(H/T to Gavin for the video)

I think I am a person of above-average intelligence. Truly. However, I fail to see where science and faith are mutually exclusive. My mother is a scientist; my mother is also the person who was most instrumental in my spiritual formation. One of the finest scientific minds I know (that is, know personally) belongs to a man of great faith.

Here goes the part where I alienate half (or maybe all) of the people who read my blog:

I do not believe in a literal seven twenty-four-hour-day creation. I do, however, believe that we were created. I believe that an evolutionary model may offer some insight as to how we were created, but not why. For they why, I must rely on my faith, simple as it is.

I do not believe that science and faith a re mutually exclusive. I do wonder, however, if science and religion are mutually exclusive.

This video has me chuckling, but it is somewhat bittersweet. I think Richard Dawkins has been gifted with a brilliant mind and a curious spirit. What is interesting to me, and a little sad, is that Dr. Dawkins fails to see the similarities in people of science and people of faith. Questioning, seeking, constantly searching; is that not the crux of his life's work? Does that not describe the journey of faith?


P.S. The Selfish Gene is still one on the most interesting books I have ever read.

Labels: Faith, Gripes, will she ever shut up?

When I was in Jr high, a local high school teacher was fired to demonstrating the correct way to put on a condom. (A banana was used in the demonstration) Now I hear that Kings Middle School in Portland, Maine will be offering full range contraceptive services to girls as young as 11.
Wow.

Labels: Gripes, ground control to major Tom

You know who you are. You are the parents who though it would be a fun family outing to the cinema. But why choose such a kiddie flick as Ratatouille or Surf's Up! when The Simpsons Movie looks much more interesting? Sure, why not!
Here's the thing: movies have ratings for a reason. PG-13 is most likey NOT APPROPIRATE for your 5-7 year old bairn. Not only that, but your children do not contribute to my enjoyment of the movie with their constant squawking and squirming.

Thank you for your future consideration.

Sincerely,
The Lady in the Front Row.

(In my defense, this movie outing was by way of a gift to my Jonathan. No way would I go see The Simpsons Movie on my own volition.

Labels: Gripes, ground control to major Tom, will she ever shut up?

"Destroying human life, in the hopes of saving human life, is not ethical"

Guess who?

Labels: Gripes, politics

Our sneaky-sneaky Congress and equally sneaky-sneaky president have slipped a minimum wage increase in with the rest of the pork-laden War Funding Bill. Jimmy Dean, anyone??

Labels: Gripes, ground control to major Tom, politics

The number twenty-one evokes a certain images. For many teenagers, 21 shines as that magic number- legal beer! In Las Vegas, it may conjure up Blackjack. For 26 million Americans, twenty-one dollars is their weekly food stamp allotment.

Could I do it? Could I eat for and average of $1 per meal? I am sure going to try it out. Read about the Congressional Food Stamp Challenge here

Incidentally, I have lots and lots to say about this, but I am going to exercise some restraint until I complete the task.

Labels: cheap cheap, Gripes, money, politics

Don Imus showed his butt on the radio. This is nothing new, believe me. He and his cronies have job which are the dream of adolescent boys everywhere-- get paid to sit around an insult each other and anyone else who comes to mind. It's the nature of the show.

His obnoxious remarks (and those of his producer) have, quite understandably, cost him his job. Ok? I think it is probably a wise response on the part of CBS, given that sponsors were dropping like flies.

All this makes perfect sense to me, really. And then comes the latest. Oprah. Ms. Winfrey invited the Rutgers team in question to her couches, and this is the quote I hear from Coach Stringer:

"Not only did he steal our dreams, he hurt our character of Rutgers University, our state, and all who have been associated."

Wow. Someone has just give Don Imus, stupid (albeit successful) radio host a WHOLE LOTTA POWER. Can we please get some perspective here, ladies? I am sad that these women put so much stock in what Don Imus and his neanderthal cohorts say on air.

Labels: Gripes, ground control to major Tom

Brought to you buy CBS, NCAA, and whoever made our too-comfy-for-lying-down couch.

It is a bad idea for one to fall asleep watching the UNLV game and then wake up at two-thirty when one's darling husband comes come. It is a worse idea to take a shower at two-thirty and trick your body in to thinking it is up for all day.

I wonder if it would be worse yet to go have a glass of wine and maybe get another couple hours of sleep? Sheesh.

Labels: dumb bunny, Gripes

So glad to be back in my own bed, with my own cat and my husband. I had a lovely visit with family and friends, but the time on each end without Jon wasn't as much fun, I have to say. I suppose I am a sap, but I just do not like being away from him.

I have to start with a mini-rant, I think. A few observations from our trip

1) Why does the Salisbury Regional Airport rate FOUR TSA officers on duty at one time-- this time being 5:30 AM on a January 1. There is only one security gate and the planes only have 37 passengers when full. Is this my federal tax money at work, or are they just sucking the citizens of the Peoples Republic of Maryland for this?

2) Note to supervisors everywhere: when talking to your charges on a two-way, beware of snarky comments about customers. I have enough brain cells to compose a letter of complaint.

3) Lovely Fruitland W@(-m@%t pharmacist: with that attitude, you will always be ringing up Stouffer's lasagna with the Advil Cold and Sinus. See, the joy of retail is that part of your job is to provide CUSTOMER SERVICE. Don't like it? The hospital pharmacy is always hiring.

4) Suggestion for Wicomico County Tourism Board: Come for the quiet, stay for the violent intestinal illness. Yes, Jon and I continued our Christmas tradition of going home for family, fun, and V & D. Next year? Arizona and Gram.

Ok, now that I have that out of the way, I can say that we had a fantastic visit. Jon was able to meet his newest nephew (8 mos) and we were able to meet our niece (3 mos). Lots of nephew time, lots of mom time (though not enough), and even a movie (Charlotte's Web made me cry). Good times.

Labels: family, Gripes

An interesting phenomenon occurs in my life. Each of my to do lists (and yes, I have several) seems to grow. Is someone getting them wet? Feeding them after midnight? I don't know. I only know that I am getting on an airplane in twenty-five hours and I have waaaayyy to many things left on my "To do before heading to the farm" list. I am consoling myself with the thought that none of it is brain surgery, and no one will die as long as Jon remembers to take Tele to the Kitty Spa for the week.
Oh, and anyone getting any ideas, know this: we have at least two armed guards on duty at all times here, and a very large German shepherd.

By the way, any ideas for getting rid of a sore throat? It's just post-nasal drip, but it is driving me crazzzzyyyyy!!!!

Labels: Gripes