Mail Bag 6-25-07 (Great Response!)

Jered and Eric: Another good podcast. Your main topic of liberals vs conservatives was interesting - and the questions you raised were difficult to answer. Should Christians just take it on the chin and pray silently to themselves hoping that their lifestyle is enough to draw others to Christ, or should they stand up and fight for the right to worship in public places ( like schools, etc.) and go against those who would do away with all that? I think sometimes it does require standing up and fighting for what you believe - and not give in to those who do not want any type of religion "mixed in" with any other facet of life. On the other hand, Christians are supposed to be peaceful and loving and "turn the other cheek" type individuals and where does protest fit in? Good questions!

Your brief musical theatre discussion: First of all, Gaston is NOT a lame character. He adds a huge amount of humor to the show, and the lyrics to some of his songs are funny as heck when he talks about how great he thinks he is. He is not annoying, and he is one of the funniest "villians" around.
As for Grease, Grease 2, Footloose, Bye Bye Birdie and all the other shows you put down, the music does count for something and these shows have good music. You put down teenagers for liking and promoting the continuance of these shows, but just remember, if the younger set does not become hooked on musical theatre ( even if it takes these nonsensical shows with "bubble gum music to hook them) they would not grow up to be the adults who do enjoy musical theatre and keep it going on Broadway. I expose my grandchildren to these types of musicals, hoping they get the "bug" for the theatre and love and enjoy it as adults. Younger fans make adult fans, and I don't think shows like Les Mis, Miss Saigon, Aida ( a really stupid show) etc. will peek many youngsters' interest first time around.

It never ceases to amaze me on how many facets you can talk about in a single cigar. Not being a cigar smoker myself, it is stunning that you can critique a cigar in so many different aspects. Wow!!!!

Speak of the Devil

Only a day after our discussion on know-it-all churches vs. active exploration, this church bulletin caught my eye. Again, we are not trying to pass judgement on the people leading or attending this particular church but it is false advertising. How can you give "straight", "no fluff" answers to questions from the Bible? How do you apply teachings given to 1st century Jews to 21st century Americans without taking some liberties here and there? At least acknowledge that your "straight answers from God's word" are still your interpretation of God's answers

Mail Bag 6-11-07

What was the result of your question about the man-bag? You two definitely throw things out to your audience, but never give a result! What was the majority on what it should be called?
Check out the comments of the people here. The Element: C3 nation has spoken

FYI - it was Lancelot who sang "If ever I would leave you." I am not particularly fond of Camelot per se, but it was the first of the 3 shows I saw on Broadway when my parents took me to New York, and it just so happened that Robert Goulet was just coming into his own, and did play Lancelot. Since they were my first Broadway shows ever, they bring back memories.

I would totally love a Broadway review show with singing, etc. I probably am in the minority, but to me it sounds fantastic. I do agree with you about Marius - I always said he was a wimp! Some other bigger roles, that really are not that great, would be the young Lieutenant in South Pacific who falls in love with the Polynesian girl - he was kind of a sissy. Can't think of his name. Probably before your time anyway. Another would be Tony in West Side Story. Another would be the grown up nephew of Mame in Mame. Maybe there's a pattern here - the romantic male lead seems to often be kind of weak in strength and character.

Lieutenant Joe Cable was the name of the South Pacific character. I think you're on to something here... As I recall the GI Chris from Miss Saigon was also a sissy role to play. Come to think of it In Miss Saigon, both Ellen and Kim love Chris, while in Les Miserables, both Cosette and Eponine love Marius. I think its a love triangle thing...

Your discussion on Churches who have all the answers vs those who admit they are still searching, leaves me puzzled. Having been a Catholic all my life - you are right - I have never really questioned what they have taught me about Christ. But to me if you are going to belong to a faith community of any kind, it would seem that more could be accomplished if everyone were on the same page as opposed to questioning everything all the time. I have to believe that all these churches you refer to must have most of it right, even if some things are open to interpretation. Don't you think that you can spend far too much time trying to figure out every little thing about Christ and the Bible, and not spend enough time living like Christ? As long as you have the basics - like the 10 commandments for example, or the beatitudes, isn't that enough to get you started? I think you can put too much emphasis on finding the right church when time could be better spent just living like Jesus did.

Mail Bag 6-8-07

While I found your discussion on cultural shift vs fad kind of interesting - I am just curious what difference it makes in the long run what you call it. As long as you are up on things that are current ( and can address them with others) - be they a cultural shift or a fad - I don't think it's label is relevant. I personally think that when something new comes on the hporizon ( like this whole Pirate thing) you will never know whether it is a cultural shift or just a fad until you see the duration that it lasts. If it is over after any period of time - it was just a fad. If it entwines itself into our lives (like people wearing "puffy" shirts on Seinfeld) ands continues on indefinitely, it is a cultural shift. What you call it does not matter - just that you are aware of it and current with it. Just my opinion.

I would be curious why you both are so opposed to giving the same rating in your rating system. It would probably have more impact if you both felt exactly the same way about things. Doesn't have to be always, but it is not a mortal sin if you both arrive at the same conclusion - like 3 puffs of smoke, for example

Why not just a carry-all bag? Utility bag? transport bag? What is wrong with just a BAG?

Man-Purse/Murse or Satchel? You decide!

Jered says his bag is a satchel and claims that since he does not wear it every day, it is not a man-purse/murse and therefore its an essential part of any man's wardrobe when he needs to carry extra items. Eric says that it looks like a cross between a purse and a fanny-pack and no heterosexual man should carry such an item.

ADD A COMMENT...YOU DECIDE!

Mail Bag 6-5-07

I like the first simple service project better. I laughed out loud at work with my headphones on when Eric said, If you see someone wearing a satchel, give them a backpack. It was completely mindless back and forth jabs, but absolutely hilarious. And by the way, I think the only way to fairly judge this \"satchel\" is to see a picture of it and have an online poll. If it looks likes a bag my teacher would use to take home our papers to grade, I\'m going with feminine. Sorry J, I gotta be real...

Great idea... coming soon Satchel-gate 2008...er...um 2007!