top things i learned from willie nelson last night

ok, i am not going to complain, i am just gonna' rant a bit. you see, my buddy aaron and i go to a concert every year around our birthdays (well, we started last year but this will continue until one of us is dead). we call it BIG BOY BIRTHDAY BASH. no one else is invited, sorry.
anywho, last year, we went to see the police. wow, what a show! blew me away how these guys rocked. 2 1/2 straight hours of the police was incredible. this year, we decided to do another blast from the past and go to a concert we would normally never go see (that is like the theme of our BASH...going to concerts we haven't or would never go to...we actually thought about trying to go to a marlyn manson show but i am scared). we went to salisbury, aaron's birthplace, and attended the willie nelson show. i learned many things, some good, some aggravating. the show started at 745, and it was scheduled to start at 730...clue #1 this guy has no plans of being up past 10 when he walks on stage so close to the actual time. whatever. below are some of my learning/rants from the show last night.

#1: already mentioned. but when the "show" starts so close to the actual time (before 9pm is really odd for a good show), it is a bad sign. wille was on stage for one hour, twenty six minutes. he was done before he even got started.

#2: the average age in the "Center" was nowhere under 60. aaron and i were definitely a minority. one old woman fell during a song and some "ushers" spent quite a while picking her up, not sure if she had really broken the hip or not. i saw SIX motorized scooter chair thingys. and the smell of the "center" was coffee and moth balls, not the second hand stuff you would expect at a willie nelson show. so here's what i learned: talent/leaders/music attract their own age group unless they change their message and delivery.

#3: since i mentioned delivery, how about willie's band? well, there was willie, who sang and strummed an old guitar pretty poorly, the harmonica player who looked bored the entire time, the "drummer" who only played a boom chuck beat on a snare (there was no drum set, cymbals, kick, anything...just a snare), bass player, piano player, auxiliary percussion guy (played the triangle and tambourine a few times...no joke), and that was it. each song lasted about 2 minutes and was in the same key.

#4: apparently, willie has no idea how to sing or play his guitar in the right key or tempo. he played what he wanted while his "band" played recognizable melodies. when willie sang, he more or less spoke the words and did some strumming. there was no music to much of what he did last night at all.

#5: the "center" was set up for 5000 people...there were 2000 there tops. and me and aaron were waving the "we are under 30 flag the entire time" (even though aaron is 31, we wont draw any attention to this).

#6: apparently, when leaving a concert, elderly people are very intimidated by aggressive driving. i was proud to leave the "center" like a bat out of hell and give them all something to talk about for the next month or so 'round the cracker barrel.

#7: most of willie's songs were about death, loss, or good times with no plan. this connected with me on a few levels: one, his career has centered around these themes and it is very easy to see why culture embraced him. secondly, the way he plays and sings is his way. he doesn't give a rip what i think, you think, or anyone else. that's why he is willie nelson. lastly, he sings about what most of us would really like to happen: great times with no agenda or work. this type of dreaming is what music is made of for a blues/country artist. and it is really easy to see why the rebel/protest country blues picker is very popular with an aging generation. he was their voice many times when they weren't able, or just couldn't vocalize, their dark dreams.

#8: regardless of how poor the overall experience was (compared to other concerts i have been to, this would definitely rank lower than most of the southern gospels shows my parents used to drag me to), there is something to say about seeing a legend, and i am happy i was able to see the old man.

#9: willie is really in love with hymns. last night, we group sang: i saw the light, i'll fly away, uncloudy day, and a couple more.


so, all in all, horrible show, mediocre experience, but great moment when i saw they guy.

we're thinking about next year's show, and so far, here are our thoughts in no particular order:
-marilyn manson (but i think i am a bit too scared to do that, i would really be too uncomfortable, i think)
-neil diamond
-the killers
-roots
-eminem
-kenny rogers
-dolly parton (maybe together?)
-tom jones
-cher

the point here is to see someone we wouldn't normally go see, or someone we haven't seen before. any suggestions of an awesome show? comment and let me know. FYI, dont suggest coldplay, aerosmith, DMB, U2, the police, willie nelson, counting crows, black crowes, and quite a few more...we have seen them

take the risk, have some fun before the summer is gone,
n

Summer Lists

We are doing a new series in my church community called "Good Life Bad Times." The series is centered around the times we are living (bad) and how to make sense out of life and bring perspective to that. So, I thought I would share some on how I have developed over these bad times in finding a "good life." For me, this entire conversation boils down to the common ingredient: a verse in the New Testament that says in our lives we must think and act like Jesus (Paul wrote this in Philippians). So basically, my life becomes something bigger than me. In our culture, this is a very difficult thing to comprehend, because the idea of "ME" is such a focus (come on, you know it is). However, wouldn't it be great if we could find some redemption in our culture's message that pointed us in this direction toward Jesus and finding the right perspective for life?

I think so. In fact, what I have decided to do with this article is to give a short listing of books, movies, and music that have come out in the past 2-3 years that have provided some great messages and influence for my journey. Ok, on this list there are not some obvious things that many would think I should include; please remember, this is MY list. I encourage you to read it with a critiquing eye and only listen, read, or watch based on your own interest. Ok, here goes:

1. Book: Wide Awake by Erwin McManus. Ok, this book was released earlier this month and I am not close to finished, but here's the thing: this book is like a Purpose Driven Life for emerging culture. The synopsis for this book is intriguing: "Shuffling and half asleep, so many people coast through the day. From class to class, home to work, and stuck in traffic in between, many have yet to tap into a passionate reason for living. It's not that this life is bad, but it's not the life of their dreams. In Wide Awake, Erwin McManus opens readers' eyes to see the eight crucial attributes of those who achieve the life of their dreams. It is every person's responsibility to discover and develop the gifts given to them by God. McManus writes, 'The future is not waiting for us, it is waiting within us.' The world is desperate for the best each person can offer-if they would only relentlessly pursue and achieve it." This book makes my list because of it's timely release and subject. Plus, McManus is a great communicator, I have read quite of few of his works.

2. Movie: The Dark Knight. Yes, Batman. I won't even rave about the late Heath Ledger's interpretation of "The Joker" (which was one the best characters on the big screen I have ever seen). What I will say, without giving the plot away, is that this movie has many scenes where the characters have to choose a destiny based on conviction or comfort. The struggle of decision and outcome are very wide open throughout the film. It was a very well put together thriller, in my opinion.






3. Album: Give Yourself Away by the Robbie Seay Band. The musicianship here is top notch for a mainstream/worship band. The titles don't do the lyrics justice when it comes to looking at life issues. However, Love Wins and Shine Your Light On Us are two great ballads of seeking direction and dealing with the emotion of decision. The sound of these guys reminds me of Peter Gabriel meets The Fray.







4. Book: Flashbang: How I Got Over Myself by Mark Steele. Ok, this book is not only one of the funniest books I have ever read, but it is also one of the most interesting in the way it flows. Bringing fragmented stories together mostly in first person, Mark writes about a journey toward significance and discovery. It is a very easy read and I highly recommend it to anyone who hates books.

5. Album: Little Voice by Sara Bareilles. This singer/songwriter mostly writes about love and love lost, but I found this album to be a glimpse into a struggling decision making person both loving and hating the complexities of life. Great piano rock ballads and the popular song, Love Song, complete this big voice, great melody album.

the dark knight, trenton, NJ, and a great burger

first of all, play this video and just listen to this song while you read. newton faulkner is becoming one of my favs.



secondly, i have never really liked heath ledger. i found his performances in A Knights Tale and The Patriot reminiscent of teenage homage, much like Leo in Titanic. When Brokeback Mountain came out (no pun intended), I really had no more use for Heath. the movie itself, though controversial, was filmed well; i just didn't connect with the theme. i am not pulling any right winged punches, i just didn't like the movie. it didn't SPEAK to me. however, this clip from family guy does make me laugh:



Lords of Dogtown was my fav movie by him, until this weekend. THE JOKER is mr ledger. it will not be conceived again with the perfection that i saw on the screen. i want to be the joker now.
my sister said it best: "i didn't see heath ledge but maybe twice in the whole film. it was the joker the whole time." i agree. and i also think that is what makes actors so great: they take their personality and place it aside for someone else's. not to just make this a spiritual rant, but that is basically what i have been learning about myself and Christ: he wants me to put aside the nature of my self and put on his nature. it is a constant battle. i would make a horrible actor.

this past weekend, shauna treated me to a weekend of Yankee stadium and great food in manhattan. i came up with the wonderful idea to go to up the night before and stay in a hotel outside of the city. so i booked us in the marriott in new jersey. did i mention the city>? no, i didnt think so. yeah, we stayed in TRENTON.


So, you never want to purposefully stay in trenton. i have found THE most ugly city in the US. if you are from trenton, i know you wont disagree or be offended. in fact, you probably dont want anyone to know you ae from there, so let's not let the cat out of the bag by commenting and letting people know. trenton is scary. bad architecture, smelly streets, no good restaurants (that i could find), and horrible lighting. trenton takes the world makes i say.

on to a more pleasant experience: manhattan. went to the yankee game for the last time at the REAL yankee stadium. that was sooo fun. we sat in like 5 different seats b/c it is the bronx. we then went to the old homestead down off of 9th avenue. WOW...had the KOBE beef burger...WOW.



you must try it...

take the risk,
n

top six food places right now

i dont do a lot of fav posts, but i have had a mojor life change in the past six months. moving to MD from NC has been huge, and i have noticed that MD has its own feature of cuisine. i am a big food person, a connoisseur if you will. in concord, i had my fav places to eat, and i would usually go with a student or friend to lunch about every day. here in MD, i am developing relationships and, as what naturally happens when you move, i am discovering the places i want to frequent with team members and friends. however, with the economic crunch, my choices have another element of decision. not only do i have to find some new (relatively speaking, i know) places to frequent, now it is much more of a decision how much money i want to pay.

so, i developed my top six choices of food within 5 minutes of where i work. these choices are based on $$, taste, and ease of commute. so, here goes, in reverse order (meaning my fav will be at the bottom):


6. Quiznos. This is a choice based on current promotion. You can (as of today) get a 5 meat large sandwich for $5. Add a small drink to that and lunch is $7 (with tax). I LOVE this special promo sandwich. It is very tasty, and it big enough to where I dont need chips or cookie or anything else. Load it up with peppers at the pepper bar (another fav thing about quiznos) and i am good to go.



5. Panera. No, I don't have a testosterone problem. I have a weight and money problem.
Panera has much to give me for my money, and it is the healthiest option here. The "YOU PICK TWO" option starts at $6.29, and if you get a water with it, lunch is less than $7. The salads are fresh and clean and I enjoy the atmosphere A LOT (free WiFi). I hold several meetings a month here. Also, my friend Terry Jory (shout out) informed me of the kids menu that sports a large portioned grilled cheese. This meal comes with the grilled cheese and choice of side with a small drink for less than $5.


4. Qdoba. This is the most expensive option on the list. A good queso chicken burrito and a drink with chips costs you around $10. But you can just get the large burrito and a water for less than $8. Qdoba has tvs and a good atmosphere. The beans and meats are excellent quality and I enjoy the queso burrito the most. There are cheaper options. And on Monday nights (or tues nights?) it is Best Buy night. Take in any Best Buy receipt (current date) and get your burrito half off.


3. Taco Bell. With the arrival of the value menu and the Big Taste taco, i have again become a believer of the noisy afterburn cuisine of collegiate and high school champions. It is cheap, people, and it is classic taco bell. I can eat to my heart's content for less than $5. It may not be great quality, but it tastes good the first time. You will be burping it the whole day long, though. It gets the #3 spot because of price.





2. Chick Fil A. Sadly, I can;t get away from it. It is the ONLY place around here with good sweet tea. It would take the #1 spot for that alone for most southerners living in MD. You know what you're getting at CFA. There's no sirprises, and it is always their pleasure to serve you. Plus, sit in the back and avoid all the kids, get as many polynesian and BBQ sauces as you desire, and free refils on tea. This one is truly a no brainer. And the CFA here now has a spicy chicken sandwich.


1. (drumroll please, and no pic): Rocco's Pizza. Yes, a little local NY pizzeria joint in downtown Glen Burnie. BEST NY PIZZA I HAVE HAD OUTSIDE OF NY: PERIOD. Lunch special: 2 (huge) slices and a drink for $3.95. Small joint; only three booths and a TV on top of a drink machine. Best lunch value and taste around. And if you order a pie for the family, i suggest THE GODFATHER. It is pricy, but it is INCREDIBLE (pepperoni, sausage, onions, mushrooms, peppers, and extra cheese). It is the heaviest pizza i have had. Another item you can get relatively cheap for lunch: OLD BAY HOT WINGS. Oh yeah, you read that correctly. HOT WINGS WITH OLD BAY.

Honorable mention goes to the following places: Mikie's (good sweet tea and southern style menu), Five Guys Burgers and Fries (great burger but a little pricy), and Cluck U Chicken (huge plasmas and good chicken wraps).

Now, the best crab cake around here is at a place called G&M. I highly recommend
trying G&M out (although you will need $15 for a crab cake sandwich lunch; well worht it for the crab cake, though).

take the risk,
n

my bud brandon

recently, i did a phone interview with my long time friend brandon nash about his skate park and shop and how that effects God's kingdom. we used this in a weekend celebration to emphasize the point of God working our passions and gifts along with his purpose for our lives. enjoy.