donaturel

Ten things running through my head as I watched the inauguration of Barack Obama as our 44th president: 1. While I have no desire to belittle George W. Bush, I am relieved beyond words that we now have a president who considers rhetoric to be a worthy art. 2. I remembered back to my first semester in seminary when I took "History of the African American Religious Experience" and had my eyes opened to the anger and frustration that many of my black sisters and brothers in Christ had carried with them for generations. 3. I remembered that at that same seminary, all the executives except one were white and the entire custodial staff were black. 4. I remembered the lay leader at the church I served in Batavia telling me that the contractor who built the church building in the early 20th century was also a known leader in the KKK in Clermont County. 5. I was offended at the blatantly Christocentric prayer offered by Rick Warren. To my mind, this was an opportunity for someon...

Check out this news story here: http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2009/01/14/attack.html?sid=102 There are a lot of things in life that make me angry, but probably nothing more than senseless violence born of bigotry. Here a gay couple is simply walking down the street and they are attacked. Like many victims of anti-gay violence, they decide not to make a big deal of it and try to go on with life. Then this week, their SUV gets torched, so they finally come forward. I simply can not wrap my mind around the violent harrassment of people who may be different from the majority. What, exactly, is broken inside that creates the desire to do violence to that which may be different? Which synapses have not connected? I don't know this couple, but I hope they have a network of strong support so that they can move through this time in life successfully. And I will be praying for all the gay couples that I do know, as this dark little fear that lingers in the back of their mind...

Last Wednesday, we had the good fortune to be able to share dinner with Karen Reider and her oldest son, Aiden. The next day, they left on a year long adventure - one of hope and healing; one of suspense and surprise; one of growth and challenge. I have posted the link on the left to her blog - My Attempt at RTV - but she has also just posted the first video segment of their trip here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYOfmqXehk4 . Karen - we send you love and prayers!

In my ongoing attempt to deal with the critical issues of our day ... After considering this for a long time, I've come to the conclusion that the NFL should do away with the instant replay for officials. You heard me. In the Pittsburgh - Baltimore game of December 14, 2008, the game was decided on an official review and the overturning of a call made on the field. With less than a minute left in the game, Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes (Go Bucks!) caught what looked like a touchdown pass to give his team the lead. But while his feet were in the endzone and he clearly had caught the ball, when he came down the ball landed just short of the goal line. The two officials who were looking right down the goal line ruled that the ball should be marked on about the 6-inch line - short of a touchdown. The rule is that the ball has to cross the plane of the goal line. Two officials looking right at it ruled that it hadn't done so. The play was reviewed automatically since there...

Well, it happened. I suppose it was inevitable. I mean - it's been ten years for the guy and I imagine he is tired of the routine. William Petersen, who plays Gil Grissom on CSI (the original one; not CSI: The Beautiful One [Miami] or CSI: The Bad One [New York]), is leaving the show. We've known this for some time, but last night was the episode in which Grissom announces to his staff that he's leaving. I admit - I teared up. I have no doubt I'll keep watching the show because it's written so intelligently and I have always loved Laurence Fishbourne, who is coming on the show as a new character who will ostensibly replace Grissom. But there is something about Gil that I'll miss terribly. Partly, it's the witty remarks in the opening just before we hear the opening bars of "Who are you?" by the Who. Partly, it's the character being so well-read - philosophy, religion, Shakespeare - and his ability to deliver the right literary observation with ...

You will notice that like many other bloggers, I have a list of blogs posted here that I encourage you to check out. They cover a wide range of interests and are on the list for a variety of reasons. Some are friends, some are folks I don't know but appreciate what they have to say. I especially want to point you to the blog I just added to the list: my attempt at RTV, written by Karen Reider, life partner of the late singer/songwriter Katie Reider who died much too young this past summer. Karen and her boys are trying to pick up the pieces after Katie's death and this blog allows Karen to share the journey with us all. It's a gift to all of us who knew Katie and know Karen, and it's a gift to anyone who has lost someone they hold dear.

Here is the menu from the Wallick / Van Sant 2008 Thanksgiving Feast: Herb and Lemon Roast Turkey with shallot and white wine gravy* Herb and Onion Stuffing* Wild Mushroom and Spinach Stuffing* Spiced Cranberries with Zinfandel Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes with Fennel and Rosemary Butter* Traditional Green Bean Casserole Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole Citrus Glazed Carrots* Green Onion and Pepper Buttermilk Biscuits* Mixed Greens Salad Persimmon Pudding - two varieties Pumpkin Pie Butterscotch Pie Chocolate Cream Pie Pecan Pie Cherry Pie Pumpkin Creme Brule* *Indicates recipe is from the 2008 Bon Appetit Thanksgiving issue. The cranberry recipe is from the 2001 Bon Appetit Thanksgiving issue. AND - we did not have to call the Fire Department! Woo Hoo!