Community on Community

I've been watching a lot of this show lately even episodes multiple times. It is probably my new favorite.

Community follows a study group of mismatched traditional and non-traditional students from various social and economical backgrounds who depend on each other to survive their time at Greendale Community College. The show centers on Jeff, a suspended lawyer for faking his degree; Britta, a high school drop out; Abed Nadir,an aspiring film student; Shirley Bennett, a recently divorced mother attending college for the first time, former high school quarterback Troy Barnes, Pierce an aging tycoon, and straight-laced nerd Annie Edison, who has had an unrequited crush on Troy since high school.

Each show ends with a "Ah Ha" moment of how the group learns together, grows together, and takes care of each other. The things the group have worked through this season range from loss of loved ones, dealing with insecurities, working through mess ups and misunderstanding, and celebrating successes as well. They even overcame a virus that put others into a temporary Zombie like state. Take out the "garbage" and it's a lot of how life should be done together with those that you care most about. They even arrange their class schedule so that they can take the same class to remain a study group. It is similar to how the community of a small group SHOULD be. It's not always pretty, sometimes ugly, but at the end of the day you really care about those in your group.

The show is actually taken from the creator's, Dan Harmon, experiences in a community college Spanish Study group. With this as the background, Harmon wrote the show with a main character largely based on himself. He had, like Jeff, been self-centered and independent to the extreme before he realized the value of connecting with other people.

This show has a lot incite on the importance of community to those leading or apart of small groups. I'd love to see created, even create myself, resources on doing life together using this sitcom.

In this episode the group attempts to help Troy become a man as he enters his 21st year of life by taking him to get his first drinks. They show the glitz, glamor, and spoils of the party life. In the end Troy realizes that he is already a man even without the power of booze.

Michael Buble' in Concert

My wife is a HUGE fan of Michael Buble'. Never been much of a listener myself. Not my style of music. To "crooner-ish" for me. However a couple of years ago I "tried" to surprise my wife with tickets, but she found out while checking our online bank statement.

After the concert I must admit I became a lil' bit of a fan. However, only of his live shows. You still won't catch me listening to him on a daily or even weekly basis. BUT I must admit his live show is well worth attending. He is a true entertainer and incredible vocalist and because of that I bought my wife tickets again this year for Christmas to his show in Memphis. To be honest it probably will NOT be the last time I buy her tickets either....

These are a few of the highlights I caught with my flip

Opening Song: Cry Me a River - Cool opening but not big on the song.


Favorite Song: Feeling Good - This is actually the last song I want played at my funeral. I want my urn to be danced out down the middle isle during the 1st chorus and everyone else to dance out during the rest of the song. The lyrics completely describe how I believe I am going to feel once that day comes...but hopefully not for a bit.


Closing Song: Song For You - He closes every concert with a small heartfelt speech of his appreciation for those who work hard for their money and choose to spend a portion of earnings to see him. He confesses his humility in being able to do what he does and works very hard to prepare a show worthy of our money. This is actually my favorite part of the night and was hoping he would be doing this song. You have to watch this one until the VERY END, because it proves the depth of his talent.

Wonderland

Ella and I went exploring after church Sunday evening, and this is what we found. Luckily I had my lil' Flip in pocket to catch this. This just vividly illustrates the strength of a child's belief in the unseen, the power of the imagination, and the influence of media - even a classical cartoon.

For the Record.

• This was NOT the response I was expecting or provoking. But it was her response. Even though I did play on it a bit.
• She has never seen the live action version of Alice and Wonderland only the classical cartoon.

Twit/Face - it

Yea so it's been over 2 months since my last post. I don't know what has happened. This time last year I was averaging about 3 posts a week. Writing was more of a priority. I don't know what has happened? (Waite didn't I just say that? Yea I did, sorry). I originally started this thing to get some of the random thoughts out of my head to make room for newer ones. Lately I haven't taken the time to write anything out AND I've definitely been thinking more than ever.

I recently read an article in Relevant Magazine about silencing our digital world. I don't have the issue with me, so I can't quote exactly what it said. But basically we are NEVER EVER unplugged or disconnect and we want everyone to know what we are doing and thinking at all times. We twitter, post, and blog about every little detail and passing thought in our life; interesting and mundane. I'm a tech savvy guy, with accounts @ youtube, vimeo, dailymotion, twitter, facebook, myspace, 3 e-mail addresses AND a cell phone that allows me to do all of this plus text. I stay pretty connected...too much most of the time.

And lets face it, with the introduction and popularity of twitter and facebook updates...people want to give and receive as much info as possible without doing the work. To be honest that is probably why I haven't wrote as much on here, simply because 140 characters is a lot less work and allows the grace of misspelling to keep it fewer than 140. But really? How much information are we really sharing.

Basically we have just fed our insatiable appetite for gossip...NOT knowledge. Gossip is usually spread in just a few passing phrases about someone. Knowledge is gained reading about something worth thinking about...and then actually thinking about it. Knowledge is shared by making that thought, idea, and information available and with more than 140 characters.

Don't get me wrong I'm not bashing Twitter/Facebook. They are great ways to stay in touch and up to date on your friends, followers, and stalkies. I even use a program that checks and updates both at the same time. But don't rely on your total daily reading and writing regiment to come from 140-200 characters at a time. Find something worth chewing on...maybe even something not digital...where you actually have to turn a page and dog ear it to mark your spot instead of adding to your favorites.

So with that.

Gd nite all. I'm now going 2 bd & will B getting up in the morning 2 start a wonderful work week. Lots 2 do in such a short amount of time.

Youth America Highlights

Not doing much writing these days...guess I've gotten lazy or something. However here's a video I put together from our camp experience. It doesn't touch the awesomeness of it.

Youth America 2009 from steven moore on Vimeo.

Pretend your playing for Lakers or the Celtics

Without a doubt one of the greatest videos on Youtube I've seen lately. What a great way to learn basketball and get in shape. Might even work for a dance move...

AWESOME....not

I slept like 2 hours all night long if that long. The right side of my face sincerely felt deformed from all the pressure. I spent the night and morning putting pressure on my right eyeball. I went to the doctor today to finally give in and get a shot, I couldn't take it any more. I went in for one shot, came out with three. I had forgotten to get the follow up rounds of my Hep. A shot and my Typhoid shot for our Honduras Trip. So one in each arm, and one in the hip. I move like the tin man right now. Wait there's more....

BEFORE Elementary School my right eardrum ruptured. IN Elementary School I had tubes in my ears TWICE to remove fluid from behind my eardrums, during this time I had to be super careful and wear earplugs when getting around water because I had a tube creating holes in my eardrums. Water in the head probably isn't good. I find out TODAY, that I have permanent on one side of my right eardrum and severe scarring on the other side of it. I knew I had some scarring, but a hole.

The Doc asked if i wore ear plugs b/c of my hole.

"Um yea sure...sometimes", I said this kind of automatic, but NO!

"Waite I have a hole? Is that why I don't hear as well out of my right ear?"

"Yes", he says.

"So what are the chances that it will grow back together?"

"ZERO" as he holds up a goose egg with his fist. "You need to make sure you have earplugs anytime you are in water, no matter how clean you think it is. You are probably okay in the shower just don't lean in."

Wow! How long have I had this? I've been in the Buffalo River, TN River, Pacific Ocean, countless pools and hot tubs (some clean and others, not so much) over the last 15-20yrs. And Now I'm told I still need to be wearing earplugs. Well at least I can still hear out of it now.

Now I have no sense of smell AND a hole in my ear drum. Life is Humorous at times.

I could always get one of these. Jen does always complain about the music and TV being too loud at times. Thanks Nick for the suggestion.

Countdown and a Swing

Posting a couple of videos that are new and fresh.

This first one is a KILLIN' little countdown piece done by a couple of my teenagers Nick Easly and Jake Jones. The footage was shot on top of a Motel in Savannah. They I've watched 20 times or more since last night. The Paramore song really kicks it. You guys rock my face off. Nice Work!

Savannah City Countdown from steven moore on Vimeo.


This one is just a little project shot on making a single object seem interesting. The song is Brand New's untitled track from The Devil and God are raging inside me. How interesting is it?

In the Swing from steven moore on Vimeo.

happy valentine

My wife is in soo much trouble...so are a couple of other people.....

My valentine's day gift

Heads Up Announcment

One of the hardest part of a Youth Service or any Service or event for that matter is the announcements of upcoming events. No matter how many times you tell them, put it in print, or tell them again; people just don't remember. There is always the common excuse "Well, I didn't know!" So I decided to spice up our announcements for our youth service with an idea I got from Josh Griffin at Saddleback Church. I laughed and my whole staff laughed when we saw the finished product. But....during service it was dead silence. I don't know if that's good or bad because normally there is a little chatter during announcments. There was no chatter and definately no laughing... So I don't know if the students were just taken back by my creativity and really paying attention to the announcments or if they were just like "are you serious!"

Anyway I thought it was pretty stinkin' awesome!


Heads Up Announcments from steven moore on Vimeo.

20082009

Another year ends and and begins all at the same time. Time is going so fast these days it just seemed like last week I was putting out the reindeer and tree in our yard and today I took them down. Just yesterday Ella was born and tomorrow she will be 3. Actually it will be Feb 4th which will be the end of my 5th year in Youth Ministry.

As I once heard John Maxwell say
"Life is like a roll of toilet paper - The closer you get to the end the fast it goes." So true.

BEST OF 2008
EVENTS
- Visited friends in Indianapolis, IN
- Family Vacation to the beach (Ella still wants to go back)
- Youth America (always a blast)
- Meal at Texas de Brazil & Michael Buble' Concert
- National Youth Workers Convention

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Ella Potty Trained
- Jen finished her first year of teaching at AES
- Paid off the car and two medical bills - closer to debt freedom
- Learned how to better use Sony Vegas Movie Software
-Ella in Technicolor video
- Entered a couple of YouTube videos
- My lil' sis got married*

FINDINGS
MUSIC - Misty Edwards - Relentless / Thrice - Alchemy Index / Jack Johnson - Curious George Soundtrack /Naturally 7 /
MOVIES - Dark Knight / Prince Caspian / Kung Fu Panda / Horton Hears a Who
BOOKs - Imitation of Christ / Do Hard Things
WEB - www.Spiralfrog.com / www.morethandodgeball.com / www.yearbookyourself.com / www.vimeo.com
TECH - Jen's new mini-laptop

Merry go-round Christmas!!

I love Christmas! But I must admit I'm a little relieved that it's over. The constant Smile on Ella's face and anticipation of Santa made it all the more bearable. My head is still spinning. As the song goes I actually had 12 days of Christmas and it went a little something like this.

Day 1 - Dec 17th - Youth Christmas Party Service
Day 2 - Dec 18th - Staff/Deacon Christmas Party
Day 3 - Dec 19th - Ministry Adult Leader Party
Day 4 - Dec 20th - Extended Family Christmas Gathering
Day 5 - Dec 21st - Student Leader Party
Day 6 - Dec 22st - Christmas dinner with friends
Day 7 - Dec 23rd - Late night of last minute shopping/wrapping
Day 8 - Dec 24th - Christmas Eve at my grandmother's & dad's
Day 9 - Dec 25th - Christmas Morning at home / Lunch at Jen's mom / Dinner at my mom's
Day 10 - Dec 26th - Lunch with Jen's dad at our house
Day 11 - Dec 27th - Christmas with my mom's family
Day 12 - Dec 28th - Christmas with Jen's family
-----------------
...Not to mention I was the "guest speaker" at our church on Sunday Morning the 28th.

Yawn...I'm tired just thinking about all the action I've had...Nap time! Hope you had a Merry One!

Let it Snow

Ella and Walkie super excited over any snow.....

This is War

This is a little video that I made for our Wednesday Night Youth Christmas Service. I've been kinda pressed for time and stayed up until about 3 this morning to finish it. It was really hard b/c I had to literally shred a few different videos from bluefishtv.com to get the clips I wanted. And some of those were only a couple of seconds which I had to slow down and repeat. Tough stuff. But the song is still so very powerful!


This is War from steven moore on Vimeo.

Sand art - outside a bottle.

Most of the time when you hear the term sand art, you think of those little bottles that you make with the different layers of colored sand. I've also participated in craft times where you add pipe cleaner and eyes to create your own little "sand alien". You spend quiet a bit of time perfecting each layer to resemble some sort of alien landscape, only to have it all mixed together after two or three quick shakes by a younger sibling or mean friend. I have had my share of "cool sand art".

While at Youth Specialties this weekend I witnessed a form of of Sand Art that was breathtaking. Enjoy the next few minutes as Joe Castillo tells the story of the prodigal son using sand.

gone to NYWC in Nashville

Leaving soon for the National Youth Workers Convention. SoOOOOooo ready for this! Don't have a lap top so I will sorta be unplugged for a few days. Which is much needed. I'll send a few interesting thoughts as they come through the twitter plug with my cell phone. Cool little tool. So follow along. Have a great weekend!

2nd Chroma Key Video

This is a little video introducing a guest speaker in the absence of our pastor. It's only my second attempt with chroma key...a great improvement considereing I graduated to a Blue Bed Sheet and utility lighting. Still got some learning and equipment buying to do...but still not bad...at least I think. Any comments or critiques are welcome!


Intro Video from steven moore on Vimeo.

"It's gettin' hot in hur'...."

This is an amazing choir. I wonder if they travel? You have to watch until the very end to get the full enjoyment!

Possible Plot for Saw VI ??

Found this little bit online today when I was killing time during band practice....maybe he should have bargained a little more.

FORT PIERCE, Fla. -Authorities say an 11-year-old boy hit his mother in the head with a saw and then offered her $5 not to call police. The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office reported that the boy and his 41-year-old mother got into an argument Wednesday when she was trying to get him to take his medication.

The boy left and went to another home, where he began hitting a tree with a saw. When the mother finally caught up with the boy, authorities say he hit her in the head with the saw, causing a minor laceration. A sheriff's report said that's when the boy began pleading with his mother not to call police and offered her a $5 bill.

The boy is facing an aggravated battery charge.

Green Screen YEA!!!

My Sony Vegas movie editing software has chroma key capabilities. I stayed home today with Ella due to her fever and used the extra down time to play around this afternoon with the effects. The chroma key (green/blue screen) allows you to superimpose yourself on any background image or video. I do not have a green or blue screen to use, BUT I do have a "blue room" with walls the color of Superman's tights. The room has only one little fluorescent bulb and one of the videos I used was taken with our Samsung picture camera. So the quality of the video is FAR FAR FAR FAR from perfection, but this was the results of just playing around on a whims notice. I have the concept and process figured out now and REALY want to get a screen. Any tips/tricks/hints that anyone has, please feel free to share. I'm on my way to becoming a real pro!!! LOL...
I get my inspiration from this guy .... Leadrunner. (shout out!)



Chroma Test from steven moore on Vimeo.