Booklist

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling - Harry Potter continues his quest to find out more about Voldemort and his role in destroying the Dark Lord. I must begin by saying that I enjoyed this book less than some of the other recent ones, however, the last part of the book is very exciting and emotional. The book takes it time in the beginning to build up steam. It's a couple of chapters before we even pick up with what's going on with Harry. The first chapter about the new Minister of Magic and Prime Minister of England was slightly interesting but unnecessary. It didn't drive the book at all. Merely an aside which is, in my opinion, a bad way to start a book. Later, as we get into life at Hogwarts, we begin to see Harry struggle with the part he must ultimately play in the destruction of Voldemort. To add difficulty to his life, he and Ron both have begun the whole "teenage crush" thing and must deal with their feelings for the gals in their lives. As Dumbledore and Harry team up at the end to solve another piece of the Voldemort puzzle, the book picks up the pace. In the end, a battle ensues at Hogwarts and someone very important dies at the hands of someone unexpected. Harry ends the book realizing his life has changed and he has a mission to fulfill...one that may or may not include returning to Hogwarts. As I've said before, this is not my favorite of the recent books but it certainly opens up great possibilities for the last book. I am sad that the rumor is that Harry will die. This is possibly a necessary step for the climax of the story but I will miss the world of magic that is Harry Potter after it is all complete. It's been a most satisfying ride.

Pike Street Market

Sarah and I visited the Pike Street Market today. This is the place where they throw the fish. The picture to your left is quite serene compared to what we witnessed today. After driving downtown to the 5th Ave. Theater to pick up some costumes for an upcoming show at Taproot, Sarah and I decided to stay parked and walk a bit. We headed down Pike Street toward the water and there was the Market. It was packed today. I think every tourist in America was there today. Inside, the first thing we saw was the "fish throwers." Then we walked around a bit among the several floors of shops. On the main floor there is mostly produce, seafood and flowers. Pretty good prices on most. On nearly every corner there was a street musician. After about an hour, Sarah and I had had enough so we headed back to the jeep which we had parked 3 levels above Hell. I kid you not, this garage went down, down deep into the bowels of Seattle. I swear I could feel the flames of Hades lapping at my buttocks. The amazing thing was that after we left the garage, I was able to find my way out of downtown Seattle and back on 99 to get us back to Sarah's. Seattle is an interesting place, but I do not like the traffic.

Mars Hill Church

Sarah and I attended Mars Hill Church a couple of times over the past few weeks. I had heard great things about it over the years and wanted to see what the hype was all about. The services were ok...well done and slick. The music was really good. What turned us off was the preaching. The pastor delivers a good sermon but it's way too long. He preached well over an hour both times we went and what he said could have been boiled down to 30-40 minutes tops. A friend hinted that the pastor there likes himself too much and I understood his comment all too well. It's been my experience that pastors become full of themselves, using the excuse of presenting the gospel as a way to get their stage time. In some of the churches I have served in, the pastor won't give up his sermon time for anything. In one particular church, the pastor told me that it isn't a service unless the gospel is preached. Well, the gospel can be preached in many ways, through music, drama, etc. To me, it's just arrogance and self-importance showing through. St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." Enough said. Another thing about Mars Hill we didn't like was the lack of creativity. No drama, video or anything. Just the same old contemporary church fall back order of service. Worship, preaching, etc. Nothing new. So, Sarah and I are attending Sanctuary. It is true they are not using creativity to it's fullest either but the pastor really ministers to folks. His heart is to reach the community not to build a grand megachurch. After all I've been through, I can relate to that. Outside the walls of the church is where it's going to happen these days. It's just like a drama I saw presented one time. Two old guys are fishing in their driveway and one comments that they have been faithful and one day the fish will just come to them. Yeah, right! You gotta go to the lake, people! For now, Sarah and I will continue at Sanctuary and hopefully God will show us what it is He would have us do.

Eggs!

Somebody egged my car the other night while it was sitting out in front of Gary and Sheri's place. Honestly...who eggs cars in this day and age? Haven't there been any breakthroughs in pranksterisms since I was a kid. I guess the old standbys are still the best. I remember my youthful days (but mostly nights) filled with toilet papering houses, egging cars, breaking windows, mailboxing, etc. Heck, we were creative and even used tapioca pudding on occasion (when it was left over from Wed. night meals at the church). Toppling garbage cans, setting raked leaf piles on fire...these and other mischievous events were a staple in my day. Alas, I have grown up now and I am reduced to being the old man who stands on his porch and yells, "Get out of my yard, you dang kids!" Well, I would. If I had a yard.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow!

What's the deal? As my age advances, hair disapears from where I want it and appears in places that don't make sense. I'm not bald...yet...but I suffer from a slightly receding hairline. What I want to know is why does the hair leave my head and sprout from other places. I've got hair sprouting from my ears and nose, my eyebrows have decided they want to resemble a Wookie and I don't even want to talk about unmentionable places. Now, they make nose hair clippers and I bought some once but all it seemed to do was massage the inside of my nose. The hair was still there but all my mucus was blended into a nice frappe. (Booger Blender...from Ronco!) My ears...well...let's just say I've had to add the hairy things to my shaving routine. I've got one wild hair on my ear that would grow to the length of a python if I let it. My eyebrows are starting to do that little upturn, curly-Q thing at the points which are great if playing a villian in the latest blockbuster flick but for everyday aesthetics, forget it. Now, I've seen these old men who have the jungles sprouting from their noses and their ears look like Yoda's. Their eyebrows seem to be growing upward for a possible combover to hide the recession. I just want to know...what's up? Why won't the hair grow where I want it and stop growing where I don't want it? It's a mystery and a hairy situation...depending on where you look.

Greenwood Seafair Parade Part Deux

Well, Sarah and I have accomplished our duties as emcees of the parade. It was fairly simple, once we got the hang of things. Basically, I just let the cheesy dialogue flow like wine and Sarah milked the crowd and let some of the parade participants have their say. One lady hogged the mic and held up the parade for a few moments. A couple of guys kissed her, one was a "cowboy" and the other, a "pirate." It was goofy. One of the pirates stole my mic and made his own commentary which was fine with me because, at the time, I was trying to scarf down a slice of pizza. Another pirate tried to steal the box of trophies and the lady on the platform bit him. Pretty crazy stuff. Afterward, we gave out the trophies and this was the highlight for the drill teams. They ate it up. All in all, a good experience and made a little money to boot. Sarah and I are going to use the bucks for a nice date for ourselves...the zoo or something like that.

Greenwood Seafair Parade

Tonight is the Greenwood parade. Greenwood is the neighborhood that Taproot Theater is in. Sarah emailed a few minutes ago and said that people were already staking out their spots along the street. Pretty big deal I guess. Sarah and I are emcee-ing the parade. I'll announce the floats and she's to work the crowd. Not sure what else is involved. Karen hooked us up with that. I'm a bit nervous since I've not been here that long. I hope it goes ok. Afterward, there's a concert at the Green Bean (coffeehouse run by Sanctuary) and I'm sure Sarah and I will check that out. Due to the crowds, I guess I'll have to park at Sarah's and walk. Oh well, it's only a few blocks.

Booklist

What I've read or am reading:
The Loch by Steve Alten - Marine biologist Zachary Wallace must uncover the mysteries of Loch Ness in time to save his father who is accused of a loch related murder. Weaving together elements of Scottish history and new theories about "Nessie," Alten has spun a tale that is a brisk, fun read. Of course, I'm a sucker for a story about monsters...but that's just me.
Arthur and the Minimoys by Luc Besson - 10 year old Arthur must find and save the world of the Minimoys, a race that is only 3/4 inch tall, in order to discover the fate of his missing grandfather. This book was written by Besson, director of such films as The Professional and The Fifth Element. I wanted to enjoy this but it's very elementary. I'm sure it's a very good little adventure for kids (for whom it was intended) but I found it flat and dull. Oh well, guess I shouldn't read kids books, huh?
The Stand by Stephen King - A plague reduces the world's population while an ancient evil grows to challenge the few people who are left. I put this book down after getting 3/4 through it. It was a struggle to read. I know it's supposed to be one of King's best but I just couldn't get into it. I much prefer Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon as far as this genre is concerned.

Artist of Note

While living in Birmingham in 1996, I met an artist who lived next door to me. We hit it off and became fast friends. I moved back to Pensacola and he eventually moved to Seattle. (I can't find him...I hear he's moved back to Birmingham) I love his work and own two of his paintings. You can read about him here or check out more at www.garde-rail.com.

ANTJUAN ODEN - THE MYTH OF CAPTIVITY AND THE TRUTH OF CONSEQUENCE
In the fall of 2000, in what can only be deemed as unjust circumstances, Garde Rail Gallery artist Antjuan Oden began a 15 month jail term. Even as Antjuan's art was used against him in his trial, his spirit to create could not be broken and he continued to paint while in prison. This exhibit will feature work completed while in captivity, as well as compelling new pieces Antjuan has completed since his release. Self-taught artist Antjuan Oden has shown with Garde Rail Gallery since he moved to the Pacific Northwest in the summer of 1998. Born in Birmingham in 1972, Antjuan quickly flooded the scene with his powerful, energetic, vibrant works on paper and wood. His mixed media assemblages captured the attention of galleries in Atlanta, and he was soon featured in Art Papers. After a flurry of activity between Birmingham and Atlanta, Antjuan sensed that he needed a change and landed in Tacoma. Antjuan Oden is considered one of the brightest talents of the next generation of self-taught artists. Creating with the same intensity and compulsion as many of the African-American vernacular artists of the South, Antjuan incorporates a modern awareness and urban iconography into his widely varied works. Over the last few months, Antjuan has established a new lexicon of imagery to work with that you may see often in these new paintings; a birdcage, a lotus plant, missiles, horses and elephants. This body of work also showcases Antjuan's painting style, and promises that his new work will be heading in exciting new directions. While in prison, with no access to art supplies, Antjuan still completed nearly 200 works. Of these, 75 tiny paintings were completed with tissue paper as brushes and coffee as paint, using scraps of paper salvaged from prison regulation sheets and drink mix sachets as his canvas. It is this body of work that exemplifies the commitment to create that resides inside Antjuan. "I have to paint. I can't stop - it's ridiculous!" - Antjuan Oden, July 1998

Writing Ideas

"Maybe this world is another planet's hell." - Aldous Huxley

I read this quote a few years ago and it gave me an idea for a story. I record it here so I won't forget to write that story.

I also have ideas for other stories that could become novels. I'm also going to record them here so I won't forget.

- Midnight Madness
- Coffinville
- Warlock Country
- The Spider Tree

Eyes of God

As I was driving home tonight, I looked to my right and in the car next to me was an old black man with white hair staring at me with the eyes of God.

Stoplights

Tonight, as I was driving home, I was struck with the thought of how much my life is like driving. I'm headed down a stretch of road, doing pretty well, building up a good speed, momentum and the like, when all of a sudden a red light hinders me. Finally it turns green and I'm on my way again. A mile down the road it happens again. Again and again, as I get going, those pesky stoplights bog me down. Lately, I feel like I've been sitting at a stoplight that is malfunctioning. It won't turn green and there's no cop to wave me thru. I'm just sitting here waiting for something to happen. I'm tired of sitting at the stoplights. Give me the open highway where I can get my speed going, slip the cruise control on, put on some good tunes and make good time to my destination. They say, "It's not the destination but the journey that counts." Well, a journey at a dead stop is pretty dull. At least show me a little of my destination. Show me on a map where I'm headed. Give me a goal to reach for. Right now, I'm broke down in the ditch waiting for a tow truck.

Artist of Note

Every once in a while, I am going to highlight an artist that I like. This week, it's Gary Baseman. To the general public, he's the guy that created Disney's Teacher's Pet cartoon. Well, he's been around alot longer than that. I like the way he blends cartoon art with fine art. Pretty amazing and fun stuff. You can learn more about him at www.garybaseman.com.

Booklist

What I've read or am reading:
Illegal Alien by Robert J. Sawyer - Seemingly benevolent aliens land on earth and are treated well until there's a murder. What ensues is the first trial involving extraterrestrial life. I don't usually read sci-fi but Sawyer does it well. The characters are not overshadowed by the technology. He's more about character than weird space stuff.
The Good, the Bad, and the Undead by Kim Harrison - Second in a series about a bounter hunter/witch who operates in a post-plague America where regular citizens mix with supernatural creatures like vampires, werewolves, and pixies. I'm much more into fantasy than sci-fi but I prefer fantasy set in the modern world rather than Lord of the Rings type stuff.
Vigil by Robert Massello - A fallen angel released from a fossil wreaks havoc on New York city. I didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would because the author chose the low road and not much happened. He did leave it open for a sequel but I'm not sure I'll go there.
Fragments by James F. David - This is a re-read. It's immensely enjoyable. Scientists use computer technology to join several autistic children together to form a new entity, blending their various skills into one new creation. Of course, something goes wrong and chaos ensues. Wouldn't be a good story if it didn't. I highly recommend this one.

Mickey Mouse Antichrist?

Yesterday, I came across a post saying that the Southern Baptists had decided to end their boycott of Disney. Well, as Adam Sandler would say, "Whoop-iddy-doo!" It also said that they felt the boycott was successful and that they had cost Disney hundreds of millions of dollars. What a joke. Does Disney look like they've been hurt at all by this? I don't see any open wounds. Granted, I understand that some of the things going on at Disney would cause ol' Walt to spin in his grave like the teacup ride on caffeine but boycotting is not a solution. If only the SBC could realize that the world knows far more about what they are against and very little about what they are for. The simple fact of the matter is that the church (not just Southern Baptist) has become an intentity associated with political backstabbing, low integrity, and in some cases, just plain evil behavior. No wonder folks are leaving in droves. Didn't mean to hop on my soapbox here, it's just that I desire to see change...change I have tried to help happen...and I've gotten burned. Open your eyes, church. You are the bride of Christ but you're not being a very good bride. You are a cheating, backstabbing, golddigging, manipulative harlot. Christ deserves June Cleaver but he's gotten Cruella De Ville. Hmmm. A Disney villian. Perhaps that is fitting. At least for the Southern Baptists.