Merry Christmas Everyone! (revised)

Why?

Why won't this blog site allow me to change my primary email address to a gmail address? What do I do if/since we're switching from comcast to verizon Fios?

Pop's Christmas List

Some of you have asked what Pop wants for Christmas. His original list had one item, a sweater, which I have already purchased. So we finally pursuaded him to write a longer list. [I've left off the "underwear".]

dress winter hat--more like Indiana Jones than Captain Ramias--in a color other than brown

athletic shorts, not too short, Adidas [please, for all our sakes', no old-school basketball]

classical CDs by good orchestras with known conductors: (someone Bob K. would recognize and recommend, Pop says)
Mozart
Bach
Handel
Hayden
Tchaikovsky
Vivaldi

then, after giving it even more thought he suggests

a donation to Harvest Ministry in Philadelphia and prayer for its ministry to those who struggle with sexual sin

a donation to Christ Academy at Grace Reformed Episcopal Chruch in Colingdale, PA and prayer for Mike Fitzpatrick and the faculty and student body. Christ Academy is a classical boys high school near Philadelphia. Many of their students are from Liberia.

a donation to Barnabas Aid and prayer for those who suffer poverty and persecution for their faith in Christ

Love, Mom

Sabers Only

I actually saw this a couple weeks ago done by someone else and it just kind of fell flat. I thought "man, that could have been great!" and now... here it is: great.

To Jill

David commented on the Christmas wish list post by Mom with what's on his list. I thought I could help by posting a pic.

- Matt

Road trips

For those of you taking road trips in the next couple of weeks here is a list that may come in handy. A recent pole of Americans (though, I'm not sure of the average age) came up with this list of top 10 road trip songs:

1. On the Road Again by Willie Nelson
2. Born to Be Wild by Steppenwolf
3. Take It Easy by The Eagles
4. I Get Around by The Beach Boys
5. Highway to Hell by AC/DC
6. Free Falling by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
7. Riders on the Storm by The Doors
8. I Wanna Rock and Roll All Night by Kiss
9. Wanted: Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi
10. Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd

So how about you? What are your favorite songs to listen to while cruising down Route 66?

Some video from New Orleans

Jazz on Bourbon

Beignets

Christmas List

Dear Family,
In the past we selected the name of the brother (or sister) for whom we were to buy or make a Christmas gift on the day after Thanksgiving. Last year was the first time we deviated from that tradition in order to include everyone in the gift exchange. In case you have forgotten the new routine, you will be buying a gift for each sibling in turn. This year you will buy for the one next younger to the one you bought for last year--except for Ben who bought for Jesse last year and will therefore buy for Peter this year.
Here, for those of you who cannot remember as far back as last December, is this year's gift list:
Peter buys for William
Matthew buys for Jesse
Ben buys for Peter and family
Jon buys for Matt and Emily
Nate buys for Ben and family
Thomas buys for Jon
David buys for Nate and Katie
Stephen buys for Thomas
Elisabeth buys for David
William buys for Stephen
Jesse buys for Elisabeth

Please post your "wish list", if you have one, so that your gifter has some ideas of what you would like. So, speaking of a wish list, here's mine:
a Belgium waffle iron
an outdoor thermometer
a GPS--one that speaks to me (preferably in a British accent)
but one without all the complicated bells and whistles
I just want to know how to get there (by avoiding unnecessary traffic and
delays)

You're Welcome...

The Beatles!

here

Midichlorians, 1

Could Darth Vader tell the midichlorians to choke him (Darth Vader) and would they stop once he lost consciousness, or what?

To find the answer and to read about my life these past three years that I've been missing, head over to my new blog, here.

I love you all.

Fleet

For those of you who don't already know, the Fleet Foxes are the best. So, even if you did already know, check out this video (on their official site) and see if you recognize anything? Fleet Foxes Tour Documentary

We have been hearing, or some of us have, that the Foxes are coming out with a new album soon. Unfortunately I have not seen anything about it or heard anything from it yet... makes me think we won't be getting it before Christmas. I just found an article (from this month) quoting Robin as saying that they are "no where near" being done. Oh well, I'm sure it will be worth waiting for.

Paper 'Star Wars'

Techno Jeep

Best part starts at 1:32 --- keep watching...as if you could stop.

Today is a Good Day

Jude, Ashley and Aravis got baptized this past Sunday... Video is below.
(please be sure to set the YouTube player to 1080p for best video)

The Wilderness Downtown

http://www.thewildernessdowntown.com/#1338+Allendale+Ct,+Bloomington,+IN+47401,+USA

The Fat Lady Singeth...

Many things have been said about Dumb Dumb, none more true than that he is a dog of his word. A few weeks ago, after he had shot the final episode of "The Dlog" something happened to him on his way home...



Not to plug my own blog or anything, but I posted a few morsels of mind stimulating, food for thought the other day, so check it out (or don't, I don't really care).

Man from Snowy River (Poem)

I'm looking forward to September 14th

Happy Birthday Jesse!

Music for today

Make sure you don't miss the post below about Christmas expectations.

Here are some songs to liven up your day; enjoy!

LCD Soundsystem - Dance Yrself Clean



Radiohead - Paranoid Android



Mumford and Sons - The Cave

Christmas Promises

Peter gave me the "OK" to break this news...
1. A Preview to Nate and Katie's Wedding (more on that soon).
2. An Excuse as to why The Complete Dlog: Every Episode from all 4 Seasons. (Plus secret bonus content including full-length commentary with Peter, Edwardo and Dumb Dumb Dog)isn't done yet
3. Throwing Stars for everyone over the age of 11 (that has a first name ending with a,b,c,f,g,h,i,j,k,m,o,p,q,r,t,u,v,x or z).
4. A Colorado Crum Family Video featuring music by either Muse, Vampire Weekend Bjork (or some other artist).

Prepare Yourself

Okay, so nothing can really prepare you for this...

"Oh Happy Day..."

This year, Christmas comes twice. Or, for those of you who haven't given birthday presents to me (or Matt or Thomas or Stephen).

Summer Vacation

I am posting this tentative schedule so that you all can see our plans and let us know if you will be home during the time we expect to be where you are.

Wed, July 28-Sun, Aug 1 Bloomington
Mon, Aug 2 Botanical Gardens in St. Louis
Tue, Aug 3 somewhere in Kansas
Wed, Aug 4-Mon, Aug 9 Colorado Springs
Tue, Aug 10 Missouri
Wed, Aug 11-Sun, Aug 16 Bloomington
Mon, Aug 17 return to Maryland

Note to Peter: if this becomes our definite plan you will be able to cancel Elisabeth's return flight, but don't do it yet

Proof

Just like "The Jazz Singer" this episode of The Dlog finally has sound...

Two-For-Friday

I am still so mad that Lala is shutting down that I have had a hard time listening to music...

Here's a comparison for you and good luck picking a favorite on this one:

Ben Harper

Bruce Springsteen

Emmylou Harris

Vote

poll by twiigs.com

New MUSE

I've seen the movie Twilight, and it was OK. I haven't seen New Moon and don't plan to see Eclipse (the two following sequels)... this is also OK with me. If I were to like one thing about this trilogy it would be the music. One of my favorite bands, MUSE, is featured on the soundtracks for all three movies. Eclipse in fact features a track exclusive to the soundtrack: Neutron Star Collision. I like the song and am glad I don't have to sit through a girly vampire movie to hear it.

Kung Fu Black Bear

No 2-4-Tuesday

I don't have the time or brain power to come up with a 2-4-Tuesday today (maybe I'll do something later in the week), but I thought you all might like some music for this overcast spring day. Michal has a habit of listening to country music in the spring and I have kind-of picked that up... though, instead of Kenny Chesney or Diamond Rio I prefer good country:

Lyle Lovett:

Ashley's First Art Post

This is the first picture that I made in art class. I liked that we cut out egg cartons and colored the insides to make them look like Yucca pods.

2-4-Tuesday: G.Love Vs Jack Johnson

As I have been doing some remodel work in my basement I have been listening to a lot of Pandora radio. I have two stations that I love; one is based on Bob Dylan which pulls in songs by the Band, Jimmie Hendrix, Johnny Cash and Loudon Wainwright III, and the other station is based on Mason Jennings which pulls in Bob Dylan, Xavier Rudd, Ben Harper and Jack Johnson.

I can't stand Jack Johnson.

This may come as a surprise to some of you since I used to love his music and listened to him all the time. True, I do love the album Brushfire Fairytales and like On and On but ever since that Curious George thing I just can't listen to him. Well, maybe you agree? Let's find out:

Rodeo Clowns

Jack Johnson

G.Love & Special Sauce

Vote

poll by twiigs.com

Make up...

To make up for not posting a 2-4-Tuesday this week I hope you will accept this:

Free as a Bird

Not A Dlog

Daniel & Zion

You may remember these two from such classics as The Christmas Break Dance and ZionEats. Now see them in their brand-new feature: Daniel & Zion 2010!

Relphy’s First Adventure

William Crum                                        4/8/010

Relphy's First Adventure

    The year was 1842. Relphy was out in the yard chopping at the hard, arid soil with three or four chickens pecking around him when a wind from the north came swooping in and knocked him down. While the icy wind pierced his eyes and whirled through his ears like a tornado, he saw a peculiar thing zipping through the air. When the light brown rag landed on his lap he stared at it in amazement. In golden letters written on the top left-hand corner he read, "Captain Alburt's Map to the Lost Treasure of Gormon." So, it was the treasure map of the greatest pirate, sliced in two, probably by a cool, steel blade in one of his adventures. But wait, it had been cut in two, but only one half was there. "The Captain of the Sea, Alburt the Great, must have the second half of this map," said Relphy, "and I must set out on a journey to find it."     

    Tom, Relphy's neighbor, who was a gardener, heard his plan and called after him. "Oy, you wait! I heard what you plan to do. Why don't you let me go with you? There should be enough treasure for both of us. I know a man with a ship. He could help us out."

    "OK, you can come," said Relphy. "Let's sail off to Oregon to the home of Captain Alburt."

    The cool, fresh wind on the ship, The Fifth Glory, was a relief from the icy wind of the previous week. Unlike most gardeners in California at that time, Tom had many friends who were sailors. Relphy, Tom, and a crew of about twenty men helped on the ship. After a few days they reached Oregon. Tom, Relphy, and two other men with ragged clothes and scruffy beards went to find Alburt's mansion. Relphy, who was a white dog, wearing nothing but a long, sharp sword and a ship captain's hat, went first. Then Tom, a tall man with a pouffy-sleeved white shirt and pitch-black pants, followed behind with his sword. The mansion was in view. The two buff men scuttled the guards while Relphy and Tom crept inside. They could see Captain Alburt sitting in front of a warm fire. He was a short, white cat with a big head. Alburt had an enormous black beard and a pirate's hat.

    "Look at that, Relphy," Tom whispered. "It's the legendary Murray Darling."

    Murray Darling was one of the greatest pirate thieves ever seen. Like Relphy, he was a dog. But unlike Relphy, he was black, scruffy, and had a dark brown eye patch covering the place where his left eye had been.

    Tom asked, "How are we going to get a half-torn treasure map from the two richest...."

    "Shhhhhhh!" said Relphy. "I'm trying to listen to what they're saying."

    Alburt was talking. "It was three to five weeks ago when I was on the Dark Wing heading toward Gormon, the lost Hawaiian island, when that scalawag who tried to maroon me, cut the map in two just before I drove my sword into his heart. I have one half, three floors up, but the other half blew out to sea."

    "So, he doesn't know we have the other half?" said Tom.

    "Of course not," said Relphy. "C'mon upstairs."

    Relphy and Tom were thankful for the thickly cushioned carpet on the steps because the sores on their feet from the splintery deck of the ship felt so much better on the soothing texture. Also, it masked the sound of creaking. The only problem they had was the lack of time: time to get upstairs, time to find the map, and time to escape without being caught. Thankfully the second room Tom entered had a desk and the other half of the map was on it. Instead of going back downstairs and sneaking out the door, they used rope Relphy had found to let themselves down through a window. Relphy, Tom, and the other men ran back to the ship.

    Back at Alburt's mansion, when the guards woke up two days later, they ran inside to tell Captain Alburt all that had happened to them. Murray and Alburt burst into the map room, and when they pieced together what had happened Alburt boomed at the guards, "Get ready the Dark Wing to set sail tonight."

    On The Fifth Glory, sailing to Hawaii, there were many problems. The main problem was the whole crew were cry-babies. One man was angry all day because he lost his tooth and the tooth fairy didn't leave him any money. Another man jumped overboard because no one knew it was his birthday. He wasn't the only man they lost. About five more died when a terrible storm came and swept them off their feet and over the side into the water. When the storm had ceased, Tom somehow put the map back together.

    Captain Alburt's ship was the fastest in the Pacific and it wouldn't take as long to sail to Hawaii as The Fifth Glory.

    Two weeks after they had left Oregon, a watch-out on Relphy's ship called, "Land, ho!" It wasn't Gormon, but with the map Relphy knew how to navigate to the right island. After being delayed by several fierce storms, one day later, Alburt saw land, as well.

    "I don't know exactly which island it is, but if we hurry we can spot their ship before they find a cove to hide it in," said Alburt.

    From far away, Relphy couldn't see the island of Gormon. Even when they were close the island looked blue. The circular island was a mile in diameter. There were no palm trees; there was no grass, but there was a well exactly in the center of Gormon Island. Men spread out to start digging because there was no "X" on the map. After a while of digging, the men got thirsty. They all thought that instead of going back to the ship to get water, they would try the well. Just as they lifted the empty bucket, a man on The Fifth Glory shouted "Ship ahoy!" The Dark Wing had found them. Men ran back to The Fifth Glory. Half of them died, getting hit by falling cannon balls. Having never fought in their lives, Tom and Relphy went down the well. The bottom of the well was unlike any well they had ever seen. There were five passageways going in different directions.

    "They must be underground tunnels," Relphy said. "C'mon, let's warn the others."

    They popped their heads out of the hole, just to be inches away from the back of Murray Darling's head. Murray Darling was fighting with a crew member. Looking the other way, Tom could see men spreading gunpowder on the deck of The Fifth Glory.

    "No!" he cried, which caused Murray's head to turn around. Quickly Tom and Relphy slipped back down the rope. Murray Darling slid after them. When Tom hit the ground, he drew his sword.

    "Run, Relphy!" he yelled.

    Still up above, on the island, Alburt called, "Evacuate the Wing. Search for that treasure, all of you!"

    The tunnel seemed to go on and on until Relphy came to a stop. It was a dead end which had a hole in the ceiling. He ran back just to meet Darling in his tracks. Relphy drew his sword.

    "Where's the treasure?" Darling asked.

    "Boom!" The explosion distracted Murray Darling. Relphy turned and ran back down the tunnel toward the dead end with Murray Darling after him. When Murray reached the dead end, Relphy was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly Relphy jumped on him from the opening above. Relphy ran back toward the well. Tom was gone.

    "Relphy," he called from another passageway.

    "Comin'," Relphy yelled. "The treasure?"

    Tom was sitting next to the treasure with one bloody shoulder.

    "Look Relphy. Another well up above."

    "You're right. C'mon!"

    Luckily, the well led up right next to an anchored rowboat not too far from the Dark Wing. Tom and Relphy hoisted the treasure up the well and set it neatly in the boat. The sound of victory calls on the shore and the pillar of smoke from the bay, told them everyone else from The Fifth Glory was dead and their ship had been destroyed. So they rowed to the Wing. No one was aboard but Captain Alburt himself. I do not want to tell you what they did to him first, but afterwards they threw him overboard and he swam to shore. To this day Alburt and his crew have been on Gormon Island.

    When Tom and Relphy got home, they told their wives all that had happened. The wives insisted they return the treasure to the men it first belonged to. This turned out to be a great idea. Many of the owners gave them generous rewards, but the best reward of all was a new treasure map.

The End

Mom vs New York

Check out this clip. Notice the seen where Mom's favorite game attacks an office building... awesome.

Great visuals, good camera work, and nice sound:

Pixels

2-4-Tuesday

A truly odd match-up for today. Sting vs. Johnny Cash.

Sting's original version certainly stands on it's own, but Cash lends a sense of authenticity. But you don't have to take my word for it...

I Hung My Head

Sting

Johnny Cash

Vote

poll by twiigs.com

Part IV

Initially I planned on splitting Edwardo's final letter into two parts (Harry Potter Style). After much thought I decided that it would be unfair to you the reader, and considering that we are in the midst of a contest I changed my mind. So without further introduction, here is the last correspondence my elder brother sent to me from his trip to Patagonia...


8.12.2009

Dear Brother,

This time tomorrow I will be in the sky somewhere over Brazil. I believe, much to my surprise, that I am going to miss this place. Everything feels somehow older here, kind of how I imagine Europe must be. Even though exploration and conquest touched these lands later than the Northern continent, somehow the effects here were not as complete. Back home truly is the New World, nothing remains the same... even Nature has been protected and controlled. But here, the very air I breathe is full of life, an ever present reminder of this land's untamable wildness. Perhaps I had too much to drink last night. I'm honestly surprised to be in such good shape with such clear thoughts this morning. The prospect of a nice, quiet day here in my cottage overlooking the ocean, seems like a perfect way to conclude my time here in Argentina.

I finally wrapped up the business thought brought me here in the first place. Last night marked the first time that all five of us have ever been in the same location together. I had never actually met Steven before, and I must say the whole encounter was quite surreal. We all knew that this actual meeting was merely a formality, all the details had been ironed out and agreed to over a year ago. As you know I had set this whole thing in motion back in 2004, and what I like to call a "guerrilla PR agency" had been creating buzz about the project since the Summer of '07. I had asked Jimbo early on to take the public lead, really he had the least to loose as far as reputation and standing in the community. I had laughed off the suggestion that I keep the top spot. I guess either I'm not thick skinned enough, or maybe I'm just too smart to desire that spotlight. During our meeting last night I recounted some of my recent run-ins with fame... The abduction to the mountain jungle villa and the harrowing episode that has unfortunately separated me from beauty incarnate. "No" I said, "I don't regret for a moment letting Jimbo take the credit for this one". I don't think Steven, Frank or M-Shizzle (that's what Steven was calling him) quite understood my position on this matter, but they toasted me just the same. The remainder of the evening consisted of finalizing some marketing details, and unfortunately quite a bit of adult beverage consumption. Jimbo thought it would be funny, so all night we were downing blue-raspberry Jello shots. I guess it was around 1:30 this morning when I finally took my leave and stumbled back to the cottage.

Perhaps my final letter before seeing you would have been more interesting had I filled it with other experiences of the last eight or nine days. My round-about search for Butch Cassidy's Chilean hideaway, and what I found there. Or maybe the three days and nights I spent with "The French Cannibals", a tribe of natives that exclusively eats French people. (I'm not going to tell you what common household condiment the like to dip French priests in, or why). Instead I felt like an honest depiction of my closing hours here in this beautiful, lush, timeless country would suit this correspondence best. I'll probably phone you from California before this letter arrives, so what point is there in writing any more?

Love,
Edwardo

Welcome Home David and Thomas!

2-4-Tuesday

Our match-up today comes from John Alberson. A couple years ago John turned me on to Neutral Milk Hotel, though I actually never really got past the track from today's Two-For.

It may seem odd that someone would cover a song that is less than a decade old... it's not like you would be adding a new genre sound or bringing a new perspective to the song (like anti-war songs from the 60s being remade now). It is surprising, however, to see how many covers have come out a mere year or two after the original (like the Byrds releasing their version of Bob Dylan's 'Mr. Tambourine Man' two weeks after Dylan released his). Listen and see if you think the re-make adds or improves anything:

In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

Matt Pond PA

Neutral Milk Hotel

Vote

poll by twiigs.com

Part III

8.2.2009

Dear Brother,

From my Eastward facing window here at the Parque Hotel, it is just possible to see the very top of the bell tower that is attached to the local mission. Over the last few days I have enjoyed the six block stroll, at the end of which I enter the side gate and have find a nice quiet bench in the courtyard. Taking time to pray and reflect in that peaceful corner is unlike any experience I've ever had. The trees are as old as the bricks, and reach up into the sky and lean over the wall which has been so beautifully faded by its life in the sun. This place is timeless and whenever a priest passes on the stone path I am reminded of how this place must be exactly as it was 450 years ago. It sparks the thought in my mind of how man has longed to have a relationship with God, that is a timeless pursuit. The architecture of this mission, this one spot in which I sit, may just be the closest thing man has built in his search to meet with Him.

On my walk back to the hotel I stopped at a small cafe for a cup of coffee and a slightly green banana. I was thinking that this had been a great start to the morning as I reached the corner opposite the hotel. I was about to step into the street when my heart skipped a beat. For the briefest of moments I thought I had seen a hand disappear behind the curtain of my room. Fourth floor. Corner room. Is that my room? Are my bearings off? No, there are the purple Copihues in the flowerbox. That is my room! I tried to calm myself as I walked across the street. Perhaps it was the maid. No, she hadn't ever shown up before ten o'clock, and a quick glance at my watch confirmed it was still before nine. As I approached the main lobby entrance I found myself casually pass, turning my head to the North, away from the hotel. Hopefully nobody inside had taken any notice of me. Just then I had another startle as the loud, throaty throttle of a motorcycle came around the corner where I had just crossed. A tall, skinny white guy wearing a bomber jacket and aviator sunglasses straddling the powerful machine drove by staring right at me. Something in his appearance and his look of vague recognition solidified my decision to leave at once.

Here on the coast, 300 miles away (I'll tell you exactly where when I return), yesterday feels like a surreal blur. Honestly I have no real justification for the course of action I took. I have no enemies or rational reason for believing that I am in any danger. I just felt like it was the right thing to do at that moment. Needless to say my break was clean, swift and all encompassing. The Sat phone is down a storm drain, floating somewhere below the streets of El Calafate. My backpack and laptop are probably still sitting where I left them in the suite 407. A homeless guy living under a bridge on Route 9 is wearing my clothes right now, and only the lady in the market two towns over knows that my hair wasn't bleach blond this morning...

I can imagine the course that my life might have taken had that hand not appeared at my window. I am sure that someone on the outside, looking in at my life would believe that I have just thrown away the perfect life... Every man's dream. Perhaps yesterday morning in the mission courtyard was meant to be. I can't ask the "what ifs". It does no good to live in the past, to dwell on what could have been.

What's that?

It is.

It's her father and little sister! She looks just like her too. Where's the back door?

I'll write you again soon.

Love,
Edwardo

Remember Those Who Serve

My buddy Scott lost a close friend five years ago today. Brett Hershey was a member of the Indiana National Guard when he was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, March 26, 2005. I never met Hersh but I know he had a huge impact on Scott's spiritual life and the lives of many others. A friend of both Brett and Scott has set up a website in memory of Hersh. On the site's banner is this passage from the Bible. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13. Today, and everyday, take the time to pray for the men and women that serve our country and for their families. Pray for those who have lost loved ones. I am thankful for the years of service that my dad gave to our country as a Marine in Vietnam and as a chaplain in the Navy. I am thankful for my brother Nate, for his willingness to serve his country in the Air Force. And I am thankful for my brothers Thomas and David. They are graduating from Marine Corps basic training next week and will begin serving our country as well. But ultimately they serve a higher power. I find joy and comfort knowing that my brothers and father all serve a God who is faithful and just. They are willing to put themselves in harms way with the knowledge that it may one day cost them their lives. Hersh gave up his life in service for our country and he served the the One who gave His son for us. Who do you serve?

2-4-Tuesday

A Two-Four for today. Trying to find two songs that are actually the same but completely different can be quite a challenge. I think I have done it... you may vote, but I have already won:

Maggie's Farm

Bob Dylan

Rage Against the Machine

Vote

poll by twiigs.com

Part II

7.29.2009

Dear Brother,

While I await a response to the proposal I made late last night, I have decided to do a little backpacking here in the hills above El Calafate. The hotel suite is nice enough to be sure, but I can't stand sitting around waiting for an answer. I had to get out in the fresh air and clear my head.

So far the going has been pretty moderate. Although it's pushing 110 degrees, the trees provide enough shade and the native grasses grow tall and there is a sweet cool breeze sweeping across this high valley. I can now see the Lake Argentino off to the North-West. For a brief time I was down in a depression where there were no distinguishable landmarks. Fortunately I had my pocket GPS compass and was able to keep on course. Using the GPS compass reminded me of something I recently watched on the History channel. It's interesting that when you press the SAP button down here the English subtitles appear on the screen. Anyways I was fascinated to learn that throughout the course of human history there have been three perspectives on what exactly "North" means. Ever since man wandered out of sight from his/her dwelling there has been a need to plot a course home. In ancient Mesopotamia the first great explorers used the term "Nominus" (which translated is "North") which referred to a a temple on top of a mountain in their largest city. This temple became the reference point for all Mesopotamian maps. Four thousand years later the famous Norse explorer Leif Ericson discovered that the Earth is roughly a sphere. (He basically stepped off his front porch, sailed from Norway to what is present day New York, hiked to the San Fransisco area, built a catamaran, rowed to the Japanese Islands and after some more hiking eventually ended up in his own backyard. His dog was very happy to see him). When he drew up the first map of the modern world he designated the topmost point as "North". Leif was a real Ancient Mesopotamian history buff and thought it was a fitting homage to his predecessors. Nine hundred and seventy three years to the day another giant leap was made in the geographical frontier. On October 7th, 1971 the renowned Raum geographer Dr. Phillip Mattson discovered the concept of True North. Thanks to the access to newly acquired data from Space exploration, Dr. Mattson was able to prove the inaccuracy of the traditional Magnetic North method, and developed a new way of viewing North. The Dr. contended that a magnetic based compass only was accurate when the North Pole was actually visible within the horizon. The curvature of the Earth means that to arrive at North one must actually travel a arc instead of a straight line as the magnetic compass suggests. The further you moved away from the Pole the more useless the magnetic compass became. Dr. Phillip through a painstaking process was able to calculate an intricate equation to accurately determine which direction was True North from any point on the globe.

I am sorry if I bore you with my detailed account of my new found knowledge. The main reason I brought it up is that I thought you would find it interesting in lieu of the next piece of information I'm about to bestow upon you: As a citizen of the Northern hemisphere, like you I was under the impression that North is always North. No matter where you are a compass would point you in the direction up to the top of the world. Well it does, but here's where it gets a little tricky. Here on the other side of the Equator the compass spins the other direction. Just like the water in the toilet bowl flows the other way or the hurricane blows counterclockwise, the Magnetic center is at our corresponding Pole. Dr. Phillip's equation works here as well, as a means for determining a reference exactly to what is known as the South Pole. This has always been the dirty little secret of the Geographic Society, an arrogant conspiracy to demean and suppress the Southern hemisphere. Sure there is an absolute dividing line between North and South, but why is North considered "up" and South "down" or "down there"? The first images from space clearly show that South America is above North America. In our hearts I guess we've always known that we are somehow above Canadians, but we tend to ignore that inner voice that screams that our Southern neighbors are above us in a literal sense.

Well dusk is setting in and I see that I just received a text on my Sat phone from Adriana, so I'd better head back to civilization. Until next time, please give my love to everyone down there in the States.

Love,
Edwardo

2-4-Tuesday

In Matt's post, Thursday Thoughts (on Pop's birthday) he listed some covers that he thought would make good 2-4-Tuesday polls. One of the match-ups he suggested was The Man Who Sold the World pitting David Bowie against Nirvana. Almost half the Unplugged album from Nirvana could have been on his list, from the Vaselines to The Meat Puppets to today's selection, the grandfather of the blues, Leadbelly. So, once again, the vote is in your hands: Where Did You Sleep Last Night ?

Leadbelly

Where Did You Sleep Last Night...

Nirvana (Unplugged)

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Part I

Edwardo consented, so here is the first of four letters that he wrote to me last Summer while he was on his "business trip" in Patagonia. (I have transcribed the letter without editing of any kind, for your reading pleasure).


7.13.2009

Brother,

After three hours in the back seat of a Korean War era Jeep. Mile after mile of muddy jungle roads. Even after dusk the heat and drenching humidity is almost unbearable. Mosquitoes are swimming in the air, searching for their next meal on the back of my neck. Finally we pull into a clearing and before us stands a huge columned mansion. Kind of a cross between a Southern Plantation and an Italian villa. Floodlights glared around the perimeter. I could see armed guards milling about the grounds and even a few in the shadows on the rooftops. We came to a halt right in front of the grand main entrance, where I hopped out of the Jeep and ascended the marble stairs. As if a multi-million dollar mansion in the middle of the Ande jungle wasn't enough, this is where it started to get really strange. As I approached the rough hewn oak door I could hear a thumping, muffled music coming from deeper inside the house. I made my way towards the sound...

the time was 6 o'clock on the Swatch watch
no time to chill
got a date
can't be late
hey - the girl...

I now had walked through the great hall and to the opposite end of the house, the source of the music was in the next room. I opened one of the double doors and entered the room from which this 80's fad of a masterpiece (or is it masterpiece of a fad) was exuding. I was suddenly accosted by a nightclub blast of sound, energy, alcohol, sweat and the buzzing hum of the crowded room thick with conversation. You know how in movies, even when there's a huge mass of people, you can immediately spot the main character, as though he or she is the only person who matters in the whole wide world? It was like that. As I quickly scanned the room, our eyes locked. He was wearing a bright white suit with a jet black tie. His hair was immaculately combed over, just barely allowing the light from the mirror ball to glisten off his shiny forehead. He stood straight up, ignoring a tall blond drink of water who unaware, was still talking to him. He pushed aside three large, well built men (I assumed these were his bodyguards) and walked directly to me. The stopped inches in front of me and stretching out his arms, "Edwardo!" he said. "Thank you so much for coming! So sorry about the crudeness and secrecy of the invitation". He then wrapped his stubby arms around me in a bear-like embrace.

"Mr President." I said, hardly knowing what I should say next... "I've never seen anyplace quite like this before". He laughed, still hugging me (for what now seemed like an awkwardly long time). "This is just a little home away from home. Just a gathering of intimate friends", he told me. Finally he released me from his grasp and turned to face the crowd. These are mostly local supporters from Argentina, Chile and the surrounding region". Then he pointed to a table in the corner off to our left, full of scantily clad women surrounding a light-grayish haired man, whose back was to us. "Even one of your former leaders has been so kind as to grace us with his presence this evening"... Just then one of his bodyguards approached, and with a glance he signalled the President. "Please excuse me Edwardo. Help yourself to anything and everything. I shall return". And with that he disappeared into the fray. I hadn't noticed her approach, but there at my side now stood the tall blond who had earlier been so rudely neglected. "Where do you know Hugo from?" she asked. "We've actually never met before. He's just a big fan of my blog" I casually responded. For some odd reason at that moment I once again became aware of the music that was throbbing in the dance hall.

it's driving me out of my mind
that's why its hard for me to find
can't get it outta my head
miss her, kiss her, love her...

"What in the world!" I exclaimed. "Is the DJ on a break or something?" Surprised at the lack of variety, or taste, or maybe just the sheer coincidence of the music selection.

"Oh no" said the tall brooding blond at my side... "Mr. Chavez is a huge Bel Biv Devoe fan".

The Jeep ride back to Mendoza was as enjoyable as the trip in. I fell asleep. I guess the lesson I'm going to take away from this little experience is that I should always be wary of the fame that blogging can bring. I can control what I write, but unfortunately I can't control who reads it.


Love,
Edwardo



P.S.
This isn't a sketch of the mansion in the letter, it's just a doodle that so happened to be on this page when I was finishing up your letter. And also, say "hi" to everyone there Stateside for me.

If it ain't broke...

Not that anyone cares, but I missed the two-for-tuesday this week, sorry about that. I did want to make an open-ended post with this question (riffing off of Matt's suggestions for 2-4s):

Question

"While it is possible, sometimes, to find a cover that is better than or different enough from the original to be good, what are songs that should NEVER be covered (even if they have been)?"

Some suggestions

• Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine (see list of covers)
  
• Billy Joel - She's Always a Woman (a couple covers)
  
• Pink Floyd (everything). There are just some bands whose music should never be messed with.
  
• Bruce Springsteen - The River (as far as I know, this song has never been re-recorded by a cover artist --- let's keep it that way).

So, what would be on your list?

May

Here are my plans for the day after Nate and Katie's wedding...


"We've got an announcement..."

William's Latest Compostition

William Crum March 5, 2010
Seikei’s Journey

The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler tells the story of a young Japanese boy who yearns to be a samurai. Because his father is a tea merchant, Seikei thinks there is no hope of his ever becoming a samurai. While staying at the Tokaido Inn, Seikei wakes up at night and sees a ghost. However, he finds out that he actually witnessed a robbery and becomes involved in helping to solve the crime. The thief, an actor named Tomomi, has a good reason for stealing a jewel which originally belonged to his family. Tomomi, a former samurai, has great sword fighting, acting, and acrobatic skills. Surprisingly, he and Seikei become friends. Tomomi finally gets revenge on the man who stole his family’s honor and jewel. But, Seikei is the main character of this story. The loyalty, bravery, and respect found in Seikei lure you into the story of his journey to become a true samurai.
The loyalty of Seikei may be the most important element in this story of a merchant’s young son. Seikei’s journey begins when a ruby is stolen from the daimyo, a local nobleman, and is found in the room of a girl named Michiko, but Seikei saw the real thief and truthfully tells the judge, whose name is Ooka, what he has seen. This was loyal because Seikei rescued Michiko from trouble. Seikei soon becomes the judge’s assistant. Seikei proves his brilliant loyalty to Judge Ooka by doing everything in his power to safely retrieve a magnificent wooden sword, which was given to him by the judge, after it was taken from him in a fight with Tomomi. As the book, continues Seikei is told by the judge to stay with Tomomi whose real name is Genji. Unexpectedly, he finds out that Genji is a Karishitan (Christian). This is against the law. Seikei, loyal to Genji, does not turn him in. Because of the many things Seikei does for his friends, he shows the passion to be a loyal samurai.
Since it is extremely important to a samurai to be fearless, courageous, and brave, this is exactly how Seikei acts. He is dauntless. First, Seikei fearlessly follows what he thinks is a jinkininki even though he believes the jinkininki, which is a ghost that eats people, might devour him. Secondly, when Judge Ooka found a dark, creepy tunnel in the ground into which he thought the criminal had escaped, Seikei bravely crawled down into the pitch-black hole. Convinced that a samurai would do the same thing in his position, Seikei courageously continued. Finally, Seikei valiantly walks to the Shogun’s palace by himself not knowing what will happen. Unmistakably, Seikei not only knows a lot about samurai courage, but acts bravely and fearlessly himself.
Seikei is polite and respectful. From the beginning of the story to the end, this young man, although only a merchant’s son, shows respect to Tomomi and the Judge even though he may not understand their requests. Even when Seikei did things or knew things better than others, he never bragged. At one point in the story, Seikei and Genji have a sword fight. Seikei sees Genji’s next move, which is a blow to the head; skillfully dodges it; and knocks him down. Although it is just a play fight, Seikei does not boast about defeating the master. Back at the Shogun’s magnificent palace we observe how polite Seikei is. The Shogun is hosting a tea ceremony and brags about his tea. Because Seikei’s father is a tea merchant, Seikei has tasted better tea but says nothing. Seikei shows the politeness and respect of a samurai.
Although Seikei was not born into the samurai class, he had the character and heart of a true samurai. Seikei works hard to become loyal, brave, and respectful. These characteristics should be true of Christians, too. Just as Seikei strives to be a samurai, we should strive to be godly. Loyalty to Jesus, bravery in sharing one’s faith, and respect for others are the character and heart of a true Christian.

2-4-Tuesday

Today we're listening to something a little different, so bear with me. The music Pop listened to while I was growing up has had a big impact on the kinds of music I listen to today. There was always a lot of classical music in the house (especially in St. Louis with 99.1 KFOU, Classic 99). So today we get a 2-4 featuring a 'classic' performance and a jazz variation on Vivaldi's first movement from The Four Seasons (Spring I. Allegro); the vote is up to you:

Classical - London Chamber Orchestra, Christopher Warren-Green

Jazz - The Jacques Loussier Trio

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Broken Bells

Brian Burton (Danger Mouse from Gnarls Barkly) and James Mercer (Shins front man) team up to make the coolest record so far this year... sorry Ke$ha. Listen to the entire album on NPR.

Our trip to Mexico

As you all (probably) know, Ben brought me to Mexico. We vacationed on Isla Mujeres, and Daniel and Zion stayed with my parents. Although we were worried that we would have a hard time enjoying ourselves because we would miss the boys too much, I am pleased to report that, although we did miss them, it did not in any way prevent us from having a wonderful trip! It was kind of a birthday-Christmas-Valentine's Day present all wrapped up in one. I have yet to see whether it also encompassed our five-year anniversary, which is coming up in May. Ben worked very hard freelance designing a website, and that paid for our trip. Thank you, Ben!

Believe it or not, I had never been to Mexico before. Ben was pleased to give me another stamp in my passport. It's kind of embarrassing to me--I've been to Africa three times and visited six different countries on that continent, but I had never visited our neighbor Mexico (I've also never seen the Pacific Ocean--don't tell).

A summary of our trip: we almost missed our flight out of Indianapolis (after keeping us waiting over an hour at the front desk, they called ahead and we got to the gate at 1:21pm--the flight was supposed to leave at 1:20) We spent the first night in Cancún and caught the ferry over to Isla Mujeres in the morning. We spent the next five nights in Los Arcos, a little hotel in the center of the tourist-y area of Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres is a skinny island that is only about 5 miles long and half a mile wide. We inadvertently planned our trip for the duration of "Carnaval", the week leading up to Mardi Gras. This meant that every time we tried to go anywhere we were treated (whether we wanted it or not) to dances, mostly performed in the middle of streets by groups of ten to fifteen scantily-clad overweight and past-their-prime women. It was special, as my family would say. We arrived on the day "Carnaval" began, and left the day it ended. Oops.

We took lots of long walks. We had blisters on our feet by the time we came home. The second day we walked seven miles. We walked to a Sea Turtle Farm and back. I enjoyed it. Ben did not. We especially enjoyed walking along the east side of the island because it was always completely deserted. You can't swim on the west side of the island, so I guess that's why no one went over there.

We went snorkeling and saw all sorts of fish. Here are some pictures interspersed of the ones I remember seeing. I'll bet you'd never guess what the middle one right here is called--that's right, donkey dung. I was scared of the barracuda and the urchin. The rest were pretty cool, especially the one at the very top. The squids were pretty cool too, because we could watch them change colors to blend in to their surroundings as they swam over different surfaces.

We ate lots of delicious food--Mexican food, sea food, Cuban food. Yum. We also discovered our new favorite drink--mojitos. Thanks for the tip, Katie.

We stood on the southeastern tip of the island, which is the easternmost point in Mexico. The morning we left, we got up early and watched the sun rise on the east side of the island.

On the way home, our flight got delayed in Cancun, so we had to take a later flight out of Chicago. We didn't get home until 2am, though we should have been home by 11:30. American Airlines sucked, but the rest of the trip was great.

Tune in next time to hear how Daniel and Zion kept us busy for the next few days.