Failure

Lately, I have realized I am a failure. I am a loser, a wash out, inadequate and more.

Perhaps some explanation is needed.

I've been reading some of the standard church literary and academic fare lately. As a result I've had my eyes opened to being an oppressive member of the patriarchy. I disempower womyn and suppress racial groups other then my own. My own church tells me this. I accept that I am such a naughty person.

But here's the problem. I'm not realizing the rewards of my oppressing and disempowering. Last time I ordered my wife to make breakfast, she laughed at me. She still snickers every time she thinks of it. I have totally failed at turning her into a meek, obedient slave.

As far as being a racist, I'm a bit more successful, but only a bit. I do oppress four members of a race other than mine in our house. I can generally terrify them whenever I wish. But none of our cats will ever make me a mint julep and far from feeding me, I have to feed them. Just who is the master and who is the slave here?

I really wouldn't mind being called an oppressor, if I actually realized the fruits of my oppression. But as it is, I'm a failure.

Friday Morning Blues

The late great John Lee Hooker

Where Are You?

Wade Burleson has a great chart outlining the differences between proud people and broken people. I know I'm too much in the first column to be happy with myself.


{H/T James Gibson}

Musical Interlude- Lowlands

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

The Last Centurions

Today, I did something totally self-indulgent. This year has sucked if not majorly, then minorly so far. I found out some minor money bad news today (nothing serious). Feeling sad and blue, I decided I needed a treat to buck my spirits up. I went browsing over at Baen books looking for hard Science Fiction. Instead, I found this. John Ringo's upcoming book, The Last Centurion. Only, instead of being a regular book for which I would have to wait until August to read, I could get it as an advance copy online. There was much joy in this part of Atlanta late this afternoon.

It's pretty nifty. Yes, I've finished it. The battles are pretty good, it's thin on characterization, the humour is guy-stuff and there are longish rants on various subjects. In short it is classic John Ringo. And I liked it. I think my testosterone level is back up again after having finished it. And that is a Good Thing.

Oh, and there is a (free) spiffy web site associated with the book.

Sometimes reading about the good guys winning is just what the doctor ordered. No, it is not realistic. I live in reality. I know all about it. Sometimes, it is nice to escape reality and have fun.

Art Lesson

Having used MS Paint, I am in awe of this guy's talent.

Two Four Six Eight, Let's Litigate!

The Rev. Matt Kennedy, one of the commentators over at StandFirm, has been sued by the Diocese of Central New York. The Diocese is asking a court to declare it the owner of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Binghamton, its parish hall and rectory.

I guess nothing says 'church' and 'growth' like litigation and empty buildings.

Church Politics

Our Presiding Bishop has temporarily lifted her inhibition against Bishop MacBurney so he can officiate at his dead son's funeral. She called him and apparently even apologized. That is all well and good. Personally, I think her inhibiting him could have waited until after the funeral in the first place, but I'm not paid the big bucks to make those tough, tough calls.

Now some are asking why she has done this thing. It is, of course, possible that she discovered her hitherto missing feelings of empathy and compassion and acted accordingly. However, were she acting out of empathy and compassion she would have let Bishop Ackerman know that she wouldn't inhibit Bishop MacBurney until after his son's funeral, if at all.

A more likely scenario is that she responded to pressure. Now the Presiding Bishop does not seem to respond to reasserter pressure at all. If anything, that seems to harden her resolve. So pressure from whom? It's my theory that she started to get negative feedback from her peers, the other bishops of the Episcopal Church. Some were no doubt moved by pity. Others, and perhaps a majority, were moved by the knowledge that they would have to answer some pretty uncomfortable questions from their laity. This, after all, isn't a story that plays well with anyone other than the hard core party faithful. Your average Episcopalian isn't much moved by theology. They are moved by the tragedy of burying a son and empathize accordingly.

Harmony, Southern Gospel Style

I love harmony. Men's groups are typically more fun for me because I can add my weak voice and sing along. But I adore harmony of all sorts.

{H/T to Jason}