Blind Ambition

The New Site

2007-07-03T23:40:00.000-03:00

I'm switching over to a new blog site, so feel free to change your links to my page. My new site is

http://bryanwiens.wordpress.com

See you there.

PS - Yes, Margaret and Sarah, this does count as a post within the 30 day limit.

Leaning into summer

2007-06-04T22:37:00.000-03:00

Say hey, it's been a while. I've been busy, but that's nothing new. Really I haven't been blogging because I've been distracted by Facebook. Seriously distracted.

I've been keeping active. I ran in the team relay part of the Bluenose. I'm just finishing up playing basketball for the winter season. I've been playing soccer on Saturdays since the weather has warmed up. I'm playing softball with the same crew again and am playing ultimate, but this year not with the Slingers. I still love all those folks, but I decided I'd rather shake it up; play on a different night, a higher level of competition and with a different group of people. It's good. We've had a couple of practices and I'm learning lots. Hopefully I'll improve measurably this year. It's weird playing a sport that my Dad didn't teach me the basics as a kid. Every other sport, all of the major movements and fundamentals were taught to me at the same time I learned to walk. Well, almost.

I've had some challenges recently too. My grandfather Wiens passed away last week. I didn't know him well, but it's still challenging. And I had some unexpected adventures in getting my driveway paved. It was paved and then I realized the water coming into my house was cut. So, they had to cut a hole in my driveway, replace the pipes and fill it up with gravel. Hopefully the paving company lives up to their word and paves over the hole. It sucks paying all that money and ending up with a messed up looking driveway.

I'm looking forward to this summer. I plan to get to Chicago to visit Sean. And I may get to Ottawa as well. We'll see. I'm also hoping to get lots of camping in and am looking for fellow campers.

Also, I'm coming to the end of my time at Hillside. After 3 years I'm no longer on the Board. And I've got 2 weeks of youth leadership left. With Peter leaving and the Deep Water team leaving it kind of feels like graduation, with everyone going their own direction. In reality, most people are staying. But of those I'm close to, including myself, there's a lot of change.

It was great, the past couple of weeks, having Andrew and Sean in town. I've spent lots of time over the years with both of those guys. So, having them in town was a lot of fun and also brought back lots of good memories.

I'm looking forward to the changes and to the summer. How about you?

I Can't Believe

2007-05-31T11:55:00.001-03:00

I can't believe I was relegated to a second-tier blog on the Barrett's list. I'm shocked and appalled. It's been a little while since the last update, so I guess I'll have lots to cover. Tales of driveway paving, Greeley's wedding weekend, the start of ultimate season and the end of my time at Hillside.

That'll be soon, but for now I just want to get back in good standing. So what do you say, Sarah?

Where is God?

2007-04-02T13:01:00.000-03:00

Make sure you watch the whole clip. The final minute is a powerful answer to the question.

The once a month update

2007-03-04T22:25:00.000-04:00

I haven't been blogging much, but then again, neither have most of you so don't go throwing stones when you have a glass blog.

I've been focusing my attention towards some real world stuff. Hillside has been going through a tonne of transition. This weekend we had Rev. Jay Guptill in to candidate. The congregation voted to invite him to be the next Senior Pastor, so we'll find out soon if he'll accept (I think he will). This is a good step to keeping the church on track.

I've been talking with AJ a fair bit about his church plant, Deep Water. He will be targeting the post-Christian culture in downtown Halifax. I think he'll do a good job at that.

Also, I agreed to go on the Board for JesusAtlantic.com. If you've never gone to the site, it's the place to find all of the Christian events happening in the Atlantic provinces. Plus, there are other good church marketing materials there. Hopefully I can help provide some ideas and insight on what to do with the site next, particularly in the world of Web 2.0.

And finally, after a year and a half, I finished the book 'The End of Poverty' by Jeffrey Sachs. The joke was that poverty would be eliminated before I finished the book. I kept starting and finishing other books rather than finishing the poverty book. It was a tough read with a lot of depth in economic theory but overall I liked what Sachs had to say. He tends to be too high on his own perspective, dismissing anyone who disagrees with any of his views as irrational and to a large extent, immoral. Anyways, some good stuff in there.

It ends with a quote that I really liked from Robert Kennedy:

Let no one be discouraged by the belief there is nothing one man or one
woman can do against the enormous array of the world's ills - against misery and
ignorance, injustice and violence ... Few will have the greatness to bend
history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and
in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this
generation...

It is from the numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human
history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to
improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he send a
tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of
energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the
mightiest walls of opposition and resistance.

If I became US President

2007-02-03T13:44:00.000-04:00

If I was taking over as President of the US in 2008, here are the top 5 policies I’d implement:

1. Environmental Policy: Enact legislation addressing emissions and environmental damage. Basically, it would be a pay to pollute policy with escalating costs on a year by year basis. Business will adapt if there is incentive to do so.

2. Make late term abortions illegal: If the baby is determined to be able to live apart from the mother, even with mechanical support, the mother has no legal right to end the life. I don’t believe that any form of non-necessary abortion should be legal, but this is where I’d start.

3. Re-establish a collaborative pre-eminent world force: Like NATO or the UN only without the voices that pull more for their self-interest than for justice. So, Russia wouldn’t be there, but Australia would be. As part of this, both the Afghan and Iraq wars would be driven by this common group and a common foreign intervention policy would be enacted to monitor and control situations like Rwanda and Kosovo.

4. Address the Millenium Development Goals (MDG’s): Using Jeffrey Sachs’ idea of putting a tax, or World Investment Alternative, for the richest strata of American society.

“A 5 percent income tax surcharge on incomes above $200K directed toward the
U.S. contribution to end global poverty, which in 2004 would yield around $40
billion. That surcharge could be paid as a tax to support U.S. government
efforts, or it could be directed by the taxpayer to a qualifying charity or
philanthropy that has registered programs in support of the Millennium
Development Goals.”

5. Invest in public education. Only invest money in public schools and teachers and enact legislation that moves towards integration. People shouldn’t be entitled to a better life and real opportunities simply because their parents are rich. That is the antithesis of the American dream. It may hurt for a few years, but in the long run, it’s the only way to keep America’s competitive advantage. If the rich want to pay for their own educational resources and pay their taxes too, that’s fine. But the country cannot afford to abandon entire segments of the citizenship.

What would these do?

To start, they'd make a big dent in the environmental impacts and work to counteract the damage. Global warming is causing weather problems and is likely to cause significant refugee and geographic problems worldwide within the next 20 years.

Send a clear indication to the public that moral absolutes do exist whether they’re PC or not. Rosie can rationalize anything, but the US Government should stand for the value of human life.
Establish consistency and order in the world. The world needs both freedom and order, not simply one or the other. I don't believe that we can stand by and watch genocides, ethnic cleansings or other oppressions which destroy human life. The UN is constructed to build consensus, not for taking decisive and timely action. While it sounds like a good idea to let these committee type processes to take their course, real lives are at stake.

Impacting the uber rich may impact the campaign finance bottom line but people know it’s the right thing to do. This would allow the US to move towards meeting the MDG’s, reestablishing the country’s moral leadership in the world. Further, as per Colin Powell, addressing poverty and being known as compassionate will curtail potential terrorist hotbeds.

The US is supposed to be about an idea. It’s supposed to be about the land of opportunity for anyone who wants to work hard. It’s built on its advantages by hard work and innovation. To reduce the effectiveness of the education system cuts the legs out from those very principles.

No Iraq policy? That’s right. I think the plan to add 20,000 troops was a good plan. US military policy, when done right, is about using overwhelming force and having an exit plan. So, the 20,000 troops hopefully makes for an overwhelming force. Let them do their job in bringing stability and then work with an allied force to keep a presence in the country for many years to come. There are no solutions that have closure within 5 years that can have a happy outcome.

One thing the Iraq war has brought to light again is the change in American psyche. At one time the US felt that they were invincible. Even if they were down they could and would always come back. The common theme of public comments on Iraq is that it’s time to admit defeat, cut and run. To me, that’s a gutless approach. Regardless of your view on the original validity of the war, the US stirred up the chaos. It’s their responsibility to stick it out to establish order. Anything less would be condemning Iraq to decades of infighting and foreign interference.

In a sentence, I believe these ideas put the focus back on the value of our humanity and the importance of equality and justice inside and outside of the US.

Agree? Disagree? Just think I'm off my rocker. Leave a comment.

Action Hero

2007-01-28T00:03:00.000-04:00

Well, let's see. What to blog about today? I've got some stuff to post, inspired by the State of the Union address the other day. It's on the top 5 things I'd do if I became President of the US. I'm a bit nuts; I'm aware of that.

Anyways, in the meantime let's talk about 24. I love that show! Lots of press abou the first 4 episodes and the negative portayal of Muslims and the fear mongoring to push the Bush administration's agenda. I'm sorry, but if an idealogical slant was grounds for being kept off the air Aaron Sorkin would be pumping gas somewhere. Personally, I think they just do what they think will create tension and draw in viewers. An interesting fact on 24: it was created and planned for the first episode to be shown in the fall of 2001. In other words, the world that it is now accused of too accurately portraying is a world that was only a fear when it was first thought up.

I'm looking forward to seeing where they go with the brother/father plot. What do you think of Season 6 so far?

In other exciting news, a Jack Bauer action figure is being developed by McFarlane and will be released later in the year. Apparently they had a prototype that would have been released earlier but they sent it to Kiefer and he took it with him for a night on the town. After he and his friends had drunk a few they decided to torture the figure. That was the only prototype so the developers had to go back to the drawing board.

I'll definitely be getting this one to add to my Michael Vick, Jason Kidd, Darth Vader and Slash action figures. Don't call them dolls, they're action figures!

And finally, don't watch this clip if the phrase 'Damn it' is offensive. As Kiefer explains that's the phrase they use on 24 in lieu of swearing. Funny stuff.

"You are going to tell me what I want to know, it’s just a question of how
much you want it to hurt."

New Year's Eve Party 2006

2007-01-06T13:26:00.000-04:00

The New Year's Eve party at my house was a success! We had a good time getting ready and lots of people came out and had a good time. Lots of good food, too.

Thanks to all who came out, and to those who helped get ready and who brought food. It was a great way to welcome in the new year.

Bono Itching To Take U2 To The 'Next Level'

2007-01-02T23:36:00.000-04:00

The New Year's Eve party went great. I think everyone had a good time. I did! I'll be posting some pics in the next few days. In the meantime, here's some news for the U2 fans out there from Billboard magazine.

Bono Itching To Take U2 To The 'Next Level'

With its monster-selling Vertigo tour complete, U2 is ready to reinvent itself, frontman Bono said during a BBC Radio interview earlier this week. "Our band has certainly reached the end of where we've been at for the last couple of albums," he said. "I want to see what else we can do with it, take it to the next level; I think that's what we've got to do."

Asked by interviewer Jo Whalley if that might mean a move away from rock'n'roll, Bono replied, "We're gonna continue to be a band, but maybe the rock will have to go; maybe the rock has to get a lot harder. But whatever it is, it's not gonna stay where it is."

He went on to reveal he'd like U2 to explore compositions featuring just voice and acoustic guitar. "I would like to do a couple of tunes in that direction, with just a lot of space around the voice," he said. "I'd like to strip things down; that's something I'd be very interested in at the moment."

U2 is expected to get busy in the studio after the New Year, with an eye on releasing a new album before the end of 2007. Bono said casual fans were the target for the recently released compilation "U218 Singles," which also includes two new songs.

"We've never been much of a singles band," he admitted. "But we did it because we have a very young audience coming through, and we wanted to, you know, just be very available for people who want to check us out, you know? We wanted to have something they could check us out very easy on."

Sir Bono?

2006-12-23T11:48:00.000-04:00

Queen's knighthood for Bono

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Bono -- the Irish rock star, anti-poverty campaigner, and philanthropist -- has been awarded an honorary British knighthood, the British Embassy in Dublin said on Saturday.

"The British Embassy in Dublin takes great pleasure in announcing that Her Majesty The Queen has appointed Bono to be an honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of his services to the music industry and for his humanitarian work," according to an embassy news release.

The British ambassador to Ireland, David Reddaway, is to give Bono -- a member of the rock group U2 -- an "insignia of this honorary award" after New Year's in a ceremony in the Irish capital.

The embassy pointed out that titles such as "Sir" or "Dame" do not come with such honorary awards, "conferred on citizens of countries of which The Queen is not Head of State."

Bono is an Irish citizen. Bob Geldof, the Irish rock star who organized the Live Aid concerts, got the same award in 1986.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair said the award is well-deserved for Bono's "remarkable" humanitarian work and for his "outstanding contribution" to music with U2.

"I'll leave it to others far more knowledgeable than me to talk about U2's music. All I'll say is that, along with millions of others right across the world, I am a huge fan.

"But I feel a little more qualified to talk about your personal commitment to tackling global poverty and, in particular, to Africa," Blair said in a letter to Bono posted on the prime minister's office Web site.

"I want personally to thank you for the invaluable role you played in the run up to the Gleneagles G8 Summit.

"Without your personal contribution, we could not have achieved the results we did. So thank you and I look forward to continuing to work together to maintain momentum on Africa, and ensure leaders around the world meet the promises they have made."

Some Christmas Spirit

2006-12-17T20:30:00.000-04:00

If this doesn't put you in the spirit, I don't know what will.

Top 20 Christian Books

2006-12-04T17:13:00.001-04:00

I read someone's blog the other day where they listed their top 20 favorite Christian books. It got me thinking, what have I read and what do I still need to read. Here's my top 20 list, in no particular order.

Velvet Elvis - Rob Bell
The Barbarian Way - Erwin McManus
Uprising – Erwin McManus
What’s So Amazing about Grace? – Philip Yancey
Reaching for the Invisible God – Philip Yancey
The Jesus I Never Knew – Philip Yancey
Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas
Wild at Heart - John Eldredge
Making Life Work - Bill Hybels
Mere Christianity – C. S. Lewis
The Message – Eugene Peterson
Experiencing God – Henry Blackaby
Victory Over the Darkness – Neil T. Anderson
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire – Jim Cymbala
Rebel with a Cause – Franklin Graham
Spiritual Leadership – Bill Hybels
Hand Me Another Brick - Charles Swindoll
A New Kind of Christian - Brian McLaren
In the Eye of the Storm – Max Lucado
Boundaries – Dr. Henry Cloud

Would any of these books be on your list? What am I missing?

From Quinpool to Venice and back

2006-12-02T13:43:00.000-04:00

This Saturday's post is a journey. Hope you brought your passport.
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The show 24 rocks. I started watching it at the start of Season 3, when one of my roommates at the time agreed to explain it. 24 is a tough show to get into in the middle. If you've never seen it and are curious, go to your local video store, like Video Difference on Quinpool, and rent Season 1. I've got it if you want to borrow it.

A few years ago we used to have a party at the house (Bergman's house) every Monday night. With everyone moving in their own direction, that changed to watching it at the Monette's house (once I got them hooked). I'm really looking forward to mid-January when Season 6 starts. Here's the preview.

Any other 24 fans out there?
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Sasha and I were watching the new Bond movie, Casino Royale, last night. I enjoyed the movie with its many twists and turns.

There was an unexpected surprise near the end with some great scene shots of Venice. I love Venice. What a beautiful city on a sunny day.

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Reader Poll:
Do you watch 24?
Have you seen Casino Royale?
Have you been to Venice?

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Recommended Read: Malcolm Gladwell - What the Dog Saw

c(Red)ibility

2006-11-25T09:57:00.001-04:00

i am not but i know I AM

2006-11-25T09:33:00.000-04:00

welcome to the story of God by louie giglio

i finished reading the book, i am not but i know I AM this morning and i thought i'd share my thoughts. it's a good read, giglio is a well regarded christian speaker and author with good reason. he's a friend of andy stanley, and it seems stanley's penchant of picking a key point and driving it home emphatically is shared by giglio, in this book anyways.

as you would expect from the title, the main point is the insignificance of our lives on our own and the overwhelming love and significance in our lives when connected with "the truest, purest, most potent, most beautiful being in existence. giglio doesn't range far from this theme throughout the book. i found it repetitive with the range of stories and examples a little weak.

that said, it was a good reminder. i came away built up and put in my place, playing my role in God's story. the highlight of the book was this section:

Furious rest, you see, is not about doing nothing. It's about doing
everything we do with the quiet confidence that our lives, families, businesses,
ministries, relationships, and dreams are in His hands.
Maybe for you the circumstances are different, yet the weight is the
same. You know, the weight of trying to make yourself out to be bigger
than you are - of trying to figure out how to run your life on your own, of
always trying to determine the outcome, control the relationship, close the
deal, run the show, hold it all together, know the future, protect your
interest, build your kingdom - the weight of playing the role of God in your
life and the lives of those around you.
But be encouraged. Today is the Sabbath. Oh, it may not
literally be Sunday, but Sabbath is a state of mind and attitude of the
heart. Sabbath happens anywhere and everywhere we let go of the controls
and lay the cares of our lives at His feet.
So where is your future right now? Where is the outcome of your
pressing dilemma? Is it in your hands? Is it in the hands of the
businessman or woman on the other side of the table? Is it in the hands of
a boyfriend or girlfriend? Is it in the hands of a team of doctors?
Or is your life, and all that concerns you, in the hands of the God who
constructed the universe effortlessly in one week?
If you want more rest and less "stressed," declare this very moment to be
your Sabbath - the place where you pry your fingers off the circumstance and
people you are trying so desperately to control, the place you discover that
life really does work better in His hands instead of yours.

Why the Conservatives are doing a good job

2006-11-23T22:02:00.000-04:00

I think the federal Tories are doing a good job, all things considered. Operating under a minority mandate and in their first term in office, they've been able to move the country forward on a number of issues. They have been very pragmatic, spending more time making progress than talking about what they plan to do. While the media doesn't like this approach, I do. Here are some highlights.

Income Trusts. While you'd think I'd be upset about this one, working in the telco industry, I actually think it was a good move for Canada. Income trusts, in general, give more of their available financial resources back to investors than do corporations. Corporations are more likely to reinvest cash, operating on the principle that their business is a better option for their investors than would another option be. The tax rules the Conservatives inherited offered businesses incentive to be income trusts, thus an increasing number of businesses were moving to this structure. By removing the tax incentive for businesses to be trusts rather than corporations the Conservatives have reestablished a balance keeping business sectors that should be reinvesting to keep the economy growing, doing so. As well, they removed a loophole that potentially could have drained a lot of corporate tax revenue from the government.
Quebec as a Nation. Just announced yesterday, the Conservatives realized what the opposition parties were attempting to accomplish and moved in taking advantage of the situation an potentially solving an ongoing issue of national unity. By putting forward a motion declaring Quebec to be a nation within the nation of Canada, PM Harper essentially preempted a motion by the Bloc to declare Quebec as a nation period or a nation currently within Canada. The difference is that Harper's motion gives respect and recognition to the Quebecois, but does not change the current rights or Canada's make up. This could potentially lead to Quebec signing in to the Constitution. The Liberals were fractionally discussing the possibility of putting forward this type of motion, however Harper took advantage of the opportunity and put forward on his terms. Well done!
The Environment. Yes, yes, I know. The Tories are getting slammed in the media and by the UN on this one. They're not for Kyoto and maybe they should be. It seems Kyoto now is more a political stand than an actual set of standards/aspirations. In any case, I won't argue against the idea that Canada should be doing more to lead the green initiative, rather than dragging our heals. However, in the 13 years the Liberals were in power they publicly endorsed Kyoto and environmental standard changes, but never actually implemented them. Even more indicting, they didn't create significant budget room to enforce standards or encourage green innovation. The Conservatives are not 'cooperating' but at least they're making some actual progress.
Foreign Policy. While not all are in favour of the Afghanistan mission, the fact that the Conservatives have reinforced the military in spending and unequivocal support no doubt changes Canada's stature in world affairs. Avoiding conflicts and failing to play a role in enforcing peace and justice outside of our borders in the past decade and a half had painted Canada as a self-focused country not interested or not caring enough to put ourselves in harms way to help out others. Fighting for the Afghan people at the cost of our soldiers lives gives clear indication to the world that we will stand up for causes we believe in. If the Afghan mission was abdicated, the country would go back to being a training ground for terrorists. If they're able to install stability in government, not only will terrorists be held in check there, but there is the potential to begin addressing the drug export problem there.

I tip my hat to Prime Minister Harper and the Conservatives. I'm glad to have supported them in the past election and hope to not have to again any time soon.

As always, I welcome your thoughts.

Haggard Reality

2006-11-08T12:45:00.000-04:00

Last week's news of Ted Haggard's fall from ministry was discouraging. I won't lie. I have some harsh thoughts about it. I never quite get how people in high profile positions think that they can or should get away with these kinds of abuses.

What concerns me the most about this one is that no-one is talking about it. It's in the news, but it's not part of anyone's day-to-day discussions. It's as if people expect it now. That's a sad reality.

I read an article on the subject by Gordon MacDonald that has some good thoughts. I really like what he had to say. Give it a read.

Leader's Insight: When Leaders Implode
Ted Haggard, self-destruction, and the consequences we all suffer.
by Gordon MacDonald, Leadership editor at large

Oh, and per my last post, I need sponsors!

Bowl for Babies

2006-11-07T19:07:00.000-04:00

On Friday night I'm participating, along with my youth group, in the Bowl for Babies event. It's a fundraiser for the Pregnancy Care Centre of Halifax. I need to raise $100 for the event. If you're interested in sponsoring me, please let me know. I'd appreciate it and it's a great cause.

Only a couple of gunshots

2006-11-04T12:24:00.000-04:00

I'm back from the Brooklyn trip and happy to say it was a success. While I expected to be doing more construction, I ended up mostly doing demolition and cleanup. Essentially busting down walls and then cleaning it all up. I think swinging a sledgehammer at walls all day is every guy's dream.

What we were doing was beginning to transform an old hospital into an administration and dorm building for Metro Ministries. They have a number of buildings in that area of Brooklyn and have bought this new building, the size of a city block, with the intent of centralizing their ministry. So, walls had to be taken down and furnishings ripped out to allow them to build to their requirements.

(Picture 1: Me taking out a wall. I found a bigger sledgehammer after the pic. Picture 2: the Manhattan skyline from the roof of the building we were working on.)

The team of 25 drove in 5 vans down to Brooklyn. It took about 16 hours of driving time, so about 18 in total. Every time we stopped there was a long line for food/washrooms, as you would expect, given that there were 25 of us. I enjoyed the drive. It was long, but the guys in my van were good guys and we had some good laughs.

While we were there, when we weren't working, we got a chance to head into Manhattan 3 times and to Brooklyn Heights, doing sightseeing. Brooklyn Heights in gorgeous, probably the best view of the Manhattan skyline in the city. I was surprised at how nice downtown Brooklyn is. I had expected it all to look like the area we were working in.

The Flatbush area that we were staying was interesting. During the day I'd walk around and everything seemed normal. A noisy neighborhood with lots of nice SUV's. However, situations just seemed to explode with no warning. One night I took a group into Manhattan. A few minutes after we left there were 5 shots fired outside of our building. I saw the police bust a guy on a street corner. There was a fight outside of our window. The last night, when we were walking back from the subway (with too many shopping bags in our hands, I'll admit) a junkie and got up in our faces looking to start trouble. While it would seem to be no big deal, I didn't like the possibilities there, a bunch of white guys from Canada carrying shopping bags... I felt like we would quickly be targets. Anyways, we got out of there quickly without any real issue. But for any illusion of normalcy, it was not a good place to let your guard down.

We got a chance to check out the ministry that they do there for the kids. Thousands of kids from all over Brooklyn and Queens come every week to their programs. And they do such a good job of capturing their attention and presenting the good news to the kids. Everything flowed and was exciting, getting the kids attention, getting their energy out, making the messages catchy and memorable. All the while teaching the kids in a very direct way. I was very impressed. The dramas they did, set to music, reminded me of the street evangelism I did back in BC with DRIME.

(Picture 3: Me and some of the guys in Times Square)

On Sunday we went to Brooklyn Tabernacle. That was a highlight of my trip. The worship was moving and Pastor Cymbala had a great message from Psalms on being real in relating to God, expressing true gut feelings while still keeping the context of who God is. I took a lot from his message and enjoyed the experience.

To sum it all up, it was a worthwhile trip. The ministry is making a difference in the community, we were able to contribute, we had great team unity, Mike Miller and Go Missions do a great job, we had fun and I'm back. With no bullet holes...

(Picture 4: The whole team)

Missions Trip - NYC

2006-10-22T21:48:00.000-03:00

On Tuesday I'm heading, along with a team of 20, to Brooklyn for a missions trip. We're going to be doing renovations and light construction on a new ministry facility for Metro Ministries. It's going to be a great trip, I have no doubt.

For all of the background, click here and check out the description and the promo video.

I'm excited because it's a great opportunity to contribute to a ministry that's doing great work, reaching out to the community in Brooklyn. It's going to be a good chance to work alongside a team from a mix of Halifax area churches and to enjoy the whole road trip aspect. I think we'll get some chance to check out some sights and sounds of the big city while we're there. I always love getting into Manhattan. It's got such a fun, hyped atmosphere.

I know I'm supposed to go on this trip. This summer, through the Bell/Aliant transition, I was unexpectedly given an extra 5 days vacation to use this year. When I found out that news I prayed that God would give me an opportunity to make good use of it in a way that didn't cost me too much (as a new homeowner!) . I tried to do some other things like counsel at kids camp but nothing worked out. About a month ago, I received an email from Mike Miller inviting me to fill one of the final spots on the team for this trip. A couple of days prior to Mike's email I was doing some work around the house and I got a sense that I needed to build my construction skills so I started trying to figure out how to do it. When I got his email I kind of laughed because it fit exactly with what was going on in my head.

I'm looking foward to the trip and to see what God's going to do through our team.

Please pray for me and for the team. I'd ask that you pray for safety in travelling and in our work, for success in meeting our objectives, for learning and growing through the experience and for God to fulfill whatever purposes He has through the trip.

Thanks. I'll be back on Halloween with pictures and stories.

30 is the new 20

2006-10-12T12:40:00.000-03:00

Here are the top 10 lists, all mixed together. I alternate between reasons why I’m old or not old and a counter. Feel free to add comments !

Is Bryan old, the Top 10 Lists

Not Old - I’m going to a rock concert next month.
Old – The band’s last big hit was 15 years ago.

Old – I drive a “family car”
Not Old – I drive a Corolla because I can’t afford a better car

Not Old - Just bought a PS2
Old - Waited for several years before buying PS2 to ensure I really wanted it.

Old - I’m addicted to coffee (but I could stop if I wanted, right Margaret?)
Not Old - Starbucks is my coffee of choice

Not Old - I hang out with Jr. High and High School kids regularly
Old - Jr. High and High School kids think I’m old

Old - I can date girls born in another decade without fear of the law (gotta love the 80's)
Not Old – Nevermind :-)

Old - I didn’t get on the Internet until University (it's true!)
Not Old - I run an Internet business

Not Old - I like to hang out with my friends
Old - Most of my friends are either married, have kids, have their own houses or any combination therein

Old - I like to talk about ‘back when’ areas of the city were undeveloped
Not Old - I live in an area that wasn’t developed 5 years ago

Not Old - I play on my grass
Old - When someone mentions illegal and grass together I think of Roundup.

Shopocracy

2006-10-05T12:04:00.000-03:00

There are a lot of both happy and unhappy people today with the opening of Sunday shopping. The NS government has decided, based on a court decision, to remove restrictions on store hours.

I question, why did the courts get to decide? Two years ago there was a plebicite, a democratic vote, which was communicated as binding legislation. The vote was close but more people voted to keep stores shut on Sundays than to allow them to open.

Have the courts not just trumped the democratic process? This decision is counter to the expressed will of the people.

It is the job of the government to create legislation. We, the people, elect representatives to create laws that represent our interests and protect those who can't protect themselves. The courts are established, independent of the political process, to interpret and enforce these laws.

Increasingly in Canadian society we've seen courts determining laws and setting the moral tone in lieu of the appropriate government body. Judges, appointed and not accountable to the people, are determining the foundations and common principles of our society.

If judges are being given this power, should they not be elected with predefined terms in office?

Trip to Boston

2006-09-28T22:51:00.000-03:00

I was in Boston a few weeks ago to visit my sister. It was a great trip. We went to a Sox game, did some outlet shopping, and went to a State Fair. Also, they had a pre-birthday party for me. Here are some pics. Doesn't the belt buckle from the State Fair say it all?

Thanks to The Sister for being a great host!

Stay tuned. The next post will include details from my 30th birthday bash including the Top Ten Signs I'm Getting Old and Top Ten Signs I'm Not Getting Old. Hold your breath!

A Couple of things...

2006-09-28T22:31:00.001-03:00

Graeme Higgs asked me to write a column for the C&C Newsletter as a welcome from alumni to this year's group. Here's my colunm.

Welcome to CnC

God has done some amazing things over the past ten years of College & Career at the Higgs. I have seen many lives changed and made many great friends through the ministry. It is always exciting to see people getting passionate about their walk with Jesus.

This year you have the chance to be a part of a special ministry. You can experience some great worship, hear some insightful teaching and give and receive of who you are in your small group, all the time learning and growing in community. The adventure that God wants to take you on starts with you getting focused in your walk with Him and on how you can love those around you.

I mentioned seeing lives changed. I have seen C&Cers changing parts of the world through missions experiences. I have seen campus ministries thrive through the work of C&Cers. And I have seen the College & Career ministry launch many people off into the community and ministry of the local church.

So, you get to be a part of God’s tradition through the Higgs’ ministry. It is a great
opportunity. Let me encourage you to push yourself to make some new friends, challenge your mind to some new thoughts and jump with both feet into the adventure that God has for you.

I thank God for His work in my life through the ministry and ask His richest blessings on your time there.

Also, big news for me. At the end of October I will be going to Brooklyn with a work team from Go Missions to do construction on an inner city children's ministry facility. I'm excited! It should be a great experience and a great chance to contribute while building my handyman skills.

The Dance of Diplomacy

2006-09-13T12:53:00.000-03:00

This is a funny article about Peter Mackay and Condi Rice. I had a good laugh.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/13/washington/13diplo.html?ex=1158811200&en=b3726522ba2eb521&ei=5070&emc=eta1

And, for those who wondered if all roads lead to Halifax...

Rock Star

2006-08-28T12:50:00.000-03:00

I’ve been watching Rockstar: SuperNova this summer. It’s a great show, good music, good personalities, interesting storyline. One of the interesting things, if you go to the show’s Web site, is the list of what each of the people on the show are listening to. Sort of a top 10 songs on their personal playlist. I’ve seen this sort of thing on iTunes as well. So, as a wannabe rock star, here’s my playlist (in no particular order) for your enjoyment.

Exo-politics – Muse

It’s Beginning to Get to Me – Snow Patrol

Nothing in My Way – Keane

Catcher in the Rye – Guns N’ Roses

Loving the Alien – Velvet Revolver

Indescribable – Chris Tomlin

Angels – Robbie Williams

One – U2 feat. Mary J. Blidge

Bad Timing – Blue Rodeo

Golddigger – Kanye West

Yeah, I know. My musical tastes are unusual. What does your list look like?

This is a first

2006-08-18T23:59:00.000-03:00

Ok. As of this very post, I believe I am the first person to ever scoop Sarah Barrett in online Blog event posting. Check out the pics from her birthday party tonight.

Happy Birthday, Sarah! And tomorrow (19th), Mr. Andrew H. (last name removed to protect his identity) turns 30. Wow. I hope that never happens to me! Happy Birthday, Andrew!

Last weekend Sasha and I were up to a wedding in Saint John, NB. Here are some cute pics.

And finally, I was up in Ottawa for Canada Day. Here are some pics.

The first is me in front of Parliament Hill. The second is Andrew and Mike in the pool. And finally, Andrew, roommate Nick and Simone (right to left) hanging at Nick's house. It was a very fun weekend and I came back with quite a tan but disappointed that Andrew didn't have enough pull to get me an audience with the PM.

So there you have it. The past month plus in a nutshell. Trips, birthdays, weddings... not blogging and taking heat for it!

It looks like I'm going to be going to see The Sister in mid-September down in Massachusetts. That should be fun.

Alright. I need to post this to ensure I get it online before Sarah does. Later.

Events happen in real time

2006-07-24T22:41:00.000-03:00

Not only is that, Events happen in real time, the first line shown in season 1 of 24, but it's true. I know. I just bought the DVD's.

It's crazy to think that it's July 24 already. With the weather we've been having, it feels like it should still be May, I think. Thus far this summer we've missed 5 of 7 ultimate games due to rainouts. Softball hasn't been so bad, but it seems like our ultimate season is cursed. And with all the work Lau is doing trying to drill the vertical stack into us... poor guy.

Along with trying to play a few sports, I've been having some folks over to my house. Here are a couple of pics.

This one's from my family housewarming party. Most of the relatives from near and far (cousin-in-law Tonya's parents).

And this one's of poker night. We'll have to have one again soon.

I didn't take any pics from Ian's 31st birthday party (10 days late) last night. Anyways, Happy Birthday Ian!

That's the story for now. Hopefully this post will get more comments than the past few!

B

My Sister Wears Prada

2006-07-19T22:46:00.000-03:00

Congrats to The Sister on getting published in the online version of Relevant Magazine. Check it out. http://www.relevantmagazine.com/pc_article.php?id=7220

She also got published last year with a picture of U2 in Rolling Stone Magazine.

So there you go.

And, as for the question 'Bryan, when are you going to put up a real blog post?' Answer: later.

That's all.

B

Aliant Hotspots changing the way customers connect for business or travel - SolutionInc selected to provide critical back office services

2006-06-27T15:12:00.000-03:00

For those of you who don't think I do any work... this is my latest product launch. Paul Pothier is my boss' boss. SolutionInc sent me a nice box of cookies today to celebrate. mmmmm.....

Aliant Hotspots changing the way customers connect for business or travel - SolutionInc selected to provide critical back office services Now available in locations across Atlantic Canada

HALIFAX, June 27 /CNW/ - Customers working or traveling across AtlanticCanada now have access to a fast and reliable Aliant Hotspot service. Theinnovative commercial service - employing wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology- is being launched today by Aliant, the leading information andcommunications technology provider in the region, in collaboration withSolutionInc Limited (TSX-VEN:STL), a leader in Internet connectivity and hotspot management.

Aliant Hotspots offer customers the convenience of accessing the Internetwhile away from home or work using their Wi-Fi enabled wireless device, suchas a laptop. "Aliant is proud to provide a reliable, easy to use hotspot service toour customers and the many travelers to the Atlantic region," said PaulPothier, Director, Wireless Business Marketing, Aliant. "Together withindustry leader SolutionInc, we are able to provide our customers a servicethat offers 24-hour customer support, access from a wide variety of locationsand across the high-speed network our customers have come to rely on."

The following public and private locations provide Aliant Hotspotservice:
- Charlottetown Airport
- Deer Lake Regional Airport
- Greater Moncton International Airport
- Saint John Airport
- Marine Atlantic Terminals
- Argentia, NL
- North Sydney, NS
- Port-Aux-Basques, NL
- Moncton Coliseum Complex

Visitors to the Moncton Coliseum Complex can use the new, co-hosted WiFiMoncton / Aliant Hotspot service powered by SolutionIP(TM) Enterprise andenjoy a reliable and secure Internet connection. "Guests to the coliseumduring the 2006 Canadian Hockey League Memorial Cup Tournament last month gavethe Hotspot service rave reviews," boasted Mr. Dan Babineau, Director ofInformation Systems, City of Moncton. "We are very pleased with the service and the support that Aliant and SolutionInc have shown us."

"Our solution is ideal for an innovative company like Aliant,"SolutionInc President and CEO Mr. Glen Lavigne comments. "We are in thebusiness of connecting people and communities through the delivery of ourInternet management software and services. This solution allows Aliantcustomers to capitalize on the exploding public access and hotspot market."The service is easy to sign up for and simple to use, with payment optionsranging from one hour to 24 hour access through credit card payment.

In March, Aliant and SolutionInc announced a partnership to providehotels and enterprises with the fastest and most reliable Wi-Fi Internetconnectivity in Atlantic Canada using SolutionIP(TM) software. SolutionIncprovides back end management and support for the services.

The Gas Price Soap Box

2006-06-24T12:56:00.000-03:00

Gas prices are higher than they used to be.

I remember era's in life largely by what price my dad was complaining the gas price was. I remember when it broke the $.50/L mark. Not a happy day. It got even worse when I started paying for my own gas and it broke the $.60 and then the $.70 marks and then it seemed to jump straight to the $1.00 mark. Not happy times.

It got me thinking...

Sure, paying for gasoline is expensive. The increase in the cost of oil and gas causes the increase in price of most all consumer goods. As it costs more to move stuff around, prices generally go up. This is not good. I never like it when prices go up but I'm not receiving any additional value. But I digress.

See, I don't think the price of gas is the most outrageous and scandalous cost in the marketplace today. And here's why I think that. Imagine if you had to fill your tank with oh, say, Pepsi. A 595 ml bottle of Pepsi costs about $1.50 plus that darned $.10 per bottle deposit. All for a small container of sugar water.

Even worse. What if you had to fill your tank with a bottle of bottled water. Same price and they don't even add the sugar and harmful chemicals! They go to the nearest lake and hook you up with a bottle of stuff they did nothing to create and very little to add value to. Don't think for a second that they're hauling that stuff from some magical mountain in France somewhere.

And then we get to gas. Yes, it costs a lot to fill your tank. I understand. But think about how much we'd be paying for bottled water if it could only be found in say, Saudi Arabia.

That'd be nuts.

My point is this. I'm not sure that ranting on gas prices is the most creative use of our time. Maybe if vehicles consumed less of the stuff, the price wouldn't matter too much. If you went to your local Sobeys and saw a 1L bottle of Pepsi for for $1.10 you may or may not buy it, but you wouldn't be morally outraged. So, sell the SUV, shut off the car rather than letting it idle, get your engine tuned up, walk instead of driving. Whatever.

Just remember the next time you're drinking Pepsi or a $50 bottle of wine, or are considering buying a bottle of perfume (sorry The Sister) - how costly would it be if I actually needed this stuff?

There Margaret. No more hate mail and threats please! {smirk}

Out.

Just a quick update

2006-06-05T23:14:00.000-03:00

Hey,
The past month or so has been quite eventful, but busier than I would prefer. I've been in my house now for about 6 weeks. On May 6 I had a big house warming party. Since then, I've been doing all of the normal house things like mowing my lawn and hanging towel racks. It's actually a great feeling. I love having my own place! I bought a BBQ the other day but haven't had time to put it together.

On the May long weekend I chaperoned a youth trip to Sackville, NB for May Rally. As part of that we went to see The Newsboys in Saint John. Fun times!

Along the way I've been helping a friend of mine, Andrew Black, in his political campaign in Halifax Needham. No, I don't live in the riding, but he's a good guy who deserves a chance to be in government. Plus, the NDP incumbant is very left-wing which doesn't help anybody. I've been helping with scheduling and volunteer coordination mostly.

Also, I was house-sitting for a few weeks for a friend. Fun, but a little bit of a hassle, what with the new house and all.

This past weekend Vanessa and I went to see Stabillo at The Marquee. They put on a good show.

This weekend I'll be at Caton's Island Camp speaking at a youth ministry leader's convention. I'll be speaking for 75 minutes so as if the topic wasn't challenging enough, the length will be a first for me.

And that's about it. As fun and challenging as it all is I need a break. I feel bad for poor Lau, he's called me like 3 times and I haven't had time yet. After this weekend and the election, life should clear up. Or at least that's my hope.

That's all.

Productivity - Aliant Style

2006-05-24T10:01:00.000-03:00

This is a friend's cubicle the day he came back from vacation.

Oh, and I should pay tribute to 24, the greatest show ever! Thanks to Mark & Lauren for hosting every week. The season finale on Monday was awesome. I loved it!

Jesse Helms on Bono

2006-05-12T23:31:00.000-03:00

I haven't blogged much lately and people are starting to complain. Ok, not really. But when I do things like include my blog address in emails people say 'you don't blog much', and then I feel kind of dumb.

Anyways, the house is awesome. Party Saturday night, if you're interested and in Halifax, get in touch.

Here's an interesting article I thought you might find interesting.

From Time.com on Bono

"I Knew That He Was Genuine"By JESSE HELMS

Posted Sunday, Apr. 30, 2006
When I was first told in 2000 that Bono wanted to meet with me to talk about boosting U.S. aid to Africa, I didn't know who he was. But my Senate staff certainly did. After so many years in Washington, I had met enough people to quickly figure out who is genuine and who is there for show. I knew as soon as I met Bono that he was genuine. He had his facts in hand and didn't have any agenda other than doing all he could to help people in desperate need.

Along with Franklin Graham, Bono, 45, helped me understand the scope of the tragedy in Africa, especially the pain it is bringing to infants and children and their families. Once I understood, I made both men a promise that I would do all I could to help. Senator Bill Frist and I were allies in creating and passing a bill to commit $200 million to fight AIDS in Africa. The challenges are still enormous, but I think there can be a very good future for Africa if the cycles of death, poverty and armed conflict can be overcome.

I admire Bono's dedication and his willingness to make decisions. There is no pretense about him. In fact, he has opened himself up to criticism because he has been willing to work with anyone to find help for these children. After our first meeting, he invited me to be his guest at a U2 concert. My grandchildren were only too happy to come along. Bono enjoys telling people that I said watching the audience swaying to the music reminded me of a cornfield rustling in the wind. It was also a reminder of the millions he manages to touch every day with his music and his heart.

Helms is a former Senator from North Carolina

How to change the world

2006-04-22T13:01:00.000-03:00

I found an article written by Malcolm Gladwell, author of The Tipping Point and Blink, about Rick Warren. The article breaks down the success Warren has had with The Purpose Driven Life, his church and his ambitions for God. This is a great article. If you read it, it will be the best thing you've read all day. Let me know what you think.

Other Notes:
I'm moving next weekend to my new house. I'm very excited. As a first time homeowner it will be an experience living under my own roof! What with my big yard I'm going to need to buy a good lawnmower. It seems there's a lot of things to buy for a new house. I also have very little for decorations, art, etc. If you have any suggestions, let me know. I plan to get some of my pictures blown up and framed.

Yes, in my last post I spelled Yancey wrong. I stand corrected. The worst part is that I had a book of his on my desk as I wrote the post. Terrible!

Congrats to Rick and Danielle on the birth of their new little girl, Elliot.

Have a good week!

Philip Yancy

2006-04-16T21:05:00.000-03:00

I have read a lot of books that I've enjoyed. Often if I enjoy a book by an author I'll generally like most if not all of his or her other writings. Writing style and the ability to draw true insight are elements that seem to go beyond one book. Of the writers who I enjoy most, Malcolm Gladwell, Erwin McManus, CS Lewis, Marcus Buckingham, there's one who really stands out, Philip Yancy. Yancy's written quite a few books and I've read most of them. I still have a few to catch up on. All of his books have maintained his edgy questioning while ending at a place of contentment, stronger and more at peace for the picking at the edges of faith and life.

I've been reminded of this past few weeks of the importance and superiority of 3 of Yancy's books, What's So Amazing about Grace?, The Jesus I Never Knew and Reaching for the Invisible God. I consider all 3 to be masterpieces. What's So Amazing about Grace? is without question my favorite book. It opened my eyes to the centrepiece concept of the gospel story. It poked a lot of holes in some traditional thinking not in a way to create controversy, but by clarifying the better way. I recommend that book to anybody and everybody, both those of faith in Jesus and those who wouldn't consider it.

In The Jesus I Never Knew, Yancy does a great job of revealing the figure of Jesus Christ as a misunderstood character. The ultimate victim of being portrayed in the light of the one doing the portraying. We like to fancy God to be in our own image and we like to use Jesus as backup to our preconceived ideas. Yancy addresses that head-on. Really, I like any story that reveals the true Christ as the hero.

Finally, Reaching for the Invisible God is the least well known of the 3, but I think it stands up to the other 2. I spoke to a good friend this week about having doubts in faith and much of what Yancy spelled out in this book fit into the conversation. "God's invisibility guarantees I will experience times of doubt". "God appears far less threatened by doubt than does His church". Yancy hits the nail on the head for honest believers and addresses our pronness to seek more assurance than God has provided.

In one section touching on our need to treat God as we would a trusted friend he speaks of mature faith:

"I am learning that mature faith, which encompasses both simple faith and fidelity, works the opposite of paranoia. It reassemples all the events of life around trust in a loving God. When good things happen, I accept them as gifts from God, worthy of thankgiving. When bad things happen, I do not take them as necessarily sent by God - I see evidence in the Bible to the contrary - and I find in them no reason to divorce God. Rather, I trust that God can use even those bad things for my benefit. That, at least, is the goal toward which I strive."

I appreciate honesty. Philip Yancy writes honestly and pushes me further than I was when I picked up his books. I recommend you give one a read.

The Edge Goes Solo

2006-04-01T10:55:00.000-04:00

DUBLIN - Anti-poverty activists were stunned today when U2's lead guitarist, The Edge, announced that he will be flying solo in activist efforts from this point forward.

"Today, I am happy to announce the launch of Campaign Deuce, or The Deuce for short," said The Edge at a noontime press conference. "The Deuce will call for the United States to give an additional 2% of their budget to eradicating poverty and its root causes. I mean, nothing against the Bono and 'Brangelina,' but a mere 1% reeks of 1990s incrementalism."

The reference to "1% for poverty" is a not-so-subtle shot at the One Campaign, founded by bandmate Bono and several nonprofits, the goal of which is to increase the United States foreign aid budget by 1%. One of the prominent symbols of the One Campaign and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty is a white rubber bracelet worn by concerned anti-poverty activists.
However, one white band just doesn't cut it for The Edge. "Activists need two white bands to make a real statement. At The Deuce's website, you'll find a permanent two-for-one special. In your face, One Campaign!"

Asked to comment on The Edge's announcement, Bono tried to take the high ground, but couldn't resist a few jabs. "The Edge has to do what's best for The Edge," said Bono. "I just hope Yoko Ono didn't have anything to do with this."

Party Friday

2006-03-14T23:02:00.000-04:00

For all those in Halifax, Friday night we're having a going away party for Andrew House at the house on Cedar Street at 7:30. Bring drinks or snacks but not lame stuff like chips or pretzels. Bring fresh fruit or frozen fruit or juice for smoothies.

Congrats to the Barrett's on the newest addition to their family, Naomi Elizabeth. I'm so happy for you guys! Did I win the Tim Horton's coupons or what?

On 24 this week Tony Almeida died. I'm in denial. Seriously, I didn't think he actually died until I saw it on the 24 Official Site. Tony was a great character, one of the few left from Season 1. However, this is not going to stop me from watching. 24 is what makes me look forward to Mondays! Every Monday, party at Mark & Lauren's!

Here's a poll for you to give feedback on. This article ranks the top 50 most influencial Christians in America. Personally, I think they covered the key ones that I can think of, perhaps with the exception of Jim Wallis and Philip Yancy. I was surprised at how low the Pope was rated but happy to see McManus make the list. Good to see Warren and Hybels rated so high. I was surprised to see Brian McLaren so low and pleasantly surprised to have Donald Miller left off the list. My final thoughts on it, too many writers and pastors and not enough artists, other famous people or 'doers'. Where are the Christian musicians with influence?

The new job is going quite well, the house closing date is April 27. Moving day is April 29. Any volunteers?

2 Articles

2006-03-01T21:50:00.000-04:00

I found 2 articles which I found very interesting. I'd encourage you to check them out.

The first is a USA Today article titled Power, maturity steer Christian movement . In this opinion piece, the writer contrasts the current response of the Christian community to past reactions when dealing with controversial issues. I really appreciated what he had to say; if Christians truly are focusing on building and loving rather than complaining and building up walls, the world may begin to hear the message.

Here's the final paragraph of the article.

The refusal to launch a battle royal against the pro-gay messages of Brokeback Mountain doesn't show the weakness or defeatism of religious conservatives. Instead, it displays their strength and optimism as a maturing mass movement currently more interested in creating than complaining.
USA Today Article

Also, I saw one tonight on the Chinese government's crack down on the underground church in their country. This is a shame and something we need to be mindful of.

Canadian Press Article.

Be sure to post a comment and share your thoughts.

Bryan

In Case You Didn't Know

2006-02-26T22:37:00.000-04:00

Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is hiding.

www.homestarrunner.com is the coolest online cartoon site.

There is no such thing as global warming. Chuck Norris was cold, so he turned the sun up.

I once dressed as Strongbad for Halloween.

Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.

The musician Kenna has the coolest sound you've never heard.

When Chuck Norris falls in water, Chuck Norris doesn't get wet. Water gets Chuck Norris.

Except maybe The Arcade Fire.

When an episode of Walker Texas Ranger was aired in France, the French surrendered to Chuck Norris just to be on the safe side.

Bono had some interesting things to say after his National Prayer Breakfast Address.

When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.

Who am I kidding. You're not going to click to see more Bono quotes. I'll include them here.

More Chuck Norris Facts.

Bono:
"I've never seen why there should be a separation," he said. "...Much of my life I've been asked, 'Why doesn't your music proclaim Christ?' ...It does!"

"...Creation has its own proclamation [of its Creator]," he continued. "I'd like to think our music has had the same qualities to it."

"When I read scripture, there are no compartments to your life... When I read scripture, these men are wild with a greed for God and mammon."

"[Making music] without truthful telling of where you are in your life is bull---t," he went on to say.

Bono referenced "happy clappy" songs that were short on "grit," explaining this was his impression of Christian music. "...until I met you and others who looked and acted like myself... These artists upheld humility... And some of them, I heard their music and found that I liked it. I stopped thinking of their music as 'Christian music.' ...They also made very effective student activists."

He affirmed he had a remaining discomfort with the label "Christian music" and then said, "Now, I'm not talking about worship leaders, I'm talking about songwriters and recording artists. Being a worship leader is a calling to the highest of all art forms, to worship and call people into the presence of God." Bono then stated that some of his favorite worship music includes Charles Wesley's hymns, Handel's Messiah, Jewish liturgical chanting, and songs with "raw" emotion.

Did you follow?

And the winner is....

2006-02-20T19:26:00.000-04:00

House #3!

As of a few minutes ago, I am now the proud (and broke) owner of a new home. I bought the house at 122 Beech Tree Run in Lakeside (aka Beechville Estates).

Thanks for all of your feedback. I took a lot into account, but what it came down to was that I liked the layout of this house best and the lot is amazing. It's got a huge backyard. I can see a volleyball net going up this summer.

My ownership date is May 1. Between now and then the builder is going to fix up a few things in the house and finish the landscaping. Once I take ownership I'm going to hire someone to put a door into the basement.

This is all pretty cool!

Here are the pics of the new place.

Living Room

Dining Room

Kitchen

Back Yard

Master - Ensuite Bathroom

Downstairs

5 Finalists

2006-02-12T18:45:00.000-04:00

Hey, this is almost like a reality TV show right here on my blog. Here are the 5 houses that seem to be the finalists. Let me know what you think of them. Oh, by the way, good call on the first of the houses I posted last time. The house sucked.

House #1:
MLS®: 11155
Benefits: Westmount subdivision; cool looking

Drawbacks: Smaller, less benefits, higher priced

House #2:
MLS®: 40700809

Benefits: Clayton Park West area, good size

Drawbacks: Unfinished basement, not much of a yard

House #3:
MLS®: 40828899

Benefits: New house, biggest yard left in subdivision

Drawbacks: Unfinished basement

House #4:
MLS®: 40829004

Benefits: New house, good sized yard, finished basement, corner jacuzzi

Drawbacks: Not really any

House #5:
MLS®: 40828980

Benefits: Good sized yard, finished basement, corner jacuzzi

Drawbacks: A bit pricey

What I took from your previous comments is to not buy a house with a minivan in the picture or kids slides in the backyard. Done!

Send your feedback. This could be it. I may just be buying a house. Woohoo!

Out.

The Poll

2006-02-08T12:41:00.000-04:00

Life keeps on moving. I've recently changed jobs, moving from a Product Management job in Broadband to a Market Management job in Mobility. I had planned to move from the team I'd been on for about 6 years and this opportunity came up so I grabbed it. My new team is great, new manager seems really good to work with and I've got lots of friends in the new office which is a blessing. Change is good, particularly when it's positive change.

I'm also in the market for houses. Anyone who knows me is laughing because they know I've just gone through a process of test driving about 10 cars and still have not bought one. But, with the new job I decided that it made more sense for me to invest in a house and worry about the cars later.

So, now you get a chance to vote. Here are some of the houses I'm looking at in Lakeside. You can see all the details on the house at www.mls.ca by going to Advanced Search and entering the house number. Cast your vote and feel free to comment on why you think that's the house for me. Cool?

MLS®: 40828022

MLS®: 40827230

MLS®: 40820433

Bono's Remarks to the National Prayer Breakfast

2006-02-03T11:17:00.000-04:00

Thank you.

Mr. President, First Lady, King Abdullah, Other heads of State, Members of Congress, distinguished guests…

Please join me in praying that I don’t say something we’ll all regret.

That was for the FCC.

If you’re wondering what I’m doing here, at a prayer breakfast, well, so am I. I’m certainly not here as a man of the cloth, unless that cloth is leather. It’s certainly not because I’m a rock star. Which leaves one possible explanation: I’m here because I’ve got a messianic complex. Yes, it’s true. And for anyone who knows me, it’s hardly a revelation.

Well, I’m the first to admit that there’s something unnatural… something unseemly… about rock stars mounting the pulpit and preaching at presidents, and then disappearing to their villas in the South of France. Talk about a fish out of water. It was weird enough when Jesse Helms showed up at a U2 concert… but this is really weird, isn’t it?

You know, one of the things I love about this country is its separation of church and state. Although I have to say: in inviting me here, both church and state have been separated from something else completely: their mind. .

Mr. President, are you sure about this?

It’s very humbling and I will try to keep my homily brief. But be warned—I’m Irish.

I’d like to talk about the laws of man, here in this city where those laws are written. And I’d like to talk about higher laws. It would be great to assume that the one serves the other; that the laws of man serve these higher laws… but of course, they don’t always. And I presume that, in a sense, is why you’re here.

I presume the reason for this gathering is that all of us here—Muslims, Jews, Christians—all are searching our souls for how to better serve our family, our community, our nation, our God.
I know I am. Searching, I mean. And that, I suppose, is what led me here, too.

Yes, it’s odd, having a rock star here—but maybe it’s odder for me than for you. You see, I avoided religious people most of my life. Maybe it had something to do with having a father who was Protestant and a mother who was Catholic in a country where the line between the two was, quite literally, a battle line. Where the line between church and state was… well, a little blurry, and hard to see.

I remember how my mother would bring us to chapel on Sundays… and my father used to wait outside. One of the things that I picked up from my father and my mother was the sense that religion often gets in the way of God.

For me, at least, it got in the way. Seeing what religious people, in the name of God, did to my native land… and in this country, seeing God’s second-hand car salesmen on the cable TV channels, offering indulgences for cash… in fact, all over the world, seeing the self-righteousness roll down like a mighty stream from certain corners of the religious establishment…

I must confess, I changed the channel. I wanted my MTV.

Even though I was a believer.

Perhaps because I was a believer.

I was cynical… not about God, but about God’s politics. (There you are, Jim.)

Then, in 1997, a couple of eccentric, septuagenarian British Christians went and ruined my shtick—my reproachfulness. They did it by describing the Millennium, the year 2000, as a Jubilee year, as an opportunity to cancel the chronic debts of the world’s poorest people. They had the audacity to renew the Lord’s call—and were joined by Pope John Paul II, who, from an Irish half-Catholic’s point of view, may have had a more direct line to the Almighty.
‘Jubilee’—why ‘Jubilee’?

What was this year of Jubilee, this year of our Lords favor?

I’d always read the Scriptures, even the obscure stuff. There it was in Leviticus (25:35)…
‘If your brother becomes poor,’ the Scriptures say, ‘and cannot maintain himself… you shall maintain him… You shall not lend him your money at interest, not give him your food for profit.’

It is such an important idea, Jubilee, that Jesus begins his ministry with this. Jesus is a young man, he’s met with the rabbis, impressed everyone, people are talking. The elders say, he’s a clever guy, this Jesus, but he hasn’t done much… yet. He hasn’t spoken in public before…
When he does, is first words are from Isaiah: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,’ he says, ‘because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.’ And Jesus proclaims the year of the Lord’s favour, the year of Jubilee. (Luke 4:18)

What he was really talking about was an era of grace—and we’re still in it.

So fast-forward 2,000 years. That same thought, grace, was made incarnate—in a movement of all kinds of people. It wasn’t a bless-me club… it wasn’t a holy huddle. These religious guys were willing to get out in the streets, get their boots dirty, wave the placards, follow their convictions with actions… making it really hard for people like me to keep their distance. It was amazing. I almost started to like these church people.

But then my cynicism got another helping hand.

It was what Colin Powell, a five-star general, called the greatest W.M.D. of them all: a tiny little virus called A.I.D.S. And the religious community, in large part, missed it. The one’s that didn’t miss it could only see it as divine retribution for bad behaviour. Even on children… Even fastest growing group of HIV infections were married, faithful women.

Aha, there they go again! I thought to myself Judgmentalism is back!

But in truth, I was wrong again. The church was slow but the church got busy on this the leprosy of our age.

Love was on the move.

Mercy was on the move.

God was on the move.

Moving people of all kinds to work with others they had never met, never would have cared to meet… Conservative church groups hanging out with spokesmen for the gay community, all singing off the same hymn sheet on AIDS… Soccer moms and quarterbacks… hip-hop stars and country stars… This is what happens when God gets on the move: crazy stuff happens!

Popes were seen wearing sunglasses!

Jesse Helms was seen with a ghetto blaster!

Crazy stuff. Evidence of the spirit.

It was breathtaking. Literally. It stopped the world in its tracks.

When churches started demonstrating on debt, governments listened—and acted. When churches starting organising, petitioning, and even—that most unholy of acts today, God forbid, lobbying… on AIDS and global health, governments listened—and acted.

I’m here today in all humility to say: you changed minds; you changed policy; you changed the world.

Look, whatever thoughts you have about God, who He is or if He exists, most will agree that if there is a God, He has a special place for the poor. In fact, the poor are where God lives.
Check Judaism. Check Islam. Check pretty much anyone.

I mean, God may well be with us in our mansions on the hill… I hope so. He may well be with us as in all manner of controversial stuff… maybe, maybe not… But the one thing we can all agree, all faiths and ideologies, is that God is with the vulnerable and poor.

God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house… God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives… God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war… God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them. “If you remove the yolk from your midst, the pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness, and if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness and your gloom with become like midday and the Lord will continually guide you and satisfy your desire in scorched places”

It’s not a coincidence that in the Scriptures, poverty is mentioned more than 2,100 times. It’s not an accident. That’s a lot of air time, 2,100 mentions. [You know, the only time Christ is judgmental is on the subject of the poor.] ‘As you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.’ (Matthew 25:40). As I say, good news to the poor.

Here’s some good news for the President. After 9-11 we were told America would have no time for the World’s poor. America would be taken up with its own problems of safety. And it’s true these are dangerous times, but America has not drawn the blinds and double-locked the doors.
In fact, you have double aid to Africa. You have tripled funding for global health. Mr. President, your emergency plan for AIDS relief and support for the Global Fund—you and Congress—have put 700,000 people onto life-saving anti-retroviral drugs and provided 8 million bed nets to protect children from malaria.

Outstanding human achievements. Counterintuitive. Historic. Be very, very proud.

But here’s the bad news. From charity to justice, the good news is yet to come. There’s is much more to do. There’s a gigantic chasm between the scale of the emergency and the scale of the response.

And finally, it’s not about charity after all, is it? It’s about justice.

Let me repeat that: It’s not about charity, it’s about justice.

And that’s too bad.

Because you’re good at charity. Americans, like the Irish, are good at it. We like to give, and we give a lot, even those who can’t afford it.

But justice is a higher standard. Africa makes a fool of our idea of justice; it makes a farce of our idea of equality. It mocks our pieties, it doubts our concern, it questions our commitment. 6,500 Africans are still dying every day of a preventable, treatable disease, for lack of drugs we can buy at any drug store. This is not about charity, this is about Justice and Equality.

Because there's no way we can look at what’s happening in Africa and, if we're honest, conclude that deep down, we really accept that Africans are equal to us. Anywhere else in the world, we wouldn’t accept it. Look at what happened in South East Asia with the Tsunami. 150, 000 lives lost to that misnomer of all misnomers, “mother nature”. In Africa, 150,000 lives are lost every month. A tsunami every month. And it’s a completely avoidable catastrophe.

It’s annoying but justice and equality are mates. Aren’t they? Justice always wants to hang out with equality. And equality is a real pain.

You know, think of those Jewish sheep-herders going to meet the Pharaoh, mud on their shoes, and the Pharaoh says, “Equal?” A preposterous idea: rich and poor are equal? And they say, “Yeah, ‘equal,’ that’s what it says here in this book. We’re all made in the image of God.”
And eventually the Pharaoh says, “OK, I can accept that. I can accept the Jews—but not the blacks.”

“Not the women. Not the gays. Not the Irish. No way, man.”

So on we go with our journey of equality.

On we go in the pursuit of justice.

We hear that call in the ONE Campaign, a growing movement of more than two million Americans… left and right together… united in the belief that where you live should no longer determine whether you live.

We hear that call even more powerfully today, as we mourn the loss of Coretta Scott King—mother of a movement for equality, one that changed the world but is only just getting started. These issues are as alive as they ever were; they just change shape and cross the seas.

Preventing the poorest of the poor from selling their products while we sing the virtues of the free market… that’s a justice issue. Holding children to ransom for the debts of their grandparents… That’s a justice issue. Withholding life-saving medicines out of deference to the Office of Patents… that’s a justice issue.

And while the law is what we say it is, God is not silent on the subject.

That’s why I say there’s the law of the land… and then there is a higher standard. There’s the law of the land, and we can hire experts to write them so they benefit us, so the laws say it’s OK to protect our agriculture but it’s not OK for African farmers to do the same, to earn a living?

As the laws of man are written, that’s what they say.

God will not accept that.

Mine won’t, at least. Will yours?

I close this morning on … very… thin… ice.

This is a dangerous idea I’ve put on the table: my God vs. your God, their God vs. our God… vs. no God. It is very easy, in these times, to see religion as a force for division rather than unity.

And this is a town—Washington—that knows something of division.

But the reason I am here, and the reason I keep coming back to Washington, is because this is a town that is proving it can come together on behalf of what the Scriptures call the least of these.
This is not a Republican idea. It is not a Democratic idea. It is not even, with all due respect, an American idea. Nor it is unique to any one faith.

Do to others as you would have them do to you.’ (Luke 6:30) Jesus says that.

‘Righteousness is this: that one should… give away wealth out of love for Him to the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and the beggars and for the emancipation of the captives.’ The Koran says that. (2.177)

Thus sayeth the Lord: ‘Bring the homeless poor into the house, when you see the naked, cover him, then your light will break out like the dawn and your recovery will speedily spring fourth, then your Lord will be your rear guard.’ The jewish scripture says that. Isaiah 58 again.
That is a powerful incentive: ‘The Lord will watch your back.’ Sounds like a good deal to me, right now.

A number of years ago, I met a wise man who changed my life. In countless ways, large and small, I was always seeking the Lord’s blessing. I was saying, you know, I have a new song, look after it… I have a family, please look after them… I have this crazy idea…
And this wise man said: stop.
He said, stop asking God to bless what you’re doing.
Get involved in what God is doing—because it’s already blessed.
Well, God, as I said, is with the poor. That, I believe, is what God is doing.
And that is what He’s calling us to do.

I was amazed when I first got to this country and I learned how much some churchgoers tithe. Up to ten percent of the family budget. Well, how does that compare the federal budget, the budget for the entire American family? How much of that goes to the poorest people in the world? Less than one percent.

Mr. President, Congress, people of faith, people of America:

I want to suggest to you today that you see the flow of effective foreign assistance as tithing…. Which, to be truly meaningful, will mean an additional one percent of the federal budget tithed to the poor.

What is one percent?

One percent is not merely a number on a balance sheet.

One percent is the girl in Africa who gets to go to school, thanks to you. One percent is the AIDS patient who gets her medicine, thanks to you. One percent is the African entrepreneur who can start a small family business thanks to you. One percent is not redecorating presidential palaces or money flowing down a rat hole. This one percent is digging waterholes to provide clean water.
One percent is a new partnership with Africa, not paternalism towards Africa, where increased assistance flows toward improved governance and initiatives with proven track records and away from boondoggles and white elephants of every description.

America gives less than one percent now. Were asking for an extra one percent to change the world. to transform millions of lives—but not just that and I say this to the military men now – to transform the way that they see us.

One percent is national security, enlightened economic self interest, and a better safer world rolled into one. Sounds to me that in this town of deals and compromises, one percent is the best bargain around.

These goals—clean water for all; school for every child; medicine for the afflicted, an end to extreme and senseless poverty—these are not just any goals; they are the Millennium Development goals, which this country supports. And they are more than that. They are the Beatitudes for a Globalised World.

Now, I’m very lucky. I don’t have to sit on any budget committees. And I certainly don’t have to sit where you do, Mr. President. I don’t have to make the tough choices.

But I can tell you this:
To give one percent more is right. It’s smart. And it’s blessed.

There is a continent—Africa—being consumed by flames.

I truly believe that when the history books are written, our age will be remembered for three things: the war on terror, the digital revolution, and what we did—or did not to—to put the fire out in Africa.

History, like God, is watching what we do.

Thank you. Thank you, America, and God bless you all.

On a more serious note

2006-01-17T14:39:00.000-04:00

My last post was very partisan, yes, and a little snippy. I'm ok with that. All in good fun.

This post comes with a more serious tone. This is a letter from the CEO from the organization Compassion Canada. I agree with his thoughts and took note at his tone. I would recommend that anyone who is feeling cynical or defeatist toward our political system take the opportunity to travel to a developing nation. What we dismiss, others celebrate. The definition of decadence is the lack of appreciation of what is around you. Let's enjoy our country but not become decadent in our freedom.

Out.

Dear Compassion Family:
Yesterday my wife and I went to our local polling station to cast our vote early because we will be out of the country during the elections. I was intrigued with the process and the efforts that were put into ensuring the security of my ballot and to preserve my right to cast such a ballot. My mind went immediately to the developing world where Compassion works among the poor and disadvantaged.

I recalled the all-too-common acts of corruption and intimidation and yes, even violence, which surround the electoral process. Votes are bought and sold. The rights of the citizens are ignored. Lives are lost. And corrupt leaders assume power only to lord it over the poor, adding to their misery. Simply observing the upcoming elections in Haiti will give evidence to my logic.

I am proud to be a Canadian and I am thankful for the freedoms and privileges we enjoy as citizens of this great country. Yet I am dismayed to learn that so many Canadians are apathetic to the electoral process. Yes, even Christians.

From my experience of working in the developing world these past 22 years I can't imagine how we could take this liberty so lightly when it defines the very future of our families. Millions of people around the world risk their lives to cast a vote with little hope of any positive impact. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve democracy.

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to exercise one of the greatest freedoms of all times by casting your ballot on January 23. Please, take your stand and be counted so that Canada can remain the "true north strong and free" and our impact throughout the world will continue to grow.

For justice and Compassion,

Barry Slauenwhite
President/CEO
Compassion Canada

A reason to vote that never occured to me...

2006-01-15T14:34:00.000-04:00

Happy voting. Go Andrew!

The Family Christmas

2005-12-29T21:58:00.000-04:00

When people ask me 'Did you have a quiet Christmas?' I don't know quite what to tell them. Yes, I had lots of time off around Christmas. Yes, we had a nice Christmas Eve service at Hillside. However, I can't really say that Christmas was really quiet. We have a large family. There are no shy people in the family. Even when family members get married, the new family members, they're not shy either. Anyways, we had a great Christmas, I got lots of power tools and a few odds and ends and now we're back on the campaign trail. Here are some pics from the family Christmas.

The family Christmas was quite a 'production' (see Jazz hands right). :-)

How was your Christmas?

Out

Bono's Christmas Story

2005-12-20T19:36:00.000-04:00

This is one of the most brilliant points in Bono's interview book, In Conversation.

I remember coming back from a very long tour. I hadn't been at home. Got home
for Christmas, very excited of being in Dublin. Dublin at Christmas is cold, but
it's lit up, it's like Carnival in the cold. On Christmas Eve, I went to St.
Patrick's Cathedral. I went to this place, sat. I was given a really bad seat,
behind one of the huge pillars. I couldn't see anything. I was sitting there,
having come back from Tokyo, or something like that. I went for the singing,
because I love choral singing. Community arts, a specialty! But I was falling
asleep, being up for a few days, traveling, because it was a bit boring, the
service, and I just started nodding off, I couldn't see a thing. Then I started
to try and keep myself awake studying what was on the page. It dawned on me for
the first time, really. It had dawned on me before, but it really sank in: the
Christmas story. The idea that God, if there is a force of Love and Logic in the
universe, that it would seek to explain itself is amazing enough. That it would
seek to explain itself and describe itself by becoming a child born in straw
poverty, in shit and straw ... a child ... I just thought "Wow!" Just the poetry
... Unknowable love, unknowable power, describes itself as the most vulnerable.
There it was. I was sitting there, and it's not that it hadn't struck me before,
but tears came down my face, and I saw the genius of this, utter genius of
picking a particular point in time and deciding to turn on this: love needs to
find form, intimacy needs to be whispered. To me, it makes sense. It's pure
logic. Essence has to manifest itself. It's inevitable. Love has to become an
action or something concrete. It would have to happen. There must be an
incarnation. Love must be made flesh.

It's Christmas time and it's time to celebrate the blessings that God has given us, the redemption that He's offered us and the example He portrayed for us. It is overwhelming, the thought that the God of creation, the One who is in and of Himself, the all powerful Being humbled Himself to the most frail and dependent of forms to start the redemption journey. This sets the tone for all of human existence. The promised Messiah has come to bring God's kingdom to earth.

Merry Christmas.

When I Look at the World

2005-12-12T22:56:00.000-04:00

When you look at the world
What is it that you see?
People find all kinds of things
That bring them to their knees
I see an expression
So clear and so true
That it changes the atmosphere
When you walk into the room

So I try to be like you
Try to feel it like you do
But without you it's no use
I can't see what you see
When I look at the world

When the night is someone elses
And you're trying to get some sleep
When your thoughts are too expensive
To ever want to keep
When there's all kinds of chaos
And everyone is walking lame
You don't even blink now, do you
Or even look away

So I try to be like you
Try to feel it like you do
But without you it's no use
I can't see what you see
When I look at the world

I can't wait any longer
I can't wait till I'm stronger
Can't wait any longer
To see what you see
When I look at the world

I'm in the waiting room
Can't see for the smoke
I think of you and your holy book
While the rest of us choke

Tell me, tell me, what do you see?
Tell me, tell me, what's wrong with me

The Snow is here

2005-12-10T10:51:00.000-04:00

We've been dodging the snow bullet for a while, expecting snow but not getting it, but that changed last night. We got a pile of snow, probably 15 centimeters, I'd guess. Now, some people are happy about snow and happy about the seasons changing but not me. As nice as it looks, I know that I've got to go outside now and shovel it all. Give me summer any day!

Anyways, here is the view from the newly reconstructed VIP Deck.

Oh, and I'm still wondering who toilet papered my car the other night. Was it a random papering or is the culprit too afraid of the retribution? I am the guy who suggested to a friend that in response for his brother crazy gluing his BBQ shut that he put cool-aid crystals in his brother's shower head. If you want to play the prank game... lol

Out

Only in Texas

2005-12-07T00:04:00.000-04:00

I'm going to guess that we won't be using this one at Hillside any time soon.

Out.

The Show

2005-12-03T13:26:00.000-04:00

More from Monday's U2 concert.

Yes, it was an amazing show. Yes, I did meet Bono, The Edge and Adam Clayton. Yes, I do consider myself quite fortunate. No, Bono didn't ask me for my autograph.

Here are some pics (compliments of David Gillis who was standing a few feet from the stage during Saturday's show) and the set list.

City of Blinding Lights
Vertigo
Elevation
Electric Co.
Still Haven’t Found
Beautiful Day
Miracle Drug
Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own
Love and Peace or Else
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Bullet The Blue Sky
Miss Sarajevo
Pride in the Name of Love
Where the Streets have no Name
One

Until the End of the World
Mysterious Ways
With or Without You

All Because of You
Love Will Tear us Apart
Yahweh
40

The highlight of the show was Miss Sarajevo. That's not the song I would have expected given how much I love the song One and how powerful Sometimes You Can't Make it on Your Own and Sunday Bloody Sunday are. However, Bono started to introduce the song and the historical background of the Miss Sarajevo pagent taking place amidst the violence and chaos of the war there. I thought it was curious that they were playing the song but figured they'd play a track of Pavarotti singing his part of the duet. Instead, Bono says 'Along with learning French, I've also been learning Italian so I'm going to sing the great Tenor's part.' And the crazy thing is, he did. I was floored. I had no idea Bono had that kind of vocal range to the point that it didn't even sound like him. David, who was at the Saturday show, said that Miss Sarajevo was his highlight too, even before we had discussed it. That's how powerful the song was.

If you're looking for a good explanation of where U2 is coming from spiritually and what some of the significance of the Vertigo album is, check out what Mark Harris from Grace had to say. I heard him speak and thought it to be quite insightful.

More stories and pics to come.

Out.

Back from the Concert!

2005-11-30T00:23:00.000-04:00

I just flew in from Montreal and it's late, so I'll just post a few pictures and will add stories later. WARNING: THE FOLLOWING PICTURES WILL MAKE YOU RIDICULOUSLY HAPPY FOR ME!!!!!!

The Edge said to say hi to The Sister.

Out.

What do you want for Christmas?

2005-11-26T18:38:00.000-04:00

This is an email I received from a friend of mine who does some great volunteer work with World Vision. What he has to say is important and timely. Give it a read and don't be afraid to get involved or to comment.

Out
------

What do you want for Christmas?

It’s getting close to Christmas and you can bet that children all over the world are busy preparing their Christmas wish lists for Santa. Even as adults we’re often asked, “So, what do you want for Christmas?” And for some, that’s not an easy question to answer. In fact, it seems the older we get (not that I’m old), the harder it is to find things to put on our Christmas lists.

Well in case you’re stuck for ideas, I have some suggestions to offer – eight, in fact. And you can feel free to ask Santa (or anyone else that will listen) for any or all of these items.

1. cut poverty and hunger in half
2. achieve universal primary education
3. realize gender equality
4. cut the mortality rate for children under five years of age by two thirds
5. cut the mortality rate for mothers by three quarters
6. halt and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS and malaria
7. ensure environmental sustainability
8. create a global partnership for development

Now you’re probably thinking this is a rather strange list of things to want for Christmas … and, I guess you’d be right. These are, in truth, the eight goals established at the United Nations Millennium Assembly in 2000 and unanimously agreed to by all 191 United Nations member states – Canada being one. These goals are now referred to as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the UN has pledged to reach them all by the year 2015.

Unfortunately, there seems to be a problem with these admirable goals – cash. When it comes right down to it, we are five years into the MDGs and the UN is not even close to being on track to achieve the targets. Why? It’s certainly not because the targets are unrealistic. Rather it’s because the same countries who pledged to work together to achieve the goals are not supporting them with the funds necessary to actually make them happen.

It was Canada’s own Lester B. Pearson, who in 1969 chaired an international commission which produced a now famed report titled “Partners in Development”. The report, widely embraced by various development organizations – including the UN, concluded that rich nations need only contribute a mere 0.7% of their Gross National Income (GNI) to foreign development assistance to achieve sustainable economic development in the third world.

Some 30 years later at the Millennium Assembly in 2000, the UN member states (very few of whom had reached the targets set out by Mr. Pearson’s committee in 1969) agreed that if they could at least set appropriate timeframes to get their respective countries to the 0.7% target, the MDGs would all be realized.

Okay – it’s now the end of 2005. Canada, and other nations, have had 35 years to reach the level of foreign aid contributions that would achieve sustainable development in the third world. But sadly, under our current government’s policies, Canada’s contribution to international aid has sunk to a paltry 0.29% of GNI. And to make things worse, when asked, Mr. Martin won’t even commit to a timeframe for getting Canada to 0.7% - the world target set by a Canadian. It’s down right embarrassing. There are several countries that are exceeding the target. And don’t even get me started on what we count as “financial” aid in the 0.29% we do contribute.

But before I make this into a partisan political rant against the Canadian Liberal government (if it’s not too late already), I should point out that we are not the only UN member state that raised one hand to pledge support for the MDGs, but is keeping the other hand securely in their pocket when asked to pay for the goals. It’s all very discouraging. Here we have some realistically achievable targets that would save millions and millions of lives, improve life for millions and millions more; targets that every single UN member state agrees are the right things to do to make this world a better place – and yet those who can afford to make the goals a reality; those who are surrounded by wealth and live in comfort – avoid their responsibility and remain non-committal year after year after year.

Okay. Enough. You’ve probably got the whole ugly picture by now. But before you throw up your hands in disgust or despair, I’m here to tell you there is hope. Faced with the enormity and distance of the situation in the developing world, it is understandable for us as individuals to think there is nothing we can do. But that would be just as wrong as the sins our government commits. At the end of the day, we as individuals do have the power to make a difference – I’ve seen it happen time and time again.

My proposal is simply this, that each one of us step up to Mr. Pearson’s forward-thinking target on a personal level. That is to say, we contribute 0.7% of our gross personal income (“GPI”) to foreign aid.

To honor this commitment, a family making $50,000 a year, would end up donating $350 to foreign aid - which, interestingly enough, equates roughly to the cost of sponsoring one child through an international aid organization like World Vision. Donations to World Vision are pooled together and travel overseas where they are multiplied by local effort and accomplish things like ensuring people have access to nutritional meals; providing clean water and improved sanitation; building schools and medical clinics; funding doctors, nurses and teachers; promoting the rights of marginalized peoples; and much, much more. In short, your donations support the realization of the MDGs - they save lives.

Right now in Africa, I have friends who are dying because they cannot afford access to life-saving drugs; I have friends who are sick because there are no medical clinics or doctors for them; I have friends who are malnourished because they have no food; I know children who would love to go to school but can’t because they can’t afford to. But I also have friends who are working hard to change all that; I have friends who are living better lives because of World Vision’s child sponsorship program.

Please, this Christmas, help make the wish of one special child and millions of people come true – add the MDGs to your Christmas list and make 2006 the year you contribute 0.7% of your GPI to foreign aid and development. Simply reply to this e-mail and let me know you’d like to sponsor a child. Pass this e-mail on to your family and friends and encourage them to sponsor a child. There is no better time than right now.

Oh yes. In case you’re looking for something else to put on your Christmas list, try asking Santa for a book or two. I recommend Jeffery Sachs’ recent book – The End of Poverty - an interesting and compelling read that presents a very real plan for ending extreme poverty by the year 2025; and Stephen Lewis’ new book – Race Against Time – an awe inspiring account of his efforts to change the world’s thinking on the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa.

Merry Christmas,
Doug Currie

E-mail: transform@ns.sympatico.ca
Website: http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/transform

Normal Person Blog

2005-11-15T23:13:00.000-04:00

I like to push. I like to challenge. I like to influence. But today I’m going to pretend I’m normal and just talk about my week. I don’t think your brain will turn to mush.

I found an interesting online magazine Relevant. It’s got a lot of cool perspectives. Right now there’s a bunch of input on the death of one of the writers, a pastor with a young family who was electrocuted while performing a baptism. Wrap your mind about that for a minute.

I’m sitting watching my new U2 DVD from the Vertigo tour. It rocks. But then again, I’m not really an impartial judge. Speaking of U2, in less than 2 weeks I’ll be in Montreal watching a show. I’m amped.

I’m reading a book right now called Blink. It’s all about the brain’s ability to decipher trends and make decisions without being cognizant of the rationale. A nice counter argument to my MBA analysis brainwashing.

Given all of the federal election chatter, things are starting to roll with Andrew’s campaign. I’m a little sketchy on politics, but I’m looking forward to helping him. I have no qualms in backing the Conservatives, given who there competition is. And no, I don’t give much weight to the idea that I shouldn’t vote for Stephen Harper because people have an uneasy feeling about him. I have an uneasy feeling about having anyone taking public dollars to circumvent the democratic process.

And finally, I’m hoping it stays warm for the Parade of Lights on the 19th so I don’t have to come ‘late’ and have Margaret call me a wimp.

That’s all.

Out.

A new Bono story

2005-11-08T23:02:00.000-04:00

I haven't put a good Bono story up here for a long time and I know you were missing it, so here's a good one. It's a quote from the book 'Bono'.

Harry Belafontane is one of my great heros. He told me this story about Bobby Kennedy, which changed my life indeed, pointed me in the direction I am going now politically. Harry remembered a meeting with Martin Luther King when the civil rights movement hit a wall in the early sixties:

(Belafontane) "I tell you it was a depressing momvent when Bobby Kennedy was made attorney general. It was a bad day for the civil rights movement. Bobby at that time was famously not interested in the civil rights movement. We knew we were in deep trouble. We were crestfallen, in despair, talking to Martin, moaning and roaning about the turn of events, when Dr. King slammed his hand down and ordered us to stop the bitchin': "Enough of this", he said. "Is there nobody here who's got something good to say about Bobby Kennedy?" We said "Martin, that's what we're telling ya! There is no one. There is nothing good to say about him. The guy's an Irish Catholic Conservative badass, he's bad news." To which Martin replied. "Well, then, let's call this meeting to a close. We will re-adjourn when somebody has found one thing redeeming to say about Bobby Kennedy, because that, my friends, is the door through which our movement will pass." So he stopped the meeting and made them all go home. He wouldn't hear any more negativity about Bobby Kennedy. He knew there must be something positive. And if it was there, somebody could find it. Well, it turned out that Bobby was very close with his bishop. So they befriended the one man who could get through to Bobby's soul and turned him into their Trojan horse.

"When Bobby Kennedy lay dead on a Los Angeles pavement, there was no greater friend to the civil rights movement. There was no one we owed more of our progress to than that man." Bono: That was a great lesson for me, because what Dr. King was saying was: Don't respond to caricature - the Left, the Right, the Progressives, the Reactionary. Don't take people on rumour. Find the light in them, because that will further your cause. And I've held on to that very tightly, that lesson. And so, don't think that I don't understand. I know what I'm up against. I just sometimes don't appear to.

Great story with some great characters. I think the point tells itself.

Out.

New Year's Party - 2004

2005-11-03T22:38:00.000-04:00

I figure while I'm at it, I should post the link to the pics from last year's New Year's Party. Check them out.

"I Can't Believe it's Not Halloween" Costume Party 2005

2005-11-03T20:46:00.000-04:00

Check this out, all of the pics from my costume party last weekend. Thanks to Dan for setting this up.

http://cnchalloween.blogspot.com/

At final count we had about 75 people out for the party and we raised close to $300 for the CnC Rwanda Missions Team. Thanks to Andrew, Adam, Sarah, Carolyn, Tom, Dave, Nathalie & Alicia for your help in making this happen.

Out.

The Manifesto

2005-07-09T00:34:00.000-03:00

You don’t know where someone’s going until you get where they’re coming from. Time to spill the beans on the table.

I believe Rasheed Wallace is the most annoying figure in pro-sports today.
I believe Lance Armstrong is the most significant figure in pro-sports today.

I believe adults who are emotionally involved in the storylines of professional wrestling or soap operas are scary.

I believe that if Christians did a better job of representing, more people would be followers of Jesus.
I believe more people should be followers of Jesus

I believe panhandlers provide a service to many people.
I believe there are better recipients of charity than panhandlers.

I believe guilt is the lazy man’s means of motivation.

I believe consistency is underrated

I believe no country can accurately claim to be the best country on earth.

I believe that if I was ever a public figure, I’d sound a lot like Bono.

I believe the world is a dangerous place.
I believe I want to see the whole world.

I believe Martin Luthur King Jr. effectively dismissed the myth that faith shouldn’t impact the decisions of a nation.
I believe there should be a US national holiday is his honour.

I believe Ronald Reagan will have been the best US President of my lifetime.
I believe John F. Kennedy could have been a better President than Reagan.

I believe all of the major flaws with Canada can be traced back to Trudeau’s legacy.
I believe Canada’s financial health is a result of free trade and the GST

I believe the family is the cornerstone of society, to be protected at all costs

I believe America represents the best and worst the world has to offer.

I believe oil is a curse to the Arab people

I believe healthy relationships are God’s plan for our enjoyment of life

I believe many people feel a fanatical faith in the supernatural is naïve
I believe that a lack of belief in the supernatural is naïve

I believe Brit pop is the coolest music hitting the charts these days
I believe Ultimate is the coolest new sport these days

I believe man’s biggest downfall is focus on self
I believe I’m pretty darn self-focused

I’ve said enough. Your turn to comment.

Out.

Back Like the Future

2005-06-13T22:41:00.000-03:00

I'm back and Europe was awesome! What a great spot. Every country I went to it was totally different landscape and culture. I couldn't get over how beautiful it was and how great the architecture was. Paris and Venice stood out in my mind, but, really, I enjoyed every city I went to. I was in Rome, Florence, Venice, Vienna, Innsbruck, Lucerne, Zurich, Paris and London. Great trip.

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Ok, just need to give a shout out here. My sister, Alana, got a picture she took at the U2 concert in New Jersey included in the latest edition of Rolling Stone magazine. Big ups there. Especially given her previous obsession with Clay Aiken. U2 and The Edge is a big step of progress... lol

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Alright, this is the first post back and I was going to keep it light. But then I saw an article that spoke truth and stood out to me. So I'm including it. Hopefully it gives you a view into a perspective not often allowed in Canada's version of free speech.

Society must defend traditional wedlock
Toronto Sun - Michael Coren

I receive death threats and abuse on a regular basis. My address and phone number have been placed on the Internet by gay militants and people told to harass and assault me. Jokes were made when my father died, insults made about my family.

I have been told by editors and publishers that I will never work as a writer in various places because I defend marriage. But I will not react in kind and I will not surrender. I do, however, want people to know that there is hatred at work.

First, let us deal with the idea that gay marriage has no affect on people who are not gay. We hear the mantra of "why are you threatened?" and "it doesn't concern your marriage."
So very funny. At the fundamental level of basic logic, something does not have to affect me for it to be wrong. I campaign, for example, for the immediate forgiveness of Third World debt. The issue doesn't concern me personally but morally.

Gay marriage, however, does concern marriage itself and the greater society. It's legal in Holland and Belgium but virtually so in Scandinavia. And in Scandinavia marriage has become so shamed because of this that heterosexual people are abandoning the institution. In Norway, 80% of first-born babies are born out of wedlock. Even those who campaigned for gay marriage in this region are rethinking their position.

Marriage also affects children and is, please, a child-centred institution. Every informed and intelligent expert, every good parent knows that children need the example of a male and female role model. Indeed, it is sexist to assume otherwise. Single-parent families do exist, of course, and are often admirable. But we do not aspire to them.

The statistics are overwhelming. Children from stable, two-parent families do better, are happier, than any other children.

Yet for the first time in human history we are purposefully affirming and creating families where there is no father or no mother, no man or woman as role model or example or parent. Yes, many mother-father families go wrong, but this is not the point. With same-sex marriage we are aggressively trying to limit the chance of children for the sake of a modernist fad.

This is not about equality. Homosexuals already have the rights of common-law spouses. They also have, and should have, equality in housing, employment, inheritance. Some would argue that in certain cases they have more rights than others -- the right, for example, for some to parade naked in the middle of Toronto on Gay Pride Day and not be arrested.

We are told that gay marriage will not affect those who oppose it. Untrue. The Roman Catholic Bishop of Calgary, who has stood firm against gay marriage, has already been contacted by revenue officials and warned.

A teacher in Vancouver, Chris Kempling, has been suspended from his job because he wrote a letter to a newspaper criticizing homosexuality. Civil servants in Manitoba and Saskatchewan have been advised to resign if they oppose gay marriage. The Knights of Columbus have been taken to a human rights tribunal because they refused to rent their hall to a lesbian wedding, even though they offered to pay for the invitations and renting of another hall. (The Knights of Columbus, by the way, use their money to feed the hungry and help the poor and mentally ill.)

Let us open the door on this debate and allow free expression. We who support genuine marriage and genuine family have a great deal to say -- and are tired of being silenced.

Out.

Going, going...

2005-05-10T00:05:00.000-03:00

I'm back from Mark and Lauren's wedding in St. John's. It was a great weekend, lots of fun throughout. And lots of good food, too. I'm convinced that all food in Newfoundland is awesome.

Now that I'm back I'm getting ready to leave. My big European adventure is coming up quickly. I leave this Sunday for 15 days. All of the details can be found at http://www.trafalgar.com/ if you search on European Spendour. I'm really looking forward to seeing the sites and having whatever experiences God has in store for me there. I'm sure seeing some of the historical sites from early Christendom will be different than what I've experienced in the past. Places like the catacombs and the coliseum.

Anyways, I'll be taking lots of pics and will be sharing my thoughts in one form or another...

A few other notes:
Matt, Deb, Jen and Jeremy have all done great jobs with their talks at youth group, wouldn't you say? My friend, Luke, who's a Christian artist, is speaking this week. I think you (youth who are reading this) will enjoy what he has to say.

Don't forget to comment on that last post. I want to hear people's reactions.

Out.

On Bono and Influence: A Comment

2005-05-01T11:25:00.000-03:00

A comment was posted by a friend, Todd11ny on my Bono - Influence post. What he had to say was too interesting to not bring to your attention. I figure this will likely draw a bunch of posts on its own.

Out.

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Ok I'm not even going to really focus on arguing the Bono issue - I googled 100 most influential people and came up with Time's list they post every year - 2005 has 20 entertainers...Bono isnt one of them but Kayne West, Clint Eastwood, Johnny Depp & Quentin Tarantino are...so lets leave this question to rest - strong NO on "Is Bono the most influential person on earth"

However, it'd be pretty easy of me to just come in, list of Time's list (which I believe they've researched considerably more then you or I would) and leave it at that...

As promised - Here's my vote
Osama Bin Laden (and no I'm definitely not a fan, follower, Islamic Militant or support any of his actions in the war against the US today).

Thinking back to 9/11 (as one item on a list I'll open up), Bin Laden has radically changed core culture and economic stability within the only remaining World Super Power. Today, CNN especially takes time to report on the color scheme of how safe America is, Red and Orange seem to predominate that list - and FEAR seems to be the overwhelming emotion amongst Americans. George W was re-elected on his crusade to end Terrorism and finish what was started in Iraq - again, HUGE push from Bin Laden - and this is just ONE incident over the past twenty years. Speaking of Super Powers, ever wonder what happened to the U.S.S.R. and their crusade to spread Communism? Well in the least publicized war of the 20th Century, Bin Laden rallied the Muslim community into Jihad and defeated the Soviet Union in their own back yard - between 1980 and 1989, Afghanistan played out as U.S.S.R.'s own personal Vietnam - living in the western world, we were not kept up to date on actions similar to how we are when the US or UK are involved. - So if your keeping score = its Al-Qaeda - One, Super Powers - Zero.

Now, mind you, 2004 & so far in 2005 have been pretty quiet years, but he's gone into hiding before and I'm pretty sure he's still tops on the CIA most dangerous list. Since Afghanistan in the 80's where he became a legend among Muslims, He has the following rap sheet.

Two attacks on the World Trade Centres (one successful in 2001, one not in 93), Two US embassy's destroyed in Africa in summer of 1998 - Kenya and Tanzania - throw in a Planet Hollywood in Capetown, which I visited a couple days after and you've got a pretty aggresive summer on the African Continent. He's bombed the USS Cole in Yemen, a major Night Club in Bali, a train in southern Spain orchestrated three Civil wars in Sudan, Algeria and Sierra Leonne and defeated the US within Somalia & personal funded or fund raised Billions of Dollars for his al-qaeda network.

Here's a couple ideas on how he's gained so much momentum and control within the Muslim community (taking reference that the Middle Eastern Muslim community contains a population base quite similar to the entire Western World of North America & Europe).

First off, situational advantage for Influencing people has to go to an area strucken by war and poverty. People within the Western world have too much to lose to follow and idealogy - houses, cars, careers, RSPs, technology, etc - while deep down you may have a stirring passion - it becomes harder to become involved in a cause when you've got infinite amounts to lose. This is not prevalent within the Middle East. Islam within the Middle East dominates culture. Everyone are extremely devout Muslims, with shops closing down during prayer times, mass migrations to Mecca a mandatory life event and the devotion of these people far surpasses what I see within the western world to any major religion. Poverty would have to play a spark in this, if you have nothing but God, you respect and worship and live up to the promises required for a far superior afterlife. Al-qaeda can finance your entire family while you enlist for training and activities - if this was Canada/US, these would be $Million jobs for some perspective.

Secondly, Martyrdom - or however you want to term it - Osama (which means Lion) Bin Laden's an icon in the Islamic world because of his work within Afghanistan in the 80's - at that time the Soviet Union was seen in the same lite as the US then and now, Invincible - He toppled it, in their own back yard, in the name of Allah on a Jihad mission promising eternal life. Here's an example of the faith his men would have in his word. They would sleep in White tents in the middle of a pasture or opening to draw fire - Dying during a Jihad promises immediate assention to heaven.

Third, Devotion - he's successfully combined a core cultural clash between Western and Middle East values and culture, added in the Infidel trespassing within Muslim lands (and these go far and beyond the Israel - Palestine deabte - encompassing as far stretching as southern Spain which used to be a predominately Muslim area sometime around the Ottoman Empire pre WWI) and to continue an already LONG sentence, added in passages from the Koran for clarity and support from none other then God. Quite similar to the Crusades message within the Christian church during the turn 1300's (dates might be off, I'll have to wait for the movie :) )

"Never think that those who were slain in the cause of God are dead. They are alive and well provide for by the Land" The Koran 3:169

"Let there be no two religions in Arabia" Prophet Muhammad

"Defending Muslim territory is the most important Duty. This duty will not end with a victory in Afghanistan; jihad will remain an individual obilgation until all other lands that were Muslim are returned to us so that Islam will reign again: Before us lie, Palestine, Bohkara, Lebanon, Chad, Eritrea, Somalia, Phillipines, Burma, Yemen, Tashkent, and Andalusia (southern Spain)"

"To stand one hour in the battle line in the name of Allah, is better then sixty years of Night Prayers" AzzamConsidering the technological advancements al-qaeda operates behind, the billions of $$ backhauled for support and the shear devotion of his followers to fight for Islam and Allah, I'd have to put Osama Bin Laden far above Bono on this list of influentials within the world today...

here's hoping Bono's messages of Peace and an end to Poverty move up the list...

Timing is Everything

2005-04-23T23:08:00.000-03:00

Paul Martin has gotten a rotten deal, no question about it. His predecessor was a power hungry scoundrel whose corruption is haunting his party and has left Martin in a no win position. Martin addressed the country just a few days ago asking that an election not be called until the Gomery report is released. He knows his minority government is on the ropes. This is not news to anyone in Canada.

However, today the news came out that Bono, in an interview with the CBC, called out Martin for bailing on a promise. It seems Martin promised that Canada would move towards the goal of giving 0.7 per cent of gross domestic product to foreign aid by the year 2015. Now he's changed his mind saying we cannot afford it.

I believe Bono is right in saying that Canada is a blessed nation and we should be sharing of our abundance with those in most need. If Martin needs any proof of where Canadian's hearts are, he merely needs to look at the recent outpouring of support by Canadians for the Tsunami relief effort. I'm not one to compare, but by all accounts our response was commendable. If Canadians are willing to invest their own money in global relief, shouldn't this send a strong enough signal to Ottawa of our expectations of our governance?

Martin's advisors aught to have reminded him that timing is everything. You don't lead by covering up and hoping for the storm to blow over. You lead by casting a vision, being proactive in showing people where your values lie.

I believe whoever is to lead Canada has to set out a bold course for Canada's role in foreign affairs, particularly focusing on foreign aid. Let our blessings be shared and let our blessings continue.

Here's the article.

Out.

Bono 'annoyed' with Paul Martin

Sue Bailey
Canadian Press
Friday, April 22, 2005

OTTAWA (CP) -- If being mired in scandal and threatened with imminent defeat weren't enough, Prime Minister Paul Martin capped off a brutal week by striking a sour note with his most famous fan.

Rock superstar Bono is irked by Martin's refusal to meet a long-stated standard for foreign aid increases.

"I'm annoyed," the U2 frontman says in an exclusive interview to be aired Saturday on CBC Radio's The House.

"I'm bewildered, really. I'm disappointed.

"I can't believe that Paul Martin would want to hold up history."

Bono was interviewed from Vancouver as his band's world Vertigo tour landed on the West Coast.

Martin recently said he won't commit to spending 0.7 per cent of gross domestic product on foreign aid by the year 2015 because he's not convinced the country can afford it.

But Bono, showing a keen knowledge of Canada's domestic prosperity, would not let the prime minister's contention go unchallenged.

Ottawa has racked up successive multi-billion-dollar surpluses, and countries such as Britain, France and Germany commit to the 0.7 benchmark.

"There is a blessing on this country, on Canada," Bono said.

He also said Martin's political problems were no excuse for failing to increase foreign aid.

"It's a time for real leadership. I understand there's problems at home. I understand it's hard to get time to focus on this."

The Irish phenomenon has long lent his star power to Third World causes.

He was also there to add much-needed glitter to the Liberal leadership convention in November 2003 when Martin was crowned.

In return, Bono beseeched the party to share more of Canada's wealth with the world's poor.

The globe-trotting superstar fended off suggestions at the time that he'd been co-opted as Martin's political pawn.

"I'm going to be the biggest pain in his ass," he vowed at the time, before adding with what has turned out to be sharp foresight: "About a year from now he's going to regret tonight."

Canada now commits less than 0.3 per cent of its annual gross domestic product for foreign aid -- about $3.3 billion.

That's rising each year, including an eight per cent hike in the most recent federal budget, said Martin spokesman Scott Reid.

"The prime minister has great respect for Bono, and Canada remains committed to the 0.7 per cent target," Reid said.

"Rather than set an artificial deadline, the prime minister has focused on real increases measured in real dollars each and every year."

It's not enough, Bono said.

"We were looking for Canada to lead rather than be a laggard."

Still, Martin deserves some credit for doubling contributions to the global fund on AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, he added.

There's also been progress on forgiving Third World debt.

But the needs are acute, Bono stressed.

"Six and a half thousand Africans dying every day of a preventable disease like AIDS is not a cause, it's an emergency.

"I implore this prime minister. I think he's a good man, and I think this is the moment to be a real leader."
© Canadian Press 2005

Greenspan: Budget Deficits Pose Threat

2005-04-21T12:55:00.000-03:00

Here's an article that was on Yahoo's news site. It's good. For anyone who would say that American politics don't impact us all, I would argue that in some ways it's more important. If the American economy tanks, it affects the world (including us). The US foreign policy definitely impacts us more than Canadian foreign policy (do we still have one?).

Much as I argue that proactively initiating the Iraq war was not a bad decision on George W.'s part, his handling of the economy and the budget has proven to be terrible. Once apon a time keeping a balanced budget was an important conservative principle. As you can see from Alan Greenspan's comments, running a $427 deficit (that's annual deficit, not total debt) is not indicative of strong long-term planning.

Anyways, give the article a read. It's a good overview.

Out.

By JEANNINE AVERSA, AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON - Bloated budget deficits pose a danger to the nation's long-term economic health, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan warned anew Thursday. He issued a fresh call to policy-makers to move swiftly to get the government's fiscal house in order.

Greenspan, in prepared testimony to the Senate Budget Committee, only very briefly touched on the economy's current performance, saying "activity appears to be expanding at a reasonably good pace," an assessment he has made repeatedly so far this year.

His comments come as some private economists are concerned about the extent to which high energy prices will crimp economic activity.

On the fiscal front, Greenspan said the persistence of swollen budget deficits in the years ahead "would cause the economy to stagnate or worse" unless the situation is reversed.

The budget deficit is a problem because it is projected to rise significantly as the first of 78 million baby boomers start to retire in 2008.

Last year, the government produced a budget deficit of $412 billion, a record in dollar terms. The deficit for this year is projected to shatter that record, coming in at an estimated $427 billion.

Persistently large budget deficits threaten the economy because they would push up interest rates for consumers and businesses. Higher borrowing costs would weigh on consumers' and businesses' willingness to spend and invest — two important forces that keep the economy going. Rising interest rates also would slow growth in the housing market, Greenspan said.

And, growing budget shortfalls would force the government to borrow more to finance those deficits.

"The federal budget is on an unsustainable path, in which large deficits result in rising interest rates and ever-growing interest payments that augment deficits in future years," Greenspan said.

Greenspan again supported a return to pay-as-you-go budgeting policies that would require Congress to offset future increases in government spending or new tax cuts with reductions in other government programs or tax increases.

The Bush administration supports bringing back the pay-as-you-go provision for spending, but not for tax cuts. A decade-long pay-as-you-go provision expired in 2002.

The administration also has a goal of cutting the deficit in half by 2009.

"Our budget position is unlikely to improve substantially in the coming years unless major deficit-reducing actions are taken," Greenspan said.

Democrats mostly blame the growing budget deficits on President Bush's big tax cuts, which they contend mainly benefited the wealthy. Republicans credited the tax cuts with helping the economy rebound from the 2001 recession. The costs of the tax cuts along with paying for wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and fighting terrorism at home have led to the deficits, they say.

While Greenspan has endorsed Bush's move to let workers set up personal investment accounts as part of an overhaul of Social Security, he has called for a go-slow approach to setting up such accounts. His concern is that massive government borrowing to bring them about could push up interest rates.

Greenspan also has suggested that benefit cuts would be required to deal with looming funding problems within Social Security.

"I fear that we may have already committed more physical resources to the baby boom generation in its retirement years than our economy has the capacity to deliver," Greenspan said.

Summer C&C

2005-04-20T22:07:00.000-03:00

If you’re out of high school, a 20/30 something and are going to bearound Halifax this summer and are looking to be a part of some Christian COMMUNITY, Summer C&C will be back once again. To hear the news and events, post a comment with your email and I'll add you to the group list.

We are now pulling together the leadership team and will beagreeing on the specs of what the summer will shape up to be.

Our CAUSE is clear, how we go about it is determined along the way.With Summer C&C we mix outreach, community & activeness all in one. Unless you don’t like friends, fun, warm weather, camping, music,smiling, people, sports/games, good times, outreach or doing stuff,you should be a part of what’s going on.

Bryan

Out.

12 Hour Night Commute

2005-04-18T16:33:00.000-03:00

This is a message from my friend, Doug. He does a lot of great work with World Vision and has an exciting fundraiser coming up. Following his trip to Uganda with World Vision he’s had a passion for the country that you can’t ignore. If you can partner with him in his efforts it would be a big encouragement to him and an important contribution to the work being done to help the people of Uganda.

12 Hour Night Commute

During the month of May, a group of World Vision volunteers will be rallying Canadians together to help the people of northern Uganda. As part of this special effort, I have organized a 12 Hour Night Commute and I would like your support. What’s a Night Commute and why do the people of northern Uganda desperately need your help? … read on …

Last year, I traveled with World Vision to northern Uganda where I worked in a Children of War Rehabilitation Centre; visited hospitals, camps for Internally Displaced People and a children’s shelter. It was a shocking view of life in a country that has been ravaged by a 19-year civil war that the world has forgotten. This is a brutal war, led by an extremist (Joseph Kony) and carried out by cruel bands of rebels (called the Lord’s Resistance Army – LRA) that roam throughout the northern part of Uganda murdering, raping, looting and committing unimaginable acts of brutality against innocent civilians – including children.

· 90% percent of Uganda’s northern population have been displaced from their homes and relocated into “temporary” camps … camps where people have now lived for the past 19 years. Places where schooling, medicine, sanitation, nutrition and even clean water are hard to find.

· To replenish their ranks, the LRA specifically target young children – they’ve abducted as many as 30,000 of them from their homes at ages as young as 6 and 7. The children are used as slaves – forced to carry heavy loads or else they are beaten and killed. Boys who survive the torture are trained to become child soldiers; girls are given to rebels as wives, they are raped repeatedly and bear children in the bush.

· In an effort to avoid night-time abduction, tens of thousands of children leave their homes every night at dusk and walk for hours to the nearest town. There these “Night Commuters” seek protection in overnight shelters, trading the threat of abduction for the insecurity of the streets.

To increase awareness about this terrible war, raise financial assistance for those who are suffering and find child sponsors for children in the north, I have organized a Night Commute here at home. In the 12 hours between Saturday, May 28^th at 6:00pm and Sunday, May 29^th at 6:00am I’ll be walking as many miles as I can (about 25 – 30 miles).

Through this event, I’m hoping to raise $100 for each mile I walk; but to do this I need your pledges and I need your help. I would like you (or a group you belong to) to pledge your financial support by sponsoring me $1.00 per mile (you can specify a maximum amount if you like). All of the donations will go towards World Vision’s relief efforts in northern Uganda.

As well, I would like to find sponsors for 12 war-children in Uganda – one for each hour I’ll be walking. Please let me know if you or someone you know may be interested in sponsoring one of these special children.

Please reply to this e-mail letting me know that you’ll pledge your support of $1/mile. Share this message with your family, friends, co-workers, groups and clubs. Encourage them to pledge their support, sponsor a child or participate in the Night Commute.

With your support, I know we can reach the target of $100/mile and 12 sponsored children. Without your support, I – like the children of northern Uganda – will be walking alone. Please help.

For more information on this event and last year’s trip to northern Uganda, visit my website www3.ns.sympatico.ca/transform. Tax receipts will be provided for all donations over $15.00.

I was wrong...

2005-04-11T21:53:00.000-03:00

Tricked you. Not about anything important.

After seeing the public response to Pope John Paul II's death, I am ready to concede that he may have been a more influencial person than Bono. I have been amazed at how strongly his passing has impacted people throughout the world.

An interesting article coming from the Pope's passing and his moral stances while alive can be found in Rich Lowry's posting "Theocrat's for Freedom" http://www.nationalreview.com/lowry/lowry200504050742.asp

Exerpt:

The word "theocrat" is a rapidly emerging swearword in American politics. If someone opposes gay marriage, or supports giving sustenance to Terri Schiavo, or has any strong moral convictions that inform his policy positions, he is a "theocrat" who secretly wishes to begin burning people at the stake. How odd, then, that this week we mourn the death and celebrate the life of a man, Pope John Paul II, who had "theocratic" trappings and convictions and yet is universally regarded as a great warrior for freedom.

Actually, it is not odd at all. Many of the great leaps of freedom in the West have come at the instigation of Christian believers. Their faith lends them an unbending belief in human dignity and an audacious hope in success against all odds that sweep aside excuses for inaction.
I recommend you follow the link and read his thoughts. Lowry is my favorite
of the right wing American political writers. He's got his slant, but he articulates it well and has some good insights.

Back to my Bono thoughts, my sister suggested to me that Oprah is more influencial than Bono. Before you tar and feather the poor girl, she wasn't suggesting it was a good thing. Rather, she was pointing out that what Oprah says or suggests (as in her book club, etc.) a large segment of American population follows blindly. I would add
that this segment is about 99.5% female. I sure hope that Oprah's not as influencial in world affairs as is Bono. I don't think she's got much of importance to add to society. Just a lot of new age half-thoughts.

Out.

Is the Pope's Death Significant?

2005-04-03T21:59:00.000-03:00

Yes.

For those who are Catholic, even the question is probably an insult. I don’t pose it as a slap in the face to anyone’s beliefs.

However, I personally believe that the Catholic Church is misguided in many ways and is seen as an irrelevant factor for many in the world including Protestant believers. At various points in history, including as recently as say 25 years ago, the Pope was seen as God on earth. What he said was to be taken on par or greater than scripture. When he said ‘eat fish on Fridays’ that’s what you did if you were a Catholic. The Pope’s declaration was as important as if God Himself had. More recently I think that’s changed somewhat. I think the Catholic Church has making strides towards correcting itself. Yes, yes, I know that even saying that is posing judgment on the Catholic faith. However, the Pope is intended to be the modern day place holder of Peter’s position as the rock on which Jesus would build His church. Peter was never perfect, nor was he the decider of truth amongst the disciples or the new believers. He was simply one who understood the nature of what faith in Jesus meant to himself and to others. He was a servant leader in the building up of churches. I don’t believe any person (other than Jesus) should be deified and I don’t see anything in the Bible that would suggest otherwise.

So, my problems with the Catholic faith and the position of Pope aside, John Paul was a great man of integrity whose service is to be commended. I’ve heard that he would spend as many as 7 hours a day in prayer. His focus was on matters of the faith, foremost, rather than politics. He did an admirable job of balancing the need to maintain the value of life and other Christian beliefs without driving unnecessary divisions amongst people. The gospel is a message of love and life through the grace of Christ and he stood out amongst Popes in his communication of this.

I pray that those Catholic officials who are charged with electing the next Pope would hear the direction of God in their selection. Like the position or not, the person who is Pope can do a great deal of good or bad for the faith and for humanity.

Out.

Don't Get Sick

2005-04-03T21:32:00.000-03:00

This post is all about the kick off of U2's tour, so if you don't want to hear about it. Stop reading. Oh, and you suck.

Here are some great reviews of the show.

'Challenging personal themes and enduring energy keep U2 relevant,’ reported the LA Times, whose reviewer Robert Hilburn said that the band brought the spirit of the new album to the stage in a two-hour set that was ‘as warm and eloquent as the songs’. For a band that made its mark with soaring guitar-driven anthems that commanded you to march along, these new songs are all the more touching because they rely on the superb subtlety and restraint of U2 as musicians. ‘Rock’n’roll has been built mostly on edgy elements, including rebellion, irreverence and exuberance. The Beatles became the first great rock band by both reflecting each of them and by introducing a strain of social optimism through tunes such as ‘All You Need is Love’. While thousands of bands have experimented with the rebellion and irreverence, U2 has explored the idealism with a dedication and conviction that would not only have impressed the Beatles but that has earned it a place alongside that band at the very creative heart of rock.’

'U2,' writes David Sinclair in The Times in the UK, 'Is now the only superpower left in the pop world… by the time that they had finished the event felt more like a date with destiny than anything so mundane as a concert. ‘Conjuring the illusion of intimacy with a natural grandiloquence, U2 have maintained their implacable sense of purpose while all those around them have faltered or to some extent fallen by the wayside.’

You know it was a powerful show,’ said Corey Moss at VH1, ‘When the band is done, the house lights are up and every single seat in the arena is still occupied by fans singing at the top of their lungs. ‘That was the scene Monday at the San Diego Sports Arena, where U2 kicked off their Vertigo Tour with a two-hour celebration of the new and the old and a few favourites in between, including a grand finale of "40" that felt more like the end of an Easter service than a rock concert the night after.

Steve Baltin at Rolling Stone concluded his review like this: ‘The band saved the night's biggest revelation for last, as Mullen began the repetitive drumbeat to "40," the biblical sing-along that used to close U2 shows. In a nod to the early days, at the song's conclusion, Bono walked off the stage first, followed by Clayton and the Edge, while Mullen provided the beat to the crowd's chanting of the chorus "How long to sing this song." When the lights came on, most in the San Diego Sports Arena were still singing.’

I guess the stage is designed like the album cover with the band at the centre of the bullseye and Bono circling around. Here's the set list from the San Diego show. I noticed there was only one song from All That You Can't Leave Behind and nothing from Pop. It's going to be an awesome show. I can't wait. My sister is going to a May show, so I'll get her review in here.

City of Blinding Lights (How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb)
The Electric Co. (Boy)
An Cat Dubh (Boy)
Into the Heart (Boy)
Beautiful Day (All That You Can't Leave Behind)
New Year's Day (War)
Miracle Drug (How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb)
Sometimes You Can't Make it on Your Own (How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb)
Love and Peace or Else (How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb)
Sunday Bloody Sunday (War)
Bullet the Blue Sky (The Joshua Tree)
Running to Stand Still (The Joshua Tree)
Zoo Station (Achtung Baby)
The Fly (Achtung Baby)
Elevation (All That You Can't Leave Behind)
Pride (In the Name of Love) (The Unforgettable Fire)
Where the Streets Have No Name (The Joshua Tree)
One (Achtung Baby)
All Because of You (How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb)
Yahweh (How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb)
40 (War)

Out.

Wingman

2005-03-27T23:24:00.000-04:00

I can understand why you would think that the wingman idea came from Top Gun. I thought so too. You know what a wingman is, the pilot on your wing who flies next to you, working in tandem, to conqueror the bandit ensuring that you’re not caught by an unsuspecting bogey.

This idea has translated into a common idea amongst guys, the wingman. The guy who sticks with you, helps you out, watches your back. The guy you can count on to be looking out for your best interest, whose direction is aligned with yours.

I came to the conclusion in thinking about it that the idea actually started in the Bible. Think about it… when Jesus was hanging on the cross, what’s one of the key things he did. He looked at John (the disciple Jesus loved) and directed that His (Jesus’) Mother was now his mother and John, her son. Jesus was about to die and never live the ‘normal’ life on earth again. His mom was already a widow. Jesus was her firstborn son. Without Jesus to take care of her, she may well end up as a city beggar. Jesus needed his best guy to come through for him and look out for his interests where He couldn’t. He needed His wingman to come through for Him.

And how about David and Jonathan? These guys were tight. Jonathan realized that David’s future as king meant that he would not be king. Even so, he protected David from Saul (Jonathan’s Dad, the king), risking his own life. These guys had a great friendship that money, power, fear, none of our normal motivators got in the way of.

What I’m talking about is much deeper than just a friend or just a person to keep you accountable. I’m talking about someone who knows everything about you and likes and trusts you throughout. Even when you don’t feel the same way about yourself.

I’ve got a great wingman or two and I wouldn't trade it. If you can’t say that you do, you’re missing out. Go find one, make one, whatever it takes. Look around at your close friends. Try to develop that kind of a friendship. Pray for God to bring someone into your life.

“That was some great flying, right up until the point that you got killed. You never ever leave your wingman.”

Out.

Is Bono the most influential person on earth?

2005-03-21T22:11:00.000-04:00

And if he is, should he be?

I want to hear some comments on this one.

Bono is a hero. He really is. Rock star with a message. Celebrity with a heart. Christian without judgement.

Always right? No, I'd say not. But as is, with his 'Bonologues', he's called egomaniacal and pompous. Were he was always right or always got his way … he’d lose his edge.

At one point Bono was quoted as saying he was willing to sleep with the devil if he could lift the boot of world debt off the necks of the dying. That's the cry of a desperate heart.

When I look at Bono I see the world's greatest rock star and an important influencer in world politics. It amazes me that in today's society a Christian could get to be in that kind of position. Say what you want, but Bono is one of the world's leading voices for the poor and broken. It's like what would happen if you gave Mother Theresa some blue wrap arounds and told her that influence was what God wanted her to do to accomplish her goal.

To argue against Bono being the most influential person in the world you have to present some alternatives. Let's say entertainers: P. Diddy. No. Paul McCartney. No. Will Smith. No. No one's even close. There is no one in movies or in music who is as dominant as U2 is right now. If you doubt, you weren't with me trying to get U2 tix on Saturday. (For the record, I did get them... WOOHOO... and will be catching a show in MTL in Nov.) In sports, no one is transcending sports to make a difference worldwide. Michael Jordan - Nope. He spent his influence selling. I honestly think he could have had the same kind of influence on the world as Bono had he chosen to. But he didn't. In politics you would think you would find a great leader who influence the masses. But who? The US President? Bush has his followers, but his power comes from position. Tony Blair? No. Martin, Schroeder, Chirac? No. How about religion? The Pope? Yes, the Pope has influence, but in the same way George W. has. Were either to cease to hold their position tomorrow, who would they influence?

Bono's influence has come from his position as singer of U2, but his influence is not limited. People watch to see what Bono is doing. Bono's voice for social activism impacts the church and the world. He's known as The Pest around the White House and clearly has the ear of all of the Western world leaders.

What brought this subject to mind was the word this week that Bono had been considered to be the head of the World Bank. In fact, when Paul Wolfowitz was named by George W. to the position, in addition to calling world leaders, he called Bono twice in his first week on the job looking for his approval. Not a bad place to be for an Irish rock star with a high school education.
Love him or hate him, Bono is making his mark on the world as a voice for those without one.

This comes from his speech in U2’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.
Third Kodak moment: 1987, somewhere in the south. We'd been campaigning for Dr. King -- for his birthday to be a national holiday. In Arizona they're saying 'no,' and we'd been campaigning very, very hard for Dr. King. Some people don't like it. Some people get very annoyed. Some people want to kill the singer. Some people are taken very seriously by the FBI. They tell us that we shouldn't play the gig because tonight his life is at risk and must not go on the stage. The singer laughs. The singer pffts, you know. Of course, we're playing the gig! Of course, we go on stage! And I'm standing there singing "Pride (In the Name of Love)" and got to the third verse. I close my eyes. I know I'm excited about meeting my maker -- but maybe not tonight. I don't really want to meet my maker tonight. I closed my eyes and when I look up, I see Adam Clayton standing in front of me, holding his bass like only Adam Clayton can hold his bass. And, yeah, there's people in this room who tell you they'll take a bullet for you, but Adam Clayton would have taken a bullet for me -- and I guess that's what it's like to be in a truly great rock and roll band.

Out.

The Unknown

2005-03-14T23:30:00.000-04:00

No Parking

2005-03-02T21:33:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to figure out what to write in my blog. I mean, it's my blog so I can write what I want. But if no one wants to read it or it has no use, does it really have a use?

Maybe.

Anyways, Whalen spoke tonight at Seven. Good times, well done. I had no idea that Jesus talked like a Sole Harbour High kid, but no matter. I'm sure it's the first of many good thoughts that he'll share showing people the way to God.

All part of moving forward.

I think I'll use this blog to talk about people who's thoughts intrigue me. Some names that come to mind include Erwin McManus, Bono, Jim Wallis, Rich Lowry, Lawrence Lessig, Phillip Yancy...

Here's a thought from McManus
'Anyone who can picture Jesus as the great Advocate of tradition is doing some serious doctoring of biblical history... The uprising was to transcend culture, ethnicity, race, religion, status - every and any divide established by men... Let no one remain captive to the nefarious schemes of religionists who attempt to hold God for ransom. Let nothing prevent you or hinder you from providing mercy and forgiveness to those living under the burden of guilt and shame. Who could have guessed that a message of love could incite so much hostility?'

If you get a chance, read one of his books like The Barbarian Way, he's got some great insights. www.erwinmcmanus.com

Oh, and I just found out that they are finishing the renovations at my underground parking lot. So my No Parking ban will be done as of next week. It's good. I've had enough of the peasant wagon.

Out.

Blue like a smurf

2005-02-21T21:10:00.000-04:00

The popular book going around these days seems to be one called Blue Like Jazz. Maybe it's just 'going around' in my circles, maybe no one else has heard of it, but I've noticed that a lot of my friends are reading it and really thinking that it's got some good answers. I'm not getting it. I've read the book, finished the other day, and I'm left shaking my head. It's a book self described as non-religious thoughts about Christian spirituality. Now, I recognize the need to be open to and embrace cultural change in communicating the faith, but I can't say that this book really pushed my thinking. The guy's big insights, like everyone needing relationships, aren't quite what I'd call big. Really, I don't plan to use Don Rabbit and Don Astronaut as illustrations. Really.

It seems to me that what the author, Donald Miller, has to say can be summed up in a few ideas. In sharing your faith and living your life, be in community, be yourself and don't be judgemental (be accepting). I learned all that stuff from Papa Smurf way back in the day. And how could you argue it? The guy doesn't use a single Bible reference in the whole book. Two hundred forty-two pages and no attempt to back up any of his blog-worthy ramblings.

I'm happy that this book has helped people realize and put to words some questions they have and articulate their creed in a culturally sensitive way. That's all good. But for me, a description of a faith that avoids all links to the words of the Originator has gotten a little too sophisticated. Call me simple.

Oh, this won't be my last rant on how people are dealing with cultural change in the Christian faith.

Out.

You wouldn't believe

2005-02-18T21:37:00.000-04:00

Post number one and I'm not too happy. You wouldn't believe how many names are not available when trying to pick. Whoever got bryan.blogspot.com ... you suck. I know that's mean, but I'm alright with that.

But it's Friday, and that's good.

One thot for the first post... onehalfyp? Me? Come on, that's just cold.

Out.