LAS VEGAS 2!

...Las Vegas was fun. I lost money, but I saw FOTC, who were great. I am glad I went. Also, screwdrivers and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia are a great combination.

LAS VEGAS

City of Cats here I come! I am going to Las Vegas, Nevada to see Flight of the Conchords.........and gamble......and hang out with my friends. It is going to be sweet! We are going to stay in the Club 36 hotel , which could or could not be sweet. But it's all for the experience. I haven't been to Vegas since I was a wee lad, and I don't really remember anything about it, other than we went to this pretty cool water park. Now, as an adult, I will remember much more, although I will not be visiting a water park. It is going to be awesome.

A Few Thoughts: Christian Persecution and its Relevance to American Christians

Christian persecution is a touchy subject for many American citizens these days. We hear stories of brothers and sisters in far away countries being martyred or imprisoned for their faith in Jesus, and we feel sad, angry, or hurt, like somebody has wronged us, or maybe act surprised that this kind of cruelty is being carried out. Too many of us neglect the teachings of Christ that say, “Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you,” (John 15:20) and honestly believe that we can truly follow God without any opposition. Reading about the martyrdom and torture of early Christians under the Roman emperors instills in me fear for my fellow present-day American believers. These brothers and sisters of old believed the words of Christ with their entire being: their bodies, minds, and souls, and they bled and died for it. Should we feel surges of anger or grief at martyrdom? Should we be surprised by persecution? If so, it brings to mind other questions. What is the value of persecution from the Christian’s perspective? Are we truly honoring God if we have no oppression from the world? Are we enjoying the fellowship of the world instead of perfect communion with God? Are we trying to serve two masters? I believe that if one does not experience some kind of oppression, not necessarily severe, he is not living a life honoring God. “What harmony exists between Christ and Belial, or what do a believer and an unbeliever have in common?” (II Corinthians 2:15) How can the Christian life coexist with the worldly one? They cannot. Therefore, extol persecution! Rejoice when you hear of brothers giving all for the Name! For they have surrendered what is merely temporary, and instead received that which is eternal, and they have done it with unadulterated joy, because they were found worthy to suffer for the Christ.

The Movie Theater

So, I went to the movies a few days ago, and I had a thought. If I were to sum up the theater, what would I say. Well, the truth is, the movie theater is different things to different people, and I wish to explore the possibilities. Maybe in reading this you can discover which meaning you believe.

...

First, the movie theater is a place you go to watch a movie. And I don't mean glance at a movie while you talk really loudly with your friends, or steal a few looks at a movie while you're making out or something. Actually going to a theater, and viewing, in its entirety, a cinematic feature. Many people go to see a movie for different reasons. Maybe they are bored and looking for something to do, some go to be entertained, others go because they want to sound smart in front of their friends by analyzing the philosophy of a movie. Stupid. That's why I don't go see serious movies, becuase there is always somebody who's like, "This is what the director meant..." and I gurantee I will hear at some point, "It's about humanity." Every movie is about humanity! Unless it is the Lion King...but still...

Oh...hakuna matata...positivism...no worries. Dang. It is about humanity as well.

Alternatively, the movie theater is the pefect place to loiter. How often do I go to the movies and see upwards of 2,000 middle school students just.....hanging out. Not buying anything, not seeing anything, not eating anything...just...there. A myriad of scene/emo/punk/goth/stupid kids. I wonder what the ODOs have to deal with daily.

You mean I can't just sit here all day and all night, Officer?

Nothing annoys me more then having to wade through the river of prepubescent children in order to get to a destination that will probably just have more of them. What proud parents they must have!

Yay! I'm going to grow up to be a future obstruction!

Finally, the movie theater is a great locale for vandalism. Graffitti artists unite! This is the perfect building to tag up (that means to apply spray paint on buildings for you non-vandals)! there are security cameras on the building, but I am totally convinced they are pure aesthetic. They are there because science has determined that people are naturally afraid of robots.

The face of fear.

But fear not! They cannot harm you, O vandals! Tag in peace. But please, try to tag in English, because I can never understand the things you spray onto signs and walls and stuff.

Not English.

In closing, respect the movie theater for all it provides, no matter how you utilize it. Whether you are the best film critic (in your own mind), being in the way and annoying, or ruining the outside of the building, you should still be thankful for the movies, now matter what the price is of a ticket. (It's $10! WTF!)