The Victory of Reverend Walter.

Quality Abounds

I suppose it is what I do. Make a plan, and compile the evidence as to why it is a good one. But...I can't wait to be rid of Cleveland Tennessee. Coming back from thanksgiving in Ohio, it occurred to me as we arrived back home how fat and stupid mostly everybody looks around here.

This observation was not helped by my trip tonight to the library. I, for some reason, started feeling all fancy and wanted to get a CD of Tchaikovsky. Alas, the Cleveland Public Library only had two CD's, both of which were different editions of "selections from the Nutcracker."

Of course, if I had been in the mood to sample any of Gary Chapman's 11 timeless works, I would have been in glorious luck.

No. 2 Research Paper ends.

One research paper down.

Coffee

And to offset yesterday's guilt trip.

Le café
by pheneu_et_meleu

No, I didn't join a french club.

Stop the Pain Duration

Translation for the end: "For some of us, pain never stops. You can stop it." From the french NGO Pain Without Borders

Ooooihhhh

Now. I, in general, despise branding. But that's not true, I love the idea of branding, I just don't like how easy it is for some people. So, I find anything that everybody is into because of it's "name" a major pain to my soul. Like why can't little girls just have an effing doll house? Oh, they can't because they need it to be High School Musical 3 themed. Or they wouldn't know what to make the dolls say or do. *cough*

However, there is one major exception (and probably millions of minor ones).






I don't know what it is, but these guys actually make me feel happy. I used to be all against them and for the local coffee shop! And still...I'll vote for the local...but I can't fight it any more. Well done Starbucks.

Ron Paul got 19,852 votes.

The guy who I voted for, who ACTUALLY ran, got 180,336.

And Obama won.

I've got to say that I am actually kind of excited by this. I am pretty sure his face isn't going to melt off to reveal a face full of grin-teethe.

It's exciting (not too exciting mind you) for many reasons. We will have a "black(ish)" President. He is young. He is sharp. He has a name like a terrorist(s). While he didn't completely blow John McCain out of the water, he did earn the energy of most of the "younger" generation.

Now a lot of older people seem to find this worrisome. I don't think it's really going to be a big deal. So there.

What's most interesting to me is that I will be shipping off to Basic Training January 13, and I believe Obama will be the official President the last week or so of January. He get's at least four years. I get at least four years. It will be interesting to get to know him from the stand point of serving in the military.

That's about it.

Welcome to the...

All Hail the Supreme Overseer Barack Hussein Obama!!!!

Hear 'O steady and shaky hands.

Someday we will sail away. Not just away. We will sail There. It's no easy task.

And sometimes we faithless yell. "Captain, awake! We are drowning and You sleep!"

Ought we not follow in His way? To lay down beside the Master and rest a while in peace, tho the world wash away.

Lord, Wash it all Away.

Dendratical Guilt

There is something AMAZING about having a clean inbox!

It's getting personal.

Yesterday a man pulled his pickup truck over in front of our house. He got out grinning but not really looking at me as he walked up a little too confidently for my comfort. "Nuts, the shotguns in my closet" I thought to myself.

Man: "Nice warm fall day we are having"
Me: "Yes, it is beautiful?"
Man: "say, I was just wondering if you mind if I put one my John Mccain signs in your yard?"
Me:"Yes I do...mind"
Man: "Well, that's alright, so long as you vote for him" *inspiring chuckle*
Me: "well, I am not too sure who I am voting for at this point."
Man: "Now let me tell you...well...do you know what a socialist is?" *ominous look*
Me: "Yes I do." *confidently*
Man: *starts to walk away* "Well you just think about that now. Think it over good."
Me: "Yes, thank you."
*Man turns and leaves*

I wasn't quite honest, because at that time I was pretty sure who I was voting for. But Mr. you pulled the wrong trigger when you tried to use "socialism" as a point, presumably meant to be a negative one.

I am pretty sure that I am voting for Chuck Baldwin.

a quiet little faith.

"How vigilant we are! Determined not to live by faith if we can avoid it; all the day long on the alert, at night we unwillingly say our prayers and commit ourselves to uncertainties. So thoroughly and sincerely are we compelled to live, reverencing our life, and denying the possibility of change..." -Henry David Thoreau

"How priceless is your love, O God! your people take refuge under the shadow of your wings. They fest upon the abundance of your house; you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the well of life, and in your light we see light." -Psalm 36:7-9

Show us your light Lord, your simple, devastating light. Let us abide your arms, your wings.

The pathetic state of politics.

Friends, family, &c.

I'm sure, if you have had your ear to the media...your are aware of the sad state our Great Nation has arrived at. The galactic Poo Slinging is not something to be proud of, contrary to what some would have you believe.

I think we owe those that are courageous enough to present their eloquent minds and ideas to the American People in hopes that we will hand them the reigns...so to...speak.

I would like you to take a moment and consider the hearts and minds of our candidates and come to a conclusion(!) on who you wish to take over.

As you also may know, I joined the air force, and so...the idea of not having to consider right and wrong...and to rest in the comforting (if not slightly beepy) embrace of the Hive mind is alright.

Of course, the back-stabbing uber-strange warrior kind may find the other race a decent career ladder.

Lest we forget how truly fortunate we are...

We might have gotten stuck with this.....

Resitance is Futile...

The secret meanings of dreams.

I often have dreams where I'm in a bit of trouble, and the solution is a gun. However, I can't remember one single dream where the gun was fully functional. It either ends up being a toy, or a laughable BB-Gun, or there is no ammunition to be found.

Now, an expert dream-figure-outer might say this means I don't think, somewhere deep-down, that I have "what it takes." Well... I don't have a lot of self confidence sometimes...so sure...but I hope I can get that worked out soon because I could sure use the help dream-side.

Last nights situation:
Nathanael < Zombies

It is getting... Official.

As you may or may not know, I have an official ship date of January 13th. I went today to sign my contract. I didn't end up signing it yet because they had to redo my entry rank, instead of going in as an E-1, I will be going in as an E-3 due to my college credits.

However I did find out that my field will be Electronics (as my Father before me.) Right now my two top picks are Space Systems Operations, and F-15 Avionics (soon to be F-22/F-35)

That is all.

The infinite Justice of G-d!

For a while I didn't know who to vote for...I don't like either of the main misters voices enough to want to listen to them for the next (X) years.

Well, I believe now that G-d sent the Hurricane to interrupt the Republican National Convention as a sign not to vote for John McCain.

Plus with Obama's announcement of Joe Bidden!!!! He wants to work on the passenger rail system of our great nation!

Friendly Arctic Music Newsic

Brendan's album just got reviewed on Indie Vision Music.

For those that don't know, Brendan is my brother. He is on our record label Friendly Arctic Music.

Homeschool Uniform 1.0

Oh yeh, we dig it.

Oohhhh Haadaaasaaaah....

The Fretting may now discontinue...

And for all of you who thought I was just throwing a fit....HA!

I am officially no longer a civilian. For the next four years the Air Force will give me a chance to pay the government back a little for all the free food they have supplied us with.

I will now be checking to make sure that all of our friends and families are flying 'ole Glory... gloriously.

Gaaaawwwwd Bleese Thar EwwwwwEeeeeesssssAAAyyyyyyyyy!!!!

Of Miracles and Mermaids

Ivy and Ari were taking a bath. Ivy was floating on her back with her eyes closed kicking her legs.

(Father) "Are you a mermaid?"
(Daughter) "I'm not a mermaid. I don't have red hair...or a fin. I got knees... I have to break my knees off... Jesus has to break my knees off and put a fin there. Or maybe... I can grow. My feet will grow big, Big BIG!!! and that's how I get a fin to be a mermaid."

The faster red, the slower blue.

If only to be allow my future-self to revisit this tumultuous time, sans embedded chaos...

Things are progressing with the Air Force adventure...I considered briefly pursuing SERE training but decided that while the actual concepts and environments of the job would be blissful, the "type" of people involved would probably not be very... compatible with my "personality" &c.

I am enjoying eating meat again.

I am suddenly wanting to drink mountain dew.

I am not really into "discovering new music" or keeping up with all that jazz...but I am REALLY digging Nellie McKay. She kind of reminds me of Ginger Rogers... Also, even though she is apparently fairly covered by the much beloved NPR, I did not hear about here from there...so mind your own business.

I am also a little upset that Ivy has just not grasped onto how important it is to keep your side arm well maintained at ALL times...

Happy Birthday Mr. Eastwood

I am perhaps a bit late in the game...

I am enlisting in the Air Force.
So please vote for a president that will not send me to Africa/Asia.
I am still allowed to say that I think.

The good life...

Folks, I occasionally get a deep, sinister...grin... inside of me. Just such an occasion has occasioned.

Star Trek. A new Star Trek film is on its way...May of 2009. And....


Simon Pegg is playing a young scotty.

I praise thee Lord for thy benevolent grace and sympathy towards an otherwise dull pop culture.

Yes sir. *shake shake smile*

I just bought some fancy new socks and tomorrow I go to get a brand new job. *pff*

Hell yes.

Most things are worthless...

Yet.... some things..... I need.

Ok ok, whatever...

sorry about that.

Eisley...

Come Clean.

I once spent a year growing up with these people. Watching home videos of them as diapered daughters and son. And drawing, and drinking coffee, and being amongst a loud/calm large family. A long time ago.

At least the orange was thinner...

My knees are on fire.
And true, there was a blackpowder runner.

Good Morning Walky Feet

I walked the ten-mile trip to school today, this time leaving a little bit earlier at 6:00am. Nothing quite as dramatic as an owl bombardment this time...

Walking from dark till dawn is a wonder. Certainly, before the sun his made his move there are birds signaling that the time is at hand, and the closer it gets, a sort of peacfull frantic occurs from the mouths of all these birds. It is as if they were doing their best to entice the sun to awaken this morning, and to a great victory, the sun rose in vibrant color.

The trip home was somewhat disenchanted as I detected the beginnings of blisters on my feet. It was also at this time that I realized the many people I passed on the walkway were there for an intent strictly physical. Their shiny enhancing clothes and shoes were a stark contrast to my clumsily put together disintegrating garments. And all the more joy from it.

We finally moved in...

Thats right...We live in Tennessee

The Walking Begins...

Apparently I did not consume a proper ration of coffee this morning at 6:47 to ensure that I be fully alert. Because at approximately 6:49 I was nearly knocked down by an owl. Or rather, it seemed that way to my under-coffeed self.

The sun was yet up, and I was crossing a bridge over the creek by our house on my way to school (by foot) when a large object rushed past me not more than 5 feet away and alighted on a large tree directly to the right of me. After a few fractions of a second of jumbled awareness and limbs, I realized that perched in the tree was a large (1 1/2 feet tall) owl.

This was certainly an fantastic beginning to a quest that I have been long thinking about, and too lazy to endeavor, until this morning. It is a 10 mile round trip walk from our house to Cleveland State Community College where I am currently enrolled. There are more direct routes but I chose one that included a wooded trail following a creek and secluded alleys through the "historic district" of Cleveland.

While I am smarting throughout my body, I am very pleased with the experience. I've often read about(and experienced in short) the richer world of a slow walk, as compared to the speedy blur that is car travel. It is true, not only did I have plenty of time to awaken my mind and body before I plunged into study, but all around were things to been seen, the owl, abundant birds, people yelling at dogs, turtles, &c.

On my way home my mind began to relish its current purity and started considering all of the delightful amendments it aught to make to the pursuit of walking. Such is my foolishness, once I obtain something good, I set right about with disconnected want.

"I should get some nice walking shoes, I should get a good pack that won't rip open and strain my back so, I should get some proper walking pants and bloomers, I should get, buy, need, want, get.

I managed to fend off these thoughts and took joy again in the idea of wearing out my current collection of suitable pants, shoes, pack, in the spirit of Thoreau.

This is all a bit jumbled and I will save some of the other things to talk about for later walks.

Well, quite frankly...

It's Easter. Or in proper un-pagan language...

Today is the day we celebrate Yeshua the Christ, not just being a sacrifice... but being G-d also...and rising...

Today is also a day that I remembered a few things.

1. Having a family (wife, daughter, son) is worth everything.
2. G-d gave this life to me...and today... I remembered that I am thankful for that.
3. I also remembered that no matter how refined I or those around me become...I still really want to take a big sword and go run down some English dogs with an ever pleasant draft wifting up my kilt.

The Earth is Waiting...

For our hands... It told me this morning that its ok with making food for us this year. That is good news.

Return to the Arctic...

I am feeling immensely inspired... Our record label was inspired by a book from the 1920's called "The Friendly Arctic" in which an arctic explorer named Vilhjalmur Stefansson tells of finding beauty and life in a place that many think of as dead and desolate.

Beauty and life in the dead and desolate.

Let us explore again...

The Concluding Prayer of the Church

Heavenly Father, in you I live and move and have my being; I humbly pray to you to guide and govern me by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of my life I may not forget you, but may remember that I am ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

Beef Recall

Ok. I PROMISE not to become a "crazy" animal rights guy.

However, in light of my previous post on my new ideas on food, I find it interesting that the largest beef recall in US history has just taken place.

The recall of 143 million pounds of beef was not prompted by tainted meat making people sick (as most meat recalls are), but rather by a video that the Humane Society recently made available.

For Those Interested in Local Food

Go ahead, click on that...type in your zip code...and MAGICAL! Find local food for your belly...to be happy.

Joy from XKCD

Goodbye Meat (sort of)

I have made a very dramatic decision. I am going to become a "social vegetarian." I just made that up. I never thought I would come to this...I even secretly resented "vegetarians" and their foolishness for abstain from the trancendant delights of meat.

Until last night.

I was driving our family to house church and saw a cat in the middle of the road. It had one leg raised into the air, swinging around, reaching. It had been hit and was writhing around in the middle of the street. It almost made me sick right there. I was at first horrified at the sight. And then I become intensely angry at myself for not showing mercy to the animal...I was too cowardly. What struck me most about this was how unnecessary it was. We don't NEED to drive around in our cars killing animals. We don't NEED to. Humans might be dying from just our need for gas...but I'm not sure of that. I do know that many people die each year from car accidents...it's not necessary.

So what the heck does this have to do with eating meat? Well...like I said, I was mad...my first instinct was to say something crazy like "we aren't going to own a car anymore!" which would have been...crazy. (Maybe some day.) What did grow from this was the intense sorrow I felt for that animal...one of God's creatures...that didn't NEED to die. Well...I do know that our consumption of meat results in an incredibly unnecessary waste of animal well being and life. I don't doubt that the meat on sale in the grocery store is the end of that gruesome trail. I couldn't bring myself to take responsibility for that cat's life. I can take responsibility for what I eat. It's very simple.

I later went back with a shovel and a box... cleaned the cat (who had by then been hit several more times) off the street and dumped him off a bridge into the river.

I decided that from now on, if I don't KNOW where the meat came from, KNOW that the animals had decent lives...lived well (for animals), and know that the people who raised and killed them actually cared a little for them... I won't eat it. That means for convenience sake, I will probably now just tell people I am vegetarian...

I will still eat meat, if I can take the responsibility to enter into that relationship with the animals and farmers...

By the way, I'm not saying that I think this is for everybody...I wish it where, but thats too big for me... I am not holding the rest of my family to this code...it is my own personal choice.

"Let me on your shoulders"

Our Lord lets us play.

The move to Ohio and why it is not.

For those of you interested/concerned... plans have changed (no doubt this was expected by many) and we will not be moving to Ohio this May. In the end it was a decision made in the best interest for my family.

A transparent look at motivation and life:

When I graduated high school in 2001 I did not go to university. I was bothered by the idea that you pretty much HAD to go to school in order to get a good job...get in debt to get out of debt etc.

Well... Last year, with a wife, a daughter, and a son on the way, I quit my luxurious job as assembly line worker in a Maytag Factory. I was inspired by reading Henry David Thoreau's WALDEN to go to school and get a degree in Biology.

Giving up a job (as bad as it was) meant that we no longer had health care. Thankfully in Tennessee they have a very good health care system (welfare?) We are able to get health care for our whole family through the state, as well as food stamps (which we also needed.) We are currently living primarily off of grants and loans as I make my way through school.

I certainly never expected to be on welfare, and it is VERY humiliating from time to time. I COULD work full time and go to school full time, but I would do very poorly, and would not have a family life at all. So for the time being I am grateful for the programs that are available.

The decision to not move to Ohio came from many various reasons, but they main being that Ohio does not have a comparable health care program and we would lose health insurance for our family.

We certainly regret not being close to family and old friends, but hope that we can still maintain our relationships. (We will make periodic trips to Ohio for family/friends visits, and certainly all you "busy" people can come and visit us.)

Our current plan is to stay here in Tennessee. In the next year I will be transferring to UTC where I will obtain a bachelors in Biology, and then a Masters in Environmental Science. We are open to the Lord giving us a new way, but as it is, our course is set.

-Nathanael Johnson and Family

Poly-ticks

If it really ends up being between Clinton and McCain....

We will not be staying in Tennessee.
We will not be moving to Ohio.
Or South Carolina.

We will be moving to Norway...where they have abundant geothermal energy and free college.

Wait a minute...why are we staying?

There is tale of a thunderstorm near

And I am drinking espresso and working math. This is good.

Cradle to Cradle

I have just finished reading William McDonough & Michael Braungart book entitled "Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things" It's been a very fresh take on "environmentalism" and "sustainable" method. It resonates strongly to the notion of integrity and doing things right. I have a notion of "living within ones means" that I feel very strongly about and will be writing on the in the near future.

Here are some of the ideas...

Library Expansion

The money that I received for Christmas has been put towards an expansion of my library. The following books are awaiting my eager reading:

Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the way we make things
The Post-Petroleum Survival Guide and Cookbook
Clean House, Clean Planet: Cleaning the safe and nontoxic way
Jesus of Nazareth
The Divine Hours: Pocket Edition

Ivy is a robot.

Ivy drew this while I wasn't looking. For the record, she was not instructed to add body parts, or as to their location.

She said "look daddy, it's ari. He looks kind of like a penguin doesn't he?"

"Yes Ivy, your nautical/arctic knowledge makes me proud."