Eric Vanden Eykel

In this golden era of shareable online calendars and scheduling apps, there is absolutely no reason for us to do the back-and-forth reply all email threads to try and find 30 minutes to “touch base.”

Just posting this to let you know that even though you printed your name tag, you left it at home. #sblaar25

And what exactly is wrong with my occupation! I run a candle making business out of my garage!

What a wonderfully pleasant surprise! Safe travels!

“I sell insurance.”

Thanks I hate it.

Do not take pleasure in my suffering

Two strangers at my gate are talking about evangelization strategies and I am certain that I will end up sitting next to one of them on this flight.

One I'm still struggling with, but it's so important: you don't need to be in sessions/papers all day, every day. Take breaks! - and: take a few hours in the book exhibition to browse through books and also to just meet people. (My personal happy place)

Get free food and drinks in the evenings by reception-hopping. Do at least three receptions to ensure a balanced diet.

New conference advice: the AARSBL25 app has a messaging feature, so you can now message folks whose numbers you don’t have to meet for food/coffee/receptions!

Totally fine to hop in/out of sessions (try to do so discretely by sitting near the back). Pace thyself with free alchohol—fatigue, dehydration and nerves can make one drink go further than you might expect. Whether making your schedule or chatting with others, be curious about work beyond your area

Is is DRY. Bring lip balm. You too, mens. Also: Pick up all the free swag and give it to your students later.

Department receptions are places for alums to gather but most are also open to anyone. Feel free to drop in and meet people.

Get a conference buddy. There are weird moments and points where you have down time so have a friend you can touch base, meet up, or process whatever strange encounter you just had (which will happen). #AARSBL25

It's cool and expected for you to introduce yourself to people---we're there to meet each other! If you don't feel like you can just go right up to someone, know that there are friends who will make the connection for you, just ask!

#SBLAAR25: breakfast is one of the most expensive/inconvenient meals at conferences. on day 1 find a grocery/convenience store near your hotel & stock up on a few days worth of yogurt, cereal, etc. so you can save money & breakfast in your PJs.

Those heading to Boston for SBL/AAR, let me know if you have any interest in a pub meetup Friday night? Would be nice to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones!

#sblaar25 #aarsbl25

Dodge the train get hit by the bus.

It’s difficult to escape the sense that we’re witnessing the beginning of the end of this presidency. But these unravelings do take time. Nixon, after all, didn’t resign until more than a year after Senate hearings on Watergate were underway.

As an example of how traditions are passed on and sometimes change along the way, this morning on the way to the bus stop, my son looked at me and said “When I step on this crack, you will DIE!”

This video is the first of a few that we talk about the so-called star of Bethlehem. #epiphany #christmas #bible TikTok video by Eric Vanden Eykel

On the star.

www.tiktok.com/t/ZTMoTSG2a/

Replying to @Hassleback TikTok video by Eric Vanden Eykel

On why myths do, in fact, matter.

www.tiktok.com/t/ZTMoThfhn/

Matthew describes the visitors who come to Bethlehem seeking a king as “magoi,” and most English bibles render this term as “wise men” or “astrologers.” What’s the best option? #epiphany #christmas #b... TikTok video by Eric Vanden Eykel

On translating “magoi” in Matthew.

www.tiktok.com/t/ZTMo3wVCb/

The first video in a series exploring the “wise men” who visit Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. #epiphany #christmas #bible TikTok video by Eric Vanden Eykel

Since we are coming up on Magi season, I’ve started putting some Magi related videos on TikTok. Have a look if that’s your thing 😎 #CountdownToEpiphany

www.tiktok.com/t/ZTMo3EDDN/

But seriously, y’all keep in mind that this is probably what they’ll look like.

A document with every line redacted.

Epstein files are already trickling out.

Acknowledgment: my thanks are due to Jonathan Price for translating the original manuscript from my English into English and for making many valuable suggestions.

Oof. I felt this acknowledgment in my bones. I am supremely grateful for good editors!

Screenshot of an animated satan, with the words “say hi to satan.”

TikTok is wild.