"Words Seem Inconsequential"

I appreciated TJ Simers' column in today's LA Times reflecting on the death of Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart. It was sensitive, sober, and heartfelt, and certainly a departure of tone for Simers. I don't know how many times I have heard people, including Christians, say that "everything happens for a reason." But that's just not true, it's not even biblical (more on this in an upcoming post). Some things, sometimes tragic things, are just senseless and unexplicable - and happen for no good reason.

Kogi Run

Finally made a run to the Kogi truck last night at midnight (and paying for it today!). Came home from a great meeting for our college-prep non-profit (I think we have our program director!); Noticed on Twitter that Rowland Hts had beat out Santa Monica and Eagle Rock for Thursday's late-night Kogi rush, so I made the five-minute trip. At first it looked like a short line, but then realized it was half way up the block. But by the time I got in line and took one whiff of the downwind BBQ aroma, I was committed. Unsuccessfully tried to coax some friends out of their homes and out of their jammies to join me, but to no avail - so I braved the cold and made some new friends in line. By the time I got my tacos at 2AM I was both starving and damned tired. Reminded me of latenight Tommy runs on Rampart back in the day. But last night as I realized I was the oldest dude in line, it sunk in that maybe I'm getting too old for this kind of stuff!

spazzkid and spark

A couple of talented friends at Epic have a new EP...really terrific stuff! Go for a spin

Bad and Getting Worse

A scary sobering outlook on AIG and the failing economy from round table of heavyweights, including Hank Greenberg, Meredith Whitney, Carol Loomis.

Obama SoCal Town Halls

Listen here on KCRW

Fascinating Interviews

I stay up too late, but for good reason: I love to watch Charlie Rose. He recently devoted a week to often fascinating interviews on role of technology/business with implications for what constitutes future community, connection, culture. Here are three of the best:

Marc Andreeseen, entrepreneur, founder Ning, Netscape, investor Twitter
Jeff Bezos, founder Amazon
Lynda Resnick, marketing whiz, author "Rubies in the Orchard

The Culture of Zappos

While waiting for my son's appointment at the eye doctor, I came across this Fortune article about the internet company Zappos, recognized as one of the best companies to work for in the magazine's list. I enjoyed reading about the culture they have created there and how they've gone about doing it. With their values for community, empowerment, quirkiness, and fun, I thought the church could learn a thing or two from them.

Zappos knows how to kick it
The 10 Commandments of Zappos