A few pictures from some of our recent adventures...(Eldan has developed a taste for C.S. Lewis, as you can tell from the first couple of shots!)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Filler
I really don't have anything to say right now. My only purpose in entering this post is to get those ridiculous NCAA predictions off of the headline. Mission Accomplished!
While I am here, I will say this--if you want to see what is going to be occupying most of my waking moments (and some of my not waking moments) for the next month, click on the link to the right labeled "Our School" and watch the preview trailer for this year's play. I will give you more info about this as things progress...
While I am here, I will say this--if you want to see what is going to be occupying most of my waking moments (and some of my not waking moments) for the next month, click on the link to the right labeled "Our School" and watch the preview trailer for this year's play. I will give you more info about this as things progress...
Friday, April 04, 2008
My Predictions
Okay, so my bracket is busted beyond repair. Oh well, I don't really like winning things like that anyway. (That's why I usually just go ahead and lose 'em--to give other people a chance to be on top every once and a while!) I do have some thoughts about this weekend's matchups at the Final Four, however, so I will delineate them for you:
I PREDICT...
That UCLA will play Memphis in the first game of the evening...
and...
that UCLA will win 67-63.
FURTHERMORE, I PREDICT...
That North Carolina will play Kansas in the second game of the evening...
and...
that UNC will win 81-74.
The National Championship game will be won by the Bruins of the University of California at Los Angeles over the Tarheels of the University of North Carolina by a score of 75-70.
Watch and be amazed!!!!
(This picture has nothing to do with my predictions, I just think it is funny!)
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
The Speech
The following is a transcript of a speech I gave today in chapel at our school. It is probably one of the hardest speeches I have ever had to give.
Students and Teachers,
As I stand here this morning, I feel like I have a divided heart. I feel like a tug of war battle is going on inside of me. On the one side, I feel very excited and confident about the Lord’s provision and guidance for me and my family. On the other side, pulling in the opposite direction so to speak, there is a feeling of intense sadness—sadness because I know that God’s direction in my life means that my time as a teacher here at LCCA is almost over.
On this past March 6th, my wife and I decided together before the Lord that we would accept an offer of employment that had been given to us by South Merrimack Christian Academy in Merrimack, New Hampshire. This is a good school that is connected to the church that my wife and her family have been part of for quite a few years. Our plans are to finish this school year here at LCCA as normally as possible, and then, on or around the last weekend in June, to move to our new home in New Hampshire.
I know this announcement may come as quite a shock to many of you. I won’t take time here in chapel to go into a lengthy explanation, but let me just tell you that this decision comes after many months of prayer and consideration. For some time now, my wife and I have sensed a stirring in our hearts about living and working closer to our family. We have submitted our thoughts and desires to the Lord the best we know how, and have told Him that we are willing to do whatever He wants us to. We are confident that this move to NH is a good and right decision for us as a family.
Now, I know that I have just dropped a bombshell on your day, but I do have a few things that I feel I need to say, so I am asking you to please listen very carefully to these statements.
First, I want you each to know that this was not an easy decision by any means. In fact, it was probably one of the hardest decisions my wife and I have ever made. We have grown quite attached to all of you, and it was very difficult to think about leaving. When we were first offered the job in NH, the administrator of the school there asked us to pray about it for two weeks—that is exactly what we did for two weeks and even a few days more. We prayed, and talked, and sought counsel, and discussed, and mentally wrestled with this decision. We did not take it lightly in any way, and we now know this is what we should do.
Secondly--and I want this part especially to stick in your minds. When you tell your parents about this later today, I want you to mention this part in particular. The fact that we are leaving is not the result of anything negative. Mr. West and I are good friends, and we have not had any sort of disagreement or “falling out.” He has mixed emotions, of course, because he would like for us to stay, but he has been very gracious and supportive since I first talked to him about it. I respect him highly and I have enjoyed working for him. I will also say the same about Pastor Dennis. I respect him, and have been impacted by his ministry here at the church and school. Let me say it again, we are not leaving because of any sort of negative incident or because of any person here. We simply believe this is what we are to do.
Thirdly, I want you all to know that I love you. I know that might sound a little weird, but it is true. I have tried to show you my love and concern over the last three years by being the teacher, counselor, coach, director, and friend that you have needed. I haven’t always been exactly what I should have been, I know, but I can honestly say I have tried my best. I know you might not agree with or like my decision to leave, but please don’t ever doubt the fact that I care deeply about you and I want God’s best for each of you. It might sound like an overused phrase, but LCCA will always hold a special place in my mind and heart.
Speaking of that, the last thing I want to say is this—I am still interested in hearing about you all and the school here. It won’t be quite the same as being here day in and day out, I know, but I would love to maintain contact with any of you who want to. Many of you know that I have a blog that I update periodically. All of you are welcome to visit that blog and leave comments there if you want to. Of course there’s always things like email, snail mail, and texting—well, maybe not texting. I’m a terrible texter. Seriously, I want to hear about what’s going on around here. I definitely want someone to contact me next August when the gold team finally wins the Mighty Plunger at Camp Peniel! I also want to hear about the progress and spiritual growth you are achieving as you continue through school. It is very important to me to hear from you all, so please don’t hesitate to write if you want to.
My wife and Eldan could not be here today, but they want you to know that they love you and will miss all of you a bunch. Like I said at the beginning, our hearts our pulled in two different directions. We are excited about the future, but we are very sad to leave.
Well, I’m basically finished. If any of you want to talk to me personally about this, I would be glad to do that. My hope now is that we can continue to move toward the end of the school year as normally as possible—although I know it will be a little weird. Thank you for listening to me, thank you for welcoming me in over the last three years, thank you for taking all of those notes in class, and thank you letting me be your teacher and your friend.
Just remember, for those who have heaven as their final destination, there is no such thing as a “goodbye”, it is always “see you later.”
Students and Teachers,
As I stand here this morning, I feel like I have a divided heart. I feel like a tug of war battle is going on inside of me. On the one side, I feel very excited and confident about the Lord’s provision and guidance for me and my family. On the other side, pulling in the opposite direction so to speak, there is a feeling of intense sadness—sadness because I know that God’s direction in my life means that my time as a teacher here at LCCA is almost over.
On this past March 6th, my wife and I decided together before the Lord that we would accept an offer of employment that had been given to us by South Merrimack Christian Academy in Merrimack, New Hampshire. This is a good school that is connected to the church that my wife and her family have been part of for quite a few years. Our plans are to finish this school year here at LCCA as normally as possible, and then, on or around the last weekend in June, to move to our new home in New Hampshire.
I know this announcement may come as quite a shock to many of you. I won’t take time here in chapel to go into a lengthy explanation, but let me just tell you that this decision comes after many months of prayer and consideration. For some time now, my wife and I have sensed a stirring in our hearts about living and working closer to our family. We have submitted our thoughts and desires to the Lord the best we know how, and have told Him that we are willing to do whatever He wants us to. We are confident that this move to NH is a good and right decision for us as a family.
Now, I know that I have just dropped a bombshell on your day, but I do have a few things that I feel I need to say, so I am asking you to please listen very carefully to these statements.
First, I want you each to know that this was not an easy decision by any means. In fact, it was probably one of the hardest decisions my wife and I have ever made. We have grown quite attached to all of you, and it was very difficult to think about leaving. When we were first offered the job in NH, the administrator of the school there asked us to pray about it for two weeks—that is exactly what we did for two weeks and even a few days more. We prayed, and talked, and sought counsel, and discussed, and mentally wrestled with this decision. We did not take it lightly in any way, and we now know this is what we should do.
Secondly--and I want this part especially to stick in your minds. When you tell your parents about this later today, I want you to mention this part in particular. The fact that we are leaving is not the result of anything negative. Mr. West and I are good friends, and we have not had any sort of disagreement or “falling out.” He has mixed emotions, of course, because he would like for us to stay, but he has been very gracious and supportive since I first talked to him about it. I respect him highly and I have enjoyed working for him. I will also say the same about Pastor Dennis. I respect him, and have been impacted by his ministry here at the church and school. Let me say it again, we are not leaving because of any sort of negative incident or because of any person here. We simply believe this is what we are to do.
Thirdly, I want you all to know that I love you. I know that might sound a little weird, but it is true. I have tried to show you my love and concern over the last three years by being the teacher, counselor, coach, director, and friend that you have needed. I haven’t always been exactly what I should have been, I know, but I can honestly say I have tried my best. I know you might not agree with or like my decision to leave, but please don’t ever doubt the fact that I care deeply about you and I want God’s best for each of you. It might sound like an overused phrase, but LCCA will always hold a special place in my mind and heart.
Speaking of that, the last thing I want to say is this—I am still interested in hearing about you all and the school here. It won’t be quite the same as being here day in and day out, I know, but I would love to maintain contact with any of you who want to. Many of you know that I have a blog that I update periodically. All of you are welcome to visit that blog and leave comments there if you want to. Of course there’s always things like email, snail mail, and texting—well, maybe not texting. I’m a terrible texter. Seriously, I want to hear about what’s going on around here. I definitely want someone to contact me next August when the gold team finally wins the Mighty Plunger at Camp Peniel! I also want to hear about the progress and spiritual growth you are achieving as you continue through school. It is very important to me to hear from you all, so please don’t hesitate to write if you want to.
My wife and Eldan could not be here today, but they want you to know that they love you and will miss all of you a bunch. Like I said at the beginning, our hearts our pulled in two different directions. We are excited about the future, but we are very sad to leave.
Well, I’m basically finished. If any of you want to talk to me personally about this, I would be glad to do that. My hope now is that we can continue to move toward the end of the school year as normally as possible—although I know it will be a little weird. Thank you for listening to me, thank you for welcoming me in over the last three years, thank you for taking all of those notes in class, and thank you letting me be your teacher and your friend.
Just remember, for those who have heaven as their final destination, there is no such thing as a “goodbye”, it is always “see you later.”
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Potpourri
My wrist has been bothering me lately. I went to the doctor and he couldn't find anything wrong with it. He told me to wear one of those wrist braces to see if the "wound" or whatever it is heals. Ever since I have been wearing it, not only does my wrist hurt but so does the rest of my lower arm!
Speaking of doctors, have you ever noticed that no one in those prescription drug commercials ever actually does any work? (The one notable exception to this rule are the Plavix ads. Remeber the middle-aged man with the blod clot who singlehandly restores power to a large city by simply talking into a radio while walking around in the rain and pointing?) Usually the rest are engaged in some recreational, yet mildly invigorating activity with picturesque panoramas in the background. They all live in large, suburban houses, and none of them ever wake up with bed head. And don't even get me started on the Lunesta commercials. There is something just plain old freaky about that little translucent butterfly that lands on people's noses while they sleep! Didn't someone in the 60's write a song about that sort of thing?
Have you ever had someone criticize your abilities by saying, "A two year old could do that better than you?" Well, when it comes to March Madness and the ability to pick the winners in the bracket, it is actually true. My two year old son is doing better in our school's bracket competion than both his mother and father. Danielle is 28th and I am 27th out of 87. Eldan is tied for 7th! When he picked Western Kentucky to make it to the championship game, I scoffed. Guess who looks silly now? Go Hilltoppers!
I got one of those "Undeliverable Message" messages the other day. You know, the one that comes to you when your email didn't make it to its intended recipient? Have you ever read one of those? I couldn't tell if the computer was telling that my email didn't make it or if it was breaking up with me! Seriously, it was from someone named Daemon and he said that he didn't like my host and that it was a permanent error so he was giving up! He also said he was sorry that it didn't work out! The only thing he didn't say was, "It's not you, it's me!" Oh well, at least we can still be friends.
I have a pair of square-toed black dress shoes now. I'm styling!
Do you know how hard it is to verbally rebuke a two year old who is making goofy faces at you? Well, it's tough let me tell you.
I am going to go now, my wrist hurts...
Speaking of doctors, have you ever noticed that no one in those prescription drug commercials ever actually does any work? (The one notable exception to this rule are the Plavix ads. Remeber the middle-aged man with the blod clot who singlehandly restores power to a large city by simply talking into a radio while walking around in the rain and pointing?) Usually the rest are engaged in some recreational, yet mildly invigorating activity with picturesque panoramas in the background. They all live in large, suburban houses, and none of them ever wake up with bed head. And don't even get me started on the Lunesta commercials. There is something just plain old freaky about that little translucent butterfly that lands on people's noses while they sleep! Didn't someone in the 60's write a song about that sort of thing?
Have you ever had someone criticize your abilities by saying, "A two year old could do that better than you?" Well, when it comes to March Madness and the ability to pick the winners in the bracket, it is actually true. My two year old son is doing better in our school's bracket competion than both his mother and father. Danielle is 28th and I am 27th out of 87. Eldan is tied for 7th! When he picked Western Kentucky to make it to the championship game, I scoffed. Guess who looks silly now? Go Hilltoppers!
I got one of those "Undeliverable Message" messages the other day. You know, the one that comes to you when your email didn't make it to its intended recipient? Have you ever read one of those? I couldn't tell if the computer was telling that my email didn't make it or if it was breaking up with me! Seriously, it was from someone named Daemon and he said that he didn't like my host and that it was a permanent error so he was giving up! He also said he was sorry that it didn't work out! The only thing he didn't say was, "It's not you, it's me!" Oh well, at least we can still be friends.
I have a pair of square-toed black dress shoes now. I'm styling!
Do you know how hard it is to verbally rebuke a two year old who is making goofy faces at you? Well, it's tough let me tell you.
I am going to go now, my wrist hurts...
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
A Visit from Grammy
Most of these were taken by my mom on her recent visit to Ohio. Eldan and I got haircuts last Saturday. One of us started crying hysterically when Danielle turned on the clippers. I'll let you take a guess as to whom it was.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Mobile
My mom has been visiting for the last several days. It has been a really good visit, but for Eldan it was an especially good visit. Grammy gave him his birthday presents early. One of those presents, as indicated in the picture below, was a tricycle. Oh Boy! He's gone mobile! What's next?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Double Minded
I have a double purpose to accomplish in this post.
Purpose the first--to let everyone see these pictures of Eldan. (Someone close to me told me that my blog had too much writing and not enough pictures.)
Purpose the second--to inform all of my visitors (in case there are any of you who didn't already know) that Danielle and I will be doubling the fun in our house come September. We are expecting a baby--the gender of which we won't know until he or she is born. This is an answer to prayer and we are very, very excited. I am sure you will be reading and seeing more about this as the due date draws closer. (Interestingly, Danielle is due on September 2nd--the day after Labor Day! HA! HA! Isn't that funny? I certainly thought so!)
Thus, having accomplished both of my purposes--I will now retire...
Purpose the first--to let everyone see these pictures of Eldan. (Someone close to me told me that my blog had too much writing and not enough pictures.)
Purpose the second--to inform all of my visitors (in case there are any of you who didn't already know) that Danielle and I will be doubling the fun in our house come September. We are expecting a baby--the gender of which we won't know until he or she is born. This is an answer to prayer and we are very, very excited. I am sure you will be reading and seeing more about this as the due date draws closer. (Interestingly, Danielle is due on September 2nd--the day after Labor Day! HA! HA! Isn't that funny? I certainly thought so!)
Thus, having accomplished both of my purposes--I will now retire...
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Last Minute Valentine's Day Advice
It occurred to me this morning at 5:58 (don't inquire as to why I was thinking about this at 5:58 in the morning), that there might be a few would-be Cassanovas out there who need a little help in expressing their devotion to the loves of their life. With that in mind, may I present the following list:
Some Words that Definitely Rhyme with Valentine:
line
fine
spine
wine
align
brine
sine (as in trigonometry)
vine
dine
mine
pine
Some Words that Sort of Rhyme with Valentine:
time
grime
crime
sublime
drive
slime
assign
Some Words that Definitely Don't Rhyme with Valentine:
sweet
money
candy
Mel Gibson
power tool
Democrat
osteoporosis
Manning
NASCAR
bubble team
subwoofer
Hope this will be of some help.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Some Words that Definitely Rhyme with Valentine:
line
fine
spine
wine
align
brine
sine (as in trigonometry)
vine
dine
mine
pine
Some Words that Sort of Rhyme with Valentine:
time
grime
crime
sublime
drive
slime
assign
Some Words that Definitely Don't Rhyme with Valentine:
sweet
money
candy
Mel Gibson
power tool
Democrat
osteoporosis
Manning
NASCAR
bubble team
subwoofer
Hope this will be of some help.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Holiday in...
I know...I know. It's almost Valentine's Day, and here I am getting ready to talk about the holidays. Yes, the holidays. As in the holiday season which just occurred! I know that most people have moved on and now have their eyes firmly fixed on the new year, but I am not quite ready to let the holidays go yet. I just took down my Christmas lights about 2 weeks ago (even though I quit turning them on at night long before that), and I am now ready to officially bid the holiday season a fond farewell. I now offer to my regular readers and viewers the final installment of the 2nd Season of DFV (Doan Family Videos). The complete season will be available on DVD in the not-to-distant future. In the meantime, I hope you can bring yourself to listen to one more Christmas song and to watch one more scene of winter wonder. 2007 was an interesting and blessed year, and I look forward to documenting the Doan family for many more. Enjoy....
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The Wire
For those of you following the ongoing drama in my life, here is what happened last night...
We were up by 12 (36-24) with 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.
With 4:32 left in the 4th quarter we were tied 41-41.
Nate Humphrey hit a three at 4:22 and we were up 44-41.
Ben Walsh hit a three (3:51) and we were up 47-41.
They hit a two (3:01) and we were up 47-43.
Bart Loy hit a wide open lay-up (1:57) and we were up 49-43.
They hit a three and we were up 49-46--with 1:42 left in the game.
Seth Tankersly was fouled with 47 seconds left and hit two clutch free throws. We were up 51-46.
They hit a three (yes--another three), and we were up 51-49--with less than 15 seconds to go.
Ben Walsh was fouled and hit the front end of a 1 and 1. We were up 52-49 with around 10 seconds to go.
It was down to the wire...(which was the exact opposite of what I had hoped for.)
They shot a deep, deep three with about 6 seconds left, and...
and...
and..........................................
it was an airball. We rebounded the ball and ran out the last 4 seconds.
Final Score - LCCA 52, Zanesville 49.
No dramatic music. No picket fence. No Gene Hackman.
But it was a win!
(I think I will stick to Junior High Basketball.)
We were up by 12 (36-24) with 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.
With 4:32 left in the 4th quarter we were tied 41-41.
Nate Humphrey hit a three at 4:22 and we were up 44-41.
Ben Walsh hit a three (3:51) and we were up 47-41.
They hit a two (3:01) and we were up 47-43.
Bart Loy hit a wide open lay-up (1:57) and we were up 49-43.
They hit a three and we were up 49-46--with 1:42 left in the game.
Seth Tankersly was fouled with 47 seconds left and hit two clutch free throws. We were up 51-46.
They hit a three (yes--another three), and we were up 51-49--with less than 15 seconds to go.
Ben Walsh was fouled and hit the front end of a 1 and 1. We were up 52-49 with around 10 seconds to go.
It was down to the wire...(which was the exact opposite of what I had hoped for.)
They shot a deep, deep three with about 6 seconds left, and...
and...
and..........................................
it was an airball. We rebounded the ball and ran out the last 4 seconds.
Final Score - LCCA 52, Zanesville 49.
No dramatic music. No picket fence. No Gene Hackman.
But it was a win!
(I think I will stick to Junior High Basketball.)
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Shooter
Tonight should be an interesting one for me. I will be making my debut into the world of varsity basketball coaching. Our varsity coach had to leave town unexpectedly yesterday, and he asked me to coach his team in the big rivalry game tonight. I am more than happy to do it for him because I am a loyal friend. (I hope you are reading this, Coach!) I feel a bit like the character "Shooter" in my favorite movie, Hoosiers. You know--the guy who is the town drunk? I feel like him because in the second half of the movie, he gets put in a position where he has to coach the varsity team in a big game. He feels a bit overwhelmed and is a little lacking in confidence. When it comes down to the wire, however, he makes the right decision and they win the game. Let's hope that, when it comes down to the wire tonight, reality will reflect fiction. Actually, let's hope it doesn't come down to the wire at all. Let's hope that our guys build a 45 point lead by the 2nd quarter. If it does come down to the wire, however, I know exactly what I will do. I will look at those 7 players and say, "Boys, we're gonna run the picket fence at 'em! Don't get caught watchin' the paint dry!"
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
A New Year's Prayer
Whenever I hear a song that clearly, simply, and accurately declares Bible Doctrine, it catches my attention. (Probably because not many songs accomplish this!) Over Christmas break, I listened to the song below. I had heard it a few times before, but this was the first time I really listened to it. At that time, it served as an answer to a very specific prayer request I had offered to God. Danielle and I have decided to make it our prayer and focus for 2008. Read it carefully. Listen to it carefully (if you can find a recording of it). It is saturated with doctrine. I hope you will spend your year in Christ alone.
In Christ Alone, who took on flesh--Fullness of God in helpless babe.
There in the ground His body lay. Light of the world by darkness slain.
In Christ Alone
In Christ alone my hope is found. He is my light, my strength, my song.
This cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease,
What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease,
My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ Alone, who took on flesh--Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness--scorned by the ones He came to save.
'Til on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied.
'Til on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied.
For every sin on Him was laid. Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay. Light of the world by darkness slain.
Then bursting forth in glorious day, up from the grave he rose again.
And as He stands in victory, sin's curse has lost its grip on me.
For I am His and He is mine--bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death--this is the power of Christ in me.
From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His Hand.
'Til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Eldansdad Family Films
As a teacher, one of the biggest questions I face each school year does not come from one of my students. It is the question of what to do with my summer. I enjoy having some free time, but I also would like to be a good steward of the opportunities God has given me. Summer is the perfect time for me to pickup some extra income. The question is--how? Last summer I decided to take what had basically amounted to a hobby of mine and try to use it for some supplemental income. The result? A small, home-run business called Eldansdad Family Films. I can provide memorable and well-designed DVD's for just about any occasion. This is something I love doing, and I would be glad to do some creative work for you. If you are interested, just drop me a note at eldansdadff@yahoo.com. I have included several images of my promotional materials below. Take a look at them and see the possibilites! 
Sunday, December 30, 2007
NFinaLe - Thoughts from Week 17
Over the course of the last three years, I have become an enthusiastic fan of the National Football League. As the regular season concludes today, I have some thoughts. Why I am choosing to share them with you, I don't know. Nonetheless, here they are:
On the Cleveland Browns - Who would have ever thought it possible? Not that they would win 10 games, but that I would be marginally interested in their team! Dare I even use the word, fan? Didn't see that one comin'!
On the Cincinnati Bengals - Palmer deserves better.
On the Denver Broncos - Unbreak my heart! (I hope the Cutler Chronicles are about to begin!)
On the Miami Dolphins - Thanks a lot! Now I don't have anything to tease Coach Davis about at the lunch table! If you're gonna do something, in the name of all that is decent, follow through till the end!
On the Green Bay Packers - Never thought I would say this, but--I hope Farve makes it to the big show. The guy is hard not to like.
On the rest of the NFC - Who cares?
On the New England Patriots - Congratulations!--for the time being, but remember--it don't mean a thing if you don't get the ring! (I came up with that all by myself! How exactly do you coin a phrase? Is that a government run thing?)
On Tom Brady - I heard you say last week on "60 Minutes" that there has got to be more out there than just winning three Super Bowls. There is, and I truly hope that you find it one day. I can tell you what it is if you want me to.
On naming this team or that team the "best ever" or the "best of the decade" or the "best" of anything - Rubbish! Drivel! How can anyone authoritatively name any team the best of anything! "Best-ness" is a relative value dependent on the ideals of the person using the term. It can't be quantified. Championships aren't about who is the best. Organized sports aren't about who is the best. Sports is about who wins when it matters! This year's Super Bowl Champion won't be the best team--it will be the team who won when it counted. Period. End of story and end of post!
On the Cleveland Browns - Who would have ever thought it possible? Not that they would win 10 games, but that I would be marginally interested in their team! Dare I even use the word, fan? Didn't see that one comin'!
On the Cincinnati Bengals - Palmer deserves better.
On the Denver Broncos - Unbreak my heart! (I hope the Cutler Chronicles are about to begin!)
On the Miami Dolphins - Thanks a lot! Now I don't have anything to tease Coach Davis about at the lunch table! If you're gonna do something, in the name of all that is decent, follow through till the end!
On the Green Bay Packers - Never thought I would say this, but--I hope Farve makes it to the big show. The guy is hard not to like.
On the rest of the NFC - Who cares?
On the New England Patriots - Congratulations!--for the time being, but remember--it don't mean a thing if you don't get the ring! (I came up with that all by myself! How exactly do you coin a phrase? Is that a government run thing?)
On Tom Brady - I heard you say last week on "60 Minutes" that there has got to be more out there than just winning three Super Bowls. There is, and I truly hope that you find it one day. I can tell you what it is if you want me to.
On naming this team or that team the "best ever" or the "best of the decade" or the "best" of anything - Rubbish! Drivel! How can anyone authoritatively name any team the best of anything! "Best-ness" is a relative value dependent on the ideals of the person using the term. It can't be quantified. Championships aren't about who is the best. Organized sports aren't about who is the best. Sports is about who wins when it matters! This year's Super Bowl Champion won't be the best team--it will be the team who won when it counted. Period. End of story and end of post!
Monday, December 17, 2007
A Day in the Life
Up to this point in my videographic career (which, by the way, has been short and largely unnoticed by the mainstream media), I have focused primarily on documenting the special events of our lives as a family. Birthdays, holidays, vacations, and the like have been the primary objects of my focus and my camera. Several months ago, I decided that, in the next installment of the "Doan Family Video" Series, I would take a different approach. Perhaps we will one day look back on those early years of our family life and long to remember what the normal, non-holi days were like--then again, perhaps we won't. In any case, I have endeavored in the proceeding video to capture the spirit of the average, run-of-the-mill, everyday...day in the Andrew Doan family. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed making it.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Snowbound...Sort Of
I have only been a teacher for 2.5 days this week. In case you were wondering, on a normal week I am a teacher for 5 days. This, however, has not been a normal week. Monday night I contracted a case of the dreaded bahoobie disease. (If you don't know what that is, then you don't want to know.) I called in sick Tuesday morning, but I was feeling well enough to go in that afternoon. On Tuesday night I witnessed one of the most exciting finishes to a high school basketball games that I have ever seen. (I hope to post more about that later.) On Wednesday, school was cancelled because we all were snowbound...by about 3 inches of snow--interesting. On Thursday, my basketball team improved to a record of 4 wins and 0 losses. (I am thankful, but don't be misled--we haven't really been tested as a team yet. Hopefully, that will come on Monday.) I also learned that many fast food restaurants will give bus drivers and coaches a free meal! On Friday (today), school was cancelled for a second time because of the snow. Even though I am 27 years old, there is still something special for me about snow days. It can put just about any old Crabby Appleton in a good mood! Eldan has contracted a slight case of the bahoobies, but other than that we are all just enjoying Ohio's version of a winter storm! Two weeks from today, and we will be on our way to New Hampshire for Christmas Vacation! Until then, stay sane...
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Basketball Season, 2.0
Basketball season is upon us once again. I am taking the helm of the Junior High Boys team at our school for a second year. We got off to a pretty good start last night. For those few of you who are interested in the results, I have added an update section on the sidebar to the right. This section will give you the most up-to-date information about my team available anywhere on the internet. And the best part is...it's absolutely FREE! Enjoy following the progress of this young but energetic group of aspiring ball players. I hope to have good things to report.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Not So Candid Camera
Here, for your enjoyment, is a smattering of photos from September and October...
First Haircut
Playing XBOX
Mr. Melodramatic
Ready to sell papers in NYC
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
A Captive to Culture
It has been just over a week now since the conclusion. 8 days later and I am still thinking about it. Although I have always enjoyed studying it, the fires of my interest in learning all I can about it have been fanned to a new intensity. I have even gone to the library to check out a few books about it. I am referring, of course, to the recent airing on PBS of Ken Burns' latest documentarial tome entitled The War. "Which war?" you might ask. Well, to those who lived through World War II, there is no other. I thought the entire 15 hour series was superb. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. Maybe "enjoyed" is a poor word choice. It is hard to enjoy something that so accurately and realistically portrays the horrific nature of that massive conflict, but I can't think of any other way to put it. I learned alot from watching the film, and I must confess that it affected me in a way not many other films (fiction or non-fiction) have. I want to take this opportunity to enumerate several of the concepts that the film introduced into my thinking.
1. War is awful. I know that others have expressed the same idea in slightly different terms, but that will have to suffice for me. After seeing thousands of pictures and hours of video from WWII, I realize that there is really nothing glorious or triumphant about war itself. It is a dirty, violent, savage, and gruesome business. Dying on a battlefield is a horrible way to end one's life. Now, don't misunderstand me. I have not adopted a "peace at all costs" mentality, nor have I wavered any in my support for this country or its armed forces. Although war maybe awful, it is also necessary in our sin-cursed world. The actual process of war itself may not be noble or triumphant, but in most cases the causes for which freedom-loving men go to war are. Dying on a battlefield may not be the blaze of glory that Hollywood film-makers have envisioned, but it is still a sacrifice that is worthy of remembrance and respect. It was good for me to have some of the veneer of war removed. I think I have a greater appreciation for those who have and are suffering through it.
2. WWII was one of a kind. Of course, in a sense, that is true of every war, but I really believe WWII to be different. I was amazed at the way in which the war captivated our nation as a whole. The testimonies of those who lived through it were exceptional. It is genuinely true that the war touched every house on every street in every town in America. Burns did an excellent job of portraying this idea. I understand and appreciate in a much greater way the efforts of Americans as an entire nation to win the conflict. I am convinced that this war touched the everyday lives of Americans in a way that will probably never be repeated.
3. Culture is a Captor. One of the most pointed ideas that I carried with me from the film is something that Ken Burns may not have intentionally implied in his film-making. I was struck with the views and beliefs that were commonly accepted in those days. For instance, Burns made a point of emphasizing the fact that, although many black soldiers were working and fighting and dying on the battlefront, segregation, discrimination and prejudice were still firmly entrenched here at home. Black people were still forced to the back of the bus. These statements caused me to consider my ways. What if I had lived in the pre-Civil Rights days in America? Would I have been guilty of the same racial injustices as so many other whites? What if I had lived in Germany? Would I have viewed the Jews with just as much hatred and disdain as the Nazis? We all like to think that we have been enlightened and that, had we lived in those days, we surely would have been different. I hope so, but sometimes I am not so sure. If we are honest with ourselves, much of what we believe and practice is the result of cultural influences. (This aptly applies to our theological and doctrinal beliefs as well.) In short, the film renewed a desire in my mind to base my core beliefs on absolute truth (the Bible) and not simply on the dictates of my surroundings. I don't want to be a captive to culture.
In conclusion, the film was excellent, and I highly recommend it to anyone who will be able to handle the realism of its portrayal. I am thankful that someone has captured the stories of that generation before it is too late. The greatest honor we can pay the "Greatest Generation" is to remember their sacrifices and carry on the ideals for which they gave their lives.
1. War is awful. I know that others have expressed the same idea in slightly different terms, but that will have to suffice for me. After seeing thousands of pictures and hours of video from WWII, I realize that there is really nothing glorious or triumphant about war itself. It is a dirty, violent, savage, and gruesome business. Dying on a battlefield is a horrible way to end one's life. Now, don't misunderstand me. I have not adopted a "peace at all costs" mentality, nor have I wavered any in my support for this country or its armed forces. Although war maybe awful, it is also necessary in our sin-cursed world. The actual process of war itself may not be noble or triumphant, but in most cases the causes for which freedom-loving men go to war are. Dying on a battlefield may not be the blaze of glory that Hollywood film-makers have envisioned, but it is still a sacrifice that is worthy of remembrance and respect. It was good for me to have some of the veneer of war removed. I think I have a greater appreciation for those who have and are suffering through it.
2. WWII was one of a kind. Of course, in a sense, that is true of every war, but I really believe WWII to be different. I was amazed at the way in which the war captivated our nation as a whole. The testimonies of those who lived through it were exceptional. It is genuinely true that the war touched every house on every street in every town in America. Burns did an excellent job of portraying this idea. I understand and appreciate in a much greater way the efforts of Americans as an entire nation to win the conflict. I am convinced that this war touched the everyday lives of Americans in a way that will probably never be repeated.
3. Culture is a Captor. One of the most pointed ideas that I carried with me from the film is something that Ken Burns may not have intentionally implied in his film-making. I was struck with the views and beliefs that were commonly accepted in those days. For instance, Burns made a point of emphasizing the fact that, although many black soldiers were working and fighting and dying on the battlefront, segregation, discrimination and prejudice were still firmly entrenched here at home. Black people were still forced to the back of the bus. These statements caused me to consider my ways. What if I had lived in the pre-Civil Rights days in America? Would I have been guilty of the same racial injustices as so many other whites? What if I had lived in Germany? Would I have viewed the Jews with just as much hatred and disdain as the Nazis? We all like to think that we have been enlightened and that, had we lived in those days, we surely would have been different. I hope so, but sometimes I am not so sure. If we are honest with ourselves, much of what we believe and practice is the result of cultural influences. (This aptly applies to our theological and doctrinal beliefs as well.) In short, the film renewed a desire in my mind to base my core beliefs on absolute truth (the Bible) and not simply on the dictates of my surroundings. I don't want to be a captive to culture.
In conclusion, the film was excellent, and I highly recommend it to anyone who will be able to handle the realism of its portrayal. I am thankful that someone has captured the stories of that generation before it is too late. The greatest honor we can pay the "Greatest Generation" is to remember their sacrifices and carry on the ideals for which they gave their lives.
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