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They’re Australian, so I’ll forgive them

04/19/2008 / Blake

I really, really, really like Hillsong United (myspace). They are one of those worship bands I’d heard about before, but never invested any time into checking them out until a few years ago. I was blown away. They have some really moving songs, but not just moving because of good music (which is top notch), but I think the lyrics are deep too.

They have a new project coming out, and part of the project is a new DVD. And the name of this new DVD is called All In This Together (click the pic for more info). I think my mind is poisoned now because of High School Musical. I even hear Pat use the phrase “we’re all in this together” last week in his sermon, and I immediately thought of HSM. In Pat’s defense, I don’t think he’s ever seen the movie.

But I think that I’m going to get the new double cd AND the DVD that Hillsong United is releasing. I’ve never been disappointed with their stuff.

Three Down :: Two To Go

04/17/2008 / Blake

I don’t think I’ve ever done it. I know I’ve not on purpose. But this year I plan on seeing all five films that were up for Best Picture at the Oscars.

Last night we watched Juno (trailer). I liked it a lot. It was kind of quirky, but in a good way. When it was first out in theaters I’d heard it almost glorified teen pregnancy. I really didn’t think it did. I think it actually told some of the hardships associated with teen pregnancy (both social and physical). But the character did take it pretty well. It has some really sharp dialog and good acting. I laughed quite a bit at it. It’s also really thought provoking with out ever being cliche. Allison Janney was great. I’ve always liked her from The West Wing. But Ellen Page, the lead role, was excellent. I think she could be in store for some great roles in the future. I’d also seen her in the movie Hard Candy. It was freaky, but good. I’d say Juno is about an 9.1.

Before that we saw Michael Clayton (trailer). I think George Clooney is one of the better actors currently working. He can do a pretty broad range of characters, from really serious to really silly. This is definitely one of his serious roles. It’s a movie you have to pay close attention to it in order to follow. But Michael Clayton is a a lawyer at a huge firm. His job is to be the “fixer”. He cleans up messes and smooths things over that need smoothing. But he’s run into a huge issue and is being pressed from different sides to fix it while dealing with personal issues. The story telling is not linear. So you gotta pay attention. But if you keep up, it’s a great movie. Michael Clayton is about an 8.8.

And just before that we saw Atonement (trailer). It’s a period piece where everyone seems either really privileged or lower class. The acting from Kiera Knightley and James McAvoy was great. The story is about false accusations stemming from jealousy ruining a life and a love, and the journey attempting to repair that love and find atonement for past wrongs. It’s a good movie. But got a little slow at times. One that will cause you to get really frustrated at the characters. And it is told completely out of order. I followed it, but The Wife kept asking why they didn’t just put it all from start to finish. If you’re looking for a good “pick me up”, then this is not that sort of movie, but it’s got some pretty good cinematography of war that was pretty amazing too. I’d give it a 7.4

Routine and faith.

04/15/2008 / Blake

So I’m preaching this weekend. I think it’s going to be on faith in the midst of routine.

Funny, because my life is not that routine right now. Living 35 minutes away from work in borrowed space is sorta non-routine. And then you add a new baby to the mix. And things get even less than routine.

The Wife is a lady who likes routine. Who likes consistency. Who likes a schedule and plan. And our current life doesn’t really have a ton of that.

But I’m learning that God is bigger than any routine we are in. And that’s probably a good thing. I want to rely on Him instead of a routine.

Now I’m going to go pray and write some words down on some paper. Finish my brainstorming. Then start typing.

Faith in the midst of routine… If you have some words of wisdom…holler.

LOST on ABC explained… What?

04/11/2008 / Blake

I really think this is the best show on television. Probably in the history of television. I think Friday Night Lights is right up there very close to it. Sure, The Office probably is the best comedy. But it’s one you watch and wait til next week to see again. LOST is one you watch and think about trying to figure out what all the mysteries are.

I found a video that pretty much sums up what LOST is about. It nails it. And if you’re completely current with the television show or just starting out, it won’t ruin it. But you have to watch it.

Now you understand, right?

A Number Meme

04/10/2008 / Blake

I used to do this little things now and then. Came across this one and thought it was cool enough

· Number of days old I am right now: 12480
· The age I was when I first walked: I don’t remember
· The age I was in my earliest memory: I remember sleeping in my crib as a one year old. I really do. Doubt me if you must.
· The age I was when I was first kissed: I’m sure my mom kissed as soon as she could. But if you mean the “kiss-kiss” kind… Well, it was much later than most would probably guess.
· The age I was when I moved out of my parents’ house: 18 to go to college. 23 to go to life.
· The age I was when I finally felt like an adult: depends on what day you ask me.
· The age I dreamed of getting married at: 25
· The age I actually got married at: 25
· The age I’d go back to if I could: The Medieval Age?
· The price of my first car: I bought it for a dollar from a family member.
· The price of my first home: around 68K
· Number of vehicles I’ve owned in my lifetime: 3
· How much I made hourly at my first job: minimum wage
· Number of stitches I’ve had in my life: zero!
· Number of bones I’ve broken: 1—a hairline fracture in my ankle
· Number of countries I’ve visited: 2
· Number of places I’ve lived: If actually living life, then 3. But to include college 6, and to include summer jobs away from home, 7.
· Number of pets I’ve owned: Pets that were my own (and not my parents) 2.
· Number of ex-girlfriends in my past: Only two.
· Number of people I’ve called my “best friend”: I never really threw that word around. So only one: The Wife

Stuff Christians Like

04/10/2008 / Blake

Sometime last year I came across the blog Prodigal Jon. I can’t remember where I first linked to him. But the guy is a really good writer. That’s good because that’s his profession. But he was thought provoking (and still is). He even mentioned a comment a made in a post here.

He recently started a project called “Stuff Christians Like“. It’s an obvious off-shoot (ripoff?) of “Stuff White People Like“, but he affirms this by saying that that is one of the things that Christians like to do. They like to take things from culture and try to spin them for some other purposes. But his is strictly humor. And they’re quite good.

Here are a few highlights:

Shout To The Lord on Idol?

04/10/2008 / Blake

I kept flipping around on the tv last night to see what all was on. Idol Gives Back was on with lots of artists and celebrities raising money and support for different causes. There was lots of good done I believe. But the last song of the night surprised me. It had the eight remaining contestants singing “Shout To The Lord”. I mean, go Hillsong! It was an ensemble piece. Obviously Christian song (or am I just thinking it’s obvious since I knew the song from way back?)

It was a curious choice. I liked it though. But they did take “my Jesus” out of the first line and changed it to “my shepherd”. Thoughts?

Running…

04/08/2008 / Blake

I’ve never professed to be a great runner. Though I do enjoy it sometimes. But I’m not at that point in my life right now. It usually takes a few weeks of consistent running to get the endorphins rolling…. This morning they were not rolling at all. I’m still considering the Double Decker run in about two and a half weeks. We’ll see.

But to compare morning and night running is like comparing, well, night and day. A morning run is WORK. A night run is enjoyable. I never really ran much in high school. Never had a reason. While working at Camp Lake Stephens one summer I ran a little now and then to try to impress a girl. [It must have worked; she married me] The next semester at school she calls to inform me that she signed me up for the Crescent City Classic. I had no idea what that was. But turns out it is the massive 10K race in New Orleans. So I figured i should train for it.

I did. And to this day, my first ever 10K race has been my best time ever. And I guarantee that there’s no threat of breaking it anytime soon. But a night run is the best. Or a run in the rain on a summer afternoon. Sometimes it’s quite nice to go running with a friend. But other times the solitude of a solo run is needed. It’s fun to run in Costa Rica too! [Emily does it in Columbia.]

I don’t know that I’ve ever regretted a run either. But there are plenty of times I’ve thought of running, didn’t, then regretted it later. Sorta like spending time with Jesus. Sometimes I know I should. And I know how beneficial it would be. But I keep saying I’ll get to it soon.

Anywho…running. Do you do it? Do you like it? When is the best time for you to run? And what have your best runs been? Please..do tell!

Why does he do that?

04/06/2008 / Blake

My son. My baby boy.

All day long he sleeps and eats and sleeps and eats. We try to get him to interact and look at us, smile, be awake. But he just goes right to sleep after eating.

But at night likes to be awake more. So I’m up blogging with one hand, watching a movie, and trying to get him to sleep.

Go me!

Managing Online Forums by Patrick O’Keefe

04/04/2008 / Blake

As most of you know, years ago I began a message board focusing on sports in North Mississippi. I soon chose to expand it to include the entire state of Mississippi. And that’s where Mississippi Sports Talk came from.

But as I grew in my knowledge and experience of how to set up and manage an online community, I looked to help from other community administrators online. There was one guy who seemed to be quite knowledgeable and wise because of the multiple communities he ran. I was surprised to find out that he was just a teenager at the time.

But Patrick O’Keefe continued to learn and build sites and grow communities. He then began forums specifically for community admins and has even now recently written a book. I just received his book, Managing Online Forums, and read almost the whole thing in the first night. In a word, it’s great.

If I had read this book early on in my forum experiences I would have bypassed a lot of mistakes and stumbles. Patrick covers many topics from how to set up your forums, how to select your staff, how to handle security and moderation issues, and how to promote and even monetize your site. He provides sample templates for many needed documents and insight on how to interact with your users or even competitors sites.

Patrick knows his stuff. It’s quite plain to see. I have benefited from knowing him online and bouncing ideas off of him. And now I’ve benefited from reading his book. So for anyone who runs an online forum or has an interest in it, I highly recommend Managing Online Forums.

If you run an online forum, leave me a comment and share your site & what it’s about!