Something New...

You'll notice a new blog on the blogroll in the coming days.  It's the outgrowth of an idea I had a long time ago and have been trying to get off the ground in some form or another for years.  Four, Seven, and Twelvefold is a host-blog for a public conversation about the nature and state of evangelical Christianity in North America.  The topics that I hope we'll explore are simply too numerous to mention but if you think a question needs to be asked, then post it in the comments over there or over here and I'll ask it.  Feel free to advertise the new blog in whatever medium is available to you.  The broader and larger the audience, the better the chances that a fruitful and interesting conversation will ensue.

Election Day...

Well, the polls are closed out here in Hamilton but if they're open where you are and you haven't gone to vote yet, get going!  CBC promises the first election results at 10pm ET, which is in about 5 mins, but I don't think I'll stay up to watch.  I personally find the endlessly changing poll numbers rather dull, particularly when I remember that the die is cast and the only really interesting fact left to come is the list of actual winners.  I'm fairly sure that my MP will be the NDP's David Christopher again, though there certainly did seem to be a significant Green party presense around the neighbourhood (if lawn signs mean anything).  As far as who will form the government?  Well if I was forced to guess I'd say another minority Conservative government but I guess we'll see.  In any case, to all of you who are waiting up to see the results, do enjoy the moving numbers.  If you'd like to see them online, check out CBC's interactive election map here.  Looks like the conservatives are in the lead at the moment.

Update:  Well, looks like another Conservative minority indeed.  The hyperlink above will still take you to the main CBC results page, but just in case you're too lazy:

Con.: 143
Lib.: 76 (29 of which, incidentally, are in the GTA)
Bloc: 50
NDP: 37
Gre.: 0

That's a gain of 16 seats for the Conservatives, a loss of 19 for the Liberals, a gain of 7 for the NDP, and a shocking (oh wait, not at all shocking I mean) showing of 0 for the Greens.  In my riding my prediction came true.  We re-elected David Christopher by a fairly stunning 26.2 point margin.  That has to feel nice.

All that's left now is the slightly sexier USAmerican election in a little under a month.  All I can say is that I sure hope it turns out like the polling is suggesting right now.

Election Day...

Well, the polls are closed out here in Hamilton but if they're open where you are and you haven't gone to vote yet, get going!  CBC promises the first election results at 10pm ET, which is in about 5 mins, but I don't think I'll stay up to watch.  I personally find the endlessly changing poll numbers rather dull, particularly when I remember that the die is cast and the only really interesting fact left to come is the list of actual winners.  I'm fairly sure that my MP will be the NDP's David Christopher again, though there certainly did seem to be a significant Green party presense around the neighbourhood (if lawn signs mean anything).  As far as who will form the government?  Well if I was forced to guess I'd say another minority Conservative government but I guess we'll see.  In any case, to all of you who are waiting up to see the results, do enjoy the moving numbers.  If you'd like to see them online, check out CBC's interactive election map here.  Looks like the conservatives are in the lead at the moment.

The GOBM...

I have discovered a new scholarly society, the Guild of Biblical Minimalists (this via Jim West).  I'm still not entirely sure about the precise level of seriousness, but this post for those seeking nominations for the "Billy" award does seem to give a hint.  It is quite an impressive list of scholars, and it appears that joining all but guarantees you some kind of title or office.