What I have learned recently.

Okay, I admit it...I've run out. It turns out that I just don't have as much to say as I thought I would. I have blogger-block(See Sorge's Blogger Dictionary for definition). So instead of harping on the news of the day or inspiring the world to broaden their minds through poetry I figured I would just wow you with some of the things I have picked up on recently.

1. If you go to Golden Corral and have the pot roast, the steak, and the ribs, and the pot roast, mashed potatoes, corn, the pot roast, seventeen rolls, the pot roast, carrots, and the pot roast you probably won't have enough room left over for the banana pudding. That just makes me sad.

2. In 1995 there were roughly five billion people living on Earth. In 1995 Baywatch was seen by one billion people. In 1995 20% of the world was watching Baywatch.

3. I have a friend that is wrapped up in a blog-stalker scene, and frankly I'm worried about her. If you have any advice on how to help her escape this life choice please comment.

4. I have learned that Haiku can bring out strong emotions in people. It makes some want to rhyme...all the time(sorry); it makes others hesitant to post their haikomments, and it can definitely change the whole landlord/tenant dynamic.

5. I have learned that when the K-Love and Air-1 radio stations have their pledge drives that I really don't mind commercials all that much.

6. Prince Charles owns a bunch of land in England and he is the Duke of something. And all the land that he owns is called The Duchy, since he is a Duke. No big point here, I just like to say "Duchy"(it's not as fun to type). Everyone say "Duchy." So how many of you are now singing "Pass the Duchy from the left hand side?"

Those are just a few of the things that I have learned in the last week or so. Please share anything you have learned recently.

Also a new service has been added to this blog. This service is called Cross-Blogging. If you would like to learn more read Nea's comments on the Haiku post. This service is sponsored by e-stalker.com.

Expanding Our Horizons

Sorry for the delay since my last post but I have spent the last week totally focused on my role as thespian. I was playing the Roman Guard Gluteus Maximus in the Easter Play at church. In order to feel that I did the role justice I had to remain in character much of the time. Roman guards weren't all that big on blogs.

However, my time on stage has inspired me to finally pick a cause to support. It's the arts....too many people have told me that I am a natural. Plus, I really liked wearing the makeup.

So, to kick off the initial artsy-fartsy edition of this blog I want all comments to be submitted in Haiku form. That's right, 3 lines with 5, 7, and 5 syllables each. To ensure that this blog remains poetic all comments that do not contain a Haiku must be deleted. The gauntlet has been thrown.

Don't say to me, "Nate-
The Haiku idea's lame."
Eat toaster strudel.

A Pertinent Question

At what age are you too old to have a blog?

Christian Sweeps Week

Did you ever notice that every year as we approach Easter the news outlets turn into the Weird Christian News Services?

On one hand it gets on my nerves. Each March and April we are faced with countless stories of some newly discovered artifact that will revolutionize the way we see our faith, if not erase it altogether. This year it is "The Gospel of Judas." Everywhere you turn there is a story on it, as if it is new news. National Geographic is doing a special on it. The part that drives me nuts is that this "Gospel" was found thirty years ago, sold five years ago, and suddenly, just in time for Easter the media goes to work.

It is just not this story either. Just a five minute search reveals that TV news is filled with "Christian" stories. In addition to the Judas stuff there is:

• Did Jesus have a Biological Father? on ABC
• The Two Marys on CNN
• The Life of John Paul II also on CNN(not a weird story, just convenient timing)
• DatelineNBC is asking "What if Jesus Survived the Cross?"
• And, my personal favorite, DatelineNBC sent people dressed as Muslims to a NASCAR race

I guess it just bugs me because they bring up these weird stories every year at this time.

Hopefully, as Christians, we can use the stories as starting points with our peers. Use them as opportunities to say, "That's crazy, here is the Truth!"

On a good note Larry King is having Billy Graham on this week.

I Don't Think I Can Handle It!!!

I was under the mistaken impression that blogs were suppose to be a release. An intellectual playground, if you will. An electronic opportunity to "lay on the couch." But I must confess, the pressures of blogging are putting me on a different sort of couch.

Do you think it's easy coming up with something that people will want to read day in and day out? Little bits of wisdom that enthrall the masses don't just appear out of thin air! There is literally hours and hours of research and fact checking that go into these posts. Referencing and Cross-referencing(which is referencing while wearing a dress) to be done. Let's face it this isn't some Wikipedia-Make-It-Up-As- You-Go type of site. This is a sincere, engaging, and mentally stimulating type of pointless journalism. I just don't know if I have what it takes to continue.

You miss a couple of days of posts and suddenly two of your four readers are all over you. "Nathan, I couldn't get out of bed, I was too upset because you didn't post" and "Nathan, I can't face college without your wisdom." I CAN'T TAKE THE PRESSURE!!! I AM NOT A YOUNG MAN! I HAVE SEVEN GRAY HAIRS!!! I CApN'T TrAKipE TqnHE vPRESyyiURE!!?!

Shoo, I'm glad I got that off my chest.

I had a great day today. Work was good, church was great. That guy that led S.A.L.T. sure was good looking and quite insightful. I would have to say the total package. Well, I can't wait to post again.
Nathan.

Wow, that was fast!!!

Okay, so I decided to start this blog thing. My original intent was to keep it on the DL. Not out of any need for secrecy, I just wanted to practice a little before I spread my knowledge to the masses. Then by some voodoo computer magic Sarah F. busts me within seven seconds of me setting this thing up. I thought I would get a couple of days anyways, but literally instantly I was discovered.

So I figured cool, it's out there, lets see what people say. What it did was turn me into a person obsessed with checking for comments. I am now checking email about 47 times a day to see if anyone has posted anything. It's like I am in college again and have just passed a note to a girl that says, "I like you, do you like me? Check one." and now I have to see her response. I live for the comment....it is sad.

Before, I was secure in my technology...I'd check email when I felt like it. Usually like once a month. Now I find myself thinking, "Should I get a Blackberry?" Or, "I could set it up to email me on my phone when I get a comment!'

The effects are starting to show on my family. I think I am neglecting my kids to check for comments. My sons ask my wife who I am, my daughter is dating a hair dresser, and my wife keeps spending time with some "friend" named Noel. The worst part is I found out all of this through a comment posted by our neighbor.

So basically what I am saying is....Comment, please make comments, don't let my family suffer in vain!