Beka and I went out to see Yes Man, a movie in which Jim Carey says yes to every opportunity that presents itself, including learning Korean. A high point of that movie was hearing the audience's response to his Korean. It made me feel a bit better about my own laugh-inducing efforts.
We took a cab home later, and as usual, the driver and I discussed the destination using the Korean name. Often, that does it for taxi driver conversation.
I mentioned the movie to Beka, and what some of the Korean phrases meant. The driver looked at me with a shocked expression and said "You speak Korean very well." What followed next was a very nice conversation, IN ENGLISH. I tried to interject some Korean phrases here and there at first, but I soon gave in. English won.
So, the taxi driver had very good English, and we're in Korea, but he's amazed that I spoke a couple of Korean phrases "very well." Something's wrong with this picture.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas!
Below I pasted a link to a great Christmas song time saver. Happy holidays.
http://www.thesneeze.com/
http://www.thesneeze.com/
Monday, December 22, 2008
More Thoughts on Taking Comedies Seriously (with thoughts on spirituality)
As I predicted, I forgot about a well-known comedic performance-- in a movie I had just re-watched! I'm too young to be this senile.
The famous performance was of Vinny's girlfriend in My Cousin Vinny. I'll admit I enjoy most movies with a courtroom background anyway, but My Cousin Vinny is profanity-laced, but funny nonetheless.
Also, I have an update to my lament about not seeing any worthwhile comedies lately. We just saw Ghost Town, starring the original Michael Scott from the British version of The Office as an antisocial dentist who sees dead people. There's no way to describe this without making it seem cheesy, but surprisingly enough, it's not. It avoids cheese at all costs, and earns laughs on its own terms. It does has some rough humor, but as that's all dialogue and not fling-poo-at-you based, I find that forgivable.
There is a spiritual dimension to fantasy-based movies as well, as far as it goes. I watch a character trying to convince others that he or she speaks to someone he or she can see but they can't. I don't believe in ghosts, but I do believe in the unseen. Movies like this afford a chance to empathize with the protagonist and (to a more limited degree) to the other characters who can't see or hear what's going on. If nothing else, movies like this could spark some good conversations.
The famous performance was of Vinny's girlfriend in My Cousin Vinny. I'll admit I enjoy most movies with a courtroom background anyway, but My Cousin Vinny is profanity-laced, but funny nonetheless.
Also, I have an update to my lament about not seeing any worthwhile comedies lately. We just saw Ghost Town, starring the original Michael Scott from the British version of The Office as an antisocial dentist who sees dead people. There's no way to describe this without making it seem cheesy, but surprisingly enough, it's not. It avoids cheese at all costs, and earns laughs on its own terms. It does has some rough humor, but as that's all dialogue and not fling-poo-at-you based, I find that forgivable.
There is a spiritual dimension to fantasy-based movies as well, as far as it goes. I watch a character trying to convince others that he or she speaks to someone he or she can see but they can't. I don't believe in ghosts, but I do believe in the unseen. Movies like this afford a chance to empathize with the protagonist and (to a more limited degree) to the other characters who can't see or hear what's going on. If nothing else, movies like this could spark some good conversations.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Book Reviews
I read three books recently, so I might as well lump my comments for all of them together. They really have nothing to do with each other, so I shouldn't just drop them all in one post. Oh, well.
First, I read A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Like his other book, The Kite Runner, it provides an overview of the past thirty years in Afghanistan's history through the eyes of the people. I haven't read The Kite Runner, but I'm familiar with the basic story. As the main characters in that are boys, this book goes the opposite route. The characters are strong, which makes their suffering all the more difficult to read about. Lots of it is tragic, but there are glimpses of hope in it. There are also some nice moments of subversive kindness. My favorite example is one character who secretly educates orphans despite the fact that some of them are girls and the Taliban wouldn't allow that. Moments like that and being able to see familiar events through different eyes make this a worthwhile read.
It was very sad and infuriating in places, however, and this made it hard to read. I took a break two-thirds in to read something lighter, Alan Moore's Watchmen. Laugh if you've read it, but if something is satirical and as over-the-top with its violence as Watchmen is, it's easier to keep from being too attached.
There actually were parts in this graphic novel when I laughed out loud. The only character with superpowers is completely powerful, but also detached from human feelings or needs. He has a bad habit of forgetting little things, like people need oxygen to breathe. It makes for some funny moments.
There also is a disturbing quality to Watchmen, as it questions the integrity of heroes in general. The amount of character development for the "heroes" was impressive.
It's also cinematic. It left me feeling like I read a good novel and watched a movie at the same time. Do they really need to make it a movie? I guess some of us will find out.
Finally, I finished A Thousand Splendid Suns and needed something less heavy. Nick Hornby's Slam did the trick. He tells the story of a young man who was born when his mom was sixteen. He meets a girl, and the one thing he tried to avoid happens-impending teen parenthood. Somehow there are a lot of laughs.
Most of this book is as good as anything Hornby has written (I'm especially fond of A Long Way Down). He straddles the line between uncomfortable and funny, and even throws in some fantasy elements that work (for the most part). He gets some good points across, through his fictional sixteen year old narrator. There were times when I thought this might become one of my new favorites. Then I got to the end.
Hornby's endings usually leave you with more questions and few (if any) pat answers. It gives a believable ending and ecourages the reader to think. It's good writing.
Slam seems to strive for a neater ending. I might be alone in this, but neat endings often make me feel betrayed. It seems condescending.
In Slam's defense it doesn't go for the super-spoon fed-to-you happy ending, so it's still readable and enjoyable.
First, I read A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Like his other book, The Kite Runner, it provides an overview of the past thirty years in Afghanistan's history through the eyes of the people. I haven't read The Kite Runner, but I'm familiar with the basic story. As the main characters in that are boys, this book goes the opposite route. The characters are strong, which makes their suffering all the more difficult to read about. Lots of it is tragic, but there are glimpses of hope in it. There are also some nice moments of subversive kindness. My favorite example is one character who secretly educates orphans despite the fact that some of them are girls and the Taliban wouldn't allow that. Moments like that and being able to see familiar events through different eyes make this a worthwhile read.
It was very sad and infuriating in places, however, and this made it hard to read. I took a break two-thirds in to read something lighter, Alan Moore's Watchmen. Laugh if you've read it, but if something is satirical and as over-the-top with its violence as Watchmen is, it's easier to keep from being too attached.
There actually were parts in this graphic novel when I laughed out loud. The only character with superpowers is completely powerful, but also detached from human feelings or needs. He has a bad habit of forgetting little things, like people need oxygen to breathe. It makes for some funny moments.
There also is a disturbing quality to Watchmen, as it questions the integrity of heroes in general. The amount of character development for the "heroes" was impressive.
It's also cinematic. It left me feeling like I read a good novel and watched a movie at the same time. Do they really need to make it a movie? I guess some of us will find out.
Finally, I finished A Thousand Splendid Suns and needed something less heavy. Nick Hornby's Slam did the trick. He tells the story of a young man who was born when his mom was sixteen. He meets a girl, and the one thing he tried to avoid happens-impending teen parenthood. Somehow there are a lot of laughs.
Most of this book is as good as anything Hornby has written (I'm especially fond of A Long Way Down). He straddles the line between uncomfortable and funny, and even throws in some fantasy elements that work (for the most part). He gets some good points across, through his fictional sixteen year old narrator. There were times when I thought this might become one of my new favorites. Then I got to the end.
Hornby's endings usually leave you with more questions and few (if any) pat answers. It gives a believable ending and ecourages the reader to think. It's good writing.
Slam seems to strive for a neater ending. I might be alone in this, but neat endings often make me feel betrayed. It seems condescending.
In Slam's defense it doesn't go for the super-spoon fed-to-you happy ending, so it's still readable and enjoyable.
Monday, December 15, 2008
In Loving Memory: Award-Winning Comedies
My wife and I recently enjoyed the original Harvey with Jimmy Stewart. As I watched it, I thought of other well-known, black-and-white comedies and how they are considered classics. I'm not sure if they won any awards or anything, but people definitely took them more, well, seriously. What happened between then and now?
Was it because movie goers were smarter back then, and the films only hinted what they flat out say in today's comedies? Or is comedy just not a respected form of art anymore? Everyone is a comedian these days, after all. Or at least everyone likes to think so.
I'll try to recall some recent award-winning (or nominated) comedies. I might miss a few, but I'm working from memory here, so please be gracious. That is if you remember and I don't. If you don't either, ha ha.
In the late '80s, Kevin Kline snagged an Oscar for best actor in A Fish Called Wanda. His role? The rude American in England who butchered philosophy by trying to read it and insisted that Vietnam was "a tie". This movie had its share of crude and mean-spirited humor, but the dumb thug trying to be an intellectual provided the most satisfying laughs.
Skipping a decade plus change, Johnny Depp won for his comedic performance as Captain Jack Sparrow. I don't quite get it either, but it was a lot funnier before the sequels came out. Those were happier times.
I'm not sure if anyone else is thinking of these two, but Life is Beautiful and American Beauty won awards and don't count as comedies in my book. They're not funny.
Just last year Juno got nominated but didn't win. I lost faith in the process after that.
Not that the Oscars means anything, but it reflects a perspective of the movie industry. Usually the winners of best picture are historical, depressing or both. There's a lack of respect for something that makes you laugh or feel good in any way. That's just a shame.
So what elements do movies like Harvey, Arsenic and Old Lace, Young Frankenstein and Juno have in common? Thought put into the wordplay and physical comedy alike. More than just cheap laughs.
Why does this matter? Because I appreciate good, satisfying laughter. These days in movies it's hard to find.
Was it because movie goers were smarter back then, and the films only hinted what they flat out say in today's comedies? Or is comedy just not a respected form of art anymore? Everyone is a comedian these days, after all. Or at least everyone likes to think so.
I'll try to recall some recent award-winning (or nominated) comedies. I might miss a few, but I'm working from memory here, so please be gracious. That is if you remember and I don't. If you don't either, ha ha.
In the late '80s, Kevin Kline snagged an Oscar for best actor in A Fish Called Wanda. His role? The rude American in England who butchered philosophy by trying to read it and insisted that Vietnam was "a tie". This movie had its share of crude and mean-spirited humor, but the dumb thug trying to be an intellectual provided the most satisfying laughs.
Skipping a decade plus change, Johnny Depp won for his comedic performance as Captain Jack Sparrow. I don't quite get it either, but it was a lot funnier before the sequels came out. Those were happier times.
I'm not sure if anyone else is thinking of these two, but Life is Beautiful and American Beauty won awards and don't count as comedies in my book. They're not funny.
Just last year Juno got nominated but didn't win. I lost faith in the process after that.
Not that the Oscars means anything, but it reflects a perspective of the movie industry. Usually the winners of best picture are historical, depressing or both. There's a lack of respect for something that makes you laugh or feel good in any way. That's just a shame.
So what elements do movies like Harvey, Arsenic and Old Lace, Young Frankenstein and Juno have in common? Thought put into the wordplay and physical comedy alike. More than just cheap laughs.
Why does this matter? Because I appreciate good, satisfying laughter. These days in movies it's hard to find.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Art of Actually Listening
I'm not sure how many of you heard the story about the church that brought cars into their building and prayed for the bailout, but like many others, it bothered me at first. It bothered the writer of another blog as well, but he did the unthinkable and actually interviewed their pastor. I copied and pasted the interview below along with a recap of what happened.
Interview with Bishop Charles Ellis
Last Sunday, Greater Grace Temple, a church in Detroit, Michigan, brought three hybrid SUVs onto their altar. During the service, Bishop Charles Ellis lead his congregation in prayers for the bailout of the auto industry to go through.
Yesterday, I posted an entry about the service, and I admitted that it bothered me. But I wanted to hear the Bishop Ellis's side. I emailed the church with an interview request, and Greater Grace's Communications Director, Melvin Epps, kindly connected me to Bishop Ellis, who graciously answered my questions.
---
Jordan Green: First of all, thank you for taking the time to talk with us.
I feel like I should explain something here. I am a white, middle-class Christian from Portland, Oregon. For myself and many of our readers, hearing the report about Greater Grace Temple’s Sunday service elicited a sense of cynicism. The idea of putting cars up on the altar seems like sacrilege.
But the more I read about your church, the more I realized the cultural differences at play...racial, cultural, theological and geographical...and I wanted to ask for your side of the story. For starters, can you tell us what your community is facing with the threat of the major American automakers collapsing? How has your congregation been affected so far?
Bishop Charles Ellis: We have seen the workforce of the automotive industry decrease over the past four decades. We have, as well, witnessed those who remain in the industry experiencing pay and benefit cuts. Even one worker having to do the work of many in both the blue and white collar divisions. When a plant closes, it devastates the township, community, area stores and businesses.
I felt the burden of these workers and felt compelled of God to address the crisis spiritually in my second Sunday worship service. The sermon God gave me was entitled “A Hybrid Hope” and I thought to have some illustrated props as my background to drive the point home. There was not even a second thought as to the hybrid vehicles, because our church is very passionate about illustrations. We minister several illustrated sermons per year and have used various props (horses, donkeys, chickens, roosters, golf carts, vehicles, pyrotechnics, etc).
Our illustrations have become so widely known that buses come from as far as Indiana, Illinois and Ohio to view them. All of our illustrated messages conclude with hundreds giving their lives to Christ, being baptized in water and receiving the Holy Spirit. We firmly believe that our methods are effective and we will never try to minister to an “iPod” generation with an “8 track cassette tape” method. Illustrations is the way for Greater Grace Temple and Bishop Charles H. Ellis III.
JG: Why do you think the auto industry is in trouble? Is there a spiritual aspect to the dangers they now face?
Bishop Ellis: There is probably enough blame to go around with respect to the failures of our automotive industry. Executive decisions, planning strategies, futuristic outlooks, compensation packages, workforce cost, designs and efficiency have all played a role in our ability to viably compete in this global automotive community. The encouraging thing is that all segments of the industry seem to be working together to make the necessary sacrifices to solve this crisis.
JG: Why do you think a majority of Americans are opposed to a bailout?
Bishop Ellis: I believe that most Americans have a bad taste from the bailouts of the financial and insurance industries, especially in the aftermath of unwise corporate executive decisions to use some of those funds for elegant retreats. I also think much of America does not fully understand the intertwined dependence of many of our communities to healthy automotive plants and its industry.
JG: There was a picture taken recently of a group of white Evangelical Christians praying for the economy over a bronze bull on Wall Street. To many, the image brought to mind the Israelites praying to a golden calf while Moses was with God on Mount Sinai. Fairly or unfairly, photos from Greater Grace’s Sunday service might prompt a similar response. How would you respond to those making that comparison?
Bishop Ellis: I would ask people to consider the totality of the demonstration before they chime in with a response. In a court of law, the jury cannot discuss or deliberate until ALL the evidence is in. Any Christian worth his/her religious worth would not likely pass any judgment until they have full understanding of what they are considering. The Bible says in Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” My full sermon and ministry presentation can be viewed on our website, www.greatergrace.org.
JG: Do you believe Christians in America have a problem with materialism?
Bishop Ellis: I believe that there are enough Christians in America to have many different opinions on materialism as well as other subjects including praise and worship styles, tithing, fasting, apparel, adornment, non-Christian activities, etc. This is probably why we have so diverse a church community and hundreds of religious organizations.
JG: Do you think there is a chasm between white and African-American churches in the United States? If so, what do you think are the primary reasons for that divide?
Bishop Ellis: I firmly believe that slavery, segregation and years of discrimination have done irreparable harm to the spirit of fellowship within God’s church (not the building, but the ecclesia). I have for a long time held the view that it is not strange to witness a Caucasian-lead church with a significant African-American population, but the opposite is very rare even in the largest of African-American congregations.
JG: How can we be praying for your congregation and the city of Detroit?
Bishop Ellis: I would hope that everyone would at least be praying for the will of God to take preeminence in this crisis and not the political agendas of man. In praying for us you are actually praying for yourselves as well. Remember that we are all interdependent of one another.
Interview with Bishop Charles Ellis
Last Sunday, Greater Grace Temple, a church in Detroit, Michigan, brought three hybrid SUVs onto their altar. During the service, Bishop Charles Ellis lead his congregation in prayers for the bailout of the auto industry to go through.
Yesterday, I posted an entry about the service, and I admitted that it bothered me. But I wanted to hear the Bishop Ellis's side. I emailed the church with an interview request, and Greater Grace's Communications Director, Melvin Epps, kindly connected me to Bishop Ellis, who graciously answered my questions.
---
Jordan Green: First of all, thank you for taking the time to talk with us.
I feel like I should explain something here. I am a white, middle-class Christian from Portland, Oregon. For myself and many of our readers, hearing the report about Greater Grace Temple’s Sunday service elicited a sense of cynicism. The idea of putting cars up on the altar seems like sacrilege.
But the more I read about your church, the more I realized the cultural differences at play...racial, cultural, theological and geographical...and I wanted to ask for your side of the story. For starters, can you tell us what your community is facing with the threat of the major American automakers collapsing? How has your congregation been affected so far?
Bishop Charles Ellis: We have seen the workforce of the automotive industry decrease over the past four decades. We have, as well, witnessed those who remain in the industry experiencing pay and benefit cuts. Even one worker having to do the work of many in both the blue and white collar divisions. When a plant closes, it devastates the township, community, area stores and businesses.
I felt the burden of these workers and felt compelled of God to address the crisis spiritually in my second Sunday worship service. The sermon God gave me was entitled “A Hybrid Hope” and I thought to have some illustrated props as my background to drive the point home. There was not even a second thought as to the hybrid vehicles, because our church is very passionate about illustrations. We minister several illustrated sermons per year and have used various props (horses, donkeys, chickens, roosters, golf carts, vehicles, pyrotechnics, etc).
Our illustrations have become so widely known that buses come from as far as Indiana, Illinois and Ohio to view them. All of our illustrated messages conclude with hundreds giving their lives to Christ, being baptized in water and receiving the Holy Spirit. We firmly believe that our methods are effective and we will never try to minister to an “iPod” generation with an “8 track cassette tape” method. Illustrations is the way for Greater Grace Temple and Bishop Charles H. Ellis III.
JG: Why do you think the auto industry is in trouble? Is there a spiritual aspect to the dangers they now face?
Bishop Ellis: There is probably enough blame to go around with respect to the failures of our automotive industry. Executive decisions, planning strategies, futuristic outlooks, compensation packages, workforce cost, designs and efficiency have all played a role in our ability to viably compete in this global automotive community. The encouraging thing is that all segments of the industry seem to be working together to make the necessary sacrifices to solve this crisis.
JG: Why do you think a majority of Americans are opposed to a bailout?
Bishop Ellis: I believe that most Americans have a bad taste from the bailouts of the financial and insurance industries, especially in the aftermath of unwise corporate executive decisions to use some of those funds for elegant retreats. I also think much of America does not fully understand the intertwined dependence of many of our communities to healthy automotive plants and its industry.
JG: There was a picture taken recently of a group of white Evangelical Christians praying for the economy over a bronze bull on Wall Street. To many, the image brought to mind the Israelites praying to a golden calf while Moses was with God on Mount Sinai. Fairly or unfairly, photos from Greater Grace’s Sunday service might prompt a similar response. How would you respond to those making that comparison?
Bishop Ellis: I would ask people to consider the totality of the demonstration before they chime in with a response. In a court of law, the jury cannot discuss or deliberate until ALL the evidence is in. Any Christian worth his/her religious worth would not likely pass any judgment until they have full understanding of what they are considering. The Bible says in Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” My full sermon and ministry presentation can be viewed on our website, www.greatergrace.org.
JG: Do you believe Christians in America have a problem with materialism?
Bishop Ellis: I believe that there are enough Christians in America to have many different opinions on materialism as well as other subjects including praise and worship styles, tithing, fasting, apparel, adornment, non-Christian activities, etc. This is probably why we have so diverse a church community and hundreds of religious organizations.
JG: Do you think there is a chasm between white and African-American churches in the United States? If so, what do you think are the primary reasons for that divide?
Bishop Ellis: I firmly believe that slavery, segregation and years of discrimination have done irreparable harm to the spirit of fellowship within God’s church (not the building, but the ecclesia). I have for a long time held the view that it is not strange to witness a Caucasian-lead church with a significant African-American population, but the opposite is very rare even in the largest of African-American congregations.
JG: How can we be praying for your congregation and the city of Detroit?
Bishop Ellis: I would hope that everyone would at least be praying for the will of God to take preeminence in this crisis and not the political agendas of man. In praying for us you are actually praying for yourselves as well. Remember that we are all interdependent of one another.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Music Reviews
Every now and then I get a new CD. It's been known to happen. Lately, I had the opportunity to get three, and they're not half bad. They're also kind of connected in a six degrees sort of way.
First, I listened to Radiohead's OK Computer. I've listened to more recent stuff of theirs and enjoyed it, then I heard how much better this one was. I can't say I disagree. I'm glad I didn't hear it first for that reason, or I would have shook my head in disappointment at the others. Shame on you, Radiohead.
The CD's theme is how technology makes us less human in a way. In a present reality of nasty comments and myspace pranks both resulting in suicides, it has a point.
I like the sound of it, but it definitely serves the purpose of the message. It's not uplifting, but it's definitely creative and thought-provoking.
Next, I listened to Coldplay's latest. It's been referred to as a sort of Radiohead lite, but if you don't like the tone I described for OK Computer, that's a good thing. Coldplay tries out some different creative styles which are safe enough to work for them and still be radio friendly. It's better to listen to this one after Radiohead, or anything else less straightforward and catchy. Still, it's Coldplay, and I haven't heard much of theirs I didn't like.
One of the best songs from Coldplay's X&Y CD has to be "Fix You". This is one of the songs covered by Young@Heart, a group whose movie I have yet to see. So I did the next best thing by getting the soundtrack.
If hearing an elderly choir singing rock and pop songs is your idea of entertainment, Young@Heart is a good choice. Their version of the Ramones' "I Wanna Be Sedated" still cracks me up, along with "Staying Alive/I Will Survive" and quite a few others. There are plenty of moments where, like in Johnny Cash's American Recordings, you can almost sense an art form in the covers. It's almost like different interpretations that only improve on but bear little resemblance to the originals. It almost doesn't belong in the "cover song" category, but what can you do.
It's worth a listen, and they don't cover any Radiohead songs, so it's uplifting as well.
First, I listened to Radiohead's OK Computer. I've listened to more recent stuff of theirs and enjoyed it, then I heard how much better this one was. I can't say I disagree. I'm glad I didn't hear it first for that reason, or I would have shook my head in disappointment at the others. Shame on you, Radiohead.
The CD's theme is how technology makes us less human in a way. In a present reality of nasty comments and myspace pranks both resulting in suicides, it has a point.
I like the sound of it, but it definitely serves the purpose of the message. It's not uplifting, but it's definitely creative and thought-provoking.
Next, I listened to Coldplay's latest. It's been referred to as a sort of Radiohead lite, but if you don't like the tone I described for OK Computer, that's a good thing. Coldplay tries out some different creative styles which are safe enough to work for them and still be radio friendly. It's better to listen to this one after Radiohead, or anything else less straightforward and catchy. Still, it's Coldplay, and I haven't heard much of theirs I didn't like.
One of the best songs from Coldplay's X&Y CD has to be "Fix You". This is one of the songs covered by Young@Heart, a group whose movie I have yet to see. So I did the next best thing by getting the soundtrack.
If hearing an elderly choir singing rock and pop songs is your idea of entertainment, Young@Heart is a good choice. Their version of the Ramones' "I Wanna Be Sedated" still cracks me up, along with "Staying Alive/I Will Survive" and quite a few others. There are plenty of moments where, like in Johnny Cash's American Recordings, you can almost sense an art form in the covers. It's almost like different interpretations that only improve on but bear little resemblance to the originals. It almost doesn't belong in the "cover song" category, but what can you do.
It's worth a listen, and they don't cover any Radiohead songs, so it's uplifting as well.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Alternate Christmas Movie List
Last year I mentioned a few movies that I enjoyed watching particularly in the Christmas season. While not overtly Christmas-themed, they seem to reflect the most important elements of the holiday. I'm reposting them along with some more that seem appropriate. I've listed them in no particular order. Here's to a cheese-free holiday.
1.Lars and the Real Girl. It's almost like a Christmas movie without the tree. It teaches about community, and what it really means to put yourself aside to meet the needs of others. This becomes a stretch in the movie, so thankfully, laughs ensue.
2.Children of Men. While the Christmas story is referenced, that's not my reason for including this on the list. It's the overall theme of finding hope through a new life, even in the bleakest of realities. It has to be one of my favorites.
3.Juno. This is another of my favorites. In the midst of the comedy and some characters' mistakes, there are some good choices shown in a believable way. Again, it promotes a sort of hope without cheesing it up. And the soundtrack still rocks.
4.Rent. Christmas bells are ringing, Somewhere Else. Not Here. Spend Christmas Eve with the least of these, and if you can't do that, watch a movie about them.
5.Horton Hears a Who. There's something about affirming life and promoting faith in the unseen that seems very Christmasy.
6.Gremlins. Because it wouldn't be Christmas without poking fun at the commercial aspect somehow. The irony is, even the Gremlins became stuffed toys. Everything's for sale I guess.
7. Die Hard. Maybe it's just because I'm thinking about Christmas parties, and how I'd like to run around barefoot shooting terrorists during them. Or maybe I just have to give Bruce Willis some credit because the other Die Hard films were weak. Whatever the case, it's on the list.
1.Lars and the Real Girl. It's almost like a Christmas movie without the tree. It teaches about community, and what it really means to put yourself aside to meet the needs of others. This becomes a stretch in the movie, so thankfully, laughs ensue.
2.Children of Men. While the Christmas story is referenced, that's not my reason for including this on the list. It's the overall theme of finding hope through a new life, even in the bleakest of realities. It has to be one of my favorites.
3.Juno. This is another of my favorites. In the midst of the comedy and some characters' mistakes, there are some good choices shown in a believable way. Again, it promotes a sort of hope without cheesing it up. And the soundtrack still rocks.
4.Rent. Christmas bells are ringing, Somewhere Else. Not Here. Spend Christmas Eve with the least of these, and if you can't do that, watch a movie about them.
5.Horton Hears a Who. There's something about affirming life and promoting faith in the unseen that seems very Christmasy.
6.Gremlins. Because it wouldn't be Christmas without poking fun at the commercial aspect somehow. The irony is, even the Gremlins became stuffed toys. Everything's for sale I guess.
7. Die Hard. Maybe it's just because I'm thinking about Christmas parties, and how I'd like to run around barefoot shooting terrorists during them. Or maybe I just have to give Bruce Willis some credit because the other Die Hard films were weak. Whatever the case, it's on the list.
Monday, December 1, 2008
On Trends, CCM and Good Music
Below is an article about one of the few uncompromisingly creative bands in the Christian scene. I need to get their latest, as I missed that one.
http://www.burnsidewriterscollective.com/reviews/music/j/jars_of_clay_the_most_importan1208.php
http://www.burnsidewriterscollective.com/reviews/music/j/jars_of_clay_the_most_importan1208.php
Saturday, November 29, 2008
After Turkey
Some of the best Thanksgiving thoughts occurred to me the day after. They actually had nothing to do with turkey, but quite a bit on the thankfulness issue.
I joined a few fellow teachers and some Korean college students on a tour of some sights in Korea. I had seen In Sa Dong and Korean palaces before, but the visting part was nice. Walking around a shopping area without actually buying anything is nice, too. There's a sort of freedom to it. Take that, shoppers.
As usual when in In Sa Dong (that sounds funny) our group had the opportunity to climb an outdoor stairway to the top. This affords that great opportunity to look down on all the other shoppers and tourists. Literally, not figuratively,of course.
From In Sa Dong, we strolled to a Korean palace the name of which I can't remember. I forget the names of places immediately after visiting. It's my tradition.
The professor of the students met us with more students. He gave us reports on who passed exams, who got a job, and how much more they would make than us. Thanks for that.
He later added that money isn't , nor should it be everything.
Their field was engineering, so seeing structures with them was fun. "Don't you have questions (for the tour guide)?" the professor asked me.
Not really, I admitted.
He had plenty of questions, but most likely she wouldn't know. I can't say I blame her.
As we strolled through former government halls he asked me if I thought kings were happy. I didn't know.
"I don't think they were," he stated. A glance at history suggests he has a point.
On the way home I thought of that statement, kings, wealth, contentment, and so on. I remembered the previous day's obligatory "I'm thankful for" spiel and the thought I refused to say out loud for fear of embarrassment. At this moment it seemed to make a lot more sense.
I'm thankful for enough.
I joined a few fellow teachers and some Korean college students on a tour of some sights in Korea. I had seen In Sa Dong and Korean palaces before, but the visting part was nice. Walking around a shopping area without actually buying anything is nice, too. There's a sort of freedom to it. Take that, shoppers.
As usual when in In Sa Dong (that sounds funny) our group had the opportunity to climb an outdoor stairway to the top. This affords that great opportunity to look down on all the other shoppers and tourists. Literally, not figuratively,of course.
From In Sa Dong, we strolled to a Korean palace the name of which I can't remember. I forget the names of places immediately after visiting. It's my tradition.
The professor of the students met us with more students. He gave us reports on who passed exams, who got a job, and how much more they would make than us. Thanks for that.
He later added that money isn't , nor should it be everything.
Their field was engineering, so seeing structures with them was fun. "Don't you have questions (for the tour guide)?" the professor asked me.
Not really, I admitted.
He had plenty of questions, but most likely she wouldn't know. I can't say I blame her.
As we strolled through former government halls he asked me if I thought kings were happy. I didn't know.
"I don't think they were," he stated. A glance at history suggests he has a point.
On the way home I thought of that statement, kings, wealth, contentment, and so on. I remembered the previous day's obligatory "I'm thankful for" spiel and the thought I refused to say out loud for fear of embarrassment. At this moment it seemed to make a lot more sense.
I'm thankful for enough.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Best Random Funny Moments
There are a few funny images I keep tucked away for those times I need a smile. Most of those are randomly funny scenes from movies that do nothing to further the plot, yet succeed in making me laugh my guts out. I'll share a few, and feel free to share your own as well. I could use the extra laughs.
10.
9.
8.
7.
6. The land rover scenes from the gods must be crazy. (video waaay too long)
5.Mortimer's aunts explaining ethics in Arsonic and Old Lace (video waaaaaaaaaaaay too long)
4.
3.
2.
1.The cat juggling scene from the Jerk. No, I couldn't find it. Sorry. You'll just have to watch the movie if you haven't already. It's worth it.
10.
9.
8.
7.
6. The land rover scenes from the gods must be crazy. (video waaay too long)
5.Mortimer's aunts explaining ethics in Arsonic and Old Lace (video waaaaaaaaaaaay too long)
4.
3.
2.
1.The cat juggling scene from the Jerk. No, I couldn't find it. Sorry. You'll just have to watch the movie if you haven't already. It's worth it.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Lost in Translate
A week or so ago I was explaining a grammar concept to one of my students. He got the concept and used a Korean phrase to illustrate that. I understood what he meant and agreed.
He exclaimed something else in Korean, and I didn't understand. I wasn't sure if he just said something offensive, so I asked what he said.
He seemed sheepish and wouldn't reply.
Finally, I asked one of his classmates what he said.
The classmate smiled and said, "He said you understand him very well."
That's an oops.
He exclaimed something else in Korean, and I didn't understand. I wasn't sure if he just said something offensive, so I asked what he said.
He seemed sheepish and wouldn't reply.
Finally, I asked one of his classmates what he said.
The classmate smiled and said, "He said you understand him very well."
That's an oops.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Month of Squash
Over the past few months, a friend and neighbor told me about a gym that's near our house. I like adding actual exercise to my list of recreational activities, so I joined up. In addition to the garden variety weight machines and standard-issue dance studio, there's a squash court. My friend and I played squash, then he looked up the rules online and we played some more. We like to think we are on the way to going pro, but only God knows for sure.
Recently I did some math and figured squash doesn't trump food and shelter. Since none of these are cheap, I had to prioritize. So I'm down to my last month of squash.
I'm sure there was a reason for me to enjoy this game for the time that I did. If nothing else, it's a good healthy activity (minus the sudden bursts of rage when I miss a shot). It gave me time and a chance to reflect, but it also gave me a glimpse of human nature itself. And it was fun. Did I mention that? Well, it was.
I learned first and foremost that you cannot become skilled just by watching skilled players. I can watch the other dudes and dudesses play squash for hours, but that won't help my ability to comprehend or duplicate their actions one bit. More patience and actual effort is needed.
I also learned that a little black ball, when missed by me, can be the cause of great rage. This lead me to a secondary discovery that throwing a rented racket may not be the best outlet of aforementioned rage.
As long as I kick the former week Matt's butt, I'm happy. He's the guy to beat, and to be honest, it's not all that hard.
If I miss the ball with my racket, I can always kick the ball against the wall. This has no educational value, but it's pretty cool.
An audience changes things. When I'm aware a national is watching, my temper snaps into place. More so if it's a Korean child. Many of our neighbors know we are missionaries, and we are therefore representing more than just our countries. I had to keep this in mind when negotiating the price of membership with the gym's managers.
Following from that, I learned how hard negotiations can be when your Korean is at least as limited as their English. This resulted in me repeating "It's too expensive" in Korean, followed by them grinning, "Thank you" in English.
It's often best to leave smiling, and with a handshake. Leave, save some money, and find more creative ways to stay off your rear.
Recently I did some math and figured squash doesn't trump food and shelter. Since none of these are cheap, I had to prioritize. So I'm down to my last month of squash.
I'm sure there was a reason for me to enjoy this game for the time that I did. If nothing else, it's a good healthy activity (minus the sudden bursts of rage when I miss a shot). It gave me time and a chance to reflect, but it also gave me a glimpse of human nature itself. And it was fun. Did I mention that? Well, it was.
I learned first and foremost that you cannot become skilled just by watching skilled players. I can watch the other dudes and dudesses play squash for hours, but that won't help my ability to comprehend or duplicate their actions one bit. More patience and actual effort is needed.
I also learned that a little black ball, when missed by me, can be the cause of great rage. This lead me to a secondary discovery that throwing a rented racket may not be the best outlet of aforementioned rage.
As long as I kick the former week Matt's butt, I'm happy. He's the guy to beat, and to be honest, it's not all that hard.
If I miss the ball with my racket, I can always kick the ball against the wall. This has no educational value, but it's pretty cool.
An audience changes things. When I'm aware a national is watching, my temper snaps into place. More so if it's a Korean child. Many of our neighbors know we are missionaries, and we are therefore representing more than just our countries. I had to keep this in mind when negotiating the price of membership with the gym's managers.
Following from that, I learned how hard negotiations can be when your Korean is at least as limited as their English. This resulted in me repeating "It's too expensive" in Korean, followed by them grinning, "Thank you" in English.
It's often best to leave smiling, and with a handshake. Leave, save some money, and find more creative ways to stay off your rear.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Real-Life Goings on
I don't post my update letters, and the last few posts seem to indicate a life full of movies and pop-culture lists. So, I felt the need to recall the latest happenings of the last couple months. Not to defend my honor, mind you, just to let you know that I'm not just lounging back on a sofa somewhere and losing the ability to walk on my own (more than usual anyway). Here it is, a list of real-life stuff.
1. Since my last trip to the grandma house, I decided to focus mainly on that and future clean-up events as my areas of community service outreach. Another teacher agreed to oversee outreach activities with a local orphanage/home for unwed mothers. We had our first drive this month, and so far it's going well. Our first visit is soon to follow. I look forward to seeing more happen with this.
2. Since I read Too Small to Ignore and realized the need to value children as God does, I've talked to others and confirmed I'm not alone. It's encouraging to hear of family members sponsoring children, as well as encouraging their children to take part in the process. My parents are also desiring to start a children's ministry in their church. It's funny how these things work.
I also realized the weight of the jobs we as teachers here have. My own attitude of gratefulness (or lack thereof) could cause more for good or harm than first glance can tell. I've made it a point to communicate a spirit of gratefulness as much as possible, and more than that.
3. I've started using less paper and water. Integrity is a big issue in my mind, and it's about the little things. Truth, honor, respect, wisdom, cooperation, the list goes on, are all connected. Hopefully and prayerfully when I take good care of the things around me I'm showing a respect for others and ultimately the One who created us and everything we have. Also hopefully I'm teaching others to show respect as they follow my example. It's also forced me to become more creative as I think of ways I as a teacher can use less paper. You really can do a lot with a little.
4. I'm going back to India with a small group for spring break. The school decided on three missions trips this year (one three-week trip in the summer) and India made the cut. I look forward to seeing Priority One once again and noting how much has and hasn't changed in the past year. Yay! We get to go back!
Our school had a fall festival recently. Our business manager helped with a raffle, selling chances to win a cheesecake. The proceeds will go to the missions trips.
I chuckled as she was reading names and phone numbers on the tickets in the jar. Included among the entire staff were the guy who delivers water, our paper suplier, the milk man...
Everyone had purchased a ticket.
"Anyone who walked in the door today", she grinned.
The raffle raised over $500 for the trips.
5. I'm seeing this gig as a ministry. I know it sounds odd, but to be honest, the feeling comes and goes at times. I think about how teaching ESL could be a ministry, SOMEWHERE ELSE. Africa somewhere, or even North Korea. I mean, Westerners and South Koreans are too well off, even with a recession. They don't need it, right?
Then God shuts me up. He'll allow me to see another story about educational pressures and suicide rates, not SOMEWHERE ELSE, but right stinking here. Stop your whining, Matt. You're here, not to do, but to be. And you're in the right place.
That being the case, I have to go shut up and be. Or be, anyway.
1. Since my last trip to the grandma house, I decided to focus mainly on that and future clean-up events as my areas of community service outreach. Another teacher agreed to oversee outreach activities with a local orphanage/home for unwed mothers. We had our first drive this month, and so far it's going well. Our first visit is soon to follow. I look forward to seeing more happen with this.
2. Since I read Too Small to Ignore and realized the need to value children as God does, I've talked to others and confirmed I'm not alone. It's encouraging to hear of family members sponsoring children, as well as encouraging their children to take part in the process. My parents are also desiring to start a children's ministry in their church. It's funny how these things work.
I also realized the weight of the jobs we as teachers here have. My own attitude of gratefulness (or lack thereof) could cause more for good or harm than first glance can tell. I've made it a point to communicate a spirit of gratefulness as much as possible, and more than that.
3. I've started using less paper and water. Integrity is a big issue in my mind, and it's about the little things. Truth, honor, respect, wisdom, cooperation, the list goes on, are all connected. Hopefully and prayerfully when I take good care of the things around me I'm showing a respect for others and ultimately the One who created us and everything we have. Also hopefully I'm teaching others to show respect as they follow my example. It's also forced me to become more creative as I think of ways I as a teacher can use less paper. You really can do a lot with a little.
4. I'm going back to India with a small group for spring break. The school decided on three missions trips this year (one three-week trip in the summer) and India made the cut. I look forward to seeing Priority One once again and noting how much has and hasn't changed in the past year. Yay! We get to go back!
Our school had a fall festival recently. Our business manager helped with a raffle, selling chances to win a cheesecake. The proceeds will go to the missions trips.
I chuckled as she was reading names and phone numbers on the tickets in the jar. Included among the entire staff were the guy who delivers water, our paper suplier, the milk man...
Everyone had purchased a ticket.
"Anyone who walked in the door today", she grinned.
The raffle raised over $500 for the trips.
5. I'm seeing this gig as a ministry. I know it sounds odd, but to be honest, the feeling comes and goes at times. I think about how teaching ESL could be a ministry, SOMEWHERE ELSE. Africa somewhere, or even North Korea. I mean, Westerners and South Koreans are too well off, even with a recession. They don't need it, right?
Then God shuts me up. He'll allow me to see another story about educational pressures and suicide rates, not SOMEWHERE ELSE, but right stinking here. Stop your whining, Matt. You're here, not to do, but to be. And you're in the right place.
That being the case, I have to go shut up and be. Or be, anyway.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The Environmentally Friendly Movie List
A couple of posts back I mused how difficult it is to make a good movie with environmental themes. Usually it dissolves into a two-hour sermon,or comes across as a flippant remark in a funny song, i.e. "So Long and Thanks for All the Fish". Since I finally saw one that I knew would make the cut, here's the list.
10.Prince Caspian. Without giving away the ending, I'll say that C.S. Lewis' stories show a deep respect for nature without worshipping it. The trees, rivers, etc. show character and even kick some butt when needed. This movie did a good job of capturing Lewis' vision and respect without crossing the line into animism.
9.Spiderwick Chronicles. The themes of nature weren't overt in this, but the cinematography does a great job of making the woods seem magical, whether we see creatures in them or not. Like in all great works of fantasy, the forest itself becomes a character. Again, everything's still in its right place.
8. Shane. The best of the 50s classic Westerns I can remember, and definitely the most patient. The title character defends and works alongside the farmers, a people who develop a unique respect for the environment. In the end, it's about the hope of choosing the farmer's way of life over the gunmen's. And did I mention the cinematography rocks? Well, it does.
7.Fight Club. There's a moment in this movie that stil makes me laugh. The members of Fight Club start lashing out at anything and everything that made them angry in the first place. One attack is on a billboard. Who knows what it said before, but when they are finished it says: "Did you know you can use motor oil to fertilize your lawn? A public service announcement from the EPA". The theme of destruction extends from themselves to everything around them. Forget the environment. After all, cleaning up after yourself is emasculating.
6.The Two Towers. The books give a better depiction of Treebeard and the trees, but the movies kept the theme of the tension between nature and people. "I'm not on anybody's side, because no one is altogether on my side." For men, some of that tension can be seen as a necessity, such as shelter and so on, but for those like the orcs, it's just plain evil. Go get them, Treebeard.
5.Quantum of Solace. Green issues and the misuse of them for personal gain became part of the theme of this movie. It wasn't tacked on or even discussed much. It just fit right along with the other moral issues. Well done, James. I'm sure they have a writer called James. They pretty much have to.
4.Idiocracy. The point of this movie is not to harp on environmental consciousness, but among others, the issue is present. And you may not know this, but Brawno has electrolytes.
3.The Simpsons Movie. "Preachy! Preachy!" It's been noted that only the Simpsons can mock people careless about the environment and the EPA in the same movie. Other themes and a lot of trademark Simpsons humor keep this one out of sermon-land. Nice work, considering it only took them ten plus years to make it.
2.Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. I'll cheese out and call it a tie. Both movies are by the same director, and he does a good job of making aspects of nature into characters. Discernment is needed, as the Japanese word for these characters is either translated "spirit" or "god". But if gods they are, it's more along the lines of the greek myths where they are at least as flawed as we are. Again, the stories are about more than just "recycle or we're doomed".
1. Wall E. I just saw it, so I shouldn't be rash. But I also called it a classic after one viewing, and there's no backsies on that one either. But as much as it was criticized as another Inconvenient Truth, I felt the need to point out a distinction. Good sci-fi has the elements of prediction, and following through with those. Great sci-fi gives us talking points or characters to care about. Wall E did all of these, and even tossed in an appreciation of non-verbal communication.
10.Prince Caspian. Without giving away the ending, I'll say that C.S. Lewis' stories show a deep respect for nature without worshipping it. The trees, rivers, etc. show character and even kick some butt when needed. This movie did a good job of capturing Lewis' vision and respect without crossing the line into animism.
9.Spiderwick Chronicles. The themes of nature weren't overt in this, but the cinematography does a great job of making the woods seem magical, whether we see creatures in them or not. Like in all great works of fantasy, the forest itself becomes a character. Again, everything's still in its right place.
8. Shane. The best of the 50s classic Westerns I can remember, and definitely the most patient. The title character defends and works alongside the farmers, a people who develop a unique respect for the environment. In the end, it's about the hope of choosing the farmer's way of life over the gunmen's. And did I mention the cinematography rocks? Well, it does.
7.Fight Club. There's a moment in this movie that stil makes me laugh. The members of Fight Club start lashing out at anything and everything that made them angry in the first place. One attack is on a billboard. Who knows what it said before, but when they are finished it says: "Did you know you can use motor oil to fertilize your lawn? A public service announcement from the EPA". The theme of destruction extends from themselves to everything around them. Forget the environment. After all, cleaning up after yourself is emasculating.
6.The Two Towers. The books give a better depiction of Treebeard and the trees, but the movies kept the theme of the tension between nature and people. "I'm not on anybody's side, because no one is altogether on my side." For men, some of that tension can be seen as a necessity, such as shelter and so on, but for those like the orcs, it's just plain evil. Go get them, Treebeard.
5.Quantum of Solace. Green issues and the misuse of them for personal gain became part of the theme of this movie. It wasn't tacked on or even discussed much. It just fit right along with the other moral issues. Well done, James. I'm sure they have a writer called James. They pretty much have to.
4.Idiocracy. The point of this movie is not to harp on environmental consciousness, but among others, the issue is present. And you may not know this, but Brawno has electrolytes.
3.The Simpsons Movie. "Preachy! Preachy!" It's been noted that only the Simpsons can mock people careless about the environment and the EPA in the same movie. Other themes and a lot of trademark Simpsons humor keep this one out of sermon-land. Nice work, considering it only took them ten plus years to make it.
2.Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. I'll cheese out and call it a tie. Both movies are by the same director, and he does a good job of making aspects of nature into characters. Discernment is needed, as the Japanese word for these characters is either translated "spirit" or "god". But if gods they are, it's more along the lines of the greek myths where they are at least as flawed as we are. Again, the stories are about more than just "recycle or we're doomed".
1. Wall E. I just saw it, so I shouldn't be rash. But I also called it a classic after one viewing, and there's no backsies on that one either. But as much as it was criticized as another Inconvenient Truth, I felt the need to point out a distinction. Good sci-fi has the elements of prediction, and following through with those. Great sci-fi gives us talking points or characters to care about. Wall E did all of these, and even tossed in an appreciation of non-verbal communication.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Death by Funeral
This is tragic, but is it also kind of sweet in a way? They went together. I'm not sure. Appreciate the weirdness.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27666284/?gt1=43001
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27666284/?gt1=43001
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Movie Review: Wall E
I've wanted to see this for quite some time, so a late review is almost tragic. A Pixar movie? The first Pixar sci-fi movie I'm aware of (talking animals and toys don't really count)? A non-depressing post-apocalyptic film? All of those and more made the anticipation quite a bit. All that to say, I'm glad I saw it.
The wait was well worth it. This is the first Pixar movie since Nemo I can honestly call a classic. The Incredibles and that rat cooking movie were good, pardon my absence of French, but not exactly classics. With Wall E, the bar has yet again been raised.
The bulk of the movie has no dialog, showing a patience usually absent in American films. The images, dance sequences, and spare, thoughtful lines resonate. This is the best sci-fi movie, animated or otherwise, I've seen in a while.
Some people complain about the preachy-ness of this movie. It's not preachy, just a fictional vision of a very possible future. The real story involves the interaction between two of the best characters in robot history. That and... well, watch it and then find out.
On another note, if you find yourself complaining about the bleak nature of movies nowadays, it's because you're not watching films like this. It starts with dust storms and post apocalyptic trash heaps, but in the end it's all about hope. Now that's a classic.
The wait was well worth it. This is the first Pixar movie since Nemo I can honestly call a classic. The Incredibles and that rat cooking movie were good, pardon my absence of French, but not exactly classics. With Wall E, the bar has yet again been raised.
The bulk of the movie has no dialog, showing a patience usually absent in American films. The images, dance sequences, and spare, thoughtful lines resonate. This is the best sci-fi movie, animated or otherwise, I've seen in a while.
Some people complain about the preachy-ness of this movie. It's not preachy, just a fictional vision of a very possible future. The real story involves the interaction between two of the best characters in robot history. That and... well, watch it and then find out.
On another note, if you find yourself complaining about the bleak nature of movies nowadays, it's because you're not watching films like this. It starts with dust storms and post apocalyptic trash heaps, but in the end it's all about hope. Now that's a classic.
Movie Review: Quantum of Solace
I see new movies so rarely now I have to keep logs like this to enjoy the rarity of it all. I'm still waiting to see Wall E, a movie I'll probably have a bit to write about as well. Until we went to the theater to see the new Bond movie, I thought the fact I wanted to see both movies was the only connection. But there's a green thread connecting the two. It's interesting, that's all.
It's difficult to make a movie that has green themes without being too cheesy ie. "Circle of Life" or Biodome. Those that succeed may deserve their own list. Who knows, maybe I'll get bored enough, I mean get inspired, to make one.
Anyway, the green theme in the new 007 movie was shown by the villains. They used environmental causes as fronts to their terrorism. The "greenies" are the bad guys. We could argue they aren't really greenies, but evil non-green posers. Personally, I think the writers got tired of recycling and hearing about carbon footprints, so they did a little venting. It can happen, so it's understandable.
The interesting connection with the green theme and others in this movie was knowing right from wrong, and friends from enemies. It's been argued this is the least likable Bond yet, as his personality gets closer to the character in the books. But in the end, he does his job.
I like this Bond better, as I can see how he was originally supposed to be. We are not supposed to want to be like Bond. He's cold and detached,and he throws money around like confetti. He also lacks any hint of subtlety, as evidenced in his conversations with M. She doubts him at times, and as we're along for the ride, we almost begin to as well.
The movie itself is intense, as the action and danger hardly let up. The chase and action sequences alone make the movie worthwhile. It also gives the sense of being, for just under two hours, in the hands of someone who just may not be the best person for the job. It adds to the tension and enjoyment of the movie.
I need to re watch Casino Royale, but this is at least a worthy sequel to it. Time will tell if it's better.
It's difficult to make a movie that has green themes without being too cheesy ie. "Circle of Life" or Biodome. Those that succeed may deserve their own list. Who knows, maybe I'll get bored enough, I mean get inspired, to make one.
Anyway, the green theme in the new 007 movie was shown by the villains. They used environmental causes as fronts to their terrorism. The "greenies" are the bad guys. We could argue they aren't really greenies, but evil non-green posers. Personally, I think the writers got tired of recycling and hearing about carbon footprints, so they did a little venting. It can happen, so it's understandable.
The interesting connection with the green theme and others in this movie was knowing right from wrong, and friends from enemies. It's been argued this is the least likable Bond yet, as his personality gets closer to the character in the books. But in the end, he does his job.
I like this Bond better, as I can see how he was originally supposed to be. We are not supposed to want to be like Bond. He's cold and detached,and he throws money around like confetti. He also lacks any hint of subtlety, as evidenced in his conversations with M. She doubts him at times, and as we're along for the ride, we almost begin to as well.
The movie itself is intense, as the action and danger hardly let up. The chase and action sequences alone make the movie worthwhile. It also gives the sense of being, for just under two hours, in the hands of someone who just may not be the best person for the job. It adds to the tension and enjoyment of the movie.
I need to re watch Casino Royale, but this is at least a worthy sequel to it. Time will tell if it's better.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
More Laughs
Here's an article from the Onion I felt was worth sharing. I think they put it pretty well.
Black Man Given Nation's Worst Job
WASHINGTON—African-American man Barack Obama, 47, was given the least-desirable job in the entire country Tuesday when he was elected president of the United States of America. In his new high-stress, low-reward position, Obama will be charged with such tasks as completely overhauling the nation's broken-down economy, repairing the crumbling infrastructure, and generally having to please more than 300 million Americans and cater to their every whim on a daily basis. As part of his duties, the black man will have to spend four to eight years cleaning up the messes other people left behind. The job comes with such intense scrutiny and so certain a guarantee of failure that only one other person even bothered applying for it. Said scholar and activist Mark L. Denton, "It just goes to show you that, in this country, a black man still can't catch a break."
Black Man Given Nation's Worst Job
WASHINGTON—African-American man Barack Obama, 47, was given the least-desirable job in the entire country Tuesday when he was elected president of the United States of America. In his new high-stress, low-reward position, Obama will be charged with such tasks as completely overhauling the nation's broken-down economy, repairing the crumbling infrastructure, and generally having to please more than 300 million Americans and cater to their every whim on a daily basis. As part of his duties, the black man will have to spend four to eight years cleaning up the messes other people left behind. The job comes with such intense scrutiny and so certain a guarantee of failure that only one other person even bothered applying for it. Said scholar and activist Mark L. Denton, "It just goes to show you that, in this country, a black man still can't catch a break."
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Closing Words
You can learn a lot from a non-victory speech. Mccain proves himself as a man of character, even in defeat. I hope we haven't heard the last of him.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Fun with Politics Round whatever
This is good for laughs, and hopefully some relief during a time that's tense for many.
http://www.burnsidewriterscollective.com/general/2008/11/seven_things_to_consider_befor.php
http://www.burnsidewriterscollective.com/general/2008/11/seven_things_to_consider_befor.php
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Best Unintentional Comedies
I know I'll need help on this one as I'll no doubt miss a few. But recently I thought of the need to recognize all movies we couldn't possibly take seriously. So here goes, and feel free to assist.
P.S. I'm not including any Ed Wood movies. Too easy.
10. The Village. Sorry, M. Night fans out there. I'm one too, up to Signs. But the dialogue from this one is so unbelievable, I couldn't help but laugh through the whole movie. The original settlers themselves would probably chuckle a bit. "William Hurt sounds so wooden. I didn't talk like that, did I?" I'm sure they didn't.
9.Jurassic Park 2. I'm only including this one because of the second half of the movie. It shows the direction the movie should have committed to in the first place, that of parody, or even better, satire. We could always use another Gremlins.
8.Dragonheart. I really want to use Eragorn, as I saw scenes from it and it looks hilarious. But let us not forget the first non-animated talking dragon movie. Even Sean Connery couldn't give that concept an ounce of dignity. And he definitely tried.
7.The Blair Witch Project. What? You found out this isn't real and it's just a movie? That gives you no choice but to laugh at these silly kids shoving cameras up their noses. Let that teach you that lies make no good substitute for good suspenseful storytelling.
6. The World is Not Enough. Some overdone one-liners and the casting of Denise Richards sunk this one and made it, along with Jurassic Park 2, extremely stinking of self-parody.
5.Star Wars, Episode III. Go ahead, yell at the screen. But you can't beat the lines of dialogue between Luke and Leah's parents for pure cheese. They fell just short of saying "I love you more," and "No, you hang up." Someone please get Mr. Lucas away from his typewriter.
4.The Incredible Hulk (Ang Lee version). Movies like The Dark Knight challenge us to take comic book characters a little more seriously. Movies like the Incredible Hulk remind us this isn't always a good idea. But what can I say? The comic book panels are well-done enough for plenty of laughs. If you need more, imagining Shrek as the Hulk could fill in the lulls.
3.Planet of the Apes. Charlton Heston could act. He made a decent Moses, and Ben Hur wasn't so bad either. But the most over quoted lines from Planet of the Apes are so over-the-top that I get the giggles just thinking about them.
2.Star Trek 2, The Wrath of Khan. You're already laughing, because you know the quote by heart. William Shatner yells at Ricardo Montelbaum at full, way-beyond- overacting volume. Much quoted and mocked, Shatner earned every bit of his accidental comic fame.
1. The Screaming Skull. It's the only movie I've ever seen that threatens to kill you from fright, and with (da da dum!) an old prop from Hamlet. Not a well known film, but well worth the laughs.
P.S. I'm not including any Ed Wood movies. Too easy.
10. The Village. Sorry, M. Night fans out there. I'm one too, up to Signs. But the dialogue from this one is so unbelievable, I couldn't help but laugh through the whole movie. The original settlers themselves would probably chuckle a bit. "William Hurt sounds so wooden. I didn't talk like that, did I?" I'm sure they didn't.
9.Jurassic Park 2. I'm only including this one because of the second half of the movie. It shows the direction the movie should have committed to in the first place, that of parody, or even better, satire. We could always use another Gremlins.
8.Dragonheart. I really want to use Eragorn, as I saw scenes from it and it looks hilarious. But let us not forget the first non-animated talking dragon movie. Even Sean Connery couldn't give that concept an ounce of dignity. And he definitely tried.
7.The Blair Witch Project. What? You found out this isn't real and it's just a movie? That gives you no choice but to laugh at these silly kids shoving cameras up their noses. Let that teach you that lies make no good substitute for good suspenseful storytelling.
6. The World is Not Enough. Some overdone one-liners and the casting of Denise Richards sunk this one and made it, along with Jurassic Park 2, extremely stinking of self-parody.
5.Star Wars, Episode III. Go ahead, yell at the screen. But you can't beat the lines of dialogue between Luke and Leah's parents for pure cheese. They fell just short of saying "I love you more," and "No, you hang up." Someone please get Mr. Lucas away from his typewriter.
4.The Incredible Hulk (Ang Lee version). Movies like The Dark Knight challenge us to take comic book characters a little more seriously. Movies like the Incredible Hulk remind us this isn't always a good idea. But what can I say? The comic book panels are well-done enough for plenty of laughs. If you need more, imagining Shrek as the Hulk could fill in the lulls.
3.Planet of the Apes. Charlton Heston could act. He made a decent Moses, and Ben Hur wasn't so bad either. But the most over quoted lines from Planet of the Apes are so over-the-top that I get the giggles just thinking about them.
2.Star Trek 2, The Wrath of Khan. You're already laughing, because you know the quote by heart. William Shatner yells at Ricardo Montelbaum at full, way-beyond- overacting volume. Much quoted and mocked, Shatner earned every bit of his accidental comic fame.
1. The Screaming Skull. It's the only movie I've ever seen that threatens to kill you from fright, and with (da da dum!) an old prop from Hamlet. Not a well known film, but well worth the laughs.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Mild at Heart Revisited
When the wife went to a women's Bible study it seemed more than appropriate to babysit the laundry and watch Fight Club. No, I didn't do the latter to overcompensate for the former. I'd only seen the movie once a few years ago, and the message was lost on me. But this time I notice an Eldridge-esque message to it. There were at least some intersections here and there.
Total intersections between Wild at Heart and Fight Club were lines like "we were raised by women", and likening God to a man, or better yet, a father figure. How I missed what this movie was about the first time I'll never know.
Differences were places that made more sense in the movie than in the book. Tyler Durton blames consumerism for the problem. Gen X men apparently know way more than they should about the perfect Ikea apartment. This seems true in an age when most guys seem inclined to play video games so we can pretend to have adventures instead of interracting with others and making our own. It all feeds into the cycle of buying stuff to look good and to forget about how despondent that makes us.
Wild at Heart, while encouraging more adventure, does not discourage consumerism. He seems to blame everything on good manners. I can't totally agree with that as good manners don't exploit as many people as a Playstation 2 or the next fashion line.
Unfortunately, both seem to use "hit me as hard as you can" as a solution. Both would pick a fight with Ghandi. And both would forget what true strength is.
Fight Club hints at it. Durton muses on the shameful knowledge gen X men share and names issues of better value, such as world hunger. The satirical edge to the film forgets this immediately and moves to extreme violence. Unfortunately, it's too believable.
I never finished the movie. It was late, and I was tired, so I switched to "The Deadliest Catch" on the Discovery Channel. I admired the courage and sacrifice of those willing to suffer injury and danger of worse to feed others. Seafood is so common it's easy to overlook the difficulties involved in obtaining it. I should watch this show more often.
I thought about the randomness of the evening as I hung up my shirts. Did I feel like Eldridge and Durton? Or did I just shrug at difficulty and accept it as part of my job? Nothing seemed to fit.
In the end, it's a blessing not to have enough things to own you. I never wonder what kind of dining set defines me as a person. On the other hand, I don't worry about being "too nice". Social conventions are there for a reason.
The shirts all hung up and the lint trap cleaned, I decided I wasn't bored or whatever you call the Durton/Eldridge syndrome. I found that if you are where you're supposed to be, you never really are.
Total intersections between Wild at Heart and Fight Club were lines like "we were raised by women", and likening God to a man, or better yet, a father figure. How I missed what this movie was about the first time I'll never know.
Differences were places that made more sense in the movie than in the book. Tyler Durton blames consumerism for the problem. Gen X men apparently know way more than they should about the perfect Ikea apartment. This seems true in an age when most guys seem inclined to play video games so we can pretend to have adventures instead of interracting with others and making our own. It all feeds into the cycle of buying stuff to look good and to forget about how despondent that makes us.
Wild at Heart, while encouraging more adventure, does not discourage consumerism. He seems to blame everything on good manners. I can't totally agree with that as good manners don't exploit as many people as a Playstation 2 or the next fashion line.
Unfortunately, both seem to use "hit me as hard as you can" as a solution. Both would pick a fight with Ghandi. And both would forget what true strength is.
Fight Club hints at it. Durton muses on the shameful knowledge gen X men share and names issues of better value, such as world hunger. The satirical edge to the film forgets this immediately and moves to extreme violence. Unfortunately, it's too believable.
I never finished the movie. It was late, and I was tired, so I switched to "The Deadliest Catch" on the Discovery Channel. I admired the courage and sacrifice of those willing to suffer injury and danger of worse to feed others. Seafood is so common it's easy to overlook the difficulties involved in obtaining it. I should watch this show more often.
I thought about the randomness of the evening as I hung up my shirts. Did I feel like Eldridge and Durton? Or did I just shrug at difficulty and accept it as part of my job? Nothing seemed to fit.
In the end, it's a blessing not to have enough things to own you. I never wonder what kind of dining set defines me as a person. On the other hand, I don't worry about being "too nice". Social conventions are there for a reason.
The shirts all hung up and the lint trap cleaned, I decided I wasn't bored or whatever you call the Durton/Eldridge syndrome. I found that if you are where you're supposed to be, you never really are.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Live, from Nowhere, NY
Friends in the US keep me semi-current on music that's worthwhile. The surprising thing was the latest discovery. Surprising because this band, the Felice Brothers, is from Haines Falls, New York. Do you know where that is? No one does. Well, I do, but that's because I used to go there to get my car fixed. It was a good five to ten minutes drive from my middle-of-nowhere home. They apparently sing a song called Nowhere, NY. Hey! I know that place.
This link below surprised me on two fronts. First, that the band from Nowhere, NY is pretty good, and that npr is playing good music now. Are the memories of my childhood wrong? Excuse me, I have to go rethink some things.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94473776&ft=1&f=39
This link below surprised me on two fronts. First, that the band from Nowhere, NY is pretty good, and that npr is playing good music now. Are the memories of my childhood wrong? Excuse me, I have to go rethink some things.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94473776&ft=1&f=39
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Fun with Segways
I keep certain images stowed away in my memory in case I need a smile. This is officially one of them.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Time Travel Movies Top Ten
I'm not a big genre guy when it comes to movies or books. My eyes usually glaze over when someone asks what kind of movies I like. It's easier to name what I don't like. But when it comes to time travel movies, I'll admit my interest is at least piqued. Here's a list of my favorites. If you have any disagreements or suggestions, feel free to let me know.
10. Galaxy Quest. I know, the whole story isn't about time-travel. But it brings up a creative concept. What could you do with a thirteen second jump into the past? Tim the Toolman knows.
9.Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. Why do I have the audacity to include this one? Because I've met a few students who would probably do what Bill and Ted do. Look out, Socrates, they're coming for you.
8.Twelve Monkeys. What's the number one premise of every time travel movie? Changing history. So what do you do if a character travels back in time insisting he "won't change anything?" Sit back and watch, because you'd never guess it.
7.Donnie Darko. This displayed more screwing with time-travel conventions, such as actually identifying this as a time-travel movie outright. Take a few confusing but somewhat logical time-travel rules, throw in some rocking 80s tunes and a creepy six-foot bunny, and you have an entertaining flick.
6.Frequency. Could you travel through time without the travelling part? Could a shortwave radio be useful in 1999? Is Dennis Quaid a good father? This movie answered all that and more.
5.Back to the Future 3. What do you do when you've milked the 80s and 50s for all they are worth? Make a surprisingly entertaining Western without much violence or any over-the-top offensive humor. Add the time-travel label and you have a unique find.
4.Deja Vu. The central question of this movie was if just seeing the past wasn't enough would actual time-travel be possible? The result was a caliber of storytelling that only improves on the genre.
3.Back to the Future 2. Confusion actually works for this one. Its strength becomes Doc Brown's theories on all the possible time parodoxes. Finding out which of his theories turn out to be correct provides the biggest laughs.
2.Minority Report. Again, no travel occurs, nor is it necessary. Future knowledge alone sets this tense and enjoyable adventure into motion.
1.Back to the Future. The KISS rule applies, even in sci-fi. What if you could actually go back to disprove the "when I was your age" stories? Or what if you actually remembered what a Delorean was without the aid of google? The real time-travel is making that leap back to 1985, then further, to the 50s. It reminds us of a time when the concept of a politician on TV was still unusual.
10. Galaxy Quest. I know, the whole story isn't about time-travel. But it brings up a creative concept. What could you do with a thirteen second jump into the past? Tim the Toolman knows.
9.Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. Why do I have the audacity to include this one? Because I've met a few students who would probably do what Bill and Ted do. Look out, Socrates, they're coming for you.
8.Twelve Monkeys. What's the number one premise of every time travel movie? Changing history. So what do you do if a character travels back in time insisting he "won't change anything?" Sit back and watch, because you'd never guess it.
7.Donnie Darko. This displayed more screwing with time-travel conventions, such as actually identifying this as a time-travel movie outright. Take a few confusing but somewhat logical time-travel rules, throw in some rocking 80s tunes and a creepy six-foot bunny, and you have an entertaining flick.
6.Frequency. Could you travel through time without the travelling part? Could a shortwave radio be useful in 1999? Is Dennis Quaid a good father? This movie answered all that and more.
5.Back to the Future 3. What do you do when you've milked the 80s and 50s for all they are worth? Make a surprisingly entertaining Western without much violence or any over-the-top offensive humor. Add the time-travel label and you have a unique find.
4.Deja Vu. The central question of this movie was if just seeing the past wasn't enough would actual time-travel be possible? The result was a caliber of storytelling that only improves on the genre.
3.Back to the Future 2. Confusion actually works for this one. Its strength becomes Doc Brown's theories on all the possible time parodoxes. Finding out which of his theories turn out to be correct provides the biggest laughs.
2.Minority Report. Again, no travel occurs, nor is it necessary. Future knowledge alone sets this tense and enjoyable adventure into motion.
1.Back to the Future. The KISS rule applies, even in sci-fi. What if you could actually go back to disprove the "when I was your age" stories? Or what if you actually remembered what a Delorean was without the aid of google? The real time-travel is making that leap back to 1985, then further, to the 50s. It reminds us of a time when the concept of a politician on TV was still unusual.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Not the Kimchi!
I found this a bit disconcerting. Kimchi lovers and admirers out there, be prepared.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7680371.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7680371.stm
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Book Review: Too Small to Ignore
Too Small to Ignore, by Dr. Wess Stafford, reflects a lot that has been on my mind lately. The gist is that children are underestimated and even belittled in society, especially in the church. As I've vented and lamented earlier, I've seen that happen too much recently. Many seem to believe that personhood doesn't begin until sometime late in the teens. I'm still looking for millstones.
The strength of this book is in the storytelling. Dr. Stafford, head of Compassion International, shares stories about DL Moody, his own childhood growing up as a missionary kid in West Africa, and some of the children Compassion or other places had come into contact with. He even provides a few Biblical examples of children being used by God, and continues to share some examples later on in history. He reveals God's joy in using children for His glory.
Towards the end, unfortunately, the author gets repetitive and seemingly apologetic. I underlined the heck out of the stories, as the implications in them had great value. However, he brings up more ideas which are nice and idealistic, but too overwhelming to be realistic. That's normal for most books written these days, so I can't shave too many points for that one.
Overall, it's a great read, and refreshing to know there are others out there fighting for the least of these.
The strength of this book is in the storytelling. Dr. Stafford, head of Compassion International, shares stories about DL Moody, his own childhood growing up as a missionary kid in West Africa, and some of the children Compassion or other places had come into contact with. He even provides a few Biblical examples of children being used by God, and continues to share some examples later on in history. He reveals God's joy in using children for His glory.
Towards the end, unfortunately, the author gets repetitive and seemingly apologetic. I underlined the heck out of the stories, as the implications in them had great value. However, he brings up more ideas which are nice and idealistic, but too overwhelming to be realistic. That's normal for most books written these days, so I can't shave too many points for that one.
Overall, it's a great read, and refreshing to know there are others out there fighting for the least of these.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Morals and TV shows
There are a few shows we get absorbed into enough to buy the DVD sets and lose a few hours at a time. Recently House became one of them. This is mostly because we're both suckers for good character development, and House has that. It's also because as inappropriate House is at times, he makes us laugh quite a bit.
His inappropriate honesty brings me to the real head-scratcher. Is House completely amoral? He fights for his patients, he would rather do what is right (in his job) than what the hospital's rules allow, and he doesn't care what people think as long as he is doing the right thing. His motives get questioned, but he's always vouching for his patient.
Where is the fine line between doing right and being nice anyway? TV shows like House don't answer that, but they help make the question more interesting.
His inappropriate honesty brings me to the real head-scratcher. Is House completely amoral? He fights for his patients, he would rather do what is right (in his job) than what the hospital's rules allow, and he doesn't care what people think as long as he is doing the right thing. His motives get questioned, but he's always vouching for his patient.
Where is the fine line between doing right and being nice anyway? TV shows like House don't answer that, but they help make the question more interesting.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
New Blog
I've added a new blog for tackling some difficult questions regarding human behavior and telling funny stories along the way. I won't be posting more than once or twice a week, as I'll still be using this one as well. Enjoy if you so choose.
milesperson.blogspot.com
milesperson.blogspot.com
Random Facts
You learn something new every day.
1. No matter how tiny they may be, dogs still want to chase after cars. The bigger the car, the better the chase.
2. Some random old person will always be amused by #1.
3. Using names as jokes can be funny in any language.
4. Religion is okay, but politics are a conversational black hole and are therefore best left undiscussed. To my friends out there who I talked to recently, all apologies.
5. "Tractor" in a word puzzle can be a glorious time-waster. I think it was invented in hell.
1. No matter how tiny they may be, dogs still want to chase after cars. The bigger the car, the better the chase.
2. Some random old person will always be amused by #1.
3. Using names as jokes can be funny in any language.
4. Religion is okay, but politics are a conversational black hole and are therefore best left undiscussed. To my friends out there who I talked to recently, all apologies.
5. "Tractor" in a word puzzle can be a glorious time-waster. I think it was invented in hell.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Music Video Greatness
If you wished lyrics and videos were more literally inclined, this is just for you.
But that's Cannibalism... Isn't It?
Here's another funny classroom quote. A student got 100 on a test, and was picking out Dum Dums for the reward. Yes, I reward knowledge with Dum Dums. The irony is, Smarties don't taste so good.
Anyway, here's the quote.
"I'm looking to give to my baby brother. What tastes like baby?"
The funny thing is, when I started laughing, she realized what she just said and started laughing as well.
It underlined my point earlier that day: word order is important.
Anyway, here's the quote.
"I'm looking to give to my baby brother. What tastes like baby?"
The funny thing is, when I started laughing, she realized what she just said and started laughing as well.
It underlined my point earlier that day: word order is important.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Music Review: Perspective
I haven't talked about music in a while, but I still enjoy it when I can. The closest thing to current I heard in a while is probably The Cat Empire. From what I've heard coming from the radio, that's all you really need.
All that to say, it's nice when a band comes along and shares a new CD with you. It helps when you know the band and happen to like them, but I'll do my best to be objective.
I talked to the lead singer of Station2 a while back as we were all wandering around my old hometown. He was singing something and wanted me to guess what it was. I later figured out it was from the newest Coldplay album. This prompted a conversation about what CDs of theirs we like, etc. We liked all of their CDs up to date. I recalled that the critics didn't.
I think about how music that sounds good lyrically and musically gets ripped apart by critics. How can you look objectively at something as subjective as music?
That being said, here's my review of Perspective, the second CD by Station2.
Having gone from two members to four, Station2 has shown some significant changes in their sound. They showed their influences on their sleeves in their first CD, including Coldplay and Radiohead. Those are good influences to have, so it sounded good.
Perspective shows a progression. I can still say they are influenced by the two bands mentioned above, but in a similar way Muse is influenced by Radiohead. They still maintain their own voice. In Perspective their voice emerges. This results in some pleasant surprises, such as faintly bluesy riffs that set the otherwise standard songs apart. It's good jammin'.
I was also impressed lyrically. "Move", the bookend tracks, seem a challenge first to God, then lastly to us, to, well, move. The second track is the most Psalms-like song Ive heard in probably, oh, let's say ever. Silent and Intercession move us from that wondering "Does everyone see You but me" to "Intercession fights for you". "Barrier", not as strong musically, but powerful lyrically, moves us into belief in Christ. Then the real work begins.
The most daring song stylistically would be "Impressions of Beauty". It's a compliment to a song that tackles a tough subject fearlessly.
The only lyrical disappointment is the song "Eyes on Me." The rest of the tracks do a great job of keeping the focus upward and outward, then this last one slips back into introspective. Besides that, this is definitely worth a listen.
All that to say, it's nice when a band comes along and shares a new CD with you. It helps when you know the band and happen to like them, but I'll do my best to be objective.
I talked to the lead singer of Station2 a while back as we were all wandering around my old hometown. He was singing something and wanted me to guess what it was. I later figured out it was from the newest Coldplay album. This prompted a conversation about what CDs of theirs we like, etc. We liked all of their CDs up to date. I recalled that the critics didn't.
I think about how music that sounds good lyrically and musically gets ripped apart by critics. How can you look objectively at something as subjective as music?
That being said, here's my review of Perspective, the second CD by Station2.
Having gone from two members to four, Station2 has shown some significant changes in their sound. They showed their influences on their sleeves in their first CD, including Coldplay and Radiohead. Those are good influences to have, so it sounded good.
Perspective shows a progression. I can still say they are influenced by the two bands mentioned above, but in a similar way Muse is influenced by Radiohead. They still maintain their own voice. In Perspective their voice emerges. This results in some pleasant surprises, such as faintly bluesy riffs that set the otherwise standard songs apart. It's good jammin'.
I was also impressed lyrically. "Move", the bookend tracks, seem a challenge first to God, then lastly to us, to, well, move. The second track is the most Psalms-like song Ive heard in probably, oh, let's say ever. Silent and Intercession move us from that wondering "Does everyone see You but me" to "Intercession fights for you". "Barrier", not as strong musically, but powerful lyrically, moves us into belief in Christ. Then the real work begins.
The most daring song stylistically would be "Impressions of Beauty". It's a compliment to a song that tackles a tough subject fearlessly.
The only lyrical disappointment is the song "Eyes on Me." The rest of the tracks do a great job of keeping the focus upward and outward, then this last one slips back into introspective. Besides that, this is definitely worth a listen.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
We're the Morons
The day after my angry millstone rant (a couple of posts back), I called my folks to say hi. Among other family news, they told me the latest about my sister's new baby. They knew whether they would have a boy or a girl. I was on speaker phone, so my four year old niece told me the news. "I'm having a baby sister!" I could hear my parents grin as they said, "She knew it all along."
A while back, my niece was praying for a sister. She has a brother, and they get along, but she really wanted a sister, too. When she found out mommie was pregnant, she knew she was going to have a baby sister. It was that simple.
The wise and cautious adults that we are, we tried to prepare her for the fact that maybe she would have a brother. She wouldn't hear any of it.
I'm humbled as I stand with other rational (for the most part) adults, corrected by a four-year old. Spiritually speaking, we're the morons.
Don't get me wrong, God gave us brains and experiences and He intends for us to use them. But don't argue with the faith of a child.
A while back, my niece was praying for a sister. She has a brother, and they get along, but she really wanted a sister, too. When she found out mommie was pregnant, she knew she was going to have a baby sister. It was that simple.
The wise and cautious adults that we are, we tried to prepare her for the fact that maybe she would have a brother. She wouldn't hear any of it.
I'm humbled as I stand with other rational (for the most part) adults, corrected by a four-year old. Spiritually speaking, we're the morons.
Don't get me wrong, God gave us brains and experiences and He intends for us to use them. But don't argue with the faith of a child.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Bands, Cabs, and Snide Remarks
The active part of the weekend started Friday, when Beka and I went on base to see Station2. They had been playing music and discussing the problem of evil at our school all week, with a few concerts thrown in for good measure. This would be the last one before their flight back to the US.
We went to the bar where they were playing, bought some cokes and bottles of water, and settled in for the show. Someone from a local pottery shop came to see them play. Beka and I introduced ourselves and promised we'd keep in touch with her.
Station2 sounded great in concert, but of course, that's not the point. They shared the meaning of their songs which all explored the search for meaning and how we find our answers. They were genuine about why they were here, but as far as I could see there were no beatings with Bibles.
A few years back, waaay before Korea, I joined some friends to help set up a Christian concert at someone's home church. A brand new group named Kutless was the opening act for the opening act. We liked their show best, because we had met and talked with Stu, their drummer, earlier. Every time they played, we cheered "Go, Stu!" He was our favorite because he sat, had dinner, and talked with us. He was approachable.
The point of the story is, Station2 is a band full of Stu s.
We hung out until 12ish, said goodbye and went home.
Early-ish the next day, I met six high school students at the subway station to go to a grandma house and visit. One of us was armed with a guitar, and we had a few songs we were prepared to sing. We called a couple of cabs and made our way there.
On arrival, we learned this visit would be a bit different than we had planned. The ladies who ran the place said the residents wouldn't be able to visit until later. We were handed some rags and started cleaning.
We heard some excitement in the middle of the cleaning. A couple of huskies were wandering around the property outside the building. The ladies in charge were trying to get them to move, but they were stubborn. I put my cleaning rag aside and went outside to help.
One lady tried to call the dogs to her. I tried the same in English and Korean, but neither worked. Running didn't work either. Nothing worked. They were content to hang around and trample plants.
Finally, we began to lead one by taking his front paws. The other dog followed his buddy. Before long, we got them through the gate and off the property. After that, they ran off to wherever they had come from. Crisis averted.
We finished cleaning, and we were offered fruit. Declining was not an option. We enjoyed some pears, then took the guitar and sang some songs. The ladies seemed glad to hear us, even if it was too slow for clapping. We added some more upbeat ones which went over better.
It was time for lunch, so we said our goodbyes and offered to help again next time we come. We strolled through the gate and called for a couple of cabs. I thanked the students for being flexible, and soon our cabs arrived. Then, we returned to our respective homes.
One of the students said the ladies were hesitant to ask us for help at first. I hope we made it clear that's why we were there in the first place.
Earlier this week a new movie opened mocking all religion. It's primarily a comedy, and received good reviews for being funny. But at the end the movie's host calls for religion to be banned. This won't happen, but his basis is that faith is ridiculous and does no good. After all, even many religious leaders don't actually believe this stuff.
It's a matter of faith, and scoffers will always fail to understand. But one thing that continues to encourage me is the Stu s who are out there. I pray that we be counted among them.
We went to the bar where they were playing, bought some cokes and bottles of water, and settled in for the show. Someone from a local pottery shop came to see them play. Beka and I introduced ourselves and promised we'd keep in touch with her.
Station2 sounded great in concert, but of course, that's not the point. They shared the meaning of their songs which all explored the search for meaning and how we find our answers. They were genuine about why they were here, but as far as I could see there were no beatings with Bibles.
A few years back, waaay before Korea, I joined some friends to help set up a Christian concert at someone's home church. A brand new group named Kutless was the opening act for the opening act. We liked their show best, because we had met and talked with Stu, their drummer, earlier. Every time they played, we cheered "Go, Stu!" He was our favorite because he sat, had dinner, and talked with us. He was approachable.
The point of the story is, Station2 is a band full of Stu s.
We hung out until 12ish, said goodbye and went home.
Early-ish the next day, I met six high school students at the subway station to go to a grandma house and visit. One of us was armed with a guitar, and we had a few songs we were prepared to sing. We called a couple of cabs and made our way there.
On arrival, we learned this visit would be a bit different than we had planned. The ladies who ran the place said the residents wouldn't be able to visit until later. We were handed some rags and started cleaning.
We heard some excitement in the middle of the cleaning. A couple of huskies were wandering around the property outside the building. The ladies in charge were trying to get them to move, but they were stubborn. I put my cleaning rag aside and went outside to help.
One lady tried to call the dogs to her. I tried the same in English and Korean, but neither worked. Running didn't work either. Nothing worked. They were content to hang around and trample plants.
Finally, we began to lead one by taking his front paws. The other dog followed his buddy. Before long, we got them through the gate and off the property. After that, they ran off to wherever they had come from. Crisis averted.
We finished cleaning, and we were offered fruit. Declining was not an option. We enjoyed some pears, then took the guitar and sang some songs. The ladies seemed glad to hear us, even if it was too slow for clapping. We added some more upbeat ones which went over better.
It was time for lunch, so we said our goodbyes and offered to help again next time we come. We strolled through the gate and called for a couple of cabs. I thanked the students for being flexible, and soon our cabs arrived. Then, we returned to our respective homes.
One of the students said the ladies were hesitant to ask us for help at first. I hope we made it clear that's why we were there in the first place.
Earlier this week a new movie opened mocking all religion. It's primarily a comedy, and received good reviews for being funny. But at the end the movie's host calls for religion to be banned. This won't happen, but his basis is that faith is ridiculous and does no good. After all, even many religious leaders don't actually believe this stuff.
It's a matter of faith, and scoffers will always fail to understand. But one thing that continues to encourage me is the Stu s who are out there. I pray that we be counted among them.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Get out the Millstones
Consider this an open letter to The Church body.
Stop offending the little ones. I'm sick and tired of watching us insult them. They are not blank pieces of paper; they are clay. They have shapes, and positive or negative influence can shape them. But they are people.
They are people. We stress that fact before they are born, but we quickly forget that once they're in the world. We always stress what they will become, as if they are nothing right now. That is a steaming load, and I'm sick of it.
We give them absolutely no credit when we only focus on the great leaders they can be some day. For now, let's just get you saved. I won't dare expect more from you than that until you become a real person.
Don't we realize there are ways for them to serve Him now? They do. Perhaps in that way among others, they are wiser than we.
Stop offending the little ones. I'm sick and tired of watching us insult them. They are not blank pieces of paper; they are clay. They have shapes, and positive or negative influence can shape them. But they are people.
They are people. We stress that fact before they are born, but we quickly forget that once they're in the world. We always stress what they will become, as if they are nothing right now. That is a steaming load, and I'm sick of it.
We give them absolutely no credit when we only focus on the great leaders they can be some day. For now, let's just get you saved. I won't dare expect more from you than that until you become a real person.
Don't we realize there are ways for them to serve Him now? They do. Perhaps in that way among others, they are wiser than we.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Nothing was a Cool Hand
Cool Hand Luke is one of my favorite movies. Paul Newman's character challenged me in ways it's hard to describe. If nothing else, he taught me that sometimes nothing can be a cool hand.
For all the negatives I usually say and feel about celebrities, it felt good to read the article below. I would have respected him a lot more if I'd of known he was the anti-celebrity. That's playing it cool.
http://www.slate.com/id/2201116/
For all the negatives I usually say and feel about celebrities, it felt good to read the article below. I would have respected him a lot more if I'd of known he was the anti-celebrity. That's playing it cool.
http://www.slate.com/id/2201116/
Monday, September 29, 2008
It's not easy being green
Some of you (whoever you are) may read this blog and wonder what my political beliefs are. Of course, I don't ponder the political beliefs of others that often, but that's just me. And I admit I'm weird.
That is the answer, albeit a vague one, but I'll clarify a bit. I can't assign my convictions to one party or the other, so I call myself Independant. Too often I feel like quoting a judge in an excellent movie: "You're both right, and you're both wrong." So choosing the donkey or the elephant becomes problematic. In the end, I know we won't find our Savior in either party, so I don't waste too much time on it.
So if I congratulate one candidate, it's because there's too much slander out there, and it's about time we recognize positives when we see them. If Mccain does a good thing, I'll mention it. The same goes for Obama or Palin or even (gasp) a Clinton who's not even running.
Politically I'm not that liberal. But there's one problem anyone who knows me can spot; my heart bleeds green. I care about the environment and want to take good care of the natural resources around me. That makes me a sizeable blip on the "bleeding heart liberal" radar. Oops.
I grow tired of the arguments and intended mockery of global warming. I believe the flood promise, and that we don't need to fear worldwide flooding. But the argument is beside the point. We don't have any excuse to flush the world around us down the crapper. Living simply and living green is not unreasonable. If anyone presses us on it, we can say that God wants us to take care of what He's given us. Of course we're not driven by fear of global warming or anything else. God hasn't given us a spirit of fear, but of love. I know the reference, but I won't tell you so you can look it up. Yeah, that's it.
In the end, I'm still deciding who to vote for.
I wish recycling was a realistic option in Korea.
That is the answer, albeit a vague one, but I'll clarify a bit. I can't assign my convictions to one party or the other, so I call myself Independant. Too often I feel like quoting a judge in an excellent movie: "You're both right, and you're both wrong." So choosing the donkey or the elephant becomes problematic. In the end, I know we won't find our Savior in either party, so I don't waste too much time on it.
So if I congratulate one candidate, it's because there's too much slander out there, and it's about time we recognize positives when we see them. If Mccain does a good thing, I'll mention it. The same goes for Obama or Palin or even (gasp) a Clinton who's not even running.
Politically I'm not that liberal. But there's one problem anyone who knows me can spot; my heart bleeds green. I care about the environment and want to take good care of the natural resources around me. That makes me a sizeable blip on the "bleeding heart liberal" radar. Oops.
I grow tired of the arguments and intended mockery of global warming. I believe the flood promise, and that we don't need to fear worldwide flooding. But the argument is beside the point. We don't have any excuse to flush the world around us down the crapper. Living simply and living green is not unreasonable. If anyone presses us on it, we can say that God wants us to take care of what He's given us. Of course we're not driven by fear of global warming or anything else. God hasn't given us a spirit of fear, but of love. I know the reference, but I won't tell you so you can look it up. Yeah, that's it.
In the end, I'm still deciding who to vote for.
I wish recycling was a realistic option in Korea.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Game What?
Setting: Int. ELD classroom
Teacher: What shape is this?
Students: a circle.
Teacher: Can you find something shaped like a circle in this classroom? (students point) No, that's not a circle. What shape is that?
Older student: Oval!
First grader: Game oval.
Teacher: What shape is this?
Students: a circle.
Teacher: Can you find something shaped like a circle in this classroom? (students point) No, that's not a circle. What shape is that?
Older student: Oval!
First grader: Game oval.
Brief newsy stuff
If you ever start to question if you are living in a mission field, move into a ground floor apartment. A couple of months ago some friendly locksmiths unsuccessfully tried to help themselves to our stuff. Recently, they were more successful in our friends' place across the hall. We sat with them as police dusted for prints.
I think these things happen to show us our own ugliness. I feel nothing but anger when it happens.
The point is, someone went to a lot of trouble to do this. They seemed to know when the four of us would be out. Someone who is so skilled at something that wicked is either extrememly desperate or deceived.
So we pray.
I think these things happen to show us our own ugliness. I feel nothing but anger when it happens.
The point is, someone went to a lot of trouble to do this. They seemed to know when the four of us would be out. Someone who is so skilled at something that wicked is either extrememly desperate or deceived.
So we pray.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
It's about time
I usually don't get into politics, but the story below gives a good example of politics vs. actual leadership. Sometimes they intersect, and when they do, it's nice to see somebody doing the right thing. I still consider myself Independent, but in this matter, way to go rich white guy.
#!&$*@, it hurts to say that.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080924/ap_on_el_pr/mccain
One more thing. The best argument for this debate may be to not show up. I'd consider that the most effective debate ever.
#!&$*@, it hurts to say that.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080924/ap_on_el_pr/mccain
One more thing. The best argument for this debate may be to not show up. I'd consider that the most effective debate ever.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Modern Life
Modern life, especially in the workplace, requires one to be A.D.D. At the very least, it strongly encourages it.
I blame technology. Blogging is okay, though.
I blame technology. Blogging is okay, though.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Rain, Food, and Music
We started our day, activity-wise, at a church. Twenty adults met and loaded up vehicles with food for a barbecue. It was drizzling out, and we were hoping that wouldn't last long. Some of us brought umbrellas, others had left the house before it started raining and were unarmed. Yes, I was in the second group.
We talked about the orphanage we were going to host, and the plan for doing so. We would take the kids from the orphanage to a nearby park for the barbecue with games to follow. People were assigned games, and we loaded a canopy to cover the food for the light rain. We prayed, and then we were off.
Once we got to the park, the rain was not so light. We went through plans from A to C, until we lost track of what plan we were on. We set up the canopy, unloaded the food, and awaited orders.
The rain didn't light up.
We finally went with plan whatever letter of the alphabet which involved having the cookout and games at the church. We reloaded everything, broke down the canopy and went back to where we started.
We found a gym in the basement of one of the buildings and played games while some prepared the food. Some of the adults rounded up the children to play dodge ball. I scooped up the soccer and basketballs and kept them safely out of the way. I joined the kids who didn't want to play, and we switched between playing catch and watching others play dodge ball.
I asked one young man if he wanted to play dodge ball in Korean. He said no, then in perfect English, "I'm hungry." Me, too, I tried to answer in Korean. He was not impressed.
That was around 1:00. We had started out around 12:00, and I'm sure we weren't the only two who were hungry.
The food was ready around 2. We gave thanks, served the kids hamburgers and hot dogs, then helped ourselves. Watermelon (what else?) was for dessert.
The pastor noted how much these children had grown since we last saw them. They are growing, and seeming more familiar each time we visit. I wish I could remember their names.
Later we got home, dried off, and then I farted around online a bit. I discovered a tour that continued to answer one of my struggles with Christian music. I sampled the music, which was okay, but not great. I doubt that part matters much.
The tour is called art, music and justice. It features artists I don't usually listen to, even though one song entitled "I Never Met a Savior on Capital Hill" may be one of my new favorites for the title alone. It reflects my frustration with much of what is going on nowadays.
The point of the tour is to encourage Christians to see the importance of social justice issues. It challenges us to get out there, and I can't argue with that.
Getting out and serving. Why does it seem so hard for us to do?
We talked about the orphanage we were going to host, and the plan for doing so. We would take the kids from the orphanage to a nearby park for the barbecue with games to follow. People were assigned games, and we loaded a canopy to cover the food for the light rain. We prayed, and then we were off.
Once we got to the park, the rain was not so light. We went through plans from A to C, until we lost track of what plan we were on. We set up the canopy, unloaded the food, and awaited orders.
The rain didn't light up.
We finally went with plan whatever letter of the alphabet which involved having the cookout and games at the church. We reloaded everything, broke down the canopy and went back to where we started.
We found a gym in the basement of one of the buildings and played games while some prepared the food. Some of the adults rounded up the children to play dodge ball. I scooped up the soccer and basketballs and kept them safely out of the way. I joined the kids who didn't want to play, and we switched between playing catch and watching others play dodge ball.
I asked one young man if he wanted to play dodge ball in Korean. He said no, then in perfect English, "I'm hungry." Me, too, I tried to answer in Korean. He was not impressed.
That was around 1:00. We had started out around 12:00, and I'm sure we weren't the only two who were hungry.
The food was ready around 2. We gave thanks, served the kids hamburgers and hot dogs, then helped ourselves. Watermelon (what else?) was for dessert.
The pastor noted how much these children had grown since we last saw them. They are growing, and seeming more familiar each time we visit. I wish I could remember their names.
Later we got home, dried off, and then I farted around online a bit. I discovered a tour that continued to answer one of my struggles with Christian music. I sampled the music, which was okay, but not great. I doubt that part matters much.
The tour is called art, music and justice. It features artists I don't usually listen to, even though one song entitled "I Never Met a Savior on Capital Hill" may be one of my new favorites for the title alone. It reflects my frustration with much of what is going on nowadays.
The point of the tour is to encourage Christians to see the importance of social justice issues. It challenges us to get out there, and I can't argue with that.
Getting out and serving. Why does it seem so hard for us to do?
Thursday, September 18, 2008
On Caring
Caring can be a black hole. The more I care about something, the less effective I feel. I finally see teaching as a ministry, then I feel like the worst teacher ever.
It's actually more like a hamster wheel than a black hole. My mistake.
I guess I should see it as a small victory when they start saying "I don't know" in English. Then again, maybe I shouldn't. I don't want to seem over confident. No one likes a show off.
It's actually more like a hamster wheel than a black hole. My mistake.
I guess I should see it as a small victory when they start saying "I don't know" in English. Then again, maybe I shouldn't. I don't want to seem over confident. No one likes a show off.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Thoughts on "Foreign" Movies
My roommate in college started my interest in foreign movies. He was from Hong Kong, but he didn't care much for Chow Yung Fat, John Woo, or Jackie Chan. He preferred movies from around the world.
We saw quite a handful of movies. Many were enjoyable, while one or two seemed random or boring. We agreed that in those cases, you had to understand the culture.
What I appreciated then and now was the patience of these movies. They had stories, but they were primarily about the people in them. They didn't seem as insecure as many popular American films are.
I live in Korea, and "foreign" films has a new meaning. Many of those are American, and they're anything but patient. Whatever is the most popular gets released, and that reflects a noisy, often violent, impatience. I once asked Koreans if they thought every American has a gun because of movies. Some get that impression. It's even more disconcerting when we realize many consider America a Christian nation.
There are many interesting American movies I have to wait to see. I'll go ahead and plug them:
The King of Kong
Into Great Silence
Young@Heart
These are difficult to find anywhere these days. They're movies about people. There are others as well, and some find a great balance (The Dark Knight is the best movie ever). But we usually choose noise over excellence.
I recently read an article about watching movies with subtitles. Americans don't like to read their movies, but when we watch movies from other countries, we see a perspective different from our own. These are our neighbors, and this could be a good start towards intelligent conversation with them.
I'm still waiting for good movies. I guess I need to be patient.
We saw quite a handful of movies. Many were enjoyable, while one or two seemed random or boring. We agreed that in those cases, you had to understand the culture.
What I appreciated then and now was the patience of these movies. They had stories, but they were primarily about the people in them. They didn't seem as insecure as many popular American films are.
I live in Korea, and "foreign" films has a new meaning. Many of those are American, and they're anything but patient. Whatever is the most popular gets released, and that reflects a noisy, often violent, impatience. I once asked Koreans if they thought every American has a gun because of movies. Some get that impression. It's even more disconcerting when we realize many consider America a Christian nation.
There are many interesting American movies I have to wait to see. I'll go ahead and plug them:
The King of Kong
Into Great Silence
Young@Heart
These are difficult to find anywhere these days. They're movies about people. There are others as well, and some find a great balance (The Dark Knight is the best movie ever). But we usually choose noise over excellence.
I recently read an article about watching movies with subtitles. Americans don't like to read their movies, but when we watch movies from other countries, we see a perspective different from our own. These are our neighbors, and this could be a good start towards intelligent conversation with them.
I'm still waiting for good movies. I guess I need to be patient.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Balance in Worship
I've decided to update earlier blogs when needed. That's the beauty of growing, you never stay exactly the same. You live and learn, and all of that great cliched stuff.
A few posts back, and before that, I took issue with music as used in worship. I realized my problem as I started listening instead of singing. Then, at times I could even join in.
I don't concentrate on the words or meaning much, especially when there's not much to concentrate on. Listening makes it easier somehow. When I sing words and don't mean them, I feel it can be worse. So sometimes I just listen.
I thought about the concept of taking the Lord's name in vain. I don't believe that has anything to do with saying naughty words. I believe more than ever it concerns saying things you don't mean, especially in relation to Him. Treating His Name lightly takes many forms, and some of them we do habitually on Sundays.
I listen to the music and the meaning of the words. I consider what it means to those around me as well as myself. And sometimes I sing along. This too is a form of worship.
A few posts back, and before that, I took issue with music as used in worship. I realized my problem as I started listening instead of singing. Then, at times I could even join in.
I don't concentrate on the words or meaning much, especially when there's not much to concentrate on. Listening makes it easier somehow. When I sing words and don't mean them, I feel it can be worse. So sometimes I just listen.
I thought about the concept of taking the Lord's name in vain. I don't believe that has anything to do with saying naughty words. I believe more than ever it concerns saying things you don't mean, especially in relation to Him. Treating His Name lightly takes many forms, and some of them we do habitually on Sundays.
I listen to the music and the meaning of the words. I consider what it means to those around me as well as myself. And sometimes I sing along. This too is a form of worship.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
China Trip Day 4
We shopped in the outdoor 2/3 mall one last time and enjoyed some more Starbucks before we left. We made our way back to the airport, and I finally got to push the smiley face at Immigration.
Once in the airport, we hiked from one end to the other hunting for another Starbucks. We finally asked people where it was and showed them the Starbucks map we had acquired earlier in the week. The first person told us where they thought it was. We followed that path and after a good hike we found nothing. We asked a second person, who told us there isn't one in this terminal. We sighed, claimed another coffee shop as a consolation prize, then made our way back. One short and uneventful flight later, we were home.
Once in the airport, we hiked from one end to the other hunting for another Starbucks. We finally asked people where it was and showed them the Starbucks map we had acquired earlier in the week. The first person told us where they thought it was. We followed that path and after a good hike we found nothing. We asked a second person, who told us there isn't one in this terminal. We sighed, claimed another coffee shop as a consolation prize, then made our way back. One short and uneventful flight later, we were home.
Monday, September 8, 2008
China Trip Day 3
Beka's uncle took us to the Great Wall to be "good Chinese" and climb a bit. While on the wall, we decided to take a few pictures. Some local tourists seized the opportunity to get a picture of some whities. We posed, smiled and moved on.
Later, we chatted with T-shirt and souvenir vendors. Okay, Beka's uncle did most of the chatting. But we did our best to listen.
On the way out, we saw a little clay guy that pees when you fill him with water. We considered bringing one with us until Uncle Steve told us he quits peeing when you get him home.
On the way to and from the Wall, we saw another interesting site--an unfinished amusement park bearing a slight resemblance to a certain theme park in Florida. The castle and spacey-looking mountain were particularly familiar. Apparently it had stood unfinished for at least five years.
Later, Aunt Yumi took us to the Olympic super store in Wanfujing. We shopped for Olympic memorabilia in a still crowded store, then roamed the area for good pictures. We came to the oldest Catholic church and noticed a photo shoot of a bride and groom. Beka and I posed in front of the church. Aunt Yumi took pictures of us, as did some random members of the crowd. At one point I smiled for the wrong picture. Oops.
We went out for pizza that tasted remarkably close to some we've had in New York. The middle eastern food we had for lunch was surprisingly authentic as well. Good stuff.
We saw a building with an amusing slogan outside. Beka wanted to take a picture, but some dude in a t-shirt and shorts told us not to. Aunt Yumi asked him who he was in Chinese. He said his name, then ran away to bother someone else.
We ended the evening haggling in Silk Alley. At one point Beka and I were able to use Korean to communicate how much we wanted to pay without the lady in the shop understanding us. Finally we could use Korean. We were pleased.
We bought some things from friends of Aunt Yumi and Uncle Steve, got some good deals and went home.
Later, we chatted with T-shirt and souvenir vendors. Okay, Beka's uncle did most of the chatting. But we did our best to listen.
On the way out, we saw a little clay guy that pees when you fill him with water. We considered bringing one with us until Uncle Steve told us he quits peeing when you get him home.
On the way to and from the Wall, we saw another interesting site--an unfinished amusement park bearing a slight resemblance to a certain theme park in Florida. The castle and spacey-looking mountain were particularly familiar. Apparently it had stood unfinished for at least five years.
Later, Aunt Yumi took us to the Olympic super store in Wanfujing. We shopped for Olympic memorabilia in a still crowded store, then roamed the area for good pictures. We came to the oldest Catholic church and noticed a photo shoot of a bride and groom. Beka and I posed in front of the church. Aunt Yumi took pictures of us, as did some random members of the crowd. At one point I smiled for the wrong picture. Oops.
We went out for pizza that tasted remarkably close to some we've had in New York. The middle eastern food we had for lunch was surprisingly authentic as well. Good stuff.
We saw a building with an amusing slogan outside. Beka wanted to take a picture, but some dude in a t-shirt and shorts told us not to. Aunt Yumi asked him who he was in Chinese. He said his name, then ran away to bother someone else.
We ended the evening haggling in Silk Alley. At one point Beka and I were able to use Korean to communicate how much we wanted to pay without the lady in the shop understanding us. Finally we could use Korean. We were pleased.
We bought some things from friends of Aunt Yumi and Uncle Steve, got some good deals and went home.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
China Trip Day 2
We went with Beka's aunt to the summer palace, where there was basically a palace for each season. It made for a good hike, in a flat-take-a-boat ride-for-part-of-it sort of way. It was quite huge.
We next took a cab to the Olympic green, to see what we could. It was still locked up, so we joined the notably large crowd and took some pictures from a distance. That being settled, we went out for lunch.
Later we walked around in an outdoor mall that was about two-thirds finished. We saw some stores that exist in Korea, one of which we hadn't heard of before. Two individuals were taking a picture of one of them, and I heard them counting in Korean. I did a double-take and almost ran over Beka. Sorry dear.
We got some pictures of Artbox, which didn't have a lot of customers. Maybe it'll catch on later.
Northface had a back room where an ice wall was being constructed. There were pineapples on plastic plates around the store to cover the smell of the ice wall.
We visited the Croc store and noted that the special Olympic red and yellow crocs looked better on the cardboard cutout than they would on either of us. They offered a free t-shirt, so I was almost tempted.
Later that evening, we saw a show with Chinese acrobats. Some of the most noteworthy items were the birds trained to fly in a straight line towards our heads and people who twisted arms and legs around their bodies. Cool stuff.
One act proved difficult. People kept jumping through rings that were stacked on top of each other. One guy jumped high enough to make it through the top ring for the finale of this act, but the rings kept falling. We all applauded, but they continued to try. The rings wouldn't stay put, but they kept trying. Finally, another performer held the rings and the guy made it through. Again, we applauded their effort.
We next took a cab to the Olympic green, to see what we could. It was still locked up, so we joined the notably large crowd and took some pictures from a distance. That being settled, we went out for lunch.
Later we walked around in an outdoor mall that was about two-thirds finished. We saw some stores that exist in Korea, one of which we hadn't heard of before. Two individuals were taking a picture of one of them, and I heard them counting in Korean. I did a double-take and almost ran over Beka. Sorry dear.
We got some pictures of Artbox, which didn't have a lot of customers. Maybe it'll catch on later.
Northface had a back room where an ice wall was being constructed. There were pineapples on plastic plates around the store to cover the smell of the ice wall.
We visited the Croc store and noted that the special Olympic red and yellow crocs looked better on the cardboard cutout than they would on either of us. They offered a free t-shirt, so I was almost tempted.
Later that evening, we saw a show with Chinese acrobats. Some of the most noteworthy items were the birds trained to fly in a straight line towards our heads and people who twisted arms and legs around their bodies. Cool stuff.
One act proved difficult. People kept jumping through rings that were stacked on top of each other. One guy jumped high enough to make it through the top ring for the finale of this act, but the rings kept falling. We all applauded, but they continued to try. The rings wouldn't stay put, but they kept trying. Finally, another performer held the rings and the guy made it through. Again, we applauded their effort.
Friday, September 5, 2008
China Trip Day 1 Part 3
Beka's uncle and aunt sent us to the Forbidden city in a cab after arming us with a map and three Chinese expressions: "hello," "thank you," and "I don't want it." I kicked those around in my head for the remainder of the trip. Occasionally I actually used them.
It rained half the time we were in the Forbidden city, but it was still fun. Fortunately there were plenty of palaces to provide shelter for the short bursts of rain.
We went to the Temple of Heaven,acknowledged its large size, took pictures of the lovely greenery, and left. Before that, we saw Tiennamen Square, acknowledged its small size, and left. In between the two acknowledgments we took a subway. A first for us was seeing a security bag check area in every subway tunnel. It moved quickly enough, so no complaints here.
We got back to the apartment, ate dinner, and went out with Beka's aunt for a massage. Two muscular Chinese guys and one girl proceeded to beat the snot out of us. We were quiet, so they kept twisting, crushing or punching harder. I was half-prepared to give them my lunch money.
At one point one of the guys twisted my arm behind my back. I kept laughing at that point because I was thinking, "Uncle! Uncle!"
That being said, I felt better the next day.
It rained half the time we were in the Forbidden city, but it was still fun. Fortunately there were plenty of palaces to provide shelter for the short bursts of rain.
We went to the Temple of Heaven,acknowledged its large size, took pictures of the lovely greenery, and left. Before that, we saw Tiennamen Square, acknowledged its small size, and left. In between the two acknowledgments we took a subway. A first for us was seeing a security bag check area in every subway tunnel. It moved quickly enough, so no complaints here.
We got back to the apartment, ate dinner, and went out with Beka's aunt for a massage. Two muscular Chinese guys and one girl proceeded to beat the snot out of us. We were quiet, so they kept twisting, crushing or punching harder. I was half-prepared to give them my lunch money.
At one point one of the guys twisted my arm behind my back. I kept laughing at that point because I was thinking, "Uncle! Uncle!"
That being said, I felt better the next day.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
China Trip Day 1 Part 2
We arrived at Beijing airport in a timely manner. Everything was as shiny and new as we would have expected from watching the Discovery Channel, and the place was huge. As we passed through immigration, we noticed a sign that said "Feel free to comment." We were moved through quite efficiently, and it was then that I noticed the buttons we would have pushed to comment. I did manage to push the smiley face for "satisfied" on the way back.
We met Beka's uncle and piled our stuff and ourselves into a taxi. Soon we were on part of Beijing's sixth ring road, which was also fairly new. Beka's uncle pointed out most of the buildings which were new as well. Pretty much the whole city is new. Later, we'd find out that "Old Beijing" was over by the Forbidden city.
We also discovered one of the ways Beijing was trying to control the pollution for the Olympics. Only cars with odd numbered license plate number endings were allowed to drive on odd days, and the opposite for even days. It made for an entertaining travel game for the rest of the trip. By the way, most of the people followed the rules. I thought I caught a perpetrator, but it turned out taxi cabs are exempt.
We commented on all the plants and trees we saw, since we never see that many in Seoul. It turns out those were new as well. It was causing issues with farmers, who couldn't get enough water for their crops. There was an article about it in the Beijing paper.
We met Beka's uncle and piled our stuff and ourselves into a taxi. Soon we were on part of Beijing's sixth ring road, which was also fairly new. Beka's uncle pointed out most of the buildings which were new as well. Pretty much the whole city is new. Later, we'd find out that "Old Beijing" was over by the Forbidden city.
We also discovered one of the ways Beijing was trying to control the pollution for the Olympics. Only cars with odd numbered license plate number endings were allowed to drive on odd days, and the opposite for even days. It made for an entertaining travel game for the rest of the trip. By the way, most of the people followed the rules. I thought I caught a perpetrator, but it turned out taxi cabs are exempt.
We commented on all the plants and trees we saw, since we never see that many in Seoul. It turns out those were new as well. It was causing issues with farmers, who couldn't get enough water for their crops. There was an article about it in the Beijing paper.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
China Day 1, Part One
We got to the airport a good two hours early, being the obedient travelers we are. It was about 7 in the morning, and we had a short flight to look forward to. We weren't expecting food on our flight, even though we ended up getting that too. We're too used to American flights.
Dunkin Donuts wasn't open yet, nor was Subway. Our choices were Burger King, or Burger King. Burgers for breakfast are overrated, by the way.
While we were heading to the terminal, a big, young American-looking guy caught up with us. "Do you speak English?" he asked us. If we had heard his second question first, I would have considered saying no.
"How the #%#@^$%^@ do I use a payphone here?" Hello to you, too.
He explained he was in the marines and he had to call people, etc. We said we didn't have much experience with payphones, but his best bet would be to get a calling card. He didn't like our advice, and gave us a hard time for living here and not knowing anything that was important. To him, anyway.
We moved on. We made our flight, and asked the flight attendant for an arrival card. Unfortunately, the name of the place our visa was issued was in Chinese. We called her again and got her to graciously copy the character for us. That was a first.
Dunkin Donuts wasn't open yet, nor was Subway. Our choices were Burger King, or Burger King. Burgers for breakfast are overrated, by the way.
While we were heading to the terminal, a big, young American-looking guy caught up with us. "Do you speak English?" he asked us. If we had heard his second question first, I would have considered saying no.
"How the #%#@^$%^@ do I use a payphone here?" Hello to you, too.
He explained he was in the marines and he had to call people, etc. We said we didn't have much experience with payphones, but his best bet would be to get a calling card. He didn't like our advice, and gave us a hard time for living here and not knowing anything that was important. To him, anyway.
We moved on. We made our flight, and asked the flight attendant for an arrival card. Unfortunately, the name of the place our visa was issued was in Chinese. We called her again and got her to graciously copy the character for us. That was a first.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Crawl to China
We went to China over Labor Day weekend because we could. We didn't actually crawl, as the flight went quite smoothly. But the song title reminded me of how long it took me to finally visit this country. I originally thought this was where I was going to be. Six years ago I was ready to spend a year there.
The interesting part was as Beka's uncle and aunt pointed out changes since the Olympics in Beijing, we were noting a few (not many, but a few) similarities with our current home in Korea. Tall buildings and roads newly and quickly built, and slowly rising prices of formerly cheap items. We thought a pizza was quite good, but we later learned it was getting more expensive lately.
Over the next few days, I hope to share some of the experience we felt. It was amazing to see changes, similarities, differences and an unfinished theme park vaguely reminiscent of Disney World. And yes, we saw the Wall.
Until then, look up Christian metal, keyword tourniquet, and enjoy the atypical but legitimately rocking song.
The interesting part was as Beka's uncle and aunt pointed out changes since the Olympics in Beijing, we were noting a few (not many, but a few) similarities with our current home in Korea. Tall buildings and roads newly and quickly built, and slowly rising prices of formerly cheap items. We thought a pizza was quite good, but we later learned it was getting more expensive lately.
Over the next few days, I hope to share some of the experience we felt. It was amazing to see changes, similarities, differences and an unfinished theme park vaguely reminiscent of Disney World. And yes, we saw the Wall.
Until then, look up Christian metal, keyword tourniquet, and enjoy the atypical but legitimately rocking song.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Thoughts on Worship
The topic of worship has been on the brain a lot. I've been talking to friends and it's been on their brains as well. All of us in some way feel worship has been constrained to just a few things. Because of this, it's less than effective.
While it's fun being vague, I'll poop my own party and clarify the paragraph above. God is creative, right? Shouldn't worship of Him reflect a creativity? But it's boxed in to once a week, singing songs and listening to someone else speak for a long period of time.
Sometimes we get adventurous, copy and paste that experience, and have it more than once a week.
Don't get me wrong, some, many, even genuinely worship that way, and it's energizing for them. God bless you, whoever you are.
I think we as Christians simplified it too much. I enjoy listening to music and singing, and inspiring speeches can inspire. But I can't consider these things my primary source of worship. I talked to some friends lately and listed some things that I do.
1. Hanging out with people, especially those society usually overlooks. I do so with purpose, and especially when I can look back with joy at conversations and experiences that were completely Spirit-led.
2. Reading. It can challenge my faith or encourage me in it. St. Augustine's Confessions is an endless source of encouragement, but books like The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime challenge my perceptions of faith and logic. I guess for that matter thinking too much can be a form of worship for me as well.
3. Writing. I've been keeping a spiritual tension journal, jotting down spiritual struggles. My faith comes out stronger for it, so I would consider that a form of worship.
4. Laughter. I can't get enough of it.
5. Acts of service. I didn't get it when I was told that running power point didn't count as helping in the church. There's a reason I like shows like Dirty Jobs.
The list could probably go on forever. I'm sure there are more I haven't even discovered yet. I'm just glad He brought me this far.
While it's fun being vague, I'll poop my own party and clarify the paragraph above. God is creative, right? Shouldn't worship of Him reflect a creativity? But it's boxed in to once a week, singing songs and listening to someone else speak for a long period of time.
Sometimes we get adventurous, copy and paste that experience, and have it more than once a week.
Don't get me wrong, some, many, even genuinely worship that way, and it's energizing for them. God bless you, whoever you are.
I think we as Christians simplified it too much. I enjoy listening to music and singing, and inspiring speeches can inspire. But I can't consider these things my primary source of worship. I talked to some friends lately and listed some things that I do.
1. Hanging out with people, especially those society usually overlooks. I do so with purpose, and especially when I can look back with joy at conversations and experiences that were completely Spirit-led.
2. Reading. It can challenge my faith or encourage me in it. St. Augustine's Confessions is an endless source of encouragement, but books like The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime challenge my perceptions of faith and logic. I guess for that matter thinking too much can be a form of worship for me as well.
3. Writing. I've been keeping a spiritual tension journal, jotting down spiritual struggles. My faith comes out stronger for it, so I would consider that a form of worship.
4. Laughter. I can't get enough of it.
5. Acts of service. I didn't get it when I was told that running power point didn't count as helping in the church. There's a reason I like shows like Dirty Jobs.
The list could probably go on forever. I'm sure there are more I haven't even discovered yet. I'm just glad He brought me this far.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Singing with Grandmas
I just finished one of my favorite weekend activities. A group met with me at Songtan subway station. Some of us were armed with bags of toiletries, and all of us were ready for a visit. Only two out of the six of us were fluent in Korean, so some were better prepared than others. Soon we'd arrive at In Su Won Grandma House with a warm greeting and some spare time for a visit.
We visited first with the lady in charge. The place runs on donations, so we ask what they need. Tissues, she said. Lots of tissues.
They are doing well for food. That made me want to smile. It was good to hear they have enough.
We enjoyed tea and cookies as we visited. Every time we come to serve we get served in the process. It makes me laugh.
We talked to three ladies first, and one proved quite friendly. She said that she had family in the U.S. and used to live there herself. However, she lived in a Korean community so she didn't know much English. She liked my camera and asked if we'd take a picture of her with some of us. Later she asked if we would print out the picture and bring it back next time. She wants to send it to her family.
Next time. The ladies there, including the person in charge, stated a need for us to come more often. That way they'll remember us better. I hope it's possible.
We were led to the main area, and then the real fun began. We sat around a table and exchanged songs. One lady sang a lot, ending her songs abruptly with an "OK." Hymns ended with an equally abrupt "Amen." They all ended to applause.
We were asked to rehearse next time we come back as we struggled to think of songs to exchange. We came up with some old classics like "Jesus Loves Me", among others. The lady next to me slapped my leg as I didn't know the Korean words to the song she sang. "You should sing to us," she scolded.
Everyone seemed happy to see us. Whether we could communicate or not, they thanked us for coming and said they were glad to see us. We said the same.
One lady explained rather loudly to the lady next to her that we were foreigners and that's why we couldn't understand her. I then noticed she was blind. I greeted her, and she thanked us for coming.
An hour and some change came and went. We had to leave, saying goodbye to each person as we left. Hopefully more of us will come, and more often. Next time.
We visited first with the lady in charge. The place runs on donations, so we ask what they need. Tissues, she said. Lots of tissues.
They are doing well for food. That made me want to smile. It was good to hear they have enough.
We enjoyed tea and cookies as we visited. Every time we come to serve we get served in the process. It makes me laugh.
We talked to three ladies first, and one proved quite friendly. She said that she had family in the U.S. and used to live there herself. However, she lived in a Korean community so she didn't know much English. She liked my camera and asked if we'd take a picture of her with some of us. Later she asked if we would print out the picture and bring it back next time. She wants to send it to her family.
Next time. The ladies there, including the person in charge, stated a need for us to come more often. That way they'll remember us better. I hope it's possible.
We were led to the main area, and then the real fun began. We sat around a table and exchanged songs. One lady sang a lot, ending her songs abruptly with an "OK." Hymns ended with an equally abrupt "Amen." They all ended to applause.
We were asked to rehearse next time we come back as we struggled to think of songs to exchange. We came up with some old classics like "Jesus Loves Me", among others. The lady next to me slapped my leg as I didn't know the Korean words to the song she sang. "You should sing to us," she scolded.
Everyone seemed happy to see us. Whether we could communicate or not, they thanked us for coming and said they were glad to see us. We said the same.
One lady explained rather loudly to the lady next to her that we were foreigners and that's why we couldn't understand her. I then noticed she was blind. I greeted her, and she thanked us for coming.
An hour and some change came and went. We had to leave, saying goodbye to each person as we left. Hopefully more of us will come, and more often. Next time.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
steam of conciousness
There are 17 desks in my tiny classroom. Why am I still testing prospective students?
I'm reading Confessions of St. Augustine. I probably wouldn't have it if the book wasn't free, but I'm glad I snagged it. It's like a ghost floated down to me to whisper answers for my needling questions about the value of education, hopeless causes, and autobiographies in general. And that's just the first 70 pages.
I need to go eat dinner.
I'm reading Confessions of St. Augustine. I probably wouldn't have it if the book wasn't free, but I'm glad I snagged it. It's like a ghost floated down to me to whisper answers for my needling questions about the value of education, hopeless causes, and autobiographies in general. And that's just the first 70 pages.
I need to go eat dinner.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Attempted Wisdom
Christians being out of touch with the world doesn't mean our music and movies don't look modern enough. It means we are more often than not trying to feed the naked and clothe the hungry.
Yeah, me, too. I did say "we".
Yeah, me, too. I did say "we".
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Hed ji and hunger
It's hot. Why, oh, why did we choose this time in the summer to come back? You'd think we actually enjoy that boiling feeling. We don't.
That being said, it's good to be back. I realized that I crave diversity, almost as much as coffee. Not quite, though. One age-old truth is that coffee wins.
Korea seems to have a balance between difference and familiarity that works for me. I guess that's worth the boiling feeling.
We bought a few movies over the summer. One of them was Over the Hedge. It's not one of my favorites, as they dumbed down the comic strip to make it a cartoon. But it was entertaining when we saw it in the theater. The highlight was reading the title in Hangul, reduced to "Hed ji". Thankfully, the movie was subtitled, not dubbed.
We decided to watch the DVD a few days back, and I noticed something new. There was some commentary on suburban humans, some intentional, some not. I thought about it, and I wanted to laugh and cry at once. It was a little weird.
The cute little forest animals (this is how I know nothing profound was intended when the special features blabber on about how cute the animals are) can't find food because a large section of their forest had been turned into a neighborhood. The animals start to despair, but the street-wise raccoon (hey I didn't write this stuff) assures them there is plenty of food in the world of the humans.
We are then shown a series of clips that emphasizes how much attention and time humans give to food. The best was a scene where a lady is wearing cucumbers on her eyes for a beauty mask. Food! the raccoon yells, underlining the wastefulness.
Next he says the part that punched me in the gut. "Think they have too much?"
Yes, I thought. Some of us do.
The lady who collects money in our apartment was translating some notices around the building. One said something to the effect of "Please eat what you make." Apparently the food trash has been piling up, and as I whined about before, it's hot these days. Too much food trash can be a problem.
Mine was piling up as well. At least with Koreans it's a cultural thing. I have no excuse.
We have too much. I don't know if we can just find those who don't and follow them with food. Is it that simple?
I have too much. I guess it starts with acknowledging that's a problem.
That being said, it's good to be back. I realized that I crave diversity, almost as much as coffee. Not quite, though. One age-old truth is that coffee wins.
Korea seems to have a balance between difference and familiarity that works for me. I guess that's worth the boiling feeling.
We bought a few movies over the summer. One of them was Over the Hedge. It's not one of my favorites, as they dumbed down the comic strip to make it a cartoon. But it was entertaining when we saw it in the theater. The highlight was reading the title in Hangul, reduced to "Hed ji". Thankfully, the movie was subtitled, not dubbed.
We decided to watch the DVD a few days back, and I noticed something new. There was some commentary on suburban humans, some intentional, some not. I thought about it, and I wanted to laugh and cry at once. It was a little weird.
The cute little forest animals (this is how I know nothing profound was intended when the special features blabber on about how cute the animals are) can't find food because a large section of their forest had been turned into a neighborhood. The animals start to despair, but the street-wise raccoon (hey I didn't write this stuff) assures them there is plenty of food in the world of the humans.
We are then shown a series of clips that emphasizes how much attention and time humans give to food. The best was a scene where a lady is wearing cucumbers on her eyes for a beauty mask. Food! the raccoon yells, underlining the wastefulness.
Next he says the part that punched me in the gut. "Think they have too much?"
Yes, I thought. Some of us do.
The lady who collects money in our apartment was translating some notices around the building. One said something to the effect of "Please eat what you make." Apparently the food trash has been piling up, and as I whined about before, it's hot these days. Too much food trash can be a problem.
Mine was piling up as well. At least with Koreans it's a cultural thing. I have no excuse.
We have too much. I don't know if we can just find those who don't and follow them with food. Is it that simple?
I have too much. I guess it starts with acknowledging that's a problem.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Summer Reading List
Averaging out my usual vacation-time (or non-vacation, for that matter) reading, I don't think I read much this summer. I'll mention a few, which on this occasion happen to be all of them. Wow, it almost looks like I have a life or something.
First, I read Fahrenheit 451. It instantly became one of my favorites, and was worth losing sleep on the plane for the hour or so it took to finish it.
Later, I found John Grisham's new book, The Appeal. He effectively depresses the reader by ensuring us the bad guy losing a trial means squat. It's got a message, and it expresses it well. And it has some great storytelling. Not one of my favorites, but it's good.
I also read a book called Stuff White People Like. It's worth a laugh or two. I took the quiz at the back and realized I'm not very white. Just a little bit.
In finding out I'm not very white, I felt free to read Jazz, by Toni Morrison (White people only like books by Nick Hornby, not that there's anything wrong with that). I liked the idea of a book written like jazz music, and I wasn't disappointed. It's hard to follow at times (it's written like jazz, duh) but it comes together in a good way. I wasn't expecting it to end the way it did, so it made me appreciate it more.
One reoccurring theme in Jazz stated we can never understand people just by observing them. You mean, like, reading a book about them? No, I'm sure that still works fine.
P.S. This has nothing to do with books, but I'm enjoying the crap out of The Clash CD I bought this summer. It's got Lost in the Supermarket and Rudy Can't Fail, two of my new favorite songs. Why didn't you old people tell us there was good music back then? Oh wait, I think you did. Never mind.
First, I read Fahrenheit 451. It instantly became one of my favorites, and was worth losing sleep on the plane for the hour or so it took to finish it.
Later, I found John Grisham's new book, The Appeal. He effectively depresses the reader by ensuring us the bad guy losing a trial means squat. It's got a message, and it expresses it well. And it has some great storytelling. Not one of my favorites, but it's good.
I also read a book called Stuff White People Like. It's worth a laugh or two. I took the quiz at the back and realized I'm not very white. Just a little bit.
In finding out I'm not very white, I felt free to read Jazz, by Toni Morrison (White people only like books by Nick Hornby, not that there's anything wrong with that). I liked the idea of a book written like jazz music, and I wasn't disappointed. It's hard to follow at times (it's written like jazz, duh) but it comes together in a good way. I wasn't expecting it to end the way it did, so it made me appreciate it more.
One reoccurring theme in Jazz stated we can never understand people just by observing them. You mean, like, reading a book about them? No, I'm sure that still works fine.
P.S. This has nothing to do with books, but I'm enjoying the crap out of The Clash CD I bought this summer. It's got Lost in the Supermarket and Rudy Can't Fail, two of my new favorite songs. Why didn't you old people tell us there was good music back then? Oh wait, I think you did. Never mind.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Meanwhile, in the Real World
We just got back from the States, and it's good to be home. I don't know why, but understanding everything people are saying starts to creep me out after a while. One or two words per sentence is comfortable.
While in the States, I learned there are many things we need to be afraid of. Like Obama taking over with Muslims. And immigrants. And gay rights. I'm not sure why, but we need to be afraid of them. So I think ultimately we should be prepared for an invasion by Muslim immigrant interior designers and hairdressers. At least we have our priorities straight.
Regardless of the fear issue, we had a nice, brief visit with family and friends. I'll leave the connection between nice and brief up to interpretation.
Once we arrived in Korea, we were in for a few surprises. First, the cab drivers refused to take us back to our place from the bus terminal with our luggage. Since it was raining, we decided walking wasn't a great option. So we called our school's director and graciously woke him up to ask him for a ride. He drove over, and we loaded his van, then we made our way home.
After he dropped us off and we unloaded the van, we noticed the door wouldn't open. The top lock was missing, and the other one was thoroughly warped. Beka chased down the van, and we loaded up the van to go to a hotel.
Until the following afternoon, we were tourists. We enjoyed the comfort of the hotel, and wandered around our familiar surroundings without a real home. Unfortunately, we didn't take any pictures. We're not very good tourists.
In the meantime, people at work were getting a hold of our landlord. After he received a few circular answers, our boss prepared us for the possibility of staying another night. We had air conditioning, so we weren't too distressed.
Thankfully, the locksmith showed up around noon. Soon we were able to open the door and discover how unsuccessful the intended thieves were. Everything was as we had left it.
I'm still not quite sure what I have learned from this experience. All I've got so far is "tourist hotels make killer omelets." Prove me wrong. I dare you.
While in the States, I learned there are many things we need to be afraid of. Like Obama taking over with Muslims. And immigrants. And gay rights. I'm not sure why, but we need to be afraid of them. So I think ultimately we should be prepared for an invasion by Muslim immigrant interior designers and hairdressers. At least we have our priorities straight.
Regardless of the fear issue, we had a nice, brief visit with family and friends. I'll leave the connection between nice and brief up to interpretation.
Once we arrived in Korea, we were in for a few surprises. First, the cab drivers refused to take us back to our place from the bus terminal with our luggage. Since it was raining, we decided walking wasn't a great option. So we called our school's director and graciously woke him up to ask him for a ride. He drove over, and we loaded his van, then we made our way home.
After he dropped us off and we unloaded the van, we noticed the door wouldn't open. The top lock was missing, and the other one was thoroughly warped. Beka chased down the van, and we loaded up the van to go to a hotel.
Until the following afternoon, we were tourists. We enjoyed the comfort of the hotel, and wandered around our familiar surroundings without a real home. Unfortunately, we didn't take any pictures. We're not very good tourists.
In the meantime, people at work were getting a hold of our landlord. After he received a few circular answers, our boss prepared us for the possibility of staying another night. We had air conditioning, so we weren't too distressed.
Thankfully, the locksmith showed up around noon. Soon we were able to open the door and discover how unsuccessful the intended thieves were. Everything was as we had left it.
I'm still not quite sure what I have learned from this experience. All I've got so far is "tourist hotels make killer omelets." Prove me wrong. I dare you.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Movie Review: The Dark Knight
Since we left Korea for the summer, we didn't see many movies in the theater. We did plan on seeing one movie this summer, The Dark Knight. Once and a while you have to support the arts.
I saw about 5 movies by Christopher Nolan. Five of them were at least good. That's the best record I've known a director to have. (Shymalan had three before he starting flushing them down the crapper.)
I'll do the disclaimer first. If you thought Batman in Batman Begins was even a little scary, you won't like this. The Joker is the antithesis of Batman, and is therefore quite frightening. No wonder he gave Heath nightmares.
That being said, Heath Ledger knew what he was doing. He brought depth to a character we are meant to know nothing about. His Joker is even funny at times, in a sociopathic kind of way.
Some loudmouth on the radio said Ledger's Joker is the most memorable villain since Hannibal Lector. Loudmouth was right.
A lot of the focus is on the Joker and his view on society. He's a true sociopath, which makes him the most frightening villain of all. At one point he taunts someone, "What are you going to threaten me with?" The worst villain can't be bribed or threatened.
This contrasts well with Batman as someone doing the right thing, yet refusing to see himself as a hero.
I'll stop talking about the plot now because spoilers are the devil.
If you don't enjoy comic book movies that much, you can at least enjoy the performances. Even Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman and Michael Caine continue to kick butt in their supporting roles.
I won't use the "If you see just one movie this summer, see this one" line. I will say I'm glad we made that choice and weren't disappointed. It was worth the $13. Of course, that wasn't counting gas, but you can't be too picky.
I saw about 5 movies by Christopher Nolan. Five of them were at least good. That's the best record I've known a director to have. (Shymalan had three before he starting flushing them down the crapper.)
I'll do the disclaimer first. If you thought Batman in Batman Begins was even a little scary, you won't like this. The Joker is the antithesis of Batman, and is therefore quite frightening. No wonder he gave Heath nightmares.
That being said, Heath Ledger knew what he was doing. He brought depth to a character we are meant to know nothing about. His Joker is even funny at times, in a sociopathic kind of way.
Some loudmouth on the radio said Ledger's Joker is the most memorable villain since Hannibal Lector. Loudmouth was right.
A lot of the focus is on the Joker and his view on society. He's a true sociopath, which makes him the most frightening villain of all. At one point he taunts someone, "What are you going to threaten me with?" The worst villain can't be bribed or threatened.
This contrasts well with Batman as someone doing the right thing, yet refusing to see himself as a hero.
I'll stop talking about the plot now because spoilers are the devil.
If you don't enjoy comic book movies that much, you can at least enjoy the performances. Even Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman and Michael Caine continue to kick butt in their supporting roles.
I won't use the "If you see just one movie this summer, see this one" line. I will say I'm glad we made that choice and weren't disappointed. It was worth the $13. Of course, that wasn't counting gas, but you can't be too picky.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Music Review
I recently got Audio Adrenaline's farewell tour CD. It's late, I know, but I don't follow the CCM scene that, well, religiously. Bad pun, I know, but it seemed the best way to put it.
A few months ago I lamented the lack of resemblance to praise we see in the Bible and most praise we see and hear regularly. Something stood out to me in this CD that set it apart.
The lead singer of AA is to blame for the band breaking up. His voice was giving out after years of touring. When we put the CD on, we could tell. He was hoarse most of the time, and he frequently changed keys while singing so he could hit the notes. If these guys weren't already well-known, this CD never would have made it to the shelves.
His intro to "Hands and Feet" was what got me. A guy with no voice pleaded with his audience to say "I will go" in obedience to God's leading. This is praise: singing till your voice is gone and then singing some more.
It may not be the best Christian album ever, but it's definitely one of my favorites.
A few months ago I lamented the lack of resemblance to praise we see in the Bible and most praise we see and hear regularly. Something stood out to me in this CD that set it apart.
The lead singer of AA is to blame for the band breaking up. His voice was giving out after years of touring. When we put the CD on, we could tell. He was hoarse most of the time, and he frequently changed keys while singing so he could hit the notes. If these guys weren't already well-known, this CD never would have made it to the shelves.
His intro to "Hands and Feet" was what got me. A guy with no voice pleaded with his audience to say "I will go" in obedience to God's leading. This is praise: singing till your voice is gone and then singing some more.
It may not be the best Christian album ever, but it's definitely one of my favorites.
A Dangerous Philosophy
I don't recall hearing this expression a lot, but I'm sure it's a cliche by now. I'm not all that creative. Still, it's a philosophy I developed recently.
"Don't whine about it unless you're willing to do something to change it."
It's kept me quiet, or at times (I hope) active.
"Don't whine about it unless you're willing to do something to change it."
It's kept me quiet, or at times (I hope) active.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Jesus for Sale
The preacher was talking about materialism in church the other day. I think he was against it, but I'm not sure. I was too busy texting my friends about the latest ipod on my cellphone.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Shameless Plug
An article I wrote a while back was recently published online. if you are interested, it's on burnsidewriterscollective.com. The title is "Why I Hate Sermons."
There. The shameless plug is done. That was short and almost painless.
There. The shameless plug is done. That was short and almost painless.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Give them a cookie
Here's a shout-out to Parade magazine for featuring articles written by Obama and McCain. No commentary or editorial on the part of the magazine, jut both individuals' opinions on the topic of patriotism.
Good job, Parade. Raise that bar.
Good job, Parade. Raise that bar.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
God shuts me up
I'm currently in Southhaven, Mississippi sharing space with more than a handful of future missionaries. We had just spent a week learning about teaching in another culture, and we finally enjoyed Sunday as a day of rest. After five days full of seminars we were ready.
This Sunday the sole challenge was choosing a place of worship. Keeping this in mind, I got up, rifled through my suitcase, and chose some of my best casual wear from my limited collection. I threw on a black Everlast T-shirt complete with logo, cargo pants with Bible-compatible pockets, and my nicer pair of flip flops. I was stylin'.
After breakfast I hunted down the people who were going to the church I wanted to attend. They described it as a black Gospel Baptist church. I said I wanted to go as well. They replied with, "Everyone's going to be dressed up." Some helpfully added, "Are you wearing that?"
I hung my head and mentioned that's all I had with me.
There were at least twenty of us. If that was the case, about eighteen of us were white. The congregation numbered in the hundreds, if not thousands. As we entered the parking lot, I realized I'd once again be in the minority. I haven't felt like that since we came back to the States from Korea. I missed that feeling.
In the parking lot, I joked about hiding behind tall, well-dressed people. I was the only one displaying my brand of "stylin'". I took my Bible out of my pocket, hoping to de-heathenize my image as much as possible.
We were reasonably punctual, so we found a nice seat in the middle section. People would continue to arrive throughout the first hour of the service. Through the course of that time, we'd shift to the left and right, respectively, to make room for others to sit. Soon enough we were thoroughly squished. There was no ignoring us.
God has His ways of shutting me up. This church was huge. By "church" I mean the congregation and the building. I'll even throw in the screens up front. Yes. They were all huge.
That matters because I'm not a big church person. I often stated freely that big churches tend to be disconnected and inward focused. Sitting in a pew as the pastor read prayer requests, using individual names, I felt humbled. He asked us to join in prayer, and the next surprise came.
I didn't notice until later why the lady next to me grabbed my hand. She seemed middle-aged, so I wasn't too concerned. Then I looked around and realized all the people were joining hands in prayer. In most churches I've been to half this size people don't even greet each other.
Throughout the service I saw a concern for people. No one went in and out without a challenge to interract, to change something, to allow God to teach us.
The second item on the "shut up Matt" list was music. I've whined about worship being equated with music, and how much of that music seems too artificial, repetitive and emotional.
We sang many songs without hymnals. Sometimes we just listened.
The songs we sang without hymnals had direct lyrics that were easy to repeat. If you don't know where that tradition came from, look it up. The pastor was kind enough to explain it to us visitors and I'm grateful for that.
Music was used throughout the service, including the sermon itself. There was emotion, but it was genuine. There was a structure and freedom in the worship.
The pastor even did a dance number toward the end of his sermon. I'll be honest and say I wished I had the rhythm to follow suit.
At the end the pastor introduced us and asked us to stand. He must have talked to someone else in our group, because I didn't see it coming. We stood up and appeared on the front screens. So much for hiding my style.
We greeted him on the way out. He was one of several people who gave us a hug before the day was over. He encouraged us, and we tried to do the same. My friends said nice things, but all I could do was smile. Given the circumstances, I was speechless.
This Sunday the sole challenge was choosing a place of worship. Keeping this in mind, I got up, rifled through my suitcase, and chose some of my best casual wear from my limited collection. I threw on a black Everlast T-shirt complete with logo, cargo pants with Bible-compatible pockets, and my nicer pair of flip flops. I was stylin'.
After breakfast I hunted down the people who were going to the church I wanted to attend. They described it as a black Gospel Baptist church. I said I wanted to go as well. They replied with, "Everyone's going to be dressed up." Some helpfully added, "Are you wearing that?"
I hung my head and mentioned that's all I had with me.
There were at least twenty of us. If that was the case, about eighteen of us were white. The congregation numbered in the hundreds, if not thousands. As we entered the parking lot, I realized I'd once again be in the minority. I haven't felt like that since we came back to the States from Korea. I missed that feeling.
In the parking lot, I joked about hiding behind tall, well-dressed people. I was the only one displaying my brand of "stylin'". I took my Bible out of my pocket, hoping to de-heathenize my image as much as possible.
We were reasonably punctual, so we found a nice seat in the middle section. People would continue to arrive throughout the first hour of the service. Through the course of that time, we'd shift to the left and right, respectively, to make room for others to sit. Soon enough we were thoroughly squished. There was no ignoring us.
God has His ways of shutting me up. This church was huge. By "church" I mean the congregation and the building. I'll even throw in the screens up front. Yes. They were all huge.
That matters because I'm not a big church person. I often stated freely that big churches tend to be disconnected and inward focused. Sitting in a pew as the pastor read prayer requests, using individual names, I felt humbled. He asked us to join in prayer, and the next surprise came.
I didn't notice until later why the lady next to me grabbed my hand. She seemed middle-aged, so I wasn't too concerned. Then I looked around and realized all the people were joining hands in prayer. In most churches I've been to half this size people don't even greet each other.
Throughout the service I saw a concern for people. No one went in and out without a challenge to interract, to change something, to allow God to teach us.
The second item on the "shut up Matt" list was music. I've whined about worship being equated with music, and how much of that music seems too artificial, repetitive and emotional.
We sang many songs without hymnals. Sometimes we just listened.
The songs we sang without hymnals had direct lyrics that were easy to repeat. If you don't know where that tradition came from, look it up. The pastor was kind enough to explain it to us visitors and I'm grateful for that.
Music was used throughout the service, including the sermon itself. There was emotion, but it was genuine. There was a structure and freedom in the worship.
The pastor even did a dance number toward the end of his sermon. I'll be honest and say I wished I had the rhythm to follow suit.
At the end the pastor introduced us and asked us to stand. He must have talked to someone else in our group, because I didn't see it coming. We stood up and appeared on the front screens. So much for hiding my style.
We greeted him on the way out. He was one of several people who gave us a hug before the day was over. He encouraged us, and we tried to do the same. My friends said nice things, but all I could do was smile. Given the circumstances, I was speechless.
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