State of the Union Address

The presidents speech just ended. Not bad. Some good things to hear, especially when he spoke about reducing our dependance on Oil for energy. Very good to hear. Hopefully that is followed through on. It's key though to give americans an incentive to let down their demand for oil. Like tax breaks for purchasing hybrid cars, etc... Wink, wink...
Anyway I won't go on about it, I just wanted to say that Bush is a nice guy I think. He has such a kind face, and such...
It's hard to really be hard on the big fella' cuz I really think he does what he sincerely thinks is the best...even if it's wrong 68-73% of the time. And I guess I'd rather have someone in office who does what he thinks is right (even if I disagree), than someone who knows what he thinks is right, but doesn't do it. Oh well. There's that.

Popeye's Biscuits

Look, I won't keep going on about this. But I've just decided that Popeye's Buscuits are unbelievable! They are perfect! There is nothing about them that is short of absolute god-likeness! Seriously, I could eat those things all day long like a philistine! Dip them in mashed potatoes and gravy. I mean, dear sweet mother of heavenly hosts!!!!!!!!!!!! Try them. Go out right now and order 3 biscuits and a regular mashed potatoes and gravy and eat one biscuit straight up and dip the others. My God, man, my God...

"The Irresistable Revolution"

Just picked up a book yesterday called, "The Irresistable Revolution" by a guy named Shane Claiborne. I'm only about 50 pages in (it's about 350 pages long), but so far I am very provoked.
I have to start by saying I am in a crisis of faith. But in a good way. Not so much a crisis of faith as much as a Crisis of Religion. For those of you who really know me, which should not be many since not many people read this blog (although my readership is up to about a faithful 5 or 6 maybe...look out NY Times!), you shouldn't be surprised because it probably seems to you that I have a crisis of faith every 30-40 seconds. Thanks for bearing with me, people.
Anyway, I am always questioning (hardly ever the existence of God), but the nature of our faithwalk. What it looks like to follow the Way of Jesus, as it were. In postmodern culture. A faith appealing to both the mind and soul...and body. So scrath the "both" as it doesn't apply to 3 objects. I guess I could've deleted it instead of explaining it. Anyway, I digress.
I've been questioning over the last week or two so many things, I am beginning to think I might emerge a completely different person given a month or so. Which may not be such a bad thing. I'm questioning the interpretations of the book of revelation that I've been taught my whole life...i'm questioning my personal pactices of orthodox vs. charasmatic...I'm questioning the role and responsibility of religion in politics (which isn't new for me), I'm questioning what Jesus is really like, what He cares about, and such...and I'm wondering am I becoming more or less like Him? You might be thinking, "What's so special about you? I think about that stuff all the time too?" TO that I say, good, then write about it in your own blog!
Anyway...
I'm reading this book. Basically the dude is a Christian activist. I mean hardcore activist, here. You need to go get the book and read it for yourself (besides ALL the profits go to benefit mintries, NOT the author) and find all this out, I won't bore youwith it. But he runs a ministry in North Philly to the homeless and stuff. He just got back from Iraq, where he ministered to the Iraqi people in the midst of bombs exploding and the like. He was literally at a young Iraqi girls B-day party, when in the not far off distance our (U.S.) missiles were going off. Visiting the injured men women and children at local hospitals. Women and Children who are forever handicapped and injured because they were unluckily deemed collateral damage by missiles that read United States on them. Very interesting. And I am not here to comment on US policy, I only say that to say that this guy is a christian activist. Interesting. Read that book.
I am ranting, but about nothing imparticular this time. I just get the sense that something very deep and profound is stirring underneath us. A movement. A "conversation" if you are into the emergent thing. I think a Reformation of the Christian Faith is around the corner.
Anyway, sorry. I sat down to write this with a clear head and a direction of where I was going with this. But as soon as I started to type, I started losing focus. I'll get back with ya later.

Baltimore...Charm City

Okay, so here is something that I was thinking yesterday. Baltimore is a damn fine city. In fact, I like it. And you know what? I might just grow to love it. Things come full circle. I was born in Baltimore. Lived in Eastwood/Colgate in Southeast for 8years. Then we moved to Ocean City, Maryland, where I grew up after 8. Now I live in hagerstown, md. About 1 hour or so from Baltimore.
I'm taking my girlfriend to the Amtrak station at BWI on Thursday. She leaves. And I'm thinking, well, ya know what? I'm gonna visit my grandparents in town for the hell of it. Surprise them. Show'em a little love. So off I go.
Little background here...I LOVE CITIES!!! I just, in general, love cities. I Love city skylines (I know most cities now by their skylines, because I'm a pitiful phillistine who will look at skylines on the web like a loser with no life), I love urban design, I love the history, the diversity, the culture, everything! So I take 95 sraight through downtown Baltimore instead of getting on the beltway. And it hit me, I want to move to Baltimore! I want to live here for a while.
Now, you're average person might go, "Wha??? Baltimore?" And I use to think the same thing, after we left. You know, you always despise the place you came from until you grow up enough to appreciate it. Of course, that could just be me. Well, that's probable. Anyway...
For those of you millions of readers, you may know that I am into filmmaking. I want to write and direct. Naturally, I've had a hankering for good ol' Los Angeles for most of my life. I love the west coast. love the southwest. Wanna be where it's happenin'. Then there's New York. That is probably the greatest city in the whole world. That goes without saying. I mean if I was offered some nice apartment in Manhatten...you know a little place down in Greenwich (is that spelled right?) or something, I wouldn't turn it down. I mean, I would saw off my elbow for a place there.
I digress....
But I've been gettin' Baltimore in my blood lately. It's like the little city that could. The underdog. The dark horse. The older gentlemen who thought he was past his prime, went through a life crisis, but has more wisdom and character and eccentricity that most of those other younger, more slick boys (cities, as it were). But the thing is...that older man is about to show everybody that he can still kick ass. It's like Baltimore is Bill Murray or Paul Newman, ya know? I mean Deniro and Scorcese are New York. We know what they're about and they make no excuses about it. Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts are L.A...and who knows what LA is about (palm trees, at the very least), but at least we know we don't know. Chicago is sports and mobsters, and Oprah. But Baltimore...Baltimore is Murray and Newman. I'm talking Lost in Translation Murray here. Is it funny? Quirky? Oddball? Well, yes without a doubt, I mean "Hairspray" is based in Baltimore as is the infamous John Waters. But it's also a little gangster. I mean "The Wire" and "Homicide" are about Baltimore. But then there is the beauty of the Inner Harbor. The mystery of the Middle Class exodus, and the gutsiness of the city to stand in the face of utter despair and urban decay and say, "We're fighting back." And now, she is. She is rebounding. It's a beautiful thing to behold.
Sorry about the metaphors, but I also see it as that battered wife you would see on Oprah. Taking it for years, once strong and vibrant, now weakened and unsure. But then she got the guts to take the kids, pack the bags and leave town never to look back. Now she's a strong, assertive woman who is stronger and wiser and deeper because of her past. (damn, I'm good)
Baltimore does not gets it's respect and ya know? The great thing is, it doesn't need it or entirely want it, because it is comfortable with who it is. It's complex and mysterious. Get's too drunk at the family reunion, makes a fool of itself, but at least has the goodness to apologize for it in the morning and make breakfast for it's family. Good, but flawed.
Baltimore and Pittsburgh are cousins (which makes them rivals), except Baltimore is a little bigger and wiser (and isn't stuck in the middle of nowhere).
Anyway, sorry for that rant, but it's on my mind and as you know, if it's on my mind it goes on the page. I don't care if I'm the only one who reads this page, because it helps clear my mind.
The point is, I feel like I am going to live in Baltimore for a while. Not now, but in a year or two, I'll find a place, hopefully Southeast or North, and I'll stay. For 5 years, maybe more. I don't know. I figure if a job opens somewhere I'll go there of course. But if it's my choice. I'd rather not go right to New York, where everyone is a struggling artist and I'll feel like a brick in the wall (albeit a very amazing, inspiring, one-of-a-kind wall). And as much as I'm a West Coast guy (so I hear, but I think I'm changing), I'd rather not go to LA and "try to make it (although sometimes that sounds good)" and become part of the ongoing joke on people who go to LA. That's like not only being a small fish in a big pond, but being a small fish in not only our oceans, but the oceans of any yet-to-be-discovered worlds in the universe put together.
So I'd like to join the ranks of Barry Levinson and John Waters and the guy who directed "Saved!" (I forget his name, but great movie!) as a filmmaker who hails from Charm City.
There's just somethin' about it, ya know?
Oh, and before I cut myself off, I have to say something. Why has Baltimore's Downtown Skyline at the Harbor NOT been used in movies? Okay it doesn't have the insanely tall skyscrapers like new york, chicago, or LA...but if you have seen a pic of the Balt. skyline at night at the harbor it might take your break away. anyway. sorry about all the metaphors, honest to God I don't know what came over me. I was just feelin it and I went for it.

An accidental Rant

Well,
I can sense it's all going downhill for the ol' blog. I am being predictably inconsistent in writing. Of course, one could always argue that because I am writing right now, I am actually being consistent. However, it has been a while since I last wrote anything of consequence.
I am freaking bored. That is the worst feeling. Some things happened today that made it so I basically am in vocational limbo today. I cannot go into work painting like I usually do on wednesday's, and I don't have much to do at the church, where I am the Media Director...so here I am writing in this blog. Usually when I am bored around a computer, I will spend hours just reading movie reviews and things like that. I am a sad, sad man.
I refuse to go on a tyraid, but I read something interesting today. There was this show on NBC called The Book of Daniel. You might have heard of it. Basically about an Episscopal Priest whose family is screwed up (seriously screwed up) and who sees Jesus regularly. Anyway, it was quite controversial. So controversial that the R.R. rose up and organized a boycott. The AFA and other Righties. Well, guess what? After 3 episodes, the show is being cancelled. When I read that today I had mixed feelings. I thought WOW, that show is off the air because of the power of "Us" the christians (NOTE: I did not participate in the boycott). But part of me got sick, thinking "That's a lot of power the "church" has wielded. Is that healthy?"
Using power and influence in a good way is one thing, but to wield political power from a pulpit is sketchy business. For three reasons.
1) We can all look in a history textbook and see what happens when the "Church" gets too much political power.
2) We as the church will jepardize the balance of freedoms afforded us in the constitution. In other words, if we start regulating and censoring THOSE that we disagree with now when we have power, then when we are no longer in power those who disagree with us and our lifestyle with censor and regulate OUR beliefs. All because WE set the precendent.
3) You throw the Church into an identity crisis. You have a schizm of idealologies. Are we a religious organization? A faith community? A political party? A non-profit organization? A watch-dog group? Do we care about the poor and hurting? Do we lobby for legislation against homosexuals? So which is it? Love or the sword? Holy and loving, or Holy and Fighting? You see?

Understand, I do not agree with everything I see or hear. I am a follower of Christ. I believe that the Bible is God's word. I try to live it out in my life the best that I can. But here's the thing, I have my hands full trying to get ME to be more like Jesus, so I don't have time to tell the rest of the world (let alone unbelievers) that they should try and be more like what I can't hardly be more like myself.
In Matthew 7, Jesus talks about Judging others. How you cannot try to take the speck of dust out of anothers eyes when there is a plank in your own. And how you should remove the plank from your eye, so you can then take care of the other persons dust. Well, I was thinking (I am not claiming this is truth) that maybe it's possible that Jesus knows that we will always have something in our eye. If not a plank, a speck of wood, if not a speck, a little dust, if not that, then something smaller, and on and on. None of us (as long as we are flesh) will have 20/20 spiritual vision. We will always be obscured by something of us: jealousy, envy, violence, predjudice, and (irony of ironies) judgement...etc... In other words maybe Jesus is saying (to use hyperbol-irony...i made that up) that "Sure, you wanna judge. Okay, you can judge someone else when pigs fly!" In other words, YOU WILL NEVER BE IN A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN JUDGE SOMEONE ELSE!
Just a thought.

Just because...

This post is absolutely, 100% gratuitous. I'm sittin here watching the Golden Globes, and thinking, I feel like posting something. Except, I don't know what in God's name to write. So there, I've written something.

King Kong

Okay, listen up everyone. KING KONG is one of the best movies of the year. Got it? Not only is it one of the best films of this year, but as far as the movie going experience is concerned, it is one of the best all around films ever!!! I'm not saying rank that up there with Citizen Kane or 2001: A Space Odyssey as far as best art cinema. I'm saying this: you know how back in the day when movies were relatively new, gaining their own ground as an art? Well of course you don't really remember that, or you'd be dead right now...online...on my blog...reading...as a dead person. Anyway! Well, back then it was all new, fresh, starry eyed wonder. A time when we think of the Classic Cinema: Adventure, romance, danger, beauty, characters, tragedy and triumph!!! Back in the days of, well... the original '33 King Kong. A time when cinema was still deciding on what it would be. Back when actors were still basically acting for the stage, so most of their performances were a little too over the top. But they loved it, because they lived in an age when cynicism and irony did not yet seep into the celluloid. (While I respect and understand (and practice) irony, I think it has corrupted peoples ability to see film as pure)
Anyway, I just got done seeing King Kong (2005) for the third time. That is 10 1/2 hours of watching King Kong. But you know what? I'm still stoked about that movie! I remember walking out of the theater the first time I saw it (on opening night), and just thinking, "So this is what it felt like to walk out of King Kong ('33), or Gone With the Wind, Jaws, or Raiders of the Lost Ark!!!" I felt so alive for the sake of cinema that I almost wanted to exclaim, "Wow! Howabout them moving pictures!" You may be thinking, "Lee, you are smoking a doobie right now aren't ya?" Well...no, I am not.
And doing the credits and title sequences old-school that was beautiful. Damn, I wish I was alive back in the day sometimes. There are very rare times (nowadays) that you can leave a theatre thinking that you have just seen something that you have never seen before. The last time was Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring. And the time before that God only knows. Jurassic Park probably.

But ya know? It's not just the special FX, although Kong as a character/effect (i combine the two because they are a beautiful marriage that cannot be split up in this film). We should all bow at the feet of the WETA effects team and the irreplacable Andy Serkis, for giving us something that will haunt our dreams it's so hardbreaking and beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But it's not just the FX, it's the heart. My God, it's the heart that is in this film and this character.

I was also afraid when I left the theater tonight (it will be my last theater viewing of Kong), because I'm sincerely afraid that I won't feel that way coming out of a theater again for a long time. Like I said before, I'm not saying this is the best film ever...i'm talking about pure experience as a movie. I was depressed after Lord of the Rings ended. My year for three years was hinged on December 18th (or whenever LOTR was released). Not January 1st. After I saw a LOTR movie, my new year had already begun. Then after 2003, I had to start counting years on Jan. 1st again. It sucked. I was depressed. King Kong filled that void for me this year.

I anticipate good, nay, even great cinema this upcoming year. I will be challenged, awed, moved, and inpressed by brilliant directors and actors and FX this year...but part of me will always miss seeing (on the big screen) that flawed and beautiful giant ape beating his chest on top of the empire state building with anne waving at the planes to stop. And his world-weary, but noble eyes as he looks at Ann will always be seared into my mind.

I said all that so all you millions of readers (mom) wil go see this movie and support it!

Godbless!

UPDATE on Robertson

Just wanted to say that to all you millions of readers (mom), that Pat Robertson apologized for his comments that he made about Ariel Sharone's stroke being caused by God. I saw the news report today that he publically apologized and sent a letter personally to Ariel Sharone's son.
That was very big of him to apologize for that.
I hate to be the one to point out that he apologized for his comments about assassinating Venzuelan Prez. Chavez just months ago.
I am not taking away his credit for apologizing, I'm just saying "here's to hoping he's done now."

I just wanted to give credit where credits due. Good job (pronounced "yob") Patsy.

Well...here's my first official rant

As I expected, I am already having a difficult time being fathful to this BLOGGING thing. I am just so God-Forsaken forgetful. Alas, that is I.
Anyway, finished the first draft of a short film I hope to shoot in a couple of months. That was my first draft I've ever finished from Open to Close. That's exciting. I mean I've probably written enough stuff to fill the Library of Congress, but never actually finished anything. Honestly it was quite a good feeling. I mean, it was a jolt of energy man!

I have a proposal: Pat Robertson said on 700 club (which I stumbled on, and watched out of curiosity I PROMISE!!!), that God spoke to him several specific things about the year 2006. One of the things was that there would be another Supreme Court Justice stepping down, opening up a spot for a 3rd nomination for the Bushster. Here's my deal. It says in 1 Corinthians (and elsewhere) that when a "prophet" speaks, the other believers should test the word in the Spirit. Okay, we got that.

Maybe I'm just tired of seeing Pat Robertson making headlines. So maybe I'm biased. Maybe I'm a little cynical about the fact that he is a public face of my faith. Maybe I'm tired of the fact that everytime he talks, it seems like a Special Interest group meeting instead of a Ministry. Maybe I'm jaded because he always has that smug look on his face that says, "I have the Republican constituency in my back pocket, and I'm not afraid to flaunt that power!" (Although, I'm not sure who has got whom in their back pocket) Overall, I think I just don't like the fact that he represents Christ AND he thinks he's a badass.

So keep that in mind when I write this:

Maybe it's time we keep our "prophets" accountable. Especially the ones with a very very public pulpit. I'm sorry but when was the last time someone prophesied something very specific about you or a church or a country. When was the last time you wrote it down, word for word. Sometimes those things actually happen, but many times they don't. When was the last time (after it didn't happen) you found the person who prophesied it and said, "Um, what the hell?"

OKAY, OKAY. I don't mean some nice person (meaning well) say's something like "God says this year you will see increase..." And you have the crappiest year of your life. I'm not saying find that person and beat them down. What they said might have been a good intention, or vague, or a little out of place, but certainly that person meant no harm. And keep in mind it is always possible that God is working in a way fulfilling that in a way you didn't see or have the wisdom to see. That is a possibility here.

But I digress, that is beside the point of what I'm saying.

I'm saying someone as public and outspoken as robertson has made a public statement to millions of people about something VERY VERY VERY specific (and political). "A Judge will step down, etc..." So here's my proposal. Someone (everyone) write that down. Keep it on your desk, in your pocket, or a swiss bank account, whatever. Come December 31st, 2006, if that shite has not happened yet...well...I don't know. I just don't know. But don't you think something should happen? Somebody should say something obvious like, "Um, I think this guy made that shite up..." I mean, why do we forget this stuff and not hold people (especially people who supposedly "represent" most of us) accountable for the things they say? It's biblical for the love of God!!!

What would Paul have done if Thomas stood up in some Roman Ampitheatre (in front of thousands) and was like "GOD SAYS by the end of this week, Ceasar will step down." Meanwhile, 25 years go by and Ceasar is still on the throne. Well, Paul would be pissed. He would repremand Thomas, and probably say something like, "Look, you should probably not talk for a while..." Right?

And as a little sidenote (a funny one). Something else Robertson said was that if Florida (orlando in particular) did not stop being so damn gay-friendly, it would get hit by a natural disaster like earthquake, meteor (yes you read that right), or a hurricane. Whoa! Wait...a hurricane? Hold on now Patsy, next you're gonna be sayin' attacked by Dinosaurs! Of course it is gonna get hit bya hurricane!!! It's F'ing FLORIDA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Look, I'm sorry. I went off. You might hear me talk about Robertson often on this page...if I can keep it up. Cause he does this stuff ALL THE TIME, and he goes unchecked BY THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY. Which is sad, because it is the media who calls it like they see it with him, while we hide our heads in the sand.
But you know what the truth is? I'm a hypocrite, because I harbor what could be considered an unhealthy degree of cynicism and anger toward the Religious Right brand of Christianity. Maybe I should learn to redirect my feelings toward that in a more positive direction instead of blowing hot air and such. But you know what? I can't help it, so maybe I'm not much better than him or them. Forgive me God and help me.

Later That Night...

Okay, here's the thing. I hate the New England Patriots! Okay, look, I respect the Mothers, but come on-enough with the winning already! I'm tired of it. Seriously, they could probably start the season 0-9, and still end up in the God-forsaken playoffs! Fate, as it seems, is a Pat's fan! Either fate, or Satan, the Enemy of our souls. I'm convinced he is a silent partner in the Team.
I am a Ravens fan! Born in Baltimore, MD was I. My family is vintage Baltimore going back 3 generations or so. We are all embittered Colts fans of old, and now Ravens fans. So there's that.
Well I just wanted to weigh in on the game that is winding down as I speak...type rather.

By the way, I propose that we start referring to Byron Leftwich as Byron "Sandwich." He is a large man, especially for a QB.

First Attempt

Okay, here goes nothing.
I feel like a jackass right now doing this thing. I'm not usually one to do these sorts of things. So for all you legions of followers, don't be surprised if this blog ceases to exist in, say, 24 hours.
I went to this blog that is from the POV of Jesus Christ today-actually like 10 minutes ago. Freakin hilarious, I'm telling you. It's www.whatwouldjb.blogspot.com
Good stuff.
It is what inspired me to embark on this little ditty. But I have a feeling it takes a great deal of patience and consistency to do this, and neither of those qualities do I have in any great quantity.

Question: do you ever have that gnawing feeling in your gut and/or head? It's kind of boredom, mixed with anxiety, mixed with depression? You don't know where it comes from, or where it's going, or if it's the result of something or just some bullshite that is in there. Well I got that, in my gut right now. It's been there for a few days. I hate it.

Anyway, what am I suppose to write about? Is this suppose to be more for the person writing than for the person reading? Does anybody ever really read your stuff? Why would they? Should I have a gimmick? Am I just "talking" to the great world wide web as if it were a friend of mine sitting across from me at Starbucks?

Anyway, if anyone reads this, go buy the book Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. Just...go...do it.