tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320861692024-03-13T20:30:11.864-05:00I'm Neutrallukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.comBlogger502125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-49840295265552559282013-01-18T14:30:00.004-06:002019-03-19T11:06:14.886-05:00Guns, Control, & a Christian ResponseRight now in America a debate is going on about gun control, brought on not only by the most recent terrible tragedy in Newtown, but also by years of mass shootings that seem to be increasing in frequency. This is not only a very important issue, but often a very emotional issue for many people. I will admit, I have very strong feelings about this. While it's important not to let emotions cloud judgment, I do affirm that emotions have a very important place in correct judgment. They should be dismissed or just set aside.<br />
<br />
Despite my strong emotions, I don't consider myself to be an expert on this subject. I write this post hopefully as a place people might interact with me, share their thoughts, and listen to one another. That might be asking a lot since I haven't written anything on this blog for several years--I would ask for comments or thought because I really want to know why people think the way they do on this. Specifically I'm interested in how Christians approach all of this and why they do it in certain ways.<br />
<br />
And now for my perspective.<br />
<br />
I have thoughts about specifics, and I'll get to those, but one of my overarching perceptions is in regard to the values behind this whole debate. What is it that we are really fighting for, valuing when we are talking about all of this? What is most important? Is it the value of human life? Or is it the rights of freedom (however you want to interpret that word)? You can talk about the second amendment all you want, but I think it important to acknowledge that the value of human life is more important than any individual right afforded by a political system. You might argue that guns, in and of themselves, are not really the problem and threat to human life, and therefore the issue of rights become important. Or that self-defense is an important protector of human life. And that's fine. I can understand that. Just so long as we all acknowledge that human life is the more important value.<br />
<br />
The other main value that strikes me here is control. Not "gun control." <i>Control. </i>What is our response when the innocent are senselessly murdered, as in Newtown? Well, fear is certainly a strong one. Anger. Lament. Many different emotions. But how do we respond to these emotions? Which do we decide to act upon and how? We all have the instinct to protect the things we love, including ourselves. But we have to be willing to admit that we are not in control. That we cannot keep everyone safe, that we can't live our lives constantly in fear of what bad thing might happen. This is no way to live, and in itself degrades the value of human life. I'm not saying we shouldn't do anything. But we must acknowledge that there are limits to what we really can accomplish, especially in a political system as broken and convoluted as ours. Nor should we be inattentive personally with our own families. But there is only so much we can do.<br />
<br />
If our response to something as horrible as Newtown is to deck out five year olds with armored backpacks, we miss the point. We cannot respond to the violation of innocence by trying to eliminate innocence in and of itself. This opens up a large topic of innocence itself--whether such a thing is still present or if it is rather just simply naivety. I think this conversation is just as important, if not more important than gun control itself. It is important to recognize the value of vulnerability, of innocence, of grace. These affect the value of human life to very large degree. If we respond in fear and have armed guards in schools, then why not movie theaters, or grocery stores, or intersections? marshal law? Well that's getting in to more specifics. Before we go there, can we agree that removing innocence itself will not protect the "innocent," it will just make us all guilty?<br />
<br />
Those are just two of the value issues I see that really affect this whole conversation. When we begin to approach specifics, we all come with different values and upbringings. And of course, we are naturally inclined to think that the values we hold are the correct ones, whether they were informed by our family, our experiences, things we've read, etc. These things generally go very deep inside each of us, and so arguing about specifics rarely seems to reach these places--because we're all looking for whatever we want to affirm what we already think. I don't mean to pretend that I am immune from this myself. I know my views have changed over time, but the emotion within them does make it difficult to hear others well.<br />
<br />
So I want to just touch on all of this from a somewhat objective perspective, with a somewhat limited focus. I want to ask how Christians should view and respond to all of this. This makes sense because my faith is very important to me and informs much of what I think about this. That doesn't mean that if you are not a Christian then you can't respond--I just want to begin from here because it is where I begin.<br />
<br />
For me, I can't understand at all how anyone can read the Bible, especially the New Testament, and support guns. Those who live by the sword will die by the sword. Self-defense? Turn the other cheek. I know much more could be said here, and if someone has a biblically based defense of guns from a Christian perspective, please do share it with me. I would love to hear it, because it seems very inconceivable to me.<br />
<br />
Many people try to separate the argument--that violence is a separate this from guns themselves. Guns don't kill people, people kill people. That kind of thing. There is some truth to this, of course. Guns don't automatically just shoot people. Of course statistics show that someone owning a gun is at least 4 times more likely to have an accidental shooting than one in self-defense. But what if? what if! the great selling point in America--what if. Millions are made because companies play the percentages and use fear to sell on the basis of what if. I have a 25% chance I'll use my gun for defense. I have a 75% chance I'll accidentally shoot a friend or family member. Guns in the house? really? I know it's not quite as clear cut as that, and everyone says they will be careful with their guns--but that's why they call them accidents.<br />
<br />
It is also 7 times more likely that a gun will be used for criminal activity than self-defense. And 11 times more likely it will be used to commit suicide. (<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9715182" target="_blank">Source</a> US National Library of Medicine)<br />
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Another argument is about guns for recreation. This is another thing I just can't seem to understand. I have gone out and shot guns for fun before. And it's true, there is something somewhat alluring about it. I'm not convinced this is a positive allure, that it's not tied up in power or some other unhealthy emotion--but that's just me. I'm not saying the government should be able to tell you how you can have fun. But is it really necessary to have that type of recreation when the dangers that come along as side effects are as they are? Are we ok with trading the right to have fun in this way with a few mass shootings every few years? In what possible way are semi-automatic weapons a necessary recreation given their terrible power and damage in their misuse? Can't we instead just go shoot hoops or something?<br />
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Self-defense is the argument I can understand the most. I don't agree with it, but I can see the point. The statistical evidence about accidental shootings point to misuse much more than actual defense. It's all about how you frame it. Numbers won't convince most people though. If you want to own a gun to protect yourself, I can understand. It's a violent world. And I'm sure most people would say that if there were no guns then they would be happy. But the reality is there are. I can understand defense.<br />
<br />
I do fail to see how a semi-automatic weapon is necessary in that regard though. Unless you are being attacked by an army or somehow red dawn becomes a reality, they really aren't necessary. In the case of protection against an army, like say, the US gov't (speaking of original intent of the 2nd amendment), a semi-automatic rifle will be of no use to you against a military that is 50% of our national budget and 13x the rest of the world's military force combined. The misuse of semi-automatic weapons is far more damaging than these unlikely and completely ineffective responses to unlikely scenarios.<br />
<br />
These are all theoretical arguments as well. We all know reality intrudes and enforcement of gun laws is completely inadequate (see these <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/jon-stewart-nra-atf-gun-control-obama-2013-1" target="_blank">videos</a> from yesterday). There is no perfect answer to the great problem that faces us. Nor would solving this problem really make the world safe again or anything like that. Ultimately, our faith for redemption and security will not be found in gun laws. But it will make a difference in people's lives. Would it have made a difference in Newtown? Who knows. But it might make a difference the next time this happens. Because it does keep happening. And something needs to change. Something is wrong. The experience and the evidence don't justify the status quo.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Well these are just a bunch of thoughts put out there. Again I encourage your comments and thoughts. Please be reasonable and no personal attacks. I want to have positive conversation about this, I really do. And I titled this specifically "a" Christian response, because I recognize that I do not have the final say on that by any means. Neither do you. So tell me something I don't know, I welcome that. But if you're just wanting to grind your ax, you can go over to facebook.lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-87761012118560108442011-05-30T14:20:00.000-05:002011-05-30T14:20:50.870-05:00another bloghey all,<br />
<br />
if anyone still reads this, or if it's still in your rss feed even though you never really see it pop up any more. i haven't been blogging as much. it's easy to state the obvious. i have been writing though. i've been feeling very compelled to write a lot more, and something good is beginning there. however i don't feel that i need to be sharing most of that writing publically yet. i am writing in different places (personally) and different projects. i may still blog on here from time to time, but probably much more infrequently.<br />
<br />
we also have something of an experimental blog for our community. i may be writing on there occassionally, perhaps a bit more often than here. so check that out if you want to: <a href="http://kcroots.wordpress.com/">kcroots.wordpress.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />
in peace and hope,<br />
lukelukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-71434094217266053962011-05-06T15:41:00.000-05:002011-05-06T15:41:10.145-05:00the spiritual discipline of groaninga friend of mine was sharing with me some about pain. not so much her pain, but pain in others that she could see. that got me thinking about the difference with which we see our own pain and the pain in other people. take a minute to think about that.<br />
<br />
if you are in a place of sharing, a place where someone feels free to open up about their pain--maybe just a crack in the door, but through that crack you can see so much, how do you view them? perhaps you may feel a bit embarrassed at the candor. perhaps you will feel uncomforable at your inability to respond, to do anything for them or about their pain. but if you are close, you will most likely want to comfort them somehow.<br />
<br />
<br />
the problem is that we normally are not very good comforters. we try to speak words that our friend cannot really hear. we mumbled cliches and trite phrases that are supposed to mean something significant, whether there be any truth in them or not. if we are at our best, perhaps we will just sit in silence. maybe a slight touch--nothing coddling. <br />
<br />
this is certainly a significant thing. but still so often it feels incomplete. it lacks. <br />
now think about those moments when you have been the person in pain, if you've had the good fortune to have people in your life with whom you could crack that door. or possibly a few well-meaning ones who have even pushed it open themselves a bit. how do you feel? if i'm not mistaken, we all to some extent feel a tension between holding our pain and releasing out onto others. for pain to truly be released in that way it must be shared--the other must feel to a degree that pain as well. this is a burden we do not always like to put on others, even close friends, because we know it will affect them. our pride invites us to take it all on ourselves and hold that pain. but no one can bear the weight of the pain of life and really live. and yet still we are hesitant to share.<br />
<br />
this is perhaps why therapy came about. a sophisticated and socially acceptable way to dump our feelings out--often by staying within the calm detachment of releasing memories of the mind, which subsequently provide a bit of temporary emotional relief through the secondary effects of intellectual insight. a "good will hunting" breakdown only occurs after much intellectual banter and dancing, and most often that sort of breakthrough never happens--at least with another person. rarely does therapy lead to significant, lasting healing.<br />
<br />
talking it out. silence. perhaps if we are able to let go of our pride enough, there is occasionally a moment of breakdown and a touch of the healing of tears. but this is a rare and difficult place to come to. <br />
<br />
maybe there would be something to learning how to groan with one another, like my friend suggested. paul says that the spirit intercedes with us with groans too deep for words. maybe in those occasions where words too much, and silence is not quite enough, we could somehow learn to groan together and for one another in prayer. that may sound a little strange, especially as we like to keep things close to the chest. but if there are times when even the Holy Spirit cannot have words, then maybe it would be something good for us to learn as well.lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-43997885836241282482011-02-18T16:05:00.000-06:002011-02-18T16:05:36.472-06:00a poem<b>Procedure of Divine Love</b><br />
<br />
'Twas my purpose, on a day,<br />
To embark, and sail away.<br />
As I climbed the vessel's side,<br />
Love was sporting in the tide;<br />
"Come," he said, - "ascend - make haste,<br />
Launch into the boundless waste."<br />
Many mariners were there,<br />
Having each his separate care;<br />
They that rowed us held their eyes<br />
Fixed upon the starry skies;<br />
Others steered, or turned the sails,<br />
To receive the shifting gales.<br />
Love, with power divine supplied,<br />
Suddenly my courage tried;<br />
In a moment it was night,<br />
Ship and skies were out of sight;<br />
On the briny wave I lay,<br />
Floating rushes all my stay.<br />
Did I with resentment burn<br />
At this unexpected turn?<br />
Did I wish myself on shore,<br />
Never to forsake it more?<br />
No - "My soul," I cried, "be still;<br />
If I must be lost, I will."<br />
Next he hastened to convey<br />
Both my frail supports away;<br />
Seized my rushes; bade the waves<br />
Yawn into a thousand graves:<br />
Down I went, and sunk as lead,<br />
Ocean closing o'er my head.<br />
Still, however, life was safe;<br />
And I saw him turn and laugh:<br />
"Friend," he cried, "adieu! lie low,<br />
While the wintry storms shall blow;<br />
When the spring has calmed the main,<br />
You shall rise and float again."<br />
Soon I saw him, with dismay,<br />
Spread his plumes, and soar away;<br />
Now I mark his rapid flight;<br />
Now he leaves my aching sight;<br />
He is gone whom I adore,<br />
'Tis in vain to seek him more.<br />
How I trembled then and feared,<br />
When my love had disappeared!<br />
"Wilt thou leave me thus," I cried,<br />
"Whelmed beneath the rolling tide?"<br />
Vain attempt to reach his ear!<br />
Love was gone, and would not hear.<br />
Ah! return, and love me still;<br />
See me subject to your will;<br />
Frown with wrath, or smile with grace,<br />
Only let me see your face!<br />
Evil I have none to fear,<br />
All is good, if you are near.<br />
Yet he leaves me - cruel fate!<br />
Leaves me in my lost estate -<br />
Have I sinned? Oh, say wherein;<br />
Tell me, and forgive my sin!<br />
King, and Lord, whom I adore,<br />
Shall I see your face no more?<br />
Be not angry; I resign,<br />
Henceforth, all my will to thine:<br />
I consent that you depart,<br />
Though your absence breaks my heart;<br />
Go then, and for ever too:<br />
All is right that you will do.<br />
This was just what Love intended;<br />
He was now no more offended;<br />
Soon as I became a child,<br />
Love returned to me and smiled:<br />
Never strife shall more betide<br />
'Twixt the bridegroom and his bride.<br />
<br />
--Jeanne Guyon (1648-1717)lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-54002534539912890792010-12-17T14:15:00.001-06:002010-12-17T14:15:45.546-06:00till it's christmas<object height="81" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F8161705"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed allowscriptaccess="always" height="81" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F8161705" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"></embed> </object> <a href="http://soundcloud.com/keep7925/christmas-in-the-room">Christmas In The Room</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/keep7925">keep7925</a>lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-32018086690194821072010-11-03T23:49:00.000-05:002010-11-03T23:49:15.227-05:0010 daysin ten days i will be getting married. <br />
<br />
all the preparation has kept me quite busy, along with everything else that already goes on in normal life. i haven't really written much of anything for some time now, but i miss it. ideas are constantly coming up into my head for stories, for blogs, for musings, for poems. and then that little voice that sneaks its whispers in, "don't forget, you are a writer."<br />
<br />
it's sounds a little pretentious, i know. especially when you haven't published anything or made a dime off writing. but it's more of an identity thing. no, not identity. that's not the right word. vocation? you're supposed to make money with that too, right? how about that it's in my soul? yeah, i could say that.<br />
<br />
there is something in writing that is cathartic to my soul. <br />
<br />
you see, writers see the world a little differently. they see things from angles that express a slightly tilted world--one a little off from how you usually see it. they pick up the essence of a "character" in a short conversation with a stranger. they are usually a little strange, perhaps slightly "disturbed" as other people might call it. i like to think i do a pretty good job of hiding it.<br />
<br />
so, all that to say, here's to writing again. which begins now, not tomorrow, not after the wedding or after this or after that. start where you are. <br />
<br />
<br />
ok so back to this marriage thing. today we had our final meeting with the pastors who are marrying us. it was good, mostly going over final details and such, but also praying deeply about all of this. and in one of the prayers a phrase stuck out to me, "knitting our souls together." it stuck out, not because i got a mental image of a giant old man dressed in white clinking knitting needles together while he listens to prayers, but because this is a deep and great mystery. and the picture of knitting together captures a very small piece of that mystery.<br />
<br />
i will begin and continue to experience this great mystery of love and union that is so powerful and unique. and i only am coming to that through an engagement of absolute commitment. i am very intrigued by the relationship between mystery and commitment, but i'm saving those thoughts for another venue (where perhaps i'll actually get paid for writing it! oo i know you're curious now, aren't you? i'll let you know, don't worry.)<br />
<br />
the thing about knitting together souls souls that is a fitting image rather than say, the melting together of metals (which you don't really hear), is that each one keeps its identity though it is interwoven within the other's. yes the busyness of planning a wedding and craziness of life at certain times can pull you away from who you are and the things you love, but that only for a time. true and healthy intimacy will always affirm and exalt the other person in who they truly are, and allow them the space to live it without suffocating for personal need/dependency. <br />
<br />
<i>it's the mystery that as you completely and fully give yourself to another person you actually find that you have become more yourself.</i> i feel this is what so many people do not realize when they fear commitment or overlook the significance of marriage by entering into it without their whole selfs. <br />
<br />
and that is where this all ties together (see i did that writer thing). coming closer to the time of marriage, and i'm sure after actually being married, i will only experience a greater desire and welling up of my soul to write, because that is who i am. and in my love for heather and her love for me i am compelled to be a better man, to be more fully myself, to live a life that is significant--and a big part of that for me is creating through writing. <br />
<br />
ten days and i will be united with another human being in a way that is indescribable. and at the same time in ten days i will be more fully myself than i ever have been before. amen.<br />
<br />
did i say ten? i think it's after midnight now, close enough right?. . . not that i'm eager or anything.lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-40389045862923046902010-10-18T09:53:00.000-05:002010-10-18T09:53:46.034-05:00christoga???really........?<br />
<br />
<object height="300" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6089309&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6089309&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/6089309">Christoga</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1354617">Alin Bijan</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
ps maybe one of these days i'll return to writing, probably after the wedding.lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-69233008106241656882010-09-18T08:53:00.002-05:002010-09-18T08:53:53.206-05:00the yes men<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QnQX09DZLYE&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QnQX09DZLYE&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-37918503853474488462010-08-15T10:51:00.037-05:002010-08-15T11:42:06.035-05:00some engagement photos<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXFNPQiczVpPnPBfX1em_oFRWr6kP4RlPjRmLeItnPvkQvBuK617gTHJRDV7UudLX-95ciTdyfnAenLYJvkoRD0Gtlceqq2GDAfQrx-IVEADrLJ-oEtpkSrVAwCCaXQBKcQNqbA/s1600/0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXFNPQiczVpPnPBfX1em_oFRWr6kP4RlPjRmLeItnPvkQvBuK617gTHJRDV7UudLX-95ciTdyfnAenLYJvkoRD0Gtlceqq2GDAfQrx-IVEADrLJ-oEtpkSrVAwCCaXQBKcQNqbA/s320/0028.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFX3r_ZTidAv0GFDM44M7dViPOYJbezp5SZ82NXbk-Jis7Xaxdm3Il28MFLMHmSxtXcTKwqsoB3uwVtsCMBmV-7GZVhNWSZQ1zlgJ6FWRrl-a7ZlONPetcNYiZo1Pz1gtDtdCi0Q/s1600/0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFX3r_ZTidAv0GFDM44M7dViPOYJbezp5SZ82NXbk-Jis7Xaxdm3Il28MFLMHmSxtXcTKwqsoB3uwVtsCMBmV-7GZVhNWSZQ1zlgJ6FWRrl-a7ZlONPetcNYiZo1Pz1gtDtdCi0Q/s320/0025.jpg" /></div><br />
:)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewibcPzzU46CcR8mSQUtD7fPAqWIbMUxD_H8vinIJk7PKlNJoGBCysOrFWswzdKwt7q9u9Cv3Uz1twTwGPgmeEqNIS6n63ceRBy_GUaYhNXZCffTUXmY4PyELFwPjzMFRJ7sRow/s1600/0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewibcPzzU46CcR8mSQUtD7fPAqWIbMUxD_H8vinIJk7PKlNJoGBCysOrFWswzdKwt7q9u9Cv3Uz1twTwGPgmeEqNIS6n63ceRBy_GUaYhNXZCffTUXmY4PyELFwPjzMFRJ7sRow/s320/0008.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JxWyXheziA1mKGpNFzjw8SQEE9V0OhpD4f0Q-D3w95iGl5Ib5hB-gHscx4Aqb4Ukf1k1bNpGoGpZFL5FwnbUp6e4o_SOVgrijGnLQFCx4R2mjXmxucnpNAXOn55U99XOoFdyMA/s1600/0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JxWyXheziA1mKGpNFzjw8SQEE9V0OhpD4f0Q-D3w95iGl5Ib5hB-gHscx4Aqb4Ukf1k1bNpGoGpZFL5FwnbUp6e4o_SOVgrijGnLQFCx4R2mjXmxucnpNAXOn55U99XOoFdyMA/s320/0010.jpg" /></a></div>lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-20397256862880835202010-08-10T23:02:00.000-05:002010-08-10T23:02:50.215-05:00todayok ok ok i know it's been awhile. and you probably thought this blog was dead. well i am still hopeful that perhaps someday i will have time to write more. things have just been crazy busy. i've got a lot going on right now--no time to blog! but today was so eventful i just couldn't let it pass without recording all the preceding events. so here's the run-down:<br />
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~ accomplished a bit more on putting together our wedding website. link will come when completed.<br />
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~ selected paper color and weight for our forthcoming wedding invitations<br />
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~ booked our registration for the <a href="http://www.ccda.org/conference">ccda conference</a> in september. volunteers pay only $25!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">~ booked out honeymoon!!!! i'm not one for this usually, but this deserves all caps--ITS FREAKING AMAZING!!!!!!!!! heather's aunt and uncle so generously offered us a week on their timeshare, and after doing the research of what was availabe and what fit our dates, we're going to MALTA!!! now if you don't know where malta is, this might help:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPVNgPXAVU4ASuyeqCm4DiIRx1PmicRahSDCGYsS8l0L-0K8L1ndmTv2pfzdDpY_BxpRb_JG1qJaekMTHzf5qH6ieN0WfXiJE_8EhfcTFn4mfX0ryy_5VB-ljN3SBi6Q4r1mufg/s1600/malta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPVNgPXAVU4ASuyeqCm4DiIRx1PmicRahSDCGYsS8l0L-0K8L1ndmTv2pfzdDpY_BxpRb_JG1qJaekMTHzf5qH6ieN0WfXiJE_8EhfcTFn4mfX0ryy_5VB-ljN3SBi6Q4r1mufg/s320/malta.jpg" /></a></div>for those of you who don't know malta is a small little mediterranean island south of italy. the resort is top notch and we feel so blessed to have been given this amazing incredible opportunity! it looks something like this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYf9YYQMHcAuUGEdxf6IDpBvZ1sdbd8Iba8DYfTYemj_4SUGyekqle9B8BgS2xQgI7F2aaBgy-v-UggJTN07cRyHYXlcOMVh8I22Qld3Svau7s5Cpml5kspc9tMANJzZZssUYDw/s1600/malta2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYf9YYQMHcAuUGEdxf6IDpBvZ1sdbd8Iba8DYfTYemj_4SUGyekqle9B8BgS2xQgI7F2aaBgy-v-UggJTN07cRyHYXlcOMVh8I22Qld3Svau7s5Cpml5kspc9tMANJzZZssUYDw/s320/malta2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yrk-Syn2ghwvEaaNCWtV6WBlbT0GF71EF9t2fzJ9B9VXDikEWcZ4Rk0xXdUeYCZFKRK0NwIQQhq5C86yEcq59BfKLEvslVFLT7yb33hyphenhyphenKMwSs7J5cwqo7QENKiLRwskI_cbK1g/s1600/malta5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yrk-Syn2ghwvEaaNCWtV6WBlbT0GF71EF9t2fzJ9B9VXDikEWcZ4Rk0xXdUeYCZFKRK0NwIQQhq5C86yEcq59BfKLEvslVFLT7yb33hyphenhyphenKMwSs7J5cwqo7QENKiLRwskI_cbK1g/s320/malta5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgYcChtk43rLwdd4Kt5MnUXyUeC0qRVEXypwVxd07Fdo_b33Oc7x0IkZwSt_4ESivoX4anM3NUIfLS94fUvxJ6L8arrCqajD25GfSrk0t6BNAUA5lUr3AjhfsC7CukmS8QQjo5A/s1600/malta4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgYcChtk43rLwdd4Kt5MnUXyUeC0qRVEXypwVxd07Fdo_b33Oc7x0IkZwSt_4ESivoX4anM3NUIfLS94fUvxJ6L8arrCqajD25GfSrk0t6BNAUA5lUr3AjhfsC7CukmS8QQjo5A/s320/malta4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
oh and this is where we're staying:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzgLHycnO2DLwHl8g1FPSQ9ysu6WlT2Ir-OtzA3DCMUyQKKGd4QVkD0eo1DSS2efPge1CB4H1UWCwPHjEsfpWph9MutT9Mh8srSK7t0DYmSP-EBRbHfMmEjC3qlsBcuymksXBug/s1600/malta3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzgLHycnO2DLwHl8g1FPSQ9ysu6WlT2Ir-OtzA3DCMUyQKKGd4QVkD0eo1DSS2efPge1CB4H1UWCwPHjEsfpWph9MutT9Mh8srSK7t0DYmSP-EBRbHfMmEjC3qlsBcuymksXBug/s320/malta3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
yeah. i know.<br />
<br />
~ then we went and got heather a car! insane i know! my brother-in-law was going to trade in his 2003 taurus and they didn't offer him very much, and he heard we were looking for a car so he just gave us it for the same as the trade-in offer! such another huge blessing.<br />
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~ then we went to pick out wedding bands. heather found a really great one and i am still deciding. it's tough. i mean, i'll have it the rest of my life!<br />
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~ and tonight we had fun with the community--community dinner, ice cream after at foo's frozen custard, followed by a viewing of run fatboy run, one of my favorite comadies. <br />
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to say the least, all in all it was a pretty great day!lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-40957858469778680852010-06-28T10:55:00.000-05:002010-06-28T10:55:56.683-05:00Great Lake Swimmers - River's Edge<object style="background-image: url(http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/X5ST5mMfMNE/hqdefault.jpg);" height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/X5ST5mMfMNE&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/X5ST5mMfMNE&hl=en_US&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-76689709423699533422010-06-14T17:02:00.001-05:002010-06-14T17:02:25.792-05:00"the curse"<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gxWxiuJRApU&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gxWxiuJRApU&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
by josh ritter<br />
video by liam hurleylukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-52169032878597510812010-06-08T11:32:00.000-05:002010-06-08T11:32:06.733-05:00tomorrow they may wraps fishes in it<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1N7H-i7nczY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1N7H-i7nczY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
<a href="http://hootenannie.com/2010/06/are-you-ready-for-joy/">source</a>lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-86838636845060200582010-05-28T11:36:00.000-05:002010-05-28T11:36:00.478-05:00this is too good<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/idLG6jh23yE&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/idLG6jh23yE&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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i am so pumped.lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-59999260710711548952010-05-27T11:27:00.007-05:002010-05-27T11:27:00.844-05:00moonlight bride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSG-XC-3iToo5U1CUw9zwZwBdHHayQHkwJfTMh4qp6ph3U-JJTWirv_qCHLY4sZG0Tx9PEjvcIFJslnqwgq6O7STa9Ukbaeh5711glG-WpQgkv42cMpHb2MKbvuP_fNvcxL63IA/s1600/moonlight+bride+myths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSG-XC-3iToo5U1CUw9zwZwBdHHayQHkwJfTMh4qp6ph3U-JJTWirv_qCHLY4sZG0Tx9PEjvcIFJslnqwgq6O7STa9Ukbaeh5711glG-WpQgkv42cMpHb2MKbvuP_fNvcxL63IA/s200/moonlight+bride+myths.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<object height="81" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fkeep7925%2Fcoal-miners"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed allowscriptaccess="always" height="81" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fkeep7925%2Fcoal-miners" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"></embed> </object> <a href="http://soundcloud.com/keep7925/coal-miners">Coal Miners</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/keep7925">keep7925</a>lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-26360890056944475892010-05-23T22:06:00.000-05:002010-05-23T22:06:40.476-05:00mary<object style="background-image:url(http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/2T5_0AGdFic/hqdefault.jpg)" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2T5_0AGdFic&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2T5_0AGdFic&hl=en_US&fs=1" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-62645500442723207112010-05-18T08:10:00.002-05:002010-05-18T08:10:00.159-05:00janelle monáe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFazsrkanc6FG7c80HWd41k1jxfCGA-MPU6zqrqHuJzj6ZIM59AOu-MU5cnT1Q9e5qyez9MjpiwVEelvUiP3aZ-_uCiWIjdag2WOiLSlUMOoDFNWsQeyDcoqeQ1fvvAPctz8u_A/s1600/archandroid_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFazsrkanc6FG7c80HWd41k1jxfCGA-MPU6zqrqHuJzj6ZIM59AOu-MU5cnT1Q9e5qyez9MjpiwVEelvUiP3aZ-_uCiWIjdag2WOiLSlUMOoDFNWsQeyDcoqeQ1fvvAPctz8u_A/s200/archandroid_cover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<object height="81" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fkeep7925%2Fcold-war"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed allowscriptaccess="always" height="81" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fkeep7925%2Fcold-war" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"></embed> </object> <a href="http://soundcloud.com/keep7925/cold-war">Cold War</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/keep7925">keep7925</a>lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-81255156028413614962010-05-16T14:54:00.001-05:002010-05-16T15:06:27.883-05:00polarization | or | what's wrong with americain the second part of my exploration of american life, i would like to examine something that is perhaps the most frustrating thing to me about our american culture: polarization. primary political polarization, but it also at times expands into other areas. this is a large topic that brings out a lot of emotion from me--so organizing my thoughts may prove difficult. follow as you can.<br />
<br />
recent polarization in america is rooted in politics. red state blue state. fox news msnbc. opposing political ideas is not the problem. emotion-based politics over rational politics is partly to blame. the political figure as celebrity over platforms of policy is another negative aid. but the heart of the blame lies in the two-party system.<br />
<br />
now before you attack me as an enemy of democracy, let us first consider just how democratic our democracy is. democracy simply means a government by the people. and when you consider the two-party system, you must realize that as much as 49% of the people are not "for" the current government. "that's not my president" is a common bumper sticker of late. even less extreme is just the common disagreement and lack of any sort of representation for those whose candidate they supported lost. this creates the feeling within people that they have no voice. so they get angry and allow the angry anchors and figures at fox news and talk radio to yell for them. or they pride themselves in their "intellectual superiority" disdaining opposing views as antiquated.<br />
<br />
but perhaps that's just the way it is--isn't that the nature of elections and voting? this is a very important concept: democracy is not majority rules. democracy, or rather what we actually have--a republic, implies representation. but is that possible to have everyone represented? unfortunately i think most americans just believe that it simply is not. however if you were to know about parliamentary systems in many european countries you would know otherwise. in their parliament (like our congress), the parties receive as many representatives as the percentage of vote their party receives. so if the christian democratic party receives 13% of the vote they get that many representatives. not only does this represent much more of the population, it also takes the focus off of particular individuals and onto the actual policies of that party. it also keeps politicians from straying from their party's ideals and principles.<br />
<br />
i'm sure the parliamentary system has it's flaws too, and the whole grass is always greener thing--but facing the problems that we are it sounds pretty appealing to me. it sounds much more democratic.<br />
<br />
but that isn't the system we are in, and so we experience polarization. we have "news" channels that are businesses motivated by the dollar and so they are much more concerned with selling their program than thinking about the effect that their shows have on their viewers as participants in a government system. let's also put talk radio in the same category. it's all about the ratings. they use hyperbole and loaded language and emotions to bump up their ratings with very little regard for social function. sure they believe the things that they are saying, but do they believe they are really accomplishing progress and help for the american people? maybe they do, but at what cost? polarization results in no middle ground to move forward, so extremes must be taken because the ends justify the means for the radical. this in turn creates further divergence and increases anger through the means of fillibusters, and in more extreme conditions further political corruption.<br />
<br />
but at the more basic level this just keeps us from having intelligent conversations. we are unable to talk to people with normal conversations because we write them off by their label. liberal. conservative. fundamentalist. elite. or by the position they take on a single issue. <br />
<br />
no the media is not solely to blame for this of course. we are as well for having listened to them. and there are many other sources of the error. we have become increasingly polarized, and i don't see how this will change.<br />
<br />
if i had the skills and the desire and the ability to invest my energy anywhere politically, it would be to try and raise a third party that held to christian values on both sides of the political landscape. pro life both before and after birth. social justice and personal responsibility. etc. etc. etc. but let's be honest--financially it could never compete. and in the current system it could never get enough representatives to make any sort of difference. just ask ron paul. <br />
<br />
what do you think can/should be done about polarization in america?lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-14795040692675108382010-04-26T10:42:00.000-05:002010-04-26T10:42:57.723-05:00jean vanier 1<i>Some people flee from commitment because they are frightened that if they put down roots in one soil they will curtail their freedom and never be able to look elsewhere. It is true that if you marry one woman you give up millions of others--and that's a curtailment of freedom! But freedom doesn't grow in the abstract; it grows in a particular soil with particular people. Inner growth is only possible when we commit ourselves with and to others. We all have to pass through a certain death and time of grief when we make choices and become rooted. We mourn what we have left behind.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>So many people do not realise that in giving up everything to follow Jesus and live in community, he gives back everything a hundredfold.</i>lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-17727570384425007382010-04-14T13:20:00.066-05:002010-04-14T14:33:13.861-05:00land of the free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnuiegeBUA-YwM5u_5Doo8pU5L4fSuSXBQ1Oih9KOJ-7HxVPIggvkXDmq_JtkXU0DehEzHhrdpSSkQbJKyY0uAtF8yktZo3b1bnZxEvH2gu3tazeIDmSV5k1LRiyVvTOBQACTcg/s1600/american-flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnuiegeBUA-YwM5u_5Doo8pU5L4fSuSXBQ1Oih9KOJ-7HxVPIggvkXDmq_JtkXU0DehEzHhrdpSSkQbJKyY0uAtF8yktZo3b1bnZxEvH2gu3tazeIDmSV5k1LRiyVvTOBQACTcg/s320/american-flag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"but who would want an american soul?"<br />
<br />
not too long ago i watched the movie <i>cold souls</i>, with paul giamatti. it was pretty funny dark humor. it was about storing your soul and being set free from its burdens, and even being able to try on other people's souls for a time. this led to a large soul trafficking business operated by the russians. when the suggestion is made that they could not only send russian souls to america, but perhaps bring some back if people wanted them--that is when this line is said.<br />
<br />
which struck me. in the movie the joke is that the only american soul with any value is that of an american actor. russian poet sounds like a soul someone would buy. but apparently the only thing americans have a soul for is pretending to be someone else. like the best of jokes, it strikes perhaps because there is some truth to it.<br />
<br />
maybe not real truth--just perception. there are many talented and rich american artists in music and film. but many would say america is still lagging behind in literature and art. of course, according to who? well, the nobel prize people, but who put them in charge? of course they would preference european stuff.<br />
<br />
i have heard it said though that america is in many ways much like an adolescent culture, in comparison to european culture which is much older (read: wiser). this is very western-focused, but isn't it true to some degree? don't americans look up to europe like the older brother who seems to be so much cooler? even though the younger brother has surpassed the older in prowess and ability. then could you say the same about rising cultures like india and china in how they view america yet have their great abilities and disciplines? i'm diverting a little.<br />
<br />
still the question remains, "who would want an american soul?" what is the american soul? is there anything that makes it great? do we as americans have something of an inferiority complex--where deep down we wonder if we are really as inwardly rich as other cultures? does this lead to our arrogance? or is it just the position of power we have over the rest of the world that goes to our head? <br />
<br />
as individuals, how do we see ourselves stacking up against the rest of the world? would you say americans are on a whole immature? what is our obsession with television and sports all about? why are our politics so juvenille like small children fighting for their side? why are americans statistically far more generous in giving money than any other nation on the planet? what are the other questions we should be asking?<br />
<br />
i've found myself thinking a lot about american life lately. culture, the church, music, television, art, even a little politics. i want this entry to be the first of a series on american life. i know that's a broad topic, but i want to try to understand more. i want to know what is at the heart of the american soul. that's a lofty goal eh?<br />
<br />
if you have any thoughts or ideas for topics please feel free to share.lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-55548879566405827822010-04-10T12:22:00.000-05:002010-04-10T12:22:43.411-05:00the winston jazz routine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V5h4eEk4hC6awfWht6KvTIOPk_-bDFSO4TVTHoZWnaji4uwmwUlGRLxokqNYpgsWnsVC0WACcaF3PV5E9Arcj8o-FQe15OhUSBiuZKFQ6Xpof5k61HBnCqx604pQivM37te7Uw/s1600/sospiri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V5h4eEk4hC6awfWht6KvTIOPk_-bDFSO4TVTHoZWnaji4uwmwUlGRLxokqNYpgsWnsVC0WACcaF3PV5E9Arcj8o-FQe15OhUSBiuZKFQ6Xpof5k61HBnCqx604pQivM37te7Uw/s200/sospiri.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<object height="81" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fkeep7925%2F09-the-winston-jazz-routine-an-engineered-interest"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed allowscriptaccess="always" height="81" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fkeep7925%2F09-the-winston-jazz-routine-an-engineered-interest" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"></embed> </object> <a href="http://soundcloud.com/keep7925/09-the-winston-jazz-routine-an-engineered-interest">the winston jazz routine-an engineered interest</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/keep7925">keep7925</a>lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-58101958152312856362010-03-29T16:45:00.000-05:002010-03-29T16:45:06.795-05:00russian cinemarecently i have watched two russian films and thoroughly loved them. now you may say but of course luke would love russian films. and that may be true. but i think you would enjoy them too, if you like cinema. not just movies, but film. especially the first. i recommend checking them out--if you're in to that sort of thing. (the great thing being that no one knows if they are or not because who of you have seen one single russian film? eh? eh? give it a try!)<br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LYUXbnN1fOs&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LYUXbnN1fOs&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0488478/">12</a><br />
<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jTpSSQdVegc&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jTpSSQdVegc&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0851577/">the island</a><br />
<br />
both are on instant streaming netflix if you have it.<br />
<br />
and soon i will write more and offer fewer videos. soon.lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-90679145543736146962010-03-23T18:22:00.004-05:002010-03-23T18:22:53.661-05:00can you say 2011 oscar?if only this was real...<br />
<br />
<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" height="328" width="512"><param name="movie" value="http://player.ordienetworks.com/flash/fodplayer.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="key=3231da28bb" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed width="512" height="328" flashvars="key=3231da28bb" allowfullscreen="true" quality="high" src="http://player.ordienetworks.com/flash/fodplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><br />
<div style="text-align: center; width: 512px;"><a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/3231da28bb/weird-the-al-yankovic-story" title="from Eric Appel, Aaron Paul, Olivia Wilde, Al Yankovic, Patton Oswalt, Paul Scheer, BRIAN HUSKEY, and christiansprenger">"Weird: The Al Yankovic Story"</a> from <a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/aaron_paul">Aaron Paul</a></div>lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-2086713318380964282010-03-22T14:45:00.000-05:002010-03-23T18:27:02.217-05:00aixois ivi just want to say<br />
that sitting outside<br />
wearing flip flops<br />
sunglasses <br />
and a t-shirt <br />
in the shade<br />
because the sun was too hot<br />
next to piles of snow<br />
and budding trees<br />
drinking hot espresso <br />
is a little weird.<br />
<br />
and glorious.lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32086169.post-50513363213704441932010-03-20T15:56:00.001-05:002010-03-20T15:56:00.224-05:00double downanother video for your appreciation<br />
<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wGr1lQAREB0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wGr1lQAREB0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="385"></embed></object>lukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14933996475380135421noreply@blogger.com0