Daniel Custer

Yes we finally moved back to Oregon. Rachel and I decided to say 'screw it' and move back to Oregon despite... well everything really. Economy sucks, job market sucks, Seattle traffic sucks, my boss getting fired right in front of me sucked, so we just up'ed and moved. A lot of people thought we were crazy, still do really. I say they are more important things in life than worrying about jobs and money, and that's coming from someone who has a good chunk of school debt left to chomp on.

Like I said, lots of people think we are crazy, so not that many have been supportive. Aside from ignoring them as much as possible, I'm also slightly humored at how I've always felt people have been 'selfishly' praying for us. My Oregon friends would pray against me getting a career job up in Washington and my Washington friends would pray against me getting a job in Oregon to hinder me from moving away. That's probably all in my head, and I'm sorry to my WA friends for losing but it's just something that had to happen.

Despite not having jobs yet, living with my parents, and otherwise being rejected 12 times a week with no replies to job postings things are great here. I'm happier, Rachel is happier, and I think Clara is happier too. I don't regret it for a minute. God works in weird ways, he can even screw up my math; example: I thought I had X amount saved up to cover being unemployed for awhile. After paying more than I was expecting to get moved down here, I have about 2000 more in my savings than I was expecting. How cool is that? See? No regrets.

Well if anyone in the Salem area knows of any jobs please feel free to let us know. Rachel is a certified RN and I have ministry, manager and admin/office experience. Personally I'd like to get a job just to get out of the house more, it's been a good 'vacation' and all, but I just want to work. Thanks to all who did support us and to those who really were selfish and I wasn't making stuff up in my head I'm sorry, but it's just something we had to do.

Most people know by now that yesterday Capcom announced the ULTIMATE version of the popular gaming series Marvel Vs Capcom 3. Some of us saw it coming and some of us were optimistic in thinking that Capcom wouldn't dare pull this kind of crap twice in a row. For those who don't quite understand how upsetting this is to me and many gamers (though surprisingly not as many as I thought) let me back up a bit.

Street Fighter IV was originally an arcade game and came to consoles in February of 2009. Fans rejoiced. Yet only 14 months later Capcom released SUPER Street Fighter IV, an updated version that added 10 characters (some of which had no reason being missing in the first place as they had been in the series before), some new game modes, new ultra combos, and "tweaked" controls to make the game better. To dampen any fans yelling about not receiving the full game in the first place, they released SUPER Street Fighter IV for "only" $40 (Street Fighter IV was originally $60 as are most new games).

Personally I never played Street Fighter much so I didn't get into this fiasco. I wondered why my friends were literally happy to shell out another $40 for the "real" version of a game that had only come out one year before. I was surprised more Street Fighter fans were not upset about the extra cash that had to be shelled out, the immediate drop in value of the first game that they already owned, and the leering suspicion that Capcom had just played them to get an extra $40 bucks out of them. Not to mention the fact that Super Street Fighter IV ARCADE EDITION just came out for even more money, but I digress.

Anyway fast forward to yesterday. The ULTIMATE version of Marvel Vs Capcom 3 is announced for... dun dun dun, only $40! Now you have to realize that SUPER Street Fighter IV came out over a year after the first one. MvC3 came out just last March, as in 4 months ago March. Yeah, no game is made in 4 months people. Maybe Pacman was but this is 2011. Yes, ULTIMATE MvC3 doesn't come out till November, but that STILL isn't enough time. In less than a year, Capcom has the audacity to release MvC3, announce a new version and release that and charge us for it.

Personally I'm calling bull crap on this. Capcom may have screwed up with SFIV and tried to make right on it with SUPER SFIV. But to do it to MvC3 this fast, they've had it planned from the beginning. They knew how many people shelled out the $40 for SSFIV and figured why not try and pull that crap again with MvC3? Heck if it worked once and we made bank on it why not screw our loyal fans and customers again? There's a saying in the business world that only some businesses follow but they are the ones that are tried and true and people actually like: Customers are the bottom line. Now if Capcom believed that they would offer a trade in program where I can take my already worthless (yes, ebay has MvC3 going for next to nothing, if you want a copy now's the time to buy) version of MvC3 and GIVE me the ULTIMATE edition for absolutely free. Now I know this will NEVER happen because I believe Capcom knew what they were doing from the beginning.

You might wonder why I write all this for one lousy video game. Well I'm not rich so when I drop $60+ on a game I expect it to be well made, polished, FINISHED, and complete. I don't expect the game company to royally screw me by coming out with a newer version only 8 months later. I know some of you may be saying "well you don't have to buy the ULTIMATE edition if you don't want to" and you should know by now I won't, but I'm sick of video game company's taking advantage of their customers. DLC is having the same problem/argument but Capcom has taken it to a whole new level by coming out with a completely different game. Sure I wouldn't be "as" upset if they did an ULTIMATE DLC pack with all the new characters, but now I have to go buy a whole new game? This is the definition of a scam, Capcom's name should be the first thing that shows up when you look up scam in the dictionary.

Surprisingly I've scanned a few forums and I will admit the majority of people are NOT mad about this! Yes there are people like me but most people are excited about the new characters and don't seem to care they are getting ripped off. I don't understand how they can just sit back and pay up. I have a friend who is also upset at the obvious gain Capcom will get from this, but still admits he will cave and buy it because he just has to have it as a fighting game fanatic. I understand loving a series so much you want it all, but seriously if you can resist even a bit to give Capcom a clue that you won't be ripped off you better do it now. Because I can almost guarantee you that "SUPER MARVELOUS ULTIMATE AMAZING GLITTERY 'WE'RE SCREWING YOU IN THE BUTT AND YOU DON'T SEEM TO CARE'" version of Marvel Vs Capcom 3 will come out within the next year. And people will still freaking buy it.

I watched Judge Jeanine Pirro yesterday (yes I watch court shows) and there are always some disturbing cases. One such case was a young homosexual man who was asking advice on hate crimes related to sexual orientation. He described an incident and was wondering if could be considered a hate crime and if so what should he do about it. Basically he was with his boyfriend at a bar and felt that everyone was watching them. When they got up to leave some people verbally harassed them but nothing else. When they got to their car there was an obscene word written in ketchup on their windshield.

Now I don't want to get into the whole homosexual debate, but what this Pirro episode made me think is: Who has the time and puts forth the energy to do something hateful like that? I mean seriously, when is it ok to hurt someone emotionally or physically with that kind of hatred? You can have your difference of opinion but actually putting it into action like that is just wrong and I don't know about everyone else but I have better things to be doing. I thought society was super busy and had no free time but apparently some do and waste it on menial tasks like this.

I also think about Jesus and how he hung out with these kind of people. If Jesus were walking the earth today, this is probably the kind of guy he would go talk to, maybe even hangout with. Jesus was always seen with the sinners, the tax collectors, the prostitutes, the shunned ones of society. Jesus wasn't writing obscene words in the sand about these people, but showing them love and forgiving their misgivings. Christians know these are tough shoes to fill, impossible really, least I know I've been judgmental of people like that, always trying everyday to do better.

But Jesus used his free time to spread love to the love-lacking and we can see what kind of impact he left on the earth. I hope in your free time you'll choose love over hate, I know I'm trying to as well. I'm not saying we have to be tolerant of everything, the Bible does talk about speaking the truth in love, but I think we need to love people first before "attacking" them for their sins, as we so often come across as doing. I guess my point is: between hate and love, choose love; and don't waste your spare time. I think if we could all do that, the world might be a little better of a place.

I had the unpleasant experience of canceling my clear account the other day. I went with Clear because they were cheaper than Comcast and my wife and I decided that internet was a luxury, not a necessity so slower speeds were ok.

The first 6 months were fine, but all of February I had serious speed issues, and I mean serious. I would average 5-7Mbps on speedtest.net with Clear. What I've been getting is 0.6Mbps which is almost completely unusable. While Netflix constantly "retrieves" your movie, I even had some websites time-out on me. Clear had me go through the usual on-off crap with no luck, issued a "speed ticket" to look into the matter and would get back to me. They called me a few days later with an automated message saying press 1 to talk to a representative which didn't work, the second they called it put me on hold, said it had to do with congestion during peak hours and to just deal with it.

It continued to happen all month, I took several screenshots of speedtest.net reports at different times, sometimes even around noon. I eventually gave up on them and said I'll just pay too much for internet to Comcast. Once I had Comcast's cable internet again I called to cancel Clear. Now I'm a decent person, if you don't give me grief when canceling I won't go around badmouthing you (I've canceled with Comcast, very pleasant actually). Unfortunately, Clear needs to take lessons in not being complete jerks. I was on the phone for 1:24:24 according to my phone. Here is a breakdown of all the times I was put on hold:

9 min - 1st initial hold to get to a real human being.

4 min - On hold to "check something"

11 min - To try and waive fee

2 min - Setting me up to transfer to a tech. The rep said if I issued another speed ticket, I could cancel with no fee within 7 days after.

10 min - To actually get to the tech

14 min - To get back to a different rep who says that everything the first rep said was wrong, no way to waive fee. So I asked for a manager.

10 min - Rep talked to manager and said that manager said it was ok to waive fee.

2 min - Finalizing my cancellation.

That's 62 minutes of being on hold for an 84 minute phone call. Do the math, 22 minutes of talking is all I did. Why couldn't I get that first rep and her supervisor who immediately waived my fee? Oh, which is not $40 like they tell you. I specifically remember when I signed up asking how much a cancellation fee was and they said just $40. When I called to cancel, they said that since I own my modem I have to pay the remainder of my contract. First off, what does owning my modem have to do with anything? Second, don't even try it because your internet sucks.

They tried to explain to me that my account was being "managed" whatever that means. I didn't really understand the rep but what I think she meant was that they see who uses the internet alot, then slow that person down so it doesn't create a traffic jam on their tower... right, like that's legal. Why would I pay for internet, use it, then when I do use it you see I'm using it and put a cap on me to make mine really slow? I also liked how she said all ISP's are using the managing software now and I'll have the same problem no matter where I go. Had Comcast for several days now, solid 20Mbps with no problems.

They also continuously try and get you to change your mind before canceling, even after you say no thanks. I understand trying to sell me one last time but for pete's sakes just let me cancel! WORST INTERNET SERVICE COMPANY EVER! And worst customer service. To their credit, their tech's were always nice, but other than that they are terrible, don't listen to anything you say, and blatantly lie to you about just about everything.

I told them I would tell everyone I know to NEVER use Clear EVER, and I intend to. This blog is only the beginning, on to every review site I know and feel free to tell your friends. Oh, and if you think I'm just being a stick in the mud and they only one with a problem with them, go to their website and see what the most recent forum activity is. Most posts are about slow internet, horrendous customer service, and I've even seen a few posts about how their previous forum post that was a complaint has been deleted because they are trying to hide the ugly truth about how terrible a company they are. It's all there. Don't get caught up in their lies.

I've been watching the recently canceled TV show "Pushing Daisies" via Netflix instant (thank you Netflix). It's an interesting TV show about a man who has the ability to bring dead things back to life with one touch and if he touches them a second time they will die forever. The catch is if he brings someone back to life for longer than a minute, someone else in the vicinity has to die. Mostly he uses his "power" to solve murder cases and gain the reward because he can bring the victims back to life for a minute, ask them who did it, touch them again so they die and nobody gets hurt.

What I find most interesting is the correlation to Jesus and the little nuances they have made towards Jesus in a few episodes. The show is in no way connected to Christianity; but as a Christian I'm watching it from a Christian perspective. There is an episode where a nun dies and Ned is scared to bring someone back to life in a nunnery, to which his colleague replied that "He" did raise the dead once referencing Lazarus (John 11). Fortunately Jesus is God and therefore there were no rules as to how long Lazarus could stay alive and if someone else had to die in his place after a minute.

Honestly, though the show has little to do with the Christian perspective of death I still like the show. It is interesting what people do with only a minute to explain their death and the cinematography is very unique (actually reminds me of Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory") so all in all I'd recommend checking the show out, especially if you have Netflix.

What I like most about the show is how it reminds me that we as Christians have something to hope before beyond death. Whenever Ned wakes someone up from the dead they always ask if they are dead, as if they were asleep and didn't know it. We have a God who is faithful and just and is going to "wake" us again into eternal life, to be with Him forever. Therefore we have no reason to fear death and that is also the best news anyone could ever hear; perhaps you could even use this show as a springboard into a conversation about what death really means and share God with someone.

1. Final Fantasy VI - SNES
By far my favorite of the series, this game has everything! Engaging plot line, characters with personality and backstory (yes, all 12 of them... and there are 2 more secret characters!), spot-on gameplay. I really never get sick of going back to this one. I love that the game's main character is technically Terra though it's arguable because the other characters you get early on are so involved as well and have such engaging personalities they can steal some spotlight. Kefka is a great crazy bad guy and literally saving the world from him is always satisfying. There is so much to explore and discover in this game it was amazing they could fit it on a 16-bit cartridge.

2. Final Fantasy IX - PlayStation
I'm sure I'll get criticism for putting this so high but once again, I love this one and can't get enough of it. Being the last FF on the Playstation, it tried going back to the more classic style of story, art, and gameplay. The game itself gives a nostalgic feel to someone like me who grew up on the original NES. Almost all the characters are awesome and the story is worth several playthroughs.

3. Final Fantasy XII - PlayStation 2
Again criticism, but I was a fan of this one; so much so, it's in my top 3. Again I felt this game deserved next-gen credit, but that just made it the best looking Ps2 game available. The gameplay was way different from really anything else I've ever played and that's where it receives most of it's criticism, but I rather enjoyed the gambit system and the lack of random battles. Characters were really good, first time I felt the main character really did "grow up" while playing, and even after playing through this game more than once, it still is a pretty long game.

4. Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
I'm a sucker for criticism, but this game is just too gorgeous on the Ps3 to be any lower on my list. While I didn't enjoy the paradigm gameplay system as much as some of my friends, I didn't hate it as much as some other people. While the gameplay wasn't my favorite, it did work well, the graphics are out of this world, and I really enjoyed all the characters in this one. Again, this game is really long and I'm glad they have figured out how to put more game time into a game without making it feel daunting.

5. Final Fantasy - NES
It's classic, it started it all. If you missed out on the original, I highly recommend going back to it. This game has so much to offer even today. I don't know about the ports on like the PSP for example, but on the NES this game is HARD! The challenge alone is worth the playthrough. While there is no real character development, or any "real" story for that matter (kill the bad guy, that's about it) it almost creates it's own story just by you having to figure everything out.

6. Final Fantasy VII - PlayStation
This is where my list gets a little muddy. I like the next few games all about equally so it's tough to rank them. However this one gets to be on top just because I've played it more than the others. I know it's low on the list for a lot of the fanboys but it doesn't hold my attention as much as the others. The gameplay was spot-on in terms of the battle system, but some of the characters I felt were lacking, especially Cloud who *SPOILER* isn't the awesome soldier you thought he was; you have to play Crisis Core to be the cool guy. Story was pretty good but just overall I wasn't feeling this game as others did.

7. Final Fantasy III - NES
For being on the NES this game is a huge leap in gaming. Even playing the port of it on the DS, this game has heart. Only 8-bit on the NES and they were still able to portray character development and story in a way that gets you very involved. Gameplay was new and interesting with a job system rather than just straight leveling. While not my favorite nor the best FF game, it had so much to offer while still being on the NES that it amazes me.

8. Final Fantasy IV - SNES
Another classic, this one was the first step into the 16-bit era of gaming. The game had everything to offer, good story, good gameplay, good characters; which makes it an overall good game. Not great, just good. I only really liked Kain, the rest I could take or leave, but something this one did different was you had more characters coming and going from your party than the others. Just because a character joined you, didn't mean you had them for the rest of the game, it was a fun change.

9. Final Fantasy X - PlayStation 2
Having enjoyed the previous installment so much, I was hoping to be blown away by the first FF game for the Ps2. Perhaps it was the girly-man of a main character, or perhaps the lack of a story that really makes any real sense, or you could blame my friend who let me borrow it and said "yeah, it's not the best." However you blame it, this game was rather disappointing. It didn't suck, it just was a grind to play the whole time and other than looking pretty on the Ps2, it didn't have much else to it. Characters are lacking, gameplay was alright but with a few new twists and the sphere-grid leveling system was HORRIBLE, and as I said before the story is a "what the crap is going on" type story. While it isn't the worst, it was a huge letdown.

10. Final Fantasy V - SNES
This is another one that just felt like a grind to get through. While the story was alright, none of the characters really felt like they had much of a personality. The gameplay was a great, intricate, job system that had a lot to offer. Other than that there wasn't much to the game other than to get through it. Again, not a bad game, just nothing to really be remembered for.

11. Final Fantasy II - NES
This is where the hate starts for me. This one was a huge step backwards after the first FF game being so awesome. The leveling system is what ruins this game. If you were to play the game as it was intended to play, it would take FOREVER to level anything or get anywhere, because the game itself is pretty tough. However, if you have the internet and have tried this game you know there is a way to "cheat" and level your characters in a matter of minutes. Story was so-so and the characters I could really care less about. Feel free to skip this one if you haven't already.

12. Final Fantasy VIII - PlayStation
This is where I have more hate for an FF game and where some hate towards me might begin for putting it at the bottom of the list. This FF game had everything wrong about it that could be wrong. Seifer is the only redeeming factor about this game and he's not in it nearly enough. Squall is a pansy with no personality or care for anything and only does what he's told. You have no reason to hate or go after the bad girl and the "love story" that everyone says is so great doesn't really exist; Squall randomly realizes he loves Rinoa as she is floating away in space to die... some love story, oh and then they are saved by a spaceship that's been missing for 20 years but hasn't been mentioned till that point, what luck! I could go on but this game is just everything that could be wrong in a video game, don't even bother with it.

Broken. That's where I am and that's exactly where God wants me. Don't get me wrong, I'm in the most upbeat mode I can be while still being broken by God. I'm married to the most amazing woman in the world, I'm going to be a Dad around the end of March, and I have a roof over my head, smiling the whole way. But for those of you who don't know, Rachel and I really wanted to move back down to Oregon to live closer to family as we started our own family. Toss it up to bad luck, the downward-spiraling economy, or anger towards God (I've done all 3) but it just wasn't in the cards.

I applied to plenty of church jobs, though churches are about the last places hiring right now. I applied to churches around Salem, heck I even finally applied to one that was IN Salem, but apparently God has other plans. While I refrain from blaming God for stopping me from getting that job, I wonder if He didn't try on my behalf because He has something better planned? I tried to start and open up, I applied to churches in my area because I thought maybe He wanted me to stay up here and enjoy a full-time job with benefits and the like to, you know, support a family. Still not right. California is nice but still nothing. So I opened up a little more and applied to a job in Montana near where Rachel grew up. No go there either... by the way, I'm not Pentecostal enough for some AG churches, but I'm too Pentecostal for some non-denominational churches, I find that disgustingly funny. I've now gone as far as to apply to some jobs (yes, more than one) in Colorado, still haven't heard back (Pastors are terrible at replying to email, no offense if you're a Pastor).

So here I sit, broken and wondering what is next? Rachel and I are both broken, we are ready to go wherever I can find a job that supports a family so that once the school loans are paid off (still waiting for that lotto ticket, haha) she can be a stay at home Mom. That might be here in the Seattle area and it might be somewhere else, quite frankly I don't really care where anymore. I'm glad God is finally getting His way now, hopefully He'll make His move soon. Now that I'm letting Him have complete control I'm antsy to get a move on it and start whatever new chapter He chooses!

Just had to write a note that I saw the movie "When In Rome" and while I'm not much of a chick flick guy (at all) I was pleasantly surprised. First off, to all chick flick makers, keep putting humor in your movies to help us guys make it bearable. The comedy in this movie was laugh out loud. Also, there were no sex scenes, which was wonderful! There was one scene in the guy's apartment where they are making out, but it doesn't go any farther so I was glad.

Lastly, I was even more surprised to find a movie coming out of Hollywood, available at all theaters, that got what love really is. I don't want to ruin the movie too much, and maybe you should go see it before reading on. In one scene Danny Devito's character explains that if they (being himself and all the guys under the fountain of love's spell) truly love Beth, they will put her needs above their own; he then offers to help her get where she needs to go and find Nick, the guy she loves. I was touched that a Christlike example of love made it into a movie. I can't help but believe the writers are Christians or have at least read the Bible. Because the fact they got exactly what love it supposed to be, putting someone else needs above their own, into a movie is such a shocker in our culture and time. Great movie!

Oh, and I've been to Rome myself, here's proof: http://picasaweb.google.com/SabinKenobi/EuropeTripRome#

There is going to be a huge party all the first weekend in June in Astoria Oregon for the 25th anniversary of the movie the Goonies!!! Honestly I would pass this off as just being a cool geek thing that's going on, but the Ataris are playing AT the event so naturally, if the Ataris are playing within a day's drive of where I live I'm definitely going.

Basically got 2 months before it happens, which is not a lot of time. I'll have to brush up on my Goonies knowledge and watch the film twice a day for the next 2 months. Ok that would be overkill but I will be watching it more than usual. So far they confirmed that the guy who played Mouth and the rich-jerk guy will be there and they are trying to get more of the cast to show up. Honestly, as cool as it would be to meet Sean Astin, they really need to get the guy who played Sloth, that would be awesome!!!

If anyone else is going let me know, we'll have to all hangout and have a good time! Maybe I should go buy that Goonies shirt I saw at Target the other day....

A wise man once said you cannot deny who you are. Meaning, that what you are supposed to do, what you are good at, will happen whether you are deliberate or not; simply because it is who you are. I've pondered on this over the last few months. I work at a storage facility and have begun learning how to run a business. My brother, who is extremely intelligent and knows music like the back of his hand, works at a bank. I do not say this to belittle these jobs, I simply say they are not our passions.

Everyone around both of us tell us we should find jobs that ARE our passions, and who wouldn't agree with that? Yet, perhaps we are where we are for a reason; and they can't hinder our passions at all. My brother still sings in his spare time, almost as a part time job. And me? I've been playing on worship team at church almost every other week, but I haven't gotten involved in their youth program. Mostly I wanted to take a break but I also didn't know how I would do not being in charge, after being used to being in charge. Anyway, it wasn't enough, and now this coming weekend I get to go on a youth retreat with my old youth pastor and mentor.

This makes me excited beyond playing on a worship team. Not because I'm in charge, perhaps I was wrong about that and it's not a big deal and I should help out with the youth group at church, but no it's because it's youth ministry! Despite taking a forced break from youth ministry (God's force, I resigned) I am beginning to feel that hunger again. Perhaps I've been idle a bit too long, or I've just been down in the valley of darkness, or God's been trying to teach me a lot on his high mountain; I don't know where all I've been the last couple months but now I feel more than prepared.

Which brings another interesting point: now I have an interest in business. Not really in starting my own, but I've been here awhile and learned a lot and I look around and see/hear about bad managers and mistreatment of employees and it makes me want to DO something about it (I have an awesome manager btw). Perhaps this is a whole other blog I should save for later.

But this weekend I get to work within my passions: youth ministry and music. I'm excited to step back into that role, though it be for but a weekend, and hope to see kids lives transformed. I believe there is nothing more satisfying in this world than seeing a young person turn to Christ! If you haven't ever been part of that, get involved at whatever church you go to.

I'm excited and a little nervous for this weekend but I'm pretty sure it's going to be awesome! God is for us, so who could possibly be against us?

So I was watching one of my favorite internet shows, the Totally Rad Show (http://www.totallyradshow.com) and they were talking about a game I have little to no interest in but I knew from the beginning would be getting great reviews: Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2. This game doesn't interest me for several reasons, but it seriously is just an opinion thing. Oh, and they mentioned how everyone just uses 'colorful' language on Xbox Live, you guys might consider switching to the PSN; it's free and I rarely run into the little high-pitched voiced kids who like to swear a lot. But as I listened to their review though I realized a few things about video games in general and I think I have figured out the secret to video games.

There is a philosophy, forgive me for not knowing the originator of the thought (if there is one?), that there is no original thought. Everything you think, has already been thought of before. Everything you say and do, has been done by something else. The fact that you can come up with a good idea is simply a combination of influences in your life and viewing someone else doing something that even that combination is unoriginal. That being said, video games are unoriginal correct? It's basically the same thing with a new skin to it. Problem is video games haven't been around for thousand of years so I believe something new can come around every once in awhile.

Like any good idea, it's likely to get stolen and branded as "new" by the thief. We all know this to be true. Musical lyrics and riffs are stolen and "used" or "slightly modified" is my favorite saying. Political ideas are traded between persons. Heck, even cookies have no-name brand ripoffs that are cheaper and usually taste better too. So why not video games? In the TRS review they made a comment about how they liked the XP system in the multiplayer of CoD:MW2. They liked how you could create streaks and gain extra XP through various events. In ignorance I'm sure they forgot that this was introduced earlier this year in the game Red Faction: Guerrilla. Even then, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if I was proven wrong, and that someone had this system before RFG.

I only write this because it frustrates me to not see credit given where credit is due. I believe the guys who worked on the newest installment of Red Faction created this system and now the Call of Duty series is just stealing it. If a gaming studio just admitted "hey yeah, we just took everything we liked out of all our favorite games!" and made a really good game, I don't think I would mind so much. But, this is the way the world turns; and I know I can't change it. Just thought I would put my dent into the internet that people should seek out creators and originators and try as you might to give credit where credit is due.

Ok so it's been a long time coming, basically because I lost the speech shortly after the wedding. Fortunately, someone was video taping and I was able to transcribe what I said. I'd say it's pretty accurate to what I had written down in the first place, so enjoy!



I am Daniel Custer I am Stephen's younger brother, despite beating him to being married and being taller than him. But I know that growing up, Stephen and I have a lot of memories, I'm not going to lie, not all of them are good and brothers are brothers; I won't talk about the fights or anything bad. Because we have some really good memories together. I know we always talk about playing Legos together and we played micro machines together and playing Nintendo. I actually watch him play but now I play. Playing ninja turtles, and breaking my ninja turtles and then him replacing my ninja turtles. Building forts in our family room with couch pillows and blankets. And definitely climbing multiple trees outside with a rope swing and stuff like that. We had a lot of good times growing up.

But Stephen was always the nerdy type. Definitely the nerdy type. He was a book worm of sorts, he was a straight A student which is fun being the younger brother who went to the same high school. So there was some conflict in our household at times. But it's because Stephen and I are very different. Even though we had our rough patches, I wanted to assure you Kari that there are some advantages to marrying a nerd. So this is my speech: "The Advantages to Marrying a Nerd." Single people pay attention.

First advantage is that if you have a question, he has an answer because nerds are smart; and if he doesn't know the answer he'll find it for you because he just has to know.

Second is nerds don't usually get the girl, so he will do anything to keep you. Now please don't abuse that, but feel free to ask him to take out the trash.

Third is nerds know numbers. You don't have to worry about the budget, the checkbook, when a birthday is or your anniversary is because he will always remember. Because nerds remember all kinds of numbers.

Another thing, nerds are genuine. Ok this is a plus, it's not all funny. He's not going to speak in riddles, I know we've had talks about you wondered what he meant by things in the beginning ; he didn't mean anything. He doesn't speak in code and he won't lead you on.

And most importantly Kari is that you're marrying a guy who loves Jesus, and he knows forgiveness both giving and receiving; and he knows how to give himself for others. Despite all the arguments Stephen and I may have had, I've always known that my brother has my back; and that will be good in a marriage too. Marriage isn't always easy, as I'm sure everyone is telling you. You guys are going to have arguments and you're going to have fights. But you will never, NEVER, have to worry because no matter what, this guy has your back. He will stand with you to the very end. And I can assure you that you never have to worry about him ever being so mad at you that he wouldn't protect you because it will never happen. Stephen will always stand by your side, through thick and thin, and that is his greatest strength. And I'm sure it will carry your marriage for many years. So to Stephen and Kari!

So my brother FINALLY got married, haha, this last weekend. And while that has it's own blog forthcoming, I wanted to make a quick post about something that's been going through my mind lately. I'm currently searching/hoping for a full-time ministry position at a church in or around Salem Oregon. I know some of you are laughing already because there is nothing there in terms of ministry jobs, but whatever.

I had a very intriguing conversation with one of my brother's friends who was a groomsmen this weekend about ministry and what it means to be a part of a church. He was talking about how he was the junior high minster to 6 kids. It was volunteer, with no intention of moving it to a paid position, let alone full-time, but he knew that was what he was supposed to be doing.

I told him about my situation: that I had done part-time ministry for 2 years and the problems that occur when you try to balance two jobs. The other job gets in the way of ministry, you can't get time off, and there are just some things the church must get done. It creates serious problems. However the way he described his church's setup intrigued me. The church was run pretty much all by volunteers. People who went to the church didn't really have a choice or not about getting involved in some way, shape, or form: they had to or the church didn't run. It made me wonder if full-time ministry is where I should be looking.

At first I felt like looking for another part-time ministry position would be below me; that I have a degree so I should only look for full-time. I know that might sound arrogant to some of you but if you have a college degree in something you probably know how I feel. Anyway, it made me also think of several friends, even my father-in-law, who work at a church on top of another job. Many of them make it work, why? It seems that they have a lot more flexibility than I had. I guess it really just depends on the church, I'm not real sure. I suppose if God can make it fit/work, then I would do it again. My brother's friend had a good point that working outside the church has it's benefits, even more so when you can talk about your "other" job at the church with agnostic co-workers at your supporting job.

I suppose the reason I'm typing all this at 2 in the morning is to see what others thing. Should ministry positions be full-time or is it better to have a ministry job and a non-ministry job? What, in your opinion, is better? I know there is no right answer, just say what you feel. Is it good to support a model of a church that is small and mostly volunteer based and honorable to use formal training at a Bible college, or a waste? Or should someone with more experience and expertise only look for full-time ministry positions? I'm only sounding harsh to show extremes. Feel free to converse.

So the Playstation3 was a little slow in adding something comparable to the "other" system's achievement points. The Xbox360 uses achievements where, when you complete a certain task, you receive a predetermined amount of achievement points for doing that specific task. Some achievements were more difficult than others and therefore worth more points. Therefore people could fight over who had the highest achievement score; and I once worked with some who are considered "achievement hunters" who would buy/rent games just to get all the achievements. The Playstation3 has had trophies available for awhile now, and I'm wondering how much it adds to game-play.

Trophies are slightly different from achievements in that there are no points, only trophy tiers. There is bronze, silver, gold, and platinum level trophies. I find this simpler, but not as defined. Different tier trophies have different unnamed values that affect your trophy level. For example, I have a mix of just over 100 bronze, silver, and gold trophies and just achieved a trophy level of 5. This is to really measure who is more ahead when you argue with friends about who has more trophies. With achievement points you have a number, with trophies you can get into "Well I have more gold trophies than you" but still be behind in terms of trophy level.

The first annoyance is that not every game has trophies. Older games can come out with patches to add them, but games before January 1st 2009 was not required to have trophies. That said, games with trophies tend to be more popular. I do think it is now a selling point for people; that if a game doesn't have trophies they consider not buying it which is too bad. I have played a few games with them, but I mostly have trophies from Unreal Tournament III and Resistance 2. At first these games are just fun in playing and I would randomly see in the corner that I got a trophy for something I just accomplished. However, as time goes on, I start working specifically for certain trophies that stretches both me and the game beyond what I would normally do as a gamer. I think I like this, it makes the game last longer and gives the player more to do beyond just beating a game.

I also like it in the fact that you can banter with friends over who has more trophies. I do think it is silly when people play every game just to get as many trophies as possible and be a "trophy hunter" to have the most. I know there are tons of people who have way more trophies than me, I don't care and good for them. What I care about and what is fun is just having more than your friends, the people you know. I know there are people who are trophy level 10 and have over 1000 trophies; but all I'm fighting for is to get enough to be ahead of my friends. It's good for bantering and annoying others with, especially when you're neck-and-neck and it's a constant fight; but I also realize that ultimately it's pointless. Playstation3 trophies don't change the world. However, I think I'll keep playing just enough to beat Rick :P

I truly believe that you have a deep passion for something, a deep desire; something that you don't even remember where or when it originated, but just know it to be a fact for you, that God will honor that request. I bring up this point about deep desires because recently I had a real scare of my life. I'm warning you now that some of the content of this blog is a little revealing and I am being somewhat vulnerable; which I don't mind but just know this blog has some sensitive material. That said, I've always known I wanted to be a Dad. Don't get excited yet, Rachel and I are not having kids yet. But the "yet" is exactly my point.

When I was younger I had A.L.L. cancer, which was a kind of leukemia that I had to take certain drugs that, while they helped cure me, had sterilizing effects. I've known for a few years now that there was a possibility that I could be sterile; that would mean that I have no active sperm and therefore could not have kids. Both my cancer doctor and personal doctor told me that I was most likely fine, and if I ever wanted to get tested I could, but I didn't bother because I was single at the time. Now that I'm married, and Rachel was aware, it's a little more of an issue.

When I was sick last month, I went to a new doctor up here who noticed my cancer history and was fairly blunt in stating that I was probably sterile. I was extremely taken aback by it; my doctor's had said the opposite, and a cancer doctor has a better idea than this family physician, but it still got to me, a lot. It was finally hitting me that I might not get to have any kids that were my own, and I'll be honest, I was being greedy. I was being greedy in that I wanted my own kids, or at least just one; and didn't think I could, or really wanted to, adopt kids. Rachel assured me that no matter what, she was going to stay with me and loved me whether we had kids or not. I was truly devastated for a few weeks, so I finally decided that health insurance or no, I was going to do this sperm analysis test anyway to put my mind at ease one way or another.

I finally got the results of my test and I am happy to say that I am completely normal; normal being that none of the sterilizing drugs effected me in that manner. This was probably because I had them before puberty and, to be frank, there was nothing to sterilize. I'm overjoyed that God has honored our prayers and given us the gift of fertility, that we have the ability to have children. I know that there are people in this world who are not as fortunate. I applaud those who adopt kids and those who forge on despite bad news of infertility. For a few weeks, I really felt and believed I was among you; I know how it feels. I thank God that Rachel and I have the ability to have our own kids in the future!

In light of my top 10 movies, I wanted to do a top 10 albums. I couldn't narrow it down to just 10, so I thought about doing favorite artists. While almost all of my favorite artists are amazing from start to current/finish, some have hiccups, albums that bombed or sucked, so I threw that idea out. So I thought, screw having a top 10, I'm going to do a top 15!

Basically the criteria is the same as for my movies. These are albums that I keep coming back to again and again. I love majority/all of the songs on them and I can only rarely get sick of listening to them. Feel free to leave comments, and also feel free to write your own blog about your top 10, 15 or 2000 albums as well!

1. Ataris - So Long, Astoria
Obviously the Ataris makes the top of my list. I love this album. There is not a single song on here I don't not like. "In This Diary" is by far the most awesome song ever, and "My Reply" is a great song about real life. "The Hero Dies In This One" is another great song that is sung with so much passion it makes you stop and contemplate your own life. Other favorites are "Looking Back on Today" and of course "So Long, Astoria" If I haven't already influenced you, go check this album out.

2. Steven Curtis Chapman - Speechless
Taking a step back in time, before I discovered the ear-throbbing that is punk rock, I was and still am a big Steven Curtis Chapman fan. Speechless wasn't my first album from him, but it was the one that really got me to love him. The songs "Dive" and "Whatever" are awesome. He also knows how to slow it down with songs like "The Invitation" and "Be Still and Know" I know the album is older, but it's a goodie.

3. Audio Adrenaline - Underdog
Looking up when some of these albums comes out makes me feel old. Regardless, this album swayed me in the ways of Audio Adrenaline, plus I got to meet them on their Underdog tour. This album starts off strong and delivers from start to finish. It pumps you up with "Mighty Good Leader" and "Underdog" but one of my favorites was "This Day" another contemplative song about following God throughout life. Most have probably heard of Audio Adrenaline but perhaps have not explored their older stuff, this is one worth finding.

4. Supertones - Chase The Sun
Yep, 1999 was a good year, and the Supertones delivered just like everyone else it seems. A little unknown fact about me is that I love ska. People think I love punk, and I do, but not nearly as much as a good ska group or even half ska/rock group. This Supertones album is my favorite of theirs, and I could only decide on it because everytime I decide to listen to them, I grab this one, nearly every time. Songs that rock are "One Voice" and "Chase the Sun" is great, also "Grounded" and "Hanani" are pumping. "Refuge" is my contemplative song for this album.

5. Jennifer Knapp - Kansas
Just to throw everyone off, I had a huge crush on Jennifer Knapp. She was attractive, she could sing, and she could play guitar (my wife blows Jennifer out of the water on two of those!). I never get sick of going back to listening to Jennifer Knapp. "Martyrs and Thieves" is by far my favorite song, but also "Whole Again" and "Undo Me" are great; basically the whole album is contemplative since that is what Jennifer is good at.

6. Five Iron Frenzy - Quantity is Job 1
If I could have one band back that has broken up, it would be FIF. I only got to see them live for their final tour, and it was awesome. Everytime I listen to FIF, I always wish they would get back together and do some kind of reunion tour. This is my favorite album for two simple reasons: it was the first FIF I heard, and it has the song "Dandelions" on it. Other good songs are "My Evil Plan to Save the World" as well as the whole "Pants Opera" at the end.

7. Hangnail - Self Titled
If you want straight punk-rock from start to finish, any Hangnail album will do. This is my favorite probably because it is my first, and unfortunately, I found out about Hangnail after they had already broken up. Songs "Friendly Advice" and "Decision Making" are good, also "Worthless" which is the first song I ever heard by them. It's hard to pick favorites because the album is so solid all the way through.

8. Amber Pacific - Truth In Sincerity
Amber Pacific was awesome because I knew the guitar player; and although Justin no longer plays with them, they are still awesome. Then they got a single, "Fall Back Into My Life" on the TMNT soundtrack, which made them even more awesome. Other rocking songs are "Temporary" and "Follow Your Dreams, Forget the Scene" that will get stuck in your head. You'll also hum along after you turn it off with "Summer" and "You're Only Young Once" but it's awesome the whole time.

9. Stellar Kart - We Can't Stand Sitting Down
Another solid punk rock album from start to finish. Stellar Kart's first album was good, but this second one blew it out of the water. With awesome songs like "Activate" and "Procrastinating" at the beginning; it's just an awesome album. I also really like that Stellar Kart is a popular Christian band that actually mentions Jesus, apparently that isn't as cool as it used to be.

10. Yellowcard - Ocean Avenue
I realize it's the cool and probably popular thing to say I liked this album by yellowcard, but it's just a true fact. "Way Away" and "Breathing" kick it off and it doesn't slow down much with "Ocean Avenue" and my favorite "Only One" Any band that can be punk and throw a violinist into the mix, AND make it sound really cool, is good in my book.

11. Thousand Foot Krutch - Set If Off
Frontman Trevor McNevan is like a train that you either jump on with or get mowed down by. The guy is constantly writing awesome stuff for his two bands. TFK's first album rocks for me, some might not like it because it's more rap/rock than hard rock. Awesome songs are "Puppet" and "When In Doubt" which actually played on the radio back in the day. I also love "Lift It" and have played it multiple times in church.

12. FM Static - Dear Diary
Speaking of TFK, FM Static kind of started as Trevor's side-project, but is now a force to be reckoned with. I got their newest album for my birthday and I absolutely love it! FM Static delivers in catchy pop-punk tunes and great lyrics. It starts off hard with "Boy Moves to a New Town with Optimistic Outlook" and "The Unavoidable Battle of Feeling on the Outside" but later moves to more contemplative songs like "The Voyage of Beliefs" and "Take Me As I am" I can't decide which song is my favorite, there are that many that are that good.

13. Raze - Power
Raze is my techno be-happy music. When I first heard Raze I immediately liked them, and am pretty sure I was the only person who did. Fortunately I was wrong, lots of people like Raze (I married one :) yea). With songs like "All Around the World" and "Say the Word" you could start your own club. They also had some awesome singles with "Place In My Heart" and "Always and Forever" which are some of the worst music videos I've ever seen, youtube it if you dare, but I still love them.

14. Pax 217 - Self-titled
This album has a special place in my heart because after I got my license and had to learn stickshift by myself, this was the album I listened to; that, and it's awesome. I felt that Pax217 had a very unique sound, between rock and some rap, it's great stuff to get pumped to. "A.M." and "Gratitude" as well as "Sandbox Praise" and "Prizm" are all awesome songs. But I still love "Until The Sun" the most, even as the song fades out with the simple guitar riff, I never want it to end, like a good sunset.

15. Olivia the Band - Self-titled
Another great punk rock Christian band that isn't afraid to admit it and is highly underrated. I'm constantly afraid to get the news that Olivia the Band is gone because their record sales barely got by with this album, and I don't know how well their second is doing which is also really good. The album starts strong with "Stars and Stripes" and "Shut It Out" and ends strong with "Novocain" and "Kid Innocence" but is also a slow end with "Missing" which is a great song. I guess I like punk rock bands that get me pumped, but leave me contemplating at the end.

I was sitting looking and thinking about movies, how many there are, and how many I have and have not seen. It's insane when you think about it. I try not to be the guy who owns every movie; I don't just go buy something because it's cool or because I saw it once and thought it was just 'alright'. I want my movie collection to say something about me, people have often looked at it and gone "yep, that's Dan" because it's mostly comedy.

Then I thought about movies do I just never get sick of no matter how many times I watch them? This is a good question to ask because it makes you realize which discs get burned out and which ones you could probably get rid of. Feel free to leave comments, but don't give me your top 10 in them; if you want, write a blog of your top 10 so others can read it and comment on it as well! So here is my top 10 list of movies that I love AND never get sick of watching.

1. Star Wars Trilogies
Who didn't see that coming? It's true, I am a Star Wars fanatic and love everything about it. What is in Star Wars that isn't fully awesome? Lightsabers, the force, Yoda, Jedi, Smugglers, Gangsters, Jawas (yeah, I said it), love, hate, conflict; the list goes on. Let's just say I can't narrow it down to one movie, and yes I do like the prequel trilogy too so this is just one big clump.

2. Back to the Future Trilogy
I promise this isn't a whole list of trilogies, there's only a few. Back to the Future definitely comes from my childhood. I play guitar because Marty McFly is awesome and Johnny B. Goode is so much fun to watch and play. The concept is awesome, the casting is perfect, and even Back to the Future 3 was cool.

3. Ninja Turtles Trilogy (plus TMNT even!)
Ok last one I promise. Again, the ninja turtles movies are from my childhood. The creators must have been smoking something to come up with the idea of teenage-sized, walking, talking, ninjitsu trained turtles; but it's awesome! If I had to pick one movie it would be a fight between I and II, but probably II; III was still good, and the new TMNT movie that was CGI was also full of awesome ninja turtle action!

4. Goonies
Who doesn't love the Goonies? You either love this movie, or you've never seen it. Goonies was a good old 80's movie about a bunch of kids who go on a treasure hunt. First off, how awesome is that? What kid didn't go on a 'treasure hunt'? Well these kids went on a real one, and it's a great adventure that never gets old.

5. The Mask
Jim Carrey is possibly my favorite comedic actor. The Mask was in his prime years (Dumb and Dumber was up there, also think of Ace Ventura) and is by far my favorite movie of his. It was the perfect combination of the average joe with superpowers that many could relate to. And he even got the girl at the end.

6. School of Rock
Jack Black is also up there in comedic roles. School of Rock is a pretty unique movie, where the kids are the musician stars. I also like this movie because Jack Black was taught how to play his guitar parts by the kid, Zack, as he would probably have to teach me too; that kid is amazing. Actually all the kids are amazing at what they do; that's what makes it a such good movie.

7. Stardust
Now this might surprise some, but this movie is awesome. I originally thought it was a chick flick, and while there is the theme of love, this is one of the best adventure movies I've ever seen. A boy becomes a man, and one of my favorite themes is that he learns that love is more than just looks and feelings, it's about living an adventure together.

8. Kung-Fu Panda
Now this one probably didn't surprise anyone. Why I like this movie: Jack Black, Pandas (favorite animal), kung-fu, awesomeness, great animation, great story, awesome point! The whole movie is about being yourself and not trying to be something you can't. You can't reach your full potential until you just be yourself. It's hilarious, it's a kid's movie, and adults can love it too.

9. The Little Mermaid
I'm not ashamed to admit that this is my favorite Disney movie; it always has been and it always will be. This movie came out when I was 4, I'm old, and I've loved it ever since. I can't really pinpoint why: the music, the story, the character-lovability factor; it's just all so good. Can't get sick of singing "Under the Sea" or "Part Of Your World" possibly the best soundtrack.

10. Without A Paddle
While I love comedy, if a movie can cause emotion within the viewer it's a winner. I'm fairly unemotional when it comes to movies; I mean it's people acting, it's not real. But when there is a really good point to a movie tied with an adventure (see Goonies and Stardust) it can get to me. While this movie is without a doubt a comedy, the sense of adventure and doing something totally stupid with your friends stirs in me. I love adventures, and I love adventure movies that can give me the sense that I'm along for the ride too.

Alright already, stop nagging! So I'm writing a blog! There, you happy? Unfortunately I bring bad news: The newest and highly anticipated game of Star Wars, "The Force Unleashed" sucked. I don't mean it sucked like other games, I mean it was really bad. Not just really bad, horrific. Ok that might be going a little too far, but hopefully you catch my drift.

I was smart enough to wait on this game. Through a free one month trial of gamefly (which is cool, but way to expensive) I got to play this game for free, though I still feel as though my time has been cheated. I would like to go on record as saying that I didn't ever think this game would be as great as they built it up to be. I still remember when the first trailer came out and my roommate Jon was all hyped about it and I said it would bomb. It sold like crazy so he got that part right, but I'm pretty sure I won that bet (if we even bet... dangit).

First off, you put the game in and loading screens are a pain. When are we going to be past the era of loading screens? Lots of them in this game, even when you pause to go to the force upgrade menu: loading screen. The graphics are of course stunning, props for that, but graphics don't make a game. Plus there are some glitched graphics so that's fun.

Where this game falls apart is the playability. Within the first three levels I had found enough bugs unintentionally (I no longer get paid to find them so why try?) that I would have recalled this game. It is so buggy it is ridiculous; I even found a spot where I fell off of a platform, and all the sudden was standing on thin air. I walked around for a bit, then jumped back up, unscathed.

The storyline is predictable and fairly bland. I will give props to the voice acting though, very well done, though not enough to save the plot. First off, I don't care who's apprentice you are, you cannot kill Shaak Ti, especially only 3 levels in. It just doesn't happen, she should have killed me instantly. Second, you can't beat Darth Vader or the Emperor, but that's a whole other story. While I realize they were going for the "over the top" force powers, it was just too crazy, even for the star wars universe. A Jedi cannot pull a star destroyer out of the sky, it's just insane.

The gameplay was very archaic. I realize it's a new thing to have good flow to a game, but this was going back to the NES. If an enemy was in the middle of a swing, he was not able to be attacked. Odd? Yes, but also you can use this to your advantage: enemies cannot hit you while you are mid-swing. This stayed true till the later levels. Along with that, I considered, from the trailers and even the demo, that this was to be an action/adventure game. However after playing it and having many frustrated moments this game could practically be classified as a platformer. You jump from place to place, redundant and boring for a game of this caliber. I was sorely disappointed.

Needless to say I was disappointed with this game. I greatly appreciated Game Informer's take on it, that they should make a sequel where Darth Vader wakes up and it was all just a bad dream. It's also sad that George Lucas approved the storyline as canon in the Star Wars universe. It makes too many blatant and stupid connections to the original trilogy, it's like saying "please, like me! I know I'm a sucky game but I'm trying to be cool!" Speaking of trying to be cool, later in the game your droid fights you and uses a Darth Maul module. Yeah, you fight Darth Maul, the coolest sith ever! This gave me mixed feelings; since I both love Darth Maul, and despise this game. I came to the conclusion through beating him though that it doesn't matter who you are, you can't beat Darth Maul (Obi-Wan got lucky, or we'd all be screwed). And while they put Darth Maul in to make more people like it, it was too little too late.

So that's my 2 cents on the game, take it or leave it. I think I've played enough Star Wars games to know. It seems like with Star Wars the games either totally rock or totally suck (Rebel Assault II anyone?). My recommendation, stay as far away from this one as possible. I think I'm done ranting now, I'll go to bed.

Rachel and I put up our first Christmas tree last weekend. She 'forced' me up into the mountains, about an hour drive, where we paid the $10 for a permit, and then we went hiking for about 2 and a half hours to find the perfect Christmas tree. I say 'forced' because I did enjoy it, having never cut down our very own Christmas tree when I was a kid. It was a tradition for Rachel when she was growing up. Unfortunately I forgot my camera when we went into the middle of nowhere, but I took some pictures when we got home. It is an authentic, straight out of the forest, "Mountain Hemlock" tree.

Yep, Rachel finally got to take her NCLEX examination which allows her to practice as a Registered Nurse and she passed!!! She got cut off at 75 questions, which was the bare minimum, which was kind of worrisome because that usually means you either did really really well, or really really bad. I of course assumed she did really really well and I was right so ha!

We don't know when she will start her job at Overlake because we have to wait till the State sends her official results to them, but at least the worst is over and we can finally relax! Woohoo!!

So I am really bored at work and was "reminiscing" about what was so great in the 90's. Then I remembered those great commercials (some of you might hate them) with the Taco Bell dog. You know the ones, with the little chihuahua and the 99 cent tacos. As time went on he said more than just "Yo Quiero Taco Bell" but they were always funny. I thought, whatever happened to those commercials? They always left me satisfied and smiling.. Here's a clip to help you recall them from your memory; the quality sucks but that's youtube sometimes for you



You're laughing now, I know you're laughing, and if you're not laughing out loud, you're laughing on the inside. That was some funny stuff. Why don't they have funny commercials like that anymore? I know the original dog got run over (if you are humming that stupid Adam Sandler song, stop it!), but why not just get another one? Those commercials were freakin' hilarious! Anyway, just thought I'd share with the rest of the world, in case you forgot or missed out on some great commercials.

So first off, I never wanted to get into politics with people, but sometimes you're just so driven to do something because less people are doing what they should be doing (calling people out on stuff). Second, I will say that I was reluctant to vote for either candidate, but ended up voting for Obama. So now you can blame me just for where I'm coming from. Third, I realize this blog will probably get flamed for what I am saying and I don't care; I believe that not enough people are saying what I want to say and somebody has to say it.

While I did vote for Obama, I am still somewhat uncertain. As I said, I was not pro-Obama, I wasn't sure right up to voting who I was going to vote for. Whenever someone asked me who I was voting for I said "I don't know yet. But if I had to vote today, I'd probably write in Stephen Colbert" which was a half-joke. Coming around, I am glad Obama won over McCain. Jeff Cafferty hit the nail on the head with how I feel by saying that Sarah Palin would be one 72 year-old's heartbeat away from the presidency and "if that doesn't scare the hell out of you, it should." Again, you can have your opinions, but that is how I personally felt. All in all though, I'm not excited or ecstatic that Obama won, and I agree with some friends who say "I may not of voted for him, but I hope I"m wrong about what I thought and that he does a good job."

I believe that is really my point in writing this. While one friend made a good point that it is the "potential for bad things to happen" that people are freaking about Obama, I have to say that isn't justified because nothing has happened yet! To accuse someone of something (ie. America is going down the crapper because Obama got elected) is just plane wrong. Say it anyway you want, but even if you were going to take a cookie from the cookie jar, and your brother accused you of doing it so that you don't, doesn't mean you should get in trouble for taking a cookie. Wait to see what happens. If Obama does do something as President that is bad for the country, then you can blame him; but until that happens, just lay off.

Speaking of Obama doing things that affect the country, I think a lot of Christians have forgotten that the Bible has some things to say about our leaders. For one, we should respect and obey the laws of the land as long as they don't go against what the Bible says. While there are some different views of Obama, his views, and his religious upbringing, he does claim to be a Christian. Even that aside, he is the next leader of the USA and for that he deserves respect. If you don't like it, one of my former pastors put it quite well on his blog that you should pray about it and for Obama. Yeah, pray FOR him. Even if you think he's the devil or the Antichrist (which is extremely unbiblical to say something like that, read it again) you can still pray that he will make wise and God-honoring decisions for our country. He may not follow through (I can think some people are worried about what he might do with abortion) but that doesn't mean you can't pray for him. Even Tony Campolo, who was an adviser to President Clinton, still has respect for Bill because even though Bill did something wrong, Tony knew he was President but also a man, and all men are not perfect and therefore need prayer.

This is what really gets me riled up: the fact that some conservative "Christians" have the naivety to call Obama a lot of things that I think they personally would not want to be called themselves. First of all, look at history and you will see that we as a country go through this every time a new president is elected. It's just unfortunate that thanks to some ultra-conservative Christians with big followings, who I will not name so as to not upset any more people, have extremely large influences and make mountains out of mole-hills. For an example in most our lifetimes, Bill Clinton was president for 8 long years. You can argue about how good he was, but the end of the world did not come. Going back, George H. Bush had wars that also did not bring about the end of the world or second coming of Christ. Richard Nixon was a liar, JFK fought a cold war, Truman had the lowest presidential approval rating before the current President Bush and he had to pickup the pieces after WWII, FDR took the US into WWII, Herbert Hoover had to deal with the Great Depression, and I'm not going to go on. My point is, Presidents aren't always popular and they make choices where they are always branded with bring about the "end of the world" but it hasn't happened. Jesus said that there would always be wars and rumors of wars, that there would be false prophets and people posing as Him. But He also said to do not believe them and that all these things must come to pass. My point is this has been going on ever since He left, and every time we think it's all over and every time we are wrong. God please prove ME wrong on this! I would love to see Christ's second coming; but to think it's going to happen tomorrow just because someone got elected President is absurd.

I think one of the reasons a lot of Christians (who are white, I'm going to add now) are freaking out is because Obama is not the same skin color as they are (subconsciously or not). A couple days ago America made history for electing a man as President who is African-American, and has black (or dark, however you want to be politically correct about it) skin. I personally found it interesting that everyone at the McCain rally during his final speech (which was amazing btw, and those who are disagreeing with this blog should go back and listen to what he said, it was brilliant) was white and mostly old. Obama's rally on the other hand was mostly young and definitely interracial. There were blacks, whites, middle eastern, Asian; it was like the mixing pot was being stirred right there in Grant Park! After Obama had one, many African-Americans started freaking out, both in Grant Park and elsewhere, because a black man was about to become president. I don't believe they were crying because they thought he was a Messiah of any type, and I don't believe they were crying because they thought he was going to fix all their problems. They were crying because just 50 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was standing up for the rights of men and women simply based on their skin color. Just 50 years ago, blacks and whites didn't go to school together, didn't ride buses together (or at least the same area of the bus), and didn't even share the same drinking fountain. The fact that we have come so far as to elect a black president says something about this country. Those people were freaking out and crying because they probably had stories of their parents and grandparents being oppressed, and now we had really broken the barrier. No matter how you feel about Obama, just the breaking of the skin barrier should excite you!

I think those that blame Obama for being a false Messiah are wrong. Again, I can always be wrong in a few months or years, but as for right now I highly doubt he is. For one, even Obama has admitted that while he wants to bring change to America, he said himself he doubted he could do it in 4 years. Also, he said he would need our help. I recently read an article about how a lot of problems might not exist if we had helped Bush more instead of just blame him. While I don't like Bush much, the article had a point: the president can't just do everything himself, we the people need to stick with things through thick and thin. Obama himself has never claimed, to my knowledge, that HE is the answer, that HE is the change, or that HE is the hope. While you can read his cliche bumper stickers that way if you want, HE has also admitted that he can't do this alone. For those Americans who have put all their hope into him (and I believe there are many who have), that is not Obama's fault. Even John McCain said you can have the support of someone without supporting everything they stand for (YouTube search him talking about Jeremiah Wright, very interesting). Supporters who are putting their "faith" in Obama and that he will fix all their problems is their fault, and are sure to be disappointed simply because they misplaced their trust.

Now that this blog is entirely too long I want to close by talking straight at the conservative Christians (if you don't think you are one but hate Obama already I'd advise you to look again) who are just in an uproar claiming the world is coming to an end. Shut up. It didn't happen yet, just because Obama is president doesn't mean it's going to happen now. One of my old pastor's blogs put it nicely, but I'm too blunt. Just shut up, you're making yourself sound like a fool; and if you're wrong and calling a good man the Antichrist, you have someone to answer to when you die. You'll be forgiven for it, indeed you are forgiven, but don't do that to yourself when you don't know. Who knows, maybe in a few months everything will just go to crap and I'll be wrong and you can all laugh at me; but at least I'll know I did what I thought was right, and I believe God respects an attitude like that. I know I'm just wasting air and Internet storage space when I say all this, because as I pointed out, history repeats itself. And after Obama, when the next president is elected, we will go through this all over again with claims that that person is the Antichrist etc. But I just had to say it because it seems that all people do is argue and no one calls anyone on anything.

Write a new blog, write a blog. I know, I don't always keep up and write blogs all that often. Well this time I was somewhat BUSY! Married life isn't all free time ya know, probably because that would be boring. Rachel started working at Overlake Hospital which is cool and I'm still doing the Youth Director / Storage Facility thing. Woohoo is right! Sarcasm intended, I'm not that down about it because not many people love their jobs either, so I don't feel that out of it. The Church job has it's ups and downs and the storage job is bland, but at least I can do stuff online while I work (ie. watch Diggnation and TRS are always popular choices).

Aside from work which seems to take up everyone's time, including myself and my wife, I really do like married life. It's nice to come home to someone, or know someone is coming home to me. I guess I had that with roommates in college but I'm sure they would all agree that can't compete with Rachel in who I would rather come home to, haha. It's nice to have someone to do things with too; and I always have someone to talk to.

It's funny, my friends ask me how married life is going and what I think of it. Some of those questions are coming from those who are asking it in a rhetorical manner and others who genuinely don't know what to think about marriage in this day and age. To all who wonder, I highly recommend it. It's obvious with my background that as a Christian I believe in the sanctity of marriage. But even from a world viewpoint, I've seen too much hurt and pain to recommend otherwise. Marriage creates a commitment, a promise that should not be broken. It really is a lot like a relationship with God: it's not always easy, but it's good, right, better than any other options, and has by far the most blessings in it.

So if you're thinking about marriage, or perhaps you're thinking you don't need it; think again. Be sure you're with the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, and then go for it! Know that it won't make life perfect, but the blessings will far outweigh the hurts. And regardless, you'll make memories together, which is really more important and creates more love than anything else can.

Well, after 2 days of 6 truck loads (4 and 2, respectively) I am now moved into my new place where Rachel and I will be living together for at least the next year; probably longer because it's a nice place. It took me about 5 hours one day and 2 hours the next day to do this all, pretty much by myself. Tip of the hat to Rick for helping me move my tv. I didn't mind doing it myself, minus my bed, it made me feel like a man and I'll probably watch 300 again as soon as I have time.

The place is nice, good size and good location. It's in Juanita which is good, somewhat far from work but whatever, welcome to Seattle area and commuting. I like the area and it's low crime which I wanted. Rent isn't bad, especially for 1000 square feet; two bedroom (the second one is tiny though, perfect for an office but would be horrible to live in) and one bath. Pictures will be coming, but right now it's just messy with boxes everywhere, nobody wants to see that. Once I get stuff setup and unpacked and maybe get some couches I'll get some pics online.

Rachel has seen the place and already likes it, I'm excited to start our life together there. Only 17 more days!! That's less than 400 hours!!! Yeah, I'm excited, so sue me. It really kept me motivated because I'm not a big fan of moving; probably because I haven't done it much. My parents didn't move with us kids till we were out of the house anyway. I've only really moved (moving your little dorm room doesn't count) three times now. Still not a fan. Maybe the older I get I'll get used to it but I don't know why I'd want to.

Anyway, I'm just rambling, I always have work today and when I'm not working I'll be unpacking. If you want to come over and chill sometime twitter me up or just call/text me always works too. It's a total mess, but I'm sure I can always use the break.