Listen to a Track Off MuteMath's Upcoming CD

MuteMath's new CD, Armistice, doesn't come out til August, but you can preview the track "The Nerve" on their Myspace page now. As in this very moment. As in, go do it right now!

Even cooler? Their mobile listening party! That gets underway at a top-secret location in New York City on July 31.

Their Manhattan concert takes place Friday, the 13th of November. --Yep, the same date as the David Crowder show. Who will you be seeing?

[image via MuteMath's Myspace page]

You may also be interested in this past post about MuteMath's Tonight Show visit.

Grill It: Tomato and Watermelon Salad

Tomato ... good. Watermelon ... good. Tomato and Watermelon Salad ... genius!

[image by Maren Caruso via Epicurious]

To get all the pretty colors, use heirloom tomatoes and throw in some avocado. Get the complete recipe at Epicurious.

Would you eat this?

Soul Trek: Resistance Is Futile

Resistance is futile! That's the topic of conversation this Tuesday at FOS (Forum on Orthodox Christianity), where the summer series is contemplating Soul Trek: Cultivating Your Spirital Life, "To Boldly Go Where God Is Leading." FOS meets at 7:00 PM in the ballroom at Holy Trinity, located at 337 E. 74th St.

The FOS Summer Series promises exciting voyages into the universe of spiritual development. Sacrifice, loyalty, honor, and friendship are some of the topics for which the Star Trek TV and movie series is noted. Who are we and what is the purpose of our existence? Who or what determines our future? How do we decide what direction our lives should take? These are the fundamental issues of the latest Star Trek movie. But they are also the silent questions that determine our spiritual lives as well. Join the crew of FOS as we embark on our summer spiritual trek!

Schedule of presentations:

June 16: Stages of Spiritual Life


June 23: God's Call to Adventure --Special Guest Presenter: His Grace
Bishop Savas, Archdiocesan Director of Church & Society


June 30: Resistance is Futile


July 7: The Need for Spock (Mentorship)


July 14: Confronting the Dark Side (Risk)


July 21: Fighting Klingons (Seizing the Sword)


July 28: The Awakening


August 4: Kirk, Spock & McCoy (Spirit, Soul & Body)


August 11: Life in the Spirit


August 18: FOS Softball Outing

[image via IMDB]

How are you cultivating your spiritual life?

Real Women in the City

Trinity Grace is hosting a Real Women in the City event. Hm, no nail polish or bake sale mentioned. Very curious....

Our next Real Women in the City event---an exploration of what God intended when he created women, and what that means for us today in New York---will be next week:

Tuesday June 30, doors open 7pm
Empire State Building, lower level, in the King's College City Room

Enter on 5th Ave and follow the signs.

Who's in?

The Proverbial Advisers

Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.
~ Proverbs 15:22

Staycation

[image via Something's Hiding in Here]

With the economy being what it is (yucky), a lot of people are opting to stay home instead of going on vacation this summer. This means all sorts of things: the leisure to read Ulysses, the opportunity to bake cupcakes, the time to make lanyards, you name it.

What are your favorite staycation activities?

A Night of Music for Rwanda

Tonight is the Night of Music for Rwanda. Headlining the show is Ashley Jones, along with friends:

• Nadia Ali
• Steph Shaw featuring Kevin Johnson
• Lionshare
• Joely Pittman

The concert gets underway at 8 pm at The Nolita House (47 E. Houston b/w Mott and Mulberry). There is a suggested donation of $10, which will all go towards "making music with the young people of Rwanda."

The Proverbial Straight Course

Folly delights a man who lacks judgment,
but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.
~ Proverbs 15:21

Trinity Grace's Call for Art on Sermon on the Mount

Trinity Grace has an open call for artists:

We are spending the summer as a church community studying the Sermon on the Mount. We would love you to consider the passages and themes we will be teaching on, and consider creating art that shares and illustrates these passages.

Consider picking a text a few weeks out to give yourself a bit of time (and a deadline) to work with. You can even let us know in advance that you're making something for that week.

Please email us [callingallartists@trinitygracechurch.com] to get the scripture texts and dates, and also with your pieces.

[image via Trinity Grace]

We want to see your images too! Send 'em along and we'll post the best ones here.

Star-less Nights

It is with great sadness that we report that The American Museum of Natural History will not be offering Starry Nights this summer. Starry Nights was the museum's fanciful night of jazz and tapas held in the Rose Center. You can read a review of it here. The cancellation is "due to a reduction in City funding," undoubtedly a problem associated with the greater economic crisis.

In the past the jazz night was offered at a suggested donation, and there was never any real pressure to pay it. Would you rather have Starry Nights continue but have the museum charge admission for it? How much would you being willing to pay?

Alternatively, the museum now offers a monthly dance party called One Step Beyond, featuring live rock music. The admission for that is $25. The last event was June 5, and there does not appear to be another one scheduled yet.

Visit here for a full summer calendar.

Trinity Grace Talks about Living in Intentional Communities

Trinity Grace is hosting a series of discussions this summer, and the first one -- about living in intentional communities -- already sounds interesting. Here in Manhattan, we're crammed into tiny apartments, living one on top of the other, and yet we barely know our neighbors. Case in point, this story by Eric Allen over on the Burnside Writers Collective blog. Trinity Grace is opening up the discussion this Sunday on what it means to live in an intentional community:

First in our summer discussion series is something about Intentional Communities:

There is a growing interest among members of TGC and other believers in living in intentional communities. Come hear people involved in a variety of communities speak on their experiences in this movement.

Chelsea
**This week! Sunday June 28, 5:30pm, Fellowship Hall in St Paul's

Eastside
Sunday July 12, 3:30pm, Fellowship Hall at Zion St Mark's

Upper West
Sunday July 19, 12:30pm, Emily Dickinson School

Stay tuned for dates for other discussion topics, including how to deal with anxiety, and integrating faith and work.

[image via BWC]

What has been your experience with intentional communities? Do you have to be intentional to have community?

What's the community like in your apartment building?

CRITICAL MASS: MANHATTAN

Bring out the bells and whistles, boys!

CRITICAL MASS: MANHATTAN
Friday, June 26th, 7 p.m.
Union Square, North Side

Critical Mass is a spontaneous celebration of what our streets could look like. this fun group ride encourages new cyclists and creates safer streets and new green infrastructure. Strap some music to your bike and make sure to bring appropriate lights and bells.

For more information see www.critical-mass.org

[image via Critical Mass]

Who's in?

Darryl Strawberry Goes to Church

This should be interesting....

Darryl Strawberry will be LIVE at The Journey this Sunday and there is no 10:00am service . . . let me explain.

Former baseball slugger Darryl Strawberry, whose achievements on the field often were overshadowed by his struggles with cancer and substance abuse, is speaking LIVE this Sunday at the 11:30am service at The Journey - Upper West.

We will replay the video of the Darryl's testimony at the 1:00pm Journey - Upper West service and at the 6:30pm Journey-Village service. There will be NO 10:00am worship service this Sunday.

Not only will you have an opportunity to hear Darryl's amazing story but you'll also be able to secure autographed copies of his new autobiography "Straw."

Be sure to invite your friends to this very special exclusive opportunity to hear from this eight-time All-Star who hit 335 home runs in 17 seasons and played on World Series championship teams with both the New York Mets and New York Yankees.

Find out more here.

[image via Wikipedia]

Who's in?

Discounted Tix for Rock the Sound

You still have time to get discounted tickets for Rock the Sound NYC, the multi-day, multi-venue Christian music festival happening July 31 through August 1.

Among the artists that will be performing are Casting Crowns, Newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Shane & Shane, Aaron Shust, Phil Wickham, Run Kid Run, and Tenth Avenue North. More are expected to be announced.

Who's in?

She's Baaaack!

Ashley Jones will be back at City Grace (219 Sullivan St.) this Sunday at 11:00 am. The church's former worship leader will catch everyone up on the ministry work she'll be doing in Rwanda from July through December.

[image via Ashley Jones' website]

Then check back here on Monday to find out the details for Ashley's night of music for Rwanda.





For past articles on Ashley Jones go here.



For information on City Grace's new worship leader, Kyle Sandison, go here.

The Proverbial Despiser of One's Mother

A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish man despises his mother.
~ Proverbs 15:20

The Soundraiser

Ever hear of a soundraiser? You'll wanna get your cute little self over to Salt Art Space (1160 Broadway (at 27th st), 5th floor) this Saturday:

Haven is throwing a fundraiser for Calvary Episcopal Church(where we meet on Monday nights) in an effort to help them purchase a new sound system for their sanctuary. The Soundraiser will be an evening of performances by Haven musicians, artists, and actors—which means you get to see your friends & community members doing what they do best, all in one jam-packed lineup from 6pm-12 midnight:

6pm Set
Jacob Steele
Peter Layton
Jerrold Jackson: http://www.myspace.com/jerroldjackson
Lion's Share

8pm Set
Suzy Sellout: http://www.myspace.com/suzysellout
Joanna Williams
Lucas Kwong: http://www.myspace.com/lucaskwong
Tom LoSchiavo: http://www.myspace.com/tomloschiavo

10pm Set
Joely Pittman: http://www.myspace.com/joelysmusic
Jay Reitz (of Raise the Wolf): http://www.myspace.com/raisethewolf
Dusty Brown: http://www.myspace.com/dustybrown


So what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars, grab all of your friends
and join us at the Salt Art Space this Saturday night!

$10 gets you in the door and we'll also have some fantastic food &
drinks available for a suggested donation (it all brings Calvary closer to their
new sound system)! If you have any questions leave a comment and we'll get back
to you!

Who's in?

Interactive Music Festival Part Deux

So many music festivals to choose from, so little time. But Interactive Music Festival Part Deux does pique our interest:

Curated by Jane Rigler

Thursday, June 25, from 7:30pm to 8:30pm
N6 Media Labs

58 North Six, Williamsberg , NY 11211
Subway:L Bedford Ave.,G Metropolian Ave.

Admission: $10 Suggested Donation

This concert presents cutting-edge electroacoustic performers: Miya Masaoka, Shoko Nagai, Satoshi Takeishi and Jane Rigler; and features the Music Cre8tor, an interactive music composition software program originally conceived by MNMP founder Paul Nash for children with disabilities. Wii remotes adapted for use with a laptop allow motion sensor technology to facilitate music composition electronically.

Who's in?

Thoughts by the Pond

It would be nice to ponder life while looking out over the pond in Central Park.

[image from Liebmarlene Vintage via Darling Dexter]

What's on your mind today?

The Proverbial Highway

The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,
but the path of the upright is a highway.
~ Proverbs 15:19

Regina Spektor's Far Comes Out

Regina Spektor's new album, Far, came out yesterday. (Hot tip: the new B&N at 86th and Lex has 40% all CDs.) What do you think of it?

Here's "Laughing With."



Here's a review of her concert last summer at McCarren Pool Park.

The Lease Agreement Didn't Specify No Deer

Do you think deer are allowed in a NYC apartment?

[via Jeana Sohn]

Rock India '09

Rock India '09 is a rockin' benefit concert that goes to support the sponsorship of orphans from the slums of India. The fundraiser takes place on Thursday, July 9, from 8 to 11 PM, at Don Hills (511 Greenwich @ Spring St.)

Full Line up!

8:00- 8:30 Sunspots

8:40-9:10 The Early Hours

9:30- 10:00 Zach Williams

10:10-10:40 Patrick Murphey



Tickets available for $15 @ http://www.calebhopefoundation.org/

$20 at the door

Drink Specials!!!

Who's in?

David Crowder Braves Friday the 13th

Thou burning sun with golden beam

Thou silver moon with softer gleam

Oh, praise Him!

Oh, praise Him!

Alleluia!

David Crowder*Band will be performing at Terminal 5 on November 13. Maybe all the secular bands were too superstitious to play on Friday the 13th. Either way, playing on a Friday at Terminal 5 is huge. If you get your tickets by October 26, they're only $30. After that they go up to $40.

Who's in?

The Proverbial Hot-Tempered Man

A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension,
but a patient man calms a quarrel.
~ Proverbs 15:18

Grill It: Margarita Popsicle

Alcohol -- not just for drinks anymore! Suck on one of these:

[image via Evite]

You know what it is? A margarita popsicle. Get the recipe at Evite.

What do you like to make ice pops out of?

Where Is Your Favorite Spot for a Girl's Day?

[image from Vogue Girl Korea via Ruby Press]

Where is the perfect spot for a deliciously girly afternoon in Manhattan?

The Proverbial Vegetarian

Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
than a fattened calf with hatred.
~ Proverbs 15:17

Goodmeet@SALT

I arrive on the scene all bleary eyed and quasi-cranky. It’s been a long week. I’d overcommitted myself—once again—to a medley of fun and interesting things that had somehow morphed into obligations. The cell phone—my alarm—had buzzed annoyingly this morning. I had yanked the comforter up over my head. Comforter: there’s a telling word for a blanket. I wanted the comfort of my own personal space and a time of respite. But it is Saturday and I am up as if it were a regular workday, tunneling through the subway for some artsy-fartsy conference-y type thing with a weird sounding name: Goodmeet@SALT, hosted by Double Happiness and SALT artspace. The theme, providentially enough, is on sanctuary. An open-ended discussion and arts workshop, it is posing the questions: How do you design, build, administer, and market a sanctuary? What are the challenges, responsibilities, opportunities, and costs of providing the experience of sanctuary in this economic environment?

On the ride up in the building’s elevator, a sound installation plays. The conference is already insinuating itself into my thoughts and into the everyday. I walk into SALT artspace and am prompted to wash my hands. Erik Fabian, the Goodmeet organizer, pours cool water from a pitcher over my hands. I’m not so much cleansing myself from the swine-flu infested subway poles as I am washing away the stress of a too-busy week. SALT artspace is like a negative exposure of a photograph of New York City: super-clean white walls, shiny wooden floors, peaceful. A bowl of apples and cherries—the yellow kind!—invite well being, and a pot of coffee offers stimulation.

“You are taking part in an experiment,” announces Erik, as we gather around in a circle of folding chairs. “We have a basic theme. And we have a blank schedule.” Erik sets the stage for the day, explaining the concept behind Goodmeet. Everyone is encouraged to create sessions that explore the theme of sanctuary through purposeful dialogue, playful games, and the arts. “You have the opportunity to make this day what you want it to be,” Erik says.

People begin scribbling sessions down in magic marker on blank rectangles of paper and taping them to the wall:

• Tour of SALT: Story and vision for a contemporary community art space
• What is “sanctuary” and why do we seek it?
• The language of repose
• Discuss examples of existing sanctuaries, both permanent and ephemeral
• Relics and rituals: Are they relevant?
• What about home is or is not a sanctuary?
• What is a labyrinth? Let’s design and walk one.
• Portable sanctuary. How to create sanctuary anywhere you go.
• Card games

Each person is therefore a leader and a participant, as sessions can last for any amount of time and run simultaneously with other sessions. We are empowered to use the Law of Two Feet, to use our two feet and walk away if we aren’t getting anything out of a session or if we aren’t able to contribute anything to a session. Like butterflies and bumblebees, we are to flutter from session to session, cross-pollinating them with our ideas.

Products of The System, of changing classes when the bell rings, of routinely shuffling papers in our cubicles from 9 to 5, we don’t know where to begin, how to start. Everything is so freeform. We need a leader to rise up and tell us what to do, to boss us around. A woman speaks up. She is holding a session on session-planning. Everyone circles around her. Am I the only one that thinks this is ironic? Isn’t the idea to disperse and form new clusters? To think beyond the rules? When her session is over, the next woman steps in, suggesting that instead of breaking off into separate groups we all attend her icebreakers session. I hate icebreakers. I hate forced group participation. In fact, when the question arises of who likes thinking outside the box—a question that is supposed to get everyone moving in endorsement—I stand firmly planted. I’m a rule-follower, a cross-your-ts dot-your-is grammarian, who finds comfort in the box … as long as I have the option to leave the box if I so choose. But then we’re told to break into pairs and introduce our partners. Intimacy transpires. We begin knowing each other on a deeper personal level. These aren’t just guys with tattoos and girls with arty earrings; these are multifaceted individuals who have ridden their bikes across the country and who have survived war, these are seekers of love and lovers of words, these are building owners and instructors at MoMA. Each individual has a life story and brings a unique vantage point. Everyone is in this together, encouraging and inspiring one another along the way.

We begin trusting each other—and even trusting ourselves. We open up and start spreading out, breaking off into various sessions. Two people record sounds out on the rooftop. One man facilitates a discussion on the definition of the term “sanctuary.” On a tall mirror he writes in marker the discussion points—words like “boundaries,” “strength,” and “peace”—people throw out. Each individual’s image is reflected back to them, mottled together with these big ideas. The session ends when the session ends, one of the tenets of Goodmeet, but two people hang back, expanding upon the topic of Christianity that had been brought up. Down the steps in another room, some women have, like playful little kids, built a fort. They’ve found sanctuary under some tapestry they’ve strewn over a couple of chairs and are breaking down physical barriers by being in such close proximity to each other and writing on one another. Occasionally, they interact with the group right outside of their tent. That group is sitting quite properly at a table, and its members have taken off their shoes because sanctuary is a holy place. On a large piece of paper taped to the wall, they are listing out the positives and negatives associated with sanctuary. That discussion ended, the women have emerged from their tent and are now answering what the language of repose means through body language as they dance and pose each other. Conversely, the two men in the group have set themselves apart and are deep in thought. One speaks, and poetry comes out. Back upstairs a group of girls are giggling around laptops and ipods. Behind them is a sign: Share your ideas of places to find sanctuary in New York City.

I am sitting on the stairs by myself, listening, writing, invoking Erik’s words that, “It’s okay to be alone … for the whole day if you choose.” Grace Hwang, founder of SALT artspace, had invited me to document Goodmeet@SALT. She’d encouraged me to participate as I felt led. I am finding sanctuary today, though, in being a fly on the wall. It is peaceful listening in on conversations about discovering little safe havens within the hustle-and-bustle of New York City; about the fact that “The marine corps practices sanctuary because it is brutally essential”; and about the ability to find sanctuary even amongst depravity when you know Christ.

The freedom to do whatever one wants, to flow in and out of sessions, creates a sense of peace and purpose. Goodmeet@SALT itself has become a sanctuary. After a challenging week, I am getting just what I need out of this conference, which feels more like a retreat: an opportunity to spend eight hours soaking in creative energies and documenting artists at work through my writing. We leave Goodmeet@SALT exchanging email addresses and promises of future dinners full of more thought-provoking discussion.

The Proverbial Wealth with Turmoil

Better a little with the fear of the LORD
than great wealth with turmoil.
~ Proverbs 15:16

Coney Island Mermaid Parade 2009

The destiny of Coney Island may be unknown but, for now at least, we still have The Mermaid Parade! There will, however, be a new route; check it out here. It all goes down this Saturday.

[Image from Flickr via Coney Island Mermaid Parade]

This is one New York tradition you don't want to miss. ...Well, unless nudity and overt sexuality offend you. In that case, you might want to skip it. But if you go, you'll experience over-the-top costumes and reverly.

The Proverbial Days of the Oppressed

All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
~ Proverbs 15:15

Sketches with Frank Gehry

IAM runs a monthly film series at Space 3839 (38 West 39th Street, 3rd Floor).

Jun 19 - Sketches with Frank Gehry
July 24 - Who the #$&% is Jackson Pollock?
August 21 - YiYi

Screening begins at 7 PM. Find more IAM events here.

Rainy Days and Books

With all this rain, it's a good day for hiding away with a good book.

[image from Audrey Hepburn Complex via Darling Dexter]

What are you reading these days?

The Proverbial Food of Folly

The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
~ Proverbs 15:14

The Proverbial Happy Heart

A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit.
~ Proverbs 15:13

To GPS Navigation: The Cause of, and Solution To, All of Life's Problems

Getting lost navigating through all those city bridges, tunnels, expressways, upstate Thru-ways and one way streets? Tired of those robotic navigation voices?

Three Word Answer: Homer. Simpson. GPS.

Mmmmmm, Left in Point 3 Miles.... D'oh! Recalculating Route.

Grill It: Grilled Pineapple and Bananas with Lemonade Glaze

Meat and veggies on the grill: typical. Fruit on the grill: an unexpected treat. This Grilled Pineapple and Bananas with Lemonade Glaze sounds sweet!

[image by Joyce Oudkerk Pool via Epicurious]

Get the easy recipe at Epicurious.

What fruit do you like to grill?

Celebrate a Bloomin' Book!

Happy Bloomsday! Celebrate by listening to these songs by Lou Reed, Kate Bush, and Van Morrison.



"British Beatitudes! … Beer, beef, business, bibles, bulldogs, battleships, buggery and bishops." -- Ulysses

The Proverbial Consultant

A mocker resents correction;
he will not consult the wise.
~ Proverbs 15:12

Free, Free, Free! Summer Events

Don't let the economy get in the way of having a fun summer. Everyone always says how expensive New York City is. And it is. But it's also one of the best cities for finding free things to do. Here are a couple of lists to check out:

Summer Fun -- An extensive list of free concerts, movies, plays and family friendly events in New York and New Jersey. You already know about Shakespeare in the Park, but do you know there's a Shakespeare on the Run?

Oh My Rockness -- Free concerts of the indie-rock persuasion

[image via PureMusic: Blonde Redhead, just one of the many free bands you can see this summer.]

What free events do you plan on hitting up this summer?

The Proverbial Death and Destruction

Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD—
how much more the hearts of men!
~ Proverbs 15:11

GoodMeet@SALT

GoodMeet@SALT:
Sanctuary in contemporary NYC
Sat June 13 10a - 6pm
1160 Broadway 5th Floor
New York, Ny 10001
registration required on eventbrite site
http://goodmeetatsalt.eventbrite.com/

Bubble Battle Today

We went last year and felt all cheery inside:

Newmindspace presents: The 3rd Annual NYC Bubble Battle

Millions of bubbles fly through the air as we converge in Times Sqauare for a magical bubble battle! Loosely based on the Dr. Seuss Classic The Butter Battle Book.

Bring bubble toys, bubble generators, bubble solution, and plenty of AA batteries :) We will meet in a Times Square location to be announced, fill our weapons and pull the trigger!

web: http://newmindspace.com/bubblebattlenyc2009.php
facebook: http://tinyurl.com/bubblebattlenyc

Bubble Battle NYC
Times Square (exact location TBA)
Friday, June 12th 2009 @ 6:12pm
Rain or shine. Free and all ages!


POP! Bubble Battle afterparty

Sam Black, Newmindspace & Refuge in Exile present: POP!

After the epic bubble battle in Times Square, join us for an afterparty in a spacious, licensed venue in Brooklyn. 2 rooms of bangin' music, giant soundsystem, full bar, and a complete lightshow by Power Trip Lighting.

Featuring Udachi (Staten Island) + more!
http://www.myspace.com/udachi

* Massive bubble machines
* Vapor bubbles w/lasers
* Inflatable human hamster bubble
* Art installations
* Acrobatic performances on the ceiling track

+ other awesome stuff. 18+ ID required

Who's in?

The Proverbial Stern Discipline

Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path;
he who hates correction will die.
~ Proverbs 15:10

FOS Open House

If anyone knows how to party, it's Greeks. Tonight Holy Trinity is transforming their cathedral ballroom into a lounge. They're laying down a dance floor and bringing in neon-lit cocktail tables and plushy sofas. Singing sensation Vangelis Alkimos will be performing along with The International Sounds.

As if the entertainment wasn't enough, there is going to be free Greek appetizers for guests to sample and a cash bar. Savory appetizers like spanikopita and kefthedes have been generously donated by Kellari, Fantis, Thalassa, Avra, Kefie, Plaka Restaurant, and Mythos Restaurant.

The event begins at 6:30 and probably won't shut down til after midnight. Free admission. Holy Trinity is located on 74th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues.

This open house is the kick off for the next "semester" of FOS -- Forum on Orthodox Spirituality -- a lively discussion group led by Father Frank Marangos that meets on Tuesday evenings at the Cathedral.

The Proverbial Pursuer of Righteousness

The LORD detests the way of the wicked
but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
~ Proverbs 15:9

The Proverbial Sacrifice of the Wicked

The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
~ Proverbs 15:8

Grill It: Cupcake Burgers (No Grilling Actually Involved)

If you're vegetarian, you tend to feel a bit left out when everyone chows down on burgers. Well, now you can join in with these burgerlicious cupcakes:

[image via Hostess with the Mostess]

Check them out on Hostess with the Mostess.

Ryan Redebaugh Live

Grab your favorite umbrella and head on over to 169 Bar (169 E. Broadway) tonight to catch Ryan Redebaugh in concert. He'll be performing with a live band that includes Kyle Sandison. Show starts at 8:30. There's a $7 cover.

[Image of Ryan and Kyle via their invite]

You can also catch Ryan and Kyle on Sundays when they lead worship at City Grace (11:00 AM at 219 Sullivan Street).

169 Bar, which has been around for over eighty years, was recently featured in an episode of "Flight of the Conchords." How cool is their pool table?!

[Image of 169 Bar's pool table via their webpage]

The Proverbial Lips of the Wise

The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so the hearts of fools.
~ Proverbs 15:7

A Review of 'Found': People Find Stuff. Now It's A Show

Thoroughly amused and entertained, I left the Actor's Playhouse in stitches after watching "Found: People Find Stuff, Now It's A Show". I was almost out of luck when I hit the Actor's Playhouse, just seconds away from the Christopher St/Sheridan Square 1 Train subway stop. I arrived late (no thanks to NJ Transit) and was told the event was sold out, but out of the corner of my eye I spotted one of the producers of this event and old high school friend Jason Dukes, who worked his producer magic and found me a seat.

I had previously attempted in trying to explain what the show was about, but after soaking it all in, here's what took place:

Twin projection screens display random 'finds' submitted to FOUND magazine through the years. For the sake of the show, the first item was a scribbling by a Justin Gotlieb titled "What I Know About US History". Apparently, in chronological order, he knows that Betsy Ross sewed the first American Flag, Christopher Columbus discovered America, Elvis Died, Jimi Hendrix died, Jim Morrison died, Paul McCartney was knighted, and Justin Gotlieb was born. This was set to the music of Eli Bolin, the musical head honcho for the night.

Other skits involved a ransom note found asking for $3.50 for the safe return of a binder,a woman wondering why the stripper she slept with is not returning her phone calls, A note from teachers to parents about fifth grade students being invited to a symphony but only letting certain students go due to 'the events that occurred during Johnny Tremain in January', which begged the question 'what exactly happened at Johnny Tremain?'

The final skit was a musical based on what Found magazine had called "The Mother of All Finds' which was a cassette labeled "Ypsilanti All-Starz', featuring 14, one-minute songs such as "Wave Yo Booty in the Air (Bounce), Booty Time, and Booty Shake (a capella). Needless to say it was a big hit with the audience.

Hopefully there will be some videos put up of this performance on YouTube, as words are hard to describe exactly how the Story Pirates pulled off so much from such a small amount of source material. I definitely recommend going to something like this again.

Designer-in-Residence: Denise Keegan

Just look at that spiffy new logo of ours! It was created by the ever-spunky Denise Keegan. Denise is a New Jersey resident who has worked as an interior designer and photographer. She has exhibited at The Monroe Center in Hoboken and at Charlie's Den in Edgewater. She recently took up graphic design and is available for freelance assignments.

[photo of Denise with her art via Monroe Center]

American Reports Sentenced to Labor Prison in N. Korea

Here in New York, you can say just about anything. Sure, people will yell back at you and tell you to shut up, but for the most part you won't get in any real trouble for voicing your opinions. Not so in parts of Asia. Two US reporters, Laura Ling (former "The View" cohost Lisa Ling's sister) and Euna Lee, have just been sentenced to twelve years of labor prison in North Korea for allegedly crossing its border.

The California-based reporters worked for former Vice President Al Gore's Current TV. They were in Asia to report on the trafficking of North Korean women. On March 17 they were arrested. Today, after a five-day trial, they received the maximum term allowed by North Korea. They are sentenced not just to prison, but to hard labor.

Read the AP story here.

[image from the AP via Yahoo]

Protection for Journalists

If you are interested in supporting freedom of speech and the protection of journalists, check out these sites:

Press Freedom Online

Amnesty International

Freedom Forum

PEN American Center

Human Trafficking

Euna Lee and Laura Ling were reporting on an issue that needs to be addressed. Don't think for a moment that trafficking doesn't occur in our own city. If you missed the B'klyn Against Human Sex Trafficking event over at the Trash Bar, you can read the UN's report on the rise in trafficking here.

To find out more about trafficking in New York, visit The New York Anti-Trafficking Network and the New York Anti-Trafficking Coalition.

If you or your church has any resources or is planning any events related to freedom of speech and/or human trafficking, let us know in the comments sections.

The Proverbial House of the Righteous

The house of the righteous contains great treasure,
but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.
~ Proverbs 15:6

Pray New York!

Cover all the zip codes in prayer! That's what will happen on Saturday, June 6, when churches throughout New York City go on prayer walks in their respective neighborhoods. Find out more about Pray New York! here.

City Grace is meeting at 10:00 AM at their normal location, 215 Sullivan St., before covering Greenwich Village in prayer.

Trinity Baptist Church, located at 250 E. 61st, will host an ice-cream social for all prayer-walkers at 4:00 PM.

Please leave a comment if your church is participating.

The Proverbial Spurn

A fool spurns his father's discipline,
but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
~ Proverbs 15:5

Found!

Just a little reminder that this is going on today. As if you'd forget!

The Proverbial Deceitful Tongue

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life,
but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
~ Proverbs 15:4

The Proverbial Eyes of the LORD

The eyes of the LORD are everywhere,
keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
~ Proverbs 15:3

Grill It: Grilled Sweet Peppers and Corn

Forget the potato chips -- we're all about corn as a summer side dish. And doesn't this look incredible:

[image by Gentl & Hyers via Epicurious]

It's Grilled Sweet Peppers and Corn from the June 09 issue of Bon Appetit. You can find the recipe at Epicurious.

What's your favorite side dish at a BBQ?

The Proverbial Tongue of the Wise

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
~ Proverbs 15:2

The Proverbial Harsh Word

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
~ Proverbs 15:1