Playing Games*

Last night I was at a Christmas party with some friends. We don't have a whole lot in common, and I didn't know half of them three months ago, but we attend the same church and we meet together every Wednesday night in what our church calls a Small Group. Yes, it's a wildly creative name. We've really gotten to know each other quite well, and we had a great time last night.

I didn't grow up in a 'games family'. Some families break out the board games whenever they have a spare minute (my wife's family does {oops, I mentioned my wife, don't tell her}), but that just wasn't our thing. So last night someone suggested we play a game. I always react the same way in this situation (and I don't think I was the only one). "Oh great, a game" I think to myself. "Isn't that just exactly what I want to do right now." Don't miss the sarcasm. Anyway, we played Catch Phrase and it was completely loud and hilarious, and we all had fun. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

I don't know, but I think I'm becoming one of those 'game people'.

*This post sponsored by Hasbro

Fantastic Fingers

I recently purchased the album "Day is Done" by the Brad Mehldau Trio. Brad Mehldau is an absolutely astounding piano player. The first time I heard him play I caught about five seconds of it on the CBC. I bought an album based on that and wasn't disappointed. Warning: He definitely goes into some strange territory which I don't always find pleasant (and many people would find annoying {angry music, as my mother calls it}), but there are amazing sections which more than make up for this. And hey, with an artist this good I have to think the parts I don't like as much are over my head. Who am I to argue with an obvious master? I put it in the same category as abstract paintings.

Gun Control?

Could someone explain to me Canada's current position on the possession of handguns? I understand that 'long guns' are allowed for sport, but I guess I always assumed that handguns were outright illegal, and that's what made us different from the Americans. But yesterday Paul Martin promised to ban handguns if he is re-elected. I don't get it. I was also surprised to learn that there is a gun store near my home where, presumably, I could buy a handgun (unless the police know more about my past than I think they do {kidding}). Is it just that Canadians don't in general want to own guns? Is that the difference?

The CBC explained a funny detail about Paul Martin's proposed plan. Gun collectors would have to sell or surrender their collections within five years ... or become target shooters. They get to keep their guns.