Diary of a Job Search

Praisin' Jesus a'la Carlos Santana

2012-01-29T21:27:00.005-06:00

Well, sort of.

The church we visited today had a rockin' worship time that was populated largely with guys my age on brass (a'la Blood Sweat & Tears), women of roughly the same age or a bit younger on background vocals (think the Raylettes behind Ray Charles)

And guys laying down guitar licks and percussion that channelled Santana or Rare Earth. Man, it was like 1971 all over again, except with more Jesus in the lyrics. :)

And the Lead Pastor also was the lead singer. Ooh, a man after my own heart! And throughout the congregation were a bunch of men who looked roughly like me, such that during the greeting time I felt pretty.. normal. :) I'll save you the description of what they looked like. Those of you who know me can picture that "type" quite well.

There and back again

2012-01-26T19:38:00.007-06:00

... an actuary's tale.

Okay, so, not quite the same ring to it as Bilbo Baggins' story, and I didn't run into either dwarves nor dragons, but... there were a few things on which to report from my 5 day run to California and back.

First, I thought I was leaving the cold and snow for warmer climes.

Instead it turned out to be dark and foggy and cold and no JetWay!

Seeing as how it is winter and Sacramento is in the Central Valley, that means only one thing: Tule Fog. The impenetrable and interminable kind that socks in the tarmac. Since the Bay Area was also in full Winter drip, only on my two layovers in Denver was it at all pleasant (as in 60 and clear). And me locked in the terminal...

But at least the airport in Sacramento had interesting decor. This falls under the heading of installation art, I believe...

And Sacramento also had marvelous local cuisine! :) The local gentry seemed content with juicy burgers, as was I.

Over the weekend, I made a dash to Oakland to see the sights, including homeless ...

dogs!

But one particular ex-homeless animal has found shelter and contentment in the lap of one of my favorite people. :)

Nice seeing you again, Kitten. (and you, too, kitten...)

Spending the weekend at Frank's

2012-01-15T20:22:00.000-06:00

... hotel in Mason City. Frank Lloyd Wright's hotel, I mean. In its fully restored glory. Just a stunning destination in a lovely little town barely 2 hours away. Mmmm.

Not only is it a famous place for its architecture, but it's notable for another reason (at least to me). Look who stayed there on December 9th!

(hint: I ran his campaign in my precinct...)

Style details abound both inside and out.

I think I'll just let the pictures speak for awhile...

Authentically restored to its 1910 glory as it was, the developers couldn't resist inserting a little 21st century technology in the 100 year old lobby washroom.

This quaint little burg happens to also be the boyhood home of Meredith Wilson, the writer of "The Music Man". And as small towns do, they capitalized on the tourism potential of that connection.

Guess they caught another couple of willing tourists willing to take advantage of the situation...

Is that legal?

2012-01-14T08:46:00.000-06:00

... the way he plays that guitar?

We drove to Ames last night to catch Andy McKee live at DG's Tap House. For any of you who have seen him on YouTube, he is even more amazing in person. It's ridiculous the way he gets sounds from his guitar with that unorthodox style. It looks like a combination of hammering a dulcimer, playing the neck like a piano, and banging out beats flamenco-style on the body. Crazy, but so good.

The smallish room above the huge pool hall

was pretty packed out when we got there, so no decent place to sit. As a result we left after his first set, but that was enough of a "wow" experience to make the trip worthwhile. While there I grabbed a spot by the sound board

and leaned against the rail, sipping my pint of Crispin hard cider. Not only an acoustic evening, but an organic one, too...

As we left it was funny to hear the guys talk out on the street while clustering up for smokes. The guitar players among them (and there were many in the crowd) were rehashing his licks the way football fans at halftime rehash plays they just watched. His show was dumbfounding to some and awe-insipring to others.

To me, it's just really good study music. :)

Baptism by Caucus

2012-01-08T19:07:00.008-06:00

I was gently reminded today that here it is 5 days after the Iowa Caucuses and not one word has yet appeared on this blog about the experience! My excuses are many, but none very convincing, so let's just dive right in and rectify the oversight, shall we?

Here's a truism about Iowa's impact on presidential races: Iowa is not about who wins. It's about who gets knocked out. True, that. The winner of the Iowa caucus is most often NOT the next president, nor even the party's nominee. But campaigns sure do DIE here. And I guess the cross-border rivalry is also a truism. Apparently Iowans truly do not like Minnesotans (even if they were born here). So far, it's given the left boot of fellowship to the posteriors of both Tim Pawlenty and Michelle Bachman; take that, gophers.

----- Courtesy Des Moines Register

Here's how the campaign chair for Ron Paul put it. He said there are "three tickets out of Iowa [and] Ron Paul earned one of them."

Santorum and Romney earned the other two. Who will earn them in NH and SC is another matter altogether. I doubt it will be the exact same three. Seems like for all the disrespect Ron Raul got in the media (shunned like a political Hester Prynne), he did a solid job to finish with over 21%, with neither Santorum or Romney making it up to 25%. Plus, he won more counties than Romney (as shown in the map above by the orange shading). Proof, I guess, that his ground organization was solid, and that as his message finally got out, his support base grew (from the 8% he was running early in the race).

As a newbie to the kind of "retail politics" that happens in Iowa, I feel like it's been a pretty successful effort so far for me. As precinct captain for the campaign, seeing my guy come in second in my precinct only 4 votes back of Romney, was gratifying. So was being named Caucus Secretary (even though that meant my camera didn't get to record a thing - I was too busy filling out forms!) Plus, I got voted in as one of the three delegates from our precinct to the county convention, and got voted to the county central committee. All this while not really even being a Republican (except for a temporary registration ... this year, anyway ... which you can do here.)

So, diving in with both feet in order to fully experience the uniqueness of Iowa politics is working out just that way - a pretty full experience, including a trip to next month's Central Committee meeting and the following month's county convention. I'll report back, you can be sure of that.

Happy 2012?

2012-01-01T00:43:00.000-06:00

.

another new year
confronts us with decisions
will we choose better?

.

Is there a doctor in the house?

2011-12-28T17:26:00.005-06:00

Why, yes! Dr. Ron Paul is in the house.

Plus, just a few members of the press, and all their gear.

and a guy selling t-shirts and buttons.

It all made my literature table look a little puny.

But the crowd of my co-workers was good, especially considering it is the week between Christmas and New Years, and the parking lot was only half-full today (what with vacations and all...)

So, the CEO kicked things off with a glowing introduction

eventually yielding the floor to Dr. Paul

who apparently has qualified for a security detail now, given the looks of the two wide-bodies in suits on either side of him.

We set up the poor-man's version of jumbotrons so that guys like me in the cheap seats could see Dr. Paul's wrinkles a little better. ;)

Afterwards, the media horde descended on his intimate conversations with a voter, so that I had to stand on a chair to get a glimpse.

Good thing I've already shaken hands with him at another event. No need to introduce myself again, although I'm sure he wouldn't have minded, since we're so well acquainted.

I mean, look at the lovely Christmas card he and Carol sent us. Aww.. Guess we should add them to our Christmas letter list now, huh?

Happy Hanukkah!

2011-12-21T22:37:00.000-06:00

"Jazz and Latkes" was how the event was billed. Hard to resist on the opening night of Hankkukah at Beth El Jacob only about a mile from the house. :)

The jazz combo was really young, but had an excellent grasp of the classic jazz repertoire. They play every Tuesday night at a club downtown, which I think I might just visit.

The latkes were accompanied by either sour cream or applesauce, plus several quiches and even jelly doughnuts for dessert. (Called "Sufganiyot", apparently.)

And of course, before dinner there was the menorah lighting and several blessings chanted, mostly unintelligible except for the part that went "Baruch attah adonai, Elohenu, Melech ha-olom..." etc.

That part I know from Passover. I even like my homemade cantor melody better than the Rabbi's, although I'm sure his was more authentic, if not quite as appealing.

A few weeks "off"

2011-12-13T06:23:00.004-06:00

... from school. Yay! I can catch my breath..

Oh, I'm still working hard at my day job, trying to finish certain MBOs by year-end, but at least my last paper in TS794DE is turned in, for better or for worse (mostly better, I think, thanks to the comments of my lovely live-in editor.) I have my evenings and weekends back now for a little while, and have started in on my "recreational reading" pile. :) Soon I will also catch up on TV shows missed, and take in some of the new movies coming out. On the list: the new Mission Impossible flick, the Sherlock Holmes sequel, the feel-good Matt Damon zookeeper movie, and the feel-bad Dragon Tattoo movie.

Soon enough, I'll be back at it again with TWO classes in Winter, and one in Spring, but then in June comes graduation... and freedom! Right now, though, a little rest on the bench, and then... back out on the field for the final period, and hopefully a strong finish.

It's not plagiarism when you steal from yourself

2011-12-03T09:06:00.025-06:00

... is it?

During my Seminary career I have occasionally written something in a research paper that I thought was really good - a particularly apt analogy, or a penetrating bit of insight, or some such writing. Now, 18 months later I am taking another class, and darned if it doesn't come back to memory, when the topics for the current coursework overlap with the original class for which I wrote the piece!

So what to do? Rack my brain for new & equally stunning arguments? Or take an already proven concept (per a prof's favorable grading) and simply re-apply it in a new setting?

Technology enables this kind of idea recycling. I can remember a key phrase from an old paper, search for it electronically in my Seminary documents folder, snag the pertinent text, rework the phrasing to fit the current topic, and drop it into the new paper. Voilà! Sparkling, clever, pertinent (and original!) text, with far less effort. :)

It was an original insight with me, so.. it still is original work, right? Just applied in a new setting! Kind of like learning a skill (say... home winemaking), winning some awards for it, giving it up for several years due to changing circumstances, and then getting back to it again using the old tricks you learned the first time by trial & error.

So, it's the 3 Rs simply applied to writing: reduce (effort), reuse (ideas), recycle (phrases). I mean, what's the point of a well-phrased, hard-thought insight if you can't reuse it? After all, versatility and persistence are proofs of an analogy's vigor.

(that last is original with me, btw..)

Fresh Ink

2011-11-27T16:32:00.005-06:00

While on vacation this week, I got a refresh on my most recent item of "body art", as they call it. (By the way, this one is entirely theological in nature, as befits a Seminarian). As it dried following the first application earlier this year, there were a couple of spots where the ink didn't cover quite all the way. The artist warranted the work, so it was just a matter of screwing up the courage to go "under the needle" again, in what is admittedly a pretty sensitive spot. So I figured that a few days of vacation spent at home, with no serious agenda other than writing a research paper and winterizing a screened porch, might be the best time I'll have to deal with it.

Ow.

I had forgotten the intensity of the pain. But, I rationalized that since there was really not much in terms of monetary cost spent on the thing, and since you don't usually value something that doesn't cost you something... a little more pain would give it real value. :)

Ow.

More than a little. But now it should be good for about 10 years. And I can't picture wanting to do this again anytime soon.

The Last Imperialists

2011-11-20T17:35:00.011-06:00

In one of my recent Seminary classes, I studied the nature of imperialism and what it might look like today. The Roman Empire was certainly one historical example, as were the Ottoman, Spanish and British versions later on, followed by German and Japanese attempts, as well as one by the former Soviet Union. The authors in my class argued that the empire du jour is not one nation gobbling up a bunch of others as colonies, but Global Consumerism, facilitated by the advance forces of American Democracy and the internet.

An argument could be made that the American desire to advance our interests (and Democracy) around the world is a type of imperialism. We here see it as benign, even benevolent, but it could also be seen as imperial, for it involves us deciding what is right and what is best for everyone else. And... it does involve establishing a military presence in the territories of our allies (who may at one point have been enemies, but once conquered, became our friends).

The news this week was that our "progressive" President, Mr. Obama, has joined the long tradition of making strategic deals with allies to establish military outposts far from our shores (much like the Romans did... before they fell from neglect of the empire's internal health). This time it was the Australians who get to have our Marines in situ (in exchange, no doubt, for some unspecified amount of foreign aid and favorable trade treatment) - 2,500 of them in fact.

I wonder: why is it that we are the only nation who can do this at will? Why can we freely rest our hand on the neck of our "friends" as we walk along (like I used to do with my son when I wanted to get him to do what I thought would be best for him...and me)?

Why is it that England doesn't have a base for their Marines along Cape Cod? Why doesn't Japan have troops and planes in Honolulu? Why doesn't Germany have a forward air base near Columbus? I mean... they're our allies now, right? Just because we defeated them once doesn't mean we can't share space, especially since we have plenty of it, and they don't. Why not lease them some of our Federal lands, receive a little foreign aid to help offset our deficit, and let them put some troops here?

I believe that the doctrine of "American Exceptionalism" is the reason. Only we can be in charge of the world, because... we're specially suited to do so. Called to the task by God, even.

Newt Gingrich is an ardent supporter of this idea, as are some Christian Fundamentalists (which Newt... is definitely not). Both can be military hawks for this very reason. Our troops around the world are an extension of who we are as a country. They perform humanitarian functions, and keep the peace (after we knock out the bad guys). We exert a generous spirit, provide moral influence and give benevolent direction. We are born to rule, we are fit for the throne (oops.. excuse me.. I mean "take a leadership role").

Of all the GOP candidates running for President, there is one who sees things differently on this subject - different than the GOP establishment, and different from President Obama. Guess who?

See you on caucus night. :)

The Newtster

2011-11-14T19:20:00.002-06:00

More evidence that politics in Iowa is unlike that of any other state.

One of the GOP contenders dropped in for lunch today.

It may well be the beginning of a parade of them, who knows?

I'm certainly going to see if Ron Paul will come for lunch, too. :)

He shared a few thoughts on the Debt Super Committee, took a few questions, posed for some pics and signed some autographs. Nice little 45 minute visit.

I have to say that Mr. Gingrich did a credible job today. He is a serious political rainmaker. In fact, I think that of all the candidates, Newt has the potential to have the greatest impact on the country. I'm just not sure it's the right impact.

It was a closed event (the public was not invited), but the media was sure there in force. All sorts of them, from Iowa Public Radio, to local network affiliates, to the lady in the left foreground:

She works for the Swedish News Service or some such organization. And had the accent to match. Fascinated with American politics, apparently, is posted in the US to report on it, but had never been outside Washington, DC before. This ain't the big city, hon. This here is farm country.

I suppose she would be fascinated, given that her country has one of the last Kings on the planet as a leader. I would bet that King Whateversen of Sweden doesn't drop in for lunch with the commoners very much.

Join the Club

2011-11-11T20:11:00.013-06:00

The church club. Or not. Suit yourself.

Apparently church membership is becoming passe' for Gen Xers and younger. Or so this article states. I can sort of relate. With church membership today, particularly in Protestant circles, there is an expectation of committment with no real benefits other than sort of... feeling committed.

Really, today's churches are so eager to have people in the pews (or folding chairs, in the circles I run in) that you can have all the "benefits" that members have if you simply show up mostly regularly. You can get to know people, you can come to group activities, bring a dish to pass at the potlucks, volunteer in different ministry areas, listen to the preaching/teaching, join in the singing, stay for coffee and cookies, take a class, etc., all without joining.

I mean, it's not like it used to be when church and state were joined at the hip and you essentially needed church membership to be a citizen in good standing in the community. Heck, they kept all the birth/death/marriage records on behalf of the government! It's like they were the Census Department - just outsourced. Today, what do you get if you join a church?

The stock answer is: "you get to be part of a community." Okay, well, you get to be that as a regular attender, too. Nobody will stop you from diving in and making friends. "Oh. Well, you get to hold a leadership position, lead a ministry area." Guess what? Lots of churches let you do that, too, without membership. They need volunteers, so they're not all that picky! Right now I am up on the platform, helping lead, once a month in two different churches, both without signing any kind of membership agreement.

The only real privilege that is withheld from the non-member is... voting rights. You can't vote on church business without being a member. However, you CAN usually come to congregational meetings, and normally you can speak. It's just that when they call the question, you have to hold your peace.

Now, to achieve voting rights, you have to go through classes, be interviewed by leadership, agree to the doctrinal statement, promise to financially support the church, to have and to hold, for richer for poorer, etc. Seems to me like the reward (voting rights, and maybe a round of applause in welcome) is not commensurate with the effort and scrutiny needed to obtain it. Especially since everything but voting rights (including affirmation by others) is yours just for showing up.

I think the Gen Xers and younger have figured this one out. Being part of a church today is like living together without benefit of marriage. In a consumerist society, where churches compete in the marketplace of programs and services... and when they are eager for the financial support of regular attenders... and when regular attenders have lots of other options... they are likely not going to withhold anything of benefit from the attender.

In other words, when it comes to what attendees really want, the church is not "saving anything for marriage". Plus, since there are no real consequences to leaving and going to another church (at least no consequences with any teeth), nothing will stop a "member" from leaving if they are hurt or disillusioned, except maybe their own internal level of committment (which is not likely to be due simply to their signature on the form). Divorce from your local church is easy.

The church today needs a different model than the "friends with benefits" one they use now. The "retail sales model" of having as many as possible experience our programs, attend regularly (and thereby become repeat buyers, loyal customers) isn't so great either; you're always persuading. Maybe the church should instead adopt more of a "beta testing" model, and cautiously extend invitations to join this little not-quite-perfect experiment: an alternative community that actually tries to model the Kingdom of God the way Jesus taught it.

Fall Formation

2011-11-01T20:42:00.001-05:00

This last weekend it was retreat time again. My annual excursion into the wilderness and isolation that is my own mysterious and willful heart. :) It's always a time of reflection and contemplation, and often a time of communion, too - with nature and the God who made it.

A Franciscan retreat center was the site this time. The accomodations were plain, as usual, but perfectly adequate for my needs.

Smallish, but comfortable.

And in the midst of some beautiful grounds, bursting with Fall color.

At this center there was a very nice labyrinth, which I walked twice.. once on the first day and once on the last. The first time in holy fear, and the second in an openness to listen. My current Seminary class is all about integrative formation, bringing multiple disciplines to bear on my becoming whole and holy. This tactile experience of meditating while walking in an ancient pattern from many centuries before me was but one such discipline.

There was a simple old chapel house on the grounds, with the altar lovingly restored. Beautiful.

And besides the human-crafted beauty, there was that magnificent beauty crafted by the Creator. Exquisite.

I love the Autumn. And the chance to be formed in the midst of it.

Nothing says Autumn like...

2011-10-26T06:31:00.002-05:00

turning colors all around

rustling at your feet

zipping up your jacket

scurrying squirrels

corn mazes and fresh apples

feste mit lederhosen

pumpkins and cornstalks

twilight coming so early

and for me...

reflection time

retreat weekends

special occasions

(sometimes even all together)

How very sporting.

2011-10-18T21:21:00.001-05:00

This last weekend was a fab sports weekend for expatriate Wisconsinites like me on several levels. Not only did the Badgers football team acquit themselves well, but the Packers did also. The Brewers tried hard, but booted the pooch, as the saying goes. I was lucky enough to see two of the three events in person, too. :)

Here's proof:

(including proof that I didn't abandon my studies all weekend..)

October Concerti

2011-10-13T16:59:00.002-05:00

It is officially Autumn here in the heartland - my favorite time of year. The last blast of Summer's hot breath has breezed through, and for the rest of the month the daily high temp will apparently stay below 70. Ahhh.

So, I'm out in the elements a titch more, taking the occasional picture - like this one of a new electric powered vehicle filling station added to the parking lot of the local library in its recent renovation. How about that? Guess I can go ahead with that Nissan Leaf now. ;)

I've also been keeping track of a certain tree underneath which I park each workday. I remember her (him? it?) from last year as having red leafy highlights in her foliage, and true to form, she's at it again. Note the progress over the last two weeks:

I do love the walk to/from the building now. It has a soundtrack, provided by squirrels and my feet: rustle, rustle, rustle. :)

Okay, so I've covered the October part of the title to this post, but what about the Concerti part? So, here you go:

First, a show by Mat Kearney, with an opening act provided by a band named Leagues.

Kearney was great. He had a winning style with the audience, extemporizing lyrics on the spot to insert a local vibe into his songs, and even jumping down onto the floor and singing his way around the room. The girls in attendance went nuts at that part, crowding past where we were in order to "touch the singer". Easy, girls. Yikes!

So, all in all an excellent show, as was the next one about 10 days later: Explosions in the Sky. Woo! They are one of my favorites. Such good "study music" - no lyrics, ever.

Kind of an old, ragged venue, with the inside about as in need of a refresh as the neon sign on the outside.

The facility was huge, with loads of tables and some decent lighting off in a corner, so I could even knock off some assigned reading for TS794DE while enjoying the music. Just like at home, except ... louder!

The opener was a band named Wye Oak. Not really my speed, a little angry-sounding on both the guitar and vocal, but certainly enough to wake up the crowd.

The headliner, though, was just superb. The front man (if you can call him that) very politely introduced the band, made some kind remarks about being here, and then kicked of 90 minutes of non-stop music. And I mean non-stop. No break between songs, no thank yous or words of any kind again until they said thank you and good night. Crazy.

They remind me of a contemporary new-agey rock version of Phil Spector's old "wall of sound" concept. It just washes over you like an incessant pounding surf, insistent, rhythmic, and intense. Several times I needed to lean up against a pillar to keep from tipping backwards when I would close my eyes and simply "feel" it.

Great shows, and so far a great month.

Religion and Economics Don't Mix

2011-10-06T21:34:00.005-05:00

Or maybe they do!

USA Today ran a story recently about how Americans' religious views serve as a lens through which they view how the economy works (or should work). From this study one may be able to venture a guess at the predominant religious view of the folks taking part in the "Occupy Wall Street" movement. Read on...

Here's an excerpt from the story referring to the work of Paul Froese, one of the authors of a study by Baylor University:

Most (81%) political conservatives say there is one "ultimate truth in the world, and new economic information of cost-benefit analysis is not going to change their mind about how the economy should work," Froese says.

At the opposite pole, another one in five Americans don't see God stepping in to their daily lives and favor reducing wealth and inequality through taxation. "So they're less likely to see God controlling the economy. Liberal economic perspectives are synonymous with the belief that there is no one 'ultimate truth,'" Froese says.

So to Conservatives (at least to the religious ones) government fiscal policy stands in opposition to God's dominion over economic life. God is, or should be, in charge. But to Liberals (at least to the secular ones), government fiscal policy is an example of how humans work together to create social order; God has nothing to do with it.

This is another example of how the vitriolic partisan rhetoric of Republican vs Democrat is masking a more serious divide - an ideological one. Looking back on past ideological divides (independence, slavery, prohibition) one gets the sense that this one could also get violent without too much provocation. It's not about party affiliation. It's about worldview. And worldviews come from deep-seated convictions, which people will defend at great cost.

Dooooorm Living is the Life For Me...

2011-09-21T06:46:00.003-05:00

Riiight.

I am so glad to be back on my Tempur-Pedic mattress, in a climate-controlled residence, with a well-stocked fridge and only a half-flight of stairs to climb. Enough of this back-to-college nonsense.

The place is so institutional. Small, cramped, mattress hard as a rock, no air conditioning. (note the trusty box fan in the window..) At least the halls were relatively empty being this early in the school year, so I could pad down one flight to the communal kitchen in my jammies to heat my morning coffee. :)

Funny name for a dorm. Maybe it was named after old Elmer T. Stub and his wife Francine who, being childless, left their farm implement business to the school when they passed...

Whatever. The outside of the place belied the spartan interior.

The grounds were pleasant,

with mature trees and a nice patio (if no smokers were there...)

and the view from the room windows wasn't bad, especially when the sun hit the downtown skyline just right.

Still, on the weekends I definitely got stir-crazy and claustrophobic and needed to get out.

There were a few favorite places to revisit,

one of which I saved as a reward for a paper well written, on time.

But even while relaxing... the learning process still beckoned.

Each class had a take-home assignment to do as a final. So, two more papers to go yet this week, and then I can cross off the 6 credits. Then immediately dive right in to my Fall Quarter class (Senior Integrative Seminar).

This year has been particularly tough - no break from January until Christmas vacation. Oof. But, when I get past Christmas, I will be rounding the last turn and heading for the finish line: Graduation in May 2012. God help me, I can do this!

Somebody else noticed

2011-09-03T18:50:00.000-05:00

When you are a person who observes and comments on culture, there is something exhilarating about being a trend-spotter, and comforting when someone else after you notices the same thing independently.

This cartoon is similar to my earlier blog post on the same topic.

And I still don't get it.

Concerts are, um... evolving?

2011-09-01T04:38:00.000-05:00

Recently I've noticed that artists are trying new things when it comes to acquainting people with their music. Not only is there a lot of good music being released for free (try Noisetrade.com for one great site), but they are also doing concerts differently. Some are doing "house concerts". Here's an example of an email I got recently from an artist I like:

Iowa Friends!

We're coming to see you! Now, we know that your great state is vast and this show many not be all that close to everyone, but we're hoping you'll pass the information on to your friends in the area. We're so excited to share stories and songs with you! Here are the details:

Sept 23, Des Moines, IA. Open House Concert. Email us: jennyandtyler@gmail.com if you'd like to attend.

Curious as to what a house concert is? Allow us to explain. House concerts are held in an individual's home - usually the living room. Generally we play unplugged for about an hour and a half. Sometimes less depending on what else is on the agenda for the evening. Sometimes we sell tickets in advance, other times we ask for donations at the door. House concerts are about relationships. We spend about a half an hour hanging out before the show starts. We get to know each other. At the end of the night it feels like we walk away with 30 new best friends. Don't be scared. Some people will know the host, others won't. It's likely that we won't know them either. So come!

We hope to see many of you!

-Jenny & Tyler

Well, hey, J&T! I hope to see you, too! :) In fact I am all over this idea. Up close and personal? Relaxed, easy setting, acoustic (probably) concert at a reasonable volume? Yeah, yeah. I'm in. Probably.

Another idea that is being tried is a virtual concert on line. And I suppose with the video and sound quality that devices have now.. it can work. I mean, with internet TV a reality.. why not? Here's another email I got. Too busy to attend this one, but.. he's apparently doing it multiple times, so I'm sure I'll catch him later.

Hey friends!
I'm playing my first ON-LINE 'Live From the Living Room' show this Thursday night @ 7PM CST. That's right! I'll be in my living room and on your computer screen. This show is very interactive and will be totally based on your requests. I've already committed to playing 2 songs I haven't played in 10 years! I'll be taking questions and chatting during the show. I'm totally excited!
Get tix here:
http://www.stageit.com/grahamcolton/live_in_the_living_room/4018
Also, If you create your own facebook event page & promote the show, i'll play your song request! Thanks so much! See ya Thursday!
Graham

Email # 2, a few days later...

Hey Friends,
My 2nd 'Live in the Living Room' show has been added! The last one was so fun i'm doing another. I'm hoping to play a totally different set list this time....so please request songs on my facebook and twitter page. Tickets are only 10 cents....well that's the minimum...you can tip if you want....and i do take bribes for certain song requests!
Here's the link to reserve tickets:
http://www.stageit.com/grahamcolton/live_in_the_living_room/4438
See ya there! Graham

So, not a bad idea. I can get into this. No need to wrestle with shoulder-to-shoulder crowds trying to move from the merch table to the bar. I can buy online and drink my favorite adult beverage in the comfort of my chair while enjoying a good musician. Works for me.

Fair is Fair

2011-08-29T05:20:00.001-05:00

Well, another fair season has come and gone, and with all the political stuff going on, I find myself behind in my special event postings, so here is a belated look at State Fair - snack food, live music, farm animals, crafts, vegetables, heat, and all things summer.

This year the fair was celebrating 100 years of the "butter cow", a life-size sculpture in the shape of a cow done each year in butter.

(I know, right?...)

This theme ran throughout the fair, in sand, on little statuettes,

and in sculptures made from canned vegetables.

[okay..]

I'd much rather look at the real vegetables.

And there are plenty of great specimens to see around here.

Not to mention to purchase. Farmers' Markets are everywhere now - even in the cafeteria at my workplace! But there's nothing like the

atmosphere of a fair, watching people of all sorts stroll by while you fill your face with food. Pork chop on a stick topped my favorites list for the second year. mmmm...

The radio and TV stations of course broadcast remote from the fair, and the weather guy from channel 13 was there doing his forecast.

And even though the fair is apolitical in nature, politics was still not far from people's minds. You could cast your vote for your favorite candidate by dropping a kernel of corn in a mason jar.

The fair-to-date totals looked pretty good for my guy. :)

But post-politics, there was great music ahead!

The opening act was not there, since he apparently got mugged AND hit by a taxicab while in NYC. Weird.

So PJ Morton, a keyboardist for Maroon 5 opened with a retro-funk act. Then came Maroon 5 with that great front man Adam Levine.

They put on a great show - he has lots of energy, but does not particularly connect with the audience.

Train, on the other hand, has a front man who really knows how to mix it up with the crowd. And, they did a broad variety of styles - very versatile and entertaining.

On the way out of the parking lot, the fireworks were going off. It was such a nice night, I opened the sun roof to get a good view. Sweet.

The fair was more than fair. It was great.

God's Preferential Option for... (part 2)

2011-08-26T16:48:00.011-05:00

economic systems? political systems?

Does God have a preference in these matters? Politicians at all levels seem to think God does, or at least they behave that way. If I could design a little informal survey and get every GOP presidential candidate to answer it, here's what I would put before them.

**********

Dear Candidate, here are two statements for your consideration:

A) Free-market Capitalism is God's preference for an economic system.

B) Representative Democracy is God's preference for a political system.

Considering the above, please answer the following two questions:

1) Do you agree with either or both of the above statements as being true?

2a) If yes, on what basis do you come to that conclusion?

2b) If no, then why do you behave as if they are true?

***********

Every GOP candidate in the race would say that he/she is against socialism (even if prosperous), or against dictatorship (even if benevolent). But on what basis would they say those things? Does the same source they look to for guidance on "family values" issues also speak to issues of economics and governance? I think it does. But what does that source indicate as a preference in these matters?

Hm... I have a theory about that. Does anyone else?

God's Preferential Option for...

2011-08-24T05:52:00.006-05:00

Business?

That seems to be what the GOP mainstream thinks, and their presidential candidates too (save one, of course). They act like God has a preference for business, and that whatever is good for business is good for the country, and therefore God-approved. (since of course, God wants to bless America, and a booming economy is where all our blessings come from, right?)

Oops. I don't think so. Merchants are often castigated in the Bible for taking advantage of people through dishonesty, and for getting rich at the expense of their workers.

God does have a preferential option, all right. It's not for business, though.. it's for the poor. Catholic Social Teaching has it right, on this score and many others. And the US Conference of Catholic Bishops urged President Obama and Congress to "put the needs of the poor first" when allocating scarce resources, especially in the face of budget cuts in order to reduce the national debt.

And yet all I hear, from both sides of the aisle and the White House is how to create jobs. I suppose the idea is that with more jobs, there will be a greater level of prosperity across the board, so more people will be lifted from poverty. Reagan argued for this idea, that a rising tide floats all boats. But Johnson's War on Poverty (as part of his "Great Society" concept) actually directed government resources toward the most needy and vulnerable in society. I'm not sure the Reagan Revolution ever got prosperity to the most impoverished among us like LBJ did. And yet, Johnson committed us to the War in Vietnam and grew the military/industrial complex during the Cold War, too, so.. were we better off under his leadership, despite helping the poor? How about after we "reformed" welfare under Clinton? Are we all better off now?

Ugh. It's a mess when government tries to make things better. They never seem to get it right. They over-regulate in one place and under-regulate in others. They borrow in order to keep overspending, and then spend it on the wrong things. We tell them to reduce spending, and then they cut out the wrong stuff. But we never seem to want to stop them from trying. The next big solution is right around the corner after the next election. Yeah right.