My Evince

Schaeffer on Art Part 1

2009-04-09T23:00:00.001-05:00

Schaeffer makes a distinction between "high art" and "more popular expressions." Let's first begin with how Schaeffer defines high art. He defines it by the mediums it manifests in mainly painting, sculpting, poetry and classical music. The more popular expressions include novels, theater, cinema and pop and rock music. This distinction assumes some things about the mediums. One, popular expressions are more commonplace and therefore are apt to be less effective in their message. Two, high art arises from more technical training or skill.

I feel that this distinction is problematic for a few reasons. Schaeffer is looking through a very European lens of art where these mediums he refers to as high art were invented and highly acclaimed. This is problematic because it discounts other cultures views of arts. Mind you this does not have anything to do with Christianity and art but rather the Eurocentric mind we view things in. Not only does the distinction come from a narrowed view it also discredits the ability of "popular expressions" to carry high quality and high effectiveness in expression. As a friend put it, who is to say that rap music can not be high art. It is after all a popular expression in today's day and age. Granted the quality of most rap music today is poor at best but isn't that true about all mediums? Surely there is poor paintings and poor poetry (I hear the New Yorker has some bad poetry in it. I can't imagine looking at the lyrics of K'naan and not understanding the pain and brokeness in which he lives. Not only does his message come through but he says it in the most poetic of ways. Just to point out another flaw in his argument Schaeffer chooses to ignore the fact that classical music was once popular music and while the form of it today is not as mainstream its roots are still buried in the great composers of the day who had all the popularity of musicians today.

Perhaps, Schaeffer's message in creating a distinction between high and popular art is acknowledging the skill of the artists. There is no inherent distinction found when the you examine the forms as entities but certainly there is a distinction between well made art and art that is acceptable in popular culture. For instance, and some will argue with this, Britney Spears is widely accepted in the public eye for the music she creates but her musical skill pales in comparison the likes of John Mayer, Sigur Rios and Coldplay all of whom can be considered in the genre of popular music. Schaeffer does well throughout the essay to point out that without technical prowess an artist's message is lost behind the lack of quality in their work.

I'll have more on Schaeffer in the coming days but feel free to leave comments on this post or anything else you would like to see on my blog.

Coffee Shops

2009-04-07T22:00:00.001-05:00

In the last couple of weeks I had a discussion with a friend about coffee shops in Columbia. I thought I would put in my thoughts about some of the shops around town starting with my favorites and moving to the ones I like less or know the least about.
Kaldis
Kaldi's is probably the best coffee shop in Columbia. They serve the best cup of coffee in town as far as flavor and variety go. Grab one of their tasty sandwiches or bakery items to go along with your beverage of choice. The atmosphere is comfortable with a little bit for everyone to enjoy. The fire place and couches in the back are great for people who want to enjoy a cozy conversation with friends or get buried in a book. The tables provide a place for people to study, eat or surf the web. Located conveniently in downtown Columbiat, Kaldi's gets my award for best overall coffee shop in Columbia.
Artisan
The Cherry Street Artisan was top dog until Kaldi's moved in to town. Now that they don't serve Kaldi's coffee their product is weak. The food is well made and always goes down well. I hear the hummus is great but then again does anyone actually like hummus? In all reality the only thing really saving the Artisan for me is the atmosphere. What other coffeeshop can you grab lunch at, drink a beer and enjoy live music? If you're looking for a place to hang out for lunch or conversation with friends why not check out the Artisan for a great atmosphere and some good eats.
Dunn Bros.
I must admitt that I am a little biased when it comes to Dunn Bros. I do work there after all. The coffee is decent but the espresso, ice tea and blended drinks are what really carry the drink menu. The soup is usually good and the cinnamon rolls are almost as good as the ones my brother-in-law's mom makes (that means awesome by the way). Tons of outlets line the walls making a great place to study with friends or by yourself. Another upside is that it is on Forum blvd. which is off the beaten path (so you won't run into everyone you know) but close enough for a quick trip to campus or home.
Lakota
Lakota is cool because it is a distinctly local place. The atmosphere is awesome with their rugged wooden tables and chairs. They roast their beans in house which is pretty cool too. A unique crowd hangs out their especially in the mornings. Check out for its decent product and cool atmosphere. It is locate just across from Kaldi's at ninth and cherry just a few blocks from campus.

There are a few other shops in town including Coffee Zone and It's A Grind. I don't know too much about either but Coffee Zone does have Rocket Fuel which is solid cup of coffee. Feel free to add to the list of places to go. I love coffee and am always willing to try a new place.

Schaeffer on Art

2009-04-07T13:10:00.003-05:00

Recently I have been exploring what it means to be an artist. More specifically an artist working from a Christian world view. Upon suggestion of Patrick I read Francis Schaeffer's Art and the Bible. This post will be some general thoughts on the book as a whole and more posts will follow concerning specifics in the pages.

Just as some background, the book is a collection of 2 essays that Schaeffer wrote. It is not the best written book but he puts together a clear argument addressing topics such as how the Bible speaks about art, how Christians should critique art and how Christians should use their world view to produce art. While the book provided some insight as to a Biblical view of art and some interesting ideas on other topics, there were some major disagreements I had with it. Through the rest of my posts on this topic I will examine some points I disagreed with or found espcially interesting or important. I would encourage anyone who reads this to comment on the series to create a discussion. After all, that's what art is all about.

Tigers in Kyrgyzstan

2009-03-02T11:31:00.004-06:00

I follow a blog called The Big Picture by the Boston Globe. Today they posted an essay about Kyrgyzstan. Here is a photo from the essay.

Car Art

2009-01-29T09:06:00.006-06:00

I follow a couple art/photo blogs. Usually there is some cool stuff but nothing incredible. Today was an exception. There's a guy named Scott Wade who creates impressive drawings on the dirty windows of cars. If you don't believe me check it out. His work can be found on his website, linked here.

Photo credits: Scott Wade, Dirtycarart.com

I Really Don't Hate St. Louis

2009-01-27T13:23:00.002-06:00

I came across this really cool project that's gathering national attention. Edward Crim, a St. Louis based photographer, is doing one of the coolest 365 projects I've ever seen. For those of you who don't know what a 365 project is it's simply a project that involves taking a photograph of a similar subject everyday for an entire year. His project involves, in my opinion, one of the coolest parts of St. Louis, Forest Park. His project has put a unique spin on the park and has progressed quite well so far. I'm interested to see how it continues to take shape.

His project can be found here.

Obama Day

2009-01-20T13:15:00.003-06:00

I ran across this on youtube today and thought it was appropriate for today.

Art and Film

2009-01-15T22:02:00.003-06:00

Film is one medium we don't always associate with art. Film is a great medium that can express so much more than other mediums. The down side is the high cost and time it takes for the final project. Recently I watched a film titled City of God. It's a great film but as to not give away the storyline that's all I say. The real point is that the cinematography and dialogue come together not only to create something that's enjoyable watch but is also an artistic expression of a director's vision and the use of film to create a larger message. So next time you go check out a movie, think about it as a piece of art and evaluate as more than just something fun to watch.

One great place to check out films is artfourm.

The Big Picture

2009-01-14T23:43:00.002-06:00

So I slacked off yesterday and didn't get a post up but hopefully you guys will forgive me. Today's post comes from the phot world. The Boston Globe runs a website called The Big Picture where they post images from various sources. Here's the scope according to them:

The Big Picture is a photo blog for the Boston Globe/boston.com, entries are posted every Monday, Wednesday and Friday by Alan Taylor. Inspired by publications like Life Magazine (of old), National Geographic, and online experiences like MSNBC.com's Picture Stories galleries and Brian Storm's MediaStorm, The Big Picture is intended to highlight high-quality, amazing imagery - with a focus on current events, lesser-known stories and, well, just about anything that comes across the wire that looks really interesting.

The blog can be found at www.boston.com/bigpicture/

Art

2009-01-12T18:10:00.004-06:00

Art is one of my favorite things in the world. There's something so simple yet complex about it. I say this with reservation for two reasons. One, many people could care less about it and two every time I bring up art, going to an art museum, a cool piece of art I see, etc. my roommates laugh at/make fun of me for the next twenty minutes. Despite this I really believe that art is vital to our humanity. It's an expression of self and commentary on the world we live in. It shows beauty to us. It conveys emotions. Over the next week I'm going to try to write a blog a day about art, mostly photography since that's what I know but I'll try to include all kinds. So on that note, I'll leave you with some great places to check out art on the web.

Onexposure.net - great photography, user monitored for content, my personal favorite site
deviantART - all kinds of art
Columbia Art League - for those of you in Columbia who want to check out the local art scene
Nelson Atkins Museum - Kansas City's museum, great collection ranging from ancient to modern
Kemper Museum - contemporary art in Kansas City
Daniel Farnum - teacher at University of Missouri, has a great list of links
Tiny Vices - site for emerging artists to share their work, includes some new musicians

Ugly Sweaters

2008-12-15T23:24:00.001-06:00

#118 Ugly Sweater Parties. I read this today and it made me laugh. I've been to two parties this year that were ugly sweater parties and it makes me laugh.

Real Joy

2008-11-27T23:44:00.003-06:00

Today was just like any other Thanksgiving day. Lots of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and of course chocolate pie (I made it myself this year). Nothing really unusual or monumental happend today. Despite the normality of the day I can't help but acknowledge that for the first time in a while I experienced uninhibitated pure joy. I'm not talking about the "oh I just ate a really good piece of pie" joy but rather joy that makes everything bad in the world so small and insignificant that it barely exsists. Today I experienced that in the form of an 11 pound, 26 inch long little boy, my nephew Jonah. When I look at him everything else is forgotten. It doesn't matter that he spit up on my last pair of clean jeans or spewed all over the shirt I just put on. He's perfect. He personifies everything I can imagine joy to be. Nothing in this world could make me as happy as to hold him, see his toothless grin and hear his subtle giggle. He brings joy to my life that I've never experienced before. Right now he's a reminder in my life that God loves us and wants us to be happy. In all honesty it's going to be hard to go back to Columbia knowing that everyday I'm there he's growing and changing and I'm missing out on it.

I hope something or someone brings joy to everyone like my nephew has for me.

KC MO

2008-11-24T08:57:00.006-06:00

I'm from the city, best midwest city, best city in the whole wide wide world... it sounded like a better way to start this post than it actually is but none the less I'm leaving. As a side note, I really like it when I can quote song lyrics in normal conversation. Anyone else with me? Regardless, I'm home for Thanksgiving break and I'm excited. This is the first break since I've been in college that I don't really have any obligations. So I have some ideas of things I want to do.

1. Hang out with my nephew as much as I possibly can. He's 2 months old and awesome. I'll also put hang out with my family in here too.

2. Take as many pictures as I can. I don't have the time at school to take photos like I would like to so now is my chance.

3. See old friends.

4. Write blog posts. On Wednesday I'll be a guest poster on the Veritas Art Wednesday series. I'll be posting on photography as an art form so check it out.

5. Spend some time in coffee shops where I don't know people and read about whatever I fancy.

6. Enjoy a large Thanksgiving dinner.

7. Play a game or two of pick up football.

8. Play basketball at GPC. It's tradition after all.

9. Tinker with the bike I took apart over the summer. Maybe put it back together.

10. Probably the most important. Pray and read my bible everyday as part of the bigger picture of finding rest in God.

That's about all I have today. Hopefully I'll knock all of these out and enjoy the time off. If you see me over break, keep me to my list of things to do.

A New Move by the Bush Administration

2008-11-21T00:52:00.002-06:00

I ran across this story and thought it was worthy to share.

Ken Griffey, Jr. is now an American Public Diplomacy Envoy. He was named as such by Condoleezza Rice. In all seriousness, this is probably one of my favorite moves by the Bush administration. Maybe it's because when I was 10 I wanted to be just like Griffey, but regardless I'm happy to see a good guy doing good things for America. President Bush, Seceratary Rice, I salute you.

Full story here.

Obama gets the World Cup to America?

2008-11-12T01:11:00.002-06:00

I ran across this story and thought it was interesting. Who knew our president-elect had such a good head about him? He enjoys soccer! Even though he supports West Ham United I can still support him in his love for the beautiful game.

Veteran's Day and an Iconic Image

2008-11-11T12:19:00.002-06:00

Thank you to all those who have served our country in times of war and in times of peace. I especially would like to thank my brother-in-law, his father and my own father for the time they spent serving our country. My brother-in-law is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and my father is a veteran of the Vietnam War. These three people mean a lot to me and I am very blessed and proud to call them my family.

On another note, I was reading one of my favorite blogs about photography and issues within the photographic community. Today they posted a story about the iconic image of a sailor kissing a nurse after the announcement of Japan's surrender ending World War II. The story is about the nurse in the picture who commemorates the event by riding at the front of WWII veterans in NYC's annual Veteran's Day parade. The story can be found here. It's cool to see how a simple photo can encompass all the feelings and emotions a nation felt after such a historic event. This iconic image is so captivating. Again, thank you to all who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces.

Talking about SIN

2008-10-30T22:24:00.000-05:00

Sin is an interesting topic. It's something I'm very good at but if you ask me to explain it I'm not so great. Well, this semester I was assigned to give the "sin talk" at young life club. It's been a long process. I started thinking about it about 2 months ago. Now the talk is only a week away and there's still work to be done. I have a rough outline done and now I'm just trying to work out the details. Here's the basic thought map:

There's lots of pain and need in the world (ties in to last week's talk).
The pain we feel and see around us is just the symptom of a much bigger problem which enslaves us.
This problem is sin. (essentially defining sin as a captor which refuses to release us.

Now I'm just trying to connect ideas and make it understandable for high school kids.

Through this process the weight of my sin has become much more apparent to me. To think of sin as a slave driver constantly pushing me into deeper captivity isn't necessarily radical but really puts in to perspective how much I let sinful things dictate my life on a daily basis.

"O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law" 1 Corinthians 15: 55-56

Election Frenzy

2008-10-30T09:58:00.005-05:00

Columbia, MO is buzzing with the excitement of Election 2008. Today Senator Obama will speak on campus at the University of Missouri. (Well that's not really new news to anyone who lives in Columbia but I thought that sounded good.) As I walk around campus and hear people talking I can't help but notice the excitement, nervousness and wonder with which people wait Obama's arrival. I'm assuming thousands of people will turn out to hear the eloquent candidate speak and I will probably be among them hoping to catch a glimpse of the potential next president. It's fascinating to me how this country changes in an election year but at the same time I wonder what we do in non-election years.

Admittedly I have a love-hate relationship with the race for the White House. The winds of change swirl around election years, especially in years where no incumbent is running. Dreams of what our country could be give hope to the American dream and I like to dream. On the other side, the attacks on candidate's character and politics (more of the former less of the latter in my mind)grow old quickly. It's sad to see someone who obviously has a passion for our country and the people it be verbally bludgeoned for a decision he made or a bill he did or didn't vote for. Needless to say, when the dust settles and our new president is crowned it will be time to figure out how to live normally again, settle in to a new administration and wait anxiously for more dreams of change in our country.

Soccer Coaching

2008-10-28T11:25:00.001-05:00

Over the past two months I've been a proud assistant coach for the soccer team at JCHS. This is my first coaching experience. It's been a roller coaster season that included a 9 game losing streak. As the season has progressed my friendships have formed with players on the team (which is why I'm there). My knowledge of the game has increased and I really feel like I have the ability to be a successful coach (a life long dream). Although the season has had its ups it is now pretty much in the drain and it's not fun as far as soccer goes. Fortunately for me, soccer isn't the important part. I've really learned to love through the hard times the team has had. It hasn't been me picking the guys up off the ground because they have broken spirits but rather it's in sharing that experience with them that has made it all worth. Even in the midst of a less than desirable season is God doing big things on that team and nothing could be more exciting.

Chad fought Chi-town

2008-10-15T11:00:00.005-05:00

As most people know Chad ran the Chicago Marathon this past weekend. His goal was to beat 4 hours. The day started early with the race beginning at 8 in the morning. As the sun rose it was evident that it was going to be a gorgeous day. The catch is a gorgeous day (sunny with a high of 80 or so) isn't perfect for a marathon. Ideal for a marathon is cloudy and highs in the 50s. Chad gave it his all and looked great through mile 13. Around mile 16 he started to feel sick and dehydrated. He checked in at a first aid station and actuallly took a 45 minute nap. None the less, Chad finished the marathon in a little over 5 hours. He did great and I'm very proud of him. Now you can tell all your friends about the day Chad fought Chicago and won.

Mein Neu Neffe

2008-10-10T13:25:00.002-05:00

For everyone who doesn't know my sister her baby last Thursday. His name is Jonah Israel Magers. He was 7lbs 4 oz. Everyone in my family and my brother-in-law's family think he looks like me. I don' know if I see it but whatever, he's probably the greatest thing ever. Here's a pic. There are surely many more to follow.

My New Blog

2008-10-09T12:11:00.002-05:00

In order to keep up with the progressing photography business I have started a new blog - a photo blog. I will try to update it from my archive of images and new images that I take through the coming days. It will probably be a mix of fine art, sports, landscapes and whatever else catches my fancy. It can be found here. Add it to your google reader or where ever you keep track of your rss feeds.

Lately and Coffee Shops Sighting

2008-10-02T11:39:00.004-05:00

So lately I've been on a blogging hiatus. I've been all over the place, coaching soccer in JC, studying for tests, being antisocial in the darkroom and discussing leadership in Washington D.C. Look for more on the D.C. trip soon.

As I write this I am sitting in Kaldi's trying to study for a biology lab exam. I'm listening to The Frames, which rock for those of you who don't know them. I took a little time to people watch as I always to when I'm in coffee shops. As I watched I noticed two med or nursing students studying away for some kind of anatomy test. To my surprise they were both using wikipedia as a source of information. I guess really the point of this whole post was to say if med students can use wikipedia doesn't that somehow validate me using it to study or as a source to write a paper? Maybe not. For more thoughts on wikipedia check out Zach's post.

I'll try to write more soon on the D.C. and other thoughts that have been rolling through my head.

----------------
Now playing: The Frames - Live Forever
via FoxyTunes

Republican Paradox

2008-09-16T11:10:00.007-05:00

As the 2008 election closes in I have been researching both of the party's and candidate's stances on various issues. As a preface, I will adamantly grant that nothing is perfect about either the Democratic and Republican platforms. I have yet to decide whom I will vote for this year but something about the Republican platform just doesn't sit right with me.

Abortion and capital punishment are two issues concerning the same thing: human life. According to the 2004 official Republican platform, which is still the party's stance (2008 platform here), abortion is unacceptable and the death penalty is allowable, even encouraged. How can one person support life on one side and on the other support the ending of life? I do have to say I am for the abolition of abortion but strongly opposed to the death penalty.

These two stances contradict each other. Republicans believe that capital punishment is an effective deterrent for crimes. I wonder how effective it is when I see that 3,309 people were on death row in the United States as of January 1, 2008. Obviously Republicans value life in some respects because they want all babies to be born if the natural process allows it but in other respects they do not value life because 3,309 people will die because of their belief. I do not want to overlook the actions of the people on death row. They deserve punishment for the crimes they committed but how does killing someone for killing another person make since? Have we regressed to an eye for an eye form of government?

Maybe I've missed the point of all of Republican's stance but I have a hard time supporting someone who wants to kill people. If anyone can explain that to me please do.

*note: When "Republicans" is used it refers to the party platform not necessarily the views of all Republicans.

High School Acquaintances

2008-09-15T10:15:00.003-05:00

Today I was walking on campus and ran in to an acquaintance from The Oak Park High School. It was an awkward weird interaction. The kind that makes you feel unhinged on the inside. As most things do, this 30 second interaction got me thinking in my usual borderline idealist train of thought.

Everyday we walk past hundreds if not thousands of people as we walk to and from class without even acknowledging them as we pass by. Sometimes we even walk past people we know and just don't want to talk to (don't kid yourself, I know I'm not the only one who does it). It seems to me that there is very little human kindness in that. This isn't even an issue of "Christians" or a generational thing rather, this is an issue of caring for people simply because they are people.

In all honesty, I don't really know what this means. Maybe it's something simple like a smile as you pass by a stranger on campus. Maybe it's holding the door for someone as you walk into a building. Maybe it's finally saying hi to that person you constantly pass but don't really know. Or maybe it's something as simple as actually talking to an old acquaintance as you walk past them. Who knows, it could just brighten up both of your days.

Favorite Athlete #1

2008-09-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

I started this series over the summer and never finished but I had this entry saved as a draft so I figured I might as well share it with whoever still reads this.

After long deliberation, I've come to my favorite athlete during my lifetime. He might be controversial. He might have a bit of a poor reputation but his game speaks for itself.

My number 1 favorite athlete since 1987 is: Zinedine Zidane. I can hear the gasps already. I have to be kidding right? The guy who "lost" his team the World Cup for head butting a guy is my favorite athlete? Yes.

Zidane has had a long career beginning in France (his native country) at the age of 16. Playing for various clubs in his youth he eventually ended up with the likes of Juventus and Real Madrid for 5 years a piece. Most Americans know him for his great international play. In his first cap for France he scored two goals helping France eliviate a 2-0 deficit to earn a draw. He lead France to the semis in his first Euro Cup in 1996 and won his first World Cup in 1998. He also won the prestigious European Footballer of the Year award in 1998. As captain of the French team in 2006 he lead his team to the final even scoring a goal (pk) in the losing effort.

Admittedly, Zidane's career is scared with two World Cup red cards. The first came in a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia when he stomped an opponent who verbally provoked him. His most well known red card came in the 2006 final for head butting Italian defender Marco Materizzi. Materizzi admitted to pulling Zidane's jersey to which Zidane replied do you want my jersey. In response Materizzi claims to have said "I prefer the whore that is your sister." Rumors flew about the Italian calling Zidane's mother and sister terrorist but these have never been confirmed.

Although controversial none can deny that the dominate play of this Frenchman puts him on the short list of all time great athletes since 1987.

On Campus Knoodling

2008-09-09T10:14:00.002-05:00

First let me define the word knoodling (pronounced ka-noodle-ing, I might have made this word up). Knoodling is a broad term encompassing cuddling, hand holding, kissing and hugging.

Yesterday I was walking across campus and could not help but notice all of the couples who were kissing outside of classrooms, holding hands and telling each other they will miss one another for the next hour while they are apart. In all honesty I was perturbed by this. When I'm on campus I don't want to see that. This is a place of higher education but we can't get away from the high school mentality of relationships. Seriously? My new friend Ashlen jokingly pointed out that maybe I was just bitter that I'm single and maybe there is a small truth to that but all I'm saying is I don't want to fight through crowds of people snogging to enjoy a lecture on Animism or Photography.

Creation and Hunting

2008-09-01T21:29:00.004-05:00

When I'm home in Kansas City Saturday mornings produce a certain ritual for me which very few people know about. After sleeping in (usually means 9:30) I trek downstairs for breakfast and tv, but not just any tv shows will do. The first and only channel I turn to is Versus (formerly Outdoor Life Network). For those of you not familiar with Saturday morning programming on Versus I have to tell you that the only thing they show is hunting and fishing shows. I don't know when my infatuation with these shows began but I sure do enjoy it.

This past Saturday was no different. I had my breakfast and reclined on the couch as a hunting show began. The hosts began to talk about hunters as conservationists. As one show after another progressed I could not help but recognize the awe and reverence with which each hunter/angler approached nature. Many of these hosts even openly spoke about how our creator God gave the earth as a gift to man and our responsibility to care for it. I begun to realize that hunters might have the most respect for creation out of anyone. The way these men and women talked about each animal or location made more sense of our relationship to creation than I've heard before. Sure you can say they were killing "poor, defenseless" animals but they really were not. Hunter after hunter passed up a deer that was huntable but had not yet grown to full potential in order that it might reproduce and keep the population going. Every fish caught was immediately put back in the water. One of my favorite fishing shows has a verse at the end of their show and the host himself speaks of God's effect on his life.

I guess in closing, I would like to question people (especially believers) who oppose hunting/fishing. Sure not every hunter carries the same regard for nature but collectively who respects God's creation as much as them?

Mark Cuban's Economy

2008-08-07T23:15:00.002-05:00

Mark Cuban has a blog. It's pretty impressive. Below is a portion of his fix for the economy. To read the rest go to his blog.

If we really want to stimulate job creation in this country, take the same
approach to small business with 25 or fewer employees that we take to Internet
taxes. Outlaw them.

No taxes of any kind on small businesses with 25 or fewer employees. No
employer payroll tax. No state or local taxes. No taxes on earnings. Nada. The
business owners will pay income taxes on their personal income they pay
themselves, but not corporate earnings.

- blogmaverick.com

News Story

2008-08-07T11:38:00.006-05:00

At work today I was told to write a story about last night's Royals game. Then the people in charge told me they didn't need it so... I'm posting it here. The pic is just for the blog version.

Luke Hochevar marked his tenth loss of the year last night as the Royals dropped another one to the Red Sox. “Three walks, that can’t happen especially against a lineup like this,” Hochevar commented on his disappointing effort after the game.

Pitching was not the only problem the Royals faced. Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield allowed only four hits in his six innings stifling the Kansas City offense. Ross Gload had the only two RBIs as six runners were left on base, 4 of which were in scoring position.

photo courtsey of daylife.com
Today the “boys in blue” catch a day off before a weekend series at home against the Minnesota Twins.

Favorite Athletes 7 - 5

2008-08-01T09:00:00.002-05:00

Number 7: Eldrick "Tiger" Woods

There's two things that put Tiger as number 7 on my list. One, Tiger is a normal guy at least in stature. He's 6'1", 185 lbs, much the same as myself. He gives me hope that I can make it in professional sports. Two, his relationship with his dad, Earl, reminds me much of my relationship dad, Earl. Earl Woods was hard on his son and pushed him to be his best all while caring deeply about him. The same could be said for my Earl. I guess we should mention that the guy is dominating his sport while expanding it's audience to thousands of people who would otherwise care less.

Number 6: Shaquille "Shaq" Rashaun O'Neal

Sure Shaq has had his miscues and incidents but I still love the guy. The big fella dominated the NBA in the late 90s and early 2000s like no one else . Although he's been involved in some sketchy behavior he's one of the good guys in the league. Plus he's incredibly genuine. I don't know if you've ever seen him with his kids but you can't help but laugh to watch him joke and kid with them.

Number 5: Willie Roaf

So maybe my Kansas City is showing but as an ardent Chiefs fan I can't help but love possibly the greatest line man to ever play the game. Even though he might have screwed us when he retired a year early, I hold no grudges. The man could barely walk to the line of scrimmage but ask him to pull and he'd put three guys on their backs all while making his way ten yards down the field so his running back (Priest Holmes) can set records. For all of those who don't know who Willie is I'm sorry you missed out on one of the greatest athletes of our time.

So I couldn't find a video of Willie Roaf online but for all you who want to relive the glory look here.

Top 10 Favorite Athletes Since 1987

2008-07-31T12:37:00.008-05:00

As my 21st birthday approaches it's fun to look back at some of my favorite things in life. Sports has been a huge part of my life so I've decided to honor that by looking back at my favorite athletes since I was born. This will be the first of a few entries on this topic.

Notables who didn't have the list:
George Weah (soccer), Charles Barkley, Chipper Jones, Jermaine Dye, Vince Carter, LeBron James, Allen Iverson, Michael Johnson (track)

Number 10: Edgar "the Pit Bull" Davids

Edgar Davids is one of the great footballers of all time. Pele named him to the FIFA 100, a list of the greatest living footballers. A Dutch international, well known for his great play in the midfield, is one of the most recognizable players of the 90s due to the goggles he wears while playing (he wears them due to glaucoma). Born in Suriname Davids played for the Dutch international squad in two World Cups one in which he was named to the tournament team. He played for AFC Ajax, the great Dutch Club for Amsterdam. A short ban from soccer due to banned substance use almost kept the Pit Bull off the list but his unforgettable play and style solidified his place at number ten.

Number 9: Brian McBride

One of the great American footballers, Brian McBride has always been my favorite players to dawn the red, white and blue. He's spread the opportunities for Americans over seas by having two relatively successful stints with European clubs including a four year, 32 goal span with London's Fulham FC. A prolific goal scorer, Mcbride's fearless aerial play lands him the number 9 spot on the list.

Number 8: Dwight Howard

The one of a kind all-star stretches the mind of human capability. He's young, smart and genuine. It only takes one look at his website to see that. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Howard is his open faith in Jesus Christ. He might just be the most exciting player to watch in the NBA and with only four seasons under his belt, the future looks bright for Dwight.

Why I Love Chipotle

2008-07-22T09:17:00.001-05:00

Just watch the video.

Just for Fun

2008-07-21T09:23:00.005-05:00

I realize that most of what I've been writing lately has been more on the serious side of things. So, I've decided to lighten it up a little bit with some random pictures and videos just for kicks.

What a stellar pic.

Reminds me of the infamous Zach Osborne.

I hope you enjoy that as much as I do. If you didn't, be sure to click on the Zach Osborne hyperlink. It's classic.

Why Ben Harper put on the Best Worship service I've been too

2008-07-18T14:00:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, May 31, I had the immense pleasure of seeing Death Cab for Cutie play a live show. The show was great including the opener, a lesser known band named Rogue Wave. While the show was going on I couldn't help but feel myself getting caught up in emotion, passion and desire that Death Cab was creating. Two days later, I had the chance to reflect on the whole experience. This lead to a realization or rather a glimpse of the bigger picture that concerts are, at the root, nothing less than an attempt to fill the desire of humans to praise and worship.
So maybe to some of you this seems a little far fetched but bare with me. Humans have an innate yearning to be a part of something larger than themselves - in essence to worship. With that in mind it's reasonable to say that many people feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves when they experience a good concert. No one wants to go to a concert where the band goes through the motions. People only get in to concerts if the band is obviously passionate about the music they are playing. This desire for passion comes from the same place the aforementioned yearning for something larger comes from, God, the creator of all things. We are psychologically wired to desire many things (aka motivations according to psychologists) and I would suggest that this is a result of our inteded relationship with the Creator. Maybe I'm crazy but think about it.

If that ain't love then I don't know what love is...

2008-07-18T06:00:00.003-05:00

Gone are the days of shallow conversations forming "lasting" relationships like when we were little kids. Fundamentally, as humans, we need deep meaningful relationships to fully function. We need dependencies on other people. We need to share our deepest thoughts, fears and desires in order that we really live. I have two thoughts on this.

The first of these points is still a hard thing for me to understand. Part of genuinely loving people is being able to say hard things to them. I don't mean saying hard things like "You're not very good at halo" or "I don't really like your sweater." I must admit I'm not even very good at saying things like that - at least not directly. What I'm talking about is saying things that are deep and penetrating to someone, something that has real significance in their life. In the past, I think I've always avoided these situations by chalking it up as not my problem but lately I've come to realize the importance of transperancy in relationships. If you are really loving someone, and I mean truly, honestly caring for someone, than everything in their life is yours, good or bad. Loving someone isn't just sharing in their joys but also bearing their problems. Within that, just like our parents had to be hard on us to from time to time to turn us into responsible adults, we in turn need to be tough on each other when the time comes. If not, then we are failing as friends.

My second point that has come in to focus is really the importance of communication in relationships. Yeah, I know, it's so cliche to say communication is the key to relationships but just like stereotypes, cliches aren't cliches for no reason. I have some great friends that I care about very much but I struggle to keep up with. Even my roommates from school who I don't live with this summer bearly ever hear from me. I had the opportunity to be in Kansas City Wednesday and Thursday of last week and saw some friends, brothers, that I never really talk to. These are guys who I love to be around, talk to and share life with but yet I still repeatedly fail to be in communication with them. Graciously they still hang out with me but I'm failing in that aspect of the relationship. As I'm growing up it becomes more and more apparent that relationships take work and lots of it.

I've really tried to avoid getting into personal emotions on this blog (not to be confused with political beliefs or opinions). I feel like this my cross that line - like I'm writing in my journal or something - but on the other hand if I'm trying to be transparent isn't that ok?

Thoughts on Education

2008-07-17T11:44:00.012-05:00

The following is an email with a friend of mine (who will remain namelss). After a long discussion last night ranging a variety of topics we began discussing education. Our discussion continued today through email and this was my response to a story he sent me. This might make more sense if you read the story or already know some about the education system in the United States.

"I understand your point. Your education greatly benefited from moving to a different school with better teachers and facilities. One point I would like to raise is that although your education did not take place in the district (I'm assuming if the school was that much better it was a different district, if not that's a whole other issue) your house was in, the school that you opted out of was still receiving some form of compensation for you more than likely in the form of your parents' tax dollars. Currently school systems receive money based on the number of students within their district. I can't give you the exact number but it's a government regulated amount where they estimate the amount it costs to educate a child. Under no child left behind the amount of funding a school receives depends strongly on how students score on standardized tests. The better a school scores the more funding they effectively receive. Thus, schools who fail to meet standards lose funding further pushing them behind other schools. Funding does play a major role in the quality of education. Let's look at universities as an example. People are willing to pay $45,000 to attend an Ivy League school because the quality of education is superior to that of other schools. I know this is a bit of a generalization but you get the point I'm trying to make.

Vouchers would effectively limit funding even more for already failing schools because they would receive less money from the government due to fewer students attending their school. Just as a note, the previous statement is precluded by the thought that parents would choose to move their students from schools.

Honestly, I can see the upside to vouchers. It does provide a fix for current conditions, as reflected in the article you sent me. On the other side, the longevity of the voucher systems leaves little thought for raising the level of education students can receive in the public school system in their neighborhoods.

Realistically speaking, I'm not convinced that vouchers would necessarily change where students attend school because most of the proposed beneficiaries come from poor economic backgrounds and would, due to lack of financial means, be unable to send their kids to a school that would more than likely be far from their residence. It's just a fact that poor schools are generally in poor neighborhoods and in order to get away from said poor schools people would have to travel a significant distance to attend quality schools.

That all said, I honestly believe that the most effective way for a child to receive a quality education is for parents to start taking responsibility for their child's education - and I don't mean by depending on the "right" schools. Instead of depending completely on schools to educate a child a parent's effort to set a base for education goes farther than any government instituted program ever can. Although I did have the privilege to attend quality schools, I honestly believe that I am proof that a parent owning their child's education makes the most difference.

I could go on about this. I could even tell my dad's story about coming from impoverished schools but I feel like I've already said too much."

Which candidate is your match?

2008-07-08T10:41:00.002-05:00

While taking a break today I stumbled upon a little survey you can take to figure out which candidate you are more in line with. I don't know how accurate it is but I found it interesting. Take for yourself right here.

I'm Officially Published

2008-07-07T09:16:00.004-05:00

With master-head intern Jon out of the office for the past few days, the opportunity presented itself for me to do some work for the newsroom. Not only are they some of the funnest people in the office, they also do the most interesting work (at least to me). A reporter sent me out with the task to capture the set up for Jefferson City's Fourth of July Celebration. I happily left with camera in hand to see what I could find. Admittedly, I didn't find much besides a half setup stage but none the less I ventured out on to the capital lawn in search of an image that would meet the pretenses of the article. After about 10 or 15 minutes it started to pour so my time was cut short and I didn't get anything special but now I am a published photographer for the company news network.

Here's the article and picture:

Capital City prepares for Independence Day celebration

Changes

2008-07-01T16:42:00.004-05:00

I've decided to make some changes to the layout of my blog. Bear with me as I figure out what I want. Until then read the entry below I posted earlier and enjoy this video that Zach sent me.

A Look Back

2008-06-30T16:56:00.003-05:00

Two nights ago, while kicking the soccer ball around with friends I realized how much I miss the countless hours I spent just joking around with a ball at my feet. With the mention of the scorpion I couldn't help but think of the great nike cage commercial.

Conservative?

2008-06-26T08:26:00.004-05:00

Every morning I when I get to work, I start the day by reading the big stories on cnn.com. Today there was an expectional article ("Commentary: Obama no, McCain maybe") written about what it means to be a conservative. Generaly that term refers to Republicans but Glenn Beck explains why that is incorrect and explains a part of the political system in the United States that is often over looked. In all honesty, it made me wonder if I truly am a conservative.

The Race for the Whitehouse

2008-06-25T08:37:00.008-05:00

As of late, I have had plenty of time to read political news, rhetoric and opinion. It is amazing to me how much you can learn about two people just because they are running for president. That being said, it seems to me that there is much more coverage, or at least easier access to coverage, of the Obama campaign. This comes as no surprise to me. As a 20-something college student attending a major university, I am exposed to all sorts of political views but clearly the young, hip Obama is pitched as the choice for all college students. And why should it be any other way? Certainly he has qualities that make him a little more relatable than the McCain. As I have read I have begun to realize that I am being bombarded with Obama (not that that is a bad thing). I feel like it is my duty as a voter in this country to make the most educated decision I can on who I vote for. So I encourage everyone who plans to vote in '08 to read, research and decide for themselves who it is they want in the Whitehouse.

Here are some resources to check out:

The Page
CNN politics
Evolution of John McCain
Obama race speech

*Above image courtesy of MSNBC

As a side note, I plan to start updating more as I have put a lackluster effort in to this blog.

"Once" Upon a Time

2008-06-11T14:23:00.005-05:00

Two nights ago I enjoyed watching "Once" with Jon and Glen. It's an independent-like film about two people who motivate each other through music while navigating the tempestuous emotions of life. Overall, the movie, in my opinion, is a good film. It captures the emotions of viewers with a story that everyone can relate to. I highly suggest it to anyone especially if you enjoy good music, which in reality is the point of this entry. Below is a scene from the movie that not only captures the essence of the film but also shows two stellar musicians doing what they do.

Obama for President

2008-06-05T09:33:00.015-05:00

Today as I started my day in the office I came across an article on cnn.com. Working for a communications company, I feel obligated to keep on up current events. Obviously, the presidental election has been getting a lot of play in the news. Hence, I found an article by Bishop TD Jakes. I must note that he is the Pastor of a nondenominational church which makes me wonder how he gets the title of Bishop. Anyways, I feel like Jakes captures a sense of hope that many Americans have grown to associate with the Obama campaign. Admittedly I have not payed too much attention to the race for the party candidates until recently but while reading Jakes commentary what I do know began to make more sense. Never in my lifetime has a presidential race been so important. The lackluster presdency of Bush is about to end and in the wake a new chapter of American history will open. Jakes recognizes that with a leader like Obama in the White House the African American minority will again have hope in the ideals of this country. Just like Martin Luther King Jr. fought for the equality of all people in this country so to Obama fights for the empowerment of people who otherwise fall to the wayside in our country. I must recognize that some who fall do so by their own bidding or by apathy but the people of this country not only need to recognize that our breathern, of all races, are being failed by the leaders of this nation but that action must be taken to end it. The people of this nation who have come to expect failure or mediocrity in this country should be able to take hope in the ideals that our forefathers built this country on. Each one of us should not waiver when the cards are stacked against us but rather we should be able to look to our leaders and trust that they are working for the success of us as individuals and as a nation. Thank you Bishop Jakes for recognizing the hope that Obama brings to the African American community of this country. Thank you Senator Obama for providing that hope to myself and the other many other Americans trying to succeed in this great nation.

It's summer time and I'm home (for a little while)

2008-05-20T13:45:00.005-05:00

Home - the place in which one's domestic affections are centered (dictionary.com).

I like being home. I love hanging out with my mom, dad, sister and brother-in-law. They are great. I also get to hang out with a lot of friends who I don't see on a regular basis. But, I feel like being home is sort of a catch-22 for me. Home is where I've enjoyed some of the best moments of my life but also some of the worst moments. It seems like returning home provides a great sense of rightness in my life that eventually gives way to a feeling of apathy. I become numb to the world around me after a while. Don't get me wrong, I love my family and I love being home but there's something about it that just gets me. I don't know what it is nor do I know how to put it into words. It's almost like the world around me stops like there's nothing pushing one way or another. I've really just begun to recognize this in my life. It's not just true here at home in KC either. It also goes for being in Columbia. I don't know what exactly this means but it's really forced me to discover what it means to honestly search for God in times where He's not the most apparent. Maybe this is the only purpose of my apathy towards the places I live or maybe it just means I haven't found "home" yet. As my good friend Stayko says, home isn't a location.

I don't know what this means to anyone else who reads it but maybe someone could shed more light on the situation. For now, I'm going to enjoy a day basking in the glory of the greatest city on the face of the planet, Kansas City.

A Random Smattering of Things

2008-05-13T12:42:00.007-05:00

I felt the desire to blog but didn't really have anything to blog about so here's a few things I've been thinking about lately.

1. Mother's Day
Some people might say I'm a bad son because I didn't get Sue (my mom) a gift for mother's day. Well truth be told something is in the works for next weekend but let me just say I have a distaste for "holidays" like mother's day. Why do we need a day to shower someone with gifts? Sure it's nice but why can't we do it consistently. I'd much rather tell my mom how much I appreciate her on a regular basis. Despite all this, I'm giving in and celebrating mother's day just a little belated.

2. Christ Jaegar's blog
Chris writes one of the best blogs. If you don't read it start. If you do read it continue to read it.

3. Finals and semester grades
It being finals week and all I can't help but think about finals. I've somehow managed to get an A in two classes this semester and I don't know how. If you know me you know I don't really put much time into school but somehow it all worked out this semester.

4. How God shows love to us
On Sunday I joked around about "proof" that God loves me because of three things:
1. The weather was crappy (at least in the morning) and I needed to study, so the temptation to play outside was gone.
2. The Crossing had Highlander Grogg which is my favorite coffee in the entire world.
3. Probably the most legitimate, the sermon was on exactly what I had been praying about lately.
After reflecting on this I really began to wonder how God does show his love to us. Although my reasoning was silly I think this really is one way God shows love to us, by making everything just fall in place sometimes.

5. Rock Climbing
I love to climb. I don't get to do it much but there's something special about it. It's one sport that challenges me in a way that no other sport ever has. I like it. Anyone want to go climb?

6. Cycling
Cycling is my newest obsession. I've been mountain biking for a couple years now but recently I've been looking into road cycling. Something about it intrigues me. Hopefully this summer I'll buy a bike and hit the open road.

Sorry for the randomness but sometimes that's just how my brain works.

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Now playing: Death Cab For Cutie - The Sound of Settling
via FoxyTunes

Busyness

2008-05-02T09:51:00.003-05:00

It has been a very long time since I have posted. Fear not, I haven't given up on blogging but rather I have been busy, extremely busy.

Last night I was laying in bed reflecting on my week. I couldn't help but think how busy I had been. There were a couple of days when I was asleep at home more than I was awake at home. Which I guess isn't unreasonable but to put it in perspective I hadn't slept more than 5 hours a night for the last 4 or 5 days. While I was reflecting on this I began to think why am I so busy? The simple answer I suppose is young life and school and admittedly those do take up a great portion of my time but at what cost?

(This is where I finally get to the main point of the entry.)

I firmly believe that busyness is one of the biggest tools the devil uses to hinder us. I don't feel like I spend much time on the computer just messing around or even watching tv. When I look at what I do spend my time on it is mostly good things. All these things I do spend my time on comes at the cost of relationships. I live with 9 other guys who I'm lucky to see for more than an hour total throughout the day and usually when we do see each other we're busy. Obviously if I can't manage to find time with the guys I live with there isn't much time for the people who I care about outside of my house. And the fact that this is true upsets me. There are so many people I care about but few I actually get to spend time with. Relationships with friends, especially through conversations, is one of the biggest ways I grow in my relationship with Christ. It's just a great way for me to make sense of all my thoughts but if I'm busy and don't have time for those conversations I don't get to grow in that respect. So really what I want to say and live is one of my favorite things, "Don't let busyness be an excuse." So please, please, please don't ever let me get away with letting busyness an excuse.

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Now playing: The Postal Service - Such Great Heights
via FoxyTunes

Excited!

2008-04-06T12:11:00.004-05:00

Seeing as I have some free time and haven't updated for a few days I've decided to write about things I'm excited about.

1. Spring - It's my second favorite season. I throughly enjoy the warming weather and the occasional Missouri rain shower. It also means school is almost over for the summer. People are a lot more fun in the spring when they can get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

2. Sports in general - Spring is the best time of year for sports. Right now we're in the middle of Barclay's Champions League, English Premiere League, Major League Baseball, NBA basketball and Track season. If you know me you know I love sports. Not only are the aforementioned seasons going on but it's also time for outdoor sports such as fishing and hiking to begin. Sports truly are a gift from above.

3. Mountain biking - Another of my loves. Now, you might be asking why I didn't put this under sports. Well I really don't have much of a reason other than I felt like it was too special to lump in another category.

4. YoungLife - It's just a great time of year to do YoungLife. There's so much going on and it's getting closer to camp.

5. MIZZOU football - There's nothing like college football in the fall. Plus, the Tigers are looking at a top 5 ranking. Oklahoma's going to be strong this year but that's just going to make conference play that much more exciting.

6. Last but not least Kansas Jayhawk Basketball - Now this might confuse some of you and make others angry but hear me out. I grew up in Kansas City a very KU biased town. My dad is a KU basketball fan hence I have been one since I was born. Now I'll tell you why I'm excited about KU basketball. As everyone knows KU just won a the national championship, the second of my lifetime (1988). They played a great tournament and came from behind to beat a great squad from Memphis. Looking towards next year a lot of guys will be returning to make another run for the title. I just love KU basketball....

Here's to spring!

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Now playing: Ben Harper - She's Only Happy in the Sun
via FoxyTunes

Photography

2008-04-03T10:32:00.002-05:00

I really enjoy photography. I love everything about it. From being behind the camera capturing an image to studying the work of others, I just can't get enough of it. Thus, I've decided that I will randomly be posting photos that I enjoy. Here's the first of many.

Spring Break

2008-03-28T14:28:00.001-05:00

Well, it's now Friday of Spring Break 2008. I've had a lot of time to think, reflect and ponder on life while sitting around the house. That said, I've decided to focus on one particular event that's been on my mind a lot since it occurred.

On Wednesday night I went to Town Topic with Pat and some special guests from school. It was a pretty normal trip to Town Topic, after 10 at night with a group of friends but it quickly turned into a very abnormal adventure. After being there for about 5 minutes a few people had come in and out. All of a sudden one of the men who had just left rushes back and says who drives a...(I don't remember the specific car but anyways) because it's on fire. In response a guy rushes out only to find the front of his car on fire. Usually when one finds their car on fire they freak out but not this guy. He calls the fire department and then proceeds to walk back inside, small talk with the waitress and then order his meal, only off-handedly mentioning that he was just in a slight fender bender that probably caused the fire.

In the midst of this situation I had a flurry of thoughts and observations.

I wondered how a man who just discovered his car on fire to be so calm. He was young, mid 20s, African American man, with braids and a goatee. He didn't look rich nor did he look poor. A child seat waited for his little rascal in the back seat. He seemed just like an other average guy you would see walking down the street. He had this air about him that I just couldn't understand. Certainly this would be a costly life altering experience that nobody would blame him for being upset about but here he is just as calm as can be.

Looking back on this man's reaction made me look at myself and those around me and wonder why we worry so much. We worry about school, money, and the details of life so much that we forget to stop and relish the moment. Life consumes us to the point where we don't know how to live. At some point we need forget about the details, let God take care of those, and just live because that's what we're here to do.

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Now playing: John Mayer - Walk on the Ocean
via FoxyTunes

The First Entry

2008-03-11T09:39:00.001-05:00

So this is the first entry of my blog. I want this blog to just be a series of my thoughts questions and whatever else is going on. So here it goes...

I turned in a paper today about Young Adult Catholics. The paper itself wasn't a big task but something I came across was pretty disturbing. There's a man named Rev. C. John McCloskey who is a Catholic commentator in Washington DC. In an article I was reading he was quoted as saying, "There's a name for people who dissent from the church's teachings: Protestants." Now, let me try to set the scene for this comment before I tell you why I was so taken back by it. The article was specifically about how the Catholic experience has changed for people born since the 1960s. Catholicism looks far different from what it was in the mid 1900s let alone what it did when the apostle Peter started the church. In the article, many 20-something individuals were quoted in saying how they don't agree with all the pieces of Catholicism. McCloskey's comment was used as a response to these individuals feelings.

Now, why is this comment so disturbing to me? Well, it kind represents a large piece of Catholicism that I don't agree with, for that matter it represents a large piece of Christianity that I don't agree with. I believe that denominations/Catholicism v. Protestantism are some of the most ridiculous ideas in Christianity today. I'm sick of the battle for what church is the "right" church and what church follows Christ the best. When it comes down to it, Jesus died for all of us. It doesn't matter if we go to the Baptist Church down the road, Immaculate Conception Catholic diocese, or the new age house church; what matters is that we follow Jesus Christ to the best of our abilities and search out the truth that he has offered to us. One thing I'm sure of when it comes to any church is that every single one is doing something wrong. It's our human nature (since the fall of man) for us to deviate from God and since the church is a human organization (lead by the Living God) it is apparent that we take a few missteps along the way. This is not a question of who is right or closer to being right but more of a question of are we growing people to be servants of our creator is everlasting to everlasting.

I hope that in the future different churches can start to look past their differences and begin to focus on the body of Christ because, after all, isn't that the point of church anway?

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Now playing: Bob Marley - One Love
via FoxyTunes