A Swift Kick in the Balls

I just called New York and was informed that the rights for The Tooth of Crime are not available. I am naeusous. How am I going to tell the band that has been working their asses off for the last month and a half that it is for nothing? The performance space has been so accomodaitng. We need to do something. Damn it. This shit sucks.

At least I found out before I sent out an audition announcement. If anyone knows how to get a hold of Sam Shepard let me know, because right now i want to puke.

Peace

short short

Just a quick blog to remind people to vote today...yeah, yeah, i know it is a little late.

peace

Things are happening

And in a good way. beYond thAt has opened our business checking account. It makes me feel so grown up. Actually running a business is hard work...I really admire the mom & pop places. We are such a small thing right now, and learning all the work that goes into doing this, really makes me wonder how those kind of places with a lot of business do it. Wow!

Friday I went to a very fun bar called Howl at the Moon. It is a dueling piano bar. My friends Ziggy and Melissa work their and Ziggy's fiance is one of the piano players. It is a very audience participation kind of place, but in a fun way.

We 99.9% sure on signing a space for Tooth of Crime...finally.

Let's see. That is it I guess.

Peace to all!

Say Something

I have been really lax in my blogging as of late. Mainly because I have nothing to say. But then I get to thinking am I doing this for me or for you. This is my blog. So from now on I will try to post daily, as is it a good exercise, and just ramble a bit if I have to. I will continue rant like normaly, but I want to havefun doing this thing. Ok that is my post for today!

Peace

Yummy

I found this new recipe...looks good.

Peace

Slow Friday

Though Iíd share some of the happenings going on with the show I (and my theatre company, beYond thAt) am working on. It is called The Tooth of Crime and it is by Sam Shepard. For anyone who is unfamiliar with the show; in a nutshell, it is about an aging rock star, by the name of Hoss, who is at the top of the ìgameî, and his longing to get out of the ìgameî and actually create. This is spurred on by the arrival of a ìgypsyî killer named Crow. A gypsy is a person who plays the game, but does not follow the rules. Through their confrontations, we discover that Hoss wants the freedom of the gypsy, while Crow want the glamour of Hoss (and doesnít care how he gets it). In the world of these men, battles are fought with words and music, and may the best man win.

This has been an interesting process, as we have had to write original music for this show. The script comes with the lyrics, but, in order to keep each production fresh, it is recommended that each show write their own music. We are blessed to have a group of very talented musicians working on this project. I have been attending their rehearsals for the last couple of weeks and thing are really beginning to come together. Absolutely amazing!

We hope to be having auditions shortlyÖwe are waiting to nail down a space (hopefully The Viaduct ñ for any of you Chicago people), and we are shooting for a January go.

I will keep you all informed.

Peace

Random Silliness

I found this at #1/usr/bin/girl's blog. The greatest error message ever!

Peace

Happy Happy Joy Joy

I have realized the last several of my blogs have been whine fests...yes, karma buswhacked my ass, but, hey, I am right now typing this at work...I have a job and that is good. I have a house and that is good. I have friends and that is good. I have food and that is good. So yes, it hit the fan when I wrote the last several blogs, but not as bad as it could have, or as bad as others have it.

Julie, I hope things are going well!

Peace

I was in a good mood

That is until I read this. Our supreme court, has decided not to hear a case debating the use of the death penalty on minors...as if it wasn't bad enough we still have the damn thing. 16 out of the 38 who allow the death penalty have it applicable to minors, too. That is plain bullshit if you ask me.

Peace

I'm Back

Damn! It sure has been a while. Over the last seven days I have been to 4 states. Last week consited of going to KC, MO for a work related trip. It was very enlightening. While there I met several very cool people. One of whom (?) works for a magazine out in Seattle called Yes! Magazine, which is a very cool magazine. I found this article there about how Iraqi's feel about the impending war. It is very sad.

I went to a new undergroung blues club called Blaney's (I think), and to thre riverboats...yes, I lost $20 ;-(

This weekend, I went to a very special wedding up in Wisconsin. My friends Billy and Meghan got married. These two are among the most joyful and truly whole people I know. Everything is a new experience. Family is important, and though I only knew about a dozen people, I felt as though I was part of the family. For those wondering, Billy is the lead singer for oh my god and Meghan is an emergency room nurse at a West Side Chicago hospital. It was a truly beautiful experience.

Peace and Love

Another Happy Blog

I don't know what I did, but my karma must be all screwed up. After witnessing the events of past Friday, having the President give one of the worst speeches EVER on Monday, and Tuseday my apartement was broken into. Hmmmm.

Peace

Paradise Lost

Standing, reading, looking I saw
I saw a man with his hand in a bag his hand unzipping a bag
A girl standing, reading, waiting, looking
A train coming

Looking up, hey what are you doing
Put that back
Eyes piercing
That how people die boy

Silence, hey put that back
Miss your bag he just took your wallet
Hey the train door closes; I get the bird from a little seedy man whose hand was in a bag
Tears

Push the button call the guard
Wait
Assistance is needed on the Washington platform
A lady shake A man pissed off that he couldnít do more

Here she comes walking looking
Hon, here she comes
This ladyís wallet was taken from the bag by some little seedy man whose hand was in a bag
Letís go upstairs and call the police

I canít I need to go to school says the lady whose wallet was gone
My teacher will be mad
I need to be at my desk by eight
My teacher will be mad

That is what hit me hardest about the girl whose wallet was gone
By a little seedy man whose hand was in a bag
The girl was 14
14

We filled out the reports
I gave her what was left of my old fare card
The girl whose wallet is gone now is going to school

I hurt
Angry
What the fuck was the purpose
The gift certificate she had for lunch
You little seedy man whose hand was in a bag
You did not take money
You can not get high from what you did
You took a girlís innocence
What use is that to you
You mother fucking asshole

Donít ever let me see you again
You little seedy man whose hand was in a bag

Little girl whose wallet is gone
You now have a guardian angel
If we never meet again you still have a guardian angel

One More

Read this...Alice Cooper. Awesome!

Research

In doing some research for The Tooth of Crime I dicovered the T-Bone Burnett wrote music for the 1997 revival. I know he and Sam Shepard have done quite a bit of work together. In fact, last year they did a show for the Steppenwolf's Traffic Series. We are writing our own music for the show and it is coming along very nicely. We have a very talented band. My friend Dave is writing the music and letting the band in on the skeleton and theyr are all writing their own parts...it is awesome. Any way, I found this artice online about T-Bone and his faith, thought I would share it.

Peace

A weird experience

I am not one who usually gets emotional while reading books, but I just finished chapter 3 of Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo. And the last half of the chapter is Joe leaving for the war...Wow! I have never read something so powerfully moving. If you get a chance, pick up the book.

What else?

Not much actually. I went, with my ma and some of her friends, to the Cubs game on Sunday...You go, Sammy!

I will start plugging now.

beYond thAt is going to have a fund raiser on Monday, October 14, at Louie's Pub on the corner of North and Paulina in Wicker Park. For a $5 cover you get $4.50 pitchers of beer and $2.50 well drinks. There will be free pool and karaoke. Also, we will be having a raffle for CDs, t-shirts, tickets to our Jan-Feb production of The Tooth of Crime by Sam Shepard, and a 50/50 raffle.

All the proceeds will be going to help us meet our $4,000 goal for The Tooth of Crime. Please feel free to e-mail or leave a comment if you have any questions.

Peace!

Bro

Josh. my e-mails to you keep getting bounced back. Wad up wid dat?!

All I got to say

is
Ben Stiller...Owen Wilson...Starsky & Hutch.

Oh hell, yeah!

Peace

At Long Last

On my first day of a new commuter route to work I noticed something very interesting. First, let me begin by saying that my old route consisted of taking the Red Line ìLî from Sheridan to Grand (southbound), and my new route consists of taking the Blue Line ìLî from Logan Square to Washington (southeast) and transferring to the Red Line and taking it to Grand (northbound). The directions are important, because I am beginning to believe that the whole spirituality aspect is related to this via the drastic class difference.

--A brief explanation of the classes. When I was taking the Red Line south to work we traveled through the Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhoods. For those not from around Chicago, here is an example of these neighborhoods: Last night I was looking through Chicago Magazine, and the average single family home was going for $1.2 million, condos -- $350,000. My new neighbor hood, (Logan Square) House ñ $400,000, condos ñ 190-250,000. I went from a very white collar, almost elitist neighborhood to a blue collar warm neighborhood. (I did live in Uptown, and it is a very cool mixÖbut alas, this essay is about the train.) Now with the transfer I, also, take the Red Line north. The northbound Red Line I saw the following stats in the magazine about one the neighborhoods service by the northbound Red Line ñ rent is down 175% since 1994, average house is $35,000. Quite a difference!

My observation is this, and any of you theologians out there please feel free to comment, the ìlowerî class people have a certain ease and peacefulness that the ìupperî class is missing. This is evidence by:

A. General disposition. The people of the Blue Line just seem more laid back, and calm. I have yet so see any one get upset because the train is full, or is running behind schedule. While on the southbound Red Line people were pushy and didnít seem to acknowledge anyone outside of their own little world ÖI say hi to people nowÖweird.

B. Tempo. This is the biggest difference, and this may just by my own goofed up interpretation (but it is my blog, so there!), but it is the use of the escalator. Now a day, everyone is relaxed and enjoys the ride, but if I were to go the old school escalator, people were running up it bumping into folks.

These are the two major differences between each commute, but, what, you are asking, is the point? Well, it is a personal feeling of spirituality that I feel on this new commute. The working class people I now commute with somehow are forcing me to reevaluate the world. I see families on the train who, as a family, make less money than I do, and are laughing and smiling. I have seen more hugs of this new commute than I did in the 2 years of the old route. I see tired eyes in the hotel maids and exhaustion in the construction workers eyes. I see pain and hurt, but I also see love. I am getting awakened to a new feeling. I have always been one to love, but I donít know, I feel Christís love. The people I am commuting with now are the ones he was speaking to, and I feel that. And they are the ones who listen to what he said. They are not distracted by their earthly woes, thrilled to be here today and to have people to share it with.

That is it. I am actually feeling community. Wow! That just occurred to me.

Peace!

Sorry

No subway spirituality today. I need to get something off my chest.

Our warmonger president doesn't get it. Listen up Mr. President.

Yes, I am fully confident that we can beat Sadam in a war (note: notice how this seems to be an issue between Sadam and 43?)
But get this 43...Sadam is an egomainiac. He would rather keep control of his country than face annialation from war. You see. He is a coward, and we have a chance for peace...albeit an unsteady one, but peace none the less. Why do you think all of our allies are against war...hmm?

One more point to ponder...we wanted access for arms inspectors. We got it. Now, if you decided to bomb him, well, there goes that. AND knowing that he probobably won't survive, dontcha think he will let all of what he does have go. Now how good will that turn our.

With all due respect Mr. President, Take a minute to think about all the repprecussions here. If we want to overthrow Sadam, I don't think war is the way, how can a steady new government be created out of chaos. Work from the inside. Collateral damage is not acceptable.

Peace

Coming Monday

I am posting this so I remember to post something I have wanted to talk about for a while now...Spirituality and the Subway

Turn the Other Cheek
Am I a coward because I believe this? I have never though so and now I have proof. A very good thing about the book I am now reading is Walter Wink has a great understanding of ancient Palestine. He explains how that phrase was interpreted. Here is a paraphrase.

ìIf anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also (Matt. 5:39b). Look at it like this. In ancient Palestine (especially the Jewish faith) using your left hand made you unclean. So, the only way to strike someone on their right cheek is to back hand them. The backhand was not intended to injure, but rather humiliate and insult. Jesus is obviously talking to the common peopleÖnotice strikes you! OkÖtime to physically try thisÖyou have just been backhanded, now turn your cheek. You can not be back handed again. Your nose is in the way! Thus, mocking, you couldnít do it right once let alone twice. Of course now your left cheek is wide open for a punch from the right handÖoh yeah, but I forgot to mentionÖYou only strike an equal with a fist. Now, a master would not want to establish equality with a slave, would he? ìBy turning the other cheek, the, the ëinferiorí is saying: ëIím a human being, just like you. I refuse to be humiliated any longer. I am your EQUAL. I am a child of God. I wonít take it anymore.îí

Well, Iíll be! Turning the other cheek is not to be a timid, cowardly act, but an act of defiance and power.

This begs to question, then, how do we go about turning the other cheek today, when the power is not master and slave like Jesusí example. I have been thinking about that, an example I have come up with is to use what you have as non-violent refusal to be humiliated. Wink gives a great example in the book:

[Again a paraphrase]
There was a boy who was constantly being bullied on the bus. This kid was a small skinny kid with few friends. The bully was, well, a bully. Anyway, the kid had constant sinusitis. (You know where I am going with this). Well, one day the bully was going approaching, and the sinusitis started acting us and the kid sneezed into his hand (after all he was polite). When the bully got there the kid stuck out his hand and said, ìI want to shake the hand of a true bully.î Needless to say, he didnít get his handshake, but he kept his lunch money.

That is all for today.

Peace.

untitled

I cry
Listening to the stories
I cry
Wondering if they are ok
I cry
For the missed anniversary brunch
I cry

I cry
Praying for peace
I cry
Praying for consolation
I cry
Praying for forgivness
I cry

I cry
wondering why
I cry
Knowing why
I cry
Saying we must forgive
I cry

Those who lost cried
Those who lost pray

105th floor
coughing
gasping
Dear one, I love you
fell, then...please?

Mommy where have you gone
Mommy go to the roof
Mommy POUND
Mommy

alone
nearby
others by my side?
alone

You were off duty
You were off at 7
You were to meet me
my love
I love you
I cry
still

Shopping for the ring
My baby boy
My one true love

I think it is time to go
I wish to be with you
my love
Camelot

9:59
Stunned
Silence
Frozen
Collapse
Tears
I Cry

Hold my hand
you can
Please
Pray
You survive
oh my
God
I cry
You Save

Fireball
Window
glass...get out
#2 secure
boom boom
falling apart

10 seconds
stop
frozen
down the stairs
Burying
Buried
help

Eye contact
Scream
Under the desk
...a knock on the wood
do you hear
help

Guardian Angels
Brian and Stanley
Bro

9:59 Gone

God
Thank yuo
Praise your name
Through all the difficulty
No matter what, You are there

Dear God
Peace
Peace
Let us learn
Know your will

Dear God
You cry
I Cry
with You

More on Peace

Check this article out. Very good.

What Drink Are You?

Trish has updated!!!!

Yes I know I am a jerk, but go and read the tragic tale of Danniella.

A lot to say

Still reading Walter Winkís The Powers that Be, and let me say what a great book.

The stuff I am now reading is so topical to our current situation, and has opened my eyesÖa lotÖ to the nature of violence. Rich is having a lively discussion about the anniversary of September 11. I have my own feelings about the matter, but that is a later discussion. What I am intending to do today (jeeze, this is sounding a lot like I actually know what I am talking about) is discuss the spiral of violence (many ideas come from my recent reading of Wink, but also have just been stewing in my head for a long while).

364 days ago unspeakable violence happened here on our nation in the form of a terrorist attack, killing about 3200 people. Leaving parents without children, children without parents, brothers from sisters, friends, loversÖall gone from this terrestrial sphere forever.

362 days ago, ìWar has been waged against us by stealth and deceit and murder.
This nation is peaceful, but fierce when stirred to anger. This conflict was begun on the timing and terms of others; it will end in a way and at an hour of our choosing.î

340 days ago the strongest military power in the world begins dropping bombs on a country already ravaged from 20 years of civil war.

The spiral of violence is something that I, as a Christian, have to try eradicate. We live in a society in which we are constantly looking for scapegoats (the Taliban, militias, Bobby wearing the wrong color shirt). But God is beyond finding scapegoat. God is a God of love and forgiveness. One of the interesting things I have read in this book has to do with the way we perceive Godís love for us. There is a constant human need for sacrifice (blood atonement), if you will, and through Jesusí death on the cross we have had our sins atoned for. But Wink goes on by paraphrasing Raymund Schwager, thus:

ìJesus ëhimself bore our sins in his body on the crossí (1 Pet. 2:24), not to reconcile God to us, as the blood atonement theory has it, but to reconcile us to God (2 Cor. 5:18). God has renounced any account of sins; no repayment is required or even possible. God is not a stern and inflexible magistrate but a loving parent. Why, then, was a redemptive act necessary? Because our resentment toward God and our will to kill leave us unable to turn to God. ëGod needs no reparation, but human beings must be extracted from their own prison if they are to be capable of accepting the pure gift of freely offered loveÖIt is not God who must be appeased, but humans who must be delivered from their hatredí of God.î

Ok. So what? Well, I believe that with God as the ultimate authority, it may be a good idea to follow his lead here. For eons, wars have been waged in the name of God. These wars have primarily been over interpretation of God, even though in many instances the God is the sameÖgo figure.

I am ramblingÖget to the point. Ok.

We do not need to propagate the spiral of violence. Instead we need to look at the causes, and see what is the truly Holy way to go about these issues. Do I have a suggestion on how to do this? No, all I can do is pray for peace and wisdom and patience amongst those who are making the decisions.

Side Bar

I witnessed the end part of what looked like a very serious accident this morning on the way to work. It was on Kedzie in between Logan and Albany. A convertible and a school bus. Please keep those involved in prayer. Also, thank God for the selfless souls who immediately ran to, and without worry for themselves pulled the drive of the convertible out of his car, because it was beginning to smoke.

Peace on the Earth

Wednesday Night

I just got this information from Tripp. Please try to make it.

September 11 Memorial Concert
Mozart's Requiem
Wednesday, September 11, 2002 8:00 p.m.
St Luke's Lutheran
1500 W. Belmont, Chicago

Saint Luke Festival Orchestra and Choir
Frank Stoldt, director

Generous patrons allow Saint Luke to offer
this concert to the public at no charge.
free parking - wheelchair access

Offered in memory of those who died
in thanksgiving for those who survived
in honor of those who served in the rescue and recovery

Peace

I am a Mis-information Maniac

I found this at Juliet's Blog:

"Mojosdailygrind has done a little research on the ol' Shakespeare quote below, and it seems that there might be an interesting hypermedia myth circulating about it's origin. I started looking around because a mystery man Bill left a message on my blog asking me where it came from. I looked at the play Julius Caesar, and I couldn't put my finger on this particular quote. Other sites attribute the quote directly to Caesar, however Mojo doesn't find the quote in any standard quotation books or databases.


"Mojo states that the quote 'appeared on the net sometime in October of last year. Perhaps a sign of the times and one more reason to be on guard for misinformation.'"

How fun to be a part of the mis-information highway!

Peace

A lot of Thoughts

"Beware the leader who bangs the drums of war
in order to whip the citizenry into a patriotic
fervor, for patriotism is indeed a double-edged
sword. It both emboldens the blood, just as it
narrows the mind.... And when the drums of war have
reached a fever pitch and the blood boils with hate
and the mind has closed, the leader will have no
need in seizing the rights of the citizenry.
Rather, the citizenry, infused with fear and blinded
with patriotism, will offer up all of their rights
unto the leader, and gladly so. How do I know?
For this is what I have done. And I am Caesar."
- William Shakespeare

I am not sure what this is from, but if anyone knowsÖplease share. Thanks Tripp for letting me steal this from you blog.

This fits along so perfectly with the book I am reading now, The Powers that Be by Walter Wink. I have just started it, but I think it is providence that I am reading it right now, as just in the first 2 chapters Mr. Wink has discussed stuff that has been on my mind a lot; Namely, my thought on pacifism.

I am come from a very hawkish family. My father was on his way to becoming career Navy before becoming ill. He served 2 tours in Viet-Nam. I have an enormous amount of respect for our Service People, both present and past.

But, I also, have a problem with violence. Mr. Wink discusses a myth of redemptive violence that permeates our culture, and he traces this back to the Babylonian creation story (very similar to the Egyptian storyÖa god looses a battle with another god and his corpse is spread on the Earth and is the seed of life). The basic gist of the redemptive violence myth is the old story of the good guy getting beat up and finally through the use his/her brute force kicks the bad guys butt. Well, what is wrong with this is pointed in the Genesis creation story. God, unlike the Babylonian gods, created the world, especially humans out of love, from the Earth. According to the Babylonian myth we are spawned of violence, and the Genesis story we are created from love.

Re-reading what I wrote it is pretty incoherent, but bear with meÖ.I am a very stream of consciousness writer, and this is how I think.

Oh boy! Lost my train of thoughÖlets move on shall weÖreason number 412 I have not gone back to school.

Mr. Wink quotes a theologian who also commentates on NPRÖhere is a paraphrase (I donít have the book in front of me), Thank God we didnít loose more people than we did [in the Gulf War]. Well, yes, I agree, but what about the 100,000 + Iraqis who died. If our God is a sovereign and all knowing and all powerful and LOVING God, wouldnít God grieve the loss of these children. If we truly are a Christian nation, shouldnít we show Godís love and leave the judgment to God.

Ok. Enough for today, my brain hurts.

Peace.

It is Finished

I am ofiicially moved.

More to come tomorrow, sorry, but I am actually busy at work.

New Art

This new picture is by my friend Robin's sister. A great singer/songwriter/artist named Heather Eatman.

The Big Day

As the end of the month arrives, I begin the perilous journey of ... MOVING! My emotions are mixed. I am thrilled to finally be getting out of the cubicle I have called an apartement for the last 2 years. I am thrilled to be moving in with people I care about. I am elated to be paying about $100 less a month.

I am not looking forward to the acutal moving. You know, all of the packing, and cleaning, and packing some more, and the unpacking, and stacking, and shelving, and cleaning. Sigh. Such is life, I guess.

Well, no matter what it will be done by Labor Day...a day I have off. Huzzah.

Peace

Oh Hell Yeah!

I saw a commercial on TLC last night for a new show called Full Metal Challenge. It was created by the brains behind Junkyard Wars, Ms. Cathy Rogers. Now what really got me into the commercial, besides the fact that Ms. Rogers is amazing (she was one of the origional hosts of Junkyard Wars), but here co-host is non other the Mr. Henry Rollins. How freakin' awesome is that. He talks about his experience in his monthly newsletter. Sweet Ass!

I may be back later, but I just had to share the good new.

Peace

ok last quiz for a while

My brother sent this to me knowing how big of a fan of the movie:

I took the picture off because it is just do damn big.

Please Read

Ijust received this from Mike Noonan, Lisa Madigan's campaign manager. It is article from Crain's Chicago. Please read it, and consider it when November roles around.

A Great Story

I found this at the website of the youth group I belonged to in High School. It is a story from one of my favorite theologians, Tony Campolo.

Tripp, I think this is the kind of thing we are looking for!

Noted Christian author and speaker Tony Campolo tells a story of his visit to Honolulu for a Christian conference several years ago.

His first night there, Tony awoke sometime after three (a six-hour time difference had confused his sleep pattern) and left the hotel in search of a place to get something to eat.

Eventually he found a tiny coffee shop, with one man behind the counter who served him coffee and a doughnut. Tony was the only customer until, quite suddenly, the coffee shop was overrun with women. Some sat at small tables; others sat at the counter near Tony.

From their conversation, Tony learned an astonishing amount about Honolulu's night life, for the girls were discussing their night's work and their male clients. The girls were prostitutes.

Here's the rest of the story in Tony's own words:

I overheard the woman sitting beside me say, "Tomorrow's my birthday. I'm going to be thirty-nine."

Her "friend" responded in a nasty tone, "So what do you want from me? A birthday party? What do you want? Ya want me to get you a cake and sing 'Happy Birthday'?"

"Come on!" said the woman sitting next to me. "Why do you have to be so mean? I was just telling you, that's all. Why do you have to put me down? I was just telling you it was my birthday. I don't want anything from you. I mean, why should you give me a birthday party? I've never had a birthday party in my whole life. Why should I have one now?"

When I heard that, I made a decision. I sat and waited until the women had left. Then I called over the fat guy behind the counter and I asked him, "Do they come in here every night?"

"Yeah!" he answered.

"The one right next to me, does she come here every night?"

"Yeah," he said. "That's Agnes. Yeah, she comes in here every night. Why d'ya wanta know?"

"Because I heard her say that tomorrow is her birthday," I told him. "What do you say you and I do something about that? What do you think about us throwing a birthday party for her--right here--tomorrow night?"

A cute smile slowly crossed his chubby cheeks and he answered with measured delight, "That's great!"

"Look," I told him, "if it's okay with you, I'll get back here tomorrow morning about 2:30 and decorate the place. I'll even get a birthday cake!"

"No way," said Harry (that was his name). "The birthday cake's my thing. I'll make the cake."

At 2:30 the next morning, I was back at the diner. I had picked up some crepe-paper decorations at the store and had made a sign out of big pieces of cardboard that read, "Happy Birthday, Agnes!" I decorated the diner from one end to the other. I had that diner looking good. The woman who did the cooking must have gotten the word out on the street, because by 3:15 every prostitute in Honolulu was in the place. It was wall-to-wall prostitutes ... and me!

At 3:30 on the dot, the door of the diner swung open and in came Agnes and her friend. I had everybody ready (after all I was kind of the emcee of the affair), and when they came in we all screamed, "Happy birthday!"

Never have I seen a person so flabbergasted ... so stunned ... so shaken. Her mouth fell open. Her legs seemed to buckle a bit. Her friend grabbed her arm to steady her. As she was led to sit on one of the stools along the counter, we all sang "Happy Birthday" to her.

As we came to the end of our singing with "Happy birthday, dear Agnes, happy birthday to you," her eyes moistened. When the birthday cake with all the candles on it was carried out, she lost it and just openly cried.

Harry gruffly mumbled, "Blow out the candles, Agnes! Come on! Blow out the candles! If you don't blow out the candles, I'm gonna hafta blow out the candles." And, after an endless few seconds, he did. Then he handed her a knife and told her, "Cut the cake, Agnes. Yo, Agnes, we all want some cake."

Agnes looked down at the cake. Then without taking her eyes off it, she slowly and softly said, "Look, Harry, is it all right with you if I ...I mean, is it okay if I kind of ... want I want to ask you is ... is it OK if keep the cake a little while? I mean, is it all right if we don't eat it right away?"

Harry shrugged and answered, "Sure! It's okay. If you want to keep the cake, keep the cake. Take it home if you want to."

"Can I?" she asked. Then, looking at me, she said, "I live just down the street a couple of doors. I want to take the cake home, OK? I'll be right back. Honest!" She got off the stool, picked up the cake, and, carrying it like it was the Holy Grail, walked slowly toward the door.

As we all just stood there motionless, she left. When the door closed, there was a stunned silence in the place. Not knowing what else to do, I broke the silence by saying, "What do you say we pray?"

Looking back on it now, it seems more than strange for a sociologist to be leading a prayer meeting with a bunch of prostitutes in a diner in Honolulu at 3:30 in the morning. But then it just felt like the right thing to do. I prayed for Agnes. I prayed for her salvation. I prayed that her life would be changed and that God would be good to her.

When I finished, Harry leaned over the counter and, with a trace of hostility in his voice, said, "Hey! You never told me you were a preacher. What kind of church do you belong to?"

In one of those moments when just the right words came, I answered, "I belong to a church that throws birthday parties for prostitutes at 3:30 in the morning."

Harry waited a moment and then almost sneered as he answered, "No, you don't. There's no church like that. If there was, I'd join it. I'd join a church like that!"

May our churches become the type of churches that would throw a birthday party for prostitutes at 3:30 in the morning, and may we all become the kind of Christian who would bring the cake!

Peace.

Fun little thing

I got this from Josh's site.

to big to
Peace

You need a reason?

Well, I am right now being reminded why I do not, nor ever have, played golf. Get this, I am in pain! Yes, I went to a driving range the other day and now the entire left side of my torso hurts. Dear Lord, I feel like such a wuss. I can walk around on a sprained ankle like it was nothing, but I go to a damn driving range and it hurts to breathe. Jeeze.

So, I was pleasantly surprised by my drive home from Springfield yesterday, it actually took 3 hours, yippee! I went down to Springfield to celebrate my Grandpaís 90th Birthday. He is an amazing man, first of all he is probably the most in shape, both physical and mentally, of any 90 year old I have ever met. I certainly hope I am blessed with the same genes that all of my grandparents have. My Momís folk both passed away when they were in their late 90ís (Grandma Mac was 96 and Grandpa Mac was 98). And they were both strong and healthy until the end. In fact Grandma Mac had a hip replacement surgery at 94. The doctors were a bit concerned about putting her under a general anesthetic, but they did an EKG and her heart was stronger than most 12 year olds.

So, Grandpa is 90 and Grandma is 88. Wow!

Well. I guess that is all for now.

Peace

insert title here.

I am sitting at my mom's computer listening to oh my god, killing time, waiting to go to dinner. Just thinking, wondering, writing. It has been a while, and like Tripp mentioned in his blogs, it is just because I had nothing to say...that does not mean that I have something to say now, but rather, that I just have .... well, i just lost my train of thought... oh well.

recovering from wood putty fumes, yes, wood putty has fumes, and they are not pretty. They don't make one feel giddy like other fuems, but they just plain smell.

do you all really read this?

How about you people just crusing by to vote for my blog hot or not thingy. do you read this?

hell, I don't read it half the time, like now.



bye bye

peace

Which era in time are you?

Try This

I was told the link to my bro's site wasn't working. Please try it again, and let me know if this works.

Peace

Early in the Morning

Just a quick note, my brother now has a site. Check it out and, please be kind!

Look Carefuly

I found this here.

Uh

You know how I said today was flying...well I lied.

I am 52% Punk Rock

The intelligent punk. Tuff and Smart. I may be able to maintain a train of thought long enough... What the fuck was I talking about?

Take the Punk Rock Test at fuali.com

Wow! What a weekend.

Looking back at it, I had a really good weekend (except for the panic stricken Friday afternoon).

You see, I went to start my car and nothing happened. I put in the key, turned, and nothingÖPANIC.
So, I called Tripp who was gracious enough to come over and give me jump.

Friday night consisted of traveling to Streamwood for Soaked rehearsal. I think it was probably one of the best rehearsals we have had. I think it is because we wanted to be there. Usually, and I am guilty from time to time, we have people there because that is where they are supposed to be on Friday night. But this week it seemed like everyone wanted to work. At least that is what I felt. After the ride home, Leo dropped off at my car and, yep, it needed a jump.

Saturday
I decided to begin the joyful task of moving. With fear that my car wouldnít start I began loading boxes (please, donít ever pack Ω of your book collection into 1 boxÖtrust me). My car started. I began to go down Irving Park and discovered that there was a Cubs game, so I turn up an alley and make my way to LSD, nice driveÖthat is until I hit my destination exit of Fullerton, and then I rememberÖAIR SHOW! Damn it. 20 minutes later I finally cross Clark and am on my way to Kedzie.

The rest of the day was pretty chill.

Later that night I saw 3 good shows and 1 amazing show at the Double Door.

Sunday
Up EARLY. 8 am early. Sang in Choir for the first time in ages, and then sang with the band for about a 45 minute set. Then spent the rest of the day vegging in front of the idiot box watching The Mask of Zorro.

That is all I have. I am pretty content today, and time seems to be flyingÖwoo hoo!

Peace

Lazy Bloggin

I know I haven't posted in a few days, but I just haven't had anything to say. So, I figure I would let Mary Prankster once again do my post for to day...like to hear it here it goes:

GREEN EGGS AND HAMLET

Hey now Ophelia
Are you looking for a swim?
Yeah, your manís done you wrong
So, whatcha gonna do to him?

Any Daneíll tell you, girlie
You take a chance with one-night stands
Got a pocket full of posies
And a lily in your hands

Hey now, Ophelia
Gonna be or not to be?
Swirling in the icy water
Get thee to a nunnery

Such a shame that our affairs from England came too late
That Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead
Thereís something rotten in this state

Into the depths we go
Watch out for the undertow
The tide is high today
Watch you donít get swept away

Peace

Check these out

Go to Tripp's and Clifton's pages and read what they have to say about protestantism.

I will be posting my thoughts soon.

Peace

Good News

Beer is good for you!!!! I coulda told ya that.

peace

Today?

Well, I finally got the MRI of my ankle read, and it is just a severe sprain. No surgery required. Yippee!

Not a whole lot is going on right now...just suffering from the post-lunch lethargy. So tired. ug.

I did go to see Trish in The Taming of The Shrew up in Elgin this weekend. It was a pretty good show. I had fun, and the bugs weren't to bad (it is an outdoor theatre). Speaking of bugs, my boss told me that they were so bad at Grant Park this weekend that the Grant Park Symphony cut a few pieces out of their second act. Can you imagine taking a breath to blow in a tuba and inhaling a moth...yummy.

Tonight I may venture to Grant Park to see Vertigo.

Other than that...not much is up.

Peace

An Update

A while ago I posted that Bret Hart had a stroke. Here an update if you are ineterresed.

Peace

Thought of the Day

Punk Rock Heaven

Baby, youíre a poseur
Honey, I should know
You ask me where the shows are
But then you never go

Poseur purgatory
Awaits you at the end
But thatís not my story
Iíll tell you why, my friend

Got my Martens on with steely toes
Spike my hair and pierce my nose
Iím goiní up to Punk Rock Heaven

Hippie Hell awaits you, Jack
Unless you take that tie-dye off your back
And jump the track to Punk Rock Heaven

The smack up there is pearly white
Thereís always time to pick a fight
The leather pants are nice and tight
The Pistols play there every night

Got my guitar and my drum
Hey Johnny Thunders ó here I come!
Cominí up to Punk Rock Heaven

If I was you I tell you, son
Iíd pierce my nipples with a staple gun
And make a run for Punk Rock Heaven

The smack up there is white as snow
Pack my bags, man ó here I go!
Maybe in an hour or so
Iíll catch a G.G. Allin show

Hey every junky, punk and freak
If Manic Panic makes you weak
Then follow me and catch that train
Pleased to meet you, Kurt Cobain

I need a mohawked, tattooed, flannel-clad
Combat-booted lovely lad (las...jt)
To take me up to Punk Rock Heaven

---Mary Prankster

peace

I Miss Mick

Just found this article, it is almost like a catch up on Mick Foley. I donít have many people that I look up to, but Mick is one of them. If you choose to read the article you should see why, especially when you get to pages 2 and 3. Not only did Mick perform with all his heart, but he has one of the biggest hearts of any famous person I can think of. It the article he talks about just returning from China. He was there with Operation Smile. And as a result of the trip he is planning on writing another childrenís book. His first one, Christmas Chaos, had a portion of the proceeds going to the Shriners Hospitals.

This is a man who never thinks of himself first, as a performer and a human being.

Peace,

P.S. If you havenít yet checked out his autobiographies. Even if you arenít a wrestling fan they are both great reads.

Help....me...eyes...

fading. blur. numbers. mind numb.

I don't know how I got the task of approving bills at the office. Yeah, I make the desicions on what to buy, but come on I can'e even pay mine on time. Though that isn't a problem here...if I misplace one I will eventually get a call from my vendor. Actually, I hate to do that because most of the places I deal with are Mom & Pop types of places. I really like that. I like being able to talk to the owner of the company and just chat. Also, they give us the best work...they need us as much as we need them.

What's new?

Mom's birthday was yesterday.

Looking forward to making a trip to Elgin in the near future to see Trish in Taming of the Shrew.


beYond thAt, our theatre company, became a not-for-profit corporation on July 19, 2002. Got the paper work yesterday.

Other than that...not much

Peace

Ok. Fín rant time.

(just a quick note. I began writing this on impulse at 9 this morning and finished after lunch...my blod pressure has dropped considerably since then)

Sorry, but I just read that one of the victims of the unfortunate accident on the south side, in which 3 women were hit by a van that lost control and the drive and passenger were then beaten to death (unfortunately one of the 3 women died yesterday), has filed suit against the estate of one of the men beaten to death and the van rental company.

I can understand the suit against the van rental company, especially if it is determined that there was a mechanical failure. But give me a damn breakÖincluding a dead manís estate in the suit. What is the point? This man was publicly beaten to death and now on top of his familyís grief there is the possibility of being suedÖthis just makes no sense to me. I know I donít know all the facts surrounding this, but from the outside looking in I think stuff like this is what is wrong with our society as a whole. We always seem to need someone to blameÖeven if it is nobodyís fault. We always seem to have the need for revengeÖeven if there is no need for it. Come on! How about we work to try to figure out what happened in this accidentÖhow about we work together to forgive each other for the accidents that we cause or have been victims of. ARGGHHH it is so damn frustrating.

I have calmed down considerably since I started this blogÖthat is what happens when updating at work and can type in-between projects.

I am in a much better mood now.

Peace

Is My Blog Hot or Not...huh?

click the link...please!?

ho hum

You are a very simple and leisurely person. You are quite contented with your life and have no ambition to improve it. Which Blogging Tool Are You?

I'm Back

After a week of shear unaduterated bliss, I have returned. Yes, my previous post was a bit whiny, but the week got better. This was the first time in ages...and I mean it...that I did absolutely nothing.

It is such a wonderful thing to nothing, have no worries, no problems. AhhÖIt all ended so abruptly this morning at 7:30 with the strange buzzing sound coming from the other end of my roomÖoh yes, the dreaded alarm. But alas, all good things must come to an end.

One of the best parts of the vacation, was getting reacquainted to a friend I thoughtÖwell, we went separate ways for a bit. Not intentionally, but it just sort of happened. She was going through a rough patch and there was some miscommunication and we just have not talked for a a few monthsÖwho feels like an assÖyou got itÖME. But all is mended and forgiven. I love it when things like that happen. I feel like I shouldnít of left her when she was having her problems, but she said it was ok. I donít knowÖI still feel stupid.

Anyway. We are cool once again.

I guess that is all I have todayÖgood to be back.

Peace

New graphic on the side bar...yippee. Thanks Mary Prankster

Vacation?

Pfft. Pfft. Pfft. Pfft. 7:30 a.m.

My mom's neighbors decided that this would be a good time to begin roofing their garage. Would not be such abig deal, but my bedroom is right next to the garage. Oh well, c'est la vie.

So I really do not have much to post today, other than I have been completely useless the last 48 hours, and have enjoyed every minute of it.

You, I don't think realize how nice it is to do nothing until you are there. I the world of go go go; we are made to feel that if we don't accomplish something we are useless. Well, eat my shorts. There is a reason heart disease and what not are so prevelant in our country.

Oh well...rant over...time to do...nothing

Peace


Mary Prankster...cool band

Yay!!! I figured out how to post pictures...YIPPEE

Yet another, Hmmmm

You are an AKMA.

You stand out from the crowd because of deeply held beliefs in the unknown.

You ponder endlessly and treat everyone, even fucknozzles, with respect.

WWAD (what would AKMA do) guides your actions.
Take the What Blogging Archetype Are You test at GAZM.org

Good News

A Florida just awarded $54.6 million to 3 El Salvadoran surviors of torture. My friend and future roommate Sheri accompanied one of the victims to the trial, and I want to wish Neriz and Sherry congratulations.

Check out cja.org for specific information.

Thank you Lord for this blessing.

Peace!

Sick of this

Sleeping to be awaken
Sleeping to be awaken
Sleeping

Going to the grocery store
Going to the grocery store
Going

Playing with the kids
Playing with the kids
Playing

Praying at the wall
Praying at the wall
Praying

Facing to the east
Facing to the east
Facing

Facing
Praying
Playing
Going
Sleeping

Crying for the baby
Crying for the mommy
Crying for the daddy
Crying

Crying

I sit and cry at night
Does anybody hear
Listen to the crying

Allah, Jehovah, Yahweh

Love

Fill us with grace
Love our neighbors

Ever Wonder?

So, ever what is is like to be in the same ring as the immortal Hulk Hogan? Well, Lance Storm found out.

The reason I am posting this is because of the fact that Lance is a true fan of his business. I think this is an admirable trait. I know I have often said the day I stop being a fan of theatre is the day I quit.

Your daily dose of inspiration.

Peace

Not Much

On the ankle front...get this...I need an MRI and an X-Ray. I may have a torn ligament. YIPPEEEEE!!!!!!!

Peace

Helping a Hero

As most of you know, I am a huge Lance Storm fan. Well, he has a new commentary up on his web stie, and I am just doing my part here. He had some unpleasent travel experiences with Air Canada, and is trying to lodge a complaint. But nobody seems to be listening. So, If anyone knows anything...help the poor guy.

PEace

A New Hobby, Really

So, I think I have a new hobby.

Last Sunday Tripp, Trish, Leo, Sherry, and I went to the Old Town School Folk and Roots Festival, and I participated in something I havenít done it years. I participated in a Barn Dance. Jeeze Louise, I had fun. Really. Never thought I would, but, dang, what a work out and it is plain fun.

So, last night I went The Chicago Barn Dancers' regular Monday night dance at The Abbey Pub. I had a ball. It is on Monday nightsí at 8 p.m. Try to go sometime. Everyone is there just to have fun. No pressure and they really help us new comers.

The only bad thing is my ankle went out on me towards the end of the night. I have finally made a Dr. appointment for itÖthis is about the 12th time in 2 years that it has either rolled or sprained or something. Usually, the pain fades after several hours, and I walk with a small limp the next day and normal the following day. But what ever I did last night was just wrong. It is not swollen as bad as normally (a phrase nobody should be able to say), but the pain was so bad I couldnít sleep last night. So, after much trepidation, I am going to the Dr. tomorrow.

Anyway, I canít go to the dance next week due to the show, but the following week I am going. Click the contact me link at the top of the page if you want more info.

Veritas vos liberabit (The truth will set you free)

Peace.

Thanks Tripp

Tripp helped me Blogchalk...yippee, i think?

Google! DayPop! This is my blogchalk: English, United States, Chicago, Uptown, Justin, Male, 21-25!

Sunny Days, Wiping the Clouds Away

We have these nifty little screens in the elevators at work, and they give you updates on the daily news. Anyway, this morning I saw something interestingÖSesame Street is going to introduce an HIV positive muppet. (This coincides with the World AIDS Conference currently going on.) Then, on MSNBC.com (click here for the story) their question of the day is should Sesame Street do this? My answer is yes.

Sesame Street has been there to help parents explain things that are very difficult to do on their own. Sesame Street is now afraid to tackle topics such as death, racism, and sexism in such a way the 4 year olds can understand them; why should they be afraid to move on to this topic. Apparently what we are doing isnít working, and since this is a growing epidemic; why not help kids to realize that their friend Timmy will not always be there, and that he is very sick, even though he doesnít look sick. Teach them the facts about HIV/AIDS.

Sesame Street is a great conversations starter for parentsÖthere were many a time that I asked my parents about something I saw on the show (many times it was stuff they probably wouldnít have talked about), but we did and we all learned in the process.

Sesame Street, please continue to teach the real world to kids.

Peace

Shameless Plug

beYond thAt

Presents
a
Special Benefit Performance of:

Pounding Nails In the Floor With My Forehead
by Eric Bogosian

Friday, July 19 & 26, 2002 @ 8 p.m.
Monday, July 22, 2002 @ 11 p.m.
Frankie Jís Methadome Theatre
4437 N. Broadway
Call: 312.670.8545 for reservations

Tickets $10

We hope to see you there.

As you can tell, It has been a slow week.

Peace

Hey, Hey, Hey. Iím back.
Ok. Since it has taken so long...And now (DrrrrrrrróI guess that is a drum roll)

Commuter Hell (part doo)

So the rest of the weekend went fairly decent. No major problems. It still amazes me that the streets in Springfield are twice as wide as those here, and at stop lights the actually have those arrow lightsÖwhat a nifty idea.

Everything is fine until I begin my departure from the Patch.

6:50 Sunday Night
Fill up the car with gas that is onlyÖget thisÖ1.35/gallon. Turn on to 5th Street, make left on Stevenson Dr., go a couple of lights, and take the north exit to ChicagoÖYIPPEE!!!!

8:15
Hit the rest stop our side of Pontiac, IL for customary Ω way there Mountain Dew and Ding Dongs.

9:45
Chihouahannan, IL (I have no idea how to spell or pronounce it, but it is some thing like that). Spend $5 to top off the gas tank for the last of the cheap gas before the city.

10:00
Almost crash into the car in front of meÖhe/she slammed on the brakesÖthought probably someone hit a deer (I had seen an unusually high amount of them on this tripÖreally about 5 or soÖvery odd.)

10:15
Moved about 6 feet. Kind of concernedÖhope there is not a wreck and someone hurt (that, too, happened on Christmas eve a couple of years back).

10:30
About 50 yards further nowÖbeginning to see the dreaded yellow lightsÖconfusion.

10:50
Acutally hit the 2 mile point. Since I had no book in the car, my reading was limited to the odometer.

11:00
The wonderful voice of Harry Shearer and le Show comes on (highlight of the night thus far). Oh yeah, Ω mile furtherÖthe quickest gain so far.

11:00-12:10
I think you get the picture here. Apparently the new hip thing is to work on the highway on Sunday nights. 8 miles later I am out of the dread zone and see the exit for Kingery Road. This is only important because I know that is about 25 miles from the city, as a good friend's family lives off that exit.

12:45
I think the top speed I hit was 45. Finally make it to LSD.

1:30
By the time I found parking, I finally arrive at home.

Whew!!!


So, whatís new?

Not much. Found this interesting article on-line today. It isis an op-ed piece about school vouchers.
An interesting segue here. The site quoted in the artlcle has this fun little thing called a Belief-O-Matic. Here are my results.


1. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (100%)
2. Liberal Quakers (93%)
3. Unitarian Universalism (87%)
4. Orthodox Quaker (76%)
5. Reform Judaism (71%)
6. Neo-Pagan (65%)
7. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (64%)
8. Mahayana Buddhism (60%)
9. New Age (60%)
10. Theravada Buddhism (60%)
11. Sikhism (60%)
12. Taoism (58%)
13. Bah·'Ì Faith (56%)
14. Seventh Day Adventist (53%)
15. Hinduism (51%)
16. Eastern Orthodox (50%)
17. Roman Catholic (50%)
18. Jainism (49%)
19. New Thought (48%)
20. Secular Humanism (48%)
21. Scientology (47%)
22. Islam (42%)
23. Orthodox Judaism (42%)
24. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (35%)
25. Nontheist (33%)
26. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (30%)
27. Jehovah's Witness (10%)

Thanks Tripp for the site.

Well, that is all for now.

Veritas vos liberabit (The truth will set you free)

Peace

Commuter Hell (part 1)

OkÖtime for a little irritation to come out here.

I went down to Springfield to visit my family this past weekendÖit was nice and relaxing except for the approximately 11 hours in the carÖnot a problem if one is going on a road trip, but Springfield is only 200 miles away from ChicagoÖabout 3 hour. Here is the automobile diary of the trip.

Friday 12 p.m.

Walk from my office to Joeís Crab Shack on Wells and Chicago. Meet Todd there and get money for the money order that will pay the dues for beYond thAt to become a real NFP Corporation. While I am there I decide to eatÖmy buddy Joe is working so I request his table. I ordered my food, and since I was one of the first of the lunch crowd I assume I will get my food pretty quicklyÖno such luck. The kitchen has lost my ticket, and thus beginning the road trip form hell.

12.45
Finally finish eating my burger (yum). Hop on the brown line to Sedgwick (where I knew there would be free parking)Öhop into my car and off I go!!

1.00
On the road againÖeverything is good.

1.30
This is too good to be trueÖleaving Chicago and minimal traffic.

1.45
DAMN!!! It was too good to be trueÖsomewhere between Chicago and Joliet all of the cars suddenly appear in front of me. And I donít move for 30 minutes.

2.15
Finally moving again and I find an exit I think will bring me to the frontage road along side the highwayÖdoh! Stupid. First of all it is heading west and I want to go south. Secondly, I was not the only one with the idea, but hey, at least I am moving.

2.40
Finally find a south bound route.

2.45
So has everyone else. WaitingÖwaitingÖgreen light ÖyippeeÖnot movingÖred lightÖmoving Öweird.

2.55
See a gas station...hey a blessing in disguise. I need to get some gas and I fill up forÖget this. 1.39/gallon. I also ask the attendant if I am even close to I-55. ìYes, about six miles down the road.î

3.30
Six miles later (this is getting ridiculous); Hit I-55 and make it back on the roadÖI donít know what I did, but an hour after I take the bazaar exit I am back on my way and have by passed the traffic jam on 55 (still donít know what caused it).

5.30
Finally get to the homesteadÖ4.5 hours after leaving Chicago. This is usually a 3 hour drive.

11.00
Leaving The MuniÖopening night for my momís show. She did a great job with the hair design for Anything Goes. Post show traffic jam.

11.30
Finally leave the parking lot.

That is all for todayÖstay tuned

Quick Morning Note

I just read that "the best there was, the best there is, the best there ever will be", Brett "The Hitman" Hart had a stroke. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. He just lost his brother in law, Davey "The British Bulldog" Smith.

Here is a note from Brett's Personal Assisatant.

And an article in the Calgary Sun Newspaper.

Peace

HUZZAH!!!

By Monday, beYond thAt's Articles of Incorporation will be in the mail, and we are one step closer to being a real live theatre company!!!!

Conundrum

Tripp sent an e-mail out asking what we though about the whole pledge of allegiance thing. This is my answerÖHa.

maybeÖactually probably notÖI know this because I actually wrote it down ñ on paper ñ before posting it, although this beautiful run-on was not included on the notebook paperÖokÖhere we go

When we are saying the pledge of allegiance it is to the flag. As far as I am concerned, it is not a pledge to God or about God. Some will argue that is we remove the ìunder Godî phrase we are risking loosing Godís blessing on the nationÖI have actually read that somewhere. Well, if that is the case, does God not bless other countries?

From reading responses to Trippís e-mail, I guess the big concern is it whom and what do we pledge allegiance? J.M. Aguiar in his response to the e-mail says, ìI have privately felt that the Pledge does, indeed, border on idolatry, and that's a word I've used in my own thoughts. I more or less outgrew the Pledge in about 4th grade, and haven't said it since, for a variety of reasons [me, too. Mainly because I havenít been in a situation to]. Likewise, I don't bow when entering a dojo. Tolerance for other faiths does not extend to a submissive betrayal of my own principles.î Since I havenít been to a dojo in 15 years, maybe I canít comment on that. But, I always wipe my feet before entering a theatre. This is a symbolic cleansing in my opinionÖa showing of respect for a place I hold close to my heart. I donít feel that I am betraying any of my principles. I, also, put my hand over my heart while at the ballpark during the playing of the national anthem. I donít see how doing any of these symbolic acts is a ìsubmissive betrayal of my own principles.î I wipe my feet when entering a theatreÖI put my hand over my heart at the ballparkÖI pray in churchÖI give time to church. I guess what I am trying to say is, this whole debate seems to be one of those ìgive unto Caesar, give unto Godî issues. I pledge allegiance to my country through the symbolic act of reciting the pledge; I cleanse myself before entering a theatre; but I OPEN and GIVE myself before Jehovah. By doing this with all of my mind and heart, even though I pledge allegiance to country, I am giving myself to Godís will.

The idea of idolatry never even crossed my mind. Is pledging allegiance to a flag idolatry? Is praying to a saint? Is lighting a candle? Taking communion? Seeing a cross? I donít know. I think the definition of idolatry is almost an individual one. For me it is something to the effect of, something becomes an idol if you place it before God, but it is something else if you use it to help you focus on Godís love.

Man that is a lot of stuff. And in my typical fashion I veered off in a whole other direction. Oh well.

Veritas vos liberabit (The truth will set you free)

Peace.

NSOC

No, this isn't another new Bush administration cabinet position, but the book I am currently reading ñ New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton. Where, oh where, can I begin discussion of this book? I am only 5 chapters in, but I am thoroughly interested in what I am reading.

I think I will begin with what I think Merton is saying is necessary before even beginning the process of contemplation.

In the first 5 chapters He has referred many times to the 2 selves contained in the human spirit. The Real Self and The False Self: The first being the pure entity created by God, and the later being the egocentric entity created by us.

I know in my case it is hard to separate the Real from the False. ìWe are not very good at recognizing illusions, least of all the one we cherish about our selves ñ the ones we are born with and which feed the roots of sinî (34). For me, being aware of this is one of the major parts of beginning a contemplative lifestyle. Which lead me to the next partóthe need to constantly be active in the pursuit of the Real self. This is a vigilant process, for it takes constant communication with ìI AM.î Trying to find ìHE WHO ISî in everything. This reminds me of the constant prayer of the Celtic people. ìOur vocation is not simply to be, but to work together with God in the creation of our own life, our own identity, our own destinyî (32).

In order for me to do these things it needs to be an act done from an open heart. ìBy consenting to His will with joy and doing it with gladness I have His love in my heart, because my will is now the same as His Love and I am on the way to becoming g what He is, Who is Love. And by accepting all thing from Him I receive His joy into my soul, not because things are what they are buut because God is Who He Is, and His love has willed my joy in them allî (18).

So, how does one go about this? That is what I am working on. One way for me to do this is to begin to work on prayer. I pray, but at times I feel as though I am just going by habit. I need to learn to pray, again. I need to work on focus. I tend to veer of in the middle of doing somethingÖI have been writing this blog for 4 hours now, because I keep wondering off.

Overall, this book is going to be very beneficial.

Veritas vos liberabit (The truth will set you free)

Peace

4:00

It is now 4:00, and I have a hole in my arm. I have one less pint of blood in my body, and I feel good.
Sick, yes I know.

I am reading New Seeds for Contemplation by Thomas Merton right now. I will post thoughts as they come to me.

Anyway, I really don't have any meaningful to write today, so I won't.

Peace

What Is The World Coming To?

For the 2nd time in as many weeks the Supreme Court has issued rulings on the death penalty. Last week they made the wise decision that the mentally retarded should be exempt from receiving the death penalty...I believe the vote was 6-3. And now, today in a 7-2 decision they decided that juries, not judges should make the decision...it violates the defendants 6th amendment right to trial by jury. Thus, a unanimous decision is needed.

I think the past two weeks are huge steps forward for those of us against the death penalty...maybe this is a sign that we are finally realizing that the death penalty is not the "deterrent" that the right wants us to believe, and that it does nothing, but cause the cycle murder to continue.

Peace

?

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Tripp has a blog discussing allegiance. Where do we focus our allegiance as Christians, and how can we reconcile this with, say, allegiance to our country? Please read his blog, as I want to discuss the above question. [Now, if Tripp is the only one who reads this, I guess you donít have to re-read your own blog.]

ìThe EP [Ekklesia Project] uses warfare as an example of our misplaced allegiances. Why should Christians be compelled to kill other Christians? Why should we be compelled to kill at all? We slaughter one another in the name of national allegiances. This, again, is misplaced allegiance. Our Christian allegiance should inform the other. Not the other way around.î (from Trippís Blog)
Not only have people slain each other in the name of national allegiances, but in the name of their God(s). In face both, simultaneously, are happening right now in Israel/Palestine. I think right now is a time for all of us to rethink where we need to be focusing.

Still working on this one. Will write more when I can form a coherent thought.

In the mean time I will partake in the current trend of bloggers...thanks to Sarah for letting me steal this without her knowledge.

A to Z
A - Animals/Pets: None...yet
B - Best Friend(s):Mike, Tripp, Todd
C - Cohabitants: Kaite the Stuffed Bear
D - Desire(s):To be a working theatre artist (note...not just actor. I would enjoy any part of it). And neve have to work in an office again.
E - Eye Color: Brown.
F - Favorite Food(s): Pizza, and Breakfast
G - Games: Trivial pursuit and cranium
H - Habit(s): ummm...too many to mention (always up to late, nail biting, etc.)
I - Interests: Books, writing, discussion, live music
J - Job: Artist, and office worker
K - Kitchen (Wonder or Blunder?): Love to cook, but don't do so that much...due to my 12 sq. foot kitchen
L - Languages: English, bits of Greek, German, Spanish and Italian.
M - Most Valued Possession(s) (an item, not people/pets): Really can't think of one (I do like my books, but if they disappeared I would not be hurt.)
N - Name (Named after?): St. Justin. My dad used to drive by a church in Key West (we he was stationed there) and really liked the name
O - Outfit You Love: Jeans and t-shirt
Pizza Toppings: Anything except anchovies and fruit
Q - Question Asked To You the Most: "What?"
R - Relationship/Partner: None currently.
S - Sport: (Playing) swimming, wrestling; (Watching) Baseball, Swimming, Wrestling (pro and amateur), international football (aka soccer)
T - Television Show(s): WWE, West Wing, and Scrubs (best comedy on TV)
U - Unsavory characteristic(s): I am right...always, introverted, instigator.
V - Video (Favorites): The Manchurian Canidate, The Great Dictator, Oh Brother Where Art Thou, and The Prince of Egypt
W - Webpage (Favorite--not your own): stormwrestling.com
X - Xylophone (or other Instrument?): I played trumpet, baritone and tuba in High School.
Y - Year Born: 1977, Chinese Year of the Snake...I think.
Z - Zodiac Sign: Aquarius.



Peace

BOLD

I just had to stop listening to the radio. There was a guy who sounded wike Ewmer Fudd. Now I have nothing against speech impedements, but why, oh why, on the radio?

Ok. Sorry, but I just couldn't handle it any more.

Now! On with the show!

What to write about today? I really don't know. So, now we will watch as my mind wanders until I have something to say. In advance as of right now capatization and puncuation are ceasing

tripp and i have been discussing the development of community and i am not so bright on this issue
i told him my concern was that a monasitic society has the potential to become cultic
then he brought up the fact the that could hapen within a congregation as well
and i thougt oh yeah duh

so i am still stuck

oh well i maybe someday will understand

i am bored bored bored
i am fustrated and bored
i try not to be
i want to make art all day
i want to talk politics all day
i want to be able to just enjoy the day
i am not made for offices
dont get me wrong
i like what i do i like the people
i dont like being stuck inside all the time
i come from a nomadic type of people and i guess i still am
i was rereading some of the stuff i have written here and discovered that there is a recurring them of dont stop go
now that is not how it sounds
what i mean with phrases like that is not to work yourself to a nub
because i believe we as a society work way too much and dont enjoy ourselves
i mean dont stop yourself dont hold yourself back let it go

i am very happy
i am content
but i am missing something and i dont know what

hmmm
sigh
ok
that is all
i
guess

peace on earth

My Psalm

Looking
Lurking
Dancing
Dreaming

Stay
Stay
Stay
Stay

No
Don't
Yes
Stop

Feelings
Moments
Fragments
Shattered

Glass
Night
Soothe
Waves

Go
Go
Go
Go

What am I doing here?
Can't you hear me?
Sitting, Listening, Feeling, Crying
Hello?
Yes?

Pause
Rest
Power
Surge

Life
Rejuvination
Water
Never

Cleanse
Pure?
Ritual
Questions

Keep time
and feel new

Refresh
Renew
Time
Grow

Please
Open
Me

A Need

Tripp and Leo (his room mate) and I have been talking about the direction of Soaked, NSBC's praise band. Tripp has a blog about what I am going to discuss as well, just click he name above.

We had a great outing 2 weeks ago at our Sunday night woship service. Tripp's professor AKMA was there and made a nice observation...we need to let go and fly...do some U2 or somthing like that...I agree 100%. And this is where some problems occur. There are a couple of people in the band who do not think that is appropiate. I can understand their p.o.v., but I think it would be good for us.

Here is an article about U2 that discusses their faith. (Tripp it is a new one). Someone wrote that they were concerned about Bono's use of the F-word. The article being that into perspecive...in fact there is a great quote from Tono Campolo, "20,000 children have died of hunger today and you don't give a shit! In fact you are more concerned with the fact I used shit than that 20,000 children died of hunger".

Any way, I have gotten off track. One thing I think Soaked should do, and I discussed this with Leo, is sit down and restructure. I see no reason not to try to make new arrangements of songs (we have a unique instrumentation). Also, maybe have a front person, and back up singers. Alternate fronts or something. Instead of being a "cover" band, if you will, we could become a Cover band that re-imagines songs.

OK. That is all.

P.S. Tripp...this was discussed last night...kind of brainstorming after Supertones.

Peace

this is it

Well, well, well...back to the same old same old. The weekend was pretty unevenlful. Not a whole lot to say, so...this is it....for now

Well

I just read Tripp's Blog. It is a rant about our need as a country to chill out. I agree with him 100%. Please read it.

In fact, I will be doing what he talks about, sitting on you butt and doing nothing, as a vendor has graciously provided my boss and me with tickets to the cross-town classic (for those not from Chicago that is the Cubs vs. White Sox). I will enjoy every minute of it.

Peace

PS. Oh yeah! Stone Cold Steve Austion got "released" (fancy term for fired) from the WWE, and this is not a work (fake).

Really Short Blog

Check out this article about oh my god. Very cool

Hmmmm?

Please, just check this out. I won't editoralize, but please read...it makes me laugh.

Anyway. I think I have been a little to serious her lately. So, I will try to lighten the mood. How? You may ask, well...I am not really sure.

Well, first of all The Free Press gave A Temporary World a good review. Oh yeah, we just had a potluck here at work...yummy. The ladies were kind enough to have a Father's Day potluck. I don't know...feel a little weird, being one of the few non-dad types in the office...not that I am in any hurry, but felt kind of like I was mooching. But, alas, my tummy is now full and I have dinner for tonight.

That's all I guess. Nothing profound (if anything ever is) coming to my head, so type later.

Peace

Brave Old, New World

I walked into the neighborhood corner store yesterday, and Sam, the owner, was standing behind the counter with a perplexed look on his face. With mild concern, I went to the back of the store and picked up a gallon of milk. Upon arriving at the counter, Samís expression had not changed.

ìJustin, this is like the old country.î
ìWhat is, Sam?î
ìThe way they are talking on the TV.î

Looking over to the TV, I saw our brilliant Attorney General giving a press conference.

ìI thought, when I left I did not have to worry about what I do. I am worried that if I talk to some of my family I may get in trouble.î
ìI know. I canít believe it. I grew up here and only read about these things. I guess that is what happens when we get an Attorney General who was beaten by a dead man when he ran for governor.î
ìI mean, it is not as as bad as Africa, with the knives cutting heads, but stillÖI mean they are making so many restrictionsÖI came here so I could live free.î

This really pisses me off. The fact that a person who came to this country seeking shelter from a despotic government is saying that we, the land of the free, are slowly turning that way. We have an administration that seems to want to do away with our civil liberties in the name of ìFreedomî. Well, I say, screw youÖbecause I can, that is my RIGHT. I say is time to write our leaders and let them know how we feel. Do we really want to live in a place where our phones can be tapped without a warrant? Do we want to live in a place where people are being held without chargeÖwhere citizens are denied due process?

Please send letters, e-mails, anecdotes, etc. to the following people, asking them to keep the United States of America the land of the Free.

President Bush and Vice President Cheney
Sen. Dick Durbin
Sen. Peter Fitzgerald
Your House Represenative

Peace

It's Time to Play the Game

Rock Star
Beauty Queen
Drama Queen
Drag Queen
Big Scream

Last Dance
Tap Dance
Lap Dance
Last Chance

Don't Stop
Don't Stop
Don't Stop
Don't

Stop

Open Eyes
Closed Ears
Runniing Nose
No Doze

Looking Up
Closing Down
Run Around
Sad Clowns

Close It
Close It
Close It
Close

It

No Chance
No Change
Last Chance
Get Changed

Go Now
Go Now
Go Now
Go

Now

Open Doors
Play Games
Love Whores
Give Peace

Play The Game
Don't Stop
Don't Stop
Don't Stop

Go

Shhhh

Shhhh!!
sit and listen
feel
smell
taste it
the beginning of summer
the end of spring
the instant night light
only to be extinguished a second later
the ground moves
the charge grows

boats off the lake
waves grow
take me
out to the sea

cars stop
ducks laugh
fish know no difference

this summer storm beautiful
sit out side

listen
Shhh!

I am So Confused

Somebody, please explain what the hell is going on? Please. Really........

That is what I thought. Why are human beings hell bent on destroying, not just our planet but each other? The missionaries that were held hostage in the Phillipines are free now, albeit, one is dead, and it is unknow if he was shot by "friendly" or "enemy" fire.

We have 2 stubborn old me in the mid-east who don't give two shits about their people, just their own tunnel visioned agendas. We have people in DC hell bent on dropping bombs on people, just to make our problems go away. Tell me something folks, how does this work...we have killed more civilians in Afaganstan that were killed in the 9/11 tragedy.

"That fight, I'm not sure it's right to win, now.
That side, that's the side I'm on, but I can't justify it.
Onward, Onward, let's forget what started all this.
Just because they're fighting dirty, doesn't mean their cause is wrong.

Whats' Wrong?

That line down between my feet, drawn deeply in the sand
I find no desire to move myself from where I stand.
Inward, Inward, all devotion facing nothing
Carry on the fight without me, leave me standing if you can.

What's Wrong?

That fight, I'm not sure it's right to winm now.
At night, I bet all you dreams don't make you laugh like mine do.
Onward, Onward, let's forgive what started all this.
Carry on this fight without me, leave me standing if you can.

What's Wrong?"

--That Fight, oh my god

Psalm 120
A song of ascents.

I call on the Lord in my distress,
and he answers me.
Save me, O Lord , from lying lips
and from deceitful tongues.

What will he do to you,
and what more besides, O deceitful tongue?
He will punish you with a warrior's sharp arrows,
with burning coals of the broom tree.

Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech,
that I live among the tents of Kedar!
Too long have I lived
among those who hate peace.
I am a man of peace;
but when I speak, they are for war.

That all

PEACE!

OK, Here I Go

Well, as some of you know I am mark for professional wrestling. I came across this interview with Shawn Michaels....one of the 2 big players of the then WWF in the mid-90's (along with the Hitman Brett Hart). Anywho, Shawn was one of the people most responsible for the meteoric rise of pro-wrestling in the mid/late 90's...he was a leader of the WWF Attitude era.

My point is, Shawn is a relatively new Christian. This interview, kind of inspires me in a way. To see someone so excited about the oportunity return to a place where he met all the bad parts of the world, and yet, going back with an iron will to live out God's will. I, honetly, don't know if I would have the strength to do that. I have a hard enough time as it is.

Any way, let me know what you think>

Peace

Guess What?

I now have a comment board...so use it darn it! It is at the bottom of each post..."A Blank Stare".

Be back later with something meaningful...HA!

Peace

Important Notice

oh my god will be making their House of Blues debut on Friday Night. It is being rumored that there will be various record types there. So, please show up and support.

I honest believe these guys are the next big thing. I have seen lots of bands, and this one has that something special that is rarely seen. Every time they play there is a fire burning inside. I wrote earlier about passion in art, wel these guys personify it. I, honestly, look to them for artistic inspiration.

Also, with a ticket stub you get the VIP treatment at Crobar afterwards (free cover, drinks, etc.). Not too bad, huh.

To check out OMG, either click on their link or their name above.

Peace

A New Look

I have been doing this for a little less than 2 weeks. Why have I changed my look? Because this template has a contact button, and I screwed up my old template somehow, and kept getting an error message. Hope y'all likes.

Peace

Forgiven

Tripp is in the midst of a very interesting discussion on his blog, it is about forgiveness. I will attempt to delve into this discussion here. It should make for an interesting, if incoherent, blog. Please remember that I believe that simplicity is the key.

First please click on Trippís name for a link to his site and read his blog, as well as the comments posted below it.

I really believe that they are overcomplicating the issue. I think what needs to happen in order for forgiveness to occur is thisÖWe need to be willing to forgive (ourselves and others). If you look at the Lordís Prayer is says (depending on how you were raisedÖthese are the words I learned), ìforgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us.î Now, I think that is pretty self-explanatory. Forgiveness is a matter of the heart. Weather or not others forgive us, we have to be willing to forgiveÖThat, I believe, is the essence of our faith as Christians. In order to be ìsavedî, we must admit that ìwe are sinners, and fall short of the Glory of God.î And, I believe, in doing so we realize the grace of God.

We need to remember to whom Jesus was speakingÖthe farmers, fishermen, and the everyman. He taught in a simple way (I consider myself well educated, and yet all of the hubbub that is mentioned in Trippís blog loses me.) By being over analytical of this simple idea, we are making it harder to understand than it is. That is why it is so hard for people to come to the church with their problemsÖif they come seeking forgiveness, there are so many ìrulesî that go along with asking forgiveness, that it is an intimidating process. Just ask, with a true yearning, and it is given. That is the Grace of God.

Now, how do we apply this to fellow humans? As for asking for forgiveness, just ask with the true yearning I mentioned above. Weather it is granted or not is just something we will have to assume, nee hope for. This is the difference between asking for forgiveness from God and people. We can do things that will help us feel better (we are forgiving ourselvesÖas a person or as a people). For example, My friend, and future roommate, Sherry will soon be accompanying some El Salvadoran refugees to Florida as they begin filing suit against Generals who were responsible for massacring their villages. Sherry is going, not only for support, but for her regret in the United States part in assisting these generals. This is her way of doing penance (another ìruleî), but it is her way of absolving and cleansing herself from this atrocity.

Tripp and Rich have been discussing the role of monetary reparations (if I am to understand correctly), and, well, I donít really understand the logic behind suing (for lack of a better word) if the defendant doesnít have any moneyÖand really, what good does it do. Now, there are times when it is appropriate, but more often than notÖit does nothing to help with the situation. It just messes it up even more.

Well, I hope this makes my feeling on forgiveness as clear as mud. Please e-mail me comments at justin@aaii.com.
Peace

ìOh, my God. This is overwhelming, moving at the speed of time. The ever-present Now. This opportunity is yours and mine. I canít say for certain, but Iím certain, you know what I mean? Electrified, purified, terrified. Iím inside of me.î

--from ìx10î by oh my god

Mondya Morning Blues

Not really...Just thought it was a...i have no idea what I am writing now. I don't know what happened. Got a pretty good nights sleep, but I am tired...my microwave oven apartment was actually comfortable last night...maybe that is why...it was my first good nights sleep in a while and my body is like...duh! give me some more of that.

We have the night off of A Temporary World tonight, so my goal is to be inbed by 10:30 and out cold by 10:45...we'll see. The show is actuall starting to pull together. I honestly was a bit concerned late last week, but the girls have really pulled together...they are getting comfortable with an, at times, ackward script. Friday night the light board blew...thank to Fuji, I was able to get things back up and going. Now, they have all the elements and everything is going well.

Congrats to my bro...he just told me he got a job offer...going into sales.

That is all for now.

Peace