R.I.P.

It's a sad day for Taylor University alums everywhere as we mourn the sudden death of five or our own.

I wish I could provide some eloquent reflection on death or comment on the randomness of the whole thing. But I can't.

And I don't know why I'm so mournful at the deaths of five people I never knew and am only connected to because of some Christian liberal arts college in Indiana. But I am.

Easter Part 2: Praise the mount, I’m fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming love

For Christians today is Good Friday, the time when we mark the death of Christ in anticipation of Easter Sunday, the day we celebrate his resurrection. It is the holiest day in Christianity.

In 2002, Jim Hart collected over 60 hymns, poems, prayers, etc. focused on “the cross and the resurrection, on death and glory.” Jim has apparently left the blogosphere, since the last post at his blog is dated June 6, 2005. I know he’s still alive, because he has recently given me advice on how to deal with famous rappers.

Thankfully, Jim archived the collection, so you can still look through it. There is some great stuff listed. I hope Easter is a refreshing time for you and allows you to reconnect with the cross. Maybe this collection can help you do that.

Easter Part 1: This Is Why Giant Bunnies Are Evil

My friend John Hardacker just sent me a video of the Easter Bunny showing his true colors. I hate the Easter Bunny ever since a little mishap at a birthday party/Easter egg hunt when I was a child. Let’s just say that seeing a six-foot tall rabbit hop out of a bedroom does not sit well with the average four year old. I think this video proves what I have already known – men in bunny suits belong at a Flaming Lips concerts, not in the midst of religious holidays.

Viva Las Vegas

So, my wife had to go to Las Vegas this week for the CTIA Wireless convention (she does public relations and represents a certain large software company that controls the universe). They were putting her up in the Venetian, and since I have nothing better to do, I decided to go party in Vegas. (And when I say party in Vegas, I mean lose $5 at the penny slots, eat gelato, and stalk Barry Manilow.)

The aforementioned software company invited us to a private bash co-hosted by Billboard Magazine at the VooDoo Lounge. While we’re there, I turn around and less than five feet away from me is Chuck D from Public Enemy.

I did the only thing I could think of and texted my friend Jim. He wanted me to ask Chuck D if he ever watches The Flavor of Love on VH1. I wanted to know how his collaboration with Jesus was going. He left before I could ask him these probing questions.

More thoughts on Vegas to come.