I remember seeing this on the original air date of February 20, 2007; but had forgotten about it until a conversation yesterday about Craig Ferguson prompted me to look it up on YouTube. I am still astounded at what is a very impressive monologue–he says a lot of counter-intuitive stuff there, not the least about how “not right” it is that we find so much enjoyment in ridiculing the weak, broken, and vulnerable. While I presume Ferguson is not a Christian believer (though he is certainly aware of something beyond himself–if only that great ultimate reality called ‘friends’ or ‘community’), I found myself renewedly aware of the deep, self-saturated sinfulness of my own sense of humor. Embarrassing.

With very little fanfare I hereby announce Transformatum’s 2008 Men’s College Basketball Pick’Em. Enter your picks online by 3/20/08 at 12:20 PM.

Thanks to Ben of openswitch, I have become the latest victim of the 123 Meme (did you know that the origin of the word ‘meme’ comes from evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins?). Essentially, this latest online cultural idea — that, supposedly like a gene, can replicate and evolve — requires you to select the nearest book and post an excerpt on your blog using the following rules:

1. Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. No cheating! ¹
2. Turn to page 123.
3. Find the first 5 [full] sentences. ²
4. Post the next 3 sentences.
5. Tag 5 people.

For regular readers this quote will come as no big surprise:

[...] Where they supported the Persian Gulf War, this administration has not garnered their support for partisan reasons. The principles of interventionism, constitutionality and morality have not been applied consistently to each war effort by either political party; and there is a precise reason for this, over and above the petty partisanship of many.

The use of government force to mold personal behavior, manipulate the economy and interfere in the affairs of other nations is an acceptable practice endorsed by nearly everyone in Washington, regardless of party affiliation. [...]

The above was taken from “A Foreign Policy of Freedom: Peace, Commerce, and Honest Friendship,” which is a collection of Congressional speeches given by U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas between 1976 and 2006. What might surprise you is that the date of this speech was April 21, 1999, in which Dr. Paul addressed U.S. foreign policy and NATO’s involvement in Yugoslavia and Kosovo. And you thought he was talking about Bush.

I am tagging: Rob, Jeremy, Jake, Matthew and stelmodad.

¹ I only later noticed that Dave Ramsey’s book, ‘Financial Peace,’ might have been closer. However, it was covered by a stack of papers on my desk. I guess that is natural selection at work.

² The original meme did not specify whether or not partial sentences counted. There goes that evolution and memetic mutation again.

Kitty Wigs: At first I thought this was a joke. $50 + S/H. Seriously.

More Hymns We Really Sing: Mere Comments is taking submissions for parodies of popular hymns and praise songs. Perhaps I should further develop some of these?

Update: Below is the heart-piercing satire that I chose to submit (note that I identified myself with the tradition, as Touchstone’s satire generally focuses on “broad evangelicalism”).

Reformed, How I Love to Proclaim It!

Reformed, how I love to proclaim it!
Reformed by the blood of the Lamb;
Reformed through His infinite mercy,
His prodigy and far better I am.

Refrain

Reformed, Reformed,
Reformed by the blood of the Lamb;
Reformed, Reformed,
His prodigy and far better I am.

Reformed, and so confident in knowledge,
No questions my arguments can’t squelch;
I know that the power of my intellect
Within me doth continually swell.

Refrain

I think of the blessed Reformers,
I think of them all the day long:
I sing, for they cannot be silenced;
Semper Reformata ’tis our theme song.

Refrain

I know none of my culture is wasted,
See all th’ aspiring pupils like me,
And soon, with the status I’ve purchased,
Equal with the Lord I shall be.

Refrain