If you haven’t heard about Conan O’Brien’s new contest to blow up your car, then be sure and go here and see what it’s all about.
My good friend Blake Boys has submitted his video to have his car blown up by Conan and I think it’s definitely up for the running. Check out his little tune and send in your comments for Conan to blow up Blake’s car… as he pleads with his guitar!
If you’re having trouble viewing the above video, click here to view it on NBC’s site.
“Please excuse the crudity of this model, I didn’t have time to build it to scale or to paint it.” – Doc Brown
I said a few weeks back that Bethany and I were going on sale, and I wasn’t joking. And by “going on sale” I really mean we’re just trying to get rid of all the stuff in our life we don’t need or want anymore. You already know we sold the Jetta, but we’ve been trying to get rid of a bunch of other stuff too. This week alone we’ll be getting rid of an extra set of couches in our apartment, and I’m helping a friend take away the huge big screen TV we acquired a few years back–hence the model shown above. I actually was just trying to have a little fun with my friend who’s taking the TV off our hands, so I put together that illustration to show him the size and specs of what he’s getting. In the end I felt like it looked pretty cool so I figured I would share it with you all.
There’s a principle regarding art and photography that I’ve grown to use that says “reduce and simplify.” I heard it from a photographer by the name of Chris Orwig and I don’t know if it’s his original thought, but regardless of who said it first, it’s a good principle. In photography, it means you should always be looking for ways to reduce distractions in your photograph and simplify what the photo is communicating. It doesn’t mean you can’t have complex photographs or not have lots going on (e.g. it’s too simple), but it means you should be trying to find ways to see your frame and/or subject in such a way that it highlights what is being photographed. This could be background elements or other subjects in the photo that can take away from the main subject, and in a case like that you always want to remove those distracting elements. This is a general rule, but I think it does help me create better photos. I believe this same principle can be applied outside the realm of photography, and to our lives.
We’re in the middle of boxing up our apartment so we can prepare to move to our new condo, and we’ve been asking ourselves: “Do we need this?” or “Why do we have this?” Those are reduce and simplify questions. Questions like that help us highlight what’s really important, and keep us from having a lot of pointless or distracting things–not to mention, they even give us a little more closet space. The Jetta, for instance, was a distraction. It kept breaking down, kept begging for more money to be poured in to it, and sometimes it kept us from getting from point A to point B. That might be an easy example, but I think it’s a part of the principle. The Jetta had to go because we couldn’t afford it taking away from what we’re doing. I’m not trying to over philosophize about a stupid car, because I’ll be honest, I just wanted to get rid of the darn thing. But it does illustrate the principle that we need to always be considering what we can do to keep our heads clear of what’s in our lives, because if we don’t, it’ll just fill itself up with useless junk that ultimately gets in the way.
**Update #2 (8/21/09): As of last night the Jetta has been officially sold. I hope the new owner enjoys it.
**Update #1 (8/18/09): I have a potential buyer. We’ll see how it goes.
10. It’s got a tape deck. Easily the best way to connect your iPod or digital music device is with the tape deck adapter, and if you buy my car I’ll throw in the adapter for free! That’s a $10 value. Don’t waste your time trying one of those fancy “radio transmitters,” get yourself in the future…get yourself my ’98 Jetta.
9. The ginormous trunk. You may or may not know that the Jetta has a rather large trunk area and could easily fit any number of trunk-like items. I have successfully hauled an IKEA desk, bicycles, humans (that’s plural), and large amounts of luggage. When your friends ask for a ride to the airport, you’ll have no problem picking them up and their bags and safely transporting every one home to see mom.
8. I’m 6’4″ and I fit in it. The beauty of German engineering is they build cars for Germans, and let’s be honest…some Germans are just tall. That’s why I love the fact that I fit nicely in the driver seat of my Jetta and even if you’re taller than me you’ll be just fine.
7. I’ve never gotten a flat tire in my Jetta.* I’m not saying this is how you will fair out, but in the seven years I’ve owned this beautiful car, I have never once been stranded on the side of the road looking for the jack and spare. Though those would be easily accessible in the ginormous trunk (see #9)–I’ve never used them. *I am not responsible if you get stranded on the side of the road…that’s what roadside assistance is for.
6. It only needs a new transmission. It’s not like I’m saying you need to go buy a new body, doors, mirrors, windows, etc. just to make it work. You get yourself a new tranny and she’ll be good as new.
5. It’s only been pulled over one time, and that was in Oregon. In the time I have owned this car, it has never been pulled over in 49 of the 50 states. Let me just say this: if you’re going to drive faster than the supposed “posted speed limit”, then don’t do it in Oregon.
4. The driver side door speaker has a mind of it’s own. Some see this as a bad thing, but not me. At this point it’s more fun than folly. You just never know when that left speaker is gonna decide it wants to rock out with everyone and join in on the fun. This is especially great when you’ve had a long day and you just want something to go right, but it actually goes left!
3. It comes with a killer “Dash Mat.” Though my wife calls it a “grandma” mat, I think it’s a pretty deluxe addition to a fabulous automobile. It protects from the sun, keeps the dash board nice and soft, and in general adds a nice fluffy touch to the dashboard. Sometimes grandmas just know how to roll.
2. The memories you will have. Many memories have been shared, and much happiness has been had while driving this car. Whether it be the late night run to In-N-Out for a burger and shake, or the long haul up the entire West coast, this car has allowed me to have some of the best times of my life.
1. Her name is Angel. I didn’t name her–the original owner did. And when Angel was bestowed upon me, I knew there could only be greatness from our time together. You just can’t go wrong with a car named Angel. She’s white, German, and has impeccable taste (which can get a little pricey at times, but she’s worth it), and she wants to take care of you. Angel has shown me, my wife, and my friends some fabulous parts of the world, and she’ll do the same for you.
Interested? Need more info? Send me an email at buymy98jetta@gmail.com and I’ll give you any info you need. I look forward to hearing from you.
Here are a few photos that should really seal the deal:
(if you can’t see the above slideshow click here)
Probably one of my favorite things right now is old film that is being uploaded and archived on a daily basis. Here’s a gem from the 1950’s:
I’m away today in South San Francisco at a photography lighting conference and I would like to make this observation: adults still act like teenagers. Just let me explain.
I am one of the 700 people here today to learn from an incredible photographer about lighting. But what I’ve learned today has little to do with lighting and a lot to do with the human condition. Maybe I don’t get out much, but already I’ve seen grown men cutting in line, running to their seats, hopping over tables to get a good seat, and rushing to the front for autographs like a 12 year old girl at a Jonas Brother concert. These aren’t the “nerds” you might be thinking of, but normal, white, middle-class American men that probably make six digits selling insurance to your family. One gentlemen in particular has caught my eye as he paces back and forth documenting every piece of equipment on the platform (with his cell phone) while proudly wearing his favorite corporate logo on his tucked-in polo with matching messanger bag. I could be wrong, but I bet we could substitute those logos with “Gap” or “Abercrombie”, throw a pop star on stage, and lower the average age in this room by about 30 years and we could turn this seminar in to a KIIS FM block party bash!
Ok sure, these people (including me) are here to learn and understand more about photography, but to me it has all the makings of a rock concert for adults. So, I guess at our core we’re all really just teenagers. We’re looking for something to love, something to worship, and something to keep the days going from growing dull. I’m not trying to be harsh, I just find the similarities a little weird. Now where’s the merch booth…I gotta get my t-shirt signed.
HEAR: A Heart Driven Modesty, God and Clothing: 1 Peter 3:3, 4
[audio:http://placeritachurch.com/home/140005082/140005082/audio/a_heart_driven_modesty.mp3]
This past weekend I had the pleasure of sitting under some fantastic teaching. Starting on Friday night at the Men Discipling Men conference which carried all the way through Saturday night, and then at church on Sunday I have been overwhelmed in areas that I need growth. But on Sunday night, Gunner Gunderson taught on the topic of modesty and I believe everyone needs to hear this message. Though focused towards women, I believe this sermon to be a great reminder to men and Father’s. It’s not a sermon with a “checklist” about what to wear or not to wear, but simply gives Biblical principles for dressing modestly. Gunner has also provided his entire sermon notes and outline which can be found here on his blog. Give it a listen and apply it’s truths and Lord willing we will see change in the hearts (and dress) of many.
SEE: This Time-Lapse Footage of Disneyland Being Built in 1954
Available for the for the first time ever, this archival footage of Disneyland’s incredible construction is actually pretty enjoyable to watch. Apparently it’s been available for a few months, but I’m just getting word of it. Even if you’re not a huge fan of Disney or Disneyland, I think you’ll appreciate the fact that the entire park was built in one year’s time and was done with excellence. The whole park cost $17 million to open and some projects weren’t complete until within days of the official opening in 1955. Below is part two, but I have linked the other four part for those fanatics that just can’t get enough of it.
Building Walt’s Dream – Disneyland’s Construction PT 1 , PT 3 , PT 4 , PT 5
DO: Read A Gospel Primer for Christians
I’ve only just begun reading this book, but I’m already hooked on it. The essential point of the book is to remind you why and how you should preach the Gospel to yourself each and every day. It’s written by Milton Vincent who is a pastor in Moreno Valley, California and he writes it in a simple form so anyone can read it and understand the concept. Though simple in form, it is still very complete in thought and challenges me to think about the Gospel for what it really is–a daily pursuit. I’m only just beginning to understand the need for this book, but the more I read it, the more I remember why I need the Gospel every day.
I shot this photo of my friend’s baby a few months back and I thought it would work perfect as the cover of a book… I don’t know?
Dr. Al Mohler re-posted an old article he had written that I thought was relevant for us today. In the article titled “Nature-Deficit Disorder — Have Our Children Forgotten How to Play Outdoors?“, he reviews a book called Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv in which Louv describes our current culture as one depriving children of time outside. Be it exploring the woods, playing in the yard, or even in the street he explains that “….the current generation of American children knows the Discovery Channel better than their own backyards–and that this loss of contact with nature leads to impoverished lives and stunted imagination.” Well, I don’t know if my own outdoor experiences are to avoid an “impoverished life,” but I can definitely understand this line of thinking, especially as it relates to children.
When I was growing up, I remember playing “cops and robbers” or “hide and seek” around the entire neighborhood. My friends and I would build “marble tracks” which were basically piles of mud that that we molded and shaped in to highways to roll marbles down–complete with loops. One time we even filled a huge hole in the ground with water and went for a swim! The only time we wanted to really be inside was when we were playing Legos, and that was only to build the Star Ship Enterprise which ultimately ended up outside, usually to find out if it could actually fly. Needless to say, we had a world outside that couldn’t be found inside, and I agree with Dr. Mohler when he writes that
“We have allowed our children to be so seduced by entertainment and information technologies that many believe that without electricity, experience is virtually impossible.”
I recently went on a camping trip (photos here) and I was reminded of this in my own life. As we were there, the only electricity that we had was in our flashlights, cameras, and air bed pumps (I know, I know…not exactly “roughing” it). Our cell phones didn’t have service, there were no hot showers, and we cooked food over a fire. It was actually nice to be disconnected from the world for a change. No computer to check email or Twitter, no phone to distract from the conversations I was having with my friends, and no TV to eat up my time with mildly entertaining programming. No, we were just outside experience God’s amazing creation and enjoying each others company. The lack of electrical outlets and devices didn’t take away from us enjoying ourselves and having a great time together, in fact…it helped.
I think we would do well to listen to Dr Mohler’s closing comments and counsel,
“We understand that nature is not an end to itself, and we affirm that the creation exists as the theater of God’s glory for the drama of redemption. All this should help Christians to remember that we honor God most faithfully when we receive His good gifts most gratefully.
Christians should take the lead in reconnecting with nature and disconnecting from machines. Taking the kids for a long walk in the woods would be a great start.”
