Quote

"I don't drink liquids of any kind. That's the Devil's temperature."

Insight into Trevor - I agree with the above quote.

Asking For Help

I seem to have a problem with my side page element in my blog covering videos.
I'm not very techno-inclined and really need some help.
If you know how to widen these page elements or the space between the blog post and the side elements I would be forever grateful.
Thanks,
-trev

2 Minute Date

This is pretty doggone smooth.

I have a great feeling about Stella (Sarah Chalke). She just may be the girl with the yellow umbrella.

FYI - The song is "Thirteen" covered by Elliot Smith.

"Happiness only real...

...when shared."

And so concludes Christopher Johnson McCandless toward the end of his journey into the wild.
I read this book about 11 years ago and had a haunting feeling then of the sadness that comes from a life only in pursuit of solitude or personal fulfillment. I really need to go back and reread this again.
I read it in college when many young men have the notion that they could just leave it all behind and enter nature as God gave it to us and have a better life on own.
But what happens we when pursue our personal idealistic illusions of grandeur to their fullest extent.
It probably didn't help that Rich Mullins had recently passed in that fatal car accident, and was reaching that legendary status that happens when heroes fall. Who then didn't want to give it all up, drive a Jeep and live on an Indian reservation?
But is that what we were made for or called to.
And what is it that drives us to that place that longs for that?
It's interesting what drove Alexander Supertramp, as Chris liked to call himself. The dysfunction and disappointment of his parents is a familiar pain for some many people today.
But I love the words of wisdom passed on to Chris by one older gentleman he befriends name Mr. Franz:

"When you forgive, you love. And when you love, God's light shines upon you."

Working with students has challenged me to forgive. It's also one of my best pieces of advice. So much bitterness, despair and brokenness is caused by our inability to forgive. And so many people miss out on the opportunity to love and be loved because of unforgiving hearts.

So today I must ask (1) Who and what and I unwilling to forgive, and (2) who and what are you unwilling to forgive?

check "yes" or "no"

Can you love someone without liking them?

List without a View

Others have posted this recently and I feel the need to again. I seem to think I've done this in the past, but am too lazy tonight to look up past post. However it's a good reminder of what I still need to see. Some of these I've had numerous opportunities to see but I feel like the need to be watched with a certain mood or certain people.
Anyone want to come over and watch a movie...dibs I'm not renting it!...okay I will.

The American Film Institute's 2007 list of the top-100 American movies:

1. Citizen Kane, 1941. *
2. The Godfather, 1972.
3. Casablanca, 1942.
4. Raging Bull, 1980. *
5. Singin' in the Rain, 1952.
6. Gone With the Wind, 1939.
7. Lawrence of Arabia, 1962. **
8. Schindler's List, 1993. **
9. Vertigo, 1958.
10. The Wizard of Oz, 1939.
11. City Lights, 1931.
12. The Searchers, 1956. *
13. Star Wars, 1977.
14. Psycho, 1960.
15. 2001: A Space Odyssey, 1968.
16. Sunset Blvd., 1950.
17. The Graduate, 1967.
18. The General, 1927.
19. On the Waterfront, 1954.
20. It's a Wonderful Life, 1946.
21. Chinatown, 1974. *
22. Some Like It Hot, 1959.
23. The Grapes of Wrath, 1940.
24. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, 1982.
25. To Kill a Mockingbird, 1962.
26. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, 1939.
27. High Noon, 1952.
28. All About Eve, 1950.
29. Double Indemnity, 1944.
30. Apocalypse Now, 1979.
31. The Maltese Falcon, 1941.
32. The Godfather Part II, 1974.
33. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, 1975.
34. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 1937.
35. Annie Hall, 1977.
36. The Bridge on the River Kwai, 1957.
37. The Best Years of Our Lives, 1946.
38. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, 1948. *
39. Dr. Strangelove, 1964. *
40. The Sound of Music, 1965.
41. King Kong, 1933.
42. Bonnie and Clyde, 1967. *
43. Midnight Cowboy, 1969.
44. The Philadelphia Story, 1940. **
45. Shane, 1953. **
46. It Happened One Night, 1934.
47. A Streetcar Named Desire, 1951. *
48. Rear Window, 1954.
49. Intolerance, 1916.
50. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001.
51. West Side Story, 1961.
52. Taxi Driver, 1976. *
53. The Deer Hunter, 1978. *
54. M-A-S-H, 1970.
55. North by Northwest, 1959.
56. Jaws, 1975.
57. Rocky, 1976.
58. The Gold Rush, 1925.
59. Nashville, 1975.
60. Duck Soup, 1933.
61. Sullivan's Travels, 1941.
62. American Graffiti, 1973.
63. Cabaret, 1972.
64. Network, 1976.
65. The African Queen, 1951.
66. Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1981.
67. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, 1966. **
68. Unforgiven, 1992. *
69. Tootsie, 1982.
70. A Clockwork Orange, 1971. **
71. Saving Private Ryan, 1998.
72. The Shawshank Redemption, 1994.
73. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, 1969.
74. The Silence of the Lambs, 1991.
75. In the Heat of the Night, 1967.
76. Forrest Gump, 1994.
77. All the President's Men, 1976.
78. Modern Times, 1936.
79. The Wild Bunch, 1969.
80. The Apartment, 1960.
81. Spartacus, 1960. **
82. Sunrise, 1927.
83. Titanic, 1997.
84. Easy Rider, 1969. **
85. A Night at the Opera, 1935.
86. Platoon, 1986.
87. 12 Angry Men, 1957.
88. Bringing Up Baby, 1938.
89. The Sixth Sense, 1999.
90. Swing Time, 1936.
91. Sophie's Choice, 1982.
92. Goodfellas, 1990.
93. The French Connection, 1971.
94. Pulp Fiction, 1994.
95. The Last Picture Show, 1971.
96. Do the Right Thing, 1989.
97. Blade Runner, 1982.
98. Yankee Doodle Dandy, 1942.
99. Toy Story, 1995.
100. Ben-Hur, 1959.

already seen
* want to see again
** really want to see for the first time

This is the Truth

Saw this today. Apparently it's been seen over 750,000 times on Youtube. A great idea executed well.

Quote

"Now it is comparatively easy to be faithful if we do not care about being contemporary, and easy also to be contemporary if we do not bother to be faithful. It is the search for a combination of truth and relevance which is exacting."
—John Stott, Christian Mission in the Modern World, page 43

Thanks

At Your Own Risk

Juvenile?
Yes.
But "stinking" hilarious!

Question

My roommate Chris asked a great question on his blog yesterday.
I think the answer is a "yes" and would like to extend the question a bit.

How does Wonder Woman's lasso work in a postmodern world?

I have some ideas, but do you?

These are my two sisters at Chelsy's wedding a few weeks back. Chelsy is on the left in the wedding dress, of course, and Cayla is giving her the hug. The little lady in the bottom right corner is my niece Halie. And blurred in the back is Mickey, Chelsy's husband, in the Marine uniform.
We should be receiving all the wedding photos soon, but you may check out some early ones at the photographers Flickr account here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/guamjpegs/
I'm hoping they have one of my in the pimp suit for all to see.

Billy Jean

I just heard this and...brilliant!
I had this Jackson album memorized from beginning to end back in the day with my glove (yes I had a sequenced glove) and I don't listen long to too many remakes or covers. But this is awesome!

Question

Do you throw your hat into a ring?
or
Do you throw your name in a hat?

Opportunist

Opening Day Thoughts

In honor of opening day...

While I believe in everything this clip has to say, I don't know if I like having opening day in Japan at a time when no sensible American is awake.
Opening day should occur in Cincinnati with the President throwing the first pitch.
Also I don't like these teams playing official games over there yet returning to the states to resume their spring training. That's just stupid.
So Commissioner, while you may have built it, I don't think anyone is coming. Figure out another way to globalize the game.

Records

This is a cool unique site.

Deconstruction

Justin McRobert's new album is now available.Visit his website and purchase his album(s)!
Or visit his youtube site and watch him play all 13 songs from the album.

Beautiful

This is a beautiful post.

Pic

I saw this today and had to share it with ya'll.--------------------------------------------------

Me Likey

Freddie Highmore may be my favorite young actor right now. Between Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and this.
Also if you've seen it...didn't you love the Peter Pan connections? As well as the Oliver Twist type storyline with Robin Williams as a Fagan type?
Plus Keri Russell's really pretty.
Good flick...and I only escaped with a couple of wet eye moments, no crying. Barely.
(I'm a crier, sad but true, so this is a achievement. Although I'm not a weeper, just let tears flow sometimes. I've learned to accept it.)

Easter Quote

"To preach the Resurrection is to announce the fact that the world is a different place, and that we have to live in that "different-ness." The Resurrection is not just God doing a wacky miracle at one time. We have to preach it in a way that says this was the turning point in world history."

- N. T. Wright

Thanks

Lunch w/ Celebrities

Today the Deuce, MyPhilip and I ate lunch at Red Robin. As usually we all ordered the Whiskey River BBQ Chicken Wrap (with campfire sauce for the fries).
This isn't anything news worthy, because we go here often and order the same thing every time.
What was amazing was the celebrities that we sat near.
First while we were beginning our meal, and I must clarify that I'm not a big WWE fan (although I will watch occasionally and recapture some of my youth), non other than Shawn Michaels - The Heartbreak Kid sat down next to us with his wife and children.
MyPhilip suggested I take a stealth photo for you all, but with his wife and children there it didn't feel right. I've seen several of the Spurs around town before, but this was the first time I'd seen HBK.
It's always amazing how much smaller celebrities are in person. I could have taken him...except for that "sweet chin music" kick to the jaw.
After we had finished eating, enjoying a good conversation about church history and how there really is nothing new under the sun in walked Colonel Sanders of KFC fame and sat down beside us too.
I'm telling you it was a glorious lunch!
Maybe tomorrow I'll somehow pump gas next to George Strait or Eva Longoria.

(Okay it wasn't really the Colonel, but HBK was for real.)

Book Review

As much as I'd like to be able to tell you this review is completely unbiased, I can't. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson was already a favorite of mine halfway through the second introduction. Of course I had a feeling that this would be the case even before receiving my advanced copy in the mail. (BTW - Thanks to Staci Carmichael of Random House for the free copies and the chance to have a sneak read).

In case we aren't friends (I've already confessed my deep admiration for Andrew Peterson on numerous occasions with my pals and to those who frequent this blog) and you are unaware of who Andrew Peterson is, let me quickly try and inform you. I first heard Andrew Peterson (along with his wife Jamie and fellow musician Gabe) at a Caedmon's Call concert in the spring of '98 at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR. My music world the previous year had a huge missing piece due to the loss of Rich Mullins, and I thought I'd never hear music like that again. Then Andrew opened the show. I promote Andrew Peterson as the artist who filled the void of Rich Mullins. I don't say this lightly.

So as you can read, I had a bit of a bias as I cracked the pages to On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness.

Upon receiving the two copies (one I'm allowed to give away) I read the three introductions and first couple of chapters sitting outside the door to my apartment. I had accidently locked myself out, leaving my keys inside and my phone had just died on me. Surely those were the makings of a bad evening, but my laughter as I read the introductions removed all my day’s frustrations.

When my roommate, the Deuce, arrived we went to Chipotle with MyPhilip, where I read aloud to them the three introductions as well. They were hooked too and asked me to hurry up so they could borrow the book.

Now I'm a slow reader, somewhat dyslexic, but I devoured this novel. Well what I consider devouring, for many others you might have been able to read the book twice, but nevertheless.

I hesitate to compare this story with C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia or with the Harry Potter series, although it might be in the same vain as those, but it truly is its own story.

Here are three of things I initial appreciate about AP’s writing:

1. Timing – He’s takes his time with the story, allowing the story to build and the characters to develop without having to write an entire “year-in-the-life” story (not that I don’t like that either, this is just unique now a days.)

2. Humor – using wit, puns, and just clever wording

3. Built In Soundtrack - As I was reading I could hear Andrew’s songs in my head. Especially from the ablum The Far Country.

This is only Book One in The Wingfeather Saga, and I can’t wait until the next book comes out.

Here is how one person summarized the book:

In the quiet land of Skree, the Igiby children—Janner, his younger brother Tink, and their crippled sister Leeli—stumble upon the lost jewels of Anniera and determine to return them. Unfortunately, the scary-bad Gnag the Nameless seeks the jewels for his own evil ends… and so our band of friends, accompanied by their trust dog Nugget, must escape with the help of their mom and grandfather (who happens to be an ex-pirate).

Their journey takes them through an inventively fantastical world of wonders, complete with memorable characters (like Gnag’s evil minions the Fangs and Peet the Sock Man), fanciful creatures (like sea dragons, snickbuzzards, toothy cows, flabbits, and bomnubbles), and captivating places (like the Books & Crannies bookstore, Shaggy Tavern, the Dark Sea of Darkness that divides the land of Skree from Anniera, the Glipwood Forest, Ice Prairies, and the Stony Mountains).

Through fast-paced storytelling, little ditties, songs, and poems, side-splitting asides, sensory descriptions of time and place, and characters rich in heart, courage, and smarts, Andrew Peterson has created a wondrous tale you’ll enjoy and treasure—just like those lost jewels.

Seriously, bad guys named the Fangs of Dang, loathsome toothy cows, and a used bookstore. What an amazing book!

BTW - - On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness came out on Tuesday!!!

I want to encourage you to run out and pick up your copy. Try ordering HERE from Amazon. While you’re buying yours think about buying a second and giving it away to a pre-teen in your neighborhood. Even though I got my copy for free I still plan on purchasing one as well. I know exactly who I want to give it to. There is this one young guy at church who always has a book with him and I talk to him often to hear what I should be reading.

FYI BooksChristian.com, as of today, has the best price online.

Hope

I love this song...

...especially the lyrics:

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now
Falling slowly sing your melody
I'll sing along

Tonight I'm thinking about Paul and Silas sitting in their Philippian jail, beaten and shackled, and yet "singing a robust hymn to God (Acts 16, MSG)."
What's got you singing tonight?

Quote

I took the day off from work today and hung out with Zach and Josh, here from Harlingen still.
Tonight while looking through my movies Zach said this after I recommended The Departed,

"I don't want to watch a senseless violent movie. Do you have any Zombie movies?"

Also I learned today that Zach has a man crush on Mark Wahlberg. A good day.

Quote

Josh and Zach Taylor, some high school fellas from Harlingen, are here for their spring break. They have graced me with their presence. At 12:30 this evening they began to scavenge my food supply. While eating what little I had to offer, Uncle Ben's Instant Rice, Josh posed this significant question while talking about Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup:

Don't you think it's weird that the chicken is dry despite being soaked in fluid?

Cravings

Some days I crave Dr. Pepper more than others. Today is one of those days.

Today is 77 days without DP, 289 more to go.

65 day until Indy!

Lunch plans

I had lunch with my mom today. She brought me my cell phone, because I'm an idiot and left it in her car after a family luncheon Sunday afternoon.
I love my mom, and I wish I was a better son.
If she don't mind I'll just keep trying to be the best me, and hopefully somewhere down the road something good just might come of this mess.

DOTHETEST

Have you done the test?
Click HERE.

Pink Shorts

Tonight the Deuce, Philip, Chris and I went to Buffalo Wild Wings for some grub. Across the tables from us was this couple in the photo (sorry my camera phone sucks). It's hard to tell in the photo but the gentleman was rockin' some pink short shorts. Awesome!

It would be real easy to mock him, but I chose rather to be in awe of his confidence. Hey he was actually on a date tonight, while I was eating with three other dudes...maybe there is something to the pink short shorts.

The question here is two fold:

1. Guys at what point in a dating relationship do you feel confident enough to sport some pink short shorts?
2. Ladies at what point in a dating relationship would you accept your man wearing pink short shorts?
   

As the man left with his lady friend, who was cute, I tipped my hat to him.
Rock on pink short shorts man, rock on!

Weekend Plans

I saw this and immediately made weekend plans. You in?

Juno Politics

Up and Over

http://view.break.com/469591 - Watch more free videos
You have to admire the way he finishes the segment. Brilliant commitment.

Daniel Needed (a revisit)

Just in case you don't follow this blog: I recently asked my readers for some help interpreting a recent dream I had.
My friend Jon McClarnon (J-Mac), who has planted True North Church in Apex, NC (near Raleigh), offered these thoughts:

T-Rev, this is truly fascinating. I rarely remember dreams myself, so when I do, I pay special attention to them.
I think this one is clear. There are 2 obvious gleanings:
1. The 1/2 assed version of yourself today is much better than the full on version of yourself 8 years ago.
2. The trip is irrelevant. It only means that if "she" had won rather than you, the prize would have been the girl. But since you won - she could only see it as having lost. She would never have ended up with you because of the male tendency to always have to be right. Thus, you got Thailand.

My roommate Chris, offered these thoughts:

I don't think this as confusing as you want to make it.
There's a contest, and there's a girl. There was at least one girl you wrote letters to. The girl in the dream may or may not be this girl, but in general, it represents "the one that got away." The contest being back at Ozark shows a deep internal desire to relive those days, in hopes that those relationships might come out differently.

I replied to Jon with this email:

That's very insightful. I would never had seen that.
The question now is what is this dream telling me. Is it a call for behavior or thought change? Or is this just my dreams mocking me about the one that got away? Why would my subconscious want to inform me that I'm a better man today than 8 years ago? And should I still go to Thailand?

I decided later that it should have read, "Why would my subconscious and/or God want to inform me...", because I do believe that God can speak to use via our dreams. Even though I haven't had those clear experiences in my life yet.

Jon then replied:

that's about all I got...try consulting a "what do my dreams mean" website - might be interesting.
It's a good sign for you to say that you've come a long ways in the last 8 years - you're twice the man you used to be. Was there a hot girl at Ozark who ended up in Thailand?

To which I responded with:

I'll google some dream sites today and see what I find.
Not sure of anyone that ended up in Thailand. I know I passed on a trip to Thailand my first summer at East Tulsa. I wasn't sure how to ask for a month off, and didn't know how I was going to manage the next years tuition if I didn't have a job.
Oh wait. Kara Kunkel (now married, so Kara Somethingelse) went on that trip. I was head over heals for her.
But then again why would God or my subconscious bring that up?
On to the googling.

Now there were plenty of other hot girls at Ozark who could be in the dream girl (ha ha), but Kara was the only one with ties to Thialand.

Well my googling turned up a website called Dream Moods (it was the first one, and I didn't really look at any others...yet). Here is some of what it had to share with me:

Competition
To dream that you are in a competition, represents your need to grow and expand. Learn the value of endurance and perseverance. Also be more assertive.

To dream that you win a competition, suggests that you possess the necessary skills to accomplish a goal or solve a problem in your waking life.

Crush
To dream about a former crush, refers to that particular period in your life and what you were feeling. The former crush represents a point in time when you first had the crush on that person.

College
To dream that you are in college, indicates that you are going through some social or cultural changes. You may be wanting to expand your knowledge and awareness. It also suggest that now is a good time for you to experiment and try new things. If you had gone to college in your past, then also consider your personal experiences and memories of your college days. However, if you are currently in college, then it may be a reflection of your current surroundings. It may also represent stress.

Paris
To dream that you are in Paris, symbolizes your need for romance and passion. It also suggests that you are a person of distinction. You own personal experiences and knowledge of Paris will supercede the suggested interpretation here.

Asia

To dream that you are in Asia, suggests that you need to adjust to some situation. If you are traveling to Asia or thinking about visiting Asia, then your dream may indicate your anticipation of such a trip.

Writing
To dream that you are writing, signifies some sort of communication with someone or with your conscious mind. It also denotes a mistake that you have made.

Eight
Eight stands for power of authority, success, karma, material gains, regeneration, and wealth. When the number eight appears in your dream, trust your instincts and intuition.

Emotionless
To dream that you are emotionless, suggests that you are closing yourself off from those around you. You may be neglecting your own feelings and should start paying more attention to them.

Emotions
Emotions expressed in dreams is a way for people to act out their feelings which they would not normally express if they were awake. This provides a "safe" outlet for these emotions instead of letting them be pent up.

Guilt
To dream that you feel guilty about something, relates to how you are handling your successes and failures or competence and incompetence. You may feel undeserving of your achievements or on the other hand, you may feel that you have let other down. Alternatively, it is also symbolic of repressed and negative feelings that you may have about yourself.

Lazy

To dream that you are feeling lazy, signifies that you will make a terrible error in a business deal resulting in bitter disappointments.

Friend

To see your friends in your dream, signifies aspects of your personality that you have rejected, but are ready to integrate these rejected part of yourself. The relationships you have with those around you are important in learning about yourself. Additionally, this symbol foretells of happy tidings from them and the arrival of good news.

Woman
To see a woman in your dream, represents nurturance, passivity, caring nature, and love. It refers to your own female aspects or may also represent your mother. Alternatively, it may indicate temptation and guilt. If you know the woman, then it may symbolize the concerns and feelings you have about her.

Win

To dream that you win at something, signifies triumph and success. You have much confidence and belief in yourself. All your self-doubts have subsided.

Victory
To dream of victory over something, suggests that you are in need of some motivation or confidence in your abilities. Sometimes you need to imagine or visualize success before actually achieving it.

Um...I don't think I have gained anymore insights beyond what J-Mac shared. Some of Dream Moods insights seem to conflict.
Oh well.
But I suppose I should look into plane tickets to Thailand.
Does anyone have any contacts in Thailand?

Spliting Potter

They are turning the final Harry Potter novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, into two movies. 

I guess I’m fine with that; I’m just disappointed that they didn’t do it earlier with some of the other films.  They sacrificed a lot of elements that, after reading the final book, seemed more significant to me.

Also I’m worried that we are going to get two movies about 80 minutes each with an awkward break in between. 

 

Oh well.  It would be really hard to mess this stories up, so I think it will still be awesome!

quote

“Love is evil spelled backwards to a dude that doesn’t know how to spell.”
- Creed, from The Office

This made me laugh today. - TSH

Fact?

Pickles curb your appetite.  

 

Can anyone confirm this? 

 

Awesome Photo

Sorry J-Mac. It had to be shown. UNC owns Duke.

New Goal

I start practicing now. If this doesn't send me into the upper echelon of cool people I don't know what will.

http://view.break.com/467437 - Watch more free videos

Caption Needed

Quote

THANKS

Daniel Needed

Saturday night/Sunday morning I was somehow able to remember my dream.  Usually I have dreams, but rarely do I wake up actually having remembered the dream.

But when the alarm when of Sunday morning I had a clear recollection.  Maybe God wants to speak to me.  The problem is I have no clue what the dream means or if meant anything.

So if you think you have some Daniel-like or Joseph-like skills please offer up your interpretation.

If you don’t have such skills, give it a try anyways.  Who knows maybe our Bible heroes were just spit-firing and God was somehow in between the spit and the fire.

 

My Dream:

It didn’t feel like today, rather it felt about 8 years ago during my time at OCC, but I was the me of today.  There was a writing competition that everyone was abuzz about on the campus.  Reluctantly I entered an article that I wrote half heartedly.  I don’t know if the competition had certain parameters and I don’t know what I wrote.  I do know that it felt like the writing had a lackadaisical tone to it that matched my ambivalence to the project.  As it turns out the competition whittled down to my paper and a dear friend of mine.  I can’t recognize the friend, but it is definitely a she.  I feel like not only is she someone I have a real friendship with, but I was also very much attracted to her (which could a number of girls, but I have a couple of ideas who she is - - I’ll save those thoughts until after some of your interpretations).  In the end I narrowly win the competition. 

The prize is a trip to Paris, France or Thailand.   I’ve been to Paris on a couple of occasions so it only tempts my interests a little.  I decide on Thailand.  I have no clue why either trip is offered or what I would be doing at each.

 

There you go.  What does it mean?

Trendy Vocab

Okay, so I’m catching up on some e-mails.

And last Friday’s Trendcentral Newsletter supplied my life with some new vocab.

 

“Perma-lance.”

 

Read their article below to read about this new trend.

 

THE NEW OFFICE SPACE

Whereas in the past freelancing has been more of a last resort financial necessity in between permanent employment gigs, an increasing number of Gen Ys are choosing to permanently freelance (perma-lance). This is a group that values and prioritizes freedom, flexibility, and the ability to experience new things. For many Gen Ys, traditional ideas of employment just don't register and they'd rather make ends meet on their own terms. The perma-lance mindset extends from urban dwelling members of the Creative Class (who rely on their creativity and resourcefulness to create custom jobs, turning their hobbies into "jobbies") to those living in suburban areas who give up stability in lieu of multiple temp positions—not for the love of the job, but to avoid getting tied down.

As such, we are seeing a growing number of co-working spaces emerge across the country, including The Hive in Denver, CubeSpace in Portland, The Hat Factory and Citizen Space in San Francisco, and the just-opened BLANKSPACES* in Los Angeles. These co-working environments allow free agents to seek out a sense of community, networking opportunities and a more professional environment than their local coffee shops. So, if you currently work from home, consider trading in working in your pajamas for live human interaction.

 

I think this is a cool new concept.

Any opinions?

Rewrite

When I find my hope waning I usually read my favorite book of scripture, The Revelation of John.  Working through some passages I’ve memorized stokes the flame that was flickering out and gives me enough light to confront the dark. 

 

(NIV – Rev 2:10-11)

“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.  I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”  - Jesus to the church in Philadelphia

 

My Rewrite:

Trust me; I’m going to make this worth your while.  Plus, since you’ve been so loyal to me, I serve as your wingman.  Hang tight, just when you think things get too hot to handle, and they will (they do for everyone), know this, “Rescue is coming!” 

Trends

I receive daily e-mails called the Trendcentral Newsletter.  You can (and should) sign up for them at trendcentral.com.  Basically the title tells what it does, keeps you current on current trends.  Some days it suggests new and trendy restaurants, cafes, spas, hotels, etc.  And other days it highlights current youth marketing trends (great youth ministry resources).  The e-mails are quick to read or easy to dismiss (not everyday is interesting).

 

So today they sent this article.

 

TECHNOLOGY TAKES THE WHEEL

When you take the consumer obsession with technology and put it inside an automobile, you have a potential recipe for danger. Fortunately, new, high tech in-car features—including reading text messages, controlling MP3 players and accessing the Internet—are safely offering drivers entertainment and useful information for an enhanced driving experience.

Recently, we've been hearing major buzz about Ford's SYNC technology package (developed with Microsoft). SYNC recognizes voice commands, enabling drivers (and passengers!) hands-free control over Bluetooth-enabled phones and MP3 players: shout "Play artist M.I.A." for some serious tunes, yell "Call Mom" for a heart to heart, and hit the phone button on your steering wheel to have incoming texts read aloud. New additions to the SYNC technology package will include fee-free 911 Assist, which connects drivers through their mobile phones directly to 911 if an airbag is deployed, and SIRIUS Travel Link, which provides access (through the car's GPS system) to info such as the closest gas station (or the station with the lowest price), game schedules and current scores, weather forecasts and up-to-the-minute traffic reports. These additions will be available in a number of 2009 Ford and Mercury Models.

With an increasing traffic problem, and a growing number of long-distance job commuters, the demand for full tech connectivity in cars will only grow and we expect these new perks will become expectations among drivers.

 

What do you think?  Are we trying to hard to hard to integrate technology into an activity that already has enough distractions and difficulties (San Antonio has the worst drivers)?  Or is this new technology just too super cool to pass up?

 

I think Sulu had an easier time maneuvering the Star Ship Enterprise than today’s current vehicles.

 

Best Hockey Fight EVER!

Thanks

Wee Fighting

I've seen this on a few sites and decided I should get a count too.

24

I say bring it on #25.

Virtual Barber Shop

Listen with earphones.

Brilliant

Simple systemic solution.


Play Pump International

If I'm doing my math right, and if I found the right numbers. A single pump system cost in the neighborhood of $15,000.
$15,000 for revolutionary answers to numerous societal issues.

Simply brilliant.

Update

FYI
Just a quick update on my New Year's Resolutions.

#1 Dr. Pepper Fast
Doing great. While I've substituted my cola beverages for tea and vitamin water, I'm still making progress towards just pure H2O. I haven't slipped up once, despite the Deuce's attempts tempt with with such beverages.

#2 Memorize Colossians
Still working. Can't check this off yet.

#3 Read 40 books
Doing well. I'll give a separate update on this in a week or two once I've finished a couple more books.

#4 Map out TV show idea and make a TV contact
I did meet someone in the TV business, and while it may not be my way in, it should help provide future networking opportunities. Still to finish mapping out characters.

#5 See doctor and get asthma under control
Not yet. However I did see an ophthalmologist and got a new prescription for my glasses, purchased new glasses as well as got contacts for the first time in my 29 years.

#6 Organize and Minimize Closet
Check
This one also included me purchasing my first suit ever. I'm not really a suit guy and have avoided purchasing one. However as the big 3-Oh looms over me this year, I've decided that growing up and moving on must me part of my M-O.
So tonight I premiere my pimp suit - - ladies.

So there you go. I'm making progress and haven't bailed on any yet. Not bad for my first real resolutions ever.

Wedding

So I thought I'd let everyone know that in T-minus 4 hours I will be at my sister's, Chelsy, wedding.
Last night at the rehearsal she and Mickey (Micheal her real soon to be husband) showed a slide show to the Bebo Norman song "A Page Is Turned". I'll post it along with some possible photos in the near future.

-tsh-

Immature?

Yes, but so what? It's funny.
Click HERE for Great Movies About Farting.
Here's one to tie you over until you visit the site.

difficult post (part 2)

[I've been intentionally avoiding comments from my past difficult post, but I will get to them soon. I've been thinking that I need to post some more honest, unscripted thoughts in order to bring another level of authenticity to this thing. Hence the difficult part of the posts. Maybe through them we can find ourselves reaching greater depths of connectivity. - - Here's a post I wrote soon after the last. Sorry I didn't have Internet access for a few days, so this is a little late.]

Why is my hope so fragile? Why does the small conflict send me into a tailspin? Careening towards earth, unable to eject. The least amount of pressure reveals my flaws and exposes my weakness until my facade beings to crack.

How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?"
- Psalm 13

Has my faith grown at all? Or have I just been struggling against greater trails and temptations? Why has time and experience turned my child-like faith into a mature mess? I find myself looking back and agreeing with Nicodemus when he asked Jesus, "How can a man be born when he is old?" When will the transformational change begin to occur in my life? When will life give me greater perspective and less detours?

As I'm typing this David Crowder is singing on my computer,

And there's nothing wrong with you
And nothing left to do
But believe something bigger
And there's nothing wrong with love
I know it's just enough to believe

Don't give up now
A break in the clouds
We will be found
Rescue is coming
Rescue is coming
Rescue is coming
Rescue is coming now

I can't wait. Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus.

quote

"I don't deny that there should be priests to remind men that they will one day die. I only say it is necessary to have another kind of priests, called poets, actually to remind men that they are not dead yet."

-G.K. Chesterton

Which are you? Priest or poet?

quote

"I've tried every approach to life. I bought a bunch of stuff. and was like, nah. That's not it. Thought I'd shut myself off. Maybe that’s cool. Maybe that’s what you have to do to be a genius, you have to be mad. If you get the word 'mad' from the word 'genius' then maybe you'd make the genius appear. But that doesn’t work either. What I'm trying to say is I've messed with all the approaches except for one. and that’s just love. I've done everything in my life that I want to do except just give and receive real love. I don't mean like a Roman Candle fireworks, Hollywood, hot pink love. I mean like no matter what, I got your back love. I don't need to hear I love you. Some of the people who say they love you, are the last to have your back. So I’m going to experiment with this love thing..."

-John Mayer Live CD during the middle of "Bold As Love"

thanks to

Bound, Bound, Bound and Rebound

"...just get a leg up and slap it on down..."

Thanks to all my jackalopes.
-tsh-

connection

We finally got internet connection here at our apartment today.
Yahoo!

Questions

I saw this photo with this question today:

Do We Care?And early today I discussed this question with some other youth leaders.

Why does our service see such minimal results?

Questions on my mind as I try to fall asleep tonight.

A New Law

I saw this today and felt the need to share.

Do not be afraid.