2007-05-30

Radical Environmentalism

Global Warming. We’ve all heard about. Is it real? Is it the result of man’s presence on the earth? Is there anything we can do about it? It seems there are more questions than solid answers. Oh, there are lots of theories, but many of them seem to be light on the science. Of course there’s always the question of do we even really understand what’s happening on our planet? Does anyone remember the coming ice age in the late 70’s and early 80’s? What happened with that?

Regardless of your position on Global Warming, most rational people believe we need to take care of the planet. Almost all of us believe this. Were we differ is “how?” How do we take care of the planet? Is it ok to hunt whales? How many can be hunted? Is it ok to cut down trees? How many? Is it ok to go off-roading in the desert? How many vehicles should there be and where should they be allowed to go? The how is tough.

I’ve always considered myself a person who tried to do their part in taking care of the environment. I try not to be wasteful. I recycle. Even before the city provided separate containers for the recyclables we were recycling bottles, cans and newspaper. I try to purchase products that don’t have extra packaging or are made from recycled materials. But I have to ask myself if what I am doing is really making a difference? Sometimes I feel like this "For Better or Worse" cartoon. (click on it to see it bigger)


There are lots of people who are much more active in environmental issues than I am. Some are pretty radical and some are very radical. Some are border line terrorists. I’m usually not a big fan of radical. I prefer balanced. “What’s a balanced approached?” is a question I am more likely to ask. Is there a way to hunt some whales, but not drive them to extinction? Is there a way to cut trees for lumber without destroying all our forests? Theoretically the answer is yes. And as a Christian I believe that God put us here to take care of the planet. Yes, we can use its resources, but we also need to protect and preserve it. So again, the “how” is hard.

Lately, I’ve really be struggling with the environmentalism thing. What should the individual be doing? Should I be doing more? Or is what I am doing enough? Maybe I was too influenced by the best PSA (Public Service Announcement) of all time.
If you listen to the radicals, no I’m not doing enough. But I’m not sure they are recommending a healthy, balanced approach either. This whole thing of carbon credits just seems silly and contrite.

The other day Seth Godin posted a GREAT thought about the current movement to protect the environment. Once again he cuts through junk and comes down the real issue. All our lives we are asked to do more. But all of the sudden they want us to do less to protect the environment. We don’t do less. We only do more. Read the [More] or (Less) article here. He’s nailed it! That’s what is wrong with the current approach. Ask me to do something to help. Don’t ask me to do less. I don’t do less.

As Christians do we have more, or less, responsibility to care for the environment? I tend to think it’s more. God gave the planet to us to take care of (have dominion over). The question is what can I do to make a difference? Is writing letters to congressmen or business leaders saying we need to do something enough? Is recycling enough? Do I need to buy a hybrid car? Is replacing all my lights with low energy fluorescents enough? Do I need to purchase all new energy efficient appliances? If I do need to buy new appliances, isn’t it wasteful to get rid of the old ones when they still work? The “how” is still hard. But basically I think we need to know what “more” can I do AND where is the balance?

Anyone? … Bueller? …

2007-05-28

Memorial Day

It's Memorial Day.

Thank you to all the soldiers who have served. Today we honor those who gave all for us.

2007-05-22

Why annoy people?

Have you seen the Sonic Drive In ads on TV? Are these the most annoying advertisements ever? Ok, that may be a bit strong. Maybe they are just currently the most annoying ads on TV, not the most annoying of all time. Why would I want to buy food from a place that features idiots? The only thing that I've learned from their ads is that eating Sonic food makes you stupid. Probably not what they had intended. Furthermore, there's not a Sonic within 150 miles of me (the farthest I could search on their website), so why are they even showing me these ads?

Is it ever a good idea to annoy people? What if the matter is important, not just some silly fast food advertisement - is it ok then? What if it has to do with eternal matters, is it ok then? Or is there a better way to reach people besides being annoying?

Just as I am sure there is a better way for Sonic to convince me to eat their food, I am sure that being annoying won't convince non-believers about a God who loves them.

What commercial annoys you the most?

2007-05-15

Which Guitar?

If you like to switch between an acoustic and electric guitars during your set, you now have a new option.

The Ovation VXT

Sweet Seymour Duncan '59 humbuckers for that electric crunch and a Fishman Power Bridge for a tasty acoustic sound.

I want one!

2007-05-09

Mess with Your Friends

Are you a practical joker? Do you like playing jokes on your friends? I mean the really good jokes. The ones they will talk about for years. Yea, I knew you were like that.

This might be the joke of all jokes. Imagine you are having a party and one of your friends needs to use the facilities. You politely tell them where the restroom is and begin to snicker as they walk away. Little do they know your bathroom has a hidden toilet. Yup, that's right - a hidden toilet. Imagine your friends frustration walking around your bathroom trying to find the toilet. [begin sarcasm] Imagine the hilarity that will ensue when they have to come back sheepishly and tell you they couldn't find the toilet. Oh yeah, you're the man. [end sarcasm]

Seriously, why would someone invent something like this? I might be able to undestand this if you lived in a one room house, but other than that - isn't the toilet hidden enough by being in a separate room? I for one say, "yea - that should be hidden enough." Furthermore, who wants to have to slide the veneer wood cover back and forth everytime you use the bathroom?

Just incase you really want one of these - see more pics here.

I wonder how many Christian's operate in a similar mode. They hide their Christianity and try to blend in. They only slide back the veneer and show what they are in dire circumstances. That can't be a good thing.

2007-05-07

10 Divinely Designed Churches

Neatorama (neat name.... sorry...) has an interesting post about 10 cool churches. Not sure I agree with every one on the list, but there are some cool structures here.

10 Divinely Designed Churches


picture: Interior HDR of Notre Dame (Image Credit: mircea tudorache [Flickr])

2007-05-02

Interesting Choice

I never thought of comparing the two to each other, but I can see where they would be similar.

Using Wndows Vista is Torture