Pop Culture Lessons for the Church

For all of certain elements of the Church's railing against it, Hollywood remains pretty successful. So while Pat Robertson may take one approach...

"Popular television is flooded with filth and violence; MTV, VH-1, and pop radio stations are sewers of obscenity, rebellion and violence; pop magazines promote the vilest forms of pornography and a form of materialism, selfishness, and greed that has fallen to the lowest levels in human history."

...I would say there is probably some valuable communication lessons to be learned for any organization. USA Today recently published a fantastic article detailing one of the many ways that Hollywood makes sure that their messages make sense to the intended audience.

It seems like a lot of us could definitely learn a little about making sure that what we say is what our listener's hear. Think about the following...

1. Are there things on your website, your church's website, your company website that only insiders will "get" that are in publicly accessible areas?

2. Do your friends of differing opinions value talking to you about your disagreements, or do they shy away from "those" topics?

3. While I have focused primarily on the Church, this topic has far reaching applications. What things around you, do you see that may also fall prey to being, "lost in translation"?

Samaritan's Market: The Aftermath

For those of you who attended the market, donated to the market or are interested in the concept for the future, check out one of the projects funded by the event last weekend. Have tissue ready...

Super Awesome Organization Sunday Numero Uno or SAOS1 for those of you spanishally challenged

Bambu manufactures and sells organic fair trade bamboo products. They employ locals throughout China and North Vietnam, regularly visit the sites and donate 1% to enviornmental causes. They are making a positive impact on the communities where the bamboo is harvested and where the products are manufactured as well as having very little enviormental impact by utilizing sustainable materials and methods. Check out their Guiding Principles and their blog to learn more.

Three Kings

Just watched this movie again. It was a great movie prior to the the second Iraq war but now it is just plain hilarious. Go check it out.

Pics from the Freeze Project

Took the wife and son out to ESPN Zone and snuck out to get some pictures. Got some pictures of the freeze as well as a few of my son dancing to the South American band playing. Left my camera at home so the quality is not as great at should be. Notice the police and heavy security. I especially thought all the people talking to their families was really intersting. Overheard debates as to who was a statue and who was not. One little boy kept running underneath frozen people's arms. It was a lot of fun. Big crowds gathered and they all received some literature related to human trafficking. All in all a very cool event. Keep you eyes on The Freeze Project and Just One to find out more about the innovative and creative ideas they have.

Stop Human Trafficking

Check out the Freeze Project. They are going to be at Downtown Disney tonight.