Culture and communication are fascinating to observe whenever possible. In this country, we all find ourselves dependent on the Internet as our source of knowledge of current events.  Each man is connected to others and information through his device of choice.  Mine is the iPhone. I often believe that this technology serves me well, but after my last visit abroad, I wonder if I serve it - and lose out in the process.

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Have you ever wondered how certain leaders whom you admire are able to lead with such force of presence and clarity? Have you ever noticed how that leader relates to others in such a way that she virtually alters people's moods? Have you ever been curious as to how certain leaders can single-handedly change the vibe of a room? Have you ever envied how easy these people make it look, and yet how they do it still remains a mystery to you?

It may seem elusive as to how people set the tone, but it comes down to one thing: energy.

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I was proud to call EJ my friend. Gentle and soft-spoken, he was a wide-faced bear of a man. He wasn't tall, but the first time we shook hands, mine disappeared in his. Some said that EJ had been angry and rebellious as a young man-I only knew the gentle spirit with a slight hint of gray around the edges.

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Last weekend I went to Ocean City, MD with my daughter for a cheer leading competition.  Now, if you have never been to a competitive cheer leading event, let me say it is other worldly.

It is a hybrid of mothers (and fathers) from the fanatical to the fantastic, bare bellies, makeup that is too similar to that of painted ladies of ill repute, and athletic talent that dazzles. All done in venues from high schools to arenas with deafening music, lighting that is dangerous to those prone to seizure disorders, and crowded with overpriced food.

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Exactly a week later, in the same town, a college professor takes a gun to school and shoots up a meeting with her fellow faculty. This happened in a quaint northern Alabama city. It happened in my city.

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Partisanship, an elitist word simply meaning "disagreement," has had its character assassinated (another great political phrase) by both major parties. The p-word has now taken on an altogether negative association, thanks to the very people who criticize it. It is a cruel irony when either party calls for an end to the p-word, for this call is usually followed by an attack on the opposing party for engaging in covert acts of partisanship.

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Three years ago, I got a work study job working with inner city kids through my college. I started it so it would look good on my resume and help me get a good paying teaching job after I finished school. On the first day, I rode the bus just twenty minutes, and I was met by a classroom of smiling four-year-olds. The majority of them came over the me and rubbed my skin and held their arms up to mine. It took me a few seconds to realize, but they were so fascinated with me because they had never seen a white person before.

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2009 was a big year for the Wrecked community.  In addition to doing a complete revamp on the website, we added several new sections.  The following articles represent our Top 10 most read posts in 2009. Take a look and see why!   10. Girls Watch Porn: An Interview With Crystal Renaud Written by Wrecked for the Ordinary   Crystal Renaud began Dirty Girls Ministries in Fe...

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