Let me start out by saying that I believe Home Box Office (henceforth referred to as HBO) has made some of the most definitive and original television in the last thirty years. Shows like Sex and the City, Six Feet Under, and the Sopranos, cables most infamous and profitable show to date, are synonymous with great television, and in turn are synonymous with HBO.
One particular facet of HBO that I’m fond of is that it seems to have this way of fostering creativity. HBO doesn’t cancel stuff right away, instead they let programming evolve at it’s own pace till it is either a cultural phenomenon or an un-renewable disaster. I remember a few years ago when Big Love premiered and people considered it gimmicky at best. I can’t exactly blame them though, because polygamy for polygamies sake is very, very gimmicky. But four years later the show is being called one of the best of the decade and I think that credit should be given to HBO for allowing the show to expand on its own.
It is because of there desire to foster creativity that their shows have meticulously blossomed and made a name for the network. In short, HBO has an amazing crop of television and I have the utmost respect for the art that they have produced. But I have been noticing something about this station and the media in general, that worries me. My observation is this: the modern day art house that is television is becoming more and more biased. To further desecrate the matter, this bias is not so much in the shadows, its out for everyone to see.
When the Sopranos premiered in 1998 its tagline was ‘Family, Redefined’. This not only describes that particular show, it describes television in particular. It seems every other show HBO produces is trying, in one way or another, to redefine the family unit. Immeasurable amounts of critical praise are following this ‘redefinition’. Lately works of art have been receiving critical accolades for pushing boundaries, not necessarily for showcasing artistic merit.
As a creative person, I have a problem with something be critically acclaimed merely because it seeks to be amoral. Edgy is ok, but it is not the end-all by any means. Bottom line: Art should not be praised merely because of its message.
Whether it is a collection of monologues by Eve Ensler or a Broadway play by Tony Kushner, a piece of art should not be exalted because it seeks to undermine certain values. Yes, art usually has a pretty clear message, but sometimes that message can overpower the art to the point where the artistic value is lost and nothing remains but propaganda. Whether it is a religious or political message, all art can be overpowered by a particular message but unfortunately, it seems critics are reviewing the message more than the art.
Looking at the lineup of weekly programming, I can logically see a mass-media revolution taking place. Networks are actively working against traditional values one primetime block at a time, and while it may be just reflecting changes in our society, it may just as well be making those changes. If you’re trying to spark a revolution, just say so don’t masquerades as only reflecting a revolution.
As you can tell, my creative ego is worried that much of the critically-praised media feels much more like a political message, instead of just plain art. This worries me because lately, media with a specific political leaning have been garnering much applause. Mad Men is one example, while the writing it good, I sense that many people embrace it because it justifies our moral sins through historical re-writing. Obviously, it is just a story, but it’s also much more than that….it’s propaganda masquerading as art.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Beginning of the End: The Final Season of ABC's LOST
A plane crash, a monster, and countless hours of suspense later…Lost is coming to an end. It has been a wild ride, a ride that I’m beginning to see not every television show allows you to take. I mean this show is a rarity; for starters the ending was planned from the beginning and the writers have somehow maintained a consistent narrative that has yet to contradict itself.
Then there was that glorious cinematography, especially the first season with all of its gorgeous beach sunsets. It set the bar for network television, the same way HBO shows did for cable. The writing was good (not as good in the fifth season, but good enough), the acting has always been phenomenal (excluding that fifth season again, in my opinion), and it incorporated literature like no other show ever has. It has always been intellectual than other shows (think a sci-fi Frasier.... but really not at all) Example: some of its characters were named after famed philosophers (Locke, Rousseau, and Alpert to name a few). In short, Lost dared to be complex, dared to test the intellect of its audience, and in return became a pop culture phenomenon with a devoted cult.
Now pop culture phenomenon’s are something I’m no stranger to, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and thirtysomething have all have caught my ‘creative interest’ at some point but it was years, sometimes decades (in Star Wars case) after they originally came out. But for once, I’m part of a pop culture phenomenon during its original run and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. With Harry Potter, I wasn’t allowed to read it during its first printing and with Star Wars I was not even out of the womb when it hit theaters in 1960-something. But I’ve watched Lost since day one! Now you see, the show’s main topic is fate and when I think about it, you could argue that fate brought me to the show. I should not have been home the night in premiered, but I was sick and had the TV all to myself…who’s to say it wasn’t fate?
One reason I’ve always adored Lost is because of its spiritual topics: fate/destiny, science versus faith and the influence our decisions have on others lives. The show encapsulated so many ideas for me, in one single hour almost every topic I’ve ever been interested was presented in a wide-screen format…and I as well as the world, ate it up.
Now after five seasons, it is coming to an end. The creators behind the show, Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, have stated that they have planned the ending from the very beginning…thus I expect a certain amount of closure and conclusive answers. One reason people have been giving up on the show (viewership has actually steadily declined over its five years) is because it has given very few answers. Mysteries that were presented in season one (those skeletons in the cave for instance) have yet to be answered and it seems some mysteries may never be answered, due to contract disputes and such. But I love the mystery, but only because they say they have answers. If they had mysteries but were making up it as they go, I’d hate it…but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
So on this Saturday afternoon I wait in anticipation for the season to begin and to have my countless questions answered. What is the Monster, why is Richard Alpert seemingly immortal, what are those darn numbers (4 8 15 16 23 42), and what is going to happen to Locke? To say I’m excited is an unholy understatement
Now to end on a less-than-happy note, my friend John said that when he finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (the finale of the series), he asked himself, “Ok, what next?” Sadly, this is what I will ask myself as well, when that finale fades to black and the Lost logo comes on screen one last time: What next? It’s corny but true, but television-wise I’ll be lost without it.
Then there was that glorious cinematography, especially the first season with all of its gorgeous beach sunsets. It set the bar for network television, the same way HBO shows did for cable. The writing was good (not as good in the fifth season, but good enough), the acting has always been phenomenal (excluding that fifth season again, in my opinion), and it incorporated literature like no other show ever has. It has always been intellectual than other shows (think a sci-fi Frasier.... but really not at all) Example: some of its characters were named after famed philosophers (Locke, Rousseau, and Alpert to name a few). In short, Lost dared to be complex, dared to test the intellect of its audience, and in return became a pop culture phenomenon with a devoted cult.
Now pop culture phenomenon’s are something I’m no stranger to, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and thirtysomething have all have caught my ‘creative interest’ at some point but it was years, sometimes decades (in Star Wars case) after they originally came out. But for once, I’m part of a pop culture phenomenon during its original run and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. With Harry Potter, I wasn’t allowed to read it during its first printing and with Star Wars I was not even out of the womb when it hit theaters in 1960-something. But I’ve watched Lost since day one! Now you see, the show’s main topic is fate and when I think about it, you could argue that fate brought me to the show. I should not have been home the night in premiered, but I was sick and had the TV all to myself…who’s to say it wasn’t fate?
One reason I’ve always adored Lost is because of its spiritual topics: fate/destiny, science versus faith and the influence our decisions have on others lives. The show encapsulated so many ideas for me, in one single hour almost every topic I’ve ever been interested was presented in a wide-screen format…and I as well as the world, ate it up.
Now after five seasons, it is coming to an end. The creators behind the show, Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, have stated that they have planned the ending from the very beginning…thus I expect a certain amount of closure and conclusive answers. One reason people have been giving up on the show (viewership has actually steadily declined over its five years) is because it has given very few answers. Mysteries that were presented in season one (those skeletons in the cave for instance) have yet to be answered and it seems some mysteries may never be answered, due to contract disputes and such. But I love the mystery, but only because they say they have answers. If they had mysteries but were making up it as they go, I’d hate it…but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
So on this Saturday afternoon I wait in anticipation for the season to begin and to have my countless questions answered. What is the Monster, why is Richard Alpert seemingly immortal, what are those darn numbers (4 8 15 16 23 42), and what is going to happen to Locke? To say I’m excited is an unholy understatement
Now to end on a less-than-happy note, my friend John said that when he finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (the finale of the series), he asked himself, “Ok, what next?” Sadly, this is what I will ask myself as well, when that finale fades to black and the Lost logo comes on screen one last time: What next? It’s corny but true, but television-wise I’ll be lost without it.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
St. Arbucks: The Third Place Sanctuary
My first week in California was absolutely awful. Really, I guess the first month was pretty terrible but in the midst of all that unbearable chaos there was a moment of serenity. On my way to church, we stopped by our local Starbucks and when I walked in, all my homesickness and anxiety left. As the smell of roasted coffee beans filled my senses and the ambience of the lighting shown upon me, I said to myself, “I’m home.”
There’s this theory going around about something called “the third place”. I give props to Nora Ephron (director of such films as Julie and Julia and Sleepless in Seattle), who introduced me to this theory during some special features on one of her movies. The theory goes something like this: everyone has a home (hopefully at least haha) and your home is your “first place”. Everyone also has a job and the location of their chosen occupation is their “second place”. Between these two places, much time is spent and many peoples (leaders in the relaxation movement and no doubt some Starbucks execs) think that besides these two all-consuming places, we as humans need a “third place”. My third place and I’ve heard many others as well, is Starbucks.
This third place is extremely important to me. Starbucks is my escape, my home away from home away from home. It is my sanctuary, a place to write, read, and lollygag by myself, or sometimes with my posse. In fact, in many ways Starbucks is like a church: eternally devoted followers (like you and me), its own lingo (double shot grande non-fat macchiato means nothing to non-Starbuckers), and its own “sacred” icons (that half-naked maiden on the logo). Not to mention that it has locations/chapels EVERYWHERE (sometimes ten and eleven in one city). Starbucks is a home away from home because in many ways what you do there resembles a spiritual experience (maybe I’m confusing spirituality with that feeling of being cultured haha, wouldn’t put it past me). Whether you are sitting in those red armchairs or chilling with your head against those plushy headboards behind the benches with the angelic lighting fixtures creating a halo effect around all you do……Starbucks is a sacred place and don’t argue otherwise.
Very few places could keep me for more than two hours, but Starbucks can easily possess my entire caffeinated being for three and a half hours straight. One white chocolate mocha with a copy of Pride and Prejudice and BAM…it’s been four hours! But it isn’t a sad shock when you find out how long you’ve been there; it’s actually really comforting to know that there is a place you can lounge at for so long and not feel lazy or intrusive. But upon further consideration I’d say that I also can feel that same way at church. So I guess that my church is really my third place and in turn that would make Starbucks my fourth place. Hmm, well that’s interesting….but that’s also an entirely other cup of Joe :)
There’s this theory going around about something called “the third place”. I give props to Nora Ephron (director of such films as Julie and Julia and Sleepless in Seattle), who introduced me to this theory during some special features on one of her movies. The theory goes something like this: everyone has a home (hopefully at least haha) and your home is your “first place”. Everyone also has a job and the location of their chosen occupation is their “second place”. Between these two places, much time is spent and many peoples (leaders in the relaxation movement and no doubt some Starbucks execs) think that besides these two all-consuming places, we as humans need a “third place”. My third place and I’ve heard many others as well, is Starbucks.
This third place is extremely important to me. Starbucks is my escape, my home away from home away from home. It is my sanctuary, a place to write, read, and lollygag by myself, or sometimes with my posse. In fact, in many ways Starbucks is like a church: eternally devoted followers (like you and me), its own lingo (double shot grande non-fat macchiato means nothing to non-Starbuckers), and its own “sacred” icons (that half-naked maiden on the logo). Not to mention that it has locations/chapels EVERYWHERE (sometimes ten and eleven in one city). Starbucks is a home away from home because in many ways what you do there resembles a spiritual experience (maybe I’m confusing spirituality with that feeling of being cultured haha, wouldn’t put it past me). Whether you are sitting in those red armchairs or chilling with your head against those plushy headboards behind the benches with the angelic lighting fixtures creating a halo effect around all you do……Starbucks is a sacred place and don’t argue otherwise.
Very few places could keep me for more than two hours, but Starbucks can easily possess my entire caffeinated being for three and a half hours straight. One white chocolate mocha with a copy of Pride and Prejudice and BAM…it’s been four hours! But it isn’t a sad shock when you find out how long you’ve been there; it’s actually really comforting to know that there is a place you can lounge at for so long and not feel lazy or intrusive. But upon further consideration I’d say that I also can feel that same way at church. So I guess that my church is really my third place and in turn that would make Starbucks my fourth place. Hmm, well that’s interesting….but that’s also an entirely other cup of Joe :)
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Tops of 2009
Last year (before my lovely blog was incepted) I wrote out a personal lists for the things I enjoyed the most in 2008. It was for me and me only, kind of a way for me to have a mental note of what I really liked. I’ve always been annoyed by people who don’t know their favorite movies and so on and I was thought having a list was a good way of never becoming one of those people. Now I’ve decided to bring it to my blog to better educate the masses on all things pop culture, included are my top fives from everything including music, movies, and even discoveries (everything that makes my life what it is). So sit back and enjoy the list….LIVE from my bedroom, its Evan Olson’s tops of 2009.
Music
1. I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas
This is the perfect song for any night of the week. To me, it’s almost like a lyrical declaration shouting out that “that tonight’s gonna be a good night.” It’s upbeat, fun, and was the first Black Eyed Peas song I ever bought…I’ve played it non-stop for months.
2. This Tornado Love You by Neko Case
This entrancing alt-country song (from one of the members of Canada’s own ‘the New Pornographers’) is fantastic. Seriously, the first time I heard it I was stone-cold captivated by the unique and holy sound that emanated from my speakers. She’s one to watch for sure!
3. Empire State of Mind (Parts I and II) by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys
“These streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you…lets hear it for New York, New York, New York!” Awwwe, those words make me feel alive. Fact: I’m not a fan of rap in general, but when Alicia Keys enters the mix it’s a whole different ballgame. This song (split into two parts, one with Jay-Z and the other a piano edition with only Alicia) is an anthem to New York and to the artists who live there (and dream of it). I love New York City and this song encapsulates my admiration of the City.
4. Dance Anthem of the 80’s by Regina Spektor
Regina has been around for awhile; you probably already know her hit single ‘Fidelity’ (it breaks my he-he-he-he-art), but I was never a huge fan…until now. Her album ‘Far’ is a quirky exploration into her musical whimsy. But unlike last time, this album seemed more contained and more centered. This song in particular is an offbeat jingle about a meat market where the “boys and girls the watch each other eat”. But it’s the last minute and the half of the song that really grabs and stuns you; she’s singing about benediction and a meat market again (a combo only Regina could pull off so effortlessly). It’s a song that sums up the whole album: oddly beautiful.
5. Your Presence by Jenn Johnson
What can I say? Bethel is the Mecca of our faith and the music they are sending out is quite unique. Much of Christian radio and even worship music for that matter is being written towards victory, but Bethel is writing from victory. This song captures the intensity of their worship and especially captures the passion of worship leader Jenn Johnson, whose heart cry explodes within the melody.
6. Set Fire to the Third Bar by Snow Patrol (feat. Maratha Wainwright)
I was at the midnight premier of ‘Twilight: New Moon’, waiting for the awful movie to start so I begin criticizing it when but then suddenly, during a commercial for a Nicholas Sparks movie, this stunning and enchanting song came on. I literally raised myself up and leaned out of my seat and the song pulled my in…it’s an intense love song filled with a potency that can only come from a duet of such caliber.
Movies
1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
One of the best movies I have ever seen. A romantic comedy rooted in reality and at the same time, in surrealism. Joel and Clementine (lovers if there ever were) begin their relationship at the beginning of the movie, but ten minutes into the film an enraged Clementine has her memory altered so she can forget all about Joel. After finding out what she did, Joel decides to do the same (as a form of payback), but as the operation begins he realizes he still loves her. What follows is a film about real love and real relationships, not something wishy-washy. It’s a movie about how no amount of memory-altercation can erase the love we have for someone, no matter how hard we may try.
2. 17 Again
A surprisingly good movie about a thirtysomething ad man who back in time to relive his high school days (with help from one of those offbeat janitor characters). For such a cliché plotline, it’s a very funny movie with a solid cast (Zac Efon is the lead), pro-marriage stances, and some genuine emotion…something I think is lacking in most high school movies.
3. Marie Antoinette
A period art piece concerning the Carrie Bradshaw-esque queen Marie Antoinette is the most visual movie I have ever laid my eyes on. It is filled with jealous colors, pitch-perfect directing, and is a wonderful glimpse into the life of a happy tragedy.
4. Inglorious Basterds
I’d never seen a Tarantino movie, until I saw this one. A “spaghetti Western” about a group of Nazi hunting soldiers (lead by Brad Pitt’s now iconic character Aldo Rain), a young fugitive trying to stay alive, and the Nazi abomination seeking them out. It’s comical, brutal, and a modern day classic.
Books
1. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
In my opinion, this fantastic book solidified J.K. Rowling’s epic series about the boy wizard. It is a story set in a magical world, but it is so firmly rooted in Harry’s emotions, emotions that no amount of magic can get rid of. Topics of racism, death, and legacy are profound and certain chapters (ex: ‘the Boggart’) are some of the most enjoyable passages of books I’ve ever read. Make no mistake; this book deserves to be praised.
2. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
I’ve read this one twice and am blown away by the magic and emotion it holds. The author (J.K. Rowling) called this book a game-changer, a pivotal book that set the tone for the final three in here epic series. Set out a sort of wizard Olympics and how Harry must face not only the games, but the return of his parents murderer (the darkest wizard in a hundred years) and even….girls. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is an epic novel that transcends children’s literature entirely.
3. Purity: The New Moral Revolution by Kris Vallotton
A breath of fresh! Kris’ is book is not legalistic nor is it void of boundaries; it calls us to sexual purity because we are worth it. It is a book on purity that, instead of being self-centered and focusing on us, focuses its energy on God. The book shows us a better way to live our lives and makes us see that purity isn’t about rules, it’s about relationship. Kris showed me that purity isn’t something we strive to do; purity is something we do because we have a internal values that dictates how we live. If you don’t have one, fine…I do, thanks to this book.
Discoveries
1. Bethel Culture
Honor is liberating, love is all-consuming, and when is freedom not desired? Seriously, Bethel is what I have been looking for my entire life…I love it!
2. NPR
More culture than hard-hitting news, NPR reports on the things I’ve always wanted to hear about. Hour long interviews with Sarah Jessica Parker, stories on people who manage the lives of deceased celebrities, and discussions with people about the Sears Tower name change. Give me NPR’s vibrancy over Today Show’s dull unchanging format anyway.
3. The Internationals
My roommates: a Swiss, a Canadian, and a Scotsmen. Love my room love my mates, enough said.
4. Winco
Food dispensers! Dried pineapple rings! Lowest prices in California!
~~~
Thanks for reading and happy New Years!
P.S. Would really love some feedback in the comments section or on my FB page. Thanks!
Music
1. I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas
This is the perfect song for any night of the week. To me, it’s almost like a lyrical declaration shouting out that “that tonight’s gonna be a good night.” It’s upbeat, fun, and was the first Black Eyed Peas song I ever bought…I’ve played it non-stop for months.
2. This Tornado Love You by Neko Case
This entrancing alt-country song (from one of the members of Canada’s own ‘the New Pornographers’) is fantastic. Seriously, the first time I heard it I was stone-cold captivated by the unique and holy sound that emanated from my speakers. She’s one to watch for sure!
3. Empire State of Mind (Parts I and II) by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys
“These streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you…lets hear it for New York, New York, New York!” Awwwe, those words make me feel alive. Fact: I’m not a fan of rap in general, but when Alicia Keys enters the mix it’s a whole different ballgame. This song (split into two parts, one with Jay-Z and the other a piano edition with only Alicia) is an anthem to New York and to the artists who live there (and dream of it). I love New York City and this song encapsulates my admiration of the City.
4. Dance Anthem of the 80’s by Regina Spektor
Regina has been around for awhile; you probably already know her hit single ‘Fidelity’ (it breaks my he-he-he-he-art), but I was never a huge fan…until now. Her album ‘Far’ is a quirky exploration into her musical whimsy. But unlike last time, this album seemed more contained and more centered. This song in particular is an offbeat jingle about a meat market where the “boys and girls the watch each other eat”. But it’s the last minute and the half of the song that really grabs and stuns you; she’s singing about benediction and a meat market again (a combo only Regina could pull off so effortlessly). It’s a song that sums up the whole album: oddly beautiful.
5. Your Presence by Jenn Johnson
What can I say? Bethel is the Mecca of our faith and the music they are sending out is quite unique. Much of Christian radio and even worship music for that matter is being written towards victory, but Bethel is writing from victory. This song captures the intensity of their worship and especially captures the passion of worship leader Jenn Johnson, whose heart cry explodes within the melody.
6. Set Fire to the Third Bar by Snow Patrol (feat. Maratha Wainwright)
I was at the midnight premier of ‘Twilight: New Moon’, waiting for the awful movie to start so I begin criticizing it when but then suddenly, during a commercial for a Nicholas Sparks movie, this stunning and enchanting song came on. I literally raised myself up and leaned out of my seat and the song pulled my in…it’s an intense love song filled with a potency that can only come from a duet of such caliber.
Movies
1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
One of the best movies I have ever seen. A romantic comedy rooted in reality and at the same time, in surrealism. Joel and Clementine (lovers if there ever were) begin their relationship at the beginning of the movie, but ten minutes into the film an enraged Clementine has her memory altered so she can forget all about Joel. After finding out what she did, Joel decides to do the same (as a form of payback), but as the operation begins he realizes he still loves her. What follows is a film about real love and real relationships, not something wishy-washy. It’s a movie about how no amount of memory-altercation can erase the love we have for someone, no matter how hard we may try.
2. 17 Again
A surprisingly good movie about a thirtysomething ad man who back in time to relive his high school days (with help from one of those offbeat janitor characters). For such a cliché plotline, it’s a very funny movie with a solid cast (Zac Efon is the lead), pro-marriage stances, and some genuine emotion…something I think is lacking in most high school movies.
3. Marie Antoinette
A period art piece concerning the Carrie Bradshaw-esque queen Marie Antoinette is the most visual movie I have ever laid my eyes on. It is filled with jealous colors, pitch-perfect directing, and is a wonderful glimpse into the life of a happy tragedy.
4. Inglorious Basterds
I’d never seen a Tarantino movie, until I saw this one. A “spaghetti Western” about a group of Nazi hunting soldiers (lead by Brad Pitt’s now iconic character Aldo Rain), a young fugitive trying to stay alive, and the Nazi abomination seeking them out. It’s comical, brutal, and a modern day classic.
Books
1. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
In my opinion, this fantastic book solidified J.K. Rowling’s epic series about the boy wizard. It is a story set in a magical world, but it is so firmly rooted in Harry’s emotions, emotions that no amount of magic can get rid of. Topics of racism, death, and legacy are profound and certain chapters (ex: ‘the Boggart’) are some of the most enjoyable passages of books I’ve ever read. Make no mistake; this book deserves to be praised.
2. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
I’ve read this one twice and am blown away by the magic and emotion it holds. The author (J.K. Rowling) called this book a game-changer, a pivotal book that set the tone for the final three in here epic series. Set out a sort of wizard Olympics and how Harry must face not only the games, but the return of his parents murderer (the darkest wizard in a hundred years) and even….girls. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is an epic novel that transcends children’s literature entirely.
3. Purity: The New Moral Revolution by Kris Vallotton
A breath of fresh! Kris’ is book is not legalistic nor is it void of boundaries; it calls us to sexual purity because we are worth it. It is a book on purity that, instead of being self-centered and focusing on us, focuses its energy on God. The book shows us a better way to live our lives and makes us see that purity isn’t about rules, it’s about relationship. Kris showed me that purity isn’t something we strive to do; purity is something we do because we have a internal values that dictates how we live. If you don’t have one, fine…I do, thanks to this book.
Discoveries
1. Bethel Culture
Honor is liberating, love is all-consuming, and when is freedom not desired? Seriously, Bethel is what I have been looking for my entire life…I love it!
2. NPR
More culture than hard-hitting news, NPR reports on the things I’ve always wanted to hear about. Hour long interviews with Sarah Jessica Parker, stories on people who manage the lives of deceased celebrities, and discussions with people about the Sears Tower name change. Give me NPR’s vibrancy over Today Show’s dull unchanging format anyway.
3. The Internationals
My roommates: a Swiss, a Canadian, and a Scotsmen. Love my room love my mates, enough said.
4. Winco
Food dispensers! Dried pineapple rings! Lowest prices in California!
~~~
Thanks for reading and happy New Years!
P.S. Would really love some feedback in the comments section or on my FB page. Thanks!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Nothing Better To Do Than Muse
Here are some random late night musings for your enjoyment….
~Ok, so right off the bat I have to reveal that I am now in Ankeny! I have returned to this holy city for a time and I am so happy to be within its borders! Ankeny is so me: well-off, family oriented and well-structured…an unusual but nonetheless welcomed trio.
~I was listening to NPR on my flight from San Fran to Denver and one of the interviews was discussing a new trend in Japan. Basically it was about metrosexual Japanese men who call themselves Carnivores. They’re straight, but not inclined to chase after women…they also wear tight pants and get pedicures. It was a very random report, thus I share it with you.
~Alicia Keys’ new album ‘the Element of Freedom’ has a couple fantastic songs. I recommend ‘Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart’ and ‘Empire State of Mind Part II’.
~I love ibethel.tv! It’s an honor being able to tune into Bethel culture every week and as an added perk, I’m on one of the videos!
Ok, I’m off to bed (jet lag), but I’ll write more soon (see below).
-Evan
p.s. (what does p.s. mean?) get ready because next week I’m posting my tops of 2009. it’s my personal listings of everything that made 2009 a year to remember for me.
~Ok, so right off the bat I have to reveal that I am now in Ankeny! I have returned to this holy city for a time and I am so happy to be within its borders! Ankeny is so me: well-off, family oriented and well-structured…an unusual but nonetheless welcomed trio.
~I was listening to NPR on my flight from San Fran to Denver and one of the interviews was discussing a new trend in Japan. Basically it was about metrosexual Japanese men who call themselves Carnivores. They’re straight, but not inclined to chase after women…they also wear tight pants and get pedicures. It was a very random report, thus I share it with you.
~Alicia Keys’ new album ‘the Element of Freedom’ has a couple fantastic songs. I recommend ‘Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart’ and ‘Empire State of Mind Part II’.
~I love ibethel.tv! It’s an honor being able to tune into Bethel culture every week and as an added perk, I’m on one of the videos!
Ok, I’m off to bed (jet lag), but I’ll write more soon (see below).
-Evan
p.s. (what does p.s. mean?) get ready because next week I’m posting my tops of 2009. it’s my personal listings of everything that made 2009 a year to remember for me.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Adventures in Mecca
Confession: I needed a getaway. I mean I like Rio Dell and all (ok, that’s a big fat lie because behind closed doors I refer to it as Rio Hell), but I needed to see the world. I needed to escape Humboldt and make sure that the world actually still existed and that I wasn’t imagining it. Honestly, living up here in the hills makes me feel like I’m in that movie ‘the Village’ sometimes, but thankfully civilization still existed and oh the adventures I had there…..
I went to Redding (or as I like to call it, Mecca) for a week and spent the first the first few days with my friend, Jenny and my cousin, Emily. We explored Sun Dial Bridge, Redding’s SINGULAR mall, and this Panera/Starbuck’s hybrid called Yak’s Coffee. Then we had Thanksgiving together, which was delicious considering no one over the age of thirty-five was involved in the cooking process. But after Thanksgiving, the estrogen they gave out began to choke the very life out of me and thus, it was not a moment too soon that my dad arrived.
Jack and Friede Taylor decided to have a small meeting at Bethel, to honor the culture Bethel has created in their church and in their city, my dad was one of these “spiritual sons” and so he flew in for the weekend. Fortunately I was able to tag along with him, because my dad thought that if Jack could bring his spiritual sons, than he could sure bring me.
Bethel by itself is fantastic, but being able to traverse it with the likes of Jack and Friede, Leif Hetland, and Bob Phillips is something else entirely. There was one point that I was walking to service and realized I was literally strolling amongst spiritual giants. I didn’t feel small though, because Bethel isn’t about “them and us” instead it’s about equality and embracing our royalty. So it was actually kind of relaxing walking with them and instead of feeling fearful I felt kind of secure walking with them.
All weekend, during small intimate meetings with Bill, Kris, and other Bethelites, I felt tremendous gratitude for my life. Not only for being able to attend sessions where the number of people in the room was around twenty-five (which is exactly the kind of meeting I like), but for my life in general. When I leave California and go back home, I go back to a place that sometimes I can’t believe exists. Heartland (my church) is fantastic and I feel incredibly privileged to be able to go back to something when I leave Humboldt County.
I’m becoming more and more aware that not everyone can say this and am so thankful that I can…but I’m also a little dumbfounded as to why I am so lucky? Why did I get to spend a week in Redding hanging out with Jack Taylor? Why am I so lucky as to have a Kingdom church back home? Why am I so lucky to have the family that I do? I don’t know the answer, but I think it has something to do with everything my parents have gone through. Our family has been through a lot, but they’ve stuck it out and stayed with God and I think that has a lot to do with it. They trusted God when it didn’t make sense and now it’s paying off. I think this pretty much what I’m going through now. I can’t say I like it here in California, but I’m willing to stay if that’s it takes to prepare me for what’s coming at our church. This is something I’ve been learning lately: being thankful for a gift I don’t want. It’s been hard, but so worth it!
Anyways, Redding was amazing and one of the best moments was seeing my dad on stage sharing how Bethel has impacted Iowa. It was cool to see how far we’ve come, from a little church in Ankeny, Iowa to what we are now…a church affecting our state and slowly but surely, affecting the nation. I’m excited to see what’s coming in my life…but for now, I’m patiently waiting for Christmas break to begin, so I can visit civilization once again.
I went to Redding (or as I like to call it, Mecca) for a week and spent the first the first few days with my friend, Jenny and my cousin, Emily. We explored Sun Dial Bridge, Redding’s SINGULAR mall, and this Panera/Starbuck’s hybrid called Yak’s Coffee. Then we had Thanksgiving together, which was delicious considering no one over the age of thirty-five was involved in the cooking process. But after Thanksgiving, the estrogen they gave out began to choke the very life out of me and thus, it was not a moment too soon that my dad arrived.
Jack and Friede Taylor decided to have a small meeting at Bethel, to honor the culture Bethel has created in their church and in their city, my dad was one of these “spiritual sons” and so he flew in for the weekend. Fortunately I was able to tag along with him, because my dad thought that if Jack could bring his spiritual sons, than he could sure bring me.
Bethel by itself is fantastic, but being able to traverse it with the likes of Jack and Friede, Leif Hetland, and Bob Phillips is something else entirely. There was one point that I was walking to service and realized I was literally strolling amongst spiritual giants. I didn’t feel small though, because Bethel isn’t about “them and us” instead it’s about equality and embracing our royalty. So it was actually kind of relaxing walking with them and instead of feeling fearful I felt kind of secure walking with them.
All weekend, during small intimate meetings with Bill, Kris, and other Bethelites, I felt tremendous gratitude for my life. Not only for being able to attend sessions where the number of people in the room was around twenty-five (which is exactly the kind of meeting I like), but for my life in general. When I leave California and go back home, I go back to a place that sometimes I can’t believe exists. Heartland (my church) is fantastic and I feel incredibly privileged to be able to go back to something when I leave Humboldt County.
I’m becoming more and more aware that not everyone can say this and am so thankful that I can…but I’m also a little dumbfounded as to why I am so lucky? Why did I get to spend a week in Redding hanging out with Jack Taylor? Why am I so lucky as to have a Kingdom church back home? Why am I so lucky to have the family that I do? I don’t know the answer, but I think it has something to do with everything my parents have gone through. Our family has been through a lot, but they’ve stuck it out and stayed with God and I think that has a lot to do with it. They trusted God when it didn’t make sense and now it’s paying off. I think this pretty much what I’m going through now. I can’t say I like it here in California, but I’m willing to stay if that’s it takes to prepare me for what’s coming at our church. This is something I’ve been learning lately: being thankful for a gift I don’t want. It’s been hard, but so worth it!
Anyways, Redding was amazing and one of the best moments was seeing my dad on stage sharing how Bethel has impacted Iowa. It was cool to see how far we’ve come, from a little church in Ankeny, Iowa to what we are now…a church affecting our state and slowly but surely, affecting the nation. I’m excited to see what’s coming in my life…but for now, I’m patiently waiting for Christmas break to begin, so I can visit civilization once again.
Monday, November 9, 2009
In
One perk of being away from home is that I have become really aware of how I deal with things. Example: in the past I was very good at not being honest with myself. Justification and dodging the truth were my games and I played them darn well. But away from home I have to be honest with myself, I have tell it how it is. It’s been hard, but also very liberating. I’m growing up as I do this, I’m becoming more me….through honesty identity is being forged. Anyway, within this state of self-awareness I’ve noticed something and it relates to my interests and why I find them, well…interesting.
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