jonathan shradar

Guest Blog: Friends Don’t Let Friends Pop Their Collar

2008-07-23T09:15:00.012-04:00

Our first guest post was submitted by Darren Cogan. For the record I go to church in Georgetown and was wearing a polo and seersucker shorts, of course I had to pop my collar. For more on popping your collar go here.

It has been scientifically proven that collar popping is not only a hazard to one’s health, but to the health of all those around said collar popper as well. From the beginning of collar popping time, this preppy phenomenon has led to the downfall and demise of some of societies finest, like Freddie Prinze Jr., and it could happen to you or your friends.

Even worse, the Urban Dictionary stated that Collar Popping Syndrome (C.P.S.) is not only “hazardous to personal health but is also a mortal sin.” Thus, when I saw a friend of mine, a.k.a. Mr. J.S. (I’ll call him “Mr. J.S.” to protect his reputation as a fine outstanding member of the DC community) popping his collar, I skipped the prayer and went straight into action. As you can see from the photo, C.P.S. led him into a downward spiral of smarmy smiles and uncontrolled, irresponsible book promoting.

Not only did I confront Mr. J.S., I was forced to take a highly aggressive approach in my intervention by hiding his Kyoto coffee mug (which is not really from Kyoto, but from Osaka!) and forcing him to de-pop his collar before handing back his highly coveted mug. An hour later Mr. J.S. was back to popping and it was then that I realized how futile my effort to save Mr. J.S. had become, like I was on a “Wild Goose Chase.”

In conclusion, collar popping makes babies cry. If not for yourself or your friend, “stop the pop” for the babies!

What's in a word?

2008-07-21T16:04:00.000-04:00

Over the last three days I have said the word "amen" close to a million times. I was not at a tent revival and I didn't hear a rousing sermon (for the record the sermon was good but it didn't need a lot of amens). I just like the word. But don't be alarmed; I have not evolved into the super-religious, I am simply affirming those around me.

Webster's unpacks the word for us:

Amen
A`men", interj., adv., & n. [L. amen, Gr. 'amh`n, Heb. certainly, truly.] An expression used at the end of prayers, and meaning, So be it. At the end of a creed, it is a solemn asseveration of belief. When it introduces a declaration, it is equivalent to truly, verily. Note: It is used as a noun, to denote: (a) concurrence in belief, or in a statement; assent; (b) the final word or act; (c) Christ as being one who is true and faithful. To say amen to, to approve warmly; to concur in heartily or emphatically; to ratify; as, I say Amen to all.

Joel Auge

2008-07-18T11:36:00.000-04:00

Just started checking out Joel Auge and am enjoying what I hear. Here is a review and some sounds.

Surrounded by Strength

2008-07-16T08:36:00.001-04:00

We all know that the people we associate with can play a huge role in how we live and who we become. And I am lucky to be be connected to so many great people; whether we share history from my fraternity days, a favorite college football team (it is actually a nation, the Husker Nation), or a faith; the people I surround myself with mean a lot to me and go a long way at defining who I am.

One group in particular is pushing me to become something so much better than what I have known. I am part of a small group of guys that meet each week, and throughout the week, to discuss our faiths and what it means to be a Christian man. I guess we don't only discuss these things, we attempt to live them supporting each other and challenging each other to greater success.

These guys provide and are made up of such strength that it inspires me. Strength of purpose; to pursue their passions and dreams, and strength of principle; to align themselves with standards we believe God has given us.

I owe a lot of thanks to these guys and words could never truly express how important they are to my life.

A Great Example

2008-07-14T07:45:00.000-04:00

I am always talking about being an example for those around us and how we can impact where we are by how we are.

Tony Snow was a great example for communicators of any political persuasion. He was honest, witty and a man of character that had credibility because you could trust him. He was also relentless. Tony could fit a message into any scenario and his expertise has rarely been matched.

He will be missed.

Ventura is back?

2008-07-09T10:55:00.000-04:00

Jesse Ventura has never liked Norm Coleman. Maybe it is his own insecurity and Coleman has a strong record of leadership and being dedicated more to Minnesota than to his own political or celebrity aspirations. And while Ventura did not have a sterling record as governor he wants another shot at Coleman and the limelight.

The Minnesota race now has two comedians in the mix, should be interesting.

iPhone Killer?

2008-07-08T10:49:00.001-04:00

As I gear up to leave the government (eventually not anytime soon!) I have been thinking about my communications device situation and wondering what is next for me.

A month ago I would have told you that an iPhone was just a wife-convincing conversation away but I have always been a bit hesitant since I like the Verizon network.

I think Blackberry may have saved the day. The yet to be released Blackberry 9500 - or "Thunder" - will be the first touchpad BB and will lean towards multimedia.

Why not; I am used to Blackberry and know I can stay on Verizon...

The diversity of H street

2008-07-05T15:22:00.001-04:00

Today I completed a funny survey from a local church that is trying to get a feel for the neighborhood. I felt that the survey characterized the "locals" by asking certain questions. A better way to understand a neighborhood? Live in it.

I wonder how many time we as Christians say "that neighborhood needs Jesus" and then go about our lives. We need to stop talking about Jesus touching people and start living it. I am just as guilty as anyone but think we need wholesale change. People, and neighborhoods, will only see Jesus through us. And it is not a visit from a youth group or a survey with the hopes of winning an ipod, it is in the living and experiencing community.

John 3:17.

Oh to be Hot

2008-07-02T15:05:00.000-04:00

Reliving the glory days...

Andrew Johnston - Britains Got Talent

2008-07-02T11:28:00.002-04:00

I stole this from the Deadly Vipers blog but it is a great story that we can all translate into facing challenges to our goals but carrying on anyway.

And I love the song.

WOW on some wedding photos...

2008-06-30T17:21:00.000-04:00

During an afternoon "meeting" I was chatting with a couple colleagues about wedding photographers and it was mentioned how important it is for a photographer to have the right "eye."

I happen to know this guy that I think has not one but two "eyes." Amazing photos from a friend's wedding and by amazing I mean more hot magazine add than typical wedding snaps...

Dobson vs. Obama

2008-06-28T08:09:00.000-04:00

Interesting commentary in the Post on recent moves by James Dobson to challenge the Obama movement.

I have said before that the old rules of "conservative christian politics" will not apply in this race. It continues to get interesting.

The Importance of Honesty

2008-06-27T16:56:00.000-04:00

In my line of work it can be easy to bend the truth and mislead but I refuse to. A colleague and I had a conversation recently were he asked what he should be prepaired for when dealing with the media. My only advice, be honest.

Honest wins out always and while it is not always easy to be honest it is important that young leaders and our peers strive for nothing but honesty. Of course there is a place for grace when doling out honesty but our message should always be found in the truth.

O Canada

2008-06-25T09:22:00.002-04:00

Heading to the Great White North today for a quick work trip. I promise to stay warm and return in time to head to Kansas City for the Wedding of the Century this weekend.

Run amuck kicks my butt

2008-06-21T17:17:00.003-04:00

Thanks to the Marine Corps Marathon folks for hosting the first ever Run Amuck 5k. The race is 3.1 miles of Quantico hills, mud pits, hay jump, barrel crawls, and other things that remain a blur.

A bunch of friends from work and elsewhere convened on the Marin Corps base and finished with smiles only exhaustion can create. Stacy and I finished together because she waited for me. We are quite the team!

Doggy Check Up

2008-06-20T11:16:00.003-04:00

Last night we tricked Jones by putting on his hiking lease and drove him up to Friendship Animal Hospital for a check up and a test or two. The poor guy looked so cute with a band-aid on his leg where the doctors drew some blood.

He is doing great and weighs in at just under 20lbs.

Absentee Blogger

2008-06-19T10:28:00.001-04:00

Blogging sin number 1: irregular blogging emphasized by long breaks in between posts.

I promise I am coming back with the goodness just busy this week!

All Grown Up

2008-06-16T06:53:00.002-04:00

This weekend we bought new furniture and started looking for houses in earnest. And of course it never takes me long to find something I like!

There is something to be said of the right of passage that is selling your Ikea bed and buying something more, mature. I just can't wait for the new mattress and a good night's sleep. It all is another step in being a grown up. Good timing too since I am 30 and all...

Free to Listen

2008-06-13T10:19:00.003-04:00

For those of you that are Sigur Ros fans their new album, set for a June 24th release in the states, is being streamed on their website. Good stuff. I understand they put on a great show in Omaha a few days ago.

Sad day

2008-06-12T12:30:00.001-04:00

Growing up in Nebraska, Tornadoes become a regular part of life. But regularity does nothing to lessen the effects of a tragedy when it strikes. Four young lives ended because of a storm. Praying for the families in Omaha and Iowa.

McCain, Evangelicals and 2008

2008-06-10T16:23:00.004-04:00

The Times published a piece yesterday on John McCain and outreach to social conservatives and evangelicals and the New Republic breaks down what it means, essentially Obama wins.

Not a mention of the moving tide within the Evangelical movement towards issues like Social Justice away from taxes and gays.

The outreach, the definitions, the political theater will all be interesting to watch but I am curious to see how it will play out in November.

Hot, Hot, Heat

2008-06-08T21:51:00.002-04:00

Summer decided to visit the East coast a little early this year so we have spent the weekend trying to stay cool in 100 degree heat index days. And living in the city you get to witness the effect heat has on people as the clime rate typically rises with the temperature.

I have a solution though. In a city so used to hand out and social programs; why not give every household an air conditioner? Poorer residents are forced to seek relief by going outside and what starts as an avoidance of warmth often leads to "blood boiling" and major bad behavior. But if we gave everyone the opportunity to stay inside and stay cool how much crime could be avoided.

For $100 a family, trust me DC pays a lot more than that to clean up a murder, we could have an interesting experiment in crime prevention. Just thinking out loud.

Theology Quiz

2008-06-05T10:31:00.002-04:00

A friend sent around a link for a theology quiz and it is confirmed that I am an Evangelical. If I can trust a website to confirm such a thing! See my results below:

What's your theological worldview?

You scored as a Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan

You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavly by John Wesley and the Methodists.

Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan

75%

Neo orthodox

64%

Emergent/Postmodern

64%

Fundamentalist

57%

Modern Liberal

50%

Charismatic/Pentecostal

50%

Classical Liberal

43%

Reformed Evangelical

36%

Roman Catholic

36%

What will you do when you are done?

2008-06-02T13:44:00.002-04:00

Just read a short article in Time magazine about Tony Blair's new Faith Foundation. The deeply religious Blair (this was kept under wraps during his tenure as Prime Minister) has decided to venture into the world of bridge building across faiths to create peace and stability.

I am impressed by Mr. Blair's continued service. During a time when he could spend his days making a lot of money and monopolize off of his connections from time as a political head of state, he has instead decided to invest in people and peace building.

What will we do when our "careers" are done?

Interesting Site: ReelChanges

2008-06-02T07:41:00.000-04:00

Since the last post was about a documentary I thought I would highlight a great site that hosts "viewer-funded" documentaries.

ReelChanges allows you to read and view a short piece of a documentary and donate money to fund the completion of the film. A great idea to build collaboration on the funding side.