Lafayette, Indiana

I used to think that the gap in age explains that I don’t understand or appreciate the artistic choices of young, popular artists. But then I remember that when I was young, older people thought that our outfits and forms of expression were immature and embarrassing. Of course I dismissed them. But in fact, they were right. Disco glam was inane and counter culture outfits were mostly a visual abomination. This is not to say that we should deny everyone their fun and stupidity. But it does mean that if you see a musician who opts for the face shield with no real reason then…yes…you are correct to note that they look like a moron. It’s okay to laugh.

It’s been a terrible drop off - nothing yet in 2009. But I am going to try again and see what happens. I have experienced a big change since last year. In fact, two big changes. I am now enrolled in another doctoral program and am loving it. It is occupying a lot of my time but it is exhilerating. In addition, I have taken a position as the Pastor of University Church at Purdue. I am leading the service on Sunday and it has been an exciting experience. This once strong Presbyterian congregation had dwindled down to little or noting. My first Sunday there were 17 people. We are now averaging about 125 each week. People are enthusiastic for what we are doing. We are trying to do church differently. We are focusing on teaching the Bible, not preaching about the Bible. We are trying to elevate the intellectual rigor of the teaching out of respect for the University community. And we are reaching out to a multi-generational demographic including faculty, staff and members of the community. In particular we are trying to offer people who have had bad experiences with a Christian church - either hurt or bored - a new feeling about expressing their Christian spiritual yearnings. The focus of the experience is life application. It’s not about living as a religious person. It’s about living like a Christian…you know…love God and love other people. Yeah, that thing.

Wednesday, Lafayette, Indiana

In an era of experts - and I qualify as an expert in some few areas- the danger is to presume that we have expertise beyond our reach. This is especially evident when it comes to politics. Most people have passionate opinions about their ideology, their candidates and their party. But in most cases their opinion is based on partial information, flawed conclusions and the blustering opinions of their small circle of similarly poorly informed friends and associates. In other words, we tend to vote using our gut more than our head. And the gut is an abysmal organ for judgement. The gut is what gets people to drink to excess, paint their faces at games and get into bar fights.

I have not really figured out what party I am most affiliated with - I like the compassion of the Democratic party as I understand it; I like the small government approach of the Republican party as I understand it. In the end I am most influenced by a combination of my gut feeling tempered with my intellectual judgement about the candidates I hear. And on this score I was a happy voter for Barack Obama, based on his intellect and pragmatic approach to decision making. This is also a strong reaction to the approach of George Bush who led almost exclusively using organs below his neck.

So I have a modicum of hope and optimism that the dire predictions about the economy in the coming year will be addressed assertively - and intelligently - by the new administration. I am praying fervently!

Lafayette, Indiana

Getting small is the new black!

The economic crisis may have started out with Wall Street and spread to the banks and then the auto industry, but it is now causing widespread angst all throughout the country. And of course the vast majority of us fall into the category of hapless, helpless victim. My speaking career is in a recession to be sure. Companies are obviously having fewer meetings outside the office and hiring fewer outside speakers. So I am doing what many others are doing to cope: hunkering down, staying close to home and focusing on other aspects of my career. And to my delight I am living smaller and spending less. Sally and I are delighted to be eating at home and hanging out with our neighbors. La Dolce Vita!

The question I have for myself and the rest of us has to do with the time when this recession is over and the economy starts rolling again (ah…I assume it will). Will I revert to my former, more grandiose habits of travel and spending? I plan to use this interim time of smaller living to practice it with joy and cultivate it as a lifelong habit. In the meantime, I hope you are able to survive the mess.

Wednesday, Lafayette, Indiana

A new study offers empirical evidence of what most of us have suspected for a long time. Watching television is bad for children. Well, duh!

With the average American now watching an average of over 32 hours of TV each week what do we expect but that we are circling the drain. The report shows that children that watch the most hours of TV engage in sexual activity at a younger age. And of course there is a well established connection between excessive television viewing and a propensity for violence.

What are parents to do in light of these findings? Well, obviously the answer is moderate the exposure to television of their kids. But for so many parents, overwhelmed and busy with work and other responsibilities, the television as an occupier of their children’s attention is too tempting to resist. But this research indicates that later you amy well pay the piper. The lesson is to remain strong and get kids involved in activities where they are with other, real live other people and engaged in healthy activities. Like so many other realities in life, early discipline yields fruit later.

Monday, Indianapolis, Indiana

It wasn’t the first time it’s happened, but yet again there was a shopping mob that went ballistic and trampled an innocent victim to death! At a Wal-Mart store on Long Island a drooling gang of lunatic shoppers - fearful that they would miss out on a sale of laptops - steamrolled a worker as they poured into the store. In the middle of their frenzy none hesitated to check on the condition of the felled victim. They all just plowed ahead.

While it may not be possible to bring criminal charges against these idiots, we can only hope that each is wracked with painful guilt for what they have done. And isn’t it time that the managers of these stores figure out how to manage these situations? Why are they still opening the store by all at once unlocking the doors to let the crowd literally run amok inside? They do this every year with the same results. What did they think would happen this time?

It is a distressing revelation that America’s values have become so distorted that consumer success appears to trump all other achievements. What is the essence of modern life? We work for money to spend on stuff…and work some more to buy more stuff. Needing the stuff or even being clear that we can afford the stuff is secondary to getting the stuff. Buying: this summarizes the essential meaning of life…for millions. Even with borrowed money or delayed credit, getting, having and getting some more is the urgent life necessity.

With this as a priority, it’s no wonder we would trample anyone that got in the way between us and the stuff. Sickness.

Sunday, West Lafayette, Indiana

One of the arguments against the candidacy of Barack Obama and the Democrats is the traditional worry that they are too soft and lenient when it comes to international threats - especially in the age of terrorism. So despite his dramatic win, there is anticipation while we await his posture facing enemies of America. So on top of the deep worries about the economic seizures we also have angst about our safety.

In such a situation many already nervous individuals become vulnerable to elevated levels of panic. How are you handling it all? Some ignore such matters, focusing on the concerns of their daily life. Others embrace a the uncertainty with a sense of resignation, acknowledging that in the end, we cannot individually control such events. But for those who are unable to shut it out of their mind or come to terms with the fragile nature of human life, these times are debilitating. Perhaps you or someone you know struggles with what mental health professionals call Panic Disorder.

See if you can you relate to these symptoms of Panic Disorder

Symptoms: A  discrete period of intense fear or discomfort, in which four or more of the following symptoms develop abruptly and reach a peak within ten minutes:

 1.  Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate:
 – Your heart rate is so fast, rabbits approach you without fear.
 – You can only tolerate listening to music whose percussion is in  time with your heartbeat.

 2.  Sweating:
 –  After exercising at the gym, the staff must mop up your areas.
 – You must launder your clothing at least twice each day.

 3.  Trembling or Shaking:
 – In order to focus your eyes to read, you must lean against a  solid object.
 – Unbeknownst to those you meet, your vigorous handshake requires no energy on your part.

 4.  Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering:
 – You can only fall asleep without covers.
 – When listening to your breathing through the phone, others suspect that your dog is nearby.

 5.  Fears of choking:
 – You are terrified of eating chicken or fish.
 – Activities such as scratching your face or trying to apply lipstick triggers your gag response.

 6.  Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint:
 – Even while standing perfectly still. You weave from side to  side.
 – You pass out into unconsciousness at least seven times each week.

 7.  Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself):
 – You don’t always really know it’s you in the mirror.
 – You often have a strong desire to step aside away from yourself.

 8.  Fear of losing control or going crazy:
 – You only feel completely secure when you are physically  attached to a solid object or another person.
 – Even though you do not have panic disorder, this test is causing  you to develop the illness.

 9.  Fear of dying:
 – Your funeral arrangements have been made and prepaid since you  were 20 years old.
 – You spend every free moment of spare time sitting still in a chair  in your basement.

 10.  Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensation):
 – In order to lift something, you must look at your hand to insure that it is really grasping.
 – Every few minutes you make a little jump and cry "Wooo."

Tuesday, West Lafayette, Indiana

Everyone I know, with the exception of those who are simply tuned out, is holding their breath for the results of the election next week. Some of my friends and family are passionate Obama supporters and, I must admit that those I know who are Republicans and for McCain seem pretty demoralized. Whatever side they are on, the tension of waiting seems almost unbearable.

I have a suspicion, however, that once the election is decided, other than the most disappointed partisans, most Americans will breathe a sigh of relief and find a new energy to move forward. It’s the unknowing that is the hardest. And clearly, unless there’s some shocking development, it looks as if our next president will indeed be Barack Obama. And I for one believe that such a result will electrify the nation and the world about America.

For one thing, our friends and enemies will know that the electorate in America has had it with the direction of our country for the past eight years. It will also be a relief to me that the ugly, hate filled partisanship — making absurd allegations about character, religion and associations — has essentially been rejected. Only a small amount of uneducated, stupid fanatics will continue to grouse, fueled by their heroes on the radio and television (by the way, millionaires all!).I’m happy to listen to intelligent disputes about policy and the direction of our country. I’m always open to hearing varied opinions about how we should spend our money and raise our money. But if I hear one more mental midget try and claim that they are afraid we might elect someone who they’ve been told is essentially a terrorist, I think I’ll puke. As far as character is concerned I was far more alarmed about the story about how John McCain treated as disabled first wife, and his eyes for younger women than I was about Obama’s conversations with some disreputable characters.

The shame of it all to me, is that for almost all of his career I have been a big fan of John McCain. But like many others, I am so disillusioned with his unfettered appeal to an ideological base that is inflexibly rigid and obsessed with some few intractable issues at the expense of the larger concerns of the nation’s health. This is not the John McCain I was eager to vote for — the iconoclastic voice that put the country before party. He’s gone, and I’m now listening to a shrill old man who has aligned himself with some of the worst elements in the culture.

I have nothing against “Joe Sixpack” or any other working class person. I’m from a staunch, working-class blue-collar family from New York myself. But my “Joe Sixpack” family pressed upon me the value of education, learning and insight. In 2000 we elected someone who clearly does not value education, learning and insight (and who, by the way is from a multi-millionaire family with an Ivy League education!). Look where this has gotten us. Uneducated and unreflective people have the right to vote — this is what makes our country great. That doesn’t mean I want them running the country. You may admire Sarah Palin, but if the thought of her actually becoming the president of the United States doesn’t give you pause — you and I are on different planets. It’s time for the junior high school name calling campaigns to be over. It’s time we had adults step up to solve our mounting problems. If it’s Obama - he’s got my respect and loyalty. He will be my President. If somehow McCain rallies and prevails, he will be my President and I will stand up for him. But if that happens I just hope he quickly turns around and tells the worst of his base to now shut their drooling pie holes.

Monday, West Lafayette, Indiana

Wow! I was amazed at the news reports today that Sarah Palin is so unhappy with the direction of the Republican campaign that she is considered by some a a rogue candidate! according to some reports Palin is following her own script, she is off the McCain reservation. She is speaking her mind and ignoring the orders of the campaign about what she is supposed to say. The reports indicate that she feels used and abused by the campaign that have allowed her to be portrayed as incompetent, not ready for prime time. And if this is true she is concerned - rightfully so - about ruining her future in politics should McCain go down in flames.

Of course the fly in the ointment here is that she seems to believe that the problem with her political future rests with the poorly managed image created by the media - as opposed, for instance by the possibility that she really is not competent enough to aspire to national office. It shows that people who are famous don’t always have an accurate perception of their actual gifts and capabilities. Should John McCain lose to Barack Obama, I simply cannot imagine that Sarah Palin is destined to rise to prominence and respect within her party. I simply cannot believe that she is the most able woman available to represent the philosophy and political point of view of the Republican party. God help them if this is true.

Personally I believe she is destined to have a popular talk show on Fox.

Thursday, West Lafayette, Indiana

And for those of us minions who are not in power, about all we can do is vote with passion and, at a more practical level rethink how we are going to live our lives. Sally and I made a decision four years ago that we were going to significantly downsize our life. We sold our large home and moved to a smaller house in a modest neighborhood. We decided to focus on our lifestyle of friendships, neighbors and activities. And we are so grateful that we made this decision early. It was one of the best things we ever did to make a decision to “get small” with our lifestyle. It’s very liberating and it might be time to consider it for yourself. Blessings!