Josh Pawluk. Note the blurry hands!
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Friday, April 29, 2005
Brief thought for Pattywhacker
Re. Pattywhacker's comment on "Compliant..." post below.
Not a complete response at all: But after pondering things a bit, I would say that I may be confusing things somewhat by imprecise use of various terms such as The Faith, The Gospel, A (Particular) Statement of Faith, The Bible etc. which are not all the same thing. (After analyzing my use of these terms I may provide a glossary, but not today. Gotta get my taxes done.)
Briefly, I think when I talk about considering revising The Gospel I primarily have in mind "The Gospel" meaning formulations of it such as The 4 Spiritual Laws, the Romans Road, ABC etc. (and also less simplistic versions). So, that is whatever some people might mean when they ask, "So did you get a chance to 'share' the Gospel with him?" So this may sound as if it *is* simply revising methodology, but I suppose I am influenced by "The medium is the message."
I think I know who Pattywhacker is and he is no dummy. So this is not intended as anything near a complete response. As well I think he wants me to avoid jumping on a pop-post-modern bandwagon and that is certainly a legitimate concern.
Not a complete response at all: But after pondering things a bit, I would say that I may be confusing things somewhat by imprecise use of various terms such as The Faith, The Gospel, A (Particular) Statement of Faith, The Bible etc. which are not all the same thing. (After analyzing my use of these terms I may provide a glossary, but not today. Gotta get my taxes done.)
Briefly, I think when I talk about considering revising The Gospel I primarily have in mind "The Gospel" meaning formulations of it such as The 4 Spiritual Laws, the Romans Road, ABC etc. (and also less simplistic versions). So, that is whatever some people might mean when they ask, "So did you get a chance to 'share' the Gospel with him?" So this may sound as if it *is* simply revising methodology, but I suppose I am influenced by "The medium is the message."
I think I know who Pattywhacker is and he is no dummy. So this is not intended as anything near a complete response. As well I think he wants me to avoid jumping on a pop-post-modern bandwagon and that is certainly a legitimate concern.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Saturday, April 23, 2005
The Actor's Nightmare/Sister Mary Ignatius: Apr. 15 - 23/05
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To Cambrian Players' website.
To Menu of Cambrian Players' Productions and Events since Mar. '02.
Richard Pepper's Main Page
Cambrian Players' Production of
The Actor's Nightmare
/Sister Mary Ignatius
Explains It All For You
by
Christopher Durang
Directed by Sheena Albanese & Jim Hobson
April 15 - 23, 2005
These pix are not hosted on blogger, and will open elsewhere. If this doesn't work, try here.
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I was sound designer and tech for this production.
To Cambrian Players' website.
To Menu of Cambrian Players' Productions and Events since Mar. '02.
Richard Pepper's Main Page
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Monday, April 18, 2005
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Thank you note
Yeah, so there was the Camp Gitchigomee Reunion this past Saturday. Yesterday (Wednesday) I received a thank you note in the mail from the Roberta, the Personnel Chair. From what was written on the note, it was clear that they had not all been pre-written and then just dumped in the mailbox that day.
These little touches are so valuable, especially with volunteers. All I did was show up, eat the food, strum along with a few songs and lead one song. Roberta is really on the ball with this sort of thing: similarly I received a thank-you note just a few days after the Fund-Raising Dinner, simply for singing one song.
It appears that blogs are supposed to be about sharing inner feelings and I realize I don't do that often. (One needs to be prudent about pouring out all feelings "positive" and "negative" to the entire WWW anyway.) However, I should share here that I really do appreciate all those who have expressed their appreciation of me (deserved or not) recently.
These little touches are so valuable, especially with volunteers. All I did was show up, eat the food, strum along with a few songs and lead one song. Roberta is really on the ball with this sort of thing: similarly I received a thank-you note just a few days after the Fund-Raising Dinner, simply for singing one song.
It appears that blogs are supposed to be about sharing inner feelings and I realize I don't do that often. (One needs to be prudent about pouring out all feelings "positive" and "negative" to the entire WWW anyway.) However, I should share here that I really do appreciate all those who have expressed their appreciation of me (deserved or not) recently.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Gist of Sermon
Okay briefly my thought re. suffering goes like this:
If we are in Christ (and that could be a whole long discussion), God treats us as His children -- in fact, like His "favourite" child -- His Beloved Son. How did He "treat" Jesus?
He gave Him everything He needed for His mission -- that is, to be betrayed or rejected by friends (and by God Himself on the cross) and crucified by His enemies -- AND THEN to be vindicated eventually.
Why should He treat us any "better" than that? Out of His love for us, He gives us what we need for our mission which may (will?) include betrayal, rejection and suffering -- AND final vindication (eventually).
Probably 30 out of 33 years of Christ's earthly life were reasonably comfortable and fit well with the picture we get of God taking care of the birds by feeding them (forgetting temporarily that many birds starve to death or are killed by predators).
Well, there's more (such as, in what ways might our missions differ from Christ's), but I'll leave it there for now.
If we are in Christ (and that could be a whole long discussion), God treats us as His children -- in fact, like His "favourite" child -- His Beloved Son. How did He "treat" Jesus?
He gave Him everything He needed for His mission -- that is, to be betrayed or rejected by friends (and by God Himself on the cross) and crucified by His enemies -- AND THEN to be vindicated eventually.
Why should He treat us any "better" than that? Out of His love for us, He gives us what we need for our mission which may (will?) include betrayal, rejection and suffering -- AND final vindication (eventually).
Probably 30 out of 33 years of Christ's earthly life were reasonably comfortable and fit well with the picture we get of God taking care of the birds by feeding them (forgetting temporarily that many birds starve to death or are killed by predators).
Well, there's more (such as, in what ways might our missions differ from Christ's), but I'll leave it there for now.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
One day I will blog my sermon (about suffering)
At tonight's service we stopped at Luke 12:32 while reading about God promising(?) to provide for us.
So we left out Jesus telling His listeners (including us?) to sell our possessions and to give alms. Can we claim the promise (if that's what it is) if we don't follow the command (if that's what it is)?
No greedy, stingy person can claim Phil 4:19 and insist that God "honour His word". The promise was made to friends of the Apostle Paul who gave beyond their means to support him, apparently (but not certainly) without doing so for a reward. Why do I think I can just flip my Bible open and think God has said this to me?
I'm not asserting that this promise was made only to 1st century generous Philippian friends of Paul -- but I suspect there is a principle here that God's provision is for the extremely generous (or at the very least not promised to the stingy).
(God may and does bless to a ridiculous extent many of us stingy people anyway. But that's His seemingly crazy grace at work -- intended to bring us to Himself -- it's not necessarily God fulfilling His promise to me. Maybe it's showing how much Grace we should show to the undeserving or those who anger us.)
As for God providing for Christian organizations: I'm of the opinion that the only "organization" that God has promised to keep in existence even despite its own blunders, mismanagement and evil is The Church Universal (in Matt 16) and not individual churches or ministries.
I'm not convinced by people who claim "This is God's work and so He will sustain it." First of all, the work is only temporary and He may choose to sustain it for a shorter time than we think He should. (After all, as they say, it is His work.)
Secondly, there are so many Christian efforts that have gone bellyup over the years that I find it hard to believe that all of them strayed so far from God's will (in sin or apostasy) that He had to abandon or punish them as no longer "His". I am willing to accept that mundane issues of mismanagement etc. are responsible. (But often the Devil gets blamed anyway or the "lack of volunteerism" or generosity in the consituency.)
I have come to believe that God values any one individual human over any organization -- the latter are just a temporary means to an end (the "end" being the healing of eternal individuals and incorporating them into His eternal Catholic Church).
(Yes, "Catholic". You may wish to check a dictionary. I didn't say -- nor exclude -- "Roman Catholic")
Thus you are infinitely more valuable to God than _________ Church or __________ Camp.
So am I.
See post below for more thoughts, including clarifying that I am not contesting annika.mindsay.com 's confidence re. her financial needs for her Inter-Varsity ministry.
So we left out Jesus telling His listeners (including us?) to sell our possessions and to give alms. Can we claim the promise (if that's what it is) if we don't follow the command (if that's what it is)?
No greedy, stingy person can claim Phil 4:19 and insist that God "honour His word". The promise was made to friends of the Apostle Paul who gave beyond their means to support him, apparently (but not certainly) without doing so for a reward. Why do I think I can just flip my Bible open and think God has said this to me?
I'm not asserting that this promise was made only to 1st century generous Philippian friends of Paul -- but I suspect there is a principle here that God's provision is for the extremely generous (or at the very least not promised to the stingy).
(God may and does bless to a ridiculous extent many of us stingy people anyway. But that's His seemingly crazy grace at work -- intended to bring us to Himself -- it's not necessarily God fulfilling His promise to me. Maybe it's showing how much Grace we should show to the undeserving or those who anger us.)
As for God providing for Christian organizations: I'm of the opinion that the only "organization" that God has promised to keep in existence even despite its own blunders, mismanagement and evil is The Church Universal (in Matt 16) and not individual churches or ministries.
I'm not convinced by people who claim "This is God's work and so He will sustain it." First of all, the work is only temporary and He may choose to sustain it for a shorter time than we think He should. (After all, as they say, it is His work.)
Secondly, there are so many Christian efforts that have gone bellyup over the years that I find it hard to believe that all of them strayed so far from God's will (in sin or apostasy) that He had to abandon or punish them as no longer "His". I am willing to accept that mundane issues of mismanagement etc. are responsible. (But often the Devil gets blamed anyway or the "lack of volunteerism" or generosity in the consituency.)
I have come to believe that God values any one individual human over any organization -- the latter are just a temporary means to an end (the "end" being the healing of eternal individuals and incorporating them into His eternal Catholic Church).
(Yes, "Catholic". You may wish to check a dictionary. I didn't say -- nor exclude -- "Roman Catholic")
Thus you are infinitely more valuable to God than _________ Church or __________ Camp.
So am I.
See post below for more thoughts, including clarifying that I am not contesting annika.mindsay.com 's confidence re. her financial needs for her Inter-Varsity ministry.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Birthday
I certainly want to blog my thanks and appreciation before too many days pass by to everyone who participated in my special birthday party and/or gift.
Thank you especially Tim and Miriam (Kia, Juliet & ?) who hosted the party and had special roles in the gift -- the makeover shopping trip(s). Tim was Exec. Producer and Glasses Expert. Miriam was one of my beautiful and stylish fashion advisors. (I suppose ? was, too.) The others were Erica and Sylvia. Charisse had signed on too but last minute circumstances intervened. Travis was the videographer and editor of the recorded version of our outings.
It was a fun day -- tiring due to late night hockey, Robin's Donutting and blogreading the night before. But really it was the ladies who did most of the running around up and down the aisles. For the most part I was just walking in and out of the changing room (accidentally locking it several times). I simply had to make decisions about what I was modelling at the time based on the amount of ecstasy expressed by the women's ooohs and aws.
It was nice to have several circles of my friends overlapping there, ranging from many from my Dorion Bible Camp years to some from Cambrian Players. The timing was a bit awkward for my new Anglican friends (due to Holy Saturday events) but several did wish me well in advance (well in advance).
Pictures
Thanks Shroom for phoning from our nation's capital.
(Ottawa)
Thank you especially Tim and Miriam (Kia, Juliet & ?) who hosted the party and had special roles in the gift -- the makeover shopping trip(s). Tim was Exec. Producer and Glasses Expert. Miriam was one of my beautiful and stylish fashion advisors. (I suppose ? was, too.) The others were Erica and Sylvia. Charisse had signed on too but last minute circumstances intervened. Travis was the videographer and editor of the recorded version of our outings.
It was a fun day -- tiring due to late night hockey, Robin's Donutting and blogreading the night before. But really it was the ladies who did most of the running around up and down the aisles. For the most part I was just walking in and out of the changing room (accidentally locking it several times). I simply had to make decisions about what I was modelling at the time based on the amount of ecstasy expressed by the women's ooohs and aws.
It was nice to have several circles of my friends overlapping there, ranging from many from my Dorion Bible Camp years to some from Cambrian Players. The timing was a bit awkward for my new Anglican friends (due to Holy Saturday events) but several did wish me well in advance (well in advance).
Pictures
Thanks Shroom for phoning from our nation's capital.
(Ottawa)
Friday, March 25, 2005
FWIW
| I am the Girl Next Door! I'm caring, warm, and the girl that nice guys want to marry. Uncomplicated and simple, I've got an easy going attitude guys love. But this doesn't mean I'm dull - far from it! I'm a great conversationalist, and I'm an expert at living the good life. What Kind of Girl Are You? Take This Quiz :-) |  |
(Too much hanging around at mindsay.)
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Thankful
Thankful
I was sitting in the sauna at my parents' condo today and thinking how thankful I am for them in helping me in so many ways (such as the meals I have with them usually 2x a week) and all the help & support they've been over these last couple of painful years
-- plus saunas!
(Like some people after a big event -- I won't list all you other people you have been of similar support, lest I forget anyone. As well, it might appear as if I'm listing references.)
PS Just trying to make sure I don't make onto Shroom's Blogger Hall of Shame (due to staleness).
I was sitting in the sauna at my parents' condo today and thinking how thankful I am for them in helping me in so many ways (such as the meals I have with them usually 2x a week) and all the help & support they've been over these last couple of painful years
-- plus saunas!
(Like some people after a big event -- I won't list all you other people you have been of similar support, lest I forget anyone. As well, it might appear as if I'm listing references.)
PS Just trying to make sure I don't make onto Shroom's Blogger Hall of Shame (due to staleness).
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
The Bible
I really like the following paragraph from Brian D. McLaren's More Ready Than You Realize which we are studying together with Frontline.
"If you have grown up with the Bible, you have no idea how difficult the book can be for the uninitiated -- until you enter a spiritual friendship with someone like Alice. Meanwhile, we preachers constantly reassure people that the Bible is simple and easy to understand, I suppose motivated by a desire to encourage people to read it. But our reassurances are counterproductive as well as dishonest. We would be better off preparing people realistically: The Bible is an extremely difficult book for modern and post-modern readers alike. (The Bible is more honest about itself in this regard than we are. See 2 Peter 3:15-16, for example.) It is definitely worth
the effort, but make no mistake, it will take much effort.
... We are asking [readers] ...to step out of their modern and postmodern
paradigms and into the worldviews of people far removed geographically
and historically." (Emphasis mine)
I suppose this appeals to me, because -- besides the fact that this just plain seems to be true (but what is obvious to one is not necessarily obvious to another) -- I do tend to believe that life, faith and everything are not simple or answered "patly". I despair at people who disdain my attention to detail and am tempted to think of them as lazy and unintelligent, which, without a good knowledge of their thought patterns, is not fair. Just as people who pick at my my "pickiness" are not being fair either. I do realize that some people are Big-Picture people. OTOH I do believe that there are some people who are, in fact, neither. But they have other valuable contributions to make.
But I digress.
My only concern about the quoted paragraph above is that it may put the Bible back into the hands of the experts. But that is not McLaren's intention. I believe that he wants the Bible to be understood in the context of the entire community (throughout the world and all HISTORY). This can get messy. It will probably result in there often being a lot of possibly right answers and not just one. But I'm comfortable with that, too. I think that's how it is.
(To be honest, I'm comfortable in principle. Sometimes in encountering specific divergent points of view I may become agitated. However, these tend to be those POVs that arise from a simplistic reading of one proof text.)
"If you have grown up with the Bible, you have no idea how difficult the book can be for the uninitiated -- until you enter a spiritual friendship with someone like Alice. Meanwhile, we preachers constantly reassure people that the Bible is simple and easy to understand, I suppose motivated by a desire to encourage people to read it. But our reassurances are counterproductive as well as dishonest. We would be better off preparing people realistically: The Bible is an extremely difficult book for modern and post-modern readers alike. (The Bible is more honest about itself in this regard than we are. See 2 Peter 3:15-16, for example.) It is definitely worth
the effort, but make no mistake, it will take much effort.
... We are asking [readers] ...to step out of their modern and postmodern
paradigms and into the worldviews of people far removed geographically
and historically." (Emphasis mine)
I suppose this appeals to me, because -- besides the fact that this just plain seems to be true (but what is obvious to one is not necessarily obvious to another) -- I do tend to believe that life, faith and everything are not simple or answered "patly". I despair at people who disdain my attention to detail and am tempted to think of them as lazy and unintelligent, which, without a good knowledge of their thought patterns, is not fair. Just as people who pick at my my "pickiness" are not being fair either. I do realize that some people are Big-Picture people. OTOH I do believe that there are some people who are, in fact, neither. But they have other valuable contributions to make.
But I digress.
My only concern about the quoted paragraph above is that it may put the Bible back into the hands of the experts. But that is not McLaren's intention. I believe that he wants the Bible to be understood in the context of the entire community (throughout the world and all HISTORY). This can get messy. It will probably result in there often being a lot of possibly right answers and not just one. But I'm comfortable with that, too. I think that's how it is.
(To be honest, I'm comfortable in principle. Sometimes in encountering specific divergent points of view I may become agitated. However, these tend to be those POVs that arise from a simplistic reading of one proof text.)
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Past week pastimes
Let's see if I can do this from memory.
Last Sunday afternoon was the Frontline Monthly Gathering at Pentneys'. In the evening was our church's Coffeehouse #5 and I premiered "Free Stanley" and also sang "Fanatics" from my never-to-be-performed musical "Philippi".
Monday I must just have worked on email, webpage and blog stuff. I think that's what I did in the evening too.
Tuesday "Free Stanley" was played locally in the a.m. and on As It Happens in the evening. I managed to catch it live at Lappalas' before Tim and I went off to the Steve Earle concert. Lots of music (and some ranting) for our money. I don't remember what I did during the day, probably email, webpages and so forth.
Wednesday: Met with Eric and Tim in the morning at Tim's and stayed there for lunch. Church Worship Ministry and Pizza mtg at supper time. After that I recorded a simple version of Free Stanley at home.
Thursday afternoon I had cawfy with Annika at Seattle Mem and then supper with my parents, followed by church Small Group at Lappalas'.
Friday: webpage stuff again and church worship planning. In the evening I attended St. Thomas' Anglican's youth's Soul Survivor night. Then I played hockey (not for Stanley). Eric, Matt and I clicked well. I got a couple of assists from my "office" behind the net.
Saturday: worship planning, church open skate (& hockey) at PA Arena. Christine Clark of Frontline was working the concession stand and told me that some of her friends had come with her to the Frontline-Attend-Silvercity-Together night the night before, which was good to hear.
Sat. evening was a goodbye party for Sylvia's roomie Ruth. Good food plus Battling Tops, Rummy and Pit-Spoons. Tim clobbered us in the latter.
This morning. Led singing, prayer and communion at church. Wendy's salad here at my parents' condo. Sauna followed by blogging.
Tada!
Last Sunday afternoon was the Frontline Monthly Gathering at Pentneys'. In the evening was our church's Coffeehouse #5 and I premiered "Free Stanley" and also sang "Fanatics" from my never-to-be-performed musical "Philippi".
Monday I must just have worked on email, webpage and blog stuff. I think that's what I did in the evening too.
Tuesday "Free Stanley" was played locally in the a.m. and on As It Happens in the evening. I managed to catch it live at Lappalas' before Tim and I went off to the Steve Earle concert. Lots of music (and some ranting) for our money. I don't remember what I did during the day, probably email, webpages and so forth.
Wednesday: Met with Eric and Tim in the morning at Tim's and stayed there for lunch. Church Worship Ministry and Pizza mtg at supper time. After that I recorded a simple version of Free Stanley at home.
Thursday afternoon I had cawfy with Annika at Seattle Mem and then supper with my parents, followed by church Small Group at Lappalas'.
Friday: webpage stuff again and church worship planning. In the evening I attended St. Thomas' Anglican's youth's Soul Survivor night. Then I played hockey (not for Stanley). Eric, Matt and I clicked well. I got a couple of assists from my "office" behind the net.
Saturday: worship planning, church open skate (& hockey) at PA Arena. Christine Clark of Frontline was working the concession stand and told me that some of her friends had come with her to the Frontline-Attend-Silvercity-Together night the night before, which was good to hear.
Sat. evening was a goodbye party for Sylvia's roomie Ruth. Good food plus Battling Tops, Rummy and Pit-Spoons. Tim clobbered us in the latter.
This morning. Led singing, prayer and communion at church. Wendy's salad here at my parents' condo. Sauna followed by blogging.
Tada!
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Sic Transit Gloria Mundi
To hear my song "Free Stanley" as it was aired last Tuesday on the national CBC Radio-1 show "As It Happens" click here. Advance the real audio 17:46 to locate the song.
Thank you Brian Jones (who has also been on national CBC Radio-1) for locating this. (A slightly different version was aired on local CBC-1 that morning as well.)
Thank you Brian Jones (who has also been on national CBC Radio-1) for locating this. (A slightly different version was aired on local CBC-1 that morning as well.)
Friday, March 04, 2005
Millie Pytyck
Millie Pytyck
Carol Sainio (Camp Dorion assistant cook and former board member) writes,
Millie (former long-time head cook) is currently staying with her sister, but this is a temporary arrangement, and she is in need of a place to stay soon. The apartment has been totally gutted [by fire] -- all drywall has to be replaced, so the repairs will take some time -- no one has said exactly how long it will take.
Millie lost almost everything and will be in need of furniture, clothes and household items. Here dishes were saved and some of her books. Please, ask your contacts to pray for a place for her soon. She would like to be in the Port Arthur area. Thanks for your concern for her. I'll let her know that you are praying.
In Christ, Carol.
-----------------
I am reasonably sure that Millie has *not* decided to curse God and die over this, but it is a disturbing reminder that someone can serve God for so long (far better than I ever did or do) and still suffer tragic loss. An aggravating reality of life -- or, as I say, disturbing or even frightening. Gives some perspective. Shakes up the easy answers. I don't really know what to say. But anyway maybe there is something we can do to help.
Carol Sainio (Camp Dorion assistant cook and former board member) writes,
Millie (former long-time head cook) is currently staying with her sister, but this is a temporary arrangement, and she is in need of a place to stay soon. The apartment has been totally gutted [by fire] -- all drywall has to be replaced, so the repairs will take some time -- no one has said exactly how long it will take.
Millie lost almost everything and will be in need of furniture, clothes and household items. Here dishes were saved and some of her books. Please, ask your contacts to pray for a place for her soon. She would like to be in the Port Arthur area. Thanks for your concern for her. I'll let her know that you are praying.
In Christ, Carol.
-----------------
I am reasonably sure that Millie has *not* decided to curse God and die over this, but it is a disturbing reminder that someone can serve God for so long (far better than I ever did or do) and still suffer tragic loss. An aggravating reality of life -- or, as I say, disturbing or even frightening. Gives some perspective. Shakes up the easy answers. I don't really know what to say. But anyway maybe there is something we can do to help.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Free Stanley
Yesterday morning local CBC radio aired my "Free Stanley" song (sung into the phone). Last night "As It Happens" aired it nationally and host Barbara (or was it Mary Lou?) responded "orgasmically" (as Shroom says, that is, with a lot more excitement and enthusiasm than I'm used to from women).
When I premiered it at St. Thomas' Anglican dinner I felt a little odd, because of what I called the "almost profanity". This isn't an apology and, if you've heard the song, you get the joke and you don't need an explanation. I just didn't want the kids to catch onto the sing-songy chorus and go around annoying and slightly-shocking their parents singing it (and me getting the blame!) I was probably giving myself too much credit!!
Pondering:
I've changed quite a bit in my attitude towards what people call swearing (and what I prefer to call "taboo language") in the last several years. I used to be quite proud of myself that I didn't "swear". Even now I want to tell you that I don't frequently use taboo words, not so much because I think that makes me good, but because I don't want you to think I'm bad. I still care what people think. This is a problem.
Now it *was* years ago in my university studies that I learned that most of the "bad words" (of the bathroom/bedroom variety, not the religious kind) acquired their unacceptable status because of class snobbery (the fact that these were the words which the common Anglo Saxons had routinely used for these functions and parts, while their conquerors, the French-speaking Norman nobility, used longer words of Latin or Greek origin and considered these polite).
Conquest of another people group with resulting racist attitudes about language doesn't strike me as an adequate basis for moral judgements.
But the guilt of association does make some people uncomfortable and even here I will observe the illogical conventions of blanking out letters to avoid unnecessarily making readers such as my mother uncomfortable.
Sometimes we do become aware of associations or origins and adjust our language. I remember when Shroom made us aware that he was uncomfortable with "that sucks" because of its original reference to fellatio (note: Latin word!) C'mon, don't pretend you didn't know that! Anyway, he had a good point.
But some word origins are so buried in history that it is useless to say "do you know what the really means?" when it now means what "everybody" understands it to mean (for better or for worse). I guess this also applies to the Anglo-Saxon origin concept given above BUT still knowing that helps me not to treat the current conventions of language as absolute and a moral issue in themselves. (The moral issues is how we treat people, which is reflected somewhat, but imperfectly, in how we speak.)
Another step in my change in attitude was experiencing disapproval of the word B-S- by B-S-ers (those with little regard for accuracies of detail). Objecting to the word, but not the practice. When I was young and (more) judgemental of people's "dirty" language, I must have fallen into this pitfall. God, help me avoid it in the future.
Once someone chided me for a (written) instance of "vernacular" language (not realizing "vernacular" simply means the language that people speak rather than "official" languages like Latin). This was Anglo-Saxon "bathroom" language to describe how I felt at the time. Later I heard this person say "damn" in vain. Well, to my mind referring lightly to damn(ation) is worse than "potty mouth" (although this is not recognized by the secular movie-ratings people). I'd rather land in a pile of crap (to use an acceptable vulgarity) than in damnation.
Well, I could say that I was feeling extremely emotionally provoked at the time. So was s/he at his/her time -- and if we had engaged in an arguement over which means of expressing those emotions is worse, especially if we were to ignore the emotions behind the words, it would have been the overflow of petty minds.
(Yes, I've given my opinion here, but I acknowledge that there are other factors of perception etc. that make the issue more nuanced -- if it even matters at all.)
Both of these conversations were relatively private, btw, which might be a different matter than performing a song or routine full of gratuitous "swears" in front of impressionable minds -- that is, pretty much anyone. But on the other hand reminding people [like me] who don't give a flying f--- about democracy by saying it in so many words might indeed solidly underline the point.
But what is "gratuitous"?
Usually your "swears" but not mine.
In "Demolition Man" citizens are automatically fined every time they use such objectionable language. A buzzer goes off, an announcement is made and a ticket spews forth from a slot in the wall. However, no buzz is heard when the various characters insult one another using "clean" language.
I realize that you parents face these issues in a different way than I do day to day (although I did face them at Camp Dorion and other camps -- in my earlier years with far too much reactionary legalism).
I was greatly influenced by Monty Parks (who was no potty mouth) in a staff meeting in which we were "freaking out" about the great amount of "swearing" among the campers. I sat through sessions like this every few years. Monty wisely reminded us that if all the campers learned that week was that they shouldn't say certain words, then we had missed the point of the week.
I guess that with very young children it may be necessary initially to teach them that "stupid" is a "bad word" even though it isn't always (is it?). I imagine it is probably easier to explain to them why that word is (usually) bad (that is, used to hurt people) than to explain why "sh--" is bad, "crap" is kinda bad and "poo" is cute. In many cases it might be most accurate to tell them that "sh--" is just a word that I don't want to hear you say, but which I might occasionally say myself. Now that would be hard to explain, but, as I say, in many cases, it might be the truth. Shouldn't we tell our children the truth?
But I would prefer myself to explain sooner rather than later to children that it is the *use* of words that can be bad. Fine "God talk" mixed with half-truths, "facts" undiscussed with the "accused" and altered details, in other words B--- S---, can be really used to hurt people and is a "bad" we need to eliminate from our lives.
(And it's stupid, too.)
When I premiered it at St. Thomas' Anglican dinner I felt a little odd, because of what I called the "almost profanity". This isn't an apology and, if you've heard the song, you get the joke and you don't need an explanation. I just didn't want the kids to catch onto the sing-songy chorus and go around annoying and slightly-shocking their parents singing it (and me getting the blame!) I was probably giving myself too much credit!!
Pondering:
I've changed quite a bit in my attitude towards what people call swearing (and what I prefer to call "taboo language") in the last several years. I used to be quite proud of myself that I didn't "swear". Even now I want to tell you that I don't frequently use taboo words, not so much because I think that makes me good, but because I don't want you to think I'm bad. I still care what people think. This is a problem.
Now it *was* years ago in my university studies that I learned that most of the "bad words" (of the bathroom/bedroom variety, not the religious kind) acquired their unacceptable status because of class snobbery (the fact that these were the words which the common Anglo Saxons had routinely used for these functions and parts, while their conquerors, the French-speaking Norman nobility, used longer words of Latin or Greek origin and considered these polite).
Conquest of another people group with resulting racist attitudes about language doesn't strike me as an adequate basis for moral judgements.
But the guilt of association does make some people uncomfortable and even here I will observe the illogical conventions of blanking out letters to avoid unnecessarily making readers such as my mother uncomfortable.
Sometimes we do become aware of associations or origins and adjust our language. I remember when Shroom made us aware that he was uncomfortable with "that sucks" because of its original reference to fellatio (note: Latin word!) C'mon, don't pretend you didn't know that! Anyway, he had a good point.
But some word origins are so buried in history that it is useless to say "do you know what the really means?" when it now means what "everybody" understands it to mean (for better or for worse). I guess this also applies to the Anglo-Saxon origin concept given above BUT still knowing that helps me not to treat the current conventions of language as absolute and a moral issue in themselves. (The moral issues is how we treat people, which is reflected somewhat, but imperfectly, in how we speak.)
Another step in my change in attitude was experiencing disapproval of the word B-S- by B-S-ers (those with little regard for accuracies of detail). Objecting to the word, but not the practice. When I was young and (more) judgemental of people's "dirty" language, I must have fallen into this pitfall. God, help me avoid it in the future.
Once someone chided me for a (written) instance of "vernacular" language (not realizing "vernacular" simply means the language that people speak rather than "official" languages like Latin). This was Anglo-Saxon "bathroom" language to describe how I felt at the time. Later I heard this person say "damn" in vain. Well, to my mind referring lightly to damn(ation) is worse than "potty mouth" (although this is not recognized by the secular movie-ratings people). I'd rather land in a pile of crap (to use an acceptable vulgarity) than in damnation.
Well, I could say that I was feeling extremely emotionally provoked at the time. So was s/he at his/her time -- and if we had engaged in an arguement over which means of expressing those emotions is worse, especially if we were to ignore the emotions behind the words, it would have been the overflow of petty minds.
(Yes, I've given my opinion here, but I acknowledge that there are other factors of perception etc. that make the issue more nuanced -- if it even matters at all.)
Both of these conversations were relatively private, btw, which might be a different matter than performing a song or routine full of gratuitous "swears" in front of impressionable minds -- that is, pretty much anyone. But on the other hand reminding people [like me] who don't give a flying f--- about democracy by saying it in so many words might indeed solidly underline the point.
But what is "gratuitous"?
Usually your "swears" but not mine.
In "Demolition Man" citizens are automatically fined every time they use such objectionable language. A buzzer goes off, an announcement is made and a ticket spews forth from a slot in the wall. However, no buzz is heard when the various characters insult one another using "clean" language.
I realize that you parents face these issues in a different way than I do day to day (although I did face them at Camp Dorion and other camps -- in my earlier years with far too much reactionary legalism).
I was greatly influenced by Monty Parks (who was no potty mouth) in a staff meeting in which we were "freaking out" about the great amount of "swearing" among the campers. I sat through sessions like this every few years. Monty wisely reminded us that if all the campers learned that week was that they shouldn't say certain words, then we had missed the point of the week.
I guess that with very young children it may be necessary initially to teach them that "stupid" is a "bad word" even though it isn't always (is it?). I imagine it is probably easier to explain to them why that word is (usually) bad (that is, used to hurt people) than to explain why "sh--" is bad, "crap" is kinda bad and "poo" is cute. In many cases it might be most accurate to tell them that "sh--" is just a word that I don't want to hear you say, but which I might occasionally say myself. Now that would be hard to explain, but, as I say, in many cases, it might be the truth. Shouldn't we tell our children the truth?
But I would prefer myself to explain sooner rather than later to children that it is the *use* of words that can be bad. Fine "God talk" mixed with half-truths, "facts" undiscussed with the "accused" and altered details, in other words B--- S---, can be really used to hurt people and is a "bad" we need to eliminate from our lives.
(And it's stupid, too.)
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Friday, February 25, 2005
100 Years of Rotary
The following are people who attended the Centennial of Rotary International Dinner I attended with my parents on last Wednesday evening. I am fascinated by connections that I have with people and they with each other. So here's a brief blurb on each.
Dr. Lois Wilson -- Guest speaker -- Her husband was our minister in the early sixties when we used to go to First Church United. I think she was co-minister for the 2nd half of the sixties.
Katie Ischkin -- President of Rotaract (youth branch of Rotary) -- I believe she was a camper at Dorion Bible Camp.
Len and Marg Landy -- All three of their daughters Katrina, Karol and Kyla went to Dorion Bible Camp. Kyla is married to Michael Gilmour and he was (an excellent) acting Assistant Director during Andy's last summer, with a view to becoming Camp Director with Elaine Kalnbach as Executive Director. The board chose not to go this route, although I was not privy to their reasoning. Len and Marg go to St. Thomas' Anglican and I sat with them there at a dinner this past Saturday. Karol was co-director of Senior week at Camp Gitchigomee when I was there last summer.
Rev. Paul Carr is the retired rector of St. Paul's A and our paths have been crossing regularly recently.
Rev. Dave Silliman -- His daughter Amy helps lead The Edge worship service at which I played on Valentine's Day.
Karl & Marianne Wahl -- Good friends of my parents -- It was they who invited my sister and me to attend Dorion Bible Camp with their daughters (and so it was nice that they also attended my 30+1 Years Party at Camp Dorion Party in 02 (my last summer there). They are also associated with Cambrian Players.
Barb Philp -- Wife of a Rotarian -- She (as a Morrison) and I were in ISCF together at Churchill. Their son came at least once to Dorion Bible Camp. I see her from time to time at Waverly Library where she works.
Jim. Mucklow(?)-- Rotarian -- attends men's breakfast I go to on Friday mornings.
Dr. Harold Cumming -- Husband of Rotarian -- He was a staff advisor at times for LUCF and used to host our Christmas parties year after year. He also ran a Sunday afternoon study at his home which I attended. For a while he was a member of writers group, Inkwell. His daughter Christine Regehr directs Girls Camp at Manitoba Pioneer (which is where I last saw Harold when they were visiting).
Kendall House -- Director of FW Male Choir -- Was principal of one of the schools at which I taught Religious Education for 2 years when I first joined CSSM Canadian Sunday School Mission.
Henry Konrad -- member of FWMC -- Taught me English at Churchill and sponsored the ISCF club there. His son Richard and I did a project together on the history of Classical Music. Richard recently emailed me out of the blue. I see Henry's daugher Marina from time to time in theatre contexts or at Redwood church.
(Jerry Williams -- a Rotarian but was absent that evening -- Jerry is the Chair of the Inter Varsity Area Committee on which I serve. He was also a member of the Dorion Bible Camp board for a while. I suppose his daugher Laurie and I attended Churchill at the same time and his daughter Debbie was on staff at Dorion Bible Camp for one summer. I could look up all these dates btw, but I'm just not bothering to.)
This is not to mention numerous other Rotarians there who are friends with my parents and, I realized after the dinner, who, in several cases, have been in my house when it used to belong to my parents.
Dr. Lois Wilson -- Guest speaker -- Her husband was our minister in the early sixties when we used to go to First Church United. I think she was co-minister for the 2nd half of the sixties.
Katie Ischkin -- President of Rotaract (youth branch of Rotary) -- I believe she was a camper at Dorion Bible Camp.
Len and Marg Landy -- All three of their daughters Katrina, Karol and Kyla went to Dorion Bible Camp. Kyla is married to Michael Gilmour and he was (an excellent) acting Assistant Director during Andy's last summer, with a view to becoming Camp Director with Elaine Kalnbach as Executive Director. The board chose not to go this route, although I was not privy to their reasoning. Len and Marg go to St. Thomas' Anglican and I sat with them there at a dinner this past Saturday. Karol was co-director of Senior week at Camp Gitchigomee when I was there last summer.
Rev. Paul Carr is the retired rector of St. Paul's A and our paths have been crossing regularly recently.
Rev. Dave Silliman -- His daughter Amy helps lead The Edge worship service at which I played on Valentine's Day.
Karl & Marianne Wahl -- Good friends of my parents -- It was they who invited my sister and me to attend Dorion Bible Camp with their daughters (and so it was nice that they also attended my 30+1 Years Party at Camp Dorion Party in 02 (my last summer there). They are also associated with Cambrian Players.
Barb Philp -- Wife of a Rotarian -- She (as a Morrison) and I were in ISCF together at Churchill. Their son came at least once to Dorion Bible Camp. I see her from time to time at Waverly Library where she works.
Jim. Mucklow(?)-- Rotarian -- attends men's breakfast I go to on Friday mornings.
Dr. Harold Cumming -- Husband of Rotarian -- He was a staff advisor at times for LUCF and used to host our Christmas parties year after year. He also ran a Sunday afternoon study at his home which I attended. For a while he was a member of writers group, Inkwell. His daughter Christine Regehr directs Girls Camp at Manitoba Pioneer (which is where I last saw Harold when they were visiting).
Kendall House -- Director of FW Male Choir -- Was principal of one of the schools at which I taught Religious Education for 2 years when I first joined CSSM Canadian Sunday School Mission.
Henry Konrad -- member of FWMC -- Taught me English at Churchill and sponsored the ISCF club there. His son Richard and I did a project together on the history of Classical Music. Richard recently emailed me out of the blue. I see Henry's daugher Marina from time to time in theatre contexts or at Redwood church.
(Jerry Williams -- a Rotarian but was absent that evening -- Jerry is the Chair of the Inter Varsity Area Committee on which I serve. He was also a member of the Dorion Bible Camp board for a while. I suppose his daugher Laurie and I attended Churchill at the same time and his daughter Debbie was on staff at Dorion Bible Camp for one summer. I could look up all these dates btw, but I'm just not bothering to.)
This is not to mention numerous other Rotarians there who are friends with my parents and, I realized after the dinner, who, in several cases, have been in my house when it used to belong to my parents.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Feb 8 - 14
Last Tuesday: Drove downtown to pay a bill. Then I stopped by to visit annika at her office and ended up helping her move (almost) all her stuff back into her space, since it had been moved out for renovations. Hers is the only cubicle office I've ever seen that includes a couch and a tree.
That evening I helped out with Pancake Supper at St. Luke's. They kindly gave me half a ham and a bunch of pancakes & a bottle of syrup to take home. I brought my syrup into the Cambrian Players Board mtg that followed, asking "So did everyone remember to bring a bottle of syrup?"
Wednesday morning I met with Tim and Eric and then Joe re-installed a sensor in my car's engine so that it won't overheat. Then I had a sauna and supper at my parents' place, followed by Ash Wednesday service at St. Luke's.
Thursday I met with Deb at Seattle River St. to plan Saturday's Visioning Day. After lunch and tea at Tim and Miriam's I did some shopping at Value Village, Stupidstore and InterCity. At InterCity I chatted with Lee Ann (nee Grootenboer) who used to be a TBCS student, Dorion Bible Camp er/Staff and filled her in on the goings on in my life.
That evening we had small group at Lappalas' but it was unremarkable.
Friday morning I went to the men's breakfast I attend at Fat Cat's (attended mostly by Jims). After email, blogging and photocopying I had lunch at Tim's again with T and Rick Three. Because I was (and am) still battling a cold and I needed to get up early the next day, I took a rest in the afternoon.
In the evening after I'd worked on choosing some songs for the next day and some budgetting, Tim came over to hang out and then drive us to hockey. I got one assist. I had two really good chances on open corners, but missed both times.
Saturday I helped out (mostly with music) at St. George's Visioning Day during the day and attended the Camp Gitchigomee Dinner in the evening. There I sang with-cold-and-without-soundsystem '69-'74.
Sunday I attended St. Paul's Anglican and then caught the sermon (by Tim) at my own church. My family went to Kelsey's for lunch (and so did Eric and his boys and Tim and his girls). Another sauna after that.
That evening I sat in as a guest at St. Thomas' Youth Ministry Support Committee, chaired by a fellow who had been one of my earliest ISCF retreat chaperones (when I was in highschool) and also my associate when I was a student teacher (of Mike Hurlbert's class at Westgate) and father of one of my very first Dorion Bible Camp ers.
Yday I babysat Juliet for Tim and then he took us to supper at Hoito. I led singing at The Edge that evening, capably assisted by Robin on his superior green bass. I must say that Robin's bass playing really adds a lot and his leading the ladies' echo parts was much appreciated as well.
I wish I could make this wilder and crazier, but that's the way it goes.
That evening I helped out with Pancake Supper at St. Luke's. They kindly gave me half a ham and a bunch of pancakes & a bottle of syrup to take home. I brought my syrup into the Cambrian Players Board mtg that followed, asking "So did everyone remember to bring a bottle of syrup?"
Wednesday morning I met with Tim and Eric and then Joe re-installed a sensor in my car's engine so that it won't overheat. Then I had a sauna and supper at my parents' place, followed by Ash Wednesday service at St. Luke's.
Thursday I met with Deb at Seattle River St. to plan Saturday's Visioning Day. After lunch and tea at Tim and Miriam's I did some shopping at Value Village, Stupidstore and InterCity. At InterCity I chatted with Lee Ann (nee Grootenboer) who used to be a TBCS student, Dorion Bible Camp er/Staff and filled her in on the goings on in my life.
That evening we had small group at Lappalas' but it was unremarkable.
Friday morning I went to the men's breakfast I attend at Fat Cat's (attended mostly by Jims). After email, blogging and photocopying I had lunch at Tim's again with T and Rick Three. Because I was (and am) still battling a cold and I needed to get up early the next day, I took a rest in the afternoon.
In the evening after I'd worked on choosing some songs for the next day and some budgetting, Tim came over to hang out and then drive us to hockey. I got one assist. I had two really good chances on open corners, but missed both times.
Saturday I helped out (mostly with music) at St. George's Visioning Day during the day and attended the Camp Gitchigomee Dinner in the evening. There I sang with-cold-and-without-soundsystem '69-'74.
Sunday I attended St. Paul's Anglican and then caught the sermon (by Tim) at my own church. My family went to Kelsey's for lunch (and so did Eric and his boys and Tim and his girls). Another sauna after that.
That evening I sat in as a guest at St. Thomas' Youth Ministry Support Committee, chaired by a fellow who had been one of my earliest ISCF retreat chaperones (when I was in highschool) and also my associate when I was a student teacher (of Mike Hurlbert's class at Westgate) and father of one of my very first Dorion Bible Camp ers.
Yday I babysat Juliet for Tim and then he took us to supper at Hoito. I led singing at The Edge that evening, capably assisted by Robin on his superior green bass. I must say that Robin's bass playing really adds a lot and his leading the ladies' echo parts was much appreciated as well.
I wish I could make this wilder and crazier, but that's the way it goes.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Laser Tag
My team was last out of four. I came in 2nd out of 12 in the individual game. The one person who beat me turned out to be a young girl who hardly ever plays and who had been on my team! Go figure. Apparently I last played (as "Worf" anyway) in 1997!!
With my tokens I tried to kill raptors (but after the first game it kept on asking for more tokens and not starting the game). I also did some "ancient" flying and shooting, some racing, Simpsons pinball and one of those coin throwing games at which I won 2 tokens=1 teeny tiny dinosaur "eraser".
With my tokens I tried to kill raptors (but after the first game it kept on asking for more tokens and not starting the game). I also did some "ancient" flying and shooting, some racing, Simpsons pinball and one of those coin throwing games at which I won 2 tokens=1 teeny tiny dinosaur "eraser".
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
To quote my "pastor": "@#$%^&%$ Snow"
But I agree.
I got stuck in my driveway again last night. I just wish it would stop going from really cold to quite warm (when the frozen snow thaws and acts like mud). But if wishes were horsepower....
I got stuck in my driveway again last night. I just wish it would stop going from really cold to quite warm (when the frozen snow thaws and acts like mud). But if wishes were horsepower....
Monday, January 31, 2005
Sermon Yesterday
Yesterday I took my turn to preach. The text was Phil. 2:13-18. I applied it entirely to our congregation's visioning process while acknowledging that Paul did not write to the Philippians, saying, "Now as you embark on your visioning process, bearing in mind the definition which I prophesy George Barna will give c. 1940 years from now, work out your salvation with fear and trembling, etc. etc."
I derived four adverbs from the text which generally apply to how we are to live and suggested that they have particular application to this process: Seriously, Joyfully, Respectfully (for each other and for our past) and Evangelistically (ie holding out the "word of life"). In order to have us practise speaking words of life to one another (rather than words of death such as "I don't know why I bother with you) I solicited ideas from the congregation to put on an overhead of life-giving phrases paraphrasing (briefly) the Good News. Then we "passed the Peace" by moving about the room speaking these phrases to each other (sometimes with hugs). That was how we ended the sermon.
However, the effect produced by saying to one another "There is always hope." or "You are pardoned" wasn't exactly what I intended. (Try it out in your imagination and you'll see.)
But some people did say "I love you" to me, which was very heartening. And I managed to say it back. Something about my life has conditioned me to be very guarded about speaking those words, justifying my stinginess by pointing to those who abuse the phrase in order to gain selfish ends.
I wish I could more freely wear my heart on my sleeve. I could take a page out of others' books by "lightening" that (possibly heavy) phrase by adapting it to "I love ya" or "love yuh" to emphasize the unconditional friendliness of the phrase when best spoken.
Oddly enough my last two sermons have *not* produced the usual after-effect in me of self-criticism "That really sucked!!!" which almost cripples me. This time, even though, for time's sake, I ended up skipping over an illustration re. Respect for the Past based on my life at Camp Dorion and didn't explain the "Passing the Peace" as well as I could have, I managed to escape tormenting myself and felt fairly satisfied. Maybe I am actually growing.
Right now coincidentally I'm listening to U2's "All I Want is You" which produces the same wrenching effect in me that it produces in many other people, because I am not just all brain, puns and punctuation.
I derived four adverbs from the text which generally apply to how we are to live and suggested that they have particular application to this process: Seriously, Joyfully, Respectfully (for each other and for our past) and Evangelistically (ie holding out the "word of life"). In order to have us practise speaking words of life to one another (rather than words of death such as "I don't know why I bother with you) I solicited ideas from the congregation to put on an overhead of life-giving phrases paraphrasing (briefly) the Good News. Then we "passed the Peace" by moving about the room speaking these phrases to each other (sometimes with hugs). That was how we ended the sermon.
However, the effect produced by saying to one another "There is always hope." or "You are pardoned" wasn't exactly what I intended. (Try it out in your imagination and you'll see.)
But some people did say "I love you" to me, which was very heartening. And I managed to say it back. Something about my life has conditioned me to be very guarded about speaking those words, justifying my stinginess by pointing to those who abuse the phrase in order to gain selfish ends.
I wish I could more freely wear my heart on my sleeve. I could take a page out of others' books by "lightening" that (possibly heavy) phrase by adapting it to "I love ya" or "love yuh" to emphasize the unconditional friendliness of the phrase when best spoken.
Oddly enough my last two sermons have *not* produced the usual after-effect in me of self-criticism "That really sucked!!!" which almost cripples me. This time, even though, for time's sake, I ended up skipping over an illustration re. Respect for the Past based on my life at Camp Dorion and didn't explain the "Passing the Peace" as well as I could have, I managed to escape tormenting myself and felt fairly satisfied. Maybe I am actually growing.
Right now coincidentally I'm listening to U2's "All I Want is You" which produces the same wrenching effect in me that it produces in many other people, because I am not just all brain, puns and punctuation.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Names
Yesterday I ran into both of the Jennifer Mayos I know: the younger one at Intercity and the other in Stupidstore. These two do not know each other.
It reminds me of the time that I introduced two second cousins who were sitting next to each other at the Rocky Horror Show, though they had never met. (Both had been campers at Camp Dorion and one was in a play with me at that time.)
Also yesterday in Sstore I came up behind of the stage crew from "Hound" and spoke her name. Another young lady nearby turned and said hi and then realized she didn't know me.
No, their names were Kristie, not Bort.
It reminds me of the time that I introduced two second cousins who were sitting next to each other at the Rocky Horror Show, though they had never met. (Both had been campers at Camp Dorion and one was in a play with me at that time.)
Also yesterday in Sstore I came up behind of the stage crew from "Hound" and spoke her name. Another young lady nearby turned and said hi and then realized she didn't know me.
No, their names were Kristie, not Bort.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Friday, January 28, 2005
More Bass stuff
My joke re. bass playing has more to do with the supposed ease with which one can learn to plunk along on the root note, than the bass being a subset of a guitar.
In fact, once I heard or read a bass player insisting that it's not a "bass guitar" (which would be that big guitar in a Mexican Mariachi band), but a(n) "(electric) bass".
Despite hearing plenty of other bass players speak otherwise, I do tend to think that the bass is *not* a subset of the guitar (especially since four lowest strings of a guitar are *not* always tuned the "bass" way). Thus I continue to avoid saying "bass guitar", which I think, in fact, shows my actual respect for bass players.
One could argue that it is played like a guitar and usually looks like one -- but consider:
In terms of musical *role* in a band, it took over from the upright bass in early rock and roll bands (such as the Comets, the Crickets and Elvis's band).
I had some other supporting arguments, but they have evaporated for now.
In fact, once I heard or read a bass player insisting that it's not a "bass guitar" (which would be that big guitar in a Mexican Mariachi band), but a(n) "(electric) bass".
Despite hearing plenty of other bass players speak otherwise, I do tend to think that the bass is *not* a subset of the guitar (especially since four lowest strings of a guitar are *not* always tuned the "bass" way). Thus I continue to avoid saying "bass guitar", which I think, in fact, shows my actual respect for bass players.
One could argue that it is played like a guitar and usually looks like one -- but consider:
In terms of musical *role* in a band, it took over from the upright bass in early rock and roll bands (such as the Comets, the Crickets and Elvis's band).
I had some other supporting arguments, but they have evaporated for now.
Monday, January 24, 2005
Bass thoughts
Last night I played bass at "Deeper Water" at St. Luke's. Probably the last time I played bass publicly was at Dorion Bible Camp in 2001 and even then only briefly.
But it all came back to me pretty quickly. After all, I do play guitar.
That's for you, Robin.
But it all came back to me pretty quickly. After all, I do play guitar.
That's for you, Robin.
Perspective
The other day at breakfast Jim from lifewater.ca was telling us of
his frustrations in trying to make arrangements for his organization
to respond to an invitation to help in Indonesia.
This led to his recounting an imaginary(?) conversation with a
typical North American:
"I'm having a terrible day! My car has broken down."
"You have a car?!"
"So I can't get to work."
"You have a part-time job?!!"
"Yeah, so I'm stuck at home."
"You have a home!!!?"
He actually did say "part-time" which made me wonder if he had me
in mind. If so, point well-taken.
his frustrations in trying to make arrangements for his organization
to respond to an invitation to help in Indonesia.
This led to his recounting an imaginary(?) conversation with a
typical North American:
"I'm having a terrible day! My car has broken down."
"You have a car?!"
"So I can't get to work."
"You have a part-time job?!!"
"Yeah, so I'm stuck at home."
"You have a home!!!?"
He actually did say "part-time" which made me wonder if he had me
in mind. If so, point well-taken.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Spontaneous lame joke
It snowed last night but much ploughing has been done already and so I was a bit annoyed as I drove up May St. today. A fellow who looked like a bum was walking towards me on the road, despite the fact that the sidewalk had been cleared. "Why isn't this guy walking on the sidewalk?" I asked myself.
"Because he's a street person." my brain replied.
"Because he's a street person." my brain replied.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Impossibilities??? or...just bumps on the road?
When I went around to the Autoplus garage (right near Fr. John's where I was staying in Schreiber) c. 10 am my car was already running. They didn't even charge me any labour. I gather that it started quite easily after a night in the warmth. There was gas in the oil and so they did change the oil, but St. John's Anglican had already volunteered to pay for that. (Thank you.) Autoplus (Mike and Joey -- who looks like a short Eugene Levy) recommended that I change the sparkplugs.
Drove to town without incident. After unloading my stuff at home (with car running) and phoning Eric, I went to Canadian Liar and bought plugs and a gapper. (I did stop the car and it started easily.) Then over to Baileys'. Thank you Eric for helping me gap and change my plugs.
Then to Joe's Auto. The block heater is located in a very inaccessible place and so if it needed changing, it couldn't be done until a couple of days later (if at all). But it seems that the only problem was the plug itself. I haven't tried starting my car yet, but both Joe and I could hear the heater sizzling. Thank you Joe for changing the plug for cost.
However, Joe also disovered a coolant leak around some sort of sensor which his parts supplier didn't have. So he put a plug in the hole and gave me the sensor to take to the Dealer (or the Stealer as Paul Jansen says) for a replacement. Probably this sensor tells the fan when to come on. So this is not an immediate concern, but I do need to sort it out before the next heat wave.
So do I have these ongoing problems because of my sins? Or is Satan attacking me because I am doing God's will? Don't we (especially as Christian orgaizations with our lofty aims and beliefs) tend to see others in the first category and ourselves in the second?
And then there are the various happy circumstances which help me through these problems (St. John's Anglican's and Joe's generosity and availability). Is this God "sending Lisa to save me from the moth He sent"?
Or is it possible (he asks rhetorically) that many of our problems are a result of planning / management / foresight weaknesses through which God can teach us (to make better plans/choices in the future) and Satan can discourage us? This necessitates admitting that we are in the picture, too, not just God or Satan.
Drove to town without incident. After unloading my stuff at home (with car running) and phoning Eric, I went to Canadian Liar and bought plugs and a gapper. (I did stop the car and it started easily.) Then over to Baileys'. Thank you Eric for helping me gap and change my plugs.
Then to Joe's Auto. The block heater is located in a very inaccessible place and so if it needed changing, it couldn't be done until a couple of days later (if at all). But it seems that the only problem was the plug itself. I haven't tried starting my car yet, but both Joe and I could hear the heater sizzling. Thank you Joe for changing the plug for cost.
However, Joe also disovered a coolant leak around some sort of sensor which his parts supplier didn't have. So he put a plug in the hole and gave me the sensor to take to the Dealer (or the Stealer as Paul Jansen says) for a replacement. Probably this sensor tells the fan when to come on. So this is not an immediate concern, but I do need to sort it out before the next heat wave.
So do I have these ongoing problems because of my sins? Or is Satan attacking me because I am doing God's will? Don't we (especially as Christian orgaizations with our lofty aims and beliefs) tend to see others in the first category and ourselves in the second?
And then there are the various happy circumstances which help me through these problems (St. John's Anglican's and Joe's generosity and availability). Is this God "sending Lisa to save me from the moth He sent"?
Or is it possible (he asks rhetorically) that many of our problems are a result of planning / management / foresight weaknesses through which God can teach us (to make better plans/choices in the future) and Satan can discourage us? This necessitates admitting that we are in the picture, too, not just God or Satan.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Stuck in Schreiber
I am so glad that our Father in Heaven tells of His love in the book He has given.
Wonderful things in the Bible I see. This is the dearest that Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me. Jesus loves me. Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me. Jesus loves even me.
Over the last few days of dealing with much snow and frozen door locks and multiple instances of car boosts (and buying a new battery) for some reason this song has been going through my brain -- and *without* irony. (It alternates with the Triplets from Belleville theme song.)
I am stuck in Schreiber overnight as my car waits in a heated bay for the mechanics. CAA was not able to start it (new battery and all) and apparently the sparkplugs will have to dry out.
Father John Sovereign years ago before in his previous life as a contractor lent me a truck of his for a month. Tonight he is lending me his house (with satellite TV) while he goes to ThBay and I wait for my car. This means I wont make it back in time to meet with annika.mindsay.com (who has returned to the blogging world) but other than that I am not that greatly inconvenienced by this.
This morning I sang "40" by those 4 Irish multimillionaires and preached the sermon here at St. John's Anglican. I closed with the song above, because mainly I wanted to emphasize the love of God for us. At the times when I felt I was floundering in my speech (as I often do when I preach) for encouragement I looked at the attentive smile of the woman whose wig-wearing is connected to her flight to Hamilton tomorrow for medical tests. This puts my minor aggravations with the weather in perspective. (However, recently Ive wondered if maybe I *should* consider that job posting in balmy BC.)
Wonderful things in the Bible I see. This is the dearest that Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me. Jesus loves me. Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me. Jesus loves even me.
Over the last few days of dealing with much snow and frozen door locks and multiple instances of car boosts (and buying a new battery) for some reason this song has been going through my brain -- and *without* irony. (It alternates with the Triplets from Belleville theme song.)
I am stuck in Schreiber overnight as my car waits in a heated bay for the mechanics. CAA was not able to start it (new battery and all) and apparently the sparkplugs will have to dry out.
Father John Sovereign years ago before in his previous life as a contractor lent me a truck of his for a month. Tonight he is lending me his house (with satellite TV) while he goes to ThBay and I wait for my car. This means I wont make it back in time to meet with annika.mindsay.com (who has returned to the blogging world) but other than that I am not that greatly inconvenienced by this.
This morning I sang "40" by those 4 Irish multimillionaires and preached the sermon here at St. John's Anglican. I closed with the song above, because mainly I wanted to emphasize the love of God for us. At the times when I felt I was floundering in my speech (as I often do when I preach) for encouragement I looked at the attentive smile of the woman whose wig-wearing is connected to her flight to Hamilton tomorrow for medical tests. This puts my minor aggravations with the weather in perspective. (However, recently Ive wondered if maybe I *should* consider that job posting in balmy BC.)
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Kuch kuch hota hai
Had an Indian Night last night. Oh, I know the best way to avoid confusion in this context: "An India Night". There you go.
I don't know the name of every food we ate, but it was all good. Funny, though: the "non-bread" sure looked and tasted like bread to me.
Then all of us (Tim, Miriam, Eric, Erica, Travis, Sylvia, Robert, Diana and I) watched the Bollywood film "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai". I believe that the title means "something happens", that is, if you stare meaningfully at each other, sing and dance enough apparently "something" will happen.
I was faintly annoyed: so this guy has a beautiful best friend in college (he just can't tell because she wears overalls and keeps her hair short), but marries his beautiful girlfriend (who dies shortly after bearing their child). Then after that he ends up with his beautiful best friend (after, what was it, 14 chances to catch on that she is beautiful and loves him). Hey, buddy, share the wealth!
BTW my car door is thawed and did not catch on fire.
I don't know the name of every food we ate, but it was all good. Funny, though: the "non-bread" sure looked and tasted like bread to me.
Then all of us (Tim, Miriam, Eric, Erica, Travis, Sylvia, Robert, Diana and I) watched the Bollywood film "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai". I believe that the title means "something happens", that is, if you stare meaningfully at each other, sing and dance enough apparently "something" will happen.
I was faintly annoyed: so this guy has a beautiful best friend in college (he just can't tell because she wears overalls and keeps her hair short), but marries his beautiful girlfriend (who dies shortly after bearing their child). Then after that he ends up with his beautiful best friend (after, what was it, 14 chances to catch on that she is beautiful and loves him). Hey, buddy, share the wealth!
BTW my car door is thawed and did not catch on fire.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Frozen Car
I am sitting upstairs by my bedroom window blogging while a space heater is attempting to thaw my frozen car door.
That's "thaw", not "unthaw". "Unthaw" = "freeze".
I'm a bit paranoid about such things and so I'm keeping an eye on it, fearing it might catch on fire or be stolen by some alleywalker lusting after a space heater.
I do have several which I bought at thrift stores intending to donate and so I suppose I won't miss this one. But I'd prefer the theft scenario over the fire scenario.
My pastor drove across town last night to get me to the small gathering at Tim and Miriam's in order to play "Greedy" (dice game), Spoons (I won, yeah!), Charades and children's Simpsons Dominos. Got to bed at 0530hrs?
Heater is still there. Not on fire. That suggests a Strong Bad quote. Can you guess which one?
That's "thaw", not "unthaw". "Unthaw" = "freeze".
I'm a bit paranoid about such things and so I'm keeping an eye on it, fearing it might catch on fire or be stolen by some alleywalker lusting after a space heater.
I do have several which I bought at thrift stores intending to donate and so I suppose I won't miss this one. But I'd prefer the theft scenario over the fire scenario.
My pastor drove across town last night to get me to the small gathering at Tim and Miriam's in order to play "Greedy" (dice game), Spoons (I won, yeah!), Charades and children's Simpsons Dominos. Got to bed at 0530hrs?
Heater is still there. Not on fire. That suggests a Strong Bad quote. Can you guess which one?
Friday, December 31, 2004
Dec. 20 - 31 with little comment:
Mon: Shovelled snow at Hull's. Met at Seattle Arthur with Anglican youth and Rev. Nancy to plan "Welcome Home" service.
During my meals I was watching "The Making of 'Taxi Driver'". Later I watched "Meet Joe Black" which I didn't care for.
Evening: Went shopping with Tim at ValVill, Walmart, Old Navy and Canadian Liar. Then we went to see "Closer". Afterwards, I asked Tim to remind me, if necessary, not to conduct my relationships the way the 4 central characters did.
Tue: Shovelling and shopping during the day.
Evening: Christmas Eve practice with Sylvia and Erica. Then hung out with some of the Friday night hockey guys: Tim, Chris, Paul and Eric. Chris witnessed a car accident out on Memorial and so had to give a statement.
Wed morning: Met with Tim and Eric at Tim's. Stayed for lunch.
Afternoon: Shopping. Served at Superstore by Karen who said it had been forever since she'd seen me. Technically that's not true.
Had sauna and supper at my parents' place and rode the elevator there with Mike Gravelle. I told him I'd just been in a play with his cousin. He said that all the Gravelles are in theatre one way or another. ha ha
Watched "Tucker" with Tim at his place.
Thu. afternoon: Sang at Pioneer Ridge then had coffee there with the worker, Jennifer Mayo (*not* the highschool Jennifer Mayo that some of you know).
To ValVill and Chapters: There I saw Annika and Eerika Vastamaki, Matt Hoskin, Charlene Backstrom, Neil E. Dainio III and Victor Leonardi.
Evening: Christmas Eve rehearsal.
Fri: Lunch at Tim's again. Then wrapped gifts at home. Christmas Eve service at Church of Christ bldg. Played guitar and pretended to be angelic. Do angels adjust their glasses while reading their lines?
Sat morning: Service at St. Luke's. I like taking real wine. It feels to me as if something is *really* happening. ;) Lunch with various others at Suttons'.
Afternoon: Sauna and lamb supper and presents with just my Mum and Dad at their place. Spoke to my sister (in Georgia) for the first time since June 2001. Watched "White Christmas". Mum drove me home because my car wouldn't start.
Sun morning: Led communion at church. Ray Clark (Charisse's dad) tried to start my car. CAA boosted it and said it was flooded.
Sun evening: Beef supper with Dougs Livingston Jr. & Sr., Derek, Greg and my parents.
Mon afternoon: Coffee in Intercity with Spuro and Karen Sourtzis. (I went to highschool with Spuro. He teaches in Dryden.) Saw Melos and Terri & Bethany Vieira.
Evening: Harbron Heckuvahullabaloo Chatted the most with Vern Martin (former camper of mine and Head Cabin Leader). He has been through crap, too. Hasn't everyone?
Tue afternoon: Our church's turn at Shelter House. Ate remaining ham off three big bones. Was *very* thirsty. Then met with my Youth Ministry Advisory Committee at St. Mike's.
Wed morning: Breakfast at Hoito with Tara and Bryan Fulton (from "Toronto"). (Tara grew up in our church. Bryan was a camper and staff at DBC.) Also there were Annika V., Nathan Barnes and Peter Wynalda. I should have introduced T & B (and PW) to AV as they all have ISCF in common. As well B had Redwood in common with N. Maybe life swirls cosmically around the Hoito.
Afternoon: Sauna and supper again with Mum. Then led singing at St. Mike's for the Welcome Home Service. Talked the most with Dave Ruberry whose wife and kids used to help with Horsemanship at DBC.
Thu. Slept much of the afternoon. Watched "Blackadder's Christmas" (which features Robbie Coltrane "Hagrid" from HP movies). Worked on my website for most of the evening.
Fri morning: Men's breakfast at Arthur St. Fat Cats. I used to go every week. I'm going to try to get back into the habit. I set my alarm incorrectly, but I made it there anyway.
Don't you feel better for knowing this?
During my meals I was watching "The Making of 'Taxi Driver'". Later I watched "Meet Joe Black" which I didn't care for.
Evening: Went shopping with Tim at ValVill, Walmart, Old Navy and Canadian Liar. Then we went to see "Closer". Afterwards, I asked Tim to remind me, if necessary, not to conduct my relationships the way the 4 central characters did.
Tue: Shovelling and shopping during the day.
Evening: Christmas Eve practice with Sylvia and Erica. Then hung out with some of the Friday night hockey guys: Tim, Chris, Paul and Eric. Chris witnessed a car accident out on Memorial and so had to give a statement.
Wed morning: Met with Tim and Eric at Tim's. Stayed for lunch.
Afternoon: Shopping. Served at Superstore by Karen who said it had been forever since she'd seen me. Technically that's not true.
Had sauna and supper at my parents' place and rode the elevator there with Mike Gravelle. I told him I'd just been in a play with his cousin. He said that all the Gravelles are in theatre one way or another. ha ha
Watched "Tucker" with Tim at his place.
Thu. afternoon: Sang at Pioneer Ridge then had coffee there with the worker, Jennifer Mayo (*not* the highschool Jennifer Mayo that some of you know).
To ValVill and Chapters: There I saw Annika and Eerika Vastamaki, Matt Hoskin, Charlene Backstrom, Neil E. Dainio III and Victor Leonardi.
Evening: Christmas Eve rehearsal.
Fri: Lunch at Tim's again. Then wrapped gifts at home. Christmas Eve service at Church of Christ bldg. Played guitar and pretended to be angelic. Do angels adjust their glasses while reading their lines?
Sat morning: Service at St. Luke's. I like taking real wine. It feels to me as if something is *really* happening. ;) Lunch with various others at Suttons'.
Afternoon: Sauna and lamb supper and presents with just my Mum and Dad at their place. Spoke to my sister (in Georgia) for the first time since June 2001. Watched "White Christmas". Mum drove me home because my car wouldn't start.
Sun morning: Led communion at church. Ray Clark (Charisse's dad) tried to start my car. CAA boosted it and said it was flooded.
Sun evening: Beef supper with Dougs Livingston Jr. & Sr., Derek, Greg and my parents.
Mon afternoon: Coffee in Intercity with Spuro and Karen Sourtzis. (I went to highschool with Spuro. He teaches in Dryden.) Saw Melos and Terri & Bethany Vieira.
Evening: Harbron Heckuvahullabaloo Chatted the most with Vern Martin (former camper of mine and Head Cabin Leader). He has been through crap, too. Hasn't everyone?
Tue afternoon: Our church's turn at Shelter House. Ate remaining ham off three big bones. Was *very* thirsty. Then met with my Youth Ministry Advisory Committee at St. Mike's.
Wed morning: Breakfast at Hoito with Tara and Bryan Fulton (from "Toronto"). (Tara grew up in our church. Bryan was a camper and staff at DBC.) Also there were Annika V., Nathan Barnes and Peter Wynalda. I should have introduced T & B (and PW) to AV as they all have ISCF in common. As well B had Redwood in common with N. Maybe life swirls cosmically around the Hoito.
Afternoon: Sauna and supper again with Mum. Then led singing at St. Mike's for the Welcome Home Service. Talked the most with Dave Ruberry whose wife and kids used to help with Horsemanship at DBC.
Thu. Slept much of the afternoon. Watched "Blackadder's Christmas" (which features Robbie Coltrane "Hagrid" from HP movies). Worked on my website for most of the evening.
Fri morning: Men's breakfast at Arthur St. Fat Cats. I used to go every week. I'm going to try to get back into the habit. I set my alarm incorrectly, but I made it there anyway.
Don't you feel better for knowing this?
Sunday, December 26, 2004
St. Stephen's Day
I'm hiding out in the back bedroom of my parents' condo for a while. It's 45 min. until supper and the 3 nephews arrived and are talking to each other about their on-line war game. I tried asking a question or two, but then they continue on and I'm lost. I guess I feel anxious because I'm afraid my Dad will eventually grow tired of it and tell them to stop, but I think he's just tuning it out.
I suppose I could ask them how they've been doing the last few days, but that will lead back to the same thing. I could fake interest, or I could maybe even *be* interested if the conversation was being conducted in a way which was intended to include outsiders, but it's not. They are too young (and damaged) to think much about such things.
I could fight my way in, but maybe I'm too old (and damaged).
Spent the last two days worrying about starting my car. I finally had it boosted by CAA and it's downstairs in the parkade, plugged in, after recharging the battery.
I think I should not have bought this car, or at least not so fast, but I was given every indication that I would attending the CSSM Ministries conference in the Soo back in April '03 and needed to replace my previous car which would not have been safe to drive that far.
So I made a rushed choice and bought it from a backyard mechanic. I think I'd have done better to have waited and probably would have had the camp board not been so eager at the end of March that I agree to be reintegrated. Had I known they would so soon reverse their decision, I would have driven the Pontiac a little longer while looking for something a bit more expensive, but that wouldnt have cost me as much in repairs and grief.
So here I am on the computer, because my nephews talk about computers "too much". Hmm.
I suppose I could ask them how they've been doing the last few days, but that will lead back to the same thing. I could fake interest, or I could maybe even *be* interested if the conversation was being conducted in a way which was intended to include outsiders, but it's not. They are too young (and damaged) to think much about such things.
I could fight my way in, but maybe I'm too old (and damaged).
Spent the last two days worrying about starting my car. I finally had it boosted by CAA and it's downstairs in the parkade, plugged in, after recharging the battery.
I think I should not have bought this car, or at least not so fast, but I was given every indication that I would attending the CSSM Ministries conference in the Soo back in April '03 and needed to replace my previous car which would not have been safe to drive that far.
So I made a rushed choice and bought it from a backyard mechanic. I think I'd have done better to have waited and probably would have had the camp board not been so eager at the end of March that I agree to be reintegrated. Had I known they would so soon reverse their decision, I would have driven the Pontiac a little longer while looking for something a bit more expensive, but that wouldnt have cost me as much in repairs and grief.
So here I am on the computer, because my nephews talk about computers "too much". Hmm.
Saturday, December 25, 2004
There is no "Celsius" in "Excelsis".
It's not "ex-chel-sius". It's closer to "egg-shell-cease".
But I decided it was of little importance to pass this info on to the man singing beside me at the Christmas morning service at St. Luke's. Not after he shared in the Thanksgiving time his gratitude to Jesus for hiding his keys to his gun cabinet last Friday, when the pain of his ugly divorce led him to the point of almost believing the lie (as he put it).
(That's an "ugly" divorce as opposed to a beautiful one? The most positive adjective for a divorce I ever hear given is "amiable".)
But of course a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. How do I know that "sius" was not a common mispronunciation of "cis" among ancient Latin speakers (or the original angels -- except that I imagine they were speaking to the shepherds in Aramaic or possibly Hebrew or Greek)? Maybe this is therefore an "authentic mistake".
My Latin knowledge is based on a partial reading of a DIY Latin text and watching "Goodbye Mr. Chips". According to both, the Classical Latin pronunciation would be "ekskelsis" anyway. It was the trained music teacher at TB Christian School who taught us the Choral Latin pronunciation.
In "Mr Chips" he is (in effect) instructed that from then on Cicero would continue to be "Sisero" in History lessons, but become "Kikero" in Latin class (and "Chichero" in chapel?)
In "The Passion of the Christ" unfortunately Christ and Pilate converse in Choral (Ecclesiastical) Latin, which I take to be an anachronism.
But again do I really know that? Perhaps Classical Latin was already devolving into Ecclesiastical Latin at that point especially in the provinces. (My guess though is that Mel wanted the Latin in the movie to be the same as the language which he prefers in the Mass.)
But, in any case, I doubt that any of this passed through the mind of the pain-and-gratitude-filled man worshipping beside me. Nor is it likely to.
Nor does it ever need to.
But I decided it was of little importance to pass this info on to the man singing beside me at the Christmas morning service at St. Luke's. Not after he shared in the Thanksgiving time his gratitude to Jesus for hiding his keys to his gun cabinet last Friday, when the pain of his ugly divorce led him to the point of almost believing the lie (as he put it).
(That's an "ugly" divorce as opposed to a beautiful one? The most positive adjective for a divorce I ever hear given is "amiable".)
But of course a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. How do I know that "sius" was not a common mispronunciation of "cis" among ancient Latin speakers (or the original angels -- except that I imagine they were speaking to the shepherds in Aramaic or possibly Hebrew or Greek)? Maybe this is therefore an "authentic mistake".
My Latin knowledge is based on a partial reading of a DIY Latin text and watching "Goodbye Mr. Chips". According to both, the Classical Latin pronunciation would be "ekskelsis" anyway. It was the trained music teacher at TB Christian School who taught us the Choral Latin pronunciation.
In "Mr Chips" he is (in effect) instructed that from then on Cicero would continue to be "Sisero" in History lessons, but become "Kikero" in Latin class (and "Chichero" in chapel?)
In "The Passion of the Christ" unfortunately Christ and Pilate converse in Choral (Ecclesiastical) Latin, which I take to be an anachronism.
But again do I really know that? Perhaps Classical Latin was already devolving into Ecclesiastical Latin at that point especially in the provinces. (My guess though is that Mel wanted the Latin in the movie to be the same as the language which he prefers in the Mass.)
But, in any case, I doubt that any of this passed through the mind of the pain-and-gratitude-filled man worshipping beside me. Nor is it likely to.
Nor does it ever need to.
Friday, December 24, 2004
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
"He's Just Not Into You."
Miriam (Tim's wife, who is much more in the pop culture loop than I now) was telling me about the above phrase and resulting book -- something to do with that being the response to a woman's question "Why hasn't he called me for __ days (or weeks)?", as if that guy (whoever he is) can speak for all men. Well, Miriam and I agreed that it's not necessarily true. Of course, it's not. That just seems so obvious to me.
Monday, December 20, 2004
Last Week
Here's what I did last week with little philosophizing or ranting:
Monday evening: Walked to IV Area Committee (at Suttons' near TBCF) and back. It was sort of our Christmas party, because we had munchies.
Tuesday: Started Christmas shopping at Victoriaville and Great Northwest Coffee Co.
Walked to Cambrian Players Board Mtg in the evening. Eva was feeling sick and so pushed Gabe to end by 2030hrs. Walked home. Early night (2330).
Wed. morning: Met with Tim and Eric.
Supper with my parents and nephew. Then Tim and I went to Value Village (bought the Pueblo style dark Phoenix jersey which people have commented on as "Christmassy"), then Chapters/Starbucks and then "Ocean's Twelve" (which I didn't particularly enjoy).
Thu. afternoon: Had coffee with Annika (and her Sista-the-Barista, Eerika, and Mike Hurlbert) at Starbucks. Actually, E and M just stopped by separately, but I could misrepresent it to you simply by saying A and I had coffee with E and M, which is accurate, but imprecise enough to be misleading.
Thu evening: Small Group at Lappalas', but they had to skip out to the Jedi play at Magnus for most of it. So I led in the inscribing of requests into the sacred book.
Fri. morning: Read one of the candidate plays for Cambrian Players and delivered it to Rebecca S. who works nearby at Cook Engineering. Went to Youth Leaders meeting which wasn't and so instead hung out alone at Starbucks (served by Eerika), reading sections of "Political Philosophy and the God of Abraham" by Pangle. Sang carols (to Mike H.'s grandmother etc.) at Pinewood Court.
Fri. evening: Went *way* earlier than necessary to church Christmas party. Led carols there, too. Then went to a youth event at St. Thomas' and led carols (& praise songs) tere too. This involved skipping hockey, but we did play a bit of floor hockey. Another early night (0030).
Sat. Spent much of the day reading Pangle for the evening discussion with Tim, Chris Minor and Patrick Cain. Rick Three stopped by and picked up his bed etc. from my dining room.
The evening discussion was at Chris and Zuly's and was invigorating. Is creation "good" inherently and therefore God "saw" (recognized) that or did God "see TO IT" that it was good? A plain reading of the text suggests the former, but then doesn't that mean that God was not totally free in His creating, but limited only to what was (eternally, pre-existingly) good? Okay, that's a bit of philosophizing. But no ranting.
Sun. morning: Children's Christmas play. Led singing for church.
Sun. afternoon: Lunch at East Side Mario's with my parents', Doug Livingston Sr. and the 3 oldest nephews (MIB). "Christingle" service at St. George's. One day I'll post a picture of a Christingle. Chatted there with Rose McGratten (wife of Dorion board member).
Sun. evening: Superstore (Travia and Sylvis were looking for Rauni.) Then "Deeper Water" at St. Luke's. Krista asked me if I could play bass with them in future. I think I basically said, "Sure, after all, I can play the guitar!" (That's for you, Robin.)
Monday evening: Walked to IV Area Committee (at Suttons' near TBCF) and back. It was sort of our Christmas party, because we had munchies.
Tuesday: Started Christmas shopping at Victoriaville and Great Northwest Coffee Co.
Walked to Cambrian Players Board Mtg in the evening. Eva was feeling sick and so pushed Gabe to end by 2030hrs. Walked home. Early night (2330).
Wed. morning: Met with Tim and Eric.
Supper with my parents and nephew. Then Tim and I went to Value Village (bought the Pueblo style dark Phoenix jersey which people have commented on as "Christmassy"), then Chapters/Starbucks and then "Ocean's Twelve" (which I didn't particularly enjoy).
Thu. afternoon: Had coffee with Annika (and her Sista-the-Barista, Eerika, and Mike Hurlbert) at Starbucks. Actually, E and M just stopped by separately, but I could misrepresent it to you simply by saying A and I had coffee with E and M, which is accurate, but imprecise enough to be misleading.
Thu evening: Small Group at Lappalas', but they had to skip out to the Jedi play at Magnus for most of it. So I led in the inscribing of requests into the sacred book.
Fri. morning: Read one of the candidate plays for Cambrian Players and delivered it to Rebecca S. who works nearby at Cook Engineering. Went to Youth Leaders meeting which wasn't and so instead hung out alone at Starbucks (served by Eerika), reading sections of "Political Philosophy and the God of Abraham" by Pangle. Sang carols (to Mike H.'s grandmother etc.) at Pinewood Court.
Fri. evening: Went *way* earlier than necessary to church Christmas party. Led carols there, too. Then went to a youth event at St. Thomas' and led carols (& praise songs) tere too. This involved skipping hockey, but we did play a bit of floor hockey. Another early night (0030).
Sat. Spent much of the day reading Pangle for the evening discussion with Tim, Chris Minor and Patrick Cain. Rick Three stopped by and picked up his bed etc. from my dining room.
The evening discussion was at Chris and Zuly's and was invigorating. Is creation "good" inherently and therefore God "saw" (recognized) that or did God "see TO IT" that it was good? A plain reading of the text suggests the former, but then doesn't that mean that God was not totally free in His creating, but limited only to what was (eternally, pre-existingly) good? Okay, that's a bit of philosophizing. But no ranting.
Sun. morning: Children's Christmas play. Led singing for church.
Sun. afternoon: Lunch at East Side Mario's with my parents', Doug Livingston Sr. and the 3 oldest nephews (MIB). "Christingle" service at St. George's. One day I'll post a picture of a Christingle. Chatted there with Rose McGratten (wife of Dorion board member).
Sun. evening: Superstore (Travia and Sylvis were looking for Rauni.) Then "Deeper Water" at St. Luke's. Krista asked me if I could play bass with them in future. I think I basically said, "Sure, after all, I can play the guitar!" (That's for you, Robin.)
Friday, December 17, 2004
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Christmas slogans
"Keep the Mass in Christmas." (Roman Catholics)
"Keep the Mass out of Christmas." (Baptists)
"Keep the "t" in Christmas." (Elocutionists)
"Keep Christ in Weihnachten." (Confused German)
"Put Mashiach into Chanukah." ("Messianic" Jews)
"Saturn is the reason for the season." (Historians)
"Keep the Mass out of Christmas." (Baptists)
"Keep the "t" in Christmas." (Elocutionists)
"Keep Christ in Weihnachten." (Confused German)
"Put Mashiach into Chanukah." ("Messianic" Jews)
"Saturn is the reason for the season." (Historians)
Answers
I don't seem to be able to post a comment right now.
The in-joke re. Robin's is that *every* Friday we go to Robin's *Donuts* (not Pizza, Tim!) after hockey. Last week I emailed my schedule to Tim saying I was going to Robin's after hockey and he wondered why I was going to Harbrons' place so late at night.
There. Now it's not an in-joke. The whole worldwideweb now knows!
Re. shovelling for Hull's. Not for old times sake. For $10.
The in-joke re. Robin's is that *every* Friday we go to Robin's *Donuts* (not Pizza, Tim!) after hockey. Last week I emailed my schedule to Tim saying I was going to Robin's after hockey and he wondered why I was going to Harbrons' place so late at night.
There. Now it's not an in-joke. The whole worldwideweb now knows!
Re. shovelling for Hull's. Not for old times sake. For $10.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
"Jen" not "Jenn" say Robin and Shroom
Okay. I've not been doing a great job of daily blogging. Here's just a quick catchup of events since my last post -- with very little philosophical comment.
Tuesday, Nov. 7 evening: Hung out with Tim at his place. Drank coffee.
Wednesday 1000-1245hrs: Hung out with Tim and Eric at Tim's place. Had lunch there.
Wednesday 1300-1600hrs coffee with Annika and Brian Jones at Seattle Red River. Annika was very animated and inspired re. Frontline having just returned from the Inter-Varsity National Conference. Very encouraging.
Wednesday evening: Tim and Matt and I ate pizza and watched a Japanese film about a blindswordman at my place. (That is we watched the film at my place.) I fell asleep partway through and missed some of the blood.
Thursday lunch: Evangelical Ministerial Christmas Banquet. Sat with Eric and Erica because, of course, I never see them at church. ;) Ken Parker mocked me twice re.my mistletoe Santa hat, apparently fearing that he would be obligated to kiss me if I came too close.
Thursday evening: Grabbed quick supper at Small Group at Tim and Miriam's. My hat "worked" for one there, but she has a bf; so don't get any ideas.
Then skipped out to the Redwood Dessert Theatre production of The Word on the Street mainly to see Brian Whitfield. Sat with Whitfields Senior (and grandson Andrew) and my sister's ex-mother-in-law, Gayle Willoughby. Doug Doyle teased me about my hat, too (but didn't kiss me. Nor did anyone else there, in case you are wondering.)
Back to Small Group -- very small -- all but Lappalas had left.
Friday noon: Youth leaders prayer meeting at Evangel. Then downtown to buy gift for our church's "family".
Home for leftover pizza, while watching more of Steve Martin's "Roxanne" (which I am enjoying, but haven't finished. Don't tell me the ending. If it's realistic, it should be sad).
Friday evening: gifting wrapping with church youth group and then hockey and then Robin's. (That's *Robin's*, Tim.)
Sat. morning: Church Youth/Outreach committe mtg/brunch with Baileys. ;) Worked on sermon on "Joy". Played guitar for Saturday Night Life along with Robin and some of the Interpreter's House gang. Apparently I met Jen Barker, not Jenn Barker. So say Robin and Shroom.
Then I helped lead singing at a Sinter Klaas party at St. George's Anglican. The rector is Dutch and likes to remind his congregation of St. Nicholas' Day (Dec. 6) which is a big deal in the Netherlands.
Afterwards I defragged my harddrive. That gives me a good feeling watching all those clusters get back into line.
Oh, yeah, three older ladies felt obligated by my hat to kiss me at St. George's.
Sunday morning: Led class on Proverbs 26 (the Fool) and preached on Joy. I was not very happy with my effort, knowing that my prep was poor, but some folks liked it.
Birthday Party/Have a Safe Trip lunch for Matt at Kelsey's.
Then to St. Luke's for Deanery Youth Unit meeting, supper and "Deeper Water" service (with Eucharist). Helped Kara and her visiting sister, Pam, lead worship. Cake and coffee afterwards. Talked with Kara (former MPC staff) re. people we know from Manitoba Pioneer Camp and how much we both enjoyed our times there and the intelligent atmosphere of the place.
Shovelled the snow in Hull's parking lot and then came home.
So there you have it.
Tuesday, Nov. 7 evening: Hung out with Tim at his place. Drank coffee.
Wednesday 1000-1245hrs: Hung out with Tim and Eric at Tim's place. Had lunch there.
Wednesday 1300-1600hrs coffee with Annika and Brian Jones at Seattle Red River. Annika was very animated and inspired re. Frontline having just returned from the Inter-Varsity National Conference. Very encouraging.
Wednesday evening: Tim and Matt and I ate pizza and watched a Japanese film about a blindswordman at my place. (That is we watched the film at my place.) I fell asleep partway through and missed some of the blood.
Thursday lunch: Evangelical Ministerial Christmas Banquet. Sat with Eric and Erica because, of course, I never see them at church. ;) Ken Parker mocked me twice re.my mistletoe Santa hat, apparently fearing that he would be obligated to kiss me if I came too close.
Thursday evening: Grabbed quick supper at Small Group at Tim and Miriam's. My hat "worked" for one there, but she has a bf; so don't get any ideas.
Then skipped out to the Redwood Dessert Theatre production of The Word on the Street mainly to see Brian Whitfield. Sat with Whitfields Senior (and grandson Andrew) and my sister's ex-mother-in-law, Gayle Willoughby. Doug Doyle teased me about my hat, too (but didn't kiss me. Nor did anyone else there, in case you are wondering.)
Back to Small Group -- very small -- all but Lappalas had left.
Friday noon: Youth leaders prayer meeting at Evangel. Then downtown to buy gift for our church's "family".
Home for leftover pizza, while watching more of Steve Martin's "Roxanne" (which I am enjoying, but haven't finished. Don't tell me the ending. If it's realistic, it should be sad).
Friday evening: gifting wrapping with church youth group and then hockey and then Robin's. (That's *Robin's*, Tim.)
Sat. morning: Church Youth/Outreach committe mtg/brunch with Baileys. ;) Worked on sermon on "Joy". Played guitar for Saturday Night Life along with Robin and some of the Interpreter's House gang. Apparently I met Jen Barker, not Jenn Barker. So say Robin and Shroom.
Then I helped lead singing at a Sinter Klaas party at St. George's Anglican. The rector is Dutch and likes to remind his congregation of St. Nicholas' Day (Dec. 6) which is a big deal in the Netherlands.
Afterwards I defragged my harddrive. That gives me a good feeling watching all those clusters get back into line.
Oh, yeah, three older ladies felt obligated by my hat to kiss me at St. George's.
Sunday morning: Led class on Proverbs 26 (the Fool) and preached on Joy. I was not very happy with my effort, knowing that my prep was poor, but some folks liked it.
Birthday Party/Have a Safe Trip lunch for Matt at Kelsey's.
Then to St. Luke's for Deanery Youth Unit meeting, supper and "Deeper Water" service (with Eucharist). Helped Kara and her visiting sister, Pam, lead worship. Cake and coffee afterwards. Talked with Kara (former MPC staff) re. people we know from Manitoba Pioneer Camp and how much we both enjoyed our times there and the intelligent atmosphere of the place.
Shovelled the snow in Hull's parking lot and then came home.
So there you have it.
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Today I met Jenn Barker
So for two years I've been hearing about Jenn Barker from Robin and Shroom and tonight she was actually leading the program for Saturday Night Life (at which Robin and I play). So now I've actually met her. I just thought that was worth noting.
And last night I scored. Paul Muzzin is a pretty good goalie but my wounded duck shot on his stick must have caused him to laugh and lose concentration. His stick wobbled and my shot dribbled in through the 5hole.
And last night I scored. Paul Muzzin is a pretty good goalie but my wounded duck shot on his stick must have caused him to laugh and lose concentration. His stick wobbled and my shot dribbled in through the 5hole.
Friday, December 10, 2004
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Coffeehouse #4: "Double Double" Dec. 5/04
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George is a genius!
Tim and his ghosts
Gord Ellis & Roadie
The power is in the eyes.
Pic o' Peter picking.
Idol in church basement
Never to be performed song
Obvious falsehood
Other participants included Doug Livingston Sr. and Erica Bailey.
George is a genius!
Tim and his ghosts
Gord Ellis & Roadie
The power is in the eyes.
Pic o' Peter picking.
Idol in church basement
Never to be performed song
Obvious falsehood
Other participants included Doug Livingston Sr. and Erica Bailey.
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Friday, December 03, 2004
Carolling at Hull's Bookstore: Dec. 3/04
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| Outside |
| A passing priest joins in.|
Nothing profound to say today (or ever?)
Hull's Bookstore asked Eric (who asked me) to provide some carollers for their extended Friday hours (open until 2100hrs). Due to sickness and other things it ended up being only Erica and me. Eric and the boys did join us for a bit while we sang outside. Inside I used my guitar and we experimented with slaughtering more challenging songs such as "The Holly and the Ivy" (at Paul Capon's request) and John (and Yoko) Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" (at no one's request). Fr. John Sovereign also helped me sing the self-contradictory "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" and soloed on "I Cannot Tell Why He Whom Angels Worship" to the tune of London Derriere.
I had a nice little chat in the kids room with Rianna and Heidi.
Hull's gave us gifts bags as thanks. Mine included a manly John Eldredge book and Erica's contained a Christian romance novel. My water bottle is orange and Erica's is pink.
| Outside |
| A passing priest joins in.|
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