“The Story of Stuff”: Trash In, Trash Out

I just watched “The Story of Stuff” by Annie Leonard and was inspired. I am already one against disposable or individually wrapped goods, so this story really hit home with me. Because I’m a technology guy, I immediately watched “The Story of Electronics” which mentions planned obsolescence and perceived obsolescence. For instance, how often do… Continue reading “The Story of Stuff”: Trash In, Trash Out

Irony, Cynicism, Honesty, and Ordination

Amanda recently asked me to guest blog on her site to help her with her explanation for asking me to officiate her up-and-coming wedding. It was, perhaps, shocking to her friends and family, so I hope that I’ve put to rest any of their concern or dismay at this decision. Or completely confirmed their fears… Continue reading Irony, Cynicism, Honesty, and Ordination

Embrace Humility

In a recent rebroadcast from WNYC’s RadioLab show, listeners compare animal and human morality. As the brain is studied under morally stressful situations, scientists learn that a battle is being fought in our minds for the right answer to a difficult question. Scenario 1: Before you are two sets of train tracks splitting away from… Continue reading Embrace Humility

The Horrors of the Obama Administration

This week’s “The Pain” comic tells the story – probably from my area of the world – of Obama’s election. When I first perused it, I had assumed Mr. Kreider was not a fan of Obama. For this one, you need to read the Artist’s statement which raises the comic wit. …watching Obama’s luminous acceptance… Continue reading The Horrors of the Obama Administration

Where’s “My” Community?

I am imagining a better WordPress. For those of you who don’t know, it’s the engine behind Gradin.com, as well as countless other blogs on the Interweb. I have been using WordPress for several years now and I really enjoy it. Its many features have grown, and grown on me. Now that I am expectant… Continue reading Where’s “My” Community?

The Sins of Man

We’ve returned home from Philadelphia, though home is not exactly as we left it. There is a gray storm cloud hovering above us; perhaps still building in power and ferocity, or lingering remnants of a thunderhead. I’m not talking about the weather, though the hurricane located near Corpus Christi does invoke a palpable invocation of the mood.

Afghanistan Remembers Music

I listened to a piece from WNYC’s Radio Lab recently only to form a more concrete relationship with the loss that victims suffer under Taliban rule. From the outside, looking in, the culture seems muddied with the intermingling of past and present times.  Between incomplete reports from the news agencies, history, and modern documentaries, it… Continue reading Afghanistan Remembers Music

The Home School Phenomenon

Man has been on a quest throughout time to find the riddle of the root of all evil. Ole-Magnus Saxegard, a student of the Sydney-based University of Technology, explores this riddle in his latest frame-by-frame Flash animation (A History of Evil). It is a brilliant vision. If he’s looking for further inspiration to this age-old… Continue reading The Home School Phenomenon

Nerd? Geek? or Dork?

My Score: Modern, Cool Nerd 69 % Nerd, 69% Geek, 13% Dork For The Record: A Nerd is someone who is passionate about learning/being smart/academia. A Geek is someone who is passionate about some particular area or subject, often an obscure or difficult one. A Dork is someone who has difficulty with common social expectations/interactions.… Continue reading Nerd? Geek? or Dork?