click above
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Beware of Cat - Postal Recollections
Whew! One less thing I have to do. I can scratch off of my to do list the whole "writing a book about my experiences as a substitute rural mail carrier, " I think, because it looks like this book is probably going to be close enough. Although it is something I only did part-time for 3 years, it was an interesting job. And, as this book promo alludes, you did get to know a lot about the people in your community. From delivering the mail you know which young couple is having marital problems, which family has a loved one in prison, who is struggling with addiction, illness, or physical handicap. You get a feel for who is having trouble making ends meet and who has been blessed with wealth. You know who the good cooks are, whose kids are in college, what churches people attend and, sometimes, what houses the cops suspect hold hidden meth labs.
I never did get bit by dog or cat, but there were some close calls. Here's more info on the book.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Joe Lee Pike (1933-2008)
My dad and my son."Until God is through with me here, there is nothing that anyone can do nor anything that can happen to take me from this earth. And when my time here is done and He is ready for me to join Him, there is nothing that can keep me here an instant longer."
Just something my dad used to say. He was right.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Free Hugs
This video is reportedly one of the most popular on YouTube with nearly 23 million viewings:
We used it as a "pre-service element" (which is a "prelude" in the post-modern vernacular) in one of our church services this past weekend.
I could analyze this and we could discuss the social and spiritual implications of this work. Or we could just be grateful that some hippies in Sydney, Australia did something extra cool and thank the Lord for small gestures of kindness and charity.
We used it as a "pre-service element" (which is a "prelude" in the post-modern vernacular) in one of our church services this past weekend.
I could analyze this and we could discuss the social and spiritual implications of this work. Or we could just be grateful that some hippies in Sydney, Australia did something extra cool and thank the Lord for small gestures of kindness and charity.
Friday, January 18, 2008
One Book (more or less)
Jennwith2ns tagged me for a meme. I am honored and genuinely charmed to have been asked. Generally speaking, I don't do memes, but I really like her blog and I really like this meme because it is about books.
1. One book that changed your life. I don't care in the slightest if it is cliche, without a doubt that would be "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis. I was a smart-alecky sophomore in a high school English class for smart kids, supposedly. I was bored and disdainful. As a preemptive disciplinary measure, by the end of the second week I had been persuaded to occupy a seat directly in front of the teacher's desk. Instead of doing whatever work I was supposed to be doing, I would attempt to engage the teacher, Mrs. Pam Sibley, in a discussion about literature, philosophy, or history or some other topic on which I was unassailably authoritative. One afternoon, probably in a bit of a peeve, Mrs. Sibley asked me if I would like to read something really challenging. Of course, I said, thinking that at last someone had recognized that my intellect was being wasted on this 10th grade curriculum. She said she had a book of her own that she would loan me if I promised to read it and that write a summary report on it for extra credit. She was certain that it would challenge me, she said. I eagerly picked up the gauntlet and received the book. Well, C.S. Lewis rocked my little world. Until that time I had never heard of, or even considered that a reasoned understanding of Christianity was possible or worthwhile. That is still a book that I try to read at least once a year. I regret that I never thanked Mrs. Sibley properly. I will one day, though.
2. One book that you have read more than once. "Know Why You Believe" by Paul Little. I love the way this thin little volume so effectively encapsulates the fundamentals of Christian belief. Concise and smartly written, it is another book that I try to read once a year and it is one of my favorite books to give away. There are a number of books, though, that I've enjoyed reading multiple times for different reasons...but I'll stay focused and not digress.
3. One book you would want on a desert island. "The Bible" is the one title that I could have used to answer several of these questions, but I suspect that answer transcends the spirit of this meme. However, if I'm stranded on a desert island with only one book, I really do want it to be my trusty Scofield NIV.
4. Two books that made you laugh. "Book of Nonsense" by Edward Lear. I love Lear's limericks, nonsense verse, and illustrations. "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller is very funny. And very serious. But funny, too.
5. One book that made you cry. "Safely Home" by Randy Alcorn. I couldn't help it...this is a really unique book. I was completely unprepared for where this book took me emotionally and found myself completely unwound more than once. Before reading this book, I would not have thought that a work of fiction could go where this book goes. It is not perfectly rendered, but it is amazing in its reach and scope. Read it.
6. One book you wish you'd written. "Heaven", also by Randy Alcorn and non-fiction. This is an amazing and detailed study on Heaven. Alcorn has painstakingly compiled and synchronized all that the Bible teaches about the place we would all rather be. Well, we would, wouldn't we? Among a lot of other things, Alcorn answers questions like "What will we do in Heaven?", "Will there be space and time?" and, of course, "What about the animals?" This is a book that positively changed the way I think about the future.
7. One book you wish had never been written. "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" by Dave Eggers. That was one of those books that everybody recommended, that received rave reviews, and was supposed to be a model of great contemporary literature. Hated it. No, really...HATED it.
8. Two books you are currently reading. and "Messy Spirituality" by Mike Yaconelli and "This is Your Brain on Music" by Daniel Levitin (still, and again).
9. One book you've been meaning to read. There is a big stack of books that fall into this category, but the one that is on the shelf beckoning at this moment is "The Android's Dream" by John Scalzi.
10. Five people that I'll tag: GRP, Heidi, Sharon, Evan, and IzzyBeth
1. One book that changed your life. I don't care in the slightest if it is cliche, without a doubt that would be "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis. I was a smart-alecky sophomore in a high school English class for smart kids, supposedly. I was bored and disdainful. As a preemptive disciplinary measure, by the end of the second week I had been persuaded to occupy a seat directly in front of the teacher's desk. Instead of doing whatever work I was supposed to be doing, I would attempt to engage the teacher, Mrs. Pam Sibley, in a discussion about literature, philosophy, or history or some other topic on which I was unassailably authoritative. One afternoon, probably in a bit of a peeve, Mrs. Sibley asked me if I would like to read something really challenging. Of course, I said, thinking that at last someone had recognized that my intellect was being wasted on this 10th grade curriculum. She said she had a book of her own that she would loan me if I promised to read it and that write a summary report on it for extra credit. She was certain that it would challenge me, she said. I eagerly picked up the gauntlet and received the book. Well, C.S. Lewis rocked my little world. Until that time I had never heard of, or even considered that a reasoned understanding of Christianity was possible or worthwhile. That is still a book that I try to read at least once a year. I regret that I never thanked Mrs. Sibley properly. I will one day, though.
2. One book that you have read more than once. "Know Why You Believe" by Paul Little. I love the way this thin little volume so effectively encapsulates the fundamentals of Christian belief. Concise and smartly written, it is another book that I try to read once a year and it is one of my favorite books to give away. There are a number of books, though, that I've enjoyed reading multiple times for different reasons...but I'll stay focused and not digress.
3. One book you would want on a desert island. "The Bible" is the one title that I could have used to answer several of these questions, but I suspect that answer transcends the spirit of this meme. However, if I'm stranded on a desert island with only one book, I really do want it to be my trusty Scofield NIV.
4. Two books that made you laugh. "Book of Nonsense" by Edward Lear. I love Lear's limericks, nonsense verse, and illustrations. "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller is very funny. And very serious. But funny, too.
5. One book that made you cry. "Safely Home" by Randy Alcorn. I couldn't help it...this is a really unique book. I was completely unprepared for where this book took me emotionally and found myself completely unwound more than once. Before reading this book, I would not have thought that a work of fiction could go where this book goes. It is not perfectly rendered, but it is amazing in its reach and scope. Read it.
6. One book you wish you'd written. "Heaven", also by Randy Alcorn and non-fiction. This is an amazing and detailed study on Heaven. Alcorn has painstakingly compiled and synchronized all that the Bible teaches about the place we would all rather be. Well, we would, wouldn't we? Among a lot of other things, Alcorn answers questions like "What will we do in Heaven?", "Will there be space and time?" and, of course, "What about the animals?" This is a book that positively changed the way I think about the future.
7. One book you wish had never been written. "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" by Dave Eggers. That was one of those books that everybody recommended, that received rave reviews, and was supposed to be a model of great contemporary literature. Hated it. No, really...HATED it.
8. Two books you are currently reading. and "Messy Spirituality" by Mike Yaconelli and "This is Your Brain on Music" by Daniel Levitin (still, and again).
9. One book you've been meaning to read. There is a big stack of books that fall into this category, but the one that is on the shelf beckoning at this moment is "The Android's Dream" by John Scalzi.
10. Five people that I'll tag: GRP, Heidi, Sharon, Evan, and IzzyBeth
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
100 Days 100 Nights, the title cut from one of the coolest albums I've heard lately. I love this stuff.
Monday, January 14, 2008
And Silver on Sunday, too
On Sunday morning, as we ate our late breakfast, we watched the streams of blue-clad Colts fans trudge past the dining room window through the lightly falling snow towards the stadium next door. We checked out before it really got crowded and headed north towards the Broad Ripple district.Broad Ripple Village is an area about six miles north of downtown full of art galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and shops. It is a quasi-residential area, a warren of narrow, twisty streets, with minimal parking options. I suspect that during the summer it swarms with tourists, but in the middle of January it was easily navigable.
We stopped first at a busy Starbucks in order to get coffee and bearings, and we stayed for about an hour. It was an excellent Starbucks; superior to most I’ve been in. The menu and service was typical, but unlike most of the ubiquitous chain’s coffee shops, this one had an atmosphere, a vibe, and a roaring fireplace. Most Starbucks are great for coffee to get-and-go, but relatively few invite you to hang out. This one does.
From there we went to Big Hat Books, a great little-privately owned bookstore. It was well-stocked with a broad selection of books and what it may have lacked in depth compared to a large chain bookstore, it more than made up in atmosphere. We enjoyed visiting with the lady that worked there and bought an excellent book, a graphic story by Shaun Tan, The Arrival (click through to see the artwork).We also visited BR Fashionista, Another Time Vintage Fashions (which had everything that you now regret having worn in the groovy 70’s), and another excellent CD/Record store called Indy CD & Vinyl. What I love about independent CD shops like this one and Luna Music is how devoted they are to supporting local artists (MBPYNHO) and venues. The customer service is usually great and the people that work there are often wells of musical and cultural knowledge, eager to help and to talk to you about music. This type of music-buying experience is also not something you get when you buy mp3’s on line, but I’ll beat that dead horse later.
There were several other shops and boutiques we stopped in. We didn’t have time to do near everything that was available in Broad Ripple, and many of the art galleries and studios are closed on Sunday, as was a very interesting-looking guitar store called About Music. But we’ll be back.
After a superb and very late lunch at the CWB and then headed home, getting in around 6:30. Upon arriving home we listened to our new music, admired our souvenirs, played on our laptops, and reflected on the weekend and on 25 years of marriage. It is good and we are blessed.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Silver on Saturday
This past Saturday we headed to Indianapolis to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. It was cold, but sunshiny and beautiful.
Around noon, we cruised in on I-40, which turns into Washington Ave. once you hit the Indy city limits. This is kind of like going in the back door, but it is much more interesting and leisurely than taking I-70 downtown. This afforded us the opportunity to stop at Annie’s Thrift Shop and Guitartown, both of which yielded beneficial results.
Then we headed up to Massachusetts Avenue, one of several arts districts in Indy, and an area we’ve enjoyed several times before. We spent most of the afternoon visiting a number of the art galleries and specialty shops along MassAve, including McFee Gallery & Studios, Silver in the City, Three Dog Bakery (yes, it is a bakery for pets), and Luna, which is a great independent CD/record store. Here's a short video tour.
About 4:00, we headed for the Crowne Plaza Union Station where we had reservations in one of their Pullman Car rooms. They have a couple of dozen hotel rooms made out of converted, actual railroad passenger cars. We actually got a surprisingly good deal, considering it was a game weekend (grrr…not going to talk about that).
Then we headed to dinner, courtesy of my generous employer. We went to St. Elmo's, which is one of the premier steakhouses in the Midwest. I have been there once before, some 10 or 11 years ago, and honestly, I have never seen steaks like this before. They are huge, excellent cuts, precisely trimmed, and perfectly cooked. They are also famous for their shrimp cocktail. An indescribably delicious meal.
It was an early dinner reservation so afterwards we spent a couple of hours doing some casual shopping in the downtown Circle Center Mall. Then, about 8:45 or so, we went to The Slippery Noodle Inn, an Indy landmark and a well-known blues club just around corner. This club has two stages and we wedged ourselves into a corner of the smaller room at the back and heard a very lively, rocking set by Sam Cockerel and his band. Expert players, gritty vocals, and an entertaining stage presence. Here's a short video that tells a little of the storied history of The Slippery Noodle.
After that we walked back to the hotel, hand-in-hand, retiring to our train car for…oh, wait, that’s none of your business.
Around noon, we cruised in on I-40, which turns into Washington Ave. once you hit the Indy city limits. This is kind of like going in the back door, but it is much more interesting and leisurely than taking I-70 downtown. This afforded us the opportunity to stop at Annie’s Thrift Shop and Guitartown, both of which yielded beneficial results.
Then we headed up to Massachusetts Avenue, one of several arts districts in Indy, and an area we’ve enjoyed several times before. We spent most of the afternoon visiting a number of the art galleries and specialty shops along MassAve, including McFee Gallery & Studios, Silver in the City, Three Dog Bakery (yes, it is a bakery for pets), and Luna, which is a great independent CD/record store. Here's a short video tour.About 4:00, we headed for the Crowne Plaza Union Station where we had reservations in one of their Pullman Car rooms. They have a couple of dozen hotel rooms made out of converted, actual railroad passenger cars. We actually got a surprisingly good deal, considering it was a game weekend (grrr…not going to talk about that).
Then we headed to dinner, courtesy of my generous employer. We went to St. Elmo's, which is one of the premier steakhouses in the Midwest. I have been there once before, some 10 or 11 years ago, and honestly, I have never seen steaks like this before. They are huge, excellent cuts, precisely trimmed, and perfectly cooked. They are also famous for their shrimp cocktail. An indescribably delicious meal.
It was an early dinner reservation so afterwards we spent a couple of hours doing some casual shopping in the downtown Circle Center Mall. Then, about 8:45 or so, we went to The Slippery Noodle Inn, an Indy landmark and a well-known blues club just around corner. This club has two stages and we wedged ourselves into a corner of the smaller room at the back and heard a very lively, rocking set by Sam Cockerel and his band. Expert players, gritty vocals, and an entertaining stage presence. Here's a short video that tells a little of the storied history of The Slippery Noodle.
After that we walked back to the hotel, hand-in-hand, retiring to our train car for…oh, wait, that’s none of your business.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Thursday, January 03, 2008
"Armed customer thwarts grocery robbery"
I have two visceral responses every time I read a story like this, today from the Indianapolis Star.
First, situations like this unfold not just on TV crime dramas or the movie screen, but in front of real people going about their everyday, otherwise normal lives. And it happens all the time. People who think that it could never happen to them or that it only happens somewhere else are living in fantasy. It just makes sense for responsible, law-abiding people to carry firearms to protect ourselves from irresponsible, law-breaking people and their pernicious ways.
Secondly, it reminds me that I need to stop being lazy and get my concealed carry license. It's not expensive and it's not hard; it's just a bit of paperwork and a visit to the county sheriff''s office.
First, situations like this unfold not just on TV crime dramas or the movie screen, but in front of real people going about their everyday, otherwise normal lives. And it happens all the time. People who think that it could never happen to them or that it only happens somewhere else are living in fantasy. It just makes sense for responsible, law-abiding people to carry firearms to protect ourselves from irresponsible, law-breaking people and their pernicious ways.
Secondly, it reminds me that I need to stop being lazy and get my concealed carry license. It's not expensive and it's not hard; it's just a bit of paperwork and a visit to the county sheriff''s office.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
PSA: Glassbooth.com
This is a handy online tool that intends to help you learn which Presidential candidate is most likely to share your priorities with respect to the various political issues of our time. It is non-partisan and is based on a simple quiz format that takes about 5 minutes to complete.
I found the process kind of fun and the results a little surprising. According to the calculations, Governer Huckabee and I share an 80% consensus on the issues we consider priorities. Honestly, I wouldn't have thought that. Next in line was the unknown and unimportant Duncan Hunter and then America's Mayor, Rudy Giuliani.
Lately, I've actually found myself liking Fred Thompson more and more, but maybe that's just because he seems like such a likable guy and he doesn't mind slapping the press around when necessary. I met Governor Huckabee once, back in 1998, and he gave me an autographed copy of his book, "Character IS the Issue." Nice guy and a great book, but I really just haven't been swayed by his presidential aspirations to date.
Anyway, I suspect that the science behind this site is not terrifically complicated or unassailably definitive, but it is interesting and you may find it helpful.
Update: I've been thinking about this. This tool is, I think, effective at weighing the perceived importance of the most compelling topics of our time, but it doesn't cover everything. In every decision, large or small, emotion and intuition exert a significant influence. Our choice for who we prefer to be President will also be based on less tangible ideas such as our perceptions of their individual integrity, leadership capabilities, intelligence, resourcefulness, and personality. The impressions we form on those topics have little to do with the nuts-and-bolts social or political issues, I think, but are still important.
Which is probably why I think I'd enjoy having Thompson, Huckabee, or Obama over for dinner, but Clinton, Paul, and Biden make me uneasy.
I found the process kind of fun and the results a little surprising. According to the calculations, Governer Huckabee and I share an 80% consensus on the issues we consider priorities. Honestly, I wouldn't have thought that. Next in line was the unknown and unimportant Duncan Hunter and then America's Mayor, Rudy Giuliani.
Lately, I've actually found myself liking Fred Thompson more and more, but maybe that's just because he seems like such a likable guy and he doesn't mind slapping the press around when necessary. I met Governor Huckabee once, back in 1998, and he gave me an autographed copy of his book, "Character IS the Issue." Nice guy and a great book, but I really just haven't been swayed by his presidential aspirations to date.
Anyway, I suspect that the science behind this site is not terrifically complicated or unassailably definitive, but it is interesting and you may find it helpful.
Update: I've been thinking about this. This tool is, I think, effective at weighing the perceived importance of the most compelling topics of our time, but it doesn't cover everything. In every decision, large or small, emotion and intuition exert a significant influence. Our choice for who we prefer to be President will also be based on less tangible ideas such as our perceptions of their individual integrity, leadership capabilities, intelligence, resourcefulness, and personality. The impressions we form on those topics have little to do with the nuts-and-bolts social or political issues, I think, but are still important.
Which is probably why I think I'd enjoy having Thompson, Huckabee, or Obama over for dinner, but Clinton, Paul, and Biden make me uneasy.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Exit, Stage Left: Obligatory Year-End List of Famous Artists Who Died in 2007
From the Chicago Sun-Times. This time of year we are inundated with various lists and all kinds of retrospectives. But it does interest me, nevertheless, to review and consider some of the names of some of those who have left the planet in the last year.
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Some of the people on this list I have never heard of. Some I've heard of and don't especially appreciate, although I'm certain others do. Some I know of only marginally, and others I knew quite well through their work. Some I appreciated in passing, or for a season, and there are some whose artistic efforts made a significant impression on me, even informing my own artwork or understanding of life.
But, no matter who you are or what you've done, when it's your time to go, you go.
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Some of the people on this list I have never heard of. Some I've heard of and don't especially appreciate, although I'm certain others do. Some I know of only marginally, and others I knew quite well through their work. Some I appreciated in passing, or for a season, and there are some whose artistic efforts made a significant impression on me, even informing my own artwork or understanding of life.
But, no matter who you are or what you've done, when it's your time to go, you go.
The beatings will continue until morale improves...
From a Washington Post article:
"...the industry (RIAA) maintains that it is illegal for someone who has legally purchased a CD to transfer that music into his computer."
The Recording Industry Association of America continues to persecute and prosecute. While their efforts to fight international piracy are worthwhile and to be applauded, their domestic strategy of attacking consumers with outrageous lawsuits couldn't be more misguided. With CD sales tanking and the economy of the music industry at an all-time low, they continue to rearrange the deck chairs and throw the passengers overboard. This will only drive listeners away from high-quality music formats. It is bad for music, bad for artists, bad for listeners, and bad for business.
This RIAA faq page for "students doing reports" does have some interesting things to say and represents their viewpoint on all of this. Some of it is good, some of it is bad.
This is the same organization that tried to squash the home-based recording studio movement that was born back in the 1980's. They wanted to make it illegal for individual artists to produce music for profit from a project studio in a residential setting and they brought lawsuits on several home studio owners. Happily, with very limited success.
The RIAA is not really in the business of promoting art, though, in spite of their altruistic statements. Their real functon is to protect the monopolistic business interests of what remains of the dinosaur that used to be the American record industry.
We need a new paradigm. And it's coming.
"...the industry (RIAA) maintains that it is illegal for someone who has legally purchased a CD to transfer that music into his computer."
The Recording Industry Association of America continues to persecute and prosecute. While their efforts to fight international piracy are worthwhile and to be applauded, their domestic strategy of attacking consumers with outrageous lawsuits couldn't be more misguided. With CD sales tanking and the economy of the music industry at an all-time low, they continue to rearrange the deck chairs and throw the passengers overboard. This will only drive listeners away from high-quality music formats. It is bad for music, bad for artists, bad for listeners, and bad for business.
This RIAA faq page for "students doing reports" does have some interesting things to say and represents their viewpoint on all of this. Some of it is good, some of it is bad.
This is the same organization that tried to squash the home-based recording studio movement that was born back in the 1980's. They wanted to make it illegal for individual artists to produce music for profit from a project studio in a residential setting and they brought lawsuits on several home studio owners. Happily, with very limited success.
The RIAA is not really in the business of promoting art, though, in spite of their altruistic statements. Their real functon is to protect the monopolistic business interests of what remains of the dinosaur that used to be the American record industry.
We need a new paradigm. And it's coming.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Gun control is hitting what you are aiming at.
Titular prepositional termination misplacements notwithstanding, this is still quite funny to me.
"At one point, Huckabee’s party turned toward a cluster of reporters and cameramen and, when they kicked up a pheasant, fired shotgun blasts over the group’s heads. "
Yeah, yeah...so his aim is a little high. Then the article goes on to whine a bit about gun safety. Jibber-jabber.
Fred probably wouldn't have missed. Which reminds me of this hilarious video about Fred Thompson. Go check it out.
Pic at left from one of my favorite sites, "How Stuff Works" and their wonderful description of shotgun technology. A smart, fun, and useful website.
"At one point, Huckabee’s party turned toward a cluster of reporters and cameramen and, when they kicked up a pheasant, fired shotgun blasts over the group’s heads. "
Yeah, yeah...so his aim is a little high. Then the article goes on to whine a bit about gun safety. Jibber-jabber.
Fred probably wouldn't have missed. Which reminds me of this hilarious video about Fred Thompson. Go check it out.
Pic at left from one of my favorite sites, "How Stuff Works" and their wonderful description of shotgun technology. A smart, fun, and useful website.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Monovision: Eye can see my brain.
The reason I am more frequently compelled to dramatically stare off into the middle distance is that, as a sufferer of progressive physical decrepitude, my view of both the distant, blue horizon as well as the teeming microcosm just inches from my nose has become increasingly blurry over the last couple of years.
This is, of course, due to the ravages of time and that fact that we live in a fallen world ruled more by entropy than by justice. Like most manly men, I scoff at my own geezerly weaknesses, squint, set my jaw, and just lean into the wind.
All of that to say this. Yesterday my optometrist said that I am becoming increasingly presbyopic, whereupon I snorted in denial and told him that I was, in fact, a member of the Wesleyan church just north of town. Anyway, he recommended something that sounded totally whacked at first, but I decided to give it a try since he is a doctor and all. We had been discussing my desire to wear contact lenses again and the possibilities for those occularly impaired at both the near and far reaches. He suggested a solution that he called "monovision".
So I now have a contact lens in my right eye that is optimized for distance and a lens in my left eye that is designed for reading and other nearfield activities. The doctor says I'll get used to it, that my brain should be able to adapt. And I'm always up for teaching my brain new tricks.
So far it's not really too uncomfortable, just a little weird. Honestly, it's like everything I look at is both blurry and focused at the same time...which it is, I guess. Anyway, I've been reading about it online today, just to be sure it wasn't something my eye doctor made up to get me out of his chair. This funny little article is by an optometrist who recently "went mono" himself.
Has anybody else out there tried this? What do you think?
This is, of course, due to the ravages of time and that fact that we live in a fallen world ruled more by entropy than by justice. Like most manly men, I scoff at my own geezerly weaknesses, squint, set my jaw, and just lean into the wind.All of that to say this. Yesterday my optometrist said that I am becoming increasingly presbyopic, whereupon I snorted in denial and told him that I was, in fact, a member of the Wesleyan church just north of town. Anyway, he recommended something that sounded totally whacked at first, but I decided to give it a try since he is a doctor and all. We had been discussing my desire to wear contact lenses again and the possibilities for those occularly impaired at both the near and far reaches. He suggested a solution that he called "monovision".
So I now have a contact lens in my right eye that is optimized for distance and a lens in my left eye that is designed for reading and other nearfield activities. The doctor says I'll get used to it, that my brain should be able to adapt. And I'm always up for teaching my brain new tricks.
So far it's not really too uncomfortable, just a little weird. Honestly, it's like everything I look at is both blurry and focused at the same time...which it is, I guess. Anyway, I've been reading about it online today, just to be sure it wasn't something my eye doctor made up to get me out of his chair. This funny little article is by an optometrist who recently "went mono" himself.
Has anybody else out there tried this? What do you think?
"The Death of High Fidelity"
I deeply dislike Rolling Stone Magazine. When it comes to politics and cultural commentary, it is a worthless rag and always has been. Their writers and editors will go to whatever length necessary to be edgy or radical, eager and willing to completely disregard both common sense and elementary decency for the sake of selling a few more copies. You can tell that, politically, they swing so far to the radical left not because they necessarily believe it, but because they believe that they are supposed to believe it. Because they are Rolling @#~&%$*! Stone Magazine! Give me a break.
However, credit needs to be given where credit is due and much more often than not, their reporting on modern music is very, very good. This article on modern music production in the age of the MP3 is right on, except for the typo's. I have previously blogged on this at length because I think that the decline of technical quality in an age that is resplendent in technological achievement has taken a terrible toll on art in general and music in particular. It is a grim reflection on the poverty of our collective soul. One of the reassuring things about this article is that it suggests that other people are feeling the same way and that some artists, engineers, and producers are starting to resist the recording industry marketing forces that have exacerbated this problem.
However, credit needs to be given where credit is due and much more often than not, their reporting on modern music is very, very good. This article on modern music production in the age of the MP3 is right on, except for the typo's. I have previously blogged on this at length because I think that the decline of technical quality in an age that is resplendent in technological achievement has taken a terrible toll on art in general and music in particular. It is a grim reflection on the poverty of our collective soul. One of the reassuring things about this article is that it suggests that other people are feeling the same way and that some artists, engineers, and producers are starting to resist the recording industry marketing forces that have exacerbated this problem.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
'Tis the season...
'Tis the season to be busy, but it is still a wonderful time of year. There is joy and excitement in the air. And, of course, if you happen to be shopping at the mall, there can be frustration and annoyance, too. But don't let it get to you.
For those of you who are working the front lines of retail, do whatever you can to keep your heart light. Don't let the long hours and the hard work, or the rude, demanding, and inconsiderate people suck the joy out of your Christmas. Don't let yourself get cynical or discouraged. Find comfort in remembering what this season is really about. Dwell on that whenever possible and pray for strength and a charity of soul. Drink plenty of water and eat a decent meal on your break. You'll make it.
Our shopping is nearly done, although we are still waiting on a couple of things to be delivered. As soon as those few straggling presents show up, the box we've prepared for my brother's famiy will be shipped to Virginia. It will arrive around the middle of next week, hopefully within a day or so of their return home from visiting family in Florida.
Today I have three rehearsals and a worship service. Tomorrow, Sunday, there are two more worship services and then, at noon, we deconstruct the main sanctuary and rebuild it for our Christmas Eve services. On Monday at 11:00 AM we have a tech rehearsal, then a dress rehearsal. Soundcheck is at 7:00 that evening and then we have Christmas Eve services at 8:00 and 11:00.
Christmas Day I expect we'll sleep in a bit and then head over to my parent's house around noon for a big dinner and some gift-giving.
I'm sure I'll say it again, but Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Great excitement, barely contained.
Remember this post? Well, of course you do.
Lord willing, next week I'll be ordering my MacBook Pro. Good things do sometimes come to those who wait.To quote Sir John Gielgud, "I am very pleased."
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Pioneer Woman and Chex Mix
When I was a kid, my Mom would always make Chex Mix at Christmas time. Always from scratch and always the classic recipe that you can find almost anywhere, including on the Chex cereal boxes. It is one of the most intense synaesthetic memories of my youth. The smell of this stuff cooking is almost as good as the taste when it's done. Now, of course, you can make this any time of the year, but it is really best at Christmas. It just is.
And whatever that dreck is that they sell prepackaged in the stores nowadays and call Chex Mix? That ain't it. It takes about $25 groceries to do it right, but it is worth it.
Here is a link to a great version of this recipe, complete with pictures and detailed instructions on a blog called The Pioneer Woman Cooks. This is a sub-blog, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Confessions of a Pioneer Woman blog which is authored by this crazy woman that lives on a ranch out on the Oklahoma prairie somewhere. She is an incredible photographer, a very 
entertaining writer, and, by all evidences, a fabulous cook. She's got a lot going on and her blog is extremely popular with some posts generating thousands of comments. Yeesh.
entertaining writer, and, by all evidences, a fabulous cook. She's got a lot going on and her blog is extremely popular with some posts generating thousands of comments. Yeesh.I'm going to be making up a big batch of this stuff this weekend to take to church and I will be including PW's secret ingredient in mine, too. Yum.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Ruminating on Red
This post by Sharon on, among other things, the color red and featuring her beautiful work
"Petals", got me thinking again about something interesting that I recently read and reminded me of a book that I can wholeheartedly recommend if you are looking for a Christmas present for a musician or artist.
In Daniel Levitin’s book, “This Is Your Brain On Music”, in his discussion of the biology of how the brain organizes and categorizes the things we perceive into prototypes he tells how researchers used the color red in an interesting study. There is a tribal group in New Guinea, the Dani, who have only two words in their language to designate color, and those words really, essentially, only correspond to light and dark.
The researchers showed the Dani subjects chips with dozens of different shades of red and then asked them to pick out the best examples of this color, the chips that most effectively represent the definitive examples of the color red. Overwhelmingly, and in spite of the fact that their language does not allow for descriptive discrimination, the Dani selected the same red that Americans select in the same study. The results were the same for other colors that they couldn’t name, like green and blue.
From this work, it is theorized that there is a class of prototypical information that the brain categorizes, such as the principal color groups, that “are a consequence of our retinal physiology; certain shades of red are universally going to be regarded as more vivid, more central than others because a specific wavelength of visible light will cause the “red” receptors in our retina to fire maximally.”
In other words, there is a physiological component to how we understand color, in addition to such cultural notions as “fire engine red” or “candy apple red” that, uhm, color our perceptions. It is part of our design.
How does the way we perceive color relate to music? Until you read the book, you'll just have to trust me, it does.
My apologies to the color-blind. And the left-handed. And anyone else feeling neurologically disenfranchised this Christmas…the baby Jesus came to earth for you, too.
"Petals", got me thinking again about something interesting that I recently read and reminded me of a book that I can wholeheartedly recommend if you are looking for a Christmas present for a musician or artist.In Daniel Levitin’s book, “This Is Your Brain On Music”, in his discussion of the biology of how the brain organizes and categorizes the things we perceive into prototypes he tells how researchers used the color red in an interesting study. There is a tribal group in New Guinea, the Dani, who have only two words in their language to designate color, and those words really, essentially, only correspond to light and dark.
The researchers showed the Dani subjects chips with dozens of different shades of red and then asked them to pick out the best examples of this color, the chips that most effectively represent the definitive examples of the color red. Overwhelmingly, and in spite of the fact that their language does not allow for descriptive discrimination, the Dani selected the same red that Americans select in the same study. The results were the same for other colors that they couldn’t name, like green and blue.From this work, it is theorized that there is a class of prototypical information that the brain categorizes, such as the principal color groups, that “are a consequence of our retinal physiology; certain shades of red are universally going to be regarded as more vivid, more central than others because a specific wavelength of visible light will cause the “red” receptors in our retina to fire maximally.”
In other words, there is a physiological component to how we understand color, in addition to such cultural notions as “fire engine red” or “candy apple red” that, uhm, color our perceptions. It is part of our design.
How does the way we perceive color relate to music? Until you read the book, you'll just have to trust me, it does.
My apologies to the color-blind. And the left-handed. And anyone else feeling neurologically disenfranchised this Christmas…the baby Jesus came to earth for you, too.
Dore's, "The Nativity"
(click to enlarge)
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