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May 30, 2007

Visions of Speed, Vicariously, Courtesy of David

A couple of years ago, I ran the St. Louis half-marathon, only I didn't. Having registered but not undertaken the requisite training, David chose to run the race in my stead. And I finished quite nicely, thank you very much. What's that scripture passage about building a tower?

The biathlon (which more correctly should have been called a duathlon) at Highland this Memorial Day was one that I had also thought of under taking, but couldn't quite manage to train for the five mile run in time. I did, however, go along for moral support, and to take pictures. I am still getting the hang of sports photography.

The 5 mile run and 15 mile bike route was lead off by a gentleman in a wheelchair. Amazing. I can't imagine how he handled the hills.

I managed to catch the frontrunners...

...but didn't manage to catch decent shots of David until the end of the run and the transition to the bike.

Here is the specialized bike of the gentleman in the wheelchair which is pedaled using one's hands and, I think, his everyday wheelchair. I am not sure if he had any help in the transitions, but I imagine he is pretty self-sufficient.

Here is David finishing along with another rider who seems to have hit the pavement somewhere along the rainy course.

The end of a 19 mph average bike segment. Nice.

In this final shot, David represents his cycling club, which in turn represents Christ. In a cool story, during the run a fellow runner remarked how the ICCC put on the best post-race food for the races they sponsor. There is a point for doing everything well as unto Christ.

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May 29, 2007

Twilight on Lewis and Clark

Well, today I tendered my resignation at Lewis and Clark Community College in order to attend seminary this fall to pursue a Masters in Divinity. This has been a decision I have taken a long time to come to and which I have not taken lightly. If you are the praying sort, I would appreciate yours, that I will see this through and listen to see where God may be taking me.

At any rate, after visiting a dear Uncle who is very close to going to be home with Jesus and his sister and after the day's events, I was a bit pensive and just relaxed by taking some pictures of beautiful Lewis and Clark at twilight. These are sans tripods, but still convey the beauty. It was perfect night.

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May 28, 2007

And Now, Something Completely Different

Well, here is another rejected story. Don't you feel privileged to only get the leftovers ;) Alas, that is normally the way of things in this area, the rejection that is. I may re-submit this some place at some point, but until such a time as that, here it is. If you read "Before the Towers Fell" (thank you) and then read this one, you will find this one to be quite different, and it may, indeed, be a bit of work in the early going. But I think that if you do a bit of trudging, you may be rewarded a little for your work, or at least I would like to believe so. Here is "Biolog."

Biolog

“Where do you want to go today?”
“What do you want to be today?”
“Who do you want to see today?”

The questions awoke him with a start, if “awoke” could be the proper word. Had he been asleep? And could even he even wake “with a start?” A quick meld gave him an answer.

OED: To start: to undergo a sudden involuntary movement of the body, caused by surprise, alarm, acute pain, etc.

He did not even have a body....

Continue reading "And Now, Something Completely Different"

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For the Scots

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May 25, 2007

Songs for a Grey Day

They're Scottish. Their music has a melancholy bent to match their homeland. They're Travis, and their videos, which generally have high production values and concepts, are available on Youtube.

Driftwood
-this is the first Travis song I heard and probably is my favorite. The video is pretty cool too, imagining the taking of a school picture at a girls school and the lads as the school teachers. Cool slow motion when it rains.

Turn 1 / Turn 2
-I like this song an awful lot too. "Turn 1" is my favorite Travis video, I think. "Don't doubt my Chi." And the lass is nice.

Why Does it Always Rain On Me
-A little strange, but it is set on the Scottish moors, Fran Healy's wearing a kilt (contemporary though it be), and there is a cool stunt. What's not to like?

Flowers in the Window-An even stranger video, though it does rather celebrate pregnancy nicely. In an interview I read or heard, Fran is a feminist. The single image of a non-Travis male in this video is a bit unsettling. I don't know exactly what to make of it and whether that was Travis' choice or the director's, whom I think they tend to generally give a free hand.

Closer / Click here to loop the audio of Closer...it bears repeated listens.
-This is their latest. Quirky. Ben Stiller. The melody is oh so lovely.

There are other nice Travis songs and videos. This will have to do for now though. Enjoy.

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My Sister's Garden

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Taraxacum 2

Taraxacum

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May 23, 2007

The First Day

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Tea, Glorious Tea!

See, now when I suggest a cup of tea after, say, house church or a P.L.A.T.E.S(S) lunch or....OK, pretty much after anything...it will be perceived as an imminently healthy suggestion. Of course the article doesn't address the adverse effects that the sugar and milk might have in a cup of tea the way I like it. Oh, and do you have a favorite tea? Favorite tea ritual?

My favorite tea is straight up black (orange pekoe and cut black) tea with milk and sugar, and unless you are in India or Pakistan, the milk should be evaporated milk or half in half to get the real flavor. Oh, and make the tea strong. I also like Moroccan Mint with sugar. Green tea with honey is nice as well. For a change up, I like a cup of Lapsang Souchong, which Jesse says is like drinking a campfire. Plus, it is fun to pronounce. And, though, I do not consider herbal teas to be be tea, a cup of Sweet Dreams takes me, very pleasantly, right back to Cedar Campus where I first drank it.

Favorite tea ritual? Well, I do enjoy a cup of tea on my own on a quiet morning or in the car on the way to work, but the most delightful times are with others. In high school, we would walk to the local village to have tea on a ricketty balcony overlooking a massive valley in the foothills of the Himalayas. Now, a nice shared cup after house church or on a Sunday evening is equally lovely. And then there was (note the past tense) tea time with Jesse, where one or the other of us would make the tea and either sit on the balcony and talk or sit laptop to laptop and work (OK, its probably more often simply playing) and talk. That was until he up and moved away
:(

;)

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May 21, 2007

Objectification or Empowerment?

I just read this story from BBC News which seems to me to represent in microcosm several things:

1) It seems like this echoes discussions that the United States had many years ago. And the answers that our culture came up with surely, surely shape, no perhaps even created, this very conversation in the Middle East.

2) Rightly or wrongly, this influence of the West is one of issues that is at the root of the Islamic terrorism.

So, is this objectification or empowerment or both? Do Muslims have any justification in being angry at the West for such cultural influences? Are concepts such as propriety and modest hopelessly culturally relative or at least always culturally situated?

Lots of questions. I don't have many firm answers. I do know that in cultures where there is not much overt suggestive material, such as in Pakistan where I grew up, even a little bit of suggestion can have a powerful effect. Should this be the norm/ideal? Alternately, is a more European view of nudity and the body, etc. appropriate and even healthy? What does Christianity inform us to do? Is its message different for different cultures?

Oh, and for reference, here are some Youtube videos of several of the performers mentioned in the BBC article. Pretty tame by today's Western standards; way out there by Islamic standards, though perhaps not by pre-Islamic Middle Eastern standards, because there is the traditional belly dance after all. In the selections below, Nancy is a little more traditional, in her first video at least. Haifa? Well, she could give Shakira a run for her money.

Haifa Wehbe
Nancy Ajram
Nancy Ajram

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Much Ado About the Old West

I am not sure about this one. The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival's production of Much Ado About Nothing this year will be set in the Old West. I must say that this is not immediately appealing to me. I never have said to myself, "Oh, yes, I love the witty banter between Benedick and Beatrice, I just wish some one would set it in a saloon." I am not sure that they will actually do that, but just the prospect of it and ethos of the wild west with its coarseness and dusty landscapes does rather de-romanticise it all. And a large part of the allure of going to the festival for me is that it is often a rather magical experience. Still, I will reserve judgement until I see it and see if they can pull it off. I hope they keep the text the same in any case.

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May 18, 2007

Behold, the Lowly Dandelion!

The current issue of Catapult is entitled "Your Own Back Yard" and has articles and pictures and music about that little piece of ground that has the potential to connect us back to Eden.

Here is my contribution to the issue. Here are my past contributions to Catapult.

I also recommend Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma's wonderfully evocative article and photos of time spent in various different types of yard thoroughout her life. And, though I have not read it as yet, there is also an article on composting.

Finally, there is a quirky, Joy Electric style musical piece about imagination set free in the back yard. I like the song, but, like the big donut thingy I got from Quik Trip this morning, I only like this style of music in fairly small doses, or I am liable to get a Sugar Rush.

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May 15, 2007

The Tension of Loving Beauty in a World of Pain

How can we sink into an appreciation of beauty and goodness when there is so much ugliness and pain in the world? How can we eat well, paying attention to aesthetics as much as nutrition, when so many starve? How can we go on elaborate vacations when millions will live short lives within a circle of a few miles of their birthplaces? What do an appreciation of poetry and music and art have at all to do with the everyday, desperate problems of billions?

This post does not ultimately present an answer to these questions, except to say that, perhaps, fundamentally beauty and goodness remind us that this is a good world, that it is a world that is worth redeeming. I think that it is entirely appropriate, then, that we appreciate, partake of, and create beauty and goodness where ever we may, to even expend resources of time and money to this end. The trick, though, is to know that these are truly but foretastes, and that we also must work to invite others, to bring others, to the Feast. And this will certainly also require paying attention to how we use our resources. I don't have any guidelines, really, except to turn down the messages of our culture, pay attention to what the Bible says about money and possessions, and listen to the Spirit.

Here is an old work about the same themes. It was written in Pakistan in 1993, just after I had finished reading Anne of Green Gables for the first time. OK, since I have already confessed that, I might as well go ahead and say that I eventually read the entire set of 6 (the seventh somehow wasn't in that set), though I only really remember the first three. This poem has appeared on the blog before and is a bit archaic in its style and, er, not very subtle, but I still like it.

Avonlea
In Avonlea, a gentle breeze
Blows softly through mid-summer leaves,
And tickles ripples from the lake,
Then playful dances on its way.
In Africa, no breath of breeze
To comfort wraith-like, naked trees,
To blow back life to fill the lakes,
And drive the stench of death away.
Does God reside in Avonlea;
In bright and good His rule confine,
While death and night unchallenged rule
Without the bounds of sovereignty?
Or, did He share the agony
To hear discord in His symphony,
Forsake pure joy to take on pain,
Anemic of His majesty?
I will cherish life's Avonleas
As foretastes of eternity,
But not lift long their joyous cup,
Lest, giddy, shun the cup He took.

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From the Hard Drive ::: Outdoor Miscellanea

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May 11, 2007

From the Hard Drive ::: Fire and Feathers and One Tiny Flower

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May 10, 2007

Processional

Last night, in a delightful, post-house church, coffee shop gathering, sitting outside in the lovely night, we were playing "Would You Rather," a game involving someone asking a question such as "Needing to raise money, say, for seminary for example, would you rather spend a year working in the Reptile House at the St. Louis Zoo, cleaning cages, moving reptiles etc. or spend a year constantly making funnel cakes as a carnival worker?" The person who asked the question would then have to go around and guess how each person would answer. Pretty cool game.

Here are a selection of some of the other questions. Sorry, I cannot remember them all just now.

"Would you rather spend a month long vacaation in Italy or Brazil?"

"Would you rather have two children or five?"

"Would you rather take an art class or literature class (either studying each genre or practising it)?"

"Would you rather lose your sight or your hearing for the rest of your life?"

"Would you rather be married in a stone church or outside?"

This final question elicited some wedding ceremony related discussion, ranging from unity candle symbolism (Yes, Dawn, I mentioned my poo poo-ing the floating unity candle :) to what hymn/chorus/song folks might want to include in their wedding ceremonies.

Well, selecting music for my morning commute reminded me of the song I want for a processional...for the guys that is. You gotta love a pair of nationalistic, nerdy looking, Scottish, identical twins who love the blues, sing in their own accents, and engage in religious reflection from time to time.

Oh...funnel cake, Italy, five, literature, lose my sight (though I later changed it to hearing), and stone church (though I wouldn't be picky).

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May 9, 2007

What is in a name (and how it's written)?

The visual image continues its assault on written and spoken words. If it were not bad enough for words that a picture is a worth a thousand of them, well this article shows that the power of words itself is even modulated by how they are pictured.

Seriously, though, the article is a fascinating look at how fonts express meaning, either through serifs and embellishments or by the lack of these. The article marks the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the font Helvetica, a name which is derived from the ancient Roman, Helevetia, name for a province encompassing Switzerland, which I knew before I even looked up because of reading this comic book (see what the right kind of children's books can accomplish).

Helevetica, like the country from which its name is derived, conveys through its simple lines, neutrality and stability and security, qualities which are prized by many advertisers and corporations.

As Wildenberg notes, its Swissness is part of the appeal. The land where clocks run meticulously and the streets are spotless carries the kind of cultural resonance that the logo makers and brand masters of the major corporations might like a bit of. For others, its neutrality is a platform for daring design.

Even though it is easy on the eyes and conveys stability, not everyone is a fan though, crying "Boring!"

When people choose Helvetica they want to fit in and look normal. They use Helvetica because they want to be a member of the efficiency club. They want to be a member of modernism. They want to be a member of no personality. It also says bland, unadventurous, unambitious.

Typefaces control the message. Choice of font dictates what you think about something before you even read the first word.

Do you have a favorite font? Are there any you despise? Oh, and make sure to read the first reader comment for a groan-worthy joke.

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May 3, 2007

Interesting Linkin Park Video

I did not know much about the music of Linkin Park until I went to a Francis Schaeffer lecture about their music presented by Travis Scott. I did not subsequently go out and buy a bunch of their albums as they are a touch heavy for my tastes for me to listen to them on a consistent basis. Yet, having borrowed some CD's for a while and having watched some videos at Travis' talk, I certainly appreciated both the music and searching lyrics and images they present in some of their songs.

Travis has a link to their most recent video here and invites discussion. I have put in my two cents there and so will not do so here. I think the video is well worth watching, and be sure to jump in to the discussion if you are inclined. If you are a Linkin Park fan, make sure to check the article version of Travis' talk as well.

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May 2, 2007

You Ever Just Want to Go...

...to a place that you love, a place where you experienced truth and fellowship and beauty, and just stay there. I have had that impulse rather a lot in my life.

Of course, that place that you are thinking of is never quite the same when you return. And the impulse to check out, to sink into goodness, now matter how beautiful or true or warm it is and simply stay there, is, while we share this "veil of tears" with others, perhaps nothing short of disobdience. Still, I cherish those times when they are given. Here is a blog reprint of a poem written at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship's Cedar Campus.

cedar reflection

gentle waves lapping on the beach
breeze rushing gentle through the trees
gentle blue meets grey of choppy swells
at the horizon of my view
and friends stand gentle at my side
with gentle, glad or thoughtful talk
or silence rich and meaningful

and God is near
and whispers healing, soothing, gentle words
as praises rise for blessing and care so evident
and hearts are filled with joy and rest and gentle love
and long to stay the hand of time
prolong the sabbath,
end the journey
and savor more this sample of that final rest

but beyond the horizon of my view
beyond the ships that ply the lake
and bear witness to a greater world
are countless lives that never taste the Rest at all
and gentle words and gentle sights and sounds
drown in the curse of fallen life

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Spiderman 3 Gets 3.5 Stars Out of 4...

...from Jeffrey Overstreet, a favorite film reviewer of mine. Here is his review and discussion questions. I thought of including a gratuitous picture of "the radiant Kirsten Dunst," as Overstreet describes her, but decided on this cool, bad Spidey picture instead.

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One More Story on America by Matt Frei

Recently the Oxford Union debated the motion ""this House regrets the Founding of America." Matt Frei says he is happy to report that the resolution was "overwhelmingly squashed." His article is not a blind defense of the U.S., but it is interesting in its balance and humor even. Here are some excerpts:

The US is a nation built not on ethnicity, not on religion, not even on history but on an idea.

Al-Qaeda also strives for a world without borders, a trans-national entity based on ideas, which a majority of Muslims find as unpalatable as we do. So, ask yourself and be honest: where would you rather live - the Caliphate or California?

***

The reality of America may be vexing, frustrating, infuriating and puzzling but its promise is no less real and, given the right voice, should be no less inspiring.

Guantanamo Bay, the Abu Ghraib prison scandal and yes, so many aspects of the war in Iraq, were big mistakes. But these are aspects of current foreign policy, not part of the nation's DNA. They are lamented as much inside the US as outside. And that too speaks for America!

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