I just found out that opera singer Don Diego Jones was murdered in a park in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, June 8th. I don't know his exact age but he didn't look older than his late 30's which makes it more tragic and sad. I lived in the days when DC was called "the murder capitol" but this news still shocked me. I pray things are not getting so bad again that a simple stroll in the park can cost you your life.
Don Diego Jones' Bio:
Don Diego Jones was a dedicated social worker and a member of the Washington National Opera's chorus where he performed in many operas. However, he was most notably known for his rendition of the 23rd Psalm that he did with harpist Jeff Majors at Coretta Scott King's funeral. He received even more acclaim when he repeated the performance on the Oprah Winfrey show later that year.
My Take:
What a loss! Don Diego Jones was an extraordinarily gifted vocalist who will not be forgotten. I absolutely loved his rendition of the 23rd Psalm in the video link especially how he sang "and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord, forever". I would play this continuously night and day when I was in some "dark valleys" myself or just to praise the Lord. I would often refer friends and family to this video during their tough times and they also found comfort and strength in it.
Even though I did not know Mr. Jones personally, I viewed the video all day today and could not keep myself from crying. The song has always touched me deeply but now it was so real and relevant. As sad as I am about Mr. Jones passing, all I can think of is "Oh, the choir that's in heaven!" I hope this video will strengthen his family through this tough time. My thoughts and prayers truly go out to Don Diego Jones' family. May God rest his soul and may He reward him greatly for using his gift of voice to praise our Lord. And may Don Diego Jones "dwell in the house of the Lord, forever".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYQX-Mvh9pI
Update:
Mr. Jones was 43 years old and was a contracted chorus performer and with the Washigton National Opera. He sang with the likes of Placido Domingo and many others during his many stage performance over 14 years with the Washington National Opera. His voice was classified as a lyric tenor which is defined as "a warm graceful voice with a bright, full timbre that is strong but not heavy and can be heard over an orchestra". Opera.com states that lyric tenors have a range from approximately the C one octave below middle C (C3) to the D one octave above middle C. Jones was married and he and is wife had just adopted twin babies. His mom, a reverend, gave the eulogy at his funeral and the Washington Natiional Opera gave a concert dedicated to his memory at the same park where he was killed. Police are offering a $25,000 reward for information on his murder.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Espana Wins The World Cup!
Espana (Spain) won the World Cup against the Netherlands 1-0 this Sunday in South Africa. I was busy going to and 'fro for church so I missed most of the game but heard some on the radio and watched fans crowding around large screen TVs set up at outside cafes or in pubs as they watched the game. I shopping for groceries later, Spain scored the winning goal and fans at a Mexican and Cuban restaurants on the corner cheered and Netherlands fans at a cafe across the street groaned and booed. I stepped into a Radio Shack store and was able to catch a glimpse of the Spanish players as they celebrated and held the trophy on the field. Everyone in the stadium looked really happy for Spain and cheered wildly.
ESPN's coverage of the World Cup Soccer scored the highest ratings ever thanks to the exceptional performance of the USA men's soccer team. They did an exceptional job and played with a lot of heart especially with the bad calls they received. I was rooting for them to make it further as their enthusiasm for the game was contagious. I also had a hope for the only African team remaining (Ghana) to advance especially as the games were in South Africa.
Breakdown of the Teams by Continent:
North America:The USA is a young team and I know they will be back stronger and quicker in 2014.
Africa: Nigeria fell early but Ghana kept the dream for an African team in the finals alive. I was impressed by the Ghanaian team. They are very quick and aggressive and that's how they beat the U.S. They later fell to the Netherlands. Despite Ghana's defeat, they represented Africa well.
Central and South America: Mexico, Chile, and Paraguay represented themselves well. Juggernaut Brazil advanced but were less than spectacular and fell in the quarter-finals. Argentina's run also was unsuccessful but Uruguay over performed and came in second place in the entire tournament.
Asia:
I heard South Korea and Japan played fairly well but China and India were no shows.
Europe: World Cup 2006 champions, Italy and runner-up, France, made surprising exits in the first round. In fact, it was down right scandalous especially for the French team and coach who all had a moral melt downs. The repercussions of their poor showing and attitude will be felt for sometime in their country and the French fans have taken it very badly. So badly in fact that I was in a packed elevator with a young French woman and her three small children and she cursed and swore at them so badly I was shocked. It seems the French (even the women) love their soccer. Bad officiating for England cause their game to fall apart at the end. Germany looked like the team to beat until the semi-finals but the octopus fore-told their defeat(lol). Germany placed third at the tournament.
TV Rating/My Take:I must say that this is the most soccer that I've watched since the USA women's soccer team won gold at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta in 1996 and the 2006 World Cup with Italy v.s. France. I hope the ratings boost will show that Americans do have an interest in soccer. There are some problems, though. Soccer is a slower moving game but it can be very exciting depending on the match ups. To attract more American audiences, I would suggest changes like instant replay to prevent bad calls like those against the U.S. Also, there was too much play acting (flopping, whining and fake injuries) by the players and the referees should be tougher about it to keep the flow of the game going. The players should really keep the "acting" to the professionals here in Hollywood or hire a good acting coach(lol).
The Venue:South Africa was the perfect place and the historic nature of a big sporting event being held there for the first time post-Apartheid made it very special. The locals and fans were great and all showed high energy and good international sportsmanship. Many fans looked like they were making life long friendships while they cheered or groaned for their teams from the stands. The TV ads were also very innovative, exciting and inviting and it was obvious that it was targeted at U.S. audiences. Shakira's rendition of "Waka Waka" (an African motiva-tional song once used by some to satire army life) was okay and the dance video was both afro-centric and infectious but I like Beat Machine's version of the song, called Samina Mina, way better.
All in all, I had a good time viewing the 2010 World Cup over these past 4 weeks.
I will give it an IMHO rating of Must-See-It or rather I'll say (like one long winded sports announcer says) the World Cup 2010 in South Africa scored a winning
G-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-al!
ESPN's coverage of the World Cup Soccer scored the highest ratings ever thanks to the exceptional performance of the USA men's soccer team. They did an exceptional job and played with a lot of heart especially with the bad calls they received. I was rooting for them to make it further as their enthusiasm for the game was contagious. I also had a hope for the only African team remaining (Ghana) to advance especially as the games were in South Africa.
Breakdown of the Teams by Continent:
North America:The USA is a young team and I know they will be back stronger and quicker in 2014.
Africa: Nigeria fell early but Ghana kept the dream for an African team in the finals alive. I was impressed by the Ghanaian team. They are very quick and aggressive and that's how they beat the U.S. They later fell to the Netherlands. Despite Ghana's defeat, they represented Africa well.
Central and South America: Mexico, Chile, and Paraguay represented themselves well. Juggernaut Brazil advanced but were less than spectacular and fell in the quarter-finals. Argentina's run also was unsuccessful but Uruguay over performed and came in second place in the entire tournament.
Asia:
I heard South Korea and Japan played fairly well but China and India were no shows.
Europe: World Cup 2006 champions, Italy and runner-up, France, made surprising exits in the first round. In fact, it was down right scandalous especially for the French team and coach who all had a moral melt downs. The repercussions of their poor showing and attitude will be felt for sometime in their country and the French fans have taken it very badly. So badly in fact that I was in a packed elevator with a young French woman and her three small children and she cursed and swore at them so badly I was shocked. It seems the French (even the women) love their soccer. Bad officiating for England cause their game to fall apart at the end. Germany looked like the team to beat until the semi-finals but the octopus fore-told their defeat(lol). Germany placed third at the tournament.
TV Rating/My Take:I must say that this is the most soccer that I've watched since the USA women's soccer team won gold at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta in 1996 and the 2006 World Cup with Italy v.s. France. I hope the ratings boost will show that Americans do have an interest in soccer. There are some problems, though. Soccer is a slower moving game but it can be very exciting depending on the match ups. To attract more American audiences, I would suggest changes like instant replay to prevent bad calls like those against the U.S. Also, there was too much play acting (flopping, whining and fake injuries) by the players and the referees should be tougher about it to keep the flow of the game going. The players should really keep the "acting" to the professionals here in Hollywood or hire a good acting coach(lol).
The Venue:South Africa was the perfect place and the historic nature of a big sporting event being held there for the first time post-Apartheid made it very special. The locals and fans were great and all showed high energy and good international sportsmanship. Many fans looked like they were making life long friendships while they cheered or groaned for their teams from the stands. The TV ads were also very innovative, exciting and inviting and it was obvious that it was targeted at U.S. audiences. Shakira's rendition of "Waka Waka" (an African motiva-tional song once used by some to satire army life) was okay and the dance video was both afro-centric and infectious but I like Beat Machine's version of the song, called Samina Mina, way better.
All in all, I had a good time viewing the 2010 World Cup over these past 4 weeks.
I will give it an IMHO rating of Must-See-It or rather I'll say (like one long winded sports announcer says) the World Cup 2010 in South Africa scored a winning
G-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-al!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
It's Independence Day!
The 4th of July rolled around rather quickly for me this year so my plans for the day were very last minute.
Los Angeles is not the most patriotic area in the U.S. and past 4ths have gone by without much hoopla. I admit that I am a little spoiled and elitist concerning the 4th as I use to live in the Washington DC area which does 4th of July the best of all the regions nation-wide. (My own island does a "bang up" job too as it's also our Emancipation Day when local enslaved Africans were freed from from the Danish).
DC's 4th begins with a parade in the a.m. then a Navy band concert at 6 pm followed by a big spectacular starring the best entertainers the country has to offer at a big gathering on the Smithsonian Mall in front of the Washington Monument. There are tons of food vans and BBQ pit vendors selling every kind of food, drink, candy or toy imaginable. Thousands of people come from the tri-state area(DC, MD, VA)as well as tourists from the rest of the U.S. and the world. I have met people from Europe, China and Africa, all having a good time jamming to the music and sampling the eats. Everyone brings a blanket or a folding chair or they just sprawl out on the grass and chill. Kids hop, skip and roll on the grassy banks, getting all sticky and dirty.
Since there are large crowds, the best way to get there is via the metro subway system which is also the best in the country. To move the crowds quickly, the metro sells quick one day cards in advance. Each card has a patriotic design and an electronic strip so the cards get you to and fro quickly. They also have express trains that only stop at the site as well as extra staff on hand to "herd" the crowds through the correct boarding areas.
People there always wear their patriotism proudly by dressing in the red, white and blue, waving flags or wearing flag pins. The kids join in by spinning flag yo-yo's or shiny red, white, and blue metallic windmills or other innovative and themed toys. One year I got a flag pin that flashed the red, white and blue in small colored lights. As it got dark, all you could see was a sea of pins flashing in the dark on everyone as the crowd strolled pass.
The night ends with the best pyrotechnic display ever and as the fireworks explode over the sky you see highlights of the DC sky line with all its beautiful buildings, monuments and statues including the Capitol building and the Lincoln Memorial. The fireworks lasts for a bout an hour and are timed to music. The cost for fireworks usually tops 500,000 to 1 million each year but it's well spent as the event brings in tens of millions of dollars to the region.
When it is all over, you stroll the 2-3 blocks to the subway on tree lined streets. One route takes you right pass the White House which is appropriately located at 1600 Independence Avenue. . There is a small access gate manned by security and people crowd it asking if they can take the White House tour. As the tours are usually over for the day, many will linger there hoping to see a peak of whatever sitting president is in office, which usually never happens. Some get a tad too close and the secret service deals with them quickly and professionally.
In comparison, LA's 4ths have been non-existent. In fact, I don't even remember seeing one flag or fireworks for the 2 previous 4ths that I've been here. I was determine to have a spectacular 4th this year. I had heard that Studio City has a great celebration yearly from the mayor of Studio City himself, Neckles as we walked the picket line of the writer's strike in November 2007. All the local TV shows were also raving about it but as Studio City is a bit farther out it was a no-go for me. I heard Pasadena's 4th is also nice and held at the Rose Bowl so I decided to head to Pasadena instead.
I didn't want to go as far out as the Rose Bowl itself but would go as far as Old Towne Pasadena, which is always lovely to visit and accessible by bus on the weekends. The day was absolutely lovely and I was feeling well so I was stoked. The streets in Old Towne and the entire length of Colorado Blvd. here were lined with large flags which flapped as the wind picked up which was very patriotic.
I got to Old Towne early and caught a movie at my fav $2 theatre from 5-6:40 pm. Independence Day is always a good day to catch a summer blockbuster but I watched "How To Train Your Dragon", an older Disney/Dreamworks release from February. I liked the movie a lot but felt it "borrowed" quite a bit from Anne McAfferty's Dragonrider's of Pern novels. After the movie ended, I exited, stared at the Sierra Madre Mountain range and waited for the fireworks to start at what I though would be 7-7:30 pm. It was still light out so I waited until 8 pm when it was dark but still no fireworks. I started asking everyone when the fireworks usually started and where was the best place to view them but no one knew.
I thought maybe I had missed them and I was truly spent for the day so I get on a bus for home at 8:50 pm and as we ride up Colorado Blvd. I see people gathering in mass, carrying folded chairs and staking out a viewing spot on a grassy knoll and along a bridge. More throngs of people were walking in a long trail from every direction. I ask my fellow riders on the bus "when do the fireworks start" and they all say "9 pm". I consider getting off the bus and joining them but I don't because I hope that the bus will be the best vantage point. All of a sudden, the bus that was creeping along now speeds up and I pray "slow down, so that I can see the fireworks". We move along Colorado, dip into a valley and clear the Sierre Madre range just as the clock hit's 9 pm. I see one firework breast the sky and explode then I spent the rest of the bus ride craning my neck looking for more but that was it for Pasadena's.
Later, I could hear the booom-boom of fireworks from the city of Glendale's display but couldn't see them. I got home at 11:00pm as Echo Park/Atwater's fireworks were exploding over the sky in the distance. I raced to the top floor of my building and watched fireworks for about 10 minutes then hit my bed, exhausted. Maybe next year I will make it to one of the big Independence Day events but it was still an enjoyable day all in all.
Los Angeles is not the most patriotic area in the U.S. and past 4ths have gone by without much hoopla. I admit that I am a little spoiled and elitist concerning the 4th as I use to live in the Washington DC area which does 4th of July the best of all the regions nation-wide. (My own island does a "bang up" job too as it's also our Emancipation Day when local enslaved Africans were freed from from the Danish).
DC's 4th begins with a parade in the a.m. then a Navy band concert at 6 pm followed by a big spectacular starring the best entertainers the country has to offer at a big gathering on the Smithsonian Mall in front of the Washington Monument. There are tons of food vans and BBQ pit vendors selling every kind of food, drink, candy or toy imaginable. Thousands of people come from the tri-state area(DC, MD, VA)as well as tourists from the rest of the U.S. and the world. I have met people from Europe, China and Africa, all having a good time jamming to the music and sampling the eats. Everyone brings a blanket or a folding chair or they just sprawl out on the grass and chill. Kids hop, skip and roll on the grassy banks, getting all sticky and dirty.
Since there are large crowds, the best way to get there is via the metro subway system which is also the best in the country. To move the crowds quickly, the metro sells quick one day cards in advance. Each card has a patriotic design and an electronic strip so the cards get you to and fro quickly. They also have express trains that only stop at the site as well as extra staff on hand to "herd" the crowds through the correct boarding areas.
People there always wear their patriotism proudly by dressing in the red, white and blue, waving flags or wearing flag pins. The kids join in by spinning flag yo-yo's or shiny red, white, and blue metallic windmills or other innovative and themed toys. One year I got a flag pin that flashed the red, white and blue in small colored lights. As it got dark, all you could see was a sea of pins flashing in the dark on everyone as the crowd strolled pass.
The night ends with the best pyrotechnic display ever and as the fireworks explode over the sky you see highlights of the DC sky line with all its beautiful buildings, monuments and statues including the Capitol building and the Lincoln Memorial. The fireworks lasts for a bout an hour and are timed to music. The cost for fireworks usually tops 500,000 to 1 million each year but it's well spent as the event brings in tens of millions of dollars to the region.
When it is all over, you stroll the 2-3 blocks to the subway on tree lined streets. One route takes you right pass the White House which is appropriately located at 1600 Independence Avenue. . There is a small access gate manned by security and people crowd it asking if they can take the White House tour. As the tours are usually over for the day, many will linger there hoping to see a peak of whatever sitting president is in office, which usually never happens. Some get a tad too close and the secret service deals with them quickly and professionally.
In comparison, LA's 4ths have been non-existent. In fact, I don't even remember seeing one flag or fireworks for the 2 previous 4ths that I've been here. I was determine to have a spectacular 4th this year. I had heard that Studio City has a great celebration yearly from the mayor of Studio City himself, Neckles as we walked the picket line of the writer's strike in November 2007. All the local TV shows were also raving about it but as Studio City is a bit farther out it was a no-go for me. I heard Pasadena's 4th is also nice and held at the Rose Bowl so I decided to head to Pasadena instead.
I didn't want to go as far out as the Rose Bowl itself but would go as far as Old Towne Pasadena, which is always lovely to visit and accessible by bus on the weekends. The day was absolutely lovely and I was feeling well so I was stoked. The streets in Old Towne and the entire length of Colorado Blvd. here were lined with large flags which flapped as the wind picked up which was very patriotic.
I got to Old Towne early and caught a movie at my fav $2 theatre from 5-6:40 pm. Independence Day is always a good day to catch a summer blockbuster but I watched "How To Train Your Dragon", an older Disney/Dreamworks release from February. I liked the movie a lot but felt it "borrowed" quite a bit from Anne McAfferty's Dragonrider's of Pern novels. After the movie ended, I exited, stared at the Sierra Madre Mountain range and waited for the fireworks to start at what I though would be 7-7:30 pm. It was still light out so I waited until 8 pm when it was dark but still no fireworks. I started asking everyone when the fireworks usually started and where was the best place to view them but no one knew.
I thought maybe I had missed them and I was truly spent for the day so I get on a bus for home at 8:50 pm and as we ride up Colorado Blvd. I see people gathering in mass, carrying folded chairs and staking out a viewing spot on a grassy knoll and along a bridge. More throngs of people were walking in a long trail from every direction. I ask my fellow riders on the bus "when do the fireworks start" and they all say "9 pm". I consider getting off the bus and joining them but I don't because I hope that the bus will be the best vantage point. All of a sudden, the bus that was creeping along now speeds up and I pray "slow down, so that I can see the fireworks". We move along Colorado, dip into a valley and clear the Sierre Madre range just as the clock hit's 9 pm. I see one firework breast the sky and explode then I spent the rest of the bus ride craning my neck looking for more but that was it for Pasadena's.
Later, I could hear the booom-boom of fireworks from the city of Glendale's display but couldn't see them. I got home at 11:00pm as Echo Park/Atwater's fireworks were exploding over the sky in the distance. I raced to the top floor of my building and watched fireworks for about 10 minutes then hit my bed, exhausted. Maybe next year I will make it to one of the big Independence Day events but it was still an enjoyable day all in all.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Star Wars Documentary Tonight at AFI Silver Docs
Hey East Coast, there's a Star Wars documentary playing at AFI in Silver Springs, M.D. tonight at 10 pm. I missed the West Coast premiere of this film at the LA Film Festival last week and I'm still kicking myself for missing it. If you cant' make it then tell your friends--
God bless!!!!
THE PEOPLE VS. GEORGE LUCAS Showing at AFI Silver Thurs June 24th 2010 at 10:00 pm for Silver Documentary series
10:00 p.m. Filmmaker Alexandre O. Philippe presents the East Coast Premiere of THE PEOPLE VS. GEORGE LUCAS. George Lucas couldn't have predicted how his world of Jedi knights and an evil Empire would impact millions of fans around the world. Nor could he conceive fans' reaction to his alterations to the theatrical version of STAR WARS or much-derided prequel trilogy. The film explores the complex relationship between the artist’s creation and the audience who claims it as their own.
God bless!!!!
THE PEOPLE VS. GEORGE LUCAS Showing at AFI Silver Thurs June 24th 2010 at 10:00 pm for Silver Documentary series
10:00 p.m. Filmmaker Alexandre O. Philippe presents the East Coast Premiere of THE PEOPLE VS. GEORGE LUCAS. George Lucas couldn't have predicted how his world of Jedi knights and an evil Empire would impact millions of fans around the world. Nor could he conceive fans' reaction to his alterations to the theatrical version of STAR WARS or much-derided prequel trilogy. The film explores the complex relationship between the artist’s creation and the audience who claims it as their own.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Big Opening Weekend For Toy Story 3 by Pixar!
The Box Office numbers are in and Toy Story posts $109 MILION!
I knew the number would be big as this is a must see for me and it is one of my niece's favorite movies! I heard the story is great and I knew it would be because Pixar animation has been writing the best movies for the past 4 years. Up and WALL-E scripts could easily have beaten all the Oscar winners in the live action categories.
I hope to see it this weekend and I will post my review.
I knew the number would be big as this is a must see for me and it is one of my niece's favorite movies! I heard the story is great and I knew it would be because Pixar animation has been writing the best movies for the past 4 years. Up and WALL-E scripts could easily have beaten all the Oscar winners in the live action categories.
I hope to see it this weekend and I will post my review.
A Happy Father's Day At Ecclesia Church and Weird Ozzy Osbourne CD Signing
Divine Providence:
I was very late for my regular Sunday service at Living Faith and a bit too sore and worn for the commute to Eagle Rock, so I spent my Father's Day visiting #20 on my "Before I Go" list (kind of my Bucket List but for must sees before I leave L.A.). #20 is Ecclesia Church, a non-denominational evangelical with services in the famed Pacific Theater right on Hollywood Blvd. along the Walk of Stars. I had wanted to visit this church since it moved to it's present location, which is the exact spot I stood at on my first day in L.A. when my heart broke and I prayed for the lost and tragic souls of the City of Angels. Wow, God answers prayers!
The Atmosphere:I was a bit late for the 11:15 a.m. service but I was greeted warmly by a group of 20-30 somethings and graciously escorted inside, right pass a homeless looking guy on the street who was shouting at passer-bys and looked inebriated. The security and prayer teams gently ministered to the guy outside as others on the "welcome committee" invited strolling tourists to the church service as they walked by. Everyone wore name badges so I knew who did what and I was delivered to the capable hands of Matt whose badge said "ask me for help... I know stuff". They are really organized but with a since of humor(lol).
Since Ecclesia is in a theater like Living Faith Church, I immediately felt at home. Both churches share similar layouts but the Pacific Theater is on a grander scale. I was in love with the high ceilings, large doors, ornate gold trims and theater-style foyer. Inside is a large capacity theater with theater-style seating, lateral wings, a balcony and a large stage.
Above the stage is hung a large worn and empty wooden cross, signifying the victory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the same cross that traveled with the church as it moved 7 times in 5 years before they finally settled on Hollywood Blvd. The cross is flanked by lights strung in a star pattern and a projection screen lies below it for projecting the scriptural and song text for the service. The stage also houses the set-up and musical instruments for a 5 piece band and 2 singers.
The Word:
We entered quietly as the service had started. The room was full of people and Matt ushered me to a seat next to more 20-30 somethings and their families. In fact, I must have been the oldest there but it was so refreshing to see young people in Hollywood glorifying God! I settled in and listened to a guest speaker, Danica, on 1 Peter Chap 3: 8-17
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
and
Romans Chap: 2 and 4,
Both of these passages are all about us showing a Christ-like attitude to the world. Danica contrasts life as a Christian in Peter's time to our time here in the West and how these Bible passages still apply. As examples to us, she talks a bit about the native New Yorkers' unexpectedly kind attitude towards her while on her New York City trip. She also talked about how we should not be judgemental, "me"-centered or judgemental . In fact, she states that we should be as her 18 month old daughter, Thorn, when she showed her natural humanity to a homeless man they'd met. As only a child could, Thorn gave a wondrous wave, an accepting smile and a softly spoken "hi" to the man and proved these Bible scriptures to her mother and perhaps helped the homeless man reclaimed a part of his own humanity as he said a soft "hi" back.
This study of 1 Peter was part of the church's series called "We Will Not Bend: the ferocious faith of an exile". Danica closed with a prayer asking God to help us be like Jesus to a lost world "right outside our doors".
A Call For Prayer:
They made a call for any one in need of prayer to meet with the various prayer teams in the wings of the theater. From my seat I could see many people going for prayer and the prayer team of both men and women were laying hands on them and praying. One young woman fell to her knees and they prayed for her there.
Praise and Worship:
Then the praise and worship team got on stage and did a wonderful job. Everyone got to their feet, raised their hands and sang from the heart, especially when they did "Inside Out" (one of my favs). The praise team leader and guitarist/lead singer looked like singer Chris Daughtry but with a nose-ring. The sound of the music, voices and arrangements led me to believe that some of the praise and worship team were professional musicians. The Daughtry prayed a strong prayer over us before we left also, which was truly a blessing.
**Note: I found out later that the Daughtry look alike is the current lead pastor of the church as the founding pastor, Brandon Dickerson, has returned to his film career. If interested you can see a video interview with Brandon from 2009 about the challenges of the faithful in Hollywood at www.facingthechallenge.org/2009FebruarySeizetheDay.phpe
After the service:
Many people greeted me and introduced themselves and I felt totally at home. I even got a few hugs, two invitations to hang out with homegroups over lunch and a
"be-yoou-ti-ful" wave "hello" from 18 month old Thorn. The projectionist were adjusting the equipment when images of the movie, Sunset Boulevard, pops on the screen and the iconic images of Gloria Swanson coming down the staircase for that closing "Mr. Deville close-up" scene. I checked the church pamphlet and I talked with the projectionists and it turns out they are showing Sunset Boulevard next Sunday at 2 p.m. as part of their Cineminklings series where they discuss an iconic movie, what it meant and how faith fits in with it. Whoopee for me! I tell you, church and movies all in one place!
It was time to go so I went to the foyer and passed the bake sale table for the Kenya mission in my search for the ladies room. I went down the 25 steps (yes I counted them) and spent some time admiring the kids' room and the theater's architecture. Then a kind security woman, doing her last pass, came and told me they were locking up. I "raced" up the stairs and out as they were pulling the large iron gate in place.
The church members of the clean up crew including Matt thanked me for visiting and invited me back. I walked with them a half block then stopped to rest a bit. Matt returned to check on me, worried that I had a lost look on my face like I didn't know my way around the neighborhood. I assured him that I did but that now that I was fed with the word, I needed to feed the body... specifically I wanted some fresh fruits and vegetables for dinner later and I was considering going shopping for some right then. He suggested the monthly Farmer's Market a block away then we waved good bye again.
The Young And The Grounded:
I saw one or two tattoos and piercings but all members were Christ-minded. Though young, all the members of Ecclesia easily converse about Bible scriptures and talked openly about how God has moved in their lives. They all volunteer in some way to various duties of the church and they belong to "homegroups" which meet in their respective neighborhoods to study the Bible together when not at church. They are young and you can feel the Holy Spirit moving within them.
They Are Humble And On A Mission(s):
Some are in the entertainment industry on many levels but they do not act like they are, which is a good thing. Additionally, the church discloses it's monthly earnings in tithes and offerings and tithes 10% monthly into another church or mission. This month goes to 2 places Friends of Gahrwal, a ministry partner planting home churches in the Himalayan region of India and the International Justice Mission, which helps rescue kids from slavery and prostitution in South Asia. I have been interested in helping these missions since I started following Gospel for Asia online so I made a small offering even though they asked for visitors not to do so.
My Take:
This is a nice church and a "must visit" if you are passing through Hollywood.
Visit Ecclessia on line at www.churchinhollywood.com
Ozzy CD Signing At Amoeba Music
On the flip side: I strolled through the farmers' market as they were packing up and meandered my way to the Sunset Boulevard where I saw a tightly bunched throng of goth-looking, grungy black clad patrons standing in a long line that wrapped around the famed store on Sunset Boulevard. I thought is was a flash mob for a minute as they ran across the street on signal from someone at Amoeba Records. It turns out that it was a CD signing for Ozzy Osbourne at Amoeba Records. The event was at 5 pm and the line was already out of control at 1 pm. The crowd looked like the usual wanna-be rocker types, all 20-30 somethings loving the chance to be counter-cultural, rebellious and revolutionary... typical holly"weird".
Thankfully though, there wasn't the usual pungent marijuana smell that always seems to surrounds that area or maybe it was just too early in the day(lol).
I was very late for my regular Sunday service at Living Faith and a bit too sore and worn for the commute to Eagle Rock, so I spent my Father's Day visiting #20 on my "Before I Go" list (kind of my Bucket List but for must sees before I leave L.A.). #20 is Ecclesia Church, a non-denominational evangelical with services in the famed Pacific Theater right on Hollywood Blvd. along the Walk of Stars. I had wanted to visit this church since it moved to it's present location, which is the exact spot I stood at on my first day in L.A. when my heart broke and I prayed for the lost and tragic souls of the City of Angels. Wow, God answers prayers!
The Atmosphere:I was a bit late for the 11:15 a.m. service but I was greeted warmly by a group of 20-30 somethings and graciously escorted inside, right pass a homeless looking guy on the street who was shouting at passer-bys and looked inebriated. The security and prayer teams gently ministered to the guy outside as others on the "welcome committee" invited strolling tourists to the church service as they walked by. Everyone wore name badges so I knew who did what and I was delivered to the capable hands of Matt whose badge said "ask me for help... I know stuff". They are really organized but with a since of humor(lol).
Since Ecclesia is in a theater like Living Faith Church, I immediately felt at home. Both churches share similar layouts but the Pacific Theater is on a grander scale. I was in love with the high ceilings, large doors, ornate gold trims and theater-style foyer. Inside is a large capacity theater with theater-style seating, lateral wings, a balcony and a large stage.
Above the stage is hung a large worn and empty wooden cross, signifying the victory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the same cross that traveled with the church as it moved 7 times in 5 years before they finally settled on Hollywood Blvd. The cross is flanked by lights strung in a star pattern and a projection screen lies below it for projecting the scriptural and song text for the service. The stage also houses the set-up and musical instruments for a 5 piece band and 2 singers.
The Word:
We entered quietly as the service had started. The room was full of people and Matt ushered me to a seat next to more 20-30 somethings and their families. In fact, I must have been the oldest there but it was so refreshing to see young people in Hollywood glorifying God! I settled in and listened to a guest speaker, Danica, on 1 Peter Chap 3: 8-17
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
and
Romans Chap: 2 and 4,
Both of these passages are all about us showing a Christ-like attitude to the world. Danica contrasts life as a Christian in Peter's time to our time here in the West and how these Bible passages still apply. As examples to us, she talks a bit about the native New Yorkers' unexpectedly kind attitude towards her while on her New York City trip. She also talked about how we should not be judgemental, "me"-centered or judgemental . In fact, she states that we should be as her 18 month old daughter, Thorn, when she showed her natural humanity to a homeless man they'd met. As only a child could, Thorn gave a wondrous wave, an accepting smile and a softly spoken "hi" to the man and proved these Bible scriptures to her mother and perhaps helped the homeless man reclaimed a part of his own humanity as he said a soft "hi" back.
This study of 1 Peter was part of the church's series called "We Will Not Bend: the ferocious faith of an exile". Danica closed with a prayer asking God to help us be like Jesus to a lost world "right outside our doors".
A Call For Prayer:
They made a call for any one in need of prayer to meet with the various prayer teams in the wings of the theater. From my seat I could see many people going for prayer and the prayer team of both men and women were laying hands on them and praying. One young woman fell to her knees and they prayed for her there.
Praise and Worship:
Then the praise and worship team got on stage and did a wonderful job. Everyone got to their feet, raised their hands and sang from the heart, especially when they did "Inside Out" (one of my favs). The praise team leader and guitarist/lead singer looked like singer Chris Daughtry but with a nose-ring. The sound of the music, voices and arrangements led me to believe that some of the praise and worship team were professional musicians. The Daughtry prayed a strong prayer over us before we left also, which was truly a blessing.
**Note: I found out later that the Daughtry look alike is the current lead pastor of the church as the founding pastor, Brandon Dickerson, has returned to his film career. If interested you can see a video interview with Brandon from 2009 about the challenges of the faithful in Hollywood at www.facingthechallenge.org/2009FebruarySeizetheDay.phpe
After the service:
Many people greeted me and introduced themselves and I felt totally at home. I even got a few hugs, two invitations to hang out with homegroups over lunch and a
"be-yoou-ti-ful" wave "hello" from 18 month old Thorn. The projectionist were adjusting the equipment when images of the movie, Sunset Boulevard, pops on the screen and the iconic images of Gloria Swanson coming down the staircase for that closing "Mr. Deville close-up" scene. I checked the church pamphlet and I talked with the projectionists and it turns out they are showing Sunset Boulevard next Sunday at 2 p.m. as part of their Cineminklings series where they discuss an iconic movie, what it meant and how faith fits in with it. Whoopee for me! I tell you, church and movies all in one place!
It was time to go so I went to the foyer and passed the bake sale table for the Kenya mission in my search for the ladies room. I went down the 25 steps (yes I counted them) and spent some time admiring the kids' room and the theater's architecture. Then a kind security woman, doing her last pass, came and told me they were locking up. I "raced" up the stairs and out as they were pulling the large iron gate in place.
The church members of the clean up crew including Matt thanked me for visiting and invited me back. I walked with them a half block then stopped to rest a bit. Matt returned to check on me, worried that I had a lost look on my face like I didn't know my way around the neighborhood. I assured him that I did but that now that I was fed with the word, I needed to feed the body... specifically I wanted some fresh fruits and vegetables for dinner later and I was considering going shopping for some right then. He suggested the monthly Farmer's Market a block away then we waved good bye again.
The Young And The Grounded:
I saw one or two tattoos and piercings but all members were Christ-minded. Though young, all the members of Ecclesia easily converse about Bible scriptures and talked openly about how God has moved in their lives. They all volunteer in some way to various duties of the church and they belong to "homegroups" which meet in their respective neighborhoods to study the Bible together when not at church. They are young and you can feel the Holy Spirit moving within them.
They Are Humble And On A Mission(s):
Some are in the entertainment industry on many levels but they do not act like they are, which is a good thing. Additionally, the church discloses it's monthly earnings in tithes and offerings and tithes 10% monthly into another church or mission. This month goes to 2 places Friends of Gahrwal, a ministry partner planting home churches in the Himalayan region of India and the International Justice Mission, which helps rescue kids from slavery and prostitution in South Asia. I have been interested in helping these missions since I started following Gospel for Asia online so I made a small offering even though they asked for visitors not to do so.
My Take:
This is a nice church and a "must visit" if you are passing through Hollywood.
Visit Ecclessia on line at www.churchinhollywood.com
Ozzy CD Signing At Amoeba Music
On the flip side: I strolled through the farmers' market as they were packing up and meandered my way to the Sunset Boulevard where I saw a tightly bunched throng of goth-looking, grungy black clad patrons standing in a long line that wrapped around the famed store on Sunset Boulevard. I thought is was a flash mob for a minute as they ran across the street on signal from someone at Amoeba Records. It turns out that it was a CD signing for Ozzy Osbourne at Amoeba Records. The event was at 5 pm and the line was already out of control at 1 pm. The crowd looked like the usual wanna-be rocker types, all 20-30 somethings loving the chance to be counter-cultural, rebellious and revolutionary... typical holly"weird".
Thankfully though, there wasn't the usual pungent marijuana smell that always seems to surrounds that area or maybe it was just too early in the day(lol).
Thank You For Being A Friend
Good-Bye Old Friends:
I just heard that Rue McClanahan died last week at the age of 78. Bea Arthur passed in 2008 and Estelle Getty soon after and now Rue. Wow, the Golden Girls of TV fame are all gone, all except one... the unstoppable Betty White whose career seems to be getting even bigger as she gets older.
The Award Winning Comedy Genius of The Golden Girls:
I absolutely loved the Golden Girls and watched every episode from 1985-1992 which spanned my teens through college and work then years later as reruns on Nick At Night. I will still watch a rerun even now and I still find myself laughing at the joke set-up and pay off. The comedic timing of the actors was great and the writing was the best.
I had watched these actresses for years, Bea Arthur on The Jefferson and later with Rue McClanahan on Maude and Betty White on Mary Tyler Moore(MTM) so I knew they were excellent but GG was how I got introduced to Estelle Getty through the character of Sophia Petrillo. Rue played Blanche Devereaux, a spoiled sex-starved southern belle (kind a Samantha of SATC but for the geriatric crowd ... now that I think of it, SATC ripped off GG quite a bit). Rue nailed the man-hungry role so well and it was a role similar to the one Betty White had played on MTM. These women earned the show 65Emmy noms and 3 Golden Globes for best TV comedy and all 4 actresses won Emmys for their individual performances over the 7 year run of the show (1985-1992).
The Golden Girls Legacy:
The combine years of industry knowledge between these four women was astounding and they were the first ensemble cast of women of any age to ever carry a comedy.
They Are Golden TV Icons:
Looking back, I am surprise how GG became a part of my most basic of memories. For example: I always thought that Dorothy and I had a lot in common and related to her mostly especially her dry humor, her height and her concern for others. Contrast that to my mother who loved Estelle Getty's take of the feisty Sophia mostly because I think it reminded her of her own mother who passed in 1994. It doesn't stop there folks. I actually had friends who would debate for hours whether it was possible for Rose Nyland (Betty White's character) to really be that "special" while others wanted Blanche to go to church and give up her "loose" ways.
I even took some of my home decor hints from them as my first couch in my first apartment had the same fabric as that in the show but mine was blue. I also wanted the palm wallpaper design that was on the wall of the living room but thankfully I couldn't find it anywhere. That Miami retirement home look is so out of style(lol).
Girls, We're Out Of Cheesecake:
I even ate the way the Golden Girls ate. They ended every crisis or every show with a huge slab of cake and good advice from a circle of close and trusted female friends. It seemed like a good idea to do the same and that may have accounted for at least half of the freshman 15 pounds I gained while in college(lol).
I even took dating advice from them and enjoyed the portrayal of women over 50 in romantic and relationship situations.
R.I.P. Rue MacClanahan, Bea Aurthur and Estelle Getty. You will be missed but to me you will always be "golden". As always, I "Thank You For Being A Friend".
I just heard that Rue McClanahan died last week at the age of 78. Bea Arthur passed in 2008 and Estelle Getty soon after and now Rue. Wow, the Golden Girls of TV fame are all gone, all except one... the unstoppable Betty White whose career seems to be getting even bigger as she gets older.
The Award Winning Comedy Genius of The Golden Girls:
I absolutely loved the Golden Girls and watched every episode from 1985-1992 which spanned my teens through college and work then years later as reruns on Nick At Night. I will still watch a rerun even now and I still find myself laughing at the joke set-up and pay off. The comedic timing of the actors was great and the writing was the best.
I had watched these actresses for years, Bea Arthur on The Jefferson and later with Rue McClanahan on Maude and Betty White on Mary Tyler Moore(MTM) so I knew they were excellent but GG was how I got introduced to Estelle Getty through the character of Sophia Petrillo. Rue played Blanche Devereaux, a spoiled sex-starved southern belle (kind a Samantha of SATC but for the geriatric crowd ... now that I think of it, SATC ripped off GG quite a bit). Rue nailed the man-hungry role so well and it was a role similar to the one Betty White had played on MTM. These women earned the show 65Emmy noms and 3 Golden Globes for best TV comedy and all 4 actresses won Emmys for their individual performances over the 7 year run of the show (1985-1992).
The Golden Girls Legacy:
The combine years of industry knowledge between these four women was astounding and they were the first ensemble cast of women of any age to ever carry a comedy.
They Are Golden TV Icons:
Looking back, I am surprise how GG became a part of my most basic of memories. For example: I always thought that Dorothy and I had a lot in common and related to her mostly especially her dry humor, her height and her concern for others. Contrast that to my mother who loved Estelle Getty's take of the feisty Sophia mostly because I think it reminded her of her own mother who passed in 1994. It doesn't stop there folks. I actually had friends who would debate for hours whether it was possible for Rose Nyland (Betty White's character) to really be that "special" while others wanted Blanche to go to church and give up her "loose" ways.
I even took some of my home decor hints from them as my first couch in my first apartment had the same fabric as that in the show but mine was blue. I also wanted the palm wallpaper design that was on the wall of the living room but thankfully I couldn't find it anywhere. That Miami retirement home look is so out of style(lol).
Girls, We're Out Of Cheesecake:
I even ate the way the Golden Girls ate. They ended every crisis or every show with a huge slab of cake and good advice from a circle of close and trusted female friends. It seemed like a good idea to do the same and that may have accounted for at least half of the freshman 15 pounds I gained while in college(lol).
I even took dating advice from them and enjoyed the portrayal of women over 50 in romantic and relationship situations.
R.I.P. Rue MacClanahan, Bea Aurthur and Estelle Getty. You will be missed but to me you will always be "golden". As always, I "Thank You For Being A Friend".
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