Black Belt Patriotism

Black Belt Patriotism: How We Can Restore the American Dream by Chuck Norris


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I give this book three stars which may be a bit generous, but I rank it that high because of its entertainment value, not so much for the content. I appreciate how Chuck Norris points out that he is not a scholar or an expert on Sociology or Political Science, but just a concerned citizen. I admire the fact that he is voicing is concern for the current state of our nation, since a lot of people seem to be apathetic. I have to admit that when I looked at the table of contents for Norris' book I thought "Huh, I agree with him on a lot of these points". Ceasing our national debt? Yes please. Valuing human life? Of course. A call to get American's physically healthy. Oh yeah. But then I kept on reading and kept on getting frustrated. I could go point by point through the chapters and talk about why I disagree with Chuck, but I don't feel like that is the purpose of this review. Instead I'll just give you one tidbit that would have caused me to throw the book across the room had it not been a library book. In making his case for the need for family values, Chuck lists off many statistics about the current state of the American family. In the middle of listing off percentages of family incomes and "latchkey kids" Chuck states that "Nearly half of America's labor force is women, and of course many of these women are mothers". He doesn't elaborate on what he means by this sentence, instead he continues to bombard the reader with more numbers. I'm left to assume that Chuck means the rightful place for women is in the home, especially if they are mothers. Oh Chuck, you're breaking my heart and this is only page 11. I knew I wouldn't agree with a lot of what Norris would be talking about in this book which is why I read it. I think it is important to know what people are talking about on the other end of the spectrum, especially when they are people who have much public appeal. I realize that a lot of people would be more likely to pick up Chuck Norris' book than a Howard Zinn book. All in all, this book wasn't a complete waste of time. It was much needed relief from the heavy reading that I'm doing at Seminary and it was good for a few laughs.

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Little gems

Since arriving in Austin I've been exposed to a lot of really neat things and thought I would pass along a few in particular that make my heart happy.

Everyday Justice

Julie Clawson is a member of our seminary community (I don't want to label her as the wife of one of my fellow students because I feel like that discredits her - kind of like that one time at CU when Laura Dern was introduced as "Ben Harper's wife" not accomplished actress and social activist. But anywho.). I haven't read her book yet because other books like Calvin's Institutes and The Bible seem to have taken priority in my life, but she has spoken to our community about the book and I saw an excerpt for it in Sojourners magazine so I have a feeling it is full of some pretty great stuff.


Sweet Leaf Tea

I discovered this magical beverage at UCCS where it was sold in the cafe and I fell in love and developed an addiction. My friend Josh told me that I was mistakenly born in Colorado and that my heart belonged in the South because I loved sweet tea. I guess you could say that Sweet Leaf is part of the reason why I felt called to the South after college and starting thinking about living there later in life as well. I just recently found out that it is made right here in Austin, TX! I don't want to admit to how much time I've wasted on their website, but I recommend checking it out because it is fun. Love their ideology.

The Rocketboys

My new favorite band. I've become friends with Justin who plays the keyboard and a bunch of us went to their CD release show last week. It started at midnight. On a school night. It was badass.

It's Like a Whole Other Country

I've had several moments where it has dawned on me that I now live in Texas. Like when I walk into stores with large signs on the door saying "Weapons are prohibited on this property". Or when I woke up on Wednesday and thought about going for my weekly hike in the mountains but realized that the nearest "hike" goes up to 700'. But tonight as I read this article about some pretty amazing efforts being put on by some local Austinites, reality completely set in: I'm living in Texas. Be sure to read the comment forum posted below the article.

In case you didn't catch that number, 20% of slaves in our country are in Texas. My heart hurts.

What kind of moron doesn't bring a Bible to seminary?

At this point I've pretty much OD'd on orientation- between facilitating the YAV orientation last week and now receiving my own for seminary this week, my brain can't take much more! Since I'm barely able to form complete sentences, here are some thoughts on Austin so far:

Last night we went to Max's Wine Dive for Linda's birthday dinner. Their catch phrase is "Fried chicken and champagne...why the hell not?". I had the Max & Cheese with a glass of champagne. I had to wonder if I was in Heaven, only to realize that Austin might be the closest thing to Heaven on Earth.

There are 6 bars within walking distance of my apartment

The UT stadium is about 1/2 a mile from my apartment. If I could hear the Longmont High games at my house from 1/2 mile away, I can't even imagine how crazy noisy the UT games will be. I'm excited.

My hot water smells like rotten eggs. I can't tell if I do as well because of the shower I took yesterday.

I didn't bring a Bible with me. I vaguely remember packing one in the boxes which are currently sitting in my car in front of my parents' house.

I finally gave in and got a haircut yesterday. My new favorite thing in the world is gossiping ladies at a Texas beauty parlor. They are so much more animated than women at other salons.

My new tattoo has finally ended the nasty peeling stage and is now in it's pretty new phase. I'm very happy with it. Pictures to come.

Our student body president has a tattoo of John Calvin on her leg. She is fabulous.

I finished reading Pride and Prejudice and Zombies on the plane ride here. Normally I would protest any sort of "tweaking" of that book, but I admit I laughed my ass off during parts of the book. Plus I loved how things turned out for Mr. Collins, Lydia, Wickham and Lady Catherine. If you haven't read it, do it. I have 23 books on my required reading for this semester alone, and I'm satisfied with P&P&Z being the last novel I get to read for a while.

Loves me some Jared Polis

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Fantastic news!

From my inbox today...

Just hours ago, we heard big news that proves that miracles do happen!

The U.S. Supreme Court granted Troy Davis the chance to finally present crucial evidence in court that may prove his innocence.

Until now, Troy has been denied the opportunity to present all the facts supporting his case. But after a 6-2 ruling from the nation's highest court, Troy will get that chance at justice we've been fighting for since day one.

The power that we've seen building behind Troy's case is awe-inspiring. Your heart-felt emails, letters, phone calls and actions are opening doors that many said were shut for good.

It's working. But we won't stop pushing until Troy Davis is granted clemency!

Right now, Troy Davis sits on death row. So keep telling his story to those who haven't heard it. Keep hoping for more miracles, because given today's news, it's clear – anything is possible!

We can't say it enough – thank you,

Laura Moye
Director, Death Penalty Abolition Campaign

I Was the Highest Woman in Boulder

My brother and I plan to knock out a few 14ers this month so I thought I better start conditioning for it. Here is an account of yesterday's adventure.


The Goal: Bear Peak West Ridge (8461 ft. - highest point in Boulder)



I don't remember seeing so many wildflowers in Colorado. Ever!



The view of Boulder from the top...



...and the continental divide.



All in all a great hike! I've heard the trail is always crowded, but I didn't see a soul all the way up. I hung out at the top for a while and finally saw some folks when I started the descent. The solitude made for some quality worship time which was much needed.