On the Mug of suspected Death

Pat got me a big mug for the 493 Christmas present exchange. (Also some tea to go in the mug; very thoughtful). But whenever hot liquids are placed in this mug, it emits alarming 'clicking'/'ping' sounds.

Nyssa thinks the mug is poisoned. I think it could be a tea activated time bomb. Pat is in North Bay, and cannot comment. (Clever Alibi?) Whatever the case, if you see me with large gashes on my face, and a bizarre fear of red mugs, then you will know what happened.

In such an event blame Pat, or Hallmark




-C.D.Clements

Three Posts in One Month: Paper Season is Here.

Some where along the time line of the month I became aware of the 'buy nothing Christmas'. Follow this link for some ideas.

My Personal Favorite:

Give Linux for Christmas! It's free and it works like a charm! These days, distributions include not only the operation system that runs your computer, but applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, picture and sound editing, etc. And give a hand installing it. It's not that it's too difficult, but some people's tech-savvyness is rather limited. —Gilles Pelletier

- C.D. Clements

On Something Nerdy and Neat.

This is a game. It can be found on line for free.

It is fun; yet it is simple.

It is a game for people who are both gamers and desert fathers.

-C.D. Clements

On All The Cool Places

Working Tyndale Maintenance, we (mainly myself) have a goal of being in as many restricted areas as possible before we move on from maintenance.

The only 'rule' to the contest is that an individual may only check off an 'area' when the individual has done legitimate maintenance work in the paticular area.

Here is the list of cool places I have been:

Roofs:
Gym
Cafeteria
Seminary
Hall of Missions
Chapel
6th Floor
Administrative:
Archives
Vault
All sorts of offices
President's Office
Library Work Rooms.
A few of those rooms in the basement filled with all sorts records
Facilities:
Boiler Room
Maintenance Shop (this is a given)
Electrical Room
Pump Room
Elevator Machinery Room (for the main lift)
Hydro Vault
Gardening Room (not very exciting)
Telephone Room
AV closets
Server Room
Heat Exchange Room
Services:
All over G&T cafeteria (including -17 Celsius meat locker)
Bookstore storage
Security Room
Other:
All Guest Rooms
All Female Washrooms (yuck)
6th Floor Kitchen
All Residence Storage Rooms

Only area left: The underground tunnel to Morrow Park!

-C.D. Clements

On a particular aspect of life

A romantic relationship is limited (ideally...) to the two individuals involved in this relationship.

This means that the relationship is exclusive. (Again, assuming that others are not free to get in on the action).

Therefore when in a group setting, a good thing to do is to try to be as inclusive as is reasonable.

All things considered, we want to have inclusive relationships (says Pioneer Camp) as opposed to exclusive ones.

I think this is why I don't like enthusiastic displays of public affection.

Unless they are artful.

-C.D. Clements

Casual Reviewing

Is this a remix of a 54-40 hit? No... it is Chris Clements' reviews of things he has encountered thus far throughout the summer, and which he feels are worth reviewing. A brief explanation, and then we begin.

To aid the reviewing process, each item will be ranked in three different categories, and be given a one sentence summary. Use the two handy reviewing aids in conjunction with each other for optimal performance.

Here are the three categories:

Category (A) : Humor

Rating system:
1 = Not Funny
2 = Worthwhile Funny
3 = Genuine Humor

Category (B) : Spiritual Content

Rating system:
1 = Pagan
2 = Average Zondervan Publishing Content
3 = Totally Kingdom of God

Category (C) : Awesome Factor

Rating system:
1 = Not Awesome
2 = Getting close to Awesome
3 = Awesome

THE ITEMS:

The Gift of Peace by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin
Score: Humor (1) Spiritual Content (3) Awesome Factor (2)
Short Sentence: Be inspired to know God in prayer, and a few other things.

Fantasy Images
Score: Humor (2) Spiritual Content (1) Awesome Factor (3)
Short Sentence: Replace your friend's desktop images for some entertainment (Nyssa Dhillon is a big fan).

Internet Reversi
Score: Humor (1) Spiritual Content (N/A) Awesome Factor (2)
Short Sentence: While not a high score in any of the rating categories, this little game can be played for hours on end. Also Will and Brad from the T.A.'s office can beat you at reversi any lunch hour.

Medeski Martin Wood (Jazz Trio)

Score: Humor (1) Spiritual Content (2?) Awesome Factor (3)
Short Sentence: Dig some pretty good jams; possibly get free tickets from some hippies to see M.M.W. at the Toronto Jazz Festival (this has only happened on one known instance: June 27 2007, to myself and Nyssa Dhillon).

Talking Heads: More Songs about Buildings and Food
Score: Humor (3) Spiritual Content (??) Awesome Factor (3)
Short Sentence: Hot Dog; everyone will like this album, from Tyndale Maintenance staff to house mates who went to North Bay for the summer.

Derek Webb: The Ringing Bell
Score: Humor (1) Spiritual Content (Mostly 3) Awesome Factor (2)
Short Sentence: See short sentence from the Talking Heads entry.

John Hodgman: The Areas of My Expertiese
Score: Humor (3) Spiritual Content (A little here, a little there) Awesome Factor (3)
Short Sentence: Be informed, in a humorous manner.

Eternal Wisdom from the Desert edited by Henry L. Carrigan Jr.
Score: Humor (1) Spiritual Content (3) Awesome Factor (3)
Short Sentence: Intense Spirituality from the third and fourth centuries.

Elder Scrolls IV - Oblivion
Score: Humor (1) Spiritual Content (1) Awesome Factor (3)
Short Sentence: Great Game. Fulfills all epic adventure needs in the modern 20 something male psyche.

The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun
Score: Humor (1) Spiritual Content (3) Awesome Factor (3)
Short Sentence: Intense spirituality from modern China.

-C.D. Clements

On Tyndale Maintenance: The Game

-A quick introduction-

While at work on any Tyndale Maintenance job, there is invariably a test of skill and cunning which presents itself with the given task. These tests of the Tyndale Maintenance worker range from that of colossal engineering, to the subtle, yet unexpected setback. Play as either Chris or Mark*, and realize the adventure and reward of Tyndale Maintenance in the comfort of your own home.
Set in the style of Chips Challenge (see windows 95) and the occasional adventure perspective, (see such great games as 'Kings Quest'; 'Space Quest'; 'Police Quest' and to a lesser extent 'Torin's Passage') Tyndale Maintenance The Game** promises actual fun for all, not just those who are 'maintainly' inclined.

-Overview of Demo Levels-

Level 5:

Debunk all of 5^th floor's bunk beds.

-Features corroded extenders, flimsy frames, tight spaces, severely wedged components, missing items, bruised fingers, and mismatched headboards.

-For extra difficulty select the 'Hot Muggy Day' option.

Level 7:

Chair Stuck in Closet of room 407

-Features a Chair which cannot be removed by conventional means. (Tip: use screwdriver and accessories to remove closet door, and closet door track)

Level 12:

Change Light Bulb at 12' in the air, above spinning fan.

-Earn WHIMIS points for timely completion.

Level 20:

Find things to do while Mark is busy all day making name plates.

-This excludes leaving early and doing any sort of thing which is interesting

Level 30:

Securely fasten bookstore fan to sub-ceiling by anchoring a piece of wood with hooks to concrete ceiling without breaking anything, or setting of heat detectors with are directly above ladder, and attached to the ceiling panel to the left of the fan which needs to be anchored. Task must be completed amongst mess of various (mainly network) cables running any given way between sub-ceiling and concrete ceiling. Also be ware of water pipe running above celling tiles where fan must be anchored.

-A limit of three trips to Maintenance shop total (as opposed to per person) permitted for this level.

-Actual In-Game Screen Shots-

-C.D. Clements

*Who incidentally was received recently into the grouping of people know as 'the best people ever'; this selection of people are not necessarily the famous/elite, but are certainly recognized as prestigious with regard to their manner and skill in conjunction with [well...] various sorts of things. (Like a 'For many are called, but few are chosen' sort of scenario).

**System Requirements:

Pentium 4 - 2.5 Ghz (or better)

512 MB Video

1 GB Ram

4 GB Hard Drive Space

48x DVD Drive

On What I Found Online

Options:
A) Penner's "Now and Not Yet" paradox in N.T. theology.

B) Prime example of Niebuhr's "Church Above the World" model of cultural interaction.

C) Carnal Nature in conflict with Spirit Nature

D) Different strokes for different folks

-C.D. Clements

On Pirated Pirate Internet Resources

Here are some internet resources for the scholarly pursuit of pirate linguistics. Enjoy!

A) How to talk like a Pirate, 1

B) How to talk like a Pirate, 2

C) International Talk Like a Pirate Day

D) Supplementary Vocab, and alphabet

E) Flash English/Pirate Translation

F) AOL research & learn : Pirate phrases

G) Pirate Keyboard

H) Instructional Video

-C.D. Clements

On The Best Of Halo 2

The 493 Cummer Avenue, Pat and Chris Halo 2 template for an optimal gaming session is comprised of many delicate elements. One of the most important and carefully considered components is the selection of music to which the game will be played. I have humbly comprised a ‘best of’ with regard to the Halo 2 sound track. It is our sincere hope that the incorporation of our research into great Halo 2 music will add new dimensions to your own Halo 2 experience.

The List: (alphabetically)

Elvis Costello – My Aim is True

Features classic Costello styled music, strong melodies, and a neat acoustic selection of bonus tracks.

Jars of Clay – Good Monsters

This new Jars of Clay album sends Christian music into the much beloved world of new ‘indy’ rock. Reminds us of stuff like Cold Play mixed with SufJan and some other things too. Track 8 is the best.

John Mayer – Continuum

Courtesy of Paul Randell; this is John Mayer as heard not catering to the musical needs of adolescent girls. Good mix for rocking; one step down from ‘rocking out’.

New Pornographers – Electric Version, Twin Cinema

Stellar Canadian band, regardless of what Dan Jupp’s cousin thinks. This is feel good, foot taping music.

Phish – Billy Breathes, Slip Stitch and Pass

Phish… who knew? Highlights include a well refined studio recording (Billy Breathes) and a great live album (Slip Stitch and Pass). The ladder is liked because of a Talking Heads cover which kicks the album off. The great jams will cause your Halo 2 experience to run incredibly smooth.

The Roan – Ambient Compilation

This is the music which stared it all. Jason Rainville made me an ambient mix in third year, and we would swear by this mix all through out the Tyndale Halo 2 years. Good mix of creepy ambient, and chill ambient with a beat.

Talking Heads – Fear of Music, Remain in the Light, True Stories

Music which is great, and a little out of the ordinary. Fear of music comes with many killer lines which can be quoted in various contexts for great inside jokes. Remain in the light is a treat as well. True Stories gives an enjoyable look at the 80’s from the talking head’s perspective. ‘Speaking in Tongues’ could have been in this list as well, but we haven’t given it the chance it probably deserves.

-C.D. Clements

On the Conference

(click for larger view)

A few points from the Restoring Justice conference

A) Tony Campolo’s ideas about Red Letter Christians. This was a theme which could be found throughout the event, and originally posted by Lewis on his blog. Follow .:this link:. for an interview by Campolo on CBC’s the Hour.

B) It is not necessary to be a hippy to be a Christian. But adopting various hippy ideas really helps. There was a large emphasis on community and caring for others from a community.

C) Not at all related to the conference’s theme, but playing in the band was quite an experience. I never worship and experience God like I do from behind a kit. I am not sure what that is about, but it happens almost every time I play in a worship setting. I propose that playing drums is a very mystical experience…

Here are some links which are related:

Darryl’s Conference Notes

Epiphaneia – Session Syndication

J. Locke’s Reflection

N.A. Dhillon's Reflection

-C.D. Clements

On a Documentary

The other night I watched a film about Burning Man festival. If you have two hours, this gives a neat look into the lives of others, and their ideas. Even a quick peruse would be worth while.

I don't think I will live and die by the ideas expressed in the film; however there are certainly some aspects where one could allow the ideas to influence the individual & the communal setting. Such an influence would probably leave the individual at a better place than where the individual started.

Let me know what you think.

Burning Man Documentary Link

-C.D. Clements

On two more photos from the L.I.T. canoe trip

With regard to an unrelated matter; I hope Nyssa Dhillon will return to OPC this summer.

-C.D. Clements

On Humor

Concert Field

"This was a holy moment in which one could ponder shit and be right."

Other funny phish moments are at:

Gallery with Captions

Letters to the Band with Responses

C.D. Clements

On!

Chris Lewis has posted a little ditty about his experience at 493. This is worth reading. Follow this link.

-also-

Someone I live with took a trip. We don't know when he is returning, but we made him a welcome home picture. It is in a nice frame on his desk. Here is a preview:

- C.D. Clements

On The Porn Show

Went to see the New Pornographers again on the 6th. It was an ambient -26 degrees at Nathan Phillips , and difficult to groove with many people packed around.

Degree of fun (although): High.

In addition Rachel Clements could have gone, but chose not to. I feel that she should have.

They are probably the best Canadian act going.

-C.D. Clements

On The Dearly Departed

Chris Lewis (pictured above) has moved to the United States for school. Lewis was enjoyable to live with at 493 for the following reasons:

-Making fun of Penney and Paul (mostly Penney).

-Making fun of Al.

-Making fun of various other people.

-Discussing women.

-Lewis leaving his Stella in the fridge.

-Him having a beard.

-Talking about Ronald J. Sider, the Emerging church, and the book ‘Blankets’.

-The Sheraton Center trip (where the below photo was taken at breakfast).

-Affirming athletics, and the importance of looking good.

-Having someone to call 'LewDog'.

-Digging Damien Rice.

-And a variety of other reasons.

Okay man, visit soon.

-C.D. Clements

On Repetition

Repetition in prayer assists in expressing a particular idea to God in prayer without having to think up new ways of explaining yourself.

Just don’t let the repetition become vain.

-C.D. Clements