tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56102312011-09-23T15:49:50.589-07:00Baseball, Seminary, Wrestling, and the Dreams and Days of one Mike Work's Angeles experience1Lnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2051100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1133220625097408432011-05-03T08:49:00.000-07:002011-05-03T08:49:51.404-07:00

Tonight will be the final day of my cross-cultural communications class, and once i complete the assignments this afternoon, i'll have officially completed a Master of Arts in Theology, and will be eligible to walk in June. Two courses still remain on the quarter, and there're still two more quarters of full-time school, a practicum, a directed study, and an integration class before the

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1155105269239812382006-08-08T23:20:00.000-07:002006-08-08T23:34:29.283-07:00

Among other things, I've...been working. Going well, lots of fluidity and flexibility, and it looks like i'm to be learning Flash in the upcoming weeks.been reading. This, That, and The Other. All commendable, as was this mid-July read.been playing softball. Summer season is over, and the Legion of Doom finished with a record of 1-11, with the lone victory coming via forfeit. Next season we

1Lnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1153633309006049972006-07-22T22:35:00.000-07:002006-07-22T22:41:49.016-07:00

It's been really hot this summer, and this week was no exception.Temperatures in the triple digits into the evenings have been the norm.Today, Los Angeles decided to try out for the role of 'Atlanta,' putting on extra pounds of air moisture in an attempt to really become the part. I hope this is the first step to the city breaking its fever...it's not pleasant.

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1151220937251131772006-06-25T00:08:00.000-07:002006-06-25T00:35:37.280-07:00

Much has transpired since our last post, and i've gradually disappeared from the blogosphere. [One might say that the levels of activity in my virtual and offline lives have been inversely correlated. Anyone know who that 'one' is?]As for the 'online' life, it may soon undergo some revisions. I don't intend to abandon this blog, but expect it to be more random musings and events of my days

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1147212893672850852006-05-09T14:59:00.000-07:002006-05-09T15:15:57.106-07:00

I recently wrote an article for the SEMI, Fuller's student paper, regarding technology and the church, particularly the connection between web 2.0 developments and community formation. You can find it here.Any feedback and comments are welcome. Thus far, I've received some kind words. One of my professors suggested that I could expand on the dynamics of real-time and virtual relationships as

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1146811822650154722006-05-04T23:49:00.000-07:002006-05-04T23:50:22.660-07:00

Now, what did i want to write about again?I'll remember tomorrow...

1Lnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1146489735414329022006-05-01T06:07:00.000-07:002006-05-01T06:25:10.626-07:00

I don't really like Kobe Bryant at all. The guy's a tremendous athlete, no question, and I'll give him credit for his game, but beyond that...Now my roommate Oscar, yeah, he's gone over to the dark side. Today's comeback induced shouts of jubilation from him, and a series of 'No!'s from me as he celebrated team Bryant's comeback victory over the Suns. I could only watch the end of regulation

1Lnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1146488828273780152006-05-01T04:58:00.000-07:002006-05-01T06:07:09.463-07:00

One of my housemates works in television production. As such, there've been weeks and months where it's been rumored that we live together, but very little evidence of it. However, we do reap some benefits from his career, namely well-prepared office lunches; i've had some particularly sumptuous leftovers over the past six months, and can credit the folks in production for their choices in

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1146116167289745772006-04-26T22:31:00.000-07:002006-05-02T09:25:34.850-07:00

Cross-posted from my class blog, with slight modification. One regular feature of the course is a daily discussion of a section of our readings. Today's discussion centered around chapters 5-7 of NT Wright's Jesus and the Victory of God. Timmy B, Kenji, Eric, Ted, and myself started talking during the break, and I found myself wishing out loud that we'd been able to video that conversation and

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1145946774960775432006-04-24T23:20:00.000-07:002006-04-24T23:32:54.970-07:00

In my never-ending quest to capsize the internet with an abundance of content (a quest that doesn't seem to be working out too well), I've created a new blog. Workin' Class takes the name-punning to the next level. Unlike the Wrap-Up, I haven't filled this blog with content on its first day. The new blog is actually part of a class at Fuller entitled Jesus the Missionary. Ryan Bolger, our

1Lnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1145832134709168352006-04-23T15:30:00.000-07:002006-04-23T15:42:14.790-07:00

Two weeks ago, i received a completely unanticipated, unplanned, generous gift from a friend. He heard that I haven't been driving, and decided to give me a car.Wow is an understatement.He gave me the car, title and all, about a week and a half ago, and I spent a week working out title and registration, insurance, smog testing, and getting a California driver's license. Now the pressing task is

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1145362659466532472006-04-18T04:51:00.000-07:002006-04-18T05:17:39.533-07:00

After a raucous Saturday night in Echo Park, the Dodger Stadium crowd was a bit more subdued on Sunday afternoon. Understandable, with it being a Sunday afternoon game, on Easter Sunday to boot. Also partially responsible was Giants pitcher Brad Hennessey, who held the Dodgers to three hits and no runs in seven innings, as the Giants left LA with a 2-0 victory.ESPN's coverage of the game focused

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1145228730825330672006-04-16T15:50:00.000-07:002006-04-17T13:04:13.923-07:00

To preface, I've a longstanding relationship with the spectacle of professional wrestling, which I would count influential in my spiritual pilgrimage. Simply put, as a wrestling fan, i learned to (at least temporarily) supend disbelief and live in the world of possibility, which have been recurring themes as I learn to follow Jesus. I take a lot of analogies through the wrestling world,

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1145227271911189112006-04-16T15:23:00.000-07:002006-04-16T15:42:36.596-07:00

Here's been my past three days:(Good) Friday: breakfast brainstorming with my friend Bong, meeting for a group project throughout the morning, dealing with house maintenance issues, waiting in line at the DMV to do paperwork and take a test, worked the night shift at security. The perks of working at an evangelical seminary: while we don't get all state-sanctioned holidays off, we do get this

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1144178127327247672006-04-04T12:11:00.000-07:002006-04-04T12:16:27.066-07:00

For all who are interested in the universe of fantasy sports, i've begun contributing regularly to a new blog: Fantasy Wrap Up is the brainchild of my friend Raf. After he was dragged into the baseball draft last year, fantasy sports soondeveloped into a new passion, on the verge of obsession. We launched yesterday with a flood of content, and intend to update regularly throughout the year(s)

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1143800263031781542006-03-31T00:50:00.000-08:002006-03-31T02:17:43.096-08:00

Last weekend, downtown Los Angeles saw approximately 500,000 people converge on the city hall to protest HR 4437, a bill related to illegal immigration which would have the effect of criminalizing virtually all forms of assistance to undocumented workers, while also making residency without documentation a felony.If we take the estimate of 3.8 million Angelenos as accurate, that's one out of

1Lnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1143453502453151152006-03-27T01:46:00.000-08:002006-03-27T01:58:23.056-08:00

Busy month, and the virtual notebook was replaced by hard copy in the push through exams. Really enjoyed my classes, particularly global evangelical movement, and wrote my final paper on the phenomenon of Christian fundamentalism in America. I examined the theological underpinnings which allowed the fundamentalists to pack their bags and leave the denominations in the early 20th century, as well

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1141273614000296062006-02-28T23:25:00.000-08:002006-03-01T20:30:33.590-08:00

Written from the mid-point break in my night class...I noticed the phenomenon of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday blending into one day this past fall. Two months into the new year, Wednesdays tend to feel like wasted days. Not sure what's going on. I'm learning in class...when not spaced out or otherwise distracted. Same concerns as earlier (large classes impede relationship and learning).

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1140643636452328932006-02-22T13:18:00.000-08:002006-02-22T13:27:16.453-08:00

Here's what crossed my mind while walking back from the java filling station, a small coffee shop in pasadena, on the corner of colorado and marengo. Visited for the first time today, and will go back...good stuff.Here's what i thought:We humans live in this cycle of action, reflection, and perception (which can all occur in a split-second, or over a prolonged period of time). Our patterns of

1Lnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1140643065136163562006-02-22T13:17:00.000-08:002006-02-22T13:18:21.563-08:00

Here's a hunch: the bulk of the time guys get in trouble, it's because of our mouths, our fists, or our genitals.I'm just saying.

1Lnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1140622881620174822006-02-22T07:35:00.000-08:002006-02-22T07:41:21.636-08:00

Profound thoughts cross my mind on a regular basis, either through my own doing or simply because i'm in grad school, and can't help but be stimulated. My first thoughts today...they weren't that profound:'wow, that bathroom light is really bright.''i'm pretty groggy and don't want to get out of bed. maybe if someone were to hit me upside the head with a baseball bat, that'd get me up....no,

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1140309540787448112006-02-18T16:11:00.000-08:002006-02-18T16:39:00.833-08:00

Also passing through my hands of late has been John Drane's The McDonaldization of the Church, another helpful book. I appreciate his cultural analysis, his application of Ritzer's McDonaldization thesis to the church, and his creative proposals for Christian practice, centered around bodily expressive worship, prophetic use of drama and clowning, and storytelling. Worship is a concern of the

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1140306641328873852006-02-18T15:32:00.000-08:002006-02-18T15:50:41.393-08:00

I skimmed Ben Meyer's The Aims of Jesus on Thursday, and found it worthy of more focused attention (as has NT Wright, who draws heavily on Meyer's critical realism in his works). Meyer's historiography and his method are among his lasting contributions to historical Jesus studies, and his work (mediated through Wright and James Dunn) played a pivotal role in getting me out of a phenomenological

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1140243498111899772006-02-17T21:51:00.000-08:002006-02-17T22:18:18.140-08:00

Continuing the theme of Friday Night Movie Posts, I watched Get Rich or Die Tryin' this past week, starring Curtis Jackson (AKA 50 Cent) in a semi-autobiographical role, alongside Terrence Howard and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. Jackson didn't get an Oscar nomination for his performance, and critical reviews were about as universally negative as Brokeback's were positive.I liked it.No, 50 didn't

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1139633940461704212006-02-10T20:45:00.000-08:002006-02-10T20:59:00.483-08:00

Watched Brokeback today, and it shattered a long-standing prejudice against Heath Ledger movies. Not that i'm going to seek out a copy of the Order, but it's not hard to comprehend why he got a best actor nom for his performance. Really good: he took in the part and made the role his own.As for the film, stellar acting, direction, and writing combined to create a powerful representation of a

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1139260488937877102006-02-06T12:56:00.000-08:002006-02-06T13:14:52.013-08:00

Well, i'm in class, and i didn't do the rewrite. So i'll live with a B for the first paper. While attempting to rewrite, i found myself writing an entirely different paper, looking at my initial conclusions and saying 'wow,' surprised that the grade was so high given my utter disregard for the process of historical research and the existence of primary sources.Comparing the work i'm doing right

1Lnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1139259375652424522006-02-06T12:55:00.000-08:002006-02-06T12:56:15.683-08:00

Got some post today.It was addressed to Mr. Dork.I put it in the bin.

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1139254955613469072006-02-06T11:23:00.000-08:002006-02-06T11:42:35.746-08:00

One of the most entertaining parts of reading church history is reading the ways in which people rip one another in argument (the early heresiologists are particularly fun). Came across these words from John Wesley about Leibniz:So poor a writer have I seldom read, either as to sentiment or temper. In sentiment he is a thorough fatalist... And his temper is just suitable to his sentiments. He

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1138781385332457292006-01-31T23:57:00.000-08:002006-02-01T00:09:45.356-08:00

Two roomies and I just got back from a friends place, where we watched and discussed GWB's State of the Union address.In the course of an hour, even with twenty minutes consisting of applause, George said a lot, and much was (and could still be) said afterwards. Certain empjhases, themes, and phrases stuck in our heads, and that got me thinking about how carefully these addresses are crafted, as

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1138352529819302832006-01-27T00:21:00.000-08:002006-01-27T01:02:09.910-08:00

I'm finding that time spent on the treadmill is an opportune time for reading, and spent the week reading George Ritzer's The Globalization of Nothing. Ritzer teaches at the University of Maryland, and is best known for his work on McDonaldization, which he defines as "the process by which the principles of the fast-food restaurant are coming to dominate more and more sectors of American society

1Lnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1138264790420336332006-01-26T00:30:00.000-08:002006-01-26T00:39:50.806-08:00

Over the past year, I've discovered that i can't do all-nighters anymore, a bit of a shock, considering that i regularly pulled them through college and into seminary, where the Madison trio could be expected to pull stereophonic all-nighters during exam week. No longer.On the plus side, working late now means 12:30, and i am going to call it a night, with further comments on John 6 to come in

1Lnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1137802950716073212006-01-20T16:09:00.000-08:002006-01-20T16:33:38.113-08:00

The new Protest4 website is up and running, and it looks tremendous!IMO, anyone interested in collaborating to tackle matters of justice on a grassroots level, specifically human trafficking and the sex trade, would do quite well to stop by and connect.In addition, the Business Travellers Against Human Trafficking website is a regularly updated source of news articles that i recommend for

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1137793967154459872006-01-20T13:19:00.000-08:002006-01-20T13:52:47.220-08:00

This item from today's times caught my eye. Will read the story later this evening, when i have time and space to do so, but the topic merits publicity.My connection: i recently installed google's desktop search tool on my computer, having found it helpful where the 'Find' feature in Windows is lacking (searching inside documents and bringing up cached web documents alongside local files). It's

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1137486119635588062006-01-17T00:08:00.000-08:002006-01-17T00:22:00.436-08:00

To follow up on the last post, my email is back up and running, courtesy of gmail, who now provides service to onemikework.Actually, that's been true for about a week now. I've had access and been online, just not writing. No reason, really. Began to draft a post on a baseball trade, and have had several thoughts percolating, but nothing's hit paper. Grad school has seen my mind outpace both

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1136704012823446412006-01-07T23:05:00.000-08:002006-01-07T23:07:24.826-08:00

so it looks like sbc has deactivated my email account; until further activity is taken to rectify this problem and restore my access, please contact me at michaelwork at hotmail dot com.

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1135848651154727392005-12-29T01:19:00.000-08:002005-12-29T01:30:51.226-08:00

Still up, and just watched an hour-plus of late night TV, flipping through channels before landing on MTV and the show Next.Premise is pretty simple, along the lines of other dating shows. One person has five potential dates sitting in a van, and goes out with them one by one, with the option to cast them off at any time with one word: 'next.' For every minute a date lasts, they earn a dollar.

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1135836346130078732005-12-28T21:58:00.000-08:002005-12-28T22:07:14.696-08:00

Late night driving/chill session on Tuesday.Followed by email action before i...Slept.Through the morning.Went to the office, sat in on a meeting.Strategic thinking and game-planning...it's in my blood.Lunch with my dad. Lots of conversation.Hung around the building all afternoon, intaking.Dinner with mom and Brian.Played WebSudoku while watching Twister with mom.She's now asleep.I'm still

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1135578565089888502005-12-25T22:03:00.000-08:002005-12-25T22:32:27.086-08:00

As the day comes to a close, merry christmas to all. Mine was pretty decent, even after all three female members of my family, in rapid succession, tried to wake me up...way too early. Love you guys, but please, please...don't do that again.Tomorrow, much of the world returns to work, while i have another week's vacation. Alongside continued R&R, a few plans are on tap:Investigate the fruits of

1Lnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1135493918079316542005-12-24T21:16:00.000-08:002005-12-24T22:58:38.196-08:00

Christmas eve, and as always, i'm putting off wrapping (and making) gifts until a little while later. Not sure about the proper protocol of posting gift ideas and such, but i'd imagine that open postings merit a general 'DON'T DO THAT!' So we blog about other matters...more along the lines of events in my life than connected thoughts (that make more sense when they're placed alongside the

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1135308626905167522005-12-22T19:02:00.000-08:002005-12-22T19:30:26.996-08:00

December for football fans means one thing: College Bowl Season.Over a three-week span, fifty-six colleges will send their above-average football programs to such great sites as Las Vegas, Tempe, Miami, Atlanta, and Mobile, Alabama (home of last night's GMAC Bowl), to engage in competition against one another. This makes for some dream matchups, such as the Paterno/Bowden showdown in the Fiesta

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1135241166439116152005-12-22T00:17:00.000-08:002005-12-22T00:46:06.536-08:00

Three days into the trip, and i think i'm over the jet lag at this point, although the throat is still full of garbage. I very well may drink more hot tea in two weeks here than my family usually goes through in a year!Thus far, i've been largely in-house, with a dentist visit and a morning at the office thrown in. Suitably low-key, and probably desirable at this stage, especially given the

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1135042561214896402005-12-19T17:34:00.000-08:002005-12-19T17:47:52.093-08:00

Courtesy of Atlanta Pet Rescue, we now have this dog.For two weeks, if not longer...My sister loves the little cutie.My brother believes the little pincer to be demonic.I'm slightly bewildered.

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1135042254464199302005-12-19T17:18:00.000-08:002005-12-19T17:30:54.493-08:00

I knew it once i stepped off the plane and saw myself surrounded by faux-hunting gear. It's stylish here, really!I'm currently at mom's, and i've gotta say, there's not much better than sitting around the table with my mother, brother, sisters, and a couple of friends, sharing food and laughs. Good times had by all. After that came a longstanding Suffolk tradition of mine...a warm bath. I'm now

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1134992474120794042005-12-19T03:27:00.000-08:002005-12-19T03:41:14.153-08:00

Flying all day today, first to Minneapolis and then to Atlanta, where family will meet me at the gate to kick off two weeks in the deep south, Christmas and New Year's included. One odd, yet good sensation. I've lived in LA for just over two years, and have flown back in and felt back at home, but have never had the sense that i was leaving home when i left LA. I felt it today, saying goodbyes,

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1134682024419775432005-12-15T13:24:00.000-08:002005-12-15T13:27:04.430-08:00

from 'A Spirituality of the Road.'i love this stuff..."I confess that the word 'spirituality' has always caused me a degree of uneasiness. Perhaps this has to do with the idea I, and apparently others as well, have always had about what spirituality seems to mean. By and large, I would guess, most people identify it almost exclusively with what is also known as our 'devotional life.'..I am

1Lnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1134470727581620902005-12-13T01:34:00.000-08:002005-12-13T02:45:27.670-08:00

I wrote the last post while watching Hotel Rwanda with the housemates. Of the multiple resonant scenes, one image and one line in particular seared themselves into my consciousness. After Paul Rusesabagina, a five-star hotel manager played by Don Cheadle, thanks Jack, a cameraman played by Joaquin Phoenix, for shooting footage of the massacre, Jack's response is, "I think if people see this

1Lnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1134461929005218792005-12-12T20:30:00.001-08:002005-12-13T01:55:39.210-08:00

Walter Brueggemann's one of those scholars who has both encouraged and discouraged me towards further study. Encouraging, in that I love his work, and resonate deeply with what he's done. Discouraging, in that i don't really see any need to write a book or ten, since he's already written most of what i'd want to say.In The Book that Breathes New Life, Brueggemann urges the church to carefully

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1134274737435241722005-12-10T19:57:00.000-08:002005-12-10T20:18:57.446-08:00

Two weeks till Christmas, and the spirit of consumerism is in full force. I always notice it, especially when in Atlanta, and can usually count on one week-of late night drive when i vent my frustrations, first in the car, and then to my mom, who just has that knack of knowing when to wait up for me. To be quite candid, i just want to puke when i contrast the significance that the gospel

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1134165068762823542005-12-09T13:36:00.000-08:002005-12-09T13:51:08.776-08:00

That's what i've been kind of up to lately. It's not really bad at all this quarter, with only one late night of studying, and that was last night, when jo, cara, and i got back from a good friend's short film screening across town around 10.30. i put in about two and a half hours reading dissertations and making notes for our group paper in culture&transformation, and finished my section this

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1133376323910240312005-11-30T10:36:00.000-08:002005-11-30T10:45:23.923-08:00

So we're looking at this sold-out concert coming up soon (eleven days time). Day two...drool.ColdplayJack JohnsonThe White StripesDeath CabHot Hot HeatNada SurfThe Braveryand Depeche Mode, of whom one Michael Paul Terranova raves.While it's not last year's show, which boasted Interpol, Franz, Keane, Killers, Muse, Modest Mouse, Snow Patrol, Shins, Green Day, and Jimmy Eat World, i still desire

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1133375784882595332005-11-30T10:02:00.000-08:002005-12-20T23:22:50.030-08:00

So I haven't posted in a week. Not to say that i haven't been writing; three large posts have been drafted, and currently sit at different levels of 'unfinished.' More recent musings may hit the keys later today, so be prepared for an avalanche of depth-charges.Chatting with Arkay Sunday eve, he noted that i've been thinking about a lot lately. This is true. Must say, that's also pretty normal

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1132985583000718642005-11-25T21:30:00.000-08:002005-12-20T23:28:31.440-08:00

It's been a really good extended thanksgiving; i've really enjoyed spending quality time with friends and eating all sorts of tremendous food (like stuffing with two kinds of sausage). The conversations have been life-giving, and i've heard kind words from trusted friends, who have been quite encouraging.Sometimes the little things, the things that probably aren't intended as encouragement, tend

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1132814981336282272005-11-23T22:34:00.000-08:002005-11-23T22:49:41.346-08:00

With no class this evening, I started thinking about a chill, low-intensity way to enjoy the night off after a day of writing. So as the fingers raced across the keyboard, i asked the questions, 'what movie would i prefer to see this evening, Curtis Jackson's screen debut or the newest tale from Hogwarts?' 'and when do i start calling people and extending invites to last-minute spontanaeity?'

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1132781421674272092005-11-23T13:26:00.000-08:002005-11-23T13:30:21.683-08:00

Just saw this ad for a sports management position near Pasadena; sounds intriguing, although the whole bit about not being able to use a computer to do my work kind of bums me out...Anyone think I should apply?Or just get back to writing this paper?

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1132686027594914452005-11-22T10:49:00.000-08:002005-11-22T11:07:12.216-08:00

Since our last post, much has transpired in the world of our hero. He has intrepidly faced technological malfunctions, six-year-olds with saliva to spare, and the challenge of biking the streets of Pasadena without a working brake system.But this morning, our cameras find him doing something quite routine. He's answering phones, and his words have been along the lines of: 'Good morning, Fuller

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1132197388435816782005-11-16T18:42:00.000-08:002011-05-03T08:50:50.669-07:00

Made it this far, amidst the swirl of minor dramas that's been this week. Minor dramas, what you say? Tuition came due on payday, so i was kind of boggled for a bit as to whether i'd actually be able to register for classes, or whether some of the aid i've been given was going to come through (if not, i'd be down another $1300, about a grand more than i'd kept in reserve). It did come through,

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1131991022600275512005-11-14T09:52:00.000-08:002005-11-14T16:36:37.606-08:00

Hard to get up this morning.Got a bunch of work to do for both classes today, but just completely unenergized.Burnout? At least on one front. I'm autopiloting through the assigments in my head, just need to put it to paper.Last week was overwhelmingly encouraging and invigorating, and once i get back into life, i'll be fine, just really down right now.Why? Got some bad news this weekend, and

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1131596701736064342005-11-09T20:05:00.000-08:002005-11-09T20:25:01.806-08:00

Long day at the preventing abuse conference, and i crashed out for a few minutes on the return rail. Loads of good, practical information, and some really solid people were there, both at the podium or in the seats. Odd phenomenon...from lunch onwards, everyone i struck up conversation with had a close pasadena connection...bizaah.Two months of info-gathering on the sex trade and trafficking...

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1131442949869668752005-11-08T01:29:00.000-08:002005-11-08T01:42:29.883-08:00

This Wednesday, i'll be in attendance at a conference hosted by the Cedars Foundation, which will take place in downtown los angeles, and will run from 8.15a to 3.30p.The day will focus on the sex trade and on human trafficking, with an emphasis on prevention. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that trafficking is the human rights crisis of the 21st century, and it's commanded my attention over the

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1131312261023019342005-11-06T12:41:00.000-08:002005-11-06T13:27:17.080-08:00

It's been a week of hearing and learning hard truths about myself, and they’ve been largely been relational in nature. I'll speak more specifically in person, but for now, here's a correlated word from Eugene Peterson,"By insisting that God is three-personed, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - God inherently relational, God in community - we are given an understanding that God is emphatically

1Lnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1131064815620535672005-11-03T15:21:00.000-08:002005-11-25T21:30:25.776-08:00

I had two English lessons today, and while they could not have been more different, both were rejuvenating.First, I met a friend at the bookstore/coffee shop to catch up after a few weeks apart; he's working on a major term paper for a church history class, one which i know well, so we spent the bulk of the time together brainstorming, putting together a potential thesis and a plan of action.

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1130713978790868692005-10-30T15:12:00.000-08:002005-10-30T15:15:00.290-08:00

Today's LA Times featured several articles that piqued my interest and were worth a read, such as this piece on MS-13, and the unforeseen consequences of deportations, which have actually spread the gang's reach across international borders.I also appreciated Steve Lopez' article on Skid Row, part of a series on Life on the Streets, complete with contact information for people serving the people

1Lnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1130541342706795442005-10-28T16:10:00.000-07:002005-10-28T16:15:42.706-07:00

Just got back from South Pasadena, where i stopped by a bike shop to get a new tire, as well as some new bolts to replace the ones i'd stripped. Having the bike again will cut about 12 minutes of my commute each way, which is both good and bad.More later on the 'without wheels' experience that has been LA.

1Lnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1130532094136235982005-10-28T13:29:00.000-07:002005-10-28T16:17:04.170-07:00

Answering phones has been a bit more frustrating than usual this afternoon, largely because my tongue keeps getting in the way when i try to speak. As such, the words either die before they reach my lips, or they just slur into one large dither, to which the only plausible response is that series of words that always peeves me. 'what did you say?'And my temper keeps flaring up, with the internal

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1130439266387637352005-10-27T11:48:00.000-07:002005-10-28T16:17:27.323-07:00

The Times recently ran a profile on David Scholer, a Fuller professor who I took a New Testament class (Acts-Revelation) with in my first quarter here, two years ago. Great piece on a tremendous person, a man who loves his work, his students, and his wife, and a guy who i deeply respect.

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1130393206432900502005-10-26T20:11:00.000-07:002005-10-28T16:21:35.446-07:00

Congratulations to the Chicago White Sox for capping a sweep of the Houston Astros tonight, clinching their first World Series victory since 1917. One year after Boston won their first series in eighty-six years, Chicago celebrates their first in eighty-eight. So Cubs fans, there's hope for you yet.

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1130382628669022282005-10-26T19:57:00.000-07:002005-10-28T16:22:12.060-07:00

With every major steady job I've had in my life, there's been one thing which I just couldn't stand.Working at the Trade Center, which was more or less the de facto job for eleven years: mopping through urine-soaked bathrooms laced with vomit and sawdust at 2 am after concerts. self-explanatory enough.Clemson Equipment Room: striping helmets. it was just tedious, and i saw my attention to detail

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1130360237968309392005-10-26T13:52:00.000-07:002005-10-28T16:20:47.076-07:00

Just threw out the remains of the worst cup of coffee i've EVER prepared.Well, that's apart from the times when grounds seep into the pot and wound up in my cup, so we'll add the qualifier: worst cup of 'instant' coffee i've EVER prepared.Can't screw up instant coffee, you say? Oh, it's possible. All that needs to happen is for the heater inside the water dispenser to malfunction, leaving you

1Lnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1130276290096527692005-10-25T14:38:00.000-07:002005-10-28T16:19:07.446-07:00

Of immediate interest to those in the Pasadena area, as well as folks in Madison, WI, Gainesville, FL, and Shepherdsville, KY, a fellow Fuller student is involved with Give a Shirt, a ground level effort to collect clothing from people who have stuff they don't wear and redistribute it. Donations go to people who, simply put, need clothes.I'm a fan, and am rummaging as we speak. I've got all

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1130265187335868672005-10-25T10:58:00.000-07:002005-10-28T16:18:39.330-07:00

Yesterday Chuck V called our attention to one of the themes he sees running throughout the bible, the place and presence of the holy, or where we meet God in our midst, and he suggested that this was one aim of mission. To illustrate, he put on a clip from the great dreamworks animated film. The runaway prince, Moses, is tending his father-in-law's sheep, and follows a stray into a cave, where

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1129956115991215272005-10-21T21:41:00.000-07:002005-10-28T16:20:25.076-07:00

A word for all security guards in the blogosphere:When you're only a half-hour into your shift, never say 'just another low-key night.'It won't be.

1Lnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1129921223843874302005-10-21T11:58:00.000-07:002005-10-28T16:22:55.196-07:00

The focal point of this afternoon's Chinatown visit: visiting a language school, rather than having acupuncture done as a means to learn about the area's flourishing alternative medicine culture. I decided to go this direction after chatting with my mom this morning. Her comment (while suppressing laughter, i'd imagine): 'acupuncture's not really something you do just to do; usually you need a

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1129755149434717072005-10-19T13:46:00.000-07:002005-10-28T16:19:44.303-07:00

Been through the wringer over the past few hours, and we haven't even hit 2:00...Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.'It has to be true.

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1129619065471683022005-10-17T23:42:00.000-07:002005-10-18T00:04:25.530-07:00

Been two weeks, and much has gone on.School's quite busy this quarter; taking/auditing five classes, which keeps me reading constantly (yesterday's book: Good News About Injustice, by Gary Haugen, director of IJM, quite helpful). Lots of good stuff, and i especially look forward to Wednesday nights and Friday mornings. Wednesday's an anthropology/cultural change class with Sherwood Lingenfelter,

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1128385420287582342005-10-03T17:22:00.000-07:002005-10-03T17:23:40.300-07:00

First assignment due for my cross-cultural communications class:Approach one aspect popular american culture as if you were a martian observing it for the first time, and write up your experience and observations.Something tells me I've got experience with this...

1Lnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1127702839168198962005-09-25T19:24:00.000-07:002005-09-25T19:47:19.226-07:00

Brief update tonight (by my standards).Doing really well, and have enjoyed this past week, a welcome break from school, and a chance to put hebrew in the rearviewmirror. In the absence of required reading, i've had the chance to read books of my choosing, which are often more visibly pertinent to present life and long-term dreams. So this week, i've read three great ones:How to Stop Acting -

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1127236356175894082005-09-20T10:05:00.000-07:002005-09-20T10:12:36.180-07:00

Speech PatternsI've been writing sample commercial and news copy of late, and am learning to adhere to a word count which matches a timeframe. For instance, a 60 second spot should be between 150-180 words, the common threshhold for the time alotted. When I go over that limit, I usually find myself rushing through the final fifteen seconds, or losing the vital tagline or contact

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1125504957618517362005-08-31T08:44:00.000-07:002005-08-31T09:15:57.670-07:00

New Orleans Evacuated: Please Prayfor the safe evacuation of the city, and peace on the roads.for comfort and consolation for all those who have lost loved ones, family and friends. for peace of mind for all those who have yet to hear from or of family and friends in the city; may the best be true.for all those who have lost homes and property, especially those who have lost what little they

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1125453276145444622005-08-30T18:26:00.000-07:002005-08-30T18:54:36.183-07:00

Violent Pornography...and Mike WorkWhile watching the BBC news tonight, I was made aware of a proposed ban on violent pornography in the UK, in response to the murder of a special-needs teacher at the hands of a chap who was deeply into this stuff.Since the statute of limitations on revealing crushes is five years, i figured that now's the time to share this story. During my senior year in high

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1125454382466012152005-08-29T21:56:00.000-07:002005-08-30T19:13:02.473-07:00

Yesterday's paper: What I've learned from the WritingsToday's Blog: What I've learned from writing about the Writings1. Writer's block really, really, really sucks.2. When stressed out over deadlines, chat with classmates who aren't as stressed. You might discover that the paper is actually due three days later.3. Don't change your topic 'week of,' especially if your new proposal only

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1124252733420889072005-08-16T20:22:00.000-07:002005-08-16T21:25:33.490-07:00

Going into the summer, I figured that my hebrew exegesis class would be the bane of my existence. I did well in Hebrew this past winter, especially when it came to translation, although I had a definite weak spot: vocabulary. Still, it'd been six months, and the lack of vocab-aptitude meant that I'd be spending a lot of time with the lexicon, looking up words and figuring out roots and parsings.

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1124178566101054412005-08-16T00:46:00.000-07:002005-08-16T00:49:26.106-07:00

I just looked up and saw a possum sitting in my open window. Time to close the windows, so that we don't have another uninvited guest on the heels of our last tenant who didn't chip in on utilities, the rat that we finally caught yesterday evening.To fully appreciate the magnitude of this unanticipated event, consider that I live on the second floor of the Raymond House, and that hopping into my

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1124002767534740142005-08-13T23:54:00.000-07:002005-08-13T23:59:27.543-07:00

These next two weeks are going to be somewhat of a busy stretch. With a coworker out of town, I'm covering two of his shifts at security, so i'll be working four nights a week, plus two nights a week of hebrew exegesis, which keeps me on campus until 9.30-10 pm. doesn't look like friends and housemates will see much of me this side of eleven until the end of the month.on the flipside, I may get

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1123811887163395992005-08-11T18:56:00.000-07:002005-08-11T18:58:07.173-07:00

Another reason why I love baseball...Sometimes, if rarely, Chan Ho Park will outpitch Pedro Martinez.Their lines from Monday: P. Martinez (L, 12-4) 5.0 9 5 5 0 4 2 3.00 C. Park (W, 1-0) 5.2 6 2 2 1 8 0 6.30 Padres 8, Mets 3

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1123631173927748972005-08-09T16:45:00.000-07:002005-08-09T16:46:13.936-07:00

Recent article on steroid use and feeding impulses that I appreciated

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1123216051112912152005-08-04T21:17:00.000-07:002005-08-04T21:27:31.120-07:00

New venture of the week: learning to play the pianoThis year, more than any other in memory, I've tracked my life by song. I've had a few spells where i've wanted to pick up an instrument, be it the bass, violin, or piano, and both write and play music. Problem is, I know nothing about those instruments, and buying one and paying for lessons would be awful pricey, especially when I consider

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1123049750070413042005-08-02T23:10:00.000-07:002005-08-02T23:15:50.076-07:00

Story from Boston that caught my attention:Prayer Breaches 'Hell Zone'Also covered in the LA Times: Street Ministering in the Hell Zone

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1122618227090433052005-07-28T23:17:00.000-07:002005-07-28T23:23:47.096-07:00

$200 million spent...and the Yankees still can't get starting pitchers who can stay healthy. With Kevin Brown, Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright, and Chien-Mien Wang on various levels of the disabled list, the Yanks have dealt for the following pitchers in the past two weeks:Al Leiter (3-7, 6.64 ERA with Florida)Hideo Nomo (5-8, 7.24 ERA with Tampa Bay)Shawn Chacon (1-7, 4.09 ERA with Colorado)When

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1122334097724526572005-07-25T16:24:00.000-07:002005-07-25T16:28:17.733-07:00

Attention Pasadena Readers,I purchased a copy of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince this morning, figuring that it'd be good reading material for the extra hours I'll work at the switchboard this week. Thus far, I'm about halfway through the book, and anticipate finishing by Friday the 29th. So...if you're interested in borrowing my copy next week or later, please let me know via comment or

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1122187893845186122005-07-23T23:37:00.000-07:002005-07-23T23:51:33.853-07:00

Just got back from seeing the new Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on the IMAX with Brian, Jo, Cara, and Busbee. Last night, Wonka with Wilder was projected on our garage, and i caught the final forty minutes after work, so the double-dip has been great.Quick thoughts:I marked out hard when I heard the original songs from the book; big ups on that front. Likewise, seeing the kids and parents

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1122057395031235872005-07-22T11:03:00.000-07:002005-07-22T11:36:35.086-07:00

Wrestler Banned from TelevisionIn the surreal category this week, Bob Ryder (1wrestling.com, a site full of popups) reports that UPN officials have told the WWE that they no longer want the Muhammed Hassan character on their network, and the WWE appears to be following suit.Hassan is an Arab-American from Detroit who, upset with the prejudice he has been shown since 9/11, has taken his

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1122047628751343192005-07-22T08:50:00.000-07:002005-07-22T08:53:48.760-07:00

We've got company, in the form of ants, come searching for water and parading across our laundry room floor, making inroads into the kitchen.I hate them. I want them dead. I want a product designed to end their life.Let's see. Spray, and watch ants die. Lingering effect that takes out future intruders? I'd like that.

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1122026680884637152005-07-22T03:04:00.000-07:002005-07-22T03:04:40.893-07:00

Other events of the day:Spending an hour on the phone with tech support, learning about the dynamics of transferring email accounts, not what i'd thought they'd be. here's the deal. i moved into a new place in march, but my roommates remained, with the account in todd's name. todd moved to riverside this week, and with our yearlong dsl contract up, he had no need for it, so the plan was to

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1122025886812262022005-07-22T01:39:00.000-07:002005-07-22T02:51:26.856-07:00

I need a drink, so accompanied by Coltrane and Chardonnay, I write about tonight's events.To recap my current life situation, I'm still in Pasadena, with one year of classes left at Fuller before an overseas practicum experience to be determined. My brother Brian's been visiting this week, looking at the LA Film School and deciding whether he's going to move here or not in January. I finished

1Lnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1121497918347158672005-07-16T00:11:00.000-07:002005-07-16T00:11:58.396-07:00

Recent Events in Seattle: The Seattle Times: Local News: Enumclaw-area animal-sex case investigated Seattle Post-Intelligencer: King County sheriff's office investigating possible animal abuse No comments of my own, but to crib from a third party, there've gotta be better ways to make centaurs than this...

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1119159083738941562005-06-18T22:29:00.000-07:002005-06-18T22:31:23.743-07:00

After this week of Dodger interleague play, please refrain from talking with me about baseball, unless you're interested in how i'm faring in the fantasy league.

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1118295485373010672005-06-08T22:29:00.000-07:002005-06-08T22:38:05.380-07:00

A curse on wireless internet...I leave campus to read and write without the lure of the hook-up, and what happens? A network pops up, and Hans Frei fades into the background of blogs, music, and baseball.I've been subscribing to emusic for about six months now, and pull a few albums off monthly. Last month was Dashboard Confessional and Ray CHarles' duets album. This month?Bloc Party's 'Silent

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1117143932289455622005-05-26T14:39:00.000-07:002005-05-26T14:45:32.296-07:00

In the midst of systematics three right now, with a presentation on millenial views. And I'm wandering...between pointlessness and meaningful discussions, and the context thereof.Right now, I can't get at all into the pre-mill, post-mill, a-mill, who cares! And this is popular stuff...great.First hour, the intermediate state, purgatory, and a continuation of Tuesday's discussion of death and

1Lnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1117056297053538042005-05-25T14:20:00.000-07:002005-05-25T14:24:57.070-07:00

Software Plug...of the Year-Thus-FarOver the past nine months, I've been using this utility known as HTTrack, a freeware website copier which makes possible off-line mirroring.More or less, I enter a URL and the software springs to life, downloading the entire site to my computer for offline browsing at my convenience. This comes in quite handy when working from my laptop in public places in

1Lnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610231.post-1115081042479094352005-05-02T17:30:00.000-07:002005-05-02T17:44:02.480-07:00

Since my last post, my former laptop, prone to failing, has been replaced by a new system, which I like. From this computer, I now post for the first time, an hour before class.My sister Holly was in town last week. Actually, she was in Anaheim for a DECA competition (and if Arte Moreno insists that Anaheim is Los Angeles, I won't argue semantics with him, nevermind the geographical peculiarity)

1Lnoreply@blogger.com1