Sizzle! For those non-Catholic adherent peoples... today is All Saints Day.
Below is a generic prayer to one's patron saint:
Glorious Saint (name of your saint), my beloved patron, you served God in humility and confidence on earth. Now you enjoy His beatific vision in heaven. You persevered till death and gained the crown of eternal life. Remember now the dangers and confusion and anguish that surround me and intercede for me in my needs and troubles, especially (name your intention here). Amen.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
on Life...
A new movie out, Bella, has prompted me to think hard about the issue of abortion. I never quite understood the whole pro-life movement... I mean I get what they're trying to do, but I guess I've always struggled with understanding why people were so passionate about this cause. It just seems like there's so many other battles people could be waging - other than protesting abortion. 
But, after viewing Bella and a personal epiphany of sorts, I think I now get it. Over the course of the past few weeks a couple of events prompted me to really think about abortion. First, was an article I read by Jonah Goldberg. Titled, Why Be Pro Life?, Goldberg lays out a fascinating case for why he's pro-life... and it makes complete sense... I strongly urge everyone take a few minutes to read it.
Next, I recently was a on grueling, last-leg of a flight back to Jackson when complete boredom found me playing endless games of brickbreaker on my blackberry. To my non-brickbreaker playing friends, I don't know how to explain the game, but essentially the goal is to "break bricks"... the game most similar is probably Tetris... but I digress...
Within the game of brickbreaker, there are certain "bonus" bricks that, if caught, offer such amenities as lasers, bombs, and other ammunition to aid in further "brick destruction". However, the greatest bonus of all is the "life" brick... it's the safety net that prevents or delays the words we all dread... "game over".
As I sat there, in seat 8B, beleaguered and trying to beat my personal record (6,940 pts), with each level getting harder and harder, the one thing I found myself craving wasn't bombs or lasers, it was the "life" brick. Because without life you simply won't get to the next level.
Can you imagine playing a video game where you never make it past level 1? Just the thought is brutal, but unfortunately, that's the case for 35+ million of our peers who never made it out of the womb. They never got to experience the "game" that you and I live and breathe everyday.
I never did beat my personal record, but I did have an interesting epiphany... the realization of the importance and sanctity of life.
I'm somewhat of an anomaly when it comes to using analogies (a college professor once commented on one of my term papers by saying, "Matthew this paper reminds me of Jessica Simpson - it's pleasant to look at, but it lacks any real substance), but for me, it took a game of brickbreaker to realize how without life, everything else doesnt' matter... you gotta have life in order to play the game and get to the next level.
But, after viewing Bella and a personal epiphany of sorts, I think I now get it. Over the course of the past few weeks a couple of events prompted me to really think about abortion. First, was an article I read by Jonah Goldberg. Titled, Why Be Pro Life?, Goldberg lays out a fascinating case for why he's pro-life... and it makes complete sense... I strongly urge everyone take a few minutes to read it.
Next, I recently was a on grueling, last-leg of a flight back to Jackson when complete boredom found me playing endless games of brickbreaker on my blackberry. To my non-brickbreaker playing friends, I don't know how to explain the game, but essentially the goal is to "break bricks"... the game most similar is probably Tetris... but I digress...
Within the game of brickbreaker, there are certain "bonus" bricks that, if caught, offer such amenities as lasers, bombs, and other ammunition to aid in further "brick destruction". However, the greatest bonus of all is the "life" brick... it's the safety net that prevents or delays the words we all dread... "game over".
As I sat there, in seat 8B, beleaguered and trying to beat my personal record (6,940 pts), with each level getting harder and harder, the one thing I found myself craving wasn't bombs or lasers, it was the "life" brick. Because without life you simply won't get to the next level.
Can you imagine playing a video game where you never make it past level 1? Just the thought is brutal, but unfortunately, that's the case for 35+ million of our peers who never made it out of the womb. They never got to experience the "game" that you and I live and breathe everyday.
I never did beat my personal record, but I did have an interesting epiphany... the realization of the importance and sanctity of life.
I'm somewhat of an anomaly when it comes to using analogies (a college professor once commented on one of my term papers by saying, "Matthew this paper reminds me of Jessica Simpson - it's pleasant to look at, but it lacks any real substance), but for me, it took a game of brickbreaker to realize how without life, everything else doesnt' matter... you gotta have life in order to play the game and get to the next level.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Miniature Earth...
Regardless of how "bad" you think you have it, Americans have it pretty well off as compared to the rest of the world. I recently saw a short video that aptly puts the "world" into perspective...
This video is just about 3 minutes long and it's called "Miniature Earth"... I think you'll enjoy it...
This video is just about 3 minutes long and it's called "Miniature Earth"... I think you'll enjoy it...
Monday, October 22, 2007
Global Warming & the Nobel Peace Prize...
Not to discredit the former Vice President for his amazing work, but how it relates to peace, I'm clueless. Ever since claiming to have invented the internet, I've always been hesitant to believe anything Mr. Gore says, so perhaps I'm biased.
But when it comes to the issue of global warming, Gore is nothing more than the messenger - it's the researchers and scientists who should be basking in the limelight - not Mr. Gore.
Granted, this particular Nobel Prize was a joint award that also recognizes the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, I'm just still a bit befuddled as to where lies the connection between global warming and world peace.
My problem is that there's another side to the story and one that's not being told. For instance, how about the fact that cow flatulence contributes more to global warming than the entire world transportation sector.
Copenhagen Business School Professor, Bjorn Lumborg recently penned an article in the Washington Post where he claims one of the greatest problems with the global warming debate today is that it's all done in extremes. There's the "deniers" who think it's just another liberal crusade, then there's the Leo DiCaprio's and Al Gore's who preach a doomsday message calling for the world march to Earth's altar, repent and go-green.
There needs to be more middle ground in the debate. Many in the Jackson community are passionate about the cause and I admire their desire to effect real change in the world. What disturbs me is the amount of people who embrace Al Gore's message as gospel.
Think back to the Ozone craze in the 90's... the thinking and rationale behind the ozone hole was much similar to the pandemonium we're seeing today with global warming. Pat Buchanan, as crazy as he may be, is one of the most independent thinkers of our day, and he suggests that, "the global-warming scare and scam is all about frightening Americans into transferring sovereignty, power and wealth to a global political elite that claims it alone understands the crisis and it alone can save us from impending disaster." And this is from a guy who ran for president as a third-party candidate and pledges allegiance to neither Republicans nor Democrats.
Every generation wants to champion a cause bigger and greater than themselves, something that gives us purpose. And with less and less of our peers attending church or embracing religion, it's neat to see people preaching environmental stewardship with an almost religious zeal.
Clearly, the hip thing to do today is to "go green", but I'm going to be a rebel and stay on the fence on this issue until I've had the chance to dig a little deeper. Not that I'm denying global warming, I just weary of buying into all the media hype that surrounds it. So, until the day we're all driving Priuses let's continue to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
And to all my friends in those draught-stricken areas, remember... conserve... "If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down."
But when it comes to the issue of global warming, Gore is nothing more than the messenger - it's the researchers and scientists who should be basking in the limelight - not Mr. Gore.
Granted, this particular Nobel Prize was a joint award that also recognizes the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, I'm just still a bit befuddled as to where lies the connection between global warming and world peace.
My problem is that there's another side to the story and one that's not being told. For instance, how about the fact that cow flatulence contributes more to global warming than the entire world transportation sector.
Copenhagen Business School Professor, Bjorn Lumborg recently penned an article in the Washington Post where he claims one of the greatest problems with the global warming debate today is that it's all done in extremes. There's the "deniers" who think it's just another liberal crusade, then there's the Leo DiCaprio's and Al Gore's who preach a doomsday message calling for the world march to Earth's altar, repent and go-green.
There needs to be more middle ground in the debate. Many in the Jackson community are passionate about the cause and I admire their desire to effect real change in the world. What disturbs me is the amount of people who embrace Al Gore's message as gospel.
Think back to the Ozone craze in the 90's... the thinking and rationale behind the ozone hole was much similar to the pandemonium we're seeing today with global warming. Pat Buchanan, as crazy as he may be, is one of the most independent thinkers of our day, and he suggests that, "the global-warming scare and scam is all about frightening Americans into transferring sovereignty, power and wealth to a global political elite that claims it alone understands the crisis and it alone can save us from impending disaster." And this is from a guy who ran for president as a third-party candidate and pledges allegiance to neither Republicans nor Democrats.
Every generation wants to champion a cause bigger and greater than themselves, something that gives us purpose. And with less and less of our peers attending church or embracing religion, it's neat to see people preaching environmental stewardship with an almost religious zeal.
Clearly, the hip thing to do today is to "go green", but I'm going to be a rebel and stay on the fence on this issue until I've had the chance to dig a little deeper. Not that I'm denying global warming, I just weary of buying into all the media hype that surrounds it. So, until the day we're all driving Priuses let's continue to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
And to all my friends in those draught-stricken areas, remember... conserve... "If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down."
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
ScoopAlert: This Friday is National Men's Grooming Day.
Attention laaaaaaaadays!! That's right, National Men's Grooming Day is this Friday, August 17th.The one day of the year you can get your man to finally do some legitimate manscaping. Whether it's a shave of the old chest or maybe something as simple as trimming the nose hairs... it's all fair game.
If there's anyplace on earth that could use some man grooming it's probably Jackson, Wyoming... so groom away fellas!!!
Cowboy up and and get your groom on!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Congrats to Jim Stanford and his friends at Saturday's "peace" rally.
They got quite a tremendous turnout but I'm still left scratching my head as to what happened with the "peace" part... I mean what's so peaceful about toppling an effigy? Sheesh, if you're going to go that far why not just go all the way and burn the darn thing while you're at it.
I'm reminded of some words of wisdom I once heard from a mentor of mine... essentially what he told me was, "J-Man whatever you do in life, no matter how emotional you are about something, make sure that your message is always delivered in a noble manner, because doing otherwise just subtracts from the honor and dignity of anything you have to say."
So, what then would possess Jim Stanford and his colleagues to make an effigy of our Vice President and topple it right in front of the eyes of innocent children? Reverting to such childish antics is clearly a sign that even they themselves didn't deem their message to have enough nobility and credence to stand on its own, so the only way they'd be heard is to do something drastic and over the top.
It's quite a shame because this morning, the talk at the water cooler isn't about the creative, ingenious ideas that came forth from Saturday's "peace" rally, but rather how people could spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Teton Valley making a mockery of themselves by drowning out a legitimate message with such half-witted antics.
BTW, the Planet has some great footage of the protest... the highlight of which has to be the guy who runs up and kicks Cheney's head off, all of this as the crowd cheers in applause... very classy touch.
I'm reminded of some words of wisdom I once heard from a mentor of mine... essentially what he told me was, "J-Man whatever you do in life, no matter how emotional you are about something, make sure that your message is always delivered in a noble manner, because doing otherwise just subtracts from the honor and dignity of anything you have to say."
So, what then would possess Jim Stanford and his colleagues to make an effigy of our Vice President and topple it right in front of the eyes of innocent children? Reverting to such childish antics is clearly a sign that even they themselves didn't deem their message to have enough nobility and credence to stand on its own, so the only way they'd be heard is to do something drastic and over the top.
It's quite a shame because this morning, the talk at the water cooler isn't about the creative, ingenious ideas that came forth from Saturday's "peace" rally, but rather how people could spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Teton Valley making a mockery of themselves by drowning out a legitimate message with such half-witted antics.
BTW, the Planet has some great footage of the protest... the highlight of which has to be the guy who runs up and kicks Cheney's head off, all of this as the crowd cheers in applause... very classy touch.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Jackson "Peace" Rally (?) to be held today...
1pm in the Stillson Lot (corner of Hwy 22 & Village Road)
Sam Petri of the Planet headlined a recent article, "Jackson Hole Rally for Peace or Cheney Protest?" in which he raises some legitimate points about the motives of the rally.
Jim Stanford, one of the organizers of the rally told Petri, “It’s an anti war protest but we’re trying to stay positive.” Just by the tones of the ads they've run and the roster of speakers they have lined up my guess is that this "peace rally" will quickly turn into a Cheney bash fest.
The organizers are quick to claim the Iraq War as "Cheney's War," pointing the blame at our Vice President but perhaps they've forgotten what leading Democrats were saying (and voting) just 4 years ago.
The fact of the matter is that we all want this war to end, but a fundamental difference between most Republicans and Democrats today is exactly "how" and on what terms do we "end" this war.
First and foremost wars don't just end... there's a winner and a loser. To simply pull out of Iraq is to surrender to the radical Islamists and make one of the greatest militaristic mistakes of all time.
To understand the consequences of our Troop's withdrawl from Iraq one must understand the enemy which we're facing. Herein lies the major problem with my friends and neighbors such as Jim Stanford. Whether you agree going into Iraq was the right decision or not, where we stand today, withdrawl would be the worst maneuver and blunder our military ever made. Let's just clarify, it wouldn't be a "withdrawl", it would be an embarassing and pitiful surrender.
We've heard it time and time again, "we can either fight them over there or fight them here in our backyard." The fact of the matter is that an American withdrawl would only be temporary, because to the enemy, withdrawl = victory (for them) and anytime you can claim that you've defeated the greatest military in the world you can bet that recruiting skyrockets. And let me reassure you, al-Qaeda isn't the type to sit around patting themselves on the back... it'll only be a matter of time before we're confronting them on our own soil.
So, simply put, we withdrawl, Al-Qaeda and other radical Islamist factions notch a decisive victory under their belt, new, fresh militant recruits come flooding in the front door and the next time our military deploys, we're looking at an enemy significantly bulstered and stronger than we could ever imagine.
One of the scariest things about our potential withdrawl is the theological implications it would bear across the Islamist world... An al-Qaeda victory (American withdrawl) is clearly seen that Allah is on their side... in essense, our withdrawl only strengthens the enemy.
I commend my friends who will be marching in the peace rally today, but I also ask them to take a long hard look at the big picture and really grasp an undestanding of what we're up against. We're a nation of fast food and T3 internet connections... everything has to be done instanteously... and the same is true of our view on war... Stu Bykofsky put it best when he said, "we want wars shorter than the World Series."
And for all the true peace activists out there, just remember one thing... you and I wouldn't be here today had it not been for another very unpopular war... the Revolutionary War.
March on!
Sam Petri of the Planet headlined a recent article, "Jackson Hole Rally for Peace or Cheney Protest?" in which he raises some legitimate points about the motives of the rally.
Jim Stanford, one of the organizers of the rally told Petri, “It’s an anti war protest but we’re trying to stay positive.” Just by the tones of the ads they've run and the roster of speakers they have lined up my guess is that this "peace rally" will quickly turn into a Cheney bash fest.
The organizers are quick to claim the Iraq War as "Cheney's War," pointing the blame at our Vice President but perhaps they've forgotten what leading Democrats were saying (and voting) just 4 years ago.
The fact of the matter is that we all want this war to end, but a fundamental difference between most Republicans and Democrats today is exactly "how" and on what terms do we "end" this war.
First and foremost wars don't just end... there's a winner and a loser. To simply pull out of Iraq is to surrender to the radical Islamists and make one of the greatest militaristic mistakes of all time.
To understand the consequences of our Troop's withdrawl from Iraq one must understand the enemy which we're facing. Herein lies the major problem with my friends and neighbors such as Jim Stanford. Whether you agree going into Iraq was the right decision or not, where we stand today, withdrawl would be the worst maneuver and blunder our military ever made. Let's just clarify, it wouldn't be a "withdrawl", it would be an embarassing and pitiful surrender.
We've heard it time and time again, "we can either fight them over there or fight them here in our backyard." The fact of the matter is that an American withdrawl would only be temporary, because to the enemy, withdrawl = victory (for them) and anytime you can claim that you've defeated the greatest military in the world you can bet that recruiting skyrockets. And let me reassure you, al-Qaeda isn't the type to sit around patting themselves on the back... it'll only be a matter of time before we're confronting them on our own soil.
So, simply put, we withdrawl, Al-Qaeda and other radical Islamist factions notch a decisive victory under their belt, new, fresh militant recruits come flooding in the front door and the next time our military deploys, we're looking at an enemy significantly bulstered and stronger than we could ever imagine.
One of the scariest things about our potential withdrawl is the theological implications it would bear across the Islamist world... An al-Qaeda victory (American withdrawl) is clearly seen that Allah is on their side... in essense, our withdrawl only strengthens the enemy.
I commend my friends who will be marching in the peace rally today, but I also ask them to take a long hard look at the big picture and really grasp an undestanding of what we're up against. We're a nation of fast food and T3 internet connections... everything has to be done instanteously... and the same is true of our view on war... Stu Bykofsky put it best when he said, "we want wars shorter than the World Series."
And for all the true peace activists out there, just remember one thing... you and I wouldn't be here today had it not been for another very unpopular war... the Revolutionary War.
March on!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Grand Teton Music Festival kicks into overdrive tonight...
I've been to a couple Bravo events and they truly do live up to their hype. Whether you're single and ready to mingle or you're looking to take the wife out for an entertaining evening, tonight's performance should be "off the hizzy".
The SCOOP:
More on Bravo:
"Bravo! is a vibrant group of 21- to 50-year-olds who share an interest in meeting other lovers of music, art, and culture, and expanding their knowledge and appreciation of classical music, while playing a vital role in shaping the Grand Teton Music Festival’s future. Bravo! membership offers young Jacksonites free and discounted tickets, and fabulous parties" (right on).
Tonight's Event: Time For Three
As described by the GTMF website:
"Everybody’s favorite eclectic string trio in everything from Bach to bluegrass! Time for Three, founded in 2001 by three Curtis Institute of Music students, is increasingly gaining attention as one of America’s brightest, most unique ensembles.August 09, 2007 8:00 pm Walk Festival HallTickets on Sale now! Don't See the seats you want? For best seating, become a subscriber. Call 307.733.1128 for more information."
The Data:
Time: 6:30pm
Where: Snake River Sporting Club
With only 2 weeks of the Grand Teton Music Festival left, the Scoop strongly suggests that all Jacksonites check this fabulous ongoing event... for more information visit the GTMF website.
Check it.
The SCOOP:
More on Bravo:
"Bravo! is a vibrant group of 21- to 50-year-olds who share an interest in meeting other lovers of music, art, and culture, and expanding their knowledge and appreciation of classical music, while playing a vital role in shaping the Grand Teton Music Festival’s future. Bravo! membership offers young Jacksonites free and discounted tickets, and fabulous parties" (right on).
Tonight's Event: Time For Three
As described by the GTMF website:
"Everybody’s favorite eclectic string trio in everything from Bach to bluegrass! Time for Three, founded in 2001 by three Curtis Institute of Music students, is increasingly gaining attention as one of America’s brightest, most unique ensembles.August 09, 2007 8:00 pm Walk Festival HallTickets on Sale now! Don't See the seats you want? For best seating, become a subscriber. Call 307.733.1128 for more information."
The Data:
Time: 6:30pm
Where: Snake River Sporting Club
With only 2 weeks of the Grand Teton Music Festival left, the Scoop strongly suggests that all Jacksonites check this fabulous ongoing event... for more information visit the GTMF website.
Check it.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Welcome to the Jackson Scoop!
This blog is dedicated to everything Jackson... from ranting about the ridiculous August traffic to praising our local men and women in uniform who ardently patrol our highways and biways... Jackson Scoop is here for you.
The first post will debut on August 10, 2007 and deals with a very serious issue that is currently facing Jackson Hole residents. Stay tuned.
The first post will debut on August 10, 2007 and deals with a very serious issue that is currently facing Jackson Hole residents. Stay tuned.
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