The Avett Brothers: Tiny Desk Concert : NPR

The Avett Brothers: Tiny Desk Concert : NPR - This is an older concert (from 1999 I think) that is really good. Gives a good idea of how a concert would be. The middle song - Down with the Shine - is one I've never heard and apparently isn't on any album yet. Again, this whets my appetite for going to a show. This music always makes me want to pick up my guitar and play along.

Christmas Thought from Walt Whitman

I'll just let this quote speak for itself:

"Yes, it is true that God gave us His Son, and so maybe we ought also to give gifts--but what, and to whom? It is also true that God gave us Himself, and the only sensible response to that is to give ourselves to Him. There is nothing else that He wants from us, or, if there is something, He can take it. Only I, my ego, my heart, is

truly mine to give or to withhold--and is therefore the appropriate gift to Him."

 -  Walt Whitman (1819-1892), Song of Myself, in Leaves of Grass

Charley Harper Mural - Cincinnati Federal Building

I had a job in the Cincinnati area and thought I may go by and visit the Federal Building in downtown on Main St.

I read about this particular mural on the Visualingual blog. Charley Harper is an artist specializing in animal prints. Many of his drawings appeared in the Ford Times magazine. You can check out his art at this web site - Charley Harper Prints. Anyway, after going through security, I got to see the mural. This mural is one of only two that you can visit today. The other is in the library at the University of Miami, which i actually surveyed about 3 years ago but didn't know about the mural. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves:

Wall of the mural created in 1965 (or so I was told).

Each of these animals is about 2 feet tall 

Isn't this eagle awesome? Notice the stars above the wings.

Amazon.com: Dark Side Of The Moon: Pink Floyd: MP3 Downloads

Amazon.com: Dark Side Of The Moon: Pink Floyd: MP3 Downloads

Just bought this on Amazon (today only) for $1.99. How can you go wrong? I had the album way back and this was the 1st CD I ever owned (mind blowing at the time).

Clay Huffman Serigraph

Today I was browsing ebay and stumbled across this serigraph by Clay Huffman:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Clay-Huffman-1957-2001-Serigraph-Pest-Control-Shop-/140445935739?pt=Art_Prints&hash=item20b33ae87b#ht_3461wt_704

 I

I've never heard of this artist before but I love this print. It's colorful and captures my love of old buildings and signage. I found a wikipedia entry on Huffman but very few images of his work. I would love to see more. The ebay price is too steep for me but I will be looking.

Memphis - Old Signs, Elvis, and History

I was in Memphis this past week for work and made a stop downtown at the Arcade Restaurant on Main St.

The Arcade is supposed to be where Elvis ate fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches. I figure if it was good enough for Elvis, it's good enough for me. So, I find the place and a parking spot and head in. I noticed the block was practically empty but didn't think a lot about it. Well, I swing the front door open and the guy behind the counter tells me, "I'm sorry, we're closed." I ask him their hours and he says from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. It was 3:30 pm! I guess I'll have to wait until next time. At least I got some good sign photos.

So, I decided to head on into downtown to see if I could find some more signs I've may  have missed in the past. I see a signs for a coffee shop at this old hotel called the Lorraine Hotel (that name sounded strangely familiar). After parking, I headed down the street to get the coffee shop photo and looked to my right. I see the hotel and immediately recognize it as the spot where Martin Luther King, Jr,. was shot. It was kind of eerie. The front of the hotel even has cars parked in front just like the day of the event. Then I see that this is the site of the Civil Rights Museum. Pretty cool. I was hungry so I didn't go in but I did take some photos. I eventually made my way to the Cupboard restaurant on Union Ave for chicken and dumplins, cole slaw, fried green tomatoes, and cucumber salad with sweet tea to drink. Yum!

Coffee shop sign that caught my eye

The Lorraine Hotel

MLK's death site - Made me think of the U2 song "In the Name of Love"

Am I Lukewarm?

I've been reading a book called Crazy Love by Francis Chan for a class on Sunday night at church. It's a challenging book that keeps making me question how much I love God and how much I am willing to give Jesus. Chapter 4 is a profile of the lukewarm. Essentially, if I am not loving God with my all and loving my neighbor as much as I love me, I'm worthy of being spit out by Jesus. Chan proposes that if I am not sold out or "radical," I may not be a Christian at all. All is the standard, not just a standard for those called especially to be radical by God. I'm forced to examine and evaluate where I stand in my love for God and others. "Am I rich?" is another good question I should address soon.

Today's Estate Sale

Went to an estate sale today to pick up more goodies for the Ebay machine. Some guy beat me to some great old LPs (like the Fugs, Blue Cheer, and the Byrds) but I did get a great James Brown live album and a Ventures surfing album. I may go back in the morning and try to get these old aluminum chairs I saw. What do you think? If you're interested in something, let me know.

New Horn Rims 

Monkeypod Tray

Great Cover

Awesome Print by Amoroso - (Thanks Steve!)

I like this old fiberglass lampshade.

James Brown - Live 

Picked up these great teak Danish modern salt and pepper shakers at Goodwill in Corpus Christi.

Mobile - Roadside America iPhone App

I need this app - Mobile - Roadside America iPhone App. This iPhone app lets you find the roadside attractions all over the country that you probably never see from the interstate. I'm all over the southeast, and I bet there are tons of these "roadside attractions" around here. I've probably seen quite a few already. Am I willing to pay $2.99? I'm thinking about it.

World's Largest Bowling Pin

The Manly Tradition of the Pocket Notebook | The Art of Manliness

More good reasons to carry a Field Notes pocket notebook - The Manly Tradition of the Pocket Notebook | The Art of Manliness. I especially like the portion from The Minister.

My New Workout Program

Gotta love Nedroid!

Braslau Furniture Corpus Christi TX Ghost Signs

Stumbled across these signs from a closed furniture store on Leopard St in Corpus Christi. As a matter of fact, the business is still open but located elsewhere.

I should have contacted the store to see how much they would have sold the steel (I assume) letters to me for.

This stylized "B" would have been awesome.

Beckley WV - Old Signs

Just some signs from my trip to WV.

'Lost Skeleton' creator Larry Blamire has a bone to pick - USATODAY.com

Finally! The sequel to one of my favorite films came out today - The Lost Skeleton Returns Again. My friend Tim got his copy on DVD today. Here's a write up from USA Today: 'Lost Skeleton' creator Larry Blamire has a bone to pick - USATODAY.com. If you're a fan of Mystery Science Theater, you'll love this movie. I understand the sequel is just as good. I also need to check out his mystery movie spoof, A Dark and Stormy Night. I stumbled across the original movie (pictured at left) used at Movie Gallery for $5 and couldn't resist the cover, although I knew nothing about the movie. What a great find! I've seen it at least 6 or 7 times and laugh every time.

More Stuff Gone

Just a quick update - gave my brother-in-law an ice cream maker and my Dad a coffee cup he likes. Oh yeah, almost forgot but I gave Britt some trucks and wheels for her new Landyatchz (sp?) longboard. It's actually getting easier to just give things away. If you want something of mine, just ask; I might give it to you.

Renegade Pencils and Mongolian FIELD NOTES

So, it's been established that I think Field Notes pocket notebooks are awesome. Now, you can purchase a set of three translated into Mongolian to support Renegade Pencils - click the link to learn more - Renegade Pencils and Mongolian FIELD NOTES. If you happen to buy a pack, enter "iamasquare" in the Coupon Code box to get a neat button.

Saint Augustine

I read this quote by Saint Augustine a few weeks ago:

"Love God and do as you please."

On first reading, I wasn't sure what to think about this. It seemed a little liberal to me, well, a lot liberal. I mean, where's the rules? Do as I please? That's a little scary. So, I thought about it for a while - maybe even meditated on it. Finally, it dawned on me the simplicity and beauty of the quote. If I love God, really love God, the things I do will be in line with the things God wants me to do. Doing as I please isn't so much about me as it is about God. No rules required. Essentially this is a the same as love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Or so it seems to me. What do you think?.

A Thing A Day: Update

I haven't forgotten this or given up just yet. Over the weekend, I trashed a lot of stuff from my office and shop (mostly boxes, old screws and stuff, baseball cards, etc.). Michelle and I went through the boys' room and tossed out three lawn bags full of junk. After a couple of hours, Michelle decided she hates legos. The boys have a couple million pieces - and that was just what was in the floor and in Seth's desk. Another box full is under the bed. The speakers and stamp sets are still available ($10 each now). More to come.

Old Signs - This One's Gone!

Walter Nipper's Nashville Sporting Goods - Before 

For those who don't know, I take pictures of old signs in all of the places I visit. Most of the larger cities are full of these signs. Part of my thinking was that these signs are going to be gone someday. Well, I took the first photo a couple of years ago. It's a sporting goods store on 8th Ave N in Nashville. How could I resist a photo with a big bass on it? Today I was doing a job on Church St. and when I was leaving I noticed a Sears painted sign a few blocks over I had never photographed before. While walking over I saw the sporting goods store and the sign was gone. Glad I got the first shot.

After

The Mid-Century Modernist

I like this site - The Mid-Century Modernist. If possible, I would have my entire office equipped from furniture from this era. Watch shows like Mad Men, movies such as The Incredibles, and even iCarly (the apartment Carly shares with her older brother is full of this style of furniture). I enjoy browsing this site because it helps me identify items to pick up on the cheap at yard/estate sales to use or sell (for a profit) later on.

The Pen Addict: Giveaway: Doane Paper Daily Arsenal Kit

One of my favorite blogs is giving away a bunch of paper products like notebooks, notepads, etc. I love this kind of stuff, which is why I read this particular blog, and thought I would share it with you. All you have to do to enter is click the link - The Pen Addict: Giveaway: Doane Paper Daily Arsenal Kit - and enter a comment. While you're there, browse around a bit and learn more about pens and those who love them. Funny how a blog can be so popular about old fashioned pen and paper. Here's a photo of what you can win (from the Pen Addict site):

Bonnaroo 2010: The Avett Brothers In Concert : NPR

Photo courtesy of NPR

Bonnaroo 2010: The Avett Brothers In Concert : NPR - Here's a link to the Avett Brothers show at Bonnaroo this year. I haven't heard it yet but I would imagine it's really good. There's also a link on this page to the Brothers at the Newport Folk Festival. Give it a listen: you might just be won over by the boys.

A Thing A Day: uncluttering your home one thing at a time

I'm trying this technique to cut down on my clutter - A Thing A Day: uncluttering your home one thing at a time | Unclutterer Forums - in a nutshell, you sell, give away, or trash at tleast one thing every day. So far I've done very well. Of course, I could keep this up for years without a problem, but I am starting to see clear spaces in my office and shop. These are workbenches and table tops I haven't seen in years. I'm shooting for a month but may go until I run out of expendable stuff. So far I've gotten rid of:

• A guitar amp
• Several fountain pens
• An old palm pilot
• Threw away a computer tower and a guitar body for a project I started 4 or 5 years ago
• Put an old men's fedora on ebay.
• Offered a tiki hawaiian shirt for $5 and for free (no takers - anybody?)
• A Zippo lighter that was given to me.
• A skateboard for a kid at church (sold it fairly cheap).
• An old Compaq Armada lap top (if anyone wants it).

More to come. 

Why Don't I Pray Like This?

"Holy Spirit of God, visit now this soul of mine, and tarry within it until the eventide. Inspire all my thoughts. Pervade all my imaginations. Suggest all my decisions. Lodge in my soul's most inward citadel, and order all my doings. Be with me in silence and in my speech, in my haste and in my leisure, in company and in solitude, in the freshness of the morning and the weariness of the evening. Give me grace at all times to rejoice in Thy mysterious companionship."
  - John Baillie
Wow, were people just deeper back then or am I just so much more shallow? Makes you wonder how different one would be if this prayer were prayed every morning. Maybe that's why John Baillie has his words quoted even today and a Wikipedia entry.


NOTE: For more on John Baillie, click here

Signs from Harry Hines Blvd near Dallas Love Field

I'll bet this place was hoppin' back in the day. I'd hate to think what's hoppin' there now.

Tagxedo - Tag Cloud with Styles

I've tried this site before Tagxedo - Tag Cloud with Styles. It makes a tag cloud out of whatever text you enter. I used "The Love of God" lyrics for a test. What do you think?

SHHH!

Do people talking on their cell phones about stuff you really don't want to hear annoy you? Then join SHHH - The Society for HandHeld Hushing. Click the image to the left for more information and to download a PDF of the the card (and others) for your own use. CAUTION: One of the cards contains profanity so use discretion when opening.

Andy McKee = Holy Cow!

This Andy McKee video officially blew my mind. What do you think? I'm guessing he's playing in some sort of open tuning but what?.

Avett Brothers - iTunes Video of the Day

My current favorite band - The Avett Brothers - are today's free video of the day on iTunes (Thanks for the heads up Tim Green). I can't really pinpoint what it is about them - maybe their honesty or the punk elements they toss in - but I can't get enough. Plus, it's fun to play along. You either love them or hate them, seemingly. If you haven't heard them yet, go to Grooveshark and give them a listen. I hope to see them live some day.

Sky Styler Freestyle Disc from Discraft

I just bought a new frisbee (or flying disc): the Sky Styler Freestyle Disc from Discraft from Disc Golf Station. I saw some guys flying a frisbee in Myrtle Beach in stiff wind that flew really straight. I did some research and bought the disc listed above. While browsing around the site, I found some disc golf packages. Seth and I have been playing disc golf on Wii Sports Resort and it's fun. Recently, Roane County Park installed a disc golf course. I want to try it out. Maybe I'll get myself a golf package. We'll see. If I do, I'll definitely get it from Disc Golf Station, especially since they offer free shipping.

Being Different

In today's sermon, Dennis asked us if we were truly different. I mean so different that people would obviously know it. That's troubled me somewhat all day. Of course, I'm way different than I was in college (looks and the things I did) so I guess that's good but have I stopped there? Do people see me as someone who loves or someone they can trust or rely on? I don't really know but I know I could always do better.  Am I any different at home? I know I spend way too much time on my netbook and DS, instead of praying or reading. The kids rarely see me do either. That's something I can definitely improve. I'm off to Dallas tomorrow and hope to get started there. I'm trying to abide by what we studied in Sunday School from Psalm 119: 16

¹⁶ I delight in your decrees; 
       I will not neglect your word.

Nedroid Picture Diary

Nedroid is the best comic on the web hands down. Don't read it or you'll be hooked like I was going through all the past entries. Here's a sampling of one of my favorites - Nedroid Picture Diary.

WARNING: This bears repeating. You may become addicted. Try to read just one.

Thing A Day - Hawaiian Tiki Shirt

Today's item is a Diamond Head Sportswear (Made in Hawaii) mens shirt with Tiki and tribal emblems. It's a size large, 100% rayon, with wood buttons (maybe coconut). This chick magnet shirt could be yours for a mere $5.00!

Field Notes - Love 'em!

I recently broke down and bought some Field Notes (they were on sale, of course). These are pocket sized (3.5 X 5.5 in) notebooks. These durable little 48-page books have numerous uses - jotting down notes, tracking yard sale finds and how much I sell them for, Sunday school class ideas, and calorie counting to name a few. Here's the one I carry daily on the left. I've used a Palm Pilot, smartphones, an iPhone but, for me, nothing beats good ol' paper and pencil. You get three of these for $9.95 plus shipping.

Ask me about mine if you see me; I should have one on me.

The New Blog

Alrighty! I'm launching into the blogosphere today. My attempts to rid myself of 1 thing per day (see A Thing A Day for more info) have prompted me to try this. Just by looking at the header photo, you can get an idea about my need to part with junk (Michelle's term, not mine). Don't get me wrong, I'll still be getting stuff; just pared down to needs or strong wants or items to sell on ebay. This is also an exercise in trying to learn to be content and to be more generous. So, you cheapskates out there better watch this page.

I intend to talk about basically anything that crosses my mind. Facebook is good for this sort of thing but not for everything. Watch for talk about estate sale and thrift store finds, retro and mid-century modern stuff, old signs from my travels, sports, longboarding, and more. My interests are extremely varied. More later.