Byrne Road Cactus Club, Burnaby BC
Photo by Trevor Epp (April 2, 2011)
I was called 'The Don' and thekingpin.
Photo by Dave Murray (April 2, 2011)
Thanks for the cake, Chuck.
A Timeline of Dr. Russell Norman Murray's academic history by Chucky with assistance from thekingpin with some of the funny bits especially.
PhD Graduation Party April 2, 2011. Byrne Road, Cactus Club Cafe, Burnaby, British Columbia
Thanks to friends and family for the excellent PhD Graduation Party at Byrne Road, Cactus Club.
Thank you to Cactus Club, Byrne Road as well. Professional with first-rate food and service as it has been with every Cactus Club Cafe I have been to.
Dr. Russ Murray:)
Chucky...
(~1987) Russ becomes a fan of cult expert Dr. Walter Martin - the flame is kindled. He realizes there is more to ministry than Ernest Angley, Peter Popoff and Oral Roberts.
(1989) Russ attends a Christian college & careers bible study and makes some friends who notice and encourage his passion for apologetics. Russ makes fun of his friends by drawing comic strip stories about them and others. His friends Chuck and Bobby are easy targets. Bobby shows his muscles off for the girls at Bible school.
(1990) Russ decides to quit insurance and call center work and pursue an academic career in Biblical studies/theology/philosophy, starting with Columbia Bible College. Russ becomes acquainted with the Mennonite belief system that his goofy pal Chucky was raised with. This system is soon rejected for Reformed Theology. Sorry, Gerry. Russ hangs with Bobby Buff at school. They almost always skip chapel and play foosball. Russ takes classes from and befriends Chucky's relative, Gerry. Uncle Gerry mentors Russ and has a theory.
(1995) Russ completes his Bachelor of Arts degree. First trip to Britain with Chucky. Travelling by train and bus. Russ gets a sore toe in the Cotswolds. Chucky misreads the bus schedule and after failed attempt to hitchhike back to Stratford, asks a local to call a taxi. Russ has to have toe surgery in Birmingham. Chucky meets David Forbes, and eats haggis and black pudding at Brian Forbes' place. David keeps us up all night with crazy wonderful stories and then puts in a full day driving the double decker bus. Russ relaxes at the Giants' Causeway in northern Ireland. Chucky stops a crazy drunk lady from jumping into the River Liffey in Dublin. Russ used some of his counselling from Bible School and was told to "F off". Russ goes to Canadian Baptist Cemetary (part of ACTS at TWU campus) for his first masters. First attempt at focusing on theodicy. Russ becomes well-acquainted with the TWU photocopier.
(1997) Russ completes his MTS degree. Lack of support from some lovely baptist professors at ACTS drives Russ to aim for a PhD. Mega 2-part vacation - California to see Rush with Chucky, Greg D. and biological cousin Colin, then 2nd Britain trip with Chucky to check out schools. Looking for CD shops in San Francisco, we find ourselves in Castro district, by accident. The gay capital of the world. The Rush show was enjoyed by all. Later we would find a high quality recording of the very same concert. Post-show rendezvous was difficult, especially with no cell phones, but successful. Cousin Colin departs in mysterious fashion. We are ditched. We are not sure if Colin headed back to Castro. Greg D takes bus from Seattle and Russ and Chucky fly to London. Russ and Chucky rent a car and deal with the stress of trying to drive on the left and navigate out of central London to get to Cambridge. Chucky directs Russ down a one way street the wrong way. Schools visited: U. of London, Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol. Russ recalls a stuck-up guy at London: "I don't know that your 1st class Christian honours are not our 3rd class honours."
(1999) Russ accepted for MPhil/PhD program at Manchester. Russ attends Manchester, discovers British bias against North American theological training, labelled as fundamentalist. Advisor was away at Germany for year. A source, with a similar name ;) tells me Prof. Jantzen, of Manchester, had it in for TWU students and she used to attend, and so she wanted me out. Prof. Pailin ended up being a real Pailin in the ass. Leaving his flat for a short trip back to Canada, Russ returns to find his Manchester flat burglarized. Conflicts at Manchester lead Russ to attempt switching to Nazarene Theological College (also in Manchester). Nazarene is blocked by their relationship with Manchester, politics force Russ to search for another school.
(2000) In despair about his situation, Russ sends out emails to a few other potential schools, prays, and the following day receives a call from Dr. William Kay at University of Wales, which offers a distance learning PhD. But must first complete a British MPhil degree. Russ started the MPhil while in Manchester. Did Chapter 1 in the UK. Chucky comes over from Belgium to visit at Christmas time, and Russ and Chucky are attacked downtown, Russ getting bottled. UK doctor attempts to fix the nose by hand, makes it worse. Nasal and dental reconstructive surgery were done after returning to Canada.
(2001) Russ works from home, and rekindles his relationship with the TWU photocopier. Russ learns statistics, as advisor (William Kay) has statistical background and they decide a survey approach to theodicy would be unique and interesting.
(2003) Russ completes the MPhil for U. of Wales with no revisions, despite having to deal with annoying vitreous floaters and sleep apnea related fatigue. Sleeping 12 hours a days to do 12 hours of work, including thesis writing and blogging.
(2004) Russ begins blogging, starting with thekingpin68 blog, with posts on various theological topics, and beautiful scenic photos of places around the world. A guy named "Jeff" becomes an early fan and voluminous writer, also providing occasional humourous photoshopped images. An annual feature is the “non-conformist of the year”, selected among Russ' many nicknamed friends. Bobby Buff is the 10-times winner. Russ begins work on the PhD.
(2006) Russ adds a second blog, satireandtheology. Today both blogs receive about 15,000 pages views a month combined. First PhD advisor (Mark) advises Russ to avoid a philosophical approach. Mark leaves the University; Russ is assigned another advisor (Rob). There is a long delay between advisors. Rob wanted way more work - lots of additions. Rob then leaves for another school (Chester).
(2009) Russ goes to Wales and impresses the examiners with his thesis defense (viva). The examiners ask for a more philosophical approach and revisions that took another eight months.
(2010) Russ finally gets word that his PhD revisions have been accepted. University of Wales, Lampeter is involved in merger with Trinity University College. The merged school is called University of Wales, Trinity Saint David. The merger slows up processing of the doctorate. Russ' doctorate was basically lost and was only found when he emailed the top three persons at TSD and they put pressure on the office to get it done. Diploma arrives in the mail with stamps from both University of Wales and University of Wales, Lampeter. Fortunately it is not bent like his Silver Surfer comic book. (2011) Russ develops a following among young, female Brazilian bloggers. Also some from Spain and Argentina.
Photo by Dr. Russ Murray (April 2, 2011)
BA, MTS, MPhil, PhD (Order on wall, PhD, up BA, down MTS, MPhil)
My wall completed after my PhD graduation party.
Photo by Dr. Russ Murray
A Timeline of Dr. Russell Norman Murray's academic history by Chucky with assistance from thekingpin with some of the funny bits especially.
PhD Graduation Party April 2, 2011. Byrne Road, Cactus Club Cafe, Burnaby, British Columbia
Thanks to friends and family for the excellent PhD Graduation Party at Byrne Road, Cactus Club.
Thank you to Cactus Club, Byrne Road as well. Professional with first-rate food and service as it has been with every Cactus Club Cafe I have been to.
Dr. Russ Murray:)
Chucky...
(~1987) Russ becomes a fan of cult expert Dr. Walter Martin - the flame is kindled. He realizes there is more to ministry than Ernest Angley, Peter Popoff and Oral Roberts.
(1989) Russ attends a Christian college & careers bible study and makes some friends who notice and encourage his passion for apologetics. Russ makes fun of his friends by drawing comic strip stories about them and others. His friends Chuck and Bobby are easy targets. Bobby shows his muscles off for the girls at Bible school.
(1990) Russ decides to quit insurance and call center work and pursue an academic career in Biblical studies/theology/philosophy, starting with Columbia Bible College. Russ becomes acquainted with the Mennonite belief system that his goofy pal Chucky was raised with. This system is soon rejected for Reformed Theology. Sorry, Gerry. Russ hangs with Bobby Buff at school. They almost always skip chapel and play foosball. Russ takes classes from and befriends Chucky's relative, Gerry. Uncle Gerry mentors Russ and has a theory.
(1995) Russ completes his Bachelor of Arts degree. First trip to Britain with Chucky. Travelling by train and bus. Russ gets a sore toe in the Cotswolds. Chucky misreads the bus schedule and after failed attempt to hitchhike back to Stratford, asks a local to call a taxi. Russ has to have toe surgery in Birmingham. Chucky meets David Forbes, and eats haggis and black pudding at Brian Forbes' place. David keeps us up all night with crazy wonderful stories and then puts in a full day driving the double decker bus. Russ relaxes at the Giants' Causeway in northern Ireland. Chucky stops a crazy drunk lady from jumping into the River Liffey in Dublin. Russ used some of his counselling from Bible School and was told to "F off". Russ goes to Canadian Baptist Cemetary (part of ACTS at TWU campus) for his first masters. First attempt at focusing on theodicy. Russ becomes well-acquainted with the TWU photocopier.
(1997) Russ completes his MTS degree. Lack of support from some lovely baptist professors at ACTS drives Russ to aim for a PhD. Mega 2-part vacation - California to see Rush with Chucky, Greg D. and biological cousin Colin, then 2nd Britain trip with Chucky to check out schools. Looking for CD shops in San Francisco, we find ourselves in Castro district, by accident. The gay capital of the world. The Rush show was enjoyed by all. Later we would find a high quality recording of the very same concert. Post-show rendezvous was difficult, especially with no cell phones, but successful. Cousin Colin departs in mysterious fashion. We are ditched. We are not sure if Colin headed back to Castro. Greg D takes bus from Seattle and Russ and Chucky fly to London. Russ and Chucky rent a car and deal with the stress of trying to drive on the left and navigate out of central London to get to Cambridge. Chucky directs Russ down a one way street the wrong way. Schools visited: U. of London, Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol. Russ recalls a stuck-up guy at London: "I don't know that your 1st class Christian honours are not our 3rd class honours."
(1999) Russ accepted for MPhil/PhD program at Manchester. Russ attends Manchester, discovers British bias against North American theological training, labelled as fundamentalist. Advisor was away at Germany for year. A source, with a similar name ;) tells me Prof. Jantzen, of Manchester, had it in for TWU students and she used to attend, and so she wanted me out. Prof. Pailin ended up being a real Pailin in the ass. Leaving his flat for a short trip back to Canada, Russ returns to find his Manchester flat burglarized. Conflicts at Manchester lead Russ to attempt switching to Nazarene Theological College (also in Manchester). Nazarene is blocked by their relationship with Manchester, politics force Russ to search for another school.
(2000) In despair about his situation, Russ sends out emails to a few other potential schools, prays, and the following day receives a call from Dr. William Kay at University of Wales, which offers a distance learning PhD. But must first complete a British MPhil degree. Russ started the MPhil while in Manchester. Did Chapter 1 in the UK. Chucky comes over from Belgium to visit at Christmas time, and Russ and Chucky are attacked downtown, Russ getting bottled. UK doctor attempts to fix the nose by hand, makes it worse. Nasal and dental reconstructive surgery were done after returning to Canada.
(2001) Russ works from home, and rekindles his relationship with the TWU photocopier. Russ learns statistics, as advisor (William Kay) has statistical background and they decide a survey approach to theodicy would be unique and interesting.
(2003) Russ completes the MPhil for U. of Wales with no revisions, despite having to deal with annoying vitreous floaters and sleep apnea related fatigue. Sleeping 12 hours a days to do 12 hours of work, including thesis writing and blogging.
(2004) Russ begins blogging, starting with thekingpin68 blog, with posts on various theological topics, and beautiful scenic photos of places around the world. A guy named "Jeff" becomes an early fan and voluminous writer, also providing occasional humourous photoshopped images. An annual feature is the “non-conformist of the year”, selected among Russ' many nicknamed friends. Bobby Buff is the 10-times winner. Russ begins work on the PhD.
(2006) Russ adds a second blog, satireandtheology. Today both blogs receive about 15,000 pages views a month combined. First PhD advisor (Mark) advises Russ to avoid a philosophical approach. Mark leaves the University; Russ is assigned another advisor (Rob). There is a long delay between advisors. Rob wanted way more work - lots of additions. Rob then leaves for another school (Chester).
(2009) Russ goes to Wales and impresses the examiners with his thesis defense (viva). The examiners ask for a more philosophical approach and revisions that took another eight months.
(2010) Russ finally gets word that his PhD revisions have been accepted. University of Wales, Lampeter is involved in merger with Trinity University College. The merged school is called University of Wales, Trinity Saint David. The merger slows up processing of the doctorate. Russ' doctorate was basically lost and was only found when he emailed the top three persons at TSD and they put pressure on the office to get it done. Diploma arrives in the mail with stamps from both University of Wales and University of Wales, Lampeter. Fortunately it is not bent like his Silver Surfer comic book. (2011) Russ develops a following among young, female Brazilian bloggers. Also some from Spain and Argentina.
Photo by Dr. Russ Murray (April 2, 2011)
BA, MTS, MPhil, PhD (Order on wall, PhD, up BA, down MTS, MPhil)
My wall completed after my PhD graduation party.
Photo by Dr. Russ Murray
Thank you to Philip Hayes for the last three images from Icanhasmotivation.com
Congrats on being done with school. I hate school, LOL.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
ReplyDeleteThank you greatly, Rick. So do I, but I love learning.
ReplyDeleteJimmy!!! Happy Sunday.
ReplyDeleteAh, once again, Blogger gives me the error: "We're sorry, but we were unable to complete your request."
ReplyDeleteRuss makes fun of his friends by drawing comic strip stories about them and others.
I didn't know you did that! Do you still have any of those? If so, it might be funny to scan and post them.
Russ decides to quit insurance and call center work and pursue an academic career in Biblical studies/theology/philosophy, starting with Columbia Bible College.
What sort of "call center work" did you do? Though my former job was at the city newspaper as a graphic artist, and several of my jobs have been as a graphic artist, currently, out of financial desperation and because of the unemployment rate and having been laid off for budget cuts from the newspaper, I am working at Time Customer Service, Inc., answering calls regarding magazine subscriptions, including (very recently) digital subscriptions. It's stressful and irritating, but not as stressful as when I did technical support years ago, and though the pay is very low, it's not quite as low-paying as when I was a telemarketer years ago.
Chucky misreads the bus schedule and after failed attempt to hitchhike back to Stratford, asks a local to call a taxi.
Chucky directs Russ down a one way street the wrong way.
Kind of reminds me of The Amazing Race television show! LOL!
Chucky stops a crazy drunk lady from jumping into the River Liffey in Dublin.
Chucky the hero! Kind of like Clarence Odbody, Angel Second Class, in "It's A Wonderful Life!"
...Canadian Baptist Cemetary...
LOL!
Russ recalls a stuck-up guy at London: "I don't know that your 1st class Christian honours are not our 3rd class honours."
Typical of the world. In fact, the opposite is often the case. Though I did have to study hard at Miami-Dade Community College, that along with the University of North Florida were not nearly as hard academically as Bob Jones University.
Similarly, the children I've met and taught at public schools were typically not as smart as those I've met and taught at Christian schools. And those (that I've met) who were being home-schooled were often smarter than both (note that most home-schoolers typically come from Christian families).
Russ accepted for MPhil/PhD program at Manchester. Russ attends Manchester, discovers British bias against North American theological training, labelled as fundamentalist.
I wonder: Has that bias affected your current opinion of "fundamentalists?"
A guy named "Jeff" becomes an early fan and voluminous writer, also providing occasional humourous photoshopped images.
: )
Diploma arrives in the mail with stamps from both University of Wales and University of Wales, Lampeter. Fortunately it is not bent like his Silver Surfer comic book.
LOL!
(2011) Russ develops a following among young, female Brazilian bloggers. Also some from Spain and Argentina.
Hey, maybe there are seminary professor positions open in Brazil?? LOL!
I am not sure how well drawings would scan, they are pen drawings and not particularly artistic! But satirical.
ReplyDelete'What sort of "call center work" did you do?'
Autoplan.
I have done telemarketing as well.
'...Canadian Baptist Cemetary...
LOL!'
Yes.
Christian academia can be difficult.
'I wonder: Has that bias affected your current opinion of "fundamentalists?"'
UK secularists in academia would often see evangelicals as equaling fundamentalists. I reason as I noted on the other blog fundamentalism is more extreme. I noted in response to the definition you posted:
'I think a problem with that broad definition of fundamentalism is that it could be viewed as synonymous with evangelicalism. So, although it has its merits I prefer my narrow definition.'
'I am sure the academic definition would vary. I am separating myself from certain things associated with fundamentalism. These include an overall overly literalistic interpretation of Scripture, a lack of academic approach to Scripture, and some of the cultural aspects, such as legalism.'
My definition is of course not exhaustive.
'(2011) Russ develops a following among young, female Brazilian bloggers. Also some from Spain and Argentina.
Hey, maybe there are seminary professor positions open in Brazil?? LOL!'
Problem is I do not speak Portuguese.
Thank you, Mr. Jenkins.
Nice party Dr. Dude! The food was good, the company was great, the weather was better than normal and the atmosphere was excellent.
ReplyDeleteBe Proud Doctor!
-Party On!-
'Nice party Dr. Dude! The food was good, the company was great, the weather was better than normal and the atmosphere was excellent.
ReplyDeleteBe Proud Doctor!
-Party On!-'
Thanks for attending, Bobby.
I managed to talk with each and every guest, the waitress and the hosts. I agree with you, the Byrne Road restaurant is first-rate as is the chain. Cactus Club was impressed with the overall take I think, Trevor told me he got his ice tea for free.
My degree is now out of the plastic wrap and the four degrees form a 't' or 'cross' on my wall.
Warm Aloha and congratulations
ReplyDeletefrom Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
><}}(°>
Cloudia, that is most kind of you.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
I'm glad the weather turned out nice. This time of year in B.C., you can never tell.
ReplyDeleteYour diplomas make a nice cross formation.
By-Tor and the Snow Dog cartoon for those readers who don't know who Rush is.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pope Chucklins, once again Cactus Club did a fine job. I plan to have my birthday at the Coquitlam restaurant.
ReplyDeleteI like the 'T'. Perhaps the 'PhD' Wales degree is a bit more nice than the MPhil one even though the MPhil frame was custom made.
The By-Tor animation is entertaining and I liked seeing it at the show as well.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Cardinal Chucklins.
Hello dear!
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked my blog and it's good that we share the same belief.
I'm following your blog
May God bless your life!
Thank you, Tallita. I am following you as well.:)
ReplyDeleteBlessings in Christ.
Dr. Murray, nice choice of restaurant for your party, classy and warm with that cool pic of outdoor fire. Nice!
ReplyDelete-Party Hardy-
This is why you shouldn't use a cellphone around gasoline...
ReplyDelete'Dr. Murray, nice choice of restaurant for your party, classy and warm with that cool pic of outdoor fire. Nice!
ReplyDelete-Party Hardy-'
Thank you, good thing the Canucks hung on despite the less than excellent goaltending in game two.
'This is why you shouldn't use a cellphone around gasoline...'
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lesson, Uncle Chuckins.
24 years additional years of studies? Would 40 years in the wilderness have been preferable?
ReplyDeleteTenho muita admiração por todo conhecimento que você tem pela Palavra de Deus. Parábens! E, parábens por sua humildade diante de tanta sabedoria. Deus continue o abençoando. Sua irmã do Brasil.
ReplyDelete'24 years additional years of studies? Would 40 years in the wilderness have been preferable?'
ReplyDeleteI was a student from 1991 to 2010, so 19 years. I think I would prefer the studying, but now I need some ca$h.
Thanks, Looney.
Translated using Yahoo! Babel Fish!
ReplyDelete'I have much admiration for all knowledge that you have for the Word of God. Congratulations! E, congratulations for its humildade ahead of as much wisdom. God continues blessing. Its sister of Brazil.'
Thank you, Katia, very kindly.
I respect you for working through your Christian faith online and assisting others and appreciate your personal support.
Guitar god of thunder
ReplyDeleteOne clarification to the timeline is that Russ actually was initially accepted to a PhD program at Manchester. The MPhil+PhD combination was associated with Wales.
ReplyDeleteFirst clip of animated Hulk vs. Thor
ReplyDelete'Guitar god of thunder'
ReplyDeleteYes, well I am glad I have stayed away from illegal drugs.:)
'One clarification to the timeline is that Russ actually was initially accepted to a PhD program at Manchester. The MPhil+PhD combination was associated with Wales.'
ReplyDeleteTrue.
But, the MPhil can be awarded after the Viva instead of a PhD. This would be the case at Manchester and other in the UK.
Hulk beats Thor in part 2.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Uncle Chuckins.
Hulk vs.Thing
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