danis linus

200th Post... and the Last..

2008-04-09T11:12:00.003-04:00

This is my 200th Post on Blogger and my last. The new www.DanisLinus.com has launched so head there. Also, I just realized that I had two different feed links here on Blogger. One through Blogger (which will no longer be active) and one through Feedburner. So, if you are a subscriber... first of all, thank you. Second, please check your feed to reflect the address below. Thanks.

http://feeds.feedburner.com/DanisLinus

We did London right!

2008-03-12T20:07:00.003-04:00

85 new pics...
and a one-minute recap...

...more to come.

New DanisLinus coming soon...

2008-03-10T06:59:00.003-04:00

I know it's been a while especially compared to my previous posting rate but we have a monthly limit on our wireless broadband. A new and improved Danis Linus is coming soon and I'm redoubling my commitment to sharing life. So, sitting here in Derry City Airport waiting to go London I thought I'd launch out... introducing... www.youtube.com/danatchison. Much love.

BTW... updated the Flickr as well. Enjoy.

Flickr Update - The Wall

2008-02-14T16:02:00.003-05:00

Tons of new pics from our walk around The Wall in Derry this afternoon. Check 'em out... and Happy Valentine's Day from Derry, Northern Ireland.

The Story of Adi Dassler

2008-02-13T07:35:00.007-05:00

Stop motion work has always amazed me. Whether it's Wallace and Grommit or the lightpainting by LICHTFAKTOR from Germany, the artistry and skill necessary are astounding. That's why I love the new site by Adidas which tells the story of Adidas and Adi Dassler. Hit the jump to watch the film and explore Adi's workshop.
What the film does not tell however is the fascinating story of the split between Adi and his older brother Rudolph Dassler. The split between these two Nazi party members apparently occurred over a misunderstanding in a bomb shelter.

"During the war, a growing rift between the pair reached breaking point, after an Allied bomb attack in 1943 when Adi and his wife climbed into a bomb shelter that Rudolf and his family were already in. 'The dirty bastards are back again,' Adi said, apparently referring to the Allied war planes, but Rudolf was convinced his brother meant him and his family. After Rudolf was later picked up by American soldiers and accused of being a member of the Waffen SS, he was convinced that his brother had turned him in."

In 1948, the brothers split their business, when Rudi left the high hill for the other side of the Aurach river: Adolf called his firm Adidas after his nick name; Rudolf started his own little shoe company... now known as Puma.

Bedroom in a Box

2008-02-13T07:23:00.004-05:00

This isn't really practical for a family man such as myself but for those singles out there who tend to move around quite a bit, this might just be for you. As regulars to DanisLinus know, I love great design and this is great design. Introducing the Casulo. "Designed by Marcel Krings and Sebastian Mühlhäuser, the small box unpacks into bed, desk, seating, book shelf and wardrobe."

via Yanko Design and PSFK

In Northern Ireland thinking of Uganda and Louisiana

2008-02-13T06:48:00.004-05:00

I have a lot going on in my life right now. Not really externally but inside. But this morning, as I washed the dishes in our extra small sink while Ben played and Maria slept, I couldn't help but think and pray about two things far, far away and really not connected to my world at all.

If you've ever checked my blog roll then you know there are some bloggers in Uganda right now on behalf of Compassion International. The question is: can blogging change the world? Well, Flowerdust, Ragamuffin Soul, Spence Smith, Randy Elrod, and others set about to find out. The Blog Team is in Uganda to see Compassion's work firsthand. Read their up-to-the-minute blogs up until February 18th. I'm always humbled by how much we have considering how little so many others have. And so this morning my thoughts were in Uganda...

...and Louisiana. Yes, Louisiana. I don't know much about Bethany World Prayer Center. I've heard some of their worship CDs and the pastor of Church of the Highlands where we attend in B'ham is from there. Other than that, I'm not very familiar with them. But this week, I've received several emails and saw on a couple blogs that Joel Stockstill's wife, Amy, passed away from cancer. And so, my thoughts were far, far away again and focused on a family who must be hurting.

We all have "stuff" going on in our lives but never so much that we can't consider others even those we don't know. I think that's why Paul said, "each man should look not only to his own interests but also the interests of others."

Jesus Greater Than...

2008-02-13T06:34:00.005-05:00

Came across this site a few months back but didn't really explore it until today. www.jesusgreaterthan.org is a new organization that raises awareness to issues they believe critical.

We are trying to answer the cries of the oppressed by taking action.

They accomplish this through various campaigns. For instance, all the proceeds of Jesus>Poverty go to Compassion International. Jesus>War funds go into a special scholarship for children who have lost parents in war. Jesus>Thirst to build wells in Kenya.

I love the concept of it all but on a personal level it reminds me that Christ is greater than anything I could ever face.

Jesus>Fear
Jesus>Death
Jesus>Sin
Jesus>Failure
Jesus>Hurt

Be honest, what is it in your life that you need to be reminded that Jesus is greater than?

In case you didn't notice my Twitter...

2008-02-13T06:01:00.005-05:00

I know I said I'd get back at it last Wednesday but we've been getting settled at "41 Manorwood" and just now got internet at the house. We're doing incredible and enjoying our time together. The people here have been so gracious and amazing.

Pics tell the story better. Check back often at www.flickr.com/danatchison

And we're off!

2008-02-04T09:31:00.000-05:00

DanisLinus will return to it's regularly scheduled programming on Wednesday, February 6th, live from Derry, Northern Ireland ... thanks for the love and prayers.

Water Tower House

2008-02-02T13:39:00.001-05:00

I guess the Dutch are really into converting and renovating old non-residential structures into dwelling places. First the old church, and now this old water tower. Check out the pics and click to enlarge...

via Materialicio.us

Besides a traditional house, what old structure would you choose to convert and live in? And a big shoe doesn't count...

Time Stands Still at Grand Central

2008-02-02T12:03:00.000-05:00

In the words of Chris Farley, "I've seen a lot of things in my life, but that was awesome!" Improv Everywhere's latest stunt is extremely clever if for no other reason than it's subtlety. Much more subtle than their previous stunt 3 weeks ago where over 2000 people in 10 cities took their pants off on subways around the world simultaneously.

This time, a much smaller 200 people made time stand still at Grand Central Station in New York City... for five minutes. "Improv Everywhere Agents froze in place at the exact same second in the Main Concourse of Grand Central Station. Over 500,000 people rush through Grand Central every day, but today, things slowed down just a bit as commuters and tourists alike stopped to notice what was happening around them."
Check it out...

In Honor of Super Bowl XLII

2008-02-02T11:48:00.000-05:00

Some MC Hammer commercial love - Pepsi 1991

Santa Fe Cattle Co... Its ok... Just ok. ???

2008-01-31T11:03:00.000-05:00

That's what I Twittered last night while at dinner with my family. On the surface, no big deal right? I mean by all normal standards I was just tossing out there in Twitterland for everyone to know that Santa Fe is just average. It's not Bern's or anything.

Funny (meaning sad) how we get so used to living a certain way compared to the rest of the world that our whole frame of reference changes (meaning it's incredibly screwed up). So, I'm standing there in worship last night at Highlands and I can't stop thinking about my Twitter. It bothered me because when we sit down to eat, we really do pause and thank God that we have food to eat... that we actually have food to eat. I mean I left the place full... more full than I should have and the only thing I have to say is it was "just ok." Most of the world would give anything for "just ok." And so standing there at Highlands, I couldn't stop thanking God for all I've been given...

When I'm hungry, I go to the refrigerator and there is an abundance of food. I can choose whatever I want.

When it rains, I have shelter for me and my family.

When it's cold, I have heat and warm clothes.

My shoes have good soles and that's just one of many, many, far too many pairs.

I have a laptop I'm typing this on that costs more than most people earn in a decade.

We drove a car to church last night and made it there safely...

...then my son walked through the doors to a massive indoor playground and had a blast while my wife and I got our Starbucks coffee.

I could complain that our house is not selling but at least we have a house that isn't selling.

I could complain about the drop in the market but at least we have stock that is falling.

I could complain about losing my my precious Josiah to an ugly disease but I'm thankful he's not dead but rather alive and in a place that has been graciously provided by my Heavenly Father and He is keeping him safe until one day we can be together again...

...and the hope of "being together again" has even been provided to me, my wife and Ben by that same generous and loving Savior.

And so, I'd like to revise my previous Twitter from last night...

Santa Fe Cattle Co... What a gift to sit here with my beautiful family and share a meal together. What a God that's so generous and loving...

Fill in the blanks... "I could complain about _________ but instead __________...."

RS - Rock List: Readers' Best Eighties Movie Themes

2008-01-29T22:18:00.000-05:00

Gotta love it! I was just checking my music feeds and Rolling Stone posted up the Best Eighties Movie Themes. Personally, it's a toss up between #5 - Joe Esposito's "You're the Best Around" from Karate Kid and #23 - OMD's "If You Leave" from Pretty in Pink. Of course, two songs scored from the greatest soundtrack of one of my favorite movies of the decade... Top Gun. But just in case you need a little more to get you to hit the jump, here's the top of the list at #25 - Starship's "We Built this City" from Mannequin 2.

Which 80's ditty gets you going?

U2... up close and very personal

2008-01-29T20:24:00.001-05:00

I know I promised this earlier so here it is... Everything I've read about U23D: The Movie is right on. "Everything" being rave reviews... giving it five stars... all that. Incredible... awesome... amazing... immersive... Ok, enough with the ambiguous adjectives.

It's not your normal 3D experience where the filmmakers attempt to startle you with hokey gimmicks and corny effects. There's simply a crisp realism in the shots and after the first song or two, you feel as though you are "there." So much so, that at one point I literally moved my head so I could see around some offensive object obstructing my view... The Edge's mic stand. When I caught myself, I had to laugh.

I appreciated the fact that the camera gave equal airtime to all members of the band. One moment you are closeup with Bono or posing with Adam Clayton and the next you are looking over The Edge's shoulder at 80,000 screaming fans. This in itself is a departure from the much smaller arena venues played here in North America and amazingly translates to a relatively small room with a capacity of only 400.

The film was shot entirely during the South America leg of the Vertigo tour and the crowds really brought the concert to life. Bono also played on the fact that he was South of the Equator by singing several lines in Spanish including the entire bridge of Beautiful Day.

Our particular viewing at the Channelside IMAX theatre in Tampa had some real fans. During the show, you could hear people singing along and at times even clapping which seemed completely normal even though we were in a theatre. At one point, my wife even stood up and no one seemed to give attention.

The set is similar to the Chicago DVD with some welcome variations including Bono singing the opera which completely blew me away. I've never really cared much for Atomic Bomb's Love and Peace but this one made me a believer. Some of the visuals during the song were incredible including Bono lightpainting with his finger which appeared to be right in your face.

In short, it's an experience all it's own. It's not a mere concert film and it's not a live experience either. You're all over the place in the stadium. The only complaint I have (if you can call it that) is that I wished the editor would have lingered on some of the shots a bit longer so we could take it all in. The cuts were a bit fast and I found myself really wanting to drink in the entire scope of some of the wider shots. Other than that, it's an outstanding and groundbreaking piece of work. If you are within an hour or two drive, make the effort... it's def worth it. Here's a little teaser I took for you from the iPhone of my favorite member, Adam Clayton... not that it'll do you any good without the glasses.

I gotta get me some SpeedLegs...

2008-01-29T16:59:00.000-05:00

I love my Pumas. In fact, I'm wearing my white and green ones right now. I gotta say, the new SpeedLegs are sweet though. The only problem is that I'll have to wait until 2178 A.D. to score a pair.

I've posted here before about Puma's incredible ability to build community around their product and gain brand loyalty. And, this new ad campaign makes me love them even more. The visuals are ubersweet and the punchline is incredibly clever. Now if my boys in blue could just get some of these, they wouldn't be behind Man U and Arsenal. Check it out...

Is it wrong to love a shoe this much?

In Honor of the LEGO 50th Anniversary

2008-01-29T12:36:00.000-05:00

I know I'm a couple days late on this one but I've been out of town and away from the Mac. I've posted before about LEGO bricks and how much I loved them as a kid and so I couldn't let this one go. This week, LEGO celebrated it's 50th Anniversary. The word comes from the Danish phrase leg godt, which means "play well." Click the timeline above for some creative inspiration but if you really want to be moved head over to The Brick Testament.

The site claims to be the world's largest, most comprehensive illustrated Bible. With over 3,600 illustrations that retell more than 300 stories from The Bible, this "one-man labor of love" borders sacrilege at times but is fun for the most part. The shot below is the raising of Lazarus from the dead. via Jess Potter

The Coldest Places on Earth

2008-01-27T11:40:00.000-05:00

After having spent the last decade in places like Los Angeles and Clearwater, I discovered something about myself. I'm such an incredible wuss when it comes to cold weather. And Alabama has been quite cold. I forgot how cold it was. Last week, we had snow. It was Ben's first and didn't quite know what to do with himself (I've posted up a couple pics on Flickr as promised).

Anyway, after reading this article it only reinforced what an incredible wuss I am. Try for example, the Snag airstrip in Yukon, Canada which recorded the lowest temp in North America on February 3rd, 1947... -81.4°F (-63°C). At this temp, voices of people can be heard up to four miles away since "frozen breath" hangs in the air for up to fifteen minutes. Honestly, that's just weird. via Digg

So, to remedy this situation, we're spending some time in Northern Ireland... yeah, that makes sense, I know. Actually, it's not bad there... 10 degrees warmer than here although wet. Still beats -63°C. (Notice the use of Celsius... like a good Irish boy should.)

Food Fight

2008-01-27T11:21:00.000-05:00

I've only been in a couple of real food fights in my life. The best one was in Master's in our singlewide (yes, we lived in a singlewide). Something having to do with chocolate cake and... well, I won't go into it. This short film by Stefan Nadelman trumps them all though. The filmmaker presents a brief history of war, from WWII to present day, told through the foods of the countries in conflict.

Watching brought an internal conflict of my own. This incredibly creative if not disconcerting short is hilarious and yet events portrayed are anything but. As my good friend Steven pointed out... it's food so there's no one to get angry with. I must say that the Cold War buildup was my favorite.

Watch below and see how many countries and conflicts you can identify first. Then head on over to the official site and take a look at the cheat sheet. How'd you do?

Disclaimer #2 for the day: As odd as it sounds being just food and all... this film is a bit graphic so consider yourself warned.

I've been told I need to blog more...

2008-01-27T10:52:00.000-05:00

Well starting February 4th, I'll be blogging from God's country... Northern Ireland that is. Maria, Ben, and I are spending 11 weeks in Derry with our great friends Andrew and Isa. No we're not living with them (talk about inconsiderate houseguests). We'll have our own place that has been generously provided for us. Ecclesiastes says there's a time for everything and this is the time for healing and rest in our lives. We're so thankful to God for each other and for those willing to walk along side and be a voice.

Somewhere a long the line we fall prey to the belief that pastors don't need pastoring themselves. We wouldn't admit that out loud but isn't that a bit like Craig Groeschel's Practical Atheism. We would never say it with our mouth but our actions and attitudes convey it. We don't believe it's true... that pastors don't need pastoring but we live as though it were. I've been guilty of it... Caving to the pressure of being something I'm not. And, I suspect that you are guilty of it as well. Either for yourself if you are a pastor or for those of you that follow one. And so, only a few weeks into 2008, I'm keeping my New Year's resolution... to let people walk beside us and help us.

Speaking of New Year's resolutions... did you set any (whether you wrote them down or called them that)... what were they?... and honesty, how are you doing with them?

BTW... this little jaunt across the pond means I'll be updating my Flickr a bit more as well... so hit me up. Much love.

Disclaimer: Yes, I realize the above pic was taken at Powerscourt which is actually in the Republic not The North. I just like it best, that's all.

Home Church?

2008-01-23T18:44:00.000-05:00

"The decline in church attendance over the last several decades has meant that countless churches across the Netherlands have lost their function. A dutch firm named Zecc has converted an old chapel into an apartment, carefully respecting and enhancing the character of the original building. "

Before... After...
Thoughts?

The PlayPump

2008-01-19T13:01:00.000-05:00

via PSFK - "The PlayPump is an incredibly simple but effective invention that helps people in Africa access clean drinking water. While children are playing on a merry-go-round up to 1,400 liters of clean water can be pumped into a tank that stands seven meters above the ground. The tank’s walls are used to place ad billboards while two sides are reserved for educational messages. The revenue from ad-sales is put into the maintenance of each pump."

Space Invaders Jacket

2008-01-19T12:41:00.000-05:00

"Here’s a true fashion statement for the videogame lover who has it all. Going all out with the retro look, this jacket is emblazoned with hundreds of pixelated little alien dudes from the arcade classic, Space Invaders."

I'm loving this throwback to the 80's with a kind of Member's Only feel. Created by Scandanavian designers Junk de Luxe, this one is hard to come by. Unfortunately , the only place to find these is from Trendlovers in Denmark. So, if anyone out there speaks Danish and would like to help me out... hit me up.

AirMail

2008-01-19T12:19:00.000-05:00

Most of you have undoubtedly seen Apple's latest offering, the MacBook Air and maybe even the way Steve Jobs introduced it... in a manilla envelope. Well a couple of guys picked up on it and pretty quickly too. The new Mac doesn't ship for another week and a half and and yet the above case... yes, it's a padded case called AirMail not an actual envelope... is already in the making. Didn't take long.