This is kind of neat

Nhl.com has this thing called the Frozen Moment, where they put up a new picture every day. They must have a huge archive, because every day is a really neat picture. This one is of a Bruins goaltender from 2002 (never heard of him, so he must not have been very good). A lot of goaltenders have their helmets painted with stuff that means something to them. (Those who get called up from the minors usually have a generic paint job that displays the team's logo, and something relating to the mascot). For instance, Peter Budaj, goaltender for the Avs, has a picture of a well-built Ned Flanders waving the Swiss flag, as he is Swiss, and, being a voiced Christian, is compared to Flanders some times.

The Frozen Moment picture looks like one of the old time helmets, before they decided those helmets, better described as masks, weren't protective enough.

Your computer will be a bigass table

Hahaha! This is really funny.
So is this

"Instead of using Google maps and an iPhone, use mapquest. Then realize half way there "crap, I used mapquest, I'm not getting there!"

"You can transfer your music illegally at a friends house, then get home and put it on your iPod, because let's face it, who uses Zune?"

"And the virus-ridden machine takes all your money."

New Blog

So I set up a blog specifically for my experiences in Oregon. I've blogged a couple times, and may a few more before I leave, just noting my thoughts on preparation for accepting the changes in my life I know God will make, and what obstacles (money, etc) that I face.

Here's the link. You should bookmark it.

I'm hoping to blog about once a week, posting pictures, etc. I'll still use this blog, especially before I leave. That one is, and always will be, specifically for my family and friends (separating family from my... sometimes colorful thoughts found on this blog) to hear about my experience in Oregon. So blogspot is still very much alive.

::-Update-::

Okay, for some reason that link isn't working. The site is xanga.com/christophersescape

Also, there have been a couple problems with format (I'm new to Xanga, not sure how it works) so let me know if the text only half shows up on your screen or something.

The Simpsons

When I was growing up, like any other well-functioning American household, I had a couple routines. The obligatory get up every day to go to school, take a shower (at night so I could use as much hot water as I wanted!!!), playing street hockey or power rangers, and of course, from 5pm to 6, my siblings and I were watching two back-to-back episodes of The Simpsons.

I'm not sure what was so appealing about the show. I didn't get half the jokes I do now. Oh wait, now I remember- Homer dismembering himself in every other episode. And the occasional "DAMN IT!" that would pop up.

I'm such a rebel.


I would watch that show every weekday, and of course, every Sunday when they'd have a new episode on. You think you know more than I do? Go ahead. Try me. I can answer any plot question. What's the only time Maggie spoke (that's right, Maggie speaking in the end credits wasn't the first time)? In the episode where Homer is reminiscing about how she was born. At the end of the episode Homer lays her in her crib, says "I hope you never say a word," because Bart and Lisa were arguing, and Maggie, in the sweetest baby voice ever, says "Daddy." Awwww!

I. Know. The. Simpsons.

I'll beat you at The Simpsons trivial persuit.

With all that said, I've been pretty skeptical about the new movie coming out. Don't get me wrong, I'd see it alone if I had to, but I was going to see it opening night. But honestly, I thought it was going to be a dark stain on an amazingly funny, and amazingly groundbreaking, pioneering genre (Simpsons did it!). So I saw it last night, and luckily I didn't have to see it alone. And I eat my words, here and now.

The movie was something like 80 minutes long, and it's a damn good thing, because I laughed for the entire 80 minutes. I would have gone into shock had it been any longer.

Honestly, I can't remember a movie I laughed harder in. It's not that it just had one or two really funny jokes, though it had that. It's not like it just continued it's "edgy" humor, though it did that too. It's not that it just had Homer Simpson going through all kinds of painful, impossible torture... though it had that too.

Seriously. This movie had everything. No recycled jokes (from the series). Amazing animation (for The Simpsons). And it. was. funny.

So bravo Matt Groening. Your series started to dip, but people are going to watch the final seasons. Hell, I might even watch them.

One final thought: Homer flipping people off was one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

I will sleep well knowing that when it comes out on DVD, I'll laugh equally as hard after the 30th time I've watched it.

Oregonian? (What do you call a resident of Oregon?)

So yesterday was officially one month until I leave for Oregon. I've heard so many amazing things about this state. I seriously can't wait.

My life has been in this constant state of readiness ever since I moved out. I'm tired of it. I want to get the hell out of here.

Don't get me wrong, I love Colorado, and I love my friends/ family here even more. But I need a break. I've needed a break for about a year and a half now. There are some amazing people at CCU, and some professors who have changed my theological views for sure, as well as my life views. But more than not it feels like one giant frat that I'm not a part of. I've had little to no community at that school. And while I absolutely plan to graduate from there, and hold w/ pride my degree, I won't miss the community (or lack thereof), when I do eventually graduate.

Anyway, the reason I wanted to post this was to ask anyone who reads this to pray for me. The financial stuff is starting to get close, and while I think I'll be fine, and I definitely know God wants me to go here, prayer would be great.

Linkin Park is McDonalds

I picked up the new Tool CD, 10,000 days. It's. Amazing. There are so few bands out there that make me really rock out, plain and simple. I'm not really into metal (or whatever you'd call them) but their music is so driving. And it got me to thinking about what we call music in this country.

Know who is among the top ten billboard this week? Go ahead, ask me. Let's see. Oh, the Smashing Pumpkins' new album. I heard it was really good. Oh look, number three: Hannah Montana. Hmm, I'll bet that CD has some pretty musically-amazing songs on it. Op, look at this, Kelly Clarkson. That's the American Idol chick, right? Yeah, she's got a great voice. Did she write her own lyrics? Hmm. Here we go: Number seven, Linkin Park. Yeah, they're hardcore.

Seriously. Hannah effing Montana. Linkin Park. Really? Seriously?

Now don't get me wrong here, people can listen to whomever they wish. I understand that people have an ear for different music. If you're down with Linkin Park's amazing struggle w/in because his latest girlfriend broke his heart, or he had another bad day which constituted another pissed off bitch-fest, to each his own. It makes me mad that the true musicians are the dudes on the 16th street mall begging, while Hannah Montana is making millions because she's got a cute face and had voice training in 6th grade, but whatever. No, my beef is with the mere concept that bands/ singers are praised for the same 4 chords over and over again.

I love Tool because they're genuine musicians. Because their baselines are creative. Because their drummer knows what 3/4 or 6/8 time is. Because their songs actually progress. We don't have the formula 1st verse, chorus, 2nd verse, chorus, bridge, chorus, chorus, 1/2 chorus, chorus. No no, they let the their songs develop. It's not fast food, where they give everything right there in front of you. It tastes alright, you know you're going to get something familiar. You know exactly what to expect, when to expect, and it goes down easy. No no, Tool is a 4 course dinner, served one dish at a time, arranged and cooked to be an experience. The chef is an artist, expressing himself, and more importantly, pushing himself.

Linkin Park is McDonalds.

You wanna know what I look for in a band? Creativity. Expression. Something unique. I want to hear something new, both lyrically and musically. I don't want to have a Wal-mart band I can go to a certain section labeled "moody screamo" or "stereotypical black person gloating."

I don't care how you grew up in da hood, and playas been talkin smack bout yo bitches.

I don't want to hear how you roll wit 22s on your Escalade. I think it's pretty dumb you have to find reasons not to like the east side or the west side. I don't care because Tupac said it before you. Dre has been saying it for years. They were artists (not a huge Tupac fan, but he's an icon, so I'm assuming he did something besides get killed) and more important than that, they were pioneers.

I saw a Paris Hilton CD yesterday. I didn't even touch it.

I know you love Jesus. I don't doubt it. But I've heard of "Jesus' faithfulness" so many times I have to wonder if people aren't just speaking of it because someone else said it.

My problem, I guess, is it seems to me artists don't express themselves. I'm sure Linkin Park is pissed off because his girl left him again. But that's all there is to it. They use the exact same 4 chords. They never stray out of 4/4 time.

The+same+formula= Linkin Park= Good Charlette= Most rap artists= most country artists.

Just because you can sing, or play the guitar, doesn't mean you have the gift. It doesn't mean you know how to express yourself musically (not just lyrically).

Sterling wrote this song. I only heard the chord progression and half the first verse, but it wasn't just another Christian song. Him and David were trying to remember how it went, and I could see in both of them the search. I could see the passion. I could see the expression. Ask me if I ever saw that at Evergreen Fellowship. Ask me how many times I saw that in chapel. Go ahead. Ask me.

But, I have accomplished nothing. So, I'm going to listen to Tool's amazing new CD. I'm going to enjoy The David J. Matthews Band, The Mountain Goats, The Streets, Crowder, Damien Rice, Coldplay, Incubus, Jimmy Eat World, Modest Mouse, Radiohead, Rage, The White Stripes and the other bands that offer something that's actually musically stimulating. I'm going to pour a 40 on a sidewalk for those who can't get signed, while Hannah Montana is at the top of the billboard. We live in a fallen world.

Testing out Bogger's New Video Uploading Option

The Irony of it All

So, Colorado is pretty much as full as it gets when it comes to professional sports teams. The Avs, the Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, Mammoth, Crush, Rapids, Eagles, and Outlaws. Hockey, Football, Baseball, Indoor Lacrosse, Indoor Football, Soccer, Minor league hockey, and Outdoor lacrosse, respectively.

I don't think there's a person in this world who can claim that the major sports stars aren't overpaid. Don't get me wrong, I think the common perception that movie stars and professional athletes don't do anything is completely off-base. One look at a practice, schedule or injury would tell you that about sports, and watching a making-of would tell you that about (many) movie stars. However, they still get grossly overpaid.

To prove my point, David Beckham, considered by many to be the best Soccer player in the world, recently came over to the US (LA) to play for the MLS. His salary for for Galaxy will be earning him 90$ a second. The funny thing is the league made a bunch of changes to make it possible. His salary is double that of the next highest player in the league. The MLS changed some rules (I'm a little fuzzy) to get make it possible, but basically I believe a team couldn't spend over 2 mill on a single player. Most of the good players in the league are pulling down about 200k. Definitely a lot of money, but not for a sports star. He'll do wonders for the league, but I think it's funny just how much power they gave him. How much importance.

Baseball has guys signing 90 million dollar contracts. Football, basketball and hockey now have salary caps, meaning they can only spend a certain amount of money on players' salaries, but baseball doesn't have that yet. So the point here is, I know this'll be a shocker, professional athletes are paid way too much in America and Canada.

I was reading this article the other day about this player in some city in Colorado, who played for the Colorado Ice. Now Colorado has new sports teams popping up all the time lately, and since people keep going to the games, they keep making new ones. But I had never heard of The Ice, so I read the article. It's some joke of a minor league for football. I guess most of the players are so awful a high school team could beat them. Most of them play just to get noticed by a NFL scout. 200$ a game. Bus rides to NE, WY, NM, etc. Most of them hold down day jobs, because 200$ is not that much money earning. It's the hard knock life.

One of my more favorite teams is the Mammoth. Indoor lacrosse. The team moved from some other city, so they were already pretty good by the time they got here. They had a guy who was apparently the Joe Sakic, John Elway, Michael Jordon, etc of the Lacrosse world. Gary Gait. He was extremely well-known... for a lacrosse player. Wanna know what the Michael Jordon of lacrosse did during the day? He was an elementary school teacher. The best of the best couldn't make enough to just play.

Now this could easily go into playing the world's smallest violin for these poor athletes. I don't feel sorry for them, and I doubt they'd want me to. We should all be so lucky to be doing what we want in life. My point here is the contrast. Obviously the reason hockey, basketball, football, etc. sports icons get paid so much is because they are bringing in a ton of money. People throw down 70$ a pop for Avs tickets, and those are the cheap seats. I went to a bunch of games during the 2001 playoffs (the year they won the cup) and the seats were on the glass. Guess how much? 180$ a piece. That's a lot of money.

We worship the Kobes and Peytons. The Forsbergs and A-Rods. They're a beacon of hope that a person can strive to be something great. Just like movie stars, they are what we wish we could be, had we more disciple, or put more effort. Maybe someone chose to get married or go to college, so the decision he or she did make wasn't even a regret. But that doesn't change the fact that we sit down, watch Patrick Roy make 5 insane flipping saves in a row, or Chris Drury fend off 3 opposing players, then fake to the left, and stuff in the puck on the right side of the net. (I really miss the good old days.) and we can't help but wish that was us.

There's so much here. America's lost dreams, our materialism, our completely out-of-whack priorities. Escapism at it's best. Honestly, I don't really know what my point here is. I was thinking about it, and it just blew me away. I almost felt sorry for the dude earning 200$ a game. Being "forced" to ride a BUS of all things, to each city.

It just blows me away. I could have a huge conversation about this, but thought I'd blog. Any thoughts?

Possibly?

I really hate to say this, but maybe Heath Ledger won't be that bad of a Joker after all. WB just released this picture... the first of this new Joker. As much as I hate to admit it, he looks pretty bad ass. Amirite? Here's keeping my fingers crossed.

Anti-theft device

Hahaha!!!

Yet another cool thing I've learned

::Listening to:: The White Stripes- Icky Thump (I think this is my favorite White Stripes album yet. A-ma-za-zing

So I ran the sound board today at Arvada... or more accurately, I trained on the sound board. I have a basic understanding of how the equipment works, and I'm really excited. I've been wanting to learn something cool like that ever since I quit my coffee shop job. And what did I learn?

1. Sound board look really intimidating, but once you understand the method, it's really easy.
2. I really miss stage crew from high school. Don't get me wrong, I don't miss high school at all, but I was head of stage crew three years for the musical, and it was way fun. Being behind the scenes is really fun for me.
3. There are way too many people in this world w/ the name Josh.
4. I'm more outgoing than I thought I was, but when I'm in a room full of people I don't know, I still shut down. I think that's the way it's always going to be.
5. I really missed having a church, and more than that, serving at one.
6. Josh's (the dude in charge of the sound etc) iPod is amazingly well kept. His screen doesn't have a single scratch.
7. Baptism is really cool. I'm really glad I don't have the stigma of debating about baptism (from Central) anymore, because I think while I was there, I was almost against baptism. Stupid theology debates.
8. Jay is a really good speaker, but honestly Dave Terpstra (TNL) is so much better... to me. For serious.
8. I can't wait to go to Oregon... This doesn't have anything to do with today's service, but I was just thinking about it.

4th of July 2007

So I had a really good 4th of July. For some reason, the past 5 years or so have produced very bad: Valentines Days, 4th of Julys, Halloweens (ish) and New Years Eves. I'm really not sure why. However, yesterday was a lot of fun, and broke than damn chain of bad ones.

Also, I've never set off my own fireworks before. Being somewhat of a pyro, I can't believe I've never done it. Way better than watching a display. Here are some pics:

Doctors Scott Hannan and Ryan Smyth

So I haven't posted about hockey in a while, and I know how much everyone is waiting for that. :-)

So the first day of unrestricted free agents was two days ago. Basically what that means is that players whose contracts ran out with their respective teams had the option to sign another contract with their team (if the team made them an offer), and if the team and player didn't come to an agreement, the player is free to sign with another team.

There are really two exciting times in hockey in terms of acquiring new players: the first is after the draft, when the players' contracts end up, and the other is in the middle of February, when the last day that a trade is allowed for that season. Usually teams will make a trade for a player who will help them in the playoffs, if they think they need it.

Anyway, my point with all of this is the Avs did horribly last season, save for the last month or so. So, they picked up Ryan Smyth and Scott Hannan. Both very good players, and both positions we needed. I went to bed that day in a really good mood. Part of it was because I'm finally getting plugged in w/ a church (Jess') and I'm going to be running the video, starting this Sunday. There were a couple other things, but I think one of the biggest things was the fact that we acquired these players. It's kind of like getting a new toy. Like I just got an HDTV or something.

Anyway, this blog isn't really going anywhere, and honestly I'm exhausted. So, happy 4th, and God Bless 'merica!

PS Arynn and I are having a BBQ/ volleyball tournament type thing, and you should come. Call me. It's gonna be off the hiz-ook.

Tenacious D "Rendition"

So for some reason the pictures I uploaded of Tim's wedding were really small. Sorry about that. To make up, here's a video I uploaded to Youtube of my very own honeynipples. It's really dumb, but it cracks me up. Go check it out! I just uploaded it (2:17 MST) so it might take a little while to "process." Should be up quickly though!

::UPDATE::
Yeah so that first link didn't work... this one does though! And now it's working for sure. ;-)