(To read Day 16 #1, click here. To read Day 16 #2, click here. To read the winning entry in the contest, go to Day 16 #3 by clicking here. To find out more about what the LOST In 108 Words contest was about, click here, or you can get all the posts by going to DontTellMeWhatICantDo.com.)
Final thoughts on the contest...
What an amazing ride it's been the past two and a half weeks. It's been a blessing to me. It's also been crazy to think that since I first mentioned the contest, on November 30, I've had people from 53 countries visit this blog. It's also encouraged me to not always stand on the sidelines when it comes to online communities. The conversations and new friendships have been great. I look forward to continuing those, especially during this last season of Lost.
Themes/stories that came up a lot in the entries? People mentioned getting engaged to their spouse because of the show. Also, a lot of aspiring writers now because of Lost.
I'm still humbled by some of the entries. Some of them were very personal and revealing. Thanks for sharing what you did. Hopefully I can meet some of you who submitted contest entries at some point. I keep telling myself that one of these years I'll get out to the San Diego Comic-Con, and that is an event where a huge number of Lost fans would be. If you are ever in the Omaha, NE area, please let me know.
I'm grateful the charity auctions have been going well. Thanks for supporting them. I'm glad some worthwhile organizations will be helped through the auctions.
I wouldn't trade my three Lost ARG posters (Locke's Secret, The Hatch and The Smoke Monster) for any others. My favorites after my top three? Jacob's Cabin, Ben Linus, The Crash and The Dharma Van.
Favorite Lost swag with this Lost ARG? The skatedeck and the Locke's Secret shirt.
Congratulations to Christopher Lee, once again, for winning the Lost In 108 Words contest.
It's nice to know I played a little, indirect part with this latest Lost ARG. Thanks for playing along!
DontTellMeWhatICantDo.com
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
LOST In 108 Words (Day 16) #3
(To read Day 16 #1, click here. To read Day 16 #2, click here. To find out more about what the LOST In 108 Words contest was about, click here, or you can get all the posts by going to DontTellMeWhatICantDo.com.)
I'll try to keep this short since you don't want my story, but rather the winning entry. I think some people will be surprised by the winning entry.
When I had the idea for this contest I wasn't sure what I would be looking for with the winning entry. I was hoping it would be immediately clear after reading it. The first day brought a number of good entries and I thought it would be impossible to know right away. However, there was an entry that stuck with me the next day, and then the next day, and then...you get the idea.
When I initially read it I thought it could be the winner, but didn't want to think that it would be because it was an early entry.
I should mention it was the 4th entry in the contest. 4. (Nice connection with Lost there.)
Reading the entry took me to a very specific time in my life. (Not that it was like this movie scene, but this scene came to mind yesterday when reflecting on this entry again.) I was a young missionary, a newly licensed pastor, and I was wrestling with my faith in God. (This was early in 1998.) Someone like me isn't suppose to have these doubts, I thought. I wasn't about to share with anyone what I was dealing with because I knew I'd be ridiculed (in the nice, Christian way), or the matter would be responded to in a manner that would have no connection with reality. A lot of Christian were fearful of Pokemon, at the time, and thought they could "name it and claim it" when it came to faith and prayer. These were some of the people I worked with at that time. Not everyone, just some. I'd be told condescendingly, by some of them, that I lacked faith when I was sick. Do you think I'm going to share about me wrestling with my faith in God? I watched how others would share doubts/fears/questions and get mocked.
Generally speaking, The Bible Belt has come a long way from the 90's (and before) when they feared anything outside their church walls. Unfortunately, they did a lot of damage to a faction of young Christians that were just starting out, and worse they turned off the rest of the world that found them unaware and out-of-touch with reality. (Do we need to hear a sermon about the evils of Harry Potter when there is so much social injustice in our neighborhoods, cities and world?)
As Jacob wrestled with God, I had my own wrestling match with God at the time. It wouldn't be the first time I wrestled with him. My time as a missionary made a difference, physically and/or spiritually, for people here in the United States and around the world. However, my time as a missionary was also marked by times of profound loneliness and doubts. Not just doubts in God, but doubts that I was doing the right thing. Doubts that I was going to live the rest of my life alone. Doubts that I'd ever have basic needs like food and shelter. (I didn't have much early on in my missionary days.) Doubts that I was missing out in life. Doubts that my life was meaningful. I don't know how many midnight conversations I had with God, outside, just wondering what the (bleep) was going on in my life.
You have a small window to look through and see a few of the reasons why Locke is my favorite character. I've had family, friends, people in general think that I'm just happy-go-lucky with my approach to life. While I haven't said like this, I KNOW Locke's words when he says to Jack, "It's never been easy (to believe)!"
I know that sentiment. I know many others who know that sentiment. I know of others who have walked out in faith, like Locke did time and time again, and seemingly not be rewarded for their faith.
I also know the sentiment of what Locke said in the follow-up, "I can't do this alone, Jack." None of us can, but if we have no one to turn to...
I don't know. I just know that scene really well. I know, like Locke, what it's like to do everything in your power to live a life of faith to please someone. I know, what it's like, to wrestle with those times where it seems your faith is not responded to. (One reason why I love The Hatch poster. Locke is at his end and, in my opinion, his faith is rewarded.)
So, that is a summary, and it truly is a summary, of some aspects of my life and faith. It's why this entry resonated with me from the first time I read it, and why it still does today.
Here it is...
I lost my faith in 2002, and LOST has complicated my agnostic front. The struggle between Jack and Locke, between inheriting purpose for one's life and the knowledge of its futility, embodies my struggle since 2002. I often feel like Locke, searching for meaning in pain. Jack's incessant desire to succeed and fix, not because of its larger meaning but because of his complicated relationship to his dad, mirrors parts of my own journey toward agnosticism...denying a heavenly Father's role in my life and still offering up the fruits of my success as proof that I'm better than him.
--Christopher Lee
Christopher and I have emailed a few times. We chatted yesterday about Oral Roberts and his passing away. Christopher attended Oral Roberts University. Not too many people know about Oral Roberts anymore, but we do. We know that Bible Belt, Pentecostal style of Christianity.
One of my closest friends went to Oral Roberts University, around the same time as Christopher, and had some similar experiences unfortunately.
Christopher sent me a follow up entry that added a sentence to his original entry. The sentence being, "In the end, meaning remains elusive for all of us." Elusive, yes, but I'd like to think meaning is not impossible to catch.
There you have it. An honest, vulnerable entry to the contest. Congratulations to Christopher Lee! Jacob's Cabin is yours. Perhaps someday we can get some Dharma issued food and drink and hang out.
I'll try to keep this short since you don't want my story, but rather the winning entry. I think some people will be surprised by the winning entry.
When I had the idea for this contest I wasn't sure what I would be looking for with the winning entry. I was hoping it would be immediately clear after reading it. The first day brought a number of good entries and I thought it would be impossible to know right away. However, there was an entry that stuck with me the next day, and then the next day, and then...you get the idea.
When I initially read it I thought it could be the winner, but didn't want to think that it would be because it was an early entry.
I should mention it was the 4th entry in the contest. 4. (Nice connection with Lost there.)
Reading the entry took me to a very specific time in my life. (Not that it was like this movie scene, but this scene came to mind yesterday when reflecting on this entry again.) I was a young missionary, a newly licensed pastor, and I was wrestling with my faith in God. (This was early in 1998.) Someone like me isn't suppose to have these doubts, I thought. I wasn't about to share with anyone what I was dealing with because I knew I'd be ridiculed (in the nice, Christian way), or the matter would be responded to in a manner that would have no connection with reality. A lot of Christian were fearful of Pokemon, at the time, and thought they could "name it and claim it" when it came to faith and prayer. These were some of the people I worked with at that time. Not everyone, just some. I'd be told condescendingly, by some of them, that I lacked faith when I was sick. Do you think I'm going to share about me wrestling with my faith in God? I watched how others would share doubts/fears/questions and get mocked.
Generally speaking, The Bible Belt has come a long way from the 90's (and before) when they feared anything outside their church walls. Unfortunately, they did a lot of damage to a faction of young Christians that were just starting out, and worse they turned off the rest of the world that found them unaware and out-of-touch with reality. (Do we need to hear a sermon about the evils of Harry Potter when there is so much social injustice in our neighborhoods, cities and world?)
As Jacob wrestled with God, I had my own wrestling match with God at the time. It wouldn't be the first time I wrestled with him. My time as a missionary made a difference, physically and/or spiritually, for people here in the United States and around the world. However, my time as a missionary was also marked by times of profound loneliness and doubts. Not just doubts in God, but doubts that I was doing the right thing. Doubts that I was going to live the rest of my life alone. Doubts that I'd ever have basic needs like food and shelter. (I didn't have much early on in my missionary days.) Doubts that I was missing out in life. Doubts that my life was meaningful. I don't know how many midnight conversations I had with God, outside, just wondering what the (bleep) was going on in my life.
You have a small window to look through and see a few of the reasons why Locke is my favorite character. I've had family, friends, people in general think that I'm just happy-go-lucky with my approach to life. While I haven't said like this, I KNOW Locke's words when he says to Jack, "It's never been easy (to believe)!"
I know that sentiment. I know many others who know that sentiment. I know of others who have walked out in faith, like Locke did time and time again, and seemingly not be rewarded for their faith.
I also know the sentiment of what Locke said in the follow-up, "I can't do this alone, Jack." None of us can, but if we have no one to turn to...
I don't know. I just know that scene really well. I know, like Locke, what it's like to do everything in your power to live a life of faith to please someone. I know, what it's like, to wrestle with those times where it seems your faith is not responded to. (One reason why I love The Hatch poster. Locke is at his end and, in my opinion, his faith is rewarded.)
So, that is a summary, and it truly is a summary, of some aspects of my life and faith. It's why this entry resonated with me from the first time I read it, and why it still does today.
Here it is...
I lost my faith in 2002, and LOST has complicated my agnostic front. The struggle between Jack and Locke, between inheriting purpose for one's life and the knowledge of its futility, embodies my struggle since 2002. I often feel like Locke, searching for meaning in pain. Jack's incessant desire to succeed and fix, not because of its larger meaning but because of his complicated relationship to his dad, mirrors parts of my own journey toward agnosticism...denying a heavenly Father's role in my life and still offering up the fruits of my success as proof that I'm better than him.
--Christopher Lee
Christopher and I have emailed a few times. We chatted yesterday about Oral Roberts and his passing away. Christopher attended Oral Roberts University. Not too many people know about Oral Roberts anymore, but we do. We know that Bible Belt, Pentecostal style of Christianity.
One of my closest friends went to Oral Roberts University, around the same time as Christopher, and had some similar experiences unfortunately.
Christopher sent me a follow up entry that added a sentence to his original entry. The sentence being, "In the end, meaning remains elusive for all of us." Elusive, yes, but I'd like to think meaning is not impossible to catch.
There you have it. An honest, vulnerable entry to the contest. Congratulations to Christopher Lee! Jacob's Cabin is yours. Perhaps someday we can get some Dharma issued food and drink and hang out.
LOST In 108 Words (Day 16) #2
(To read Day 16 #1, click here. To find out more about what the LOST In 108 Words contest was about, click here, or you can get all the posts by going to DontTellMeWhatICantDo.com.)
Before I announce the winner, I wanted to say thanks. When I first had the idea for this contest, I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought it could be fun, though.
Soon after the idea came to me, my wife fractured her leg and my life was in upheaval for a bit. Then, I had a heart attack scare and part of me thought it would be silly to do this contest amidst the upheaval. However, I decided to do it because I thought it would provide some respite, and it has. The stories, the conversations, the gifts, the friends, it has been a wonderful two plus weeks.
There are many people to thank, and I apologize in advance if I forget you. (Just don't send the Smoke Monster after me.)
Thanks to LostARGS.com for helping me initially announce the contest. LostARGS.com is the site I've gone to for news relating to the current Lost ARG. Since the contest started, a number of their faithful readers have helped me shape this contest. One of the readers also anonymously donated prizes as well so more fans could be rewarded. (The followers of this site, LostARGS.com, have embraced this new person, me, to their island.)
Thanks to Entertainment Weekly's Jeff Jensen (Doc Jensen), DarkUFO, DCaaPB.com for posting about the contest.
A number of others tweeted about the contest as well. Thanks to @andalone, @comixguru, @ReverendMilo, @Zort70, @Lottery_Ticket, @serieasten_news, @LOST_WFTB, @sawyerandkate...and I'm sure there are more. Just can't recall them all right now. (Sorry!)
Thanks to @Lottery_Ticket and @ReverendMilo for ustreaming the Lost ARG art show last night at Gallery 1988. For many of us who don't live in Los Angeles, or couldn't make it in, it was nice to feel a part of the event by watching the live stream. Of course, then I saw the Lost swag, like the Locke's Secret shirt, and realized I can't buy one because I'm not there. (How awesome is that shirt?!) Still, thanks for not being able to enjoy the show as much so a number of Lost fans around the world could enjoy it.
Thanks to those of you that entered in the contest. Some of the things you shared were humbling to read, considering I'm a complete stranger. Perhaps someday this project can be expanded where it's a book of Lost fans sharing their 108 word stories about the show. I know people would enjoy reading about how a show has done so much in impacting people's lives positively.
Thanks for the conversations, once again. I knew this was something special when I received an email from Thorsten Wulff. It wasn't necessarily an entry, but rather a conversation about life, Lost and so much more. Some of the other people I previously thanked I've had fun conversing with on Twitter, along with many others! I'm hoping once the holidays pass, and life calms down a bit, I can follow up more on conversations with Thorsten, my new tweeps and so many OTHERS. I have a lot of emails, posts and tweets to sort through.
Thanks to those of you who have been following this contest. I'm sure there are a number of you, like me, who do more reading than posting when it comes to blogs, forums and more. Thanks for taking the time to read. I hope you'll continue to read my blog and/or follow me on Twitter.
Of course, thanks to Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof for not only their creativity with the show, but also the care they put into rewarding the fans of it. The attention put into this ARG has been great and enjoyable. I'm sure it's a balancing act between rewarding and responding to fans, and staying true to overall narrative of the Lost story. Here's an understatement, they do an excellent job.
Thanks everyone!
(Next post, the winning entry...)
DontTellMeWhatICantDo.com
Before I announce the winner, I wanted to say thanks. When I first had the idea for this contest, I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought it could be fun, though.
Soon after the idea came to me, my wife fractured her leg and my life was in upheaval for a bit. Then, I had a heart attack scare and part of me thought it would be silly to do this contest amidst the upheaval. However, I decided to do it because I thought it would provide some respite, and it has. The stories, the conversations, the gifts, the friends, it has been a wonderful two plus weeks.
There are many people to thank, and I apologize in advance if I forget you. (Just don't send the Smoke Monster after me.)
Thanks to LostARGS.com for helping me initially announce the contest. LostARGS.com is the site I've gone to for news relating to the current Lost ARG. Since the contest started, a number of their faithful readers have helped me shape this contest. One of the readers also anonymously donated prizes as well so more fans could be rewarded. (The followers of this site, LostARGS.com, have embraced this new person, me, to their island.)
Thanks to Entertainment Weekly's Jeff Jensen (Doc Jensen), DarkUFO, DCaaPB.com for posting about the contest.
A number of others tweeted about the contest as well. Thanks to @andalone, @comixguru, @ReverendMilo, @Zort70, @Lottery_Ticket, @serieasten_news, @LOST_WFTB, @sawyerandkate...and I'm sure there are more. Just can't recall them all right now. (Sorry!)
Thanks to @Lottery_Ticket and @ReverendMilo for ustreaming the Lost ARG art show last night at Gallery 1988. For many of us who don't live in Los Angeles, or couldn't make it in, it was nice to feel a part of the event by watching the live stream. Of course, then I saw the Lost swag, like the Locke's Secret shirt, and realized I can't buy one because I'm not there. (How awesome is that shirt?!) Still, thanks for not being able to enjoy the show as much so a number of Lost fans around the world could enjoy it.
Thanks to those of you that entered in the contest. Some of the things you shared were humbling to read, considering I'm a complete stranger. Perhaps someday this project can be expanded where it's a book of Lost fans sharing their 108 word stories about the show. I know people would enjoy reading about how a show has done so much in impacting people's lives positively.
Thanks for the conversations, once again. I knew this was something special when I received an email from Thorsten Wulff. It wasn't necessarily an entry, but rather a conversation about life, Lost and so much more. Some of the other people I previously thanked I've had fun conversing with on Twitter, along with many others! I'm hoping once the holidays pass, and life calms down a bit, I can follow up more on conversations with Thorsten, my new tweeps and so many OTHERS. I have a lot of emails, posts and tweets to sort through.
Thanks to those of you who have been following this contest. I'm sure there are a number of you, like me, who do more reading than posting when it comes to blogs, forums and more. Thanks for taking the time to read. I hope you'll continue to read my blog and/or follow me on Twitter.
Of course, thanks to Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof for not only their creativity with the show, but also the care they put into rewarding the fans of it. The attention put into this ARG has been great and enjoyable. I'm sure it's a balancing act between rewarding and responding to fans, and staying true to overall narrative of the Lost story. Here's an understatement, they do an excellent job.
Thanks everyone!
(Next post, the winning entry...)
DontTellMeWhatICantDo.com
LOST In 108 Words (Day 16) #1
I just sent out an email notifying a few contestants that they were runners-up in the contest. I think narrowing it down to the "finalists" was the hardest part of this. I had flagged entries, in my inbox, of ones I liked. Well, that left me at 46 entries.
What was the difference in making the finalist cut? I think it varied from entry to entry. Some made me laugh, some were poignant, some went off the board a bit, and some were straight forward in their response.
I know some of you may be disappointed. There were a lot of great entries. It was hard to narrow down the people on "the list".
102 to 46 to 15
(Just smiled because the 15 was not planned.)
Here are 14 of the 15 finalists. You might have read their entry before. The entries below are not arranged in any particular order. The winner will be announced later. Let me know what you think!
Live Together, Die Alone. It’s more than just the title of an episode, it really speaks to the state of the world as we know it. Much like on the island, everyone in the “real world” seems to want to splinter off, choose sides and battle until they can force everyone to think just like they do. It’s sad, but the struggle for the island between Jack and Locke, or The Others and the Dharma Initiative is no different than the struggles in the Middle East or the fight over our global economy. For true peace we must learn to live together or we risk dying alone.
--The Blot
Change. That the life we've lived is not the one we have to lead. That we are in control of who we are and who we can become. That whether society had labeled us a convict, or an addict, a sinner, or a saint, the person underneath is always much more complicated. That in the end, we are always given a choice. Fight or flight? Live together or die alone? Only when we take responsibility for our own actions can we make this choice, and not let others make it for us. Because really, who the hell are you to tell me what I can't do?
--Josh B.
LOST has changed my life. I was once tremendously afraid of polar bears and other members of the bear community. They are terrifying. Once I watched LOST, a sense of calm came over me. Seeing Sawyer blast that polar bear and seeing Locke hairspray torch another one empowered me. It gave me strength to face my fears and finally battle them, bears I mean. I no longer look behind my back when hunting for boars. I no longer fear seeing charging bear visions in my sweat lodge. I am a hunter, not a gatherer.
--Jarrett M.
Like the characters, each of us has a lot of issues in our past, some resolved, some unresolved. Some things we had control over, some we didn’t. There are some choices that in the same situation, we would make again, and others that we would take an immediate do over on, if only we had the opportunity. Each of us, has moments in our past that haunt us, things we did, that even we did not know we were capable of. Your past does not have to define who you are today. At this moment, you can choose differently and create a new definition of who you are.
--Jerry M.
LOST applies itself to my life in a pretty significant way every day. One of the steady themes through the show has been 'daddy issues'. Being the son of an alcoholic and adulterer, you can either grow up destined to repeat your father's mistakes, or be conscientious enough to do the opposite. When my daughter was born, I made a life decision to be a better father for her. Is Jack destined to end up like Christian? Am I destined to end up like my father? I don't think so. I believe our path is chosen by us ourselves.
--Chris J.
My older brother introduced me to LOST. When the show started, I was never into it. He graduated high school and joined the army. Two Christmases ago, he made me watch the show. It was amazing! Those few moments together created a bond between us two; we shared a common passion now. He was stationed outside of Baghdad during the 4th season. I would wait to watch the show and we would plan to watch together when he could be home. He was killed this year and won’t be home anymore. I will always cherish those moments.
--Chad M.
The one thing that Lost has taught me is that having Faith is one thing in life that can get you through anything. Locke never gave up his faith in the island. The last two years of my life have been quite difficult (with my own medical problems). Lost has been my little escape from that. It strengthened my Faith in God and myself and enabled me to pursue a treatment in which science has no faith. Little by little I am getting better. I will never give up my Faith or my hope to redeem my life.
--kmfdm11031
This is probably the generic response, but it's the numbers that have impacted my life the most. When I watched LOST, I didn't realize it, but the numbers were slowly creeping into my mind. Whether my test number happens to be four, or I see eight fifteen within a license plate, I instantly think of LOST. My mind makes me include them in everything I do; I play with the numbers, I think with the numbers, I even just write them down, and I don't know why. Yet I don't find it annoying, I find it quite interesting. Dude. That makes this story... one hundred and eight words.
--Jack Z.
Don’t tell me what I can’t do—
for I’ve looked into the eye of this island
and what I saw was beautiful.
Everything that happened here,
happened for a reason.
I live in the real world.
I'm not a big believer in magic.
But this is different.
We all feel it. We hunt. We struggle.
But struggle is nature's way of strengthening.
Why is it so hard for you to believe?
I looked down the barrel of the gun and I believed.
But I’m tired of waiting.
We have to go back.
We'll never be free.
This is our destiny.
--Mary P.
I've learned that a show that intertwines a rich literary based mythology treats its audience as intelligent consumers can entertain a worldwide audience. Which I've applied in how I communicate my faith across varied media. We may disagree about relationships, theories, characters, but the common love of the show, and it's intricate way of weaving a story that combines elements of fate, destiny, and meaning of life can breed friendships with people of many backgrounds. It's a challenge to me, to try to better communicate my faith in a way that is attractive and engaging to people that might not share my same values, and begin a conversation.
--Jon S.
As simple as it sounds, I have learned that above all else, LOVE is by far the strongest power on the planet. Stronger than a hydrogen bomb, electromagnetism, or an incurable disease. Stronger than a dufflebag full of money, 16 years of isolation, or a monster made of smoke. Stronger than a leap from a helicoptor or your consciousness traveling through time. Even stronger than a rushing torrent of water. I mean, Charlie could have swam back out of the looking glass station after it flooded, but he didn't. Why? Because of his LOVE for Claire. That's powerful stuff. It's good to know it's out there. For everyone.
--John R.
The most misunderstood character on LOST is Sawyer. He's been afraid to love and has felt cold and alone since witnessing the deaths of his parents. I too, had been afraid to love because of a horrible relationship filled with lies and deceit. I had felt trapped under pain and isolated myself from any sort of faith. Watching Sawyer regain his faith in love by finding Juliet, through all his suffering, helped realize that regardless of what I have endured, love will always save me. I've recently fallen in love with my dream girl and we will marry this spring.
--Joseph A.
When I watch Lost I question what people say. I look for clues to uncover someone’s story and now I do that in my everyday life. Everyone’s actions and feelings are a result of what they have been through. This has caused me to listen more carefully to people and made me more understanding. It has made me realize that people do things for a reason and you can’t get mad at someone for being the way they are. We all make mistakes and bad decisions and this is what shapes who we are and become. It doesn’t mean we are bad people, it means we are human.
--Chelsea C.
DontTellMeWhatICantDo.com
What was the difference in making the finalist cut? I think it varied from entry to entry. Some made me laugh, some were poignant, some went off the board a bit, and some were straight forward in their response.
I know some of you may be disappointed. There were a lot of great entries. It was hard to narrow down the people on "the list".
102 to 46 to 15
(Just smiled because the 15 was not planned.)
Here are 14 of the 15 finalists. You might have read their entry before. The entries below are not arranged in any particular order. The winner will be announced later. Let me know what you think!
Live Together, Die Alone. It’s more than just the title of an episode, it really speaks to the state of the world as we know it. Much like on the island, everyone in the “real world” seems to want to splinter off, choose sides and battle until they can force everyone to think just like they do. It’s sad, but the struggle for the island between Jack and Locke, or The Others and the Dharma Initiative is no different than the struggles in the Middle East or the fight over our global economy. For true peace we must learn to live together or we risk dying alone.
--The Blot
Change. That the life we've lived is not the one we have to lead. That we are in control of who we are and who we can become. That whether society had labeled us a convict, or an addict, a sinner, or a saint, the person underneath is always much more complicated. That in the end, we are always given a choice. Fight or flight? Live together or die alone? Only when we take responsibility for our own actions can we make this choice, and not let others make it for us. Because really, who the hell are you to tell me what I can't do?
--Josh B.
LOST has changed my life. I was once tremendously afraid of polar bears and other members of the bear community. They are terrifying. Once I watched LOST, a sense of calm came over me. Seeing Sawyer blast that polar bear and seeing Locke hairspray torch another one empowered me. It gave me strength to face my fears and finally battle them, bears I mean. I no longer look behind my back when hunting for boars. I no longer fear seeing charging bear visions in my sweat lodge. I am a hunter, not a gatherer.
--Jarrett M.
Like the characters, each of us has a lot of issues in our past, some resolved, some unresolved. Some things we had control over, some we didn’t. There are some choices that in the same situation, we would make again, and others that we would take an immediate do over on, if only we had the opportunity. Each of us, has moments in our past that haunt us, things we did, that even we did not know we were capable of. Your past does not have to define who you are today. At this moment, you can choose differently and create a new definition of who you are.
--Jerry M.
Inspired by The Women of Lost
Like Sun, I am quiet but fierce.
Like Claire, my first and last thoughts of the day are with my baby.
Like Juliet, I saw the way you looked at her (and smashed open a nuclear bomb to express my rage).
Like Rousseau, isolation leads to mental chat and crazy hair.
Like Nikki, I am sometimes unbelievably, incredibly stupid.
Like Cassidy, I've been conned, but live on.
Like Penny, I won't give up.
Like Kate, I don't always know what I want.
Like Eloise, I know what you're going to do before you do it.
Like Fate, I am a fickle bitch.
--futureselfLike Sun, I am quiet but fierce.
Like Claire, my first and last thoughts of the day are with my baby.
Like Juliet, I saw the way you looked at her (and smashed open a nuclear bomb to express my rage).
Like Rousseau, isolation leads to mental chat and crazy hair.
Like Nikki, I am sometimes unbelievably, incredibly stupid.
Like Cassidy, I've been conned, but live on.
Like Penny, I won't give up.
Like Kate, I don't always know what I want.
Like Eloise, I know what you're going to do before you do it.
Like Fate, I am a fickle bitch.
LOST applies itself to my life in a pretty significant way every day. One of the steady themes through the show has been 'daddy issues'. Being the son of an alcoholic and adulterer, you can either grow up destined to repeat your father's mistakes, or be conscientious enough to do the opposite. When my daughter was born, I made a life decision to be a better father for her. Is Jack destined to end up like Christian? Am I destined to end up like my father? I don't think so. I believe our path is chosen by us ourselves.
--Chris J.
My older brother introduced me to LOST. When the show started, I was never into it. He graduated high school and joined the army. Two Christmases ago, he made me watch the show. It was amazing! Those few moments together created a bond between us two; we shared a common passion now. He was stationed outside of Baghdad during the 4th season. I would wait to watch the show and we would plan to watch together when he could be home. He was killed this year and won’t be home anymore. I will always cherish those moments.
--Chad M.
The one thing that Lost has taught me is that having Faith is one thing in life that can get you through anything. Locke never gave up his faith in the island. The last two years of my life have been quite difficult (with my own medical problems). Lost has been my little escape from that. It strengthened my Faith in God and myself and enabled me to pursue a treatment in which science has no faith. Little by little I am getting better. I will never give up my Faith or my hope to redeem my life.
--kmfdm11031
This is probably the generic response, but it's the numbers that have impacted my life the most. When I watched LOST, I didn't realize it, but the numbers were slowly creeping into my mind. Whether my test number happens to be four, or I see eight fifteen within a license plate, I instantly think of LOST. My mind makes me include them in everything I do; I play with the numbers, I think with the numbers, I even just write them down, and I don't know why. Yet I don't find it annoying, I find it quite interesting. Dude. That makes this story... one hundred and eight words.
--Jack Z.
Don’t tell me what I can’t do—
for I’ve looked into the eye of this island
and what I saw was beautiful.
Everything that happened here,
happened for a reason.
I live in the real world.
I'm not a big believer in magic.
But this is different.
We all feel it. We hunt. We struggle.
But struggle is nature's way of strengthening.
Why is it so hard for you to believe?
I looked down the barrel of the gun and I believed.
But I’m tired of waiting.
We have to go back.
We'll never be free.
This is our destiny.
--Mary P.
I've learned that a show that intertwines a rich literary based mythology treats its audience as intelligent consumers can entertain a worldwide audience. Which I've applied in how I communicate my faith across varied media. We may disagree about relationships, theories, characters, but the common love of the show, and it's intricate way of weaving a story that combines elements of fate, destiny, and meaning of life can breed friendships with people of many backgrounds. It's a challenge to me, to try to better communicate my faith in a way that is attractive and engaging to people that might not share my same values, and begin a conversation.
--Jon S.
As simple as it sounds, I have learned that above all else, LOVE is by far the strongest power on the planet. Stronger than a hydrogen bomb, electromagnetism, or an incurable disease. Stronger than a dufflebag full of money, 16 years of isolation, or a monster made of smoke. Stronger than a leap from a helicoptor or your consciousness traveling through time. Even stronger than a rushing torrent of water. I mean, Charlie could have swam back out of the looking glass station after it flooded, but he didn't. Why? Because of his LOVE for Claire. That's powerful stuff. It's good to know it's out there. For everyone.
--John R.
The most misunderstood character on LOST is Sawyer. He's been afraid to love and has felt cold and alone since witnessing the deaths of his parents. I too, had been afraid to love because of a horrible relationship filled with lies and deceit. I had felt trapped under pain and isolated myself from any sort of faith. Watching Sawyer regain his faith in love by finding Juliet, through all his suffering, helped realize that regardless of what I have endured, love will always save me. I've recently fallen in love with my dream girl and we will marry this spring.
--Joseph A.
When I watch Lost I question what people say. I look for clues to uncover someone’s story and now I do that in my everyday life. Everyone’s actions and feelings are a result of what they have been through. This has caused me to listen more carefully to people and made me more understanding. It has made me realize that people do things for a reason and you can’t get mad at someone for being the way they are. We all make mistakes and bad decisions and this is what shapes who we are and become. It doesn’t mean we are bad people, it means we are human.
--Chelsea C.
DontTellMeWhatICantDo.com
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
LOST In 108 Words (Day 15)
(What is the LOST In 108 Words contest? Click here for the announcement and rules. What's at stake? A chance to win the Daniel Danger Lost ARG print, Jacob's Cabin, and lots of other cool Lost swag. There are also three charity auctions going on here.)
I think I just watched almost an hour on Ustream of the Lost ARG art show in Los Angeles. (Thanks to @ReverendMilo and @Lottery_Ticket for broadcasting!) I was chatting with someone that you almost felt like you were there, until you saw the cool Lost swag that was available and then you realize you are 1,383 miles away! (Seriously, how cool is that Locke's Secret shirt!)
Anyway...
I've had a fun day with the contest. 23...Wow, coincidence it is that number? 23 entries have come in today, so far. There is still 4 hours left in the contest. (Okay, I did not purpose that! 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42...)
Contest closes at midnight PST, tonight. Tomorrow I'll post a number of times on the blog. I'll start with posting the runners-up entries. The winning entry will come later in the day because I'll want to add why I chose it. In between, I'll post about the contest itself.
You can still give feedback on the entries that have been posted since Day 1 of the contest.
Here are some entries from the past twenty four hours. Enjoy...
Live Together, Die Alone. It’s more than just the title of an episode, it really speaks to the state of the world as we know it. Much like on the island, everyone in the “real world” seems to want to splinter off, choose sides and battle until they can force everyone to think just like they do. It’s sad, but the struggle for the island between Jack and Locke, or The Others and the Dharma Initiative is no different than the struggles in the Middle East or the fight over our global economy. For true peace we must learn to live together or we risk dying alone.
--The Blot
Change. That the life we've lived is not the one we have to lead. That we are in control of who we are and who we can become. That whether society had labeled us a convict, or an addict, a sinner, or a saint, the person underneath is always much more complicated. That in the end, we are always given a choice. Fight or flight? Live together or die alone? Only when we take responsibility for our own actions can we make this choice, and not let others make it for us. Because really, who the hell are you to tell me what I can't do?
--Josh B.
The most important thing I’ve taken from Lost and adapted to my life is the phrase “Live Together, Die Alone”. We all have our own lives to deal with. Our own problems. Our own secrets. Our own Past, Present and Futures to deal with, but tht doesn’t mean we have to face them on our own. This recurring theme in Lost made me look at Family and Friends in a new perspective, allowing me to open up and ask for the help and support needed to over come the problems in my life. I don’t need to win this competition, because thanks to Lost i’m already a winner.
--Billy S.
I've learned that a show that intertwines a rich literary based mythology treats its audience as intelligent consumers can entertain a worldwide audience. Which I've applied in how I communicate my faith across varied media. We may disagree about relationships, theories, characters, but the common love of the show, and it's intricate way of weaving a story that combines elements of fate, destiny, and meaning of life can breed friendships with people of many backgrounds. It's a challenge to me, to try to better communicate my faith in a way that is attractive and engaging to people that might not share my same values, and begin a conversation.
--Jon S.
My job was one of those toxic ones, where the not-so-nice people abuse their in-charge status. I remember one day bracing for a meeting, thinking: 'I'm like Ben as Henry Gale.' But then I thought, if he could survive, so could I. I felt bound and battered, but I had something to protect too – not an Island, but my hopes- dreams. I wouldn’t let anyone hurt them. Take them. They could beat me, but they wouldn’t break me. I’d never give up who I was. Never lose my dreams. So in this way, being my own Henry Gale, Ben! - Of all characters, actually saved me from being lost.
--LS
Don’t tell me what I can’t do—
for I’ve looked into the eye of this island
and what I saw was beautiful.
Everything that happened here,
happened for a reason.
I live in the real world.
I'm not a big believer in magic.
But this is different.
We all feel it. We hunt. We struggle.
But struggle is nature's way of strengthening.
Why is it so hard for you to believe?
I looked down the barrel of the gun and I believed.
But I’m tired of waiting.
We have to go back.
We'll never be free.
This is our destiny.
--Mary P.
DontTellMeWhatICantDo.com
I think I just watched almost an hour on Ustream of the Lost ARG art show in Los Angeles. (Thanks to @ReverendMilo and @Lottery_Ticket for broadcasting!) I was chatting with someone that you almost felt like you were there, until you saw the cool Lost swag that was available and then you realize you are 1,383 miles away! (Seriously, how cool is that Locke's Secret shirt!)
Anyway...
I've had a fun day with the contest. 23...Wow, coincidence it is that number? 23 entries have come in today, so far. There is still 4 hours left in the contest. (Okay, I did not purpose that! 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42...)
Contest closes at midnight PST, tonight. Tomorrow I'll post a number of times on the blog. I'll start with posting the runners-up entries. The winning entry will come later in the day because I'll want to add why I chose it. In between, I'll post about the contest itself.
You can still give feedback on the entries that have been posted since Day 1 of the contest.
Here are some entries from the past twenty four hours. Enjoy...
Live Together, Die Alone. It’s more than just the title of an episode, it really speaks to the state of the world as we know it. Much like on the island, everyone in the “real world” seems to want to splinter off, choose sides and battle until they can force everyone to think just like they do. It’s sad, but the struggle for the island between Jack and Locke, or The Others and the Dharma Initiative is no different than the struggles in the Middle East or the fight over our global economy. For true peace we must learn to live together or we risk dying alone.
--The Blot
Change. That the life we've lived is not the one we have to lead. That we are in control of who we are and who we can become. That whether society had labeled us a convict, or an addict, a sinner, or a saint, the person underneath is always much more complicated. That in the end, we are always given a choice. Fight or flight? Live together or die alone? Only when we take responsibility for our own actions can we make this choice, and not let others make it for us. Because really, who the hell are you to tell me what I can't do?
--Josh B.
The most important thing I’ve taken from Lost and adapted to my life is the phrase “Live Together, Die Alone”. We all have our own lives to deal with. Our own problems. Our own secrets. Our own Past, Present and Futures to deal with, but tht doesn’t mean we have to face them on our own. This recurring theme in Lost made me look at Family and Friends in a new perspective, allowing me to open up and ask for the help and support needed to over come the problems in my life. I don’t need to win this competition, because thanks to Lost i’m already a winner.
--Billy S.
I've learned that a show that intertwines a rich literary based mythology treats its audience as intelligent consumers can entertain a worldwide audience. Which I've applied in how I communicate my faith across varied media. We may disagree about relationships, theories, characters, but the common love of the show, and it's intricate way of weaving a story that combines elements of fate, destiny, and meaning of life can breed friendships with people of many backgrounds. It's a challenge to me, to try to better communicate my faith in a way that is attractive and engaging to people that might not share my same values, and begin a conversation.
--Jon S.
My job was one of those toxic ones, where the not-so-nice people abuse their in-charge status. I remember one day bracing for a meeting, thinking: 'I'm like Ben as Henry Gale.' But then I thought, if he could survive, so could I. I felt bound and battered, but I had something to protect too – not an Island, but my hopes- dreams. I wouldn’t let anyone hurt them. Take them. They could beat me, but they wouldn’t break me. I’d never give up who I was. Never lose my dreams. So in this way, being my own Henry Gale, Ben! - Of all characters, actually saved me from being lost.
--LS
Don’t tell me what I can’t do—
for I’ve looked into the eye of this island
and what I saw was beautiful.
Everything that happened here,
happened for a reason.
I live in the real world.
I'm not a big believer in magic.
But this is different.
We all feel it. We hunt. We struggle.
But struggle is nature's way of strengthening.
Why is it so hard for you to believe?
I looked down the barrel of the gun and I believed.
But I’m tired of waiting.
We have to go back.
We'll never be free.
This is our destiny.
--Mary P.
DontTellMeWhatICantDo.com
Monday, December 14, 2009
LOST In 108 Words (Day 14)
(What is the LOST In 108 Words contest? Click here for the announcement and rules. What's at stake? A chance to win the Daniel Danger Lost ARG print, Jacob's Cabin, and lots of other cool Lost swag.)
It's hard to believe this contest is almost over. It's been a lot of fun, and a big reason is due to the Lost online community. They've spread the word about the contest, and thus I've seen an influx in entries in recent days. I need to try and put together a comprehensive list of people, blogs and websites that posted about this contest. Hopefully the word keeps getting out about the contest because I want Lost fans to have the chance to win the print.
It's also been great to hear from some of you about the charity auctions for the Lost ARG prints of Walt's Kidnapping, Ben Linus and The Polar Bear. I had some concern about doing the auctions and how it might be interpreted by people. Not sure why I did. So, I've been encouraged by your messages that said the auctions were a cool idea. Thanks!
Someone asked today if there is a favorite that has emerged to win the Jacob's Cabin print. Yes, there is an entry that has emerged as the favorite to win. Still, nothing is finalized. I've marked some of the best entries, and I'll reread them all again. Who knows, I may reread all the entries tomorrow! I want to make sure everyone gets a fair chance at the print.
With the overnight temperature is -7 degrees, with windchills hovering around -20 degrees, it provides another reason why being in Los Angeles, tomorrow, would be lots of fun. To all those who will be at Gallery 1988 for the last Lost ARG poster reveal, wish I could be there to share in the fun with you all.
Here are some entries from the past few days. I also posted an entry, on my blog's Facebook page, that was writtten in haiku. As always, your opinions and feedback matter in who could win this print!
Selflessness. Self sacrifice. Total dedication to your truthes. Really believing in what you feel is true. Locke knowing he must die to get the Oceanic 6 back to the island, Jack knowing he must detonate Jugheads core, Charlie dying for the 815’ers rescue. Bernard knowing he must stay a castaway to be with his true love Rose in good health. Juliet seeing her sister cured of disease. So many instances of people doing something for others. Putting others before yourself. How a group of disparate people can come together, and do the right thing. Inspiring. Empowering. Trust. What a gift.
--Charles L.
Don't forget to press the button; never trust a hot man in a Prada suit; never trust a hot woman with freckles; don't throw knives unless you have psychic powers; sometimes it's okay to get caught in a net; polar bears a'int as soft and cuddly as they seem; don't trust the captain; no matter what happens, Jacob always loves you; the 'H' in Dharma is silent; Paulo lies; Richard's eyes are just naturally dark like that; and whatever you do, for the love of God, DON'T press the button!
Have a cluckity-cluck-cluck day.
--Andrew F.
As simple as it sounds, I have learned that above all else, LOVE is by far the strongest power on the planet. Stronger than a hydrogen bomb, electromagnetism, or an incurable disease. Stronger than a dufflebag full of money, 16 years of isolation, or a monster made of smoke. Stronger than a leap from a helicoptor or your consciousness traveling through time. Even stronger than a rushing torrent of water. I mean, Charlie could have swam back out of the looking glass station after it flooded, but he didn't. Why? Because of his LOVE for Claire. That's powerful stuff. It's good to know it's out there. For everyone.
--John R.
LOST has inspired many people, whether humbling them with lessons in faith or terrifying them into driving for hours instead of taking the next flight. For me, LOST has taught the value of one's legacy. There are billions of people here and in all of us lies flaws. We as a race are flawed. It is our own ability to find the good in one's self and exploit it that we find redemption. It was Einstein who said, "In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity". Even if it takes a great tragedy to convince us, every person has the chance to be redeemed, and remembered.
--Mike G.
Like the characters, each of us has a lot of issues in our past, some resolved, some unresolved. Some things we had control over, some we didn’t. There are some choices that in the same situation, we would make again, and others that we would take an immediate do over on, if only we had the opportunity. Each of us, has moments in our past that haunt us, things we did, that even we did not know we were capable of. Your past does not have to define who you are today. At this moment, you can choose differently and create a new definition of who you are.
--Jerry M.
I can’t say for sure which came first; my renewal of faith in Jesus Christ or a little show called LOST. Both were within the same timeline in my life and I know that one led to the other. Regardless, it was my destiny to enter a LOST chat room on April 1, 2006 and what I found was heaven on earth. I thank God everyday for sending the people I have “met” worldwide, virtually and actually, who have shown me that there really are decent, loving, compassionate people left in this world. I’m not nuts after all. And for that, I’ll always be grateful to YouAllEverybody. Namaste
--Julie D.
This is probably the generic response, but it's the numbers that have impacted my life the most. When I watched LOST, I didn't realize it, but the numbers were slowly creeping into my mind. Whether my test number happens to be four, or I see eight fifteen within a license plate, I instantly think of LOST. My mind makes me include them in everything I do; I play with the numbers, I think with the numbers, I even just write them down, and I don't know why. Yet I don't find it annoying, I find it quite interesting. Dude. That makes this story... one hundred and eight words.
--Jack Z.
When I watch Lost I question what people say. I look for clues to uncover someone’s story and now I do that in my everyday life. Everyone’s actions and feelings are a result of what they have been through. This has caused me to listen more carefully to people and made me more understanding. It has made me realize that people do things for a reason and you can’t get mad at someone for being the way they are. We all make mistakes and bad decisions and this is what shapes who we are and become. It doesn’t mean we are bad people, it means we are human.
--Chelsea C.
The most misunderstood character on LOST is Sawyer. He's been afraid to love and has felt cold and alone since witnessing the deaths of his parents. I too, had been afraid to love because of a horrible relationship filled with lies and deceit. I had felt trapped under pain and isolated myself from any sort of faith. Watching Sawyer regain his faith in love by finding Juliet, through all his suffering, helped realize that regardless of what I have endured, love will always save me. I've recently fallen in love with my dream girl and we will marry this spring.
--Joseph A.
I would be Lost without LOST.
--Adam D.
DontTellMeWhatICantDo.com
It's hard to believe this contest is almost over. It's been a lot of fun, and a big reason is due to the Lost online community. They've spread the word about the contest, and thus I've seen an influx in entries in recent days. I need to try and put together a comprehensive list of people, blogs and websites that posted about this contest. Hopefully the word keeps getting out about the contest because I want Lost fans to have the chance to win the print.
It's also been great to hear from some of you about the charity auctions for the Lost ARG prints of Walt's Kidnapping, Ben Linus and The Polar Bear. I had some concern about doing the auctions and how it might be interpreted by people. Not sure why I did. So, I've been encouraged by your messages that said the auctions were a cool idea. Thanks!
Someone asked today if there is a favorite that has emerged to win the Jacob's Cabin print. Yes, there is an entry that has emerged as the favorite to win. Still, nothing is finalized. I've marked some of the best entries, and I'll reread them all again. Who knows, I may reread all the entries tomorrow! I want to make sure everyone gets a fair chance at the print.
With the overnight temperature is -7 degrees, with windchills hovering around -20 degrees, it provides another reason why being in Los Angeles, tomorrow, would be lots of fun. To all those who will be at Gallery 1988 for the last Lost ARG poster reveal, wish I could be there to share in the fun with you all.
Here are some entries from the past few days. I also posted an entry, on my blog's Facebook page, that was writtten in haiku. As always, your opinions and feedback matter in who could win this print!
Selflessness. Self sacrifice. Total dedication to your truthes. Really believing in what you feel is true. Locke knowing he must die to get the Oceanic 6 back to the island, Jack knowing he must detonate Jugheads core, Charlie dying for the 815’ers rescue. Bernard knowing he must stay a castaway to be with his true love Rose in good health. Juliet seeing her sister cured of disease. So many instances of people doing something for others. Putting others before yourself. How a group of disparate people can come together, and do the right thing. Inspiring. Empowering. Trust. What a gift.
--Charles L.
Don't forget to press the button; never trust a hot man in a Prada suit; never trust a hot woman with freckles; don't throw knives unless you have psychic powers; sometimes it's okay to get caught in a net; polar bears a'int as soft and cuddly as they seem; don't trust the captain; no matter what happens, Jacob always loves you; the 'H' in Dharma is silent; Paulo lies; Richard's eyes are just naturally dark like that; and whatever you do, for the love of God, DON'T press the button!
Have a cluckity-cluck-cluck day.
--Andrew F.
As simple as it sounds, I have learned that above all else, LOVE is by far the strongest power on the planet. Stronger than a hydrogen bomb, electromagnetism, or an incurable disease. Stronger than a dufflebag full of money, 16 years of isolation, or a monster made of smoke. Stronger than a leap from a helicoptor or your consciousness traveling through time. Even stronger than a rushing torrent of water. I mean, Charlie could have swam back out of the looking glass station after it flooded, but he didn't. Why? Because of his LOVE for Claire. That's powerful stuff. It's good to know it's out there. For everyone.
--John R.
LOST has inspired many people, whether humbling them with lessons in faith or terrifying them into driving for hours instead of taking the next flight. For me, LOST has taught the value of one's legacy. There are billions of people here and in all of us lies flaws. We as a race are flawed. It is our own ability to find the good in one's self and exploit it that we find redemption. It was Einstein who said, "In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity". Even if it takes a great tragedy to convince us, every person has the chance to be redeemed, and remembered.
--Mike G.
Like the characters, each of us has a lot of issues in our past, some resolved, some unresolved. Some things we had control over, some we didn’t. There are some choices that in the same situation, we would make again, and others that we would take an immediate do over on, if only we had the opportunity. Each of us, has moments in our past that haunt us, things we did, that even we did not know we were capable of. Your past does not have to define who you are today. At this moment, you can choose differently and create a new definition of who you are.
--Jerry M.
I can’t say for sure which came first; my renewal of faith in Jesus Christ or a little show called LOST. Both were within the same timeline in my life and I know that one led to the other. Regardless, it was my destiny to enter a LOST chat room on April 1, 2006 and what I found was heaven on earth. I thank God everyday for sending the people I have “met” worldwide, virtually and actually, who have shown me that there really are decent, loving, compassionate people left in this world. I’m not nuts after all. And for that, I’ll always be grateful to YouAllEverybody. Namaste
--Julie D.
This is probably the generic response, but it's the numbers that have impacted my life the most. When I watched LOST, I didn't realize it, but the numbers were slowly creeping into my mind. Whether my test number happens to be four, or I see eight fifteen within a license plate, I instantly think of LOST. My mind makes me include them in everything I do; I play with the numbers, I think with the numbers, I even just write them down, and I don't know why. Yet I don't find it annoying, I find it quite interesting. Dude. That makes this story... one hundred and eight words.
--Jack Z.
When I watch Lost I question what people say. I look for clues to uncover someone’s story and now I do that in my everyday life. Everyone’s actions and feelings are a result of what they have been through. This has caused me to listen more carefully to people and made me more understanding. It has made me realize that people do things for a reason and you can’t get mad at someone for being the way they are. We all make mistakes and bad decisions and this is what shapes who we are and become. It doesn’t mean we are bad people, it means we are human.
--Chelsea C.
The most misunderstood character on LOST is Sawyer. He's been afraid to love and has felt cold and alone since witnessing the deaths of his parents. I too, had been afraid to love because of a horrible relationship filled with lies and deceit. I had felt trapped under pain and isolated myself from any sort of faith. Watching Sawyer regain his faith in love by finding Juliet, through all his suffering, helped realize that regardless of what I have endured, love will always save me. I've recently fallen in love with my dream girl and we will marry this spring.
--Joseph A.
I would be Lost without LOST.
--Adam D.
DontTellMeWhatICantDo.com
Sunday, December 13, 2009
LOST In 108 Words (Charity Auctions)
(What is the LOST In 108 Words contest? Click here for the announcement and rules. What's at stake? A chance to win the Daniel Danger Lost ARG print, Jacob's Cabin, and lots of other cool Lost swag.)
Right now, I'm selling three of the Lost ARG prints. The proceeds from those sales will go to benefit three different organizations. I want to talk briefly about the auctions.
The Walt's Kidnapping auction is going to benefit China Nest of Hope Foundation. One of the main things this organization does is run an orphanage in Beijing, China. I've worked with the orphanage, in varying capacities, since 2002. Most of the children at this orphanage have been abandoned because they are girls or have some sort of physical/mental handicap. (At any given time, at least 90% of the kids, at the orphanage, are girls.) This is primarily due to China's one-child policy. Most couples want a healthy son for their child. What is sad is a number of the so-called physical handicaps can be dealt with easily, but the parents don't know that so they abandon their baby.
It's hard to get accurate figures, but some have it that there are upwards of 15 million orphans in China. The older they get, the harder it is for them to be adopted. Once they hit age thirteen, they can't be adopted and are sent to work in factories.
China Nest of Hope provides a loving home for the orphans in their care. Through my various trips to China, I've watched some of these kids change in their temperment because of the orphanage's environment. I've helped connect people to the orphanage and watched them adopt a child, that was in some cases "thrown away". These "discarded" children are now living a life that was beyond imagination in places all around the world.
The orphanage also raises money for scholarships so kids in their orphanage that aren't adopted, once they reach age thirteen, can then go to school instead of working in the factories.
I want to add that China, as a whole, is great. The people are absolutely wonderful, and it is beautiful when you go out to the countryside. With a population of over a billion, you are going to have a lot of orphans. The numbers may have some think that it doesn't make a difference, but for that one child that is adopted out it makes all the difference in the world.
I thought it made sense to link Walt's Kidnapping with the orphanage because of Walt and seemingly being orphaned at times.
The Ben Linus auction is going to benefit The Hospital for Women and Children in Koutiala, Mali. The link here is a bit more obvious. 1 in 15 Malian women die in childbirth, the worst rate in the world. 25% of Malian children die before they reach age five. The idea for the hospital was born out of tragedy. A pastor's wife died in childbirth, and she easily could have been saved if she had access to modest medical resources. These resources are hard to come by in many African nations. (I know this first hand from overseeing a weeklong medical clinic in Nigeria almost a decade ago.)
I've had the chance to hear the pastor tell his story of losing his wife and how the hospital came to be because of that. It's an amazing story. The Hospital for Women and Children opened up a few years ago, and since then over 2,000 babies have been born there. The mortality rate of mothers there is at a level more in line with the world standard.
Benjamin Linus' mother died while giving birth to him. It's been central to who he is and his work on the island. For these obvious reasons, I thought it made sense to link this print with the hospital.
At the end of this post I've embedded a video of a young couple, Dusty & Julia Reynolds, from the church I work at in Omaha. They share their story of moving to Mali so Julia can work in the hospital and Dusty can start a business for economic development in the area.
The Polar Bear auction is going to benefit the Open Door Mission. The Open Door Mission has a goal of breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty. On any given night, there are 2,000 homeless men, women and children in Omaha. Open Door Mission can provide safe shelter to 320 of them. They serve 1,500 meals a day and provide preventive measures to 250 families living in poverty.
I'm becoming more sensitive to the issue of poverty and homelessness. One big reason is the average age of a homeless person is 9 years old. People usually think that people are homeless because of their own choices, and thus it justifies their indifference toward the problem. I use to think that, until I found out more facts about it. No child deserves this kind of life. I think of children like my own sons trying to fend for themselves on the streets. It is an injustice.
The link between the print and organization? What is a polar bear doing on an island, and what is a child doing living on the streets? It doesn't make sense, either of them.
Even if you don't win any of the auctions, or already have these prints, I ask that you take some time to read about these organizations. The smallest bit of support (financial, volunteer, prayer) can make a difference. An example is for $1.92 you can provide someone with a meal at the Open Door Mission.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post. Here's the video about Dusty & Julia Reynolds.
DontTellMeWhatICantDo.com
Right now, I'm selling three of the Lost ARG prints. The proceeds from those sales will go to benefit three different organizations. I want to talk briefly about the auctions.
The Walt's Kidnapping auction is going to benefit China Nest of Hope Foundation. One of the main things this organization does is run an orphanage in Beijing, China. I've worked with the orphanage, in varying capacities, since 2002. Most of the children at this orphanage have been abandoned because they are girls or have some sort of physical/mental handicap. (At any given time, at least 90% of the kids, at the orphanage, are girls.) This is primarily due to China's one-child policy. Most couples want a healthy son for their child. What is sad is a number of the so-called physical handicaps can be dealt with easily, but the parents don't know that so they abandon their baby.
It's hard to get accurate figures, but some have it that there are upwards of 15 million orphans in China. The older they get, the harder it is for them to be adopted. Once they hit age thirteen, they can't be adopted and are sent to work in factories.
China Nest of Hope provides a loving home for the orphans in their care. Through my various trips to China, I've watched some of these kids change in their temperment because of the orphanage's environment. I've helped connect people to the orphanage and watched them adopt a child, that was in some cases "thrown away". These "discarded" children are now living a life that was beyond imagination in places all around the world.
The orphanage also raises money for scholarships so kids in their orphanage that aren't adopted, once they reach age thirteen, can then go to school instead of working in the factories.
I want to add that China, as a whole, is great. The people are absolutely wonderful, and it is beautiful when you go out to the countryside. With a population of over a billion, you are going to have a lot of orphans. The numbers may have some think that it doesn't make a difference, but for that one child that is adopted out it makes all the difference in the world.
I thought it made sense to link Walt's Kidnapping with the orphanage because of Walt and seemingly being orphaned at times.
The Ben Linus auction is going to benefit The Hospital for Women and Children in Koutiala, Mali. The link here is a bit more obvious. 1 in 15 Malian women die in childbirth, the worst rate in the world. 25% of Malian children die before they reach age five. The idea for the hospital was born out of tragedy. A pastor's wife died in childbirth, and she easily could have been saved if she had access to modest medical resources. These resources are hard to come by in many African nations. (I know this first hand from overseeing a weeklong medical clinic in Nigeria almost a decade ago.)
I've had the chance to hear the pastor tell his story of losing his wife and how the hospital came to be because of that. It's an amazing story. The Hospital for Women and Children opened up a few years ago, and since then over 2,000 babies have been born there. The mortality rate of mothers there is at a level more in line with the world standard.
Benjamin Linus' mother died while giving birth to him. It's been central to who he is and his work on the island. For these obvious reasons, I thought it made sense to link this print with the hospital.
At the end of this post I've embedded a video of a young couple, Dusty & Julia Reynolds, from the church I work at in Omaha. They share their story of moving to Mali so Julia can work in the hospital and Dusty can start a business for economic development in the area.
The Polar Bear auction is going to benefit the Open Door Mission. The Open Door Mission has a goal of breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty. On any given night, there are 2,000 homeless men, women and children in Omaha. Open Door Mission can provide safe shelter to 320 of them. They serve 1,500 meals a day and provide preventive measures to 250 families living in poverty.
I'm becoming more sensitive to the issue of poverty and homelessness. One big reason is the average age of a homeless person is 9 years old. People usually think that people are homeless because of their own choices, and thus it justifies their indifference toward the problem. I use to think that, until I found out more facts about it. No child deserves this kind of life. I think of children like my own sons trying to fend for themselves on the streets. It is an injustice.
The link between the print and organization? What is a polar bear doing on an island, and what is a child doing living on the streets? It doesn't make sense, either of them.
Even if you don't win any of the auctions, or already have these prints, I ask that you take some time to read about these organizations. The smallest bit of support (financial, volunteer, prayer) can make a difference. An example is for $1.92 you can provide someone with a meal at the Open Door Mission.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post. Here's the video about Dusty & Julia Reynolds.
DontTellMeWhatICantDo.com
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Lee Strobel Intro Video
As I mentioned before, I was tasked to create and produce a video that would introduce Lee Strobel. I was asked to put my stamp on it, make it witty and funny. So, I had fun with some aspects of Lee Strobel. His use of "The Case For..." on a number of his books, his endorsement of eHarmony and his blog which has two posts since July 2007.
I also used a few fail-safe jokes in it by referencing Ndamukong Suh and Twilight, in case no one was responding to the video. (I tell coworkers that with our creative pieces, you can always reference the Huskers. It's a well that will not run dry. If you reference it well, it will be a huge hit.)
Another cool thing with this piece was getting some input from Twitter. I had tweeted what I was working on, and the concept of it, and Clayton Bell replied back with an idea I used. His idea was to play off the word "case" in coming up with another fake book title. (Thanks again, Clayton!)
Well, Lee spoke earlier in the evening, and I was curious how he would respond. It's not often you get to openly tease one of the more influential Christians of the past twenty years. His response to the video? "Thanks for that introduction...I think."
The crowd wasn't sure what to make of it at first, but they picked up quickly that it was meant to be funny. Lots of laughter. The Ndamukong Suh reference drew a cheer and the biggest laughs, and people laughed at the blog joke. (I had been told that bit wouldn't be funny to most, but I thought it would be. Glad it got laughs.) I'm sure Lee has heard jokes about "The Case For..." since he authored the second book with that in the title. I'm also sure he's been teased about his endorsement of eHarmony. I doubt he's been given much grief over his blog, though.
After it played, and I saw it was received well, I went back to work. I'll get the chance to listen to Lee tomorrow.
I'm grateful the video worked well with the event. Not bad considering I was tasked this a week ago, and I lost time working on it due to the blizzard. Glad it came together quickly.
Oh, one more thing. You're welcome, Lee.
I also used a few fail-safe jokes in it by referencing Ndamukong Suh and Twilight, in case no one was responding to the video. (I tell coworkers that with our creative pieces, you can always reference the Huskers. It's a well that will not run dry. If you reference it well, it will be a huge hit.)
Another cool thing with this piece was getting some input from Twitter. I had tweeted what I was working on, and the concept of it, and Clayton Bell replied back with an idea I used. His idea was to play off the word "case" in coming up with another fake book title. (Thanks again, Clayton!)
Well, Lee spoke earlier in the evening, and I was curious how he would respond. It's not often you get to openly tease one of the more influential Christians of the past twenty years. His response to the video? "Thanks for that introduction...I think."
The crowd wasn't sure what to make of it at first, but they picked up quickly that it was meant to be funny. Lots of laughter. The Ndamukong Suh reference drew a cheer and the biggest laughs, and people laughed at the blog joke. (I had been told that bit wouldn't be funny to most, but I thought it would be. Glad it got laughs.) I'm sure Lee has heard jokes about "The Case For..." since he authored the second book with that in the title. I'm also sure he's been teased about his endorsement of eHarmony. I doubt he's been given much grief over his blog, though.
After it played, and I saw it was received well, I went back to work. I'll get the chance to listen to Lee tomorrow.
I'm grateful the video worked well with the event. Not bad considering I was tasked this a week ago, and I lost time working on it due to the blizzard. Glad it came together quickly.
Oh, one more thing. You're welcome, Lee.
And On The Seventh Day He Blogged
We'll see how long I keep this up, but I thought it might be good to do a bit of a weekly recap. I'll still have my rambling posts, so these will be a bit more focused.
The blizzard came and went. I told myself I will not be shoveling snow next winter, but we'll see if I act on that. It was cool to see neighbors helping one another out. One of my neighbors helped clear our sidewalk and driveway during the blizzard. Twice. He also cleared the sidewalk for most of the street, and did a few other driveways. (The Post Office wasn't impressed with his help because we didn't get mail delivery until Saturday.) We're blessed with some great neighbors.
One of the things the blizzard did with work is postpone a video shoot, for the Fear message series tv commercial. We originally were going to film at Village Pointe, this past Wednesday evening. With the windchill around twenty below zero, and of course snow everywhere, it would've been miserable to film. We're now shooting that scene this Wednesday evening.
I came across a video earlier in the week, on BuzzFeed, that left me shaking my head. It was an old video of a pastor preaching against Pokemon. Back when I was missionary, I did a number of trips where I stayed with families. I remember the first time I was asked about Pokemon, which was in South Florida in the fall of '98. A mom asked if it was safe for her son to like Pokemon, because she had heard it was demonic. We talked it through, which was good since I hadn't even heard of Pokemon before then. I told her it wasn't demonic. That conversation was the first of many conversation I would have regarding Pokemon. What I wonder now, ten years later, is how many of those that railed against Pokemon are fans of The Chronicles Of Narnia or Lord Of The Rings? (I always enjoyed hearing arguments against Pokemon, Star Wars, and Harry Potter, but then hear the same person justify their support The Chronicles Of Narnia and Lord Of The Rings. Always amusing.)
And, it's been fun tracking Ndamukong Suh's Heisman chances this past week, and reading all the articles written about him. A lot of love for Suh and the Husker defense. He didn't win the award this evening, which was expected, but I find it pathetic he finished fourth behind Colt McCoy. (McCoy finished third.) People who voted for McCoy did so as a lifetime achievment award for him. If you watched the Big 12 Championship Game last week, it was obvious who the "most outstanding" player was on the field. Ndamukong Suh. Oh well. Suh will probably have a better pro career than all the Heisman finalists.
It is amazing, and also encouraging, that Suh got the recognition of being a Heisman finalist. He was strictly a defensive player. Charles Woodson, the only defensive player to win the award, also took snaps as a wide receiver and returned kicks on special teams. Woodson wouldn't have won the award if not for also playing on offense and special teams. Hopefully defensive players get more of an opportunity to win the award in the future.
Finally, Jana started her physical therapy on Friday. The start of a long process, but we're glad she's entering into this next stage of recovery. She's taken some steps without the aid of her crutches. I know Jana is feeling better, and is confident in her leg, because she's doing a lot more around the house.
The blizzard came and went. I told myself I will not be shoveling snow next winter, but we'll see if I act on that. It was cool to see neighbors helping one another out. One of my neighbors helped clear our sidewalk and driveway during the blizzard. Twice. He also cleared the sidewalk for most of the street, and did a few other driveways. (The Post Office wasn't impressed with his help because we didn't get mail delivery until Saturday.) We're blessed with some great neighbors.
One of the things the blizzard did with work is postpone a video shoot, for the Fear message series tv commercial. We originally were going to film at Village Pointe, this past Wednesday evening. With the windchill around twenty below zero, and of course snow everywhere, it would've been miserable to film. We're now shooting that scene this Wednesday evening.
I came across a video earlier in the week, on BuzzFeed, that left me shaking my head. It was an old video of a pastor preaching against Pokemon. Back when I was missionary, I did a number of trips where I stayed with families. I remember the first time I was asked about Pokemon, which was in South Florida in the fall of '98. A mom asked if it was safe for her son to like Pokemon, because she had heard it was demonic. We talked it through, which was good since I hadn't even heard of Pokemon before then. I told her it wasn't demonic. That conversation was the first of many conversation I would have regarding Pokemon. What I wonder now, ten years later, is how many of those that railed against Pokemon are fans of The Chronicles Of Narnia or Lord Of The Rings? (I always enjoyed hearing arguments against Pokemon, Star Wars, and Harry Potter, but then hear the same person justify their support The Chronicles Of Narnia and Lord Of The Rings. Always amusing.)
And, it's been fun tracking Ndamukong Suh's Heisman chances this past week, and reading all the articles written about him. A lot of love for Suh and the Husker defense. He didn't win the award this evening, which was expected, but I find it pathetic he finished fourth behind Colt McCoy. (McCoy finished third.) People who voted for McCoy did so as a lifetime achievment award for him. If you watched the Big 12 Championship Game last week, it was obvious who the "most outstanding" player was on the field. Ndamukong Suh. Oh well. Suh will probably have a better pro career than all the Heisman finalists.
It is amazing, and also encouraging, that Suh got the recognition of being a Heisman finalist. He was strictly a defensive player. Charles Woodson, the only defensive player to win the award, also took snaps as a wide receiver and returned kicks on special teams. Woodson wouldn't have won the award if not for also playing on offense and special teams. Hopefully defensive players get more of an opportunity to win the award in the future.
Finally, Jana started her physical therapy on Friday. The start of a long process, but we're glad she's entering into this next stage of recovery. She's taken some steps without the aid of her crutches. I know Jana is feeling better, and is confident in her leg, because she's doing a lot more around the house.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Lee Strobel Promotion
Well, last week I spent most of my time catching up on everything at work. I thought I was in a good spot, and then the blizzard hit Tuesday. I missed a day and a half of work. Granted, I did some work from my living room, but it's hard to be efficient when your two sons want you to play. (And, I want to play with them!)
Back to work, yesterday, and I worked non-stop on this weekend's event, A Case For Christmas. Lee Strobel is coming in to speak, and I've been tasked to do two things for the event. Promote it online, and produce a video intro for the event.
I was asked to do the video intro because I'm "funny and a good writer". While that's nice, the project had me concerned. They wanted a funny intro, with my stamp on it, but when I've done this in the past I'm usually asked to make the script "cheesy" so everyone can get the humor of it.
I showed the final cut earlier, to Mark (the Lead Pastor), and he was laughing throughout the video intro. A good sign. Granted, he's a good friend of Lee Strobel so it's probably funnier to him than most. I'll be curious to see how the crowd responds to it this weekend. (I do manage to work in a fail-safe joke in case the video elicits yawns.)
The event is trending well online, besting the Cal Thomas event CCC hosted last month. Part of the fun, for me, is guessing which keywords to use with an online ad. For instance, with Google I have over eighty different keywords and phrases that will trigger the Lee Strobel event ad on its search results pages. (The ad only comes up on people using Google in the Omaha metro area.) The number one term for impressions (term for how many times the ad comes up in Google search results) is the word "christmas". The number two term for impressions is "Ndamukong Suh". Yep, I know Omaha, NE demographics fairly well. (It's not brain surgery.)
(If you're wondering who Ndamukong Suh is, you can click here.)
Finding what keywords create the most impressions and clicks, and getting them at an effective cost, is a bit of a game.
I also created three ads to run on Facebook. While I can't track which keywords drive the most internet traffic, I'm still fascinated by the stats of the ads. (I think Facebook has a much greater ROI than Google when it comes to our demographics.) It's always nice to know that people that like Twilight will come across the ad at some point.
The $64,000 question is, "Will this event be any good?" Yes. The last time Lee Strobel spoke at CCC, I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. I didn't think it would be bad, but I was a bit cynical with another "The Case For..." book being authored by him. We recorded an interview with him on a Saturday night, and he spoke Sunday morning in the services. He couldn't have been more gracious and kind. He was polished as a speaker. He had a knack of making difficult ideas understandable, and his teaching points were practical. His time here was great for CCC.
I'm looking forward to hearing him speak again. Those of you in the Omaha area, I think you'd enjoy the event as well. You are more than welcome to come!
Here's a video clip of him the last time he spoke at CCC.
Back to work, yesterday, and I worked non-stop on this weekend's event, A Case For Christmas. Lee Strobel is coming in to speak, and I've been tasked to do two things for the event. Promote it online, and produce a video intro for the event.
I was asked to do the video intro because I'm "funny and a good writer". While that's nice, the project had me concerned. They wanted a funny intro, with my stamp on it, but when I've done this in the past I'm usually asked to make the script "cheesy" so everyone can get the humor of it.
I showed the final cut earlier, to Mark (the Lead Pastor), and he was laughing throughout the video intro. A good sign. Granted, he's a good friend of Lee Strobel so it's probably funnier to him than most. I'll be curious to see how the crowd responds to it this weekend. (I do manage to work in a fail-safe joke in case the video elicits yawns.)
The event is trending well online, besting the Cal Thomas event CCC hosted last month. Part of the fun, for me, is guessing which keywords to use with an online ad. For instance, with Google I have over eighty different keywords and phrases that will trigger the Lee Strobel event ad on its search results pages. (The ad only comes up on people using Google in the Omaha metro area.) The number one term for impressions (term for how many times the ad comes up in Google search results) is the word "christmas". The number two term for impressions is "Ndamukong Suh". Yep, I know Omaha, NE demographics fairly well. (It's not brain surgery.)
(If you're wondering who Ndamukong Suh is, you can click here.)
Finding what keywords create the most impressions and clicks, and getting them at an effective cost, is a bit of a game.
I also created three ads to run on Facebook. While I can't track which keywords drive the most internet traffic, I'm still fascinated by the stats of the ads. (I think Facebook has a much greater ROI than Google when it comes to our demographics.) It's always nice to know that people that like Twilight will come across the ad at some point.
The $64,000 question is, "Will this event be any good?" Yes. The last time Lee Strobel spoke at CCC, I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. I didn't think it would be bad, but I was a bit cynical with another "The Case For..." book being authored by him. We recorded an interview with him on a Saturday night, and he spoke Sunday morning in the services. He couldn't have been more gracious and kind. He was polished as a speaker. He had a knack of making difficult ideas understandable, and his teaching points were practical. His time here was great for CCC.
I'm looking forward to hearing him speak again. Those of you in the Omaha area, I think you'd enjoy the event as well. You are more than welcome to come!
Here's a video clip of him the last time he spoke at CCC.
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