Red Stripe! Hooorraaay Beer!

Yesterday was great, despite an auspicious start that I'll leave to your imagination, dear reader. I'm sure you don't want to hear another bowel and spilled-breakfast-all-over-his-head story. Dr. Winnail gave a fascinating sermon, we had a new member who's recently moved from another area attending, and we had an enchanting evening at the House of Burdette. I think he found some Caribbean caterers or something, because we were treated to jerk chicken w/ mango salsa, grilled plantains (or, the brother to the banana), an exquisite bean-and-rice dish (I'm still trying to figure out what the underlying sweet flavor was), that wine we like that I'm not going to try to spell, and some pie for dessert. Oh, let me not leave out the rum punch. Just when the M.R.S. had almost come to terms with the fact that we're not going back to Jamaica for the Feast this year... Oh yeah, I'm a disappointment to the South because I don't eat cole slaw. Or potato salad.

The conversation was thought-provoking, as is usually the case when MHB is involved - unless he's ranting and raving, in which case it's best to just step away from the soapbox and let him purge. (Dem's just jokes, Sir!) I got to play the role of Jesse Jackson/Al Sharpton as SPEAKER FOR BLACK AMERICA, as we discussed the Civil War/War Between the States/War of Northern Agression, confederate flags, the Duke Boys, George Wallace, race riots in the north, police procedures (we're actually NOT entitled to those extra 10 mph above the speed limit), and the most boring stretch of Highway in the world - Hwy. 441 from Commerce, Ga to Lumber City, Ga. Four hours of mind-numbing boredom (except for the beautiful homes in Madison, I'm told). And yes, if you weren't there, you WERE talked about. Lovingly of course...

Oh well, the athletes have been pretty good tonite. I guess the fact that it's exam week is helping them focus. Wait - do I spy someone in the back reading CALVIN AND HOBBES?????

Thanks for the invite, Burdette clan. Thanks also for the opportunity to get to know the other guests better. All in all, a great night.

PS: Do they eat cornbread in the Caribbean? Inquiring minds want to know.

Alec Baldwin's infamous call

I'm not much of an Alec Baldwin fan. Oh, he's a good actor, but something about him just rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it's the air of smugness that emanates from him - or maybe I'm just transferring my distaste at some of the characters he's portrayed onto the actor. Anyway, I'm no Baldwin apologist. By now I'm sure many of you out there have heard the infamous message he left on his 11-year old daughter's voicemail. I think he was totally out of line to speak to his daughter in such a manner. I think he probably needs counseling of some sort to help him deal with his rage. His bitter divorce from Kim Basinger and the resultant custody case show why God said that divorce "covers one's garments with violence" (Mal. 2:16). Alec Baldwin was way out of line.

I do, however, understand the frustration underlying the voice message. To quote a passage from Martha Brockenbrough's article in defense of Alec Baldwin ,

"I lost my cool when my child didn't use a napkin, but at least I get to see her every day. Baldwin doesn't, and this apparently wasn't the first scheduled call she missed. How devastating for a parent who does not have custody to not be able to count even on phone calls.

I know if I were in his situation, I would be crushed and frustrated, and very likely to lash out. I suspect I'd be furious with my ex, and I'd be mortally wounded by the apparent indifference of my child. I'd also want to go to wherever she was to explain how much she was hurting me."


Yes, you handled the situation poorly Alec, but... I understand. I don't think I'd do what you did, but... I understand. I don't condone it, but... I understand.

Unfortunately, I understand all too well.

Monday, Monday...

I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to pay for a class or two offered by Living University this fall. I'm not planning on entering a degree program right now, but I might opt for the Diploma in Biblical Studies. We'll see how that goes. I'm really excited about the two Old Testament survey courses.

It doesn't look like we're gonna make it to Kansas City this weekend for Tiffany's wedding. I've been looking forward to it for a while now, but there are serious difficulties involved with getting the days off from work/school (for me and Nick), $$$$, and the ability of the M.R.S. to deal with the 13-hour drive. Maybe we'll try again this summer, when work and school might be lesser issues. Hopefully by then cheap gas will be less than the $2.63/gallon it is currently. I guess this means I'll be missing out on the Mike Kissy housewarming party.

In other news, it's less than 2 months now for the baby's arrival. Let me get all my sleeping in now... I have a feeling the little bundle of XX chromosomes is gonna have her way with me...

DNA

I'm reading DNA: The Secret of Life right now. It was written as part of a multifaceted venture to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the discovery of the double-helix structure of the DNA molecule by Messrs. Watson and Francis Crick. The book is written in such a way as to be understandable by those with very little science background. It's a history of genetics, but moreso, it's a look at advances in the field and their impact - practical, social, and ethical. He examines issues such as DNA forensics, "playing God", the "mitochondrial Eve" hypothesis (mitochondrial DNA, passed on only by mothers, supports an African origin for Homo sapiens and a severe population bottleneck at some point in man's past - 150,000 years ago by their calculations), gene therapy for heritable genetic disorders, genetically modified organisms and foods (GMOs), and pharmaceutical biotechnology, among other things.

At one point Dr. Watson recounts a the outcome of a 1975 meeting held at the beginning of the recombinant DNA era, which led to guidelines regulating this area of research. At one point in the story, it really struck me how many of the people he mentioned were really trying to improve things for others on this planet. This is conveyed in the chapter on GMOs as well. I don't see that sentiment on a day-to-day basis in my dealings with scientists though. It does come across that they love science, and really love the project or organism they're working on, but the avid desire to benefit humanity comes across typically as a secondary motive (or as a way to secure funding). Then again, maybe the desire to help others is the major motivation for many of my peers and they just don't wear it on their sleeve. Perhaps if I interacted with more people doing medical research I would be exposed to that feeling more often, but maybe not; after all, I do interact with people working on agriculture. I think the desire to help humanity is a noble one. I don't think science alone can do it, of course, but that desire is admirable.

So far it's been a good read. I recommend it to anyone interested in any of those topics.

Bass is what we want

I'm just now realizing how good the Go-Gos' bassist is/was. She absolutely KILLS "Head Over Heels." Oh 80s, where have you gone?

It's amazing how quickly long-since-overcome vices and bad habits can blindside you and tempt you. I was probably unwise to hook up with my old buddies so long last night. I thought I was catching them early enough for it to be safe. Lesson learned. I did find that I can still hold my own on the Spades table. (That's the card game I'm talking about - I'm not trying to have an Imus moment.)

Quick rundown

Bible Bread is great with soft butter and salt. Thanks, Desiree!

I've been lost in thought a lot lately (as opposed to just being lost), and I haven't felt like putting those thoughts on cyber-paper, if you know what I mean. With the pre-Passover self-examination, expanding family concerns, lack of academic progress, and now, potential lack-of-funding issues to deal with, I've been in sort of a funk. Oh, I don't need any anti-depressants or anything like that, but I've definitely had better stretches. It's amazing how much of a boost I get from Noah & Nick meeting me at the door with excitement, hugs, and the occasional kiss. Kids are great - except when they're not. I'll have to tell yall about the Jimmy Snuka-like flying tackle that Noah gave to Summer this past Sabbath. Textbook rear takedown. Imagine what he'll be able to do when he's 200 lbs.!

The M.R.S. has still not driven our van. She won't even call it a van - it's THE BOX. The capital letters there when she speaks those words. Now, whenever I see the word 'van', I read 'BOX', the way we in the COGs typically render 'LORD' as 'THE ETERNAL'. Anyway, THE BOX is holding up well, and I actually like driving her. I need to upgrade the sound system in that bad boy, but the I can't complain.

A bunch of my old running mates will be in town this weekend. I might stop by to see them briefly, but I'll have to time it just right; I need to catch them before they reach the point of inebriation, or it'll be a SHORT visit. I don't think I'll be making the scheduled toga party though. Look out Clemson - there will be ripped purple shirts, fatigues, branded flesh, and gold boots galore this weekend.

I can't believe we're already past Passover and the Days of UB. It seems like it's still January - it sure feels like it's still January! I'm glad I don't live in some windswept, desolate habitation like Ohio, for instance.

I had a bunch of sciencey stuff I wanted to write about, but then I remembered I don't talk shop after 5. Oh well, maybe some other time. Good night.

PS: Pray for Imus. And Al Sharpton. And Anna Nicole's baby. Is there anything else going on in the world? I hear there might be some trouble over in that there Middle East.

Still hangin' in there

I'm still alive. Been doing some soul-searching lately; mostly trying to determine whether I'm facing a truth that's been staring me in the face or whether I'm just a quitter. My opinion on that changes from minute to minute. This is not a good place to be.

Had to go to Family court to clear up another discrepancy regarding my paying child support. While I was there I noticed quite a collection of mullets amongst the crowd of people waiting their turn in court. There was even one memorable mohawk-mullet. Wal-Mart ain't got nothin' on Family Court in that regard.

I hope everyone is having a blessed Holy Day season. I think the boys are going to eat up all our matzos by tomorrow. They've developed quite a passion for matzos & honey.

Buckblog, you have my condolensces.