Oh My, Look What Josh Has Done

Josh has created a way to link your email address that prevents the robots used by spammers to detect your email. Genius.

Tales of a 3rd Grade Bible Lesson

We're reading through John right now as a class, and this week, we read John 6. I read a passage to the students, have them narrate back if it's a story of some sort, then pick a few points for discussion. So, I asked the class, "What do you think Jesus meant by this statement: 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.'"

Three students immediately raised their hands. The first said, "I think it means we need to love Jesus." I responded, "No... let's hear some other ideas." The second said, "It means we need to believe in him." I said, "Jesus is saying to eat his flesh and drink his blood! That sounds cannabalistic, not warm and fuzzy! What could he possibly mean?" The third student said, "Obviously, he's talking about communion." I was so proud. I think it helps that he goes to our church and communes every week. Anyway, immediately, the one Episcopalian student and the other liturgical Presbyterian student jumped to his defense and made supporting statements. "Yeah, that's why they say in communion 'The body of Christ, the bread of heaven.'" "Of course he's talking about communion!"

"[name] is right," I told the class. "Christ is foreshadowing communion, where his body feeds us, the bread of heaven." The second student was disappointed, "so it really can't mean to believe in Jesus?" I replied, "Believing in Jesus is a good thing, but that's not what Christ was talking about here. He's talking about our need to partake in communion." By the looks on their faces, it was easy to see that the passage had been taken as a hard saying by many, all of whom happened to be baptistic.

Defense of Not Having a TV #7584

Did you see that halftime show? where Janet Jackson was "exposed" by Justin Timberlake? where they lyrics mimiced the script of a cheesy, porn film? where people groped each other on stage and wore outrageous attire?

Nope, we didn't either.

Ecclesiastical Latin?

Kristen and I were looking at the latest Veritas Press catalogue and under their description of Latina Christiana, they praise it for teaching an ecclesiastical pronunciation -- which they prefer.

Why would anyone prefer teaching Ecclesiastical Latin pronunciation? Sure, I suppose you have to pick between Ecclesiastical and Classical, but why Ecclesiastical? Do you teach Ecclesiastical grammar, forms, etc.. as well?

I'm serious here.

Poll

With regards to store bought veggies, which do you prefer: frozen or canned? I find this question almost unnecessary, as the answer is OBVIOUS, but I have found a dissenter, which makes me wonder if there are other dazed and confused people out there.

The Italian Job

Kristen and I just finished The Italian Job. It was quite an enjoyable movie; however, I have a sudden urge to test drive some Mini Coopers, if I can fit. I found the shots of them next to non-Mini's great -- such tiny cars.

This actually reminds me of when we had to get the Volvo registered here in Texas. We went to French Revolution -- a European car specialist -- to get a tail light fixed, and he had a copy of the "official" owners manual to a Mini. It was filled with cute humour cracking jokes about the size of the car. Fun times.

The Way the Cookies Crumble

What's the deal with the Girl Scouts changing the names of their classic cookies? I spent a few lean years in college buying only thin mints (they're the most economical of my favorites-- lots in a box!). This year, I decide to get the holy triumvirate: Samoas, Tagalongs and Thin Mints. I was disappointed to learn that Samoas are now Caramel Delites and Tagalongs are now Peanut Butter Patties. How... bland.

DVD player for Linux

I've heard that DVD companies don't want to license their technology to anyone associated with Linux or any "open-source" software. Hence, one could never really play DVDs on a Linux system.

However, I googled and found, rather easily, the Ogle DVD Player, which apparently is made for a Linux OS. Does anyone know anything about this software -- other than what I can find on the website?

UPDATE: I've been doing a little more searching and actually found a review of a handful of Linux DVD players ... does anyone have a preference?

Working Outside the Home

I thought before we were married that I'd enjoy working until we started having kids, but I find working outside the home to be pretty awful. Somehow, it drags down my whole demeanor and saps my joy. It makes it hard for me to get things done around the house, even with ample help from Mike. And we only have a little 1 bedroom apartment! I feel so bad for working moms.

From the Second Council of Nicaea - 787

Anathemas concerning holy images:

If anyone does not confess that Christ our God can be represented in his humanity, let him be anathema.
If anyone does not accept representations in art of evanglical scenes, let him be anathema.

Blog Maintenance

The links are updated, and we're keeping track of the books we read in 2004. Email if you want details about a specific book. Many thanks to all of our closet readers who commented on the Bradley Method post. It's fun to know you're out there!

Affirmative Action Bake Sale

I remember reading about a group attempting this at UT, it didn't work out. Apparently it worked at William & Mary.