Monthly Archives: May 2009

What’s Wrong with Jon and Kate

Posted on May 30, 2009 by Jim Spiegel

For several years I’ve been strong critic of the television show Jon and Kate Plus Eight.  This popular program follows the day-to-day challenges of Jon and Kate Gosselin as they raise their eight children, six of which were the product of … Continue reading →

Posted in Cultural Observations | Tagged | 3 Comments

E.T., Oz, and the Gospel

Posted on May 26, 2009 by Jim Spiegel

Recently I watched the film E.T. with our kids.  It was the first time I’d seen the film in more than 25 years, and needless to say, my viewing experience was vastly different from that of my college days in … Continue reading →

Posted in Film | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Sour Grapes and the Art of Forgiveness

Posted on May 22, 2009 by Amy Spiegel

Being a parent tends to bring out some rather unpleasant sides of one’s character that perhaps would be better left unseen, hidden beneath the slimy underbelly of one’s stone heart. It certainly would be easier for one’s self-esteem. It is … Continue reading →

Posted in Theology | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Together Through Life

Posted on May 19, 2009 by Jim Spiegel

A few months ago Bob Dylan surprised everyone—including his record company—with the announcement that he had recorded a new album, and last month Together Through Life was released, to the jubilance of Dylan cronies like me everywhere.  At nearly 68 years of … Continue reading →

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Musings on Health Insurance

Posted on May 15, 2009 by Amy Spiegel

I don’t think that it too often occurs that President Obama and I are contemplating the same issues. While he sits in the Oval Office, mulling over the restructuring of the auto industry, I am in aisle seven doing a … Continue reading →

Posted in Cultural Observations | Tagged , | 2 Comments

The Love of Wisdom

Posted on May 10, 2009 by Jim Spiegel

The word “philosophy” derives from two Greek words (philo and sophia) which together mean “the love of wisdom.”  For the founder of Western philosophy, Socrates, this meant a selfless pursuit of understanding which would translate into a good moral life.  How ironic, … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

A Case for Motherhood

Posted on May 5, 2009 by Amy Spiegel

There are some phrases that you are destined to hear countless times over the course of your life. I certainly have a few, and sadly none of them involve people pointing out my striking resemblance to Fiona Apple. My birthday … Continue reading →

Posted in Family | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Mine That Underdog

Posted on May 2, 2009 by Jim Spiegel

I just saw the video of today’s Kentucky Derby.  Wow. If you’re a fan of the underdog (or the underhorse, in this case), then this is a story for you.  Heck, if you just appreciate anything spectacular, you need to … Continue reading →

Posted in Sports | Tagged , | 5 Comments