Is there a doctor in the house?

Why, yes! Dr. Ron Paul is in the house.

Plus, just a few members of the press, and all their gear.

and a guy selling t-shirts and buttons.

It all made my literature table look a little puny.

But the crowd of my co-workers was good, especially considering it is the week between Christmas and New Years, and the parking lot was only half-full today (what with vacations and all...)

So, the CEO kicked things off with a glowing introduction

eventually yielding the floor to Dr. Paul

who apparently has qualified for a security detail now, given the looks of the two wide-bodies in suits on either side of him.

We set up the poor-man's version of jumbotrons so that guys like me in the cheap seats could see Dr. Paul's wrinkles a little better. ;)

Afterwards, the media horde descended on his intimate conversations with a voter, so that I had to stand on a chair to get a glimpse.

Good thing I've already shaken hands with him at another event. No need to introduce myself again, although I'm sure he wouldn't have minded, since we're so well acquainted.

I mean, look at the lovely Christmas card he and Carol sent us. Aww.. Guess we should add them to our Christmas letter list now, huh?

Happy Hanukkah!

"Jazz and Latkes" was how the event was billed. Hard to resist on the opening night of Hankkukah at Beth El Jacob only about a mile from the house. :)

The jazz combo was really young, but had an excellent grasp of the classic jazz repertoire. They play every Tuesday night at a club downtown, which I think I might just visit.

The latkes were accompanied by either sour cream or applesauce, plus several quiches and even jelly doughnuts for dessert. (Called "Sufganiyot", apparently.)

And of course, before dinner there was the menorah lighting and several blessings chanted, mostly unintelligible except for the part that went "Baruch attah adonai, Elohenu, Melech ha-olom..." etc.

That part I know from Passover. I even like my homemade cantor melody better than the Rabbi's, although I'm sure his was more authentic, if not quite as appealing.

A few weeks "off"

... from school. Yay! I can catch my breath..

Oh, I'm still working hard at my day job, trying to finish certain MBOs by year-end, but at least my last paper in TS794DE is turned in, for better or for worse (mostly better, I think, thanks to the comments of my lovely live-in editor.) I have my evenings and weekends back now for a little while, and have started in on my "recreational reading" pile. :) Soon I will also catch up on TV shows missed, and take in some of the new movies coming out. On the list: the new Mission Impossible flick, the Sherlock Holmes sequel, the feel-good Matt Damon zookeeper movie, and the feel-bad Dragon Tattoo movie.

Soon enough, I'll be back at it again with TWO classes in Winter, and one in Spring, but then in June comes graduation... and freedom! Right now, though, a little rest on the bench, and then... back out on the field for the final period, and hopefully a strong finish.

It's not plagiarism when you steal from yourself

... is it?

During my Seminary career I have occasionally written something in a research paper that I thought was really good - a particularly apt analogy, or a penetrating bit of insight, or some such writing. Now, 18 months later I am taking another class, and darned if it doesn't come back to memory, when the topics for the current coursework overlap with the original class for which I wrote the piece!

So what to do? Rack my brain for new & equally stunning arguments? Or take an already proven concept (per a prof's favorable grading) and simply re-apply it in a new setting?

Technology enables this kind of idea recycling. I can remember a key phrase from an old paper, search for it electronically in my Seminary documents folder, snag the pertinent text, rework the phrasing to fit the current topic, and drop it into the new paper. Voilà! Sparkling, clever, pertinent (and original!) text, with far less effort. :)

It was an original insight with me, so.. it still is original work, right? Just applied in a new setting! Kind of like learning a skill (say... home winemaking), winning some awards for it, giving it up for several years due to changing circumstances, and then getting back to it again using the old tricks you learned the first time by trial & error.

So, it's the 3 Rs simply applied to writing: reduce (effort), reuse (ideas), recycle (phrases). I mean, what's the point of a well-phrased, hard-thought insight if you can't reuse it? After all, versatility and persistence are proofs of an analogy's vigor.

(that last is original with me, btw..)

Fresh Ink

While on vacation this week, I got a refresh on my most recent item of "body art", as they call it. (By the way, this one is entirely theological in nature, as befits a Seminarian). As it dried following the first application earlier this year, there were a couple of spots where the ink didn't cover quite all the way. The artist warranted the work, so it was just a matter of screwing up the courage to go "under the needle" again, in what is admittedly a pretty sensitive spot. So I figured that a few days of vacation spent at home, with no serious agenda other than writing a research paper and winterizing a screened porch, might be the best time I'll have to deal with it.

Ow.

I had forgotten the intensity of the pain. But, I rationalized that since there was really not much in terms of monetary cost spent on the thing, and since you don't usually value something that doesn't cost you something... a little more pain would give it real value. :)

Ow.

More than a little. But now it should be good for about 10 years. And I can't picture wanting to do this again anytime soon.

The Last Imperialists

In one of my recent Seminary classes, I studied the nature of imperialism and what it might look like today. The Roman Empire was certainly one historical example, as were the Ottoman, Spanish and British versions later on, followed by German and Japanese attempts, as well as one by the former Soviet Union. The authors in my class argued that the empire du jour is not one nation gobbling up a bunch of others as colonies, but Global Consumerism, facilitated by the advance forces of American Democracy and the internet.

An argument could be made that the American desire to advance our interests (and Democracy) around the world is a type of imperialism. We here see it as benign, even benevolent, but it could also be seen as imperial, for it involves us deciding what is right and what is best for everyone else. And... it does involve establishing a military presence in the territories of our allies (who may at one point have been enemies, but once conquered, became our friends).

The news this week was that our "progressive" President, Mr. Obama, has joined the long tradition of making strategic deals with allies to establish military outposts far from our shores (much like the Romans did... before they fell from neglect of the empire's internal health). This time it was the Australians who get to have our Marines in situ (in exchange, no doubt, for some unspecified amount of foreign aid and favorable trade treatment) - 2,500 of them in fact.

I wonder: why is it that we are the only nation who can do this at will? Why can we freely rest our hand on the neck of our "friends" as we walk along (like I used to do with my son when I wanted to get him to do what I thought would be best for him...and me)?

Why is it that England doesn't have a base for their Marines along Cape Cod? Why doesn't Japan have troops and planes in Honolulu? Why doesn't Germany have a forward air base near Columbus? I mean... they're our allies now, right? Just because we defeated them once doesn't mean we can't share space, especially since we have plenty of it, and they don't. Why not lease them some of our Federal lands, receive a little foreign aid to help offset our deficit, and let them put some troops here?

I believe that the doctrine of "American Exceptionalism" is the reason. Only we can be in charge of the world, because... we're specially suited to do so. Called to the task by God, even.

Newt Gingrich is an ardent supporter of this idea, as are some Christian Fundamentalists (which Newt... is definitely not). Both can be military hawks for this very reason. Our troops around the world are an extension of who we are as a country. They perform humanitarian functions, and keep the peace (after we knock out the bad guys). We exert a generous spirit, provide moral influence and give benevolent direction. We are born to rule, we are fit for the throne (oops.. excuse me.. I mean "take a leadership role").

Of all the GOP candidates running for President, there is one who sees things differently on this subject - different than the GOP establishment, and different from President Obama. Guess who?

See you on caucus night. :)

The Newtster

More evidence that politics in Iowa is unlike that of any other state.

One of the GOP contenders dropped in for lunch today.


It may well be the beginning of a parade of them, who knows?


I'm certainly going to see if Ron Paul will come for lunch, too. :)


He shared a few thoughts on the Debt Super Committee, took a few questions, posed for some pics and signed some autographs. Nice little 45 minute visit.

I have to say that Mr. Gingrich did a credible job today. He is a serious political rainmaker. In fact, I think that of all the candidates, Newt has the potential to have the greatest impact on the country. I'm just not sure it's the right impact.

It was a closed event (the public was not invited), but the media was sure there in force. All sorts of them, from Iowa Public Radio, to local network affiliates, to the lady in the left foreground:

She works for the Swedish News Service or some such organization. And had the accent to match. Fascinated with American politics, apparently, is posted in the US to report on it, but had never been outside Washington, DC before. This ain't the big city, hon. This here is farm country.

I suppose she would be fascinated, given that her country has one of the last Kings on the planet as a leader. I would bet that King Whateversen of Sweden doesn't drop in for lunch with the commoners very much.

Join the Club

The church club. Or not. Suit yourself.

Apparently church membership is becoming passe' for Gen Xers and younger. Or so this article states. I can sort of relate. With church membership today, particularly in Protestant circles, there is an expectation of committment with no real benefits other than sort of... feeling committed.

Really, today's churches are so eager to have people in the pews (or folding chairs, in the circles I run in) that you can have all the "benefits" that members have if you simply show up mostly regularly. You can get to know people, you can come to group activities, bring a dish to pass at the potlucks, volunteer in different ministry areas, listen to the preaching/teaching, join in the singing, stay for coffee and cookies, take a class, etc., all without joining.

I mean, it's not like it used to be when church and state were joined at the hip and you essentially needed church membership to be a citizen in good standing in the community. Heck, they kept all the birth/death/marriage records on behalf of the government! It's like they were the Census Department - just outsourced. Today, what do you get if you join a church?

The stock answer is: "you get to be part of a community." Okay, well, you get to be that as a regular attender, too. Nobody will stop you from diving in and making friends. "Oh. Well, you get to hold a leadership position, lead a ministry area." Guess what? Lots of churches let you do that, too, without membership. They need volunteers, so they're not all that picky! Right now I am up on the platform, helping lead, once a month in two different churches, both without signing any kind of membership agreement.

The only real privilege that is withheld from the non-member is... voting rights. You can't vote on church business without being a member. However, you CAN usually come to congregational meetings, and normally you can speak. It's just that when they call the question, you have to hold your peace.

Now, to achieve voting rights, you have to go through classes, be interviewed by leadership, agree to the doctrinal statement, promise to financially support the church, to have and to hold, for richer for poorer, etc. Seems to me like the reward (voting rights, and maybe a round of applause in welcome) is not commensurate with the effort and scrutiny needed to obtain it. Especially since everything but voting rights (including affirmation by others) is yours just for showing up.

I think the Gen Xers and younger have figured this one out. Being part of a church today is like living together without benefit of marriage. In a consumerist society, where churches compete in the marketplace of programs and services... and when they are eager for the financial support of regular attenders... and when regular attenders have lots of other options... they are likely not going to withhold anything of benefit from the attender.

In other words, when it comes to what attendees really want, the church is not "saving anything for marriage". Plus, since there are no real consequences to leaving and going to another church (at least no consequences with any teeth), nothing will stop a "member" from leaving if they are hurt or disillusioned, except maybe their own internal level of committment (which is not likely to be due simply to their signature on the form). Divorce from your local church is easy.

The church today needs a different model than the "friends with benefits" one they use now. The "retail sales model" of having as many as possible experience our programs, attend regularly (and thereby become repeat buyers, loyal customers) isn't so great either; you're always persuading. Maybe the church should instead adopt more of a "beta testing" model, and cautiously extend invitations to join this little not-quite-perfect experiment: an alternative community that actually tries to model the Kingdom of God the way Jesus taught it.

Fall Formation

This last weekend it was retreat time again. My annual excursion into the wilderness and isolation that is my own mysterious and willful heart. :) It's always a time of reflection and contemplation, and often a time of communion, too - with nature and the God who made it.

A Franciscan retreat center was the site this time. The accomodations were plain, as usual, but perfectly adequate for my needs.

Smallish, but comfortable.

And in the midst of some beautiful grounds, bursting with Fall color.

At this center there was a very nice labyrinth, which I walked twice.. once on the first day and once on the last. The first time in holy fear, and the second in an openness to listen. My current Seminary class is all about integrative formation, bringing multiple disciplines to bear on my becoming whole and holy. This tactile experience of meditating while walking in an ancient pattern from many centuries before me was but one such discipline.

There was a simple old chapel house on the grounds, with the altar lovingly restored. Beautiful.

And besides the human-crafted beauty, there was that magnificent beauty crafted by the Creator. Exquisite.

I love the Autumn. And the chance to be formed in the midst of it.

Nothing says Autumn like...

turning colors all around

rustling at your feet

zipping up your jacket

scurrying squirrels

corn mazes and fresh apples

feste mit lederhosen

pumpkins and cornstalks

twilight coming so early

and for me...

reflection time

retreat weekends

special occasions

(sometimes even all together)

How very sporting.

This last weekend was a fab sports weekend for expatriate Wisconsinites like me on several levels. Not only did the Badgers football team acquit themselves well, but the Packers did also. The Brewers tried hard, but booted the pooch, as the saying goes. I was lucky enough to see two of the three events in person, too. :)

Here's proof:

(including proof that I didn't abandon my studies all weekend..)

October Concerti

It is officially Autumn here in the heartland - my favorite time of year. The last blast of Summer's hot breath has breezed through, and for the rest of the month the daily high temp will apparently stay below 70. Ahhh.

So, I'm out in the elements a titch more, taking the occasional picture - like this one of a new electric powered vehicle filling station added to the parking lot of the local library in its recent renovation. How about that? Guess I can go ahead with that Nissan Leaf now. ;)

I've also been keeping track of a certain tree underneath which I park each workday. I remember her (him? it?) from last year as having red leafy highlights in her foliage, and true to form, she's at it again. Note the progress over the last two weeks:

I do love the walk to/from the building now. It has a soundtrack, provided by squirrels and my feet: rustle, rustle, rustle. :)

Okay, so I've covered the October part of the title to this post, but what about the Concerti part? So, here you go:

First, a show by Mat Kearney, with an opening act provided by a band named Leagues.

Kearney was great. He had a winning style with the audience, extemporizing lyrics on the spot to insert a local vibe into his songs, and even jumping down onto the floor and singing his way around the room. The girls in attendance went nuts at that part, crowding past where we were in order to "touch the singer". Easy, girls. Yikes!

So, all in all an excellent show, as was the next one about 10 days later: Explosions in the Sky. Woo! They are one of my favorites. Such good "study music" - no lyrics, ever.

Kind of an old, ragged venue, with the inside about as in need of a refresh as the neon sign on the outside.

The facility was huge, with loads of tables and some decent lighting off in a corner, so I could even knock off some assigned reading for TS794DE while enjoying the music. Just like at home, except ... louder!

The opener was a band named Wye Oak. Not really my speed, a little angry-sounding on both the guitar and vocal, but certainly enough to wake up the crowd.

The headliner, though, was just superb. The front man (if you can call him that) very politely introduced the band, made some kind remarks about being here, and then kicked of 90 minutes of non-stop music. And I mean non-stop. No break between songs, no thank yous or words of any kind again until they said thank you and good night. Crazy.

They remind me of a contemporary new-agey rock version of Phil Spector's old "wall of sound" concept. It just washes over you like an incessant pounding surf, insistent, rhythmic, and intense. Several times I needed to lean up against a pillar to keep from tipping backwards when I would close my eyes and simply "feel" it.

Great shows, and so far a great month.

Religion and Economics Don't Mix

Or maybe they do!

USA Today ran a story recently about how Americans' religious views serve as a lens through which they view how the economy works (or should work). From this study one may be able to venture a guess at the predominant religious view of the folks taking part in the "Occupy Wall Street" movement. Read on...

Here's an excerpt from the story referring to the work of Paul Froese, one of the authors of a study by Baylor University:

Most (81%) political conservatives say there is one "ultimate truth in the world, and new economic information of cost-benefit analysis is not going to change their mind about how the economy should work," Froese says.

At the opposite pole, another one in five Americans don't see God stepping in to their daily lives and favor reducing wealth and inequality through taxation. "So they're less likely to see God controlling the economy. Liberal economic perspectives are synonymous with the belief that there is no one 'ultimate truth,'" Froese says.

So to Conservatives (at least to the religious ones) government fiscal policy stands in opposition to God's dominion over economic life. God is, or should be, in charge. But to Liberals (at least to the secular ones), government fiscal policy is an example of how humans work together to create social order; God has nothing to do with it.

This is another example of how the vitriolic partisan rhetoric of Republican vs Democrat is masking a more serious divide - an ideological one. Looking back on past ideological divides (independence, slavery, prohibition) one gets the sense that this one could also get violent without too much provocation. It's not about party affiliation. It's about worldview. And worldviews come from deep-seated convictions, which people will defend at great cost.

Dooooorm Living is the Life For Me...

Riiight.

I am so glad to be back on my Tempur-Pedic mattress, in a climate-controlled residence, with a well-stocked fridge and only a half-flight of stairs to climb.  Enough of this back-to-college nonsense.

The place is so institutional. Small, cramped, mattress hard as a rock, no air conditioning. (note the trusty box fan in the window..) At least the halls were relatively empty being this early in the school year, so I could pad down one flight to the communal kitchen in my jammies to heat my morning coffee. :)

Funny name for a dorm. Maybe it was named after old Elmer T. Stub and his wife Francine who, being childless, left their farm implement business to the school when they passed...

Whatever. The outside of the place belied the spartan interior.

The grounds were pleasant,

with mature trees and a nice patio (if no smokers were there...)

and the view from the room windows wasn't bad, especially when the sun hit the downtown skyline just right.

Still, on the weekends I definitely got stir-crazy and claustrophobic and needed to get out.

There were a few favorite places to revisit,

one of which I saved as a reward for a paper well written, on time.

But even while relaxing... the learning process still beckoned.

Each class had a take-home assignment to do as a final. So, two more papers to go yet this week, and then I can cross off the 6 credits. Then immediately dive right in to my Fall Quarter class (Senior Integrative Seminar).

This year has been particularly tough - no break from January until Christmas vacation. Oof. But, when I get past Christmas, I will be rounding the last turn and heading for the finish line: Graduation in May 2012. God help me, I can do this!