Cool Photos with Quotes

"It would make a good Halloween set, wouldn't it?" - FREDDIE GOWIN
a ranger at Lake Tawakoni State Park, Texas, where a 200-yard (183-m) stretch of nature trail has been blanketed in a web spun by millions of spiders

"This is an individual who has had a very significant role in the history of our nation and the world." - Navy Secretary DONALD WINTER
on Solomon Islander Aaron Kumana, who rescued John F. Kennedy, then a young U.S. naval officer, from Japanese capture during WII and was finally recognized by the U.S. Navy last week for his heroism 60 years ago

"I believe I have an unfair edge over most of my colleagues right now. My mind works faster than my mouth does." - Sen. TIM JOHNSON
who returned to South Dakota Tuesday for the first time since suffering a brain hemorrhage last December that impaired his speech

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I have a few thoughts about each:
1. What a cool set for a Harry Potter movie.
2. How long can I wait to recieve "recognition"?
3. Patience is hard to come by. If it was forced on me would I want it?

Blog Recommedation

Is anyone else reading Creed Thoughts. You know creed from The Office. This is absolutely hysterical. My favorite line so far is...

There’re only six things you need if you want to snag a good woman: A guitar, chicken, wine, a car, running water, and some permanent markers. If you don’t have a guitar, a lute will do. You get those six things and you’re Don Juan, trust me.

I have to believe that that's sound advice. Do you think the "chicken" means a "live chicken", cause if not I could be real close to getting my good woman.

What Constitutes Family?

I had an interesting conversation with Zach from Harlingen tonight, which resulted in the following rules to the question of "what constitutes family". We were trying to decide at what point does the distance on the family tree exempt you from having to help a family member move.

The rules:

1. 3 degrees by blood

2. If you say "hi" to a trace-able "family link" in public

3. If they show up the family reunion.

4. The close friend who eats at your home at least a 4 days a week (Uncle Buck).
* The boyfriend/girlfriend who is constantly over is trying to get in the family, but not yet family.

What do you think? Would you add or subtract anything?

The Polyphonic Spree

Does anyone else enjoy The Polyphonice Spree. I first heard this 23 member group on Scrubs and have been tapping my toes to their infectious tunes ever since. Their white robes seem awful cultish, but if cult life is as enjoyable as their music then sign me up!

Seamless

I enjoyed Seth Godin's post about the importance of seams in response to someone elses attempt at a seamless user experience

Which has me asking this questions...

Why do I (we), as a Christ-follower(s), try to make my (our) faith journey a seamless experience? How am I finding the attempt for seamlessness useless?

"Word Smiths"?

Having trouble keeping up with all those crazy kid's lingo? Try visiting Word Spy regularly and stay updated and in the know.
Need a few new words to upgrade your next conversation from "blase" to "semi-cool"? Try these:

scalper-bot n. A software program designed to purchase online a large number of tickets for a concert, show, or other event, enabling the person running the software to sell the tickets for a profit. Also: scalper bot.

Potterhead n. A person who is a big fan of the Harry Potter series of books. Also: Potter-head.

carbage n. The garbage that accumulates in some cars, particularly in the back seat. [Blend of car and garbage.]

Boyzilian n. A Brazilian bikini wax applied to a man. Also: boyzilian, boy-zilian.

I know I'll use potterhead. I hope to work carbage into a convo, and I don't ever want to use boyzilian.
Although it does remind me of another youth pastor who had to explain to a young man in his youth group that if he's going to ride his shorts and drawers so low then he might to "trim things up" down there. Sometimes working with youth has its awkward moments...gotta love it!

Blog Recommedation

Is anyone else out there reading The Ongoing Adventures of ASBO Jesus. It's religious cartoons that I find humorous, thought-provoking and silly.

Here are a few to wet your whistle:

Faceball

Click on the banner to see what may be my new favorite sport. Watch the video for an instructional video.
The slogan is completely juvenile, but I snickered anyways.

Biblical Google Maps

Thanks to Kevin at http://kevinandrewpdx.blogspot.com/ for a heads up to this site.

BibleMap.org combines Google maps with Biblical texts. It's still in development, but already it looks like an amazing tool for ministry.

Ten Thousand Angels - Derek Webb (Featuring Andrew Osenga)

I think it's time to post a Derek Webb song. Listen to the guitar sing on Andrew's guitar solo.

Harry Potter Review

Alan Jacob's review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at ChristianityToday.com is excellent. Here's a few paragraphs for you:

Then came riding into the fray a young man—twenty-five at the time—named Gilbert Keith Chesterton, who, though a journalist and an intellectual himself, repudiated the hand-wringing of his colleagues and planted his flag quite firmly in the camp of the penny dreadfuls: "There is no class of vulgar publications about which there is, to my mind, more utterly ridiculous exaggeration and misconception than the current boys' literature of the lowest stratum." Chesterton is perfectly happy to acknowledge that these books are not in the commendatory sense "literature," because "the simple need for some kind of ideal world in which fictitious persons play an unhampered part is infinitely deeper and older than the rules of good art, and much more important. Every one of us in childhood has constructed such an invisible dramatis personae, but it never occurred to our nurses to correct the composition by careful comparison with Balzac."

Nor should our nurses have done so, because what matters most about the penny dreadfuls is the soundness and accuracy of their moral compass, and their power of inspiring their readers to discern the significance of moral choice:

The vast mass of humanity, with their vast mass of idle books and idle words, have never doubted and never will doubt that courage is splendid, that fidelity is noble, that distressed ladies should be rescued, and vanquished enemies spared … . The average man or boy writes daily in these great gaudy diaries of his soul, which we call Penny Dreadfuls, a plainer and better gospel than any of those iridescent ethical paradoxes that the fashionable change as often as their bonnets.

And above all, what Chesterton loves about the penny dreadful is this: "It is always on the side of life."

and Adams closes his review with these words:

What do we choose to imagine, when we choose? The answer is always revelatory, which is one of the reasons Chesterton was right to say that "the simple need for some kind of ideal world in which fictitious persons play an unhampered part is infinitely deeper and older than the rules of good art, and much more important." The Harry Potter books remind us of this, and they can be, if we read them rightly, both a delight in themselves and a school for our own imaginings. They have many flaws, but I have not dwelt on them here because I forgive J. K. Rowling for every one. Her seven books are, and thank God for it, always on the side of life.

Check These Out... I Won't Lead You Astray

1. Facebook Grows Up - A cover story from Newsweek on the growth and success of Facebook. If you've "addicted" in anyway to Facebook then this is something you probably want to read.
2. Speaking of Facebook...Josh Harris (you know the "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" guy) said this in response to a dialogue he's been having on his blog about Facebook: "Enjoy Facebook. And if you're a godly single man, receive it as a gift from God to assist you in nonchalantly building a friendship with a godly Christian woman. I'm serious, men! If you're mature enough to pursue marriage, Facebook should be 'Courtbook' for you. Don't just sit there, get on the ball and go "poke" a godly girl. Okay, enough 'Love Doctor' advice. I gave up that business a long time ago." I thought it was funny. Go read the full post, as well as the previous post where Harris gives his personal opinion of Facebook.
3. Theocracy in America - Joe Carter writes an review of Christiane Amanpour's mini-series God's Warriors. The article has some interesting points and asks some good questions. Here is a sample paragraph: I asked Amanpour if the juxtaposition could be viewed as guilt by association, equating Falwell with religious fanatics who are driven to murder. Her response was that the intention was to “look at the totality of the spectrum [of religious political involvement], from the violent to the legitimate.” She reiterated that the producers had no intention of creating a “moral equivalency” least of all “in the tactics used.”
4. Hate your job? Check out this site, and maybe we can begin to discover a the best avenue to pursue our passion. These guys travel around in an RV interviewing people about what about their jobs spurs their passion.
5. "There is a time for 'in-you-face' approaches to mission, but there is also a time to simply become part of the very fabric of a community and to engage in the humanity of it all. Furthermore . . . [you give] the implied message that God actually likes them." Alan Hirsch, The Forgotten Ways.
6. It's out and Derek Webb is back! Caedmon's Call
7. I'm a little nervious recommeding this site, but it is really interesting. We Feel Fine
8. Brillant and Glorious.

My Movie Career

I once was involved in a movie entitled "Call to Glory", about the Cubian missle crisis, starring one Craig T. Nelson. Unfortunately my ego and tempermental acting needs forced me to be fired before my scenes were complete. And the world has forever been struggling to find it's entertainment without me.



Any way I tell you this because ABC Family was playing "The Karate Kid" tonight with the beautiful Elizabeth Shue.

If I was play "6 Degree of Kevin Bacon." it would something like this.

1. Me and Elizabeth Shue in "Call to Glory"
2. Elizabeth Shue and Kevin Bacon in "Hallow Man"

I'm 2 degrees from Kevin Bacon. I know your jealous!!!

Here are some of Elizabeth's major work:

• HIDE AND SEEK (2005)
• HOLLOW MAN (2000)
• CITY OF ANGELS (1998)
• LEAVING LAS VEGAS (1995)
• HEART AND SOULS (1993)
• BACK TO THE FUTURE PART III (1990)
• BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II (1989)
• COCKTAIL (1988)
• ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING (1987)
• THE KARATE KID (1984)

Texas Execution 8-22-2007

Yesterday Texas preformed it 400th execution since the state reinstituted the death penalty. This one was a little unusually though in that the punished was the Baltimore Orioles.
Sorry I guess that's kind of a bad joke. But seriously what an amazing record in a year of milestones.

French Fry Story

For some reason this childhood memory came to my mind this morning at work.
When my brothers and I were younger we had a couple of particular things we would do when eating French fries.
First, it was always a contest; actually everything was a contest, to see who had the biggest/longest fry. We would hold it up and set it aside as if were an ancient relic, or as if the federal government was going to come after it and put in a crate next to the Ark of the Covenant. Obviously curly fries were amazing because you could stretch one out over a foot sometimes. The sad thing is that the “long fry” could not be eaten until all potential contenders were eliminated, which sometimes resulted in eating a cold French fry.
Second we would take a drink of our beverage and say, ‘First I drink the gasoline.” Then we would hold up a fry and say, “Next we take the match.” Next we would swipe the tip of our fry in the pile of ketchup saying, “Then we light the match.” For the next we would swallow the “match”. And finally we would pretend that we blew up.
Now that I think about it, it’s kind of morbid and suicidal. We were strange kids.

Why Teddy Is Cool

Why Teddy Roosevelt is cool?

In the words of Robert Heinlein: “A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”

Teddy Roosevelts' Presidential firsts:

1. In the sphere of race relations, Booker T. Washington became the first black man to dine as a guest at the White House in 1901.
2. Oscar S. Straus became the first Jewish person appointed as a Cabinet Secretary, under Roosevelt.
3. In 1902, in response to the assassination of President William McKinley on September 6, 1901, Theodore Roosevelt became the first president to be under constant Secret Service protection.
4. Roosevelt in 1904, became the first former Vice-President who had succeeded to the presidency on the death of the incumbent, to be elected President in his own right or even win his party’s nomination for election.
5. In 1906, Roosevelt became the first American to be awarded a Nobel Prize.
6. In 1906, he made the first trip, by a President, outside the United States, visiting Panama to inspect the construction progress of the Panama Canal on November 9.
7. He was the first and to date only president from Long Island, New York.
8. He was the first President to refer to the White House as such on his official stationery. Until then the mansion had been referred to simply as 'The President's House'
9. He was the first President to receive a black composer when he met the British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor who had great success with his Hiawatha Trilogy and settings of poems by Paul Lawrence Dunbar the black poet and novelist.
10. He was the first President to fly in an airplane.
11. He was the first President to wear a necktie for his official Presidential Portrait.

Wikipedia on Teddy

The White House Bio

Theodore Roosevelt's Site

quote from Mental Floss Blog

Albright Quote

Click HERE for the full story of Madeleine Albright on politics and religion.

“In order to effectively conduct foreign policy today, you have to understand the role of God and religion. ... My sense is that we don't fully understand, because one, it's pretty complicated, and two, everyone in the U.S. believes in a separation of church and state, so you think, "Well, if we don't believe in the convergence of church and state, then perhaps we shouldn't worry about the role of religion." I think we do that now at our own peril. Religion is instrumental in shaping ideas and policies. It's an essential part of everyday life in a whole host of countries. And obviously it plays a role in how these countries behave, so we need to know what the religious influence is.”

Thoughts from 8-22-2007

1. Check out this Simpson's religious quiz.










2. Also check out this cool interactive map from the Simpson's hometown of Springfield.

3. Here is a the offical Dunder Mifflin site.

4. I learned two new words today. One is "albedo" and the second is "lagnaippe".
Albedo [al-bee-doh]
–noun, plural -dos.
1. Astronomy. the ratio of the light reflected by a planet or satellite to that received by it.
2. Meteorology. such a ratio for any part of the earth's surface or atmosphere.
3. the white, inner rind of a citrus fruit.
Albedo
The fraction of the total light striking a surface that gets reflected from that surface. An object that has a high albedo (near 1) is very bright; an object that has a low albedo (near 0) is dark. The Earth's albedo is about 0.37. The Moon's is about 0.12.

Lagniappe / [lan-yap, lan-yap] –noun
1. Chiefly Southern Louisiana and Southeast Texas. a small gift given with a purchase to a customer, by way of compliment or for good measure; bonus.
2. a gratuity or tip.
3. an unexpected or indirect benefit.

5. Check out the pic below. I came across it today. on July 14th Arturo Gatti had a split upper lip after being knocked down and out by Alfonso Gomez in the seventh round of their Welterweight fight on July 14, 2007 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It looks like it hurts.

8-21-2007

I'm old.

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)

I love list. Some of my favorite list can be found at AFI's (American Film Institute) website.

But another good source for list, which are fun to discuss and argue, is Entertainment Weekly's website. I thought I'd highlight a few lists over the week as well as add my thoughts.

As you can probably tell I love movies and talking about movies. A perfect weekend includes at least two movies in it (either in the theater, on dvd, recorded on my dvr, or the random showing on tv). On to the frist list.

The 25 Greatest Action Films Ever! by Marc Bernardin on EW.com
(I'm giving only the top ten)

10. Terminator 2: Judgment Day - Still a great movie. The visual effects were/are amazing. My favorite Schwarzenegger flick, well this or Jingle All the Way (a Christmas action movie)
9. Hard Boiled - I have not seen this Chow Yun-Fat movie
8. Saving Private Ryan - I'm not sure if this falls in the category of action flick. Usually I distinguish war movies from action flicks. But a great movie.
7. Gladiator - I do think this is a great movie, but I personally thought is was slightly overrated. Mainly in the Russell Crowe sense. I could imagine a dozen actors filling those sandals and the movie still working. But none the less a great action epic.
6. Seven Samuri - I never taken the time to watch this, but I believe it was the inspiration of The Magnificent Seven starring Yul Brynner and Steven McQueen which I one of my favorite westerns.
5. The Matrix - Unfortunately they made sequels, because this alone was enough. An amazing movie. I can still remember seeing numerous times in the theater, something that was rare in my college years. This is actually the second Reeves movie in the top 20.
4. The Road Warrior - I recently watched Mad Max and I'm glad someone was able to see beyond that to make this movie. Unfortunately it lead to Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.
3. Raiders of the Lost Ark - I think I could put all three Indiana Jones movies in my top 10. This is a perfect movie. And if I was making a straight up list of favorite movies this would right behind Forrest Gump and Braveheart.
2. Aliens - There was genius in James Cameron to take a Sci-Fi/Horror and make the action packed movie that is Aliens.
1. Die Hard - I probably flip flop Indiana Jones movies with Die Hard movies on my personal list depended on which is most recent to me. Not only did it offer Bruce his first lead movie role, but if also introduced us to Alan Rickman. Yippie-ki-yay

What movie would you add to the list? Check out the web-site for more ideas, they actually have a list of their top 100.

Man's smelly feet trigger police raid

I saw this article on the Internet and thought it was funny. It brought back some memories.
There was a couple of guys in college that had I not seen them during the day I suppose I could have called the cops to break into their dorm room. It stunk.
As not to embarrass them on the world wide web I'll refer to them as JB and TB (not related). They were both runners. In high school they both lettered and achieved a lot of praise for their athleticism. Actually while at school JB would run 5K's and he used the prize money for his weekly spending. I laughed pretty hard when he came back one Saturday afternoon having won the race, but instead of money he won a tree.
I digress.
I was mentioning them and their running, because their sweaty laundry wafted throughout the dorm floor. It would reek and we had to constantly recommend study sessions in our dorm.

"I am truly not one to give advice. I'm divorced and I stole my best friend's husband."

– Denise Richards, at the Ratatouille premiere, when asked by TV's Extra if she had any post-jail advice for Paris Hilton (click HERE for reference)

I'm struck by this rare showing of honesty from someone in Hollywood. I'm curious if there was regret in her tone or whether it was said with a blase attitude as if divorce and spouse-stealing are natural.

I write a lot in my Bible, and in the front inside cover I often write down quotes or ideas. Several years ago I wrote down, "Trust demands truth. Speak truth despite the risk and dangers. Have a ruthless truth teller in your life."

I've set a life goal of complete truth (harder lived than said). I'm tired of half truths and lies in my life. First off they are demanding in their upkeep. I struggle to maintain what I've said and to who I said it. I'm also finding that these lies and deceptions are not resulting in peace and security, rather I feel just as vulnerable and fearful as before, perhaps more. And this behavior in no way is encouraging my relationships, in fact I find myself more paranoid and more isolated as a result.

I want to embrace truth. To expose the reality of who I am. I believe their will be "power" in that weakness. How can I can I live in fear of what can be discovered about me if I've already told them everything. How can I accused of evil if I'm not slinking around in the shadows, because I've turned a spot light on the darkness that can be found. How can someone tear me down, when I've already humbled myself.

I'm thinking of that final battle scene in 8 Mile, when Rabbit (Eminem) lays out all the vulnerable attack positions that his competition could use (would have used). "Yeah I'm from trailor park, my girl friend cheated on me, my friend shot himself and I'm white...but I'm real, this is who I am" (obviously a paraphrase). The result was Papa Doc (for some reason I remember this name) had nothing to say and he knew he was defeated.

Made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness". I want to trust this, but do I really believe it? I guess the truth of this will have to be discovered.

Audio A Farewell

Well in typical Christian Music Industry fashion, someone decided to squeeze a few more ounces of blood from the rock, and to be honest this time I’m buying.

A farewell album for Audio Adrenaline will be released at the end of August and I’m a gladly going to hand over the money for this one.

Jumping around, singing along, and dancing recklessly to songs like; Big House, DC-10, Can’t Take God Away, We’re a Band or If You’re Happy and You Know It, are some of my favorite concert moments. Unfortunately Rest Easy is not on this album, it’s my favorite AA song. And while I believe Bloom is their best album I don’t think that means they peaked in any way. From Some Kind of Zombie to Adios the music was always up to par. And in an industry that is generally cheese, l loved Audio’s music.

I think there is something to be gained from the fact that Audio’s farewell is largely because Mark Stuart’s voice was giving out. Anyone who ever attended an Audio Adrenaline concert would probably agree that this band preformed all out on every song. Whether it was Will jumping around with his bass, or Barry Blair (yep old-school) tearing it up on his guitar or Mark’s incredible vocals, you knew what to expect. When I think of my life/my youth ministry career will I serve all out every day until I physically can’t go on anymore? What a goal…

Back in 1996 when Audio was touring with DC Talk during the Jesus Freak tour, they actually came to Rapid City. We got one “big” Christian concert a year (not counting Hills Alive) and DC Talk actually came. I showed up early and Matt Grant, my brother and I got to help set up the merchandise tables. There were these two guys running this stuff and I not sure where they were in their faith, but I had my suspicions. They would brag to us about what people, particularly girls, would offer to get back stage. Anyways while DC Talk was doing their sound checks the Audio guys were out hanging with us checking out the newest t-shirts and stuff.
One of the sales guys says to Mark: “I can’t believe you guys stay and sign autographs and talk to all these fans after show. You know if you charged even $5 per person you can make a lot of money.”
Mark’s response was the classic right words at the right time. He said, “That’s just vanity man, vanity.” And he walked away.
Awesome!

Another perk to working the merchandise table was again an amazing experience. While Audio A was warming up and doing their sound check, Matt, Todd and I were freaking in the mosh pit. Once exhausted we jumped up and sat down on the stage and listened to the band jam. We were the only three people in the auditorium.

Advocating Leader

I took a personal dna test and the results suggest that I'm an Advocating Leader. Those of you who know me what do you think? Click HERE to find out more about what a Advocating Leader suggest.
Of course most people who know me don't read blogs so I suppose that I won't get any responses. Oh well. I'll have to print it off and take it to you and get some confirmation.

"Her message seemed clear enough. Behind the charade of the lunch menu recital burned the untapped rage of our secret passion."

-Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage), on The Wonder Years, as Winnie Cooper read the school menu.

It's brillant writing like that that made this show an instant classic.

-T-

new "Indy" pic

I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait!

transformers

I saw Transformers today. Typical Michael Bay flic. I felt like I was watching Pearl Harbor but with alien robots. Visual it was good, but the plot was weak. I still can't tell you exactly what the "significant object" (I don't want to give away details) did or didn't do. There was major plot confusions that really baffled me, to which I'll say if you're trying to protect people maybe a major city isn't the best place to have a big robot fight.
The movie did have it's moments though and I will give it some credit, but I should have waited and went to see Ratatouille.

Steve Jobs on youth ministry

Tim Schmoyer posted this on his blog Life in Student Ministry. Steve Jobs is speaking about passion for what you do. The Youth Ministry application is significant.

Human Joysticks (NewsBreaker Live - interactive cinema game)

This would definitely be a whole lot better than the trivia or "The 20". But even better would be this and trivia!

justin mcroberts

One of my favorite artist is Justin McRoberts. I was listening to his live CD on my way home this morning, and I find myself turning my driver seat into a cathedral.
Justin has one of the most astounding voices I've heard.
I bought his first album in college and the early work is just as good today as the when I first heard it.
I wanted to share it with you.

Already Beginning to Count Down

Harrison actually looks good here dispite turning 65 in July.
If you check out Ford's bio at IMDB.com you'll find that he's alternate name is Jethro the Bus Driver. What's that about?

Anyways I can already here the theme music... actually you can hear it at the Indiana website, click on the pic.

"Falling Off The Bone!"

I had dinner with the family at T.G.I. Fridays last night. Our waiter Victor recommended the Jack Daniel's Roasted Pork, swearing it had never failed him.
So I ordered it.
Oh...and they had Fried Green Beans as appitizers that were outstanding.
But the back to the Pork. It was served on a pile of mash potatoes with brocilli around it and french onion toppings.

AWESOME! Vic was absolutely right.

He described it as "falling off the bone." Which is now my new favorite slogan.

Falling Off The Bone!

2007-06-26 2:15

Where were you?


I was unable to sleep so I was watching TV late into the night and low and behold I experienced a life changing event.


This will go down in the annuals of time like:
- The JFK assassination
- The Challenger Explosion
and
- 9/11




Yep I'm speaking of Paris Hilton's prison release. Someday I'll be able to tell me children that I saw it live!
I'm personally saying thank you prayers all day for the excellent timing of the few reporters who were able to catch those amazing pictures and first words.

Commitment!

Brian Billick, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, was invited to address the graduating class of John Hopkins University. The following inspiritation quote instantly qualifies as a "legend- wait for it - ary"!

"In a bacon-and-egg breakfast the chicken is involved, but the pig is commited. Be that pig."

So today, in whatever circumstance of your life that you find yourself reading this post... be that pig!

Oink, oink!

I like it when...

In response to Allison Hibbard's post on her blog There Is No Better Way To Spend Your Time I present the following....

- I like it when someone makes me a grilled cheese sandwich for no reason. mmmm
- I like when I've finished working outside or with my hands and feel even more manly than usual.
- I like it when I see a women in uniform (not the most flattering outfit, but they seem to have a confidence, assurance, and a "put-together-ness" that's really attractive).
- I like it when a cool breeze hits my ankles, especially if I'm wearing pants.
- I like it when I accomplish a rather difficult challenge when playing Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.
- I like it when an Audrey Hepburn movie comes on TV and I have nothing to do, but sit down and watch.
- I like it when I go to Red Robin and that annoying bird leaves me alone.
- I like it when Caedmon's Call announces that Derek Webb has rejoined the group.
- I like it when I find money in the dryer.
- I like it when people return e-mails promptly.
- I like it when my parents invite me over because their grilling steak.
- I like it when the roads are clear on my way to work.
- I like it when people say I should have children, even though it scares me to death.
- I like it when a girl accepts my invitation to go on a date, and my blood pressure returns to normal.
- I like it when it rains and I can sit on my balcony and read.
- I like it when Mark Buchanan publishes a new book.
- I like it when I can sit around with college buddies and retell stories from the "day".
- I like it when I have day old chin stubble.
- I like it when my conditioner makes my scalp tingle.
- I like it when shoes have that new shoe smell.
- I like it when I can put my feet up at the movie theater.
- I like it when I reconnect with a long lost friend.
- I like it when someone ask to pray with me.
- I like it when I can hang out with my sisters.
- I like it when trust is given to me.
- I like it when I really trust.
- I like it when I can get a slurpee at 7-Eleven.
- I like it when I have a bag of sunflower seeds, a bottle of Dr. Pepper and more than 5 hours of open road.
- I like it when I look back and realize "it" is always better because I was living in the moment and then have to ponder the irony of the fact that I have to look back to realize it, therefore leaving that moment I should be living.
- I like it when I finish off a tube of toothpaste.