Well... I've had a few thoughts lately and thought I'd put them in writing...
First off, I recently attended a film and fellowship session that I really enjoyed...
The newly released Ryan Gosling movie "Lars and the Real Girl" is odd, funny, spiritual, and holds quite a bit of truth. I don't want to give too much away, but the bulk of the film involves a mentally quirky Lars having a relationship with a plastic doll. His sister, brother in law, and the rest of the people in the community, slowly embrace his fake girlfriend, and show compassion and love to Lars with community. Within this film many parallels can be drawn... spiritually. Lars loves this thing he essentially created. His creation isn't capable of giving him back the kind of love, or anything of the same quality he has shown to it... yet he sill adores and cares for it. A community of people chose to gather around Lars building him up and showing him a transforming kind of love...
Many elements of this film point towards faith, love, and community... things that followers of Jesus should constantly embrace...
Just a few minuets ago I stumbled upon a news post via Relevant that I'm not really sure what to think about it... Three priests from the U.K. were just signed to Sony BMG records (which is notorious for promoting boy bands)... apparently this trio met in college and were dubbed there with the name "Holy Holy Holy". They're now set to release an album later this year... in Vatican City. They have decided that all the money they make with this release will be donated to charity... although at this point they're not sure as to what that will be... The full article about this group and their music can be read here
Tonight I spontaneously decided to go see Unwed Sailor play at the Bluebird in St. Louis. To be quite honest I didn't know all that much about the bands, the venue, or how I would get there. The night ended up being a well worth the initial jump to go, and encourages me in meaning behind everything...
I am a strong believer in a purpose behind all things. Around every corner, every path, every situation and instance, life is full of... life. In every aspect of life voices can be heard telling us just about anything, and I believe for the most part, that God allows all of these wonderful (and maybe not so wonderful) things to happen.
Anyways, in tonight's episode, the adventure features Unwed Sailor, and the puzzling thing about it is that... they're an instrumental band. Words, or no words, music speaks. It inspires, moves and compels us to act certain ways and feel connections between emotion, self, spirit, etc... that's what this show did. It moved... flowing graciously between ambient drawn out guitar movements to driving bass and drum syncopation, to the sounds (as they described it) sounding like The Who.
At a small venue, with even a smaller crowd, this show became very personal. Even after the show, two of the band's members ran the merchandise table... The night's bond between music, spirit, and soul is one that will not go on overlooked...
I think my favorite kind of shows are exactly like tonight's. A smaller place, where you feel the company of people who came to the same place as you (maybe for the same reason, maybe not), but all leaving with the same experience and bond that music delivers...
music nourishes the soul
After seeing anathallo twice in the last month, I cannot wait for their new album to release... their new project, The Canopy Glow "is finished" according to the band, they're just waiting for money to filter in...
As shows go, anathallo is one of the most remarkable bands to watch live. The members switch back and forth from playing everything from keys to bells, trombone and giant drums, even pots and pans, balloons, scissors, etc...
their energy never dies. They played at Michigan State University in March and pleased well over 200 people... far are the days when these guys would entertain and audience of 20 or so at Olde Jamestown Hall...
The writing process, both vocally and instrumentally, is spans far beyond simple 4/4 time and simple rhythms, but jumps between time signatures, languages, etc...
With Anathallo being from Mt. Pleasant, The MSU show was the closest to home that they had played in awhile... during the show the band played an "encore" with the older tune "Don't kid yourself you need a physician"... It was the first time I'd heard them play this live in awhile, and they even told the audience that if it turned out too bad they would just stop playing and walk off the stage... in the beginning verse of the song they took a LONG pause after the lyrics "Brothers hold my fading palms in the air. I am weak." Then someone in the crowd (who was singing along) just kept right on going with the next lyrics... Matt (singer) looks up say shouts "Joel? Is that you?... OK sing that again and we'll all come in on that part..." It was a very crowd participating type of show... many times in between songs, people would shout things, and a conversation between the band and the crowd would spark... continuing for the entire set...
Later seeing them in St. Louis, the show wasn't nearly as long (I think much of that had to due to the guy running sound), and they weren't headlining... but regardless, they put on a high energy performance, for seven people crammed on a tiny stage...
The two shows in March were two of the finest shows I have been to this year, but I suppose that's not saying a whole lot because I haven't been to too many... even so, their performances were great, and I highly recommend seeing them sometime in the near future...
Cheers!
Yesterday, I realized that there aren't that many good movies out. We shopped around at local theaters, desperately seeking a movie that fit our time slot and our taste... Then it appeared... the Dr. Sues classic Horton Hears A Who!
It may have seemed slightly odd for three 19 year old guys sitting all alone in a theatre watching Dr. Sues, but we didn't care... and somehow, my friend Nathan snuck an entire box of pizza along...
The movie was wonderful, colorful, and hilarious... it even had a little pro-life message.
I'd like to see it again...
Friday night at the hostel I met a man named Arnie. He was a journalist from Denmark who was traveling around America to write about good places to bike, hike and experience the outdoors. He did all of this for an outdoors magazine designed for young people to travel at a cheap price. As the fuzzy television flickered in front of us, we talked long about America, Denmark, culture, politics, the 2008 presidential race, his past vacations to India, and on and on into the night we exchanged words.
He told me and one of my friends that in Denmark after you would graduate high school, you were given money (I think he said by the state) to travel. They believed that one must explore the world and travel before you advanced on to the next stage of your life. He kept on encouraging us to travel and experience the beauty of the world... He told us about the green economy friendly area he calls home, and how America should really cut back on their pollution, dangerous fumes, and invest in alternative energy sources... because with all this harm to the environment, it won't be long until the beauty of the earth begins to change... He told us how people from Denmark view the United States... mostly he talked about the evils of the Iraq war... long ago when Hitler was in power, people from Denmark would tell jokes about Hitler... now many of those same jokes are told only they switch the name "Hitler" and replace it with "Bush"... he expressed that America needs a new leader and that this upcoming election is critical all around the world. Arnie told us how he once hitchhiked around America, and how it's such a shame now that the world has become full of evil... "you can't travel like you once used to"
After meeting Arnie and then staying up pretty late Friday night, Saturday morning shot up way too fast.
We began our Saturday part of the journey by attending the Hare Krishna Consciousness Center...
The easiest way to describe what they're like would be to say Hinduism, but they made it very clear that although many people think it's like Hinduism, it's very different. We watched their morning ritual of lighting incense, dancing, singing, and bowing... after a half hour or so, we met with one of the leaders.... He was an African American who was 23... and was impressively complete in his explanation of their beliefs and practices and why they do what they do. They believe in a higher level of consciousness, and that we're constantly seeking to gather truths, information, etc... They also believe in a reincarnation after death... during the talk it was brought up that as Christians, we believe in a similar thing... after death, we leave our earthly body, and are made into something new... something better than our past life... This is the religion/thinking that George Harrison and John Lennon became fascinated with in their later "Beatles" years...
Our next stop was to the Islamic Cultural Center where we visited a mosque. The guys took their shoes off and the girls covered their hair, so that the guys wouldn't be distracted by their beautiful locks, and ultimately as a sign of respect... We met with the Muslim leader Mussa who showed us all about their beliefs and devotion, including one of their five daily prayers while facing Mecca (their holy city). After this, we took plenty of time questioning him, and many people among us became very frustrated with Mussa's answers...
For a majority of questions asked, Mussa simply said things were this way "because God said so". Needless to say things became frustrating and unconvincing... Many questions asked like... "Why was Mohammed the last prophet?" couldn't be answered clearly... also many questions just lead into confusion and discouragement... so I began to loose interest in what was being said...
We stopped at Reba Place Fellowship next, which really drew me in... A giant banner hung across the building that read "GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR WORLD, OUR ENEMIES" This place was a community, a fellowship place, that firmly held on to Paul's teachings of community of believers. This community shared money, food, possessions, everything... They live together, grow together, serve together... Unfortunately, someone forgot about our meeting time, so we just had to walk around and listen to our Prof. talk about everything... but it still was a very good time. He explained that one of the community houses had a bike shop, where they collected over 100 bikes, and thousands of used parts... They volunteer in the area teaching kids a skill (in this case assembling a bike/ working with tools)... they help these kids build a bike, and then letting them keep it. It was such a neat place filled with people living in community, much like the early church and disciples did...
That night we went back to the hostel and had the night free... in which we didn't do much besides walk up and down Michigan Ave. looking for a place to find some live music... essentially a plain night, but seeing as how we spent it full of community and fun, it was well worth it...
As a requirement for my 'Introduction to Christian thought and life' class, I went on a trip to Chicago... where we stayed in a hostel, and during the days we attended worship services and Q&A sessions from Catholic, Islamic, Eastern Orthodox, Jewish, Hare Krishna, and others... The experience was overwhelmingly positive, and I learned a great deal about spirituality, philosophy, and life from many different groups (many of which have strong oppositions to each other)
The 'pilgrimage', if you will, began last Friday... departing from a rainy Greenville, Il to an equally as overcast Chicago, Il. Our first stop took us to Our Lady Of Sorrows Basilica. Upon entering the structure I was told that there are three doors to enter, which represent three houses... (from L to R) a house of prayer, a house of instruction, and of teaching?, I'm not sure about that third one... anyways, the place was beautiful (not quite as beautiful as the one in St. Louis...). Here lies the Seven sorrows of Mary displayed on the cathedral walls, while the ceiling is hung with thousands of handmade gold roses (make be people in the community). The father talked with us and showed us around the magnificent cathedral for quite some time. Until we journeyed on to the Eastern Orthodox Church.
The next stop led us to the Eastern Orthodox Church in America, where Father Vladimir told us what true icons were. They were a depiction not of reality, but of meanings. For instance, a true icon can be something like a picture of Mary, Jesus, shepards, ect... but the focal point (in this case Mary the mother) would be dominant and given more attributes because the icon focuses on her place as a mother, showing the humanity of Jesus. Father also pointed out that many of the icons that are in his church when it was made are not accurately done. He was a very down to earth guy, who almost seemed to poke fun at the people who came before him, and their misinterpretation. Father was also a monk, something that many Eastern Orthodox leaders are not. He insisted that he needed to remain single as a monk for his faith to be more meaningful to him, just as many people get married and become closer to God. He encouraged both marriage and celibacy as ways to grow in God. Father even told a few jokes about religion and about his big beard and robe, and made all of us feel welcome to come back again. (even though their services last well over 2 hours in a mostly foreign tongue)
To top off our evening, we attended a Jewish service (which began at sundown, because it's the beginning of the day for them). Most of this service was like a call and response liturgy, but all in Hebrew... Then when the opened the holy place and took out the Torah, it was unfolded on a giant ancient-like scroll. Then a song was chanted as a few in charge took the holy scroll around the building, so that all in attendance could touch their Holy text to it, and kiss it, as a sign of divine respect. After it made it's way back to the front, a chapter or so was read, and then it went back to the holy place. After this, a guest speaker walked forward to deliver a message. She was a very young attractive woman who is a leading part of a Jewish social justice group. The group is the most prominent group like this amongst Jews, and she spoke of it's success, and what was ahead... After the service concluded, the head of the Synagogue begged us to stay and talk with him about our experience and beliefs. We held a Q&A session for about a half hour, and then were treated to many delicious deserts and candies. Their are two types of Jews, reformed and traditional, this was a traditional. The main difference between the two is that the reformed don't follow as strictly all the norms, and many accept Jesus as the Messiah...
All in all the first night was very eye opening, and informative. I thought I'd feel out of place, but there was something about going into all these places of worship, that feels welcoming...
This past weekend I shared a Birthday celebration with my friend Dan. A few weeks prior we came up with the idea of going somewhere to do some type of artsy project... We ended up deciding on a little place called Baked Goods Pottery in St. Louis (if you're ever in the area be sure to visit this place!), which magically happened to be located right next to a Pizza Hut. The double bonus of food and fellowship won my vote, not to mention the great owners... The two guys that ran the place were great.
As soon as we arrived, Dan and I met the owner. He was a laid back dude, relaxing in his desk chair to Cat Stevens. He was very open and friendly, telling us we could eat anywhere we pleased... "In fact, I've got soda and water right here if you want any... I can also make coffee and hot chocolate too" he told us as we unpacked our birthday cake and eating utensils... Once half of our group arrived we were given a tour of the place and told all about how to paint good pottery, what colors to use, stickers, letters, designs, stencils, etc... Then I realized that I know next to nothing about being an artist. I took one semester of Art in high school, but aside from that I'm pretty clueless... or perhaps that what art is... Whatever you want it to be... an expression of ones self... a reflex that requires no training... maybe...
Anyways, after long contemplation I decided to paint a mug. This mug was custom made with several large dots indented around the outside (and it was one of the cheapest things there...). I thought this would make a good coffee mug, so I choose my colors according... browns, greens, off white... in my mind it looked pretty classy...
While we began to paint, the fellowship between 12-15 college aged friends was real. We shared meaning, jokes, and everything in between with each other... even the owner went around and got a chance to know us. He loved our group and said we were one of the best groups he's ever had here. He was real with us, and we were real back to him... After a little talking he told us that he used to be employed by a place to review concerts, movies, books, and various other forms of entertainment... what a cool job!
possible work scenario (but unlikely)...
:: Well sir, hopefully you'll enjoy this, but we're going to be sending to down to Nashville to see Ryan Adams. We've got an airplane, hotel, and backstage passes all lined up for you... ::
Wow, that would be exciting. Apparently this was similar (probably on a smaller level) to the type of job that this owner used to have. He said now that he was done with that endeavor, he liked settling down in a place he can have total charge of. He picks out the look of the shop, the music, the prices, the whole thing... his creation.
I could see father-like characteristics in this man. I am reminded of a Father who does that very same thing. He sets up everything. He makes it function the way He sees fit. He's in control. Like the owner, he is very talkative... but more often than not we are distracted and never take time to listen to this voice. I am the first to admit that lately I have been doing an awful job of listening to the Fathers voice... I've heard it said that in order to hear God we need to quiet ourselves and humbly seek Him. We need to shut out distractions and focus upon Him. While this is a good way that many people hear the Father, it isn't the only way... God's voice is speaking... everywhere. Through the ancient words of scripture... through mediation...... through a pottery store owner. The voice of God speaks through actions, words, emotions... all of life. I was able to see the Father as I enjoyed fellowship. After all that is what Jesus loves... community. He was constantly surrounded people teaching, hanging out, fishing... He had fellowship with his disciples... Scripture tells us that when two or more are gathered, God is present there with them... Through fellowship, friends, stories, joy, art... God is present.
Art made good company...
God made good company...
(I'll have to post a picture of my mug when I get it...)
Last night I was privileged enough to attend a Barack Obama rally for change. The evening began with a relatively easy drive through the downtown streets of St. Louis... only to have us turn the corner and see the line for the stadium surprisingly LONG!! (later we found out there were over 20,000 people in attendance...i took the picture below...)
For some reason or another, I was under the impression that when the doors open at 7pm, the speech would begin shortly after... at the most between a half hour to an hour... well, not this time... we were waiting for a little over two hours!!! The worst part about it was the people involved in this event kept leading us on, and making the us believe that Barack was about to talk. Around 8 or so, the stadium was silenced, as a high school marching band lolly-gagged around banging drums and clanging cymbals... they resounded terribly in such an open arena, that anyone standing over twenty feet away was forced to listen to a terrible reverbish drum line... After this slightly annoying group was put to rest, I was certain the event would officially begin. Sure enough, a spokesperson for the Obama '08 Campaign stood up and briefly spoke about the current affairs of Missouri and how the Democratic party was thriving...
Ok Obama is about to speak, or so I thought... But another person arose to the stage to sing the national anthem... when I think about the national anthem, I always really believe each American seems to have their own version of the song. Everyone likes to embellish certain notes and sharply cut off others... whenever we see giant sports events, no two singers ever sing this song the same... this lady was no exception. She was determined to lead everyone who was singing along with her (aloud or in their head) into mass confusion about where to start, stop, and use freestyle...
So after all these pre-game deceptive appearances, around 9:10pm, Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill gave a brief intro about Obama, calling him a "skinny kid from Chicago"... and FINALLY at 9:15 Barack Obama took the stage!!
One of the things I like about Obama is how respectful he seems to be. He's in the midst of a heated battle with Hillary Clinton, and never once says anything about how we should vote for him over her. He also never said anything negative about the other party's candidates... he seemed to show respect for his competition...
As Barack began to talk he seemed confident and full of hope. He kept talking about his hope for a better America. He was very comfortable and in charge of the stage... He knew most everyone was there to show him support, and he gladly said all he could to strengthen people's confidence in his ability.
In Barack's address to St. Louis last night, he mainly focused his talk on health care and education. His health care plan aims to give the same health care that he may have as president, to every American. As one who wasn't raised in the best of conditions, he wants to see health care available and affordable to everyone. In regards to education, he want's that to be a large part of America. He said teachers should teach us things we should know, and not teach according to a standard test (ACT, SAT). He wants to raise teachers wages and give them more money to buy things they will NEED and USE in the classroom. He used an example of teachers who have to personally buy pencils, paper, etc... because family's (especially in the poorer areas) can;t afford to buy a ton for their children;s education. He said colleges are expensive. Americans shouldn't be denied the right to have a college education, so he wants to provide scholarship money. He said they will give $4,000 to any college student, BUT in exchange they have to serve the community. That seems like a great way to develop a stronger community and also help students in their financial situations... (unfortunately he did not speak about taxes...)
He also briefly spoke about environmental issues, saying "I can stop global warming" Hmmm...........
One thing I didn't particularly care for, was when Barack spoke of war. He said "I will have no hesitation in attacking any of our enemies" He also was talking about how he will interact and be willing to talk with leaders of countries that we don't get along with... I'm not fully sure of my position on these issues, but the first one especially turns me off... On one hand Barack talks of helping, community, hope, etc... and on the other hand talks about killing our enemies???
He ended the night saying he believes in hope, change, and a better way... and I would have to agree, I believe in a better way of life too...
In approximately one and a half hours I will be in St. Louis hearing Barak Obama speak...
I am on my way out, so I'll make it quick...
I am very excited to attend and hear... I'm open to this...
...
Saturday night I walked a 1/2 mile in 20 degree cold winds to the Globe theatre. I was lucky to have only paid $6 to see Cloverfield... after seeing the movie, I would have been willing to spend twice that and walk back there again... This movie is completely original. The movie begins with a warning from the government saying that this footage was recovered on spot in New York, and is completely confidential... The entire movie is shot using a handheld camera, as if everything happening was actual home movie footage...
The only music in the movie happens at the beginning, when a home movie is being made at a going away party...
The remainder of the movie is to portray exactly the sounds and happenings of the time... The special effects in Cloverfield are top notch... especially since the film is seen through the lens of a hand camera... All the damage footage, and digital images look very good... and as compared to the computer images in I Am Legend, Cloverfield's blow them out of the water...
This is a movie that I could go to again and love it the same...
I would say it's the best movie I've gone to so far this year... BUT
1. that doesn't mean much since the year just began
2. i saw Juno
nonetheless... I do suggest seeing this... it's worth the money and the cold walk to the theatre...
Recent Comments
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Billy Roberts said:
[this is good]I really enjoyed reading about this, and I think it's very wonderful that you're course required you to engage in... read more
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joshua witchger said:
KEVIN!! I've been quite busy the past few weeks, and haven't been able to write as much as I'd like... read more
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Kevin Schaeffer said:
It's about time you updated your Blog. Let me know what Obama's like.Also, I lost your address. Will you let... read more
on Before I go see Barack -
Hey Josh, how are things? Let me know when you're done with school... we should play some more music, and... read more
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