A Fundamental Flaw

Why, when I have taken time to reason and think through an issue... and I have come to a thoughtful conclusion, do I assume that all those who disagree with me haven't done the same thing? Why do I attribute their obvious fallacy to lazy thinking or ignorance? It is easy to dismiss ideas that I don't agree with by caricaturing the one who posits them.

I see this as a fundamental flaw of the kinds of exchanges that I often read on blogspot. Instead of reading posts as if I am reading them for the first time, I place the blogger into a category that I have in my brain after reading the first couple of sentences. This knee-jerk reaction causes me to argue against what I imagine their position to be... because, "I know them better than they know their deluded, pseudo-intelligent selves."

I often read others doing the same thing. Using phrases like, "I imagine you are sitting there thinking..." Well, let's stop imagining what people are sitting there thinking. Let's start reading their words and responding. Or, if it helps, imagine them with a sweet smile on their face. Blogspot, email, im, texting: all are ripe for misunderstanding. Let's not add our arrogance to the mix.

Where in the line is Lance Burch?

Hilarious

Who Bluett?

It is time to make your guess. Who is masquerading as world class comic genius, Darrell Bluett?

The Funniest Man on Earth

Faith and a Flick

When it comes to drama, I have heard that every story borrows from The Story. And, after thinking about it, I have come to agree with Donald Miller and Mike Metzger that even the form that drama takes borrows from God's redemption epic that is being played out in HD right in front of us.

What I mean is, that the progression of Introduction/Exposition - Conflict - Rising Action - Climax - Resolution is expected every time we watch an episode of "Life" or sit down in a cinema. Why is that? Is there something written down in our code that makes us long to see glimpses of our own story reflected back at us from the screen? I think so. There is something reassuring about knowing where you are in a film. And there is something right and holy about knowing your own part in the moving picture that is human existence.

That fact is amplified when you see a redemptive film that paints a picture of salvation through faith. I am Legend is such a film. It isn't perfect. But, it is redemptive. See it.

Variety Shows... where are they now?

When I was growing up, there were these great shows with "celebrities" (sometimes pop music stars) doing sketch comedy and music. Here are some examples off the top of my head: Smothers Brothers, Tony Orlando and Dawn, Donnie and Marie, Sonny and Cher, The Mandrell Sisters, and for one glorious summer of prime time - The Hudson Brothers! Believe it or not, one of these guys married Goldie Hawn and fathered Kate Hudson. These "celebrities" would do zany stunts and sing old stand by songs and just generally celebrate Americana! I'm pretty sure it was goofy, and I'm sure that I would make fun of all of it now... but, back then - WOW! I was amazed at their talent.

So, if you could convert a popular band into a variety show, which one would you choose? Although I think the obvious choice is Hanson (corrected from Hansen - thanks, Stephanie), I am going to pick U2 - I think that show could be filled with some hilarious fun. Who would you choose?