Lose 10 Pounds in 7 Days - Ask Me How!

Well, plans for regular posting from El Salvador did not come to fruition. But there is much to post about and much to process.

The team came home on Saturday March 1st healthy. However, by Sunday evening March 2nd, that all changed. Each of us were carrying a microscopic stow-away.

In the past 7 days I've lost 10lbs. I lost 8 lbs during a 16 hour period Sunday - Monday last week.

Forget Aktins.

I call it the E-Coli diet. I'm thinking that this week I'll post some signs on telephone poles with my phone number. "Lose 10 lbs in 7 days - ASK ME HOW!" Perhaps I'll get some buttons made up. When people call, I'll invite them to El Salvador. It will change their life.

Joking aside, the trip was life changing. Its difficult to even begin to process or type all that God is doing in my life. I simply didn't have a chance to post while in El Salvador, and today is the first day I've had the energy to do anything.

THE MONEY SHOT

Standing in the house our team built in the town of San Jose El Naranjo.

More about El Salvador soon. Fortunately I can say, I need to eat something right now.

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Something to Post About

It’s been a while since I’ve been able to have the time to write. Like the typical new years resolution, it petered out well before the calendar turned to February. However, I am determined to keep working toward the goal of becoming a regular blogger.

There has been much to write about since my last post, including 2 interesting holidays, but those will come around again next year so I’ll save it. I’ve sprained my ankle pretty seriously too in the past couple of weeks. But ankle pain can’t be blamed for a lack of typing. And Lost is so fantastic! Matthew Abaddon deserves his own post. I’ll get to that eventually.

But now, there is something great to write about today. As I type this, I am somewhere over Central America, in heavy turbulence, hoping my relatively decent airplane coffee doesn’t bounce out onto my friends next to me. In a couple of hours, we’ll be landing in El Salvador.

I am travelling with 12 other people on a mission to the small village of San Jose El Naranjo. In the coming week, I plan to write and post more about this village and what we see there. More importantly, I’ll write about what God is teaching me this amazing and fun team of people who are in for a currently unrevealed spiritual life change. I don’t know what God will reveal to me during this trip, but I have to say I haven’t been as excited about what cannot be known of his providence for a long time.

On Saturday, February 22 (or “22 February” as they keep making me write it), we will begin by touring a water project that is bringing safe water to our village. This project is key to the overall mission with this village for the simple reason that without safe water, people die and can never escape poverty. Our church and others have contributed financially to this project through a ministry called Enlace. I’ll write more about this later, hopefully with some pictures.

Our team is carrying nearly a ton of baggage. Literally, almost a ton. The tonnage mostly consists of 400+ new school backpacks full of new, much needed school supplies. We’ll be giving those away later in the week. Because mosquitoes love me, malaria medicine also adds weight to the scales.

The day started out a bit rough and a long time ago in a different country. I went to sleep around midnight, enjoyed the sound of car alarms for a couple of hours and got up at 4 am to finish packing and some other work. Because it was raining in San Diego, it took us nearly an hour to get to the airport, normally about 20 minutes away. Drivers in San Diego put their vehicles into park on the freeways when we get just a little drizzle. Apparently, so do airline pilots in San Diego because we sat parked on the tarmac for two hours in the rain waiting to take off.

That delay created some anxiety for us because it became clear that we would likely miss our connecting flight in Houston. I was getting ready to call my Houston friend Robert and announce a surprise overnight visit. Oh and by the way, I’ll be bringing 12 of my friends and a ton of luggage. Really, almost a whole ton! Did I mention that?

But as the whole country seemed to be delayed today, our connecting flight was also delayed. Oh, as feared, our connecting flight was at the farthest possible gate from our arrival gate. We all had to run several miles through the massive stale popcorn smelling Bush airport and we barely made the connection – out of breath and sans a much desired Starbuck’s pickup.

I’ve completely messed up my customs form. With my contact lenses, I can’t read very small print.

I believe the hotel we stay at the first couple of nights in San Salvador has wireless Internet, so I anticipate being to post a couple of things. I would be more certain about that, but I took 8 years of French instead of Spanish and that makes it hard to read the hotel website. French – yeah, I have lived in Southern California my whole life, what language should I learn? French (see last sentence, two paragraphs up.) I’ve never known anyone personally who speaks French for a legitimate reason.

Anyway, if you are reading this by 22 February, or 23 February, it means I and my team have arrived safely, we have not been jailed for trafficking school supplies, and our hotel indeed has Internet service.

I look forward to telling you how things are going.

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Martin Luther King and Leadership

One of my goals is to visit all of the Presidential Libraries. I may write more about them at a later time. When I visit, I also try to take in any significant historical sites that may be nearby.

In Atlanta, Georgia, nearby the Jimmy Carter Library, only a couple of miles away as the crow flies, is the Martin Luther King Jr. Center and Memorial Site. On my last trip to Atlanta, I led a leadership lesson comparing the leadership of Dr. King and President Carter. The purpose of the lesson was not to be critical of either, but to simply challenge growing leaders to consider what leadership qualities lead to accomplishment and positive change.

For the purposes of this lesson, we just considered the effectiveness of Carter's leadership as President as it compared to the leadership of Martin Luther King (MLK) as civil rights leader. It is important to point out that today, the Carter Center is one of the most effective organizations solving problems of poverty and disease in countries around the world. Carter's leadership as a former President, with respect to poverty, is an example to all former Presidents. Sadly, his contemporary political interjections continue to harm and overshadow the magnificent work of the Carter Center.

As for Carter, it is often said that his Presidency was the "unfinished presidency," which is a nice way of saying that he wasn't successful in what he set out to do as President. The Carter Library demonstrates this with exhibits of good ideas, many of which have still not been accomplished, i.e. a realistic energy policy and a containment of Islamic terrorism. You leave the presidential wing sensing this lack of accomplishment. Fortunately, a new exhibit demonstrating the work of the Carter Center with poverty and waterborne disease is uplifting and inspirational.

But there is not, and will never be, a Jimmy Carter Holiday. Today is Martin Luther King's birthday, so I thought I would post a bit on his leadership.

Coretta Scott King who died in 2006, is now laid next to Dr. King at the King Center

When visiting the King Center, it is interesting to note that the events most known in his life occurred 100 years after the Civil War. Last fall, I included some Atlanta Civil War sites in my tour.

Atlanta was burned to the ground by General Sherman during the War and there are markers all around relating to that battle. Not far from the King Center is the Oakland Cemetery, which contains one of the largest Confederate Soldier burial grounds, pictured here.

I sat for a while, pondering the loss of life in that war. Among many thoughts going through my head was - was it worth it? Meaning, was it really worth laying down your life to basically protect an economic system that relied so heavily on slavery? Its a bit disturbing that even today there are some who feel like it was. I considered the great destruction and pain and suffering and it seemed like such a waste. The love of money is the root of this evil, the root of many evils that lead to the Civil War.

One hundred years later, many of those evils still presided over the law, leading to the Civil Rights Movement and the necessary leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lessons are often learned terribly slow.

It is an interesting comparison, Jimmy Carter, a US President, and MLK, a citizen leader. Who was the more capable leader? One had the office of the Presidency, a world stage and unlimited funds (while he was the POTUS.) The other, a baptist preacher with no legal office and no money.

A pictorial wall of the major events of MLK's life.

A trip through both museums reveals much about each leader. MLK was a leader of great accomplishment, whose legacy is still inspiring others to learn and to allow and make progress. Bus after bus pulled up to the museum, unloading passengers from different backgrounds and ethnicities. The King Museum is not fancy and relatively small; a bit run down I thought. But in just a couple of small rooms, his story and legacy are well told.

This is the key to the hotel room MLK was staying in when he was assassinated.

MLK's personal Bible

MLK's church, Ebeneezer Baptist Church stands next to his memorial.

One leaves the MLK Center quiet, in deep thought and retrospection... and inspired about what can be accomplished with sacrifice and a wise approach to leadership.

Leadership can be defined as "influence, nothing more nothing less." MLK had incredible influence. He was a great leader because he influenced change in a positive and long lasting way. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he refused to run for political office and he led his followers in non-violent approach which forced the country to take notice.

Great leaders are often considered great because they hold to a basic principle to accomplish their goals. I believe that if MLK had not approached these issues with a non-violent philosophy, or had he been elected to some public office, he would not be celebrated today with a holiday or a monument or a museum. He would likely be buried in Oakland Cemetery with a fancy tombstone and be just another spot on the tour map.

And no-one would have today off.

While there is much more progress to be made in the area of civil rights and social justice, MLK's accomplishments do not stand as unfinished or unsuccessful. His life completed with a solid legacy and clear purpose.

My favorite MLK speech is the "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech. While the content is important, this speech moves me because of its context in MLK's life. The speech would be the final speech ever given by King. With a careful read and a historical perspective, I can't help but wonder if he somehow sensed that his life or influence would soon come to an end. It is the perfect final address. The speech itself summarizes his accomplishments and gives a time-line of the movement up to that point. He also gives warnings and guidance for those who would continue on, and he gives reminders of the importance of the non-violent approach. He ends the speech with these words:

"Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land! And so I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man! Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!!" - Martin Luther King, Jr.

He said those words on April 3, 1968 in Memphis. He was assassinated the very next day, April 4, 1968. These are the words of a great leader who finished well.

You can read or listen to this speech here: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkivebeentothemountaintop.htm

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Oceanic Airlines TV and Billboard Ads

I haven't had the time to blog for some days now. Since I won't blog on Fridays, thought I'd post something fun.

Well, fun if you get it.

This is a television commercial for Oceanic Airlines. This ad is showing during regular programming on the ABC television network. There are also billboards in certain cities all around the globe advertising Oceanic's current routes. Below the video are some interesting billboards for Oceanic appearing in strategic cities around the world.

Sydney, Australia

Los Angeles, California

Ames Iowa (Big Ben shows a time of 8:15)

Miami, Florida

Knoxville, Tennessee

Portland, Oregon

New York, New York (Times Square)

Seoul, South Korea

Tustin, California

Shortly after these billboards were posted, there were each vandalized with the words "find815.com". Here are a couple of samples from Knoxville and Miami (all of them were done, I don't feel the need to post them all.

Something interesting is afoot. Something viral, something challenging, something Lost fans need to get caught up on...

Before January 31.

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Stuffing the Ballot Box

A got a little bit of enjoyment from today's San Diego Union Tribune poll results in today's Family section:

Tell Us About It
January 12, 2008

Last week, we asked for your predictions about who would win the Republican primary in New Hampshire. Could there have been some ballot-stuffing going on for one long-shot candidate? Take a look.

78% Ron Paul
8% John McCain
6% Mike Huckabee
5% Mitt Romney
2% Rudy Giuliani
1% Fred Thompson

TOTAL RESPONSES: 2,381
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080112/news_1c12tellusm.html

For some reason, reading this article made me laugh. I love it that someone (or a room full of someones) decided to own this reader poll for their candidate. Interestingly, the actual New Hampshire polling data wasn't much better was it?

I once had a role in a presidential campaign. No, I wasn't the candidate, 2008 is actually the first year I would be eligible to run. Thanks for wondering though.

One of my duties was to set up what were called "Debate Parties." The purpose of these parties was to get a whole bunch of people together in a room full of pizza and phone lines. As soon as the Presidential debate was over, everyone was to drop the pizza and start dialing.

In front of each person was a phone and a list of television and radio talk shows and the call-in number. Larry King, C-SPAN, local and national radio programs, etc. The party goer's job was to call those numbers, get on the air live, and say that our candidate clearly won the debate and that they were the most "presidential." It really didn't matter whether or not they had even watched the debate; it didn't matter if our candidate was utterly destroyed by his opponent. The point was to flood the airwaves with positive spin in order to influence the unsuspecting electorate.

Across town, another debate party for our opponent was also in full swing with the same phone numbers. These debate parties are held all over the country on debate nights. I'm sorry to report that many, if not most of the callers you hear after a debate on these shows, are campaign volunteers and not your random average American.

When I watch campaign coverage today, I like to guess which callers to these shows are actually legit, and how many are just pizza freeloaders who are playing the game. Its much easier to tell if the host of the program decides to get them to elaborate on their opinion. They are immediately stumped. Truth is, they probably have more nuggets of sausage in front of them than nuggets of debate insight.

With all the spin and political gaming going on, accuracy is often lacking. I am concerned that the candidates may be more distracted with playing and winning the game rather than giving a solid vision for our country. Someone once remarked that Washington is just like Hollywood, except that what happens in Washington is real.

And it has real consequences.

Its already an interesting year.

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Forgiving the Unfriendly Town

Today I had to drive to a meeting that was normally about a 90 minute trip away from my office. Much of the trip takes me through some smaller, more rural communities in our fine county.

Once such community I came to has several shops and stores along a strip that is really the only main road through the town. Because of the proliferation of Indian Casinos (Native American Economic Entertainment Resorts) in that region, there was a major road widening project underway. This is causing significant traffic delays, but it is necessary so that the roads could handle the increasing casino traffic cruising through this small town all through the day and night.

I had already been in two meetings, starting at seven o'clock in the morning, plus another meeting of sorts on the phone while on the drive. In the three meetings, I had much coffee. In the car, I had much coffee. During my phone meeting, it became clear to me that I would need a biological pit stop.

First I stopped at a gas station. To my great surprise, I learned that I would not be given the gas station restroom key. I thought that perhaps they would prefer that I buy something and "pay the rent" so to speak, so I offered to buy a pack of gum. Rudely, the attendant told me the restrooms are not for the public. I offered to buy gas at $3.63 a gallon but even that wouldn't get me into the restroom.

Flabbergasted and increasingly more biologically concerned, I got back in my car, waited for the flagman to allow me back into traffic, and went next door to a quaint local restaurant. But on the front door was a very large sign that said "Restrooms are for paying customers who eat a meal only." I definitely had no time for a meal and quickly discerned that I didn't have time to discuss policy with the manager.

Next door was an auto-parts store, a rather large one. Surely these guys would understand. But they were the most adamant "Absolutely not, you can absolutely not use our restroom. We in no way have a public restroom." He then added, "and no one on this whole strip is going to allow you to use their restroom, so you might as well be on your way."

Discouraged in my mission, I inquired as to whether or not he could direct me to some appropriate shrubbery. At this, he gruffly said "Not on my property!" I left... and he and three other employees followed. They watched me all the way to my car until I got in and drove away.

Eventually, in another town farther away than I thought possible, my mission was completed. There were no further complications of any kind.

I spent the rest of the day pondering this experience. What an unfriendly town! I kept saying to myself. It was clear that they had some kind of town meeting where they collectively agreed on this policy. I was surprised that even buying something would not earn me some hospitality or even pity. This mean town angered me throughout the day.

But by this evening, driving back through (I had been very careful to take care of all biological business before leaving my meeting) I was reminded of a great rule of thumb to remember whenever people are rude or hurtful: "Hurting people hurt others and are easily hurt by them." I teach that all the time, its one of my favorites. I got this rule from John Maxwell. He said I could steal it. The purpose of this rule is to help us learn to respond well when people hurt us.

How should we respond when people are rude, condescending, inconsiderate or mean to us? Should we be rude back? I don't think retaliation is part of spiritual maturity. It seems to me that a mature response is to understand that when people behave oddly or hurtful, there is something behind it, something that if I fully understood, I would have compassion rather than take it personally.

I wondered about what would precede a community-wide no-public restroom policy, one that would even drive away business, one that would not be customer-friendly.

I realized that the local casinos, four of them that I am aware of within just a few short miles, could be having a negative effect. Certainly, the traffic in the small town was not helping their businesses. It was a mess outside: construction mess, hundreds of cars, most of which were not local and not carrying potential patrons. The smoke, noise and traffic cones must make shop owners grumpy.

I also figured that a large number of people leaving casinos may not be taking care of their own biological business before leaving. Passers-by with too much to eat and too much to drink probably increases the number of drop-ins these businesses receive. And since these drop-ins have no money left, they aren't buying anything either.

Could it be that there is a necessary reason for the no-restroom policy?

Is it understandable that these shop-owners would be rude considering they are likely deluged with over fed and over watered people who have no intention of patronizing their establishment and take the parking spaces of those who do?

Are these people hurting financially because of the issues? and personally as their small town is carved up and polluted by casino traffic?

Are these people hurting?

With those thoughts, my anger turned to compassion. And in my heart, forgiveness.

I guess I don't actually know if my speculations are correct, but nonetheless, the unfriendly people there deserve my consideration of their situation. And my patience.

Next time I go through that town, I think I just go in these stores and smile. And buy something.

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Oceanic Airlines Resumes Flight Schedule

There aren't too many TV shows that I follow closely. I've hardly event noticed the writers strike.

This is because my favorite show isn't set to begin its new season until January 31st.

Lost.

Eight shows are done, eight more are expected but may get postponed if the strike is still going much longer.

Why do I like the show? Many reasons.

On the deeper levels, the writers have definitely been to Sunday school at some point. There are significant themes about good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, science vs. faith. There are characters with Biblical names - Jacob, Ruth and Naomi for example. There are also characters with names of philosophers - John Locke, Rousseau, Hawking and more. These character names are not red herrings and add to the richness of the conflicts that are being played out by the characters.

If you haven't watched the show, it would take a while to catch on to what is going on. Knowing what the Biblical characters and the philosophers represent adds a layer into the show that is very fascinating. But it will be hard to watch if you haven't caught up on the previous three seasons.

I'm not sure how the show will end up - I'm not optimistic that it will present a world view that I would agree with. But, its been fun and educational up to this point.

The writing is superb (less Nikki and Paulo) and I say pay the writers whatever, everyone knows they have a valid gripe, and let's get on with it!

I'm sure to comment more on Lost in time, but too many people reading this have not caught up on the show yet and I don't want to spoil anything. But for now, this post is really just to give a special announcement relevant to anyone who follows the show:
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The picture below is a real ad appearing now in Time Square in New York City. It is promoting flights from New York to London on Oceanic Airlines.

Oceanic Airlines has announced that it has resumed operations as of December 31, 2007. As you may know, Oceanic Airlines ceased operations after the loss of Oceanic flight 815 on September 22, 2004.

Click below for a link to the press release from Oceanic Air:

http://www.flyoceanicair.com/Oceanic_Press_Release.pdf

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