“No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart.”

–F. SCOTT FITZGERALD, The Great Gatsby

Those that know me, even just a wee bit, know that my love for Leonardo DiCaprio runs deep. Ah yes. In 1991 when Luke Brower moved into the Seaver’s house, I took one look at him and my 5 year old brain thought “SCHWING!” I was a goner. However, when he was Romeo, that was it. Sign, sealed, delivered, I’m yours, baby! (I won’t even merge into Jack Dawson territory.)

Now, those that know me a little more than a wee bit, know my love for Mr. F. Scott Fitzgerald, or, whom I refer to most as “Fitzy,” is a grand love. Now, when you combine my favorite author, and my favorite actor, do you know what happens? Nothing. Because I can’t stop watching the new trailer for Gatsby (you can watch and obsess over it here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10102190100003856&set=vb.198997176809372&type=2&theater) to let anything happen.

Okay, I have to say this: Brett Wasser, I will love you til the day I die. You will forever be my always and you have made my life nothing but pure win. I love you more than Leo and Fitzy. Combined. And then trippled and multiplied and combined again.

I just couldn’t have my greatest love feeling shadowed by my minion loves. :]

Alright, alright. GUESS WHAT I DID THIS MORNING!!! I was graced by the presence of my dear friends, Sarah and Nolan, and their two rugrats, Caleb and Elizabeth. And yes, there was a photo session involved :] Take a peek:

I have had the honor of photographing these two for the past year, love seeing how much they grow!

And now ladies and gents, it’s time for me to pop in “Sleepless in Seattle” and do some packing. I’m packing up the munchkins and the mutt and heading up north tomorrow :]

xoxo

]]> http://lelaine001ragers27s.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/minimal-lounge-brett-knacksen-hurricane-einsiedler-remix/ Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:41:30 +0000 lelaine001ragers27s http://lelaine001ragers27s.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/minimal-lounge-brett-knacksen-hurricane-einsiedler-remix/

vj clip i made music: Minimal Lounge, Brett Knacksen – Hurricane (Einsiedler Remix) http://www.beatport.com/track/hurricane-einsiedler-remix/2052920 original…

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Charles Jefferson has written a wonderful book on the nature of the minister’s role and the shepherding model set forth by Scripture. The fundamental question that Jefferson tends to follow is; what is the role of the pastor? Interestingly, many in Christian circles would answer that question in a variety of ways. Perhaps, this is largely because we are more influenced by culture and society than we are the teachings of Scripture. A Christian worldview begins with sound biblical teaching. Pastoral leaders are to model the Great Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ. This model is found only in Scripture. Jefferson discusses the term shepherd and how the metaphor of a shepherd is used in Scripture to refer to the caring of His people. This review will summarize Jefferson’s book, The Minister as Shepherd, and provide some practical application for one serving in pastoral ministry.

            Summary: “The Shepherd Idea in Scripture and History” is the title of the first chapter. Jefferson discusses various titles used to refer to pastors such as; bishop, presbyter, preacher, priest, clergyman, rector, parson, and minister. But, Jefferson argues that none of these titles capture the essence of the pastor like the title of shepherd. He says, “Of all the titles which have been chosen for the envoys of the Son of God, that of shepherd is the most popular, the most beautiful, and the most ample,” (p. 7, italics mine). The basis of his argument comes from Scripture in that pastors are to be like Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd (p. 11). Jefferson goes on to say, “Jesus never called Himself a priest, or a preacher, or a rector, or a clergyman, or a bishop, or an elder, but He liked to think of Himself as a shepherd,” (pp. 11, 13). Jefferson points out, “If the aim of our life is to be Christlike, then we must be like a shepherd.” What does it mean to be like a shepherd?

Scripture uses the shepherd metaphor to sufficiently answer the preceding question. Jefferson highlights the characteristics of a shepherd and how it should resonate in the life of a minister. Historically, the keeper of sheep was a prominent theme in Hebrew history (p. 11). It was a common sight to see a shepherd tending his flock on the mountainside. But, there was a problem. Shepherds were not favored in society. They were known for failing to feed their flock, failing to safely lead them, and failing to save them from danger (p. 12). But, One would come who would faithfully fulfill the role of shepherd. He would be known as the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, who would lay down His life for His sheep (cf. John 10:11). Shepherding is a heart-matter of sympathy, humility, prayer, and self-sacrifice (p. 19).

“The Shepherd’s Work” is the title of the second chapter. Jefferson discusses seven kinds of work from a biblical and historical perspective. First, the minister as shepherd is like a watchman constantly searching for possible danger and enemies (p. 35). He must be alert and ready because the enemy is always nearby. Second, the minister as shepherd is a guard against potential threats to the flock, (p. 38). Sheep are defenseless and in constant need of protection. Third, the minister as shepherd is to be a guide who carefully leads the flock (cf. Ps. 23), (p. 40). Fourth, the minister as shepherd is to be a physician in caring for the spiritual and physical well-being of the sheep, (p. 43). Fifth, the minister as shepherd is a savior in that he seeks to rescue those who are straying from the fold and those who are lost, (p. 46). Sixth, the minister as shepherd is to feed the flock with the Word of God. Jefferson says, “He does not feed his people is considered to be among the most damning of accusations which can be brought against the pastor of a church,” (p. 51, italics mine). Seventh, the minister as shepherd is to love the flock even to the point of laying down his own life for their sake, (p. 55).

“The Shepherd’s Opportunity” is the title of the third chapter. Jefferson discusses the blessed privileges of serving God’s people. There are many who argue that the day of the pastor-shepherd is past, but Jefferson says, “The age of the shepherd has just arrived. Never has he been so much needed as now. Never before have there been so many important things for him to do,” (p. 59). Jefferson builds a convincing argument that society is not looking for another brilliant communicator, but someone with conviction who actually lives what he believes. Society is looking for someone who values human life and genuinely cares and loves others. Jesus told His disciples that they would be known as His followers by their love (cf. John 17:26).

“The Shepherd’s Temptations” is the title of the fourth chapter. Jefferson issues a word of caution to those serving in ministry against two specific temptations; covetousness and ambition. “Christian history makes it clear that these are the cardinal sins which ever lie like crouching beasts at the shepherd’s door,” (p. 85). The constant temptation of success and prosperity looms over the shoulder of every leader. While these are not unworthy desires, they can be destructive against the heart of the shepherd. Several passages of Scripture that every minister should constantly commit to study and meditation include; Matthew 18, Matthew 23, and John 13.

The fifth and final chapter is entitled “The Shepherd’s Reward.” Jefferson closes his book by offering words of encouragement that serve as rewards for the minister to press on and persevere in the faith. The first reward is that he is to be loved by his people. “If love is the best thing in the world, then the faithful pastor gets more of the earth’s richest treasure than any other man,” (p. 113). The second reward is that he receives gratification from helping others, (p. 116). The third reward is greater power in the pulpit that comes from being a positive influence in the lives of people, (p. 117-18). Finally, “Everlasting fellowship with Jesus Christ and unending participation in His glory,” is the most fulfilling reward, (p. 140). While ministry is constantly challenging, there is nothing greater than the Father rewarding His faithful servants. The ultimate reward is the enjoyment of His presence forever.

Shepherding begins in the heart. This is one of the greatest truths that I have taken from Jefferson’s book, The Minister as Shepherd. The pastor cannot effectively minister to his flock if the condition of his heart is not softened with love, humility, and self-sacrifice. These attributes flow out of a heart that is submitted to the Father. Conversely, a heart that is proud and fueled by covetousness and misguided ambition will fail the sheep every time. When a pastor is more concerned about the disparity of his salary and that of a fellow pastor, there is danger looming. When a pastor is more concerned about the size of the growing church up the street than he is the spiritual apathy within his own congregation, there is danger looming. An effective watchman, guard, guide, physician, savior, and feeder of the sheep, is presupposed upon one who sacrificially loves the sheep. A pastor cannot be effective apart from loving his people.

Shepherding requires feeding. It is sobering to ponder the truth that I am called to feed the flock that God has entrusted to my care. Considering the shepherd metaphor, sheep are unable to feed and water themselves. They require constant supervision and care. The truth is that the flock can only be fed in one way – the teaching of the Word of God. How I handle God’s Word is going to determine the spiritual depth of my people. Therefore, I must be committed to faithful exposition of Scripture that honors Christ and honors His Word. But, just as Jefferson issues a word of caution in this area, I must also take note. Spending the necessary time in the study must be balanced with being involved in the lives of people. “The pastor must live with the people, think with their mind, feel with their heart, see with their eyes, hear with their ears, suffer with their spirit,” (p. 67). This requires time; it requires sacrifice.

I agree with Warren Wiersbe’s comments on the back cover, “This book is one of perhaps a dozen in my library that I try to read again each year. It does my heart good!” It will be a common practice from time to time throughout my ministry to pull this book from the shelf and read a chapter or two. The truths are simple, but amazingly profound. We have a Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, and He has commissioned ministers to shepherd His flock. What a daunting responsibility, yet a blessed privilege.

Book Review by: Brett W. Marlowe

Watch the video here: The Sims 3 University Life: Brett- Part 1: Making of Brett!

For the Sims 3 University Life, because of the different social groups and my inability to look after more than 1 sim at a time, I have decided to make each character their own series. The series will include Brett, the jock, Sophia, the nerd and another male character who will be a rebel. For my next series (when Island Paradise or another world comes out on the Sims 3 store), I will possibly have 2 family members who are together but that’s not going to happen for another while!

Please like and subscribe for more videos!

Thanks simmers!

and yet, i found myself enjoying the pale blue wind-rippled ocean outside my window. i got this sense of calm waking up to the drizzle against the screen, a familiar feeling i couldn’t put my finger on. took me a breakfast of champions (and by that i mean chocolate chip pancakes topped with fresh strawberries and slices of bananas) to finally figure it out.

boarding school. my mind relishes at the memories of a couple dozen teenagers sleeping in till 11 am on a sunday, then hurriedly dressing to make it to the dining hall for made-to-order omelets and waffle stations before kitchen closes at noon. specially in the spring, when the snow covered lawns melt away under new jersey rain, there is truly a muted gloomy (and yet so comforting in some ways) chill that wraps around you as you run down the red brick paths trying to avoid the puddles and make it to brunch in one piece.

and then its one glorious feast.

piping hot coffee, hash browns, sausages, orange juice, fresh waffles, made-to-order omelets filled with sharp cheddar cheese tomatoes peppers ham…you name it…most of us ticked off every ingredient they had on the list. and then we would all make our way to tables with chairs that scrapped and echoed when you pulled them out. then we’d slowly eat our way through overwhelming trays of food over the next hour. that’s what this easter weekend morning felt like.

pancakes + sherlock = one fucking awesome morning

i purchased an AEROSKULL yesterday and took the gloomy day to test out its true potentials, which, i can happily say, does not disappoint. i think i neglected to mention my whole family is out of town. obviously I let the whole house fill with the sound of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman‘s  witty banter.  completely and without fail, fulfilling. the script is full of clever lines (which, if anyone will tell you, is incredibly rare now, what with production companies preferring cgi effects to make up for poor movie scripts because it brings in the big bucks) and the camera direction is sublime: if there’s one episode you need to see, its season 2 episode 1. All the right slow motions capturing 1-2-3 step by step gunfights, and close ups just long enough to see sherlock’s eye twinkle or the sexy mesmerizing smirk of Laura Pulver‘s Irene Adler. Best Irene Adler I’ve seen so far, and I can say that with confidence, having watched Jeremy Brett‘s Sherlock Holmes (1984), Robert Downey Jr.‘s Sherlock Holmes (2009), among others. they all pale in comparison. Without exaggerating, that episode left me speechless and starring at my television as credits started to roll, wondering

please, tell me there is more…

my point being. i spent my easter saturday having homemade chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast (more like dinner actually) while watching excellent and stimulating television, and listening to music from my boarding school days - smashing pumpkins, rolling stones, and billy joel to name a few.

welcome to my blog. welcome to the deepest darkest depths of my sleepless mind. my parting words of wisdom today?

“Bill, I believe this is killing me”. speculate this.

Thursday:

via

Work was very chill and went by fairly quickly. Partly because after lunch I was in a meeting for 2 1/2 hours.

I hauled ass to Amanda’s house which was a 45 minute drive and we got to catch up while she got ready. We got our food from a fake Chinese place. When I say fake, I mean … not authentic.

via

Then drove to Bingo in the Heights. Traffic was horrible along with the people driving. When we finally got there we met up with Cate and her friend. We couldn’t get into bingo because three different parties were saving seats (~30 each). Not fair. I don’t think that’s nice. So we left and ate our food in the park.

I’ve never had a real picnic. I talked to Jared about this today and he agrees there has to be a blanket on the floor type deal. So anway, we ate at the picnic tables and decided to see a movie. The Call.

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Best movie ever. But now makes me paranoid everywhere I go. Go watch it. It’ll make you jump out of your seat … like me … and almost smacking your friend in the face while jumping.

We said our goodbyes to Cate, went over to Brent’s (Amanda’s BF’s apartment) and waited for him to get ready and then we headed to Wild West. They met some Canadian’s the day before and agreed to meet there again soooo let’s just say my liver is shot. Free drinks all night.

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Friday:

I literally got 4 hours of sleep. Last night I didn’t sleep for 24 hours sooo you know how tired I was today. But I had plans.

Went to Top Golf with Sissy, Brett, and Brett’s little sister and bf. They were in town visiting. Their first time in Houston. I had fun with them. They were super chill. Got 2nd on the two games we played. Love it. I bid my farewell as they headed to Alamo Drafthouse.

Came home and took Mum to lunch. Had THE best burger in forever. Medium Rare burger. YUM! So juicy. I want you again in a few months please.

Samantha came into my side of town and we shopped and ended up at Ulta for a good 1 1/2. I got my eyebrows and lip waxed. First time ever and so proud I took the plunge. I am always afraid they would mess it up and a chunk will go missing. I feel like a lady now.

Had dinner with Samantha and Jared at Chuy’s. We were there for a while just talking and eating and it was fun. I am always afraid to integrate my friends only because it didn’t work out well in the past. But it seems this time around, it worked and I am thankful.

We bid our farewells to Jared and went to Bingo. So happy I finally got to play after the fail the night before. We didn’t win anything but it was fun nonetheless. It’s always amazing to have one on one with Samantha. Yay for being single …

Hope you all have a great weekend. I cannot wait to just veg.

Sometimes it’s easy to think the worst of Washington DC. And by that I mean the most mundane: gray buildings, stuffy politics, ill-fitting pantsuits. But one of my favorite things about this city is that, when you look a bit closer, there’s a wealth of really interesting, creative people doing some really cool stuff—and it has nothing to do with what’s going on over on Capital Hill. You just have to look for it. While cities like New York and London and LA are greedy for attention, loudly asserting their presence, DC gets to just quietly harbor its talent in neighborhood pockets.

After going to a couple really great shows in the past few weeks, I set out to compile a list of the best local DC music. With each name added, I grew more and more energized and not just because I can recognize some places and faces and street corners in the music videos. But because these musicians are also just really good. From Shark Week’s grungy surf pop to GEM’s hauntingly dreamy synth to Uno Hype’s perfect combination of steady rap and sampled indie—the music being made in DC right now covers a wide array of genre, melding and sampling diverse influences. And it does so with such casual confidence that it’s just hard not to get excited for what’s yet to come.

U.S. Royalty // Equestrian 

GEMS // Pegasus

The Silver Liners // Cheer Up Alex 

Uno Hype // We Were Kings ft. Hassani Kwess 

Typefighter // Happy 

Drop Electric // Empire Trashed 

Brett // Rap Songs 

Shark Week // Baby Maybe 

The North Country // You Can Never Go Home 

Ugly Purple Sweater // DC USA  

Dance for the Dying // Mannequin 

Check back tomorrow for more local music! And, in the meantime, check out our Calendar for upcoming shows!

The Jam Jar, a brand new feature we’ll be rolling out every Wednesday going forward. The concept is pretty straightforward, each week we’ll add a new collection of indie-dance, house, and nu-disco style jams to the jar – the kind of tunes that carry you off into sun-filled daydreams, that are packed full of funky beats and deep basslines, and that most importantly make your day a more enjoyable one.

It’s our favorite part of the week again, and there are some especially tasty treats coming your way this time around. This week’s edition of The Jam Jar brings you a handful of party-starting, dance-inducing tunes, with a nice mix of indie-dance, deep house, and nu disco. Hear tracks from the tried and true Plastic Plates and Clancy, to the fresh sounds of L’Etoile and young guns Solidisco. Scoop all of these gems up below and have a great rest of the week everybody!

Clancy – All Just In My Mind

DOWNLOAD

Para One – Every Little Thing (feat. Irfane & Teki Latex) (Plastic Plates Remix)

DOWNLOAD

The Strokes – Happy Ending (Erol Sabadosh Remix)

DOWNLOAD

Brett – Rap Songs (Caleb L’Etoile Remix)

DOWNLOAD

Solidisco – Never Let You Go

DOWNLOAD

Bicep & Ejeca – You (EJECA’S Piano Version)

DOWNLOAD

James Blake – Retrograde (Finn Pilly Edit)

DOWNLOAD

Little Daylight – Overdose (Tippy Toes Remix)

DOWNLOAD

Swiss Lips – U Got The Power (Silverclub Remix)

DOWNLOAD

Goose – Real (Moonlight Matters Remix)

DOWNLOAD

Related –

THE JAM JAR – 003 | THE JAM JAR – 002 | THE JAM JAR – 001

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I do not think words can describe the respect that I have for this group. Meandering about the Midwest, playing small shows for the past three years, this group still has not found the recognition it deserves. A last minute scratch from the line-up at Bonnaroo a few years back, it pains me for such talented artists to go unnoticed.
As a grassroots folk band, they have found small success as a local band in and around their home state of Michigan. Their sound is as heartfelt as their antics (check out their home-made music video for “Orion Town 3″). Grab a cup of coffee, a cigarette, sit in your rocking chair and feel yourself slip away to the Midwest on the sounds of their harmonic banjo play.

The Blow, a lo-fi project of visual artist Mikhaela Yvonne Maricich, hails from Brooklyn, New York. This song, “True Affection,” is what originally brought The Blow to my attention. Mixing electronica sounds with love ballads that will make you smile, I would put The Blow on almost any playlist. Listen closely to the background beat throughout the song. Think back to 2006 and play name that tune.

Selv om jeg tok et svømmekurs der jeg lærte flere ulike svømmearter for rundt 20 år siden, er det sånn at jeg i dag kun husker én: nemlig bryst. Det å bevege seg i vannet er stort sett helt smertefritt (halleluja!), med unntak av når jeg tar froskespark; disse sparkene man bruker når man svømmer nettopp bryst. Jeg har derfor svømt en slags mellomting mellom bryst og crawl, der jeg tar brystarmtak og padler med bena. Når jeg svømmer på denne måten, ser jeg ut som et barn som nettopp har lært å svømme: hodet lavt i vannet med kun ansiktet opp, og det ser ut som om jeg kjemper for å ha munn, øyne og nese over vann (noe jeg forsåvidt gjør). Det går ulidelig sakte, og jeg, som egentlig alltid har vært trygg i vannet, kan av og til kjenne en panikk for å ikke klare å komme meg til kanten. Jeg har derfor skaffet meg noen gadgets som gjør at jeg kommer litt fortere fram i vannet, noe som hjelper på både mestringsfølelse og motivasjon.

Svømmeføtter: jeg var på Hawaii for kort tid siden, og fant til min store overraskelse og glede ut under snorkling at jeg kunne bevege meg ganske normalt i vannet med svømmeføtter på beina. Ettersom jeg vil bære så lite som mulig til og fra badet, og dessuten ikke vil oppta mer plass i bassenget enn nødvendig, har jeg skaffet meg noen korte svømmeføtter. Jeg har kun prøvd de en gang hittil, men de var virkelig helt fantastiske. Jeg kunne bevege meg raskere og følte meg mye tryggere i vannet. Spesielt bra var de å bruke sammen med:

Alle de kule kidsa har det; du vet du vil ha.

Kickboard: flytende brett som jeg bruker for å lettere holde hode/overkropp over vann. Jeg har foreløpig kun brukt det sammen med svømmeføttene, men dette var en uslåelig combo. Jeg kunne faktisk svømme mange lengder etter hverandre, og stoppet ikke før jeg brått kjente smerter i både haleben og symfysen. Dette var etter ca 20 minutter intens padling, og jeg kjente ikke noe mer til det da jeg raskt ga meg med svømmeøkten. Jeg bestilte svømmeutstyret fra klubben.no, og anbefaler det på det sterkeste! Rask levering. Jeg bestilte også:

Aquafitness belte, eller vannjoggebelte som noen kaller det. Foreløpig har jeg bare såvidt prøvd dette litt i vannet. På dypt vann gjør dette beltet at man ikke kommer nær bassenggulvet, og man kan ta en liten joggetur på stedet. Man kan også gjøre ulike øvelser, jeg fant noen ved å google “aquajogging”, men disse har jeg ikke prøvd ennå.

Nesten like kult som svømmeegg.

Russian River Brewing Co. makes some of my favorite sour ales

It took me quite some time to acquire a real taste for sour beer, but now that I have one, sour beers are pretty much all I want to drink—except for IPAs; I still love my hops. (Check out my lists of sour ales and Flemish red/brown ales for details on my favorite sours.)

In my quest to try every sour beer I can get my mitts on, I’ve encountered quite a few “wild ales,” some of which were sour and many that were not. I also read the word “Brettanomyces” or “Brett” a lot. Brett is a wild yeast strain used in many wild and sour ales.

At first, I assumed that sour beers and wild ales were one in the same, but after tasting many wild ales with Brett that were not at all sour, I did some research to determine the difference between the two.

First of all, there are no concrete definitions of sour beer and wild beer. But here’s what The Oxford Companion to Beer says on the subject:

“The development, largely by American craft brewers, of entirely new categories of beer [that use wild yeast and/or bacteria] during the past decade, has resulted in the need for a new nomenclature to describe them. This nomenclature is surely unsettled, but the two terms in general use are ‘sour beer’ and ‘wild beer.’ ‘Wild beer’ is generally used to describe any beer that displays earthy characteristics of Brettanomyces yeast strains, regardless of whether the beer is a light golden ale or a strong dark stout. If the brewer adds acidifying bacteria to the beer, it is termed a ‘sour beer.’ If both Brettanomyces character and bacterial acidity are in evidence, then the beer is generally deemed to fit both categories.”

So, to sum that up. Beers with funky, Brett character but no acidity from added bacteria are commonly referred to as “wild ales,” and they are not necessarily sour. If a brewer opts to add bacteria to a beer made with wild yeast the beer will take on an acidic, sour flavor. These beers are called sour beers. Wild ales can be sour, but not all of them are. The difference between the two is the addition of bacteria during the barrel aging process—the two most common bacteria used in the process are Lactobacillus and Pediococcus.

There you have it, wild beers are not necessarily sour beers; some just taste “funky” due to the wild yeast used during fermentation. And many sour beers, but not all, can be called wild, because they use wild yeast, as well.

UBN

I keep calling out for inspiration but nothing answers back… The only song I can hear is Wild Horses… Over… and over & over and worse I know I’m just being lotioned up for Bill so he can sew my skin into a photographer suit and dance around my place.

Its been a long time since I’ve been back home to Indiana. I can’t help but think thats playing a role in my slump of creativity. I literally don’t feel like photographing anything.

Heres to hoping that the light at the end of this tunnel of no photos will decide to turn the fuck on soon… In the meantime I’d love any advice those of you out there might have for me.

How have you dealt with a lull in your on creativity, regardless of field?

Take care,
-Brett

• Sport: Football
• Great for any Brett Basanez fan
• Great for any Carolina Panthers fan
• This is a collectible trading card.

2006 Bowman Chrome #93 – Brett Basanez RC (Rookie Card)