• Kathleen Parker in the Washington Post has a nice piece in the Washpost that manages to state in public that the recent 'saddleback forum,' far from being a progressive and unifying moment in United States politics, spells out the levels to which the US electorate has allowed itself to sink.

For the moment, let's set aside our curiosity about what Jesus might do in a given circumstance and wonder what our Founding Fathers would have done at Saddleback Church. What would have happened to Thomas Jefferson if he had responded as he wrote in 1781:

"It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg."

Would the crowd at Saddleback have applauded and nodded through that one? Doubtful.

By today's new standard of pulpits in the public square, Jefferson -- the great advocate for religious freedom in America -- would have lost.

It's enough to make you wonder, What Would Thomas Paine Do?. I personally have had enough of sweating "under god," or at least under his sweaty, earnest believers, who cooly program theocracy while denying they are doing any such thing. [via the good rev. Danny Fisher, who would no doubt gently disagree with my own stridency]

• Trent Walker is back online, this time with a few fieldnote snippets in his ongoing quest after Cambodian music, especially the music of smout [ស្មូត្រ]. People should keep an eye out, and I certainly hope he continues to post his musings and findings online. Here is a youtube video of a smout class run by two teachers that I know Trent has been working with for years. I know this because I once had the very good fortune to sit almost precisely where the camera is and listen to a class, and a few impromptu master performances. Astonishing. Many of these children are (far) under 10 years of age:

• Jim Lehrer of the PBS News Hour program recently hosted some Cambodian guests to discuss the 'bumper crop' of Cambodia's 'resurgent' rice fields. While it's definitely worth a view (which you can do by clicking here; PBS stupidly resists embedding, as if they need to protect their publicly funded and vastly underappreciated programming), I feel like they routinely ignored the most important aspects of the current agricultural situation in Cambodia. The closest they get to discussing how a country could produce more food than ever and suffer devastating, nation-wide malnutrition (still almost half of Cambodians go to sleep hungry on a daily basis), is this:

FRED DE SAM LAZARO: Because of poor storage, a lot of grain decays or is eaten by rodents. Because of poor roads, Cambodia's surplus is unevenly distributed. Chan says it's particularly hard on the landless peasants and urban poor, who buy rather than grow most of their food.CHAN SOPHAL: In the past three years, we have generated 50 percent surplus. However, this doesn't mean every household has food sufficiency. And there's a level -- a high level of inequality of land ownership. Twenty percent of rural households don't own any land, I mean, agricultural land.

Not the incisive coverage this issue deserves, in my humble opinion. And blaming the issue on poor roads is completely backwards. Farmers certainly do want access to markets, but they want them on their terms, and increased connection to the metropole for poor farmers has regularly made their poverty and food insecurity worse, not better. There's also a horrendous irony in the way the program was introduced:

JIM LEHRER: Now, turning Cambodia's killing fields back into rice fields. Special correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro has the story.

I don't know who thought that that was a cute way of discussing Cambodia's Democratic Kampuchea history, but they are morons. If the DK period was characterized by anything more than the application of sheer terror for political control, it was characterized by a frantic attempt on the part of DK leadership to convert every last parcel of possible land into rice production. DK promoted the expansion of rice cultivation, at the point of guns and machetes, and at the expense of lives and everything else.

El pasado sábado 16 de agosto se vivió en la represa de Guatape  la cuarta edición del Loko Nautik Parade de Medellinstyle, una fiesta bien representativa de la escena medellinense con dos barcos llenos de talento local... es un placer para Fono presentarles el cubrimiento musical de uno de los dos barcos con artistas de un nivel impresionante como lo son Morris, Dsum, Trent, Deraut y Giggs, una fiesta bien agradable con una energía única y un despliegue musical de vanguardia.  báilenlo, gócenlo y vívanlo !!

Para descargar solo dar click:

FN.10 Morris & Dsum @ Festival Loco Nautico

FN.10 Trent @ Festival Loco Nautico

FN.10 Deraut @ Festival Loco Nautico

FN.10 Giggs @ Festival Loco Nautico

]]> http://brettandcakes.wordpress.com/?p=361 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 05:46:15 +0000 cakes7873 http://brettandcakes.wordpress.com/?p=361 Brooks got to meet some more buddies today. We finally got down to Manhattan to see Heidi & Brandon and their ridiculously adorable kiddos Mia Rose & Trent. Oh my gosh, could they get any cuter? I think Brooks needs to get a tan to keep up with these guys. They were so excited to give my little guy some of their favorite books as a present for joining the human race. Too cute. They are such fun and happy kids and it's so crazy to imagine that Brooks will be that big one day. I can't wait until he's pretends to be a car and runs around the kitchen.
Heidi and I got to walk the strand while Brandon hung out with his brood. It was so great to catch up with her and get to hear all about their happy life. They are such a fabulous beachy family and Brandon & Heidi are such fun parents. Mia & Trent are lucky little kids. I know Brett would have loved to see these guys too but he's tied up at work for another four days. The countdown begins! 
Speaking of my huzzy, he had another ridiculous night of work last night. To recap, he worked until 4am on Friday, 7:30am on Saturday, and 6:00am on Sunday. He came in at 6 this morning, slept until 7:30 and went right back to work. It's now almost 11pm and he's still there. I'm pretty sure he's more excited for the weekend than you are.

Then, I went to the same coffee shop, Thomas Hammer, to meet Danny. Since he had to work, all I could do is tag alone. His job is to give out the tickets in parking logs. While I was tired and hungry, I just told him I wanted to go to find something to eat. Suddenly, I saw Bryan was driving his cool car and waved his hand. I think the reason he noticed me was because he was searching for some hot girls all the time while he was driving.

So, I text him and see if he had any plans for the evening cuz Danny needed to have dinner with his mother. He told me he would go to the free music show, that holds every Wednesdays in downtown.

I met him in his house, then we went to dowttown again. However, he did not want to wait for too long to get a beer there, so we went to a bar.

After that, Danny was ready to go. And I said goodbye to Bryan again.

When I just arrived at Danny's place, he asked me what I wanted to do. I just came up with an idea- camping. It was 9 o'clock, and I was trying to go camping..... But the most interesting thing was Danny were pretty serious too, he kept looking for a tent in his house. However, he did not find it. SO, we just went to the country side and enjoyed a very beautiful night.

Since it was Monday, Bryan went to work in the early morning. (What a great co-worker!) I woke up at about 11 o'clock and the first thing I did was- text Carli! However, she did not reply me this time. So.. I guess I have eaten a lemon. (In Hong Kong, eating lemon means a girl rejects you)

Then I went to the downtown and send the postcards to all my friends in Hong Kong. After than, when Bryan came home, as same as usual, he tool some beers to the outside and enjoy the sunshines.

At night, we went to eat some ice-cream! (Yes~ I really like ice cream.)

In the next morning, Bryan dropped me and I met Trent at Thomas Hammer Coffee. (a coffee shop in downtown) He is a student in Boise State U and he went to japan for 2 years. After hanging out in his apartment for a while, we went to eat some pizza. and then they took me to ice-blocking with his roommate, Golden. It was really fun.

Then, Trent and his friends took me to the horse racing again. and then they took me to the table rock to watch the sunset. The downtown Boise at night was still very beautiful. later, we have dinner in IHOP. and it was my first time to go to IHOP. While we were were in IHOP, Trent showed off his fluent Japanese. He was really awesome!

How unreal is it that legend Johnny Cash covered NIN Hurt? I don't know what took me so long to find this gem....

Dopo lo sperimentale Ghost IV stavolta si fanno le cose ancora meglio...

Infatti il nuovo lavoro dei Nine Inch Nails "The Slip" è già disponibile da qualche giorno in download GRATUITAMENTE e in qualità/formati per tutti..personalmente non avendo chissa quale impianto audio ho optato per i "normali" mp3 a qualità CD!

Rosico pensando a chi si ascolterà i .wave..!!!!

Per i download e maggiori informazioni rimando al sito ufficuale dei NIN

E naturalmente un piccolo assaggio...

ECHOPLEX Lyrics;

Nice and high and far apart
just like they said
i built this place with broken parts
just like they said
you chip away the old version of you
you'd be surprised at what you can do
i'm safe in here
irrelevant
just like they said
my voice just echoes off these walls
you feel me breathe
i am watching you
i see it all
the many ways you can't get to me
i see it all
i see the hell you put yourself through
oh the things i could do (if i wanted to)
my voice just echoes off these walls
my voice just echoes off these walls
i don't need anything at all
my voice just echoes off these walls
and i just slowly fade away
you will never ever get to me in here...

Presto la traduzione.. ^_^

E le prime due tracce del cd!..999.999....1.000.000...

Enjoy!

This album, hardly worth it.

I think Trent was bored.

I am asking members of our team here on the ground in the DR to do their share as well to purchase these titles. We see these men as they struggle with their ministries and know they will make a difference with every dollar given to purchase these books. They crave for the Word of God. Let's satisfy that craving to the best of our ablilties. Come on guys, no plane ticket, no shots, no sore muscles and with one click of the mouse you are right here on the mission field with us. It doesn't get any better than that.

I know you guys are going to come through in a big way. I will keep you posted as to how many books you are buying. This is so exciting knowing you are now right here with us. We love you all.

Oh yeah, I wanted to mention keep sending us comments even if you have commented before. It means so much to each member to hear from family and friends. I would also like ot see someone from the McKee family at least make one comment. Come on McKee's represent!

Enjoy the video.

t was another very hot day in “The Hole”. We had a person tag along with our group today for the purpose of shooting a video of our efforts and the situation in which we were working. Anne Jackson of lifechurch.tv and now crosspoint.tv fame not to mention her incredible blog flowerdust.net was our videographer and fellow sand slinger for the Lord. Everyone on the team loved Anne and many times she would jump in line and take a team members place so we could get water or take care of other pressing matters. We love you Anne and welcome to our team.

We have a lot of sore bodies so I asked each team member to tell you where it hurts them the most. Here is the rundown.

I know there are some errors in the photos but I am tired and going to relax. We love you all and the point of the post is we are all ok. Keep us in your prayers, tomorrow will be a physical killer.

OMG, what a place to come, have worked so hard today, but love every moment of it. Seen one of the same children that I seen last year. He has grown, but the same sweet face. Wanted to say hi to Barb, Austin, Allie, and Aleigha, I love you all so much and miss you all. See you all on Tuesday afternoon,

Beau

Today was such an amazing day. I learned so much about myself and how much we take for granted. Number one being, food. I'm so thankful to be able to be here. So far it has been amazing and the kids are the best. The work does not compare to the amount of joy I get from doing the work. So when it comes time to come next year I will be more then ready to go.

Paige

Everything that has happened so far has been totally different than what I was expecting. Not worse or better, just different. The people who live in the The Hole are one of the most poverty stricken peoples I have ever encountered and the sad thing is, they have no idea what they are missing. Enough of the negativity, it has been one of the best (although saddest) experiences of my life. The kids are so loving, there are no other words to describe them! But for all the family who are worried sick, I'm doing fine and loving every minute of it!

Magen

I am so happy to be here!!! Today was very hard work but worth it! I cant believe what I have already saw here. It breaks my heart to see how some people (kids) live. I miss everyone and I ask you to keep praying for our team. I am having a blast!!!

Jennifer

Hola familia y amigos! I will have you all know that I am doing great! I am safe and sound and remaining healthy. This experience had been great thus far and I am loving every minute of being here. The work is hard and I am exhausted, but God has been providing for me the entire trip and I have faith that He will continue to do so. The kids are AMAZING! There is nothing like walking down the streets and hearing the kids calling out your name and welcoming you with hugs. I want to thank all of you for your prayers, but keep them coming! I love you all very much!

Kristen

Today was great! Yes it was a lot of hard work, but all worth it. I got to hang out with the kids a lot, and they are so much fun. My first friend was a little boy named Javier, and he was more than willing to help us move empty buckets. I also had a blast learning new hand clapping games from the girls, and teaching them some that I know from home. The trash and sewage in this place is unimaginable, but I cannot wait to go back tomorrow. Hello to all of the family and friends, and everyone continue praying, I love yall!!!

Amanda

The past two days have been such a variety of thoughts and emotions. I am so happy to be back in Santiago! So many familiar faces to greet us and new ones as well. We worked in “the hole” today. Most of the day was spent passing buckets of sand down a hill then to the second story of the church/feeding center there. Hello to Dalys and the rest of my family and friends. I miss you all so much. A special hello to the ladies of my bible study group. Thank you for your continuing prayers.

Sherry

All I can say is BUCKETS, BUCKETS and MORE BUCKETS. Had a hard day today in the Hole. Gave lots of hugs and fed the children at the Church. We are so blessed to have what we have and should never take it for granted. I am thankful to God for how He has blessed me.

The real beauty is that we return to the dorm to find out that there is no water. There was no water last night either. I skipped the shower this morning as I think everyone else did since we were going out to work anyway. To sum it all up no one on our team has had a shower since last seen by their loved ones back home and there is a definite funk starting to be noticed back in the dorm. Pray for water.

No one is currently sick although Kristen and I started down that path at different times today. Prayer works guys please keep it up.

We had a great devotional this morning. We centered around Romans 1:14. Here is what one version says.

"I have a debt to Greeks and to the nations outside; to the wise and to those who have no learning." Romans 1:14 (BBE)

Paul believed he had a debt that he was obligated to pay for what Christ had done for him. He also believed that it would be something he would pay his entire life. Paul said he was a slave to Christ. He each were challenged to imagine that in all we did today, we were chained to Christ.

Here are some photos from the day. Oh by the way, Scott just ran up to tell me that water is on. Yepee. He smelled better too. We love you all and miss you. Keep praying. Another load of sand was just dumped before we left the job site.

 [gallery]

Then you get in line and find out that Sherry isn't in the system, oh wait yes she is or is she? Then you get all your bags weighed and find that two of the Tyree/Hughson bags weigh in at 49.5 lbs and 50.0 lbs. (The official weight limit)

You get on the plane and fly and fly and set on a plane in a thunderstorm for an hour and then fly some more and go through customs and pay the man the money he wants and find your bags and finally set down and eat that great Dominican supper and it is brought home again to you how good God is.

MOMMA'S AND DADDY'S REPORT......
      Jennifer loves flying. Jennifer did not love it when we feel out of the sky the last 3 feet of our landing in Miami. To tell you the truth I wasn't that crazy about it myself.
      Paige was asked to carry the digital video camera for me. I found it in the middle of the floor in the MIami airport. She had already boarded the plane. She is really enjoying herself.
      Beau laughed when we fell out of the sky. The kinda laugh a guy laughs when he doesn't want to scream. The same kinda laugh I think I had.
      Kristen had a little motion sickenss. Took all the proper pills at the proper times and didn't have any problems.
      We can't find Trent. :-) Just kidding. Trent is doing great and glad to be back.
      Scott pretty much cried everytime our plane took off. Just like last year. :-)
      Maegan is really enjoying herself so far. 
      Amanda is an old pro and knows how to get around this time around.
      Sherry has her hands full with me.
      I have having a blast!

So that is the quicky report and here are a couple of pictures of what it took to get us here.

Harod

l

Battery running low..... more later

A young girl dressed in some approximation of punk with a spaced out kid following her. And then who should they go over and talk to but Bruford? Bruford, the weirdest guy on the local art scene that there had ever been (everyone agreed on that point). That had to represent a story didn't it? And one that stretched beyond the limit of an under age drinking story? Surely he deserved that kind of break.

He watched them intently. Were they here for the same reason that he was? Not the drinking but the rumours that this place was connected to something illicit that was eating at the heart of Eschaton like a maggot? He hadn't noticed anything though. The only thing out of the ordinary was the kid and the girl, and apart from Bruford and himself no one seemed to be really paying them any attention at all. What was it all about?

He got up and he walked over to them, slid into the seat on the other side of their booth. They moved to get up but he placed his hand on hers to stop her and then withdrew it quickly. From the look on her face she could have been all kinds of dangerous. The pause in her movement though gave him long enough to flash his press credentials.

'Are those real?'

'Sure, I'll let you get a closer look when we get out of here. Doesn't pay to draw too much attention to yourself in that regards in here.'

'Ok, so what's the story?' said Anna.

'I'm the one who should be asking that – two kids waltz into a place like this and no one bats an eyelid and the only people that seem to notice are a pisshead journalist and a weirdo artist.'

'So you're a pisshead? Nice. So the credentials are about as much good as a bratwurst at a Bar Mitzvah, then?'

'My, you have smart mouth. Why not ditch the attitude and perhaps we can help each other out.'

'Ok, give me your card and we'll arrange a meet up. People are now starting to turn in out direction and I think we should leave.'

'I think you're right.'

Anna and Matt left first being followed by the eyes of Trent and Bruford and now every other denizen of the bar. Trent was getting a bad feeling – he tossed back the dregs of his drink and got up to go. Someone stepped in front of him. An olive hit the guy on the back of the head. As Trent lef the bar at a sprint, something he was going to pay for later, Bruford winked at him. The guy had to have been the one who threw the olive.

Inno al Trentino

Si slancian nel cielo le guglie dentate,
discendono dolci le verdi vallate.
Profumano paschi, biancheggiano olivi,
esultan le messi, le viti sui clivi.

O puro bianco di cime nevose,
soave olezzo di vividi fior,
rosseggianti su coste selvose,
dolce festa di vaghi color.

Un Popol tenace produce la terra,
che indomiti sensi nel cuore rinserra.
Italico cuore, Italica mente,
Italica lingua qui parla la gente.

O puro bianco...*

Custode fedele di sante memorie,
che porti nel cuore sconfitte e vittorie.
Impavido veglia al valico alpino,
o gemma dell'Alpe, o amato Trentino.

O puro bianco...*

http://www.yougulp.it/audio/URINq986We-8