On Snow

I received some new cross-country skis for Christmas, but did not receive any snow. In fact, the weather-man is calling for a high of 9 degrees tomorrow. So it looks like my skis will have to remain in the closet until global warming ends.

With all the time I've spend not skiing, I've found time to replace the bearings & grease in my bicycle hubs. It is not every year your bike is entitled to a mid-winter tune up.

Perhaps next Christmas I'll ask for a sombrero & beach umbrella.

-C.D. Clements

Update

I found out today that my previous post referres to Uganda's recent revision of their anti-homosexuality bill. The Catholic church is seeking to distance itself from the bill, which contains wild/crazy policies such as life imprisonment or the death sentence.

I also listened in on The Current today, which sought to connect the newly revised bill to American evangelicals. As the program closed, it did not seem like Anna Maria Tremonti was happy the the position either of her guests took.

Links:
Uganda Bill as reported by the CBC.
Commentary on American evangelical involvement, from The Current.

-C.D. Clements

On funny news briefings

The other day I was driving to work and heard on the BBC world news that the Catholic church was to be taking [quote:] rear-guard actions against homosexual lobbyists. Oops!

I couldn't find this story online; but neither did I search thoroughly.

On Hipsters & Haters

When ever you like something, your joy increases when you share it with others. Here are two items I would like to share with you.
A) Derek Webb's most recent: a clever twist from what he normally releases. I feel like a real hipster listening to all these drum & bass inspired tracks. It also has a controversial track only available online! (Great marketing ploy?) Regardless, put on your coolest Kensington market purchases, and enjoy Webb's new electric edge.

B) This site is very funny. A rare look through the eyes of an individual who doesn't like Phish. (Is that even possible?) I'll concede a few points this fellow makes; but only to say they are endearing "flaws". Mind the language if it bothers you.

-C.D. Clements

P.s. C) Jesus. Bonus Link! He is also worth looking into.

On meeting with mentors

The other day I met with an old mentor of mine to re-connect. He expressed during our time together that he needs Jesus, and did so in a very sincere manner. Needing Jesus is something I often express in keeping with proper theology, or view as a well-timed phrase used to create atmosphere in church services. While neither is really a problem in my view, I want to express that it is very refreshing to “re-discover” needing Jesus in my own life. Working with God is much better than working by one’s self.

-C.D. Clements

*Special note: all graphics considered for this post were too cheesy; I trust those who like pictures within a blog post will understand.

On wise comments

I often enjoy the comments section of an online media piece, more than the article/clip/picture... etc. People take the liberty to write all sorts of crap, and are generally very serious about it. Then someone else feels a former comment is wrong in a very grievous way; and so on. With regard to this matter, my friend James used to joke that he could not sleep when someone on the internet was wrong and didn't know it. Along these same lines, I came across one of the greatest posts I have read yet. People love to argue for their operating system, and I spotted this on a review of the new Ubuntu Linux; someone posted:

StereotypeGuy
October 29, 2009 7:29pm

Okay, I'll post everyone's comments for them:

Windows fanboys: "Yeah, but can you play games on it? Who uses Linux anyway? Windows 7 is so much better at the end of the day... I mean, everyone uses Windows anyway, so why do Linux users have this compulsive need to be different and feel superior? Call me when it gets Office 2007"

Mac fanboys: "Yeah, whatever. I don't have time between trips to Ikea to learn how to use Linux. I just want something easy, simple, beautiful, and that never crashes or gets viruses and never crashes or gets viruses and never crashes or gets viruses. Plus, I don't think you can put iTunes on it, can you? Hey, wanna see my new iPhone app?"

Linux fanboys: "Well this is another blow to Microsoft and Apple OSs. When will people finally realize that open source is the future? Have fun, Winblows and Crapple owners with your bloated, slow 7 and Snow Leopard. Have fun getting viruses and paying $5,000 just to upgrade your OSX desktop. I'm laughing at you all because I'm simply better than you."

Anyway... "trips to Ikea" hehe.

-C.D. Clements

Hitler: MGMT vs. Bowie

During Halloween shows, Phish have a tradition of donning a "musical costume." This costume is another group's album played from start to finish. This year, the Phish website has an ongoing game, where the last record left "alive" will be Phish's upcoming musical costume. There is much speculation, but I found an insider video that lays the facts bare. It also stars Hitler. Take a look:

-C.D. Clements