I'd Bleed Myself Dry, For You I'd Bleed Myself Dry

I've heard of some great conspiracy theories in my day: Who killed JFK? Did Neil Armstrong and others on the Apollo 11 Mission really walk on the moon? Where is Jimmy Hoffa buried?

Now, another grand fabrication has come along that just might be true if we dig deep enough. Chicago White Sox pitcher Mark Buerhle has claimed that the honorable Texas Rangers' hitting dominance at home is due to a sophisticated cheating mechanism. You can find the details here.

I recently finished the chapter in The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt that relates the tragic tale of his mother Martha's death followed by the death of his young wife Alice in consecutive days. Morris takes special care to continually emphasize the ever-present passion with which Roosevelt lived his life.

One of the great risks in living a passionate life is that you open yourself up to whatever might come your way. The highs seem to be higher and the lows are that much more difficult to deal with because of the power and gravity that each moment carries with it. Living a passionate life is a choice that all of us can make, but before that decision is made, the consequences must be weighed.

When I was in the 8th grade, I received a note of encouragement from a man at our church that contained a quote from Teddy. Many of you have probably seen this quote many places, but at this moment it seems incredibly poignant.

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly...who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who have never known neither victory nor defeat."

Remembering Once Out on the Beaches We Wore Pineapple Grass Bracelets

For all of those who wondering why in the world Matt Leinart would go back to USC after winning a second consecutive national championship and Heisman Trophy, you might have a better idea after reading this article.

Current Listening: "Crash"---Dave Matthews Band

I don't know if you can feel the excitement in the air, but if you are around me sometime in the next few weeks, you will not be able to escape it. Yes, that's right, it is the rushing/pledging season again here at ACU. Undoubtedly, my passion for Gamma Sigma Phi rises out of the deep bonds and friendships that I have found in club.

This time of year always excites me because it gives me an opportunity to remember the days when I was rushing/pledging. As I turn to those who will come after me, I want their experience to be as vibrant as mine has been. I know that I have learned lessons that will last a lifetime in club and I have been forever shaped by the men who call themselves Gamma Sigs.

I do realize that my support of club may be obnoxious to some, but I live by the belief that one should proudly, and loudly, support the people and events that have shaped your character and life experience. Therefore, you will be able to find me at the famed Gamma Sigma Phi "Turkey Leg" Rush tonight at Camelot beginning at 7:30. Drop on by, we would love to have you.

Somewhere Smokey the Bear is Crying

Read about it here.

I've Got to Tell You In My Loudest Tones

Everyone has different things that make them happy. Some people love to lay on a beach all day long doing nothing, others enjoy curling up with a book beside a fire on a rainy day, but for me there are few things better than standing at the plate taking batting practice.

The feeling of connection between a round ball and a round bat is something approaching the sublime when it is done correctly. Those moments when everything comes together just right and the ball feels weightless as it arcs away from you are priceless. As you can probably tell, I am very excited to be starting Intramural softball again this year.

I'm pretty sure that Michael Memea knows how that feels today. Read about the story here. When I first looked at the picture that is posted above, I obviously saw Memea's intense joy, but glance behind his shoulder, and look at the third baseman's expression of disbelief. At his age that is an acceptable way to process the proceeding events, but if A-Rod ever gets that look after a homerun from Big Papi, there will be no sympathy from my corner.

I Remember All the Feelings and the Day They Stopped

I realize that I have not written in a few days. Sometimes the amount of reading that I am doing simply outweighs the amount of writing that I wish to do. I have really been jumping into The Trial by Franz Kafka for my Public Administration class, and The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt for my own personal enjoyment.

As I have been reading The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, I could not help but laugh at one portion of Morris' writing about Teddy's reading habits.

"'Reading with me is a disease.' He succumbs to it so totally--on the heaving deck of the Presidential Yacht in a cyclone, between whistle-stops on a campaign trip, even while waiting for his carriage at the front door--that he cannot hear his own name being spoken. Nothing short of a thump on the back will regain his attention."

I know that I am sometimes guilty of reading a book as I walk around campus, so I feel as though I can empathize with Teddy's total immersion into whatever he did.

For those of you who would really like to dive into an interesting article specifically about John Roberts' confirmation hearings, and more broadly about the future of constitutional issues in our society, read Jeffrey Rosen's feature in the NY Times Magazine right here. Rosen paints a picture of how technology and other issues will present a variety of interesting dilemmas for the Supreme Court and our society in the coming years.

Just Say You'll Wait, You'll Wait for Me

One of my favorite GSP memories from last year took place at the end of the Spring Semester. A valiant group of men gathered at the Sig Shack, which does not normally happen in case you were wondering, and proceeded to do battle with one of the most long-standing urban legends in our society. Is it possible for the human body to handle the rigor of drinking, and holding down, an entire gallon of milk in an hour?

Folks, this barrier is very close to what some said in the past about the 4 minute-mile. As we gathered that fateful afternoon at that grand home on Madison Avenue, we were all waiting for that Roger Bannister like-figure to appear in our midst.

Despite noble efforts from men like Jake Roseberry, Kyle Rosebaugh, and Brian Holland none could thwart the lactic scourge that still haunts us to this day. The Infamous "Gallon Challenge" recently reared its head again in South Florida. Read about the grisly details here.

On a Platform I'm Gonna Stand and Say, That I'm Nothing On My Own

Even at the beginning of his retirement, I'm not sure if some people will ever let Lance Armstrong have peace. You can read the story from ESPN here. For some, Lance's story is too much to believe. How could a cancer-survivor ever work hard enough to become the only 7-time winner of one of the most grueling sporting events in the world, unless he was not acting entirely on his own means.

One of my favorite commercials of all time features Lance as he answers the oft-asked question "What are you on?" He defiantly answers, "I'm on my bike, for 6 hours a day, busting my (expletive deleted). What are you on?"

With the knowledge that the greatest commandment is love, and remembering that Jesus said that the peacemakers should be called "sons of God," I'm really not sure why Pat Robertson would say this.

I would like to close out today's post with great news my friends: Pledging begins in 23 days!!

Some People Call Me the Space Cowboy

For the ACU readers out there, how great was Opening Chapel yesterday?

I don't think I will ever forget walking into Moody beside Dr. Bob Hunter, and I will also never forget that I walked to the wrong side of the stage to find my chair. I've told a few people that my simple act of foolishness helped to calm my nerves by reminding me that God uses humans in all of our incredible frailty and waywardness to do his amazing work.

Dr. Money's speech was incredibly timely as well. His words encouraging unity across national and political lines really struck a chord with those in Moody. His reminder that we serve a God whose love transcends all of the strife and discord in our world brought hope to all of those assembled.

It seems that every few days, I receive a great neighbor in the Blogging Neighborhood. Today I would like to point everyone to Cody Blair's blog. Cody has been a good friend ever since the day that I met him. His ability to connect with all of those around him on a very basic level is endearing and honorable. His sincerity and integrity are a light to all of those who know him. Take some time to read Cody's thoughts. You will be blessed.

In today's update from The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, Morris talks about the European vacation that the Roosevelt family took in Teddy's formative years. This was not just any run of the mill vacation though. The Roosevelts toured "The Continent" for 377 days! I am a big fan of vacations, but after about a week I am ready to find a more permanent place to lay my head.

Maybe I'm Afraid of the Way I Love You

Yesterday morning I finished reading God's Politics. I would recommend the book to anyone, particularly Christians, who is feeling dissatisfied with the current state of political affairs and wondering if politics could mean more than the often shallow partisan fighting that characterizes the current modus operandi in Washington.

Once God's Politics was finished, I began The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris. Morris' masterpiece detailing the first portion of one of the most fascinating lives in American history won the Pulitzer Prize in 1977 and has not been out of print since that time. In the prologue, Morris paints a picture of a man whose boundless energy and interests changed the face of the United States and brought our nation to a comparable international level with the European monarchies and East Asian empires.

Teddy and Winston Churchill have always been my two favorite historical figures. The sheer force of their will drove their lives and the lives of those around them. I can understand how that type of will has the chance to take an Actonian turn, but they were able to understand their place in the turn of the Cosmos, and did not press their nations into tyrannical states of servitude. There is something terribly noble and honorable about understanding one's place in God's infinite plan and playing that role to the best of one's ability.

I Wish This Were True

Click Here.

The Spaceman Movies I Call My Life

The other night as we were all eating at the Abilene landmark known as Little Panda, we began to discuss some of the musical phenomenons of the 90's. We brought up much-loved acts such as Kris Kross, Alice in Chains, and E.M.F., and wondered why their stay in our collective consciousness was so short.

My favorite 90's memory that was raised was definitely that fount of all knowledge known as VH1's Pop-Up Video. Who didn't love to learn about the inner-workings of Lisa Loeb's videos or how the Spice Girls received each of their nicknames?

I'll have more later, but what are your favorite things in the 90's that seem to have gone the way of the Dodo?

The Atlantic Was Born Today and I'll Tell You How

I wanted to second Cody Blair's comment on yesterday's blog about Austin Henley's venture into the blogging world. You can find Austin's inane musings right here.

Earlier this summer, I noticed that one of my friends from high school was traded from the San Diego Padres to the Cincinnati Reds in a trade for Joe Randa. I thought about Travis as I was reading this column by George Will in the Washington Post.

I have been reading so much about the removal of the Israeli Settlers in the Gaza Strip lately, and I was wondering what some of the opinions were out there about what is happening over in the Middle East. Let me know.

Tears Stream Down Your Face, When You Lose Something You Cannot Replace

I had no idea how excited I would become with the arrival of new students to campus for Welcome Week and the return of all older students for the beginning of the Centennial Year. The summer Ghost Town that is campus has been transformed this week with a flurry of activity. This is my first time to see the transition from the end of school through summer to the beginning of a new year. Two events in particular have my focused attention before the beginning of school on Monday morning.

Tonight, I will again be blessed by having the opportunity to attend the Candlelight Devotional that signifies the beginning of an ACU student's journey through this place that means so much to so many. I remember sitting in Beauchamp amphitheater as a freshman with no idea what lay ahead, but I was arrested by a deep sense of calm and purpose as I sat there surrounded by people who would become some of my closest friends.

I know that for so many who have come to ACU for the first, this time is filled with apprehension and uncertainty about their future, but my fervent prayer is that God would come meet them tonight with a touch of blessing and love.

Second, on Sunday night at 7:30, there will be a Covenant Service at Moody Coliseum for the entire ACU family. For all of the ACU students who read this blog, you have already received numerous emails about this event, and as I was reading through the order of events for Sunday night, I became even more excited about what a blessing this time is going to be for all that attend. Please make every effort to be in Moody for this special event, I promise that you will come away with a new sense of perspective and pride for what God has done in this place.

Here is a link to an article from the ACU Homepage about the Covenant Service.

It is good to be living the dream my friends. Go out today and make the world a different place because of God's great faithfulness.

Globes and Maps are All Around

I'm not really sure why, but I have always been fascinated/disgusted by the urban sprawl that has arisen in the United States since the age of the automobile began in the early portion of the 20th century. Some of you might suggest that it was a natural outgrowth of my obsession with maps and that might be the answer.

Here is a link to an article in today's NY Times about the development of two "exurbs" in Florida. The most interesting aspect of the article in my mind is the lengths that people are willing to go to in order to achieve a sense of safety and space in their neighborhoods. Even though the traffic in Tyler is less than ideal these days, I have never lived in an area where the traffic patterns and length of commute were major concerns to those around me.

I know that all of you have probably been waiting with bated breath for the results of the "Roommate Invitational" a.k.a. the "Duel at Doc's." Aldon Wickliffe, with my excellent caddying I might add, won the shootout by one stroke over Jake Wardell. Nate came in a very close third due to a wayward chip on the 18th hole. The weather held for the first 9 holes, but as we headed to the back 9 the heavens opened up, and did not let up until play was completed.

I was incredibly impressed that 25 hardy souls stayed for the entire event. I wish I could communicate how hard and steady the rain was last night, but I'll just tell you that by the time we reached the last 3 holes, we had to scoop water out of the holes and squeegee the greens as the players were putting. I will also always remember singing "The Song" around the fountain at Doc's, and Jake's Shamu worthy leap into the surprisingly shallow aforementioned fountain.

Those kind of memories are what college is made of, and because of the experiences that I have been blessed to be a part of, I consider myself a very rich man.

Look at Me, I Can Be Centerfield

Well, due to unforeseen complications it seems as though the "Duel at Doc's" is actually going to be taking place tomorrow night. It has also been rumored that Doc himself will be on the mike for a live broadcast on the course. If the showdown doesn't happen tomorrow night, please forward all complaints and blame to one Aldon Wickliffe.

You thought the confirmation process surrounding John Roberts was a big deal, check out the great odyssey currently taking place to find the next person to make George and Laura crabcakes.

During this past week, the S.A. cabinet for the next year had the opportunity to gather on a retreat and focus our attention on what lies ahead. During a portion of the retreat where I was laying out the leadership model that we will employ for the next year, I continually emphasized that we have to be "big picture" people. During the year, I know I will hear from a myriad of students about their concerns, desires, and wishes for the university.

Many will demand that solutions be found on what would be a very tight timetable, and part of my responsibility is to address those concerns on a daily basis. At the same time, I must remind myself that while the present may be screaming at me, the future also beckons, sometimes with a much quieter voice. If the leadership of an organization is not continually thinking about the future, the organization will one day arrive at a place it never expected to be, and will be left wondering how they sleepwalked into that undesirable state.

Part of my job is to be constantly asking the big questions:

"What kind of organization do we want to be?"

"Where do want to go?"

"What are our values?"

"How do those values transform our work and service?"

It is in the process of continually asking these questions that renewal is found. May God bless us as we seek to be renewed and revived into powerful instruments of his work in the world.

When You're Back in Your Old Neighborhood

Well my friends, I think summer is coming to a swift conclusion. I know that this next year is going to be incredibly busy and exciting, but I am going to hate moving out of the 'Burgh in the coming days.

Tonight is going to be the First Ever "Duel at Doc's", which you might have also heard of as the match between Jake "I want Emily's Car" Wardell, Nate "Behind the Music" Low, Aldon "Can I Kick It Like a Soccer Ball?" Wickliffe, and Russ "No matter what happens, I'm still going to love life" Guild for the exclusive room-claiming rights at the newest GSP house. Yes, that's right, they are playing putt-putt in order to determine who gets first pick on rooms. It's probably how all disputes should be solved, in fact I think that Karl Rove and Al Franken are going to be in the group behind us. It should be a lot of fun, and if you are in Abilene, come on out for what should be a little fun and a lot of stupidity.

I've Been Dying To Tell You Anything You Want to Hear

At the end of my run today, the rain began to pour down. As I ran down 10th, I had a few cars honk at me as if to say, "You would be a lot smarter if you weren't running up this street in the rain", but I've learned that some people will never understand unless you know what it means to get out each day, suffer a little bit, and know that you have been cleansed.

I was very surprised to hear about Peter Jennings death when I woke up yesterday morning. Jennings was always the news anchor that our family watched before the meteoric rise of the cable news networks. He looked much younger than 67, but perhaps I remember him younger, because I remember myself younger when I watched him every night. Which anchor did your family watch for the nightly news?

We know stand at a very interesting point in the history of news coverage. As the cable networks continue to gain prominence and the influence of bloggers rises, as evidenced by the Dan Rather/National Guard fiasco, what will the place of the "Big Three" be in news coverage?

I'm the Epitome of Public Enemy

As I promised yesterday, here are the goods. Enjoy the incredible nexus of Bill Simmons and Ron Burgundy.

Come On Sweet Catastrophe

I don't think McMurry is going to like this decision one bit.

The NY Times had an interesting editorial today on the amazing growth of the phenomenon that you are taking part in right now by reading this blog. I'm not really sure why I find such joy in writing here each day. Perhaps I am experiencing one of the most positive aspects of technological innovation in being connected to friends and family across the nation and across the world. Instead of allowing technology to insulate me from those that I care about, it allows me to share part of my life and thoughts with them.

I frequently discuss the topics that I write about with those that I come into contact with each day, and I think I am able to communicate with them in a stronger manner because I have taken the time to transfer my thoughts from the often nebulous region of my own psyche to a format where they are hopefully well organized and articulated.

With all of that said, I have a very sad story to close this post. All of that money that you spent on Thin Mints and Tag-Alongs may not actually be going to send those cute young Girl Scouts into the Great Outdoors. Find out the truth here.

Afternoon Delight

August 4, 2005 is a day that I will look back on with joy. Why is that Justin, you might ask yourself. My friends, two of my favorite things in the entire world came together today in a mighty union: The Sports Guy and the movie "Anchorman." Enjoy the aftermath. I'll have a link for the second part tomorrow.

Another Message From Our Sponsor...

In an interesting convergence of topics, Jim Wallis wrote an Op-Ed piece in the Times today that captures a large part of his message in "God's Politics." This book has really opened my eyes to Christian involvement in politics, and I would recommend it to any believer who has concerns or questions about how our faith informs our political action.

Do You Remember, Remember Last Summer?

One of the most fascinating aspects of "God's Politics" has been Jim Wallis' argument against what he sees as the current U.S. attitude of empire and mission in the world. In particular, Wallis points out that we have drawn the struggle against terrorism in terms of stark absolutes.




The U.S. government continues to draw comparisons of "good vs. evil" and "light vs. darkness" between ourselves and Arab nations, when in reality, those dichotomies run through every human heart.

I do not say this to reduce the barbarity and heinous nature of terrorist acts that kill innocent civilians and bystanders, but we must be aware that all people around the world do not necessarily hate Americans and our way of life, but they do hate some of the policies of our government. Part of our political involvement as Christians must be to see "the plank in our own eye, before removing the speck from our neighbor's."

We must also be very cautious in proclaiming that "God is on our side and he has ordained our actions." In contrast, what if we were to ask, "How can we be on God's side? What is he doing in the world and how can I be a part of that work?"

Op-Ed Columnist David Brooks of the NY Times has an excellent column on how our understanding of those who become jihadists has changed since September 11.

When You Get What You Want But Not What You Need

For all of the Coldplay fans out there, the video for "Fix You" premiered yesterday. You can check it out here. There have been so many people that I have come in contact with since "X and Y" debuted in early June that have absolutely fallen in love with the album.

My Dad and I disagree about the rock and roll merits of Martin, Berryman, Buckland, and Champion. He regards the decade of 1965-1975 as the "Golden Age" of rock and he is probably right. He is slow to categorize Coldplay as a rock band alongside the likes of The Who, Zeppelin, and others of that era.

I continually point out to him that my view of what is rock and roll has been shaped by the leading bands that my generation has followed. For my Dad, everything made sense from the perspective of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and the bands which followed them across the Atlantic in the "British Invasion." For my generation, we have grown up with the largest band in the world as U2. The number of bands in the world today who draw influences from the Boys from Dublin include Coldplay, The Killers, and Kings of Leon. Due to the mammoth success of U2, my entire understanding of the paradigm of rock and roll has been shifted from Jimmy Page to Bono.

In my continuing mission to provide you, the reader, with the latest information on John Roberts' nomination to the Supreme Court, here is an article summarizing Roberts' responses to a series of written questions by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

You Don't Do It on Purpose but You Made Me Shake

As I have been reading "God's Politics", Jim Wallis frequently quotes Washington Post columnist and Op-Ed writer E.J. Dionne. Dionne, along with Wallis, is one of the leading voices in the current discussion over religion in the public square. Here is an Opinion piece by Dionne on the level of influence that John Roberts' religious beliefs should have on his potential service at the Supreme Court.

It is starting to sink in that I am about to begin my Senior year of college. Perhaps some of the readers out there who are College grads could share your experiences and/or advice about your final year at College. People have always pointed to this experience as one of the seminal events of life and I guess I naturally feel a certain bit of trepidation as a I begin such a momentous event. Right now, it feels as though it is going to be this rapid, incredibly busy, and terribly entertaining whirlwind of events and memories and perhaps that is how it should be. The fact that it is also ACU's Centennial just adds to the anticipation I am feeling.

In this space I frequently offer plugs and praise for the writing of Bill Simmons, a.k.a. "The Sports Guy" on ESPN. com. Bill has done us all a tremendous favor by writing his first book. Simmons is one of the only writers that I can read and consistently laugh out loud. His combination of sports knowledge with more pop-culture trivia than anyone this side of Chuck Klosterman is a deadly combination. The subject of the book is of course his beloved Boston Red Sox, but thankfully Simmons stays away from the oft-repeated dirges to the "Curse of the Bambino." As soon as I walk out of the LSAT on October 1, I will head to the nearest bookstore for a copy of "Now I Can Die in Peace." Until then, I will survive on the Sports Guy Archive.

Callin' Out to the Astronauts

It seems that controversies in Odessa are not limited to how the Permian football team is performing. Here is an article in the NY Times about a proposed elective Bible course being added to the curriculum at one of the Odessa high schools.

One of the more interesting articles that I have seen in the ceremonies surrounding the Hall of Fame Inductions of Wade Boggs, Ryne Sandberg, Peter Gammons, and Jerry Coleman was David Schoenfield's article on the 40 Current Players most likely to be enshrined in Cooperstown one day. Here is a link to the 20 Players that Schoenfield considers to be "locks" for the Hall, and here is the link for the 20 players that he believes will invite a more contentious debate. Let me know what you think.

The other night Lance, Brandon, Jake, and I sat around debating some of Schoenfield's picks, which I'm sure is how he would like things to be. The players that we were the most skeptical about were the ones who only have a few years of experience in the Majors. It seems way too early to suggest that players like Hank Blalock, Joe Mauer, and Mark Teixeira will be future Hall of Famers, but that is the fun of forecasting I guess. Sometimes you will make the right predictions and other times you will look back and just laugh.



Current Listening: "Transatlanticism" by Death Cab for Cutie.

I'm not sure if everyone has heard of the phenomenon that is Google Earth yet, but I find it fascinating. Maybe creepy would be a more appropriate word, but I'm sure that George Orwell would be quite concerned about this technological advance.