south park street art
I don't know who this is, but there is a great street artist in South Park doing mostly wire art. I've documented some of their stuff in the past here, here, here and Jon Hall has some here as well. I had some photos of paint/ink wall pieces but have lost them somehow. Brooke took these photos earlier today while we went on a family walk.
last show with snake babies
Tonight, I'm playing my last show with Snake Babies. I've decided that between a new baby, new job, and going back to school I've got more than enough going on right now. Matt and Andy are good friends and have been blast to make noise with.
I am hoping to take up my own song writing again in the near future, but no specific plans about that yet. It's been a long time since I've done so but I've had some ideas in the works for about a year.
We'll be playing at The Radio Room. We'll go on around 9pm. Come by if you're around!
music: 2009 top twenty
I couldn't help myself once I got started. As soon as I posted my list of top ten, I kept thinking of other albums I just had to mention. So, here is my list of 11-20 top albums. You can view 1-10 here.
Again, I've listed two "honorable mentions." Like the Jawbox re-release, these also were re-releases that I/we really got into this year. The second ten lean towards the heavier side. The first set certainly got the most listens, at home, in the car and at the office. These selections reveal a little more of my specific tastes–minus the influence of my family's good tastes. Top 20 (11-20):Matt and Kim - Grand Happy, simple pop... it'll make you smile. Tortoise - Beacons of Ancestorship Instrumental madness! I usually don't get into these kind of bands but the only reason why Tortoise doesn't have vocals is because the world couldn't handle Tortoise with vocals. Beautiful. Goes Cube - Another Day Has Passed No, not the next Refused or Snapcase as some have said but still pretty darn good stuff. The Dodos - Time To Die Frantic drums with acoustic guitars and more. Yum. Cursive - Hello Mama, I'm Swollen Not as good as The Ugly Organ, but still a solidly sad and good effort as always Cloak/Dagger - Lost Art Short, simple, rad. Kind of picks up where bands like Hot Snakes left off. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion Another album I didn't want to like... but you have to... they're the 21st Century equivalent to Brian Wilson Future of the Left - Travels with Myself and Another It is a bit disappointing that I didn't include this on the top ten. This band is simply amazing. Rock at it's rockingest. Yo La Tengo - Popular Songs If Sonic Youth were from Hoboken, NJ... The Paddle Boat - B Side of a Life San Diego locals that are doing some good vintage song crafting. Bring on the clarinet! Honorable Mentions:
The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band The remastering of the Beatles collection didn't add much in my opinion but this album got lots of listens this year. Still amazing how great this band was and still is. Would've beat most albums released this year if it had come out as an original. Eddy Current Suppression Ring - Eddy Current Suppression Ring Originally released in 2006. A wonderfully raw and simple punk act, re-issued in the States this year.
happy birthday, jesus!
Happy Birthday, Jesus.
Well, kinda.I mean, technically it might not be your actual birthday today, but, you know.It's the thought that counts, right?To celebrate, we will unabashedly raise money for our own agenda's, Gorge ourselves,Watch lots of T.V.,And give stuff to people that already have way more than they needOurselves included.... You weren't expecting anything else, were you?music: 2009 top ten
Here is this year's top ten list from the Evans' house. It is strictly a reflection of what we listened to most this year. I've also included two honorable mentions–a re-release and soundtrack that came out this year–because they deserved it... and it balanced out my collage.
Top 10:BLK JKS - After Robots Original, unique, awesome.David Bazan - Curse Your Branches Honest, raw... best thing Bazan's done to date. Grizzley Bear - Veckatimest I didn't want to like this album... but I do.Tinariwen - Imidiwan: Companions Desert, gypsy goodness. Vic Chesnutt - At The Cut Best Chesnutt recording yet in my opinion.Tegan and Sara - Sainthood Walla did wonders with this duo. Great album. The Thermals - Now We Can See Nothing new here. Just consistently good, simple rock with punk attitude. Japandroids - Post-Nothing Stripped-down, noisy rock.Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca I don't get the Dirty Projectors but they make some dissonant, beautiful music. Monsters of Folks - Monsters of Folk A super group that deserves the term. Catchy stuff!Honorable Mentions:
Jawbox - For Your Own Special Sweetheart The crazy thing is that this came out in '94 originally. It still sound innovative and new. This is a great album. Karen O and the Kids - Where The Wild Things Are soundtrack Cute yet still a bit haunting. Matched the film perfectly.
the shop of priceless things
our most recent public art commission – a collaboration with poet john w clarke. the shop of priceless things is in rotherham town centre.
Pretty cool concept.
via jonnybaker
best songs about california
For a brief moment, our Hawthornista in diaspora, Gregor was in town before the holidays and his eventual return to Mexico City. While in town, we celebrated his return at Hamilton's–the best (un)kept secret in South Park. Afterward, several of us were hanging out on the back patio and Brad asked what the best songs about California were. I said that Springsteen's "Balboa Park" off of The Ghost of Tom Joad had to be at the top of the list. Not just California, but city and location-within-a-California-city-specific! I'm good. That good.I'm not a huge fan of the Boss but this song speaks so strongly of the era when I first became most familiar with downtown San Diego. So, it's nostalgic for me, even if it is a bit of a dark song. So, bring it on! What are your favorite songs about, or at least referencing California in some way?Listen to "Balboa Park" here.
on giving to receive
via npr.org
NPR ran a story this morning on giving. Giving has become "cool." In fact, it's a major marketing tool. Companies market how they give to worthy causes in order to get your business.
Yeah, for conscientious capitalism!
That sounded sarcastic.
I do honestly applaud this kind of thing when it seems genuine AND these acts of "giving back" do actually compensate for what many corporations take away. But this morning's program made some good points about the more subtle impact this has on our thinking.
"I do feel like, as a country, we have lost a sense of morality for its own sake," says Harvard professor and psychologist Richard Weissbourd, who teaches about moral development. "You should just be generous to be generous. You should do what's right because it's right, not because of what you get back."
Weissbourd goes on to say:
"I worry that that's what kids begin to think giving is — serving your needs and other peoples' needs. And they don't have an image in their head of another kind of giving: a tenacious, low-profile kind of altruism that's really just about the other person, and not about you," he says. "And I think we're in really deep trouble as a society if that sense of morality for its own sake evaporates."
In our capitalist culture is this sheer idealism? Naive? Or is Weissbourd right? Afterall, for Christians, this is a principle encouraged in Scripture (see Matthew 6.2-4). But in such a selfish culture do we compromise and be content with giving to receive? Or do we expect more out of ourselves and those companies we support? And if they don't market how they give, how do we know that they are responsible?
Curious to read your thoughts... and to see if Pearson's the first to weigh in.
advent: fourth sunday reflection
Better late than never, right?
Anticipating the arrival of the (un)KingThis is my third (I skipped a week) in a series of Advent reflections this year. You can read the first one, along with some notes, here and the second here. Fourth Sunday of Advent • Luke 1:39-55
In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." And Mary said,"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear himfrom generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever." For Reflection
Mary knows how this story is to play out. Her people have long waited for a liberator–like Moses–to come and save them. Yet, they remain people of an occupied territory; a foreign oppressor, always present. This doesn't even account for the fact she herself is simply a peasant girl, unwed and pregnant. She doesn't know that when she arrives in her fiance's hometown, no family or friend will be able to put them up–they'll end up sleeping in a barn, her new born in a feeding trough. She doesn't know that her young family will end like fugitives on the run, immigrants in another land. She does know the stories of her people, of other women who would bare children in Bethlehem; this could go good, it could go bad. In the midst of all of this, Mary prays a prayer; sings a song. It is a song that declares who God is to her. But she doesn't stop there. She declares who God is to the people. She probably does not understand everything that is happening. It is probably very unclear how–or even when–liberation will come to herself or her people. It may even seem naive in such circumstances but she hopes. This idea of hope, better yet "faith" stands out here. But Mary's faith seems so much more real than so many today. For many, faith is something defined in either very personal or very social terms. These two ways of approaching faith grow further and further apart from each other, increasingly seeking to be the antithesis of the other. But Mary seems to first embrace God and through this finds herself squarely placed between an understanding of a good news that is coming, that is intended for the community and the individual. Why is it that Mary lands in such a place? I think it's because she is resolved to the fact that she is not God. Some like the idea of a hyper-individualized faith because it offers us some control ("I may not know what is going to come of the world, but I know where I stand"). Some feel more comfortable with a liberal, social view of faith because it offers some connection to those things they would still otherwise be passionate about. We want to be in control. We want to be God. I don't think Mary did. That said, Mary has little evidence that God would save her personally. She has even less evidence that God would save her people. But she trusts that God sees more than she does. She takes stalk in the age-old tale of her people that, "her offspring will attack [the Enemy's] head, and [the Enemy] will attack her offspring’s heel.” The promise isn't that it will be easy and without pain. The promise is that victory will come in the end. And she believes it.For herself and her people.Do we?
NOTE: All of these have been refined from Sunday conversations with the beautiful people that make up the Hawthorn House. This is as much there's as it is mine.
little fashion designer
A few months ago, Paige started drawing different outfits in her sketchbook. This quickly turned into custom outfits for her dolls. She has really taken to designing clothes from scratch. While Brooke was in the hospital with Sam, she would crawl on to Brooke's bed and ask if she could watch Project Runway (we don't have TV, so this was a serious treat). She would intently watch commenting on the different designs. Well, today, it was kind of quiet so I started looking around the house for the kids. Matty was laying on the floor watching Paige hard at work as she pinned her lasted creation on to Mommy's mannequin. Look how serious she is! Without looking away she quipped, "Mom said I could."I love how creative and innovative my children are.
christmas films?
via imdb.com
We are holding our third annual christmas-movie-marathon-and-chinese-food-take-out night at our house this weekend! So stoked!
But what do we watch this year?!
Confession: Family Stone made me cry... which rarely happens. Scary. Not really wanting to do that again since friends will be joining us.
My friend Holly over at Citizen Video told us we should watch A Christmas Tale. I could watch A Charlie Brown Christmas (Vince Guaraldi is a genius) and Christmas Story every year. Love 'em!
What do you think we should watch?
Better yet, what are your top three Christmas movies of all time?
i need your help
My families first Sunday visiting First Pres (where I will be working starting next month), was also Matthew Lickona's first visit. Matt writes the Sheep and Goats column in the Reader. I first met Matt when he visited the Hawthorn House awhile ago.
Go check out Matt's column on First Pres here.
Matt pointed out a few things that I also noticed at First Pres and wanted to mention here. Let me say, though, that I haven't even had my first day on the job yet so what follows is only my speculation.
Disparity
First, Matt subtly points out the vast difference between those that are a part of the weekly life at First Pres. Rev. Andrews spoke with Lickona about the church's work with low-income and homeless people, but you can tell from the attire of those on Sunday morning–and the magnitude of the presentation presented at the Feast of Lights–that this is a congregation of the affluent as well. Moving towards unity under such stark economic diversity is both beautiful yet challenging. The challenge being that both segments of the congregation need each other. But not always in the way our greater culture recognizes. I've written about this kind of challenge before when reflecting on 1 Kings 17:8-16.
Lickona, noticed that one of the beautiful stained glass pieces in the sanctuary is of Jesus meeting the "rich young ruler." Ironic? Maybe. But also a symbol of how willing this congregation is to hold in tension the polar opposites of their own reality. My hope is that First Pres will be willing to give all that Jesus asks. I don't think we will walk away disappointed.
The Story
In his article, Lickona also noted that in Jerry's third Advent Sunday sermon he spoke of Mary but also Rachel and Ruth; two other biblical women who traveled to Bethlehem. Just as Mary's story was connected to these two characters she would have known about as a Jewish girl, we too are not solitary in our experience. Our own stories are connected to these other stories throughout time. I really appreciated how Jerry tied the grand story arching from the Old Testament to the New Testament together. His closing statement sums it up, "This is your Story. Live it."
Invitation (this is where I need your help)
Lastly, I was glad that Lickona published Jerry's comments about inviting people to church:
“Bring your neighbor,” urged Andrews during the announcements. “These people wonder why church is important to you...why you’ve invested your lives in these things, why these things sustain you in life. You haven’t talked to them about it, and that confuses them.”
Christians often miss the point on reaching out to those outside of the church. They wonder if they need to exchange pews for folding chairs, liturgy for pop music, etc. But I don't think it is those symbols that connect us to an ancient faith that are keeping people away from churches. Rather, as Lyons and Kinnamon point out in their book, Unchristian, it is in great part the character (or lack thereof) of Christians that they often find disconcerting.
From my experience, people are genuinely curious even if they are creeped out by the baggage that seems to come along with Christianity.
So, before I get on any further tangent, here's the real reason why I'm posting this: I sincerely want to know what you think of First Presbyterian Church of San Diego. So, I am inviting each and every one of you reading this to visit, and most importantly tell us what you think. Everything from aesthetics, to hospitality, to the donuts, to the preaching, music, feeding of homeless and low-income folks... whatever. I want to know what you think. I can't say it strongly enough.
Yes, I am asking you to let me know how to approach my new job... better. Consider it a personal favor.
There are a few ways to do this:
a) Leave a comment here and tell me what you thought after visiting.
b) Send me an email at jasonevans [at] gmail [dot] com. If you do this, I forewarn you that I may ask if I can take you out for a cup coffee (on me) to pick your brain.
and for those that would prefer to remain nameless...
c) Feel free to use Yelp or ChurchRater.
I look forward to your thoughts. This church is willingly and excitedly entering into a new season. Give us your input as we move forward.
music: pete seeger
via peteseeger.net
I've come to the conclusion that Pete Seeger is more punk rock than most people who call themselves "punk rock." I love this guy's stuff! To me, he's one of the few people left who wrote "peoples music"–music everyone was intended sing along with, not just be entertained by. Most "worship artists" could learn a lot from him. He's inspired me to pick up the guitar again. The first two songs I want to master? "We Shall Overcome," in honor of Pete, and "Silent Night," just for the season.
Here's a great little audio documentary of the "scene" Pete helped establish.
el camino
via woostercollective.comFor the record, the original El Camino is in South Park–my neighborhood. Let's grab a meal there sometime. You. Me. And Awesome.
too busy to post
via flickr.com
Yesterday, was to be my third in a series of Advent reflections this year. You can read the first two here and here. Quite frankly, the day was just too full to sit down and type out anything that would make sense.
On Sunday, the family and I paid our first visit to a service at First Pres together–where I will be taking a new position in January. Everyone was very hospitable. And it was a lovely service. Afterward, I spent some time with the amazing people of Nieu Communities in Golden Hill, talking about following Jesus in San Diego (here's some pics taken by my friend and artist, Jon Hall). And then it was off to La Posada Sin Frontera (here's some pics taken by another friend and artist, Emily Grace Goodrich).
So, I hope your Advent season is formative. Mine certainly has been. I promise to do better next week. G'night.
El Otro Lado
This fence, this wall, is a monstrosity honoring that fear. This wall sickens me to an extent I never thought possible. I live here, on this side of the wall. This place is just as great and just as awe-inspiring as anything on the other side of that wall. The people here are just human and just as loving as the people across the wall. I feel hurt that my government finds it necessary to erect a structure that keeps people at a literal arms-length from each other, where there had been no conflict in the past.
I feel like that wall is a betrayal of my desire to come here. It says that there is something here, where I am, that is to be shunned and kept out. Sure there are drugs here in Mexico, but is the fence really doing anything to stop that? There are drugs in the States too. Growing up, the county I lived in had one of the highest rate of meth labs per capita in the nation. I never felt fear about that. It never worried me. So why should a few men in another country who choose to smuggle drugs worry me so much?
Back to being betrayed: Even though I can walk freely across that border (given I have my passport with me) I feel like the fact that I have to walk through such an elaborate wall signifies an abhorrence for things on this side, the side which I have chosen to live on. This is not even my adopted country, I am pretty transient here, in the long run, but that thousand mile-long edifice makes me feel shunned and disliked. Imagine how someone who grew up here, who is this place, inextricably a part of it, would feel on having a monstrous wall put up just to separate their country from some other place.
Thoughts on the border fence from a Hawthornian in diaspora...
la posada recap
via flickr.com
My friend, Emily, took photos at La Posada Sin Frontera today. It was quite a somber celebration in many ways–though I'm deeply grateful to all of those that put so much effort into organizing it. The road was closed, as it has been in some years past due to rain, which kept some folks away. And only 25 people were allowed into the monument area at a time, at 30 minute slots. Only two groups were allowed total. It felt more like prison visitation than the festive celebration it has been in previous years. Still, we celebrated our common life in Christ and this region and it was beautiful for that alone.
music: local natives
Camera Talk by Local Natives (6264 KB)
Listen on posterous
dear mr. president
Dear President Obama,I hope you enjoyed your time in Norway. I'm a bit envious. I've always wanted to go there. My grandfather was 100% Norwegian. Plus, who wouldn't want to visit the land of vikings and black metal? Lucky! Anyways, I know you don't know me. But you did give my friend Mike a thumbs up when he preached to you. And I voted for you. So, now that we've established a point of connection, I want to make a reading recommendation to you. Please pick up Just Peacemaking, ed. Glen Stassen. You need to read this book. There seem to be a few more options than you think there are currently. This book might help. There's a lot on your shoulders. I appreciate that. But Afghanistan... come on! Can you imagine how your girls would end up if they lived in a country in some kind of conflict their entire childhood!? There's a generation of kids in Afghanistan that didn't ask for this. We've got to change things if they have any chance of growing up to be functional human beings. Don't mean to be over simplistic. Don't mean any disrespect. Just pick up the book. And let's look for some other options.
Hoping,J. Evans
the difference engine
via npr.org
In '91, W. Gibson and and B. Sterling wrote, The Difference Engine a book that imagined Charles Babbage's number-crunching engine actually being built in the 1800's and the computer age arriving a whole century early... but powered by steam, not electricity. A whole sub-genre of literature, art and film has been developed around such ideas called "steampunk." NPR reported today that a team at the Science Museum in London found Babbage's designs from the 1800's, built his machine... and it works. Pretty cool. Steampunk enthusiasts must be stoked.
Matty Boy is now trying to recreate the machine after looking at the photos now.
The Christmas Friends 2009...
A great project by some good friends. It was good last year. Certain to be good this year.
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