PostSecret

I'm a huge fan of PostSecrets (http://postsecret.blogspot.com/). I must warn you that some of the postcards are graphic and innappropriate. Some may also question the truthfulness of the postcards. But I agree with Frank Warren, the man behind the idea, that the expressions and "secrects" told reveal something about the person who created and sent them, whether it's the complete truth or not.

Why I Don't Sing New Songs

It's not that I don't sing any new songs, rather it's just that I don't sing songs the first time I hear them. Surely your been somewhere where you have sung or a friend has been singing along to a new song...a church, a concert, listening to a brand new CD.
Many moons ago I was at a small music festival and Geoff Moore and the Distance was playing, yes I said Geoff Moore and the Distance, and it was awesome! The band was gearing up to release their brand new album entitled Homerun. The boys decided to debut for us two new songs. The first song was "Best Days". I can remember clearly the response of the crowd. We quickly picked up the theme and message of the song and before the song reached the end of it's chorus we were singing along.
After the song was over Geoff stood flabbergast and said something to the effect of "I've never had an audience sing along to a song they didn't know. That's incredible."
That moment has stuck with me. While I've been guilty of this since that moment it has certainly been a while. I find that it typically happens during worship songs. The audience wanting so much to be in the experience will chime along to lyrics they don't know. Plus they feel that because the words are in front of them on powerpoint or whatever that they can follow.
It's incredibly embarrassing when the song changes tempos or has an awkward pause and the crowd keeps singing anyways for a beat or two. Everyone turns and looks silently judging the persons mistake.
So I make it a point never to sing a song I've never heard before. Even if it's obvious chorus or melody that I know I can follow.

Bono quote

From the book Bono: in converstation with Michka Assayas.

In response to the question, "What about the God of the Old Testament? He wasn't so 'peace and love'," Bono answers:

"There's nothing hippie about my picture of Christ. The Gospels paint a picture of a very demanding, sometimes divisive love, but love it is. I accept the Old Testament as more of an action movie: blood, car chases, evacuations, a lot of special effects, seas dividing, mass murder, adultery. The children of God are running amok, wayward. Maybe that's why they're so relatable. But the way we would see it, those of us who are trying to figure out our Christian conundrum,
is that the God of the Old Testament is like the journey from stern father to friend. When you're a child, you need clear directions and some strict rules, but with Christ, we have access to a one-to-one relationship, for, as in the Old Testament, it was more one of worship and awe, a vertical relationship. The New Testament , on the other hand, we look across at a Jesus who looks familiar, horizontal. The combination is what makes the cross."

(thanks to Snapshots from my World)

Personallity

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What do you all think? Would you agree with the above as an accurate representation of who I am?

-T-
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"ISTJs are often called inspectors. They have a keen sense of right and wrong, especially in their area of interest and/or responsibility. They are noted for devotion to duty. Punctuality is a watchword of the ISTJ. The secretary, clerk, or business(wo)man by whom others set their clocks is likely to be an ISTJ."
- ISTJ Profile (TypeLogic)

"ISTJs are very loyal, faithful, and dependable. They place great importance on honesty and integrity. They are "good citizens" who can be depended on to do the right thing for their families and communities. While they generally take things very seriously, they also usually have an offbeat sense of humor and can be a lot of fun - especially at family or work-related gatherings."
- Portrait of an ISTJ (The Personality Page)

"...characterized by decisiveness in practical affairs, are the guardians of institutions, and if only one adjective could be selected, "super dependable" would best describe them."
- The Portrait of the Inspector Guardian (Keirsey)

"...private, does not appreciate strangeness, not adventurous, not spontaneous, follows the rules..."
- Jung Type Descriptions (ISTJ) (similarminds.com)

"At work, ISTJs get things done on a timely basis. They honor deadlines, and they believe in thoroughness. A half-finished joy is not a job well done. They established procedures and schedules, and are uncomfortable with those who do not do the same. ISTJs put duty before pleasure. As long as they can fulfil their responsibilities, they feel useful and thereby satisfied. Their work does not have to be fun, but it has to count toward something productive. ISTJs believe that vacations are something that one takes only when work has been accomplished; thus, at times they do not take vacations even when they could and should."
- ISTJ - The Reliant (Lifexplore)

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Real ISTJ People
Andrew Johnson - American President
Benjamin Harrison - American President
Elizabeth II - Queen of England
Evander Holyfield - boxer
George H. W. Bush - American President
George Washington - American President
Harry Truman - American President
Herbert Hoover - American President
Jack Webb - actor, producer
Jackie Joyner-Kersee - athlete (heptathlon)
Thomas - Christ's Apostle
Warren Buffet - investor, businessman

Fictional ISTJs (Characters)
Angel Eyes - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Bruce Wayne - Batman Begins
Cliff Clavin - Cheers
Dallas - Alien
Darth Vader - Star Wars
Eeyore - Winnie the Pooh
Evelyn Cross Mulwray - Chinatown
Frankie Dunn - Eastwood in Million Dollar Baby
Fred Mertz - I Love Lucy
Gen. Yevgraf Zhivago - Doctor Zhivago
Jet Black - Cowboy Bebop
Joe Friday - Dragnet
Julia - Cowboy Bebop
Lornette 'Mace' Mason - Strange Days
Mama Montana - Scarface
Mr. Martin - Sitting in the Catbird Seat
Puddleglum - Chronicles of Narnia

Motivational Posters

I don't know if I agree with all these posters at Spurgen.org, but they are kinda fun. Here are a few for your enjoyment:

Mental Floss Questions

Asked at Mental Floss so I thought I'd answer.

1) If you could have written any movie in history – or, more accurately, if you could tell people that you’d written any movie in history – what would it be?

I suppose I might say Clerks, but not as perverse. Kevin Smith has a knack at writing dialogue that doesn't seem forced or unnatural, yet within it's absurdness there can be some depth and insight. So instead of Clerks I'll say Dogma.

2) What’s a food you’d fake a fainting spell to avoid having to eat?

Mushrooms and Olives.

3) What historical figure (pre-1900) would have made the best mental_floss blogger?

Benjamin Franklin

4) With what character – book, film, stage or television – do you most relate?

A little bit of Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer.

5) Coin a new phrase that means “I’m having a good time at this party.”

"It's falling off the bone!"

Great, Strange News

Japanese biker fails to notice missing leg... after continuing to drive for another mile.

Have You Seen This?

Click HERE for more info.

Branding

Our summer camp theme was Branded, which had me thinking a lot about the marketing understanding. As it's lingered in my mind over the summer I went back and found this diagram that Marko posted some time back.

I really want to create a youth evangelism strategy around this thinking. I'm still formulating some ideas on how to motivate students along the same thought process. Does anyone know of some material that could educate me more about branding?

Records are Chaos

I was linked to this video from Extra Mustard at SI.com.
How unforgetable this moment will be to one of these camera men.



...or...



...and one more...



I love baseball!

New Home Run King!

He did it! 756. A solo shot toward right field. Awesome!

I hope you saw it.

With the crowd chanting "Barry! Barry!" Barry dug in and took the 2-2 pitch from Mike Bacsik deep. He knew it immediately. I guess everyone did. You could feel it as he first stepped in teh box.

The Giants honored Barry with a tapped message on the scoreboard from Hank Aaron. And then allowed Barry a moment to say thank you. Bonds thanked his family, the fans, the Nationals, and struggled to thank his father.

You have to respect the fact that the two previous at bats and the record breaking at bat, Bacisk didn't pitch around Barry but challenged him. He didn't offer up a batting practice pitch, but only threw the hittable pitch when the count dictated it. As Barry rounded the bases Bacsik even tipped his hat to Barry.

Wow. I so glad I didn't miss this. History in the making. Forget for a moment all the controversy and dwell in the amazement that he actually hit 756 homers. I challenge you to take batting practice and see how long it would take you to hit 756 home runs. Brillant.

Still in awe! I saw Barry hit 70, 71 and 72 in that single season and now I actually saw this too.

It looks like a Mets fan caught the ball. The police mobbed him out of the stadium.

Awesome, awesome, awesome!

755

2007-August-4

Barry Bonds hit #755 into the left field seats tonight to tie Hank Aaron for the home run record. (as of this post he's been walked the next two at bats)

Recent Interview

I returned today from the Valley after interviewing at a church. I didn't come away with a great feel for how the search committee felt about me, but I will say that I did feel very comfortable during the two days I was visiting.
Now I know many of the students and adult sponsors from camp and was able to interact with them well, so that was helpful.
Also I laid a whooping on several of the high school boys while playing Risk. I tried to warn them that they were spreading their armies to thin. They wouldn't listen. They were forced to pay.
Outside of the ministry opportunities here is a short list of the things that excite me about working there:
- a few minutes from South Padre Island and the beach. We actually stayed out on the island one of the nights. And went and walked the length of the jetty in the morning.
- the parsonage! 3 bedrooms. 2 large living spaces. A yard! That could be amazing.
- my asthma seemed to be under control, or rather better than it's been here in S.A.
- the parsonage is only a few blocks from the church and the church is two blocks from one of the high schools. My current job has me driving 30-40 to work every day.
- cost of living in the Valley is supposed to be a lot less than other places.
- the youth pastor's office is in the youth building and has plenty of potential.

I'm going to continuing praying about it until they make their own decisions.

Mystery J.J. Abrams

Updated website: http://www.1-18-08.com/

Entertainment Weekly revealed that it definitely is a monster movie. Godzilla? Maybe something new? Doesn't matter...can't wait.

The Simpsons

I went and saw The Simpsons Movie tonight. The image below is not from the movie but I like it. I wouldn't mind seeing other beloved American icons in anime if anyone knows where to find some.

First off we ate at Chuy's beforehand and I had two great soft chicken tacos. Here's their menu so you can plan ahead.

Soft Tacos

• Served with lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo & guacamole.
• Choose from: guacamole, chicken, carne guisada or ground sirloin.
• Crunchy TacosGrilled sirloin, lettuce, cheese & tomatoes.
• Tacos Al Carbon Fajita chicken or beef with grilled onions and green chiles.
• Baja Tacos Your choice of lightly battered and fried fish or shrimp with cilantro, red cabbage and Creamy Jalapeño.
• Taco plates come with rice & refried or charro beans.
  

Back to the movie. If you haven't been to the official website you should check it out. I don't want to give to much away, but please allow me to state a few thoughts about this flick:

1. Maybe the best opening sequence in a movie ever!
2. Between this movie and Knocked Up I feel as if I have had a summer course in either Biology or Sex Ed.
3. While most of the treasured town characters were visible many were notably non-vocal.
4. The previews for The Chipmunks and Bee Movie are definitely creating some buzz. Oops sorry about that pun.
5. The credit "scenes" weren't too impressive.
6. The Spider-Pig song is amazing.
7. There was no Butterfinger "cameo".
8. I love the way The Simpsons can address issues of government, environment, religion or whatever current hot button issue without going overboard and offending people, but rather challenges ideas on both sides of an issue.

Finally!!!

Usually late night shopping at Wal-Mart makes some sense. I'm gathering supplies for camp the night before we leave. I realized that I have no breakfast the next morning. I'm having an asthma attack and my inhaler is out...actually I may have to make another trip tonight.
Anyways tonight was for another reason entirely. I don't wait in lines to go to the movies. I don't wait in lines to get great seats for concerts. I don't like to get to excited about anything. But I could not control myself.
And $19.25 later I have it. It's been years since book six, and now the answer are finally going to be revealed.

Bought What They Were Selling...

According to CNNMoney, Schertz, TX (my residence) is one of the top 100 Best Places to Live

40. Schertz, Texas
Population: 22,600
Median home price (2006): $187,824
Average property taxes (2005): $2,526

Sandwiched between the hustle and bustle of Austin, San Antonio and Houston is this quaint little town deeply rooted in Central Texas history. Schertz has the kind of collective nostalgia that historians only dream of: Descendents from the first settlers (last name Schertz) still reside in the city. The United Methodist Church building serves the same purpose as it did a century ago. And the same is true for the red-brick business building on Main Street. With San Antonio and its famous Riverwalk and plentiful jobs an easy drive away, Schertz's economy is humming. Schertz's crowning gem and most-beloved tradition? The Schertz Fourth of July Jubilee, which draws visitors from all over the state.

I'm not really sure what the CNNMoney judges were looking for but Schertz is a very odd choice according to this Schertz inhabitant. And I'm not sure who is traveling to Schertz for the Fourth of July Jubilee, but I went to Transformers instead.
Nevertheless...if you're looking for a place to relocate to...Schertz is the 40th best place to choose.

Two Weekend Thoughts...

I had breakfast/lunch with my family today. We ate at this "hole-in-wall" place called Grumpy's. While I had the ham and cheese omlet someone else got the above chicken fried steak. This steak was literally 12 inches square. It was huge. The fork in the photo was to give perspective, but then I remembered forks can come in different sizes. About a 1/4 of it was eaten the rest was taken home in three, count them 3, to-go boxes.



I loved The Order of the Pheonix! It may be my second favorite. I'm still think The Prisoner of Azkaban was brillant, although not my favorite book. While the plot moved quickly and liberties were taken that differed from the book, the overall film was great. While the "first kiss" was highly anticipated, I think the Luna Lovegood character was spot on casting and wonderfully created and acted, possibly my favorite part of the movie. I also can't wait to see more of Bellatrix in the next movies as well.
The above photo is a die hard Potter fan. I went on Friday night, several days after the opening and I'm assuming this person was seeing the movie for the multi-time. At first I thought it was hilarious, with his Gryffindor flag and wand down his right sock, but then I was impressed. He could have easily bailed, but he hung in there through the whole movie.

Bush Successful?

William Kristol of The Washington Post offers a piece on why Bush will be remember as a successful president.

He offers 3 examples as to why:
1. Economy - When Bush took over the economic future was uncertain between the dot-com downfalls and 9/11, however the national economy has been strong and it's building, unemployment has been low and the stock market is rebuilding. Bush's tax cuts, although highly criticized are proving themselves justified. Plus the Medicare initiatives have seen successful integration.
2. Terrorism - There has been no second attack on America (outside Iraq). This shouldn't be taken lightly. This is something that was assumed would be a continual reality after 9/11. And foreign policy is generally the same. While some national relationships have slipped others have found strength and all in all there is nothing that is too threatening.

But, what about...
3. Iraq - The Bush legacy hangs in the balance of Iraq. Kristol suggest that between the troop surge and Gen. Petraeus, the war has a 50-50 chance.

A few of other points that Kristol briefly highlights are: Bush's (successful) Supreme Court appointees, while the were highly contested, generally people agree that both Roberts and Alito are highly qualified. Also if Bush's second term can be followed (vindicated) by a elected Republican president in the coming election. The current Democratic candidates are not all that impressive and may chop their own heads off in the primaries. And Kristol believes that Bush's failed private Social Security and immigration policies will see success in similar agendas soon enough.

These are some interesting thoughts and I do believe that Bush's ultimate success or failure will be hard to judge until enough time has passed. How long will that be? And do you agree with Kristol?

Read the article and tell me what you think.

Great story!

A robber threatens to start shooting people at a party if they don't give him money, is instead offered some Chateau Malescot St-Exupéry, responds, "D**n, that's good wine," and eventually leaves peacefully--but not before requesting a group hug!

(by way of)