The Pickens Plan has been making the rounds lately. It assesses that our dependence on oil is going to kill us (True) and that we need to convert to wind power to shift the use of natural gases towards automobile usage. Call me a cynic, but it seems like using a band-aide to stop the bleeding of a huge gash. I think weening us of oil is possible, though not probable. Much of Picken’s plan relies on us changing our ways dramatically and working together. It’s a good thought, but Americans love of oil is like the lemmings love of the edge of a cliff.

Your thoughts?

www.pickensplan.com

Tired of getting killed at the gas pump? Green cars too expensive? Don’t want to ride a scooter?

Try hypermiling.

Hypermiling is the new obsession with extreme fuel economy, a selection of extreme driving techniques and driving strategies that you can use to get greater gas mileage.

For techniques go here: http://www.hypermiling.com/

It’s actually quite inesting.

I’m also considering trading down on my motorcycle going from a 750 cc to a 250 cc. I should go from mid 30’s mpg towards the magical 70’s. I lose power, but not too much street cred with a Kawasaki Ninja. So I’m currently shopping around for one.

But that still doesn’t help with our youth ministry van. We’re getting killed at the pump.

What are you doing to help the pain of the pump?

Yes, you read the title correctly. I’ve just had quite an experience with farts (not mine) this weekend. They have such a power over guys that seems to facilitate male bonding.

Case in point 1: Men’s Biscuts and Gravy Breakfast

We had a Men’s breakfast at our church with guest speaker Jim Horsley a former Blue Angel. I invited some freshmen guys to come. They’re non-churched, but the lure of free biscuits and gravy couldn’t be denied. As in most church events, men come, eat and leave as fast as possible so they don’t have to cleaning up. We needed some extra hands, so I kept the young guys around to help. I usually spend time with them individually and as a group they don’t get along. There was some early bickering until one of them ripped a fart. Then they all broke out in laughter. It became a total gas fest after that. We moved tables and laughed for the next hour.That fart was the ultimate ice breaker. Afterwards, they all decided to go and hang out together. These are guys, who don’t typically like each other, were now bonding.

Case in point 2: Brothers

James (my 5 year old son) has recently learned the art of brown nosing. If you don’t know what a brown nose is, let me explain. It involves getting your butt as close to someone’s face as possible and ripping one. The other day he got in trouble for farting in Aida’s face. So when I went into his room this morning, he and Samuel (my 2 yr old son) were laughing and laughing. James was brown nosing Aida’s baby dolls. He was teaching his brother how to do it too. Ahh, brothers bonding are such an amazing thing.

I’m not quite sure how this could ever fit into a book on youth ministry, but the fart is an unmistakable bonding tool for boys (and men).

Any other unspoken ministry tools that we can’t typically mention?

For more facts on farts, go here… 

For the love of coffee what are they doing!?!

Starbucks announced a company wide price increase of 5 cents per drink nationwide. Now, I’m a coffe drinker, not a Starbucks drinker (like daddy Warbucks Bussey). I love coffee and am addicted to it’s sweet robust aroma. And in our little town of Arlington, WA there is no Starbucks. What? No, Starbucks? Yes, I imagine we’re the only city within the state of Washington that doesn’t have one.

Either way I can still engage in this conversation. So with gas prices falling (momentarily) and coffee on the rise…which is a better deal?

Well, let’s break them down…

Gas (national average) $2.42 a gallon

Milk                                 $3.49 a gallon

Bottled Water                $7.32 a gallon

Starbucks Latte             $33.53 a gallon!

Hopefully my regular unleaded has caffeine in it - cuz I’m switchin!

Multiple Choice Question:

How are you handling the new pinch to your pocketbook?

A) I owe my soul to Starbucks, it is my master (or I’ll pay whatever- just give me the coffee!)

B) I’ll conserve and cut back to 4 Venti Mocha-chinos a day!

C) Down with the establishment. I hate Starbucks! They are the Wal-Mart of coffee chains (except the whole “always low prices” thing)

D) Coffee? It is the black devil! I abhor caffeine (and hate Stuart because of his love of it)!

E) To heck with Starbucks I’m going to put my money towards supporting a missionary like Stuart Delony because I love Jesus!

You must choose…