The Wing-Beat

~ I will never forget Oscar Thompson’s key theme of his book Concentric Circles of Concern: the most important word in the English language is relationships. Not love. Relationships. No relationships, no love. I watch Jesus gathering disciples (John 1 is a good place to start watching with me). It is not a program; he is just focusing on Relationship Number One. Read more…

In one of my blogweb associations I found the link to the National Priorities Project. At the least NPP is informative, proving interesting, even provocative reports. Yes, even information can be quite provocative. Their “cost of the Iraq war” ticker alone prompts questions, but that’s good. An informed, curious citizenry is a national asset. I’ll be watching for other such web presences and making comparisons.

The biggest story of the early “holi-day” season? No, not at all. chicagotribune.com — nativity story It is a story relating to an increasingly familiar theme, actually: No, says the Chicago mayor’s special events office, New Line Media cannot advertise their film Nativity Story at the Christkindlmarket in Chicago. Risks being preferential to one “faith,” offensive to non-Christians. Hmmm. Could be! Read more…

I am told that this year American Muslims are ordering more halal (properly slaughtered) turkeys for Thanksgiving dinner–it’s another way of taking part in the life here. I teach Chinese history and keep an eye on China. Thanksgiving in China isn’t necessarily a visiting American’s holiday; Chinese friends say they celebrate, too. Read more…

Refers generically to the sporting public attired in purple; otherwise, specifically, to gameday wear for fans of the TCU Horned Frogs, the Wildcats of Wiley College and of Northwestern University, and the Washington Huskies, among others.

Vamping for Chocolate . . .

See the related story on “Count Choculitis” at csummers.org

Maybe it is time for a new Christmas song–at least this new one tells me so. Dennis Lamar wrote it, sings it, on his new album, “Legacy.” You can hear “All I Want for Christmas” and “Waiting for You” online (see the link on the right sidebar) I wouldn’t make so big a deal out of it if a young couple near and dear to me and mine weren’t part of his company. I still would enjoy what he has done! Bonus: He’s part of that “Good Old Baylor Line” too. Part of the Legacy. Sic ‘em, Dennis!

www.dennislamar.com

On the way to Thanksgiving, one’s thoughts turn to . . . turkey! And other good things to eat, of course, and the importance of learning to see the glass as–not half full–but full to overflowing! My cup runneth over . . . .

Now, a bit of questionable inspiration–a limerick:

A variegated bird is the peacock, / His lineage is in no way commonstock. / But guess my amazement, / When I heard the appraisement / That peacock tastes just like turkey-hock!

That, many years ago, was the discovery of Christian workers in India who sought a suitable substitute for the Thanksgiving bird.