I thought I'd list my five favorite old TV shows that no longer air, but sometimes you can catch on a cable channel.
1) Andy Griffith Show - To me, there has been no finer comedy made. It's pure small-town Americana at its finest. Great characters, but I think they were based on real people who probably were more like the ficticious characters than most folks would care to admit. My favorite episode was the one where Barney joins the choir. And I also love the episode about Aunt Bea's pickles. I never tire of this one.
2) Star Trek: TNG - Yes, I am a closet Trekkie. Not a fan of the original series, but this new show got me hooked. Star Trek: DS9 was a disappointment. Voyager was OK, but it wasn't TNG. Plus, it taught me cool words to throw around in some of my college physics classes. Say stuff like: "Quantum transducers" or "ionic plasma anti-matter" and folks think you're smart. Just don't tell them you learned those words off Star Trek!
3) Jericho - Short-lived show that really wasn't given a fair chance. It seems to me that lousy shows with worse ratings, especially those making some political statement or pushing an agenda seem to be given chance after chance in various timeslots. But Jericho aired on Wednesday nights - usually up against American Idol or Lost, and what do you expect? But I digress ... I hated to see Gerald McRaney's character killed off, but felt this show was cut short and the plot never really explained - even with the additional episodes that were supposed to bring closure to the story.
4) The Pretender - A great show that few people watched. A genius is trained by a super-secret think tank to be able to assume any identity and assume any vocation needed. Only, the genius discovers he's being used for nefarious purposes, so he escapes the think tank and proceeds to go around helping people. The plot twists in this show were GREAT. Unfortunately, the story line was forced to be wrapped in a couple of TV movies, and what could/should have been a good seven season series got cut into three seasons and a couple two hour movies.
5) Alias - This is the only series I own on DVD - I have the complete five season run. Again, there's a lot of plot twists: the heroine's dead mother isn't really dead. The lingering question of who Sydney's (heroine) REAL father is. Then there's that whole Rambaldi plot. And a sister pops up outta nowhere. And then Sydney marries Michael, her CIA handler, only to discover that Michel isn't who he says that he is, but he is killed before he can explain anything - only to find out he's not really dead, but in hiding.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Mission Impossible - Loved Jim Phelps and the IMF team; Babylon 5 - Actually, this was pretty good sci-fi show, but it kind of leaves you afraid of shadows (You have to see the show in order to appreciate that "shadow" comment); J.A.G. - Loved the navy ships and planes. I keep hoping one of these characters will drop in on the spin-off show, NCIS, sometime.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Five Favorite TV Shows
Continuing my list theme, I thought I'd list my five favorite current TV shows.
1) Monk - This character is great. A quirky, paranoid, yet brilliant detective who finds himself wrestling with his insecurities. Love the show. Too bad this is the last season.
2) Chuck - Unfortunately, according to the ratings, I'm probably the only person who does like this show. A loveable underacheiver is suddenly thrust into a important position where he has two bodyguards. Of, course, one of his bodyguards is a girl, and they develop feelings for each other.
3) Remington Steele - OK, so this one has been gone quite a while, and probably technically isn't "current," but you can catch reruns on the American Life Network. This was Mr. Brosnan in his pre-James Bond days. And Ms. Zimbalist has gone on to the occasional "Movie-of-the-Week," but not much more.
4) Leverage - This is a little known, brand new show, that airs on TNT on Tuesday nights @ 10:00 PM. The plot of this show is classic: a team of con artists decide to take on social injustices and become Robin Hood for victims of injustice. Sort of reminds me of the old show, "A-Team" ... except without Mr. T.
5) Fringe - OK, this show is growing on me a little. The stories are a little outlandish, but the one character, the Observer, is creepy. The Observer, is somewhat of a mystery. He shows up at certain times to observe events. The thing is, the Observer has shown up in old photos of events that happened 50 or 60 years ago, and he hasn't aged a bit. In fact, the Observer appears in EVERY episode. Sometimes he is pointed out, and other episodes, he appears only as a random figure - pretty much an extra - walking down the street seconds before the street explodes, or exiting an elevator moments before it malfunctions and plunges twenty-five stories. His character alone makes this show worth watching.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Lost - love the plot twists and turns, Num3ers - I actually understand a little of the math, and Extreme Home Makeover - because everyone needs a little "feel-good" from time-to-time.
Tomorrow I'm considering a list of five past favorite shows that are no longer aired.
1) Monk - This character is great. A quirky, paranoid, yet brilliant detective who finds himself wrestling with his insecurities. Love the show. Too bad this is the last season.
2) Chuck - Unfortunately, according to the ratings, I'm probably the only person who does like this show. A loveable underacheiver is suddenly thrust into a important position where he has two bodyguards. Of, course, one of his bodyguards is a girl, and they develop feelings for each other.
3) Remington Steele - OK, so this one has been gone quite a while, and probably technically isn't "current," but you can catch reruns on the American Life Network. This was Mr. Brosnan in his pre-James Bond days. And Ms. Zimbalist has gone on to the occasional "Movie-of-the-Week," but not much more.
4) Leverage - This is a little known, brand new show, that airs on TNT on Tuesday nights @ 10:00 PM. The plot of this show is classic: a team of con artists decide to take on social injustices and become Robin Hood for victims of injustice. Sort of reminds me of the old show, "A-Team" ... except without Mr. T.
5) Fringe - OK, this show is growing on me a little. The stories are a little outlandish, but the one character, the Observer, is creepy. The Observer, is somewhat of a mystery. He shows up at certain times to observe events. The thing is, the Observer has shown up in old photos of events that happened 50 or 60 years ago, and he hasn't aged a bit. In fact, the Observer appears in EVERY episode. Sometimes he is pointed out, and other episodes, he appears only as a random figure - pretty much an extra - walking down the street seconds before the street explodes, or exiting an elevator moments before it malfunctions and plunges twenty-five stories. His character alone makes this show worth watching.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Lost - love the plot twists and turns, Num3ers - I actually understand a little of the math, and Extreme Home Makeover - because everyone needs a little "feel-good" from time-to-time.
Tomorrow I'm considering a list of five past favorite shows that are no longer aired.
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Word of God
In yesterday's blogging post, I mentioned that the Bible was my favorite book. I think I'd like to talk about that for a few minutes.
In Hebrews 4: 12, it says: "For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are." (NLT)
I do not believe that very many of we Christians fully grasp the absolutely power and authority of the Word. And then add the words of Isaiah 55:11, where God proclaims that His Word "will not return to Him void." He then says: "It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." (NLT)
Wow! As a pastor, I many times wonder if any one is listening as the Word is being proclaimed. You think about the parable of the sower, and how the seed of the Word fell on four types of ground - one of which it just fell by the wayside and was trampled on and ignored. But God, Himself, has declared that His Word will not return void.
That leads me to wonder if there are times God's Word doesn't return to Him, or, could it be that the trampled seed by the wayside is not wasted seed in the eyes of God? I don't really know. I do believe that even if a person seems to ignore the Word they have heard, that necessarily doesn't mean they lose the seed. I think sometimes the Holy Spirit has to let the seed "hibernate" awhile before it speaks the message of God to the heart.
Anyone have any thoughts?
In Hebrews 4: 12, it says: "For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are." (NLT)
I do not believe that very many of we Christians fully grasp the absolutely power and authority of the Word. And then add the words of Isaiah 55:11, where God proclaims that His Word "will not return to Him void." He then says: "It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." (NLT)
Wow! As a pastor, I many times wonder if any one is listening as the Word is being proclaimed. You think about the parable of the sower, and how the seed of the Word fell on four types of ground - one of which it just fell by the wayside and was trampled on and ignored. But God, Himself, has declared that His Word will not return void.
That leads me to wonder if there are times God's Word doesn't return to Him, or, could it be that the trampled seed by the wayside is not wasted seed in the eyes of God? I don't really know. I do believe that even if a person seems to ignore the Word they have heard, that necessarily doesn't mean they lose the seed. I think sometimes the Holy Spirit has to let the seed "hibernate" awhile before it speaks the message of God to the heart.
Anyone have any thoughts?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Five Favorite Books
Another List:
1) The Bible - I use four versions pretty much exclusively: The King James Version, The New King James Version, The New International Version, and The New Living Transation. I preach out of the New King James, but I quote a lot from the NIV and the NLT. For my own personal devotions, I use the NLT.
2) Hardy Boys series - Yes, you read that right. I'm not talking about the modernized paperback versions, but the old hardbacks written back in the 1920's, 30's, and 40's. They were my favorites growing up and I still collect them when I can find them cheap. Who can forget the adventures of Frank and Joe, and the antics of their pal, Chet? These guys were getting konked on the head 2-3 times in every adventure. And every meal was vividly described in detail so that your mouth watered as you read the menus. I'm in my mid-40's and I still read them when I want a mind-dump.
3) The Purpose Driven Church - by Rick Warren. This book has given me several ideas for sermon series, and it has enabled me to sort through the maze of church leadership ideas. I always seem to find my way back to those five purposes for the church.
4) Perry Mason novels - Again, you read that right. Erle Stanley Gardner created a great character in Perry Mason. I liked the old TV shows, but the books are far superior to the shows. Poor Hamilton Burger. If there was ever a worse disctrict attorney, I'd like to meet him.
5) This one is tough because I have a lot of favorites. But because I am a pastor, and because I like doctrinal issues, I would have to go with a book written by one of our own Church of God writers. "Scenes From the Throne" was written by Richard Bradley, and it is a collection of lectures he has given on the Book of Revelation. It is one of the easiest interpretations I have read. Brother Bradley uses the church-historical method of interpretation. Many folks - even within the Church of God - see this method as out-dated and unsophisticated. However, it makes more sense to me than any other interpretations I have listened to.
1) The Bible - I use four versions pretty much exclusively: The King James Version, The New King James Version, The New International Version, and The New Living Transation. I preach out of the New King James, but I quote a lot from the NIV and the NLT. For my own personal devotions, I use the NLT.
2) Hardy Boys series - Yes, you read that right. I'm not talking about the modernized paperback versions, but the old hardbacks written back in the 1920's, 30's, and 40's. They were my favorites growing up and I still collect them when I can find them cheap. Who can forget the adventures of Frank and Joe, and the antics of their pal, Chet? These guys were getting konked on the head 2-3 times in every adventure. And every meal was vividly described in detail so that your mouth watered as you read the menus. I'm in my mid-40's and I still read them when I want a mind-dump.
3) The Purpose Driven Church - by Rick Warren. This book has given me several ideas for sermon series, and it has enabled me to sort through the maze of church leadership ideas. I always seem to find my way back to those five purposes for the church.
4) Perry Mason novels - Again, you read that right. Erle Stanley Gardner created a great character in Perry Mason. I liked the old TV shows, but the books are far superior to the shows. Poor Hamilton Burger. If there was ever a worse disctrict attorney, I'd like to meet him.
5) This one is tough because I have a lot of favorites. But because I am a pastor, and because I like doctrinal issues, I would have to go with a book written by one of our own Church of God writers. "Scenes From the Throne" was written by Richard Bradley, and it is a collection of lectures he has given on the Book of Revelation. It is one of the easiest interpretations I have read. Brother Bradley uses the church-historical method of interpretation. Many folks - even within the Church of God - see this method as out-dated and unsophisticated. However, it makes more sense to me than any other interpretations I have listened to.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Five Favorite Restaurants
In no particular order:
1) P.F. Chang’s – I absolutely love this place. The “Chang’s Spicy Chicken” with extra veggies is my favorite. The lettuce wraps are great, as well as the spring rolls.
2) bd’s Mongolian BBQ Grill – Cool place where you get to experiment with ingredients and spices. I especially like the chicken with veggies and a sweet/hot spice mix. The web site allows creating your own dishes and gives you nutritional information for your created dish.
3) Acapulco Restaurant – While you can Google “Acapulco Restaurant” and find many references, you won’t find this one because it’s local and it’s in my hometown of Lebanon. Absolutely THE best Mexican food I have ever had. We’ve been in here so often, they pretty much seat us in the same seat every time we go!
4) LaRosa’s – My favorite pizza place. I have to say that this is probably by default. I don’t care for Papa John’s or Pizza Hut or Domino’s. Donato’s is OK, Cassano’s is OK. Godfather’s is probably my favorite pizza, but the nearest store is 45 minutes away – way up on the other side of Dayton. So, when I want pizza, I opt for LaRosa’s. But I’m keeping my eyes open for a local pizzeria to take this spot.
5) Chipotle – Last but not least, how about a burrito from this favorite grill? I go with the Chicken Fajita Burrito. I also like the Corn Salsa.
How about your favorites?
1) P.F. Chang’s – I absolutely love this place. The “Chang’s Spicy Chicken” with extra veggies is my favorite. The lettuce wraps are great, as well as the spring rolls.
2) bd’s Mongolian BBQ Grill – Cool place where you get to experiment with ingredients and spices. I especially like the chicken with veggies and a sweet/hot spice mix. The web site allows creating your own dishes and gives you nutritional information for your created dish.
3) Acapulco Restaurant – While you can Google “Acapulco Restaurant” and find many references, you won’t find this one because it’s local and it’s in my hometown of Lebanon. Absolutely THE best Mexican food I have ever had. We’ve been in here so often, they pretty much seat us in the same seat every time we go!
4) LaRosa’s – My favorite pizza place. I have to say that this is probably by default. I don’t care for Papa John’s or Pizza Hut or Domino’s. Donato’s is OK, Cassano’s is OK. Godfather’s is probably my favorite pizza, but the nearest store is 45 minutes away – way up on the other side of Dayton. So, when I want pizza, I opt for LaRosa’s. But I’m keeping my eyes open for a local pizzeria to take this spot.
5) Chipotle – Last but not least, how about a burrito from this favorite grill? I go with the Chicken Fajita Burrito. I also like the Corn Salsa.
How about your favorites?
Friday, January 9, 2009
Afraid To Be Struck By Lightning
I came across this article awhile ago.
It seems a an atheist group in Great Britain have purchased advertising space on buses and posted a sign that says: "There's Probably No God: Now stop worrying and enjoy life!" I'd hate to be on one of those buses in the middle of a thunderstorm!
Does it seem odd that folks will pay money to protest something they don't even believe in? I mean, I don't believe Elvis is working at a Wal-Mart in Michigan, but I'm not purchasing advertising space in order to dispute with those who believe he is.
Some people have nothing better to do ... I guess.
It seems a an atheist group in Great Britain have purchased advertising space on buses and posted a sign that says: "There's Probably No God: Now stop worrying and enjoy life!" I'd hate to be on one of those buses in the middle of a thunderstorm!
Does it seem odd that folks will pay money to protest something they don't even believe in? I mean, I don't believe Elvis is working at a Wal-Mart in Michigan, but I'm not purchasing advertising space in order to dispute with those who believe he is.
Some people have nothing better to do ... I guess.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Strange Musings
Have you ever wondered who was the first to try certain foods? For example, who was the first person brave enough (or dumb enough) to eat an ordinary egg? "Oh, let's try this white thing the chicken dropped and see if it is any good to eat!"
Knowing what goes in hot dogs - you know ... the chicken/pig/cow hybrid mix? Who was the dunce who got rooked into tasting it first? I'm sure it goes back to Germany, but imagine the following conversation when the very first hot dog was made:
Wilhelm: Well, there it is. The very first wienersnitzel.
Johann: Since you made it, you try it.
Wilhelm: Nein! You are the guest. You go first.
Johann: I saw all the chicken and pig parts you put in there. I'm not real hungry.
(Well ... I think you get the picture.)
And how would you like to have been the doofus who discovered which mushrooms NOT to eat?
So next time you order those eggs "over easy' or bite down into that dog at the 'ole ball game, think of those trailblazers who cleared the path ahead of you.
Have a great day!
Knowing what goes in hot dogs - you know ... the chicken/pig/cow hybrid mix? Who was the dunce who got rooked into tasting it first? I'm sure it goes back to Germany, but imagine the following conversation when the very first hot dog was made:
Wilhelm: Well, there it is. The very first wienersnitzel.
Johann: Since you made it, you try it.
Wilhelm: Nein! You are the guest. You go first.
Johann: I saw all the chicken and pig parts you put in there. I'm not real hungry.
(Well ... I think you get the picture.)
And how would you like to have been the doofus who discovered which mushrooms NOT to eat?
So next time you order those eggs "over easy' or bite down into that dog at the 'ole ball game, think of those trailblazers who cleared the path ahead of you.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Business Meeting
Once again, our annual business meeting at church turned out very good. Folks seemed happy and upbeat. Future outreach projects were highlighted and everyone seemed "on board."
It is such a blessing to leave a church business meeting where EVERYONE is laughing and cutting up with one another. That, to me, is a mark of spiritual maturity.
It is such a blessing to leave a church business meeting where EVERYONE is laughing and cutting up with one another. That, to me, is a mark of spiritual maturity.
Microsoft Office 2007
I just recently loaded Microsoft Office 2007 on my laptop. Until now, I have used Office 97 and Office 2000. But more and more I am receiving documents in the new Word 2007 and Excel 2007 formats, and PowerPoint 2007 seems to be light years ahead of PowerPoint 2000, so I needed to upgrade.
My first impressions are that I like it. The new menus take a little bit getting used to, but customization is pretty easy. It may only be my imagination, but Office 2007 seems a little faster than either Office 97 or 2000. I have not really used Outlook since the days of Outlook 98, but the new version seems a bit better.
A couple of interesting looking programs included in the Office 2007 Enterprise package are Publisher and OneNote. They have both been around for awhile, but I know very little about either and am looking forward to playing with them a little.
I'll keep you posted on how this goes.
By the way, if you don't feel like coughing up the price tag for Microsoft Office, try OpenOffice 3.0. It is absolutely free. It will open earlier version Microsoft Office formats (I don't know about Office 2007 formats). It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of Microsoft Office 2007, but for the price-free-you can't beat it.
My first impressions are that I like it. The new menus take a little bit getting used to, but customization is pretty easy. It may only be my imagination, but Office 2007 seems a little faster than either Office 97 or 2000. I have not really used Outlook since the days of Outlook 98, but the new version seems a bit better.
A couple of interesting looking programs included in the Office 2007 Enterprise package are Publisher and OneNote. They have both been around for awhile, but I know very little about either and am looking forward to playing with them a little.
I'll keep you posted on how this goes.
By the way, if you don't feel like coughing up the price tag for Microsoft Office, try OpenOffice 3.0. It is absolutely free. It will open earlier version Microsoft Office formats (I don't know about Office 2007 formats). It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of Microsoft Office 2007, but for the price-free-you can't beat it.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Rambling Thoughts
Tomorrow is our "Annual Church Business Meeting" at the church. I must admit I have never liked business meetings. I know they are a necessary evil, but I still don't like them. I have heard horror stories about church business meetings, and even have been in a few business meetings in years past at other churches, that bordered on "horror story."
I must admit that EVERY business meeting at our current church that I have been a part of (this makes my Number 13) has been extremely mild - no yelling, no red faces, no angry accusations, or cheap shots. In fact, we usually leave business meetings feeling better, and feeling more hopeful about the future, than when we arrived. How many churches can say that?
However, I still don't like the meetings. I guess I have a hard time picturing Jesus and his disciples sitting through Judas Iscariot's financial reports (Remember, he was their treasurer).
I also noticed the results of the run-off election down in Georgia, where the Republicans actually were able to hang on to the Senate seat. Senator Saxby Chambliss is on his way back to Washington. The main thing this does is keep the Democrats from the 60-vote supermajority they need to railroad legislation through both houses of Congress.
And finally, from the files of "Things That Make You Go, 'Mmmm.'" Have you heard the old excuse, "The Devil made me do it!" Well, now we have someone who claims that "God made him do it!" That's right ... according to this guy, God had a case of road rage, and ordered this dude to take care of the problem ... at 100 mph. I'm a preacher, and you know there is a forthcoming sermon illustration in this story.
I must admit that EVERY business meeting at our current church that I have been a part of (this makes my Number 13) has been extremely mild - no yelling, no red faces, no angry accusations, or cheap shots. In fact, we usually leave business meetings feeling better, and feeling more hopeful about the future, than when we arrived. How many churches can say that?
However, I still don't like the meetings. I guess I have a hard time picturing Jesus and his disciples sitting through Judas Iscariot's financial reports (Remember, he was their treasurer).
I also noticed the results of the run-off election down in Georgia, where the Republicans actually were able to hang on to the Senate seat. Senator Saxby Chambliss is on his way back to Washington. The main thing this does is keep the Democrats from the 60-vote supermajority they need to railroad legislation through both houses of Congress.
And finally, from the files of "Things That Make You Go, 'Mmmm.'" Have you heard the old excuse, "The Devil made me do it!" Well, now we have someone who claims that "God made him do it!" That's right ... according to this guy, God had a case of road rage, and ordered this dude to take care of the problem ... at 100 mph. I'm a preacher, and you know there is a forthcoming sermon illustration in this story.
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