Race In 2 Days

Trying to prepare myself mentally but I'm so psyched about this race. Should be a good one.

Best Store Front Ever

Coolest Store Entrance of All-Time

Getting Ready for the 10K - 5.5 Miler

Addiction!

Tuesday and Thursday lunches are turning out to be better than I thought...

REVIEW: Three Cups of Tea

I just wrapped up my expedition in recent American literature on Pakistan and Afghanistan with Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Relin.

Following Kite Runner, I didn't think it would be as possible to be as motivate as I was after reading that book. But Mortenson and Relin's book definitely did something inside of me that won't quite let go.

Mortenson's story from failure to helping others move past their own failures should be something that resonates within every human being - no matter race, geographical location, or belief.

After failing to climb K2, Mortenson stumbled upon the small village of Korphe, Pakistan on accident and the generosity that the village showed him was enough to drastically change the country of Pakistan forever.


In opposition to the corruption with certain Islamic maddrassas, the Taliban, and unresponsive governments, Mortenson looked into the hearts of Pakistani children and adults and realized that they are just as much family as any American back in the United States.

The realization that the education of children, particularly young girls, could not only help prevent wars and opposition in the Middle East but could also inspire thousands upon thousands of formerly labored children to reach for the betterment of their own people.

BUT STILL... the most astonishing thing is that ITS ALL TRUE!!

Mortenson is a real American who had nothing at all - no special skill at communication, no money, no backers, no business training, etc.

Promises seem to be the one thing to constantly inspired and motivated Mortenson to continue what he was/is doing in the face of opposition. You see the constant fulfillment of promises throughout the book and it makes one wonder how shallow personal/meaningless promises can look in our eyes.

Here's my promise... to write a review about the book, BUT TO DO MORE THAN JUST THAT... to redirect people to reading the book and to look in the CAI (Central Asia Institute) and how they can get involved in helping promote peace through education and relationships.

So here's some links to website where you can find out more information:

1. Read the Book: Three Cups of Tea (7% of the purchase will go to fund girls' education scholarship fund in Pakistan and Afghanistan)

2. Visit the website: www.threecupsoftea.com

3. Tell someone else to read the book

4. Write a review for Amazon.com

4. Pennies for Peace

5. Central Asia Institute

The History of the Internet

Star Wars: Retold (By Someone Who Hasn't Seen It Before!)

Star Wars: Retold (by someone who hasn't seen it) from Joe Nicolosi on Vimeo.

Get Your Boots On (U2)

March 3 is approaching... are you ready?

U2's newest album, No Line On the Horizon, is coming out in the U.S.

I have to say that waiting 4 years seems like an eternity, especially from a band that we're used to hearing new songs appear 'on the horizon' (no pun intended) every 6 months or so.

If you haven't checked it out yet, be sure to stop by U2.com and check out all the available options for purchasing the album.

I'm extremely interested in seeing how the North African musical influences will make their way into the new songs. With all of the work that Bono and Edge did in Africa, including the In the Name of Love tribute to U2 from Africa, surely some new rhythmic gesture will seep into the melodics of U2.

I had the chance to watch the We Are One celebration on the Lincoln Memorial where U2 played last night, and I must say that Bono sounds as if he is improving his voice a little bit. The past couple of years he has strained his voice so much that many die-hard fans cried out for a little rest. 'Pride (In The Name of Love)' and 'City of Blinding Lights' were the perfect song choice for the celebration (and not purely because Barack Obama chose the second song to walk out to when it was announced he would be the next President of the United States).

Either way, when U2 comes to the U.S. to promote the new album and to go on tour, you can bet that I will be trying as hard as possible to make it to the nearest city in order to see them on tour.

Also, if you get a chance, be sure to listen to or download the first single, Get On Your Boots.

A Salute and Farewell to President Bush

In the rising tide of President-Elect Barack Obama, I think it is interesting how many people forget about the current President who still occupies the White House for a few more days.

No matter what your political ties/opinions, you have to admit that it is a powerful thing to see one President leave office and another step in.

Last night was the last Presidential tradition/address for George W. Bush. For all of you who missed the address, here is a copy of the video:

Chris Thile: It's All One Thing

One of my favorite musicians and mandolin extroidonaire, Chris Thile, is coming to Baton Rouge in a few weeks to give a performance with his newest group of musicians, Punch Brothers.

I purchased tickets just yesterday for the event and cannot wait to see Thile in a professional setting (unlike his usual bar room/club/pub antics).

I truly believe that Chris is one of the most creative and gifted artists alive today.

For proof: you should listen to the 4 part movement to The Blind Leaving the Blind on the Punch Brothers' most recent album.

If you are still wondering who in the world Chris Thile is, maybe the name Nickel Creek might ring a bell OR How to Grow a Woman from the Ground.

Here is a copy of an interview that he recently did with NewMusicBox. He spares a few seconds to explain his creativity and reasoning behind it. But honestly, I would have to say that if you want to really get at the heart of how Chris Thile feels, you have to listen to his music. Give it a try. I promise you will not regret it.

He might even become one of your favorite musicians also...




danieldumas

Go Outside

Go outside
And praise the God who mapped the stars out in the sky
Gather ‘round with those who love and sing
He is our King

No one should be left out
No one should be left out
No one should be left out
No one should be left out
If you have air to breathe
Hear your call to sing


Lyrics by Robbie Seay Band



danieldumas

What Would Jesus Do?

Canon PowerShot SD880 IS Elph

So I purchased a new digital camera today because my Sony Cyber-Shot T9 went down right before Christmas for some reason.

I really like this new one. Very customizable and yet compact.

The Macro setting is pretty amazing too.

Here are some pics below...




danieldumas

World Vision targets 50,000 people with emergency assistance

***Article taken from the World Vision Press Releases website.***

Children suffering severe psychological distress according to recent World Vision report

January 1, 2009— International humanitarian organization World Vision has launched an appeal for US $1 million to provide emergency assistance to 50,000 of the most affected people in Gaza.

As soon as the situation in Gaza permits, World Vision plans to provide food parcels, blankets and other basic supplies to the most vulnerable families—particularly those who have fled their homes seeking sanctuary from the shelling.

“Our priority now is to assist those who are living in intolerable conditions with limited access to food, water or medical facilities,” said Charles Clayton, World Vision’s national director for Jerusalem-West Bank-Gaza. “Eighty percent of the people in Gaza are already dependent on food aid, and even those who had relied on a meager daily income now find that it is no longer available,” added Clayton.

At a later stage, World Vision will develop cash or food for work activities, to help families provide for basics like medication, food, water and household supplies.

Additionally, World Vision issued a report highlighting disturbing findings of a baseline survey conducted in the Beit Lahya community in North Gaza on December 18.

Significant findings include:


· More than 33 percent of families in Beit Lahya have 10 or more family members and live in extreme poverty. They rely on coupons for food and cannot afford to adequately clothe and educate their children.


· Among children, bedwetting and nightmares featured heavily in focus group findings—both linked with fear and anxiety as a result of the ongoing conflict. "Most children with nightmares experience lack of concentration and attention deficit disorders," shared a teacher in a focus group session.


· While nearly every household in Beit Lahya has access to water, the quality is so poor that 95 percent of households have to buy their drinking water. Many children are affected by parasites and diarrhea, which is adequately treated in only 24 percent of cases.

World Vision staff in Gaza noted that after six days of bombing, the number of children showing signs of trauma is rapidly increasing. With shelling going on hourly and randomly, World Vision’s activities in the Gaza strip have come to a halt. Staff are checking daily on the wellbeing and safety of 1,500 children and their families who are part of the organization’s regular aid activities and support.

World Vision continues to advocate for a complete cessation of violence, and for all parties to respect International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention.


World Vision staff are available for interview. Please contact Casey Calamusa at 206.310.5476 or CCalamus@worldvision.org.

END

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

Gaza Situation

Obviously the war between Hamas in Gaza and the State of Israel has been on everyone's mind lately.

On the verge of battlefield warfare, I read a few articles about the situation:

Associated Press
CNN
MSNBC
SearchMe

I have been running the different thoughts through my mind about war and how Christians/humans should respond to it.

Interestingly enough, I also just finished The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. It speaks a lot of the effects of waring factions in the Middle-East in an indirect way. It speaks of how war changes cultures and lifestyles forever. How it makes one neglect promises. How it __________________ (you fill in the blank with pretty much any negative consequence).

Lactantius (c. 304-313, W) says this:

If only God were worshipped, there would not be dissensions and wars. For men would know that they are the sons of one God.

danieldumas

Spotify

Sometimes I just don't understand why some things are available in some countries and not others.

This is a new music service that I would really love to get my hands on a support, but it isn't available in the US yet.

I love the idea of supporting the music industry legally while also providing lots of albums and tracks to music lovers everywhere.

I know that I'll be one of the first to download the service when it first becomes available.

Spotify