I just went over some of my fitness goals for 2009.  If I can stick to an actually-achievable goal schedule, the difference I could make in just four months is pretty amazing.  It will take a LOT of iron slung about, and a LOT of protein.  But – I did it in 2006, and I’ve managed to retain a lot of that muscle mass, even if a fair amount of bodyfat found its way back on.  We’ll see how it goes.
Try not.  Do or do not.  There is no try.

When I was a Christian, I was always ready to jump on any attempt to question Christianity or any assertion of one’s civil rights that ran counter to MY interpretation of the intent of the New Testament as “persecution.”  Now, when I see the word “persecution” – especially when used by those claiming to be persecuted – I immediately start forming questions in my head.  It’s pretty rare for them to include examples of what they’re terming as persecution.  Clearly, when you read of Christians and Jews being killed or …

As it is likely the last post I will make before the day, let me wish each of you a Merry Christmas, and (as it has just begun here at sundown) Happy Hanukkah.  Of course, being the good host, here’s my gift to you.

(there is no good video of what I wanted)

What you come across when you surf a lot…..
Map of slave states (red) from WGBH’s “A Biography of America:”

Approximate map of the modern Bible Belt from Wikipedia:

Wow.

I was recently checking a weather map of Central Tennessee, and I started noticing the names of the towns; some I knew were there, some I didn’t.  By the time I had adjusted the map somewhat, in view between the towns of Lebanon (ironic in its own right, if it weren’t for the additional linguistic miracle that it is pronounced more like the region in Tolkien’s Middle Earth called Lebennin) and Cookeville are the towns of Alexandria, Sparta, Mt. Ararat, Macedonia, Antioch, Phillipi, Carthage, and Rome.  The further irony is …

I came across this animated comic while searching idly on the Net; I was instantly captivated.  The artwork is amazing.  The production quality is superb.  And the story is true. (link – NOTE: Soldier Language)

The story is from U.S. Army Specialist Colby Buzzell; he maintained an anonymous blog from Iraq; after he got back, he put everything into a book (link to Amazon).  Interestingly, he was called up again in 2008; at Ft. Benning they recommended a “NOT DEPLOYABLE” due to PTSD.
It also captured me because my brother-in-law is safely …

So my mind wanders…
I am a B
I am a B-U
I am a B-U-D-D-H-I-S-T (hold the “s” out)
and I’ve got B-U-D-D-H-A in my H-E-A-R-T
and I will be R-E-I-N-C-A-R-N-A-T-E-D
I giggled stupidly at this one:
Buddha, Buddha, be like Buddha
Don’t be like a barracuda (makes as much sense as a grouchy rooster…)
Buddha, Buddha, be like Buddha
and BOOST the Noble Truths
Actually, take any Vacation Bible School song, and wherever you hear “Jesus,” replace it with “Buddha.”  Or the word “Christian” for “Krishna.”  It’s at least as funny as doing “between the sheets.”

Very early this morning, I received an email from one of my co-workers whom I’ve known for over a decade now and I consider one of my very closest friends. His sister’s son was shot and killed late last night by his brother’s son (victim and shooter were cousins). Without going into details, this is one of a series of sorrows that has befallen my friend’s family. In addition, his mom (victim and shooter’s grandmother) is in poor health, and has been for some time. He …

I had to pass this along – props to Wil Wheaton for the link.

You gotta love NPH, the funniest thing about How I Met Your Mother.

Great post on what Nietzsche was really talking about (when he said “God is dead”) at Scott Lenger’s blog (link).  This concept also brings to mind the work of Richard Rubenstein, whose Holocaust theology bears examination by the serious Christian/Jewish apologist.
Also wondering if Run to Win has come across Peter Rollins’ work, as it bears a similarity to something that was said to me in an email upon my atheist-debut.
he sewed his eyes shut because he is afraid to see
he tries to tell me what i put inside of me
he’s …