Super Tonio

On Monday, Cancun, Mexico's notoriety changed. No longer will it be known for beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels and Spring Break but for SUPER TONIO!!!!

Relevant Podcast

I am a new comer to the Podcast but in the last few days I've subscribed to nearly 10. Currently I am listening to Relevant Magazine's.

I have to admit I am not a big fan of talk radio, other than NPR, but am finding the tongue and cheekness of nearly every topic quite hilarious. If you've got an hour take a listen to their Podcast.

Watch Now

I've been a consistent supporter of Netflix for over 2 years. In this time I've viewed the most popular and obscure of movies and changed my level of subscription from 2 movies to 4. In my opinion they have the upper hand over Blockbuster like a Mac over a PC.

About a week and a half ago they made a transition. The company now allows a limited amount of subscribers, at no extra cost, to view some of their movies immediately online. Netflix will slowly continue to increase the number of films and subscribers with the ability to Watch Now. This process will ensure their ability to handle this increased usage.

I can't wait. Even though each subscriber is only allowed a certain amount of online viewing, I will no long have to annoy my wife with my expert ability to choose the best of Eastern Cinema (Kung-Fu to be exact).

Thanks All Around

2006 was a great year for me. Two highlights are hiking around Belize and my wife carrying our first child. What I didn't expect was all my many accomplishments to be noticed by TIME and then being recognized as the 'Person of the Year'.

To Ask a Ninja or Not

Ever since the Wu-Tang Clan started promoting Kung-fu movies, martial arts crept to the top of my first choice movie list. The latest ones I've seen are 'Duel of the Tough', 'Chastity Kung-fu', 'The Kid with the Golden Arms' and 'The Invincible Armor'. Now understand these may not seem like films of cinematic genius, but they are hard-hitting, badly dubbed, confusing plot-lined gems. I love martial arts.

About 6 months ago I was introduced to something out of the Japanese line of the art. It knows nothing about the deeply religious discipline of the Shaolin Monks, but clothed in black and wielding shurikens it is the way of the ninja. Due to my great ignorance of this Asian art I was submerged with questions. Thankfully, as I searched the World Wide Web, I found answers. If you too seek answers click PLAY.

WBFO My Morning News Source

It takes me approximately 8 minutes (driving the speed limit) to make it to work. During this brief time in my 2000 Chevy Silverado my radio is locked to our local public radio station WBFO. Lately, as we all know, our ears and eyes are flooded with news of the Middle East but today was different. Today, I heard about an interesting and slightly confusing story arising in Batavia, NY.

Even though it is not the first time a tenured teacher in a Public School has begun the process of a sex change, I am dumbfounded about how I would respond if it affected me more directly.

To listen to the brief podcast Click Here

Sci-Fi Clergy

When I first started reading Dr. Thomas Hohstadt's articles regarding Post Modern Christianity I wasn't sure if he was a good writer or just another academic wind blower in a bow-tie. But as I have remained committed to his writings they are becoming more and more amusing and thoughtful.

Check out his latest article.


ARE YOU READY FOR
SCIENCE FICTION CLERGY?

Tags: Emerging Church, Church Leaders, Christian Leadership,

A Curious Combination

Last night I joined some family members, ordered pizza and wings, and tuned into 'The Book of Daniel'. To begin I was sort of disappointed for 2 reason: the first being the only commercials aired during the 2 hour slot were for films, other TV programs and Burlington Coat Factory. Second the show just didn't live up to the hype. It felt like Seventh Heaven mets Desperate Housewives (both shows just so happen to give me the 'nails on chalkboard' feeling).

Now about the controversy. I was extremely relieved by the way Jesus was portrayed. I had read so much and mulled over it so completely that every expression, word, and gesture he created I unpacked. What I saw was a Jesus who was annoyed with the main character. He didn't seem supportive one bit but sarcastic and frustrated. I felt in no way did he support the addictions, sexual orientations, or corruptness of any of the characters.

What I did observe to be controversial was the portrayal of the Episcopalian clergy. If there is anyone who should be concerned it is they. I cringed during many moment where the church leaders abused alcohol (& drugs), took wavering stands on sexual issues, consulted with criminals, committed adultery and the list will grow I am sure.

Personally I did not like the show simply because it wasn't very engaging, the characters were...for lack of better words...blah, and it didn't seem believable. At this point I won't indulge myself in another episode, but I did decide to hop on the Conservative Right's bandwagon and continue my 28 year long ban of the Burlington Coat Factory.

The Book of Daniel

Coming to NBC's Friday nights someday soon is a very controversial show called 'The Book of Daniel'. The show depicts an Episcopal priest hooked on Vicodin who talks to Jesus--with a gay son and pot-dealing daughter. It is obvious who is most concerned with this series, the conservative Christian community.

Honestly I don't know what to think. I am very curious and will watch an episode or two. I also promise not to use my consumer muscles and boycott products advertised during that hour. Besides the writer Jack Kenny's partner (of 23 years) is loosely related to my wife.