It is Christmas once again

Well, the holidays have a way of sneaking up on you and trying to pull you into the pit that is not the holiday itself but the Bizzaro holiday world. You know what I mean- the stress inducing things, the unrest, the traffic, the crowds. Really if somebody was searching for holiday cheer they'd be totally missing it.
But today I bring you the thing I like about Christmas- the music. Sure you get sick of it after a while. Some of it is like Skittles- I can't eat too many of those before all fruitiness is ruined for weeks.
Here's some songs I enjoyed this holiday season:

Josh Wilson's "Noel" or "Jesus is Alive"





Josh is a multi-instrumentalist but this arrangement on piano is simple but elegant. The song does speak to the reason I celebrate this time of year- the birth of Christ. Josh please come to Fargo
Next a gem from Bebo Norman I unearthed.

Released back in  2008, I have only heard this tune once on the radio. And I have only found it once online. This Joy to the World arrangement is fresh and new and kinda blue grass-esque.


Finally, I have "Offering", the Christmas version by Paul Baloche. The recording below includes Paul and some of his friends - I think they are his friends, including the guy named Lincoln and the UK's Vicky Beeching (I think she has a PhD but that is besides the point). Good song.

What about the songs I don't like as much- well I have a list of those and no videos:
Oh By Gosh, By Golly - pure holiday sacchrine
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer - there is no peace in this song
12 Days of Christmas - it is an acquired taste
Deck the Halls by 10th Avenue North- the song got way overplayed this year. I only want to hear it once a year. The acoustic version is pretty good.
2000 Decembers Ago by Joy Williams - again another song which was overplayed. Fine song but it annoyed me after a while

I'll end on a high note. Johnny Cash and his superstar lineup do "Children Go Where I Send Thee"

Ugly Online Ads Ride Again

I have been on a hiatus of sorts after getting married. I am mostly internetless except for the Twitterverse. (@suspect_bill)
Now we are rushing towards the holidays and so I bring you a few uglies from the last few months.

TrendMicro joins the fray with this one which may be photoshopped a bit to give the gal a bit more shock and awe. I am unsure why she is so shocked or is portraying a "Nooo Face." I guess is that a virus infiltrated her computer and sent gritty e-mails to all her business contacts.



Columbia Sportswear brings us an entry of a woman with a similar reaction but a bit more provactive. It seems to suggest that this lady has been thrown out naked in the cold with only the jacket to keep her warm. Her stance also seems to suggest she may be going into labor- or perhaps she has already been in labor and gave birth to the jacket.



 The RealAge people really knew that this type of ad would draw many to their services to determine just how old you really are or is it how tired you are. But at a quick glance I would be greatly confounded as to what information this sleep deprived lady would like us to find out.

I wonder if these ads will ever get people to find the solution to not sleeping is actually not looking for these ads. This one is rather unusual albeit somewhat related to the product. But what's with the giant ear protection? If I needed to fall asleep I would never use that pair.

This one is truly ugly and obviously unrelated to mortgages. And why is the trick so ridiculously easy? It is probably easier to wear an ugly shirt and do a little dance than pay off your mortgage in half the time. And just what is in the background of that photo?



Our final entry is indeed in the ugly category up to the neck. This wild woman appears to have picked up some nasty skin disease that I doubt the best wrinkle creams will be able to clear up. She may have had to fight her way out of captivity. But of course it is nothing a good photoshop bath can clear up- that is if we can catch her.



Gumby, Google, Clokey and Hastings. Oh My!

This title sounds like a band from the 70s.
However, Google has a great interactive doodle today in honor of Art Clokey, creator of green guy Gumby.
Clokey would have been 90 today, but he passed away last year.
But did you know that the Gumby came from my hometown of Hastings, MN!
Indeed I thought this odd too when I saw this fact on a map of Hastings that has hung in the family home for years. Clokey was Californian and seemed to have no connections wtih the North Star State, so I thought this incredulous.
I did a little digging and then found my answer in an article in the Star Tribune from October 20th, 2003.  Dick Parker and Heron Marquez Estrada did a the hard work and re-discovered that Echo Plastics of Hastings manufactured millions of Gumby and Pokey toys up to about 1971.
So I guess Minnesota can claim the green guy and his red pony after all. Perhaps the state quarter would have been more collectible if it had Gumby and Pokey on it.

[I did find a possible Minnesota connection for Clokey, although it may be thin, but I am sure GK would agree with it. Clokey and his wife made films for the Lutheran church, specifically the Davey and Goliath series. Now, most of the world knows Minnesota is home to a myriad of Lutherans- so that is Art Clokey's connection to Minnesota I surmise.]

The nuptials of Bill and Anna or Royce4 + 1: Part 3

Guest blogger Cindy concludes her charming account of the Royce4 and MFB conjugal.

Sometimes the time went swiftly and other moments dragged on. But then suddenly it was time to take the MFB from hiding to her place of prominence. When it was time to get ready to greet her, I saw the Groom nearly jog to his place and look steadfastly ahead. It is hard to describe an honest look of joy so deep it touches the soul. The aisle walk was only a moment, but a lifetime of emotion flooded through the room. I was so proud of the Groom in that moment has he received the hand of his MFB.



The ceremony was like any other and like no other. There were vows and rings, but also there was such wonderful music! And the Groom and his MFB took the stage to play together---their voices so uniquely matched as if designed as such---and their looks toward each other like Johnny Cash and his June. Not a dry eye in the house then. The Groom and his MFB said their vows with such confidence! And in true form of this Groom, there was a theatrical object lesson as part of the rite. Three ropes forming into one to represent a lasting covenant. For two people who honestly value commitment and love their God wholeheartedly, there was no better tribute.


Soon---a kiss, a cheer, a specially decorated car, some photos and off to the festivities! The crowd went wild when the couple strolled in and off went the cowbells oh so frequently. But alas, weddings are for kissing. And food and cake and dancing! The food was very impressive and the cake, like the couple, so uniquely wonderful. The DJ to beat all DJs entertained the kids and the grownups alike. It was quite joyous to see the Groom and his MFB cut a rug with the group. Sometimes I don’t know that they realized other people were there. At one point I thought I saw a glimpse of their future.

The night wrapped up as quickly as it began. I cried more seeing them go out the door to live their lives (after one last ring of the cowbell!) than I did all of the weekend before. But my dear friends and those close to the Groom and his MFB helped me stay focused on the task at hand. And just like I gave my word to the MFB, we stayed until the last twinkle light came down and I loaded pork chops and glass jars into the cars belonging to those Nordic farm-raised brothers.


To my best friend the Groom and to his most beautiful bride and my oft missed roommate his MFB, I love you more than you could know. Thank you for allowing me such a high honor of witnessing your nuptials from such a close vantage point. I rejoice with you!

The nuptials of Bill and Anna or Royce4 + 1: Part 2 (electric boogaloo)

Guest blogger Cindy continues the story of the Royce4+MFB wedding.

The next morning I was off to the hairstylist and then to the sports store for a cowbell. Turns out they only sell them when the marathon is upon us, so I was out of luck. But the customer service at that giant Fargo sports conglomerate is top notch, and they suggested, why not run over to Fleet Farm and pick up some cowbells as such as used by real cows? I said, My! Why not?! (I had remembered the Groom had made a wish for cowbells at his reception clear---in the way he makes things clear, mind you--- in the past.) So I and the writer/music director the Groom thinks highly of dashed for the cowbell emporium. And off to the show we went.

Upon my arrival, so began GroomWatch. The Groom is a traditional man, you see, and chose to see his fair MFB first only at the most important moment, as she walks down the aisle. But all of us were preparing for the big event in the same relatively small space, so it took some creativity. I was proud to serve the MFB, as were many others, by being on occasional GroomWatch. I also had the honor of being near for the important outdoor bridal photographs. The most enjoyable part of the day was the fact that the wind was so fierce that when we took the MFB outside for photos her veil blew straight up in the air! She looked like she might be 10 feet tall. It was pretty incredible.

 

As the hour approached, I often checked on the groom to see what he was thinking. I found him to be at varying stages of nerves and calm. I suppose the frequent checking was maybe unnecessary because the Groom had his own entourage, but even if for selfish reasons I had to see him at a few vital points. Now I suppose I know he was just counting the minutes for the sweet dream of being joined with his MFB to finally come true.

 

 

 

The nuptials of Bill and Anna or Royce4 + 1: Part 1

It has been a busy few months and the blog has been rather sparse with content. But I have good excuses.
I got married.
Yep, tied to the knot too, although it should be more likely entwining the rope.
But that is all I will write for now. Instead I will enlist the aid of a guest blogger to fill in the details of the momentous day. You've heard from her before when we wondered about the underwear recall a pastor had down south. We'll be seeing this in parts.
So without further adieu, here's Cindy.

I had the distinct pleasure of witnessing a beautiful nuptial recently. It was that of the author of this blog. I know he would rarely say anything kind about himself, so I have offered this guest post to provide a revue. Most often when the author refers to “a friend”, that’s me. I thought I would offer because I had a front row seat.


Overall the weekend was full of surprises. My role was one in the background and yet nearby, so I was able to witness nearly all of the important happenings first hand. Some of my personal favorite highlights included a borrowed shirt, a surprise live radio show, cowbells and GroomWatch.

The Groom and his MFB (Mostly Finnish Bride) have a very supportive circle of friends and family. I was especially impressed with her Nordic farm-raised brothers hauling tables, chairs and various other heavy articles while we decorated the reception area. I also had the blessing of meeting Royce 3, who is intensely similar to Royce4. I got a hearty chuckle out of the resemblance, yes in appearance, but so much more in personality.

We moved on to a rehearsal that was chaotic, intense and emotional.  I could see then that it was beginning to get real for the Groom and his MFB.  They were both tense and joyfully blushing.  Meanwhile myself and a few friends I had stashed backstage were anxiously awaiting the perfect time to break onto the scene and start a surprise radio show written by a fabulously talented writer and music director I know the Groom thinks highly of.  We were frantically texting each other with the latest updates and soon they were right outside the door.  The chef at the rehearsal dinner was in on the deal and helped them make their entrance.  I couldn’t bear to look at the Groom and MFB during the moments the surprise show was playing…though afterward I had a good moment with the MFB.  I received reports that the Groom even shed a tear, though I’m not sure if he was touched, laughing, or just embarrassed that we are his friends!  Nevertheless after all of the business of the night I thought for certain we would all cry like babies the next day so I made immediately for the 24 hour superstore and purchased handkerchiefs for the big day.

10 years onward

 This month celebrates a decade in the Go for me. And likewise it is also the 10 year anniversary of Harvest Community Church- one the big reasons I found my way up here.
Let me recount the early days of my time here and especially related to this church I aided in starting.
Things were not going well in the Twin Cities where I worked- they could not afford to keep me on board. Well that opened a few possibilities. I accepted the invitation to join a group of U of M Morris grads in pioneering a new church in Fargo, North Dakota.

I took a summer training course in Morris and then moved up to Fargo- with no job and little money. I was pretty distressed and took up running.
The first meeting of the church was in an apartment a few blocks away from where I now work. I eventually ended up living in the apartment but that was after the church changed locales- first to NDSU then to the basement of the Black Building. Harvest stayed in the Black Building spot for a few years. It wasn't the greatest space but was workable. The photo with the chairs and the guitar player is from the Black Building days. There was this lip in the front of the room which was at about 6'2" and made being up front awkward.

We wanted to get out of the basement since it provided little visual presence in the community. We found a spot a few blocks away at 608 Main Ave. After cleaning and painting we moved into the vastly larger space.
Over the years there has been plenty of remodeling. The storefront was redone and the metal awning removed; new carpet installed; lobby furniture added; and finally newer and comfortable chairs.
Of course I am glossing over plenty of history. We have done outreaches into the community, to the homeless shelter and the Perry Center. We also are involved with world missions in numerous places around the world including Kenya, Russia, and Ireland. I recall one summer when about 80% of the members were involved in some world mission project.
Then are some memorable things I recall- the police coming to investigate a noise complaint on Sunday morning, over 8 Christmas "Radio Show" programs produced, sending our first full time missionary out, Albert Svenddal visiting and playing his lap steel one Sunday, moving the credenza, and making videos starring Nathan and Aric and the elders.
But most of all I recall all the relationships that have come about through Harvest. There is nothing like a going out with a troupe from Harvest after church or staying in and having smorgasbord. If there is anything Harvest is good at is being authentic.

Now just 3 of the original 13 are left but don't let that dismay you. That's rather atypical- usually no originals remain after 5 years.
So have we learned anything in 10 years? I am sure we have. It think it may be something we had not set out to learn in the first place. Perseverance.
Sure there have been setbacks and challenges. We came into the community with virtually no connections. And then we discovered those least expected connections. We are still learning- learning to lean on Jesus and abide in him. The good things won't just appear because of some nifty gimmick but because we cultivate the presence of God in the community. Likewise, the Master Gardener is tending and pruning us so that we may be fruitful.
 

Ugly Online Ads in paradise

Now another installment of my look at ugly online ads that are on the 'nets. Now that campaign season is underway anything that attractions the disgruntled citizen is sure to be fair game. And official Obama ads are cropping up right next to the ugly ones. Albeit the real Obama ads are fairly clean cut stuff usually tempting the viewer by asking them to "join the team" or "Obama needs your help." For some reason the opposing candidates don't get into that stuff. Perhaps if Tim Pawlenty begged for help in an online ad he would not have returned home sad and morose.

Well, here is an interesting riff on one we saw not too long ago. It is the super hero first lady but not she has become even more super by having a rotating light on her noggin. It must have been the illustrator's day off at the ad agency. Joe decided he knew how to make another ad by using his photoshop skills.

Viola! Emergency Super First Lady. And all it required was a few clicks. 

 Not more home loans! I thought home ownership was in the tank. Not in California where there are magic beans which allow you to grow money on vines and make a delicious shiraz.
Not sure what this ad is suggesting about the citizens of California- are they usually in a drug induced stupor when thinking about paying off their homes. Bonus- it is an old guy. And a new model. I have not seen this fellow before.

 Poor kid. He must have been terrified that his visage would be published like this on the Internet. Is he remorseful? Is this even a mug shot?
Well, I can find the criminal record online. But wait- it costs money and I sure am  not going be throwing that kind of ching out the window looking for this dude whose only crime may have been jaywalking. Crying won't change the crime, boy!

Fact: you can find more interesting mug shots online without taking out your wallet.

Finally the cure the skin doctor was afraid to tell you about.
Is it really about becoming an egg sucker? How in the world does that affect your skin? Maybe it is more protein or something.
I wonder if its a duck egg?

Quackery just keeps shilling these adds to us.