One of the many consequences of our era of mass communication is massive crimes against language. Some people (Stephen) get even more carried away by this than I do but I wanted to point out 2 to you today.
The first was on ESPN where the commentator said that the race could have been won and/or lost by any racer in the final 10 laps. Unfortunately for him, it is impossible to win AND lose a race (at least the same race).
The second was in an article where the author described a desert in Arizona as "literally going on and on forever." This is also impossible, unless I suppose, the desert is heaven... but I think that unlikely.
I feel like I'm taking crazy pills.
Monday, June 29, 2009
SteynOnline.com
Friday, June 26, 2009
Beers by HTNL part 3: Schlafly's Pale Ale
The third beer under review by HTNL is Schlafly's Pale Ale brewed in St. Louis.
This amber colored ale is, by this author's estimation, the staple of the Schlafly arsenal of beers. The hops shine through the caramel malts like rays of sunlight through a cloudy sunset. The Ale is by no means over powering. But, this may be one of its greatest strengths. This non overpowering quality makes it a great summer ale. It is a little hop heavy, as is customary of pale ales and doesn't sit heavily on the palate or in your stomach. It reminds me of New Belgium's Fat Tire in this respect. I declare it enjoyable, not outstanding, but quality none the less.
Its the kind of beer you can drink a couple of and still not be afraid to run around afterwards or sit outside in the blisteringly hot Southern Illinois humidity riddled weather.
Cheers.
HTNL rating of 7.95/10
This amber colored ale is, by this author's estimation, the staple of the Schlafly arsenal of beers. The hops shine through the caramel malts like rays of sunlight through a cloudy sunset. The Ale is by no means over powering. But, this may be one of its greatest strengths. This non overpowering quality makes it a great summer ale. It is a little hop heavy, as is customary of pale ales and doesn't sit heavily on the palate or in your stomach. It reminds me of New Belgium's Fat Tire in this respect. I declare it enjoyable, not outstanding, but quality none the less.
Its the kind of beer you can drink a couple of and still not be afraid to run around afterwards or sit outside in the blisteringly hot Southern Illinois humidity riddled weather.
Cheers.
HTNL rating of 7.95/10
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Andrew vs. Economy Round 78
The one good thing about my lack of employment is the resulting free time I have to spend with my wife. So, we've been using that time going to mass every morning. This has been a necessary peace-giving time, as unemployment is quite stressful.
Yesterday, as we were on our way into mass, my landlord who is also a contractor stopped us to say hi. He asked how married life was and we were chatting for a bit. Well, it came up that I was looking for a job and he said, "you know, I may be able to help you out, why don't you come over after lunch."
Finally, I thought, just the blessing we were hoping for! Well, I went over to his house and sat in his office. As it turns out, we weren't going to stay at the house, no no no, we were going to the unemployment office. When we got there, we met with a screaming government official with a surly demeanor, a crass voice and who "doesn't mess around." She explained that the only way I would be hired on is through a government program funded with federal money from the "stimulus plan." The federal government would be providing the funding for this job. Yes, the federal government would pay part of my salary and provide incentives to my employer. Apparently, the program is set up for people who made under a certain amount of money in the last 6 months and who were also recently laid off (both of which I qualify for). She said that I would have to provide a great number of documents (SS Card, passport, pay stubs, IRS returns, birth certificate, left thumb, etc.) and more importantly I would be required to apply for unemployment.
I explained to the woman that I hadn't applied for unemployment since I was let go. She said with a squinty eyed distorted face, "Well, huh, why not."
"Philosophically, you mean?" I replied.
"Well, yeah."
"Well, you see, its completely contrary to the idea of a free, responsible citizen."
Both the bruiser and the contractor raised their eyebrows and gave a "huh" reply. "Ok, hold on a second."
She rumbled into her office and got on the phone with her boss. The contractor and I sat outside and tried not to listen to the crass voice talking to the government bureaucrat. "Yeah, he says he doesn't believe in unemployment... Yeah ... he's from Oregon or some (poo).... doesn't have a job no... blah blah."
She came back out and said, "well you'll have to apply for unemployment if you want this job." Steeped in irony up to my knees, I said, "oh yeah? huh." She replied, "But, if you're opposed to unemployment, you are probably opposed to the whole program." I told her I'd let her know by the end of the day.
So, the contractor and I walked out and chatted a bit. I told him that I'd rather work for him for minimum wage than take part in the program. I think he really did want to help and that he felt bad about paying me that little. I told him that I'd really just like to learn more about construction and that money wasn't all that important to me. He said he'd see what he can do, but didn't promise anything.
What I find so amazing about this situation is how government is so invasive in every part of life. Why in the world would federal government spending effect the hiring practices of small contractors in small towns in Southwest Illinois? Why do our tax dollars go to various bureaucrats to give out as they see fit in adherence to arbitrary rules? Can someone show me in the Constitution the article where federal government is allowed or encouraged to spend taxpayer money on meddling in the most minute level of personal life?
Maybe I'm being too picky about jobs and I should just sell out and take a government job. But, I can't exactly claim to be anti big government and anti socialist while granting them my allegiance now can I? Seems a bit hypocritical does it not? It's kind of scary now how dependent many people are on government, and I have a feeling that with B.O. this will get much worse.
You've won this round economy, but I'll be back....
maybe...
Cheers
Yesterday, as we were on our way into mass, my landlord who is also a contractor stopped us to say hi. He asked how married life was and we were chatting for a bit. Well, it came up that I was looking for a job and he said, "you know, I may be able to help you out, why don't you come over after lunch."
Finally, I thought, just the blessing we were hoping for! Well, I went over to his house and sat in his office. As it turns out, we weren't going to stay at the house, no no no, we were going to the unemployment office. When we got there, we met with a screaming government official with a surly demeanor, a crass voice and who "doesn't mess around." She explained that the only way I would be hired on is through a government program funded with federal money from the "stimulus plan." The federal government would be providing the funding for this job. Yes, the federal government would pay part of my salary and provide incentives to my employer. Apparently, the program is set up for people who made under a certain amount of money in the last 6 months and who were also recently laid off (both of which I qualify for). She said that I would have to provide a great number of documents (SS Card, passport, pay stubs, IRS returns, birth certificate, left thumb, etc.) and more importantly I would be required to apply for unemployment.
I explained to the woman that I hadn't applied for unemployment since I was let go. She said with a squinty eyed distorted face, "Well, huh, why not."
"Philosophically, you mean?" I replied.
"Well, yeah."
"Well, you see, its completely contrary to the idea of a free, responsible citizen."
Both the bruiser and the contractor raised their eyebrows and gave a "huh" reply. "Ok, hold on a second."
She rumbled into her office and got on the phone with her boss. The contractor and I sat outside and tried not to listen to the crass voice talking to the government bureaucrat. "Yeah, he says he doesn't believe in unemployment... Yeah ... he's from Oregon or some (poo).... doesn't have a job no... blah blah."
She came back out and said, "well you'll have to apply for unemployment if you want this job." Steeped in irony up to my knees, I said, "oh yeah? huh." She replied, "But, if you're opposed to unemployment, you are probably opposed to the whole program." I told her I'd let her know by the end of the day.
So, the contractor and I walked out and chatted a bit. I told him that I'd rather work for him for minimum wage than take part in the program. I think he really did want to help and that he felt bad about paying me that little. I told him that I'd really just like to learn more about construction and that money wasn't all that important to me. He said he'd see what he can do, but didn't promise anything.
What I find so amazing about this situation is how government is so invasive in every part of life. Why in the world would federal government spending effect the hiring practices of small contractors in small towns in Southwest Illinois? Why do our tax dollars go to various bureaucrats to give out as they see fit in adherence to arbitrary rules? Can someone show me in the Constitution the article where federal government is allowed or encouraged to spend taxpayer money on meddling in the most minute level of personal life?
Maybe I'm being too picky about jobs and I should just sell out and take a government job. But, I can't exactly claim to be anti big government and anti socialist while granting them my allegiance now can I? Seems a bit hypocritical does it not? It's kind of scary now how dependent many people are on government, and I have a feeling that with B.O. this will get much worse.
You've won this round economy, but I'll be back....
maybe...
Cheers
Monday, June 22, 2009
Great Article for Our Protestant Readers
I came across this article by Taylor Marshall, PhD student at the University of Dallas. He poses an interesting question that will provoke even more interesting questions on the view of Scripture in Protestantism.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Beers by HTNL part 2: Lagunitas Hop Stoopid Ale
Located in Petaluma, California, the Lagunitas brewery brings our readers our second of many beer reviews: their "Hop Stoopid" Ale.
It seems as of late, that the 'typical' or usual method of business of smaller breweries, in their attempt to create a memorable ale, is to shove a ton of hops into their beer. This produces an intense bitterness which overpowers the palate and usually elicits the response, "Oh, that's hoppy as dump." These beers often lack complexity and leave a sour taste on the after palate. Hop Stoopid is not one of these ales but it walks a thin line.
The ale starts out with a strong aroma, not uncommon to very hoppy beers. But, unlike other overly hoppy ales, Hop Stoopid elicits softer tones of orange instead of grapefruit and a bit of vanilla. The initial palate effect is overly hoppy which leads one to think, here we go again. But the mid-palate and after palate have more of a balanced grainy taste. It almost has a wheat aftertaste which is masked by higher citrus and floral aromas.
What I like about the ale is that it doesn't overpower and is easy to enjoy. What I don't like is that it seems to be a one horse show with nice tasty hop flavor but not too much beyond that. Although it does have some grain characteristics show through, these are not complex or interesting.
This is a great beer to enjoy on a hot summer night, and I recommend it.
HTNL rating of 7.4/10
It seems as of late, that the 'typical' or usual method of business of smaller breweries, in their attempt to create a memorable ale, is to shove a ton of hops into their beer. This produces an intense bitterness which overpowers the palate and usually elicits the response, "Oh, that's hoppy as dump." These beers often lack complexity and leave a sour taste on the after palate. Hop Stoopid is not one of these ales but it walks a thin line.
The ale starts out with a strong aroma, not uncommon to very hoppy beers. But, unlike other overly hoppy ales, Hop Stoopid elicits softer tones of orange instead of grapefruit and a bit of vanilla. The initial palate effect is overly hoppy which leads one to think, here we go again. But the mid-palate and after palate have more of a balanced grainy taste. It almost has a wheat aftertaste which is masked by higher citrus and floral aromas.
What I like about the ale is that it doesn't overpower and is easy to enjoy. What I don't like is that it seems to be a one horse show with nice tasty hop flavor but not too much beyond that. Although it does have some grain characteristics show through, these are not complex or interesting.
This is a great beer to enjoy on a hot summer night, and I recommend it.
HTNL rating of 7.4/10
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Materialism and Framing the Abortion Discourse
Since I've been on my employment journey I've spent a good amount of time on the internet, much the pity. And occasionally the T.V. happens to be on in the other room. Well, a couple days ago I overheard a conversation on FOX discussing the "ownership" of an unborn baby. Apparently a couple had paid another woman to have their child through some scientific method of pretending to be God. This point alone is worth discussion and necessary discussion on the using of human persons as a form of baby trafficking. I'll save that point for another date but welcome the discussion.
The point I want to discuss is that the two parties were arguing over who "owns" the unborn baby. It seems an odd statement does it not? Its not as if parents flaunt their children at the local 4H stand at the fair, "Yeah, I bought this one on sale and these two I got for a two for one deal back in '86. All in all they make a nice package." It's insulting - probably because when we talk of buying or selling persons we think of slavery and all it implies. Slavery is insulting because by saying that a person is for sale, you are in essence saying that they are not a person at all, or that they are less than fully human. When talking about owning a person, you lower them to the level of a tool or machine, which is not only insulting, it is fundamentally and naturally wrong.
Where have we heard the prediction that humans would be lowered below person hood to a level of a machine, only to serve a function as a result of unnatural crimes against human sexuality... Humanae Vitae by Pope Paul VI. An encyclical is a direct letter from a Pope to all Christians and indeed to all the world. In 1968, Pope Paul VI predicted that persons would be used like machines, just as this couple used another woman. If you have not read it I highly suggest it. It's essential for any Christian or educated person living in our society and times.
This rhetoric of 'owning' a baby, previously unheard of since slavery, seems to be also the result of our materialistic society. These parents may have been talking about a car or a cup of Starbucks coffee. For when everything is a commodity, for the materialistic mind it is a mere difference of degree to make humans commodities as well. And that is a grim path to take, it is the path that led to the civil war and vast human suffering.
The point I want to discuss is that the two parties were arguing over who "owns" the unborn baby. It seems an odd statement does it not? Its not as if parents flaunt their children at the local 4H stand at the fair, "Yeah, I bought this one on sale and these two I got for a two for one deal back in '86. All in all they make a nice package." It's insulting - probably because when we talk of buying or selling persons we think of slavery and all it implies. Slavery is insulting because by saying that a person is for sale, you are in essence saying that they are not a person at all, or that they are less than fully human. When talking about owning a person, you lower them to the level of a tool or machine, which is not only insulting, it is fundamentally and naturally wrong.
Where have we heard the prediction that humans would be lowered below person hood to a level of a machine, only to serve a function as a result of unnatural crimes against human sexuality... Humanae Vitae by Pope Paul VI. An encyclical is a direct letter from a Pope to all Christians and indeed to all the world. In 1968, Pope Paul VI predicted that persons would be used like machines, just as this couple used another woman. If you have not read it I highly suggest it. It's essential for any Christian or educated person living in our society and times.
This rhetoric of 'owning' a baby, previously unheard of since slavery, seems to be also the result of our materialistic society. These parents may have been talking about a car or a cup of Starbucks coffee. For when everything is a commodity, for the materialistic mind it is a mere difference of degree to make humans commodities as well. And that is a grim path to take, it is the path that led to the civil war and vast human suffering.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Chicago Civil War
This week marks the first of two 3 game series between the White Sox and Cubs. This series is always a lot of fun, setting baseball fans against each other and driving a wedge in the city that only the Bears season can undo. From this Tuesday until both teams go out of the playoffs, tensions are high between fans. But, whenever Bears season rolls around, we always make amends and start complaining about quarterback whoever.
Whenever this series came every summer, various friends who root for the North Side loafer sanz socks and khaki wearing trust fund managers and I don't speak and pretend like the series never happened. The co-owner of Gaffers and I would do our lawns and odd jobs and pretend for 3 days that baseball didn't exist and a word was never spoken about it. It was the only way to handle the situation.
I'd like to close with a quote from Ozzie Guillen, White Sox manager and loudmouth Venezuelan
"One thing about Wrigley Field, I puke every time I go there, and that's just being honest."
Go Sox!
Cheers
image from espn.com
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Rejected
For those of you who think the economy might not be as bad as we all expect it is, I'd like to chronicle for you the jobs I have been rejected from over the last 4 months.
18 contractors in the river bend area
Walgreen's
Carpenter's restaurant
Gentelin's restaurant
Aires winery
Piasa winery
Godfrey winery
10 different professors from Wash U. and SLU
JCH workout center
Mulligan's restaurant
John Deere factory
4 at Lewis and Clarke Community College: Academic adviser, landscaper, maintenance, T.A.
4 at SLU - academic adviser, maintenance, and 2 research jobs
Jerseyville Bowling arena
"Farm N' Home" Jerseyville and Alton, IL
Conoco Phillips Oil Refinery
518 Restaurant
St. John's Catholic school dean of students
male model
So, if you think the economy is getting better, this is pretty interesting data to the contrary.
Cheers to living in a box this winter.
18 contractors in the river bend area
Walgreen's
Carpenter's restaurant
Gentelin's restaurant
Aires winery
Piasa winery
Godfrey winery
10 different professors from Wash U. and SLU
JCH workout center
Mulligan's restaurant
John Deere factory
4 at Lewis and Clarke Community College: Academic adviser, landscaper, maintenance, T.A.
4 at SLU - academic adviser, maintenance, and 2 research jobs
Jerseyville Bowling arena
"Farm N' Home" Jerseyville and Alton, IL
Conoco Phillips Oil Refinery
518 Restaurant
St. John's Catholic school dean of students
male model
So, if you think the economy is getting better, this is pretty interesting data to the contrary.
Cheers to living in a box this winter.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
First Post of a Married Man
You'll be pleased to know that the Sacramental bling on my left hand does not hinder my typing abilities.
Yesterday, Amanda, my wife, and I returned returned from Charleston, South Carolina, and I now have the ability to reflect a bit on what all has happened and maybe what it all means.
The wedding itself was beautiful and I daresay flawless. We tried to reflect in our mass not only the beauty of Catholicism but also the beauty of a faithful Catholic life. When one thinks of art, one often overlooks the Liturgy as a prominent art form. But it is indeed an art form. The wedding Mass was awe inspiring. Veronica, our friend from Oregon and professional opera singer was phenomenal. Cary, my friend from high school and professional musician was inspiring on trumpet. Our trio of Hurtubise brothers was also moving. Everyone joined in together on the Latin chant parts to make the mass moving to the point of tears for us.
The reception as well went off without a hitch. Everything from the catering to the drinks to the music and DJ Killanoize made the celebration most satisfactory. But more than these, the presence of our many friends and family made our wedding truly special. It was almost like what envisioned going to heaven might be like. It was so strange seeing people from our past in several locations coming together and talking. How is Uncle Bill from Missouri talking to Jesse .... where am I. And you are here, and YOU! But, after the initial shock wears off and your brain begins to process everything, you are filled with this unexplainable joy.
That is how marriage is for me thus far, an unexplainable joy. It isn't quite what I expected it would be, feeling wise. The best way I can describe it is as a deep contentment and peace. I've felt it since our mass and until now and it fills me with utter joy.
Our honeymoon was in Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is good for a few things; great food, history, and relaxation. The two restaurants we enjoyed the most were "Slightly North of Broad" or SNOB, and COAST seafood. Charleston is know for exquisite restaurant scene and we wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment.
My other favorite part of the trip was our trip to Fort Sumter. This is where the Civil war, er rather the war of Northern aggression started. The fort is in the bay just outside Charleston and was an important fortification for many years. When South Carolina seceded, they demand that the fort be returned by the occupying Northern garrison. When the Yanks refused, the Confederates opened fire, thus beginning the civil war. The Confederates took back the fort and kept it until Charleston was abandoned later in the war. But they were never driven out despite the immense bombardment from the Union.
The park ranger told a great story about the fort. Apparently after the war was over, President Lincoln was invited to Fort Sumter to re-raise the Union flag, the American flag. Lincoln, knowing that he wasn't the most popular man in South Carolina, declined and instead decided to go to the theater... And I think we know how that ended up. So the ranger told us that if we ever have the choice of going to Charleston or somewhere else, always chose Charleston. That's good advice.
Cheers!
Yesterday, Amanda, my wife, and I returned returned from Charleston, South Carolina, and I now have the ability to reflect a bit on what all has happened and maybe what it all means.
The wedding itself was beautiful and I daresay flawless. We tried to reflect in our mass not only the beauty of Catholicism but also the beauty of a faithful Catholic life. When one thinks of art, one often overlooks the Liturgy as a prominent art form. But it is indeed an art form. The wedding Mass was awe inspiring. Veronica, our friend from Oregon and professional opera singer was phenomenal. Cary, my friend from high school and professional musician was inspiring on trumpet. Our trio of Hurtubise brothers was also moving. Everyone joined in together on the Latin chant parts to make the mass moving to the point of tears for us.
The reception as well went off without a hitch. Everything from the catering to the drinks to the music and DJ Killanoize made the celebration most satisfactory. But more than these, the presence of our many friends and family made our wedding truly special. It was almost like what envisioned going to heaven might be like. It was so strange seeing people from our past in several locations coming together and talking. How is Uncle Bill from Missouri talking to Jesse .... where am I. And you are here, and YOU! But, after the initial shock wears off and your brain begins to process everything, you are filled with this unexplainable joy.
That is how marriage is for me thus far, an unexplainable joy. It isn't quite what I expected it would be, feeling wise. The best way I can describe it is as a deep contentment and peace. I've felt it since our mass and until now and it fills me with utter joy.
Our honeymoon was in Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is good for a few things; great food, history, and relaxation. The two restaurants we enjoyed the most were "Slightly North of Broad" or SNOB, and COAST seafood. Charleston is know for exquisite restaurant scene and we wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment.
My other favorite part of the trip was our trip to Fort Sumter. This is where the Civil war, er rather the war of Northern aggression started. The fort is in the bay just outside Charleston and was an important fortification for many years. When South Carolina seceded, they demand that the fort be returned by the occupying Northern garrison. When the Yanks refused, the Confederates opened fire, thus beginning the civil war. The Confederates took back the fort and kept it until Charleston was abandoned later in the war. But they were never driven out despite the immense bombardment from the Union.
The park ranger told a great story about the fort. Apparently after the war was over, President Lincoln was invited to Fort Sumter to re-raise the Union flag, the American flag. Lincoln, knowing that he wasn't the most popular man in South Carolina, declined and instead decided to go to the theater... And I think we know how that ended up. So the ranger told us that if we ever have the choice of going to Charleston or somewhere else, always chose Charleston. That's good advice.
Cheers!
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