800 Illegally

The average teenager has 800 illegally copied songs on their digital media player.
800!
This doesn't include the music that they might have actually paid for.
Almost half of all music the average teenager carries with them is illegal.
If they were to have purchased those from itunes they would have spent $792.
Conservatively speaking $792 would purchase 44 cds from a store (at a generous fee of $18 per). I'm curious what would happen if I were to walk out of a store with 44 unpurchased cds.

And my brothers and sisters (my actually brothers and sisters, not church talk here...although church talk may also apply) wonder why I think it's wrong.

It's never about one or two songs, because it doesn't ever end with just one or two...it ends around 800.

Have I or I Haven't (151-175)

Stealing this idea from Julie…

It's a list of 200 Have or Have Nots.
The things in RED are the things I have done.
The others I have not...yet.

151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
(no, but I haven't had a Dr. Pepper since New Years)
157. Found an arrowhead
158. Written a poem
(my twitter post are in haiku...does that count?)
159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox
(ET, Dukes of Hazard....Thank mom!)
160. Gotten food poisoning
(oh my... that was a bad trip home from Mexico! the border all the way to South Dakota)
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Been to the southern hemisphere.
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
(no but I have been in an opera house...)
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
(Ronald Reagan, Nolan Ryan)
166. Worn knickers
(are those socks?)
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books (
(No I read Alfred Hitchcock's The Three Investigators...those were brilliant!)
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone's life

friends are vloging

I have some friends from the deep south part of Texas who are preping for a trip to a CIY conference all the way up in Michigan. Yep that's right...we Texans do everything big! No gas price is going to scare this crew away from having a rocked out road trip. Love them big time.
So as they travel they are going to be posting at this blog about the trip and events of the day so that those back home can be specific in their prayer request and praise. Brilliant idea.
Here is a video they posted today of Josh Taylor giving helpful tips on packing for the long trip.

Ham on you ham eaters!

mental note...

The difference between sarcasm and mockery is very subtle. 

 

Be extremely careful when using sarcasm.

By definition sarcasm intends harm…it’s hard to be a man of peace when your words cut.  Better to pick up a gun than kill a man with words.

Be mindful of the audience, as sarcasm depends more on the interpretation than the presentation (both require precision though).

The laugh gained through sarcasm, at the expense of the damaged done, is typically not worth it.

And it’s probably best to just avoid mockery all together.

 

“Sarcasm: the last refuge of modest and chaste-souled people when the privacy of their soul is coarsely and intrusively invaded.”

     - Fyodor Dostoyevsky

 

Sarcasm:

     1: a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain

     2a: a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language that is usually directed against and individual

     2b: the use of language of sarcasm (this is no time to indulge in sarcasm)

Have I or I Haven't (126-150)

Stealing this idea from Julie…

It's a list of 200 Have or Have Nots.
The things in RED are the things I have done.
The others I have not...yet.

126. Ridden a elephant
(at the zoo)
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt
129. Lived in an historic place
(Germany, San Antonio)
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
(Diary of Anne Frank...back in h.s.)
131. Asked for a raise
(I prefer to just earn them, over asking for them...so no)
132. Made a hole-in-one
(only in putt putt)
133. Gone deep sea fishing
(I guess that's what I did...is it deep sea if you still see the coast)
134. Gone roller skating
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo's David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
(yes...a few...including Richard Dean Anderson, aka MacGyver)
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane

Have I or I Haven't (101-125)

Stealing this idea from Julie…

It's a list of 200 Have or Have Nots.
The things in RED are the things I have done.
The others I have not...yet.

101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all fours
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
(maybe)
108. Brought out the worst in people
(probably)
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Cooked a dish where people asked for the recipe
(is salsa a dish?)
113. Buried a child
114. Gone to a Broadway play
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
(nope...missed...that's how I got the scar on my lip though)
120. Gone to an arboretum
(what's an arboretum? Just wiki'ed...yes, yes I have)
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
(gross!)
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn't need

Giving the Mets Something to Cheer About

I love the Texas Rangers!
Recently they gave Mets fans at Shea. Several players used the tarp during a rain storm as a slip-n-slide. Mets fans began cheering "Let's go Rangers!"...awesome!

Have I or I Haven't (76-100)

Stealing this idea from Julie…

It's a list of 200 Have or Have Nots.
The things in RED are the things I have done.
The others I have not...yet.

76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
(two fingers and left arm)
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
(I love taking off and landing...why would you want to sleep through those?)
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
86. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
(I've done some firing...)
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name
(I starting trying to get people to call me TS my sophmore year in college...hoping it sounded more dignified)
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
(both the insect and in baseball)
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
(fish?)
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you

Have I or I Haven't (51-75)

Stealing this idea from Julie…

It's a list of 200 Have or Have Nots.
The things in RED are the things I have done.
The others I have not...yet.

51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
(on Route 66 non the less)
55. Done something you should regret, but don't
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
(well...at least fired when on set...this movie...with Elizabeth Shue!)
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
(home economics in middle school)
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
(I honestly know little of that history)
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job

Recapping Politics

Have I or I Haven't (26-50)

Stealing this idea from Julie…

It's a list of 200 Have or Have Nots.
The things in RED are the things I have done.
The others I have not...yet.

26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time
(maybe not my current job, but previous ones)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
(oh no... no chance here)
42. Visited Ireland
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
(back in high school...sure did...probably pass out right afterward though)
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day

Has Anyone Read This?

If so is it worth the read?

Some are asking if it's the next Harry Potter / JK Rowling.

I'm curious.

The Bridge

Check out

This is in Joplin, MO (the town where I went to Bible college).

An incredible youth facility that incorporates faith and community.

Cloth Car

Would you drive a cloth car?

This is BMW's new concept car. Awesome!

The GINA light visionary model, as BMW calls it, is made up of seamless fabric stretched over a metal frame. The driver can change the shape of the car at will. The car's interior has tillting instruments, shown here.

The car's fabric is made out of polyurethane-coated Lycra and according to BMW, is durable and water-resistant.

Book Review (Guest Blogger)

So I'm somehow linked up with a publishing company that occasionally will send me books under the condition that I post a review here on this blog.

However not ever book tickles my fancy nor am I a quick enough reader to finish the books in time. But in order to keep these powers that be happy and to keep them sending me free books I asked my mother to step up to the challenge.

So ladies and gentlemen please enjoy this book review by my mom, Cheryl.

-t-

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“Fatal Deduction” by Gayle Roper
Reviewed by Cheryl Harrison

Having just finished Gayle Roper’s book “Fatal Deduction” all I can say is bring her on…I look forward to reading anything written by Ms. Roper.
The book touches on everything a devoted fiction reader wants and looks for in a good read; a love interest, a common bond, suspense, humor and a promise that things will improve.
I found the story line capturing from the first page, with Libby’s struggles to be a good mom, a devout believer in following the will of God and still trying to honor her family, as dysfunctional as it is.
I love reading Christian novels, they leave me with warm fuzzies, but sometimes I am left feeling so totally inadequate at times. I am not able to spout off scripture or recall verses at a moments notice, in ways it is depicted in some books. That is the most appreciative thing I noticed in the book “Fatal Deduction.” Libby simply repeated over and over “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,” and she knew her fears were not warranted and God would protect her, and yet she still had niggles of doubt, like the rest of us do on occasion. She wasn’t pretentious about her faith, she just knew in her heart that God’s way was the right way, and that she needed to rely on Him to propel her forward. She didn’t nor could she throw scripture into the faces of her family and enemies, she simply tried to accept them, even though she judged them and recognized that in herself, trying to be better about that flaw in her character. How many of us, including me do the same thing? Almost all of us I’m sure.
I loved the role of Madge in Libby’s life, good neighbor, mentor and Godly Christian woman, wife and mother. She was placed in Libby’s young life at a crucial point, when she needed encouraging without meddling, acceptance with guilt, and good Christian loving without judgment. How we all wish we had a Madge in our lives, yet it is encouraging to know we could be a Madge to others simply by “walking the walk” knowing someone could be watching and wanting to know more of how they too could walk the same path. It is simply a way of offering hope to someone in need.
It was refreshing to read of Libby’s role as a mother to her daughter Chloe. She loved Chloe from the beginning, not looking at her as a mistake, nor comparing her to the man who fathered her. And she worked hard to bring her daughter up in a loving environment and succeeded without giving in, nor giving up. She led by example, without trying to be Chloe’s best friend, but by being her mother only to be her daughter’s friend, anyway, by Chloe’s choice. They were sweet, normal, and argumentative at times, yet devoted to one another.
And finally Drew, just as it was quoted in the first pages of the book…”For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,” Jeremiah 29:11. Drew, was placed in Libby’s path, not looking for a friend, or future mate, but by simply being one when Libby needed him the most. Such a sweet ending to a tumultuous time.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good, clean suspense, love story, both non-believers and those who know the way. Perhaps non believers will learn to call upon the Lord and believe He has the best plan, and knows the right path to follow. And those who do know the truth will not feel inadequate, because they use flare prayers, like Libby, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,” that will guide their steps even though they cannot always quote a scripture for every situation.
Way to go Gayle Roper, keep ‘em coming.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FYI - I have another free copy to give away if you would like it.

First to call dibs...it's yours.

-t-

Have I or I Haven't (1-25)

Stealing this idea from Julie…

It's a list of 200 Have or Have Nots.
The things in RED are the things I have done.
The others I have not...yet.

1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
(does NHL on the Playstation count?)
4. Changed a baby's diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
(almost every time I’ve given to charity)
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain
(a small mountain)
9. Held a tarantula
(ugh…hate spiders)
10. Said "I love you" and meant it
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
(Twice – two great stories!)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
(does Guam count?...it’s almost smaller than a boat)
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sporting event
17. Climbed the stairs to the crown of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
(the old man and I grew are ingredients for salsa)
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
(I’m going to say “no” because “giggling makes it sound girly)
21. Had a pillow fight
(okay…apparently I do lots of girly stuff)
22. Bet on a winning horse
(I don’t gamble…the moment I put up stakes…I lose)
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
(but I was sick of the place)
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb

Dishing Out Thank Yous

FYI - this is my 600th post...
And in honor of such a glorious event I'd like to dish out some thank yous (before I pass out in my bed - it's late I tired)
T'anks to Rachel, Kristi and Taylor.
I was trying to think how I could repay for their help tonight and is there a better way than giving them my 600th post!
What? No? That's not good enough? Okay how about just a public thank you?
They know what for.
Now I'm going to sleep.

Turning the Upside Down Right Side Up

This past Sunday our campus pastor preached on the Beatitudes and the Kingdom that Jesus came to establish. The message was okay, it took three listens for me to really understand a couple of his ideas, but that may have been my lack of focus over his lack of clarity...who knows.
And I think he took too much time trying to blow our minds with a radical approach to reading the text than just serving up the actual meat of the Jesus' words (although I can't really say it was that radical and some of the Greek word insights may have been just too much of a stretch - and maybe the cause for my lack of focus...again who knows).
His big idea of the message, I think, was that Jesus establised a kingdom that compared to the world was upside down. But rather than an upside down kingdom Jesus established a kingdom that turned upside down things of this world right side up.
And I believe that and I can deal with my other issues, that stuff doesn't bother me. Where I do think this message failed, and where I think my church struggles to embrass Christ's Kingdom mindset, is in application.
If Jesus called us to His kingdom of turning the upside down right side up how do we live that out?
I dare say it's not by doing nothing.
We won't build into lives of students, turning their upside down lives and relationships right side up by doing nothing for them.
We won't turn the upside down world of the elderly woman, who cannot go to the grocery store on her own, right side up by doing nothing.
We won't care for the young family, turning their upside world of childhood diseases and absences of local family, right side up by doing nothing.
We won't turn the upside down world of the single father, who doesn't have the life skills to adequately care for his children, right side up by doing nothing.
I might be on a personal soap box here but this is something I've had real difficulty with lately.
My church axes a lot of ministry ideas and opportunities under the banner that we are simplifying ministry. But I have heard and experienced on several occasions now stories of people being overlooked (some after direct pleas for help).
There is a fine line between simplicity and laziness, and I'm wondering if we taken a flying leap over it.

That's enough...I'll get off my soap box now and try to get up off my duff and do something.

Maranatha,
Come Lord Jesus.

Talk About a Series Promo

I'm sure that there are some out there that will just criticize LifeChurch for having the gall to produce something like this, but I'm rather impressed. I think the use of the Christianize catch phrases is brillant too.
Enjoy.

Worthy of the Time

J.K. Rowling gave the commencement speech this year at Harvard.
Despite having endured numerous graduations other than my own, I still felt the need to press play [as demonstrated by the almost 2 full minutes of applause afterwards].
It's worth the listen. Sorry I first found it in three parts.
Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Fat Guy Falls on Hot Ball Girl

No, seriously, that's what this clip has been titled.

Notice at the end, two (count them - 1, 2) Rangers are contending for the Triple Crown.

The Sweetest Swing

600!
Way to go Junior.
You truly had the greatest swing ever to enter a batter box.

Stuck in My Head

“and I fell in love with those who proved me wrong / and now I want a broken heart”

- Derek Webb

song: i want a broken heart

album: i see things upside down

I Wish I had the Nerve to Spiritualize This...

...but I don't. At least not tonight.

I love the voice over. I could never had read that script without laughing, not in a million years.

Things I love...

One thing I love is sliding into bed with fresh clean sheets.
Almost makes me want to wash them daily, but apparently that's not going green. And I would hate to upset the masses.

I'm A Jerk For Laughing...

...but at least I didn't point.
I've seen this a few times, but it still makes me laugh...I know...I'm a jerk.
My favorite part is the two back in the studio...

Seriously Where Was the Voice of Reason

Could no one be found to offer a word of wisdom to this poor sap?

Car Salesman Will Satisfy Your Butts

Able to Identify

Do you know enought to be dangerous?

I can really understand this one. Sometime I feel that I know just enough to be dangerous.

Reality Education

There is actually a school for reality television. 

[It actually sounds like a casting agency, but they are calling it a school]

 

Previous “students” have appeared on these shows:

Groomer Has It - Animal Planet
Survivor - CBS
The Moment of Truth - FOX TV

Rock Star INXS - CBS
The Bachelor - ABC
Top Chef - Bravo

Big Brother - CBS
The Apprentice - NBC
Phenomenon - NBC

Joe Millionaire - FOX TV
The Search for the Next Pussycat Doll - CW Network

 

 

Signing Off

I am going to sleep and it's before midnight. This is the secong time this week.
I don't think this has happened in over 3 years.

Nighty night.

Hoping for One Last Go Around

John Smoltz announced yesterday that his season was over and that next week he would have potentially career ending shoulder surgery early next week.
I'm really hoping he gets one more season to go out on his terms and that the fans will be able to appreciate his incredible career.
People lose sight of the amazing transformation he made switching from a starting pitcher to a full time closer several years back because of the record breaking stint of Gagne, but Smolz understood the concept of the team and was willing to embrace the role. As dominating as Gagne was Smoltz was always my preference to have closing the big game. I'd even take him over Rivera of the Yankees.
Anyways I'm thinking he needs a farewell season and I'm hoping the rehab process will allow it.

The Beginning of a Trend?

Motley Crue's latest single "Saints of Los Angeles" sold 47,000 downloads via Rock Band, compared to just 10,000 through more traditional platforms such as iTunes and Amazon.

 

Thanks

Men's Health and Hoochie Mamas

I don’t usually read Men’s Health Magazine, but this article caught my eye this week.

Don’t be Swayed by Her Swimsuit
Sexy women can be bad for your wallet and your waistline

I know what many people are thinking, especially the guys reading this post, “Trevor we already knew this, and it doesn’t have to be sexy women, all women are bad for your wallet.”

I suppose that’s true, but reading this article lead me to this link, the source for Men’s Health.

Sexual appetite leads men to seek immediate rewards

This is something worth filing away, good research for “that lesson” when you separate the boy from the girls.

The brief article says:

"It seems that sexual appetite causes a greater urgency to consume anything rewarding," the authors suggest. Thus, the activation of sexual desire appears to spill over into other brain systems involved in reward-seeking behaviours, even the cognitive desire for money.

"After they touched a bra, men are more likely to be content with a smaller immediate monetary reward," writes Bram Van den Bergh, one of the study's authors. "Prior exposure to sexy stimuli may influence the choice between chocolate cake or fruit for dessert."

The authors believe the stimuli bring men's minds to the present as opposed to the future. "The study demonstrates that bikinis cause a shift in time preference: Men live in the here and now when they glance at pictures featuring women in lingerie. That is, men will choose the immediately available rewards and seek immediate gratification after sex cue exposure."

Now this isn’t revolutionary information, as advertisers have been using sexual imagery in their marketing campaigns for some time. But what is insightful is that while I may be able to resist the lure of Victoria Secret’s marketing, having visual consumed their images I may be influenced to buy or spend more that I planned when shopping at Target.

This reminds me of a licensed hypnotist we had at camp recently. After hypnotizing several students and having them dance around like chickens, he began to unpack some research on the mind and it’s susceptibility to outside influences. When our minds are at rest, or rather not on guard, or better yet not on heavenly things (being like Christ), we allow ourselves to be exposed to the cravings of the sinful nature. It was great to see the students respond to his challenge (especially those who had been hypnotized, which he referred to as “mind influence”) to submit their will and influence to leadings of The Spirit.

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.

Romans 8:5-7

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.

Romans 16:18

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:6-8

Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.

Philippians 3:19

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Colossians 3:1-2

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

1 Peter 1:13-14

Now there are some obvious implications for men here. The article did say that the survey results weren’t applicable to every male, but we do need to be honest about our limitations and weaknesses. However I don’t think the goal here is to avoid the beaches and Victoria Secret windows, rather it is having a mind like Christ – focused on things above where all images are filtered with love. Instead of seeing curves and flesh and allowing ourselves to surrender our control which we once placed before God, we need to see as Jesus saw.

For ladies there is at least one implication I can think of (as a man I don’t dare to speak too much about what I don’t know). With this knowledge there comes a responsibility among Godly women to serve and honor and encourage Godly men. And while there is every now and then a hoochie-mama in our churches who doesn’t know (or care) how to dress, for the most part I don’t hear the complaining from our students.

Um…I guess that’s all I got to say right now.

(And no it wasn’t because of the bikini’d girl in the photo that I read the article, although I did spend a $100 on the site’s online store…I’m just joking…I’m too cheap to be influenced like that…)

Just Spell The Word Numbnuts!

I heard about this on the radio and meant to look it up on Monday.
This may be the greatest spelling bee moment ever!

Interesting Youth Stats

I read these today from an e-mail I receive daily and highly recommend called Trendcentral.

• 49% of trendsetters and 32% of the mainstream consider themselves very environmentally conscious
• 65% of young people think they will be wealthier than their parents
• Young people think they will work for 11 different companies and have 9 different careers before they retire
• Only 10% of Xers and Ys think they will get divorced
• 66% of young people would rather give up watching TV than give up social networking

(In addition to the above stats, Trendcentral also reports on fashion trends, budding websites, new and trendy products, etc. Definitely worth the quick read, and will help keep you ahead of the curve.)

"It's not the years, it's the mileage."

I've watched a lot of Indiana Jones lately. Raiders, Temple of Doom, and the Last Crusade all in preparation for the new film. I watched Kingdom of the Crystal Skull a couple times already.
I love them all. I'm watching Raiders of the Lost Ark right now and I can just about quote it all.
Growing up I had the children's read-a-long book and tape, which I would read hundreds of times.
Some of these lines in the movie are still classic. Specifically:
- "I don't know, I'm making this up as I go along."
- "I've found him." "Where?" "There."
- "Bad dates."
- "Asps. Very dangerous. You go first."
- (pointing to eye) "this isn't too bad"

"The Most Amazing Accident On Road Produced By Rain"

No really, that's what this clip is titled, "The Most Amazing Accident On Road Produced By Rain". This is crazy. Now I have something else to worry about the rest of my life.

A Greatest Hit for sure!

This guy gets taken down hard by Boston's security. Awesome!

I Used To Like Pringles...

...but I think this story has changed my mind about them.

Designer of Pringles can Buried in Own Invention

This will be all I ever think of when I have a Pringles can in hand.

Coming Soon

So I have this woodpecker story that some people (i.e. The Deuce) love for me to tell. However some people (i.e. my parents) don't necessarily care for it (they think it paints them in a poor light).
However everyone has been asking me if I am going to post it here on the ol' blog.
Well it won't be tonight...er...this morning... I'm tired and and going to bed.
But please be aware that when I have told the story my brother or my parents either add to or reject elements of the story.
What I promise will be the story as I remember it, and hopefully they can comment for you their details or objections.

While I'm at it, I should probably someday share with everyone these stories as well:
- the Vienna Sausage Sandwich
- The Drowning (my grandma's favorite)
- the real How I Broke My Arm Story
- The Love Letter
and
- "Trevor's Got Girl Problems" (I should really share this one via video since the voice of one character is essential, so if someone wants to film this please let me know.)


I'll leave it up to you.... After the woodpecker tale, which story should be told next?
There is five above...rate which I should share next.

Hearing Good Advice

Tonight I attended a birthday/tacky prom/surprise party for a woman who is turning 40 within a few days. This lady, Amy (I think was her name), has been heavily involved in Youth Life for quite some time. In fact the party host was the regional director of Young Life here in San Antonio.
Seriously Young Life people are a different breed. I had no clue what tacky was until I saw this crowd attempt it...I'm ready for the next one. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) I look good no matter what I wear, so trying to dress tacky didn't really work on me. I try to stay even keel, but willing to be wild and crazy, for whatever moments come, but can you even being imagine me as the type of person who would enthusiastically deck it out for a theme party? Me neither, but thank God there are these people...

Anyways after several of Amy's guest shared some personnel testimonies and appreciations for their celebrated friend, Amy shared some thoughts on the evening. As she talked about how events like this, where she could be close to the people she loves and have their conversations and relationships be the soundtrack to her life and faith she said something that made me take note:

"Meet people like you are going to know them the rest of your life."

These are incredible words and a difficult challenge. How exhausting it can be to actually invest in people's lives. Yet it's those relationships that we do invest in that are the most meaningful and memorable...isn't it?

Casual friendships just may not be friendships after all.

So I Know I Can't Dance...

but this guy is incredible. Unfortunately his outlet for showcasing this skill is another mindless reality show. If you can stomach the "judges" this video is well worth it.

http://view.break.com/507504 - Watch more free videos

Great Weezer Video

This is a great video, especially for those of you who are YouTube fanatics.
"Pork and Beans"

Favorite SI Cover Ever

First it mixes comics and baseball...awesome.
Then I like how it's Jeter whose back is being broken (not that I would want to see that in real life...but since this art and it represents...)

The article however was a little odd. It had these mixing metaphors that keep switching, back and forth...Tom Veraducci is usually better than that...
It probably was a late decision to run the cover and alter the article accordingly...too bad...the cover alone worked.

Ladies & Gentlemen...Introducing...

Taylor Winder!

I want to recommend my friend Taylor's blog to all of you. Taylor is in the community group I attend on Thursday nights. Actually she's more than just in it...she's a large part of why we function at all.

For the past couple of weeks Taylor and her family have been in China receiving their new family member. They have adopted a beautiful girl named Teddie (short for Theodora, although I have no clue how to spell it correctly).

Please, please, please... comment on her blog and encourage her to keep up the great posting even after she returns from China.

Taylor is one of those rare people, who doesn't say alot, vocalizing just enough, but when she speaks people should listen up. I joked last Thursday that the Facebook message she sent, along with a prayer request, was more than Taylor had ever spoken in group, and that it might be good for her to attend via Facebook every week.

And it's been especially fun reading about her Chinesse adventure.

Just A Little Grillin'

For my sister's birthday (we celebrated a day early) my dad did some grillin'.

I'm trying to remember what the specific name for the type of steaks we had, tenderized meat with jalapeno peppers rolled into it. Here's a picture of them on the grill.

Along with the steaks we had grilled corn on the corn, baked potatoes (prepared on the grill), and huge shrip. My mom prepared the salad and the cakes (yes two...one for Cayla, my sister, and one for Jacob, my nephew; his birthday was this past Friday).

It was some seriously good eats.

My Sister Cayla is 21 Today!

Texas Pride & Pickerz

Friday night after work I met my parents for dinner at Texas Pride for some catfish fry.

The sweet tea was great, the catfish was actually cod. My dad and I sat around trying to talk about the new Indiana Jones movie without giving away details, just in case she gets the urge to go see it.
My dad thought he noticed a woman that he knew from years ago. When the lady got up to dance with husband my dad said, "I don't know her husband, but that ain't him." One of the funniest things I've ever heard him say.

As we ate we enjoyed the music of the Lone Star Pickerz. At the end of their first set they suggested that everyone go to their website and sign up to be one of their Pickerheadz...just in case your interested.

What do you do when the Spirit says...

"Kick her in the face!"?

Um...I'm having a hard time not saying this guy is nuts, but I think I'll be able to refrain. Check it out...

Thanks

Question

What's the female equivalent of Sherlock Holmes?

So if I were to mockingly say to someone, "Way to go Sherlock", how should that be translated for the ladies?

Shirley? "Way to go Shirley Holmes."

Which Word Best Describes You?

Journey

or

Sojourn

Spielberg and the Obsession of the Fractured Family

I was exposed to this today article today which highlights Steven Spielberg’s obsession in his films; namely the repairing (seen on many levels) of the fractured family.

So here is the IMDB listing of all Spielberg’s released movies…Let’s see if it’s true.

 

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Munich

War of the Worlds

The Terminal

Catch Me If You Can

Minority Report

Artificial Intelligence: AI

Saving Private Ryan

Amistad

The Lost World: Jurassic Park

Schindler’s List

Jurassic Park

Hook

Always

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Empire of the Sun

The Color Purple

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Twilight Zone: The Movie (segment 2)

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

Raiders of the Lost Ark

1941

Close Encounters of the Third Kinds

Jaws

The Sugarland Express

 

Yeah, I’m going to have to agree with this assessment.  There is one or two that I’m trying to remember this particular theme being played out in, and strangely enough a few I just haven’t seen (how sad), but yeah it’s true. 

 

What about you?  Can you see the theme of “repairing fractured families”?  Any movies you don’t see it in?

Johnny Carson Cannot Be Replaced

As Leno looks to retirement, and Conan continues to prepare for the Today show, and Fallon makes plans to replace Conan, I was please to read Mental Floss Blogs today and their post on Johnny Carson.
Here is one clip they showed...

Also make sure you listen to the clip with Jimmy Stewart reading a poem about this dog named Beau. It might make you cry...it did Johnny.
Funniest man I ever knew of who came from Norfolk, Nebraska. Heck funniest person I ever knew of who came from Nebraska.

Wii-Fit Looks Good With Anything From IKEA

This was informative and hilarious.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Awesome-ness!

Today I took off from work to go see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (is that sad and pathetic or just devoted?). And I thought it would be cool to take my dad.
I still have vivid memories of my dad taking me and my brothers to see the Temple of Doom when we lived on Guam. Around that time I had purchased with some birthday or Christmas money the book with cassette of Raiders of the Lost Ark, which I listened to over and over again. So even as a first or second grader (I don't remember which) I was a major Indy fan.
The theater we would often go to on Guam was this open aired theater. We would also see the Karate Kid and Rock IV there...two other freakin' amazing movies. The theater had four walls but no ceiling. Which meant while we were watching the movie would could quickly glance up and see the stars.
When we saw Temple of Doom there I remember it raining on us and my brothers and dad all huddled under a large umbrella together. Somehow this made the movie more amazing.
But before we hit the theater my dad and I had lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings. I mention this for a couple of reasons. Anastasia, our waitress, had our table , another table of about 40 people and another large table on the patio. Unfortunately we weren't well taken care of, and while I get frustrated with that I feel bad for Anastasia. Why would the hostess seat us in her section? And why can't someone else have taken our table, even though we were in her section?
I had the chicken wrap with the wedges, and the wedges were cold. Not my favorite trip to the BW3.
Oh back to why I mentioned this lunch trip in the beginning... Can anyone tell me why Buffalo Wild Wings was once called BW3? BW2 would make sense, but BW3...I need answers.
So the movie...
Awesome!
I don't want to spoil anything, and I promise not so mention any details. Promise.
I do want to prepare some of you though... My promise will not be broken...trust me keep reading...
I read that Lucas and Spielberg and company intentionally made the previous Indy movies, because they were set in the 1930s, to mimics the Saturday morning movies of the 1930s and it's themes.
Whereas this current film...stay with me a promise is a promise, set in the 1950s (come on you saw the preview...you knew that), mimics the movies and themes of the 1950s.
It intentionally won't have the same feel as the previous movies...that's what I'm saying.
If you bear that in mind...you'll love it too.

Tragic

This is really sad.
Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter killed by car in driveway
I don't know about you, but I getting really tired of senseless tragic deaths and I can't wait until the day when there will be no more.

Glimpsing Your Upcoming Death

I read yesterday that P.T. Barnum, when he had grown gravely ill, had his obituary printed prior to his passing so that he could enjoy it. 

If you are interested you can read it HERE.  It is really interesting; the man lived an amazing life, worthy of the circus.

 

This got me thinking though…

 

If I could have a sneak peak at my obituary what would I want it to say?

 

Maybe this caught my eye because several churches I know of have been doing 30 Days [or One Month] to Live sermon themed series.

 

So I’m thinking of writing a short obit for myself, possibly using rhyme. 

 

What words should I include?

-          Faithful?

-          Honest?

-          Wise?

-          Devilishly Good Looking?

1.7 Percent Chance

How does this happen?
Who do you go with?
Beasley of Kansas State or Rose of Memphis?

Looking For Some Clarity

What’s the rule on chewing gum during a fast?

Allowed?

Not Allowed?