unobjective intelligence

I've Moved

2008-06-14T02:59:00.006-04:00

If you access this site directly by visiting http://wfyoung3.blogspot.com, please update your bookmarks/readers to point to: www.willyoungband.com

Check out the new and WAY improved Unobjective Intelligence @ willyoungband.com

Thank you!

Information about the Florida Outpouring

2008-06-10T12:50:00.002-04:00

Kenny has been for the last several weeks doing some extensive research on the origins of this "new" revival taking place in Lakeland that has been named The Florida Outpouring.

He has posted Part One of a 4 part series that will put in as simple of terms possible the origins, the people behind, as well as some other interesting information as it relates to the Florida Outpouring. His research has been exhaustive, and everything he is writing is completely factual. PLEASE NOTE: His series is not an opinion piece, it is strictly factual information that he is passing along so that you may be better informed of what this "revival" really is all about.

Welcome to Seffner/Mango.

2008-06-04T09:28:00.001-04:00

I grew up in a town right outside of Tampa, called Mango which for the most part blends in with Seffner.Most folks in the Tampa area stereotype individuals who live north of Martin Luther King Junior BLVD, and east of US Highway 301 and west of Parsons Avenue (which encompasses the Seffner/Mango area) as predominately, white, low to mid class, trailer trash and/or rednecks. Having grown up in the area, I can safely say that for the most part their stereotypes are not all that far off. However, as of the last 4 or 5 years Seffner has worked diligently on building subdivisions and housing areas to attract a more affluent citizen base and has done a fairly decent job of doing so, however that's mostly in the Seffner that is east of Parsons Avenue.

I moved to Saint Petersburg, Florida after my freshman year of high school, and have primarily called it home since then, with the exception of the 3 years I lived in Lakeland. Much to my surprise, Kenny purchased a mobile home in the Seffner/Mango area in November of last year, right around the same time I moved back in with my parents in Saint Petersburg. (If you know Kenny at all, you know why I was surprised) Long story short, at the beginning of March, of this year I moved back in with Kenny, in Seffner/Mango, and have no intention of ever moving anywhere else. This area is, has been, and will probably always be my community. Having spent the majority of my life in this area it has been a lot easier for me to adjust, then I believe it has for Kenny.

I say all that to say this. In the coming days, and weeks Seffner/Mango will probably be the center of a national media 3 ring circus. I hope it doesn't get that way, but I know better. Recently The Sons of Confederate Veterans purchased land in Seffner/Mango on the corner of US Highway 92 (the main thruway) and Interstate 75. They are in the process of converting the land in to a civil war memorial park, an idea that I stand completely for, as I think a park in this area, Civil War Memorial or not is MUCH needed. (Coincidently the area where this park is is exactly 3 minutes from my home) The centerpiece of this park is a 30 by 50 foot Confederate Flag perched upon a 139 foot flag pole. Making it practically impossible to miss it when you are traveling on Interstate 75 through this portion of Florida. You can read more about the park, the flag, the controversy and more by going here, here, here, here and here.

The flag as viewed from the air: (Photo Courtesy of Creative Loafing:Tampa Bay

While, I can tell you that I have done a decent amount of research on this flag and it's meaning and have no problem with it, I can also see the sensitivity of the situation given the fact that over the years this flag has been grossly misused, similar to the swastika. Unfortunately when idiots get it in their head to make something into something it's not, they often succeed thus changing history forever.
I'm not at all pleased with having this flag flying in this particular area, not because of the controversy, or the flag itself, but because in the eyes of many it solidifies a stereotype, that while currently true, I would like to think can be overcome. This is about 20 giant steps backwards in the beautification and revitalization of this community and I am not very happy about that. HOWEVER, the flying of this massive flag over Interstate 75 is no different then the religious organization that places the giant crosses along the interstates across the country.

We can not tell people what they can do with private property. We don't have to like what they do with their property, but as long as they are following all the zoning requirements for their property we can't do anything about it. For instance, folks are arguing that the owner of airstream ranch, a roadside "art exhbit" along interstate 4 in the Dover area here in Florida should remove the massive rv's he has planted in the ground. They say that he is violating the zoning for the land, because he's using it as an advertisement. Knowing the gentleman who owns the land, and his gimmicks in the past, I feel it is fairly safe to say that he is. I absolutely detest this display and hope that he is forced to remove it. HOWEVER, if he proves that he's not violating any zoning rules, then I'll have to accept it, just like I am accepting the fact that the owners of the Civil War Memorial park are not doing anything wrong.

I believe whole-heartedly in the power of the people, but people when you are violating someone's civil rights then there is a problem. These people are doing nothing wrong, and no county commissioner should work diligently to try to find some type of loop hole to have this flag taken down. It's wrong, and it is indicative of what our government has turned into. That is, a government that is only for the people when people are offended.

Long story short, for my readers in other parts of the country, the citizens of Seffner/Mango are probably going to be portrayed in a rather negative light. The national news organizations are already showing up and The NAACP is going to have a hay-day with this whole thing. It will become a circus, and truthfully I'm fearful of what is going to happen, especially since I live less than 5 minutes away. I posted this, because I want people to know that despite what you think these people have the right to fly this flag, just like the organization that posts the obnoxiously large crosses on the side of the interstate has a ride to do that, and just like the idiot in Dover has the right (if he's not lying and it is indeed art) to have campers sticking up out of the ground. Private property, is private property and the public should have very little say on what happens to it as long as the property owners are following all the rules. Thus far, the owners of the Civil War Memorial park are. I'm excited about the park, the history it will teach and what it will do for the community. I'm not happy about the flag, but what am I going to do?

Silence is far from golden...

2008-06-02T08:28:00.003-04:00

...At least in these circumstances.

I've been in the process of setting up with a new web host and doing all the crap that goes along with that for the last 7 to 10 days. Needless to say it's been tedious. I am also working on moving this blog over to wordpress hosted on my new servers. The same goes for my podcast.

Once all that gets done we'll get back to regular updates.

Don't worry...I've got a lot to say still. :-)

What Happened This Week

2008-05-24T17:51:00.001-04:00

So for the last month or so I have been doing an extensive amount of thinking.
It started when I attended one of my roommates graduation. He graduated from the school I was to have graduated from, and his graduation was the graduation that I was to have walked in, however life, God, who/whatever has decided that finishing that education, at least right now is not in my future. That idea sort of led me to question what the hell I was doing in life.

Am I to be a peddler of cotton candy and popcorn machines forever? Am I suppose to be stuck in this dead-end, go nowhere sort of circle of careers?

What about my personal mission statement, have I allowed it to just go by the wayside in an effort to "just get by?"

Where am I headed and what will I do when I get there?

Those are just some of many questions I've been asking myself, and God for the last several weeks.

You see my personal mission statement is to infect a change in this world that will affect many people. Yes, I'm sure that's the same personal mission of many folks which is why I've been pleading with God to reveal to me what exactly that means. I'm been asking for more of a definitive route to take to fulfill that mission. For a long time I thought that mission would be fulfilled, somehow through the Church. That I would be involved in some sort of ministry position that would allow me to fulfill that mission. For an even longer time I thought that mission would be fulfilled through my being a celebrity, be it on the local or national level. That somehow being a radio DJ would allow me to fulfill that mission. I've even thought at one point that mission would be fulfilled through my political ventures. That I would run for small local office and one day work my way up to Washington D.C. and fulfill that mission there. Most recently I've felt like being a teacher or working in the public school system was the best way for me to fulfill my mission. All of these paths will eventually lead to some sort of change but is it truly the change I've been called to infect? The answer I've come up with is no.

I've been called to something bigger.

Recently I came to the realization that I was spending a lot of my time being someone I wasn't. I was pretending to like people that I really didn't like. I was saying that things were God sent when indeed I hadn't even consulted God, simply because they were good and seemed right, therefore they must have been God sent. I've been spending the last several years of my adult life wondering around, in my own pathetic pity party in an attempt to make myself feel bad enough that I would finally motivate myself to do something big, or maybe even motivate myself to live out my mission.

This week I had the opportunity to spend a few minutes with someone who, without knowing makes a significant impact on my life in many ways. This particular evening she helped me realize that I lack balls. (Then again, given her intelligence, she probably does realize these things.) Our conversation had no basis more than just catching up on life, however she helped me to realize that I give in too much, that I'm a bit of a push over, and despite my very best effort I let far too many people influence who I am, and the things I do in life. (Yeah, it was tough telling myself that just because I say I don't care what someone says/thinks, doesn't mean I really DO NOT care :-/) This particular individual is without a doubt, a Godsend. And while I have no idea where our relationship is headed, or how much longer she'll be around, I plan to fully embrace her friendship, and absorb her unknowing wisdom. Anyway, when I got home that evening from meeting up with my friend I decided that I needed to spend the week in deeper than usual prayer, reflection, meditation and thought. So I decided to not log on to my myspace, facebook, twitter, blog, or any other things that does nothing more than distract me from seeking out what it is I need to seek out. I was quite surprised at just how much I was able to get accomplished at work, home and in life by forgoing these "pleasures" for a few days.

Long story short, I had been feeling like I was being told something, but was telling myself that I needed a confirmation of some sort before I believed it. I felt like I was suppose to somehow start an organization or grass-roots movement of folks who did nothing more than live out the mantra that is the golden rule, or the ethic of reciprocity. That is to simply have an organization of folks, committed to bettering the world and treating people like they want to be treated. I got my confirmation on Thursday night, during a completely unrelated conversation with Kenny.

As a result, No Motives has been birthed. No Motives is the name that I have chosen for the non-profit organization that I am founding in an effort to infect a change in this world that will affect many people. Obviously this is all in the very beginning stages of formation. There are tons of things that have to be written out, mission statements, board members, budgets, business plans and much, much more. But the gist of it is simple: No Motives exists for nothing more than to live out the golden rule in every part of our lives. We will be an organization that relies on one of the most annoying sayings known to man..."JUST BECAUSE". No Motives is feeding the homeless without shoving some sort of religious preference down their throat. No Motives is sending kids to college not so that they can better the world, but because they really want to go and have no way of doing so. No Motives is helping people not because it's a mandate from God, or Muhammad, or Buddha, or whatever higher being you serve, but...just because. Because we're human beings and no matter what our religious belief may be our first call in life should be to treat others like we want to be treated, or to not do to others what we wouldn't want done to us. The world has turned into a bit of an ugly place, and it's because we've forgot the golden rule. We're so caught up in pushing our beliefs on those around us, that our ambitions are no longer to make the world a better place by treating each other better, but to make it a better place by making everyone believe what we believe.

Maybe I'm nuts. Maybe this thing will turn out to be nothing, and life will go on and I'll be like the guy on the sitcom who had a dream and worked hard to make it come to fruition but it never did and so now I own the neighborhood dry cleaners and life just goes on. If that's the case then fine.
The reason being because for the first time...EVER...I now know clearly what it is I'm suppose to be doing in life. I've heard the voice of God, I've received the confirmation I asked for in exactly the manner I asked to receive it and everything is falling into place. I mean, just the simple fact that nomotives.com, .net, and .org were all available is even more of a confirmation of this dream, this vision coming to life.
For the first time ever, I am 100% o.k. with being the guy who drives the 200,000 mile Saturn, living in a modest home, making a modest income who may never marry or have a family because, I am fulfilling my mission. I am doing what I was put on earth to do, and being the man that God made me to be.

I don't know where this thing is headed, how we're going to get there, or even what it's going to look like. Please pray or do whatever it is you do for guidance for me in the coming months as I continue to see this thing shaped and brought together. If you're interested in being a part please let me know by e-mail me at will |at| nomotives |dot| org.

In the coming days I will also share some other things that I experienced/heard during this time of intense reflection, please check back often.

Also, as a completely unrelated side note if you access this blog directly using the url www.willyoungband.com I am in the process of transferring that domain from it's current host to a new server, along with transferring this blog from Blogger to a wordpress blog hosted on the new server space that I purchased this week. There may be periods of downtime during this transfer, but I've been assured that it will be relatively smooth. If you must have your fix of Will Young during any down time you can access this blog directly by typing http://wfyoung3.blogspot.com. I will also be migrating the Will Young Show podcast to the new server too.

Thank you for journeying with me.

I'm baaaaaaaaack

2008-05-23T20:03:00.001-04:00

Well after a few days of intense thought gathering and processing as a result of weeks of thought gathering and processing. I have returned.

Later this weekend I shall post what I was processing.

If you have one, enjoy your 3 day weekend! I sure will!

A Change We Can Believe In

2008-05-21T22:52:00.002-04:00

I had the opportunity to attend an Obama for America rally here in Tampa today and let me tell you that it was quite the experience. For those that do not know, I am a bit of a politics junkie. Some people get their kicks from cigarettes, others from beer, and some even from sex, I on the other hand am a sucker for a good debate and/or argument, furthermore the complexity of our democratic nation and the process that go in to maintaining our freedom and well being are so mind-boggling to me that I can't help but sort get giddy when I think about it. Of course, that doesn't mean that beer and sex don't do anything for me either. :-)

Anyway, imagine how I must have felt when I walk into a building with 20 thousand plus other people ranging in age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, political party affiliation (I counted 3 sections of 'Republicans for Obama') and socio-economic status who are as in to politics as I am. Even if it's a temporary interest that stems from the desire to see the good for nothing administration that is currently in office is booted out by who we believe will indeed be the next president of the United States of America, Senator Barack Obama.

Oh by the way, there is something I need to address for all the haters out there: I voted for George W. Bush in 04. Why, you might ask? Well, I had just ended my employment with the United States as a soldier in the US Army at which time I served under the leadership of George W. Bush and I believed whole-heartedly in what he was trying to do for this country and for the world. Now, however, my feelings have changed drastically. We've fought a war that despite what my candidate believes, was warranted at the time for far too long now. We're spending millions of dollars a month on that same war, meanwhile we are struggling to make ends meet here stateside. We're in the middle of one of the worst energy crisis of all time, and the leader of our country thinks things are better now then they've ever been. Thousands of Americans are without any form of health care, but since GWB and his buddies are able to afford great health care coverage, along with their massive Texas ranches he's ignorant to just how severe the problem of adequate health care availability is. All that among other things is why my confidence in the leader of this country, along with his administration and the majority of the members of his party dwindles more and more each day.

So here I am surrounded by a class of students from a school in Sarasota. Young kids, getting involved in democracy! Kids who can't vote for several more years, but know more and are more into politics than many adults I know! I seriously almost cried, these kids blew me away. Along with these students and 20,000 other folks I listened to the future president of the United States spell out parts of his plan to transform this country. I listened to him explain how rather than put a bandaid on our current economic issues he plans to give families a $ 1,000 tax cut to help alleviate some of the strain that higher gas and food prices is causing. How he plans on spending 150 billion dollars in 10 years in alternative energy sources, so we can end our dependency on foreign energy sources. I listened about how this campaign has truly been a grassroots movement with over 1.6 million Americans donating an average of only $ 91! How incredible is that!? I could go on and on, but I won't, it was a great rally, and definitely a motivator (as if I wasn't already motivated enough). If you are curious about Senator Obama's platform please check out his website at http://www.barackobama.com.

In the process of me getting tickets for the rally, I had an extra that Kenny, Amy, or Emily couldn't use, so I put it out there to offer it up on a bulletin board (social networking) site I am a part of, that happens to be affiliated with a local church. I should have known better. I was not trying to turn it into a "pick a political" side thing, I never affiliated the event as being endorsed by the church but it turned into a infamous argubate. Long story short, it could have all been prevented had someone not been completely ignorant.
You see the problem with the political process as we know it, is that folks will only see things from their side. They don't want to look at the other side of the picture. We're not a united country when it comes to politics, we're on two ends of the spectrum. That's one of the great things about Senator Obama, he seeks to unite the country! I've got news for you, ignorance is NOT bliss. If you don't take the time to learn about what ALL the candidates stand for, then you're a moron. If you only vote for a candidate because of 3 or 4 issues, you're a moron. If you only vote along party lines, you're a moron. If you vote for someone because mom and dad told you to you're an even bigger idiot. Folks, the democratic process is one of the greatest things in the WORLD, and we treat it like it's nothing. We don't get involved enough, we could care less about politics and its sad. We use voting guides given out at church as an "unbias" view of both candidates. I got news for you, if it's only the same 10 or 12 issues you're voting on, you're an idiot. Do you know that the platforms that each candidate campaigns on is hundreds of pages in length? Instead we focus on abortion, stem-cell research, gun control and other bull-crap things that really lack significance when you look at the big picture. We need to unite together and stop focusing on petty crap, when we have things like a failing foreign policy, a retched economic policy and a horrible health care system. Don't stay on one side, learn about all the candidates and educate yourself. If you don't know what all the candidates stand for you can't argue for the one candidate you do stand for.

The bottom line: Get involved, learn about all the candidates, don't complain if you do not vote, and for the love of pete, throw away the "family values voting pamphlet" you picked up at church, because it's far from presenting an equal and unbiased view of the candidates.

I'll close with a quote from Cathy Castor, the Florida Congresswomen who introduced Senator Obama, she said "We've turned politics upside down this year." We have, and we are continuing to, do your part...GET INVOLVED IN THE BEAUTY THAT IS THE AMERICAN POLITICAL SYSTEM!

That's all I've got for now. I'm going back "underground" to reflect on a few more things. Once I feel like I'm where I need to be, I'll start posting on here again.

Podcast Episode 5

2008-05-21T21:33:00.002-04:00

Episode 5 of the unobjective intelligence podcast (A.K.A. The Will Young Show) is now live after a week off.

This week:

Just a quick update. Talk about The Flobots and about the Tampa Obama Rally.

You can click here to listen to this episode of the "will young show," the audio companion of unobjective intelligence. Or if you have iTunes by Apple you can click on the link on the right hand side of your screen to subscribe to the podcast.

Enjoy!

Moratorium

2008-05-19T23:09:00.002-04:00

mor·a·to·ri·um
Pronunciation: \ˌmȯr-ə-ˈtȯr-ē-əm, ˌmär-\
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural mor·a·to·riums also mor·a·to·ria Listen to the pronunciation of moratoria \-ē-ə\
Etymology: New Latin, from Late Latin, neuter of moratorius dilatory, from Latin morari to delay, from mora delay
Date: 1875

1 a: a legally authorized period of delay in the performance of a legal obligation or the payment of a debt b: a waiting period set by an authority

2: a suspension of activity

I'm suspending some of my rather addictive and compulsive activities. For a few days anyway. No Myspace, facebook, twitter, or blogging.

If you need me you can e-mail me. For those of you that have it feel free to call or text.

Bathroom Renovation for under $ 500

2008-05-18T23:37:00.001-04:00

I figured I'd post this otherwise useless information to serve as maybe a motivator to those looking to under take a project around the house. My thought is that perhaps you'll see how easy and cheap it is to undertake your own projects.

I am under taking several projects around our house in the next several months and I'll post this information for you to have a reference.

Project: Renovate Guest Bathroom.

The bathroom I use in our home also serves as the guest bathroom, and as it stands right now serves as the only bathroom with a working shower. It is about 36 square feet in total size, with about half that being open floor space. It has a 6 foot by 3 foot shower, a regular toilet, and a vanity that is about 4 feet by 2.5 feet.

When I moved in the walls had been textured in a sort of hap-hazard knock-down manor and painted in a flesh like peach/pink color with cheap peel-and-stick baby blue floor tiles.

My roommates parents bought a 4 foot by 3 foot mirror that served as the inspiration for the bathroom.

I re-painted the walls, installed and painted trim around the floor and ceiling, installed new flooring, and installed new fixtures and accessories.

For this project I did not take any before or after pictures otherwise I'd post them, however I'll have some for the coming projects.

The following is a breakdown of the costs associated with this project:

Paint: $ 40
Flooring: $ 65
Trim: $ 35
Fixtures/Accessories*: $ 140
Other**: $ 20

Budgeted: $ 250
Total cost: $ 300
Over: $ 50

* This includes a new dual towel bar, new toilet paper roll holder, hand towel holder, glass shelve, decorative towels, hand towels, a new light fixture, shower curtain and a vase with bamboo and rocks for the counter top.
** Mid-way through the renovation I discovered the toilet was running continually, so I had to replace the fill valve.

See, you can add more visual appeal to your home for well under $ 500. My best piece of advice would be to watch HGTV, Fine Living and TLC get some ideas in mind, then head to Wal-Mart, Lowe's or Home Depot and price it out, in the midst of doing so you'll come up with more ideas, that will more than likely be more cost effective.

Good luck!

Oops I did it again...

2008-05-18T21:41:00.002-04:00

Well I've let you down.

Who you might ask, well you of course, my loyal, yet small, but dedicated followers.

I got knee deep in finishing the renovation of my bathroom, which included a 5.5 hour trip to Ikea that I just haven't put together material for a podcast.

Now I could do what I did last time and say, it's coming later this week, but truthfully I don't know if it's coming this week as this week looks to be rather busy as well. I want to hopefully do it Wednesday, but Barack Obama is speaking at a rally here in Tampa so I may not get to it then.

I guess all I can say is if it happens, it'll happen.

I have to admit I feel sort of bad about it though, because I'm averaging 50 downloads an episode, which is WAY more than I ever anticipated, so it would seem that I have a bit of a fan base and so I sort of have an obligation to get something out.

Like I said, we'll see what happens. If nothing happens you'll just have to enjoy what I post on here.

Have a great week folks!

Man + Woman

2008-05-16T09:58:00.000-04:00

I was reading something that disturbed me this morning.

One in four American women under the age of 25 report that they have been sexually assaulted, according to the nation's largest rape crisis counseling organization, RAINN, the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network.

In case math is not your strongest point that equates to 25 % of women under the age of 25. TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT!?

I read on in the article to find out that in the state of Florida (where I call home) fewer than 5 percent of reported cases make it to a prosecutor's office, because of lack of forensic evidence or because many are he said/she said stories, making rape cases very difficult to try.

Here's why this bothers me, well outside of the obvious fact that it's a disgusting trend. I happen to be of the belief that while a man certainly has his place in society, women do as well. Together we co-exist for the greater good of mankind. Groups that are meant to objectify or otherwise degrade the opposite sex foster a hostile environment and otherwise contribute to alarming numbers like the one above. Furthermore, we've gotten in this sort of battle-of-the-sexes mindset that I fear is doing nothing more but creating divided homes. Men are feeling like they have to do everything in their power to prove their masculinity and women are feeling like they have to do everything in their power to prove their independence from men who are over burdening them attempting to prove their masculinity. It's this never ending circle of vicious behavior that is also contributing to numbers like the one above.

The bottom line is no one sex is any more important than any other. Being a Christian I know the Bible says that the man of the house has his place, and all that jive, however as men we have to carefully approach that place. Also as men, we've got to learn that while visual stimulation is something we can not avoid we have to make sure that we're constantly building women up and not presenting an image that they should not have to live up to, you know the image that says bare as much as possible with out baring it all. Most importantly we need to remember we co-exist. Organizations, groups or whatever else that attempt to segregate sexes in an attempt to "build each other up" or whatever they use as an excuse for meeting are doing nothing more than contributing to the alarming figures above. Men, while you're indeed the head of the household, you have to be careful just how much charge you take. Avoid the "man of the house" attitude that tears homes apart.

Ex animo,

Will

Love at first sight?

2008-05-15T11:03:00.001-04:00

Ok, so I should forewarn you that this is going to be a bit of a rant.
Some of you derive great joy out of my rants, others think I should just shut up. Either way you've been warned, the choice is yours whether to read on or not.

I ran into a former schoolmate a while ago, who I hadn't seen in quite awhile. She was telling me about her life up to now and in the midst of doing so she mentioned how she met her fiance, who by the way seems like a nice guy. She used a statement that makes me cringe: "When I saw him it was love at first sight." Listen folks, the validity of that statement is so null that I really have no choice but to giggle when I hear someone say it. Think about it, love by definition is an affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests. With that in mind it's hard for me to believe that love at first sight is possible. You mean to tell me that the very first time you SAW this particular individual you had admired him, wanted to give him everything he needed and had a bunch in common? How the heck do you know all that just by looking at someone? It's just not love. At least, I think it's not.

I could be wrong, but is it possible your love at first sight is nothing more than an intense physical attraction at first sight? I mean I get the point it's a heck of a lot easier to say love at first sight then it is to say an intense physical attraction at first sight, but really by saying love at first sight you're lying to yourself and those around you. How can you love someone you don't even know?
Of course the problem with love is it has so many definitions that it's hard to keep them all in line.
The love I'm talking about here is the unselfish I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I'm willing to die for you and I'll love you until death do us part type love. The love that says we have a lot in common, even though we have some things we disagree about. The love that says I'll provide for you for the rest of our lives, and will do my very best to fulfill every need you may have, and certainly try hard to give you everything/anything you may want. The love that says, when I look at you I can't think of anyone else on the face of the planet that I should be spending my life with.
Not the love that is an unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another.

What's the difference?

An example of the later would be that I love mankind. I want the best for my fellow man, and will do whatever it takes to help them.

An example of the I'll love you until death do us part love is when one day (hopefully) I find the women that God has placed on this earth for me to spend the rest of my life with. The women I make a family with. The women I go to bed with every night, and who will hold my loyalty UNTIL THE DAY I DIE. The women that I will confidently know that there is no one else on the face of the planet I'd rather spend my life with.

I'm not saying all love at first sight is actually lust at first sight, because not everyone looks at a person and is so lascivious that they want to rip the persons clothes off and get them in the sack. That's lust, and not everyone feels that when they see someone they're initially attracted to.

I think we take love to lightly. I mean look at the divorce rate, it's higher than its ever been. I have friends who have dated, slept with, hooked up with and been engaged to more people than I can count on both my fingers and toes and each time it seems like they say "When I met him/her it was love at first sight." Really? Love at first sight huh, then why on earth are they no longer in the picture? You see, if it's truly love, then it will last forever. If it's not then, well, it won't.

I often get made fun of for and get frustrated with my process when it comes to courtship (p.s. dating, when done for nothing more than pleasure is a complete waste of time, don't date random people just for the comfort of having a boy/girlfriend or for sex/other physical aspects of love, if you don't think you could marry the person you're attracted to then you are wasting both of your time...and don't tell me "Well how are you going to know unless you date first?" You'll know...trust me!).
I'd be lying if I said I've never had an intense physical attraction at first sight, because I have...a lot actually. However, there have been only a few girls who I've taken the time to get to know past that physical attraction. I'm EXTREMELY careful with throwing the "L word" around, because truthfully once love comes into the picture the entire relationship changes. I take love seriously (maybe too seriously which would explain why I haven't had a girlfriend in quite some time) and I'm not going to give a part of my heart to a women, and allow her to give a part of hers to me, if in the end we're going to go our separate ways. You can fairly well tell when you're attracted to someone and desire to court them or when you're attracted to someone and it'll never be more than a friendly attraction.

The bottom line is this:

- Just because you see someone and you think they're attractive it's not LOVE at first sight. It's nothing more than an intense physical attraction at first sight.
- Be careful how many people you give your heart to or by the time you get married you'll have very little left to give to that person.
- Don't date without a purpose. If your purpose is sex or other physical things, then you're an idiot. Your purpose should be courtship, and eventually marriage.
- Know what you're looking for. Pray about it, think about it, do whatever it is you do to determine what you're looking for in a relationship and in a spouse, and do not settle for anything less.
- Don't tell someone you love them if you barely know them. I mean yes, it's ok to tell a friend you love them, but if you know that your relationship is progressing forward with the potential to move past friendship, the words "I love you" take on an entirely new meaning. The word love, and the phrase I love you, carry a deep significance, and should be used wisely.
- Most importantly remember that love and marriage are life long commitments. If you can not and/or are not willing to make that commitment, then remaining single is probably the best route for you. I will tell you that personally I believe there is someone for everyone out there, and you just have to remain patient in your search for that person.

That's some sappy stuff, but it's been on my heart since my conversation with my schoolmate, and also a situation with a roommate.

Love is a serious matter. Get to know the person you "love" before you tell them you love them. You won't be sorry.

Ex animo,

Will

Interestingly Enough

2008-05-14T13:56:00.000-04:00

What's your theological worldview?
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Roman Catholic

You are Roman Catholic. Church tradition and ecclesial authority are hugely important, and the most important part of worship for you is mass. As the Mother of God, Mary is important in your theology, and as the communion of saints includes the living and the dead, you can also ask the saints to intercede for you.

Roman Catholic

89%

Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan

64%

Neo orthodox

64%

Emergent/Postmodern

61%

Classical Liberal

54%

Charismatic/Pentecostal

46%

Modern Liberal

43%

Fundamentalist

39%

Reformed Evangelical

36%

I vaguely remember taking this quiz a long time ago, and the results were Emergent/Postmodern then Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan and Roman Catholic came in 3rd. I saw Bobby had posted the results of his quiz on his blog so I decided to do it again. Of course this is not in anyway scientific, I mean answering a bunch of statements with varying levels of agreeableness or disagreeableness is going to inevitably mean that the results are going to be skewed to your current belief system. Then again, perhaps it is a fairly accurate representation of who you are.

It's fairly safe to assume that my recent revelations while studying Catholicism, and attending Catholic mass have probably led to it's moving up on the list. It's also VERY safe to say that the same studies combined with insightful wisdom from various sources have led to Emergent/Postmodern theology moving down the list.

Anyway, just thought I'd share that, because it made me grin. :-)

Song of the Week

2008-05-14T08:56:00.003-04:00

I am a firm believer that one of the best things about music is it's ability to institute change, even if it's a slow change.

Therefore semi-political, or even completely political songs that sound good, and whose lyrics challenge you to actually find the political statement always kick you know what.

If you haven't had the opportunity to hear "Handlebars" by Flobots then I encourage you to listen below. (This is not the actual video, but you can hear the song here, and go to their site and watch the video.) I've posted the lyrics beneath the video for your convenience.

Lyrics:

I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handlebars
No handlebars

I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handlebars
No handlebars

Look at me, look at me
hands in the air like it's good to be
ALIVE
and I'm a famous rapper
even when the paths're all crookedy
I can show you how to do-si-do
I can show you how to scratch a record
I can take apart the remote control
And I can almost put it back together
I can tie a knot in a cherry stem
I can tell you about Leif Ericson
I know all the words to "De Colores"
And "I'm Proud to be an American"
Me and my friend saw a platypus
Me and my friend made a comic book
And guess how long it took
I can do anything that I want cuz, look:

I can keep rhythm with no metronome
No metronome
No metronome

I can see your face on the telephone
On the telephone
On the telephone

Look at me
Look at me
Just called to say that it's good to be
ALIVE
In such a small world
All curled up with a book to read
I can make money open up a thrift store
I can make a living off a magazine
I can design an engine sixty four
Miles to a gallon of gasoline
I can make new antibiotics
I can make computers survive aquatic conditions
I know how to run a business
And I can make you wanna buy a product
Movers shakers and producers
Me and my friends understand the future
I see the strings that control the systems
I can do anything with no assistance
I can lead a nation with a microphone
With a microphone
With a microphone
I can split the atoms of a molecule
Of a molecule
Of a molecule

Look at me
Look at me
Driving and I won't stop
And it feels so good to be
Alive and on top
My reach is global
My tower secure
My cause is noble
My power is pure
I can hand out a million vaccinations
Or let'em all die in exasperation
Have'em all grilled leavin lacerations
Have'em all killed by assassination
I can make anybody go to prison
Just because I don't like'em and
I can do anything with no permission
I have it all under my command
I can guide a missile by satellite
By satellite
By satellite
and I can hit a target through a telescope
Through a telescope
Through a telescope
and I can end the planet in a holocaust
In a holocaust
In a holocaust
In a holocaust
In a holocaust
In a holocaust
In a holocaust

I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handle bars
No handlebars

I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handlebars
No handlebars

Please Pray

2008-05-13T09:19:00.002-04:00

**UPDATE*** At 11 am this morning search parties located the aircraft that Dr. Pollock was flying in the mountains outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Pastor Pollock, and his 13 year old son Preston did not survive the crash. Please be praying for the entire Pollock family, as well as the Bell Shoals Baptist Church family, and the community it serves.

If you remember please be in prayer for the Bell Shoals Baptist Church community here in Brandon, Florida.

Apparently there pastor was headed to a conference in Texas, with a stop in North Carolina. He was flying his own plane with his 13 year old son on board, and he never made it to Texas, after departing North Carolina at around 4 in the morning Monday.

Search parties have been organized, and everything is being done to locate the 2 men.

Bell Shoals is a rather predominant church in the Brandon/Bloomingdale community, Kenny and I have several friends who are in one form or another affiliated with the church and I can only imagine what they are going through right now.

So if you remember, please pray.

Thanks!

Podcast Episode 4

2008-05-11T20:18:00.002-04:00

Episode 4 of the unobjective intelligence podcast (A.K.A. The Will Young Show) is now live after a week off.

This week:

- Democratic Primary Update
- News of the Weird
- The Golden Rule
- and Being yourself

You can click here to listen to this episode of the "will young show," the audio companion of unobjective intelligence. Or if you have iTunes by Apple you can click on the link on the right hand side of your screen to subscribe to the podcast.

Enjoy!

The ethic of reciprocity

2008-05-08T14:35:00.002-04:00

Last night as I am coming off the interstate literally 3 minutes from my house I see a family of 6 jumping up and down waving their hands like a bunch of folks stranded on a desert island and I was the first plane to fly overhead in months. My first instinct was to keep on going, but I pulled over. The mother of the bunch came over and explained her situation. Long story short they needed a jump and after being stranded on the side of the road for a couple hours I was the first one who would stop to help them.

I'm the king of assumptions, so I'm going to assume, based on the fact that once I stopped 2 more folks stopped to offer assistance, that either folks were hesitant about being the sole assistance to this family being that it was dark and quite frankly they looked like "questionable" folks (whatever that means). If that's not the case, perhaps the line about being on the side of the road for a couple hours was false. Who knows, better yet, who cares?

Anyway, giving these folks a jump start was futile, so the lady asked if I'd take the 4 kids her and her boyfriend/husband/guy friend had with them to a hotel about 2.5/3 miles down the road, without hesitation I said yes. So I loaded the kids and their luggage in the Will-mobile and took them to the hotel. Meanwhile mom and boyfriend stayed back to try to get the truck going. I guess it did as they pulled in shortly after we did to the hotel. Turns out the family is a group of travelers, which I thought was pretty cool, since I had only heard about travelers on the television and didn't realize they were actually real people. I gave everyone in the family a bottle of water and parted ways.

I was sharing this story at work this morning, and would you believe that they all thought I was absolutely crazy. Then I got to thinking about all the other times I've picked up hitchhikers and folks who needed help and how people told me I was nuts for doing so. First, understand that whenever I pick someone up I generally always call someone to tell them, of course I'm discreet about it I usually say something along the lines of "I'm going to be late, I picked up a guy at I-4 just past the US 98 On Ramp and I'm taking him to the Flying J at Exit 10," then I usually call the same person again once I make the drop off. The premise behind that is the person I call usually knows how long it takes to get from the pick-up point to the drop off point and if they haven't heard from me within or shortly after that time frame they should call me to check up. In the highly unlikely event that something should happen they know exactly how many people I picked up, where I picked them up and to where I was headed. To me that seems like more than adequate safety measures. But if you ask some people they'll tell you that you should NEVER pick up hitchhikers or people needing help on the side of the road.

To me it's about rules. Anyone who knows me knows that I am for the most part a stickler for the rules. I try pretty hard to follow all the rules. With that said, what about the Golden Rule? You know the one that says "treat others as you would like to be treated." I mean if I was stranded on the side of the road I would want to be helped, and I can proudly say that in the last 3 months both times I got stranded on the side of the road several people stopped and offered assistance. I can also say that if my life circumstances deemed it necessary for me to hitchhike, I would certainly want someone to give me the benefit of the doubt, pick me up and help me to my destination.

What is the world coming to when we live in such fear that we're not even willing to help someone on the side of the road anymore?

How judgmental have we become when we see a family of 6 in worn-out, tattered clothes and a beat up pick-up truck that is definetely not big enough for all 6 of them and drive right by them because of the way they look, or because it's "after dark."

How selfish have we become that we seriously could care less about treating others how we want to be treated?

It boggles my mind.

I know I seem to be on the whole social justice kick lately, but the more and more I look at what is going on around me the more sick to my stomach I become. We've got people sleeping under bridges waiting for one hot meal a week, and instead of just giving it to them with no strings attach we want to shove Jesus down their throat at the same time. We've got families stranded on the side of the road who just need to get to a place that offers them shelter for the evening and we drive right by them because it's "too dark." AIDS is running amuck in Africa and we sit back over here (in America) and say "Man, that sucks." Anne goes on all the time about kids who could really use our help, and all it takes is $32 dollars a month and instead we go buy a pair of $32 pants. If I could, I'd sponsor 10 kids through Compassion not because I think all these kids necessarily need a Christian Education, but because I know that these kids need something much better than what they've got and Compassion is one of the few organizations out there that is legitimate, and offers this unique sponsorship program so that you can actually make the kid you sponsor a part of your family. The poverty level is increasing everyday, meanwhile our food supplies are decreasing and the government could care less.

Those are just some of MANY social issues that I am not doing a good enough job addressing.

But it all starts with the Golden Rule, the ethic of reciprocity. Sometimes I wish I was like the boy in the moviePay it Forward, and in a way I am, but there is so much more I can be doing. There's so much more WE can be doing, the thing is we only want to do it if it makes us look good, or if we can get something in return. I wish there was someway we could get over this "me syndrome," because the fact of the matter is, we're a lot better off than most.

At any rate at the very least, just follow the golden rule. Break all the other laws and rules you want, but follow the golden rule. The funny thing is, while breaking other laws and rules you'll start to realize that most of them are based around the golden rule too. Funny how that works.

Ex animo,

Will

The never ending Suckhouse drama

2008-05-06T16:24:00.001-04:00

When I moved at the beginning of March, I turned in all my cable equipment back to our local cable provider, Brighthouse Networks (herein refered to as Suckhouse, just because it makes me feel better). I had just received my bill, which is always for the coming month, and not the previous month. With this in mind, when I turned my equipment in I asked what I should pay of the bill, because I didn't use the entire month of service and was told to pay the full amount, which was like $124 and some change. So I made my credit card payment of $ 125 and drove on, figuring perhaps there was something I didn't know.

Imagine my surprise (not really) when I get a statement at my parents house that says they owe me $79.76. Upon my receipt of this statement (only a few days after it was sent out) I called Suckhouse Networks to inform them of my new address and asked if they could mail the check to my address. That was in early March.

Before I continue, $79.76 may not seem like a ton of money, but when we're on the verge of a depression nearly $80 is a significant chunk of change! Besides being a good amount of money, as you read on you'll see why this incident, coming from a company who prides itself on superb customer service has me so ticked off.

When I made the call in March the lady I spoke with said that it would take 4 to 6 weeks for me to get something back from them. So I'll say around April 16th, I called to find out what was up. The girl I spoke with that time told me that the check was mailed on March 21st, and she doesn't know why I don't have it, and she would send a note to accounting and someone would contact me. So after not hearing from anyone by April 25th I called again to get information and was told that the check would be in my mailbox no later than May 2nd and given no further information. I figured the check was coming from St. Petersburg as that was where I had my Suckhouse Networks account. So I started calling on the 30th of April to get more information at which time I was basically told that it was a waste of time to call until on or after May 2nd as that would make it exactly 6 weeks since the check was processed. Well it didn't come on the 2nd (not that I was shocked, although I was pissed off). So I called Suckhouse Networks AGAIN, this time the lady said "Well you know how the mail works sir," in a giggling manner, as if I was stupid for thinking the mail would work in my favor. So I waited all weekend and got nothing. Needless to say when I got home yesterday after work and STILL had nothing I was so ticked off that my head was ready to explode. I called and the guy said it was useless yelling at him because I need to talk to the accounting department only they wont talk to customers you'll have to get a customer care supervisor to act as a middle man (which is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of). So I called this morning, finally got someone who seems to somewhat sympathize with my irritation, or at least she was incredibly helpful. She talked to accounting and finally got accounting to admit that the check must be lost. The accounting lady allegedly told her to tell me that check would be canceled a new one printed and mailed out today. Well, I called around 3 pm today just to confirm, only to find out that it'll take 5 to 10 business days to first research what happened to the check, cancel it, and then I have to wait another 6 to 8 weeks (which apparently was what I should have been told all along that this process takes) before I can get my $79.76. So now I'm waiting for a phone call to determine if there is anyway to bypass the 6 to 8 weeks after the 5 to 10 business days of research and have the check next day aired to me at my job.

She promised she'll call back. We'll see what happens.

Long story short, if you live in the Suckhouse Networks service area my advice to you would be to go with your local satellite provider, or if your telephone company offers fiber optics in your area go with them. Whatever you do, avoid Suckhouse Networks. If you're a Suckhouse Networks customer, don't pay them for 6 to 8 weeks and when they call to ask why, tell them you read on unobjective intelligence that it takes them 6 to 8 weeks to send out payments to customers so you thought that taking 6 to 8 weeks to pay your bill was more than fair.

You better believe that once I receive this check my "war" isn't complete. I'm in the process of drafting several letters, all of which will probably be thrown away. HOWEVER, I'll feel really good about the whole situation once I'm done writing them. I'm also going to be filing a report on Rip Off Report and contacting JD Powers (apparently Suckhouse Networks has been ranked highly in customer satisfaction...pssh) to inform them of my DISSATISFACTION.

This probably seems dumb to anyone reading this, but posting this entry, along with writing these letters is excellent therapy for me. :-)

Do you have a horror story about waiting for a company to pay you? Please share, leave a comment.

**UPDATE** (5-7-2008): Just got off the phone with Barbara, a supervisor at Brighthouse, it looks like they are just going to cut me a manual check and I should have it by the end of next week. A resolution...finally...hopefully. Trust me, you'll hear about it if not.

Twitter...my latest addiction

2008-05-05T10:37:00.000-04:00

I am a freakin twitter-a-holic.

Oh yeah...if you don't twitter, you're not cool. (Just Kidding)

Thanks to Carlos and Alex I was able to take a look at my twitter stats, and well...what I saw was no surprise to me:

You can actually check out my full stats as well as yours by heading over here.

Podcast Delayed

2008-05-05T10:11:00.003-04:00

This weeks Podcast is experiencing production delays.

(Ok, so I haven't had time to actually do it yet. :-))

It'll come sometime later this week.

No ones deck is any better than anyone elses

2008-04-30T10:03:00.003-04:00

I am sick of everyone playing their particular "card." (i.e. the race card, the sex card, the religion card, etc.)

What happen to everyone being created equal?

I mean, I'll be the first to admit that the world isn't fair. I can't admit that I know what one particular race faces, or what the opposite sex deals with, or what folks from a different religion deal with, because well...I am a white, Christian, male and it'd be ridiculous for me to attempt to but, I would think that I am a fairly open-minded individual and the fact of the matter is, in most instances there is absolutely no need to play your "card."

Take for instance this story out of Bloomingdale, Florida about a brutal attack and rape at the local library. Luckily, a few days later the sheriff's office caught the guy, well the KID, who committed this disgusting act of violence, and have now also charged him with a second brutal attack on a young lady. Now bear in mind folks that we live in a day and age where it's pretty difficult to commit a crime and not get caught, now grant it it still happens, but the amount of cases going unsolved lessons every year. The sheriff's office has DNA evidence linking this kid to both rapes and I'm no scientist but last time I checked DNA is pretty conclusive. Well, wouldn't you know it, according to the kids grandma, her boy is completely innocent and it was the sheriff's office's overzealousness to close the case that led to her boys arrest. She even went as far as saying "He was the first black boy they saw, They didn't care that he was a regular customer at the library. They didn't bother looking at anybody else."

GIVE ME A BREAK GRANDMA...THERE IS DNA EVIDENCE LINKING YOUR GRANDSON TO THE BRUTAL ATTACK AND RAPE OF THESE GIRLS! While, I'll be the first to admit we still live in a racist society I highly doubt that the color of this kids skin had anything to do with his arrest. Furthermore, I am the furthest thing from a fan of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, but in this instance I am glad they were "overzealous" in their search for a suspect, as I'd hate for this boy to attack anyone else.

Here's the thing, while the justice system has it's flaws, the days of racial profiling, sexual profiling, religious profiling, any profiling for that matter are few and far between. Does it still happen? Absolutely, and you won't hear me deny that. However, when there is conclusive, evidence that someone beat a girl to a bloody pulp, and practically left her for dead after sexually assaulting her and leaving his DNA all over her, I can't believe that the person was arrested because he was black.

It's simply not true!

I had a meeting with my boss the other day and he asked me why I was hating my job so much. I told him it's because I can't make a difference here. Stories like this make me wish that I was doing something else. We have the power to change the world, we have the resources and tools necessary to make it happen and we don't. I get antsy thinking that I could be in a classroom right now molding young minds and providing a positive influence. My stomach turns at the very thought that what if this kid has some sort of positive influence in his life, would he have still done this? I know I'll never have all the answers but I leave you with this: MAKE A FREAKING DIFFERENCE IN A YOUNG PERSONS LIFE, not just today, but everyday. The world is such that parental involvement in children's life's is dwindling down to virtually nothing. Be the influence that kids need. If you are a parent, I don't care how important it is for you to do whatever it is you do in your everyday life, GET INVOLVED IN YOUR KIDS LIFE first, because if something like this ever happens to you, it doesn't matter how involved you are in what YOU have going on, your life is going to be over.

Fresh off the Blogroll

2008-04-29T09:38:00.003-04:00

By herself Anne Jackson has a lot to say that is educating, informing and in some cases entertaining.

She has taken to having some "guest bloggers" and the first one totally rocked my world, I would suggest you go check out Anne's guest blog from an addict.

The time is near

2008-04-28T09:16:00.000-04:00

I told myself when this "oil crisis" started roughly a year and a half ago that if it cost me $40 to fill up my vehicle that I would purchase a bike and ride it when it wasn't necessary to have a car.

The time is near my friends, it cost me $ 36.00 to fill up yesterday, I paid a whopping $ 3.579 a gallon, on my way in this morning I saw that regular unleaded is selling for $3.779 a gallon! How on earth gas shoots up 20 cents a gallon in less than 24 hours is beyond me but, I shouldn't complain though I know Alex is paying a lot more than that.

The fact of the matter is that it's time for me to break down and purchase a bicycle. I live close enough to my job that I can bike. When I worked at the University a guy biked nearly 8 miles one way to work everyday. I live only 6.5 miles from my job, so 13 miles round trip shouldn't be that bad. Plus, I'll get into shape real quick riding a bike to work 3 days a week (I'll still have to drive on Tuesdays and Thursdays because I go to Lakeland after work to donate plasma).

Podcast Episode 3

2008-04-27T22:38:00.002-04:00

Episode 3 of the unobjective intelligence podcast is now live.

In this episode I talk about:

- How/why it is I'm disgusted with humanity
- Making a difference in your community
- And the USF Bulls that were drafted this weekend.

You can click here to listen to this episode from the "will young show," the audio companion of unobjective intelligence. Or if you have iTunes by Apple you can click on the link on the right hand side of your screen to subscribe to the podcast. (Then you can hear my sexy voice while you work out, or are stuck in traffic ;-))

Enjoy!

Is that the best you could come up with?

2008-04-24T22:39:00.001-04:00

To understand this post you'll have to watch this video.

So here's the deal, I like Gieco, I enjoy their advertising campaign and it obviously works for them as they are one of the top insurers in the nation. The thing is though, that Gieco, well they're an insurance company not a church. I see stuff like this all the time, and understand the purpose of this post is not to tell the folks who come up with this stuff that it sucks, because truthfully this video...well, in this case this video does suck, but I've seen others that use other companies and other peoples ideas that don't suck.

It is not funny, creative, sensible, or nice to use someone else's idea. If you're creative enough to take someone else's idea and put your words in it then you are creative enough to come up with your own idea. I'll be quite honest with you I'm incredibly turned off by our seemingly insistent desire to infuse pop culture with the church. We've resorted to ripping people off and the fact of the matter is you can ask many folks who will surely tell you that while it might have been slightly entertaining and is in no means refreshing. Why? BECAUSE WE SEE THE SAME AD (THE REAL AD MIND YOU) ON TV 3 or 4 TIMES A DAY! Truth be told, when I'm in church services and they do a skit or video presentation ripping off the concept from some secular, pop culture "icon" I can't help but barf in my mouth.

Listen, some of them are funny, I'll give you that. I'll also give you the fact that pop culture seems to work in enticing people, it makes you "relevant," but you know what, in your conquest for relevance you've turned people off to your message because they look at you and say, this guy/gal can't even come up with a creative way to try to get their message across to me. Of course, I'm of the belief that there isn't a more relevant message than the Bible, but try telling anyone that these days and they laugh at you.

Here's the thing, if you can make people laugh or get their attention by taking someone else's concept and using your people and your words, then you can make them laugh or get their attention by coming up with your own concept using your own people and your words.

I'm pretty positive that Jesus didn't use someone else's message to bring His messages, so neither should we.

FYI - So no one thinks I'm picking on the church. I've also noticed this trend in other areas too. It seems as if the well spring of ideas as pretty much disappeared. No one can come up with their own stuff any more. Radio DJ's are stealing each others bits, movie directors are taking movies director by someone else years ago and remaking them, musicians are doing the same too, and to me it's sickening.

I refuse to believe that there is no creativity amongst men left.

Please someone prove to me that there still is.

P.S. If you happen to be the church that made that video and you stumble across this entry, I make no apologies for publicly saying your video sucks.

From the blogroll

2008-04-24T10:52:00.002-04:00

Not sure if you check the links out over on the blog roll, however Live + Jesus posted a nice entry about Lasting Joy that I think everyone should read.

It caused one of those "How true" moments for me, I hope it does the same for you.

Enjoy!

These are some good times, so take a look around

2008-04-22T10:19:00.001-04:00

My parents used to always tell me that I should embrace the way things were, because some day I would miss it.

I used to tell them they were full of crap.

Now though, I'm looking back on life, almost 23 years (as of May 4th) of life on earth, and I think to myself..."Wow, I miss that," or "Man, I wish things were the way they were back then."

I guess it just goes to show that you really should embrace where you're at in life. Obviously it doesn't make sense to continually think about the past, because the past is just that. However, I think we spend to much time thinking about the future. I know I sure do, I am always thinking about ways to get ahead in life, or thinking about my family, or whether or not I'll have one. I spend more time thinking a head then I do embracing the current, and this "always got to get ahead and make the future better" mentality causes me to forget where I'm at. It seems, to me anyway, that it it does nothing more than cause a hurry up and wait scenario that leaves me bitter, frustrated and angry at myself.

God has really been teaching me lately to embrace what I've got, because one day I'll miss it. Yes, I will miss this job that I think is crappy now. I'll miss the way the world is. I mean, think about it, how many times do we say to ourselves, "Man, I miss when gas was only 99 cents a gallon," yet when gas WAS 99 cents a gallon we reminisced on when it was 75 cents a gallon and so on. It seems that we're almost never satisfied, we're always either dwelling on the past, or thinking about the future when we could really just be living for the present. Perhaps it sounds like a load of rubbish, but there is a certain peace in knowing that you have no control over the future, you had no control over the past and really you have no control over the present, BUT, at least you're living in the present so it makes it seem like there is some control. That probably makes so sense to you at all.

The bottom line is this, love who and what you've got. EMBRACE IT, because some day you're gonna miss it.

Song of the week: You're gonna miss this by Trace Adkins

Podcast Episode 2

2008-04-20T22:51:00.003-04:00

Episode 2 of the unobjective intelligence podcast is now live.

In this episode I talk about:

- Getting in touch with Nature
- USF Bulls Football
- Pope Benedict XVI's American Visit
- Senator Barack Obama's Campaign
- My fears about the state of the US Economy
- And Why I blog.

You can click here to listen to this episode from the "will young show," the audio companion of unobjective intelligence. Or if you have iTunes by Apple you can click on the link on the right hand side of your screen to subscribe to the podcast.

Enjoy!

UPDATE (4/21/08 @ 1:28 PM): Ok, everything appears to be up and running normally now. Yeesh, remind me next time to think things through before I dive head first into water not knowing how deep it is.

Fairly Accurate

2008-04-20T01:06:00.001-04:00

You Are An INTJ

The Scientist

You have a head for ideas - and you are good at improving systems.

Logical and strategic, you prefer for everything in your life to be organized.

You tend to be a bit skeptical. You're both critical of yourself and of others.

Independent and stubborn, you tend to only befriend those who are a lot like you.

In love, you are always striving to improve your relationship.

You have strong ideas of what love should be like.

At work, you excel in figuring out difficult tasks. People think of you as "the brain."

You would make an excellent scientist, engineer, or programmer.

How you see yourself: Reasonable, knowledgeable, and competent

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Aloof, controlling, and insensitive

What's Your Personality Type?

More on the INTJ:

As an INTJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you take things in primarily via your intuition. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things rationally and logically.

INTJs live in the world of ideas and strategic planning. They value intelligence, knowledge, and competence, and typically have high standards in these regards, which they continuously strive to fulfill. To a somewhat lesser extent, they have similar expectations of others.

With Introverted Intuition dominating their personality, INTJs focus their energy on observing the world, and generating ideas and possibilities. Their mind constantly gathers information and makes associations about it. They are tremendously insightful and usually are very quick to understand new ideas. However, their primary interest is not understanding a concept, but rather applying that concept in a useful way. Unlike the INTP, they do not follow an idea as far as they possibly can, seeking only to understand it fully. INTJs are driven to come to conclusions about ideas. Their need for closure and organization usually requires that they take some action.

INTJ's tremendous value and need for systems and organization, combined with their natural insightfulness, makes them excellent scientists. An INTJ scientist gives a gift to society by putting their ideas into a useful form for others to follow. It is not easy for the INTJ to express their internal images, insights, and abstractions. The internal form of the INTJ's thoughts and concepts is highly individualized, and is not readily translatable into a form that others will understand. However, the INTJ is driven to translate their ideas into a plan or system that is usually readily explainable, rather than to do a direct translation of their thoughts. They usually don't see the value of a direct transaction, and will also have difficulty expressing their ideas, which are non-linear. However, their extreme respect of knowledge and intelligence will motivate them to explain themselves to another person who they feel is deserving of the effort.

INTJs are natural leaders, although they usually choose to remain in the background until they see a real need to take over the lead. When they are in leadership roles, they are quite effective, because they are able to objectively see the reality of a situation, and are adaptable enough to change things which aren't working well. They are the supreme strategists - always scanning available ideas and concepts and weighing them against their current strategy, to plan for every conceivable contingency.

INTJs spend a lot of time inside their own minds, and may have little interest in the other people's thoughts or feelings. Unless their Feeling side is developed, they may have problems giving other people the level of intimacy that is needed. Unless their Sensing side is developed, they may have a tendency to ignore details which are necessary for implementing their ideas.

The INTJ's interest in dealing with the world is to make decisions, express judgments, and put everything that they encounter into an understandable and rational system. Consequently, they are quick to express judgments. Often they have very evolved intuitions, and are convinced that they are right about things. Unless they complement their intuitive understanding with a well-developed ability to express their insights, they may find themselves frequently misunderstood. In these cases, INTJs tend to blame misunderstandings on the limitations of the other party, rather than on their own difficulty in expressing themselves. This tendency may cause the INTJ to dismiss others input too quickly, and to become generally arrogant and elitist.

INTJs are ambitious, self-confident, deliberate, long-range thinkers. Many INTJs end up in engineering or scientific pursuits, although some find enough challenge within the business world in areas which involve organizing and strategic planning. They dislike messiness and inefficiency, and anything that is muddled or unclear. They value clarity and efficiency, and will put enormous amounts of energy and time into consolidating their insights into structured patterns.

Other people may have a difficult time understanding an INTJ. They may see them as aloof and reserved. Indeed, the INTJ is not overly demonstrative of their affections, and is likely to not give as much praise or positive support as others may need or desire. That doesn't mean that he or she doesn't truly have affection or regard for others, they simply do not typically feel the need to express it. Others may falsely perceive the INTJ as being rigid and set in their ways. Nothing could be further from the truth, because the INTJ is committed to always finding the objective best strategy to implement their ideas. The INTJ is usually quite open to hearing an alternative way of doing something.

When under a great deal of stress, the INTJ may become obsessed with mindless repetitive, Sensate activities, such as over-drinking. They may also tend to become absorbed with minutia and details that they would not normally consider important to their overall goal.

INTJs need to remember to express themselves sufficiently, so as to avoid difficulties with people misunderstandings. In the absence of properly developing their communication abilities, they may become abrupt and short with people, and isolationists.

INTJs have a tremendous amount of ability to accomplish great things. They have insight into the Big Picture, and are driven to synthesize their concepts into solid plans of action. Their reasoning skills gives them the means to accomplish that. INTJs are most always highly competent people, and will not have a problem meeting their career or education goals. They have the capability to make great strides in these arenas. On a personal level, the INTJ who practices tolerances and puts effort into effectively communicating their insights to others has everything in his or her power to lead a rich and rewarding life.

Jungian functional preference ordering:

Dominant: Introverted Intuition
Auxilliary: Extraverted Thinking
Tertiary: Introverted Feeling
Inferior: Extraverted Sensing

2008 Bulls Football Schedule Released

2008-04-17T14:02:00.000-04:00

Anyone who has been reading this blog for any amount of time knows that I am a HUGE USF Bulls football fan. The schedule has been released and it looks good.

2008 USF Bulls Football Schedule
Sat, Aug 30 - Tennessee-Martin
Sat, Sep 06 - @ UCF (Night Game) on ESPN 2
Fri, Sep 12 - Kansas (Night Game) on ESPN 2
Sat, Sep 20 - @ Florida International
Sat, Sep 27 - @ N.C. State
Thu, Oct 02 - Pittsburgh on ESPN
Sat, Oct 18 - Syracuse
Sat, Oct 25 - @ Louisville
Thu, Oct 30 - @ Cincinnati on ESPN
Sat, Nov 15 - Rutgers
Sat, Nov 22 - UConn
Sat, Dec 06 - @ West Virginia on ESPN/ESPN2

I am still looking into purchasing season tickets. (If anyone would like to contribute to the fund to do so, please feel free to e-mail me and I'll get you my paypal info :-D)

It looks like it's going to be another great season. USF has done some good recruiting during the off season. Be looking forward to future posts about season outlooks, recruits and more in the future.

GO BULLS!

Incase you've been living under a rock

2008-04-17T09:54:00.000-04:00

Pope Benedict XVI is in the United States. He began his apostolic journey earlier this week.

The Vatican is posting transcripts from all of the Holy Father's speaking engagements, as well as his homily's and any other speeches he is giving.

You can view those transcripts all online at the special section devoted to his US journey.

Listen, I don't care who you are, what you believe, Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist, Muslim whatever the heck you believe this man has more wisdom in his small finger then most of us have in our entire body. If you don't believe me, go check out some of his past homily's and the transcripts of his speeches while he is here.

For those of you with cable, EWTN is covering the Pope's visit the entire time he is here, so you can tune in pretty much whenever and get caught up on whatever he's doing.

“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.”

—Chinese proverb

Learn something today.

So no one told you life was gonna be this way...

2008-04-15T22:28:00.001-04:00

Something interesting happened to me yesterday.

Actually I think it was a culmination of an interesting weekend that finally had an "end result."

Friday afternoon, a good pal of mine, who I don't keep in touch with nearly enough, sent me a text message asking for a favor. Now, not to toot my own horn, but I don't have a significant amount of friends so when any of them need a favor, I do my best to help them out. He needed me to go out with him Friday night as he was meeting a girl he met online for the first time and in the event that it didn't go well he needed a bail out or wingman of sorts to remedy the situation. Luckily for him, it worked out well. It didn't work out well for me at all, while it was nice to get out of the house on a Friday night it was probably one of the most awkward social experiences I've had to encounter in quite a while.

Then Saturday morning, another good friend (or if you ask Kenny or Bobby my girlfriend...ha) Catie helped me move my bed, after I helped her with a simple enough task.

I bring that up because yesterday, I had a terrible day. Actually terrible is not the word to describe yesterday. Work sucked, which is nothing new. I decided to go to Moe's for their Monday dinner special, and I thought I did a good enough job letting everyone know I'd be there, and I hoped that someone would join me. Only they didn't. And crap like that happens all the time. To the point where it really makes me feel like I am entirely too socially inept.

Then last night I got to sit down and have coffee and great conversation with Amy. We (well mostly I) talked for a couple hours, and caught up on each others lives and what's been happening since we last seen each other. It pretty much stinks that we don't get to hang out on a regular basis now that revolution is done, but I guess it makes when we do get to hang out all the more better.

Anyway, on my ride home last night I got to thinking about how really sad I was that no one showed up to have a damn burrito with me (dumb I know), and how no one ever shows up to see a movie when I say I'm going, or how no one ever really shows up to anything I announce. Like the time I planned for weeks in advance to do the screening of "Jesus Camp" at our apartment in Lakeland. NO ONE SHOWED!?!

Then, like a ton of bricks, in the only fashion He knows how, God slapped me. The Rembrandts "I'll be there for you" song (the theme song from the sitcom Friends came on the radio and I realized that I seriously have some of the best relationships, some of the best friends in the world. So what I can't get people to come have a burrito with me. So what I can't get folks to come to the movies with me. So what hardly no one ever invites me out to do things with them. The friends I do have, people like Nate (my friend from Friday night), Catie, Amy, Kenny, Bobby/Jill, Jay, Beth A., Beth L., Mike D, Chris and a few others will always be there for me, and they know that I'll be there for them. Truthfully, that's all that matters.

I know I've wrote on this topic before, and I always try to tell myself that I should be content with the relationships I do have and not dwell on the ones I don't, which is easier said than done. However, there is a lot to be said when your God slaps you in the face and essentially says: "It is, what it is."

Podcast Episode 1 - Introduction

2008-04-13T16:16:00.004-04:00

Ladies and gentlemen it has arrived. The official unobjective intelligence podcast.

Episode 1 is live (though not through itunes yet, so you can not listen to my lovely voice while you work out), however you can check it out by going here:

Episode 1 - Introduction

I will be working this afternoon on conforming to Apple's standards for podcast feeds. Once I get it all figured out you should be able to subscribe to the unobjective intelligence podcast via iTunes.

For now enjoy.

UPDATE (4-14-08 @ 1:45 PM EDT): Apple has approved my podcast and it is now listed in the itunes store, just click here and it should bring it up and you can subscribe using itunes!

Podcast

2008-04-11T11:17:00.001-04:00

Well everyone the time has come for this little blog to grow up slightly. If all goes as planned the very first edition of the 'Unobjective Intelligence" podcast will be posted some time this weekend.

I'm uber excited about this, because, as most of you know it's been my life-long dream (well...fantasy) to work in broadcast radio and be a DJ (I even have a list of DJ names picked out, depending on the format of the station that I may end up sharing on the podcast). Since the trend in radio these days is to go the way of voice tracking or computer-ran stations, the need for real human beings is dwindling at a rapid rate of speed.

So, now, without having to go through the schooling and all the other crap I can live out my fantasy, and hopefully educate, inform, entertain and well in some cases just vent my frustrations to folks.

Depending on how things work out, I may desire to grow the podcast. I've got a few ideas, including perhaps a weekly collaboration with my roommate, and good friend Kenny, we'll see what happens with that. Once we're off and running I'll be posting on here some of the ideas I have for feedback, and also perhaps someone can help me come up with a name for the podcast that's a little more original then what I've got.

The first cast should be up by the end of the weekend and will basically be a bit of an introduction of yours truly.

Have a great weekend ya'll!

I hope...

2008-04-09T14:26:00.001-04:00

I hope that when I meet the girl that God has placed on this earth for me that this is how I feel about her:

Don't take the Girl by Tim McGraw

Johnny's daddy was taking him fishin'
When he was eight years old
A little girl came through the front gate holdin' a fishing pole
His dad looked down and smiled, said we can't leave her behind
Son I know you don't want her to go but someday you'll change your mind
And Johnny said "Take Jimmy Johnson, take Tommy Thompson, take my best friend Bo
Take anybody that you want as long as she don't go
Take any boy in the world
Daddy please don't take the girl

Same old boy
Same sweet girl
Ten years down the road
He held her tight and kissed her lips
In front of the picture show
Stranger came and pulled a gun
Grabbed her by the arm said "If you do what I tell you to, there won't be any harm"
And Johnny said "Take my money, take my wallet, take my credit cards
Here's the watch that my grandpa gave me
Here's the key to my car
Mister give it a whirl
But please don't take the girl

Same old boy
Same sweet girl
Five years down the road
There's going to be a little one and she says it's time to go
Doctor says the baby's fine but you'll have to leave
'Cause his momma's fading fast and Johnny hit his knees and there he prayed
Take the very breath you gave me
Take the heart from my chest
I'll gladly take her place if you'll let me
Make this my last request
Take me out of this world
God, please don't take the girl

Johnny's daddy
Was taking him fishin'
When he was eight years old

Take your myspace group and shove it

2008-04-07T22:04:00.003-04:00

Today I went to visit Kenny's blog and forgot that I started using Safari, so when I typed in www.xanga.com and hit enter (expecting it to highlight Kenny's address) I ended up on Xanga's front page. I started to scroll down and I came across this post. (You need to read it, because I'm not going to explain it on here)

That post trigged a whole wave of thoughts that I think combined with the overall bad day I had at work left me in one of the most contemplative moods I've had in a long time.

Why is it that we are so friendly when we are in the presence of people, but when we leave them, we forget all about them?

Recently, the weekly gathering that I have been a part of for the better part of the last 2 years came to an end. Prior to my attending the gathering I might have had 3 to 5 people that I was friendly enough with to speak to at least once a week. Through out the course of the last 2 years I have made many more friends and obviously our connection was the weekly gathering, but we also managed to stay in contact throughout the week. Now that the gathering is over, is seems, even in just the few weeks that it has been over, that so are a majority of those friendships.

I know what you're saying, so let me stop you right there.
Yes, I am well aware that it takes more than one person for a relationship to be fruitful. That is why I can say, with great legitimacy that my feelings aren't for lack of trying. I guess that is why when the vision God gave me turned into a monster (you can read more about that here) I was as devastated as I was. One of the guiding principals was community, and it seems, to me anyway, that now that community can be compared to somewhat of an exclusive country club and it looks like I don't have a sponsor to become a member.

Did I fall through the cracks?

I mean, sure I've managed to keep in contact with a few individuals who have managed to also keep in contact with me, but over all, I have been sadly disappointed in the number of folks who have seemingly forgot that I exist.
I guess in a childish way I got pissed off. You know I didn't even get an invite to the Revo to Element myspace club. (How 5th grade like is it that I'm complaining about that) I also didn't get an invite to the "Man Club" (of course I wouldn't be a part of it anyway, but last time I checked I have a penis, and I used to be a part of Revo).
Many people laughed at me, and others acted like I was a complete idiot when they asked me on the last night of Revo if I'd be going to Element, and I responded with "I'm not sure yet." Of course, curiosity led to a "Why," which would lead me to explain that I am discovering the beauty that is the Catholic Church, and I am still praying about what direction it is I'm suppose to go. Would you believe that one guy had the balls to say: "You can't be serious." YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!? What the heck, why on earth would someone respond in such a manner?

A question that has been circulating in my head for the last couple of weeks is Why is it that "open-minded" (at least they call themselves that) individuals are so damn close-minded?

Did it ever occur to you that perhaps God is using this journey of discovery that I'm on to strengthen my belief system? Did it ever occur to you that maybe this journey I'm on is part of something WAY bigger than me, WAY bigger than you, WAY bigger than a church or ministry?

And what if it happens that I convert to Catholicism? Is that the end all be all? Will I be doomed forever? Well, depending on who you ask it would surely seem that way.

Listen, I'm going to put this out there for everyone who reads this to hear.
Seriously, I want you to understand something: THIS JOURNEY IS NOT A WILL YOUNG THING. This isn't some hair brain idea I got one morning while sitting on the toilet and decided I'd run with it. This discovery process is not something I am taking lightly, and it is not something that I believe I will find an answer to why it's happening right at this very moment over night. It's not something that isn't consistently covered in prayer, and it's certainly not something that I don't question God every day about.
So truthfully, if it bothers you, if you've got some stupid joke to make, or some ridiculous statement to make, I'd prefer you not be a part of my life. Remove me from your myspace, facebook, linked in and whatever other dumb online social thing of yours you have me on. Stop reading this blog. Don't call me, text me or keep up with my twitter.

Is that extreme? No, not really. I've been praying about it, and I feel like if someone is going to be that ridiculous, that unsupportive, that much of a thorn in my side about a tremendous life altering journey of discovery that I've been sent on by God, then honestly that person was never really a friend to begin with.

It took some serious prayer and reflecting for me to realize that I haven't fallen through the cracks, God has just made it so that the people I NEED in my life are around, and the ones who don't need to have anything to do with my life are not. I don't think I'd rather have it any other way. I don't need a dumb myspace club to be a part of. I don't need people returning my calls or myspace messages or sending me e-mails.

I am just fine with the friends God has provided, and who've made sure that if I tripped on the crack, they were right there to pick me up.

Thanks friends.

Ex animo,

Will

Wisdom in the form of a Jagged Little Pill

2008-04-06T19:16:00.000-04:00

Alanis Morissette is, without argument one of the greatest female solo artists of my time and rightly so, she is after all one of the biggest selling female rock acts in music according to RIAA and United World Charts.

I've been a fan of Alanis since her album Jagged Little Pill hit stores in late 1995. As a matter of fact, her album was the first CD I ever owned.

At any rate she is a talented lyricist, a great story teller and a passionate musician. Today, after Mass, Kenny and I came home to change. Kenny, had a hole in his pants, and well quite frankly we were both over dressed for lunch at CiCi's pizza buffet. I've been trying to limit the amount of television I watch on Sunday's for no reason in particular other than I fill my mind with a crap load of crap throughout the week, at the very least I can cut down to just a couple hours of crap on Sunday. Any how this after noon while I was changing clothes I flipped on the radio in my room to WWRM - Magic 94.9 FM and low and behold Alanis' song Hand in my Pocket was on. It's one of my all time favorite songs of hers, but today the lyrics really hit home. So all afternoon I've been listening to her music via you tube, and realizing just how much wisdom some of her songs, and particularly songs from JLP contain.

Needless to say, I felt like I should share this wisdom, or at least the wisdom I've attained from these songs with the world. So enjoy!

"All I Really Want"

She's singing about what we all think about. What we all REALLY want: patience, deliverance, a soul mate, intellectual intercourse, comfort and justice. Truthfully, those are all things I long for practically every day. As of late my patience is increasing which is nice, who doesn't want deliverance and a soul mate particularly a soul mate to engage in intellectual intercourse with. Of course comfort and justice are as equally important as everything else. I think most would agree with me in saying that while those things may not be ALL you really want, they definitely play a roll in what you really want.

"Perfect"

I struggle with living up to what I feel are the expectations others have of me. To be this guy who seems to have it all figured out. The guy with the good job, the educated guy. The "geek" who always did good in grade school, so he shouldn't have any trouble in College. My parents who are GREAT people, pushed me EXTREMELY hard when I was growing up, and as a result I have a disdain for being, or trying to be "the best" in everything I did. I know why they did it, so that my life would be better than perhaps theirs was (or how they thought theirs was). They loved me, despite what ended up happening, and while I know the furthest is true, I always felt like maybe they, maybe EVERYONE would love me just a little bit more if I was "Perfect." To say this song resonates with my soul would be the understatement of the day.

"Hand in my pocket"

Lately, I've realized that despite my worse fears, despite everything I've ever thought, everything is going to be just fine. Alanis offers a ton of examples in this song that would cause her to worry, but in the end, no matter what everything is going to be alright. How true is that? I haven't got it all figured out just yet, but it's all going to be just fine.

"You Learn"

Folks often ask me how it is that I can just shrug things off. Like, when my car was broken into, I wouldn't allow the officer to take fingerprints, because I chalked it up to a life lesson learned. It was my fault for leaving a book of 400 plus CD's in the seat for the world to see, and leave the face on my stereo. This track is exemplifying that concept. For everything you do, every act you perform, every action you take, you learn. There is a reason for everything. Do not EVER forget that.

Well, that's about it. Those songs aren't the only songs that have "done" something for me. If I posted all of the songs that did, I'd post the whole album, which would be against the law in some way I'm sure. It's a great album if you've never heard it, get on iTunes now and get it.

Music is powerful. If you listen carefully every song tells a story, offers advice or wisdom, and has the power to take you to a different world. Kenny and I were talking today, and perhaps it's the fact that I am completely auditory in my learning technique, but listening to a song, or for that matter listening to a person can totally rock your world and I highly encourage it.

In a few weeks I will begin the audio companion of unobjective intelligence. Be on the look out.

Have a great week!

Ex animo,

Will

The vision that turned into a monster

2008-04-05T23:24:00.002-04:00

Recently I had a vision.

It was a vision to unite people of common interest and to assist in (not necessarily create) the process of becoming a true (whatever that means) community.

The vision consisted of encouraging the creation of certain groups of people who all shared a common interest.
The goal was that in gathering together and sharing in their common denominator folks would learn what it means to love each other, keep each other accountable and ultimately grow in the love that is Jesus Christ through living their lives out in community with each other. After all one of the defining points of community is that it is a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society.
That was the entire point behind my vision. Ultimately by uniting folks to share these interests with each other, they could eventually through personal, physical and spiritual growth be able to share their one unifying interest with the larger society, that interest of course being a joy to serve their Savior and show His love.

So pumped and armed with what I thought was a great vision, I shared it with anyone who would listen. The appropriate people caught hold of that vision, and started to run with it. Which was a great thing, as I probably, despite having great certainty this was a God placed vision, would have never carried it out. At the time I lacked the significant reliance on faith necessary to carry out such a vision. (Or at least I felt like I did)

I recognized from the beginning that things were not how I actually envisioned them, but went along with the "modified" vision, as it appeared that it would work out just fine.

I was wrong.

After a short time I realized I created a monster.
This was NOT how I had envisioned this dream, this idea, being lived out. It has turned into cliques of folks. It has become groups centered, for the most part, solely around their one common denominator, and not the idea of allowing that denominator to unite them in sharing the love of Christ with the greater society.
It's scary really, to think that I fostered this monster. To think that I sat back and let it happen.
Now, it's too late for me to do anything about it and I have no choice but to live with the constant regret of letting the enemy in to my life and allowing me to feel like I lacked the balls to say something when I first noticed it.
I know you're saying it's never too late. You're probably right. Unfortunately new dreams, and ideas have been birthed as a result of and in connection with what this idea was/is. My only hope, and truthfully a prayer that I will pray everyday, is that those tasked with carrying out those new ideas and dreams recognize the monster too, and do something about it before it becomes too late.

I've been reflecting on this now for a couple weeks, and more so since last Sunday when I ran across one of the groups whose common denominator quite frankly made me sick to my stomach. As part of my pondering, and praying I keep reminding myself to pray for those who are carrying out God placed visions and dreams. The enemy loves to attack, and in my experience is often successful in doing so, when your vision or dream is going to advance the Kingdom of God three-fold.

During this time of pondering I've also been asking myself: "Why?" Three specific whys actually:

- Why did I not stand by my vision, exactly how it was given to me?
- Why did I not stop this monster before it became as big as it has?
- Why did I lack the faith necessary to carry out the vision on my own?

Of course once you start asking yourself why, you start wondering if perhaps you got the entire thing wrong. Maybe, just maybe you interpreted this seemingly God-placed vision incorrectly. Could it really be? Could I have really been that far off my rocker, so caught up in the things that seemed right, so they must be from God mentality that I got it all wrong?

Well, my friends that's the beauty of God. He reveals Himself at the right moment and in doing so every time He offers reassurance, and hope. He provides strength, in this case a strength to hopefully contain and destroy this monster that I created before it becomes like the creature in that movie, The Water Horse that Kenny and I watched last night. The creature started out real small, and within days grew to be massive in size. Fortunately, I feel like this monster has only grown slightly, and there is still time. (BTW, it's a crappy movie so don't waste your money.)

The bottom line is this: Pray for the visionaries that are in your life. Pray for the dreamers too. Pray that they faithfully execute the vision and dream that they've been given, and pray that they do it in a manner that is in accordance with the exact way it was given to them. It's a tough job, dreaming that is, so those that do it, and carry them out, need all the help they can get.

Ex animo,

Will

It's Here

2008-04-04T23:55:00.003-04:00

The newly designed willyoungband.com has made it's debut at 11:55 pm on Friday, April 4, 2008.

I promised the new site would be up by the end of the week, and I made my deadline.

WHAT'S NEW/UPDATED:

- NEW: Name, which of course brings with it a new banner. I believe the name more accurately reflects what I'm trying to accomplish here. I try to keep my commentary as Intelligent as possible, and truthfully, I'd be lying if I said anything here was objective. Most of my commentary is all my opinion.

- NEW: Color scheme. Many believe dark colors mean sad, depressed, etc. I just really enjoy black, it's more mellow, and to me peaceful. Different strokes for different folks I suppose.

- UPDATED: My Blogroll. Blogger has a new 'blogroll' feature that they are allowing users to beta test. I thoroughly enjoy it, and I think you might too. I also removed a few blogs that I'm just not into anymore. It's not that the folks aren't worth reading, I've just moved on to a new journey in my life. Plus, my current blog roll more accurately reflects the actual blogs I read daily (including the addition of a few new ones)

- NEW: Daily quote brought to you by The Foundation for a Better Life. My thinking behind this is now perhaps I'll blog less about "random" quotes, and you can just read them yourself.

- UPDATED: Link list. Again changes to more accurately reflect my daily "surfing" habits.

- NEW: Shelfari. Allows you to see what I'm reading, or trying to read, and gives you the opportunity to purchase from Amazon.com if you'd like.

- NEW: Search feature. Looking for a post from times past? Type in a keyword in the search box and it'll find it for you.

Enjoy!

Overhaul

2008-04-02T22:27:00.001-04:00

I am in the process of a redesign.

Should be up by the end of the week.

Sometimes you just need a laugh...

2008-04-01T13:20:00.002-04:00

Going through Anne's blog I stumbled upon an entry she posted from some other guys site, that was mildly humorous.

Check out If Celebrities Moved to Oklahoma.

Alpha what...

2008-04-01T10:57:00.001-04:00

I want to share something that I'm sure is going to rile some folks up. It's been on my mind for a while, and came to a climax on Sunday when I ran across a Myspace page for a group who is apparently solely devoted to the topic at hand.

That topic is: Manhood.
Specifically what the heck is it that has made men (for the context of this blog, Christian men) feel the need to be the "Alpha" Male, seemingly downplaying, if not completely eliminating the role of the female in the entire "Alpha" relationship. (I can't wait until I get the e-mails with throngs of misappropriated Bible verses thrown at me) OR, if they're not downplaying the roll of the female in the relationship they feel the need to harass men who in their opinion have reversed the "rolls" of the two sexes.

I had prepared a rather lengthy blog post, filled with all sorts of science and everything, but when I started researching what the Bible says, I could not find a single Bible verse to back-up what I was feeling. So rather than just not put any biblical backing in this post, then have throngs of readers e-mail me all sorts of verses telling me I'm going to hell, or that I'm wrong I decided to approach it from a different angle.

First of all I do feel obligated to state the following: the idea of "Alpha" anything is about as scientific as it gets, albeit, in my opinion a somewhat illogical scientific concept, but a scientific concept nonetheless. So, as you can probably imagine it is quite humorous to me how as Christians we find it real easy to write off most logical scientific ideas as heresy, or completely false, yet we can accept with arms wide open illogical scientific concepts. We've been given one of the greatest gifts God could have ever given us, that is our brain. Yet, I believe that we feed it as little as possible in hopes of feeding it just enough to get by. That's why I don't mind being made fun of for reading Encyclopedia's, Wikipedia's, Periodicals or any other source to gather information. Sure, most of it does not apply to my life, but perhaps it will at one point in time.

Obviously if you crack open the Bible, or do a search for the Role of the Women according to the Bible, everything you find is going to say that a women should submit to man, man was created first, the man is the leader, the man is the head, yada yada yada, blah blah blah. Don't get me wrong, it's written RIGHT THERE IN THE BIBLE therefore it'd be completely imbecilic of me to dispute it. I believe the Bible is the Word of God, and I certainly have no place to say that what is in it is wrong, therefore I won't.

What I will say is I believe that we have grossly misinterpreted it, in this case, and in many others. Now, for the sake of argument, I am not going to say I HAVE interpreted it correctly, and truthfully anyone that says they have is a complete idiot. We will NEVER know if we've interpreted it correctly, until we meet God face to face and have the opportunity to ask him. So, I'm not going to sit here and tare the many verses I'm sure are going to be thrown in my face apart and offer my interpretation. First, folks who typically use the Bible and its verses like baseballs they can freely throw at people to prove their point typically refuse to believe anything other than their point, or the point they are trying to prove be pelting the verses at you. Second, it's MY interpretation, and while I'm free to share it, I don't know that it's valid, or even right, so rather than share an unclear interpretation that could potentially lead someone who doesn't know God in the wrong direction would not be a good thing.

At any rate, I ran across a myspace group for a group that centers themselves around promoting their alpha manhood. Now grant it the group is basically just a bunch of guys getting together to live out life, which I can and do appreciate. What I can't appreciate is a "rule list" for members of the group to abide by that are completely degrading to women and at best is probably the most chauvinistic thing I've ever seen. I am very disappointed in the members of the group, most of which I know. I understand that the "rules" list is meant to be humorous, I'd post some of the statements made only it is now "classified" and has been made a private group, so praying female eyes can not see it, but it's still unnecessary humor and really, in my opinion not very, dare I say, Christ-like.

Here's the thing guys (and by guys, I mean anyone who has the male sex organ) WE COULD NOT EXIST IF IT WEREN'T FOR THE FEMALE SPECIES! Think about it, it took a man and a women to make you, you were not the result of some immaculate conception. Yes, women have their place, and so do males, but they form equally the Alpha Pair. God said ALL men (and by men, I'm fairly confident He wasn't referring solely to the humans who have the male sex organ) are created equal in His eyes. We're not better than a female, and females are no better than men. We co-exist for the sake of creating beautiful life, and doing it together.

I understand that some feel it's necessary for men to get together and share with each other their struggles, and help each other become better in their relationships, but it's like Kenny's dad said when talking about a promise keepers group at his church, "Why would I go to a group teaching me how to have a better marriage, (among other things) when I can use that time to spend with my wife, making our marriage better?" I mean think about it, we've got all these self help groups, classes, and now "Alpha Male" small groups teaching us how to be better men, how to be better in our relationships, yet ALL those groups are with other men. Uhm, is it just me, or is that weird? Funny coming from a group of folks who in most instances are some of the most homophobic individuals on the face of the planet. (That is male Christians)

On the topic of accountability. Shut the heck up if you think it's impossible to remain in a completely neutral relationship with a female who can hold you accountable in certain areas of your life. Perhaps, if you were a little more comfortable opening up to females it wouldn't be impossible.

"Well, we can't talk about our porn addictions and masturbation habits with women." Hey new flash idiots (men), you do realize the porn addiction among women is growing at a rapid rate of speed, and I would not be surprised if in 5 to 10 years if there are just as many women, if not more addicted to porn as their are men. That's a fact jack! Also, you're naive if you think that sexual self-gratification is not something women deal with also.

I don't know working in a building dominated by males, who unintentionally or not write women off, and living in a society that does the same thing, I've really been struggling with how men treat women, myself included. Grant it, I tend to be more understanding and open to women and the majority of my relationships are with women. That does not mean though that I am "great" by any means. I certainly though am confident that I am not a chauvinist.

Anyhow, I'm sure this post will result in a plethora of e-mails and comments, but it is what it is. It's a call to men to realize that this alpha male/alpha female bull crap is illogical. It takes two to tango, in the same respect it takes two to make life happen. That's why marriage is one of the most sacred acts of commitment around. Get over yourself guys. Jeez.

Hallelujah

2008-03-31T16:15:00.002-04:00

I bet if I went back and counted all the blog entries that started with "This has to be one of the greatest songs ever..." or some veriation of that statement, the number would be large. Well not too large since I'm only just over 200 entries, but still. I make that comment often. I guess I just love music, and obviously certain songs trigger certain emotions.

Hallelujah, originally written and performed be Leonard Cohen is one such song. Up until today I never heard the original piece as performed by Cohen. I have always remained partial, despite all the covers of Rufus Wainright's rendition. For those of you who have never heard Hallelujah (you've never watched Shrek), I've included a few versions I came across on Youtube today for your viewing pleasure.

Enjoy.

Original by Leonard Cohen (You have to get past the first 10 seconds of the song to enjoy it, please don't be like me and be like OMG, this is crap in the first 10 seconds, you'll regret it):

Jeff Buckley's Version (one of the more famous covers):

Rufus Wainright's Version (While not the version in the movie Shrek, it is the version that is on the Shrek Soundtrack. probably still the best version, I think):

John Cale (featured in the movie Shrek):

K.D. Lang (It's nice to hear a female's rendition of this piece):

Bon Jovi (Eh, I like Bon Jovi, but this isn't one of their best performances):

Thoughts from the shower

2008-03-31T11:05:00.000-04:00

I haven't the slightest idea why, but the majority of my thinking takes place in the bathroom. Either while showering, or taking care of what you typically take care of in the bathroom that is NOT showering. (Hey, I'm trying to keep my PG rating. :-P)

This morning I was thinking about idiosyncrasies. More specifically, I was thinking about how and why it is I have so stinking many. Of course, I didn't come up with an answer, but I thought it'd be interesting to share some of my many idiosyncrasies with you. I try not to let these little peculiar characteristics about me define who I am. On occasion they have, or they do, but I hope sharing what they are, and why they are, perhaps I can help myself in not allowing them to define who I am. Furthermore, perhaps sharing them will help others realize what exactly it is that makes me tick. :-)

Most importantly, it gives me the opportunity to laugh at myself, something I need to do plenty of these days. :-)

Enjoy.

1.) I can not take a shower with any space between the wall and shower curtain. If I'm in the shower, I always have to make sure the shower curtain is touching the wall on both sides. It's silly I know, but I tend to shower in the morning and the chill that makes it's way through those spaces can be extreme.

2.) I will use toothpaste until there is absolutely no way left to squeeze the paste out of the tube. I've even resorted to making make shift rolling pins out of my toothbrush in an effort to squeeze as much paste to the top as possible. This isn't because I'm cheap, actually I'm not sure why I do it because it's more of a hassle then anything. Then again, I guess that's why it's an idiosyncrasy.

3.) If at all possible I will avoid making left turns without a turning light. My one and only car accident was while attempting a left turn. And most of the folks I know who have been in car accidents have been while attempting left turns. I'm not extreme as my grandmother, she'll make 25 right turns to avoid 1 left turn, but if making an easy left turn without the assistance of a light is not possible, then I will do what it takes to avoid it.

4.) I do not date randomly. Actually, I will not date someone unless I know that I could marry them. Most people think this is absolutely ridiculous, BUT, I've allowed myself to get too emotionally attached while dating in the past so I just don't do it. If the possibility for emotional ties exist, I have to force myself to examine the person and learn as much as possible about them before I consider dating them. This probably explains why I haven't had a girlfriend in goodness knows how long, as most girls long tire of the discussions, conversations, dinners and all the other things that come along with trying to get to know someone. I don't think like this because I read a book and it told me to do it, although I have read several books that have provided wisdom and insight in helping me form this characteristic. I just believe that God has manufactured one person for me and it's pointless to get emotionally attached to many people and allowing many people to get attached to me along the way.

4.) I don't like leaving the water in my ramen noodles. I drain as much of it as possible before adding the seasoning to the noodles.

5.) I start books and it takes months for me to finish them. Right now, I have like 4 books I've started and need to finish. I'm not sure why exactly this is.

6.) I really only prefer the following beverages: Sprite, Sierra Mist, Sweet Tea, Juices (all types really) and water. I enjoy coffee, but only because of the taste and aroma. I don't like caffeine at all, so I only drink de-caf drinks. (EXCEPT Sweet Tea, it's my vice)

7.) I find it incredibly difficult to say 'no'. Actually to a fault. I can not count how many times I've over committed myself as a result of this. Lately though it's becoming easier, as most things require some form of funding to take place, and I typically do not have excess funding available for said things. :-)

8.) I have a pretty strict budget. But find it pretty easy to break it. Luckily I serve a God, who without my deserving it always makes things work out.

9.) I almost always answer my cell phone with: "This is Will" or "Will Young," as if I am some type of important person. I know who is calling, but I still almost always offer that impersonal greeting.

10.) I despise drama in real life. Yet almost EVERY television show I watch is drama based. lol

11.) I listen to music REALLY loud, not to make myself sound good, but because to me music was meant to be played loudly. Along those same lines I love deep bass in songs, but not so I can thump and look cool, solely because I love bass, and the resulting effects of listening to deep bass loudly.

12.) I use hand-sanitizer on my head. (Don't worry I'm bald). I've found that it helps to keep my head from getting greasy. I don't recommend you do this right after shaving though, is it burns something fierce! It probably kills brain cells too, but what doesn't anymore?

13.) I'm bald because it's easier to shave my hair then it is to style it. :-)

14.) I spend on average 5 to 10 hours a week reading Wikipedia and various other encyclopedia articles, simply so I can gain a greater knowledge of stuff that has little to do with me. :-/

15.) I LOVE to cook, but don't do nearly enough of it.

16.) I make it a point to refer to everyone by the name on their name tag. For whatever reason this typically results in weird stares from the cashier, or waitress/waiter, despite the fact that it's the name they have on their shirt for the entire world to see! :-)

17.) I eat my Chef Boyardee Ravioli right out of the can. Which is actually quite disgusting, and I have no clue why I do it, but it's a habit that I've found incredibly difficult to break.

18.) Despite making almost $100 a week for doing so I donate plasma mostly because I want to contribute to the research and life saving factors attributed to it. Although, I'd be lying if I told you the money wasn't very helpful, and not a motivating factor in the frequency of my donations.

19.) While we're on the topic of lying, you will ALWAYS know when I'm lying because I ABSOLUTELY suck at it. I'm honest to a fault some would say. By that I mean, I typically almost always tell you what I think you need to hear, rather than what may be the nice thing, or the thing you'd like to hear. Over time this has cost me extensive amounts of potential friendships, and is sometimes annoying to the friends I do have.

20.) I LOVE hot dogs fresh from a roller grill. Topped with either massive amounts of chili and cheese, or Ketchup, Mustard, Onions and Relish. MMM...

21.) I think mayonnaise is probably the most disgusting condiment known to man-kind.

22.) Frogs will make me scream like a little girl, and I'm not afraid who knows it.

23.) It is absolutely impossible for me to fall asleep in any other position than lying flat on my stomach with my pillow folded and half and my head resting on the cold side of the pillow. Trust me, I've tried multiple ways to fall asleep, and thus far this is the only one that works. It works quick too, usually within minutes.

24.) I'll sleep through just about anything, except someone messing with the house. For instance, we had helicopters shaking the house the other night Kenny said, and it didn't make me wake up once. Had someone been messing with my window in my room from the outside I would have jolted up in a heartbeat. I guess it's my army training, you learn to listen for only certain things while you're resting, since resting is practically non-existent.

25.) Chauvinism in any form pisses me off. EVERYONE is created equal, with the exception of certain physical characteristics. Guys are no more superior than women, and women are no less humans then men. I believe that all men and women should have equal access to opportunities. If a women wants to fight on the front lines in the military let her, if she wants to play sports dominated by males, then let her. If a man is comfortable being a house dad, and doing all the cooking, cleaning and rearing of the children then he should be free to do so without any sort of criticism from his fellow male friends and family members. It is completely possible for two members of the opposite sex to maintain a neutral, sex free friendship, and it is absolutely possible for a women to keep a man accountable, and vice-versa. I refuse to believe otherwise. (This is probably going to be the topic of an upcoming blog post because I ran across something that drove me nuts yesterday)

I'm positive I have a whole heck of a lot more idiosyncrasies than I've published here, but if I shared all of them it would first, take me probably months to pin-point each thing, and I'd probably over load the blogger bandwith. :-) Hopefully these were enough to offer you a peak into the world that is Will. I also hope they made you laugh, or think depending on what they were.

I'll close with a quote:

“Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.”

—Robert Frost (1874-1963), poet

Dinners, botched hookups and my first mass

2008-03-30T23:30:00.000-04:00

My weekends have turned into a time to think, reflect and relax. While they have the normal "chores" and "fun times" attached to them, I really try to take it as easy as possible during my weekends.

This weekend was no exception.

Friday evening Amy and I enjoyed dinner at Cody's. It was a a very welcomed, and much appreciated close to a horrible week. The only problem is, my week was one of incredible turmoil and lots of CRAP, and as a result I'm fairly confident I was still on an "anger high" during our dinner which resulted in me probably using a significant amount of language that I would not otherwise use. Actually that's only one of multiple things I didn't do right Friday evening. I pretty much suck when it comes to situations where I care about what the person thinks about me. Only, she's one of just a handful of people I know who are not uber judgmental and so it makes no sense for me to be so worried about what she thinks. It's strange, and I haven't the slightest idea why I'm writing this, knowing that she will at some point in time read it. Good thing she's not judgmental. :-)

Then Saturday I met up with my former roommates and long time friends for lunch at Campbell's Dairyland. We had lunch and reflecting on times past. Reminiscing on what was is always interesting, for me anyway. It can lead to either depression because you're sad things aren't the way they were, or it could lead you to a greater appreciation for how things are now. That's what Saturday's lunch lead to for me. While it was nice to reflect on and reminisce on what once was, and where I came from, I am grateful for those experiences and what they've led me to. Later in the evening some other friends who I haven't seen in awhile picked me up for dinner. I'm fairly confident they were trying to hook me up with someone. The evening, which I was anticipating immensely, turned into an extremely awkward situation that left me feeling like I was squirming to get out of all evening. It was however, still good to see my friends.

Saturday evening I also went to my very first Catholic Mass and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Grant it there were several times during the evening that I had no clue what was going on or why, but I still felt like I walked away with something. It reminded me of a season in my life when I was being fed weekly and feeling like I was making a deeper connection with the Savior. The whole thing was sort of surreal (surreal may not be the word I'm looking for), in that here I was a complete outsider who clearly had no idea what was going on, why it was going on, or even how to "properly" do it, and yet I felt more warmly welcomed then I ever had upon visiting a protestant church. Above the Liturgy, above the prayers and above the Priests' homily there was this feeling of connectedness that I hadn't experienced in quite a while. There was a time during the service when EVERYONE in the entire room joined hands and recited the Lord's Prayer. I know many folks down play the significance of the Lord's prayer. It's hard for me to downplay one of the most powerful prayers ever written, furthermore a prayer that we are directed to pray. Upon reflecting upon it, I realized that in the course of my "Christian Life" I've only recited the Lord's prayer like 10 times in a Church, last night included, and the majority of those times were part of my house church community in Lakeland. That was rather alarming to me for some reason.
All this time I've heard all the goings on about the up-down-up-down movement in a Catholic Mass, but for me it was great. It really made me feel like I was participating in something more, and was actually a part of a true worship experience. An experience that went further than some songs and a prayer. To me, it felt like actual worship. At any rate, I think Kenny and I are going to visit a different parish this coming weekend. Being that I'm semi-logical in my approach to things (some would say that I simply think way to much about things) I want to check out a couple parish's so that I can see if what I felt this time was a one time thing, or if it's a true connection that runs across the board despite where I worship.

I'm sure as I continue on this journey and learn new things I'll post my reflections.

One thing that I'm really thankful for is that in the last several weeks I have been able to connect in ways I haven't connected with God in a long time. I've started practicing the act of repentance. I mean I've prayed for forgiveness before, but praying to be forgiven and repentance are different, in ways that are far to complicated for me to type out. Essentially repentance is a realization that you have sinned and fallen way short of the glory of God, you recognize this, you pray for forgiveness, but not only pray for forgiveness, you pray for the strength to continue without committing the sin again. Something like that.

I want to touch on something that has resulted in a few e-mails. A couple entries ago I talked about how I got in the habit of slapping God's name on "good" things that seemed right, telling myself and others that they have to be a God thing, when in all actuality they were a Will thing. I stated that to me that was using God's name in vain, and that I couldn't really bring myself to do that any more, which resulted in a change of heart about several important matters, and several decisions that I had committed to. I got an e-mail that asked me if it was possible that they were God things and I simply refused to believe they were. Here's the thing, I've cleared my mind of a significant amount of garbage over the last few weeks. I've had a lot of "knee" time, and I've sat in silence and just listened. While I've still not heard the voice of God, I can honestly say that the realization that I've done things solely for the sake of me, and called them God things is quite frightening. Good thing I'm a human and screwing up is some what expected. The bottom line is this: I just know. I don't really have to answer anyone, and don't plan on trying to do so. I can tell you that now I'm on a major journey and have several "changes" taking place in my life all of which are good, and rather than dropping one of the "o's" and capitalizing the "G" and making them God things, I'm truly praying them through and waiting for the end result.
I'm slowly realizing that when you truly commit to this lifestyle of utter reliance on someone you can not see, and do not necessarily hear audibly, life is in no way easy, but it is definitely filled with a peace I have never truly experienced.
It's quite nice.

If you're the praying type, I'm on the hunt for a new career path. Well not necessarily a new career, I want to get back into clerical/office administration. I am not cut out for sales. I've got my resume out to a multitude of places and am just prayerfully waiting on the right opportunity to come along.

Ex animo,

Will

The World's Smallest Political Quiz

2008-03-27T09:11:00.001-04:00

I have never made it a point to push Libertarianism down any one's throat. I'm not Fox News, Anne Coulter, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, or any of those other seemingly popular folks who enjoy pushing their political leanings on everyone, despite whether or not the receiving party wants to hear them.

However, I am proud to call myself a Libertarian, and I am proud of what the Libertarian Party stands for. In my opinion, it's what this Country needs if it every plans on being around for any amount of time.

Anyway, The Advocates for Self-Government, an organization rooted deeply in Libertarian principals have had for a long time The World's Smallest Political Quiz. A nifty, 8 question quiz that will honestly give you a good idea of where you stand politically on issues.

I encourage you to take the quiz, perhaps you may be surprised by the results.

Here are mine:

ACCORDING TO YOUR ANSWERS,

The political group that
agrees with you most is...

LIBERTARIAN

LIBERTARIANS support maximum liberty in both personal and economic matters. They advocate a much smaller government; one that is limited to protecting individuals from coercion and violence.

Libertarians tend to embrace individual responsibility, oppose government bureaucracy and taxes, promote private charity, tolerate diverse lifestyles, support the free market, and defend civil liberties.

The RED DOT on the Chart shows where you fit on the political map.

Your PERSONAL issues Score is 70%.
Your ECONOMIC issues Score is 100%.
(Please note: Scores falling on the Centrist border are counted as Centrist.)

I'd love to hear what some of you come up with and whether or not it surprised you. Please feel free to leave me a comment, or shoot me an e-mail and share your results.

Have a good day!

Will

It's over, now what?

2008-03-25T22:42:00.000-04:00

Last night was the last Revolution service. Revo is "growing up" as everyone is saying and becoming Element Church. I'm still not sure where my place in all that is, despite having once thought I had a clear picture.

You see I thought that, without little doubt God was calling me to Element. Then, Bobby was out of town one Monday and had Chris Elrod come speak to us. Chris' message was basically a shocker. An eye-opener of sorts. I'm not going to say he was there solely to weed people out, but basically that was the result of his message. Which, in no way is a bad thing.

The problem, for me, was that up until his message, I honestly thought that I was doing what God wanted me to do. Immediately following his message however, I realized that I was simply doing what I wanted to do, and since it was a good thing, I slapped God's name on it and called it His. What a douche I am. God, has a way of slapping me back to reality and in most instances his slaps are complete turn-my-life-upside-down type slaps. Thus enter my latest study of the Catholic Church, and my prayer of whether or not that's where I belong. Not to mention my prayer of just trying to figure out where it is I belong. I haven't completely ruled out Element, and I am still extremely supportive of Bobby and Jill and the entire Element family, I'm just not certain that it's where I belong.

The real irony that surrounds all of this is that Element, is in theory going to be everything I preached about my entire time as a Christian up to this point. The only thing is, I'm not so certain that what I've preached is necessarily the way it should be. NOW HEAR ME OUT. I AM IN NO WAY SAYING THAT IT IS WRONG, what I am saying is that, I am not completely certain that it's the life that I was manufactured for. Truthfully, I'm still not positive what exactly I WAS manufactured for, and/or how to carry it out, but it is slowly being revealed to me which is why all commitments to any person, any institution, or anything really are off the table. All previously stated commitments are null and void as far as I'm concerned and I am deeply pursuing the heart of my God, and He is deeply pursuing my heart. It's been an interesting journey that will only get more interesting.

The bottom line is this: For too long I've disguised many things as being what God has told me to do, without being completely certain that He has told me to do them. Or worse, I've said it's what God wants, knowing damn well it wasn't, but I slapped His name on it, which I'm sure is some bad thing I'll have to answer for later on. I can't do that, not anymore, and especially not now. The call to Element goes deeper than being a part of a church. It means a dedication to something huge, and part ownership in something that I just don't know that I believe in fully. Relient K, has a song that has a line in it that says "The Beauty of Grace is that it makes life not fair." Along those same lines I believe the beauty of faith is that it makes life completely uncertain. I, for one, am ok with that.

Through this journey God has been revealing other things to me. Most recently He's allowed me to realize that I was not made to "do ministry" for a living. While I'm ordained, and a Christ-follower (which means that technically I should do ministry), I simply can't bring myself to be a professional ministry doer. Pastor. Church-planter. Whatever the heck title you want to give it. It's not what I was put on earth for. Once, during a youth summer camp, like all aspiring pubescent boys who wanted to impress the apple of his eye, I stood up and made a commitment in front of my peers, and God that I would commit my life to full-time vocational ministry. Well, as I'm sure you all know, selling Cotton-Candy machines is not exactly a vocation within the Church. Quite frankly, that was one of many stupid things I've done that I've had to get right with God. Yes, we're all called to be "ministers." I believe that, and it's very important to do so. But quite frankly I will never have the wisdom, discernment, drive, will-power, self-control or knowledge to stand up and lead people. I'd be fooling myself and them if I tried.

I'm not sure why I felt led to share that. I was thinking about it this morning while getting ready for work. I think part of me shared it because I hope you all understand the depth, and seriousness of this journey for me. This isn't something I'm doing for anyone else, other than myself and God. I've jacked a lot of crap up over time, and done some imbecilic things. I've learned life lessons from most of those things, but I never completely made them right with God.

In addition to figuring out where my place in this world called "The Church" is, I'm doing a plethora of repenting, praying, reflecting and receiving.

Quite frankly, it's one of the best feelings in the world.

Ex animo,

Will

That dude's got some good stuff to say

2008-03-22T21:14:00.000-04:00

I watched the Easter Vigil Mass tonight with the Pope on EWTN, affectionately referred to as "The Catholic Channel" in our house.

I have to say it was actually quite moving.

Between Kenny and I it's not abnormal in our house to have some sort of church service on the television. Usually one, if not both of us is offering some sort of unneccesary, typically way too critical commentary on the service.
Tonight though, it was just me at the house, and given my recent on going study of the Catholic church, and my openness to where it might lead me I watched with an open mind and heart and was quite surprised at what I walked away with from the experience.

It looked as though those in attendance at St. Peters Basilica in Rome were dedicated to the reason they were there. As if, they really WANTED to be there, and it wasn't some obligatory task that they had to take care of. Of course, as a spectator watching via television, I couldn't be completely wrong. If that's the case they're all darn good actors. During the Baptismal Rite 7 folks were baptized tonight. They all seemed over joyed, almost ecstatic at what was taking place. I was telling Amy (my resident, well not really resident, perhaps reliable Catholic 'expert') that I've been to many baptisms over time, and I can honestly say, I've never seen anyone look quite as joyful as those 7 folks did tonight. It was interesting, and perhaps it was just because of whose presence they were in, (I'd probably be grinning from ear to ear if I got to meet the Pope too) I will never know, but it definitely left me with an impression that I will not soon forget.

Given the fact that up to this point in my spiritual life, I had always believed that the Catholic Church had no idea what was really going on, I believed the same to be true about the Pope. Quite frankly, I did not have any respect for his position, or what it was that he actually did and truly believed that nothing he had to say ever related to me. Tonight, however, I gained a great deal of wisdom from his homily. I found, after listening tonight, that he is quite the speaker. I can't say that the message he delivered tonight resonated with my soul, because truthfully I was distracted. The whole translation thing, and the comments from the EWTN people were throwing my self-diagnosed A.D.D. into over drive. Once it's published on the Vatican's website I'll read the transcript and have a better idea for what exactly it was he was trying to say. Needless to say though, he is quite the wise speaker, and people actually LISTEN to him. Which was nice to see.

Due to the fact that there were a lot of terms, and/or subjects mentioned in one form or another tonight that, in my lack of education threw me for a whirl I turned to the net for some answers. Amongst one of the things I found while searching for answers to questions I had was a message that the Pope delivered I guess a few days prior to Pope John Paul II's death. I was drawn to this message the moment I found out what the topic was as it relates to a discussion I've been having lately, with Amy and myself, and God too. Here's an excerpt:

"From the beginning, Christianity has understood itself as the religion of the Logos, as the religion according to reason...It has always defined men, all men without distinction, as creatures and images of God, proclaiming for them...the same dignity. In this connection, the Enlightenment is of Christian origin and it is no accident that it was born precisely and exclusively in the realm of the Christian faith....It was and is the merit of the Enlightenment to have again proposed these original values of Christianity and of having given back to reason its own voice... Today, this should be precisely [Christianity's] philosophical strength, in so far as the problem is whether the world comes from the irrational, and reason is not other than a 'sub-product,' on occasion even harmful of its development—or whether the world comes from reason, and is, as a consequence, its criterion and goal...In the so necessary dialog between secularists and Catholics, we Christians must be very careful to remain faithful to this fundamental line: to live a faith that comes from the Logos, from creative reason, and that, because of this, is also open to all that is truly rational."

I was blown away, by the last line. Read it a few times and let it sink in. It sort of puts into perspective what I was talking about in my last post.

Isn't it funny how you believe something, but in your ignorance have no idea what it is that you believe? Like, ok, I was reading about His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, and I came across something he said back in June of 05, concerning the "Dictatorship of Relativism." Well, truth be told, while having some idea of what relativism was, I didn't really know what it all entailed. Which led me to further research on the topic, and how it relates to my faith. Needless to say, I'm forced to reconsider certain thought processes now that a more thorough understanding of those processes has come in to play.

I was reflecting tonight about how nice it must be to have an authority figure, who is logical, concise, spiritual and enlightening to turn to on matters of the faith. If the protestant faith's had such a figure, I truly believe that there wouldn't be as many protestant denominations, as they would realize that the majority of the denominators in their "distinctly different" denominations are common. Not to mention the fact that perhaps folks, like myself, who have felt like wanders who haven't a clue what is going on for the majority of their faith walk, might have some idea what actually IS going on. I want to read more of the Pope's messages, I feel like a complete idiot for blowing him off for so long.

Things are slowly coming together. Questions are FINALLY receiving answers, and they're not just being answered they're receiving answers that actually make sense.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. I am going to find a church near my house to visit. This will be the first year that I don't have a "church home" to call my own on Easter Sunday. While it's an odd feeling, I think it's that way for a reason, and I'm satisfied with that reason, whatever it may be. After church I am having my family over, including my grandparents for dinner at mi casa. That should be interestingly fun. I spent the entire day cleaning and readying our house for their arrival, I hope they like the place. Of course if they don't who cares, I live here not them.

I feel like it's going to be a good week, but I can't pinpoint exactly why. As soon as I find out, you'll be the second (well third, if you count me, actually fourth, cause God technically knows first, then me, then I'll probably share with someone else, and THEN you.)

Ex animo,

Will

Thinking about what ifs and what is

2008-03-19T21:32:00.000-04:00

I have something to say, but don't know how to say it, so this could either be a really long post with a crap load of rambling, or it could be a really short post about absolutely nothing. This is entertaining to me since in the last five days I've had 2 people tell me how impressed they were with my ability to just write exactly what I was thinking, without little thought. I'm sure they'd be surprised to know just how much thought goes into what I write, even though the opposite appears true. It just so happens that I am constantly thinking. I think so much that sometimes it keeps me up at night. (See, I told you there would be some rambling :-P)

I believe that it's not possible to "think too much," yet I seem to be thinking a lot and I think that thinking too much can be potentially harmful.

Take, for example me. (I guess this makes sense, seeings as how I lack the ability to know what other people think) I think entirely too much. ABOUT EVERYTHING. If things are going one way, and one thing happens that doesn't seem to flow with the way things have been going in that particular situation, all types of thoughts start rolling through my head: "Did I do this right/wrong?" "What if I did this..." There are always so many freaking what ifs that I start driving myself nuts trying to decipher them.

The thing is, there are going to be what ifs no matter what. If you don't step out of your comfort zone you're going to have a whole heck of a lot more what ifs. I recently took a huge leap of faith, forcing myself to step WAY outside of my comfort zone and possibly make a good relationship rather awkward. Fortunately for me, it wasn't that bad, actually it didn't turn out bad at all. I took this huge leap because I've spent a majority of my "adult life" living with what ifs, I was tired of it and this time it wasn't going to happen. Plus, I had to clarify another situation.

Sometimes, we just have to sit back and really examine the situation.
God knows what He is doing, and as humans we often doubt what it is that He does do. How can I say I have faith in a God I've never seen, but not have faith in a situation that I will NEVER know the outcome of unless I step out in FAITH!?

It's all so stinking confusing.

But, isn't that life? I love my God, and I love serving Him. I think my draw to God is a faith in the unknown. Lately, I've realized there is a lot more unknown then there is known and I've really been embracing that concept. I'm not ever going to know everything, no matter how hard I try, no matter how much I'll think about something, anything, I will NEVER truly know. A friend and I were having a conversation relating to a statement I read in one of the books I am studying about Catholicism describing one of the defining characteristics of a Catholic:(they have) "A deep appreciation for both faith as a set of beliefs that are not approached through pure reason and reason as a means of faith." I had to read her response several times, because she is much more thorough in her ability to state her thoughts in a logical way. lol I read it again tonight and something new stuck out to me, that remotely relates to what I am trying to say here (and who knows it could be the whole reason I'm even posting this), but she said: "I couldn’t exist in my own entity, I’m dependent on everything else. That’s all I need to know to conclude that what WAS, always has been, always will be, and IS if only due to its ability to exist as its own entity."

I couldn’t exist in my own entity, I’m dependent on everything else.

Everything we do, every thought we have is a result of a dependency on that idea, or that thing. I know that doesn't make any sense to anyone reading this, but after reading that statement over and over I realized that through my faith in the unknown, I exist. It's that same faith that allows me to tell someone I'm attracted to them. It's the same faith that tells me I will have a job I love one day. It's the same faith that says you will know exactly where you're suppose to be spiritually soon enough.

I exist, because of a faith. A reasonable faith in what is, despite the fact that I may never really know all that 'is.'

I'm content with that.

Ex animo,

Will

There are people on this spec...

2008-03-16T14:36:00.001-04:00

I saw Horton Hears a Who! with Amy, and her friends last night. I recommend that you see it, it's highly entertaining. Not to mention the fact that Jim Carrey is a funny guy as is Steve Carell, so you can only imagine when you put the two of them together along with several other fairly funny folks in a film about one of Dr. Suess' greatest stories what you're going to get.

This weekend, while not nearly as relaxing as I thought it would be has turned out to be quite great. Friday night, I lounged around the house enjoyed the rain falling all night, watched I am Legend, which was far scary than I thought it would be. Also, is not about zombies, as I learned last night. Which just goes to show you that I definitely did not pick up an affection for science-fiction like my parents, because had I, I would have clearly known they were not zombies. :-) For whatever reason after watching that movie I had a desire to listen to some Bob Marley, so I got up and went to Wal*Mart to see if they had any inexpensive Marley discs. As usual, they did, so I got his greatest hits for $ 5.88, what a steal!
Yesterday, Kenny, Maggie and I toured some of the homes on the Tampa Bay Spring Parade of Homes. It was actually a whole lot more fun than I imagined, and it brought forward a desire to design homes. Designing is something that I've always thought about. Not interior design, but like putting together the layout of a home, and the construction part. Jobs where my hands to the majority of the work have always been the ones I enjoy more. Maybe one day I'll be a designer.

Yeesh, perhaps one day I'll know EXACTLY what it is I want to do. :-)

Now, it's Sunday, I'm "relaxing" and getting some non-labor intensive work done around the house. I posted my resume on Monster, and I'm going to check around Craigslist and other job sites for jobs that look good and send my resume. Wish me luck.

You know, I have an issue. It's not really an "issue" per say, but it is. You see, I have a tremendous fear of "messing" good things up either by actions, or words. Any how, the fear has become increasingly prevalent as of late, so if you remember please pray that it subsides. I'd really appreciate it.

Ex animo.

Will

I did it!

2008-03-14T21:50:00.001-04:00

30....well now 31 days McDonalds free!

What an accomplishment! Well, for me anyways!

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

A Vision of Students Today

2008-03-14T14:34:00.001-04:00

This is a really good film I ran across on You Tube.

You have got to be kidding me

2008-03-14T09:31:00.000-04:00

Something told me this morning when I woke up it was going to be "one of those days."

First, I was finding it extremely difficult to do my morning ritual of sitting still. I had to pee...REALLY bad, for whatever reason I was very worried about what I'd wear to work today (dumb I know), and I was focused on getting online to check my bank account. Sitting still has become such an integral part of my day that when I can't do it, I know that there are going to be problems.

Needless to say, I didn't do much sitting still this morning. I woke up, used the bathroom and went about my morning business.

Then I checked my bank account, and what to my wondering eye's should appear? My normal paycheck.

Now, let me pause here for a moment and make this interjection. I am an ungrateful ass. I have many friends who can not find a job, and have no source of income and I'm about to complain about my job, which is a decent source of income and an all around o.k. place to work. So while the statements I am about to make are completely uncalled for I am going to vent. Which, I am completely entitled to do since this is MY BLOG. :-/

Most folks would be happy to see their paycheck in their bank account, and don't get me wrong, I too am happy to see it there, as I'd certainly rather see those numbers rather than the number '0'. What I don't like is the fact that the company I work for is so wishy washy when it comes to payroll. I have a time card and am required to clock in and out everyday, even for lunch. Yet, no matter how much time I work, I always get the same amount of pay. Am I salaried, or hourly? I'm not sure!?! Furthermore, this week, I worked 11 hours Wednesday (3 hours over normal), 9 hours Thursday (1 hour over normal), 10 hours Friday (2 hours over normal), 10.75 hours on Saturday, and 7 hours on Sunday which since I don't work on the weekends is a total of 17.75 hours of over time right? Well apparently not here. Apparently when you work 23 hours over your normal scheduled work time you still get paid your normal salary. What's even MORE confusing is that I constantly am having money tacked on to my pay check for no apparent reason, yet when I DESERVE to have it, and quite frankly it would be really NICE to have, I don't get it. It's all very frustrating. If I'm salaried I'm o.k. with that, but don't make me swipe a time card, and if I am salaried we need to do some renegotiating here because I'm not getting paid nearly enough for all it is that I do, commission or not.

I know that none of that really has anything to do with anyone who reads this, but I'm so pissed off that I had to vent or I'd probably say something to someone at work and then next week would log on to see a big fat '0' deposited. :-)

I keep telling myself I need to finish school so I can get a real job and do something in life, or rather do something that I enjoy, and am passionate about. Cotton Candy, Popcorn and Toilet Paper are not those things. :-/

I may start putting my resume out there again. Not because I'm dissatisfied with this job, but because I need something where the pay is more reliable and isn't threatened. I've got enough experience to manage an office somewhere, or be someones secretary. I don't need the headache of dealing with folks continually wheeling and dealing. I used to think that I liked sales, and perhaps that's because I never really had a TRUE sales job, where the more I sold the better off I was. I am beginning to realize that 1.) I'm a pretty crappy sales person, 2.) It's difficult for me to sell something to someone because I struggle a lot with telling someone what they want to hear as opposed to telling them the truth, 3.) I am really not a big fan of sales people myself, so I'm trying to get people to buy from me, when I probably wouldn't even by from myself! lol...what a tangled web I weave.

Anyway, sorry to rant, it's uncalled for really. However, it is what it is. :-)

If you're going to be in Ybor Saturday stop by and see me at the Spaghetti Warehouse. I'll be there with the NRSH group from Revo, probably like 7:30 ish. Text me, or shoot me a message on myspace.

Carpe Diem (I should take my own advice).

The OCEAN Test

2008-03-13T13:02:00.000-04:00

I took a personality test during lunch today.

I was quite humored by the results:

What aspects of personality does this tell me about?

There has been much research on how people describe others, and five major dimensions of human personality have been found. They are often referred to as the OCEAN model of personality, because of the acronym from the names of the five dimensions.

Openness to Experience/Intellect:
High scorers tend to be original, creative, curious, complex; Low scorers tend to be conventional, down to earth, narrow interests, uncreative.
(Your percentile: 70) You are relatively open to new experiences.

Conscientiousness:
High scorers tend to be reliable, well-organized, self-disciplined, careful; Low scorers tend to be disorganized, undependable, negligent.
(Your percentile: 35) You tend to do things somewhat haphazardly.

(I'm not sure I agree with that one so much)

Extraversion:
High scorers tend to be sociable, friendly, fun loving, talkative; Low scorers tend to be introverted, reserved, inhibited, quiet.
(Your percentile: 15) You probably enjoy spending quiet time alone.

Agreeableness:
High scorers tend to be good natured, sympathetic, forgiving, courteous; Low scorers tend to be critical, rude, harsh, callous.
(Your percentile: 38) You find it easy to express irritation with others.

Neuroticism:
High scorers tend to be nervous, high-strung, insecure, worrying; Low scorers tend to be calm, relaxed, secure, hardy.
(Your percentile: 94) You are a generally anxious person and tend to worry about things.

(That one sort of makes me sad)

Where's the flutes, strings and all the other instruments?

2008-03-12T10:39:00.001-04:00

Is it just me, or have Church praise & worship bands forgot that there are instruments outside of the guitar, piano/keyboard, bass guitar and drums?

I had some time to kill before calling on a customer yesterday so I stopped in to the Family Christian Store at Regency Square in Brandon yesterday afternoon. (Kenny will probably never let me live it down either) I browsed through the various aisles, looking for nothing in particular, just shopping around. I ran across a couple CD's I wanted, one was labeled "Classical Worship Masterpieces," which in itself bothers me slightly. Why is it that anything that uses an orchestra, or is strictly strings is classified as "classical?" EVEN IF IT'S MADE IN 2008! What is the deal with that? At any rate, I also purchased a 2 disc set of Celtic Hymns. First of all, I have a deep appreciation for Celtic music, and a deeper appreciation for hymns.

While listening to these cd's last night and in to work this morning I got to thinking: Why on earth, have we limited our praise and worship to vocals, guitars, drums, pianos/keyboards, and bass guitars? I can not tell you the last time I heard a saxophone, flute, violin or any of the hundreds of other instruments that exists used to praise our God during a church service. Why is that? Have we become so caught up in being relevant, and with the times, that we've assumed that anything you don't hear on mainstream radio is out-dated?

I'm a huge fan of music, all types too. Seriously yesterday, I was switching between my classical masterpieces CD, and Wild 98.7 - the local hip-hop radio station and folks were looking at me like I was nuts while we were sitting in the road waiting for the 4 mile long train to go through Brandon at 20 miles an hour. So I have an affinity to all types of music and it makes me a little bit upset that we've limited ourselves to, pop or rock in our worship of God.

Why not throw in a Gregorian Chants, and mix in a variety of percussion instruments, some woodwinds, a variety of stringed instruments outside of guitars, maybe a Synthesizer, a Hammond B3, and even an organ. All of these instruments can used to worship God, and I can't for the life of me figure out why we've limited our self so much. Some could attribute it to folks who've been blessed with the talent not using it, but I thing it's deeper than that. I think it stems mainly from a need to just go along with pop culture, and pop culture loves, pop music, and rock. Those are the top two musical genres at least in the United States.

I don't know, it's really such a small subject when you look at the big picture, but for me, it's actually a rather large subject. Music is how I relate to life. I can find a song for every feeling under the sun, for every season of my life, for every action or reaction. My soundtrack would probably take up well over 100 compact discs. Music is a big deal to me, as it is with most folks. So if the church is suppose to be the people, then why have we as a people made the decision to turn our worship bands in to pop and rock bands? Why is the emphasis on contemporary worship? Why have we forgotten our roots?

I'm learning, especially as of lately, there are many 'Why's' and little answers.

In a way, it makes things very interesting. In another way it's quite annoying. :-)

Here's a quote I got from The Foundation for a Better Life yesterday. It's actually forced me to chew on somethings, so I figured I'd pass it along and perhaps it'll do the same for you. Enjoy:

“We must exchange the philosophy of excuse - what I am is beyond my control - for the philosophy of responsibility.”

—Barbara Charline Jordan (1936-1996), U.S. member of Congress

Carpe Diem.

My Blog's Readability

2008-03-11T23:14:00.002-04:00

Chris posted a link about his blog's readability. For craps and giggles I decided to test mine.

This is what I got:

Movie Reviews

JUNIOR HIGH!?!? Man alive, I thought for sure I'd get at least High School. I guess we can't all be as cool as Chris.

I also do not understand why google.com is rated as 'Genius'. Google? Come on folks, I don't even think they have real text on their page!?! :-P

A break from what seems to be the norm

2008-03-11T21:56:00.000-04:00

Lately my world has been spinning at what seems like twice the speed of sound. <-- That's a bit of an over exaggeration, seeings how I have no clue what the speed of sound is, but you get the point. I can't seem to slow down no matter how hard I try. It seems as if since I've moved homes, I can't seem to STOP moving period.

Then all of the sudden, when I think things are swirling out of control, there's a question...'You want to get some coffee tonight?' My answer, well, at first was no. Typical me, ignoring the sign to slow down. Luckily I ended up committing and I'm glad I did.

It was a break from the norm. A seemingly insane, absolutely ridiculous norm that has become my life as of late.

It was as if someone hit the pause button and the spinning, the dizziness that has been keeping me up at night all came to a halt. For a few hours, brief, but appreciated, everything stopped, and I was able to enjoy the company of an intelligent, incredible individual who has the ability without trying, to make me stop, and take a deep breath. To take in my surroundings and just plain STOP.

Stopping is nice.

It was indeed a nice break from the norm, and was appreciated more than the person providing the break could ever realize.

Not only was the break from the dizzying spin nice, it provided a nice forum for me to share my heart. Which was more than appreciated, given my propensity to forgo sharing my heart in situations I fear may create awkwardness. Thankfully, the awkwardness I feared was not to be found last night.

Anyhow, I shared all that because it got me to thinking: We, or at least I, really get to busy and caught up in the world around us sometimes that I loose touch with the simplicity of being still.

The sad thing is, for me anyway, that in most cases (not necessarily right now though) I thoroughly ENJOY being uber busy. I don't know why this is, perhaps I feel as the old saying goes that "Idle hands are the devil's tool." It's like I live for the stress, yet I cry about it, when secretly I love it. It's actually quite the ultimate hypocrisy. :-/

Yet, a feeling that I am coming to enjoy more than ever is what I describe as the simplicity of being still. I've gotten in the habit of waking up in the morning and simply standing still. Sometimes I look out the window (which, I'm finding I need to be cautious with as little children are walking to their bus stops in the morning, and parents may think oddly of a shirtless man staring out the window seemingly looking at nothing), sometimes, I'll just sit up in my bed for a few minutes and do nothing. I think about nothing, I worry about nothing, I fear nothing, I simply embrace the simplicity of being still. In those few moments I have nothing but a shell. I feed that shell by taking in a few deep breaths, and then, well then the spinning starts and doesn't stop until the next morning when I embrace the simplicity of being still all over again. While I can't say for sure, I believe this has really given me a deeper appreciation for all that takes place in my life during a day. It has also allowed me to accentuate the positive rather than highlight the negative. Something I've been working diligently on as of lately.

So do yourself a favor and embrace the simplicity that is being still. Don't pray, meditate, think, fear, stress, talk, read or do anything. Quiet time is nice that is true. This is NOT quiet time. Just sit still, I'm sure you'll find that you don't do it nearly as much as you should.

In other news, it is important with me to share with you all where I'm at in this journey that is my spiritual life.
Being a blogger, specifically a blogger who frequently comments on spiritual and religious affairs I have over time studied in various degrees of depth different religions. Never with the intention of converting, or following, but simply so that my ignorance never got in the way of commentary.
One such section of faith, or religion that I have studied briefly is Catholicism. One, I studied it because two extremely influential spiritual leaders in my life (Tom and Lisa) were converted Catholics, who have since went back to the Catholic Church. Two, growing up in the non-Catholic church scene (what growing up in Church I did that is) I was always taught that the Catholics have it all wrong, whatever 'it' actually is.
I've been greatly intrigued by the tradition of the Church, and the fact that the Catholic Church is the 'original' for all intents of purpose. As of late I have began an in depth personal study of Catholicism, in hopes that perhaps I can find the answers I'm looking for.

Here's the thing folks, something has been missing, I haven't the slightest idea what it is, but what I do know is that for a brief period in my spiritual journey I felt more in touch with it then ever, and upon beginning my studies I have found that period had a significant Catholic influence that I simply can't ignore.

While I'm certainly not making an announcement of conversion, I am not ruling it out.

I believe in the kingdom come
Then all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
Well yes I'm still running

You broke the bonds and you
Loosed the chains
Carried the cross
Of my shame
Of my shame
You know I believed it

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

Promise

2008-03-11T00:46:00.000-04:00

I promise to have an update soon. Life is spinning...way fast.

It's sort of like when you get on a treadmill, turn it on and it's way to fast and it throws you off of it. Yeah, that's my life right now.

I've Just Seen A Face

2008-03-06T23:28:00.003-05:00

I am a big fan of music as most of you are probably aware. I am also a huge fan of remixes, or remakes.

Enter I've Just Seen a Face:

It's from my favorite movie of all time Across the Universe.

While I thoroughly enjoy this version of this song, The Beatles still do it better.

See:

Lost: My Mind, if found please return promptly

2008-03-06T22:11:00.001-05:00

I have absolutely no idea why I committed myself and the company I work for to The Spring Home Show at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

For one, I'm pretty much the worst sales person to grace the planet. As a matter of fact, I don't particularly care for sales people myself, so why I am a sales person I don't know.

Two, Have you EVER done a trade show before? It's insane. You're literally moving from the hour set-up begins until the hour tear down ends. I have been engulfed in home show crap since Wednesday morning at 8 am. Now my booth is all set-up, everything is priced, so now comes the fun part. I get to stand around for 9 hours Friday and Saturday and 7 hours on Sunday and be haggled, asked "Who puts a slushie machine in their house" 5 thousand times, get asked for popcorn samples (probably from the same people on multiple occasions), and be haggled some more (probably by the same people who haggled me the first time) all for, IF I'm lucky maybe a high 3 figure commission check. I have to ask myself...is it worth it?

Three, I'm completely convinced that the longer I do this job, the more of my mind I am loosing. This is not who I am, it's no where near who I want to be, and I don't think a human being is capable of being more unsatisfied than I am at this very point in time. Of course I say that, only to feel guilty as crap that there are folks, good folks, well educated and career oriented folks out there who don't have jobs and are having a hell of a time finding one. Meanwhile I'm complaining about a decent paying job, with a fairly decent company, and fairly decent people to work with.

Anyway, in case you didn't catch the gist of that, I am doing a home show all weekend, starting Friday at 10 am, and lasting through Sunday at 6 pm. If you don't hear from me that's why.

If I were you though, I'd stay tuned to my twitter. I'm sure there will be interesting updates coming across it over the course of the weekend.

So while you're out at Wild Splash, the Strawberry Festival, or doing other cool weekend stuff, remember me. Working 9 hours in the Fairgrounds Expo Hall, not getting a lunch, and barely getting pee breaks all weekend. :-D

Wow

2008-03-02T00:16:00.000-05:00

I am officially a resident of Hillsborough County again, specifically I'm back in Tampa. I'm really excited about this as I am now in a more centralized location, so no matter where I want to hang out, Tampa, Lakeland, or Brandon, I can do it without going through a significant amount of gas. Plus, I've got my own room now, and I'm working hard on maintaining fiscal responsibility, which is always good when you are 23 years old.

Needless to say, I've been rocking and rolling (in a figurative sense) since I got off work at Friday. I picked up my paint at Lowe's, then packed my car, came out to my new house, painted all night, went back to the burg, slept, packed car again and came back to Tampa.

I also had lunch with my friend Amy, who becomes absolutely more incredible every time I have a conversation with. She's a breath of fresh air, in this smog filled life I live. :-) I am glad she is around.

Tonight I've been finishing the painting of my room and touch up. Painting is so time consuming. Hopefully tomorrow I can get my room set up, that'll be nice.

Are you serious?!

2008-02-28T13:47:00.000-05:00

Lately the underlying message that God has been force feeding down my throat has been: Patience. It's as if He is saying, "Listen buddy, if you do not start practicing a little bit if Patience, you're just going to keep hurting yourself."

I've been teaching myself to be more patient now for a little while. The problem is, I'm not such a good teacher. So how does God help, all week, the theme in my quote of the day e-mails from The Foundation for a better life have been centered around patience.

Monday:

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.”

—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), essayist, poet, philosopher

Tuesday:

"The greatest power is often simple patience.”

—E. Joseph Cossman (b. 1918), author

Wednesday:

“Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence.”

—Hal Borland (1900-1978), journalist, author

And then todays, well todays blew me out of my seat take a look:

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew.”

—Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Roman Catholic saint

As you can see, someone is trying to tell me something. :-)

Why is it that we lack patience? Why do we have this, give ME, what I want right NOW mentality? I'm the worse, I lack patience in just about every situation in life, I always want things when I want them and not in the time frame that they are going to be given to me.

A lot of it boils down to a lack of self-satisfaction. I am not satisfied with the life I lead, that's why that last quote knocked me out of my shoes. I need to be more patient with myself, perhaps then I'll become patient in other aspects of my life.

That's just some random ramblings, but It's been heavy on my heart lately.

In other news, it is official: I am MOVING back to Tampa. Back to the ole' 33610. The neighborhood (not the same exact neighborhood) I grew up in. I'll be right on I-4, so I'll be able to conveniently travel anywhere I need to go. I'll have my own room again, which will be really nice. Since I spend the majority of my time in the Tampa/Brandon/Lakeland area anyway, being in this centralized location will be nice. Plus I'll have roommates I know Kenny and Jeff, and it's a price I can more than afford (as long as I manage my money properly). I'll be moving Friday night, Saturday, and hopefully have it all done by Sunday morning/afternoon.

Dick Fletcher

2008-02-27T09:41:00.001-05:00

Tampa Bay has yet again lost another great Meteorologist with the untimely passing of WTSP Channel 10 "Tampa Bay's 10" Chief Meteorologist Dick Fletcher. Dick suffered a stroke last week, and unfortunately did not recover. He passed away yesterday morning.

The only "run ins" I had with Dick, were, like my run ins with John Winter were during my time at Chick-fil-A. Dick would often come in for a sandwich on his way in to work. He wasn't exactly the "nicest" gentleman in the world, but he had a knack for telling you how it was, and for that I was appreciative. The man also knew weather and could be counted on to "bring it" when it came to Tampa Bay weather.

He is a legend among local celebrities and his detailed knowledge of the Florida weather scene will sorely be missed.

Rest in peace Dick.

I am positive...but I still have a ways to go

2008-02-22T09:43:00.000-05:00

I have a friend who has been unintentionally (by unintentional, I mean I'm 75 % confident they have absolutely no idea) encouraging me to see more of the positive in every situation then be so damn negative all the time.

I've been doing a semi-decent job at doing so, but still have leaps and bounds to make. I'm not at the point where at the end of the day I can name off things that made me happy, or that were good, or name off the positive things that occurred. HOWEVER, I'm a lot better off now then a few weeks ago, and I've got to say that, much to my astonishment, I am starting to realize that the more positive you stay the better you feel mentally, physically and spiritually. It is quite perplexing to me at how that works, but it's the truth and I tend to just go with whatever I find to be true. :-)

Like I said, I still have quite a ways to go I'm still very focused on what didn't go right, or what was wrong with my day. Actually, I think that is part of the reason why I have difficulty sleeping: I go to bed with so much negative "energy" or crap that my body becomes restless thinking about it. Who knows, I'm not a doctor, all I know is that during the day if I accentuate the positive in a situation for brief moment it's like the world stops going 400 miles a minute and life is good.

This morning in my daily Foundation for a Better Life quote of the day e-mail this came through: (P.S. I know that you all are probably sick of these quotes however, they suit their purpose, and I derive a great deal of encouragement from them)

“Look at what you've got and make the best of it. It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”

—Proverb

It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. Man, I'm not sure about you but that statement resonates with my soul.

Why dwell on all the crap when there is so much stuff that isn't crap to dwell on?

I think, at least in my case, I've let the world influence me too much. I watch way too much CNN, Headline News, Local News and Reality television. I read too many newspapers, national news publications, gossip magazines and websites that my view on life is tainted. I have a customer who refuses to watch the daily news. I ask her how she knows what is going on and she says that if it's important enough one way or the other she'll find out about it, otherwise she wants to keep as much garbage as humanly possible out of her life. I wish I could be like that, but I am such a hound for news and gossip that it is disgusting.

I am certainly going to try harder though. I've actually went all week without reading the tbt* and last night was the first night all week I tuned into Bay News 9. I'm not saying it's good to be completely ignorant of everything going on around you, but like my customer, if it's something I should know I truly think it will make its way back to me. Her and her husband are well versed, well educated and well rounded folks, I think if they had no clue what was going on in the world that would not be the case. Rather than watch Bay News 9 for hours every night, I'll check out their website (something I already do) and just catch up on the stories that I need to know about rather then all the other negative news stories they have an obligation to report on. I think my friend, who happens to be a fairly wise individual, Chris Elrod put it best in a recent blog entry when he said "The press is always looking for the 'sensational' angle to get people to watch, listen or read...most of the time that means digging out the controversial or negative...especially with television or print." I don't necessarily think that is a bad thing, however I'm biased having spent the majority of my high school days working in student journalism, and believing that was going to be the career route I took. I just think that at this juncture in my life, where survival is key, and happiness is right underneath survival, the negative press is really taking a toll on me.

Long story short: (I think I'm going to start putting these 'long story short' statements at the end of each entry, because I tend to ramble and some of you have made it quite clear that you're not a fan of the rambling.) Be positive, and get rid of, or try to lesson anything that may be a negative force in your life.

Completely unrelated to any of that I want to tell you that if you have the ability to make a difference in someone's life (and we all do) then do it. I can not tell you how impacting one person can be on your life. They can take the blinders off, and cause you to start to examine things from a completely different perspective. Of course you could find that perspective to be completely wrong for you, or like in my case, you could find that part of that perspective is part of what you've been missing in life. You really do have the power to make a significant difference in someones life as long as you embrace that power positively.

Ex animo,

Will

Believe it or not, I STILL don't have it all figured out

2008-02-20T21:29:00.002-05:00

Lately as a result of several conversations in varying degrees of agreeing and disagreeing, I have been struggling with this whole religion thing.

Actually, I've struggled with religion, and the various labels and titles that come along with it. For instance, am I a Christian? Well, I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I've been baptized to be cleansed of my impurities, I admit that I sin and fall short of the glory of God frequently. For all intents of a purpose I'm a Christian. But then, lately having the label Christian isn't necessarily good. Folks look down on Christians, heck, even I do, because truthfully the Christians that are in the public eye are, well, some times crazy. Then I jumped on the Christ Follower bandwagon, you know the one "I just follow Jesus," none of the other stuff. Well that philosophy is about as flawed as a Pokemon lollipop with razor blades in it. Lately my thing as been being an authentic follow of Jesus, but the truth of the matter is, if you're following Jesus then you ARE being authentic. And, well, it's all so confusing and has caused me to loose complete touch with what it is that I'm suppose to be doing: FOLLOWING CHRIST. :-/
I've gotten so caught up in whats wrong, that I've lost complete sight of what is right.

It all comes back to labels. Something I've said in the past that I am really not a big fan of. Heck I don't even put my title in my signature at work, and I certainly don't use Reverend in my name even though that is technically a title that I have the ability to use. I've been struggling with all this for a while and it has come to a head as of late. This morning I woke up to a blog entry from my friend Brittany. It really moved things into perspective for me, take a look:

Labels. They are all around us not just on the clothes we wear but on the people, we meet. Punk, Goth, emo, rocker, rockabilly, glam, preppy, sporty. Still even more- partier, druggy, preppy, studious, hippy. Nevertheless, the real "labels" that I have been thinking about lately are- religious, Christian, Christ follower, and authentic.

They all can mean the same thing or they can all mean completely different things. Why should they? Being a Christian means that you have a religion, that you follow Christ and if you're truly fleshing it out, you are authentic. Yet each one gets such a bad reputation.

All to often we get caught up in the meaning of something we can't stop our wandering minds long enough to realize the true impact the action might have had on someone. We're just to caught up wondering if it was said in this way or done in that way. It's just to outlandish to accept a honest gesture and not question it's intent.

It's not a new problem though. In the Old Testament people where concerned with which direction they faced when they prayed to God, in the New Testament people quarreled over whose teaching they followed, Paul or Peter. The ultimate Jennifer or Angelina put up or shut up of the century. It took Paul and Peter working together to get the people to comprehend that it was still the same God they were worshiping, honoring, and preaching.

So let's take a cue from them. Forgetting and putting aside minor differences and disregarding labels and putting a spotlight on the true heart issue- making our God famous among all nations.

How well put is that? It was a big slap in the face. I've spent so much time trying to 'fix' what isn't even broken, but making it into something that made me feel better, that I've just totally forgot my ultimate purpose.

Long story short, since I've spent a significant amount of time writing about what's wrong with religion, and specifically what is wrong with Christianity, that I have compromised my testimony.

Well, that stops now.

If I am living out loud, then authenticity, following Christ, and being a Christian will all fall in to place.

This decision is not a result of any one thing. It's something that has been troubling me for a while resulting in a plethora of prayer and meditation and listening to folks who are clearly wiser than myself as well as, once again listening to God speak through those folks, as well as speaking through situations.

Ex animo,
Will

That's so freakin weird

2008-02-20T18:15:00.000-05:00

I've been making it a point to listen to Spirit FM during the weekdays when Olivia and Jamie are praying. One, because I am usually stuck in traffic around that time every evening and praying is actually quite peaceful, and two, I grew up with Olivia (well not really "grew up" but the better half of my late teens was spent listening to her at night, and before her Billy "The Kid" who came back later as Bill the Mid Day guy and now I'm rambling) and I actually was very excited when she was promoted to Music Director at Spirit and then promoted to afternoon drive with her partner Jamie, who I'm not a 'huge' fan of, but enjoy none the less. Any how, I was listening to them today, and for whatever reason after they finished praying I said, "Man I sure would like to here Soldiers by Out of Eden" and wouldn't you know it, that was the next song they played! lol

It's probably dumb that I got so excited over that, but that is one of my favorite songs of all time and I haven't heard it in like a year (well since the Tampa Bay Festival), and so it was exciting to me. Even more exciting was the fact that I was talking about it and then it just came on. Perhaps it was divine intervention? Who knows.

I'm writing this while enjoying a Sierra Turkey sandwich and a bowl of brocolli and cheddar soup at Panera Bread. I truly enjoy Panera Bread, and I do not frequent it nearly as often as I should. I've found in my experiences here that the later you come, you can nestle in a corner with a good book, your laptop or just by yourself and accomplish a substantial amount of meditation, reading, blogging or heck even clear your head of all the crap that builds up through the day. They play tranquil music too, and it's not too trendy, it's just right. Well with the exception of the occasional "Jay your order is now up" being belted over the loudspeaker. lol. I am just a slight bit irriatated though. They eliminated my favorite bread ever, the asiago cheese bread. Gone, completely wiped off the face of the planet. Oh well, serves me right for not coming here often enough to know ahead of time before I got my mind set on it. I even just ran into some folks from my former youth group who I haven't seen in well over 5 years. Man how time flys. I can not believe that I will be a high school graduate for 5 years coming up in May, in addition I'll be 23 years old in May. Only 7 years away from 30. I better live life to it's fullest huh? :-)

I have to say that as of late, I am realizing just how incredibly cared for I am. Not by people, because I'm sure there are people out there that care about me, and if not, well, oh well. But God, man, He is really demonstrating just how much He cares about me in so many tanigible ways lately. He has spoke to me often and He's been giving me the words to speak to others when they need to hear them. I don't know, I don't deserve for Him to treat me as well as I do, I'm such a freakin looser, in a spiritual sense. I don't pray nearly as much as I should, I spend more time desconstructing His word, then just reading it and taking it for what He gives me. I've got way more pride then any follower of Christ should have, and I'm probably not the greatest example of a Christ follower. Yet, I'm still loved. How does that work? Well, that's a story for another day. :-)

I'll be posting again in a little while. I've been working on a post for quite some time now, and my friend Brittany posted something last night, that gives me just the fuel I need to finish it up.

Carpe Diem!

just incase

2008-02-19T22:04:00.001-05:00

In the event that you did not listen to music in 99, or perhaps you were living under a rock here is the music video for Everybody's free to wear sunscreen. (Referenced in the previous post)

Enjoy

You are NOT as fat as you imagine

2008-02-19T21:51:00.000-05:00

(Warning the following post could be construed as absolutely ridiculous)

I have to admit that I have never actually heard God speak to me. Never...ever. Not in the sense of I've heard a voice speaking to me. If I did I'd probably pull a double whammy and pee and crap myself.
However, just because He doesn't 'talk' to me, doesn't mean he doesn't speak to me. I've said this before, and folks laugh at me, but God speaks to me in the form of songs, commercials and on billboards. Crazy...I know...but it's the truth.

Anyway, lately I've been extremely down and out. I have let my body get way out of shape. I have put on a significant amount of weight (over 50 pounds in the last year and close to 80 pounds in the last 2 years) and as a result I lack motivation to do pretty much anything. Not to mention clothes that I've had for years don't fit and I just feel gross all the time. Now here me out...I do not think large people are gross. I just feel gross and I attribute it directly to my recent weight gain.
My friends and folks that have known me for awhile are consistently telling me that I look fine, and even today when I visited my former co-workers at the university they were telling me how great I looked. It's been getting old, because I don't feel great, and I really don't think I look great at all.
These thoughts have inhabited me for quite some time, and I've done my best to hide how I really feel about it by joking about it and giving little quips here and there to give the impression that I'm ok with all this. Well the fact of the matter is, I'm not.
I try to get motivated to and walk/run/workout, but unfortunately time constraints warrant otherwise. I know it's no excuse but it is what it is.
Anyhow, the bottom line is it's gotten to the point now, where every time I eat I feel sick to my stomach, not that I'm making myself sick, I just know that I've got to eat, but every time I do I'm getting bigger, and it sucks.

So tonight on my way home, I was feeling some Baz Luhrmann, so I threw my everybody is free to wear sunscreen single, and the strangest thing happened. There is a part of the song that says "You are NOT as fat as you imagine," and tonight, for whatever reason (probably lack of proper care for my compact discs), when it got to the part of the song it just kept playing it over and over.
For you it sounds like just another skipping cd, for me it's God saying stop getting down on yourself, and it's time to get up, get busy and do something about this "problem" I have seemingly gotten myself in to.

Needless to say it was very motivating.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
In other news, Friday night I had a $ 40 steak (as I talk about needing to loose weight) with some great folks for the Nourish outing. Then Sunday night, I joined Amy, Brittany, Jeff, Mary, Ben, and (crap I forgot Amy's friends name) for Swing Dance out by the airport and while I'm a quitter and gave up mid-way through the lessons it was quite fun to watch and it was a whole lot of fun to watch my friends and everyone else enjoy themselves. I'll more than likely do it again.

What else has happened recently?

I did go on a road trip a couple weekends ago to Deland with a friend so she could tryout for a music program at a University out there. It was a great trip, and well worth my Saturday (not that my Saturday is really that filled with anything to thrilling anyway), it was actually probably the most fun I've had on a Saturday in a long time. It just goes to show you that a little conversation can go a long way, because pretty much all I did was drive, and talk. :-)

I'm yearning more and more to go to school and get a degree in something so I don't have to sell popcorn and cotton candy machines any more. I'm leaning more and more towards teaching everyday, only because the chances of me getting into radio (a field that becomes more computerized everyday) is becoming increasingly slim. I'm jus tired of monotony. My plan is this summer to take my vacation around the time substitute training in Hillsborough takes place, go through the training again, and work as a sub while I continue my studies. I just can't see myself doing what I'm doing now much longer.

It's all about motivation, which I am finding I have more of everyday.

That's about it for now. I've got so many stinking posts in the work about "real" things, but I've got to find the time to do the necessary research and fact finding before I can post them.

Chew on this

2008-02-14T11:22:00.002-05:00

This came through from The Foundation for a Better Life today. Chew on it for a while.

“Who, being loved, is poor?”

—Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), poet, playwright, novelist

Senator Clinton...The Ultimate Pimp

2008-02-13T10:37:00.000-05:00

Give me a break Senator Clinton.

Are you seriously that uptight that a silly, satirical comment referencing what is for all intents of a purpose happening in your campaign by your daughter hurt your feelings that much?

For those of you that have no clue what I'm talking about take a look at this quick clip:

David Shuster, while filling in for Tucker Carlson on MSNBC a few nights ago made a comment about Senator Clinton's campaign enlisting the help of her daughter Chelsea in convincing super delegates to vote for her mom. Well this has set off a fire storm in a race that has had it's fair share of storms. So much so that so that Senator Clinton even wrote NBC President Steve Capus saying "Nothing justifies the kind of debasing language that David Shuster used and no temporary suspension or half-hearted apology is sufficient, I would urge you to look at the pattern of behavior on your network that seems to repeatedly lead to this sort of degrading language, There's a lot at stake for our country in this election. Surely, you can do your jobs as journalists and commentators and still keep the discourse civil and appropriate."

I'm sorry, perhaps it's the fact that I've grown up in Saint Petersburg, and went to school in South Saint Petersburg, but I hardly think the word "pimp" or the phrase "pimped out" is debasing or degrading. Heck, I use that word all the time. For the love of pete, I call myself the cotton candy pimp. It's what I do, I pimp out cotton candy machines. I convince people that my machine is the one they want, and it's worth every penny they pay for it. Further more Merriam-Webster defines the word 'pimped' a word that dates back to 1636 for heavens sake, as to make use of often dishonorably for one's own gain or benefit. Is this not what Senator Clinton is doing by having her daughter make these calls? There is no honor in having your family members "sell you," the honor is in selling yourself.

And it's not just Senator Clinton who is pimping their family members out to their campaigns. Even Senator Obama, who I endorse fully, pimps his wife Michelle out for the sake of his campaign. It's the nature of the business and the word pimp, or the act of pimping is as common place now as pretty much any other word in the English language.

Don't call yourself a candidate of the people, and freak out with one of those people uses a term that most people use freely. That makes no sense what so ever.

You can get more information on debacle (debacle is my new favorite word) over at The Huffington Post. Barbara Walters even chimed in on the matter, telling Senator Clinton to "just get over it."

I don't know about you, but when Barbara Walters tells me to "just get over it" I generally do. :-)

I'm a little fed up with this politically correct bull crap that faces everything we have to say any more. Why, in a democratic society, where freedom of speech is guaranteed, do we have to watch EVERYTHING we say? Why don't we just make all of our television and radio programming one long beep? By the looks of it, that's where we're headed.

Tis so sweet...

2008-02-12T16:41:00.000-05:00

Part of the reason I LOVE blogging so much is because of the wisdom, knowledge and opinions that I can gather from doing so.

You may not be able to tell by some of the frivilous stuff that I post, but I LOVE to expand the database that is my brain. The great thing about it, is unlike my not-so-wonderful laptop, my hard drive has unlimited storage space.

That's why blogging, reading the newspaper, watching the news, reading books, reading random Wikipedia articles (as unreliable of a source of information as they are) and engaging folks in discussion is so dang important to me.

I've made a new friend. What is great about her, is unlike some of my other friends my age, she has a mind. And not just ANY mind, but a mind of her own. She thinks about things on her own, and isn't riding on the coattails of mom and dad.

That my friends is wonderful.

We've been engaging in a nice like discussion via myspace today, and I've got to say, it's absolutely great. You know the feeling you get when you excercise and your adrenaline is pumping thats how I feel. It's sad really...I get more physically stimulation from something that should be solely mentally stimulating. :-)

Parents don't let your kids grow up to be ignorant. Because if I should be so lucky to have kids of my own, I don't want them coming home telling me there is no one to talk to at school. :-)

Carpe Diem!

Franchising Churches

2008-02-11T10:27:00.000-05:00

My good friend, former roommate, and fellow blogger Kenny has started a series on church franchising that has me on the edge of my seat. It appears to be a well written, well thought out series that he is posting. Part 1 of 3 is up over at his page, so go take a look!

As for me, as time allows this week I'll post about my weekend road trip to Deland, as well as some thoughts based on a conversation I had about politics with the new friend I made during that road trip.

Much Love,

Will

I'm a poser

2008-02-10T21:41:00.000-05:00

I'm a poser, as well as a lover for all things new, technological, and fun.

With that said, early this week I saw that our good friend, Chris Elrod added a new feature to his blog called a "twitter." My first response was: "What the heck is a twitter." My second was to go to the website and find out, and well I liked what I saw.

I can text, or post via a website updates randomly, and it'll keep you up to date with me. Kenny has something like this through his Xanga site, but Twitter is better! :-)

Anyway, you can check out my twitter for now at twitter.com/wfyoung3. I'm working on figuring out how to hook it up to my blog and myspace, so for now you'll have to just visit my twitter profile.

Beautiful day

2008-02-09T11:32:00.001-05:00

This entry is pointless to be quite honest with you.

I just wanted my few readers in tundra-like climates to know that I am sitting in a gazebo enjoying a nice spring breeze on a crisp mid-70's day.

Typically I would envy you oh dwellers of the artic, but today I must say...it is a beautiful Florida day.

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

South Florida Commitments

2008-02-07T13:07:00.000-05:00

I was just looking over the 2008 Commitment List for USF on Rivals.com and I have to say I'm somewhat impressed with this years recruiting class.

Lets hope they're up to the challenge of keeping the USF tradition of excellence and alive in well.

Well at least the ones who aren't red-shirted next season.

Yeesh

2008-02-05T16:49:00.000-05:00

This is my 201st Blog entry since April 26th, 2006.

I've got to tell you that I love blogging.
That may sound dumb, or melodramatic to you all, but it is so refreshing, encouraging, inspiring, intriguing, entertaining, and informing to post my thoughts and feelings for the entire world to view and offer feedback.

Whats even better is the tremendous amount of wisdom, and discernment I receive from this blog. For awhile I thrived for comments, I would always want people to leave me comments so I'd feel popular, that really never happened. Instead I would get butt loads of e-mails from folks, mostly pissed off, or completely disagreeing with a stance I've taken or with something I've said. Honestly, they've been quite insightful.

What is also great is the fact that I don't really care what I put down here, or who reads it because it's such a great stress-relief tool.

Anyway, I just can't believe that I've steadily done something like this for almost 2 complete years.

Some highlights of willyoungband.com:

- Being visited by some of the blogosphere's greatest bloggers (see 'Blogs I read' in the right hand column
- Being visited by someone in the Pentagon (not sure who, but it was a Pentagon IP)
- Having the authors from "Jim & Casper Going to Church" stopping by for a visit
- Having the 'Boxmasters' (Billy Bob Thornton's band) visit

I'm sure...actually I'm positive (I have two brewing right now) more entries are on their way.

As cheesy as this sounds...Thanks for reading, thanks for your e-mails, and well...Thanks, cause that word doesn't get used enough.

Benefit of the Doubt

2008-02-04T13:23:00.000-05:00

Here's the thing, I really have a hard time believing that Bill Belichick simply walked off the field because he couldn't bare the idea of loosing.

In the midst of all the confusion I even had a hard time figuring out what was going on. Now grant it, once Belichick realized what was up he probably should have went back out on the field, but could it possibly be that maybe he was in the process of being rushed off the field by his barrage of security escorts? I mean I've been at USF games where Coach Levitt's security folks are whisking him away and he wants to turn back around but can't because he's being rushed off the field.

I don't know what happened, what I do know is we're more than likely going to hear in the form of a statement something similar to what I said up above about Belichick's disappearance with one second left on the clock. And I have to say, I'm going to give him the benefit of the Doubt, or perhaps exercise a little grace in the matter and believe him.

In going through the blog-rolls, commentaries, editorials, and even "unbiased" news pieces this morning up to now, most believe he left the field because he is a sore looser. I just can't bring myself to believe that...AND I'M NOT EVEN A PATRIOTS FAN. (I'm actually glad they lost)

To be honest with you, I don't even really care about his leaving the field, what irritates me is why the National Football League in all their glorious splendor insisted on running a 1 second play knowing dang well that Eli Manning would simply take a knee. Ok, so it's the rules...THERE IS 1 SECOND LEFT TO PLAY. For the love of pete, EVERYONE knew he would take a knee, why did the NFL allow chaos to ensue for a one second, completely non-athletic "take a knee" play. Give me a break people. I think THIS is where our focus should be, not assuming whether or not Bill Belichick is a coward.

That's all I've got.

Now that's what I call one for the underdogs

2008-02-03T22:13:00.000-05:00

No one thought they could do it, but the New York Giants just pulled off the biggest upset in Superbowl history.

I'm not even a Giants fan, heck I'm not even an NFL fan, but I'm glad the Giants won. No one deserves a "perfect" season...after all nothing is perfect.

Giants fans, congratulations. Giants, Eli Manning, way to go!

There is a reason for everything...

2008-02-03T13:30:00.000-05:00

Honestly I was sort of bummed about not going to the SREC this weekend. It's not very often that informative, interesting conferences come to Florida's Sunshine City. However, I'm sort of glad I didn't as my weekend evolved into a much deserved relaxation period.

Friday I got HD Radio installed in my car. First of all, if you are a music fanatic like myself I must insist that you make the investment into HD Radio, you will not be sorry. There are new channels, good ones too, without commercials, and with great music. My new favorites are 101.5 WPOI-HD2 (Star 101.5), which is a throw back to the Star 95.7 days, prior to it switching over to Hip Hop and R&B, and 107.3 WXGL-HD2 (The Wave), which bills itself as world class rock, playing rock hits from yesterday and today. Two great stations, at no extra cost, and no talk or commercials. I got a new deck installed, it's a JVC KD-HDR1. A sleek, top of the line, after-market HD receiver. It's supper hot, I'd recommend it to anyone, great sound quality, superb features. I'm going to enjoy it a lot.
In addition to having HD radio installed I made another great investment, into a TomTom One 3rd Edition, portable GPS system. This isn't the high tech one that you can say "TomTom take me to blah blah..." it's on the low end of TomTom's GPS systems, but it gets the job done for sure. I'll be traveling in Manatee and Sarasota counties starting in a couple weeks, and outside of Ellenton, I don't know anything about the streets down there, so this will come in quite handy.

After all that was said and done, I headed over to Bloomingdale for what would be the final varisty game of the season. The ladies played hard, but unfortuntely came away without the victory in a loss to Freedom High. It's been a very fun season, and I look forward to next season. (Now I'm left contemplating if I should just support Bdale athletics all around, or support Bdale basketball and Armwood Football. I hate choices)

After the game my cousin called and I went and hung out with him, his girlfriend and their friends at Cheddars there in Brandon. BTW...Cheddars...SUCKS. Horrible service, low quality food, I've never liked it, and probably never will. Then we headed over to Banana Joe's at Channelside. Needless to say, I've been to better clubs. They have those idiots, Rat Boy and Staypuff from 933FLZ there on Friday nights, and it's just one massive whorefest. I wish we would have went to the Hardrock, or Splitsville. But despite the mediocre time, I enjoyed hanging out with my cousin, and hopefully we get together soon.

Then last night was Bobby's b-day party. Hanging out with good friends, playing Wii Bowling and just relaxing...loads of fun.

Now it's sunday, I'm typing this still in bed, as I'm not ready to face the day. I need to mow the yard and do laundry and figure out if I'm going to go to a super bowl party.

It was a good, relaxing weekend.

Chris Elrod will be speaking at Revolution on Monday, so be there for that. I also have the International Independent Showmans Association trade show this week, so that'll keep me busy. Nothing like trying to rub elbows with the countries carnies to keep ya busy. :-)

I've got a blog to post about relationships, where I stand, what bothers me, and why. That's coming later this week.

Remember...Carpe Diem.

Change of plans

2008-02-01T17:24:00.001-05:00

I have decided to forgo the SREC this weekend. I simply have too much to do and taking away an entire weekend is not going to help me any. Well, that and since I am brutaly honest I didn't register in time. :-/ its all good though I'm chowing down on a chili dog at Maxwell Street Grill at Regency Square in Brandon while my new HD radio gets installed. I also got a GPS system (cause I add Sarasota and Manatee counties to my territory in a couple weeks) so I don't get lost. I love tax refunds!

Also Caties bulls advance to round 2 of district playoffs 2night and I'm sure they'll go on to play 2morrow and I'd like to be there for that. And Bobbys bday party is this weekend and I've been neglecting my friends so I wanna be there for that.

See I'm just too busy for the SREC....ill plan better next year.

Ttfn

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

I wanna be perfect like Ann Coulter

2008-02-01T12:55:00.000-05:00

I <3 Barelypolitical.com

Giddy like a School girl

2008-01-30T14:29:00.000-05:00

I'm as giddy as a school girl at a Backstreet Boys concert.

Bobby just e-mailed me to let me know that everyone's favorite blogger Chris Elrod will be speaking at next Monday's (February 4, 2008) Revolution.

So my fellow revolutionaries, or heck anyone else from the 813, 727, 863, of 941 who feels like traveling up to B-Town (Corner of Faulkenburg & Causeway) for an evening, I highly encourage it. Chris always has something insightful to say, and the best part is, you can complete disagree with him, but still walk away with a wealth of wisdom.

Just a friendly reminder

2008-01-29T23:01:00.000-05:00

Today was the Presidential Primary in my great state of Florida and my blackberry has been blowing up with news alerts declaring Hilary Clinton and John McCain their respective party victors.

Along with news alerts are the harassing texts from Clinton supporters telling me that Obama is going down. (incase you didn't know this blog endorses Barack Obama for the democratic ticket and Ron Paul for the republican ticket)

Unfortunetely I am neither a registered democrat or republican (I guess that isn't too unfortunate) so I could only vote against a tax amendment that pretty much ruins my chances of ever affording home ownership, and a local school board tax referendum.

At anyrate Clinton supporters let me remind you that 2 of her 3 wins are from states whose delegates don't get a lick of votes during the conventions which means with 2 wins that do count (Iowa and South Carolina) Senator Obama is doing pretty dang well.

Sadly I'm a realist which means that I'm going to have to either write in a candidate during the general election or come to grips with choosing between Clinton and McCain. Its sad that our country still has issues with race, which is what I'm finding is one of two reasons people aren't voting for Obama. The other of course is idiots who have done little to no research and think that some how the senator is Muslim (btw....who cares the separation of church and state exists to protect the country from that....accept clearly it has its flaws cause GW pushed Christianity down everyones throat every chance he got), or that he is a terrorist.

But we shall see....I sure would love to be wrong. It would instill greater trust in the political process and certainly a greater appreciation for my fellow Americans.

If you didn't vote or do not plan to vote....you can't reply or email me about this post.

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

"When I have kids..."/SREC Conference

2008-01-28T09:53:00.000-05:00

Well high school basketball season is slowly coming to an end. I've been following Catie's team(s) on their journey(s) to victory this season. I never really got into my school's athletic programs, one because not many people liked me at my school and it seemed like any time I stayed after school I got my butt beat to a bloody ruin, and two, I didn't really like my school, so why would I want to take my personal time to support athletic programs for a school I despised more than anything? Any way, Catie's Bloomingdale Bulls played quite hard, and honestly, they got me quite fired up, I think as a result I'm probably hooked on High School athletics now. Probably for the same reason I like college football so much. The athletes are in it for a love of the game (most of them anyway). They don't get in to it, because of potential earnings, for the love of pete most of these kids aren't even thinking about life after high school, much less how much money they want to earn when they graduate. They share a true passion for the game. A raw intensity that really brings me to life to see out on the court. The junior varsity players especially, these kids are fresh out of middle school, most of them are like under 5 feet 8 inches tall, but they get out there and they play their butts off. They play until the game clock reaches zero, they hustle, the jump, they move (sometimes with little to no poise...lol)...but they do it...and for the most part they look like they're having fun.

Which brings me to my next point. The only downside to my new found enjoyment of high school athletics...the parents who are in it for more than the game. Oh, mylanta, I can't tell you how many times this season I wanted to turn around and slap some of the parents in their face. IT'S A GAME FOLKS. Your kid is 14 years old, ok, so they miss a few shots, they have a hard time stealing the ball and rebounding isn't their thing. IT'S JUST A GAME! I've got to be honest with you, part of me really feels like the messed up friends I have that were involved in athletics, the ones who eat, sleep, drink, breath, bleed their particular sport, are the ones whose parents pushed them to a point of disgruntlement, and I have to say I don't believe it's healthy. Some of these moms and dads, bring out note pads so they can write down every time their kid messes up, and rather than at the end of the game, tell them..."Hey...good hustle out there kid, I'm proud of you." They say "Hey, you know you probably would have won that game if you would have reached in their and stole the ball, what was that all about?" I look at parents like that (grant it, there are less of them, then there are the supporting ones) and I say to myself..."Self, if you have children who get involved in athletics make sure you tell them the moment you start acting like a jackass, that they have your full permission to sucker punch you in the balls."
I guess the real reason it bothers me so much is because I really feel like it sucks the passion right out of the kids. It takes something they love doing and makes them despise it. It's not just athletics either, it's music, writing, art, pretty much anything that a child can excel at, and make them have a successful life. We're so caught up in wanting our children to have "better lives than we did" that we push them over the edge in most instances. It's sickening really.
Then again, I don't have any kids, probably wont have any for a long time, so I really don't know what it feels like. But I do know this: My parents never pushed me to do anything good, except get good grades in school, so I could go to college. And what happened? Well, now I absolutely HATE the idea of being in school, I'd rather be out working, or going to a hands on trade school. The idea of being in a classroom learning something makes me sick, and the only reason I even remotely consider it is to become a teacher so that I can work against all the parents out there who push their children to the brink of hatred of anything they become passionate about.
So please, if you're a parent reading this, think about it. Let it settle in before you send me a bunch of hate mail telling me I have no clue what I'm talking about because I'm only 22 years old and don't have the life experiences to teach me that I need to make my children be the best they can be at everything they're passionate about. Let it marinate in your soul for a minute and truly consider the damage you're doing to your child.

That's all I have to say about that.

Back to Catie and her team. I was throughly impressed with the influence and the coaching ability of Catie. You could really tell that her players (for the most part) respected her. I know she's passionate about the game and that passion carries on to each of those JV girls out on the court, and the varsity ones as well. I'm proud of her. The sacrifices she makes, and the choices/changes she's made in her life to make her a better person, not just for herself, but for her players as well. That, my friends, demonstrates a love for the game. It also shows a love for her community unlike any love I'm capable of showing.
Needless to say, I'm sure I'll make it to a lot more games next season, as by the looks of it, it's going to be interesting. Friday night was senior night, and if I counted correctly only 3 members of the varsity team were NOT seniors. That could prove to be a challenge, and I'm going to love to see how Coach Kieser, Catie and the rest of the staff deal with it. Plus...someones gotta be in the stand cheering louder than the jerk-off parents who seemingly never have anything positive to yell out to the court. :-)

I am also looking into becoming a referee, not for basketball, I certainly have a few more years of knowledge to gain before I consider that, but possibly for volleyball. It's the only sport that I know the ends and outs of (probably not as well as anyone whose played, but my love for the wom...er uh, the game has really made me pay attention over the years). We'll see what happens, my schedule is so tied up any more I doubt I can find the time.

In other news, I'm attending The Southeastern Regional Emergent Conference this weekend in Saint Petersburg. While, I can't say that I agree 100 % with the teachings (that I know) of the Emergent movement, I can say that this will be an excellent opportunity for me to learn more about the movement, so that I can make a more informed decision about whether or not this is a group whose teachings I want to align myself with. The conference has some speakers that I highly anticipate hearing, including Shane Claiborne, and one of only 3 or 4 professors that I had any sort of respect for during my time at Southeastern University, Matt Huett. It's not exactly my idea of a "fun" weekend by any means, but it's definitely something that I am going to get a lot out of, and I look forward to meeting new folks who are of similar mind set as myself. I also look forward to some of the break-out sessions and the disciplines that I can pick up from them.

I know there are going to be a few who read this who are going to say "Will, you've fallin off your rocker if you think attending anything related to the Emergent movement is going to help you learn wisdom and discernment." And well, they may very well be right. BUT, if there is one thing I've learned over the years, it is to not pass judgment on something, someone, or some place until I've had the opportunity to experience it first hand. Thats why you've never heard this blogger say "The catholics are wrong, and catholicism isn't the right way of doing things," because I really don't know if they're wrong, and they're practices aren't right, I've never experienced them, the same goes for Buddhism, Mormonism, Hinduism, Judaism, or any other ism out there. Heck, for all I know maybe I'm wrong? I'm pretty confident based on my studies that I'm not. I'm even more confident of the fact that I've prayed to a God who has indeed answered my prayers. That to me tells me I'm not that far off my rocker. I was going through the blog roll this morning and I found a post from Catie talking about Element (the church that Bobby is planting). Something she said resonated with my deeply, I'll quote it here for those of you who don't like leaving blogs in the middle of reading them, she said: "...this generation needs something rawer. You can hear it in our music and see it in our dress, we are children of hippies and siblings of yuppies. Real rock and roll, not that hair band crap, has made a comeback with us. We buy jeans with holes and paint stains, either from Salvation Army or Hollister, we wear boots or flip-flops. We have friends fighting, dying, and earning purple hearts in a war thats hard for us to understand, that we struggle to agree with. We're stuck in a place where people still treat us as kids but expect us to act like adults. We are addicted to technology and its stranglehold on our lives. Yet we are making a difference by striving to lessen the footprint we leave on our environment. We need more than just production and show, we need depth and authenticity. We need a real savior, a real relationship, real love and real healing."

HOLY MACARONI AND CHEESE, she's right. It's my journey summed up in a paragraph. The reason I make it a point to post that is this: I will actively seek out anything that helps me pursue the heart of God. I don't care what the group is associated with, or who sponsors the conference, or whose speaking. What I care about is fulfilling the mission that I've been given, and that is to change this world, and change it so dramatically that there will be no doubt in anyones mind that God is real, and He does some really life altering crap when you seek His face.

We've got to keep an open mind and an open heart, and we have to actively seek Him. I've been translating the original manuscripts for some time now, not because I'm writing a new Bible, but because I really want to know what the writers were saying when they wrote the stories, parables, and other information in the book that we as Christians call our instruction manual (which by the way I think is cheesy). I've got to tell you, so far, I've found that as a whole, the church (as a whole) is generally off in the movements they make in "the name of Jesus" we've really sort of watered the whole thing down, and made God into this thing that seems unattainable if you're not completely holy and righteous (remember I've said generally...there are some Churches out there that get it, and recognize the same thing I have). It's a shame really, because God, well He's completely attainable, and once you've found Him he REMAINS attainable.

Anyway, I'm going to SREC this weekend, perhaps I'll have learned nothing, and be irritated that I spent $ 25 dollars on it. Then again perhaps I'll be one step closer to knowing what it is I'm called to do.
We shall see.

Let's see what else do I have to say...

Well, if you're not watching Friday Night Lights, Las Vegas on NBC, Real World/Road Rules Challenge the Guntlett III on MTV, Rock of Love with Brett Michaels, My Fair Brady:Maybe Baby, and Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew on VH1 you're missing good television! I'm waiting on the season premiere of House this week, and in mid Feburary, Jericho will return to CBS.

The Spring line-up, all things considered is pretty well, even though it is primarily reality television. Hey Writers Guild you can stop striking any time now. Cause I'm gonna be honest if it starts messing with House, Las Vegas, Friday Night Lights, Shark and the other non-reality shows that I've come to enjoy...I'm gonna come to Hollywood and then New York City and settle these disputes myself.

That's all I've got.

Love and Peace ya'll.

I'm gonna do it...finally

2008-01-21T10:56:00.000-05:00

Bobby spoke awhile back about pursuing your dreams, especially those that you feel God has given you.

I've preached that for awhile too, I tell people all the time to follow their dreams. For too long I've pushed my dream to the side for a variety of reasons. Namely because of fear. I fear that I am inadequate to pursue my dream, I fear that I'll never make it. That some how my inadequacies will some how hinder my ability to pursue my dream.

However, thanks to Bob, and me feeling like an utter hypocrite, I've decided it's time to pursue my dream. That dream of course, for those who don't know is to pursue a career in broadcast media, preferably in Radio (either terrestrial or satellite).

I spoke with a representative from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting, and I've got some information on the way, and will be touring soon. Hopefully if I feel like everything is a "fit" I'll enroll for classes starting in March, and in 16 weeks be looking for employment in the Tampa Broadcast media arena.

If you have the time, and remember pray for me. This has been my dream for as long as I can remember, and I've always pushed it to the side because of life situations. Well life isn't necessarily any "better" than before, but for whatever reason I feel like I've got a force backing me that can't be beat, and the time is now.

I'm truly excited about this, it's something I've wanted my entire life, and hopefully if it all works out I'll finally be in a career, and not just a job that's a temporary fix.

Cloverfield

2008-01-18T08:46:00.001-05:00

Go see it.

Enough said.

I hope I don't reget this

2008-01-17T23:27:00.001-05:00

I am sitting in the lobby of the park place 16 theater in pinellas park waiting on a buddy and his friend to join me for the midnight showing of "Cloverfield."

I must admit I am a little worried. For one the only other midnight showing I have experienced is transformers at the Lakeland Cobb and it was miserable. I think everyone in Lakeland showed up for that show. So I hope 2night isn't a repeat of that. Secondly I always get anxious when I spend 10 for a movie ticket....I hope it was a wise investment. And three....well I hope I make it through 2morrow....I'm getting old and all nighters are not my cup o' tea any more. I won't get to bed until like 2 and then ill get up at 7 for work from 8 to 4 then we've got canvas which ill be at untill like 12 am after I get off work. I hope 5 hours rest suffices.

Ill post my yay or nay for cloverfield when we get out.

Peace out homies.

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

Dog bites....call the freakin hospital!

2008-01-11T11:24:00.000-05:00

I am in my car right now and a spot came on that said "dog bites....call Morgan & Morgan"....I don't know bout you buy if a dog bites me I'm callin the hospital!

When did we get so dang sue happy!?!?

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

Debacle on I-4

2008-01-10T10:50:00.000-05:00

First, I have to preface this, because random folks hitting next on the blogger bar up top may stumble upon this and think that I'm a total insensitive butt hole. I have lived in Florida all my life, with the exception of one year that I lived in Columbia, South Carolina. I love blogging. It gives me an outlet for all the crap I have to say and occasionally I've got something to talk about that gets me quite heated. This is one such time. The comments made do not necessarily reflect my general opinion of the State of Florida, or it's government, I'm just pretty much pissed off.

In case you've been living under a rock, one of the worse traffic disasters in recent Florida history occurred yesterday on Interstate 4. As of right now 4 people are dead, 30 something have been injured, I believe 4 or 5 have been considered level 1 trauma, 70 something cars involved and 14 someodd miles of Interstate 4 (the main highway artery through central Florida) is closed indefinitely. Here's the thing...despite what anyone says on television, or in news conferences, this was COMPLETELY PREVENTABLE. (And before I get a bunch of nasty e-mails about checking my facts, etc. save it...I woke up a couple hours early this morning just to research this debacle.

Here's the thing, having lived in Polk County (where the incident occurred) I am extremely familiar with the area and I travel it frequently. It is indeed a fact that fog is ALWAYS an issue in that area, I can not argue with that. What I can argue with Mr. Gary Zipper, Lakeland District Director of the Florida Division of Forestry, is that we can not determine now that the controlled burn that you authorized the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission to perform did NOT play a part in it. ARE YOU AN IDIOT? Give me a break.

I was fuming last night watching the news conference that Zipper was a part of, along with representatives from the Florida Highway Patrol, the Polk County EMS, Polk County Fire Rescue, the Fish and Wildlife Commision a Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. The only person who made any sense (outside of the statistical blabbering of the EMS and Fire Rescue representatives) was Sheriff Judd. He was the ONLY person during the interview that said this accident was a direct result of smoke from the controlled burn mixing with the fog. If a good ole' boy from Polk County can figure it out why can't people who are involved with this type of stuff daily get it straight.

Because they're idiots. In an attempt to be PC, and pass the blame along to someone else they blame everything they possible can that doesn't open themselves up for the myriad of lawsuits that I am confident will follow this incident.

The bottom line is, I hold YOU, Forestry Division completely responsible for this incident. It was COMPLETELY preventable, and YOU authorized a controlled burn in an area that is extremely dry, during a time when weather conditions are absolutely unpredictable. Furthermore, if memory serves me correctly, in times past when you've authorized controlled burns in this area they have gotten out of control too. I hope once all the "investigations" finish, that the Forestry Division mans up and accepts responsibility for the devastation they caused. I also hope (and this is where I pull my I'm a constituent so you better listen to me attitude...as if it really works) Charles Bronson doesn't make me feel like a chump for re-electing him on 06, and holds the Forestry Officials, and any FWC officials that are involved in this accountable for their idiocy.

To the firemen, the EMT's, the Medics, the Sheriff deputies, the Troopers, the civilians, the Helicopter pilots, flight nurses, drivers, tow truck drivers, accident victims who helped each other before helping themselves. I applaud you. The bravery, of folks never ceases to amaze me in times of needs.

To the families of those that did not survive, my condolences, and prayers are with you. This was a preventable, and tragic accident and you can rest assured that I will be one of many folks who make it a priority to hold the idiots responsible for this accountable.

To Sheriff Grady Judd, you sir, are what a public official should be, and if you ever run for state office, I don't care what party you affiliate with, you can count on my vote. You have handled yourself in a manner that says "Look I'm gonna tell you how it is" and that, sir, is what politics needs.

Now I'm left trying to figure out how to get into Lakeland tonight, as I have severe road rage, and being stuck in traffic often insights it, especially stuck in traffic due to something that was completely preventable.

A Great Day in Tampa Bay Radio

2008-01-08T09:17:00.000-05:00

Folks, as I get older I come to my senses, and despite my previous opinion of Bubba The Love Sponge and the Bubba Radio Network, today is a great day in Tampa Bay Radio.

When one man and his team has the tenacity to come back to terrestrial radio after being pummeled by the media and the FCC causing his broadcast organization to face at the time one of the largest fines in FCC history is absolutely amazing to me.

Being a radio geek, and a Tampa Bay Radio geek at that, this day is historical. I'm waiting to see how his show works out, and I'll definitely be listening to the BRN, at least for the next couple weeks (Sorry Freak Show and Fisher & Boy -- The two shows I normally switch between) to see how things turn out. I certainly enjoy the fact that within two or three books Bubba will knock that hack MJ back down to where he needs to be, and that's anywhere but number 1.

So Bubba, Manson, Ned, and the entire BRN crew...I applaud you. Good Luck.

And to all those organizations out there who are going to be taping and listening, most of which have some sort of "religious" affiliation. Perhaps you should give him a chance to, perhaps you should do on to others as you'd have done on to you, or perhaps you shouldn't cast the first stone. Better yet...CHANGE THE STATION. 102.5 The Bone isn't a station that appeals to the 12+ crowd. If you're interest in 12 + radio tune to Chadd & Kristi over at Magic, or Nancy & Chris (I think that's her co-host this weeks new name) Mix 100.7, whatever you do don't tune to FLZ because MJ won't be along much longer...and he's about as family friendly as Bubba.

Again Welcome Back Bubba and the Crew.

On a side note, I'm curious to see how things get with Bubba and Cowhead on the same frequency, I know there was a rift at some point in time between the two of them. Should be interesting, they're in different buildings, but sharing the same frequency.

Change Gon' Come

2008-01-02T16:02:00.000-05:00

If you have yet to take my advice and check out Pandora, you probably need to stop reading this for a second, click that link (don't fret, it opens in a new window) and go check them out!

Today on one of my Pandora stations Same Cooke's song Change Gon' Come came on, and it was fitting cause it came on right after I finished having lunch at the Lizard (a.k.a. Green Iguana) with one of my best friends, my mentor, and brother, Bobby.

We talked about some changes that are indeed coming, some exciting changes that are without little doubt in my mind going to revolutionize not only both our lives, but this entire community and it is beyond exciting to think about it. Some folks (namely, Kenny) say that the word revolutionize is over used. I would agree to certain extent, however in this context, it's pretty much the only descriptor that can be used. Check it...Miriam-Webster says that revolutionize means to change fundamentally or completely. I believe that fulfilling the mission that has been handed down to him, through planting Element, that Bob is going to fundamentally or completely change the entire Tampa Bay area.

That's not some cheesy, "let me make someone feel good cause they read my blog" type of statement. That's legit folks.

I can't tell you how many times I've sat down to have a coffee, beer, cuban, or burger with some random Yborite, or any one else for that matter and have been told story after story about how the Church has left this person behind, or how people would be so much happier if folks (not just churches and church leadership, but folks in general) would be more genuine, and transparent. Or how people might respond differently if we all acted a little bit more like Jesus. I still run into my stripper turned secretary and I don't think we've had a run in yet where she reminds me that God used me to bring her back to Him. And you know what...I didn't pour holy water, or oil all over her, anoint her, push my palm on her head in an attempt to cast the demons out, I didn't ask her for her money, I didn't tell her that I'm doing this because Jesus loves her and so do I, I didn't tell her that it was His way or the highway, I didn't tell her she was going to hell unless she repented, I simply helped her with her resume and find a job.

Yet all those things I DIDN'T do or tell her, were done in that one simple act. Through my actions God reached her.

I see in Bob's heart, that Element is going to be a gathering place for folks who want to change the world. Folks who dream big, and make things happen. He was telling me today how there will be now "membership", but ownership, so folks know that they are stake/stock holders in this vision that he has been entrusted by God with. I was telling him how statistically speaking Publix has a low turn over rate, because they use the same principal of employee ownership. People take pride in, and respect what it is they own, and if we all take ownership of this vision and carry it out incredible things will happen.

Where's God in all this (cause I know many of you are asking this by now). It's simple. He's in every handshake. He's in every homeless person fed. He's in every stripper turned secretary. He's in every prostitute, turned bank teller. He's in every cigar smoked with the tattoo artist. He's in every drink had with the guy on the brink of suicide because he feels like his whole world is falling apart. He's in every person who has taken ownership of this vision that He has entrusted Bobby with.

Personally, I'm behind this vision. I'm behind Bob. And I'm behind Element.

NOT because I'm bitter and don't like where Bob and Revolution are at right now. The bottom line is, if I didn't felt called to follow Bob and be under his leadership, I wouldn't be following him in this transition. Of course I wouldn't remain where he is at right now, but not because I'm bitter or angry. I've never had ANYTHING to do with his current church outside of Revolution, and it has little to do with bitterness or anger. I honestly have NEVER ONCE felt the presence of God any where on that campus outside of Revolution. And believe me...I've tried. I hope that anyone that becomes a part of Element, does it because they've felt called and not because they're angry or disgruntled with their current church, or they don't agree with how things are done. Because trust me, having been in business for a while, if you don't agree with how things are done in one place, you won't agree with how they're done anywhere else. It's a FACT! :-)

I'm excited...no I'm elated.

Element is bigger than me, bigger than Bob and Jill, and bigger than an institution where folks gather on Sundays. It's the start of something that will without a single doubt in my mind revolutionize the Tampa Bay area.

Here's to a revolution in late 08/early 09!

"It's been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come"

ah why not...

2007-12-29T23:49:00.000-05:00

So watching the Macy Gray concert has me reeling to share some of my favorite artists/bands who aren't "the hottest" these days, but still share a special place in my heart.

We'll start with Tracy Chapman. I can sing Give me One reason at the top of my lungs when it comes on the radio. I think she has that same soul appeal that Macy has the attracts me to her.

Next on the list is another band I've been singing the last couple of weeks, namely cause they were on VH1's top 100 songs of the 90's with their all time hit Creep, then my sister got that Singstar: Amped game for her PS2, and Creep is on there, I must have sung it like 5 times. It's one of my all time favorites, and Radiohead, well...they just kick it like no other band out there.

I said in my list of things I learned in 07 that I still love Britney Spears, and Hit Me Baby One More Time is the song that started it all.

Along with my girl Britney, I have to give mad props to Christina Aguilera, who is by far more attractive then Brit, but just doesn't have the same level of talent as far as I'm concerned. But, Beautiful is, and will always be one of the songs I consider a personal anthem.

I can't forget my boy Brett Michaels and Poison with Every Rose has it's thorn. It's another one of my life anthems.

How bout Biggie? A legend, that's for sure. He's missed dearly. Mo Money Mo Problems is without a doubt one of my favorite hip hop songs of all time.

Although they're known for a remake, The Fugees are still on my list, because in addition to their remake of Killing Me Softly, the "Refugees" still made great music.

There are other significant artist/bands, but if you've made it this far you've been through enough I'll bore you some other time! :-)

Macy Gray

2007-12-29T23:27:00.000-05:00

I'm gonna be honest with you for a second.

Not that I'm not usually, but a post of this nature some times has to be prefaced with that statement so those of you that know the nature of my sarcasm understand that I'm being completely legit.

Macy Gray is the freakin bomb.

I know this may be hard for some of you to believe, but I absolutely love her vocal stylings. I DVR'd her "Live from Vegas Concert Special" that was on Starz a few nights back and have been watching it tonight, and it reminds me of just how great she is.

Her voice is soothing to me, and "I'll Try" is quite possibly one of the greatest "I Love You" songs of all time.

"As long as you love God, and love yourself...everything is gonna be alright."

~ Macy Gray

Bi-partisan Christmas Wishes

2007-12-26T09:28:00.000-05:00

So I'm surfing through bulletin updates on Myspace yesterday morning, and my friend Mystie posted this:

To all my Democrat friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wisher.

To all my Republican friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

It made me laugh, despite the fact that I think the Democrat wish is a little melodramatic.

Guess what!?! I got a Playstation 2 for Christmas. I know many of you are like...PS2, that's so 2003, but...I like it and that's all that matters. I also got NCAA 2008 (a game) and played it for a while last night.

Christmas was good, I would suffice to say one of the best in a long time. We had dinner at my sisters house, and just relaxed, and of course played a few games of Singstar which if you've never played, is quite addictive.

And now...I'm back at work. :-) As my Myspace status says: "I wish there was a way to make money and pay bills without having to go to work."

Well Fantasy Football has ended I finished 2nd in on League, and 4th in the other. Not bad for someone who before this season knew absolutely nothing about the NFL, and for the most part football in general.

Live from T.I.A.

2007-12-22T23:25:00.000-05:00

So I am sitting at Tampa International Airport (thank goodness for free wireless) waiting on my grandmother's flight to arrive.
It's been delayed due to some issue at Charlotte Douglas Airport. I've only been at the airport one other time during the holiday season, that was when I was in the Army, I came home for a few weeks during Christmas, that was almost 4 years ago, and I do not remember the airport being this crowded, and I arrived at like 5 pm. It's like a quarter after 11 pm and this place is packed. If I had claustrophobia I'd have some issues. Not mention the various shouts of joy, and the screams of folks encountering loved ones who they haven't seen in awhile is quite over powering.

I love the airport. I love flying actually. I always thought it'd be fun to be a flight attendant. Not a pilot though, pilots have a plethora of responsibility I'd rather not have. :-) Sometimes one my way home if I have time to kill I'll come to the airport for half an hour or so (the first hour of parking is free) and I'll sit and just watch people. I love watching people, I know by this point you're like "man Will is more of a freak than I realized" but hear me out. You can learn a lot about society, and the good and bad parts of what goes on in the world by just watching people. I've been a people watcher since I can remember.

I saw Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story last night, thanks to the owner of my company getting me an AMC movie card. I must say, it was quite hilarious, but very dirty...just thought I'd give you all a heads up.

Well here's to waiting.

07 - - the year of Will

2007-12-19T10:17:00.000-05:00

I consider myself to be some what of a geek. I don't really have a large group of "friends" that I hang out with on a regular basis. Don't get me wrong, I have friends, their just not to large in numbers.

The great thing about that is, the friends I do have, are great, so I cherish our friendship.

I realized the other night though, that I have more friends than I claim. Folks that I know I can lean on, and folks that know they can lean on me. Folks that know that I support them, and they'll support me. There is a proverb that says “Friendship is love with understanding.” (Once again my buddies at The Foundation for a Better Life know how to hit it home)

You see, we are called to love everyone. Which I am finding is quite easy (for the most part...I still have issues on the roads when people drive like dipsticks), but understanding someone, well that's difficult. I'm learning though. The experiences I've had over the last year have really molded me in to a somewhat new person. I've learned to listen about 5 times as much as I talk (for those that know me, you know that in itself is a monumental achievement). I've learned to value the importance of community. George Burton Adams, a late 19th/early 20th century historian and educator once said “There is no such thing as a 'self-made' man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success.” Without our community we are nothing. I don't care if it is your spiritual community, your neighborhood, your school or your workplace. All of these communities form the inner core of your being. They assist in the process of becoming who you are. I've known Jesus for quite a while, and while knowing Jesus offers a completeness unlike anything else I've ever experienced, having a community and a sense of belonging to something greater than yourself is probably one of the most satisfying things I've ever experienced. I truly believe that fulfilling your commitment to your community is one of the many things Jesus had in mind when He set out to save us. After all, He fulfilled the ultimate commitment to community by dying for idiots like me and you. If you haven't done so, I encourage you to invest in the community around you and in turn they will invest in you. Catherine Doucette says “Every person in this life has something to teach me--and as soon as I accept that, I open myself to truly listening.” I believe that...I believe that so much so that even at the ripe young age of 22 I am considering joining my neighborhood's civic association, in an attempt to encourage, inspire and invest in my neighbors. I believe this is what we're called to do.

Outside of community there are several other lessons I learned this year, and since this is generally the time where people post "year in reviews," and new years resolutions on their blogs I figured I'd jump on the bandwagon too. I'm not sure if I'll post again before the end of the year. I don't typically do new years resolutions because I know that I do not have the will power to make them stick plus my grandmother is in town for the holidays for the first time in 10 years, so it's an extra special time in our family and I may not have the time to post. (**WARNING** All of these are serious, it's just that some are more humorous than others)

So here are my lessons learned in 07:

- You can never place a value on community. It's practically invaluable.

- Having hair is so over rated. I think I shall remain bald for the rest of my life.

- You can never have too many folks like Bobby Triplett, Chris Elrod, Alex Mclean, Anne Jackson, Mike D., Catie Hartling in your life to feed you wisdom and discernment.

- I CAN live without my blackberry, but only for about 2.5 minutes. :-)

- God really does provide, sometimes in ways you never thought. Like selling toilet paper, and cotton candy machines. (Thank YOU Jesus, for getting me out of that retched University and providing a job that on most days I have no problem getting up and going to, with incredible people to work with.)

- All the pretty girls who even have half a brain are dating Jesus, have boyfriends or are lesbians. (If you're pretty and have half a brain and do not fall in to one of those categories, please shoot me a line I'd love to meet you.)

- When a girl ask you for your phone number make sure she's the one that's going to be calling and not her dad to find out your life story.

- Ohio, is absolutely beautiful and I will more than likely live there one day.

- True friends call you, e-mail you, text you, or send you a message on myspace/facebook even if they have not seen you in person for a couple years. (Thanks Christie, Meredith, Shelly, Katie D., Nate, Heather J. and the rest of you)

- Blogging is rather addictive.

- The United States Political Process works, despite what CNN, Fox News, or MSNBC has told you.

- Sean Hannity is probably one of, if not the most clueless individual on planet Earth.

- Alan Colmes has about as much of a clue as his partner.

- The USF Bulls are truly a force to be reckoned with. (Here's to winning the Sun Bowl on December 31st!...GO BULLS!)

- Pandora.com is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Really...it is.

- For the best slant on any news *tbt is the newspaper for you. (I <3 you *tbt!)

- Family...is more important than you'll ever probably realize.

- Church, when done outside the confines of Religious principals and authorities, and when recognized that the Church is the PEOPLE is really a beautiful thing.

- I'm a sucker for reality Television.

- I hate drama in my life, but love it on T.V. (thank you The Hills, The Real World, Shark, Numb3rs, K-Ville and House...without you I don't know what I'd do)

- Digital Video Recorders are actually the best thing since sliced bread. ;-)

- Despite all her inadequacies, I still love Britney Spears, and even her sister Jamie Lynn.

- Haden Penneterrie has been sent by satan to tempt me, and sadly, I'm letting him win. :-/

- You can never give to much of yourself either physically, mentally, or financially.

- God's provision is sufficient enough.

- Tijuana Flats, Olive Garden, Hooked on Harry's, The Chop Shop, Chick-fil-A, The Rack and Green Iguana all receive my vote for restaurant of the year in their respective categories.

- Never buy a car from Drivetime, and especially never buy one from the oldest salesman on the lot after dark. He'll get you every time.

- Despite my current one having a few flaws (thanks to it's previous owner) Saturn's are truly the greatest vehicles to own if you're mechanically inept.

And that's all I've got.

Merry Christmas folks, and I hope that you have a prosperous New Year.

-- Will

Mercy is falling

2007-12-14T10:39:00.000-05:00

Went I moved to Saint Petersburg the first time the church I started attending sang a praise chorus called "Mercy is falling," I never heard it before I started going there, and I've never heard it since. For whatever reason I have had that chorus in my head for the last couple of weeks.

I haven't been on here in a while. I've been using the down time to do some "soul searching" and some meditating. I think, or at least I know it's true of me, we sometimes let things get in the way of God encounters, and label them as ways that God speaks to us.

I say all the time, "I am reaching people through my blog," or something stupid like that even though I know that may not necessarily be the case. I say it though to comfort the fact that I spend more time blogging and doing research for a blog than I do talking/arguing/seeking my God. In all actuality it's not comforting. So needless to say it has been a nice reprieve the last couple of weeks.

Any how, since getting back from Ohio on the 2nd it seems like I have not stopped running. The holiday season is insane, so much so that it drives me up the wall.

I went to Southeastern's graduation on the 8th. Thankfully that is the last time that I have to go to a function put on by that institution. I will say though, that of the last 5 or 6 graduations I've gone to by that place that this was the first one that seemed even remotely organized. So my hats off to them, perhaps they're finally getting their act straight. Being there made me decide that I need to finish my degree. So against my better judgment I am re-enrolling at Saint Petersburg College. As long as my credit transfer from SEU than I should only have about 18 hours left until I have my AA or AS, and then I can continue on to whatever it is I want to study. I am tossing around either Business Education, Social Studies Education, or Science Education, or go in a completely different route and pursue a degree in like athletic training/sports medicine or Social Work. I options are endless once I get my AA, because then I can transfer to USF who has a ton of options. We'll see where I'm led.

After graduation Kenny finally proposed to his girlfriend (now fiance) Maggie. I've been keeping that a secret for such a long time it was about to kill me. (not really) That was touching and romantic, and reminded me of just how absolutely scared I am of taking that leap. Of course at the rate things are going, I may not have to take that leap ever. lol

Bobby shared some uber exciting news with me on Monday, and since he talked about it on his blog I can talk about it on mine. He's going to be planting a new church in the Brandon area. Why does this excite me? Because, Bob is a true leader, mentor and friend to many folks both church and unchurched, and now he's going to be able to put forth the vision that God has entrusted in him, without fear of those around him not "being on board" or them getting on to him for not "being on board" with their mission. There are exciting things to come, and I can't wait to see them.

I'm slowly getting in the grove of living on the water again. Although I despise it, it is what it is and I'm getting used to it.

I guess thats as good an update as any.

Remember Mercy is falling, is falling, is falling. Mercy is falling like a sweet spring rain.

Oh yeah that reminds me...MOTHER NATURE WHEN THE HECK ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE FLORIDA SOME REAL WINTER WEATHER!?!?!?!

It really is fun food

2007-11-29T22:51:00.000-05:00

For those of you that do not know my day job consists of selling "fun food" supplies and equipment. I deal in popcorn, cotton candy, Sno-kones, funnel cakes, churros, ice cream and anything else you might consider "fun."

I've been doing this for nearly 7 months and compared to my previous job at the southeastern university bubble this job is great but I've never really enjoyed it like I thought it would.

However I am now in Sharonville, Ohio (a suburb of Cincinnati) at the dealer convention for one of the product lines I represent and I have to say that in just one day of seminars and training classes my interest has been peeked. This is a very lucrative business and people will always use what I sell and the profit potential is truly limitless.

I've been to many sales meetings and seminars and its always about making your profit potential limitless and I've never rep'd (or as Chris would say "pimp") a product or manufacturers line that truly is limitless when it comes to profit. I used to sell beauty supplies and everyone, who is not bald like me, needs a haircut, and as long as folks need hair cuts the hair cutters need supplies. Boy was I wrong!

For those that care I am enjoying myself. Even though I am technically on business these "business" trips are the only vacation I've had since March 06....and they sure are relaxing. Plus its always fun to network with folks and always fun to meet the ladies.

Speaking of ladies you know I'm getting old when ice found myself attracted to one of the female dealers here who is probably in her early 40's....she fun and seriously good looking.

Well gotta get tucked in. Its a beautiful 30 degrees and I love it!

Oh yeah I'm moving to Ohio one day.

Carpe diem,

Will

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld