Disqus - Latest Comments for bthooper

Re: Apple references Craig Federighi meme for WWDC 2021 artwork, but with a twist

Bryan Hooper — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 09:31:58 -0000

That thought occurred to me too....which is awesome. Maybe there will be some new initiative around hearing impairment?

But I still thought it curious that two have the earpiece/hearing aid - and the other two have their ears covered with hair..... Combined with all four wearing glasses, it spurs some speculation. Maybe Apple AR? Maybe some new assistive tech? Probably nothing....but I enjoy speculating.

Re: Show your developer pride with some WWDC21 wallpapers & watch faces

Bryan Hooper — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 14:23:10 -0000

And the ear piece on two of them.

Re: Apple references Craig Federighi meme for WWDC 2021 artwork, but with a twist

Bryan Hooper — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 14:19:32 -0000

Two of the figures have their ears exposed and both of them have an ear piece on. Also curious.

Re: Whose problem is clergy burnout?

Bryan Hooper — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 10:17:17 -0000

I appreciate this article and the theme of this issue of XC.

As a clergy person who "burnt out" I relate to much of what you have written. I always felt that "self-care" was my responsibility - and it always felt like yet another "to do" list item i was expected to take care of on my own. As my task list grew, the self-care piece always feel to the bottom of the list. Often, when I got to it, I just wanted a break from all the "doing."

That said, I also think the structure of the job of clergy and the expectations of the clergy are to blame in no small part. If churches paid clergy well, and if clergy had opportunities to pursue their dreams and not just serve their congregants, and if clergy were supported with time off, I think a lot of burn out could be addressed. Burn out, sometimes, is actually not "burn out" so much as unreasonable expectations, low compensation, and differing views of congregational direction. Clergy at least should be able to live lives that express core Christian values - like loving family and neighbor, giving generously, living abundantly, following Jesus faithfully. It is (in my experience and the experience of many of my colleagues) that frustration with the congregation is a primary driver of "burn out."

On the other hand, plenty of clergy do not deliver competent work to their congregations, and congregations feel they have to monitor and regulate their pastor's work. I worry that these two dynamics reinforce each other - low pay, high expectations, draining passions leads to indifferent clergy looking for distractions or low quality clergy who are worth what little they are paid.

Re: Facebook VP of VR recommends checking your account is in 'good standing' before buying a Quest 2

Bryan Hooper — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 16:06:13 -0000

I agree. I would like to see PC Gamer have an editorial page that can comment on the state of the industry and cover these issues outside of a review. But the fear of being blacklisted by a game company is EXACTLY the problem.

People think Facebook wants to put ads in front of them. That is true. But what they don't realize is that what Facebook really wants to do is put you in front of marketers and advertisers. You are not the target - you are the product. Facebook needs to be held to account, and I would hope educated gamers, thoughtful websites, and informed consumers would work hard to hold game companies to a higher standard. In my view, as I've expressed, facebook's practices mean the occulus products are too invasive to recommend, especially to parents who might offer these devices to their kids as the prices come down.

Re: Facebook VP of VR recommends checking your account is in 'good standing' before buying a Quest 2

Bryan Hooper — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 12:18:23 -0000

Imagine if "gaming" data is added to your profile - as I'm sure it already is for Facebook-based games. Now your kid gets a future VR version of GTA and does some classic GTA stuff and his profile is updated with his gaming preferences. Who would want to buy that info and market to your kid? Who might want to recruit people who do terrible things in video games? Why would we want that to be any easier?

Facebook already allows terrible, violent organizations to use its profile data to put lies and triggering content in front of sympathetic profiles. Imagine what could happen if(when?) they harvested your gaming activities. I enjoy games and I like the fantasy games provide. I also like knowing that my virtual fun is only my business.

Re: Facebook VP of VR recommends checking your account is in 'good standing' before buying a Quest 2

Bryan Hooper — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 11:20:59 -0000

Facebook's entire business model is "wrong." Facebook's business model is a security risk. I think PC Gamer could be a leader in speaking out against a stupid business practice that impacts its readers in a negative way.

Re: Facebook VP of VR recommends checking your account is in 'good standing' before buying a Quest 2

Bryan Hooper — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 11:16:42 -0000

That would be a nice start. A negative review in light of this would also be good. People do not realize what they are supporting when they have a facebook account. It isn't free. It's part of the cost. And facebook is not transparent about it. So, yes, DONT BUY OCCULUS FROM FACEBOOK SCAM is about right.

Re: Oculus Quest 2 review - the best entry-level VR headset | PC Gamer

Bryan Hooper — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 11:06:38 -0000

Requiring users to have facebook accounts means that we pay over and over again for using this product by endlessly subjecting ourselves to facebook's algorithm. It might be a nice headset, but it's real price is not reflected in the price tag, and it's potential for violating our privacy, selling our data, bricking our device at their discretion, etc. These factors should be more clearly reflected in your review score. This is not a product so much as a hook. It might be a nice lure, but there definitely is a hook.

Re: Facebook VP of VR recommends checking your account is in 'good standing' before buying a Quest 2

Bryan Hooper — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 11:00:24 -0000

I don't have a facebook account. I will not get a facebook account.

I wish PC Gamer (and other media outlets) in their reviews would make it clear that this is a completely unacceptable practice. Products that don't work unless you sign up for an unrelated service that is notorious for violating its users privacy and exploiting its users data, not to mention distributing hateful content and disinformation - should get resounding negative reviews and scores.

Re: Comment: Why have TV streaming platforms have been hesitant to rely on live sports?

Bryan Hooper — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 19:30:46 -0000

As a baseball fan, I subscribe to MLB's streaming service. It could be great, but it's not. Blackout restrictions are the main problem - but also I find it strange that they don't include their own content - like all the stuff they put on the MLB network. I think professional sports leagues will succeed in packaging their product for viewers...but they aren't doing it well yet. The Athletic is proof that people want quality sports content in a digital format.

Re: 'Our relationships in China had no influence' on Blitzchung punishment, Blizzard says

Bryan Hooper — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 21:48:20 -0000

As gamers and people who value freedom of expression let’s make sure Blizzard pays a heavy price for this betrayal of the gaming community.

Re: Summer School With The Rust Compiler

Bryan Hooper — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 22:06:25 -0000

Just for your edification: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/...

Re: Bob Stannard: A reflection of Christian values

Bryan Hooper — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 10:13:57 -0000

While I agree with the basic thrust of this article, I object to the blanket use of the word "Christian" to apply to right-wing, evangelical, fundamentalists who bear little resemblance to the many Christians I know nor the Christian churches I have been a part of and pastored. The "religious right" in this country tends to be anti-gay, pro-gun, and anti-abortion. Frankly, in most of the churches I've been apart of, the people have little time to engage in those issues as political issues. They are just trying to faithfully live their lives and address the concerns in their community with compassion. Christians aren't perfect people, and they certainly aren't saints, but they aren't demons either. I would rather the author of this post refrain from painting all Christians with one brush. And maybe visit a church and meet the people and come to a conclusion based on experience and not sensational news stories that accentuate the worst.

Oh, and I assure you, that many of us Christians are as aghast and disgusted with the moral bankruptcy of this president and his vacuous agenda as any other group of reasonable people who love their country and their community.

Re: The Once and Future Wesleyan Movement

Bryan Hooper — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 17:56:52 -0000

I appreciate the spirit of this post. However, we Wesleyans continue to misplace our priorities when we set out to "make a movement" or promote thinly-veiled political orientations as predictions of the future. Those who are inspired by the Wesleyan movement to impact their communities and the lives of ordinary people in meaningful, loving and effective ways will carry us forward. The focus of our work, like the ministry of Jesus, should always resolve on the real needs of common people in our midsts, not advancing some banner or furthering some cause, or even building some institution. Instead of desperately straining for "relevance" or embracing our past glories as recipes for the future, why not simply offer ourselves for the sake of our neighbors?

Re: Comic Book Video Games Coming this Year

Bryan Hooper — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 10:10:33 -0000

I don't think ZZ Top said "it's hip to be square." That was Huey Lewis and the News. And way lamer.

Re: God’s Initiative

Bryan Hooper — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:38:40 -0000

First off - thank you for making a comment on my neglected blog. That puts you in a very elite group.

Second of all - I think Bonhoeffer understood revelation exactly as you seem to object to - as something that comes from beyond ourselves, that is not readily deducible by observation - but that is purely the result of God's grace and intention. Revelation is not "observed" but "disclosed." I think Bonhoeffer would argue that the "eyes of faith" are a gracious gift that God extends to us, allowing us to perceive God's working in the world.

Re: Social Justice?

Bryan Hooper — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:30:43 -0000

Thanks. You are my biggest fan.

Re: A sign of the church’s failure….

Bryan Hooper — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:23:33 -0000

I think that is the best comment I've ever seen on any blog.

I infer from your comments that you are sarcastic.

Re: Thoughts on invocations and benedictions…

Bryan Hooper — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:20:19 -0000

Thanks for your continued input. I'm glad you read the archives and found them somewhat useful.

Your comments have encourage me to think a bit about what this blog is for and who it is for, etc.

Originally, I started this blog (in a number of different formats) for my personal use and for sharing of ideas with a few friends who were my only audience. Eventually, i began to follow a number of United Methodist blogs, and decided to join the Methoblogroll and share my thoughts with the wider UM community.

In my estimation, too many blogs have comments full of back and forth diatribes that seem rather useless to me. I am not really interested in argument or debate. I get enough of that in the rest of my life believe me! I'm just interested in expressing myself and hearing others do the same - which is far different from tit for tat debate.

As far as the Bible goes, I assue you that I encourage everyone I know to read it - I so encourage people from my pulpit, in the Bible studies I lead, in the committees I lead, etc. I take the Bible seriously, and I believe it merits serious reflection and study, not proof-texting and reductionism.

I also advocate for spiritual practice and discipline, and have done so in all the congregations I serve. To me, reading the Bible and developing a spiritual practice are the two most important things individual Christians can do. Communially, of course, we also benefit from the regular attendance of worship, the sharing in the sacraments, and Christian conferencing. I'm sorry that I haven't more clearly advocated for Bible study and spiritual discipline via this blog, but again, that was never it's purpose.

With blogs becoming more and more popular, and more and more people reading this blog, perhaps I should reconsider:

1. Should this blog exist at all? I post plenty of informatino on the internet in other forums without this blog. If this blog becomes a lightening rod for debate, instead of a forum for exchange, I'm just not interested.

2. Should I post some more fundamental posts on basics for the uninitiated who would like a better sense of who I am and where I'm coming from?

3. Should I simply close the comments?

Your thoughts are appreciated, of course.

Re: Thoughts on invocations and benedictions…

Bryan Hooper — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:03:53 -0000

I think it is pretty clear that you don't agree with me. I respect your difference of opinion, but I am unwilling to turn my comments here into some kind of argument. I'm sure you can find more interesting sparring partners in other venues.

I would again encourage you to find an effective spiritual practice and to read the Bible. Good luck to you!

Re: Election: what’s all the fuss about?

Bryan Hooper — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:53:05 -0000

Wow.

Well, not sure how to respond to that. I guess I would just suggest that maybe you could read Carter (since you obviously haven't) but I don't think that would be of much use for you. What I would really suggest is that you consider adopting a spiritual discipline and read the Bible. All I can tell you is those two basic practices have made a big impact on my life.

Re: Election: what’s all the fuss about?

Bryan Hooper — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:20:11 -0000

I'm not sure what you are asking me....I have read some of Jimmy Carter's books...but not many and certainly not all....

I re-read this post, and realized that it was written in a moment of exuberance after Obama's election. The exuberance has faded now...and I wonder if there is any way for Obama (or any human being) to match the expectations that have been placed onhim....

Re: The Professional Ministry

Bryan Hooper — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:50:50 -0000

oh...and thanks a bunch for commenting. I never really think anybody reads my ramblings.

Re: The Professional Ministry

Bryan Hooper — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:49:40 -0000

In the few jobs I've had outside of ministry, expectations have been much more clearly defined than in the local church. In fact, most local churches don't even have a clear sense of what the organization as a whole is supposed to be doing, let alone the pastor. I suspect that reality has contributed generously to our decline. Over and over I confront the attitude that "pastors only work on Sundays." This is expressed in numerous ways, but is rooted in a deep ignorance of what the pastor does. Ironically, it contributes to an attitude on many church committees that the pastor can do the leg work and carry out the decisions of the committee, because what else is he gonna do? The result is an even more overworked pastor.

Certainly the "never enough time" phenomenon is a feature of contemporary culture. But I still contend that as membership has declined, as community needs and expectations have increased, as pastoral support has all but disappeared, pastors are now caught in a rather extreme example of the "never enough time" problem.