The Comedian Next Door

John and Juan examine how vague social-media critiques of Christians invite readers to fill in the target and meaning themselves. They argue for asking for specific claims and examples, distinguishing harm from discomfort, and having accountable face-to-face conversations rather than relying on online pile-ons.  

It was a very manly weekend full of manly activities.   Car purchases and hunting trips...and teaching the next generation.LATER: Why it's weird to post gym selfies, and how to spot a man who didn't have a fatherly role-model. 

John had a whirlwind trip to Florida for a comedy show, and so we discuss the pros and cons of TSA Precheck membership. You don't even have to take of your shoes in the airport now, Neighbor! Did you ever think we'd see the day? NEXT: There are still people who think Islam isn't a threat to America. AND: There are more people who understand that Islam is a threat to America. LATER: There are people on the "far right" who call themselves Christians and are a threat to America.   What do all of these groups have in common? They're all susceptible to emotional rhetoric and propaganda. (The Peaches provides an example of Right Wing Propaganda, which is equally as stupid as Progressive Muslim-worship.)  According to the Far Right, we're all moderates/centrists now.    Email the Comedian's Family at [email protected]  

Hey, Neighbor! The Peaches and the Pod Ninja must snuggle in close because we're down to TWO working microphone cords.  Shots were fired on the Fight, Laugh, Feast community! Are we too fat around here?  Send us your thoughts at [email protected] 

We start with the sort of household problems that prove nature and plumbing are both actively plotting against us: hornets, yellow jackets, water leaks, and the various methods we use to figure out where the problem is coming from before it becomes a much larger problem. Along the way, we compare pest control, leak detection, and other everyday challenges where the official solution and the solution we actually attempt differ somewhat. We apply the logic of Dungeons & Dragons to ordinary working life, imagining a role-playing game where instead of becoming mighty warriors and wizards, we get ordinary jobs. This naturally leads us to superheroes, because if somebody has extraordinary powers, sooner or later somebody is going to wonder whether those powers could be used for welding or roofing. We consider superheroes whose abilities are spectacularly useful without being particularly heroic. We also get into subliminal messaging, advertising, media influence, superstition, and the myths that can shape what people believe.