Thursday, April 30, 2009

1st Annual Indie Business Fair Tonight

The 1st Annual Indie Business Fair is happening at 3rd Ward (195 Morgan Ave.; Brooklyn) tonight from 7 to 10 PM:
Ever had a really creative and fun idea for a new business that you were just dying to make a reality? Now’s your chance to get inspired at the 1st Annual Indie Business Fair! Six aspiring entrepreneurs and their brand new business plans gather in the same room for one evening only!
Sponsored by Brooklyn Royalty and 3rd Ward Edu, you can rock out to great DJs, grab a drink with your friends and check out the newest independent businesses before anyone else.
Featuring demonstrations in urban gardening & photography, a pop-up gallery show from Art-x Fotographie, an indie fashion pop up shop, free samples of fresh Korean Cuisine and a chance to win some fresh digs from Brooklyn Royalty’s Spring Collection.
Visit 3rd Ward for more info.

It's a Perfect Day to See Lou Reed in Church

Lou Reed's "Perfect Day" will play this afternoon at Riverside Church (490 Riverside Drive):
On Thursday April 30th from 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., Carillon 2009 "Perfect Day" takes place both in New York and the Netherlands. Sjoerd Tamminga will play Lou Reed's song, Perfect Day, on Riverside's Laura S. Rockefeller Memorial Carillon.

This event is a part of the festivities celebrating the 400 years since Henry Hudson set foot on present-day Manhattan. During the day carillons all over the Netherlands will chime 'Perfect Day'. Lou Reed will attend this special performance at Riverside.

Listening is best in the parks around The Riverside Church
[image from Riverside Church]

Any fans of Lou Reed out there?

The Proverbial Friendship Factor

The poor are shunned even by their neighbors,
but the rich have many friends.
~ Proverbs 14:20

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Drink-n-Draw


3rd Ward likes perpetuating the idea that drinking leads to creativity. Every Wednesday at 8 PM, they invite you to head on over to their studios at 195 Morgan Ave. in Brooklyn for an evening of drinking and drawing. For $15 ($10 if you bring a friend), they'll provide you with the beer and the model. You bring your own drawing equipment and alcoholism.

The Proverbial Gates of the Righteous

Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good,
and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
~ Proverbs 14:19

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Return of the Wizard: A Video Game Challenge

Calling all gamers:::
3rd Ward's Video Game Challenge will pit you and your friends against each other in high stakes classic video game competition projected onto 10x10 ft. screens with live DJ's. Relive your glory days - minus the grape soda and nagging parents - plus ice cold beers and cash prizes. Each month will feature a new set of games and a new classic platform. From Excite Bike and Zelda, to Mario Kart and NBA Jam. Nintendo thumb is cool again.
Get your game on from 7 PM til midnight tonight at 3rd Ward (195 Morgan Ave., Brooklyn). It's free to attend, $5 to compete.

And if you can't make this one, video-game challenges are every last Tuesday of the month at 3rd Ward.

The Proverbial Crown of Knowledge

The simple inherit folly,
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
~ Proverbs 14:18

Monday, April 27, 2009

Friends Make You Healthy

According to this article, friends make you healthy and help you live longer. Meanwhile, over in the April 20 issue of New York magazine, where celebrities discussed their first experiences in the city, Rufus Wainwright admits it was very difficult for him to make friends in New York. Do more New Yorkers suffer from isolation and depression?

New York is such a huge city, you'd think it would be full of people to become friends with, that the chances of finding someone with similar interests as you would be easier. However, if you're not in church, fellowshipping with others at coffee hour or in bible studies, how and where do you meet people? In some ways, it seems harder to make friends than to get a date.

With our fast-paced busy lives, and hours spent toiling away in a cubicle, it seems like it's incredibly difficult to even find time to hang out with friends you already have. Especially, when everyone has a bible study already scheduled every day of the week, it's hard for friendships to go deeper than a big circle would allow.

How has your experience been making friends in New York?

The Proverbial Crafty Man

A quick-tempered man does foolish things,
and a crafty man is hated.
~ Proverbs 14:17

Sweatshop Social

Those "THIS IS NOT A PLASTIC BAG" bags are as annoying as ironic tees. Maybe you can make something more clever:::
Made for food-shopping fashionistas and creative environmentalists alike, join non-profit organization, Bags for the People, in a night of custom cotton bag making. You bring the fun and the fabric; we’ll provide the sewing machines, instruction, drinks, snacks and live music. ‘Cause everybody knows plastic is passé.
Tonight at 3rd Ward (195 Morgan Ave., Brooklyn) from 7 to 10.

And if you can't make this one, Sweatshop Social (formally known as Bag Building) takes place every last Monday of the month.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Conquest Visits bushbaby

Christian hip-hop emcee Conquest returns to Brooklyn tomorrow night at bushbaby in support of his latest album, Outspoken. The show starts at 8 PM.


bushbaby is located at 1197 Fulton Street in Bed-Stuy:
bushbaby is movement. It is what's happening in the now. The developer of original products, such as Millie's Iced Tea; a southern-styled sweet tea, which has proven to be the people's favorite, and Chocolate Marsala; a spiced cocoa, bushbaby offers a unique and universal experience for all. Located in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn bushbaby strives to make history by creating an environment where you are lifted to new levels of enjoyment by offering a gourmet selection of beverages and light eats, and setting a platform where the Arts flourish through a seasonal program of live entertainment. This is what we call "The bushbaby Movement" and its concern is moving the spirit and the soul. Thus, we invite you to navigate the culture and movement of bushbaby. Travel through our world, tasting the best international coffees and teas on this side of the east coast. Journey to another region with our flavor-filled vegan and non-vegan wraps. Tour our assortment of gourmet chocolates, nuts and dried fruits. Then trip out on our exclusive selection of desserts. When you finally reach home, invite your family and friends to delight themselves in our weekend brunch. And finally, grab a front row seat and ride the wave of first-class entertainment from New York's top independent artists and musicians.
Conquest's other New York tour stops include:

5/16: Christian and Missionary Alliance (155 East 107th St.), Manhattan
5/30: REHAB Coffeehouse (806 Jennings St.), Bronx
8/2: Higher Calling 2009 (Herbert Von King Park, corner of Tompkins & Lafayette), Brooklyn

Reflections of Christ

A Mormon church on the Upper East Side recently opened a photography exhibit called "Reflections of Christ":

A photographer took actors who participate in an annual Easter pageant in Mesa, AZ and with them created and shot scenes depicting the life of Christ. He also shot a short film documenting the making of the photographs, and enlisted the help of several musicians to compose music to accompany the exhibit/photographs. So it is sort of a multimedia thing. The exhibit and film can be seen (free of charge) at the Latter-day Saint church at 217 E. 87th Street (between 2nd & 3rd Avenues) from 4/24-4/26. Times are as follows:

Thurs 4/24: 7-9:30 pm
Fri 4/25: 7-9:30 pm
Sat 4/26: 4-9:30 pm
Sun 4/26: 5-8 pm

You can check out the exhibit website at: http://www.reflectionsofchrist.org/


What do you think of these reflections?

The Kite Runner

This more or less sounds breathtaking:::
SOCRATES
SCULPTURE PARK and
The Noguchi Museum
present....

Kite - cropped

KITE FLIGHT: PAPER PLAY

Seventh Annual Kite Making Workshop
Sunday, April 26, 2009 / 11AM - 2PM (rain or shine)
FREE EVENT: The workshop is free and all materials are provided.

Socrates Sculpture Park and The Noguchi Museum are proud to present the seventh annual kite making workshop and flying event. This free hands-on workshop will take place at Socrates Sculpture Park and welcomes children of all ages to participate. Using recycled paper, children and their families can draw inspiration from the Park's fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline to build and decorate a kite, and then fly it in the Park.

Advance registration is not required, but space is limited, so come early! The workshop will be held - rain or shine - in the education area at Socrates Sculpture Park. The workshop is free and all materials and supplies will be provided.


***

Founded by Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) in 1985 and occupying a renovated 1927 industrial building, The Noguchi Museum helped pioneer the transformation of Long Island City into an arts destination. The Museum exhibits a comprehensive selection of the artist's works in all mediums, displayed in a series of indoor galleries and an internationally celebrated outdoor sculpture garden. Together, this installation and the Museum's special exhibitions expand the context for Noguchi's work and illuminate his influential legacy of innovation. From 11 am - 6 pm, Kite Flight attendees can cross the street to view two special exhibitions: From Plaster to Stone and What is Sculpture?, as well as artworks from the Museum's collection.

Socrates Sculpture Park was an abandoned riverside landfill and illegal dumpsite until 1986 when a coalition of artists and community members, under the leadership of sculptor Mark di Suvero, transformed it into an open studio and exhibition space for artists and a neighborhood park for local residents. Today, it is an internationally renowned outdoor museum and artist residency program that also serves as a vital New York City park offering a wide variety of free public programs. The Park's existence is based on the belief that reclamation, revitalization and creative expression are essential to the survival, humanity and improvement of our urban environment.

Kite Flight: Paper Play participants will get an early glimpse of Socrates Sculpture Park's spring exhibition, State Fair. The show, officially opening in the Park on Sunday, May 10, 2009, centers around American rural life and uses the platform of the state fair as a means to examine topics such as animal husbandry, specialized horticulture, small scale farming, culinary arts, and the pageantry within these fields that occurs at fairgrounds across the country. The show will also incorporate work that references traditional craft, and the myriad of amusements, rides, competitions and entertainment that are presented as part of state fairs.
How high does your kite fly?

STAR 99.1 Launches Susanna Society

Christian radio station STAR 99.1 is launching a women's philanthropic initiative called the Susanna Society:

Join Stacey Stone & Beth Bacall as they celebrate the launch of
STAR 99.1's women's philanthropic initiative...the Susanna Society!
Bring your friends and join us for an unforgettable morning
that will uplift & inspire your heart!
Featuring Francesca Battistelli

Word Recording Artist
and
Guest Speaker - Andrea Szott
Andrea will share the uplifting stories of her life with former 14-year NFL Veteran,
Dave Szott and their two beautiful sons. Andrea is a champion for those
with special needs and is very active with charity work.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
10 am - 1 pm
Brunch will be served
Breakers On the Ocean
1507 Ocean Avenue
Spring Lake, NJ
$40 per person
RSVP 732.469.0991 x3138 or
Email rchepulis@star991fm.com (Limited Seating)

How do you feel about the topic of the first Susanna Society? Are you inspired by Szott's charity work? How would you feel about a female speaker that is not a wife and mom?

And why is the event being promoted by email but is not listed on the Star 99.1 calendar?

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Poster Boy Pastes Up 3rd Ward

You already know all about Shepard Fairey, but Poster Boy is the latest underground-turned-almost-mainstream artist to hit the circuit:

You’ve seen his work in the subways. Now you can check out the groundbreaking advertising cut and pastery of Poster Boy (but this time endorsed by the advertisers? Could this be?) in the gallery at 3rd Ward. Featuring the beats of DJ Mr. F snacks from BK Salsa, gift bags from Harper Perennial, ad creators and mash-uppers.

Pomp & Circumstance celebrates in the heart of art and culture in Brooklyn. Engage with the brands, artists and creators of a new class of tastemakers. Celebrate the diversity, creativity and innovation of the hottest borough in NYC.

It all goes down at 3rd Ward (195 Morgan Ave.; Brooklyn) tomorrow, April 24, from 7 PM to 12 AM. There's free admission and Dogfish while it lasts.

[photo via Poster Boy's flickr]

Dove Awards Tonight

The Dove Awards -- the Christian world's equivalent to the Grammy's -- will air live tonight at 8 on the Gospel Channel.

Will you be watching the Awards?

Who do you hope wins?

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Earth Day Events

Here are some Earth Day events around the city:::

+ Earth Ball drop in Times Square at noon -- kinda the reverse of New Year's

+ Nature sounds and art as you commute through Grand Central.

+ Free admission to the Museum of the City of New York, where you can catch the exhibit "Growing and Greening New York: PlaNYC and the Future of the City" before it closes tomorrow.

+ Earth Week at the Prospect Park Zoo.

+ Lecture called "Respect for the Future" by sustainable-design expert David Oakey at New York School of Interior Design (NYSID).

+ Confess your environmental sins at the Zipcar Green Confessions party.

Drink-n-Draw


3rd Ward likes perpetuating the idea that drinking leads to creativity. Every Wednesday at 8 PM, they invite you to head on over to their studios at 195 Morgan Ave. in Brooklyn for an evening of drinking and drawing. For $15 ($10 if you bring a friend), they'll provide you with the beer and the model. You bring your own drawing equipment and alcoholism.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

The Proverbial Hothead

A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil,
but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.
~ Proverbs 14:16

Monday, April 20, 2009

The Proverbial Thoughtful Stepper

A simple man believes anything,
but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.
~ Proverbs 14:15

Friday, April 17, 2009

Conquest Turns up the Volume

Conquest presents Superfresh! He hits his first New York stop on the album tour for Outspoken this Sunday, April 19. He will take to the stage at 6:30 at Volume at 307 Stuyvesant Avenue (on the corner of Halsey) in his old stomping grounds of Brooklyn.






Conquest's other New York tour stops include:

4/25: Bushbaby (1197 Fulton St.), Brooklyn
5/16: Christian and Missionary Alliance (155 East 107th St.), Manhattan
5/30: REHAB Coffeehouse (806 Jennings St.), Bronx
8/2: Higher Calling 2009 (Herbert Von King Park, corner of Tompkins & Lafayette), Brooklyn

Ashley Jones Stops By the Living Room Before Going On Tour

Ashley Jones, whom you may know from City Grace or The Haven, will be performing tomorrow:
This Saturday, I will be playing once again at my favorite venue in all of New York City, The Living Room. It's going to be a
special night (and my last in NYC for a bit while I tour with the new album). My very talented friends will be joining me on stage and we've been promised some extra playing time, so I do hope you'll come. Spread the word, bring friends, and let's pack the place out!

Here are the details:

Saturday, April 18th @ 9 PM
The Living Room
154 Ludlow Street (Take the F, V o 2nd Ave/LES)
21 & over / Bring ID
No Cover / 1 drink min. / Tip Bucket

Ashley Jones :: Vocals & Guitar
Justin Depuydt :: Vocals & Keys
Robert Hellyer :: Bass
Joely Pittman :: Vocals
Blake Lindley :: Percussion

If you'd like to have all the songs memorized by Saturday, you
better go now to www.ashleyjonesmusic.com and get your copy of
Songs About Falling via PayPal.
Who's in?

Coffee & Tea Festival This Weekend


The Fourth Annual Coffee & Tea Festival is taking place this weekend. Yes, the obvious coffee chains will be there, but this is also an opportunity to learn about coffee and tea distributors you may have not had the pleasure of sampling yet.

The festival begins at 11 AM both Saturday and Sunday and takes place at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 W. 18th St.). General admission tickets for each day are $21.68 when you order online.

The Proverbial Faithful Man

The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,
and the good man rewarded for his.
~ Proverbs 14:14

Thursday, April 16, 2009

3rd Ward's Block Party: Badminton, a Photobooth, and Free Bikes!

Oh, 3rd Ward, you had me at badminton. If it weren't for my fear of getting hit by a cab, that free bike would come in handy when the subway fare goes up:

3rd Ward’s Green Bikes Birthday Block Party, May 3, 2 to 8 p, FREE admission & Colt 45 Good things come in threes. So for our 3rd Anniversary in Brooklyn, we announce Green Bikes! Starting in May, when you sign up for a 3rd Ward membership you get a free bike!



www.3rdward.com/greenbikes


To celebrate, we're throwing a massive block party right outside our door.
We’ve taken over Stagg Street for a day filled with:



  • Live Music from The Wild Yaks, Aa, Pterodactyl, Afuche, Lam and DJs Drew
    Heffron & Clay Franklin.

  • bike competitions

  • bike films & performances

  • music videos from Moviehousea

  • photobooth

  • badminton

  • BBQ & drinks

  • live screen-printing

  • free workshops

  • Solo Show Winner, Selena Kimball in the Gallery


Compete in a drag race, bring a t-shirt for live screen-printing, take a workshop or just come for the fun! This Official NYC Bike Month Event includes partnering organizations: Make Music New York, Moviehouse, Transportation Alternatives, NY Bike Share, Empire, Goldsprints and more.


RSVP events@3rdward.com


Suddenly I have Deana Carter's Brand New Key in my head.

Handmade Music Night: Before You Make Music, Make an Instrument

A lot of people make their own music, but how many make their own instruments? Now that'll get you some bragging rights. Whether you're sonically savvy or just musically adventurous, tonight (7:30 - 10:30 pm) 3rd Ward (195 Morgan Ave., Brooklyn) is the place to be:
3rd Ward, Etsy.com, Make Magazine, and createdigitalmusic.com present
Handmade Music Night. Part party, part mixer, part Science Fair, and
part performance, this is an informal chance for geeksters and the
geek-curious to come together, relax, discover new sounds and drink
some complimentary Pabst.
[image 3rd Ward]

Handmade Music Night is every third Thursday of the month.

Pump up the volume or reach for your earplugs?

The Proverbial Joy Ending in Grief

Even in laughter the heart may ache,
and joy may end in grief.
~ Proverbs 14:13

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

The Proverbial Way to Death

There is a way that seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to death.
~ Proverbs 14:12

Theo's Fig, Fennel, and Almond Dark Chocolate Bar

Leave the snack attacks to Snickers. Theo's recent 3400 Phinney release, the dark chocolate Fig, Fennel, and Almond bar, is like a fine wine.



A powerful burst of fennel explodes upon your tastebuds as you take a bite. You savor the aromatic, anise-like fennel slowly. It takes your senses time to reconcile expectations for what a candybar should taste like, but once it adjusts to the complex flavors of this Theo bar it's hard to go back.


At first, you don't even notice the 70% cocao. It is only as it begins to melt over your tongue that you taste the deep notes of the chocolate, produced from cocoa beans from Central America. Its darkness begins to tame the fennel. However, it is not sweet but dark and almost bitter, like a good shot of espresso.

Almonds add a crunch that is hearty both in texture and flavor. The fig is sadly too subtle, but occassionally adds an unexpected sweetness to the bar.


One piece of Theo's Fig, Fennel, and Almond bar is all you need to satisfy your chocolate craving. Its refined taste makes it an excellent chocolate to pair with a full-bodied red wine or, given the fennel, with absinthe.

Theo Chocolate is the only fair-trade, organic, bean-to-bar chocolate factory in the United States. Based out of Seattle, the company ships to New York, where their fine selection of chocolates is available at Whole Foods.

Christian Mysticism on Monster Island

Anyone headed to Monster Island tonight or Saturday?

WEDNESDAY DISCO SALON II AT THE DISCO CLUBHOUSE 8PM SHARP
Come relax. enjoy the mystical third wave of Psychedelia ...The one and only-legendary- Barry London-- Performing on sitar and other transcendental devices will deliver you to a pyschotropic state of synthesized bliss.

SATURDAY IN THE FORREST OF MONSTER ISALND 8ISH
Backworld: The sounds created by a passion for English folk music, certain aspects of 60s psychedelia, and Christian mysticism. plus
Beau: bringing you the glamor of the 1940's mixed with the fabulously immaterial 1980's downtown scene

Secret Project Robot is located at The Forrest of Monster Island at 210 Kent Ave. in Brooklyn.

FMI: www.secretprojectrobot.org

Drink-n-Draw


3rd Ward likes perpetuating the idea that drinking leads to creativity. Every Wednesday at 8 PM, they invite you to head on over to their studios at 195 Morgan Ave. in Brooklyn for an evening of drinking and drawing. For $15 ($10 if you bring a friend), they'll provide you with the beer and the model. You bring your own drawing equipment and alcoholism.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

1st Annual Indie Business Fair

Okay, this isn't happening til the end of the month but we're telling you about it now so you can put it on your calendar because it is that relevant -- The good folks over at 3rd Ward are hosting the 1st Annual Indie Business Fair on April 30, from 7 to 10 PM:
Ever had a really creative and fun idea for a new business that you were just dying to make a reality? Now’s your chance to get inspired at the 1st Annual Indie Business Fair! Six aspiring entrepreneurs and their brand new business plans gather in the same room for one evening only!
Sponsored by Brooklyn Royalty and 3rd Ward Edu, you can rock out to great DJs, grab a drink with your friends and check out the newest independent businesses before anyone else.
Featuring demonstrations in urban gardening & photography, a pop-up gallery show from Art-x Fotographie, an indie fashion pop up shop, free samples of fresh Korean Cuisine and a chance to win some fresh digs from Brooklyn Royalty’s Spring Collection.
Visit 3rd Ward for more info.

The Proverbial Tent of the Upright

The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
but the tent of the upright will flourish.
~ Proverbs 14:11

Monday, April 13, 2009

Night of a Thousand Questions

Curator Harlan Alford will be speaking tonight at the Haven. There will also be a time of fellowship, prayer, and music led by Ashley Jones. The Haven meeets at Calvary Episcopal Church, located at 61 Gramercy Park North (at Park Ave.) from 7 to 9.

There will be a Haven Town Hall meeting on Thursday, April 16, at 7 PM at Alford's apartment. RSVP here.

The Proverbial Bitter Heart

Each heart knows its own bitterness,
and no one else can share its joy.
~ Proverbs 14:10

Friday, April 10, 2009

Etched into Her Neck


Tiny little text
etched into her neck
it said
"Jesus lived and died
for all your sins."


-- The Hold Steady's "Your Little Hoodrat Friend"

Thursday, April 9, 2009

April Showers Mean Dancing in the Rain

Just 'cause you're not Gene Kelly that doesn't mean you shouldn't be dancing in the rain. Here are some tracks for lifting your foul-weather mood this April.



Rihanna -- "Umbrella"



Jars of Clay -- "Flood"



Beatles -- "Rain"



Counting Crows -- "Rain King"

What are your picks for the perfect soundtrack to a rainy day?

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Not Quite a Proverbs 31 Woman Cooks Minestrone Soup

The lions and the lambs really seemed to be duking it out this March. The constant fluctuation of temperature resulted in me heading into April not feeling too good. The old wives keep telling tales of soup having medicinal qualities, so I decided maybe some steamy broth would, indeed, make me feel better.

Generally I'd open a can of Progresso soup, but at more than $2 a can, I thought maybe I could save some money by making a huge pot I could gorge on for the entire week. I spent about $18 buying ingredients. Yikes. But, about four bowels were eaten in the first sitting -- hey, there were two of us! -- and it looks like I've got enough to last for at least seven more bowels. So, that means I saved at least $4.

And, by using fresh ingredients, it was probably 10x more healthy than something that had been sitting in a can on a shelf for who knows how long. Yay, health!

If I could do this while I was sick, surely anyone could make a fanastic minestrone soup.

First, filled a large pot about 1/3 full of water and added some Greek olive oil to it, along with a pinch of sea salt. While waiting for the water to boil, I chopped onions, garlic, potatoes, and cauliflower. Added it to the pot before it was actually boiling. Impatience is not a virtue. Chopped pre-cut carrots and added it to the water. Tossed in two vegetable bullion cubes. Stirred mixture. Hoped it would boil, as I put a lid on the pot and turned down the intensity of the fire.


When the potatoes seemed soft enough (used a fork to test), added pasta. Stirred in one can of crushed tomatoes. Added garlic powder, black pepper, and red-pepper flakes. Soon after, added frozen peas and carrots, and canned kidney beans and white beans. Tasted. Added even more garlic powder and pepper -- garlic promotes good health!


When the soup was done, I added some shredded cheddar cheese.

The whole thing took maybe half an hour or so to make, especially since I had some help cleaning the veggies. It was incredibly easy for something that tasted so good.

leftovers!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Animal Hybrids, Asexual Reproduction, and Medical Tourism

Check out how the Socrates in the City talk "The Science and Politics of Stem Cells: Is There a Way Forward?" (mentioned in an earlier post) went over at Burnside Writers Collective.

The Proverbial Goodwill

Fools mock at making amends for sin,
but goodwill is found among the upright.
~ Proverbs 14:9

Monday, April 6, 2009

Brothers At War

As I ran the remaining blocks to the 62nd street theater, I did not anticipate what I was about to be a part of. My friend Paul earlier informed me of a documentary called Brothers at War about a group of brothers in the military, which also features his newly reacquainted brother, a US Marine.

I trekked out with Paul after work, him driving a classic '78 Mercedes Benz handed down from his grandfather. Traffic was a bit much -- even for Manhattan. We decided jogging at a slower 30-year-old pace would be faster than driving the remainder of the way, since we were already late for this special screening of this Gary Sinise-produced movie. We hustled into the closest available seats, as to not disturb the other moviegoers, consisting of who knows who considering the situation.





I started watching the film not knowing what to expect, except maybe a brief cameo from Paul's brother, Gunney Sgt. Edward Allier of the Marine Corp. Paul pointed him out to me. He was a couple rows ahead, decked out in his military atttire, with a lady on each side. Not bad for a first impression.

Now to take in the feature film, I entered into a world previously unknown to me, and I'm sure, to many of you, the abundance of writing fans I have. (Heh heh, I'm not a writer nor do I have fans.) The movie kicks in with Jake Rademacher, the director, a man whose two brothers are both army men over in Iraq. To closer identify with his brothers and show he can hang with the big dogs too, Jake meets up with his older brother Isaac in Iraq to film the people and events he encounters.




From dangerous situations to in-depth talks with various soldiers, opinions of local Iraqis to brothers busting each other's chops even in the toughest of times, Jake now has me caught up in his movie. After spending more adventures with his brother Isaac, Jake returns home to his family, a family with a lot of love, heartaches, and even tragedy. We see into their lives, emotions, and insights. The movie also offers many more character studies, such as the family's reactions to a brother back at home lost to drugs. Joe, Jake's second of many brothers, questions God on hurts like this, although he sees how it changed him for the good and how his paths in life were redirected. Romans 8:28, "All things work together for the good of those who love God," comes to mind.

Joe, also the second brother active in the army, feels Jake's adventures lack the real substance of what it means to serve in the forces and be at war. Jake, in an edeavor to share with and prove himself to his two military brothers, sets off yet again to Iraq, this time with a seemingly scripted badass full of wisecracks, a very real marine, Edward Allier. Sitting in the theatre, Paul was nothing but proud of his brother and I impressed with the role he played. Leading Jake through real attacks, gunfire, and even soldiers lost, Gunney Sgt. Allier gives Jake all the Iraq "street cred" he needs.

Brothers at War far surpassed any expectations I had and how I have explained it here today (again, I am not a writer). But this original idea for a film does not have the mega-millions to promote it, as do a lot of modern-day flicks that aren't on Brothers at War's level. This movie is depending on word of mouth as well as Gary Sinise himself's hard work to promote it (ie, Jimmy Fallon Show, The View, talk-radio shows).

This movie applies to all military families as well as non-military people, such as myself. I believe it to be something we should all view to capture first hand the experiences and many perspectives over in Iraq, and therefore walk away with a broader vision of what's going on overseas.

Brothers at War ties people together on multiple levels: Jake and his brothers; my friend Paul and his brother Ed Allier; and hopefully you to the many soldiers serving abroad.



View the trailer here: http://www.brothersatwarmovie.com/.

Opening Day - And More to Pay!












[top-Yankee Stadium, bottom - Citi Field]

Opening Day, Christmas for baseball enthusiasts, is today and what better gifts for New York to receive on this soggy day than TWO beautiful baseball fields.


2 Billion combined dollars have been spent to bring forth both the Mets throw-back, cozy offering and Ebbets Field themed "Citi Field" - which has brought about itself some negative press due to Citibank's status in the bank bailout crisis (The bank has signed a 20 year $400 million dollar naming-rights deal with the Mets for the ballpark prior to the crisis hitting), and the new, mammoth, state of the art Yankee Stadium, located across the street from its former setting which attempts to capture the grandeur of the original 1920's stadium.


With a price tag of about 1.3 billion spent, Yankee Stadium is the costliest sports facility ever built. Given the nature of the economy today, many feel it's a bit 'overdone, overzealous, and overpriced'. With that comes a 73% increase in ticket prices (in the papers this weekend), also the largest increase in ticket prices in sports. This surely, as well as its half-priced ($700 or so million) cohort Citi Field, will push out the blue-collar everyman from having the opportunity to watch a ball game at a reasonable price. Be prepared for many empty seats in the lower seating levels when you watch the next Yankee or Mets game.


Are you still going to head out to the ball game and buy peanuts and crackerjacks? (a combined 11-12 dollars, surely) We are interested to see what the reactions are to the new ballparks on this wonderful time of year known as the beginning of the baseball season.

A Sinner's Semester at America's Holist University

While picking up a copy of Susan Isaac's hilarious Angry Conversations with God, another new book seemed to be screaming for attention: Kevin Roose's The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University.

Like 2007's The Year of Living Biblically, The Unlikely Disciple investigates religious legalism but comes away with some life-changing lessons for the author. Christianity Today published an informed review of Roose's book recently that shows the surprising love the author felt while going undercover at Liberty University.

Do you think attending a Christian university provides a balanced education and prepares students for the real world?

Who Gets Your Vote for Best New Artist?

The Dove Awards are coming up on April 23rd, and as usual the nominations include a lot of the industry mainstays. But, here's who's up for New Artist of the Year:

Addison Road
Francesca Battistelli
Fee
Jonathan Nelson
Remedy Drive
Chris Sligh
Tenth Avenue North

Who gets your vote?

The Proverbial Wisdom of the Prudent

The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,
but the folly of fools is deception.
~ Proverbs 14:8

Friday, April 3, 2009

Easter Egg Hunt

Get ready... get set... Go!! The Gallery Church is hosting a free community-wide Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday, April 4. Meet at the Great Hill in Central Park at W 106th Street at 11:00 AM. There will be 20,000 eggs to hunt.

It seems to be geared toward kids, but it sounds right up there with the Great Ice Box Derby, the Clown Pie Fight, the Pillow Fight, and the Moustache Competition.


Holy Week Schedules

Here is just a small sampling of some of the church services that will be taking place during Holy Week. Even if you do not usually attend church, Easter is a great time to experience God.


City Grace:::
Sunday - April 12, 2009
11:00 Worship Service with special music

Gallery:::
Thursday - April 9, 2009
Maundy Thursday - The Lord's Family Feast at 7:00pm in The SALT Art Space

Friday - April 10, 2009
Good Friday Prayer Service from 12:00pm-12:30pm in The SALT Art Space. The space will also be open from 11:00am-2:00pm for personal prayer and reflection.

Sunday - April 12, 2009
Easter Sunday
Morning Gathering on the UWS at 10:30am
Evening Gathering in Chelsea at 6:00pm


North Brooklyn Vineyard:::
Sunday - April 12, 2009
Come celebrate Easter with us at 11am @ the Red Brick Building on Metropolitan & Manhattan Aves!

This will be a combined service (folks from the Trash Bar as well as regular AM folks). We will not hold a service at Trash Easter night.

Redeemer:::
Thursday - April 9, 2009
Prepare for Easter with a lively, vivid retelling of the story of Jesus. Solo performance by Max McLean. Thursday, April 9 at 7:30PM at Ethical Culture Society, 64th St. and CPW. No admission fee.
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Ethical Culture Society, 64th St. and Central Park West
For more information, contact: kristen@redeemer.com
Web site: http://www.listenersbible.com/performance

St. Patrick's Cathedral:::
Sunday - April 5
Palm Sunday – 7:00, 8:00, 8:45, 10:15 AM (Blessing of Palms and Solemn Mass at 10:15 Mass) Noon, 1:00, 4 pm (in spanish), 5:30 PM

Tuesday 5: 30 PM- Mass of Chrism

Thursday - April 9, 2009
Thursday 5:30 PM- Mass of the Lord's Supper

Friday - April 10, 2009
Friday 9:00 AM Tenebrae

Noon–Meditations on the Seven Last Words
3:30 PM-Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s
Passion and Death
6:00 PM - Stations of the Cross

Saturday Vigil – 8:00 PM

Sunday - April 12, 2009
Sunday – 7:00, 8:00, 8:45,
10:15 am *Tickets Required, Noon, 1:00 and 5:30 PM


Trinity Grace:::
We will be having a series of services and gatherings during Holy Week (the week before Easter), and wanted to let you know so you can mark your calendars:
Monday through Friday, 12:15pm, meditation at the church office, 330 Fifth Ave (corner of 33rd)

Thursday - April 9, 2009
Maundy Thursday, 7:30pm at St Paul's in Chelsea

Friday - April 10, 2009
Good Friday, 7:30pm at St Paul's in Chelsea


Please add your church's Easter service information below.

Rock the Sound Promo Video

Here's the promo video for New York City's first multi-day Christian music fest, Rock the Sound.



See our original post for more info.

Will you be attending? What bands are you excited to see? What Christian artist do you want to come to New York?

Wack Someone on Wall Street ... With a Pillow

After some hub-bub between the organizers and a change in location, the fourth annual Pillow Fight is on for tomorrow at 3 at Wall Street. And really, what better place to want to vent your anger??

Check back at Newmindspace for the latest plans (hey, you never know -- it could change last minute), but for now the instructions are:

A massive pillow fight in New York City! Pillows fly and fake cash soars as we converge on Wall Street for a massive urban pillow fight! Swing and whack as you evade pillow-wielding bank executives. Bring a pillow to Wall Street and wait for the signal. Pillow fight!

This year's pillow fight is timed to coincide with pillow fights in cities all over the world. Learn more about World Pillow Fight Day. This event is hosted by Newmindspace.

The Rules
Feather-free pillows only! + Swing lightly, many people will be swinging at once. + Do not swing at people without pillows or with cameras. + Remove glasses beforehand! + The event is FREE and appropriate for ALL AGES. Wait until 3:00 to begin. + Soft pillows only!
Dress to the nines and demand your bailout money :)

The Cleanup Effort: Volunteers Needed!
This year's goal is to clean up 100% of the litter left behind. To help in this effort, do not bring feather pillows. If you would like to help clean up, please bring some trash bags :) We will distribute gloves and brooms.


The Proverbial Foolish Man

Stay away from a foolish man,
for you will not find knowledge on his lips.
~ Proverbs 14:7

Thursday, April 2, 2009

April Showers Mean Toting Umbrellas

Don't let the weather rain on your parade. Strut an umbrella that shows off your personality.






The Proverbial Mocker Seeking Wisdom

The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
~ Proverbs 14:6

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Rock 'n' Roll High

In Tokyo there are these time-warped 40-year-old guys that dress up all rockabilly and dance to Elvis in the park near where all the Harajuku kids hang out. We think that if they came to New York they'd dig Rock 'n' Roll High over at The Skinny (174 Orchard St.). The weekly event gets going at 11 tonight.

[poster from opening night]

Today Would Be a Good Day for a Prank, Don'tcha Think?

Head on down to the Village for some pranking after work today. Urban Madness invites you to join in on a super-secret, hush-hush April Fool's Day prank:
This is another mystery event guys, just know that this one is incredibly prompt. If we pull this off it will be fantastic. Be on time at location and we shall make our mark on this day of great practical (and impractical) jokes.

It'll be short, sweet and excellent.
Simply meet at 6:15 at the McDonalds at West 3rd and 6th Ave. We don't know that the prank will actually go down at the fast-food chain, but we can't help but be reminded of Improv Everywhere's stint at McDs.

While we're at it, let's just mention these other zany social events:

April 4: Pillow Fight -- this moved to Wall Street. Look for a post here on Friday.
May 17: First Annual BigWheel GLOW Race
May 30: Silent Rave 4: Return of the Raveapple

[image: Urban Madness]

The Proverbial Truthful Witness

A truthful witness does not deceive,
but a false witness pours out lies.
~ Proverbs 14:5