For all the Red Sox fans out there

Reminder: Record Store Day 2009 is this Saturday!

Last week I mentioned that many independent record stores throughout the country are banding together with musicians to celebrate music, and specifically, independent record stores. Record Store Day 2009 is this Saturday, April 18. Check out the link at the end of this post (I'm not sure why it won't embed the link into my normal text. Probably because I'm being forced at the moment to use Internet Explorer rather than Firefox or Opera). Many record stores are going to have items for sale or for giveaway that they would not ordinarily have. In fact, some musicians are releasing certain products for just this one day only. Go out, discover some new music, and support your independent record stores. Happy listening! http://www.recordstoreday.com/Home

The fine (and elusive) art of pithiness...plus some football.

No matter what I do, I can't seem to write (or speak) in a concise, pithy manner. I don't know why. For some reason, I just have a knack for saying in 25 words what could have been said equally effectively in 10 words. This drives my girlfriend nuts, but to her credit, she's gotten better at tolerating it. Still, she does me good when she tells me to STFU after I've blabbed on too long. I think I need to listen to her more.

On another note...I'm still trying to decide if the Cowboys drew an easy or hard schedule. Most likely it's somewhere in the middle. Denver and Kansas city early should be good, even though they're both on the road. But having nearly all of the divisional games occur in the last half of the season might be tough if they get into a hole early. December and January are going to be tough, as usual, with games on the road against the New York Football Giants, New Orleans, and Washington, and San Diego and Philly at home (ending with them again!). It should be an interesting season, and I pray that Roy Williams can be an effective wideout, that all of the running backs can be healthy and contribute (I hope they can effectively use all three of them...Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice), and that Tony Romo will improve...he had a good season for the most part last year, but there were a few boneheaded moves.

With that, I'm done. Pithy enough? I think it will have to be for me at this point.

Happy Easter!

It's late in the evening as I write this. I'm not really up to writing a overly long treatise tonight (imagine that!), but I just wanted to post a few thoughts about Easter.

As I intimated in my previous post, thinking that anyone, much less Jesus himself, would give their life for me is awe-inspiring and incredibly humbling. I watched a little bit of a program on the History Channel earlier today that dealt with crucifixion in general...how it's done, how it can affect the body, and how it ultimately causes death. While I was watching it, I had it in my head that this was probably what Jesus was actually observing, feeling...and living...during those moments when he was being scourged and then nailed to the cross. I struggled to keep my emotions in check at that moment, because if what I saw on the History Channel program is anything close to how it actually happened, then I know that Jesus suffered more than I can possibly imagine. This was eye-opening and very moving to me.

And yet, despite what must have been a gruesome and excruciatingly painful death, Jesus was resurrected. He lives again! What a confusing time that must have been for all of his disciples and those who loved him. They knew he was crucified, and then when they went to his tomb a few days later he was gone. Of course they thought that his body was stolen...as would just about anyone, I'd guess. But then Jesus appeared, just like he said he would. He still bore the wounds of the stigmata, but he was alive! And he still lives today! If that is not a reason for hope and thankfulness, then I don't know what is.

I am profoundly grateful for what Jesus has done for me, and I hope to remain forever grateful. I also hope to remain optimistic, knowing that if Jesus can conquer death, then with his help, there are no trials that I cannot withstand. How amazing!

Maybe you agree with what I've said here, or maybe you agree with some of my religious views (I will probably detail them further in future posts). Maybe you don't agree with my words or with my beliefs. It's ok if you don't...I am not one to judge. I am a very tolerant man and I try to learn something from all people and viewpoints, even those with which I don't agree. Whether or not you agree, I want to take this moment to say a few quick things...we can overcome even the most harrowing of circumstances, but we can't do it alone. For me, I need the help of family, friends, and God. For you it may be different. Either way, we need each other as people, and I believe that we need to have faith in something greater than ourselves to help us through the rough times.

From my point of view, if Jesus can overcome death, and if he meant it when he said he would help us through the difficult times in life, then what do I have to fear? What a comforting thought!

I wish you all a most blessed Easter!

"The crucifixion and subsequent resurrection of Christ was not a Mel Gibson movie."

It probably would have been more appropriate for me to post this on Good Friday, but I think it still works here on Holy Saturday. The title of this post is an approximate (and admittedly, paraphrased) quote from a sermon I heard several years ago from a wonderful priest in Texas. I've not seen Mel Gibson's movie called "The Passion of the Christ" beyond a few scenes in a theatrical trailer or in a montage on YouTube. I'm not sure I will ever see it, because I can't bring myself to do so. I understand that it is particularly violent and graphic (perhaps by necessity), and quite realistic. Honestly, it's too much for me to handle. Contemplating Jesus' death is tough enough. I'm not sure I want to see it depicted cinematically. I understand that the last scene, a symbolic prediction of Jesus' resurrection, is quite wonderful and hopeful, though.

I've not always been a religious person, and I have never been and never will be a "perfect" Catholic, but my faith has taken on a deeper meaning to me in recent years, especially after I essentially abandoned it for many years (maybe I'll discuss that in another post some time). On this, the most holy weekend for the entire Christian religion, I reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus made by dying on the cross, and on the joy and hope that comes with his resurrection. Except for when I was a kid, Easter has always been my favorite of the religious holidays. It has virtually none of the commercial trappings of Christmas (a few Easter eggs or bunnies aren't too bad when compared to the craziness known as "holiday shopping season"), but as much or more of a spiritual meaning to me.

My religion teaches that Jesus...God himself...sacrificed his life for all of humanity, and that he was miraculously resurrected "on the third day." To think that anyone would give their life for me is an amazing thing, and it's an idea that I can't even begin to comprehend. If Jesus is who he says he is (and I believe he is), then I owe him my life. Not only for what he did by dying on the cross, but for what he has done for me throughout my life. There have been many times that I should have died, based on all reason and logic. Yet I'm still here. Why? I don't know, but if Jesus and God think that I'm still worth being here, that's good enough for me. As far as the resurrection of Jesus is concerned...this is the one thing in my faith that can make my heart sing louder than at any other time. Jesus was dead, and then he came back to life! And it was all for us, so that we would not have to suffer for eternity! Absolutely awesome to me.

So why the Mel Gibson mention? It's because I hate it when people try to reduce the significance of Easter weekend to pithy arguments, bad music, or even movies that are apparently really good...sometimes for commercial reasons, and sometimes just for the sake of simplicity. The sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus is more than can possibly be depicted by any art form or debate or chocolate bunny or anything else. I'm not saying that all of these things are bad, but as with Christmas, too much of trying to "commercialize" or "simplify" the mystery is not a good thing. What I mean is this...if this is what you believe, don't just observe it at a movie theatre or in a CD player or at a lecture...live it! One of my favorite passages from the Bible is something that I wish that I (and others) would take to heart more. "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad." This passage could not ring any truer than it does for me during this Easter weekend, and that's a great thing!

Support your local independent record stores!

One of my biggest passions is music. I've listened to it and played it (although not very well) my whole life. There have been times that music has really helped me focus, relax, calm down, or appreciate life or another person...all good things in my book.

My musical tastes run the gamut. In my CD collection I've got punk, jazz, blues, pop, country, Tejano, polka, classical, opera, gospel, folk, reggae, and good old rock and roll...as just a sampling. You could say that my musical tastes are eclectic, and independent (I probably couldn't name 80 percent of the music or artists being piped over the radio waves right now).

And what better thing for one with "independent" music tastes to do than to support an independent record store? Yes, I said "record store." They are still out there. You might pay a little more than you would at Best Buy or Camelot Music (are they even still around?) or one of the other big chains, but you'll get personal service and most likely be introduced to bands or musical styles that you otherwise would have never heard of. Several of my favorite musicians were discovered by listening to non-commercial radio or by going into an independent record store and asking for a recommendation. You might even get it on vinyl! (I'm showing my age, aren't I? lol)

Anyway, Record Store Day 2009 is coming up on April 18 (next Saturday). If you're looking to find some new music, why not go to one of your local record stores and give them a try? Chances are you'll walk away satisfied with discovering some new tunes with the help of the personal touch of somebody who works at one of these stores...and they usually know a lot! The link I've provided will give you a list of independent record stores in your area. What have you got to lose? Mark your calendars for next Saturday, April 18. I hope you find a great new musical discovery, and happy listening!

Kids mess up a marriage...here's proof!

Before I get beaten to death with a 2 x 4 for the title of this post, let me say that I'm joking...to a point. I have friends who are married, with children, and who seem to have wonderful marriages. I know that having children doesn't necessarily have to screw up a marriage...in fact, having children can add to marital happiness for some couples.

That being said, it makes perfect sense to me that having children can, and often does, put serious strain on a marriage, as this story points out. I think a lot of people feel pressure to have children because "society" or "their parents" or "the biological clock" or any number of things tell them that the "normal" thing to do is to get married and have a kid, or two, or eight, in the case of "Octo-Mom" (sorry...couldn't resist the reference). These are completely ridiculous and wrong reasons to have a child, in my opinion. The only determiner of whether or not one has a child needs to be whether or not both the woman and the man are truly ready to be parents. To that end, I think that people need to think about having sex outside of marriage (or at least a committed relationship) and the consequences that will result if a pregnancy occurs. Not all of those consequences are bad, but they are all serious and must not be taken lightly!

What about birth control, you ask? Well, if you believe that it will be efficacious, and if your personal or religious beliefs do not preclude you from using it, then please use it if you are not ready to be a parent! Also remember, though, that birth control is not, and never has been, 100 percent effective...there will always be times that it doesn't work (I have known people who have dealt with the issues and consequences involving ineffective birth control).

Getting back to how having kids affects a marriage, though...even if you are completely convinced that you want a child and that you will make an excellent parent, a marriage will, by necessity, take a back seat to caring for the children...much of the time. That doesn't mean that the marriage will automatically fail or that it will even suffer a great deal, but let's face it...most married couples with children (at least young ones) are going to feel at some points that they have nothing left to give their partner at the end of the day. Kids or no kids, that is not a good position to be in regarding one's marriage! It happens, sure, but when it occurs on a consistent basis, the marriage can often be headed for trouble. That's why the couple has to insist that they have some time for just the two of them, whenever it's practically possible. I do have some friends who make time for "date night" every week, and they're raising two young daughters, both under the age of ten. I applaud them for doing that. Sometimes, even as much as you love your kids, your partner has to come first!

As you've probably guessed by now, I am not a parent. Currently, I have no desire to be a parent (although friends tell me that I would be a great dad...and they're probably right to an extent). I can't say for certain that I won't wake up someday and decide that I want to be a dad, but I don't see it happening (I have thought about it long and hard...trust me!). I admit that one of the attractive things to me about my girlfriend is that she doesn't want kids. I'm not sure if she and I will end up getting married, but if we do, I know that we will both feel a great sense of freedom in being able to pursue our interests, both separately and as a couple, without having to worry about taking care of a child.

I am not "anti-kid"...far from it. I absolutely adore the children that friends of mine have, and I love being their "honorary uncle." I also hope that my sister chooses to have a child someday, as I would love the chance to be a "real" uncle. I just don't feel that it is fair to myself, the woman I love, or to a child, for me to become a dad due to any other reason than having a genuine desire to do so, in conjunction with the woman I love having a genuine desire to become a mother. If I'm not genuinely ready to have a child and accept all of the responsibilities that come with having that child, then it's best I remain childless. I wish that more people would think about it that way before deciding to become a parent. The children are owed that.

Gestapo tactics at the airport

Did you know that it can be a problem to carry cash onto an airplane in the United States? Neither did I. Apparently, some wannabe pseudo-cops at the St. Louis airport decided it would be of paramount interest to verbally harass and berate a guy for carrying cash onto an airplane. (You can right click on the link and choose "open in a new window" if you want to open it while also keeping this post visible) The wannabe pseudo-cops are part of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). They're the folks who screen you at the airport to make sure you're not carrying any weapons or illicit items onto the plane.

The gentleman who was harassed works for "Campaign for Liberty", Ron Paul's grass-roots movement/organization which was founded to help resist the gradual erosion of our freedoms. Campaign for Liberty had a "rally" in St. Louis, and many of the attendees signed up to be a part of the movement...and donated cash and checks to help the cause. How much cash and checks? Approximately $4,700. While that is a fair amount of cash to be carrying onto a plane, it is perfectly legal to do so. According to what I've seen in researching this, one is only required to "declare" money brought onto a plane if the amount is $10,000 or greater. So why did the TSA decide to threaten to arrest this guy, and even bring in the DEA? Beats me.

I have no problem with ensuring that weapons, illicit items, etc. are screened out and removed before entering a secure area of an airport...in fact, I welcome that. To that end, I don't think it was wrong for the TSA to make sure that such items were not smuggled through security. But cash? What harm, by itself, can cash do? Absolutely none. And why threaten someone with arrest once you know that they have done nothing illegal? In fact, as you will hear toward the end of the YouTube clip I've posted a link to, they encountered an FBI agent who, after assessing the situation, determined that there was no reason to detain the man and then directed the TSA to let him go. The wannabe pseudo-cops never even found out that the money was contributions to a political organization! They were too hell-bent on "playing sheriff" and showing the guy from Campaign for Liberty "who's in charge around here." Cussing him out, threatening him with public arrest, and using intimidation tactics ("We're gonna help you understand the law if you don't") are not things that a so-called "professional" needs to be doing to this man, or to anyone.

Some may say that the guy from Campaign for Liberty was belligerent, but I disagree. He knew to ask if he was legally required to answer any questions, even those of a sensitive nature. While pointed in his queries as to what questions he was and was not legally required to answer, the guy from Campaign for Liberty never refused to answer anything, nor did he stop being polite or threaten the wannabe pseudo-cops...er, TSA agents. Was he required to answer questions? No...at least not to the TSA agents, who are not law enforcement agents. The TSA even admitted this fact!

We're supposed to feel safer, more relieved, that the government took over the airport screening process in the large majority of airports in this country after 9/11? Not with people like this. I will say that I've personally not had a problem with airport security, either before or after 9/11. Knowing that there are TSA agents out there who think it's ok to threaten and disrespect someone for doing nothing wrong, however, makes me hope that I never do have a problem with them. This is our government in action, dear reader, and I don't like what I am seeing.

Yada, yada, yada...

I've finally decided to create a blog...look at me! ;)

Some of you may remember that I tried doing this a few years ago on another service, but I never followed through with it. Hopefully things will be different this time around. I know that posting to and maintaining a blog isn't rocket science, but since I've not used this service before, I'm a little wet behind the ears. If you've got any tips for me on how to make things easier on myself -- or more interesting for you, the reader -- then please tell me.

I hope I'm not going to bore the hell out of you with my postings (many of which will probably be rambling rants that go on too long...sorry about that, but I've gotta vent somehow, right?). I do hope that I will inform you, entertain you, and keep you coming back to read whatever I've posted. I may even annoy you or provoke you into leaving a comment or three...that's fine! I love a good debate or discussion!

Welcome to a little slice of my world. In the words of Jon Bon Jovi...buckle up, baby, it's a bumpy ride!