It's All Basically the Same

Things Have Changed

2009-04-07T10:09:00.001-05:00

Finally back to blogging after going through the acceptance period for seminary. I'm using a new browser called Flock that lets you seamlessly blog and add media to your posts using a neat interface; it is pretty sweet.

A lot has happened in the last five months. My friend got engaged and asked me to be his best man, which is just beyond awesome. I got laid off due to the recession and Karen is now working at a food joint. Karen and I have also joined a gym for a free month, and I'm starting to feel pretty jacked.

It has been really hard for me to look for a new job, and also hard to not be able to bring any money into the family for a little. However, things are working out, we have some money saved, and I am somewhat confident we can get through this financial situation. For the first time in a bit it feels like God has our backs again. With the business starting and leaving school I never really felt like things were that great, even when things worked well. Then stuff crashed down around us financially and I literally reached my breaking point of "this is enough" what with my lack of earning power and things just plain going wrong for Karen and I. Like I said, I think we can get through this now, things just sort of feel better and God has felt a lot closer.

As for our new gym, it's going to be hard to leave. Their machines are amazing, the hot tubs are huge, and the steam baths remove all worries. I'm just going to take full advantage of that action and try to get cut for my friend's wedding this July.

I got into SMU's School of Theology, but I'm frankly confused about what to do from here. LeTourneau has a new Air Traffic Control program (an Associate's) that would allow me to be in a field I've always love and hopefully provide me with a good amount of earning power. I'm thinking that with starting a family sometime and the overall desire to enjoy life, I would not be able to do the Ph.D. nor would I want to be a pastor (that would make life not enjoyable). So I'm looking serioulsy at the ATC thing now, it really all depends on the financial aid from SMU.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Skiing Cooler Than Snowboarding

2008-12-06T11:04:00.002-06:00

Below is a list from ESPN on the reason's skiing is cooler than boarding. I also think skiing is a lot less trendy and has more options than boarding. However, in America, we just love to be different than everyone else by being the same, thus many people snowboard. I feel bad for snowboarders, I think a lot of them just do it because their friends do or they think Tony Hawk would. If you're a boarder, the next time you fuss with your bindings before getting off the lift or sit on your ass like a homeless bum while waiting for a jump, you might think of what you miss out on, and you'll have my sympathies.

1. Skiing is Original:
Scandinavian artifacts indicate that people skied as early as 5000 B.C. Since then, skier inventions such as the metal edge, the polyurethane base and the chairlift have revolutionized snow-riding sports. Meanwhile, snowboarders, riding strong since the 1960s, revolutionized the anti-social resort experience by inventing the iPod pocket and the ridiculously gigantic headphone.

2. Skiers Go Faster:
Skiers leave snowboarders in the dust. No disrespect; it's just, like, physics. Skis offer riders a longer running surface, the stability of independent feet and a forward-facing stance conducive to a sleek, aerodynamic tuck position. Consequently, skis are the ticket to the biggest thrills, loftiest boosts, and blazingest speeds you can get without a motor.

3. Skiers Fly Higher:
In the spring of 2008, Simon Dumont (left) boosted a 35-foot cork 900, eclipsing the previous world quarterpipe height record of 32 feet, set by snowboarder Terje Haakonsen in 2007. Scandinavian skiers like Jacob Wester have repeatedly pushed the limits for height on similar features. For today's best freestyle skiers, a 15-foot halfpipe air is standard. Scared of heights? Strap on a snowboard.

4. Skiing Moguls is Fun
Moguls. They're fun: You'd have to have a heart of stone to not crack a smile while bobbing your head and wiggling your hips that much. They're fast: I mean, if you're going through them on skis. They're culturally relevant: The first Olympic mogul competition happened in 1988, the same year Sonny Bono (also a skier, R.I.P.) was elected mayor of Palm Springs. You could ride them on a snowboard, but it wouldn't be the same.

5. Skiing is Efficient:
To see how many fewer hassles skiing involves, one need look no further than the top of the chairlift. Whereas skis whisk you down the piste with ease and efficiency, snowboarding is a constant struggle of strapping, unstrapping, sitting, standing, and checking to see that your pants are properly sagged.

6. The Elite Ski:
Skiing is expensive and ski terrain is sometimes quite difficult to access. This makes it a perfect pastime for the wealthy, powerful, and famous. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the world's most powerful (physically) political leader, loves to ski. So do a host of other aristocrats including Prince Charles and Paris Hilton. Perhaps the only sport more elite is polo. But come on. Polo? (Ok this one is dumb, but it might win the d-bags over from boarding, and d-bags are people too...sometimes. God knows there is a lot of 'em that board.)

7. Skiing is Exclusive:
Sometimes you want to go where everybody shreds the same. Snowboarders, unfortunately, are stuck with skiers in all places inbounds. Skiers, on the other hand, can still resort to homogeneity in three superlative places: Mad River Glen, the most challenging mountain on the East Coast; Alta, the second snowiest resort in North America; or Deer Valley, home of the world's most expensive lunch.

8. Skiing has Better Movies:
Hollywood liked skiing in the '80s and '90s and produced a wealth of successful, stirring, ski-related films. Today's skiers get to relive Lane Meyer's hard-fought descent of the K-12 in Better Off Dead ($11 M gross earnings), TJ Burke's bittersweet Powder 8 victory in Aspen Extreme ($8 M), and all of Harkin Banks's conquests in and out of the gondola in Hot Dog ($17 M). Snowboarders are stuck with whatever happened in Out Cold — assuming anybody saw it.

9. Skiing is in the Name:
Even if you snowboard, you're snowboarding at a ski resort. Afterward, you might do a ski-shot, or some other aprés-ski activity in a ski town, but none of it will go down in a snowboard town since there's no such thing as a snowboard town. Mammoth might be the closest thing, but based on its location, it's more like a remote snowboard research colony or snowboard space station than a snowboard town.

10. Skiing Isn't Cool, and Thus is Cooler
With its cool clothes, big stars and striking resemblance to skateboarding, snowboarding has almost fully replaced skiing as the preferred way for winter-minded teenagers to fit in. Being unique, however, often results in increased coolness. Therefore, by not being as cool as snowboarding, skiing is actually way cooler.

Turkey Day

2008-11-24T13:26:00.005-06:00

So, I have two pet peeves about Thanksgiving, and these are in fact more just personal preferences.

One, I love my Turkey brined. If it isn't, I'll still eat it, but I'll get the same look on my face that I do when I drink a Coors and I start thinking about Guinness from the tap. Nothing beats a brine for a Turkey, it really is the perfect way to cook the bird, and by golly it's the only way to go. It keeps the meat juicy and tender, adds a ton of flavor, and let's you cook the bird thoroughly without it getting dry.

That's one, two:

Tryptophan! It's in Turkey, and most people think it makes you all sleepy and lazy on Thanksgiving Day, but it does not. Swiss cheese, a Big Mac, and Pork all contain significantly larger amounts of Tryptophan than Turkey. In fact, Tryptophan is present in all kinds of meat, not just Turkey. Many feel sleepy on Thanksgiving Day because they eat such a large meal, and this directs blood to the GI system, making them feel sluggish and drowsy. So, let's not do the Tryptophan trend. Saying it's the Tryptophan is like saying cookies taste good because flour is in them...it just doesn't add up.

Anyway, thought I'd put those down. Happy Thanksgiving All!

For more, click here

Another Reason to Live in Texas

2008-11-20T14:42:00.002-06:00

I know gas is dropping all over the country, but I saw a news story the other night that showed North Texas as having some of the lowest prices in the nation. The national average is 2.02 at the time of this post, I paid the below price the other day and walked away from the pump with a bounce in my step.

Whoops!

2008-11-12T13:53:00.002-06:00

This is a Howard Stern radio broadcast, which is amazingly funny and also extremely disturbing. He went to Harlem to talk with black voters about why they support Obama, except he switched main policies and vice presidential picks between Obama and McCain. It's pretty interesting, I hope this represents just a minority of voters.

The Bush Example

2008-11-10T12:01:00.003-06:00

I did not vote for Barack Obama, but he is now my president, and I have a great deal of respect for that. I think that most Republicans have done a good job realizing that a strong president is the best thing for America, whether it is their guy or not. Now is not the time for a lot of hate and dissent, now is the time for progress and security in order to protect our country in every way possible.

Bush set a good tone this last week, encouraging the nation to transition quickly and productivity, and fully committing himself to moving Obama in as fast as he can. Let's look back 8 years ago. Bill Clinton offered nothing more than a little sarcasm at the coming Bush administration, and did very little to help with the transition. The left took up chants of "not my president" and began cultivating an attitude of hate and opposition at every chance instead of looking to loyally oppose their president. I thank God that my party on the whole does not like the majority of the left 8 years ago. We need a strong president to keep safe. While I think that I will disagree with Obama in the future, I will wait and be loyal as an American first, and oppose in appropriate and productive ways. In today's world, I much prefer the president be ready for everything the moment he steps into the White House, rather than have to catch up to events.

I honestly hope the left can come around someday and be Americans first, Democrats second. The latest incident is the gay marriage amendment in California. Somehow proponents of gay marriage think it is alright to hate racially and threaten to burn down churches, all because most people don't agree with them. This is America, a decision was based democratically, and people are allowed to vote the way they want to. There is no cause to throw out bitter hate and threaten to commit felonies on proper citizens, that's just disgusting. On a side note, it's pretty hilarious the left in California is just tearing apart themselves and anyone who will listen, again, being an American first and a...well whatever you are that makes you threaten people based on race and religion...a fascist, a racist, a monster...second. You have to appreciate the disgusting hilarity of that situation.

Good Satire on the Election

2008-11-09T23:40:00.001-06:00

I must say, I'm not normally a South Park fan, but there are a few select episodes that I have seen and liked. This video is a South Park take on the election, and it honestly is one of the most good-natured, fair, and funny views on everything. Kudos to South Park for the video, only watch it if you don't mind a few swear words now and again.

Not Tired

2008-11-05T11:08:00.005-06:00

I finally made some tea today, I haven't done so in the last 8 months or so with the hot weather and all. I forgot how good tea makes you feel, it keeps you focused and energized while tasting excellent. I miss the Dekalb Farmers Market, which had Jasmine Oolong and other great teas for really cheap, I mean dirt cheap. Thankfully I still have several containers from when we were in Georgia. Almost done applying to SMU, hopefully that process wraps up when I get my last essay finished. I'm very thankful for all the people in my life that help me so much with the process of grad school, I've been truly blessed.

And now for something you'll really like! Matt Payne sent me some great Ben Folds tracks with WASO, they're really awesome, that man has talent.

Side note: I hope Obama is the moderate liberal with some conservative values he says he is, and that extremists like Pelosi do not push him around; I'm giving our President Elect a fair shake and honestly wish him well.

Color Wars

2008-11-04T16:22:00.005-06:00

Throughout this election on talk shows and interviews, I have seen black voters say repeatedly that race is a huge, if not the only, factor for them in this election. A good example out of the many is Tracy Morgan on Conan replying to the question "who are you voting for?" with the answer "who do you think, I'm black." Why is this acceptable? So many people have fought for too long to have people revert to voting based mainly on skin color. I have heard this from blacks and whites, but surprisingly from many blacks. Some feel that skin color is a major issue, and I wonder how progressive this really is. I understand it's a major achievement for the black community to have a black man running for president, but to overlook flaws or merely to choose based on skin color misses the point. Vote for Obama or McCain because you agree with them or feel that they have the best experience for America's current problems. Do not vote for them because they are white or black. Racism can affect both sides in this election, and the bug can bite both black and white people. Our skin color does not make us immune to racism and I encourage both blacks and whites to not vote based on skin color, but for the right man for the job.

That's for this election. I voted today, hope you did too!

Either Way, Stop the Hate

2008-11-03T20:06:00.004-06:00

The last eight years have brought out the very ugly side of America. We've seen people make unsupported lies and wish people dead based on ideological views. I remember reading about Tony Snow's death, and many comments to that story (an alarming number in fact) were praising his death as an act of God and laughing at this family man rotting in hell. When is there ever need for stuff like this? Recently a San Francisco radio DJ was overheard yelling expletives and death threats at John McCain and Joe the Plumber during a previously recorded news spot. Again, why? What could possibly motivate someone to wish another dead on party lines? I don't think America will go far enough left or right to call for people to get up arms and defend themselves from tyranny. Fact is, there is no call for hate of this magnitude in a democratic system that rivals any other in the world. We need to have respect for other opinions out there and not run like the other half doesn't exist.

This election, no matter who wins, should be a call for us to unite and fix the problems that need fixing. Sadly, I do no think this will happen. Rational thinking often doesn't come from certain people, whether their guy wins or loses. Both parties have whackos out there, and both parties also have some good folks, and both parties need to be balanced by the other sometimes. However, there should never be the hate that I've seen over the last eight years, it's truly horrendous. We don't need to agree, but stop the hate.

Also, if you're a Republican and expecting McCain to lose, don't worry. Obama may be fairly liberal, but he had to resort to conservative talking points on lower taxes, strong foreign policy, and strong defense spending to get the votes he needed. This country is still a Center-Right country, and conservative ideals are not ending with Obama, even if he won't actually implement any of the conservative talking points he used to get votes. But if he doesn't, the people of the United States have a good memory, and our ethics and values are not thrown out overnight or at the drop of an eloquent speech.

So, Fox News is Biased and Unfair? Clearly Not.

2008-11-02T22:47:00.003-06:00

The Project for Excellence in Journalism, an unbiased and unaffiliated news reporting agency, has determined that Fox News has the most "fair and balanced" coverage of the election in this recent study. That's right, Fox News, the always hated network by the left who time after time try to tie their proper news coverage to an overall conspiracy of "conservative hate." Obama has critiqued them in rhetoric, left wing bloggers are always at their throats, and much of the other media tries to paint them as negative and biased.

However, this study has proven that Fox News does try to bring all the news stories to you in a fair manner that lets the viewer decide, and in fact they have succeeded at that. Even if you throw out the data and all the clearly biased AP articles hitting Fox News, you cannot deny that the ratings for Fox News are consistently higher than the competition by a wide margin. Also, a serious news network's best way to put bias aganist it to rest is to do their job well everyday in order to say back "the proof is in the pudding." I do not like how Fox News has become a buzzword on the left symonomous with "stupidity" and "fear mongering" when it has better ratings because of its fair, calm manner of reporting stories that inform the viewer without telling them how to think. Look at the records of any given day, and you'll find Fox has as many Democrats as it does Conservatives and that its ratings are consistently higher, especially in prime time. Don't try to box people into only hearing the "left approved" news like MSNBC by throwing unmerited hate at Fox. By the way, the same study showed MSNBC as very biased "pro Obama," it looks like they really might think he is beyond humanity from the numbers on their coverage.

If you're going to write about poor journalism, write about the loss of integrity at MSNBC.

I'm Covered

2008-11-02T19:32:00.002-06:00

So found this list from the New York Post and looked up several of the more interesting cover songs. The below is a favorite song of Karen's and myself, and it's a fairly unexpected but good rendering of "Under Pressure" by David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. I have wasted much time on you tube as a result of this list looking for sweet covers, a process that was started by Bowie's "Space Oddity" cover on a Lincoln commerical. Meh, whadda gonna do?

Oh, and John Coulton's folk rendition of "Baby Got Back"

Interesting Video/Small Political Vent

2008-10-31T10:49:00.003-05:00

I agree with this video. The war has been tough, and it really wasn't properly managed until Petraeus and the troop surge, which is working fantastically well. Some parts of Iraq are safer than Chicago by far, meaning you have a better chance of getting killed in a big US city than Iraq.

I think that some people forget that A) what happened to our country was unprecedented in many ways, and our actions have prevented another attack on the US from happening again, whether you like the war or not. B) We forget that the Iraq we liberated lived in oppression, racial tension, violence, rape, and suppression. All of these things both Democrats and Republicans can agree are awful and evil. Did everything go perfectly, no. Did we find a solution that works now, yes. Is Al-Queda on the rocks now? I think they have been increasingly disorganized and live in fear.

It's fine that Obama took the popular party line and hated on Iraq, but there are men and women there doing good work, and the people there are far better off than they were 8 years ago. Bush has made mistakes, he's also had unprecedented challenges, but the war is not an overreaction, it wasn't for money, and it has liberated a nation. If you agree with it or not, you must not diminish the sacrifices of those men by leaving the job unfinished and treating the whole thing as an "evil Republican mistake." As I recall most of American wanted something done after 9/11, and it has been.

All I know is that if I had a choice between Bush and Jimmy Carter, It'd be Bush; we have had many worse presidents (Hoover, FDR, even though WWII gets him off the hook). John McCain is not George Bush, and in fact I think Barry is closer to a Jimmy Carter, I've read history and I don't want that again. Whoever wins, they'll have a lot to do, and my understanding of economic principles, history, law, and morals leads me undoubtedly to John McCain. I am not racist, dumb, or a bad person, and I'm voting McCain. There's things I don't like about both, and I'm not the guy who lets politics make walls that stop normal human interaction. I in fact hate that attitude which many people on both sides have. Politics are important, but it shouldn't bring forth hate like the Daily Kos or prevent people from working together or living together in the everyday world.

Rock Band+Beatles=Don't Bother With Guitar Hero

2008-10-29T20:51:00.003-05:00

Somehow MTV was able to break through the Yoko wall and get to Paul McCartney. In a new deal MTV's Rock Band will now feature several Beatles songs on its platform, like "Revolution," "Helter Skelter," and "Hey Jude." Rock Band was already far better in my opinion, with the set lists and DLCs already edging out Guitar Hero, which was very late in making more instruments than just the guitar.

There are still some folks out there who vouch for Guitar Hero, and there are some good songs on that system like "Jessie's Girl" and some Aerosmith tracks. However, I like the interface, the instruments, and now even more the set list on Rock Band. This is truly great and you can read the full story here.

Liberation Theology

2008-10-28T11:45:00.003-05:00

Last year at Emory we focused on James Cone's interpretation of Jesus Christ and the Trinity. He did most of his work during the civil rights movement and is a black liberation theologian. Most of his arguments that I read did not match up with Jeremiah Wright's view of a God who does not and cannot bless whites. However, looking back on it, Cone used a lot of language as God for the oppressed. I believe God is for the oppressed, but I think he's for all the oppressed and one could argue everyone born into a sinful world is oppressed. However, Cone goes onto say that Jesus cares deeply for the oppressed as shown in scripture, and that his actions were solely to lift the oppressed up, Christ was for the oppressed. Cone argued that Jesus was symbolically and literally black then, since at that point in history blacks were oppressed. Christ was black and conquered in order for the oppressed to conquer through his death and resurrection.

That's a very simple tidbit from Cone, and indeed it is controversial. My Systematics professor at Emory was quite brilliant, and I appreciated the opportunity to study this stuff, although I do believe Black Liberation Theology is outdated and filled with folly.

Cone wrote in the 1960s and 1970s, and then, blacks were oppressed in many places. However, one could make the argument that it is no longer blacks who are the most oppressed people, even if you limit your search to America. What about God of the Latino? God of the poor? God of the mentally challenged? We most likely will have a black president next week, how can people possibly hold onto the "White Devil" image when so much has changed? Racism goes both ways. In Atlanta, I think whites experience the same amount if not more racism thrown at them than Blacks. And why?

Perhaps people like Wright, who profit off of Racism and make careers out of hatred of the past have a lot of power of the mindset of Racism in this country. Either way, Black Liberation Theology started off as a platform for talking points in the civil rights era and never should have been considered to be proper theology, only a place where current issues can be brought up. Even with noble issues like civil rights, I think people like James Cone do a disservice to the Church when they make Church about only one issue and limit their doctrines to look through one pair of glasses. Dr. King would not have tainted the Christian message for promotion of civil rights, he was smart enough to preserve the importance of both without marrying them into an improper and ill-conceived marriage.

The God of the Bible and of sound theology is not one who harbors hate and ignorance in the name of injustice. God blesses America, the whites, the blacks, the latinos, and in many way blesses anyone and everyone. People like Jeremiah Wright should not impede the march of equality or promote a hateful, man-made God that only exists for the purpose of one race. Dr. Wright, stop the hypocrisy, stop the hate, and stop your backward ways for the benefit of all the world and every race.

Blame Fox News?

2008-10-27T19:30:00.004-05:00

Obama's 2001 interview hit the news today, which shed light on his further ideas to spread the wealth, this time to blacks explicitly. I do not wish to get into politics about that statement, but I do have a problem with Obama blaming Fox News. Fox News did not break the story, and they try very hard to be fair expressly because people like Obama often throw them under the bus when something doesn't go their way.

Obama said that Fox News is just dispatching lies, but Obama did the interview, and the interview transcript and recording floating around is legit, and it's not Fox News' fault.

It's funny to me that Fox News is "biased" and the people who yell curses at Fox News reporters trying to cover a large story and disrupt their telecasts are still allowed to call foul. Obama is a fine politician, he could sell ham to Jews if he wanted, and that skill is commendable. However, blaming hard working folks and falsely accusing them AND outright lying to people in order to slink away from something is not cool. Man up, figure out a solution, and don't throw lies around to cover your ass.

My personal opinion of Fox News is high. They take pride and ownership in their coverage, have the highest cable ratings, and are always quick to get something straight. I think Fox does a good job, they take journalism seriously, they have liberals and conservatives on alike, and they are trying to do their jobs. Do some of the opinion shows have conservative hosts, yes, but their newsroom is always balanced and believe or not even folks like Bill O'Reily (made out to be a conservative) is extremely fair and always avoids slanted views. This hatred for good journalism, which seems is nearly dead, just needs to be left behind.

Big Tex

2008-10-21T11:21:00.006-05:00

Went to the Texas State Fair the other day and had a great time. The thing was so huge, I had no idea. I got to go there once for Fine Arts class when it was closed to look at the murals on the buildings, so it was neat to go back and see everything filled with people. We didn't do muesums or rides or anything, but we did chill with a lot of great food and look at some nice exhibits, the best of which were the two car show buildings.

The above is a picture of the new Camaro coming out soon. In looks it surpassed the Mustang and the Challenger, and I think for the price it's your best bet for a car like that. It was pretty fun to walk around and get in each of the cars to see how it feels. Barring excessive choices, the two cars I would put on my short list if I won the lottery or something would be the Hyundai Genesis and the Saab 9-3 sedans. Both had a ton of room and nice performance. Hyundai is pretty amazing, they give you so much car for the price and the Genesis has nearly 400hp, which makes it a good deal all around.

That's a picture of Karen looking confused in front of a butter sculpture. I think it's funny, but I don't know why, I think it's because she's secretly wondering why I would take a picture of a butter sculpture and there were lots of people around. Finally, the food there was a amazing. Had some corn dogs, chicken fried steak, and great root beer. I avoided the fried PB&J, ice cream, coke, snickers bars, and banana splits. It amazes me how many foods can be fried. Despite my aversion to the latter fried foods, my body still said "wtf?" on Sunday and I stayed on the couch watching sports most of the day. All in all, I'd do it again, and it was fun to go to the big fair.

Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me

2008-10-19T22:51:00.002-05:00

So the Tampa Bay Rays just beat the Red Sox in game 7 of the ALCS in what was a great game of baseball. I still think one of the annual events the sport has to offer is watching the Yankees beating the Red Sox at Fenway, but these Rays play such good baseball that it's now a toss up. Baseball is great because the better team always wins, there's no lobbying, no financing, and no "truth squads." So hats off to Tampa, it's been fun watching them all year. They play scrappy, smart small ball and it's really fun to see a team of young kids really work like a team. I'll be cheering them on in the World Series and thank them for kicking the pretentious Red Sox out on their butts. Go Rays!

Penn and Teller on the Right to Carry

2008-10-14T11:57:00.004-05:00

Penn and Teller have a pretty sweet show called "Bullshit." They take a look at many different topics from "Being Green" to "Dolphins Delivering Babies" and look at reason, law, science, and common sense. Below is their take on the 2nd Amendment, which no one seems to know how to read in some circles, but they pretty much nail it.

P.S. When did it become so cool to throw out Constitutional Ideals? Wouldn't we hold that document up with the highest respect? Sometimes social concerns do a great job at chipping away at the freedoms America was founded on, and that all of us deserve.

What's funny is that gun control laws are often "racist" in the sense that they apply to far more black people than white people. I guess Jim Crow's spirit still hangs around for some proponents of gun control, after all, that's where the origins lie.

I Guess He Likes Clean Ears

2008-10-13T07:33:00.003-05:00

One of our cats, Reggie, is deeply in love with q-tips used to clean ears. I'm not sure why he likes them so much, but he'll take any available opportunity to sneak some from an unguarded box and play with it until nothing is left. Karen and I try to not leave the box out, but the other day we did. I was able to catch him just as he had a paw on the lid and removed the q-tips to a drawer in the office. To the best of my knowledge, the cat didn't see me put them in the drawer. None the less, the other day he kept getting on top of the desk and poking around. After rebuking him a couple of times, we started to wonder why he did that all of the sudden, and then we saw him put a paw up on the drawer with the q-tips. What the heck? Do q-tips smell or something? Is he just a smart little sneak? I don't know but it was pretty funny. I think I'm going to move the box around to different locations and see what he does to try and find them. Yes ladies and gentlemen, I apparently am that bored and indeed that lame; stay posted for updates.

Back to the Blog/My Current Events

2008-10-10T13:04:00.003-05:00

I have changed my personal blog from my "Mobile Me" Mac address back the the good old blogspot. The other address is now being used for hosting www.cogentrenderings.com, which is the freelance business for graphic/web design that Erin Bender and I run. While the mac setup was slick, I think I'm more inclined to post on this, so it all works out.

It's kind of fun to look back here at all of my LU posts, kind of nice to have everything tie together. I'm looking at applying to SMU (Perkins School of Theology) here in Dallas for the Fall of '09, either part time or full depending on the financial aid situation. I have enough time and money invested in a seminary degree already that it would just be irresponsible not to finish it, and to be honest, it's pretty fun. That being said I'm glad we took a break, I'm glad to be out of Atlanta, and I'm very glad to be back in Texas (specifically Dallas). So things are going well. I worry about making everything work, and I'm continuing the business as best as I can. Karen always has tons of more trust in God, which is good for me. So I'm just going to keep plucking along on the path as stated above and hopefully things will keep working out.

I'm also looking at being a Chaplain in either the Air Force or the Navy Reserves during college (and 8 years after), which has been fun. Going back to before I changed my major I wanted to be a pilot in the forces, and I have always wanted to serve my country in some way, so doing the reserves seems like a great fit for me. I could request active duty after seminary, but I don't want to leave Dallas right now nor do I want to give up on the business or other connections; we have a lot of fun friends here. Karen especially is a people person, I'm glad everything is working out for her right now especially, she's been happy and calm and that has been good for me.

So things are alright, we're getting by and having fun doing it, can't ask for more really. Stay tuned for more at this address.

Archeo-Porn

2007-09-21T15:48:00.001-05:00

My Hebrew professor used this term in reference to the "new discoveries" that come out every single year, such as James Cameron's Jesus Box. I got to see the Jesus box the other week in Emory Origins of Christianity exhibit at Carlos Museum, it was pretty cool. What's even cooler is that Cameron made so much money of the boxes he found in Jerusalem, not Nazareth, with two of the most common names in antiquity. As my professor says about it, "It's tantalizing, but not true."

Things are going pretty well here in Atlanta. I haven't blogged in a very long time, I'll try to keep up. Emory is really fun, and the professors are all really good. It's weird coming from LU to here, but its a good kind of weird. Its been fun to be with lots of people with similar interests and different ideas and talents regarding Biblical Studies.

Kare and I also found a good church just a block over from our apartment. There are some nice couples there that are fun to hang out with.

It's Friday, the cat is sleeping, and I think that's a darn good idea. Until next time...

Moving and Motion

2007-06-05T19:41:00.000-05:00

Karen and I are headed up to the austerity of Longview tomorrow to pack our belongings, give away our old clothes, and clean up our first apartment. It was fun living at LeTourneau, but it will be nice to finally throw our stuff into a POD and let it be done. We'll then be headed to the bucolic countryside of New York to visit with my family for a couple of weeks before moving over to Atlanta. It will be nice to hang out with friends, cruise on the lake, and travel around the Northeast.

We leased an apartment today that fits our needs pretty well. It has an office, it's in a safe and newer building, and the price is more than right. I may end up biking myself through the urban jungles of Atlanta in order to get to school, but we'll see how scared I get of southern city drivers before the term starts. Karen and I have been doing well. We're both excited about moving this summer and having our first anniversary this July. Things are good, busy but good. I feel closer to my lovely wife everyday and I am continually excited and uplifted by the fact that I can spend my life with someone who is so beautiful and takes such good care of me (Incorrect Sentence, but no time to edit, sorry english folks). I'm not afraid of writing that mush on here: A)because it upsets people who are so low in the self esteem department they must make fun of and belittle the small amount of mush to make themselves feel better and B) Because Karen is far much more of a wife than I could ever imagine, and thus the mush is true. C) No one really reads this anymore due to my poor decorum in the blog upkeep department. And D) You feel the same way about your loved one, and if you don't you need to pull a Will Farrel and stop by the Welshly Arms Hotel.

New Spree Record June 19th!!

Graduation

2007-05-14T08:32:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures from grad last week.

My Life Through the Lens of a Marketing Machine

2007-05-10T10:58:00.000-05:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

I'm Done

2007-04-30T15:04:00.000-05:00

Well I have no more work to do for school. It's been a great four years that has gone by very fast, but that has been amazing. I am so thankful for the times that I have had and the great people I have come to know. So thanks to everyone who has helped me grow, learn, think, and love over the last four years; I have no regrets.

Ok, so enough of near sap and onto this weekend past. A bunch of us went out to the Rodeo in grand ol' Mesquite, TX. Even the Schmorg came out to watch a bunch of people play with bulls or drop calfs with their bare hands. Watching the Rodeo taught me two things. One: I still never want to go near a bull under any circumstances (yes, even to eat it, the meat is gamey). Two: little kids riding sheep is one of the best things on the planet. These 5 year olds would jump on the back of a small sheep and ride it until the animal flipped over from the high center of gravity, thus spilling both animal and child in a heap. The Rodeo was a fun cross-cultural experience and is worth going to again.

We went to see Bubbles a bit too. The new addition of a crazy kitten in his apartment made for an educational experience regarding kitty fitness and sleeping habits (or lack there of). We also got to meet with his awesome new "special friend"(sericously, who says that anymore?) Erin, who is hands down awesome person for her liking of Central Market. Anyway, this past weekend was a good way to end a good four years. So bring on the parents, cleaning, and numerous last minute activites, I'm ready!

Backseat Driver

2007-03-06T22:13:00.000-06:00

I went out for a walk tonight to enjoy the crisp spring air that has been in such abundance lately. As I climbed the steps up from MSC and began to stride across the parking lot, I thought of tomorrow's homework load and wondered if I could get away with studying for another class in world religions. "That's odd, that person has piled various clothes up in the back of their truck," I thought as my old train of thought was broken by this odd spectacle. "Why would clothes be in the back of...ah, ooh, uh-oh." My eyes turned towards the ground as soon as I realized what could have been happening. When I passed the truck it seemed to lurch and gyrate, almost as if my presence startled it. Smiling to myself, I gave a friendly salute through the very dark back window and went on my merry way. What is the point of all this? Well, for starters, if you're going to make out in the backseat, remember that your front window is not tinted. Thus, parking your car's front window directly at the sidewalk might not be a good thing. Also, try driving somewhere to make out. Yes, yes, I know that you can't keep your paws off of each other but honestly, in Thomas parking lot? I believe intelligence has now gone by the wayside along with class. I suppose backseats of trucks have spawned many a great men and women over the years, so who am I, a passerby, to contend? However, remember my advice, and hopefully you won't be the subject of a bored and mildly amused person's blog when you're fumbling around in the backseat.

A Good Weekend

2007-03-05T00:32:00.000-06:00

This weekend ended up being pretty great. I missed out on going to the SBL conference in Dallas due to sickness/tiredness, but staying at home was probably the best move. Miki had her 3/4 Birthday today (Don't ask me how that came about, it's all CC's creative pondering) and it was great to hang out and play some spoons with folks.

We're leaving early for Spring Break, so I just have a couple of tests to knock off and then it's off to gloryland...aka my in-laws. Anyway, I plan on enjoying myself, walking on the river, and hanging out by the pool in sunny San Antonio; life doesn't get too much better.

So when you add everything up, I really want to get out of here and I'm thnakful that we have a good place to go. Also, the old man who own's Pietro's makes a darn good pizza pie; I don't care what you say, that man gives it a special touch that delights the taste buds. (Now make a comment in your head about why it's special, try not to use overated stereotypes like bodily fluids and move onto fantastical powers...I think that the old man is really an 880 year-old wizard that brought the gift of pizza to the world.) I can write run ons as long as a (**) is used, and now I obviously need to go to sleep.

Worship

2007-02-28T12:23:00.000-06:00

I don't understand a lot of worship songs. I am not talking about the continual debate between hymns and contemporary (or at least what is contemporary now). However, I do wish to question the standard of worship found in many places today. People get up on stage and sing thier songs with useless lyrics and repetative phrases. Is that worship? How do we define what worship is, and can worship be defined in the same way for all people?

Walter Pater got me thinking about our perception to God and our worshipful interaction with Him. Pater talked of the human response to beauty and our ability to understand something and define as beautiful to be the highest standard in life. Many worship songs today define God as beautiful, but they do not elaborate as to why, and even if they did I do not think that someone's particular view of God's beauty would be the same for all. Our love of God is very relational and personal. We are in a sense defined and changed by our relationship with and belief in God. Pater, while a pagan, would say that something that changes us because it is beautiful is the definition of something beautiful.

Let's say God is beautiful, or to say further that what he does in our lives is beautiful. He guides us, opens our souls, and interacts with us daily in a process that continually changes how we live. Worship sometimes speaks of a common experience as salvation and attempts to universalize that experience in its lyrics. Today, many worship leaders attempt to bring the individual to a place where they can reflect and interact with God, which no doubt is a sentiment brought on by America's low context and individualistic culture. While this might be a good way to do corporate worship, I would contend that real worship takes place on our own, at least in our cultural context. On our own we truly experience our understanding of God and how we percieve beauty in his creation, our ability and opportunities to fellowship, and God's use of us as tools for the advancement of his kingdom. What might be beautiful to me is not beautiful to someone else, and the saying could be switched around as well. While we cannot fully define God because we cannot know all of Him, we can understand our own perceptions of beauty and reflect on God through living a worshipful life. I think it is important to take note of the beauty in things, and I also think that it is important to talk with others about such things. Perhaps corporate worship should not take place in the chapel, but rather in the living rooms, restaurants, and coffee shops; wherever we find ourselves reflecting on the beauty of God and his relationship with us either individually or with others.

Upstate Pride

2007-02-26T21:54:00.000-06:00

Last week the Sabres got into an amazing fight in their win over Ottawa. Ottawa took a shot at the Sabres captain in open ice (very bad form) and thus the Sabres head coach pretty much told his guys to start this brawl, which is just so amazing. I love watching the Sabres play because they have such a sense of team. There are a couple really talented guys, but it's more about everyone together. The Sabres are a class act and won't do cheap stuff, but if you do something stupid like this to them, they fight back. I look forward to the scrappy Sabres going all the way this year. Anyway, now that I've set up the situation, watch the you tube video below.

Oh also, Syracuse won tonight in a huge game aganist G'Town...Go Orangemen!

http://Sabres Fight

I Love America

2007-02-26T19:03:00.000-06:00

James Cameron (yes, the Titanic guy) announced that he was releasing a new documentary about Jesus' lost tomb. He claims that they found Jesus, his family, Mary his mother, Mary his lover, and his son Judah. The film producers said that people out there should be responsive because they like to poke holes in the tradition of Jesus.

Here's what I love. I love how people think they are smart when they seek to just poke holes into something because it exists. They do not realize that the archeology used is awful, that the graves were marked with common Jewish names, or that if they used their "statistics" to look at textual criticism, they would find that the Bible has more evidence than this new find of Christ's body. I love how we can just ignore things and hold onto theories that have no foundation at all and use complete scholarly disregard for the field of archeology and first century historical backgrounds.

America is awesome. You can just make a movie filled with crap, and people will accept it as truth just because it pokes holes at the norm. If we keep following our logic, in a hundred years we will poke holes in the things we use to poke holes into other things. Congrats, Director Cameron. You will make millions off something secular scholarship would call hogwash.

I am not writing this from a Christian view, but from a view of one who has studied archeology and is familiar with the first century context that this film chooses to ignore. But in the case of America, we will easily believe anything like sheep without for a second looking at scientific, philosophical, or historical facts behind the issue. So be American, believe the film. And in a year everyone will realize the lack of scholarship, and it will fall by the wayside. Have fun America, can't wait to see you be predictable again.

A Good Deal

2007-02-25T18:56:00.000-06:00

Karen and I went out shopping before my Emory trip for some "interviewish" style clothing at some of Longviews finest stores. J.C. Penny was one of our stops and had some fruitful sales, like 100 dollars off my suit jacket. However, the real deal came when Karen was tearing through the sale racks in deperate hopes. She found a sweater that looked nice and held it up. I liked it a lot and so I went to the pricetage (pictured below). It was a 100% Cashmere sweater marked down to 4.97 from 125 dollars! I really hate shopping, but we found 3 sweaters like that, and if shopping can feel more like robbing someone, I'm all for that. Anyway, my wife is yet again full of awesome little abilities, like saving hundreds of dollars while out shopping; she's almost better than switching to Geico car insurance.

Emory

2007-02-22T21:29:00.000-06:00

I got back yesterday from my trip to Emory in Atlanta, GA. They put me up in a hotel that is owned by the university, one of many various institutions that the university owns. The school has a huge convention center, hospital, apartment tower, and bus system right there on campus. So coming from LeTourneau, I find myself in a bit of a shock as my cabbie drove me past the giant skyline of downtown Atlanta and through the mile long main road that ran through the heart of Emory University.

After I checked in, I spent the rest of the day walking around marble-encrusted buildings and giant medical centers to get a feel for the place. The school has the second largest collection of theological materials in their library, which is just one of six at Emory. On our little admissions tour, they made sure to show us the many first editions of Reformation first editions, including Luther's German Translation and Erasmus' Greek New Testament.

On the whole it was a great experience. The campus was wonderful, the people in the theological commmunity there were smart and friendly, and while some there embraced other attitudes than my own, I felt good there. Many of the other students came from far different backgrounds than myself, and I am fairly certain that I am one of few stundents from an Evangelically based school. However, I'm up for a new experience, and while I do not think it will be easy academically or emotionally to attend there, I do believe it will help me grow a lot and place me in a wonderful position to advance in my field.

I'm glad all of the searching is finally over and I feel relief along with a sense of accomplishment. The program I am in at Emory is one of the best and most selective in the US, and I'm proud to go there. I have more stories about cabbies in Atlanta and the fanatic attraction of the admissions staff to my middle name ("Oh, you're David TRAIL Blaser? Hahahah"), but those can wait for another time. I had a great trip, learned a lot, and like where I'm ending up. I just hope all goes well from here on in. But some advice: if you're a Bible nerd and are in Atlant, make sure to see all of those pretty first editions in the Candler library, but they won't let you check them out since they're written by German-folk...I just WWII still hits home there or something.

Chocolate

2007-02-14T14:42:00.000-06:00

It's amazing how the food channel can dictate my interests. While it may seem bad that the TV can guide my budding passions, this is not necessarily a bad scenario. Last week the Food Network told me to learn about chocolate, because it was chocolate week. So what did I do? I learned about chocolate. Again, this is not a bad thing. Karen and I have been experimenting with powders and combinations for the last few days. We've spiced up cookies and found out that chocolate is good for you in it's purest form with the coccoa butter removed. Anyway, Chocolate is good stuff. Not really the sugary milky stuff or the white filled with cocca butter bars, but the real thing. Made right, it drives the senses to euphoria and makes any cold day seem just a bit warmer. So get your hands on some of the good stuff: pure, without preservatives, uncut, chocolate.

My Wife is Sweet

2007-02-14T09:18:00.000-06:00

I woke up this morning to find a candy trail leading to my computer--I like candy. I think a trail of candy is probably one of the coolest ways to wake up ever, thanks to my wife Karen.

It's Valentine's Day. We have our British Literature presentation today on Evolution. In light of today's events and the numerous dates occuring tonight, I wrote a small sketch to contrast the victorian era with our world today. It is as follows:

Date 1: A modern date with a guy and a girl out for V-Day. Girl is an incessant talker while the guy politely nods and is only half satisfied at his efforts to find a mate.

Girl: So, did you like chapel today?
U: Yeah, I really like how Dr. Hummel incorporated the..
Girl: Urhg, I can’t stand Dr. Hummel, did you see that tie he had on?
U: Tie? Um, no I really didn’t get..
G: It was ugly, believe me. And he just seems so droll and boring, honestly, I don’t know how anyone can listen to him.
U: Well, he’s a pretty nice guy when you get to know..
G: Speaking of ties, did you see What Not to Wear Last Night? This poor man had pants that definatley did not complement his lower portions, and his ties…get this, he had a (color of tie Ludwhig has on) I mean who wears those anymore?
U: Well, haha, yeah, I don’t know... (Dave walks in as waiter) oh here, I’ll take the check….

Dave acts as narrator as actors freeze. Now the Victorian skit, Date 2.

Girl: So darling, how was your day at the factory?
U: Fine, as usual. I don’t have enough time to have anything go wrong.
Girl: I had a good day too, my friend and…
U: Can you believe this? (Points to newspaper) Apparently Morse just sent a telegraph across electrical signals…amazing what us men can do when we put our minds to it.
G: Oh, how very true darling.
U: I’m just glad my education allows me to have a family that can carry on my name. It wouldn’t be the same if I couldn’t have a son to carry on my legacy.
G: Oh yes, I cannot wait to be able to raise children for you. They’ll be so lovely darling, we should call the first child Michael if he’s a bo…
U: Yes, yes, later darling, the food has arrived (Enter Dave as waiter to end scene).

Anyway, hope all you all have a good V-Day today. And if not, then chocolate will be on sale tomorrow. I'm thinking that I may just set up a candy trail before I go to bed every night, just because it's a wonderful way to wake up. Make sure you take a hint from Karen though and don't put any candy in the bathroom or on the toilet, I'm guessing it would kill the buzz.

Something New

2007-02-12T14:27:00.000-06:00

I was sitting in my office chair typing a paper this afternoon. The rain was trickling down the window next to me and the TV was humming at me softly in the background. As I paused to ponder, I glanced out the window only to see a very large flash in the sky. The flash itself was quite stunning and brilliant. After waiting a couple or silent seconds to hear thunder, I began to think that it must have been far off. With my gaurd down, a giant rush of noise came over me, as if God himself had picked up MSC and then threw it down to the ground to see how many pieces He could make of it. In fact I looked out my window to make sure MSC had not blown up, perhaps it wasn't thunder after all. However, as the sound continued to ring thorugh the sky and shake my walls for numerous seconds, I knew that this was no engineering experiment gone wrong. This whole thunder thing is something new for me. I'll gladly concede to any Texan that their state does in fact of the "biggest and best" thunder out there.

Afternoon Delight

2006-11-24T20:42:00.000-06:00

I'm down in San Antonio for the break, we skipped a few classes and took the late penalty on some assignments to come early, and it has paid off. I have a bunch of long papers I need to write in the coming week along with more grading and tutoring, but I can't force myself to do any work while on break here with Karen's family. Things like school seem to matter so much less here (which makes me wonder about life after graduation) and it actually feels like Karen and I are a real family down here away from the schoolwork. Our lives almost seem to have split personalities at LeTourneau; serving the gradebooks while trying to live like a family. I love coming down here merely for the chance to see a clearer picture of married life and to spend some quality time with Kare. Anyway, I'm going to keep avoiding homework so I can enjoy this time here all the more. Happy Thanksgiving!

Casino Royale

2006-11-18T14:04:00.000-06:00

The new James Bond film Casino Royale was in a word "amazing." Daniel Craig played the best Bond in a very, very long time. He had a personality and soul that showed through and made for some very entertaining dialouges and sequences. The screenplay was also brilliant. Finally we have moved from Hollywood hype and explosions to a rational and well planned masterpiece of intrigue. I then highly recommend Casino Royale for its great script, flushed out characters, and its tribute to the ideas 007 was founded on; it was so refreshing. I cannot say how happy I was with the movie, and am definatley on board with the new and insanely hardcore 007 Daniel Craig.

Stranger Than Fiction

2006-11-13T20:55:00.000-06:00

We went to see "Stranger Than Fiction" the other day. I knew the movie could not be that bad to begin with since the producer explicitly wanted the lead man from Spoon to make up most of the music for the movie. However, ontop of the Spooness, the movie was really great.

I highly recommend the movie and cannot state too much detail here without ruining the film. However, Will Farrel is at his best, and does about a 180 in his acting style in this movie. The supporing actresses and actors were also good; all of them from Dustin Hoffman to Queen Latifah. Emma Thompson did especially well, and in fact this is the only movie that I prefer her acting in. But on the whole, pick up Stranger Than Fiction, its definately a different look and very much worth your time.

Devilish Blue

2006-10-29T11:32:00.000-06:00

Well, it has been a very long time since my last post. Karen and I are doing well in our apartment, which is almost now fully decorated as of yesterday's belated bookshelf gift. The semester is going pretty well for me, I'm grading for Hummel and Tutor Greek; both of those have been fun.

I also finally filled out my graduate school application for Duke. I haven't heard back from them yet, but I hope things go well. At this point it would just be nice to know what my options are for next year. I'll try and post on here more, there have been some things I'd like to write about despite the lack of time this semester. Anyway, have a good day, I just wanted to let anyone reading this that I have not fallen fatally ill or anything like that.

The Not So Stressful Summer

2006-08-23T19:31:00.000-05:00

This summer has been very enjoyable. Ontop of getting married to Karen, I was able to spend some time relaxing in San Antonio, New York, and even here at school before everything gets crazy. Below are some pictures of my summer vacation for any who are interested. I'll try to post more now that we are settled in here at LeTourneau again.

The boats anchored just off the pier in my hometown.

Karen on the Boat.

Boathouses at Sunset

Canandaigua Lake

Garbage Plate at Charlie's

My Friends Burning Stuff

Matt with the Rangers

San Antonio

Honeymoon

2006-07-16T16:43:00.000-05:00

Karen and I have now been married for over a week! I haven't posted about it yet because we were away at South Padre Island, TX on honeymoon. It was a great trip and an amazing wedding. Here are some pictures from our ocean front suite on the top (5th) floor of our building and down on the beach.

Meat for Breakfast

2006-07-04T10:15:00.000-05:00

My friends and family came down from NY the other day, it's been a fun time having them here in Texas. We went exploring the Hill Country yesterday and ended up at Enchanted Rock State Park, which is a giant granite uprising topping of at 1800 feet of solid rock. It was smaller and different than the climbing I'm used to, but there were places here where you could fall into a crevice and die, which always makes things interesting. However, we kept it safe and avoided any hot spots where real climbers would have fun...and also have ropes. The bottom picture should be on a Billboard for "Don't Mess With Texas!" It's my friend Danny relieving himself on an open rock face.

White Hots

2006-06-28T20:54:00.000-05:00

White hot dogs. It's not sausage, it's not diseased, it's just a hot dog in the color of white. They are made by Zweigle's, which is an Upstate New York company. The white hots are of local renown as it were, and tend to have much more flavor than normal red hots as well as pack an added zing of spice. I mention the white hots because my parents are planning on flying several packs down in their carry-ons before my wedding. This feat is to be achieved by freezing the dogs for several days, and then packing them in newspaper and plastic; the theory being that they will keep cold until touch down. Zweigle's White Hots are fun not only for their taste, but also for their brand name in my book. Hearing an Upstater say "Zweigle's White Hots" is one of the most satisfying speech related events I have experienced. I'm not quite sure why (I think it could be something with the "Z" in Zweigle's), but hearing the aforementioned hot dog brand brings out the best of the characteristic nasely, almost squawking, Upstate accent. As a tribute to this curious kernel collection, I have made a small list of words that turn out to be amusing when said in the New York accent. They are as follows:

Loofah
Pablano (or any Mexican word)
Doppleganger
Mentholatum
Bra
Hurricane
Baylor
Monticello
Worcester (Woostah to the locals)
Oneida
Stromboli
Onondaga (or any Indian names)
Hillbilly
Downeast
Garage
(Any French Word)
Bagpipes

I myself hail from New York, and thus occasionally share my unique speech patterns with the rest of the world. However, I can say "Loofah" with no remorse and have indeed mastered it's vowel sounds. Bath and Body works will never laugh at me again!

Bachelor Party

2006-05-31T20:57:00.000-05:00

Some people like the rain, others find themselves keen on the sun. To be honest, I think I'm more of a sun person, even though most people in New York are not. They're not sun people because if they were, they'd be more than slightly disappointed for most of the year, due to the rain of course. My bachelor party began on a beautiful spring day in late May, 2006. I was shanghaied by my friends into the backseat of my own car. After having a hood placed on my head and several airsoft pellets hurled at my side; the ordeal was over and I was seated at a nice Mexican restaurant. Now its important to note that while New Yorkers are not sun people, they are lake people. Whenever the aforementioned sun rears its little head, every New Yorker instinctually runs out to the park or hops on a boat, knowing that they must grasp every ounce of short-lived sunlight. Being from New York, I followed this protocol on the night of my party. It was a sunset cruise. We pushed off while the glorious day was ending, and deposited ourselves in the middle of the lake to take in the dark night and stars. Night boating is fun because there is rarely anyone else out on the lake with you, and you can grab some pretty nice stargazes since there is not a light until the shoreline, which is at least a mile off on either side. After a couple hours of chewing the fat, we started to feel a bit chilly, it being New York and all, and decided to head back to the dock. I jovially put the key in the ignition, made a remark about flatus, and then turned over the engine. When I say that I turned over the engine, I mean that I attempted to turn on the engine. It seems that when a battery sits through the winter in a barn out in the middle of the field, bad things happen to it. Bad things meaning that it may only give you enough gas for one start, and then knock out entirely on the boater; my battery suffered no different fate. Once, twice, ten times and nothing doing. All things considered, its not such a bad experience. While its chilly, at least its not raining, and with the lights the boat would be easy to find. So, a quick call to 911's boat Sheriff, a few Mountain Dews, and we were back into party mode. That is, until someone crashed our happy little world. That someone would be none other than Mother Nature herself, and she was in full form: the full form of fog. Fog. Just like the merry gents of London toddled through on their walk home during the industrial revolution. It was probably the same fog that Jack the Ripper hid in, because we couldn't see 20 feet in front of us let alone any sign of the shore. Fog is cold. It's like the air is filled with little ice droplets that have marked you as their final destination. Not only is fog cold, fog has the joyous quality of being opaque. Lying on the deck in a caffeine driven stooper, I noticed that 2 and a half hours had passed, and it was now 2 o'clock in the morning. There is a vibration in my pocket, it's 911 calling me back for the fifth time that evening. However, this time the operator has the news I want to hear: the rescue boat had finally gotten a GPS fix on us! We wave the mag-lite and blow SOS on the whistle. A flash in the distance. A yell. The churning of a motor. A voice appropriately saying, "What the hell are you doing out here!" We are home. We have no idea how, but we are there. After a quick, restorative coffee at Denny's, the party comes to an end after following an amazing and fun trail that I never would have expected.

Nero Wolfe

2006-04-18T22:41:00.000-05:00

I started reading the mystery series of Nero Wolfe by Rex Stout the other week at my fiance's house. I'm really getting into them and would highly recommend the books or the TV series to those who love good, fun mysteries.

Gospel of Judas

2006-04-17T16:39:00.000-05:00

One of the guys on my floor was talking to me about this the other night. A following conversation about the canon and the apocrypha followed accordingly as well. The finding of The Gospel of Judas apparently has sparked a lot of debate about Christ and the Canon. To be honest, I really do not see why people jump on these things just because a guy in Zurich spent 4 million on it. The Gospel of Judas is just one in many other "Gospels" or testaments of various others such as Thomas, Mary, Peter, and so on, and we are bound to find more out there because they most certainly exist. Many texts of other Gospels and Apocalypses are used for insight into semantic meanings of Greek words, which are thus helpful to translation of the Bible. Sadly, Judas is not helpful in this way since it is written in Coptic. To me, this Gospel seems to follow a common thread of Gnostic influence that was not uncommon in any way in antiquity. However, just because a manuscript is found that was two hundred years after Christ's death, does not mean that it is true.

The Judas Gospel was probably pseudonymous, which was a common trait in ancient literature. Apocryphal books were often known to be pseudonymous and were still accepted by some into the canon. However, there are also examples where using someone else's name is taken very poorly. For instance, III Corinthians was attributed to Paul, although pseudonymous. Those who knew this were greatly upset at the lie and had clear scruples about using the identity of an Apostle. I say this because some of the books in our Christian Canon have been thought to be pseudonymous by many scholars, and were debated hotly when up for acceptance into the Canon. Let's say that the disputed books are not original (2 Peter, Revelation, 2, 3 John) and were written by someone with sound teaching high up in the Christian community. These books then have truth in them about God and God's plan in them. During the councils that met to finalize the Canon, there was a set of Characteristics or rules that the members followed to determine the validity of the book in question. The ones in the Bible today met all the theological, doctrinal, Christological, and logical requirements set forth by the members. The council was made so that arguing over books would stop, and influences from Gnostic writings and other low Christological works would cease.

Even if we opened the Canon back up today, which we shouldn't, the Gospel of Judas does not meet the requirements for acceptance into the Canon. If this text had been in Greek and brought up at the councils, it would have been shot down without question. I hope next time that a new Gospel is found it is in Greek, so at least some worth can be drawn from it outside a history channel special report. I trust the church fathers of old. I trust those who gave up false letters to authorities while under persecution while dying for the ones that spoke of God's truth. And I trust that it's all in God's hands, and that he has used people over the years to provide and preserve his word

Inside Man

2006-04-01T01:09:00.000-06:00

A bunch of us went to see "Inside Man" tonight; it was an amazing film. The whole movie was extremely well done from all aspects, and the plot was one of the most intriguing and surprising that I have seen. Spike Lee directed, but he did not overtone the movie all that much with any agenda. There were things presented that he wanted you to chew on, but they were mostly small and varied, making it seem like they weren't even there.

I loved this movie. Everything made for a great experience. No overdone violence or action was used, and the film was mostly and intellectual thriller of sorts. Go and see it if you can.

On St. Swithin's Day

2006-03-27T19:35:00.000-06:00

I emailed my youth pastor the other day, letting him know how much of an impact he's had in my life. It's kind of corny, I suppose, but I do love the man a great deal and am thankful for his guidance in my life. He emailed me back with a small story about a mission trip we were both on in Staten Island. The story made me think about who I was and what the road has been like from that point to my current position. Throughout the Old Testament, the people of God are commanded to look back, to remember. They are told to paint their doors, eat bitter herbs, and get drunk beyond all imagination; all for the sake of remembering. Normally I just look at that and breeze on by. But this experience has shown me the importance of taking a little time to look back with friends. When I meet a friend I haven't seen in years, we always talk about what we did and how much fun it was. We talk about those things for several different reasons. One could be that those stories are all we remember. However, I'll be an idealist and say that the real reason we do that is because it lets us remember who were together. It shows us the effect that the other has had in our lives, whether that be ages ago or just the other day. It highlights the common bond, the common growth, and the common joy we have with each other. Our stories are important for those reasons. They show us who we are, how we've grown, and the beauty of how Christ works in godly relationships, no matter who they are with. I love my stories. I love how they don't change, how they're moments in time that I can never have back, and that I never want back. Stories are lasting monuments that we can always turn towards in order to reflect upon love, joy, pain, gladness, and the glory of God.

Killing Brain Cells

2006-03-10T10:36:00.000-06:00

Last login: Thu Mar 2 20:43:53 on ttyp1
Welcome to Darwin!
daveblaser:~ davidblaser$ uptime
10:27 up 51 days, 13:09, 2 users, load averages: 0.28 0.29 0.22
daveblaser:~ davidblaser$

My little mac has been working hard with me, and now I'm on my way to San Antonio for Spring Break action: to destroy some brain cells with video games and awesome food.

On to the Big Dance

2006-03-09T13:44:00.000-06:00

I just finished watching Syracuse beat the number one team in the nation, UConn. It was quite exciting. Syracuse ended up on top, but only after a hard fought game to the very last seconds of overtime. I hate these types of games, and love them at the same time. They're those kind of games that make you jump and up and down for no reason and cause heart attacks at the age of 25; thankfully I'm not 25 yet. Anyway, it was awesome, hopefully SU can keep it up in the tournament next week!

Lucky Dog

2006-03-03T15:43:00.000-06:00

Officially Spence's dog, Brody, is the lucky dog because he gets to spend his existence romping around the creek chasing sticks. However, I did win a cruise to Grand Bahama Island yesterday. It seems that my mom entered me in some drawing at a Perkins in Florida while she was visiting my grandma. Anyway, it's a free six-hour cruise to Freeport. This is actually where I went my freshman year. It's a nice place, but only if you spend tons of cash to stay at the cool touristy area. The hotel I won (for two coincidently) is near the tourist area, but it is essentially a piece of garbage. The Bahamas is a very scary country if you're not in the right place. So the long and the short of it is that I am going to give it to my aunt or uncle in Florida, because they would only have to pay the 300 some odd dollars in port fees and taxes and not the air fare that I would have to pay to get there.

So anyway, it would have been sweet if it was some huge thing, but it's not. I did finally get honeymoon deals hatched out though. We're going to South Padre Island for a week. The winter Texans retire and buy sweet condos on the beach, and in the summer rent them out to people like me for reasonable prices. So I'm looking forward to an awesome time on a sweet Texas beach!

Average Weekend?

2006-02-21T21:53:00.000-06:00

Here is someting that I have never seen before. It seems that the guy did not think to check in the back of his truck before parking next to a three-story dorm room. About 50 or so people were able to see into his truck, and security was quickly called in to save the day. Does the campus look familiar?

Special Thanks to Fargo for photoshopping out the copyrighted University logo.

Sea Bass and Stoners?

2006-02-08T19:55:00.000-06:00

I have been looking at Grad schools a bit over the last six months or so, and I think I have my selection narrowed down to a serious couple. The main one of those would be Regent College in Vancouver, BC. It's a long way from home, and a long way from Texas, but it feels like it is the best fit for me. They have some good programs and a nice environment that I think I would grow in.

Speaking of environemnt, it's near Whistler, which is one of the best ski resorts in North America, and of course in no way had anything to do with my decision to go there. The city of Vancouver is also really cool, and was voted the number one place in the world to live last year. So adding all this up and throwing mild temperatures, cool mountains, and some great sea food in on top of things, it looks very likely that I'll head up there.

Let me know what you think.

I'm Not Dangerous

2006-01-28T17:44:00.000-06:00

In Evangelism class the other day, we were talking about how Christians are often times not dangerous. They are not dangerous in the sense of no longer having a positive and transforming effect on the community. After reading Moose's blog on the movie Brokeback Mountain, it was again made evident to me that the issue of homosexuality is something that will need to be addressed within the church and in my ministry.

Right now, it seems that many Christians fit within the mold of name-calling, bashing, and running away from anything homosexual. To confess, I would have to say that I have some of these very attributes. Other Christians, who do not fit in that definition, fit into the area of being totally all right with homosexuals being Christians and even being ordained into roles as pastors. The Christians who fit out on either side of these camps are either very few or very quiet when it comes down to it. To be honest, neither of those two previously listed camps fits into a Biblical framework, or even a framework that makes sense to me as a believer in Jesus.

If we are Christians, then we should love our God with all of our hearts, minds, and souls. If we do not use times and chances to build relationships with the lost, including homosexuals, then are we really doing what we are supposed to be doing? I do not condone homosexuality, especially not within the church. However, I do condone the Great Commission, Jesus' exemplified ethic to ministry, and the love and patience we are to have as Christians.

My last post talked about the Good As New Bible, and although the man was trying to dialogue with homosexuality, he did it in a way that compromised doctrine and the original text. However, I do believe we need to dialogue and evangelize to the homosexuals. Relationship building is the best way to perform ministry and obtain times to have a discourse with homosexuals. To me, that freaks me out a bit. I don't know anyone who is gay. I am not well versed enough to handle much of the cultural drives that often times encourage people to be gay either. (For instance, in the Northeast, it is very common for many people to experiment at an increasing rate) Nonetheless, I think it is something Christianity needs to address, respond to, and share the message of Jesus with. I don't know much about the homosexual community, if anything at all. I don't know how I would reach out to evangelize to them. And to be honest I doubt that I would really enjoy it at all. However, we do have a mission to be a light to the world. Again, I'm not disputing Biblical Authority; homosexuality is not acceptable for Christians. However, I'm saying we need to reach that community; let me know if you know how...

Living With the Bible

2006-01-23T18:44:00.000-06:00

I just read an article in World magazine about the "Good As New" translation of the Bible. This translation uses all-inclusive language, such as partner instead of husband or wife. It also changes and adjusts statements to "mold" to the culture, which in the end distort the message the Bible has. For example, when Paul talks about it being better to marry than burn, the Good As New Bible translates that as, "If you know you have strong needs, get yourself a partner. Better than being frustrated." There are several concerns with this translation, all based on greek grammar, language, semantics, and context. The main thing that stands out to me about this translation is the fact that it does not fit into the overall context of the paragraph and rhetoric Paul is using. Understanding the overall context is imperative when translating the Greek Bible. For instance, for me to look at two verses in the middle of a paragraph and translate the text into English, would mean that large mistake would be made on my behalf; one needs to understand how the sentence fits into the overall argument before it can be translated. The example verse from the Good As New bible obviously did not do this.

The passage, located in 1 Corinthians 7, has an overall context on instructions for marriage. Paul lays out specific instructions and examples based on situation in life and personality. However, no where does Paul acknowledge homosexual relationship. The people of Corinth, to whom Paul was writing, would have been aptly aware about what Paul would say in relation to the detestable practice of homosexuality. What the Good As New translation attempts to bring what Paul said into modern terms. However, when translating partner, they have lost the mind-set, intention, and intent of the original words, thus making it nothing more than made up garble. For clarification, Bible translators also do not translate the text directly, but make concessions for the culture and environment they are working in. However, Bible Translators go to the context, original intent, and purpose of the text, and then try to put that into understandable terms. The Good As New translation does not reach back to find the intent and meaning of the passage, rather they are simply taking the English Bible and shifting words around to make them seem inclusive and less offensive, which is unacceptable.

Beware of this new Good As New translation. Not only are they not based academically enough to translate correctly, key ideas and principles that are in the Biblical texts are simply erased by their modifications instead of clarified for the culture. Semantically, the meanings of the words are misinterprated or entirely left out. The number of mistakes made by the Good As News translation are many, but I will highlight some briefly. The postive twist of "If they have strong needs" is not based in the Greek whatsoever. The Greek has a negative feel, "but if not self-controlled". Finally, a large mistake comes from the translation of the word for marriage. In the text it is in the imperative form, meaning it is in the strong sense of a command. The Good As New translation tries to give the imperative swing, but they take the word for marriage (which in the context of this can be properly taken as marriage; it is bad to just look at one word and apply the same meaning to that word in every instance) and translate it as "find yourself a partner". It does not even say marry yourself a partner, but only find, which consequently would be conveyed in by a totally different word in the Greek in this context. Overall, many problems arise in the Good As New translation as displayed by 1 Cor. 7:9. Beware of this translation, and understand the reasons for why it cannot be held as academically or Biblically sound.

Q.E.P.

2006-01-20T16:27:00.000-06:00

Q.E.P.= Queer Enhancement Program

Quote from a beloved professor

Ginger Brew

2006-01-09T16:49:00.000-06:00

Today Scope and I combined our Northeastern love for Ginger Beer, and decided to make some of our own. We looked at some different recipies, and ended up going on our own a little bit, making an excellent brew. We have it in plastic bottles, just so we know how carbination works, but we plan on bottling it in some mason jars later on; perhaps even with some labels.

It was a lot of fun to make, and it wound up being some great ginger beer, with a lot of sparkle and zip along with a fairly full flavor range. Great fun.

Ginger Beer=Very Very Non-Alcoholic in case you were questioning.

Recipe as follows:

About 1 1/5 gallons of water
Two nice sized ginger roots, grated finely
One or two cinnamon sticks if desired
A dash of ginger spice
1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
1/4 Cup Lime Juice
(Juices can be added to taste either way)
1/4 Teaspoon Cream of Tatar (to balance flavors)
2 Cups of White Sugar
1 Cup of Brown Sugar

A Little over 1 Teaspoon of Yeast: this takes feel to judge. Get a cup of warm water, mix in a tablespoon of sugar, and then sprinkle yeast on top of it. This is added after the mixture is filthered and cooled somewhat.

Boil the main ingredients without the yeast. Then allow the mix to cool, be filthered with a cheese cloth, and then add the yeast. Stir really good once, but then let it sit. When it starts to bubble after a couple of hours, pour into individual bottles. It should take about four or more hours for the carbination to work alright. At this point, stop the fermentation process by places the individual bottles in the fridge; this is why there is no alcohol content. After they chill, enjoy!

Refresher Course

2006-01-06T19:59:00.000-06:00

I feel pretty fresh, as fresh as a gent could feel I would rightly say. However, just in case I had a cold or was feeling a little over-excited about being at school again, IMPACT has a busy and dare I say tedious schedule planned out for us this weekend. Tonight, however, I find myself feeling quite refreshed, and would not risk adding more refreshment, considering a double dose may risk the tranquility of my current state of refreshment. All of this being said, Spork and I made it back to Longview today, feeling quite refreshed and on the whole more than marginally beefed up from the holiday meals.

The day started in the realm of some God-foresaken hour of the morning; an hour which all things pure and good seem to melt of the face of the earth in the wake of one's blurry vision and inactive salivary glands. Despite this, there was a general excitment on my behalf as we took of into the clouds. For you see, when you take off into the clouds, you will at some point move above them. And when you move above the clouds, one sees the sun. The sun that has only shown for a single minute within the last two weeks over Western New York; thus causing a new record for the least amount of sunlight, as well as making the existence of winter seem all the more dreadful.

It is days like today that I really enjoy Texas. We passed above the clouds, and I had a sudden yearning to belt out the misled words of Tim Delaughter as the sun hit my face. I spent the remainder of my flight curled up next to the window, basking in the sun that I have not seen in so very long, what with the New York record and all. As I said, it is days like today that I really enjoy Texas. Sun all around, a sky of blue as far as the eye could see, not a single cloud, and the most refreshing and uplifting temperature of 60 degrees. It is indeed good to be back, if not for the weather itself and the distinct lack of the color gray that I promptly put into notice as I stepped out of the airport. Here's to the sun, here's to Texas, here's to not being a cove stuck up in New York, and here's to the true appreciation that Texas deserves in comparison with the winter.

Nebulous Title About Christmas

2005-12-24T18:11:00.000-06:00

I went to a Catholic Christmas mass tonight. Due to certain circumstances I was downtown, I had to kill time waiting for a pizza, and then saw a Catholic church which I thusly attended for the duration of my wait. It was pretty interesting. I'm such a sucker for the awesome looking Catholic churches, and this one did not disappoint; I really liked going and getting something different and relatively new to me. I know the Catholic doctrines, which have some good and bad things, (much like any other facet in life) but I struggled to figure out the interactive liturgy thing. Nonetheless, it was quite enjoyable. Have a Merry Christmas...

Do It While You're Young

2005-12-24T11:43:00.000-06:00

I had a good night enjoying the culture of Rochester along with some great friends. We started off by filling our intestines the famous Nick Tahou's Garbage Plate. The Plates consist of a large plate, on one half of the plate is macoroni salad and on the other is home fries. On top of this delectable foundation are two cheeseburger patties. The final touch is copius amounts of chili, (or sauce, as called up here)some chopped onion, catsup, loads of Frank's Hot Sauce, and whatever other condiments you wish to fill your arteries with. I thank God for the man who created the Garbage Plate everytime I eat one, (which can be hard, you have to stuff it all in before your stomach can tell your brain you're full) truly an amazing thing.

We then went to the House of Guitars, which is basically a collection of guitars, music, records, and collectables from the last 35 years. The place is just filled with every thing, from floor to roof, literally; It was pretty fun. It's good to be back in the swing of things and have a great break.

Sidenotes:
Hide and Seek: creepy, but good movie
Need for Speed on Xbox 360: Oh my goodness, wow, just...oh man...

Landed

2005-12-18T22:56:00.000-06:00

I'm back in upstate New York, and have hit up a good part of Christmas break amusements already. I got to sleep, hang out with friends, watch King Kong (which was pretty much Peter Jackson saying, "Yes, I still am better than you, and on top of that, I lost weight...loser" go see it, and watch for the part where Kong jacks the t-rex by shoving his upper jaw down his troat; it's good stuff) and I also was able to avoid my grandparents and head out for some skiing instead. It was a great day in a lot of ways and a wonderful start to the break; complete with a bemused deer standing in the road on my way back from the mountain...I love high beams. Hope all of you are also able to avoid woodland creatures and have a great break as well, Merry X-Mas all!

Pandora

2005-12-16T10:45:00.000-06:00

Although some have already posted on this subject, I figured I would and just cover all of the bases.

Pandora

is a new website that is legal, plays some great music, and is free. You type in your favorite band or song, and it creates a radio station for you off the name and style of the band, playing similar and flowing music. You can have up to 100 personal stations, and all you have to do is register, but I haven't gotten any junk mail or hassle from them. Try it out, you can play for awhile without registering. It really is quite handy and cool.

Girl Moment!

2005-12-11T00:14:00.000-06:00

I, am a Gilmore Girls watcher. I like the show. I really do not know why, but the show moves along, is intriguing, and is often times funny. Sometimes it's funny because they overdraw emotional aspects, and you can laugh at the angsty teen getting her spirit crushed. Other times it is funny because the show has a good flow and nice dialouge. I used to think Gilmore Girls was dumb, and maybe it is, but I'm addicted either way. If you find yourself looking down upon Gilmore Girls and saying "No, that's a dumb show, I'll never watch it1" Be careful, you're only one step away from that first curiosity pricking episode that will lead you to your doom. I, am a Gilmore Girls watcher, and I give this warning to you all...("you all" or "y'all" as commonly spoken, is also very funny to hear coming out of Spork's mouth by the way.)

But don't lose hope for my fellow man. (literally man, I'm not not being gender neutral) I still play Grand Theft Auto. And even if I started reading Pride and Prejudice neath the glow of Gilmore Girls on television with a pint of Ben and Jerry's and value menu fries, I will still have the all saving, gruffness retaining power known as Grand Theft Auto. And even if it did come to that, fries and ice cream are just so amazing together that it would matter how much integrity I lost.

Gulliver Was Right?

2005-12-06T22:19:00.000-06:00

I can't wait to go home and not worry about how smart I sound, how witty my jokes are, or how good my under control life looks to others. I will indeed be glad to be home.

Middle Ground

2005-12-02T17:11:00.000-06:00

Ludwhig is the all knowing trend setter!

You are a
Social Moderate
(50% permissive)

and an...
Economic Liberal
(31% permissive)

You are best described as a:

Centrist

Link: The Politics Test on Ok Cupid
Also: The OkCupid Dating Persona Test

Statistical Analysis

2005-11-22T08:46:00.000-06:00

New York Five Day Forecast:

Highs in Mid to Low 30's, Lows from 19-23 degrees; Overcast; High chance of snow showers...

Texas Five Day Forecast:

Highs in the 70's, almost reaching 80; lows in the low 50's; sunny, everyday...

Weather like this in November is fun, but around this time of year I miss actual seasons and weather; I'm sure I'll get that knocked out of me over Christmas. Until then, I'm in the land of the never-ending sun, even for Thanksgiving!

Put on Your Lollerskates

2005-11-21T19:13:00.000-06:00

The more I learn about the Bible, the more I get scared. I wish that we could just have a formula that we could say acting a certain and doing certain things despite will bring us somewhere. In Leviticus, there is a long section that describes in detail the sacrificial system. This is the very sacrificial system that Christ is the fulfillment of, which I hear is one of the reasons the Old Testament is kept around. When the people came to make a sacrifice, the text states that it is not enough just for them to do the action, but that the internal conversion and heart must show. This internal dedication and will is also behind the principle of circumcision. Actions are never enough. No matter what you can do, it will not be enough. We can jump around and get all peppery at church, but it won’t matter if heart is blind. You can study theology and ancient languages, but none of it will matter unless your heart is willing to be taught. So many times we put focus on the actions rather than what is behind the actions, perhaps because behind the actions is something that is not real. I don’t sing in chapel a lot of times. Chapel is in the period of the day where I am just realizing that I woke up, and my sinuses along with the cat that crawled into my throat during the night tell me not belt out a praise; so I don’t. We must understand that what is on the inside is what counts. Sometimes we think that we can know a lot about a person because of what they do on the outside. Sometimes we think the outside is what is also inside of that person, and that they must have no logical reason to act the way they do. I think the system we use on each other is kaput to put it nicely. I think that we have got it all wrong. When did worship and church become something we monitor people by? When did they become something we monitor ourselves by? The more I read in the Bible, the more I think that the way we do things is tiresome and useless as Christians; and I get scared. It scares me to think that I can’t have a God who complies with me, who fits into my schedule. It scares me that I can’t be safe, that I can’t be comfortable in my self; I don’t like it. I have no problem with what Christianity has done to God, which appeals right to the selfishness in me. I can go to Lakewood and hear Joel Olsteen sell me the belief that I am OK, that what I do is alright because of Jesus and I therefore do not need to change; as long as I can jump when I sing. I can sit in my pew and feel good about myself. I once heard it said that Christianity will go away because it is no longer a religion people can die for, that people can give their lives to, to take to the grave with them. I know some people that can and would take Christianity to the grave, but on the whole I believe that statement is mostly true. I don’t care about a God who compromises. I don’t care about a God who lets me look the same as everyone else and tells me that is alright. I don’t care about a God who lets me put him into a set values of boxes, and lets me ignore the things he commanded for my own comfort. I’m glad God is not like any of these things, but like I said, it scares me. If I really did the things I am supposed to, that I am told to, that I am shown, I would be giving up very much; very much that I want to keep. Our God is a God who demands an answer to what He is about, you’re either in or you’re out. There is no “yes, but with benefits” there is no “I’ll do that but not this”. The more I read about it, the more I hate it because of myself, but the more I see the beauty in God and the truth of His word and character; not the character that people in this world have made him out to be. Not the people who think they are full when they are empty, when they say they have something but do not. There are churches and people out there who I believe do things right and I do not mean to include them here, but for the most part…it’s just about feeling good, just like drugs, alcohol, and casual sex are. There really is not much difference between the two sides. Both let you believe you have something when you do not, and both end up leaving you empty and deceived in the end.

Don’t fear! Another, much happier installment will come!

No Dark Sarcasm in the Classrooms

2005-11-12T16:13:00.000-06:00

I'm trying to get into an honors seminar next semester. I'm not in honors, so I do not know how my request will be handled due to that snag. Nonetheless I am excited, because I've determined that the school really can't stop me from going to the class. Well, they can tell me I can't take it, but on the other hand, I'm a fairly meaty guy and I do not think it will be that easy to move me. I think we can coexist though, the honors group and myself. I will sit in the back and not talk, and they will give me a chance to hear lecture on Emerging Church. Emerging Church will cover Brian Mclaren's predecessors and others who have written on religion in a pluralistic society. Moose has gotten me hooked on McLaren's speeches, and I will start reading his books in the near future. It is a great course that covers a topic I love, and by-golly, I'm going to get an education despite what anyone else tells me. Even so, I e-mailed Dr. C to see if I can do it the normal way, like with papers and signatures and all. Dr. C is a cool guy so I hope things can turn out...stay tuned for the continuing Saga of Slope meets discrimination and intolerance!

Women Safe from My Powers of Seduction

2005-11-11T08:35:00.000-06:00

Sticks in Tires

2005-11-09T23:21:00.000-06:00

I played with Elianna tonight. She had a Winnie the Pooh game that involved a honey jar with a spinney thing. The spinney thing told you whether or not you had a chance to grab one of the little pogs. I thought whoever had the most pogs of one character won; so I cheated. I cheated aganist a three year old girl. And you know what the worst part is? I lost. I'm not sure why I cheated in the first place. I think that messing around with a three year old's game had some sort of twisted appeal that I should probably look into. But then again, it could be that I just was bored. Regardless I think a lesson can be learned here. An age old lesson: that children, are meant to be messed around with. It's just way too much fun for the older people. We would do it ski instructing all of the time. One little flick with your ski on their binding, a "Hey Johnny, it's your turn" and you're golden: one very confused child in the snow. But more importantly, one very amused Slope.

Oh, X-Mas Tree!

2005-11-07T23:37:00.000-06:00

In today's world, many Christians display feelings of negativity and resentment upon seeing the phrase “X-Mas” used. This is mainly due to the notion that there is an underlying desire for everyone who uses the phrase to remove Christ from the Holiday. However, in reality the term “X-Mas” has its origins in Christianity in a very strong way. X, or Chi in Greek, is the sound “Ch” in the New Testament Greek language. Xristos, is the word for Christ in Greek, which starts with the symbol Chi. (X) Therefore, the term “X-Mas” is not merely trying to cross or take out God. Rather, the symbol Chi (X) is a symbol for the word Christ. Thus showing that in reality “X-Mas” is just a shorter way of saying Christmas while still maintaining the religious roots and the significance of Christ's birthday. So before we make an accusation of “heathenism” and take offense, let us first reflect of the truth behind “X”,and understand what the real meaning is.

Death Cab for Pansy

2005-10-30T15:01:00.000-06:00

Last year I had the chance to see Death Cab for Cutie at the Ridglea Theater in Fort Worth, TX. It was a pretty good show, and the room is one of the best ones that I've been to. However, last night I had the privilege to go back to the same friendly room to see Iron and Wine/Calexico. Both bands are very skilled and put on a unique and awesome performance. Calexico had six guys in it, all of which played multiple instruments minus the drummer and bassist. They had a great sound, which consisted of multiple guitar parts, an electric steel guitar, piano, two trumpeters, and some salsa shaking instruments and Mexican yelling. They were a mix between solid indie rock, southwestern folk, and traditional Mexican brands of music.

Iron and Wine had a great performance as well. I've never been to a show where everyone was so quiet. As soon as he started to play, the room became eerily still. I even could hear the system noise in the background, which I would have never expected in a room of hundreds of people drinking. Spork pointed out that this show was an alcohol show, not a weed show--and there is a very big difference between the two. The songs were beautiful, and the guitar playing was the best that I have seen. Calexico came on and played with Iron and Wine and his band, which was the peak of the performances. It was a total of 10 very talented people rocking it out on a great brand of sound.

Yesterday in general was quite good. October weather in Texas is something beautiful and refreshing. I think it is my favorite time of year in this state. Greasy steak burgers and the thickest milkshakes known to man from Steak n’ Shake added to the gratification of the day in general. Steak n’ Shake is apparently an Indiana thing, so on the advice and reference of Ludwhig we went. The shakes are something to die for, literally, since they have the equivalent of 3 gallons of milk in one glass, but they are still quite tasty. You need the shake to offset the large amounts of grease from the steak melt. I think that is why those two work together so well. When you feel yourself getting a little sick, you just dump some more thick dairy shake in there to make it go away: a fun and healthy combo.

Before anything we were able to get to downtown Dallas and hang out around the plaza of the Americas. I love that area of town, even though most everything was closed. However the 11 story tall glass elevators were open, which proved quite entertaining. We were also able to go into the big church there while Saturday night mass was going on. It is very beautiful inside, with high ceilings and stained glass windows everywhere. The Myerson is right there as well, which we stepped in for about 30 seconds to view set up for a very posh and awesome looking Halloween banquet in the foyer area. Although we didn’t do much, it was still great to be in the downtown area of a very large city, and the night on the whole was excellent and fun.

Also, check out the Coda Kisses Link-->

We Make Christianity...

2005-10-16T18:55:00.000-05:00

"You shall not make for yourselves any graven image" is a well-known portion of scripture located in the Decalogue in Exodus 20:3-6. Christians in America have fought fight after hard beat fight to keep this portion of scripture in public places, courthouses, and government buildings. It contains a fairly straightforward message that many interoperate today as not having idols. Sometimes a preacher will use this to talk of money, fame, television, sex, or anything else that can be “our god”. However, for those hearing this word at Mt. Sinai, would have realized the importance not to make a graven image of Yahweh himself. Much like God cannot be molded down to fit into what we think he should be to ourselves, God cannot be melted down to fit a man made image.

“Go to Devos! Go to Church! Go to Prayer and Praise! Do it now or the forces of God will come upon thee, and you won’t have as good a week if you don’t go.” I hear these messages around me, not subliminally, not implied, but said out loud. It is wonderful to see how limited God is in our culture today. It is fairly simple, you go to church and all of the other things, then God will be with you; almost like 1+1=2 isn’t it? We have to do this to have this result. We have to live our lives to a formula; to things we may not have time for, to things that we may not appreciate. “You shall not make for yourselves any graven image”… It sometimes seems that we take God and limit him through the various stresses, routines, and formulas that exist in the American Christian worldview. We take the external elements: church, devotions, tithes, service projects, and worship services and do them because me+that=Good Christian. The wrong motivations are at work here. We focus on external observance rather than the internal truths that exist in Christianity.

I am not speaking out against church; I am criticizing the faulty and uncompassionate attitude that permeates through most facets in the world around me. Perhaps I shouldn’t have a good relationship with the living God, perhaps it’s all about Church, devos, and prayer and praise. That would almost be very nice: 1+1=2. But you know what, our God is not a God of formulas; He is a God greater than our mind can fanthom. Yet church+devos+prayer time+small groups+prayer and praise+my soulless effort=heaven…

“You shall not make for yourselves any graven image” including your Christian Spirituality…

Polyphonic Philosophy Paper Post

2005-10-03T16:54:00.000-05:00

This is a paper for media report on the Polyphonic Spree, but more specificallly TIm Delaughter. The paper is focused on the history on the Spree and their possible effects on youth, so keep the setting in mind. Enjoy the weirdness...

Reaching for Something More: A Review of The Polyphonic Spree

For many today, music is something that allows one to leave where we are, to realize hope and individual potential, to forget about everything that has been piling up in life and world, and to give one inspiration to fight on in planet full of despair. Tim Delaughter, lead singer and founder of the Polyphonic Spree, is an individual who can relate to these attributes of music. For the last ten years, Delaughter has had a dream of creating a sound like none other. A sound that now has culminated in the form of a 24-member band that produces an uncannily happy and bright tone in their songs. One would think that getting 24 people together on a small stage or recording studio would mean emotional disaster and breakdown for both the audience and members, however as one observer from Graphic Magazine puts it, “(The Polyphonic Spree) has been giving rock’s equivalent of a Pentecostal sermon.” Explosions of color, a cacophony of music and sound, and highly energetic members most definitely make the Polyphonic Spree the best show on the market today.
In Tim Delaughter’s eyes, the past few years of his band’s success has been a dream unexpectedly come true. After ten years in the music industry, the exuberant front man started to put his dream into action after the death of a close friend and fellow musician. The death put Delaughter on a hiatus from music and a time of searching for understanding. When he felt like getting back into making music, the idea of a harmonious and unique pop sound was where he started. “I'm the one that's concentrating on creating the sound that I'm wanting to hear. It's a pretty self-indulgent idea. But after getting going, and playing with these people as human beings interacting, it started to become a lot more emotional and dramatic than what I was thinking about”, says Delaughter in an interview with Gail Fountain of Earslash Music Sight. Emotion and drama are shown both in Delaughter’s inspirational lyrics and in the talent and communication seen in the band that is able to put an amazing arrangement together in just a period of hours. (Swiderski)
When you view the Polyphonic Spree, you see something different behind the music and the people, you see someone’s hope and joy in life being portrayed through the medium. For Delaughter, this observation could not be more accurate. Most of the lyrical content in the songs of the Polyphonic Spree revolve around the celestial sun. This is more evident in the first album, The Beginning Stages of…, but it continues into their new and second album, Together We’re Heavy. Lyrics such as “Follow the day and reach for the Sun”, “It’s the Sun and it makes me Smile”, or “If you don’t see me flying to the red one more you’re nuts” are some of the more well known snippets from popular songs. When asked about his lyrical fascination with the sun, Delaughter acknowledged: “I seem to flourish as a human when the sun's out…I think I get kind of a buzz from it and whenever I even think about it, I like it 'cause it makes me feel good.” (Fountain) When Delaughter sings “on my way” in some of his pieces, he is referring of going back to the place in the daylight where he feels so energized and full by the sunlight and day, the environment in which he writes his songs.
The sun is not the only thing that drives Delaughter’s creativity and inspiration. The front man also has a hopeful and positive outlook on the human drama and life. He believes that although many horrible and dark things exist in this world, behind the shadows is just as equal an opportunity for wonderful and beautiful things to happen. Tim uses an allegory of a small patch of grass growing up through the asphalt as an example of how he views religion and life. The grass is fighting against all of the factors around it and is in the worst environment to grow; yet it still finds a way to prosper. This example can be related to who we are and the spirit inside of us. There are so many things pressing down on us, but as Delaughter sees things there is hope within one’s self when it is embraced, hope for something beautiful and new. (Fountain) Delaugther comments on the grass allegory in saying, “I relate to that. You can work through anything; I mean anything, when I see stuff like that. I'm going, "That's what that's for. That's a reminder to let me know that any kind of an obstacle is not that big of a deal”. This philosophy embraces the fact that if one only lets it flower out of him and grow towards a new and happy life, wonderful things can be done. It seems to him that we just need to love and stand up against the evils in order to find the life that will truly make sense and allow us to prosper as humans, to let the goodness and joy flow from within who we are. The Polyphonic Spree themselves are a testament to Tim’s beliefs due to their formation and success despite many critics and abnormalities in the industry.
Theology and religion in Delaughter’s life have been influenced by outside factors at a very young age. When only a child, his mom encouraged him tenaciously to go up to the front during an altar call at a Baptist revival. After reaching the front, Tim was immediately shuffled to a back room with other children. All of them were told to let God’s spirit flow and to speak in tongues. Terrified, Tim started to make things up, while an older man translated for him. Once this encounter was over, so was Tim’s belief in Christianity and religion. He saw the whole system as fake and it tore him apart watching people give money week after week a cause that he thought people just made up. (BBC) The newly shaped views on religion put Delaughter on a path to finding his own happiness and hope in viewing nature, growth, and weather. Although he does not worship these items as a religion, he enjoys them because they symbolize a progression of beauty, life, and growth that according to Delaughter can be found in one’s self. Delaughter was once heard to say in regards to his band, “It’s a celebration, we just don’t know what the hell we’re celebrating!” This shows the emphasis that Delaughter has on the indefinable yet unmistakable and strong ability within us to reach new heights and overcome strife and malevolence in the world.
When looking at the Polyphonic Spree through the eyes of an uninformed observer, one sees 24 people in robes, dancing on stage, an assortment of color, music, and lyrics that revolve around the sun. This has led many to believe that in fact the Polyphonic Spree comprise a cult, however according to Delaughter’s statement this is proved false, but only in a way. Robes worn for detracting of street clothes on stage, and happy music are not things that one necessarily needs to worry about when looking possible impacts that the Polyphonic Spree may have on youth. However, the motivations behind the lyrics and the beliefs of front man Tim Delaughter can prove to be somewhat dangerous depending on the situation and the individual.
One critique of Christian culture today could be made against how they view music. Music is something beautiful, multifaceted, expressive, and enjoyable. The Polyphonic Spree supports these claims amazingly well, having a large amount of very talented musicians and most likely the best live show that is out there today. When describing the Spree, one fan stated, “It just blows you away right from the beginning. They set the mood, and then color, light, dancing, it’s just so different and great.” With such a great show and such professional and unique sounding songs, one has to wonder if the spree would be negative for teenagers to listen to. However, one has to take into account the lyrics, and the possibility that it could affect certain people.
Although Tim Delaughter’s philosophy and mindset can be questioned when looking at it from a Christian school of thought, or from many other school’s of thought for that reason, it does not change that the fact that the Polyphonic Spree have incredibly good music. However, there is no doubting that Tim Delaughter’s views can be somewhat dangerous despite the focus on joy and hope in the human spirit. To look inside oneself and others around them to together overcome in this world just by their values and efforts is one of the themes in the Spree’s music that can have an ill effect. “It’s (Humanism of Delaughter) just sad, to see him think that we can overcome with “the human spirit”, because we can’t,” one fan stated after watching a performance in Dallas. Tim Delaughter would not believe in the “can’t” and firmly believes that for every bad, there is potential for just as much good and growth. Despite what Tim Delaughter thinks, most of the people in the group that witnessed the Dallas show laughed at what he said. The show was on 9/11, and he used the tragedy in New York four years ago to back up his point that we need to overcome with the human spirit. It is these almost comical appearances that provide reason for the Polyphonic Spree being somewhat harmless. Most people who attend the show feel really excited and happy, and it is very hard not to. The atmosphere is so special, and very invigorating on top of that. However, even though people have fun, none of them are off to join up in a religion or to start thinking that the human spirit is just what they need in their lives. Although it cannot be said for everyone, most people do not take life-changing truths with him or her from a guy on stage in a robe with 23 other musicians, one being a drunken harpist.
As for the lyrical content, there are some explicit depictions of Tim Delaughter’s philosophy in life. For instance, in his favorite song, When a Fool Becomes a King, there are remarks such as: “Love your strife with youth” and
“Step right up and sound off again…the way to the new world has once begun. We tried to find ourselves within the light which made demands that much longer. We move much closer than they have before to strike our ways and go forth.
The time is now, we move once again. We reach for dreams we've never known. Stranger to the sun you’ve seen the light.”
The first quote backs Delaughter’s theory of victory over strife, saying we should love what we come across in life in order to see and move more closely to the fullness of the human spirit. The second highlights a movement to a new religion, to come away from the shadows, and to embrace new dreams and life within us. All in all, Delaughter’s lyrics are very hopeful and inspiring. He does not specify an exact methodology or set of beliefs, just that goodness and strength to overcome we find in ourselves. Philosophies like this can be very attractive to some because of the individuality and creativity along with a sense of accomplishment and hope despite what situations arise in life. It is indeed possible for some teens, under certain circumstances, to jump on this philosophy and thus follow a set of fairly humanistic beliefs.
Another area of attraction of the Polyphonic Spree lyrics is a sense of love and happiness. A general theme, highlighted by the title of the second album Together We’re Heavy, shows a community and togetherness around the values put forth by Delaughter’s lyrics. Love is highlighted as a key focus in many of the songs, and often is a side effect of finding one’s new religion. This new religion is referred to a couple times in the songs and refers to a switch in one’s mindset to find the real way things are done. Lyrics such as: “Don’t ever think you’re the only one when times are tough in your new age” or “Still a man, it seems the time has gone away but all at once you knew your mission well…The thought became the mission of your life” are just some examples that underline the human spirit theory that drives Delaughter, and the exaltation of its acceptance.
Glorifying a life changing experience that involves the flowing and outpouring of the human spirit and love can be attractive to teens today. Even though it may not be the best or most logical theory on the market, there is such passion and hope in the message of the Polyphonic Spree that their influence could reach greater heights than anticipated. This is not to say that an adolescent is going to learn to play the clarinet and join the tour, but it at least could produce some tough mindsets and concerns. The human spirit inside of us is much more easily grasped than God on many levels for a youth, and the Spree can affect teens’ thinking depending on the individual. However, to have questions about faith and Christianity and the human spirit is not entirely a bad thing. The more they struggle, doubt, and wish to confront God, the more the truth will stand when under guidance. Therefore, if we are ready and willing to interact with our youths when they have questions (as we should be), the Polyphonic Spree do not pose much of a threat to teenagers; that is if they have support. However, it is doubtful that without research one would read much into the Spree’s lyrics more than thinking, “The sun thing is a little weird, and their really, really happy, but the music is great.” Often times in today’s culture it boils down to whether or not the music has something special or unique to it rather than what the lead singer thinks about the sun. In the end, one cannot avoid the fact that there are 24 amazing musicians in the Polyphonic Spree who know how to make music into something breathtaking and new in today’s pop scene. When just listening to the Polyphonic Spree, their lyrics seem to be happy and a bit weird yet contains nothing that will shatter one’s faith in God. In fact much of the lyrics are a bit veiled or hard to decipher, even after a research into the life of Tim Delaughter. It seems that many of the effects of the Polyphonic Spree will in the end be positive. They expose us to a new breed of music, display teamwork, and it also gives us a chance to explain to our youths truths about God and life if the interest in the Spree goes beyond just the music. However, with the cynicism and pain in today’s society, it will be hard for teens to turn totally into a Spree mindset, because in the end even good music and a hopeful attitude will not remove hurts deep within. Thus, it would be permitted for teens to listen to the Spree when at a certain maturity level based on the individual and his or her past.

Wow, you actually read through? There must be some serious homework you're avoiding.

It's Time to Leave

2005-09-29T11:06:00.000-05:00

Today is a very nice Fallesque sort of day. (That is if Fallesque is a word even, which is what spell check seems to say.) It reminded me a little bit of my favorite season back home. I have always loved the fall time, even when it gets drizzly and wet; there is just something about it that is always so beautiful. The otherwise normal colors of red, yellow, and orange break into shades and tints that create an amazing spectacle. The air smells so fresh and crisp, full of flavor and change. But most of all, it's about the Apple pie and Cider. If you thought I was going to go off on how a leaf touches the depths of my heart, you were wrong. Although the leaf comes close, the food of fall is what really gets there. You can drive down the road to several different stands where families sell homemade apple cider, where retired women get together and bake pies to sell, and where the colors will just blow you out of your chair. (Yay! Hyperbole!) Anyway, it’s days like this that make me wish I could fulfill my gluttonous desires to drink copious amounts of cider on a cool day. But then again, I'm paying 75 cents less per gallon than they are in New York, so it makes the change almost, just almost though, worth it.

Hissy FIt

2005-09-28T12:57:00.000-05:00

Someone gave a devotion the other day in Dr. Hood's class about evolution and creation. The young man stated that after researching it for a few years, he could not deny it as a high possibility, whether started by God or not. Dr. Hood then stated that it made no sense to her, being a molecular biologist paraphrased, as "I can't see it worth crap". But what she amended was more striking: that despite what we think or do not think about evolution/creation, we are all ending up in the same place, so why fight and bicker?

Many Christians would immediately wish to burn you for saying "evolution" to them, or will at least say to you, "Well at least I know what's right" or something else arrogant and condemning. Do not mistake me, however, for saying that all Christians are like this, in fact it is a disgusting and spotlighted minority that is. For instance, Dr. Hood said that it was great to be at a place where we are not forced to learn one set thing and ignore the rest, but instead have an opportunity to test and study everything for ourselves. Wherever one's studies lead them, what is most important in the debate is that they know Jesus and have a relationship with him. In the end, we are all going to the same place (yes, even those who like evolution or god-inspired evolution) so like she said, why argue about that now? There are more important issues that pertain to how we actually live as Christians other than countless debates, arguments, and philosophies regarding "exactly" how it all must have happened. Do not mistake me for saying that everything is relative, because it is not. We are talking about people who are Christians anyway, who share in the same promises and mercies, not those who mold relativity to every aspect in life. But let's get over it people, we can at least respect each other enough to let someone have a different opinion without thinking that they will burn in Hell for reading about evolution. One can look at Lower criticisms, such as the definition of day in Genesis, and find that the focus of the two creation chapters are vague about exactly "how", but instead show the significance of "who" made creation. The text shows that God is sovereign, and to this I firmly agree. However, to say we know for 100% exactly how something happened is almost naive. To me, if you have an educated opinion, I can respect that; and I do not care for useless debates. Our salvation is not determined by how we think God created the earth, but by how we react to the choice given to us by Jesus to follow and the Sovereign father or not.

We are all still learning as we move in the Christian walk, which never stops. I haven't gotten there, none of you reading this has gotten there. Be respectful of others, and do not sacrifice something so much more important for pride, contempt, and arrogance.

There are places this post could go that I have not and choose not to address, please keep in mind that this was written before class and on the side. Also be reminded this just applies to the scope of Treating Christians and evolution, it is not a broad concept to be applied readily to other areas of the Christian faith.

Rita, You're Breaking My Heart

2005-09-25T22:05:00.000-05:00

Last week the imminate doom of hurricance Rita had some weird and often nerdy responses from LeTourneau students. It was as if some alien invader had embedded itself in the storm and hopped into all of our minds to make us get all antcy and weird(er). The euphoric sense of thrill and happiness hit campus with a rage as students conjured up glorious visions of grandure, bought rafts, and ran around during the ran like they were seizing a beach on D-Day. All in all, the hurricane was a bit of a let down, but lack of death and destruction is a good thing too. It was looking like stuff could really get going at lunch, then it turned east and flew away like carpet bagger from a KKK meeting. Despite this, the weekend was very fun, and the damage looks a lot better than it was supposed to be in Houston, which is great. In other affairs, tea is good, really good; New York Super Fudge is awesome; and sunny days like today keep me warm.

Here is the extent of Rita at LeTourneau...

Jointed Tracks

2005-09-12T15:35:00.000-05:00

I haven't written anything in awhile, but my summer blogging hiatus is over now with a description of yesterday's Spree Show. 13 people in all went to this latest one, which included a new roab design (shown in the pictures), and a set of songs from an upcoming ablum. It was really great to get to go spend a day in Dallas with some awesome people, eat Mom and Pop Schmorgan's chili, and go to a bookstore that made me feel smart. In other events, the semester is going well, and I am having a great time doing work and getting to new some of the awesome new (and old) guys on the floor. Since I've already spent a blog on the awesomeness of the Spree, I'll just let the pictures do the talking from here.

Going, Going, Gone!

2005-07-28T13:09:00.000-05:00

I'll be going back to New York on Sunday with the Fiance to hang out before school starts up again. I will try and get some pictures up when I can and then start posting more now that the internet is in my hands again. Hope everyone is doing great, later!

I'm Engaged!!

2005-07-06T20:46:00.000-05:00

I am in San Antonio right now hanging out with my new fiance, Karen...like it'd be someone else...anyway, I don't have much time to relay details, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am indeed engaged offically, very happy, and loving every minute of it.

More details to come...be seeing you

And it Makes Me Shine...

2005-07-02T10:59:00.000-05:00

We went to Fort Worth Botanical Gardens with a total party of 9 for a most amazing Polyphonic Spree concert. There were about 3,000 people in a well trimmed field surrounded by light adorned trees. Fireworks capped off an amazing show and a 4 song encore medley..."Stranger to the Sun, you've seen the light (Fireworks start to go off)" And the whole encore was an amazing sight of the Spree jamming out, with an accompaniment of fireworks for the pinnacle of the awesomeness. Although a little weird to some, the Spree have the best rock show that I have seen. All of the musicians are extremely talented, and always hit every small intricacy in perfect time. On top of that, it's just darn fun to have the sound of 23 energetic and robed musicians playing hit you all at once.

Words simply cannot describe, however...

GRANADA THEATER, DALLAS, TX
SEPTEMBER 9th

THE POLYPHONIC SPREE!!!!

Don't miss out, Be there!!!

Island in the Sun

2005-06-29T10:15:00.000-05:00

If you've had a hard day or perhaps you're at work wasting time, just sit back and enjoy the goodness of a Bahamian beach.

courtesy of SB04

Motors and Military

2005-06-26T22:34:00.000-05:00

Walking down the hall, I opened the door in to our common room in the Quad. To my surprise, I saw a scattered array of tools on the furniture, a shiny motorcycle, and Morris working intently on the handle bars. It's not something that I had seen before, so I was naturally inquisitive. "So is it still messed up from when it was stolen?" I asked. "Yeah, it was a pro job, they added a resistor and saudered it on to the ignition switch," stated Morris while holding a piece of wire in front of me, "these guys were a bunch of pros". Apparently his new motorcycle had been a victim to south Longview chop shoppers, and he was righting the wrongs on his fine piece of machinery. After chatting for a few minutes, I left for my room down the hall. While only being at my desk for a few minutes, I was roused from day dreaming by a loud "riinnnggrooomvroroooom!!!" in the lounge. I thought for a moment, realized that someone had started up a motorcycle in the lounge, and then I sat and thought again, "someone just started a motorcycle in the lounge." Now we learn a lot in RA training, but there's nothing in the manuals or fine fees about "motor vehicles in the lounge" and that's more of security's area anyway, since they give out the stickers and all. So I thought privileged, not many people get to hear a motorcycle start indoors like that, it's breathtaking really. With everything weighed out in my head, I chose to laugh and continue work in my desk while hoping that Morris' bandana didn't get caught in a gear or something that would fling him throught the front window. And thus, Morris fixed his battered bike in the lounge of Quad 1.

One Man Show

2005-06-26T16:09:00.000-05:00

It's a beautiful day! I have had an amazing time the last few days because Karen came up from San Antonio to surprise me, it was so wonderful. Even when we are away from each other, we still grow in our relationship and have the most amazing time doing it. Kare had been three weeks away from me, which doesn't seem like a lot, but it very much was. It was so wonderful to have her back with me and again and it helped me realize again just how wonderful being in a relationship with a girl like Karen is. Everyday is so wonderful, and I am so very blessed and thankful for who God has put in my life, and for the way that our relationship has grown. More mushy details to come on a later blog...

On top of that, the last few weeks have gone really well for me at work. I'm getting to know the youths alright, and we had a lot of fun on a retreat last weekend. I got to shoot the little ones off this blob thing into the water, somehow it's really satisfying to knock little people into the water even when they know it's coming. Well, I guess it's always satisfying to knock someone of any age into the water, but still. I got to run the Wednesday night program this week since our Youth Leader was involved in a wedding for a friend. The whole thing went really well, and was a great experience. Fellowship Baptist has a lot of great people, especially on staff, that make working there a whole lot of fun on top of teaching me some great things.

Although it really would be nice to be home, I'm very happy with everything that has happened this summer. I'm at a great place where I learn a lot and have fun, and I get to see Karen at least 3 more times before school starts; I really am blessed for how things have worked out. And in less than a week, I get to see Karen again, along with an insanely good Spree show!!

A nice religiously toned way to describe a show...

Greek Nerdiness

2005-06-20T21:53:00.000-05:00

Translation of John 3:38-39, 45-49
38 But Jesus turned around and observed those who were following. He said to them, "What are you seeking?" "Rabbi, (What he had said translates to teacher) where are you staying (living)?
39 He said to them, "Come and you all will see." They then went and they saw where he was staying and with him they stayed that day. The occasion was at ten (in the morning).
45 Phillip found Nathaniel and he said to him, "The one Moses and the Prophets wrote about in the law we (Referring to him, Andrew, and Simon) have found, Jesus the son of Joseph from Nazareth."
46 And Nathaniel said to him, "Out of Nazareth is something good able to be?" Phillip said to him, "Come and behold*."
47 Jesus saw Nathaniel coming towards him and he said about him, "Behold, a true Jew in whom there is no deceit."
48 Nathaniel said to him, "How are you knowing me*?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Phillip called while under the fig tree, I saw you.
49 Nathaniel answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel*."

The Greek in this passage has several interesting points of note. First, the statement "Come and Behold" made by Phillip is an imperative command. It's not just like saying, "hey you may want to come and see this", it's saying that "you need to see this now" due to the sheer magnitude of the truth that Phillip had learned about Jesus. This shows that it really was something amazing for Phillip and his friends to have heard and seen. Also, when Nathaniel said to Jesus "how are you knowing me?" an ongoing action for "knowing" is used. In this situation, as expounded upon by Ravi Zacharias in Jesus Among Other Gods, it is like Jesus is looking right into the thoughts of Nathaniel's heart as he approached; he was probably thinking the exact phrase that Jesus spoke in reference to him. Finally, the last charge by Nathaniel is noteworthy. The Greek word "eimi" is used twice in the statement "you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel". This is the word for "to be or exist" and it links the subject of Jesus with the two definite statements of his character, or the predicate Rabbi (Jesus) is affirmed by the copulative of "Son of God" which makes a strong theological statement in the original text.

So I had to keep my Greek going, and I thought I mine as well put it into a blog so I feel it's not all getting thrown down into the trash when I'm done. Sorry if it is boring.

Eating with Doctors

2005-06-12T13:24:00.000-05:00

I got a chance to go out to lunch with the Drs. Hood today, it was really neat. Both of them are very wise, as well as have a good grip on reality in ministry. What was really great was the insight on Seminary and methods of education. I cannot really disclose all of the opinions displayed by the aforementioned professors, but what they said contained excellent advice and thought provoking sentiments. The talk again showed me that LeTourneau really is a great place to be educated, especially in Biblical Studies. The entire department is very solid in their beliefs and teachings, and the professors teach the tools of the trade instead of only giving one opinion. It also was neat because the discussion showed me the importance of the Christian Ministry degree, but also the large need for the Biblical Studies. In fact the two compliment each other in a wonderful fashion with one giving sound tools for study, and the other looking into more practical parts of human interaction. Some, including myself, do not count too highly the here and now practical parts of ministry in a culture, although knowing what is going on is very important. I struggled with the CMIN degree by itself for awhile because it seemed a bit empty and almost useless in the long run. Much of the stuff taught can be gained by experience or reading a book, but the CMIN material combined with the Biblical Studies turns out to be a pretty sweet pair of majors. Tools are taught in both, and those are the techniques and practices that last. Having only one perspective is not always good, and the dual major is a great environment for practice in critique and theory development under some great guidance.

So this was one of the things highlighted for me during the talks about education and ministry goals and values. I write it only because I like what I do, and I like it when I find things that make me feel all the more excited about it. It's hard sometimes being at a technical school with many (not everyone) people who find their pride more important than how they treat others, and knock liberal arts down. Somehow being picked on because I follow my gifts and joys in Bible Study does not really add up, but that's another topic. It's just refreshing to eat with people who know what's up, and don't automatically write you off as an unintelligent human being for not being in a technical field. The lunch was delicious, and I would eat with Doctors like the Hoods any chance I got.

I'm No Movie Star

2005-06-10T12:58:00.000-05:00

When walking to financial aid today, a random high school aged girl asked me if I was Spork. Not only did she ask this strange question, but she addressed me as "sir". There is a high school camp going on here so I look older, but still, "sir"? It must be that I haven't shaven in a few days or something. That's the first time I've been called "sir", and actually, it's not so bad...kind of thrilling the first time. I guess it looses it's luster when one hits a certain age. Anyway, back to the question she posed about Spork's identity. I thought for a moment about what would spurn this on, and why on earth someone would confuse me for a C.S. major who looks almost nothing like me, save for the hair color and occasional (mine is not so occasional) Rochester accent. "No," came my reply, "I am not Spork, but he is my friend." At this her eyes lighted up, and I wondered if Spork had a fan club that spanned farther than I could ever imagine, with girls all around America filling high schools and concession stands with his picture. But sadly, this girl was no Sporketeer. She went on to explain that she was the sister of Courtney Cox, which was quite a coincidence. Anyway, what brought forth her question about Spork was computer problem of all things, which as some know Spork just thrives on. So I really don't know what anyone can draw from this aside the facts that I must be getting older, and more importantly, that the fame of Spork is spreading across the nation at an alarming rate. But at least now there is someone to head up the Sporketeer fan club.

"It's Been Linuxed...or Something"

2005-06-06T14:43:00.000-05:00

I updated my blog, and I hope you all enjoy the changes. The dots get old after a while, and blue is my favorite color. The quote was inspired by SBemail, hope you like the changes!

Here, There, Everywhere

2005-06-06T14:30:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I wish I could travel at the speed of light. I could be in San Antonio one moment, then up to New York in the next. That would be very fun. Despite the lack of light speed, I did end up going to San Antonio this past week for a most excellent time with Karen. We got to see a lot of downtown, and some really fun places like central market, the best grocery store that I've been in. On top of that, just spending time at their house is very relaxing and fun. Karen's family is top notch and it is a blast to be in their home with her. Sadly, that time had to end though. It's really hard being away from the one you love, but the thoughtfulness of Karen really helps with that. Karen is an extremely caring and amazing person, and I can't wait to see her in July.;)
Since my trip, I've started my internship in Longview. Tomorrow I start moving over to Bubbles' house, so this may be my last blog for a bit since he doesn't have internet. The internship is kind of going well. I'm teaching VBS, and the kids are a bit of a hand full. But I met some of the youth, and things should be pretty neat this summer I think. Anyway, I'll learn a lot, and hopefully better understand just where God wants me and what I should do when I get out. But the summer should be fun so long as Bubbles' and I don't blow up the house (knock on wood) and that I get to see Karen for at least a little bit in July. So until next time...I um, won't be writing blogs...

Hard to Specify

2005-05-25T14:34:00.000-05:00

It's Wednesday afternoon, and my afternoon thus far has consisted of Strong Bad e-mails, guitar playing, and some pleasure reading...wow...feeling to brain coming back...school over...being a lazy bum for a few days...very good...Anyway, my Acts class seemed to have gone very well even though I do not know what grade I will get yet. It was interesting to stay here the two weeks, and fun to have a cool class to take while I'm here. This summer really feels different, and it really only started yesterday, but still. I'm going to start work on the 5th with VBS, so I guess that will be fun. Kids are cool for periods shorter than 2 hours, and the people at the church seem nice. I really don't know exactly what my hours will be or anything, and no one's really said much. But I doubt that I will work 40 hours a week there, but it would be great if I did.

Next week I get to go to San Antonio for a few days, which should be really great. Karen has an awesome family, and it is a lot of fun to be in the house with all of them. It will also be great to see Karen in the summer, and we'll both have a chance to go to the NY. So things are looking good. It's a bit scary and weird being down here alone, but bubbles and others are around, and the time will probably go by really fast...except the times that I see Karen, those need to go by like a sloth climbing a greased wall. ;)

I Think it was the Fourth of July

2005-05-17T17:16:00.000-05:00

I was talking to my friend Matt last night, it was a lot of fun. It was the first time I've had a talk with him in awhile and for a little bit I was able to pretend that I only lived 12 minutes away from him again. However, that is not the case, which is kind of sad after talking to him. Although I'll get to spend some time home and with the guys of the Summer, it's not the same at all. I feel weird and out of place down here. After speaking in Church the other day and talking to the pastors, it dawned on me that I should probably be the last person to do anything like that; it scares me to core. I'm pretty good at Theology, word studies, and the like, but seeing that church just struck something in me I really didn't like. Maybe it's because I felt like a salesmen promoting myself to the old people voting on me, maybe it's because I'm not cut out, maybe I should be doing something else. At this point it doesn't matter I guess, it's an academically required internship and although scary it may be, it's life so I'm cool with it. So hopefully things will turn out well, and besides, it's only two months and the youth pastor is pretty cool. Matt was telling me about the other night back home where things seemed like old times. He said it's funny how nostalgic they (and I as well) get for the way things were, and the general consensus is that growing up stinks. However, it's still good to know that nothing really changed although we all have, things just keep getting picked up it seems. For this I am very thankful. I haven't made any friends like Matt or Brendan or the other guys down here so much outside of Karen. Maybe that's my own dumb fault, or maybe I've been too busy. I have gotten to know several awesome people down here on the same level which is really cool and a blessing; it's not like I don't have friends that care at all. Anyway, we all get older, I hope to keep my friends I have in back home no matter how long the length of parting or where we may all end up when out of college.

Hullo Hullo

2005-05-12T17:21:00.000-05:00

I'm just waiting for dinner to start and avoiding studying for my Acts test tomorrow, so I thought I'd write a wee blog. Things have been going pretty well this Summer thus far, despite my being worried about new experiences. I have some great friends that are here doing stuff too and it is a lot of fun to be able to see them. Acts class is pretty fun, I don't know how nasty the tests are going to be, but I think it is going to go well. I zapped a blog from last night that was written directly before going to bed after a long day, so I'm writing this to fill in for it. The weather has been really great down here of late. Rain hasn't really been around, and everything feels like summertime, it's quite nice. I'm looking into getting a specific date to start work and all, but I think that I should be able to go down to San Antonio for a few days with Karen directly after the Acts class is over; we'll see what happens with RA stuff and work though. Speaking of which, I should probably go talk to some people and then grab dinner. Goodbye in Spanish.

End of Semester

2005-05-05T00:29:00.000-05:00

So it's that time of year again when everyone starts packing up and getting ready to head off for the summer or their life's work. I would have to say that this last semester has been my best one at school in many ways, although despite some amazing things that happened, I was still able to learn a lot from mistakes. First to start with the goods things. For those of you who talked with me in the last 3 months 2 weeks 6 days and 1+1/2 hours, you know that I have been dating a wonderful girl named Karen Waitz. For those of you who haven't talked to me...I've been dating this amazing and wonderful girl named Karen Waitz. So now that everyone's on the same page, I would like to say that a large part of my semester being so good was due to Karen. She is great friend who cares for me and is always there to talk, play games, and randomly leave town, or just there for me to be myself around her. I have learned so very much about what true friendship is from Karen and look forward to growing and learning more with her.

Some other individuals who have taught me a lot reside on my floor. I have had a great privilege to be a leader and friend to many of the guys here on 41. I wish that there were less papers, meetings, and tests here at school so I could get to know some people better than I have. However, this year has allowed me to get to know some of the friends I had coming in better as well as make and meet some new ones.

Not everything was done right this semester on my part, and I do have some regrets that involve mainly around me just not getting with it or being too busy. I was sometimes too busy for my girlfriend, my floor, my friends, my family, but most disappointing of all, for my God. When things come to push and shove something gets sacrificed, and I let too often that something be God. When I look back on the semester and see how blessed my life has been, it is sad to note that I missed out on a lot of things with the Lord. Exegesis papers are not devotions, Greek translations do not count as quiet time, and going to a Christian school with Chapel does not make up for fellowship with other believers that I need. Well things will be different this summer considering where I’ll be working; yet I still feel I need to work on this area for next semester.

Overall, I’ve changed a bit more this semester. I’ve grown up more, learned more, gained more, and understood more over the last four months. It still amazes me how much things change and how long time seems to pass by while I am here at school. This really is a unique place, and I love learning the things I learn both in and out of the classroom here. God has plans for me all for all of you out there, but sometimes I wonder what he set up for little inconsistent and cracked thing like me. I have no doubt that He is with me and will use all of my experiences to benefit His kingdom and fulfill the plan He has for me. And with the peace that I have, I now leave you. God Bless, on to the next semester.

One More You're Nuts

2005-05-02T16:10:00.000-05:00

So I'm done with two of my finals, and my week just got a whole lot better. Karen and I are about ready to head out to make some more pasta...Kare really is a great cook. So this night looks like it is shaping up to be a really great one. I can't wait for the semester to be over so that cooking can become a frequent thing. Anyway, I'm just glad that I'm done, and I hope I got the grades that I want and need. So on to the summer and that whole staying in Texas thing where it get hot enough to combust a New Yorker. It should be pretty fun though. I'll be staying with Bubbles, and some friends from the floor are going to be here. On top of that I will get to spend some time with Kare, so it should turn out to be a good summer. Well time to go make food, later.

To be a Better Person

2005-04-19T23:49:00.000-05:00

Lately I have been thinking a lot about the blessings that God has put in my life. Sometimes things get hard or a lot of work comes up, but I never have anything legitimate to complain about. God has given me some great experiences and relationships which I will always treasure. However, when I look at my little life and think about all the things that have been given to me, I can't help feeling that I missed something along the way; that somehow I should be "better". Now in reality...this is stupid. It's good that I know that, but I just wanted to tell you why: because I do the best I can to live my life for the Lord. Now granted, by best isn't really good a lot of times, in fact my best is often pretty shoddy. However, I do not hold any regrets if I make the most of my days. Some days I may have a learning experience and fall flat on my face after making a huge mistake. Other days I may feel really good about what I do and how I act. But everyday, whether good or bad, I wake up and give the day to God. I need work, I'll probably always work, but that doesn't stop God from using me and allowing me to grow at the same time. Paraphrasing C.S. Lewis again, he said something along the lines of It is God's will to make us nothing less than perfect. He will someday, and while we spend our time here on earth, He is helping us along the way. He only accepts perfection, and thankfully it is the perfection that comes from Him, I sure know I wouldn't even want to try doing it alone now. I use what I have been given and follow these rules. God is making me a better person even thought it's painful sometimes and arduous. However, feeling like I haven't lived up to anything does nothing in the end for what really matters. I'll live up to a higher standard, and that is doing my best to follow Christ, giving it my all when I only have a little to give.

Mushiness

2005-04-17T21:02:00.000-05:00

Thst's a pretty fun word...mushiness. Anyway, I've been wanting to write a blog the past couple of days about Karen. The last few days have been really fun. Kare dug up some stuff from before we were dating and it has been really neat to look and think back on things and notice what has changed and what hasn't. One thing that hasn't changed was the way that I can act around Kare. I feel that I can always be myself around her, whether I'm sick or tired or hyper on caffeine or in a great mood, she is always a great friend. I'm very glad that I have another friend who cares about me and prays for me like Karen does, it really is a great support and joy. I am also very glad that I found a friend before I found a girlfriend. It was great getting to know Kare before we had any of the going out things going on. This may all seem kind of sappy, but I am very thankful to have a friend like you Kare. A friend who sticks to her values, who goes for what is right, who cares about others, who can make me laugh, and who I can be myself around and feel good about it. The list could go on and on as why I am thankful, but too much mushiness could cause severe liver damage for unaware readers, so I'll stop. But thanks again for everything you've done and continue to do Kare bear, and thank you so much for being a true and wonderful friend.

Who Needs Sleep?

2005-04-12T02:41:00.000-05:00

Well I've been in bed for about an hour now, getting more and more awake with each minute that passes. I haven't been able to sleep well for the five nights or so, pretty much about the same time that offers for work down here started to come in. Right now, all that I can think about are possibilities and events that may or may not happen in relation to this summer. I also cannot help to think about how I will not be able to go home much more than a couple of weeks. So here I am, thinking of the problems and probabilities as I watch my comfort zone fall apart in front of me. I'm normally not at all rattled like this, I don't know what it is. All I know is that it is really annoying and I can't get my sleep. I really wish I could, I don't much care about what is going to happen so long as I can be well rested when it does. So night six of restless sleep. Hopefully it will be the last one. I'm going to go back to bed and hopefully stop caring about anything aside from deep breaths and peaceful dreams.

Still Fighting It

2005-04-11T23:43:00.000-05:00

There is only 3 weeks of classes left in the semester, and that is very nice. I am sitting here feeling a bit overwhelmed by Greek. The concepts aren't that new, but it just feels like I'm out of the game. I only have one more testing round, so hopefully and I can push through that alright. Today I was told that I have a very good chance at getting a job here in Longview at the Hood church. They are good people and it would be a great experience I think, although it is quite scary. It's really weird, getting this job sort of solidifies me not living in New York anymore, it's a pretty strange feeling. I will miss all the summer weather and most of all the chance to see my friends and family. However, things have changed at home, and as much as it stinks everyone has to grow up sometime. So if this is how changing states feels, I can't imagine how changing countries would feel for someone like Bolt and what the other senoirs are going through. Igloo was going around the floor looking for engagement ring tips, Bolt has a prayer letter to help fund his Papua New Guinea trip out, and Aduma has a map of Iowa of all places on his wall. Moving away is exciting, and seeing what these other great guys are heading off to do is encouraging as well. So...just three weeks left. And maybe things aren't as scary as they seem.

A Long, Long Time

2005-04-10T11:22:00.000-05:00

Well it's been quite awhile since I wrote my last blog. I wanted to post more though, and Karen said it would be cool if I did, so here I am. Yep, just posting my blog. You know what's nice about these blogs? Is that I don't have to follow any format or make it spectacular writing. I can even just spew off a bunch of undeveloeped thoughts, and who's going to care? Exactly, no one. So school is finally wrapping up and things are really starting to cook here in the next few weeks especially. I only have one more testing round before finals which is really nice, and after a bunch of presentations, I'll be done. On top of that, and this seems really weird, is that I'll be staying in Longview this summer if everything goes well jobwise this week. Dr. Hood's husband, Dr. Hood, may offer me an internship at his church this summer which would be really cool. Karen and I have been having a lot of fun which has been a trend; it's been great. We went to dinner, Target, and a movie last night (with gummy bears none the less) and had a good night of relaxing. Well it has been fun just writing about what is going on in my life and I will try to do it more for all of my avid fans. ;-)