Comments(1) Think we hear the same things over and over again? Turns out you’re right. I give you Synchronized Presidential Debating.
Wave of the virge to Metafilter.
Comments(0) Daniel Gross writes over at Slate:
Remember Thomas Friedman’s McDonald’s theory of international relations? The thinking was that if two countries had evolved into prosperous, mass-consumer societies, with middle classes able to afford Big Macs, they would generally find peaceful means of adjudicating disputes. They’d sit down over a Happy Meal to resolve issues rather than use mortars. The recent unpleasantries between Israel and Lebanon, which both have McDonald’s operations (here and here, respectively) put paid to that reasoning. But the Golden Arches theory of realpolitik was good while it lasted.
In the same spirit, I propose the Starbucks theory of international economics. The higher the concentration of expensive, nautically themed, faux-Italian-branded Frappuccino joints in a country’s financial capital, the more likely the country is to have suffered catastrophic financial losses.
I’ve been known to frequent “expensive” and “faux-Italian-branded” coffee places. By supporting these business, have I helped to end capitalism as we know it? Hmm. Maybe I’ll go have another espresso.
Comments(9) 
It’s late, and I don’t…um…exactly know what I’m going to say in tomorrow’s sermon, so I won’t say much here beyond a quick narrative. However, I did promise a Convention report, so here goes.
Our day began with Holy Eucharist at 8:30 a.m. I never enjoy liturgies in hotel ballrooms, and this one fit into the pattern: nondescript rooms with poor lighting, wall-to-wall carpet, and a generally uninspiring space. I like music that’s either a cappella or accompanied by real, acoustic instruments. Faux pianos never quite do the trick. Still, there were good things. Our guest preacher was Bishop Charles Jenkins of Louisiana, from our newly linked companion diocese. He offered a sermon that was humorous and challenging. Perfect, actually, for the beginning of a Convention, reminding us of the church’s real mission. It was also nice to see our newest clergy assisting in the service, rather than the “usual suspects.”
We then moved to a legislative room for an interminable series of reports. Each one individually was fine, but — wow! — my brain turns to mush after eight reports on anything, no matter how good they are. I was pleased that the parish I serve was included in the Congregational Development Commission as an example of a parish that’s headed in the right direction. I hope our delegation was proud, since it’s the people of the church who are responding to God’s grace helping us to grow and flourish.
Comments(0) My opinion on the upcoming presidential election is evident to regular readers. I can understand people who might wish to vote for McCain, especially if they come at the election with conservative social values. I can see that McCain would likely be a vast improvement over our current president. I cannot, however, fathom how a reasonably reasonable person would actually vote for McCain — because of his running mate. Two words should strike terror into the heart of most Americans: President Palin.
This video sums up both my concerns with Palin — and the poor judgment that McCain showed in choosing her.
A tip of the red, white, and blue biretta to MetaCatholic.
Comments(1) 
Your intrepid 7WD news team will be on site tomorrow for the 218th Convention of the Diocese of Rhode Island. There are five resolutions, though none of them is likely to be newsworthy to the blogosphere. There are three resolutions on immigration issues, one on disaster preparedness, and a resolution concerning the disposition of the considerable benefits that the Episcopal Church in Rhode Island received from the slave trade in the 19th century (think “Traces of the Trade“). 7WD officially supports passage of all five resolutions. Barring any late resolutions submitted tomorrow, we won’t be arguing about the usual things, which is good in my book.
I may or may not blog during the day. Check in for a report later in the afternoon — or sooner, if something really interesting happens.
By the way, make sure you check out the newly redesigned diocesan website. Nice work, Jessica Gates and team!
Comments(0) This is the note which appeared in this week’s leaflet at Christ Church. We always have a blurb to welcome people and to provoke our thoughts & prayers.
As we look at the beauty of nature around us, we see the change of seasons at work. We savor brightly colored leaves as a feast for our eyes. Soon these orange, yellow, and red leaves will have fallen to the ground, as the trees make ready for winter. Some of us enjoy the promise of cooler weather, while others mourn the departure of summer with its warmth.
It’s not hard to see the hand of God at work in all this. The sheer beauty of our natural environment is often breathtaking, and creation itself seems to sing out in praise of God. As the psalmist wrote, “the heavens declare the glory of God.”
Comments(3) This arrived in my email today. I’m not sure from whence it originally came. A picture is worth a thousand words, or four debates.
Thanks, Mike, for emailing me this gem!
Comments(4) Comments(1) Reader challenge: match the characters to the presidential candidates.
A wave of the cape to Lindsay, who posted this on facebook.
Comments(1) Oh noes! Panic! Run! Scream! Worry!
Tip of the Canterbury Cap to Brian McLaren.
Original content here written by Scott A. Gunn.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
