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To the rest of the world, you'll be alright.

Link here.

Today's my RDO (or EDO or SDO or whatever they're calling it these days). Just had lunch at Old Mexico with Joe, now I'm eatin' chocolate that Haley dropped off and drinking beer. Going to see Serenity tonight, which everybody seems really excited about, but I've never seen "Firefly", so I don't know what the fuss is all about. I expect a good scifi, guys! After all this buildup it better be good. But the guy did make "Angel" and "Buffy..." also, so how could it be anything BUT good???


(That last sentence was seething with sarcasm, by the way.)

It is "DHARMA." And the episode is good.

Two months after his first nomination, John G. Roberts is now our Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. So, to all you crazy Republicans, here's to our President and let's hope his choice doesn't disappoint.

That's what the Creek Indians called the river we'll be canoeing this Saturday. I didn't know that, but now the name "Okaloosa" makes sense (I knew it was some kind of Indian word).

White sand beaches (only river in America with a sand-bottom as white as the beaches in Destin), cool water (it's dark, but see-through - it's not exactly "black"), nice foliage, and good fellowship & fun! Are you excited?! Are you going?!

Haven't been in a few years. Our church used to make a trip out there annually. We used Blackwater Canoe Rental for our logistics prep and execution, and I think that's who we're using this time. It's a 3-hour journey, but we usually stop enough along the way to make it around 4 or 5 hours long.

I can't decide if I liked last night's episode or not, because I couldn't hear half of it. Most of the people that were over last night wouldn't stop talking, and then when the show was over they couldn't stop talking about how boring and unresolved they thought the episode was. Well NO DUH! You were talking through it all.

It looked interesting, and I'm looking forward to watching it again to see what I missed. From what I picked up on, there were some very interesting things that happened, although the back-story on Michael told us nothing new (I don't think). Maybe next week's experience will be better.

I spent a good hour or so last night going through CDs, weeding out the ones I absolutely cannot let go of. I'm only keeping about 10 for myself, and the rest are going to Crestview's library. I checked out their collection of CDs last night on their website, and I realize now that once they get mine their collection will double in size and probably triple in quality (that is if you ignore the P.O.D. and 'NSync CDs). I'm excited about cleaning out my stuff, I've got too much of it. Next will come the books and the clothes.

Sitting here in my chair I find myself thinking back to a time on the banks of the Cumberland, eyes closed and mind concentrating carefully on the beautiful sound coming from the stage. A woman is standing there, singing quietly a song I can't remember the words to. Her buddies are behind her playing their instruments as best they can, which to me is as good as I could imagine. Jazz isn't my favorite genre, but the music I'm listening to seems to fit the moment. The city I'm in provides me with an insight I don't get back where I come from. It's a feeling I wish I could continue to feel for the rest of my life. It's the feeling that speaks to the heart, that comes with a kind word spoken by a close friend, a feeling that comes with spending time with family. I can see myself living here, and one day I just might.

Next Episode:
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 9/8c
"Adrift"
With the abduction of Walt fresh on their minds and their raft destroyed, Michael, Sawyer and Jin fight for their lives and discover a new predator in the roiling ocean. Meanwhile on land, Locke must descend into the hatch when one castaway goes missing inside.

Don't forget: My place at 8 w/Pizza + beer.

"The venue, the Mercy Lounge of Nashville, was awesome. The bulding appeared to be an old (say 40s-60s) warehouse right by the railroad tracks. They'd removed nearly all the internal dividers to allow for maximum line-of-sight floorspace around the stage (there were probably six hundred people there and everyone could fit in line-of-sight of the stage with plenty of personal space). One brick wall was left inside to separate the tables/booths/restroom area from the bar/show area, so if you wanted to take a break, slip off to the W.C., or just meet up with some friends for a drink and listen to the show, you had that area nicely uncrowded by the show people. The bar itself was v. swank, EXCELLENTLY stocked, and more than adequately manned by six-seven bartenders; also, the stage was set into a recess in the wall with the bar located along the longest wall leading to that recess, so you could simply step aside to the bar for a drink without blocking anyone's view of the show. There was also an entire upstairs portion that (I think) was entirely a bar/lounge area, in case you wanted nothing to do with the show. These people understood exactly what a good venue for shows needs: plenty of space, a great bar, and not much else.

"As for the show, let me firstly state that Sufjan's backing band's name of "the Illinoisemakers" is no joke. That show was far louder than I was expecting. When I say loud, though, I don't mean raucous loud, like wailing guitars and screeching distortion... I suppose bombastic is the best word for it. If parts of the Illinois album (particularly any parts with trumpets and background vocalists chiming in together) swept you along like a current in a stream, the live show plows over and through you with a glorious avalanche of sound. We're talking about the difference between the pleasant crackling of fireworks on the Fourth of July and the power of a full orchestra performing a symphony. They were there to make a joyful noise. Oh, and to cheer.

"Yeah, I said cheer. I knew this show wasn't going to be like any I'd seen before when the band runs out in blue cheerleading shirts emblazoned with a huge, orange "I" and Sufjan himself is deckedout in a star-spangled track suit and Cubs cap. Then we heard "Hey everybody! Let's pack our bags and visit the fifty states!" Then you heard (obviously) the Fifty States Song, which was so perfectly, hilariously dead-panned and purely funny in parts ("North Dakota/Nebraska/is there anything there?". There were cheers and pom-poms and ridiculous lines like "Go, go, Metropolis! See it through binoculous! Clark Kentalopolis! He was a super man! GO GO METROPOLIS!" . What really sold you on it all was the fact that the band was having so much fun during the show. Sufjan tried to keep a perfect deadpan going as the head (and completely inept, off-rhythm, etc.) cheerleader, but cracked up a few times. The other band members cheered enthusiastically even as their faces lit up with grins at the goofiness of what they were doing. Everybody smiled during the children's-church-reminiscent hand motions of "Prairie Fire That Wanders About." Band members danced as they played their instruments during active parts like the end of "The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts." They grooved and honestly smiled during the feel-good notes, like the end of "Jacksonville." When the music was soaring and serious. there wasn't a one of them that didn't have their eyes closed in some kind of somber ecstasy, completely lost in the very music they were playing. There was a total earnestness in them, underlying everything from the ironic cheerleading to the genuine smiles, to the sense that they were there above all else to celebrate something and we were all invited to come along.

"Eanestness like that is infectious; we came along. People danced, clapped, and sang along with genuine enthusiasm; hipsters and regular folks alike unselfconsciously lit up with real smiles without an edge of snark or irony to them. "Casimir Pulaski Day" hit and not another sound was to be heard, but plenty of moist eyes were to be found on guys and women both. "Chicago" came and there wasn't a person in the crowd with nostalgia written all over their faces, whispering in unison "I made a lot of mistakes" with a tone equal parts celebration of the past and hope for the future. There's that word again: celebrate, celebration. I'd wager there wasn't a single person there that didn't at some point feel joy spread out from their center to the tips of their fingers and toes, a willigness to celebrate an inherent beauty in a gestalt life assembled from various bright and somber pieces.

"In the end the feeling with which that show left me was of having touched something completely innocent, earnest, and hopeful. It was the excitement of running out the door to summer on the last day of elementary school. It was the awe of a child walking into Disneyland for the first time. It was the eagerness of a kid frantically rushing to plug the newest game into the NES, a kid that hasn't yet had to worry about bills, school, or anything else about tomorrow. It was a sense of wonder at the now-adults being able to look at fear and the past, mistakes and cancer, where we've been and where we're going, and still find plenty of reason to celebrate. It was a recognition of that same joy and hope on the faces of others, even if I didn't know the particular pasts and presents being celebrated.

"For me it was that watching the faces of others that was the best part. The feeling of shared experience is one of the best aspects of any good show; at this show you couldn't shake the sense that when we sang "we celebrate our sense of each other/we have a lot to give one another" that, even if for just a moment, we really meant it. I know Sufjan and his band did, fish-shaped tambourines, banjos, Illinoise and all.

"Addendum: I can understand if you think this is some overly-pretentious, romanticizing fanboy Pitchfork review of a show. You're entitled to that opinion. All I know is that I've been to plenty of shows before, great shows even, and I've not felt like that before. It was obvious to everyone in there that we were watching something special and a little overwhelming coming from Sufjan and his band. Powerful. Magical might be the best word for it. I felt at the time and still feel priviledged to have been there."



Original post located here. The opinions expressed therein are not necessarily those of this blog, but are close enough.

An excellent mini biography of and by Sufjan Stevens. "Europeans weren't offended!"

I learned two things this weekend. The first was that it is totally worth it to spend the extra $50 a night to stay in a nice hotel. A, you get comfortable beds and a clean room and B, you don't have to walk nearly as far to get anywhere good. Luke, Caleb, Derek and I stayed at the Marriott Courtyard on 4th and Church and it was well worth every penny.

The second thing I learned was that so far I can count on Nashville to deliver. The city of Nashville has yet to let me down. The first trip I made seemed at the time to be untoppable, but the second trip was just as awesome in a little bit different way. This third time was absolutely no exception, and I am very very pleased to have made the choice to go. I got to eat at Market Street Brewery again (great British Pub with friendly staff, good beer selection, and good food), but that was about the only thing we did that we've done before. We didn't have too much time to spend, so we ate at Market Street, walked to the river, then got ready for the show.

I gotta say, I expected Sufjan Steven's concert to be great. I was pretty excited about it. The doors were supposed to be open at 8, but didn't open till 8:30. Then it was after 10 before the opening act even came on stage. Her name was Liz Janes, she's hot, and a very good uke and guitar player. Sufjan played the drums for her, and the rest of the Illinoisemakers made up the rest of her band. Her songs, however, were not very good, and although performed well were very boring. She wrapped up and then the waiting started again.

Apparently some sort of security concern that they wouldn't give any details about had arisen, and they wouldn't let the band back out for another hour. All that standing was wearing us out, and we still had Sufjan's show yet to begin. Eventually, the lights came on and the Illinoisemakers ran on stage skipping and jumping dressed in pep-rally uniforms. It was - weird.

They started a song about the entire United States of America, and the combination of Sufjan's music plus the schizo delivery was actually very well done, humorous, and was somewhat ironic at times, due to the serious/sad content of a lot of his songs. They performed several cheers for Illinois intermixed throughout the songs (which cover a broad assortment of topics and stories relating to the state, many of them being very serious in subject), so the overall feel was quite ethereal.

This was too much for my brother and Derek to handle, and they ended up being turned off by the charades, but Luke and I enjoyed ourselves a lot. I can't wait for the next state to be released so I can see what they do for that one. Caleb and Luke took lots of pictures, so hopefully they'll be online sometime soon.

Last night's episode was pretty cool. Looking forward to finding out how Michelle Rodriguez's character fits in, as well as what this new Desmond guy's story is (FYI, Henry Ian Cusick is the actor's name, he was born in Trujillo, and is playing Jesus Christ in the upcoming film "The Gospel of Mark"). Of note are a few new names that are being added to the cast (according to IMDB), albeit as guests, likely in flashbacks:

Next week features Jolene Blalock (yep, like in OC, another Star Trek babe returns to TV this season).

The week after features the return of Robert Patrick (from X-Files and Terminator 2) as Hibbs, who last appeared in a Sawyer episode. But this episode also contains the characters of Helen (the woman Locke talked to on the phone) and Locke's father, so I'm guessing it's a Locke-centric eppi. So what is Hibbs doing in a Locke eppi? I dunno, should be interesting.

A new regular cast-member will eventually show up, but I don't know when. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (from The Bourne Identity and The Mummy Returns) will play a character who's been on the island for a while longer than the 815 crew.

Pizza and beer at my place next Wednesday at 2000L. Be there or be square.

Let's not forget what needs to be resolved (although I bet we'll have to wait for the next 4 seasons they plan on producing before we get all the answers):


1. Polar bears.
2. Instant on/off rain.
3. The "Security System."
4. Adam and Eve (the two dead bodies Jack found in the caves).
5. Walt's freaky little 6th sense.
6. The Black Rock.
7. The "Others."
8. Rose's husband.
9. Claire's kid.
10. Ethan.
11. The numbers.
12. The other survivors.
13. The hatch (I think this one is resolved tonight, but it may not be).
14. The significance of white vs. black.


I know that's not all. It's just all I could remember right now.

I feel wierd right now. So many things have hit me at once at work, and it's nothing I can't handle, but requires a lot of driving and a lot of time. Right now is the first spare moment I've had at my computer all day. It's nice to finally stop and think.

This past weekend was fun. I got to see my family on Saturday, and Church was a welcome and refreshing break (it always is) from the monotony that is sometimes my life. This weekend was busy, but kinda dull at the same time. Let's see, Sam was in town, which was cool. We went to 331, Baytowne, then Bluepoint Friday night. Derek was there, haven't seen him in a while. Went to bed at 6am Saturday, got up at 10 to drive to Crestview and have lunch with my brother Caleb. Had dinner at my parents' home. Yesterday after church I washed my car then went back to church for dinner. Ended the night at Nathanael and Sarah's.

This week is going to be busier though, I think. Work, plus having people over Wednesday night for Lost (I need to clean the apartment), then Nashville this weekend. I'm looking forward to that, as well as the canoe trip Joe's got going for next weekend.

I'm rambling. I need to get a'drivin' again. Love you guys, and see ya Wednesday.

Next Episode:
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 8/7c
"Destination: Lost"
Prepare for the season premiere of Lost with a look back at the key events of the last season!



Next Episode: SEASON PREMIERE
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 9/8c
"Man of Science, Man of Faith"
In the season premiere, one of the castaways is chosen to descend into the mysterious hatch, and Shannon stumbles upon a shockingly familiar face in the jungle.

We were there for 2 days. Our trip started at 3AM Saturday morning and ended last night around 10:00PM. Luke Brodersen, Daniel DeLoach, Jim B. Jordan, Nathanael Mosley, Col. Mike Ruff, Raimey Saddler, and myself comprised the group from Trinity. The whole extended Linn family, John and Liz Owen, and Josiah Alldredge were other locals from the Panhandle that went.

We were stationed at First Presbyterian Church sandwiched between the Gulf (right in the Church's backyard) and Keesler AFB. The ladies at the church provided several of the meals, but we also had MREs and Red Cross lunches. There was a tent for showers, a tent for dining, and a large room in the church where we slept.

The destruction extended for miles and miles of the coast, and we spent our time in Biloxi and Gulfport, driving to houses the Church had told us about to repair roofs, cut down and remove trees and house debris. It was an insane amount of work, and the heat and the smell from the flooding were unrelenting, but you didn't hear a word of complaint. Instead, spirits were soaring among those who were being helped as well as those who had the opportunity to help. It was an experience I will never forget.

Hwy 90 looked like it had been bombed. A constant convoy of military Humvees traversed this stretch of highway sections (some of the sections missing or hanging precariously). Helicopters were always overhead. A large casino barge sat on land in the middle of a hotel a few hundred yards from the Gulf. McDonalds, Sears, Waffle House, and many other shops and restaurants on 90 were thoroughly gutted. The houses facing the Gulf were either completely gone, or a few walls or pieces of roof barely hanging on. One of the homes that had been completely destroyed belonged to the family of this guy Patrick. We rode with him to see what we could recover of his parents' possessions, and left only with a small table, a large decorative pot, and a few photographs. It didn't seem to phase him, and he helped us work throughout the weekend.

Rev. Skinner preached an emotional sermon on Psalm 127 yesterday. The message really hit home later on when I saw a black woman cry and hug a young boy who had just helped her load her car with food and supplies. The Lord is truly building a house through us, both those in MS and those of us from other parts of the country. Nathanael, Joel and I are planning on going back this weekend, and every weekend after that we are able. There is no visible end to the work over there, but we will get it done, Lord willing.

Pray for the pastor and elders of First Presbyterian Church in Biloxi, and all of those who lost their homes and livelihoods over there. Pray that God will use this time of trial to bring his children closer to Him and one another, and that His Church will grow as a consequence. If you can, try and go yourself to an area that needs help. Those of us in Florida know what it's like to suffer through a hurricane, and we know what it's like to receive help from family, friends, and even strangers. Now is a good time for us to return the favor.

Biloxi's Sun Herald Katrina Photos

In the heart of the night
In the cool Southern rain
There's a full moon in sight
Shining down on the Pontchartrain

And the river she rises
Like she used to do
She's so full of surprises
She reminds me of you
In the heart of the night

This Saturday Chris, Joel, Luke, and myself will be leaving for Biloxi at 4AM to help with relief efforts for the weekend. Pray that we will be able to do some good and that our work will be as productive as possible.

Was the mayor of New Orleans chewing gum while talking to POTUS? My eyes must be deceiving me.

"Thomas, the philosopher, waved his bandaged hand. He had a theory: "God's angry with New Orleans. It's an evil city. The worst school system anywhere. Rampant crime. Corrupt politicians. Here, baby, have a potato chip for daddy."

The 2-year-old, Qadriyyah, took a chip from her daddy and gobbled it up. Her face was covered with mosquito bites. But she smiled just to be in daddy's arms.

Thomas continued: "A predominantly black city -- and they're killing each other. God had to get their attention with a calamity. New Orleans ain't seen an earthquake yet. You can get away from a hurricane but not an earthquake. Next time, nobody may get out."" - The Washington Post


I can see how some of you might find it hard to believe that a city could collapse into such base behavior in a time of disaster and the need for helping one another. Some of you don't know much more about New Orleans than that it is home to Jazz and good food. As bad as New Orleans is now, it was a pretty bad city before as well. I'm not talking about the floodwaters, I'm talking about the people that live there. Had Atlanta or Jacksonville or Birmingham or any other large Southern city seen disaster on an equivelent scale as what New Orleans had seen, I'm sure you would have your looting, but the overall attitude of the people would be quite different.

New Orleans was a beautiful city with lots of culture. I'm just saying I'm not surprised at the events of the last few days.

"In many parts of America, a rising tide like the one in New Orleans would bring out the best, the most generous, and the most responsible elements in the human character. For whatever reason, the culture of New Orleans' inner city instead brought out the very worst." - Jewish World Review

Trinity-ers:

Be Jolly For Girls!
.brodie
Down to a Sunless Sea
For the Love of Incense
God will honor those who honor Him
joebrodie
September in '86
What Is and What Should Never Be

Family:

coffeemagic
Notes from Little Spain
Omnis Viperas Mortum Est

People I Know IRL:

A Soldier's Story
Beautiful Feet
CARDCO
CARPE DIEM
frecklejess
keepin up
Peace, Love & Penguins
Ponderings by Brittany
Rod Martin
Scottie's Life

People I Don't Know IRL:

Barlow Farms
The Blog of Josiah Q. Roe
doodlepost
Next-To-Last Song
Razing the Bar

Music:

Asthmatic Kitty
Gorilla vs. Bear
Paste
Pitchfork
Stereogum
WOXY
You Ain't No Picasso

Version: 4.2
(January 12, 2007)