways. I always side with the winner, that's just the kind of guy I am.
I also want to send congrats to my bud Doolin. His team won last night knocking off an undefeated team and moving into the state quarterfinals. He's a great coach and Matt and I went and watched his team last year, wish I could watch again.
For my friends in Quincy, there could be a state title game between Hannibal and Webb City--I think that would be fun.
The University of Miami had a player get shot and killed 2 days ago. That program is a mess and its really sad/scary. They were the ones just a couple weeks ago beating the other team with their helmets. Their defense of the problem is pathetic and their attitude is worse. Usually they've won which has kept people from saying too much. Now they lose a lot. So many of their guys go pro and they have always been successful but its sad to see it get to that point.
Finally, the Ducks play USC this weekend. If we lose, well, its more of the same. But if we win, I might just be obnoxious or something. Moreso that I already am I guess.
We have a Thanksgiving dinner for students at OCC tonight. I think it will be a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to carving some turkeys. I like electric knives, they seem dangerous or something.
If you have the time you should check out my buddy BJ's post on election day. I find it humorous. Church signs make me laugh.
Current Song: Over the Rainbow by Shawn McDonald
Let's talk about football. Seems like the right thing to do. BTW it was in the 80's here yesterday and will be again. Nice I guess. I did have to break out the Chaco's for a couple more days.
So last night it was #1 Webb City vs. #3 Carthage. Somewhat of a local rivalry. Except Webb always wins. And they did again. It leads to some fun and colorful conversations here in the hallways. I always side with the winner, that's just the kind of guy I am.
I also want to send congrats to my bud Doolin. His team won last night knocking off an undefeated team and moving into the state quarterfinals. He's a great coach and Matt and I went and watched his team last year, wish I could watch again.
For my friends in Quincy, there could be a state title game between Hannibal and Webb City--I think that would be fun.
The University of Miami had a player get shot and killed 2 days ago. That program is a mess and its really sad/scary. They were the ones just a couple weeks ago beating the other team with their helmets. Their defense of the problem is pathetic and their attitude is worse. Usually they've won which has kept people from saying too much. Now they lose a lot. So many of their guys go pro and they have always been successful but its sad to see it get to that point.
Finally, the Ducks play USC this weekend. If we lose, well, its more of the same. But if we win, I might just be obnoxious or something. Moreso that I already am I guess.
We have a Thanksgiving dinner for students at OCC tonight. I think it will be a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to carving some turkeys. I like electric knives, they seem dangerous or something.
If you have the time you should check out my buddy BJ's post on election day. I find it humorous. Church signs make me laugh.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
My Opinion
Currently Listening: My Playlist entitled Fall 2006
Current Song: The Ocean by Mae
I added two new people to my blocked email list today. Maybe its because I’ve been reading this book on advertising or maybe its just because I’m easily annoyed but those people who spam me should be hurt. It’s one thing on my yahoo account, its another when they get through to my CIY account. I’ve yet to receive an email on “that problem” in my email here but I’m sure it won’t be long. Ironically its not email spam that has me fired up today, its snail mail crap.
There is a company who I guess my predecessor used at one time to order (in my opinion) a cheap item that served a good purpose but also served to let them think we like them. Much like saying something nice to that kid at school suddenly confused them into thinking that you wanted to talk to them all the time. Anyway, the joke around here is that weekly—weekly—they mail me some free piece of crap. Sure, its disguised as a pen or pocket calendar. At one point I had over 35 of them in my desk—I gave them away to kids at spring break. Many of them were left behind on the floor when they left the room. Just yesterday this company mailed me 3 pieces of stuff. On the same day. The real kicker? 2 of them were the exact thing. Same name, same address, same crap on 3 of them. I bet they spend enough money to buy me 10 or 15 pounds of red vines each year on envelopes with little packages of nothing that I will never buy. Occasionally they call and I tell them I don’t want to date anymore, that we’re not even just friends, that I’m going to get a restraining order and yet there they are on my front porch each week.
There’s this other company, they sell videos. They call me each quarter with their new material for youth ministry. I kindly remind them I am not a youth minister in the traditional sense, that I don’t have a youth group and that if I were to show there stuff at my event I’d be breaking the law or something. They apologize and let me know they’ll make a note. Then I hear back from them 3 months later.
I was reading about how people respect advertising that respects them. That the highly annoying guy that asks the girl out every day till she says yes rarely succeeds. And the ones that do are not enough to base a business principle on. So maybe we in the church should stop acting that way too and figure out how to reach people where they are in a way they feel respected and in a format where we’ll actually get more out than Hey, I’m from First Christian……
Just a thought.
Current Song: The Ocean by Mae
I added two new people to my blocked email list today. Maybe its because I’ve been reading this book on advertising or maybe its just because I’m easily annoyed but those people who spam me should be hurt. It’s one thing on my yahoo account, its another when they get through to my CIY account. I’ve yet to receive an email on “that problem” in my email here but I’m sure it won’t be long. Ironically its not email spam that has me fired up today, its snail mail crap.
There is a company who I guess my predecessor used at one time to order (in my opinion) a cheap item that served a good purpose but also served to let them think we like them. Much like saying something nice to that kid at school suddenly confused them into thinking that you wanted to talk to them all the time. Anyway, the joke around here is that weekly—weekly—they mail me some free piece of crap. Sure, its disguised as a pen or pocket calendar. At one point I had over 35 of them in my desk—I gave them away to kids at spring break. Many of them were left behind on the floor when they left the room. Just yesterday this company mailed me 3 pieces of stuff. On the same day. The real kicker? 2 of them were the exact thing. Same name, same address, same crap on 3 of them. I bet they spend enough money to buy me 10 or 15 pounds of red vines each year on envelopes with little packages of nothing that I will never buy. Occasionally they call and I tell them I don’t want to date anymore, that we’re not even just friends, that I’m going to get a restraining order and yet there they are on my front porch each week.
There’s this other company, they sell videos. They call me each quarter with their new material for youth ministry. I kindly remind them I am not a youth minister in the traditional sense, that I don’t have a youth group and that if I were to show there stuff at my event I’d be breaking the law or something. They apologize and let me know they’ll make a note. Then I hear back from them 3 months later.
I was reading about how people respect advertising that respects them. That the highly annoying guy that asks the girl out every day till she says yes rarely succeeds. And the ones that do are not enough to base a business principle on. So maybe we in the church should stop acting that way too and figure out how to reach people where they are in a way they feel respected and in a format where we’ll actually get more out than Hey, I’m from First Christian……
Just a thought.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Tantrums of a Fuddrucker
Currently Listening: The Everglow by Mae
No, I didn't cuss in the title.
Somehow Joplin managed to find a restaurant not currently here and even cooler one that we would like. Fuddruckers. Ang has loved it for a long time and it has quickly become one of my favorites. Upon ,too much, evaluation I think its because you can determine the toppings on your burger and how much you want and the cheese sauce. Seriously, one can clog all or at least a majority of their arteries in just one sitting. Unfortunately for us the new Joplin locale is yet to get the amazing cheese dispenser.
So let me share first my reflections upon the meal and then possibly the deepest thought you’ve heard in some time.
I would like to spend an afternoon watching 2 things at Fuddruckers;
People determining which pop they want and then how to operate the machine which looks strangely like every other machine I’ve ever seen. One lady even said these words and I quote. “Go tell Harry this dumb place only has Diet Pepsi and not Diet Coke. Utterly ridiculous.”
People crafting their own burgers. Some do it with the precision and care of a spinal surgeon (or Doreen at a salad bar—if you’ve not seen this you must!) others go at it as thought this particular meal is either their first in weeks or possibly the food will begin to disappear if they don’t grab it soon.
Your parking lot should at least hold as many cars as your restaurant can people—there should be some sort of algebra problem for this. If I can figure out how long it took Tommy to get to Chicago on a train traveling 25 mph from Joliet while it took Terry twice as long at double the speed so what color was the hat of the conductor (okay, that made no sense, blame it on the semi-sweet sweet tea) then you can figure out how people don’t have to park 6 miles away—even though we parked in the front because my lovely wife is pregnant and if you don’t like it….I digress.
Finally, everybody should give you to go cups for a little more to drink when you eat in. It can’t cost them that much and it sure is nice. Plus you can stroll through the office with a cup and everybody knows you ate better than them.
Okay, I lied about the deep thought. Here’s the thought I had. Fuddruckers is amazing because they allow you to customize stuff. Some restaurants do it but they are the best in my opinion. It’s what makes Chipotle great even though they do it behind the counter—Fudd’s is amazing because I actually can take 3lbs of pickles back to my table if I so choose and if I can endure the odd looks from the staff that’s exactly what I’ll do. Seems like those of us in the church could put some effort into making a church experience more customizable. I know, its heresy. The spirit only speaks through one guy and in one message. I just wonder, if KS was more that way (Know Sweat, not Kansas—try to stick with me) I just wonder if church was more that way if people’d dig it. Not a customizable take what you want from theology—I’m not that liberal. Just wondering.
Oh, and my moleskine is on its way from Lexington as we speak. Soon we’ll be reunited.
No, I didn't cuss in the title.
Somehow Joplin managed to find a restaurant not currently here and even cooler one that we would like. Fuddruckers. Ang has loved it for a long time and it has quickly become one of my favorites. Upon ,too much, evaluation I think its because you can determine the toppings on your burger and how much you want and the cheese sauce. Seriously, one can clog all or at least a majority of their arteries in just one sitting. Unfortunately for us the new Joplin locale is yet to get the amazing cheese dispenser.
So let me share first my reflections upon the meal and then possibly the deepest thought you’ve heard in some time.
I would like to spend an afternoon watching 2 things at Fuddruckers;
People determining which pop they want and then how to operate the machine which looks strangely like every other machine I’ve ever seen. One lady even said these words and I quote. “Go tell Harry this dumb place only has Diet Pepsi and not Diet Coke. Utterly ridiculous.”
People crafting their own burgers. Some do it with the precision and care of a spinal surgeon (or Doreen at a salad bar—if you’ve not seen this you must!) others go at it as thought this particular meal is either their first in weeks or possibly the food will begin to disappear if they don’t grab it soon.
Your parking lot should at least hold as many cars as your restaurant can people—there should be some sort of algebra problem for this. If I can figure out how long it took Tommy to get to Chicago on a train traveling 25 mph from Joliet while it took Terry twice as long at double the speed so what color was the hat of the conductor (okay, that made no sense, blame it on the semi-sweet sweet tea) then you can figure out how people don’t have to park 6 miles away—even though we parked in the front because my lovely wife is pregnant and if you don’t like it….I digress.
Finally, everybody should give you to go cups for a little more to drink when you eat in. It can’t cost them that much and it sure is nice. Plus you can stroll through the office with a cup and everybody knows you ate better than them.
Okay, I lied about the deep thought. Here’s the thought I had. Fuddruckers is amazing because they allow you to customize stuff. Some restaurants do it but they are the best in my opinion. It’s what makes Chipotle great even though they do it behind the counter—Fudd’s is amazing because I actually can take 3lbs of pickles back to my table if I so choose and if I can endure the odd looks from the staff that’s exactly what I’ll do. Seems like those of us in the church could put some effort into making a church experience more customizable. I know, its heresy. The spirit only speaks through one guy and in one message. I just wonder, if KS was more that way (Know Sweat, not Kansas—try to stick with me) I just wonder if church was more that way if people’d dig it. Not a customizable take what you want from theology—I’m not that liberal. Just wondering.
Oh, and my moleskine is on its way from Lexington as we speak. Soon we’ll be reunited.
Answering My Own Question and A Visit from W
Currently Listening: Mighty To Save by Hillsong
In an answer to my earlier post I believe I am the answer. I managed to navigate the exciting O’Hare airport, complete with a delicious burger at Chili’s and a Green Tea Latte at Starbucks. The flight went well though I was tired and slept instead of finishing my book.
We landed in Arkansas (that was the actual plan) and I was walking through the terminal when a nice, short, bald gentleman asked me “Did you leave your jacket on the plane?”
I responded incredulously “No! It’s right here in my”
“Row 13 right? Black jacket?”.
My first thought was no way. It was quickly followed by a page over the airport.
Attention everyone who just landed with the American Airlines flight from Chicago, would the person who left a black North Face jacket on board…”
I’m the rookie. I do believe this was my most impressive display of incompetence on a trip possibly ever.
On another note, Ang had a small group girls night at the house when I got home so Carter and I headed to the OCC basketball game. It was the ambassadors rally which meant an extra amount of smelly high school kids. Turns out it was a big day here in Joplin –the President was here. So some kid at the game is wearing a huge sticker on his chest with the W and a red X through it. Nice.
So that’s my travels. Rest assured I’m no longer taking kids on youth group trips or anything where my capability might actually endanger others. I might let Ang drive next time we go somewhere though….
In an answer to my earlier post I believe I am the answer. I managed to navigate the exciting O’Hare airport, complete with a delicious burger at Chili’s and a Green Tea Latte at Starbucks. The flight went well though I was tired and slept instead of finishing my book.
We landed in Arkansas (that was the actual plan) and I was walking through the terminal when a nice, short, bald gentleman asked me “Did you leave your jacket on the plane?”
I responded incredulously “No! It’s right here in my”
“Row 13 right? Black jacket?”.
My first thought was no way. It was quickly followed by a page over the airport.
Attention everyone who just landed with the American Airlines flight from Chicago, would the person who left a black North Face jacket on board…”
I’m the rookie. I do believe this was my most impressive display of incompetence on a trip possibly ever.
On another note, Ang had a small group girls night at the house when I got home so Carter and I headed to the OCC basketball game. It was the ambassadors rally which meant an extra amount of smelly high school kids. Turns out it was a big day here in Joplin –the President was here. So some kid at the game is wearing a huge sticker on his chest with the W and a red X through it. Nice.
So that’s my travels. Rest assured I’m no longer taking kids on youth group trips or anything where my capability might actually endanger others. I might let Ang drive next time we go somewhere though….
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Who's The Rookie
When we were getting on our flight for Dallas yesterday a guy walked on the plane a little late and asked a guy in the row in front of me if he should put his stuff in the overhead bin. "You can if you want, I don't care." the guy said. Turns out the dude was flying for the first time in his life. I got to thinking about being a travel rookie, about my first flight when I was a little kid and how I take travel stuff for granted now, I don't even get excited to fly all that much anymore. That was before we landed.....
Just as we were taxiing at DFW, I was putting stuff in my bag when I realized I had something in there that I shouldn't. In fact it was scary I got it on the flight. Turns out I was packing my knife, the nice huge one I use all summer. I got it through the X-ray machine. Not cool.
We land at DFW and head to Starbucks. We get to the gate and they are boarding, I reach in my bag...and I've lost my boarding pass. It had slipped out of my bag so I had to ask for another one. I'm a dork but its not that bad I guess.
Today we were leaving Lexington and on our flight to Chicago when I reach in my bag for my journal.....and realize I left it in the rental car. Nice.
Other than that I think I've done pretty good on this trip. I've learned a lot, we've had some good conversations, I've journaled a lot, though now that journal is sitting at Budget Rent a Car and I feel naked without it. Now if I can just get back to Joplin without screwing anything else up.....
Just as we were taxiing at DFW, I was putting stuff in my bag when I realized I had something in there that I shouldn't. In fact it was scary I got it on the flight. Turns out I was packing my knife, the nice huge one I use all summer. I got it through the X-ray machine. Not cool.
We land at DFW and head to Starbucks. We get to the gate and they are boarding, I reach in my bag...and I've lost my boarding pass. It had slipped out of my bag so I had to ask for another one. I'm a dork but its not that bad I guess.
Today we were leaving Lexington and on our flight to Chicago when I reach in my bag for my journal.....and realize I left it in the rental car. Nice.
Other than that I think I've done pretty good on this trip. I've learned a lot, we've had some good conversations, I've journaled a lot, though now that journal is sitting at Budget Rent a Car and I feel naked without it. Now if I can just get back to Joplin without screwing anything else up.....
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
A little more
This will make more sense when you read the previous post but here goes:
Takeru Kobayashi raised the bar of athletic greatness yet again today, devouring 97 Krystals in 8 minutes in what was arguably the most impressive competitive eating feat of all time. In doing so, Kobayashi defended his title in the Krystal Square Off World Hamburger Eating Championship, which he has held since its inception in 2004...
Takeru Kobayashi raised the bar of athletic greatness yet again today, devouring 97 Krystals in 8 minutes in what was arguably the most impressive competitive eating feat of all time. In doing so, Kobayashi defended his title in the Krystal Square Off World Hamburger Eating Championship, which he has held since its inception in 2004...
Randoms
I've been up since 4 AM so if this doesn't make sense it's probably you.
Album Currently Playing: Possibilites by Herbie Hancock
Today its Lexington, Kentucky. I thought of some friends, the few I know who actually like Kentucky and said a prayer for them as I arrived. Maybe this year the hoops team won't implode again.
We're on a church tour, interviewing some guys we have a good relationship with, hoping to understand youth ministry and specifically middle school students better by the end. In the meantime its raining and as we all know, that makes me happy.
General reflection on Lexington--beautiful and very relaxed.
So Sunday I watched the world hamburger eating contest. Kobayashi was in it. You know, the dude who is the current hot dog and brat eating champion.The dude who it seems can eat his body weight in food. On Sunday he was looking to pull off the "triple crown".
The triple crown is usually reserved for actual accomplishments such as in horse racing (seems more interesting since I'm in Kentucky), baseball and is an actually amazing accomplishment. In eating, well, its not so amazing and frightening.
The shindig is put on by Krystals. They are the awful version of the White Castle burger. White Castle is sacred--reserved in the hall of fame of food with things like Slurpees, Red Vines and Oreos. I digress. Anyway, the fact you are eating belly busters--something the average person can barely keepa half dozen from immedately fast tracking through their intestinal system--is disturbing enough.
The give them 8 minutes to eat. They don't actually eat them--the dunk them in I think its lemonade that is the beverage of choice right now, and then they pretty much inhale the soggy mess of fat, sugar and whatever the patties are made of.
Kobayashi pulled off the ever elusive triple crown by beating a new college student who they are predicting could be his big rival. Kobster at 97 of them in 8 minutes.
Yes folks, 97. I saw it on ESPN. The fact that I watched this over the Chiefs game speaks to both my boredom and also my hatred for the Chiefs.
97 of anything in 8 minutes is dangerous. 97 greasy, liquid soaked Krystal burgers should be illegal.
It makes me wonder what we're actually capable of. I know people who are afraid to make phone calls, to confront an issue, to have the hard conversation-they say it is physcially impossible or will make them sick. If Kobayashi can inhale 97 nuggets of death you can do what you need to.
I've been kicking my own tail on being a wimp at times. I think I might find a pic of Kobayashi to serve as my inspiration. I'm off to eat dinner--probably just one of something.
PS:
Here's the actual website for the International Federation for Competitive Eating with the article. Enjoy--preferably a significant time before you will attempt to eat.
http://www.ifoce.com/
Album Currently Playing: Possibilites by Herbie Hancock
Today its Lexington, Kentucky. I thought of some friends, the few I know who actually like Kentucky and said a prayer for them as I arrived. Maybe this year the hoops team won't implode again.
We're on a church tour, interviewing some guys we have a good relationship with, hoping to understand youth ministry and specifically middle school students better by the end. In the meantime its raining and as we all know, that makes me happy.
General reflection on Lexington--beautiful and very relaxed.
So Sunday I watched the world hamburger eating contest. Kobayashi was in it. You know, the dude who is the current hot dog and brat eating champion.The dude who it seems can eat his body weight in food. On Sunday he was looking to pull off the "triple crown".
The triple crown is usually reserved for actual accomplishments such as in horse racing (seems more interesting since I'm in Kentucky), baseball and is an actually amazing accomplishment. In eating, well, its not so amazing and frightening.
The shindig is put on by Krystals. They are the awful version of the White Castle burger. White Castle is sacred--reserved in the hall of fame of food with things like Slurpees, Red Vines and Oreos. I digress. Anyway, the fact you are eating belly busters--something the average person can barely keepa half dozen from immedately fast tracking through their intestinal system--is disturbing enough.
The give them 8 minutes to eat. They don't actually eat them--the dunk them in I think its lemonade that is the beverage of choice right now, and then they pretty much inhale the soggy mess of fat, sugar and whatever the patties are made of.
Kobayashi pulled off the ever elusive triple crown by beating a new college student who they are predicting could be his big rival. Kobster at 97 of them in 8 minutes.
Yes folks, 97. I saw it on ESPN. The fact that I watched this over the Chiefs game speaks to both my boredom and also my hatred for the Chiefs.
97 of anything in 8 minutes is dangerous. 97 greasy, liquid soaked Krystal burgers should be illegal.
It makes me wonder what we're actually capable of. I know people who are afraid to make phone calls, to confront an issue, to have the hard conversation-they say it is physcially impossible or will make them sick. If Kobayashi can inhale 97 nuggets of death you can do what you need to.
I've been kicking my own tail on being a wimp at times. I think I might find a pic of Kobayashi to serve as my inspiration. I'm off to eat dinner--probably just one of something.
PS:
Here's the actual website for the International Federation for Competitive Eating with the article. Enjoy--preferably a significant time before you will attempt to eat.
http://www.ifoce.com/
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