People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars...and they pass by themselves without wondering.

St. Augustine

Is it just me or do other people also have difficulty in maintaining purely platonic relationships with the opposite sex? Ones in which any feelings or desire to extend beyond the boundaries of friendship are precluded? Is it something inherent in a guy's natural predilection to fall for a pretty smile or an engaging disposition? Or do girls find similar complications as well? I'm sure its different depending on each person and relationship but I can't help but think guys have the harder time with this. However, I can't seem to pinpoint the exact reasons why either. Maybe thats because I'm a guy...or maybe it is just me. If so, that sucks...hahaha.

what?

So get this, rumor has it that Ben Stiller is in production of a movie called "Blades of Glory" starring Will Ferrell, Jon Heder, Amy Poehler and Will Arnett! Frank the Tank, Napoleon, Weekend Update co-anchor, and GOB...all in the same film?! Are you serious? And you know theres gonna be cameo appearances from everybody...this has the potential of knocking off Wedding Crashers as my #1 comedy.

necessary evils?

Two things I'm fighting desperately against: 1) buying an iPod 2) getting a MySpace
With the iPod, they are so convenient especially now since I'm on buses and subways all the time. Everywhere I go, I see people with them...its a constant Apple commercial. I'm this close to getting the mini, and with Christmas around the corner...I really don't know how much longer I can hold off. But there are a couple forces working in my favor; one, I just bought a pretty sweet discman a few months back and two, my penchant for cd's.
Now for the terrifying notion of becoming a MySpacer, today marks the third time this week(this week! its only Tuesday, people...) that someone has inquired whether or not I have a MySpace. My feelings about this thing are well known(see previous posts a couple of weeks ago) so I can't foresee myself signing up for one. However, I do see the convenience it provides for long distance relationships...there are quite a few people I'd be able to connect with back home and beyond if I had an account. But then I'd develop the necessity to check it every 5 minutes like everyone else, and I just can't have that nonsense going on especially after having said what I've said about it in the past.
I can't succumb to the dark side...I just can't. But I can see Darth Vader right now beckoning me with a silver iPod mini in his right hand and using the Force with his left hand to float a laptop with my very own MySpace homepage on it. Really, D-Vade, thats not fair dude. How can I say no to that?

The distressing and inescapable truth of it all is that I am the limiting factor and will continue to be so until all this is done away with. What a sobering conclusion...

That was another great Notre Dame game last night with Brady Quinn leading the last minute comeback. I've been following them since the Lou Holtz era and what a difference Charlie Weis has made with this team. Quinn already owns every major Notre Dame passing record as a junior and has lead them to a top ten ranking with an offense boasting a 1,000 yd rusher in Darius Walker and two 1,000 yd wide-outs with Maurice Stovall and Jeff Samardzija. But as fantastic has Quinn has played this year, the 2005 Heisman has to go to the freakishly amazing Reggie Bush of USC. This guy is off the charts...he's the ultimate utility player. I know Vince Young is in contention too but last week's game against Fresno State showcased Bush's electrifying talent. The guy ran for a career high 294 yds. on 23 carries(thats a 12.8 avg!) with a pair of rushing TD's, caught 3 passes for 68 yds., and got 151 yds. of kickoff/punt returns. That was a Pac-10 record of 513 all purpose yards! Are you kidding me?!

Aslan

I just finished reading all 7 books in the Chronicles of Narnia this morning. I really liked them as kid but I read them all out of order and with no context in mind. Even so, the mystery and wonder contained in these stories really transported me into another world...I can remember being forced to go to sleep because I had to read one more chapter...and one more chapter...and just one more chapter. However, after reading them again, the same stories and characters carry much more significance and meaning. Having read C.S. Lewis' other non-fiction works and knowing about him as a person, these books reveal more than just fantasy and imagination. The words paint amazing portraits of the Christian faith, the stories depict moments familiar to all believers and offer an awesome and poignant description of what/how/why God is...to list these literary instances would be too much here and wouldn't have the same effect as if they were experienced within the context of C.S. Lewis' beautiful world. During the course of these adventures, I rarely felt as if I was reading the words but more like I was feeling them. I will admit that I'm a little bummed that I've reach the end so quickly.

Happy Turkey Day

This was my first Thanksgiving away from home...I was up in Boston with some relatives I've recently met. There was first snow fall this morning when I woke up, and then the sun came out around 2 which made everything look amazing! Even though I wasn't at my grandparents', it felt good just to be with family, ya know? I got to talk to everyone back home though which was nice b/c I found out a couple of cool things. First, congrats go to my good pals Jason and Jen who are gonna be first-time parents come June; thats totally awesome guys. Second, my buddy Aaron is flying out here to hang for the weekend in a couple of weeks along with his brother Adam. The three of us...in the Big Apple...with no adult supervision? Car bombs, here we come...hahahaha!

SNL 5

Eva Longoria in person...do I really need to say anymore? Last Saturday's show was extremely funny and creative as well. The Vincent Price sketch was hilarious and, I think is Bill Hader's best work so far. Kristin Wiig had some dead-on impersonations especially of Megan Mullally. Too bad Korn had to ruin the vibe...as they were "performing", I'm looking around at mostly middle-upper class white people just staring at the stage probably thinking to themselves,"What the H?" That made me chuckle out loud but, of course, nobody heard me due to the cacophony of sound. However, the best part of Korn taking the stage was getting to see Eva introduce them in an amazing black dress with a plunging neckline to her smooth belly...breath-taking...the whole crowd went nuts when she walked out. (Tony P is one lucky dude.) She was also pretty funny too, doing a bunch of things I didn't expect her to do. Oh and when SNL revealed that Dane flippin' Cook is gonna be hosting in a couple of weeks, I couldn't believe it. Now that show is gonna be wicked funny!

When? Is it still too much to ask? I grow weary of the wait...you know the desires of myheart, the yearnings of my spirit...and yet you have withheld it from me. Is this such a selfish desire or one born of a sincere longing to connect? Am I still not ready?

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me save that thou art
Thou my best thought by day or by night
Waking or sleeping thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, thou my true word
I ever with thee, thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, I thy true Son
Thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.

I'm happy to see that A-rod did receive this year's AL MVP over Ortiz as I predicted. Robby Cano came in 2nd for ROY, Mariano Rivera 2nd for the Cy Young, and Joe Torre 3rd for Manager of the Year. I hope they get Matsui's deal done tonight so that they can move on to other signings soon. In other sports stuff, the Lakers are looking good with Kobe averaging about 30/gm. They are gonna live and die with Odom and Parker though. What happened to the Eagles? That was a horrible game last night. Not only did they lose in the last 4 minutes of the game but now McNabb is injured...there goes the season. Thanks T.O.

Weekend Update:
POEHLER -- "President Bush on Monday defended U.S. interrogation of suspected terrorists saying, 'We do not torture.' He added, 'We freedom electrocute.'"
FEY -- "A winemaker has filed for patent for their new Jesus Juice wine, which features a man, similar in dressed like Michael Jackson on the label. It's the only wine in America made from statutory grapes."

SNL 4

This was my best show so far partly due to how incredible my seat (which were the best so far as well) was this time. I was in the first row by the aisle on the far left side in front of the stage so I had an awesome view of the Foo Fighters rocking the joint. I sat one row in front of Taylor Hawkins' wife so every time they left to go backstage, him and Dave Grohl would always wave and say something towards our section. That was pretty cool and by the way, she looked pretty cool too.
Jason Lee did a good job. He was in Will Forte's "The Falconer" skit which is a favorite of mine. I got to see Jon Heder who was in the audience too. I was standing in line when he walked by and I was like,"Dude, thats Napoleon!" And if that wasn't sweet enough, I shook hands with Will Arnett as he was leaving the studio. Will Forte stopped by afterwards and talked for a bit. I was so stoked when he remembered my name from two weeks ago. (I have to admit, I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to these things.) Oh and of course, the highlight of the night was talking with Tina Fey!

Last night, I had my first dream since I moved out here to NY a couple of months ago. Isn't that weird? I believe it was precipitated by my conversation with Em before I went to sleep. Yeah, thinking about the dream now, I'm sure it was b/c of how Elizabethtownish it was.

Can someone honestly explain to me why Pat Robertson is still speaking on the Christian Broadcasting Network? Seriously, is there anyone who give me a sensible reason why he is still in the public eye at all? Sure, he no longer has the power or influence he once had but still, c'mon now! By allowing him to continue his rants, the world still views him as somewhat of an ambassador for our faith even though some of the things he says are totally inane. Let me remind you of the ridiculousness spewed by Mr.Robertson:
- In October 2003, he suggested that the State Department be blown up with a nuclear device. He has also said that feminism encourages women to "kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians." Yahoo News
- This summer on his daily show, he called for the assassination for Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Upon being confronted a couple of days later on other media outlets concerning his Christ-like declaration, Mr.Robertson flat out denied using the word "assassination"! Dude, do you not realize that they actually tape your shows? How do you deny visual and audio evidence?
- Just last week, Mr.Robertson said,"I'd like to say to the good citizens of Dover: If there is a disaster in your area, don't turn to God. You just rejected him from your city" when several school board members were defeated in re-election after attempting to introduce "intelligent design" in the school system. When asked about his comments on Thursday, he replied,"God is tolerant and loving, but we can't keep sticking our finger in his eye forever. If they have future problems in Dover, I recommend they call on Charles Darwin. Maybe he can help them."
"Don't turn to God"? "[Call] on Charles Darwin" instead? Are you kidding me? This is the spokesperson for the American believers? This is one my biggest grievances with mainstream Christianity: the constant allowance of an un-Biblical attitude devoid of sensitivity and compassion. Does Mr.Robertson truly think that such remarks will change peoples' thinking let alone their hearts? Do you think God is saddened over the omission of "intelligent design" in school or by the resentment towards Him now in that town from Mr.Robertson's kind words? Gandhi's words echo in my mind as I ponder the consequences of such attitudes plaguing our faith: "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
By the way, it is getting more and more commonplace for American Christians to stamp God's name on their social and/or political agendas and then doing or saying whatever they want regardless if its contrary or not to God's nature or what the Scriptures say. Do we not realize the importance isn't deciding whether or not God is on our side or in our plans, but whether or not we are on God's side and in His plans?

inconceivable!

Have you ever watched something or heard a story that made you so frustrated because of how utterly ridiculous the whole things is? Not just silly but extremely ludicrous to the Nth degree? I saw this report on Primetime Thursday night that got my blood boiling...I didn't know who I was most upset at because it seemed like everyone in the report looked despicable. At one point, I was actually pacing back and forth in my room, shaking my head, muttering,"Unbelievable!" I didn't even realize I was doing this until I spilled my drink on the floor. I'm flabbergasted just thinking about it now. All I can say is that I could not make this up to save my life.
http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/story?id=1297922&page=1

illumination

Wow, what a photo! My friend Holly took this at night in front of NBC Studios a couple of weeks ago. I met Holly and Colin(who were visiting from North Carolina) before the Conan show and, coincidentally, they were planning to stand in line for SNL afterwards too. It was funny when Colin and I walked into the hotel lobby after it rained at about 4am, we looked so homeless that the clerk quickly came over to check for his room key. I was so stoked when she emailed this yesterday b/c its easily one of my favorites.

I was looking at my calendar this morning and realized that I may not come home until spring break in March. This will be the first time I'll be celebrating the four biggest days of the year (Turkey Day, Christmas, New Year's and my birthday) away from home. Wow, what a sobering thought...

not guilty

I took part in this jury research project yesterday which turned out pretty cool. The jury participants were shown a mock trial of a juvenile charged with 1st degree murder and attempted murder. After which, we deliberated until we reached a verdict. Needless to say, the debate got pretty heated with people getting upset and shouting and neglecting common courtesy. And this wasn't even real; I can only imagine how wild real deliberations get. Anyway, if you know me, I have a natural propensity for anything which requires me to poke and prod the claims of other while defending my own. I'm proud to say that my temper doesn't flare up at this sort of thing, generally, and it didn't here as well. But I must admit two things; one, it is quite awkward witnessing someone who can't control the manner in which he or she speaks in a public forum. And two, I hate being spoken down to. There was this one woman who wasn't getting any her facts right but insisted in talking to me condescendingly simply because I made sense. I so wanted to say," Look lady, I apologize if I am bound by things such as reason and logic. I would totally agree with you if I was freed from such hindrances in order to pursue notions of speculation with an uncanny disregard to fact which seems to be what you have decided to do. Now unless you have anything to say that falls within this realm of reality, please shut up!" And normally I wouldn't put up with it but being the nice guy that I am, I didn't say that figuring it wouldn't help with the case itself and would demote me to her level (and as a gentleman, I can't have that happening). Besides, nearly everyone there realized that she was insufferable as well which was good enough for me.
In the end, my patience won out as I was able to make the case I wanted and to my delight, the outcome was one I had hoped for.

what did I tell you?

So, shortly after posting my thoughts about MySpace yesterday, I read that musicians are gonna be releasing their music directly onto MySpace (I think it was in Rolling Stones). I knew some have already started with singles but this is gonna be the new thing ever since Dane Cook was so successful in doing so with his comedy. And, some tv show episodes will be available exclusively thru MySpace as well. Wow, who needs to leave that place?
On a side note, the geniuses at MySpace are already working on a patent for an external device with the capability of supplying your body intravenously with caffeine, nutrients, and liquids so long as you are logged on over a 12hr period. The new service, tentatively called MySpaceLife, will be free at first for all but will cost nothing as long as 3 of your top 8 are logged on simultaneously for at least one 12 hr cycle (which research has shown to be about the average). However, I have no evidence to back up this claim. But admit it, you weren't too surprised as you were reading it, were you?

Soularize 2005

(me,Trina,Spencer, Kristie,Adam)

I've been looking for this picture forever and finally found it today. That was hands down the best conference in all aspects that I've ever attended. Looking back on it now, it was the beginning of a season of change in my life. Putting that experience into words does it little justice...as I view that whole experience in my mind, a sense of wonder and awe washes over me.

I've said it before & I'll say it again

MySpace = cyber crack aka online opium aka internet ice

Being part of the worship several times at the 411 and having lunch with Pastor Scott earlier this week just made it all seem to fit for me there at the fellowship. I'm excited about the prospect of beginning a new journey with the community there. After church this morning, I headed up to Central Park to catch some of the New York City Marathon. I've heard of it before but, like most things, its nothing like seeing and being there in person. Massive amounts of people cheering and hollering for the runners...it was cool to see all kinds of people from all kinds of places all over the world at a single event with a single goal in mind:to finish the race. What a feeling it must be to cross that finish line. As I was looking around at everything, I couldn't help but think of Paul's writings about running our own race and finishing it strong. Being at the marathon, in the midst of all that, really brought those words to life.

welcome to the suck

Couldn't help but think of Chase as I was watching Jarhead. Each time Swoff would say something, all I could see was Chaser up there on the screen. Prayin' for ya bro.
That said, Jarhead was a great movie. That tagline says it all really, not to mention the brilliant use of Kanye's "Jesus Walks" as the anthem. Everyone that I liked was in the film; Jake Gyllenhaal(Donnie Darko/the Good Girl/Proof), Jamie Foxx(Ray/Collateral/Any Given Sunday),Peter Sarsgaard(Garden State,Flightplan) and Sam Mendes who directed one of my all time favorites, American Beauty, as well as the way underrated Road to Perdition. You put all that talent in a movie and sometimes things go wrong. But in this case, each of them provided strong performances, even Oscar worthy.
By the way, I saw the extended preview of King Kong and...okay,wow! There were about three scenes that just filled me with tremendous glee...can't wait Peter Jackson, can't wait! I really hope that this doesn't disappoint.
Speaking of disappointing movies, I was watching Matrix Reloaded yesterday and realized that it isn't as bad as had thought when I stood in line 3 hours to see it. Its definitely not Matrix caliber but also not as horiffic as my first impression led me to believe. Below is a list of my top 5 disappointing films in no particular order:
1. Reign of Fire- How do you mess up sweet looking dragons vs. the military of the future and Christian Bale?
2. Matrix Revolutions- We stood in line all flippin' night to watch a truce between Zion and the Machine World? This is what happens when you sacrifice plot for cool scenes of flying people fighting.
3. Van Helsing- You can't fault Wolverine for this one or even super hot Kate Beckinsale. Blame this one on director Stephen Sommers of the Mummy franchise.
4. AVP- How do you make a PG-13 movie from two R-rated franchises? They're from space! Let them destroy each other however they like!
5. The Village- And I'm a Shyamalan fan. It was too predictable and drawn out. Horrible casting of Adrien Brody who is overrated by the way. Not even Bryce Dallas Howard's superb debut coud save it.
But my all-time cinematic disappointment/movie that made me wanna hurt someone is and forever will be Star Wars:The Phantom Menace. I can go on all night about the poor script and bad pacing but all I really need to say is JAR JAR BINKS?! What the heck?! I'm done...I don't wanna get worked up tonight.

Alrighty then

So, ten dollars and half an hour later, this is what I discover about my personality: "Type 3, Type 4, Type 6, and Type 9 are tied or are close ties. One of these is likely your Enneagram type."
Words are inadequate to accurately express my gratitude for providing the most inept answer I have ever heard...thanks, thanks alot. I highly recommend this to anyone who desires to partake in an exercise of ambiguity.

oh c'mon now

Adam took this Enneagram test last week to see what personality type he possesses http://daibew.blogspot.com/2005/10/enneagram.html. It seemed to fit him just right, so I decide to take it as well. I've never taken personality tests, let alone any online ones, but I figured if it worked for him, surely it'll work for me. I take the free test which is like the condensed version of the actual one and my results are all over the place. I have 4 or 5 types that are all within one point of each other. Ya just can't narrow it down huh? I was hoping for something a little more decisive, thanks. I'm pretty sure I'm not interpreting this correctly and that there is a reasonable explanation for the mixed results, but I have half a mind to take the full version which will cost me ten bucks and eat up 40 minutes of my life but claims to provide a much higher level of accuracy. Normally, I wouldn't give it a second thought but the whole outcome is starting to bother me.

AL Awards

With the MLB awards upcoming this week, here are my predictions. I'm only doing the AL b/c who really cares about the NL? By the way, my boy Derek Jeter won his second straight Gold Glove.
AL Rookie: I think Robby Cano has a strong case with .297/14/62 but alot of his clutch perfomance was during the playoffs which don't factor in this award. So, I'll go with Nick Swisher, who I think led all rookies in homers, with .236/21/74. His buddy Crosby put up .239/22/64 last year when he won ROY.
AL Cy Young: Mariano Rivera. He put up the lowest ERA(1.38) and WHIP(0.87) of his illustrious career this season. Combine that with 43 saves and 80k's in 78IP and you have your winner. Although, I will admit that it will be tough for a closer to beat out a starting pitcher like Colon.
AL Manager: 91% Ozzie Guillen. However, I will make a case for Joe Torre who took the Yanks from .500(39-39) on July 1 to edge out the BoSox to take the AL East. The Yanks eventually finished only 4 games back from the ChiSox with 95 wins.
AL MVP: This really shouldn't be such a hyped debate. No DHer should win this b/c they don't play any D which is almost half the damn game. Granted, Ortiz was probably the best clutch/most feared hitter last season. He was to the Sox what Bonds was to the Giants when he won the NL MVP, but Barry was in the outfield with a glove on. Look at A-Rod's numbers this season .321/48/130 with 21SB. He's first in homers, first in SLG(.610), second in batting average, third in hits(202), and fourth in RBI's. Plus, he's made amazing plays at third base in only his second year at that position. This year's numbers destroy those he posted in Texas when he won the MVP a couple years back. If he doesn't win, I'll be livid.
I know, I know...I put a Yankee up for each of the awards. But, honestly, can you blame me?

Ahh, I love Micky D's. This is from Weekend Update last week.
TINA FEY -- "This week McDonald's will launch a two-day media event to tout the quality of its food and to combat critics who say its burgers and fries are unhealthy. McDonald's say that their food represents all four food groups: brown, dark brown, tan and salty."

Can someone let me know if the photos on the side are being displayed?

imagine peace

This probably is my favorite photo taken thus far. Its a mosaic created in honor of John Lennon from Strawberry Fields in Central Park.

I finally figured out how to get pictures on my blog here. I know, about time right? It sucks not knowing html. Hopefully, this'll work out.