2008 » SteveDennie.com - Miscellaneous inconsequential musings from Steve Dennie

Bottoms Up

Posted on October 27, 2008 by Steve
Posted in It's My Life

There it is, 4 litres of Trilyte. In a few minutes, I must begin drinking it, 8 ounces every 10-20 minutes, until it’s gone. I left out the flavor packs, because I was told they are very sweet and can cause nausea. A mistake? When I pour that first glass in a few minutes and take a sip, I’ll know the answer to that.

So, let the fun begin.

UPDATE: Okay, that wasn’t so bad. Not nearly as bad-tasting as I expected, though all things considered, I’d rather have Gatorade. Gagged a couple times at first. The key is to take baby sips. I got ambitious on the last mini-gulp and almost spit out the whole thing, but managed to hold it. Good for me.

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One Consequence of Turning 50

Posted on October 26, 2008 by Steve
Posted in It's My Life

Last week I turned 52. So I’m two years past-due for one of the rites of AARPdom.

On Tuesday morning, I have the distinct pleasure of undergoing my first colonoscopy. Which means tomorrow is prep day. No food. Just liquids. Juice (no pulp), Gatorade, Jello, chicken broth. I can’t do the broth. Doesn’t appeal in the least. Then, around 5:00, I start drinking 4 liters of stuff which my body will try to get rid of ASAP. I understand that this is the really fun part.

So yes, I’m looking forward to starting another week.

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There Will be Blood

Posted on October 22, 2008 by Steve
Posted in It's My Life

This morning I went to Family Practice to give some blood for a regular test. I hate giving blood, even the little bit they need for these tests. Makes me grow faint. I usually end up with my head between my legs, eyes blurry, feeling weak and very un-macho.

Which is what happened this morning. As predicted. Based on long experience.

I am such a wimp. Guys, in general, are wimps when it comes to this kind of thing.

Pam went with me, both to hold my hand and to give her own sample of blood. She went first, just pumping the stuff right out and watching while she did it. Then, as if no life-strength had been sucked from her, she stood up while I underwent my ordeal.

Girls can be so disgusting sometimes.

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Mark Cuban, Financial Guru

Posted on October 21, 2008 by Steve
Posted in World Events

Mark Cuban, billionaire owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has been writing about financial issues quite a bit lately on his popular Blog Maverick. I just finished a really good piece about debt, especially credit card debt. Some unconventional advice that makes great sense.

“If it takes selling every stock, bond and whatever you have to pay off your debts, do it. If it means borrowing against your 401k and paying back yourself instead of the credit card or finance company, do it. It is a far better return than you will ever make putting that money elsewhere.”

That sounds drastic, but read his reasoning, and then argue about it.

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Rick Warren Interview

Posted on October 16, 2008 by Steve
Posted in Christian Culture

Real interesting interview with Rick Warren on the Christianity Today site, called “After the Aloha Shirts.”

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Post-Debate Thoughts

Posted on October 16, 2008 by Steve
Posted in Politics

The breakout star: Joe the Plumber.
The big question: will Joe appear on the campaign trail beside McCain, or beside Obama? Because he’s gonna end up with one or the other.
These have been boring debates. Bush-Kerry, Bush-Gore, Clinton-Dole, Reagan-Anyone…far more interesting.
Bob Scheiffer was the best moderator.
They still avoided the “what programs will you need to cut in light of the financial crisis” question. Their answers are still: Yes, we can spend an extra trillion dollars, and you can still have the candy store. No need to cut or sacrifice, heaven forbid. We can still have it all.
Though, to his credit, Obama did say we’ve been living beyond our means and would need to make adjustments.
I didn’t see a winner in last night’s debate. Except for Joe the Plumber, of course.
If you go to joetheplumber.com, it’s a guy in Amarillo, Texas who suddenly owns a very valuable piece of cyber real estate. Free estimates! Call now!
McCain, the guy who doesn’t use a computer, thinks a sophisticated planetarium projector is just an overhead projector.
Thankfully, only one passing reference to “preconditions.”
Scheiffer did a good job of pressing them about negative campaigning. Both were unapologetic and, as they would both insist, “I cannot tell a lie.” On live national TV, we watched their noses grow.
Michael Sherer notes that McCain got under Obama’s skin several times. “If Obama’s job was to be unflappable, he found himself flapped at several points.”
I tracked down and listened to the original encounter with Joe the Plumber. Regardless of whether or not you agree with Obama, I was impressed with his knowledge about economic issues. Either that, or he’s real slick.
Said Michael Grunwald on the Swampland live-blog: “Mccain is gritting his teeth so hard they’re going to come out his chin.”
Karen Tumulty on the same: “Obama seemed cool and collected, while McCain’s grimaces were painful to watch.”

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Pre-Debate Thoughts

Posted on October 15, 2008 by Steve
Posted in Politics

I predict another boring debate, unless McCain comes out with something new and bold. Which he probably needs to do.

Mike Murphy, on Swampland, says, “Obama’s mission is simple. Kill the clock. Act Presidential. Hope nothing happens. He’s winning.” Probably true. He had some other excellent advice for McCain.

Here’s what I’m most looking forward to: the live-blogging by Karen Tumulty, Mike Grunwald, and Jim Poniewozik. It’s a load of fun.

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Jodie – This One’s For You

Posted on October 14, 2008 by Steve
Posted in Sports

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Another Option for the Poor Goes Away

Posted on October 13, 2008 by Steve
Posted in This or That

I just learned that Taylor University is closing its Fort Wayne campus.

It started out as Fort Wayne Bible College.
It became Summit Christian College.
Then, following what some describe as a hostile takeover by Taylor University, it became Taylor University – Fort Wayne.

Now it’ll be no more. About 200 employees will be affected. That includes a variety of people I know (including at least one person at Anchor).

The Fort Wayne campus served a lot of urban, lower-income students. The Upland, Ind., campus is known for being a hot-bed of rich kids. So once again, the poor get shafted.

I’ve been greatly impressed with the students at Taylor-Fort Wayne, and with their mission-mindedness in serving Christ throughout the city. They live within a big mission field on the city’s messed-up south side, and they represent Christ well. These kids will be missed. I imagine most will end up at Indiana Purdue – Fort Wayne.

I’m sure Taylor U didn’t make this decision lightly. But I see churches leaving the neighborhood where Anchor is located, fleeing to the richer suburbs. And now Taylor does something similar. I wonder what Jesus thinks.

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Politics: This and That

Posted on October 13, 2008 by Steve
Posted in Politics

Pam’s been getting lots of mailings from the Obama campaign. She must be in some heavily-targeted demographic (married 40-something white women without kids????). Printing companies are having a heyday.
An illuminating Time story about Troopergate and the ham-handedness of the Palin administration (and her husband’s out-sized role). Doesn’t inspire confidence.
I greatly respect how John McCain has handled some of the loony comments being made in town-hall meetings about Obama. While his own campaign has shamefully spawned and encouraged some of these comments, McCain is very publicly denouncing comments from his own supporters. Interesting.
Last week, Anderson Cooper (CNN) did a report detailing all of Obama’s interactions over the years with William Ayres. It was pretty extensive, far beyond what Obama admits. (Though I have trouble getting worked up about it.)
I really enjoy “The Vote Blog,” from the Christian Science Monitor website. Balanced and witty.
With all the attention on the presidential campaign, I’m not hearing anything about other important races, like Senate seats. Usually, these gets plenty of press.
Watched Mike Huckabee’s new show on Fox, Saturday night at 8:00. Kinda interesting. Interviewed Chuck Norris–interesting, but not much substance. But loved the band number at the end (all band members being Fox employees, with Huck on the bass). They did “Mustang Sally” this week.
General Petraeus talks about negotiating with your enemies and preconditions. Good stuff.
Turns out the National Security Agency has been listening to calls from any US citizens calling from the Middle East–aid works, journalists, tourists, soldiers–“Americans who are not in any way, shape, or form associated with anything to do with terrorism….Calling home to the United States, talking to their spouses, sometimes their girlfriends.” NSA monitors would jokingly share recordings of pillow talk between US military officers and their spouses. Protecting the world for democracy and freedom, by violating civil and privacy rights.
The general who led the Abu Ghraib investigation, Antonio Taguba, believes the Bush Administration should be charged with war crimes for the torture and mistreatment of prisoners. I agree. But it’ll never happen (unless the Europeans take the lead).
So Sarah Palin will appear on Saturday Night Live this week. Smart move for her. Really. She’ll gain points. Says Palin of Tina Fey, “I love her, she’s a hoot and she’s so talented. It would be fun to meet her and keep on giving her new material.”

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Yearly Archives: 2008

Bottoms Up

One Consequence of Turning 50

There Will be Blood

Mark Cuban, Financial Guru

Rick Warren Interview

Post-Debate Thoughts

Pre-Debate Thoughts

Jodie – This One’s For You

Another Option for the Poor Goes Away

Politics: This and That

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