The Marx Brothers

A few recent PBS documentaries reminded me of the greatness of a certain comedy act of the 1920s-1940s. Of course, I speak of the Marx Brothers. They had witty jokes, bad puns and impeccable timing that has not been seen since. I would love to see these films re-released in theaters. For that matter, I would love to see a present-day film in the style of the Marx Brothers. (Steve Martin would obviously fill Groucho's role.) This is not to say that today's comedies aren't good, but what the Marx Brothers had was out of this world.

Please enjoy a few clips, on the house. Or inside of it, it's warmer there.

The Millennial Presidency

Very rarely do I discuss anything political on this blog, but today I will make an exception, based on the cultural impact our next president seems to be having. First of all--and let me just throw this out there--I don't really care what kind of dog his family gets. Not even a little.

Moving on, it has actually surprised me a good deal to see the amount of hope that is being attached to the man. The news media seem to think that tomorrow's festivities will not only be inaugurating a new presidential term, but the very millennial kingdom mentioned in Revelation. In fact, one might think that he is Christ returned. Change is coming! All of our problems will be--no, have been--solved!

I have nothing against Mr. Obama, mind you. I didn't vote for him, but he won, fair and square. I hope he does a great job. All I am suggesting is that he is just a man. Does his election warrant hope and optimism for Americans, especially black Americans? You bet. If I were black, I would be extremely proud, and he would undoubtedly work that much harder to achieve my own dreams. This may well be Obama's lasting legacy, and a good one, at that. Does his win mean that everything bad and evil in America will disappear overnight? No. Does this mean that all of the sudden the people in this world who hate America will become our allies? Not a chance. And nationalized health care? Don't even get me started on how bad of an idea that is. Will life continue, much as it always has, regardless of who's in the White House? Yep.

I would urge caution, therefore, in ascribing too much to any man, even a president. Why not instead place your hope in Christ and Christ alone? After all, he is the only person who defeated death. He is the mediator between God and man. He is the eternal judge and the one who gave his very life for you.

Wish Mr. Obama well, hope that he is a good president, but let's face reality--true hope can only be found in Christ.