A Fight Worthy of the King

Sarah and I went to see the 2015 Elvis’ Birthday Fight Club last night, and it was a return to greatness. We missed last year due to Roya’s impeding birth (although it turns out we could have made it). So now it turns out that we’ve seen 3 of the 5 so far, and only those odd-numbered years. Yep, we saw the chicken defeat Colonel Sanders (color commentary: “Col. Sanders is battering the chicken!”)

The show is a monument to dada and mockery, but done in a mostly good-natured manner. Two years ago, they ventured into the gross a bit overmuch, but they returned to form and stayed away from too much of the scatalogical humor. This year, one treat was the use of “Run to the Hills” as entrance music for one competitor.

The royal rumble with prior year’s contestants was particularly amusing (although I think the entrances were better than the actual fight). There is an encore performance this upcoming weekend, so I give no spoilers here, but merely state that it’s epic in a certain way. We didn’t win the velvet Elvis giveaway, sadly.

Recommended.

Last [year], I gave you my heart…

Last year was a mixed bag for me.

On the one hand, the rabbi of my synagogue betrayed the community in a devastating manner- undermining confidence in institutional and hurting a whole lot of people, with the implication that litigation will now roll over the community like a wave of suck. The feeling of today, the tenth of Tevet, the day on which Jerusalem was besieged, don’t feel inappropriate.

On the other hand, our daughter was born, and I think the experience of being a dad is about the coolest thing ever. Our community (the same one which is getting slammed so badly, first by the actions of the rabbi, and now by lawsuits and recriminations) was extremely kind, generous, and loving – welcoming Roya with open arms. Beautiful. My parents also have been wonderful- we’ve spent a lot more time with one set, and the other set are moving here to be closer. Only good things there.

I think the gripping hand is that the year gave me a great example in how God’s hand is what guides events, and how much of life is actually outside individual control. I can at best control my own actions, which are now not even a majority in my own house.

I hope those things which are out of control are positive for all of us in 2015.