New Life

I've been here for over a month, and it's been great. It feels like a whole new life. Starting over to a great extent in many ways, yet bringing so much self to my new life that it's still me... which isn't fantastic news, but it is barely newsworthy. Every day here is like a movie and the genre would be comedy/trajedy. Somethings I see are so crazy they seem fake, or fiction. And some things I see are hilarious. When I first arrived, I slepted in boxers on top of the covers every night with no shirt, and I sweated profusly even though we had a fan. Now I sleep under the covers because I get a bit cold. The human bodies adaptability is quite profound. I had a head cold for about 4 weeks, I thought it would never go away, because I thought it may be related to pollution in the air, dust, and tropical plantiness. But it's gone. The human bodies resiliancy is fantastic. Of course I can't yet speak the language so you feel like a little child dependent on parents for survival, and of course the currency is different, so you have to up your math skills. The cars are right hand drives and you drive on the right side of the road in Burundi, and there are no traffic rules, so it's always crazy fun behind the wheel. Food can tend to be the same thing as it would in my old life, yet very very different in texture and flavor. There's enough new to really lend itself to a new life. And there's enough me, to make it still a bit of a bummer. Too much self in every life. There's also enough bandwith in my life, that ties between both lives are maintained... still starring me in both lives. So I don't know really what I'm talking about at this point... it's more of a feeling that I have.

Openhanded

Here is the short video of the food distribution that we did. Many of you have seen it but many have not. This was one of the more intense days for me here: seeing this degree of poverty and knowing how many more million are not represented. This is slightly higher quality, and "receives" is spelled correctly in this version. The footage is compressed, and I don't know why google changed the aspect ration, but that totally urks me. I plan to have a much better, and slightly different version on sermonspice soon. There is a version with the english translation of what pastor Pierre is saying in the video as he speaks to the suffering people in Kirundi, but that is not this version. But the synopsis is that he is saying to the people "please except this gift of love from your brothers and sisters in America, who love you, and care for you." I didn't put the translated version out for several reasons. I feel guilty about that message personally and I don't want to mislead the people of Burundi, and the people of the States. That's all I'll say about that for now. I know I didn't explain myself well in this little diddy, but... well, yeah, I don't know what else to say about that on a blog post. This video is approx 26megs, so make sure you have a fast connection before you try and play it.

Heroes

I think everyone should have heroes in life, and I thought I should share some of mine. I have so many heroes, and some I can't mention because they have to keep their identities secret but some I can mention. I'll start with Pat Thurman. More than a friend has Pat been to me over the years. My buddy Tony (who is also one of my heroes) said that he believes Pat is an angel. If so, Pat is one of the more cuddly unintimidating angles I've ever encountered. My buddy Andy, Nathaniel, and I think that Pat may be of the same stock as the Apostles of the first century, and we have had several pub discussions throughout the years and though we haven't arrived at any definitive conclusions we are convinced that he is something phenomenal. Allen Hlavka has suggested that when the Thurmans enter a room the presence of the Spirit can be felt. I've noticed this myself: that whenever I see or spend time with Pat, I feel a peace the whole time I'm around him. I've not noticed this with anyone else I've met. Numerous times Pat has been an answered prayer for me on numerous occasions. Paul has said to his readers "imitate me as I imitate Christ" I often attempt to imitate Pat. My brother Jesse, and my Dad. These guys are incredible. My dad has been through the ringer; life has not been easy for him. There are countless stories of Captain Bob Chase enduring hardships. He's survived three shipwrecks, he's ministered on the streets, in prison, on the job, at home, and in the church. My dad is a constant reminder that no matter how tough it gets, don't whine, just keep pushing forward. My brother is one of the brightest and diligent people I know. Jesse, is a living example of "following your dreams." Jesse took huge risks, and worked harder than most, and has one of the most successful companies in the state where he operates. He also gives more money away than almost anyone else I know. I think Randy Alcorn has him beat but that's about it. Jesse also has character. He's a straight shooter, and he raises his family with Christ like morals. He's honest, and he continually challenges himself. I'm super proud of Jesse, and I'm honored to be his brother. He is a hero of mine. I have a few friends that are heroes of mine: Tony Whipps, and Dan Franklin. Tony is humility manifest, he's a good steward, he's self aware, he loves unconditionally, and he can predict a song that will play on whatever radio station your listening to right before his predicted song plays. In fact this is one of his super powers. He also has great hair. It doesn't matter what kind of hair cut he gets... it just works on him. Dan is a fantastic thinker, he's self aware as well, and he has critical thinking capabilities that rival histories most critical thinkers. He also runs his own think tank, and is the only one in it as the thinking capacity of the tank itself is at its max with his thinking capabilities alone. The tank simply can't handle any more thinkers. He's also got a dry unmatchable delivery on most of his jokes, which place him among the funniest people I've ever known. He's a great movie companion and father... but not to me (he's not a father figure to me, that is) he's a father to Mathew... and that's okay with me. Dan is a great teacher, and he's also great at watching 24. I can't mention all my other heroes on this post, lest the villains get to much info and try to exploit their weaknesses. I suspect Dan is probably already under some sort of villainous attack. I will mention Jeremy Pietzold. He has the super power of laying fibre, and speeding up peoples Internet connection. Unfortunately he can only do this in the state of Oregon. He's not national, or global, but we hope one day he branches out. He's also persistent, thorough, and bright. As a child he set a world record for most pull ups in a row, at his local Sandy elementary school. He's very good at building houses without being a professional builder. He's really quite incredible. There are 12 other heroes I'd like to mention but I simply don't have the time or energy. I will mention their public identities; supertuck, greasyboy, burundius maxiumus, festidious flabb, crazy bowels, frickis, Dane the sharp, Jenuin the wise, flower girl, munchius, frenchy the bagel, and last but not least, concave chest. Thank you men and women, for all you are, and for all the service you provide for humanity.

Are you Egalitarian or Complimentarian?

New Translation Prompts Debate on Islamic Verse

Laleh Bakhtiar had already spent two years working on an English translation of the Koran when she came upon Chapter 4, Verse 34.
She nearly dropped the project right then.
The hotly debated verse states that a rebellious woman should first be admonished, then abandoned in bed, and ultimately “beaten” — the most common translation for the Arabic word “daraba” — unless her behavior improves.
“I decided it either has to have a different meaning, or I can’t keep translating,” said Ms. Bakhtiar, an Iranian-American who adopted her father’s Islamic faith as an adult and had not dwelled on the verse before. “I couldn’t believe that God would sanction harming another human being except in war.”
Ms. Bakhtiar worked for five more years, with the translation to be published in April. But while she found a way through the problem, few verses in the Koran have generated as much debate, particularly as more Muslim women study their faith as an academic field.
“This verse became an issue of debate and controversy because of the ethics of the modern age, the universal notions of human rights,” said Khaled Abou El Fadl, an Egyptian-born law professor and Islamic scholar at the University of California, Los Angeles.
The leader of the North American branch of a mystical Islamic order, Sheik Muhammad Hisham Kabbani, said he had been questioned about the verse in places around the world where women were struggling for greater rights, but most of all by Westerners.
Women want to be free “from some of the extreme ideology of some Muslims,” the sheik said, after delivering a sermon on the verse recently in Oakland, Calif.

Tourist Destinations

This is an interesting article I found. I don't know exactly how people find this out, but i thought it was interesting at least that GSCC has had or still has it's people in at least 4 of the worlds most dangerous destinations for 2007 which I think is very healthy, and I hope GSCC will send people to all of these destinations in time:

The World's Most Dangerous Destinations for 2007
Somalia
Iraq
Afghanistan
Democratic Republic of Congo
Côte d'Ivoire
Pakistan
Burundi
Sri Lanka
Haiti
Chad
Lebanon
Liberia
Of course, you probably don't think of these places as vacation destinations, unless you're a whacked-out Robert Young Pelton. However, employees of governments, oil and mining industries, and telecom industries are increasingly being dispatched to these locations. If you work for one of those groups, be certain to ask about insurance, hazard pay -- and a bodyguard.
Interestingly, the piece argues that the world is NOT getting more dangerous right now. Rather, globalization and the attendant "shrinking" of the planet is largely responsible for making the world APPEAR more dangerous now than before.

Okay, so that's the article. In a related topic however, Dan told me the other day, that Bujumbura, Burundi, in addition to being one of the most dangerous locations, also is the second to least preferable tourest destinations in the world. At the bottom of the list is Chad, I believe.

the title of this post goes here

I am drama. I am me. Me that I am. I feel like I have to post, yet I don't know what to post about. I guess, just some new things. I take my french dictionary with me in my pocket everyday, and I like using it, but it made me realize how tight my pockets are, and my pants possibly, I guess I could be in an 80's rock band if my pants have their way. It's really uncomfortable and it's got to look obnoxious. Also, I went to register at the U.S. Embassy the other day, and realized I had a pocket knife in my pocket, as I approached security I wondered if they would take my knife. They increased security here the last few days do to some things that would take me too long to explain and it would also worry Trina's parents. But this is my favorite knife, and I didn't want to part with it. So I decided to try and sneak it into the embassy without getting caught. I was recently educated in the art of "slight of hand" by my favorite magician Sir. Kevin Holzer (I recently had him knighted). So phase one of security, I simply held the knife clenched in my fist and put both hands above my head. But since I was so much taller, the guard didn't check my hands, he was to concerned with my clothes and pockets. The second gaurd post, same drill different gaurd. Now we were in the embassy compound, I thought about putting the knife in my shoe. The last phase approached. I didn't have time for the shoe maneuver. I went inside the embassy door, and there was a metal dectetor that you had to walk through. I didn't try to sneak it through. I gave it to the guard on the condition that he would give it back. But, I realized, that there is alot you can get away with here, conversely, there is many ways you can get into trouble here. It's been a fun learning experience so far. We did go to a peacemaking seminar, and learned techniques on how to educate and resolve conflict. It was an informative seminar, that was highly relevant and we all hope to put the info into good practical use in our lives, and while we are here. I'm meeting a lot of people and forgetting their names. So that's a bummer, but I'll be visiting some local burundians at their home, and I'm gonna go to church with one guy that I met yesterday. I'm quite sure it will be an adventure. These are just pop corn sentences, with different thoughts I realize, but it's something. I can't get over how hot it is here. I think it's just for the next two months, then it will cool down. But lot's of people are commenting on it... not just me. Granted most of the people aren't locals, but... there is some empathy... oh, I got a cell phone, and I'm learning how to text finally, I feel like a swanky european, who sweats all the time, and takes forever to text a simple message. We hope to start French Lesson's soon, so that will help me feel like a swanky european, who sweats all the time, and speaks french... which is a slight improvement (depending on your point of view). Anyway, that's something I guess.

Cheers my Dears

I just want to say to all our supporters, that we are not using our support money for our time in England, I had a bad dream last night that everyone was furious with me, because they worried about this... so I thought to act on my irrational fears, which I do from time to time, which usually result in humiliating myself, and wreaking havoc on friendships, but irrational habits die hard. I know it's taboo to talk about money, which is why we should talk about it as much as possible... money, money, money... mammon! We are using our own money, because this trip has nothing to do with Africa, and well, when I support people, I worry about things like this, and of course I have all sorts of opinions. Plus, England is so spanking expensive that coming here at all is a bad financial decision. Thank goodness for Amyr and Sogol, who are graciously letting us stay in their apartment. They are also giving up their bedroom... which is crazy. So we are really taken care of here. I should say that they have silk sheets, pillow cases, and comforter, and it's dark purple. Every time I go to bed, I feel like I'm in a sexy velvet music video. Or maybe I feel like a sultan. But I don't know what a sultan is really, or where they are from... sultans, sounds good. I know I may regret this post later, make sure and comment about how offended you are then we can get in the first ever comment argument... well maybe not the first. Oh well. Our trip thus far has been really great. And all the people we've met, and hung out with, have been amazing. On a separate note, I feel like everyone in England, drives really cool expensive cars... and they are all new cars, and they are all like cars you'd see in rap videos. I keep waiting for people to throw all sorts of money around and walk in slow motion, and rap in their swanky British accents when they get out of their super sweet cars. The last time I was in England, I thought the same thing about the cars, but I thought... nah, it's just like the states. But I was wrong to doubt myself last time, because I am correct on this matter and I shouldn't doubt myself. The English all have super cool, swanky, posh, cars, and there's nothing you can do about it. There have been some super funny moments on this visit... too many to blog about. I wish I could phone you all on a conference call, and tell you, because I know I'll forget them all in time. I'll journal about them tomorrow maybe, if I feel up to it, then in two years we can all go camping, and tell stories around the fire. Tomorrow we leave for Kenya, and I imagine, I will start using our support money... but don't worry, I'll be very frugal. If only you could have experienced my dream with me... but that would also be very weird and sci-fi like and even I am not willing to go there yet. I should let you all know, since I am speaking about money, and my paranoia, that our two latest films are on sermonspice, and one of them is about money. If you want to access them, possibly talk to Ruth King (my cult following) and she can tell you how. I emailed Nancy, and told Nancy to tell Ruth how to access our sermonspice films. I love this type of communication because it is extravagant and prone to much error. Until next time, and remember, talk about money as much as possible, maybe tell everyone how much money you make a month, and your cost of living... see what happens.

the great missioning

I gotta say it was tougher than I expected leaving friends and fam. Although, my immediate family isn't aware about where I am or when I'm leaving. And I can't get ahold of them... I'll keep working on that, but it was hard leaving Trina's family and all our friends last week. I can't believe how gracious you all are. Especially since I had a really bad haircut. Thank you all for talking to me, and not commenting on the uneven hair. On our way to headquarters the other day I saw a sign that said "Baltimore, the greatest city ever!" When I saw that I thought that the Roman Empire would of got really ticked off if they ever became aware of that sign. In addition to this, I felt that the Romans wouldn't be impressed with Baltimore, I guess that's implied by the previous sentence. But that's neither here nor there. I must now apologize as I often do for not blogging for a while. I'm hopping to improve at this, but if you all saw my job description/expectation sheet, you may wonder if I had time to eat. It will be fun to work out all the quirks. I'm hoping to post my job description soon. I've currently misplaced it, and I'm too embarrassed to ask for another copy as it makes me look bad, and Trina gets really embarrassed as she feels it reflects on her a bit. Fortunately the people here are very quality, and most have a good sense of humor. The couple we're staying with are good people. I should give a shout out to Richard and Allison for letting us trash their basement this week. Also, they have a cat called "Lucinda" who drools when you pet her. Of course when you're me, you love stuff like that. Needless to say I pet her all the time as fast as possible. Also, last night I noticed that she has nightmares, and meows very painfully in her sleep. I wanted to film her, but I didn't feel like unpacking any camera gear at this point, pluss Lucinda is very overweight, and I don't have to tell you the camera adds 20 pounds, but I could help that in after effects. Possibly we'll meet again, Lucinda and I, and I can film her again, and of course I'll post that footage, if I ever get it.
I'm impressed with how messy Trina and I are... but trina can find anything... Like this morning she found my belt that I had lost for the last two days. I was walking around World Relief Head Quarters meeting people and pulling my pants up... wondering when I could buy another belt. At least I haven't lost my passport. Possibly if someone who reads this... if anyone still does... if I could get the red heads blog info... that would be great. I love all of you faithful readers, all two of you, and I think one of the two is me, and I do love me. Thanks for well, everything. Much love from the east coast. Until next time.

Heroes

I think everyone should have heroes in life, and I thought I should share some of mine. I have so many heroes, and some I can't mention because they have to keep their identities secret but some I can mention. I'll start with Pat Thurman. More than a friend has Pat been to me over the years. My buddy Tony (who is also one of my heroes) said that he believes Pat is an angel. If so, Pat is one of the more cuddly unintimidating angles I've ever encountered. My buddy Andy, Nathaniel, and I think that Pat may be of the same stock as the Apostles of the first century, and we have had several pub discussions throughout the years and though we haven't arrived at any definitive conclusions we are convinced that he is something phenomenal. Allen Hlavka has suggested that when the Thurmans enter a room the presence of the Spirit can be felt. I've noticed this myself: that whenever I see or spend time with Pat, I feel a peace the whole time I'm around him. I've not noticed this with anyone else I've met. Numerous times Pat has been an answered prayer for me on numerous occasions. Paul has said to his readers "imitate me as I imitate Christ" I often attempt to imitate Pat.
My brother Jesse, and my Dad. These guys are incredible. My dad has been through the ringer; life has not been easy for him. There are countless stories of Captain Bob Chase enduring hardships. He's survived three shipwrecks, he's ministered on the streets, in prison, on the job, at home, and in the church. My dad is a constant reminder that no matter how tough it gets, don't whine, just keep pushing forward. My brother is one of the brightest and diligent people I know. Jesse, is a living example of "following your dreams." Jesse took huge risks, and worked harder than most, and has one of the most successful companies in the state where he operates. He also gives more money away than almost anyone else I know. I think Randy Alcorn has him beat but that's about it. Jesse also has character. He's a straight shooter, and he raises his family with Christ like morals. He's honest, and he continually challenges himself. I'm super proud of Jesse, and I'm honored to be his brother. He is a hero of mine. I have a few friends that are heroes of mine: Tony Whipps, and Dan Franklin. Tony is humility manifest, he's a good steward, he's self aware, he loves unconditionally, and he can predict a song that will play on whatever radio station your listening to right before his predicted song plays. In fact this is one of his super powers. He also has great hair. It doesn't matter what kind of hair cut he gets... it just works on him. Dan is a fantastic thinker, he's self aware as well, and he has critical thinking capabilities that rival histories most critical thinkers. He also runs his own think tank, and is the only one in it as the thinking capacity of the tank itself is at its max with his thinking capabilities alone. The tank simply can't handle any more thinkers. He's also got a dry unmatchable delivery on most of his jokes, which place him among the funniest people I've ever known. He's a great movie companion and father... but not to me (he's not a father figure to me, that is) he's a father to Mathew... and that's okay with me. Dan is a great teacher, and he's also great at watching 24. I can't mention all my other heroes on this post, lest the villains get to much info and try to exploit their weaknesses. I suspect Dan is probably already under some sort of villainous attack. I will mention Jeremy Pietzold. He has the super power of laying fibre, and speeding up peoples Internet connection. Unfortunately he can only do this in the state of Oregon. He's not national, or global, but we hope one day he branches out. He's also persistent, thorough, and bright. As a child he set a world record for most pull ups in a row, at his local Sandy elementary school. He's very good at building houses without being a professional builder. He's really quite incredible. There are 12 other heroes I'd like to mention but I simply don't have the time or energy. I will mention their public identities; supertuck, greasyboy, burundius maxiumus, festidious flabb, crazy bowels, frickis, Dane the sharp, Jenuin the wise, flower girl, munchius, frenchy the bagel, and last but not least, concave chest. Thank you men and women, for all you are, and for all the service you provide for humanity.

the great commissioning

Hopefully my parents will log on and watch this little commissioning video of this last weekend. We're getting closer and closer to leaving for a few years. This last weekend we were commissioned by our church to serve in Burundi, Africa. And if all goes well with the video, those who missed it can watch the video clip of our church sending us off and praying for us (you have to click the little pink box in the upper right corner of this post. This commissioning surpassed all our expectations (Trina and I) and we are so thankful for the support of this church. Pat Thurman, came to every service to pray on stage with US as did Ryan Moffat, Janie and Jonathan Martin. That blew me away. Also, Kristin came up twice, Rakel was there, Dan Franklin, Lou, Gene Takalo, Trina's parents, grandparents, Allen, and so many others. I really can't communicate to you all how much of a blessing you all were to us this last weekend. The weekend was an emotional high for both of us, and it is difficult leaving you all. This was genuinely one of those big moments for us on our journey here. Never before has good shepherd felt so much like family as it did to us this weekend. I really can't thank everyone enough who has poured into us. Here is a link to the video if you don't want to click on the little pink box in the corner... unfortunately it's refusing to be posted on this blog right now... you can copy and paste it into your address bar: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9192121701640831927

Cursed are the feet that bring no news

So my left foot has seen better days. I left the square piece of gauze on to cover the large wound on the top right corner. I found out a few days ago that the bottom half of my foot wont be able to be operated on before we leave the country. So it will have to wait a few years. My sister-in-law, Jill thinks that feet are disgusting. She hates feet. But a few years ago when we had "the great feet debates" I told her that I like feet and went on to compare feet to a beautiful sunset. She was appalled, and wondered what kind of family she was marrying into. Naturally it was a family with a proper perspective on sunsets. I'm afraid to report that I have changed my mind this passed year. I'm no longer a feet fan. I don't mind sunsets though. It's funny the way you really appreciate your body parts after they get hacked up. The first day back from surgery, I thought about how fortunate I am to be able to walk. Now that I can't walk, I really desire to walk again and am hoping that this foot will heal, and a healthy foot will be restored to me. Trina will be happy once it heals too, because I'll stop tracking blood and messy bandages all over our little apartment. So far I've only wrecked one pillow. I'm putting these pics up, so that I can see how well my foot heals. And Trina wanted to test her new camera that she just got at an incredible price thanks to Karen Coleman. I think She's pleased with it. She likes it more than my left foot to be sure, and possibly my right foot too!
Plantars Warts man, who'd of thought. I go my whole life free from this viral infection, then all the sudden at age 27 look out. The thing you can learn from me, is when you get the first one. Get it taken care of. Don't wait two years or so hoping they'll go away. Accept the fact the your body isn't becoming immune. I gotta tell you though. This Dr. Mozena, who I've been seeing for my feet. Great guy, and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend him. I'll leave you with this African proverb: "Only a fool tests the depths of water with both feet."

Omniscience

Next to God, I think google is a distant second on knowing everything. Granted, google doesn’t know the number of hairs on my head. I already tried last year at google merely said: FAQ - Number of Hairs

Q. How many hairs are there on my head? From Apply Now, Your Guide to Hair Loss. ... A. Each person's head has an average of 100000 hair follicles. ... hairloss.about.com/od/thehairgrowthcycle/f/Number.htm - 18k - Jan 2, 2006

As you can see google simply averages out the number of each persons hair. Then makes illogical leaps assuming that I’m worried about hair loss. Google doesn’t know the exact number of my or anyone’s hair, nor does google make the proper assumption, “that I have more anxiety over my ever increasing gray hairs.” God has the corner on that info. Hopefully, later on in life, a google search of, Seth Chase will have some exciting and quirky results. But right now google isn’t “on to me” (which is even more evidence for google being less omniscient than God). There are the classic humans that google is aware of… like google knows Randy Alcorn, and Stu Weber, and has a lot to say about those guys, but mainly google just tells you were to buy their books. I asked google if he/she/search engine/demigod had any dirt on Randy or Stu, but all I got for Randy was : Giving 5

You begin to dig and which each shove full of dirt tossed aside you think of ... Randy Alcorn, The Law of Rewards. • If you want a heart for missions … give ... www.rftpsermons.com/giving5.html - 22k - Cached - Similar pages

Similar search results followed for many pages and Stu’s search wasn’t any edgier. Possibly there is no dirt on those guys, they both have a great history of sanctification under their belts, but they’d be the first to tell yah that they’re not perfect. Now, I have googled some people I thought I knew; and google has shown me that I didn’t know them at all. Take Rainy Takalo for example. She’s in cahoots with Rick Steves’. That’s right I said it, you heard it from me first. Rainy gives out some interesting information though. She mentions that she has a “cheap Swiss heritage” and she tells us to “avoid the Gruyere Factory tour, because it costs 5 Swiss Francs to see pictures, narrated by a cow.” If you don’t believe me, go ahead and google Rainy for yourself… but the most astonishing person you thought you knew: Ruth King. You might think Ruth is financial guru for Good Shepherd whose office is guarded diligently by two red heads. You might think Ruth has a gentle demeanor, and cool hair… but that’s not all there is to know about Ruth. Ruth is a respected author and expert on “women and rage.” She’s got a M.A. in psychology, and she’s a fantastic Blues Musician (which helps explain the cool hair). Ruth is also a CEO of Business TVChannel.com. And when she’s not busy doing all the above mentioned pursuits, She’s painting experimental abstract art. Did I mention that she’s an associate prof at Ohio State as well? Ruth, you are an amazing women. Without all those credentials, I thought you were amazing. Way to fly under the radar! And if you want a tip from Mr. Seth Chase, here it is: Look into starting a “women and rage group” at Good Shepherd and see what happens.

My friend Dan

It took me about two hours to get on my blog. Which brings me to a new low. It seems to me, I can't remember passwords anymore. And I'm not even thirty yet! In addition to this. Computers don't like me. Whenever they ask me to put in those swirvy letter verifications... I enter what I think they are, and then I get declined. Then my A.D.D kicks in and I start doing something else. A.D.D has been extremely helpful these days... yeah it's been destructive too. But it's a great defense mechanism. When I get frustrated because I can't remember a password or do letter verifications after I vent some anger, I begin to start doing something else. Like see what movies are playing, or looking at other peoples blogs because I can't log onto mine. Inevitably I land on my friend Dan Franklin's blog. I love his blog, because he rates movies, and nine times out of ten, I dig the movies that he digs. Plus Dan and I decided we are best friends that never hang out. Which is new terrain for friendships I feel. Because come on... who doesn't want to hang out with their best friend? Yet Dan and I just can't seem to find the time. And he only lives a mile away. Mine as well be Australia as far as we're concerned. We just can't make it work. I should mention as well that we work at the same place, and attended the same seminary, and church... yet, we can't seem to find each other... and his office is two doors down from the office that I work out of. Crazy. This is the first best friends that never hang out situation I've ever been in, and I gotta say, it's quite interesting. We also share the same taste in music, and we like the same authors, and like I said, I like his blog. His blog entitled "almost" I found to be quite entertaining. Plus, his blog where he critiques Deja Vu is very entertaining, and I didn't see the movie just because of his review, and I'm a huge Tony Scott fan! Another interesting fact about Dan and I is that there is one movie out there that pretty much nobody saw for some reason, and it was our favorite movie in college, though neither of us new it at the time. We only discovered this years after we graduated in a conversation we had at a bar in Vilnius Lithuania two years ago. That movie: "the zero effect." Nobody is aware of this gem. And what is really funny is, neither of us had been to Portland Oregon at the time we saw this movie, and the whole thing was shot here, in portland. We only realized this after we watched the movie again once we both actually lived here, and then realized that the whole thing was filmed here. Wow, that sentence was confusing, and really not that funny. So I want to take this time to rate Dan Franklin's blog. I give it a 8.5 out of ten. He could be a lot funnier if he wanted to. Yet he chooses not to, I like his overall layout. The only downer is he went with the narrow blog post format, so you have to do a lot of scrolling. But he takes great pics, his movie reviews are solid. And every post is interesting on some level... if not informative. In addition to this he posts frequently, unlike myself which is why I'm giving my blog a 7.2.Nice work Dan, that's the highest rating I've given any blog a solid 8.2. Just one point higher than my blog! Where I have you beat in my mind is the wider blog format so you don't have to scroll as much, and my colors are more vibrant... giving the view "a happy go lucky" feel. My blog lacks movie reviews which is a bummer, so I got to start that... but a redeeming quality is the entertaining short flicks that can be seen from short flicks section. I'll be awaiting a review of my blog from you in the not too distant future. Maybe we should be blogging friends, predominately communicating through blog since we never see each other. Something to consider for the future. Keep up the blogging Dan. Cheers. Seth

I confess, I have a fascination with pop culture. And I know that this is a cop out, but I had to throw some good old quotes up here from multiple genres of pop culture. Here they are in all their glory, and you've probably even seen some before:

(On September 17, 1994, Alabama's Heather Whitestone was selected as Miss America 1995.)

Question: If you could live forever, would you and why?

Answer: "I would not live forever, because we should not
live forever, because if we were supposed to live forever, then we would live forever, but we cannot live forever, which is why I would not live forever,"
--Miss Alabama in the 1994 Miss USA contest.

"Whenever I watch TV and see those poor starving kids all over the world, I can't help but cry. I mean I'd love to be skinny like that, but not with all those flies and death and stuff."
--Mariah Carey

"Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very
important part of your life,"
--Brooke Shields, during an interview to become spokesperson for federal anti-smoking campaign.

"I've never had major knee surgery on any other part of my body,"
--Winston Bennett,
University of Kentucky basketball forward.

"Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the
lowest crime rates in the country,"
--Mayor Marion Barry, Washington, DC.

"That lowdown scoundrel deserves to be kicked to death
by a jackass, and I'm just the one to do it,"
--A congressional candidate in Texas.

"Half this game is ninety percent mental."
--Philadelphia Phillies manager, Danny Ozark

"It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing it."
--Al Gore, Vice President

"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
--Dan Quayle

"We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?"
--Lee Iacocca

"The word "genius" isn't applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein." --Joe Theisman, NFL football quarterback & sports analyst.

"We don't necessarily discriminate. We simply exclude
certain types of people."
--Colonel Gerald Wellman, ROTC Instrutor.

"Traditionally, most of Australia's imports come from overseas."
--Keppel Enderbery

"Your food stamps will be stopped effective
March 1992 because we received notice that you passed away. May God bless you. You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances."
--Department of Social Services, Greenville, South Carolina

”If somebody has a bad heart, they can plug this jack
in at night as they go to bed and it will monitor their
heart throughout the night. And the next morning, when
they wake up dead, there'll be a record."
--Mark S. Fowler, FCC Chairman

whateva

Lately I've been feeling a bit of alright. Originally I was going to finish that sentence with the lyrics of Dave Mathews but, I haven't been feeling low... so I changed it... to "a bit of alright" which is lame. But I didn't want people thinking I was depressed... because I'm not. I'm alright... a bit of alright, in fact. So this is just an update... for my mom, because my mom, likes being updated on my life but feel free to read it if your not my mom, because really... so many people are not my mom. So mom, here's what's been going on. And I should say, that you need to learn how to use skype better, because you always hang up on me. I'll give you a skype etiquette course when I come visit for Christmas. So we filmed our latest gig up in Canada in a town called Surry. It was a play, the play was called Hanzel and Grettel, and it was a pantomime, which is a genre within in the theatre realms. You wouldn't of liked it... but we did a good job, and we'll be sending them the dvd in a few days. Money. I didn't put you in the credits on this one, because I didn't do any credits. I only do credits on our independent productions. But " the E word" was picked up for distribution, and can be officially purchased on: sermonspice.com

You should check it out for at least two reasons. First, your name is in the credits, and second, my name is in the credits. Money baby! But it's nothing special so calm down, and don't buy it... you know your second born son is gonna get you your own special edition copy. I know it doesn't make up for raising me and helping me get through college, but it's a start. Well, no it's not really, not even close. But, we got: "distribution baby!" And I've determined that, distribution of any kind is better than a kick in the face. Money. Okay, we also got a gig with a big company that I can't spell correctly but it's pronounced... actually I can't talk about it. I almost forgot, we signed some papers saying that we can't talk about it. But they didn't say I couldn't blog about it... but... you know. Money. So there's that. Also, we finished another flick called "size matters" and this flick is on "small groups" within churches. Of course it's a comedic satire, and it actually reminds my of a SNL skit gone bad. So, I don't know how this one will play, but we'll put it out there anyway. Plus, I'm gonna put a picture from the movie, just to wet your appetite. Things in Oregon are the same, except there is a bit more traffic since the last time I wrote about traffic. Oregon is actually starting to remind me of a prettier version of the East Coast, with a few volcanoes in the mix. So it's time to move again I guess. I figure Africa has less traffic. So that'll be nice. Also, why do you have an email account if you never use it? That always stuns me. Unless it's a joke, then it's kind of funny I guess. Send your email to everyone then never check it. I guess it depends on my mood but it could be funny, but mainly because I know you. Tell dad I say "what's up."Ciou

Still in the flock!

I'm basically writing this post to thank all the people who made my latest flick "the E word" possible. They are: My little lady love, Trina, My mom (i'm serious, she's a big fan, and producer), Mister Dan Franklin (who I'm trying to have "Knighted" I'm currently in dialogues with the Queen of England) John "Mr. Fantastic" Gilmore, AJ "bit man" Schaffer, the quirky hip highschool pastor Ryan "roll up his sleeves" Moffat, Ruthie (my cult following) the Red heads (my savy critics who gave me two thumbs way up!) Stu Weber, and Steve Keels for their great encouragement and compliments, and their openness to "Christian satire" "Jonathan "the pioneer" Martin, The beloved Thurmans, and of course, Mister Jonathan "the great" MacEwan, my left hand (I'm a southpaw, like Rocky). All these people served to make E word a success, and I couldn't have done it with out them. So thank you all, I'm indebted to you, and I am grateful for your impact in and on my life. I figured I would put a unformatted copy of the screenplay for "The E word," just less than half of the screenplay didn't make it into the movie for a number of reasons I won't go into here.

FADE IN:
INT. CHURCH - DAY
RYAN MOFFATT is encouraging a small group of students to share their faith in and around their neighborhoods... to “reach out in his name.” Most of the kids are superficially enthusiastic. CHAZE and SHAFFER are among these superficial kids, and they pair up to lay down the gospel in a neighborhood where they were sure they wouldn’t be recognized.
THERE IS A POSSIBLE CAR MONTAGE SEQUENCE WHERE CREDITS MAY ROLL OR NOT AS CHAZE DESCRIBES HIS EVANGELISM TECHNIQUE TO SHAFFER, COMPARING HIS TECHNIQUE TO LUKE SKYWALKER’S LIGHT SABER TECHNIQUE
CHAZE
I evangelize like Luke Skywalker wields his light saber.
Shaffer is interestedly confused.
SHAFFER
So you evangelize predominantly to defend yourself from the empire.
CHAZE
(astounded)
No Shaffer, I mean that my evangelism skills are comparable to Luke’s light saber skills in episode six.
There is a pause followed by blank stares that allows for more confusion to set in.
SHAFFER
So you use “the Word” literally to slash, and stab at non Christians until you defeat their secular arguments and severely injure them.
CHAZE
No Shaffer, I’m simply comparing my evangelism skills to Luke’s Light saber skills, it’s a simple metaphor that most anyone would get, but your thinking has been skewed preventing you from making necessary mental leaps needed to work with me.
SHAFFER
Maybe your metaphors are trite, and ambiguous.
CHAZE
No Shaffer, superficial, maybe, and locked in pop culture, but not ambiguous.
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
Chaze and Shaffer pull up to a curb in a car that screams low end of middle class. The curb sits in front of an average Gresham house, and the house screams heathen.
INT. LOW MIDDLE CLASS CAR - DAY
SHAFFER
I can’t believe they sent us to Gresham...
CHAZE
I know, we’d be better off in Laodicea.
SHAFFER
Where’s that, maybe we could go there instead?
Chaze, pities Shaffer and his ignorance, he decides that Shaffer doesn’t deserve a response... that was the best decision in this situation. Like an Army recruiter, Chaze moves right along to the next order of business.
CHAZE
Okay, here’s the plan. I’m older than you, so I’ll make contact first. You can hang back and pray for the situation. I hope the Lord has been answering your prayers lately.
SHAFFER
He’s answered three out of the last seven.
Chaze does the math on a calculator in the center console
CHAZE
Geeze, that’s only a forty two percent average. Are you praying with faith or what?

SHAFFER
Yes, I think so... I don’t know.
CHAZE
It’s cool, just... you know, I’m gonna make a run at this, put your game face on.
EXT. HEATHEN HOUSE - DAY
Chaze, gives the “game on” nod as he exits the car, Shaffer begins to pray like the world is gonna end. Chaze approaches the front door to the most likely “den of lies.” He’s sure Christ is gonna have to “intervene” here. Chaze knocks, as fear works its way from his stomach to his heart, through his chest, into his head, then back down to his stomach. After a few seconds, the door is opened and a young man initiates contact.
HEATHEN #1
Hello, can I help you?
The voice is calm, and direct. “Can he help Chaze...” it was a good question. Chaze is overflowing with fear and embarrassment.
CHAZE
(under his breath)
I’m a Christian... I’m a...
(with more shame)
Christian.
Chaze is horrified to share this truth to a heathen, the fear and shame are too much. He retreats back to the car at a fast run.
HEATHEN #1
(waving hand as he shouts)
I’m sorry!
INT. LOW END MIDDLE CLASS CAR - DAY
As Chaze barrels into the car, Shaffer looks up from his prayer.
SHAFFER
What happened.. How did it go?
CHAZE
Not good... were you praying?
SHAFFER
Yeah, but I didn’t get around to you yet, I finished thanking for the weather and my family, you were down the pipe a bit.
CHAZE
Unacceptable. Weather and family are irrelevant to evangelism. I started off well, then I mentioned I was a Christian... you should of seen this guy... He was huge.
SHAFFER
How big...
CHAZE
At least five seven, but people look much bigger when you’re evangelizing, so add on another foot at least.
SHAFFER
Geeze.
Shaffer busts out two mochas from Starbucks.
SHAFFER
Here, I got some empathy mochas...
CHAZE
Thanks, non fat white...
SHAFFER
Mocha with extra whip extra hot. There’s a Starbucks across the street.
CHAZE
I love this culture of coffee.
SHAFFER
Yeah, it’s alright.
CHAZE
Anyway, I said I was a Christian, and he gave me the “death look” so I ran.
SHAFFER
What?
CHAZE
I ran away man, I was ashamed. So your up.
SHAFFER
What... me... now?
CHAZE
Yeah, and weren’t you survey of the year for campus crusade last year...

Flash back to last year AJ is surveying the heathen.
SHAFFER
Do you want to talk about spiritual things?
DAN
No, not since I took up drinking after my days in the Persian Gulf.
SHAFFER
Let's see, next question: If you stood before God and He asked why He should let you into heaven, what would you say? (I know AJ can't speak the capitalized 'He' for God, but maybe we can somehow make him do it).
DAN
I don't think He would want to see me because of the darkness of my soul.
SHAFFER
(writing down responses) )
darkness. . .soul. . .no way... got it. Okay, final question: Do you consider yourself a sinner?
DAN
I just was talking about the darkness of my soul. What do you think?
SHAFFER
I really don't know. I'm just trying to finish this survey. Then we can get to the add-lib part.
DAN
This seems pretty impersonal. It's kind of aggravating.
SHAFFER
Not personal enough...subject aggravated...raised his voice at me...requesting transfer to different neighborhood. Okay, that should do it.
DAN
Wait. Are you offering hope for my helpless position?
SHAFFER
Just got this survey, man. If you did ever want to find out about salvation you could take the incredibly uncomfortable step to darken the doors of a church where you know nobody and ask questions until you get a straight answer. After all, if this is really important to you, you ought to show some initiative.
DAN
I'm closing the door.
SHAFFER
Closing...door...got it. Have a good day.
Flash back to present day in the car
ChAZE
I almost for got about that... yeah you’re up shaff. I’ll be wing man, and you can smack down the gospel.
SHAFFER
What? What does that mean... Smack down the gospel... this isn’t a wrestling match, Chaze it’s evang...
CHAZE
See, that’s where your wrong Shafer. This is a war. Eternity is at stake Shaffer, souls are on the line, heaven vs hell. We’re in the ring Shafer... spiritual warfare, maybe you’ve heard of it.
SHAFFER
Yeah, but that doesn’t mean you have to start from that angle, there’s also faith, hope, and love.
CHAZE
Right, Paul wrote that, before he was imprisoned, and executed you may remember the last few days of Christ’s ministry. On on a cross... body tortured, Shaffer. It’s not all bells and roses, it’s battles, and death.
Shaffer shifts in his seat, not happy with Chaze’s perspective. He knows there’s a better approach.
SHAFFER
Just start praying, I’ll get us back in the game.
CHAZE
Be bold Shaffer.
SHAFFER
Think positive Chaze, and believe that The Lord is gonna move.
Shaffer leaves the car and looks back in Chaze continues giving the bold sign, he looks away and walks the lonely path of evangelism up to the front door step. He knocks on the door, and again, the door is opened by the same man.
EXT. HEATHEN HOUSE - DAY
HEATHEN #1
Hello, can I help you?
SHAFFER
Yes sir, do you remember the guy who was just here a few minutes ago...
HEATHEN #1
Yes, the Christian guy...
SHAFFER
Yeah, that’s the one, well, I’m his friend and basically, he and I wanted to make sure that... you weren’t going to... hell.
The silence is awkward, plus, Shaffer feels like he cussed by using the word “hell” though he did use the word contextually, it felt like a cuss word.
HEATHEN #1
Well, I was planning on going to Safeway, but that was about it...
SHAFFER
I’m not talking about today... I’m talking about... eternity, sir.
HEATHEN #1
Well, that’s a complicated question, and there are many world views concerning eternity. So, is your purpose here today, to sell me on yours?
SHAFFER
No, I’m not selling anything... I just wanted to make sure you were aware of eternal things...
Shaffer continues on dialoguing for about a minute as Chaze watches from the safety of the car. He activates the automatic locks just in case something bad happens, at least he’ll be safely locked in the car, and Shaffer can play the martyr, it’s a good role for Shaffer, with lots of reward. Not long after thinking these very thoughts did Shaffer frantically approach the car to be confronted by a locked door. Chaze unlocks the doors to Shaffer can get in.
INT. CAR - DAY
SHAFFER
Why did you lock the doors...
CHAZE
I don’t know... Just in case.
SHAFFER
In case of what...
CHAZE
... I don’t know... in case things got hostile. How did it go out there?
SHAFFER
Not super good, I got into some minor eschatology, but I don’t think I made much headway.
There is a knock on the window, A dominos pizza girl drops off a pie.
CHAZE
Oh good, it’s here... I ordered an empathy pizza.
SHAFFER
That’s just what I was craving...
CHAZE
I know, it’s the direct result of evangelizing. Munchies, junk food, thousands of calories.
SHAFFER
I can’t believe more church members aren’t overweight.
CHAZE
That’s what I’m saying Shaffer, nobody’s evangelizing. The skinnier they are the less their doing for kingdom growth, it’s really sad.
SHAFFER
Wow... I had no idea. I’m gonna have talk with my brother... you should see him...
CHAZE
So should we move on... is this one a lost cause.
SHAFFER
You mean, is he predestined to burn...
CHAZE
No, I’m not saying... I don’t know where I’m at with all that. I’m just wondering if we should move on... that’s all.
SHAFFER
Well, I lined up dinner with him at six. So we gotta be back here...
CHAZE
What... we’re eating pizza man!
SHAFFER
(a bit proud of himself)
Well save your apatite, because I got us some dinner evangelizing, brutha.
Shaffer makes a fist for Chaze to tap, but Chaze is oblivious as he checks the time. Shaffer hit’s his fist anyway.
CHAZE
That’s in an hour and a half man! What do we do ‘till then? I can’t drive across town, we’ll hit traffic.
SHAFFER
Well I don’t know about you but I’m taking a nap.
Shaffer takes on a napping position as he drops the seat back. Chaze is still confounded. He get’s out of the car, stretches in anger, looks around, paces, then get’s back in the car tilts his seat back, checks the time... a minute five seconds has gone by, he’s disheartened. Chaze fails to get quality rest. He contemplates if he’s under spiritual attack.
THERE IS A MONTAGE SEQUENCE OF THE GUYS SLEEPING OR LACK THERE OF. OCCASIONALLY THE HEATHEN LOOKS OUT FROM HIS WINDOW IN CONFUSION UNTIL SHAFFER WAKES FROM A NIGHTMARE.
Chaze scares from Shaffer’s abrupt return to consciousness. Reality is back on.
SHAFFER
(startled)
I had a nightmare.
CHAZE
(disoriented)
What.. What happened!
SHAFFER
We were super overweight, but we weren’t good evangelists... No result, empty evangelism, empty carbs.
CHAZE
Wow that’s actually not far from the truth... well, not really... I don’t know how to respond to that.
SHAFFER
What time is it...
CHAZE
I don’t know.
There’s a knock on the door, both the lame evangelists yelp. Heathen # 1 responds.
HEATHEN #1
Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I didn’t know if you’re still gonna make it to dinner, it’s half passed six.
CHAZE
Yeah... we’re coming. Sorry, we lost track of time.
The lame evangelists exit the safety of the low endo fo middle class income car, and follow the Heathen into his “den of lies.”
INT. DEN OF LIES - EVENING
The three fella’s sit in silence, and the Heathen reaches into a thick book removing a pamphlet, he hands it to Chaze.
HEATHEN #1
Have you heard of the Watchtower?
Chaze is nervous, he grabs the Watchtower pamphlet giving it a once over.
CHAZE
Looks promising...
SHAFFER
Do you have any lemon aid?
FADE OUT.

Free Form

I'm a big critic. I wish I wasn't, but as soon as I open my mouth, it's as clear as... "something that's very clear," nothing is coming to me that's "very clear" beyond a new glass, or water, or a fact... so cliche. The good thing about being a critic... I should say, the good thing about me being a critic is: first, I'm an artist of sorts, so "my work" is continually being criticized. Some positive, and some negative. The nature of putting "something out there" subjugates that "something" to criticism. Now, if you are not an artist, then people are critical predominately of how you are living your life, because a person by definition is living a life "out there" as it were, for everyone to see. We all see the pros and cons of how someone we know is living their life, we've already made fun of "their "new car, "their" outfit, "my" hair, how "they" spend "their" money, what "they" value. I grew up amongst, 5 of the wittiest people on the east coast (I know that's a bold statement, so it's probably false). Together we could make fun of any system, anything, anyone, and anyone's mom, better than anyone we knew. We were critics, and we were proud. Now, life has humbled me... big time. The school of hard knocks has given me some permanent wounds. Reminders of what not to do... good learning devices. I'm not bothered by them, a stubborn guy like me... you gotta figure, life is gonna give me a beat down, that's how I learn. So, let's take a quick second and look at some of my favorite kung fu lines, in some of my favorite kung fu films I've seen over the years:

Actual English subtitles used in films from Hong Kong

• I am darn unsatisfied to be killed in this way.
• Same old rules: no eyes, no groin.
• Darn, I'll burn you into a BBQ chicken.
• Take my advice, or I'll spank you.
• Who gave you the nerve to get killed here?
• Quiet or I'll blow your throat up.
• I'll fire aimlessly if you don't come out!
• You daring lousy guy.
• Beat him out of recognizable shape!
• Yah-hah, evil spider woman! I have captured you by the short rabbits and can now deliver you violently to your doctor for a thorough extermination.
• I have been scared silly too much lately.
• I got knife scars more than the number of your leg's hair!
• Beware! Your bones are going to be disconnected.
• You always use violence. I should've ordered glutinous rice chicken.

There is a lot of profound insight in these Chinese words of wisdom. There is a reason they are in my journal. Which brings up a good point. This blog is not my journal. If you want to see my journal, you can email me, but most likely I still won't let you see it. You'll have to break into my computer, and look in the "concept81" folder, and then open up "81 journals of a desparate soul." Got that... money baby. This blog is "fadical" and if you don't know what that means, you must read the post entitled: "blogging, fad or rad" or look up "fadical" in the urban dictionary (fadical is also my second favorite word in the English language).
So like I said, these english subtitles from kung fu films are words to live by. Like when I first started out my film career, I was scared of public screenings "I've been scared silly too much lately" would be a good description of me in film school. Later, one technique I tried was to completely bash every aspect of my film, before I released it. That way, whenever someone started bashing my flick, I would start bashing it better than they could: in other words "I got knife scars more than the number of your leg hairs!" My life up to that point could accurately be described as "a daring lousy guy" I was always "using violence" when I should of "ordered glutinous rice chicken." Now when people tell me their opinions of any flick i've done, or poem I've written, or song I've written, or even this little post, I'm unaffected. I've grown since my college years when I used to "fire aimlessly if you don't come out!" Now I've learned some things, "take my advice or I'll spank you" if you want to be a good critic, you must first be a good "self critic" and remember "same old rules: no eyes, no groin."

Bad Hair Life

This is for all those people who don't have great hair. I don't have great hair any more, and between you and me, I blame Oregon. Because let's face it, Oregon is messed up. Yeah I like Oregon too, it's beautiful, but the ocean is FREEZING, and it rains a LOT... and talk about a state full of the worst drivers in the world!!! Morons!!! And frankly, my feet have been doing very poorly here, but my feet are a different post all together... back to my hair. When I was a young lad thriving on the east coast, my hair looked fantastic. Teachers in school used to say to me "your hair is FANTASTIC" and I gave them the look that said: "I know." They weren't the only ones who knew of my luscious locks. Let me drop a few names: My mom, Rebecca, Maria, and my first girlfriend Kara. They knew I had great hair, and they all dated me just so they could touch it... except my mom... and Rebecca. Honestly, who dates their mom? But Rebecca, she was a devout secular catholic as well as a super CRUEL girl, who educated me in the teenage arts of manipulative flirtation, and getting people jealous so you can get someone else's attention. For example, Rebecca liked Karl the German kid, who didn't have fantastic hair: his hair was cruel, and curly, and black but he was my friend none the less. But this Karl was dating Kate, who we called "cat nap" (because she was always taking naps) and Rebecca wanted to be dating Karl. Such is the way of teenagers: they are slave to hormones, fashion, bad decisions, drama dating, and poor eating habits. So Rebecca used me, and my fantastic hair, to make Karl the German, jealous... so that he might be interested in her, instead of "cat nap." So Rebecca faked that she liked me, and went out with me, and flirted with me whenever Karl was paying attention... and me, I was crushed... i was your average looser who was angry, and pathetic... with fantastic hair! But Rebecca's ploy worked, because at one of our life-guard parties, Karl, and Rebecca would disappear for 20 minutes or so, and then re-appear all flushed and nervous. This would cause me to go nuts in my head! I think I gave myself a few gray hairs over this high-school drama... and get this. I was a life guard, and so was "cat nap" and Rebecca, but cruel haired Karl... he worked the concession stand. How could a candy salesman beat out a life guard with fantastic hair and moderate buff-ness. Yet, such was my lifeguard career. So then I left for college with fantastic hair, 23 grand in cash money, and a whole arsenal of cruel dating and manipulation techniques... and I regret to tell you, I used those techniques on many a poor lass. Then one Sunday morning, I repented of all my cruel selfish dating debacles, and cut off all my fantastic hair to remember my repentance. Not long after that, I moved to Oregon, and my hair suffered great tragedy, and so did my feet... but that's another post for another time. Then after five years of living in Oregon "the bad hair with super lame drivers state" I met and married the woman of my dreams... who just happens to have, FANTASTIC hair! I don't know how she does it, my friend with the gift of "getting people to do what he wants them to do" would say, she's blessed with the gift of "FABULOUS HAIR."

Luke Warm Coffee: the "Corintians conflict"

Stark Street espresso shop 2:03pm Monday,

Seth and Trina sit in a coffee shop only slightly in-love. Trina is frustrated at my seemingly lofty, yet stereotype dispensational biblical opinions. After a short but hot debate on 1 Cor 13, Trina had heard enough, she descended on a downward emotional spiral, deciding to become withdrawn. My voice is now just a little less than annoying echoes in a school hallway made by some wanna-be theologian after class lets out and he's free to "speak his mind." Trina proceeds to remove love from all facial expression and body language, but not before she verbally withdrew love and replaced it with a 16oz double non fat white mocha (powdered, not liquid). I tried to get some sort of response out of her, using my cheesy humor technique I learned from countless, "friends" and "Simpsons" episodes. No dice, it failed like the Iraqui republican guard. I knew it was already too late. The decision to permanently withdraw was made for Trina, and she would diligently stick it threw, she always finishes what she starts. I realized then that I probably lost my salvation, or maybe I never had it to begin with, I only understood the bible "theoretically." I had no effective ministry, or plan, and even worse: no vision (20/40 at best). All I had was a luke warm cup of coffee less than half-full, with extra cream, two bags of brown cane sugar, and a sprinkle of chocolate powder. I felt no comfort from the coffee, it would only serve to prompt a yet future irreversible bowl movement. I decided to throw in the towel, I reached for my keys in my back pocket. As I reached for my keys I thought about how I "talk around the bible all day" and Trina performs "practical bible" and "applies it to everyday life." As I stuck my hand into my pocket, I pricked my thumb on my mini leatherman. Blood protruded from my thumb, along with a bitter sweet sting. I took comfort from the wound, I realized I wasn't numb to everything, at least I can still feel pain (beyond the theoretical). Immediately I thought I could use my injury to re-start communication where my joke diversion failed earlier. We had been sitting in silence for minutes, when I suddenly raised my bloody thumb into plain view. I knew this could be a conversation re-starter. I made contact:

Seth: "Hey do you still have that first aid kit in the car, I'm gonna be schleppin' (moving around) boxes all day and I was hoping a band aid would ease the pressure on my thumb."

She gave me the blank stare seasoned with annoyance. To her I was a tall skinny annoying joke of a man, sipping on a luke warm coffee less than half-full, with extra cream, two bags of brown cane sugar, and a sprinkling of chocolate powder. She's too practical to even pity this pathetic excuse of a man, that is unfortunately me. And I'm sitting way too close to the Trinabelle anyway, and there's a hair she notices in my right eye-brow that's bucking the norm, some sort of non-conformist eye brow hair, that refuses to lay in place with the other eye-brow hairs. It needs to be plucked, and fast, before it starts a coo. Disgusting...
Trinabelle: (lacking any sympathy) Don't you have a first aid kit at the warehouse?


She was right, I did have a first aide kit at the warehouse. There was nothing left for me here: all avenues closed for now. 1 Cor 13, simply doesn't apply to todays super culture... or todays marriages. It's just not practical enough. My thumb would have to wait. After all, I wasn't worried about my sore thumb anyway, I was trying to address our wounded pride. War comes naturally for marriage relationships. I can injure a person with words that are as precise as a cruise missile, and as deadly as a GPS guided smart bomb. Trina and I were expert fighters, trained by lucifer himself, though not directly. I kept my weapons of mass destruction in my storehouse for this conflict, it was no use releasing them for this scuffle. I have used them too many times previous to this battle anyway, and the damage was still taking its toll. Christ could clean up the mess if we'd let him, but we had too much pride... maybe later... if we felt like it. All that could be done now is to part ways before things got worse. The spiritual war-fare was too thick, and neither of us brought "the Helper" to the battle, and we were both to tired to pray. Trinabelle got up and made her move to the door.

Trinabelle: "I gotta get back to work."

Seth: "No problem, I'll see ya later."

Trina left the coffee shop like a cool breeze in spring. It sent a shiver up my spine, and turned my luke warm coffee to just plain cold. I got up and headed for the uni-sex restroom to wash the blood off my thumb. I thought about all the battles fought in the past for the sake of pride. Not just with Trinabelle, but with everyone I ever knew. "How long oh Lord... how long will we turn a blind eye to your word, a deaf ear to your voice." Why couldn't I believe Christ was renewing me from the inside? Why couldn't I see the fruit? Where did my faith go? Where was the Trinabelle that I knew just one year ago, that I created in my mind, to serve my needs and make me happy? What happened to reality? What happened to my hope? Where is the Love? What meeting is Steve Keels leaving prematurely to do something that nobody knows about, yet seems so important? What CD is Trinabelle passionately singing along too in her car? What isn't Lenny Martin doing right now? Probably nothing.
I hoped Christ would return right at that moment, to give me my glorified body, minus the thumb pric. But that would only convict me more one I saw Christ's glorified nail pierced hands. I threw some hot water on my face, and left the privacy of the uni-sex rest room.

Seth: (to myself) "At least I have hope in Christ, and my health... and some moose tracks ice cream in the fridge."

Whoever reads this should note that Trina and I recovered from this conflict, and many more bible verse based conflicts, and are using "the sword" less and less (against each other). So that's something anyway... cheers

Blogging: Fad or Rad
rad  /ræd/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[rad]
–noun
1. Informal. radical.
–adjective
2. Slang. fine; wonderful.
[Origin: by shortening of radical]

Above you see the second definition of the term "rad" (the first had to do with radiation!). I often used this term in the mid 90's which happens to be my favorite decade for music, which is beside the point. Here is an example of me using the term rad, in 1992 with my friend Matt McFarland.

A sunny day in the month of June in the great year of 1992

Matt: Hey seth are you going to the HFS'tival? (a huge concert in our nations capital in which all major bands show up from around the world) I hear Beck, Weaser, Toad, Violent Femmes, and Henry Rollins are gonna be on the south stage.
Seth: Abso-freakin'-lutely (early 90's conservative evangelical slang for "yes"). I just got my tickets yesterday.
Matt: Hey man, I like your new board (slang for skateboard).
Seth: Thanks it's pretty "rad."

So back to the title of this post. Blogging: fad or rad. I don't think I need to define fad, as everyone is involved with a fad of some sort, myself included, even as I write this. If you've managed to escape being a part of a fad, please email me, and I will gladly point out how you are decieving yourself. So, Blogging: fad or rad. I pose the question, is blogging a fad, or is it rad. I thought about phrasing the title, "Blogging, radical or fadical." But I didn't think fadical was a word, though I grew a fondness for it, the likes of which I have for few words in the english language like, "anomaly," I'm fond of the word anomaly, and I felt like I could really like the word, "fadical" if it was a word, but I feared it wasn't a word; so I did what any normal person would do who likes a word, and wants to see if it really is a word: I googled fadical. Immediately i got sent to a page where google responded to me: "did you mean radical?" which I obviously didn't mean, I wanted "fadical" but I didn't want to seem rude to google, after all, I find google to be quite handy. But below the "did you mean radical" part of the google page, I saw "fadical" defined in the urban dictionary (which is my favorite dictionary). Here's the definition of "fadical" as defined in the urban dictionary:

1. fadical - used to describe something that may seem, seemed, or will seem radical but is only, was only, or will only be a fad.

Now I'll give you an example of me and my 90's friend matt, using the word "fadical."
Matt: Hey seth, I think the band, "Four Non Blondes" is radical (it's unlikely that Matt would of use the term "radical" in the 90's. Most likely he would of just said rad, but this is just an example so I felt okay about using the whole word).
Seth: I'm sorry you feel that way Matt, I fear "Four Non Blondes" is fadical.

And there you have it! I eluded to my enjoyment (as well as my sister) of the urban dictionary. The urban dictionary has provided me countless hours of entertainment. One of my favorite terms in the Urban dictionary is, "ghost ride the whip." I'll let you look it up for your "ownselves." If you are between the ages of 18-25, thank me later. If your 35 or older I don't think you'll really appreciate "ghost ride the whip" but I hope you enjoyed "fadical," I know I did (and still do!). So, back to my question, is blogging a fad, or is it rad. Only you can answer this question for yourself. Go ahead and leave a comment, regarding this. I know I will. Thanks for your time. seth