Yes, I would say.

And for the record, I’m in favor of nationalizing (Dish/Direct TV) rather than healthcare…. judging by the “low rent” priorities in our community, more people want it.

One of the most appalling conversations I have ever heard between two people was how they were going to skip sharing a meal together because they’d rather be home in time to watch a TV show.

Whatever happened to relationships?

I’ve got three beautiful children and we try to teach them important things – life things – God things.  Unfortunately they watch TV and are told how they HAVE to have toy X or Y.  And even if they don’t see something on TV they go to the neighbors and see this amazing new gadget and think that because Johnny has a cell phone that they need a cell phone.  Of course, Johnny is 11…and doesn’t drive, or go out without his parents, or even walk to school…yet he’s had three new cell phones in a year! 

As parents, my wife and I are trying to focus on our “needs” more than our “wants” with both ourselves and our extended family – but I can almost promise you that come December 25th there will be a sickening amount of stuff that’s been unwrapped and by December 27th half of it will be touched only once or twice ever again. 

This year with our own kids we are focusing on our sponsored children and are encouraging all three of our kids to take the time to read the blogs from the latest Blogger trip (Thank you Shaun for what you are doing with that Ministry) and think about the lives of our “siblings that don’t live far away”.  We are making letter writing a priorty and sending hand-drawn pictures and photographs as well as doing what we can to help others in need in our own community.  There is no better thing than to see my kid’s faces light up with the joy that comes from serving others.

I don’t drink now and I didn’t drink then, so I was asking my friend about “social” drinking, which I interpret as drinking alcohol with no intention of becoming intoxicated. I am a miser now and was even more of one then, so I asked my friend why someone would pay so much more for an alcoholic beverage if the intent was not to attain the effects of alcohol. Her reply: “We like the taste.”

Nope. Not buying it. You can’t convince me that a taste benefit outweighs the hefty additional cost. My theory? It’s marketing. And the phenomenon that marketing can beget, good old fashioned peer pressure.

We relegate peer pressure to junior high, but it’s as alive on college campuses and among iPhone purchasers as it is there.