D'oh!!-ly Crap

I don't know if this will be included in the DVD extras for the upcoming Simpson's Movie....but it definitely should be.

Pope My Ride?

Is it a sin to go 10 mph over the speed limit while driving on a freeway? How about 7? How about 2? Does it matter if you're passing someone?

Well, just in case you've ever wondered about this and other such driving related moral predicaments, fear not. The pope has spoken.

Below you will find the list of the Vatican's "Driver's Ten Commandments."

1. You shall not kill.

2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.

3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.

4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.

5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.

6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.

7. Support the families of accident victims.

8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.

9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.

10. Feel responsible toward others.

So...what do we think? Necessary correction or unfettered legalism? And what exactly is commandment #2 supposed to mean?

Premature Speculation

What a difference a day makes for my perspective on the Twins. Great win for the boys last night. The middle of the line-up stepped up, the piranhas did their thing, the starting pitching was great and the bullpen was characteristically solid. If wanted to sell you all some hope, as I have been known to do, I would agree with Jim Souhan:

We should be immune to snap judgments during a 162-game season, but when the Twins started the home stand with consecutive losses to Jason Simontacchi and Levale Speigner, they hardly looked like contenders. Two victories later, the perspective has changed: The Twins have yet to get hot, play inspired baseball, call up top pitching prospect Matt Garza or see Johan Santana at his best, and yet they are only 5½ games out of first.

I don't know if it's believable or not. The important thing is that I want to believe it.

The end?

Well, well, well...

It has been a long time, hasn't it. What exactly is it that keeps a person from blogging? Laziness, I think. At least to start with. Shortly thereafter, pure momentum kicks in and the breakneck force of doing nothing becomes irreversible.

I am truly ashamed, which is a response that a number of people have told me is appropriate. So, if I have any readers left--and it's entirely possible that I don't--here is what you've been half-heartedly waiting for.

This will, of course, be another 'Bits and Pieces' post; this time we'll focus on things that have recently ended or will be ending soon:

1. My blogging hiatus. It was...fun while it lasted? I'll try to be more regular. Do they make blogging prunes?
2. The internet. I found it. It was everything I hoped it would be.
3. My brother's losing streak in the North Suburban Church Softball League. Including last year's playoffs, Hope II had lost 29 consecutive games. Their victory this past weekend was a beautiful, beautiful thing. Was it a coincidence that Steve Treichler DID NOT play in that game?
   
4. Inventory. This has been the major reason (read *excuse*) for my absence from this little corner of the blogosphere. It's not a stretch to say that I would rather have two fingers and one of my earlobes surgically removed than do another year of inventory at the Bethel Campus Store.
5. My employment at the aforementioned establishment. August 3rd will be my last day. And, yes, I am counting them down.
6. My time as the music director at Hope Community Church. July 29th will be my last Sunday. I'm already mourning this. Jess and I will greatly miss Hope in our yearlong absence.
7. The Twins playoff hopes...? I hope I'm wrong on this one, but the signs are NOT good.
   
8. My attention devoted to this task.
9. This blog entry.