Solving the Drunk Driving Problem?

Problem:  40% of traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve alcohol-impaired drivers.

Solution:  Make drivers prove sobriety (through breathalyzer) before the car will start.

Problem:  Though the solution exists and is used in many states for DUI/DWI offenders, there is no political appetite to put this tool - called Ignition Interlock - into every vehicle.

Solution:  Try logic.  If the device had been added 10 years ago and made it through most of the fleet of vehicles, we would be saving more than 10,000 lives per year in the U.S.

Problem: Logical arguments don't work.  Instead, many argue the potential downsides - what if there is an emergency?  What about people cheating the system?  What about my rights!?! I don't even drink!!

Solution:  Maybe incentives.  If you add interlock, your insurance premium will go down by 25%.  The insurance companies could likely make this change and still increase profits.

Thoughts?

Blake at the Bat

Little league baseball has started in Seattle. Blake's first game was today. Here are some pics from the festivities:

Stretching the quads

Number 8 in your program, Number 1 in your hearts.

He's got hops, man!

Game day pep talk

No such thing as too much stretching.

He's a killer vs. right-handers (and pitching machines)

Woo-hoo!

The Legend of Zelda - 25 years later

The Legend of Zelda turns 25 years-old today. IGN put together a nice anniversary article discussing 25 ways the series is still making a lasting impact on gaming.

The series is my favorite of all video games, and the original NES game is one of my all-time gaming experiences (don't worry Atari Pac-Man and your atrocious graphics, you've not been forgotten). In the days long before the internet and game guides, the only way to save this princess was to keep playing, asking friends, and scouring the pull-out Nintendo Power maps for clues.

In 2007 I wrote an article celebrating 20 years my experience with the original Zelda, It seemed an appropriate day for a repost.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Legend of Zelda is my favorite video game of all time. I worked my first newspaper route in the summer of 1987. I put most of month's earnings in my pocket, hopped on my bike, and rode to Wal-Mart to pick up this game. After laying down my $35 (games were cheap in the 80s) I began. It was the first game I played with a battery save, meaning you could actually start each play session at the place you left off (without Metroid's 65-digit code that we always messed up). The puzzles were tricky, enemies were tough (especially the Knights and Magicians), and weapons were legendary, particularly the magic boomerang.

At that time many of my friends were playing the same game (we each had THE video game system popular at the time), so many school recesses and church events were full of strategy discussion and secret finding. Nintendo Power helped with some additional maps and a few hints here and there.

Finally finding Level 9 (best video game music ever) and defeating Gannon were a couple of the more proud moments of my 11 year-old life at the time.

Take any one you want... as long as it's the heart container.

Participate in the end of suffering

I recently re-discovered this 2006 article by Tim Sanders (author of Love is the Killer App, one of my all-time favorite books). It had a significant impact on me at the time, and again today. I'd love to know what you think.

I believe that our mission in life is simple: Participate in the end of suffering. If we reduce suffering in the world, we enable the positive. We make a difference. You cannot make people happy and you cannot make them like you. You can, however, be a part of the solution instead of being part of the problem. Suffering is everywhere waiting to be addressed. It comes in physical and mental forms from hunger to uncertainty.

Happiness is like a ray of light that sits just beyond the dark clouds of suffering. When those clouds part our joy shines through. We only get glimpses of this light because there is so much suffering in our lives.

Think about it, your greatest energy comes from your innate desire to end suffering. If you are bored, you find great energy to deal with that. If someone you care about needs something, you find it in yourself to give her your very best. This mission I suggest, the end of suffering, comes from your true nature as a compassionate being.

It is truly possible to unify our intentions and to align with others based on the mission we select in life. Currently, we have so many varied (and often selfish) missions that it is no wonder we think we are not like “them” and find ourselves largely divided.

When you choose the right mission, it gives you advice at every turn of your life. At work, your mission should tell you the difference between right and wrong and where to spend your time (and energy). Trying to achieve a vague professional mission is like trying to operate a business without a plan. It is difficult for you to separate your mission between personal and professional. How you are successful during the day is who you become in the evening. Conversely, your personal mission should guide your behavior towards your family, friends and acquaintances. If you find one mission that successfully guides you throughout your whole life, you have a blueprint for success. If your mission is aligned with others, you have a blueprint for community and cooperation.

It is my informed opinion that the most effective leaders in the world focus efforts towards the end of suffering. They are first are foremost happy and proactive in defending that happiness. They are sensitive to others’ feelings and possess a connected form of emotional intelligence.

Think about this over the next few days. Ask yourself, “Do I have a unifying mission that guides me?” Then question, “Can I offer something towards the end of suffering or do I mostly create suffering?” You may decide to join me in my mission.

If you accept this mission, you must first address suffering in your own life. You need to make room for the needs of other people by dealing with your own. This is the road to self-reliance and peace. If you accept this mission, you will find yourself opting out of behaviors that could make others suffer, because you would “know better” as a result of your new focus on the end of suffering. If nothing else, just do an inventory in one week of how much suffering you created versus how much you addressed. The better you do, the more you are living on purpose.

Your friend, Tim Sanders

With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair

I ran across Mumford & Sons a few weeks ago, and this song has stuck with me. The haunting feel of the music in cooperation with the inspiring lyrics worked for me. I'd love to hear what you think about it.



And after the storm,
I run and run as the rains come
And I look up, I look up,
on my knees and out of luck,
I look up.

Night has always pushed up day
You must know life to see decay
But I won't rot, I won't rot
Not this mind and not this heart,
I won't rot.

And I took you by the hand
And we stood tall,
And remembered our own land,
What we lived for.

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

And now I cling to what I knew
I saw exactly what was true
But oh no more.
That's why I hold,
That's why I hold with all I have.
That's why I hold.

I will die alone and be left there.
Well I guess I'll just go home,
Oh God knows where.
Because death is just so full and mine so small.
Well I'm scared of what's behind and what's before.

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

Favorites of 2010

I'm a sucker for lists, and for "best of" lists specifically, so for the last couple years I've put together a favorites lists of my own. Here are my Favorites of 2009, Favorites of 2008, and More Favorites of 2008 (I was apparently very happy with '08).

Following is the list for 2010, heavily influenced by our move this year from Columbia, Missouri to Seattle, Washington.

Breakfast: Top Pot Colossal Apple Fritter

It's no secret that our family is in love with Top Pot Doughnuts (my currently problem fitting into my jeans is evidence). I haven't had a bad donut at Top Pot, but my personal favorite is the Colossal Apple Fritter. At the risk of offending (and knowing a true blind taste test is virtually impossible) it beats my previous favorite fritter: Schulte's in Jefferson City, MO.

Snack: Nutella & Pretzels

Not much to explain here. Nutella (hazelnut + cocoa spread) is freaking awesome.

Dinner: Real Seafood

I didn't know fish could taste this good (no offense, Captain D). Scallops and crab are on the top of my list for taste. For the combination of price and taste, I'm currently stuck on Ivar's White Clam Chowder (see aforementioned shrinking jeans).

New Album: Arcade Fire, Suburbs

I actually haven't listened to a ton of new music this year, and compared to the last couple years of new released by huge artists (U2, Dave Matthews), it was a little quieter, at least for me. Suburbs was constantly in the background in my office this fall.

(Runner up: Mumford & Sons, Sigh No More)

New to me Albums: Johnny Cash, At Folsom Prison and At San Quentin

First off, this is just a great record with Cash at his best. But what impacted me more was the story behind this and other prison albums, and Johnny Cash's passion for the underrepresented throughout his life and career. The guy was famously imperfect, but imperfect in a way that I find myself wanting to be. When I listen through this album, I want to be a better person. I call that pretty darn good art.

At the risk of writing a full Johnny Cash post, I also recently ran across two Cash articles this year that I really liked: Johnny Cash Gives You the Finger and Johnny Cash's Complicated Faith. According to Bono, "Every man knows he is a sissy compared to Johnny Cash."

Tourist Destination: EMPSFM

The Experience Music Project Science Fiction Museum has been a must see for any visitors we've had in town so far. EMP is an incredible mix of hands-on music experiences, traditional museum fare, and a room of audio and video interviews with hundreds of musicians. SFM is a visual feast for Trekkies, Star Wars geeks, and Battlestar nerds.

Runners up: Friday Harbor, Woodland Park Zoo, Golden Gardens

Addition by Subtraction: Wal-Mart

I haven't stepped inside a Wal-Mart since April. Though I sometimes miss the cheap "one-stop-shop" of the Supercenter, I've enjoyed coupon clipping and grocery store ad scouring, and we've recently discovered Fred Meyer (which is basically the West Coast Wal-Mart).

Runner up: Car #2

Media Getter: Netflix

We survived solely on Netflix over the summer, ditching cable for a few months to save cash as we got settled in (that lasted until Week 2 of football season). Particular love Netflix streaming for Wii. Netflix for iPod Touch is great, too, though I was surprised I liked it. There is something that feels a little powerful about holding an entire library of movies in my hand. I'm just sayin'.

View: Our Bedroom Window

It's pretty exciting for a small town Missouri kid to have a mountain view from my house (even if it's just a couple inches of the Olympics).

Game: Pokemon

I haven't really played many video games this year, and nothing new comes to mind. But I've had fun playing Pokemon with the kids for the past couple months. It's fun and mildly addictive - the perfect combination.

Potential 2011 winners: Wii Fit Plus, Ticket to Ride

Blog: rapping by Bill Cox

Dr. William C. Cox was my childhood preacher, and he remains the pastor of First Baptist Church in Nevada, Missouri (over 30 years). He started blogging this year, and I really like his stuff. It's straight forward, a little folksy, and as unpretentious as I would expect.

Proudest Sports Day: Mizzou vs. Oklahoma

This doubled as my Most Homesick Day, as we enjoyed the festivities in Columbia afar. ESPN GameDay on Mizzou's campus was beautiful, and it only got better seeing Facebook and Twitter photos from friends all day long. It was topped off by an incredible win against the then-#1 team in the country. A great sports day.

Runner up: Chiefs vs. Seahawks at Qwest Field - cheering for the visitors.

Event: A Real Date with Janelle + Brandi Carlile + the Seattle Symphony

We've not typically been big "going out" people over the years, so this was a great experience. We hired a real-life, paid babysitter, dressed up, went out to dinner, and then saw an incredible concert. My highlight of the show was seeing how excited Janelle got when Brandi Carlile first took the stage. Awesome.

Runner up: Whale watching in Northern Washington

So there we are. 2010 in a favorites list. Here's to 2011!

The art of non-comformity

I had never been to a book signing. It just never really occurred to me, and my previous opportunities had been limited. I also don't read all that many books, so combining a book I've read (or plan to read) with the author visiting nearby has been, to this point, relatively rare.

I received The Art of Non-Conformity as a gift and was supposed to wrap it myself for our tree, but instead I took

it to the signing. (I'm sure Aunt Sandra won't mind that I got the book signed. Maybe I'll wrap it before Christmas. Probably not.)

I've followed the author, Chris Guillebeau, for the past couple years. I've posted before about his online manifesto, A Brief Guide to World Domination, and his blog was my favorite of 2009.

The book signing event was fun. First off, it was at a bookstore in the University District, an area of Seattle we haven't visited yet. We keep finding these separate pockets of life in the city, and this one will be fun to explore in the future.

The event itself was bigger than I had expected. There were 100+ people there, and I ended up in Standing Room Only, leaning against Stieg Larsson novels with the others who showed up right at 7pm. The crowd was "varied"

in a Seattle way - mostly white, hip-looking vegetarians, but ranging in paleness and widely in age).

My take-home from the event was this: Trade efficiency for adventure. We tend to work very hard to increase our efficiency, but in doing so we often fill the created void with additional busyness and "soul-less" efforts. In my own life, I'm often looking for the most efficient way to complete my list of tasks, so I can then move on to my other list of tasks, complete that list, and then start on a new task. Guillebeau asks me to consider a new perspective altogether. I like being asked to do that.

The author has completed a 53-city tour to every state in the U.S., and he's heading to Canada in January. In our current social-networking-as-relationship world, and Chris's work as a blogger, a more obvious choice may have been an online campaign to support the book. That he purposely set up an inefficient, "Unconventional Book Tour" underscores the concept of the book.

So this will likely be my "over the holidays" read. What about you? Expecting a book for Christmas?

The comfort of discomfort

This is a repost from an article I wrote for Experience MHGS in October. The original can be found here. I wanted to keep a copy of the post on this blog as well:

Missouri is all I knew. I was born in Kansas City and raised in a Mellencamp-style small town. Janelle and I met as Southern Baptist summer missionaries, married right after college, started a family right away, and bought a house in a college town to live out our days rooting for the Tigers and volunteering in the church nursery.

We had talked about a potential move someday – maybe to the coast, or to Tolkein’s Rivendell. But that desire had been pushed to the background over the years, as babies and car payments and career ladders and mortgages became the norm. I had a stable government job, and everything in our life – including our lives themselves – were fully insured against loss. We had a retirement plan, college funds, and a Camry. We were set.

Then something happened. I think it was a combination of disenchantment with the comfort we worked so hard to create, and concern that – in our early 30s – we had made all the life decisions there were to make. The suburban life of routine (complete with its cocoon of safety) was the end of the line. We had won the race.

Unfortunately, it didn’t feel like a win. More importantly, we didn’t want the race to be over. We became uncomfortable with the comfort.

Janelle’s journey toward graduate school was the catalyst for change. MHGS had been on her radar for years, but more as a dream than a potential reality. As we re-entered the discussion of a potential move, we quickly got excited and terrified at the realities of actually moving 2,000 miles away from home. There were grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends to consider. Our financial comfort was based on a Midwest cost of living, not Seattle. We just bought a house. I worked in Missouri.

We dove into the process, figured out the logistics, and made the move. It wasn’t easy, but we had a ton of help along the way. The house sold almost immediately, even in a down market. I found a job where I work from home full time. Our cat slept 4 days straight during the drive from Missouri to Seattle.

Now, 5 months into our new life in Seattle and 5 weeks at MHGS, I can’t imagine any other life for our family. Discomfort is a regular part of each week.

It’s hard.

I love it.

What I learned at BrickCon 2010

I talk a good talk when it comes to "playing hard," but in reality I don't do it. I bury myself in responsibilities - some necessary, but many of my own creation - and rarely give myself the time to truly play. And when I do play, I struggle to separate from those To Do List items the little voice in my head tells me I should be getting To Done.

This weekend the kids and I attended BrickCon 2010, a convention for Lego enthusiasts. By enthusiasts I mean every level of interest, from casual to fanatic. I was amazed by the devotion of time, effort, and financial resources on these little plastic blocks. At the same time I was impressed with the creativity of the builders, and with how much fun everyone at the event was having. The smiles on the faces of the visitors, convention organizers, and exhibitors seemed authentic. The line outside the convention to get in as we were leaving was a testament to the value of fun.

Play was happening inside. Oversized displays of the White House, space ships, a grand piano, and gigantic insects lined the walls, complete with “Please Don’t Touch” signs as their only protection from curious fingers. The hall included Build-Your-Own areas packed with kids of all ages, sitting shoulder to shoulder, creating whatever they wanted and displaying it for all to see. When I asked my kids their favorite part, this was it. They got to make their own art and show it off with all the rest.

For a couple hours I felt it - the value of play, of taking a break from the real and self-developed concerns of life to immerse in creativity and fun, with fun itself as the end game. As often happens, though, once I got home I was quick to fall into worries again. (Insert your favorite expletive here)

The inspiration of BrickCon will stick with me, and over time I see a future where I can play as hard as I work, and value fun as much as my resume-building accomplishments. It has happened before, in small moments over the years, both as a kid and an adult. I’m optimistic that I can see play not as an escape from “real life,” but a vital ingredient of a life that is real.

I'm convinced I can find that place of rest, of fun. Adults with the maturity to act like children provide the inspiration. I look forward to BrickCon 2011, and between now and then plenty of imperfect steps along the way as I find ways to play.

And suddenly...

Everything there is to know about writing is taught in elementary school. When my son was in kindergarten last spring, he came home with this gem.

"If you get stuck when telling a story, just say, 'and suddenly...' Then something will pop in your head."

So certain. So wrong.

So I'm at Borders in the airport, and overheard a conversation between co-workers.

Hipsters 20s Dude: Look at this passage in this book. I can't believe it got through the editor. "...and then none of them was chosen for the position." It's ridiculous!

Bored co-worker Girl: Mmm-hmmm.

Dude: It's just crazy. Don't they read the book before they sell it?

Bored Girl: Hmmm.

Of course, Hipster Dude was incorrect, as the sentence is written correctly; to his credit, it does sound strange. (Thanks, 6th grade English class!)

What struck me that day is how often I am so certain about things and make a big deal about how ridiculous something is, without ever realizing that I'm wrong. So certainly wrong.

It gave me pause to chill out a bit before going off on my next rant.

(But don't worry, there will be plenty of certainly wrong rants to come, but at least I'll share them after a slight pause.)

One fine week in the Emerald City

The first week in Seattle has been fun, tiring, and awe-inspiring. Notes and quips from the first few days:

• 9 days in Seattle. 1 day of rain. No complaints, but a little surprised. Maybe Seattleites are whiners. Or maybe it's a conspiracy to keep Midwest hicks from moving to Seattle. Didn't work.
• 3 words: Top Pot Donuts. Wow.
• I may be colorblind, but I can see the green here. And the sunsets.
• In our neighborhood (Queen Anne - woot!), the streets are...well...cozy. Parking is allowed on both sides, which means every two-lane road acts as a one-lane road.
• The KC Royals just fired their manager. Again. I think it's about time to become a Mariners fan. The stadium looks great from the outside, and it's apparently a great place for a nap.
• I've never seen a Carnival-type cruise ship up close before. They are bigger than I ever imagined. And louder.
• I can walk 2 blocks to a non-Starbucks coffee shop. There are 7 Starbucks within a mile of our house.
• The "Seattle Chill" is a myth, at least from my experience so far. People have been as kind as any city I've been in.
• The music is great here, but FM radio is hit-and-miss due to the terrain. I still miss BXR
• Some things cost a little more (gas, local grocery store stuff), but I've been surprised that a lot of things don't (Pizza Hut, Sam's Club, K-Mart)
• On a clear day I can see the Olympic Mountains from my bedroom window.
• It sometimes feels like we're in Europe. We have an "English garden" in the back yard, everyone is walking and biking through the city, and there is water everywhere.

It's a beautiful place.

Never mix up your right foot with your left.

I was born in Kansas City, raised in small town Missouri, and graduated from Mizzou. My life is changing significantly this week, as we move from the known (Missouri) to the very-much unknown (Seattle, Washington). In the scurry and scatter of preparations, it's been tough to put the move in perspective, and even tougher to feel the feelings of the imminent changes for myself and my family.

During packing I ran across one of my all-time favorite books, and it seemed to help express back to me some of my own hopes, dreams, and fears as we start this new chapter in our life.

If you haven't read Oh the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss, or not in awhile, I highly recommend it. Enjoy.




Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care.
About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there."
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.

And you may not find any
you'll want to go down.
In that case, of course,
you'll head straight out of town.

It's opener there
in the wide open air.

Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.

And when things start to happen,
don't worry. Don't stew.
Just go right along.
You'll start happening too.

OH!
THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!

You'll be on your way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.

You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed.
You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you'll be the best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don' t
Because, sometimes, you won't.

I'm sorry to say so
but, sadly, it's true
but Bang-ups
and Hang-ups
can happen to you.

You can get all hung up
in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on.
You'll be left in a Lurch.

You'll come down from the Lurch
with an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are, then,
that you'll be in a Slump.

And when you're in a Slump,
you're not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done.

You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted. But mostly they're darked.
A place you could sprain both you elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in?
How much can you lose? How much can you win?

And IF you go in, should you turn left or right...
or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite?
Or go around back and sneak in from behind?
Simple it's not, I'm afraid you will find,
for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.

You can get so confused
that you'll start in to race
down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace
and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space,
headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.
The Waiting Place...

...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a sting of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.

NO!
That's not for you!

Somehow you'll escape
all that waiting and staying.
You'll find the bright places
where Boom Bands are playing.

With banner flip-flapping,
once more you'll ride high!
Ready for anything under the sky.
Ready because you're that kind of a guy!

Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done!
There are points to be scored. there are games to be won.
And the magical things you can do with that ball
will make you the winning-est winner of all.
Fame! You'll be famous as famous can be,
with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.

Except when they don't.
Because, sometimes, they won't.

I'm afraid that some times
you'll play lonely games too.
Games you can't win
'cause you'll play against you.

All Alone!
Whether you like it or not,
Alone will be something
you'll be quite a lot.

And when you're alone, there's a very good chance
you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.
There are some, down the road between hither and yon,
that can scare you so much you won't want to go on.

But on you will go
though the weather be foul
On you will go
though your enemies prowl
On you will go
though the Hakken-Kraks howl
Onward up many
a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore
and your sneakers may leak.

On and on you will hike
and I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.

You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3 / 4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So...
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
you're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!

--Dr. Seuss

Saving "Secular Washington"

On a recent business trip, I ran across this church flyer in a hotel in Washington, D.C. The vision statement has bothered me every since. Their vision is to "...make an impact on secular Washington..."

How do they define secular Washington?

• People not at McLean Bible Church?
• People not in church?
• People who drink, smoke, chew, or go with girls who do?

What about Muslims, Buddhists, Catholics, or Methodists -- Secular?

I'm confident the good people at McLean Bible Church have intentions to make a positive difference in their community, but the separation of what is "secular" and what is "non-secular" (spiritual, holy, Godly, churchy, non-loud, non-pierced?) confuses me. Why make the distinction?

Opening Day

I was born in Kansas City, and my parents lived in the shadow of Royals Stadium in the mid-1970s. They would get the $1 tickets in the upper deck, and I would karate-kick Mom's uterus as the crowd roared.

For those unfamiliar, at one time there were things to roar about at Royals games. The Royals and Yankees (and Blue Jays and Angels) played big games every year. George Brett won batting titles, chewed tobacco, and used excess pine tar on his bat. Frank White and Bud Black (African-American and Anglo, respectively) were my entry into race relations.

And the Royals beat the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1985 World Series. I was 9 years old. I will never forget the final catch and watching the ticker-tape parade on TV the next day.

Twenty-five years later, the Royals will start another season. Their 25th since their World Championship, and their 25th since making the playoffs. There have been a teases over the years, but overall it's been a long time since there's been much to cheer about.

But.

It's Opening Day.

And Opening Day is different.

As of today the Kansas City Royals have just as much chance to win the 2010 World Series (mathematically speaking, of course) as any other team.

There is something about Opening Day that gets me excited every single year. I had a friend in school whose dad took him out of school every year for the Royals' home opener. The teachers didn't love it, I'm sure. I thought it was the best idea ever.

I haven't even followed the Royals this spring, and I can't name more than 6 players on the roster. But I'll find the game on TV or radio this week and root root root for the Royals.

I'll keep up with them through the first week of games, and they may even keep my attention through April. Then I'll become distracted by the NFL Draft, I'll hear of a 6-game losing streak, and I'll find other things to do.

Until Opening Day 2011.

Poetry by Weezer

There will come a day

When we transcend our pain

Until that day

Take it easy on yourself

There will come a day

When we can finally rest

Until that day

Take it easy on yourself

Love is the answer

Makes no difference what you have heard

Love is the answer

You have got to trust in the word

- Weezer

Ease

I read an ebook this week entitled, "What Matters Now." It's a collection of micro-essays (200 words) from a variety of authors: Seth Godin, Dave Ramsey, Tom Peters, Tim Sanders, and many others with whom I wasn't familiar.

I recommend it (it's a free download from Seth Godin's blog), but one essay grabbed my attention and has yet to let go.

EASE

by Elizabeth Gilbert

We are the strivingest people who have ever lived. We are ambitious, time-starved, competitive, distracted. We move at full velocity, yet constantly fear we are not doing enough. Though we live longer than any humans before us, our lives feel shorter, restless, breathless...Dear ones, EASE UP.

Pump the brakes. Take a step back. Seriously. Take two steps back. Turn off all your electronics and surrender over all your aspirations and do absolutely nothing for a spell.

I know, I know – we all need to save the world. But trust me: The world will still need saving tomorrow. In the meantime, you’re going to have a stroke soon (or cause a stroke in somebody else) if you don’t calm the hell down.

So go take a walk. Or don’t. Consider actually exhaling. Find a body of water and float. Hit a tennis ball against a wall. Tell your colleagues that you’re off meditating (people take meditation seriously, so you’ll be absolved from guilt) and then actually, secretly, nap.

My radical suggestion? Cease participation, if only for one day this year – if only to make sure that we don’t lose forever the rare and vanishing human talent of appreciating ease.

...that's the book for me.

After 33+ years in church, hundreds of sermons, Sunday school classes, Jesus camps, and quiet times, I must confess I've not read every word in the Bible. It seems strange to me that I've claimed this book as a guide for life, yet I haven't read the darn thing.

That being said, my New Year's Resolution is not marking off "Bible Read Daily" this year. As a kid/teen/college student I tried the "read the Bible in a year" a number of times with little success. I never made it past the mid-February, Book of Numbers hump. I blame Pagiel son of Ochran.

What I am playing around with is changing my approach. Instead of looking to the Bible primarily for what it can do for me (though I believe it has plenty of utility for this purpose), I'm heading a different direction. Instead of scripture reading being a daily task, chore, homework, or check box, I want to enjoy the read. I want to experience the Good Book like it's a good book.

So I've picked up a chronologically-organized Bible in an attempt to read it the way I've read Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or the DaVinci Code. Like a novel, with characters and plots and bad guys and morally grey good guys and kings and battles and special effects and whores and murderers and excessive alcohol use and peace and hope and love.

I'm a spurt reader, often putting in 6-8 hours into a book on a business trip, then leaving the book sitting near my bed at home for 6 weeks, unopened. I expect I'll read this one the

same way. Maybe I'll finish it in a few months. Maybe it'll take me longer than a year. Maybe I won't finish it at all. No matter.

My wife shared a blog post with me last week by Michael Spencer that was particularly helpful, and I'd recommend reading the entire article here. In it, he captures some of what I'm wrestling with.

Changing how I think about the Bible has been the most significant thing in my own experience with Jesus. In my formative years, we carried Bibles and quoted the Bible, argued about the Bible and used the Bible to prove we were right...

It’s not a dictionary, or an encyclopedia, or a manual of how to do or fix things. It’s God’s story, and our story, and God’s story again. It’s a story you believe and join. It’s not a chart of the future or the past. It’s the truth of life. It’s deep, but not like engineering schematics are deep. It’s deep like the best novels or the best poetry.

So that's where I'm headed -- to experience this story like a story. Wish me luck.

Favorites of 2009

Looking back at a few of my favorite things of the past year.

Favorite Snack Combo

Cinnamon Teddy Grahams + Almonds

I've been a fan of Teddy Grahams most of my life; I picked up almonds more recently. I randomly put them together (ala the old Reese's Peanut Butter Cup commercials with the cavemen combining chocolate and peanut butter) and experienced a heavenly snack.

Favorite Brothers

Tie: New Super Mario Bros. & The Avett Brothers

I didn't game much in 2009, but I've been loving the New Super Mario Bros. Wii game I received for Christmas. It also reminded me that I've been playing Super Mario Bros. games for nearly 25 years (yikes).

The Avett Brothers 2009 album, I and Love and You, is just good. Go listen to it. My favorite line so far: "Decide what to be and go be it."

Favorite Album:

DMB - Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King

2009 was a resurgence for my purchasing of music, partially due to the Amazon MP3 store and a great group of albums this year. U2, Brandi Carlisle, Weezer, and Jay-Z all had great 2009 albums. I'm defining favorite as "what stayed in our car's CD player the most this year." Dave Matthews won hands down.

Favorite New TV Show

Flash Forward

With all due to respect to Glee and V, I've enjoyed Flash Forward the most of any new show on television. I'm a sucker for innovative story telling and time-shifting narrative. Flash Forward has both.

Favorite "New to Me" Food/Drink

3-way tie: Coffee, Hummus, Homemade Guacamole

I somehow made it through college and helping raise two babies without resorting to coffee. I'm not sure what I was afraid of. It's tasty.

Favorite Movie Experience

"UP" in 4 Recliners

I didn't really have a favorite movie this year, but Janelle and I watched "UP" with the Creach's this past summer at the AMC Mainstreet 6 Theater in Kansas City's Power & Light District. With a full menu, servers bringing food, and reclining seats (complete with vibration and in-seat speakers), it was awesome.

Favorite Book

The Power of Less by Leo Babauta

Do less. Get more done.

I also recommend the authors blog, Zen Habits.

Favorite Blog

The Art of Non-conformity by Chris Guillebeau

The author this blog is a life-hacker of sorts (some similarities to Tim Ferris, author of The Four-Hour Workweek). He questions conventional wisdom, which I love. Also check out my review of his recent e-book, A Brief Guide to Early Domination.

For those who can't get enough of stuff Brian likes, see my Favorites of 2008 and A Few More Favorites from that year.

I Heart Seattle

I ran across some travel journal notes I'd taken on our trip to Seattle this past spring, so I've converted them to blog form -- mainly for myself to help remember the trip.

WEDNESDAY

Fish Throwers - check

It's "As Seen on TV." They yell the fish, throw the fish, catch the fish, sell the fish. Since the media wasn't around (I guess my camera phone didn't count), the staff weren't quite as "on" as I've seen them on television. But is was fun nonetheless.

What I wasn't ready for was "Rabid Fan," a gentleman with a notebook containing each fish thrower's photo and autograph. He was asking who was working today in an attempt to fill out his book. I intially wrote him off as a weirdo, as I'm not a fish market superfan., but quickly realized that I have plenty of "weirdo-ness" myself about other topics, events, and celebrities that many would find lame.

Sleepless in Seattle Reference #1

Janelle is a big fan of the movie, so it was fitting that our first Seattle meal together was at a restaurant from the film. The food was good (fresh seafood is my all-time favorite), and the view of Puget Sound was beautiful.

Starbucks Run #1 (of many)

I've already consumed more Starbucks coffee this week than in my entire life before this trip. I've become a fan. We visited the very first Starbucks (1971) and ordered something coffee-sounding that ended in "-ocha." I'll expect to be a pro by the time we leave, and probably suffering from extreme caffeine high.

Hotel + Mall + Sleep

I purchased a much-needed jacket (it's colder than expected) and hit the bed early. We had started the day at 2:45 AM Pacific Time, so 7:30 PM seemed like a good time to get some sleep.

THURSDAY (aka Nerdfest Day)

Sleepless in Seattle Reference #2

Before the nerdfest began, we spent some time on Alki beach in West Seattle (apparently it's the location where Tom Hanks and the kid are flying a kite towards the end of the movie). Beautiful place with a view of the city.

Nerdfest #1: Science Fiction Museum

I liked this museum, but felt that I didn't know enough about the source material to truly love it. It is well done and had an impressive amount of nerdy eye candy -- especially for Trekkies. I particularly liked the R2-D2 and Death Star models.

Nerdfest #2: Experience Music Project

Holy crap. I could have spent days in this museum, listening to every song and reading every plaque in this incredible place. It was a sensory feast, visually, audially, and tactilly. An entire room is devoted to Jimi Hendrix (who I learned this week is from Seattle), and similar displays on the grunge movement of the early 1990s (my favorite retro music era).

The experience also included sound rooms for guitar, piano, drums, and vocals. I spent a few minutes banging on the drums (it's been awhile) and got revitalized. For anyone who loves music, this is a must-see.

Nerdfest #3: Nintendo of America Headquarters

I previously blogged about this experience here. Recap: It was fun.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

Mars Hill Graduate School

Janelle had interviews on Friday morning, so I went off on a self-guided walking tour of downtown. I rode the Space Needle, enjoyed more Starbucks, and walked back to Pike Place Market to watch more fish throwing. Lots of walking in a very walkable city, and I took a bunch of fun pictures. Here's one:

The remainder of the weekend was a fast-paced, exciting, mind- and heart-bending time of learning. Mars Hill Graduate School is a special place, and I'm excited for Janelle as she pursues her dream. I'm also selfishly excited for me, as the school does an incredible job of including spouses in the process. If we do this thing, I'll be able to sit in on her classes free of charge any time my schedule allows, and I can participate in a special council devoted to spouses of students.

(Editor's note: Janelle was invited to attend graduate school at MHGS. The current plan is a move to Seattle in 2010, with school starting in the fall.)