tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150938652024-03-23T17:56:47.064+00:00TheologigglePrinceton Theological Seminary's Premiere Comedy Troupe - now 30 years gone to seedRon Rienstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13542594735170237672noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-5668579362170709102009-11-06T17:26:00.001+00:002009-11-06T17:27:43.992+00:00Academese Made EasyEver wish you could write effortlessly like a professor, turning out sentences like this?<br /><br /><blockquote>The poetics of post-capitalist hegemony is homologous with the legitimation of the gendered body.</blockquote><br />Well, now you can! Click <a href="http://ow.ly/zR4p">here</a>!Ron Rienstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13542594735170237672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-63595219786947526542009-10-10T21:39:00.002+00:002009-10-10T21:39:53.100+00:00Church History in Four Minutes<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xSu4pbhaOQY&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xSu4pbhaOQY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed><a class="kadffswgvlebzifmxdue" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/xSu4pbhaOQY&hl=en&fs=1&"></a></object>Ron Rienstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13542594735170237672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-75403577005094340012009-08-20T13:09:00.002+00:002009-08-20T13:10:51.287+00:00Extreme S'mores<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.food2.com/images/blogposts/1_trix_chocolate_smore588x441.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 588px; height: 441px;" src="http://www.food2.com/images/blogposts/1_trix_chocolate_smore588x441.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A few EXTREME s'more recipies <a href="http://www.food2.com/blog/2009/08/18/top-17-extreme-smore-creations-bacon-included?nl=F2N_social_smores">here</a>.Ron Rienstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13542594735170237672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-83124203009451072252009-08-11T04:36:00.001+00:002009-08-11T04:37:27.084+00:00The Ultimate Youth PastorI mentioned this last week...I'm working real hard on hiring this guy for our church.<br /><br /><object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1713668&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1713668&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/1713668">Ignatius</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/travishawkins">travis hawkins</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Jack Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14262251773571313541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-81770319082079176222009-08-10T11:56:00.014+00:002009-08-10T12:23:54.773+00:00Let's rehash this theme once s'more<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNp-uc7bVyWyqTxoueq28GNoPaur1lAfwzhgKdv1hjszFySfc5WwkEXEVNEFkpeQ7hOv6OudgdwcTQlo0XZfhvifW8rYEnTSekLBCoka2e6jk9TUV6KDg55rT8_Z6HcXhiZ_kLw/s1600-h/ScreenHunter_02+Aug.+10+08.07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNp-uc7bVyWyqTxoueq28GNoPaur1lAfwzhgKdv1hjszFySfc5WwkEXEVNEFkpeQ7hOv6OudgdwcTQlo0XZfhvifW8rYEnTSekLBCoka2e6jk9TUV6KDg55rT8_Z6HcXhiZ_kLw/s320/ScreenHunter_02+Aug.+10+08.07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368305981759318114" border="0" /></a>Especially today, of all days -- <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-2115-Savannah-Family--Parenting-Examiner%7Ey2009m8d6-National-Smores-Day-is-August-10-2009">National S'Mores Day</a> -- it seems fitting to give a bit more thought to our brilliant idea of the gourmet S'More shack.<br /><br />We are heartened to learn that "gourmet" is an adjective previously applied to S'Mores, as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Smores-Gourmet-Treats-Every-Occasion/dp/1423600916">this cookbook</a> testifies. There are some great ideas in here, I'm guessing, based on the table of contents. I'm partial to the "EXTREME" category.<br /><br />Of course, one of the key problems to overcome in implementing our plan is how to cook indoors -- or have patrons <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8t-glkSIQwxZaAUHbzOpuqmKCZQbMRwblKT_w8mkWvqSAklkllLgLYuNGT11DNXfMzvtjl_tnfmqeDJ0-hByFRqyQER2cI4cOmlG5mtlqkIha0Q4l6ToawRTkGcm9515hAIQ5Wg/s1600-h/ScreenHunter_01+Aug.+10+07.59.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8t-glkSIQwxZaAUHbzOpuqmKCZQbMRwblKT_w8mkWvqSAklkllLgLYuNGT11DNXfMzvtjl_tnfmqeDJ0-hByFRqyQER2cI4cOmlG5mtlqkIha0Q4l6ToawRTkGcm9515hAIQ5Wg/s320/ScreenHunter_01+Aug.+10+07.59.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368307553180101730" border="0" /></a>cook indoors -- without earning the ire of the fire chief. Others have considered the problem. Look, for example, at this hibachi set-up from the "home chef" website. It's lovely to look at, but as we noted, this sort of thing lacks the "kampfire kum-ba-ya" factor.<br /><br />So there's the latest on the idea that is destined to turn all of us into philanthropists. Input and responses welcome...<br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/ron/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/ron/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" />Ron Rienstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13542594735170237672noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-39094054977577602092009-08-10T11:54:00.003+00:002009-08-10T12:23:08.249+00:00The Dishwasher RevealHere it is, friends, the footage you've been waiting for.<br /><br />The reveal went exactly according to script, with Mom gushing about the contextually appropriate 'artwork' Mia had hastily painted that morning. She completely missed the new dishwasher. It took a couple heavy-handed hints from Mia and Deb before she caught on. Dad was a little faster on the uptake, but only a little.<br /><br />Thanks again to everyone's part -- especially Dr. Phil!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz5anKfT44h1owT-5iz8tWclwGLdirJs062AqhoYlRGlXefyKq5VTjdrhevpUjhPJ2vAPpr3R9oQSU' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Ron Rienstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13542594735170237672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-91889771524724191672009-08-10T11:45:00.002+00:002009-08-10T12:22:43.537+00:00Literal Videos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/lj-x9ygQEGA/hqdefault.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/lj-x9ygQEGA/hqdefault.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Here are the links you all requested:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj-x9ygQEGA">Total Eclipse of the Heart<br /></a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnjYrP5J6rE">Take on Me</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0TYun-Nq1Q">Head Over Heels</a>Ron Rienstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13542594735170237672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-38360130306910056252009-06-20T12:02:00.006+00:002009-06-20T12:09:16.831+00:00Dr. Seuss comments on the upheaval in Iran<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.theatlantic.com/images/issues/200906u/iranprotests.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 367px; height: 1004px;" src="http://www.theatlantic.com/images/issues/200906u/iranprotests.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">By Sage Stossel, from the Atlantic, 6/19/2009</span>Ron Rienstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13542594735170237672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-32230708863518003142008-09-10T19:51:00.000+00:002008-09-10T19:52:28.761+00:00You've Been Barack-Roll'd!<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/65I0HNvTDH4&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/65I0HNvTDH4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Jack Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14262251773571313541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-24688502170474038892008-04-11T02:21:00.006+00:002008-04-11T02:34:17.274+00:00Hymns for Modern Times<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jrr0WM8rjDDDyLAVy8rUMxWl4s_1HiqfICuyujLNr4L2b326TMan9MfHnvxkq0QfpD2RonJMtI_7QZHGoL7tYKKZf44hiMpDYvKPeqwskwBblI3Q3Dq5QzAUtrYWpn05Etp_bw/s1600-h/Service+Ended.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jrr0WM8rjDDDyLAVy8rUMxWl4s_1HiqfICuyujLNr4L2b326TMan9MfHnvxkq0QfpD2RonJMtI_7QZHGoL7tYKKZf44hiMpDYvKPeqwskwBblI3Q3Dq5QzAUtrYWpn05Etp_bw/s400/Service+Ended.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187810435820812434" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">In my newfound free time I've been fiddling with Finale, how does this look?<br /></div>Phil Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756313529242168639noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-8123949515308424322008-02-28T07:10:00.001+00:002008-02-28T07:12:36.537+00:00Imitation is the sincerest form of stealing good material<a href="http://www.wittenburgdoor.com/vineyard-workers-lawsuit">Don't discriminate against morning people.</a>Jack Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14262251773571313541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-91363457358183654762008-02-25T21:49:00.004+00:002008-02-25T21:51:13.064+00:00A few parenting tips...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.makememinimal.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.makememinimal.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And others like it <a href="http://www.makememinimal.com/2008/instrucciones-para-cuidar-un-bebe/">right here</a>.<br /></div><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/RONRIE%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" />Ron Rienstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13542594735170237672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-24416169554126044472008-02-10T22:12:00.000+00:002008-02-10T22:38:42.411+00:00Some Seasonal Thoughts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvA5TptaV0s9czNt1PsaB8demb25dNYrH40GyoymkF8XXe0YOCp6HtIVpuIVKAVoUqhoXyF6aRcLs_Bcl-kVV9GnPb9Dm2HwPpZz2IXObjfop-URXOsOwZ2SWLcQgQuem_VMbEvQ/s1600-h/churchsign.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvA5TptaV0s9czNt1PsaB8demb25dNYrH40GyoymkF8XXe0YOCp6HtIVpuIVKAVoUqhoXyF6aRcLs_Bcl-kVV9GnPb9Dm2HwPpZz2IXObjfop-URXOsOwZ2SWLcQgQuem_VMbEvQ/s320/churchsign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165484416058615426" border="0" /></a><br />Courtesy the good folk at Kansas City Catholic.<br /><br />Check out the <a href="http://kansascitycatholic.wordpress.com/2008/02/04/lenten-fare-2008/">whole thing</a>...<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />(Note: picture #18 is mistaken -- the word "contradiction" should be "contrition." I'm sure the folks at KCC are deeply sorry for this error.)</span>Ron Rienstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13542594735170237672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-40470761537596207272007-09-25T19:25:00.000+00:002007-09-25T19:28:35.940+00:00The All-time Winner of the "Useless Skills" Competition<object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.collegehumor.com/moogaloop/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1758456&fullscreen=1" height="300" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="movie" quality="best" value="http://www.collegehumor.com/moogaloop/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1758456&fullscreen=1"></object>Ron Rienstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13542594735170237672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-59163845432105898332007-07-23T17:01:00.000+00:002007-07-23T17:19:25.279+00:0015 years and still going strongDudes et dudettes,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDajigB5GFzLRr_PiigXaqg5j7KIyvvL3FCtIUaRZKeFLi29pDv0uuKg5gxKsRqn33mTzmuHnCzMMFWF-P-TyWrfqiFVZNUjIQGOQRnxWluQIfkjAHVMLLzktyQkfh_VRz9Aqcw/s1600-h/ScreenHunter_002.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDajigB5GFzLRr_PiigXaqg5j7KIyvvL3FCtIUaRZKeFLi29pDv0uuKg5gxKsRqn33mTzmuHnCzMMFWF-P-TyWrfqiFVZNUjIQGOQRnxWluQIfkjAHVMLLzktyQkfh_VRz9Aqcw/s320/ScreenHunter_002.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090442829572682850" border="0" /></a>Our <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katej/sets/72157600145156143/show/">legacy</a> at PTS.Ron Rienstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13542594735170237672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-62177756361793230652007-05-24T01:29:00.000+00:002007-05-24T01:34:37.152+00:00Cincinnati Tour '07 - Observatory<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYw8q2TGzY22ucaJk9gD69bTPikHUZvnFGaxWbb5gsN8Rpe1nwnDj_N9IHG9w6qzF14S7CTOF3zZCmSh6AGjRLtpAZprtvUTEvllSYF9QDht6Mb72d-ZlheqXMun10V8hwBh7dA/s1600-h/mm4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYw8q2TGzY22ucaJk9gD69bTPikHUZvnFGaxWbb5gsN8Rpe1nwnDj_N9IHG9w6qzF14S7CTOF3zZCmSh6AGjRLtpAZprtvUTEvllSYF9QDht6Mb72d-ZlheqXMun10V8hwBh7dA/s320/mm4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067934560161203522" border="0" /></a><br />Hello Everyone! It's not too long before everyone descends on our new house so we are starting to plan ahead. One cool thing right in our neighborhood is the <a href="http://www.cincinnatiobservatory.org/">Cincinnati Observatory</a>. I called today and the only time they are open the holiday week is Sunday night, July 1. I think the Burnetts will not be here as of yet but what say the Riestras? For a "suggested donation" you get a bit of history and if the weather is fine you can look back in time ... (cue Twilight Zone music)Phil Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756313529242168639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-68929188722689238432007-05-10T15:13:00.000+00:002007-05-10T15:14:56.671+00:00Silliness or social commentary?You be the judge.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hFFH8DaOHQg"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hFFH8DaOHQg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Jack Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14262251773571313541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-66462247649939840902007-03-17T22:21:00.000+00:002007-03-17T22:25:54.279+00:00Evangelical Idol<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIJqYBzxrYmFKimRRX65bRHZE3sGU73ADLe-pvxDzwyAvxE-8A3QyQvVpEuGuOZmBEqMf0TyUZEN8joQilNdvMXx07rITpx1X_5zPz3CkYZMDHWFxtFg4nh_MhPKba5DOW-QFmw/s1600-h/Evangelical+Idol2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIJqYBzxrYmFKimRRX65bRHZE3sGU73ADLe-pvxDzwyAvxE-8A3QyQvVpEuGuOZmBEqMf0TyUZEN8joQilNdvMXx07rITpx1X_5zPz3CkYZMDHWFxtFg4nh_MhPKba5DOW-QFmw/s200/Evangelical+Idol2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043022721798036658" border="0" /></a>Friends,<br /><br />Check out the <a href="http://rienstra.blogspot.com/2007/03/we-cant-be-only-ones-to-think-of-this.html">latest post on RONdezvous</a> for the fruits of our first day of Spring Vacation.Ron Rienstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13542594735170237672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-65620927257011793152007-02-22T06:05:00.000+00:002007-02-22T06:10:22.166+00:00Embarrassing Dad: The PossibilitiesAh yes, one of the perks of paternity... In all our moments of black-socks-with-shorts glory, did we ever attain to <a href="http://veryfunnyads.com/ads/24846.html">this</a>?Andrew Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315597449642013708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-76384498986753697752007-02-02T20:32:00.000+00:002007-02-02T20:33:08.511+00:00Sweep the Leg, JohnnyAndrew,<br /><br />This one's especially for you. And for all of us who loved <span style="font-style: italic;">Karate Kid</span>.<br /><br /><object width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uFlQNtL8F9s"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uFlQNtL8F9s" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="400" height="300"></embed></object>Ron Rienstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13542594735170237672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-9203528131576930132007-02-02T20:11:00.000+00:002007-02-02T20:15:59.295+00:00Seven Deadly Sins Combo -- room for improvement?Hey Theologigglers,<br /><br />I found <a href="http://www.gideonstrauss.com/archives/002448.html">this</a> funny thing while trolling the web this morning. It's a graphic matrix describing combinations for the Seven Deadly Sins. <br /><br />I thought it was funny, but there is room for improvement. It provided a theolochuckle, but not a giggle, much less the hearty guffaw accompanied by the two-handed clap.<br /><br />Snarkers, start your engines and have at it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.gideonstrauss.com/archives/mortal%20sin%20combinations.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.gideonstrauss.com/archives/mortal%20sin%20combinations.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Ron Rienstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13542594735170237672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-31809454387198091692007-01-11T18:49:00.000+00:002007-01-11T19:07:44.141+00:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://healthbolt.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/pants-war.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://healthbolt.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/pants-war.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />We have written <a href="http://rienstra.blogspot.com/2005/06/road-trip-laughs.html">before</a> of our family's fondness for junior-high humor. No reason to reach for the collegiate or doctoral-level wit when there is a low-hanging booger joke in view (so to speak). And so it is not surprising that we all very much enjoyed <a href="http://www.keepersoflists.org/index.php?lid=1906">this list</a> of the top 256 Star Wars lines that are improved by the careful substitution of the word "pants." <br /><br />Our favorites:<br /><blockquote>Darth Vader: I find your lack of pants disturbing.<br /><br />Yoda: I cannot teach him. The boy has no pants.<br /><br />Princess Leia: Alderan is peaceful, we have no pants!<br /><br />Obi-Wan Kenobi: These aren’t the pants you’re looking for.</blockquote><br />This is probably oldy-moldy to the rest of you cultural edge-cutters, but we found it rather funny. (Fair warning: there are a few of these lines whose humor extends into the mildly suggestive).Ron Rienstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13542594735170237672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-46341749757308448692006-12-16T16:18:00.000+00:002006-12-16T16:23:07.648+00:00Merry Christmas, Mr. BeanIn honor (honour) of the season, we thought we'd share with you one of our favorite (favourite) memories of Christmas. I can still hear David sitting in our little house in England howling at this clip. Hope everyone has a great holiday!<br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zv0_9IGWFvQ"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zv0_9IGWFvQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></object>Jack Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14262251773571313541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-1166029285191724952006-12-13T17:01:00.000+00:002006-12-13T17:01:25.193+00:00Oh, so THAT'S the problemFrom a <a href="http://dilbertblog.typepad.com/the_dilbert_blog/2006/12/acting_smarter_.html">recent post</a> on Scott Adam's blog (yes, the Dilbert guy) about how to act smarter than you really are, and make others think you're the mensa member you're probably not:<br /><blockquote>It’s important to agree with people if you want them to think you are a genius. For most people, the definition of smart is “Thinks exactly like me but even more so.”<br /> <br />If you think that disagreeing and offering excellent reasons for your thinking will change anyone’s mind, you might be new on this planet.</blockquote>Ahh. That explains a lot.Ron Rienstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13542594735170237672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15093865.post-1165962516710994532006-12-12T21:54:00.000+00:002006-12-12T22:28:36.843+00:00Angels Speak Out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/86/1387/1600/479570/Rev12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/86/1387/320/878635/Rev12.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">For our kids' program this coming Sunday, we've been asked to present the Christmas story from the angels' point of view. Flexing some old Theologiggle muscles and drawing on sources ranging from Martin Luther to Ask a Ninja to Touched by an Angel, we will be presenting the following:</span><br /><br />[Andrew] <p class="MsoNormal">So, you kids ever met one of the Heavenly Host before? You know, a security angel. Yeah, it’s a pretty cool job. There’s a lot of travel, see the universe, fight demons, that kind of thing. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, what can I tell you about angels? <flips through="" cards=""> </flips></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Do we all sing? No… </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Do we have wings? Depends on the mission. If we need wings, we bring ‘em. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Do we eat that spongy white cake? Please! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Are we dangerous? Hey, plenty of demons have learned that the hard way! Even when we’re just making a friendly visit, any human who sees us with our glory switched on usually needs resuscitation. We have that effect on people. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">So don’t be too hard on the shepherds just because they were “quaking at the sight.” You would have been quaking too! But Gabe told them, don’t panic guys, I have good news, for the whole world—a Savior, Christ, the Lord, has been born to you this day. In Bethlehem, of all places.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Did they understand what he was saying? I doubt it. Hey, there’s a lot about this whole mission that I don’t understand. And I’ve been thinking about pretty much nothing but this mission for the last 9 months. There has never been a security detail like this. We’ve run a perimeter in Nazareth, cleared the corridor down to Bethlehem, even sent an advance team down to Egypt. Ever done a background check on a donkey? Hey, we have to be thorough! It’s very dangerous down here, especially with the Enemy at work.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Yeah, I realize the Boss knows what He’s doing. He always has a plan, and the darkness has never overcome the Light. But it looks to me like He’s running a huge risk, setting aside His glory, letting Himself become a helpless little baby. All I can say is, I hope you humans realize how much He cares for you…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><hand to="" earpiece="" static="" noise=""> </hand></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Roger that. Delta 12, we have an intercept from Herod’s palace. Scramble blue team. Repeat, scramble blue team. Sorry guys, gotta go. Peace on earth, good will to men.<br /><br /></p> <span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" > </span> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/86/1387/1600/27497/Luke01a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/86/1387/320/636094/Luke01a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>[Dawn]</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Was that security angel just in here? Those guys are so macho—it’s kind of cute. I’m an angel of mercy. You’ve maybe heard of us before. You humans don’t often see us—or at least, you don’t usually recognize us—but many of you have felt our touch when you were alone, or hurting, or afraid.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Not long after Gabe and the troops headed out on their “secret mission,” I was sent to Galilee, to the little village of Nazareth, to a young woman named Mary. Her situation was so like thousands of others, and yet so different. She was alone, confused, asking God why. Her parents were upset and her fiancée was thinking of breaking up with her. We helped her find a place to stay with her cousin Elizabeth, who was also expecting. That seemed to work out well for both of them. And eventually we got Joseph on board too. He’s a good guy really; he just needed a little extra help.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So what’s Mary like? Besides full of grace? Well, you wouldn’t know she’s special just to look at her. She’s pretty but not glamorous (I think everything in her closet is blue…) and she has this kind of dorky laugh—she laughs a lot. Cries a lot too. Wears her heart on her sleeve. And loves to sing. You know, she writes her own songs?<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The birth was hard for Mary and Joseph. They were already so tired after the trip; and I know Mary had been hoping for a nicer place than that stable. Joseph did his best to help, even though he didn’t really know what he was doing. Don’t tell anybody, but those “swaddling clothes” were Joseph’s boxers the day before! And then there He was, little Jesus, looking—even to me—just like any other human baby. He has her eyes. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Can I let you guys in on an angel secret? For the last 9 months, the Word was silent. You know, the Word that said “Let there be light” and holds the galaxies in place, the Voice that leads the song of all creation? Then last night, the silence was broken—we could hear Him again. But He had no words, just a baby’s cry. He’s going to have to <i>learn to talk,</i> just like you did. When He speaks again, I hope you listen. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p>Andrew Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315597449642013708noreply@blogger.com1