The term "man" means nothing when we choose to behave like animals.
Wal-Mart worker dies in Black Friday stampede
"Nobody was trying to help him," said shopper Nakea Augustine, who was in the line. "They were rushing in the store, rushing, rushing, rushing."
"They kept shopping. It's not right," Cribbs said.
"Not a tear for those of flesh,
not a stayed hand for a world that prostitutes itself.
and not a minute more of degeneration.
Words cannot express my disappointment.
Words cannot express my disapproval.
So I hate...
I hate a world that's only capable of triumph.
Do I stand idly by and let this world disintegrate?
This world will pass away, and my emotions with it.
Why should I strive for acceptance and peace of mind?
A Profound Hatred of Man."
-Shai Hulud
Save us from ourselves, oh Father God.
MMK
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Giving Thanks
It's Thanksgiving in America, so we celebrated the only way we know how: we overate.
This is the first Thanksgiving that neither Sarah or I have been able to be with our families, so it was kind of weird. We were lucky enough to have some good friends to spend the day with, though, so that made things better. There were a few hall directors besides myself who decided to stay on campus for the holiday, so we all got together and cooked a full, traditional Thanksgiving spread. Sarah and I took care of making the desserts (pumpkin pie, banana bread, and a pumpkin pie cake) as well as the dinner rolls. Other people took responsibility for the turkey, the cranberry sauce, the potatoes, the stuffing, and the other side dishes. We had way too much food for the seven of us that sat down together, so there are plenty of leftovers.
I thought maybe of you who are counted amongst our family and friends might like to see some pictures, so here you go:
It turned out to be a pretty awesome day. I did the manly thing and carved the turkey as well as said grace before dinner began. The day wasn't entirely food-based, despite the large meal, though. In total, we spent about 9 hours hanging out with good friends, watching football, playing Mario Kart, and just relaxing. What a nice way to start an extended weekend.
So, there it is. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Now go do your part tomorrow to help keep America strong (or barely afloat)... Exercise your right to spend every last dollar you have between now and Christmas.
Stay Gold!
MMK
This is the first Thanksgiving that neither Sarah or I have been able to be with our families, so it was kind of weird. We were lucky enough to have some good friends to spend the day with, though, so that made things better. There were a few hall directors besides myself who decided to stay on campus for the holiday, so we all got together and cooked a full, traditional Thanksgiving spread. Sarah and I took care of making the desserts (pumpkin pie, banana bread, and a pumpkin pie cake) as well as the dinner rolls. Other people took responsibility for the turkey, the cranberry sauce, the potatoes, the stuffing, and the other side dishes. We had way too much food for the seven of us that sat down together, so there are plenty of leftovers.
I thought maybe of you who are counted amongst our family and friends might like to see some pictures, so here you go:
It turned out to be a pretty awesome day. I did the manly thing and carved the turkey as well as said grace before dinner began. The day wasn't entirely food-based, despite the large meal, though. In total, we spent about 9 hours hanging out with good friends, watching football, playing Mario Kart, and just relaxing. What a nice way to start an extended weekend.
So, there it is. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Now go do your part tomorrow to help keep America strong (or barely afloat)... Exercise your right to spend every last dollar you have between now and Christmas.
Stay Gold!
MMK
Monday, November 24, 2008
pointless..but still good.
hi!
marshall mentioned in his last post we had a doctor's appointment today.
here is the update:
the appointment took about 20 minutes tops.
the AFP testing came back negative (which is good, the probably of our baby having some sort of defect/disorder is not likely, whew).
the doctor would like me to eat more protein in attempts to gain 1 pound of weight per week. i'm trying! i honestly am!
other than that, everything seems to be normal.
we have an ultrasound scheduled in two weeks. i'm excited to find out the sex and let it be a surprise for everyone else! i pray the anatomy of the baby turns out to be normal.
anyways, i get pretty tired of baby talk. it still hasn't snowed here, yet. come on snow! i am more than ready for a big heap of the white stuff!!!
that's all for now.
SLK
marshall mentioned in his last post we had a doctor's appointment today.
here is the update:
the appointment took about 20 minutes tops.
the AFP testing came back negative (which is good, the probably of our baby having some sort of defect/disorder is not likely, whew).
the doctor would like me to eat more protein in attempts to gain 1 pound of weight per week. i'm trying! i honestly am!
other than that, everything seems to be normal.
we have an ultrasound scheduled in two weeks. i'm excited to find out the sex and let it be a surprise for everyone else! i pray the anatomy of the baby turns out to be normal.
anyways, i get pretty tired of baby talk. it still hasn't snowed here, yet. come on snow! i am more than ready for a big heap of the white stuff!!!
that's all for now.
SLK
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Off the top of my head...
My fantasy football team finally played up to its potential today. I'm happy about that.
My best bro Kevin sent me this link and you should all see it, too:
http://www.fresh99.com/meat-cake.htm
For those of you who knew, we haven't been getting the best cell phone reception in our apartment since the beginning of the semester. Things turned around in that area this past week, though, and apparently now our reception is fine. We don't have to charge our phones every night anymore and we can actually sit on our couch and talk to people. It's a wonderful thing.
It's supposed to snow here this week. I wonder if anything will stick. We're pretty excited for winter to begin. We're both big fans of the snow (at least until February or so).
My friend just told me this joke: "If women with large breasts work at Hooters, where do women with only one leg work? (wait for it... wait for it...) IHOP. Oh man. That's great stuff.
We have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. Well, I guess it's not for "us" so much as it is for "it" (aka my unborn child). I'm sure there will be some sort of update to be posted here after the appointment, so check back.
Check out my sweet No-Shave November beard:
I took that picture in my office because my work computer has a webcam. Also, because I'm in my office right now. To prove that point further, take a look at all of the paperwork on my desk.
I've been reading a lot lately about how the world is going to end in 2012. I guess it's getting harder to argue against the idea given the crap that I keep seeing on the news every morning. Our child will be three if that happens. Awesome.
I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. I love celebrating and being grateful. I also love to celebrate our victory over the indigenous folks who used to have something to be thankful for before we took over their reasons for giving thanks. We celebrate better, anyway, because we're more civilized.
Stay Gold, everyone! I'm going to go to bed now.
MMK
My best bro Kevin sent me this link and you should all see it, too:
http://www.fresh99.com/meat-cake.htm
For those of you who knew, we haven't been getting the best cell phone reception in our apartment since the beginning of the semester. Things turned around in that area this past week, though, and apparently now our reception is fine. We don't have to charge our phones every night anymore and we can actually sit on our couch and talk to people. It's a wonderful thing.
It's supposed to snow here this week. I wonder if anything will stick. We're pretty excited for winter to begin. We're both big fans of the snow (at least until February or so).
My friend just told me this joke: "If women with large breasts work at Hooters, where do women with only one leg work? (wait for it... wait for it...) IHOP. Oh man. That's great stuff.
We have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. Well, I guess it's not for "us" so much as it is for "it" (aka my unborn child). I'm sure there will be some sort of update to be posted here after the appointment, so check back.
Check out my sweet No-Shave November beard:
I took that picture in my office because my work computer has a webcam. Also, because I'm in my office right now. To prove that point further, take a look at all of the paperwork on my desk.
I've been reading a lot lately about how the world is going to end in 2012. I guess it's getting harder to argue against the idea given the crap that I keep seeing on the news every morning. Our child will be three if that happens. Awesome.
I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. I love celebrating and being grateful. I also love to celebrate our victory over the indigenous folks who used to have something to be thankful for before we took over their reasons for giving thanks. We celebrate better, anyway, because we're more civilized.
Stay Gold, everyone! I'm going to go to bed now.
MMK
Sunday, November 16, 2008
New Hampshire's Worst
The top two worst things about living in New Hampshire:
1. You have to drive at least an hour outside of the state before you get to the nearest Arby's. Seriously! No Arby's in NH?! They say we should "live free or die," but don't think that we should be free to consume the most delicious of roast beefs.
2. You can't avoid watching the Patriots play on Sunday if you want to watch any football at all. I've never hated regional television markets more than I do when I have to watch the Patriots on a weekly basis.
Honorable mentions include:
Drivers from Massachusetts (totally unsafe wastes of gas);
"Where'd you say you're from? Idaho/Ohio?" (the Midwest is inconsequential);
and east-coast sporting loyalties altogether (Sox/Celtics/Bruins = I Don't Care)
All told, though, this is still a pretty cool place to live.
Please send us two regular roast beef sandwiches, though. Priority mail.
Stay Gold!
MMK
1. You have to drive at least an hour outside of the state before you get to the nearest Arby's. Seriously! No Arby's in NH?! They say we should "live free or die," but don't think that we should be free to consume the most delicious of roast beefs.
2. You can't avoid watching the Patriots play on Sunday if you want to watch any football at all. I've never hated regional television markets more than I do when I have to watch the Patriots on a weekly basis.
Honorable mentions include:
Drivers from Massachusetts (totally unsafe wastes of gas);
"Where'd you say you're from? Idaho/Ohio?" (the Midwest is inconsequential);
and east-coast sporting loyalties altogether (Sox/Celtics/Bruins = I Don't Care)
All told, though, this is still a pretty cool place to live.
Please send us two regular roast beef sandwiches, though. Priority mail.
Stay Gold!
MMK
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Here's what's new with me, blah blah blah...
Sarah's been posting more than I have been recently. I'm alright with that. There's not really a lot to report. Now that the election is over, my interest in things other than work or Sarah has taken a break. It'll come back eventually and I'll get a be in my bonnet about something, but until then I'll be a boring old man.
So here's a general status update...
My iPod died about a week ago and it made me pretty sad. While I use it less now than I used to because I'm no longer walking across campus to class or driving much, I did use it every time that I went to the gym to work out. I can't really lift or do cardio without listening to music. I guess I just need the distraction. Anyway, I'm lucky enough to have a wife who takes care of me. Sarah gave me a new iPod Nano Chromatic as an early Christmas present. It's pretty awesome. It's small, fits easily into the pocket of my gym shorts, and holds more than enough music to get me through a month of more of workouts without me having to update the music it holds. As a bonus, too, it also plays video. The video feature will come in handy for the train ride home over Christmas break and for next semester when I travel for professional conferences and things. All in all, it's an awesome little device. I'm by no means an Apple loyalist, nor do I generally hold any brand allegiances, but the iPod (in all of it's manifestations) is the only mp3/audio player that I've ever really enjoyed using. Thanks, Sarah, for getting me a new one.
Since I have a new player, let's hear what I'm listening to recently:
Alli Rogers - "You and the Evening Sky" (new album from one of my faves)
Murs - "Murs for President" (great hip-hop)
Pennywise - "Reason to Believe" (new album from punk stalwarts)
Humanifesto - "The Infamous" (Canadian anarchists)
Murder by Death - "Red of Tooth and Claw" (punk/folk/country/rockabilly/there's a cello involved)
We drove up to Portland, Maine today to spend the afternoon with Sarah's friend Heather. The weather did not cooperate. It rained and was generally crappy all day. We walked around downtown a bit, but ended up back at Heather's place playing Scrabble and messing around with her dog. We had a lot of fun, but wish the weather would have been better so that we could have seen more of the town/area. The good thing about living here, though, is that Portland is only an hour up the road. I'm sure we'll get back up that way soon and that we'll do so on a day when fog isn't limiting visibility to less than 100 yards.
We went to a local potluck dinner in Portsmouth last night. It was called the "100-Mile Potluck" and was put on by local business people invested in sustaining and benefiting local and organic agriculture. Each person who attended had to bring an item to share that had been made using local materials (i.e. foods and things grown within 100 miles). I made a loaf of banana-walnut bread using walnuts that had been grown and packaged in Maine. I can't get enough banana bread lately. Anyway, the potluck was a good time. More people came than were expected, though, so the venue was quite packed. It made actually getting food somewhat of an arduous task. Then we ended up sitting with a woman who made small talk about doing "business" with "photographers" in Ames, IA and Dayton, OH (where one of the other Hall Directors who accompanied us is from). It was odd. I got the feeling that she may be involved in some modeling of the scantily-clad variety, but maybe I'm wrong in assuming so. Regardless, fun was had and the food was good.
I get to start paying my student loans back next month. Awesome.
If Obama really is a socialist and he nationalizes education, would that mean that my federal loans would be forgiven? I guess I can only hope...
Sarah's yelling at me to come to bed. I suppose that means that I'm out of things to say.
Stay Gold, everyone. Keep in touch.
MMK
So here's a general status update...
My iPod died about a week ago and it made me pretty sad. While I use it less now than I used to because I'm no longer walking across campus to class or driving much, I did use it every time that I went to the gym to work out. I can't really lift or do cardio without listening to music. I guess I just need the distraction. Anyway, I'm lucky enough to have a wife who takes care of me. Sarah gave me a new iPod Nano Chromatic as an early Christmas present. It's pretty awesome. It's small, fits easily into the pocket of my gym shorts, and holds more than enough music to get me through a month of more of workouts without me having to update the music it holds. As a bonus, too, it also plays video. The video feature will come in handy for the train ride home over Christmas break and for next semester when I travel for professional conferences and things. All in all, it's an awesome little device. I'm by no means an Apple loyalist, nor do I generally hold any brand allegiances, but the iPod (in all of it's manifestations) is the only mp3/audio player that I've ever really enjoyed using. Thanks, Sarah, for getting me a new one.
Since I have a new player, let's hear what I'm listening to recently:
Alli Rogers - "You and the Evening Sky" (new album from one of my faves)
Murs - "Murs for President" (great hip-hop)
Pennywise - "Reason to Believe" (new album from punk stalwarts)
Humanifesto - "The Infamous" (Canadian anarchists)
Murder by Death - "Red of Tooth and Claw" (punk/folk/country/rockabilly/there's a cello involved)
We drove up to Portland, Maine today to spend the afternoon with Sarah's friend Heather. The weather did not cooperate. It rained and was generally crappy all day. We walked around downtown a bit, but ended up back at Heather's place playing Scrabble and messing around with her dog. We had a lot of fun, but wish the weather would have been better so that we could have seen more of the town/area. The good thing about living here, though, is that Portland is only an hour up the road. I'm sure we'll get back up that way soon and that we'll do so on a day when fog isn't limiting visibility to less than 100 yards.
We went to a local potluck dinner in Portsmouth last night. It was called the "100-Mile Potluck" and was put on by local business people invested in sustaining and benefiting local and organic agriculture. Each person who attended had to bring an item to share that had been made using local materials (i.e. foods and things grown within 100 miles). I made a loaf of banana-walnut bread using walnuts that had been grown and packaged in Maine. I can't get enough banana bread lately. Anyway, the potluck was a good time. More people came than were expected, though, so the venue was quite packed. It made actually getting food somewhat of an arduous task. Then we ended up sitting with a woman who made small talk about doing "business" with "photographers" in Ames, IA and Dayton, OH (where one of the other Hall Directors who accompanied us is from). It was odd. I got the feeling that she may be involved in some modeling of the scantily-clad variety, but maybe I'm wrong in assuming so. Regardless, fun was had and the food was good.
I get to start paying my student loans back next month. Awesome.
If Obama really is a socialist and he nationalizes education, would that mean that my federal loans would be forgiven? I guess I can only hope...
Sarah's yelling at me to come to bed. I suppose that means that I'm out of things to say.
Stay Gold, everyone. Keep in touch.
MMK
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
so odd.
you know those cravings you always hear pregnant women having? welp, so far i haven't craved ice cream and pickles at the same time, but i have gone through a few phases.
pregnancy cravings, in order of occurrence...each lasting at most a week:
#1 - frozen cheese pizza
#2 - McDonald's (if any of you know me well, you know this is SO NOT like me...it lasted for about a day)
#3 - air (at this point i couldn't keep anything down, so i barely ate)
#4 - starburst (at one point i had consumed a whole pack in a matter of about 5 minutes)
#5 - oranges (at least two a day)
#6 - red apples (until i threw up one immediately after eating it...let's just say i haven't eaten an apple since)
#7 - buttered popcorn (current craving, one WHOLE bag/night)
a bit odd, right? i am sure it will only get worse. oh pregnancy...you're a strange one! i may add to this list as time goes on.
pregnancy cravings, in order of occurrence...each lasting at most a week:
#1 - frozen cheese pizza
#2 - McDonald's (if any of you know me well, you know this is SO NOT like me...it lasted for about a day)
#3 - air (at this point i couldn't keep anything down, so i barely ate)
#4 - starburst (at one point i had consumed a whole pack in a matter of about 5 minutes)
#5 - oranges (at least two a day)
#6 - red apples (until i threw up one immediately after eating it...let's just say i haven't eaten an apple since)
#7 - buttered popcorn (current craving, one WHOLE bag/night)
a bit odd, right? i am sure it will only get worse. oh pregnancy...you're a strange one! i may add to this list as time goes on.
Monday, November 10, 2008
what's that?!
CHRISTMAS MUSIC!
it does seem a bit early...BUT
i busted out the christmas music today...
and despite marshall's protests, our new christmas tree is up.
i've started to decorate the tree a bit but will finish most of the decorating tomorrow.
i just couldn't help it.
we won't be here for most of december, so i wanted to put the tree up so we could actually enjoy it before we head home.
i will definitely take a picture of the tree once it is finished!
i'm a giddy girl tonight! :o)
it does seem a bit early...BUT
i busted out the christmas music today...
and despite marshall's protests, our new christmas tree is up.
i've started to decorate the tree a bit but will finish most of the decorating tomorrow.
i just couldn't help it.
we won't be here for most of december, so i wanted to put the tree up so we could actually enjoy it before we head home.
i will definitely take a picture of the tree once it is finished!
i'm a giddy girl tonight! :o)
Friday, November 7, 2008
sniffle.
i miss my ma.
i miss my pops.
i miss my sister-in-law.
i miss my parents' house.
i just miss iowa in general.
only a little over a month or so until we go home!
yipeee!
i miss my pops.
i miss my sister-in-law.
i miss my parents' house.
i just miss iowa in general.
only a little over a month or so until we go home!
yipeee!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Ch-ch-ch-changing
I keep messing with the layout and format of our blog because I am a nerd who can't focus on things that actually matter. I'll keep tooling around with this until I think it looks alright. Then I suppose I'll probably tool around some more.
Anyway, I hope the changes are for the better.
MMK
Anyway, I hope the changes are for the better.
MMK
history
after last night, i can honestly say i am a bit more proud to live in america.
i realize i have no clue what lies ahead for our country, but i am so pleased people felt enough responsibility to actually vote.
i realize for those who voted mccain, the time right now may not be as joyous.
however, i strongly feel there has to be a point where people accept what is and are hopeful for the future.
we have the ability to respect ANY individual elected as president even if we don't agree with all of the issues or the choices that may possibly be made.
hating and complaining will not move our country out of the trouble we are in.
no matter how small it may seem at times, the biggest act of faith and support we can provide is prayer.
i will pray for our country as a whole, i will pray for our troops, but overall, i will pray for our leader and the people surrounding him. may god be our power and may our leader listen to his guidance.
i will also pray, that when our country goes through difficult times, because we will, may we not point the finger and blame...but humble ourselves and ask god for his love and grace.
"It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to where we are today, but we have just begun. Today we begin in earnest the work of making sure that the world we leave our children is just a little bit better than the one we inhabit today." - Obama
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
SLK
i realize i have no clue what lies ahead for our country, but i am so pleased people felt enough responsibility to actually vote.
i realize for those who voted mccain, the time right now may not be as joyous.
however, i strongly feel there has to be a point where people accept what is and are hopeful for the future.
we have the ability to respect ANY individual elected as president even if we don't agree with all of the issues or the choices that may possibly be made.
hating and complaining will not move our country out of the trouble we are in.
no matter how small it may seem at times, the biggest act of faith and support we can provide is prayer.
i will pray for our country as a whole, i will pray for our troops, but overall, i will pray for our leader and the people surrounding him. may god be our power and may our leader listen to his guidance.
i will also pray, that when our country goes through difficult times, because we will, may we not point the finger and blame...but humble ourselves and ask god for his love and grace.
"It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to where we are today, but we have just begun. Today we begin in earnest the work of making sure that the world we leave our children is just a little bit better than the one we inhabit today." - Obama
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
SLK
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Democracy
We voted this morning for Obama. Surprising, right?
Four more years until we have to pretend to be interested in politics again.
God bless America.
Four more years until we have to pretend to be interested in politics again.
God bless America.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
For the Bible Told Me So
Sarah and I watched a documentary last night called "For the Bible Told Me So." I'd suggest it for anyone who wants to better understand the flaws of the war waged by fundamentalist Christians against homosexuality in America.
http://www.cinematical.com/2007/01/31/sundancereview-for-the-bible-tells-me-so/
I take no stance on the question of whether homosexuality is a sin. Honestly, I don't care. I think that we're missing the point if the conversation we're having in this country about homosexuality is focused on whether it is or isn't sinful. One side will say it is, the other side will say it isn't, and neither side will budge. There isn't a conversation to be had when the issue is black or white. As far as I know, Jesus never said anything on on the issue of homosexuality as a sin, so neither will I.
What I will say, though, is that there is a basic human decency and respect that should be afforded to everyone. I favor fair and just treatment for all individuals regardless of their lifestyle choices. We don't deny basic human rights to people who think dirty thoughts, or who masturbate, or who cheat on their spouses. Aren't those all sexual sins? I'm always curious as to why the issue of homosexuality stirs such a passion in some Christians who will otherwise think to raise their voices against adultery or lust. I mean, I know that those Christians would certainly speak against adultery and lust if they were prodded or asked to do so, but why is the issue of homosexuality the issue that gets their blood boiling?
I guess that's a question that we probably won't answer here on a blog.
It's kind of like asking why people feel the need to divide society into easily identified, despised, and dehumanized groups. For poops and goobers, I suppose.
There was a quote in the movie that I really liked:
"Christian fundamentalists can't have a conversation about the Bible because they don't know to interpret the Bible, only to recite it."
True. I'm not opposed to the recitation of God's Word, but I am opposed to the rout memorization of God's Word without thought or reflection. Especially when the latter is being done from a place of hate and divisiveness.
Stay Gold,
MMK
http://www.cinematical.com/2007/01/31/sundancereview-for-the-bible-tells-me-so/
I take no stance on the question of whether homosexuality is a sin. Honestly, I don't care. I think that we're missing the point if the conversation we're having in this country about homosexuality is focused on whether it is or isn't sinful. One side will say it is, the other side will say it isn't, and neither side will budge. There isn't a conversation to be had when the issue is black or white. As far as I know, Jesus never said anything on on the issue of homosexuality as a sin, so neither will I.
What I will say, though, is that there is a basic human decency and respect that should be afforded to everyone. I favor fair and just treatment for all individuals regardless of their lifestyle choices. We don't deny basic human rights to people who think dirty thoughts, or who masturbate, or who cheat on their spouses. Aren't those all sexual sins? I'm always curious as to why the issue of homosexuality stirs such a passion in some Christians who will otherwise think to raise their voices against adultery or lust. I mean, I know that those Christians would certainly speak against adultery and lust if they were prodded or asked to do so, but why is the issue of homosexuality the issue that gets their blood boiling?
I guess that's a question that we probably won't answer here on a blog.
It's kind of like asking why people feel the need to divide society into easily identified, despised, and dehumanized groups. For poops and goobers, I suppose.
There was a quote in the movie that I really liked:
"Christian fundamentalists can't have a conversation about the Bible because they don't know to interpret the Bible, only to recite it."
True. I'm not opposed to the recitation of God's Word, but I am opposed to the rout memorization of God's Word without thought or reflection. Especially when the latter is being done from a place of hate and divisiveness.
Stay Gold,
MMK
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