subculture ministry; studying the Bible; reading theology; MUSIC ... I listen to music as much as most people watch TV (listen to "Thank You" by Descendents if you want to know what music means to me)... I own over 1,000 CDs; photography (www.MartyrMedia.com) (Canon EOS 20D Digital SLR); "The Pukemobile" (my mildly modified pelican blue metallic Audi A4 Avant 1.8T quattro Sport) and other European cars (Audi, Porsche, VW, etc.); hot rods and American classic cars (my dream car is a '55 Chevy Bel Air hardtop); airsoft; UFC & other MMA events; NES & other antiquated video game systems; having FUN and amusing myself.
Music
"Call Me" by Blondie was the No. 1 song on the day I was born.
Punk:
All, Descendents, The Movielife, Only Crime, Lifetime, Face to Face, Strung Out, Hooton 3 Car, The Deal, Leatherface, Automatic 7, Dogwood, Down By Fire, 7 Seconds, Snuff, Pavers, The Last Hope, Our Corpse Destroyed, The Hallowed, Flatfoot 56, FBS, Much the Same, D.R.I., Bad Religion, Minor Threat, Circle Jerks, J.F.A., Samiam, Rudiments, As Friends Rust, Audio Karate, Discount, Bigwig, Douglas, Swingin' Utters, Whippersnapper, Strike Anywhere, Propagandhi, Lagwagon, No Use For A Name, The Living End
Hardcore:
xLooking Forwardx, Reach the Sky, Sleeping Giant, Strongarm, Means, Ten 33, Alove For Enemies, The Red Baron, xDEATHSTARx, War of Ages, Life In Your Way, Sick Of It All, Jesus Wept, xDisciplex A.D., Shockwave, No Innocent Victim, Stay Gold, Sinking Ships, Betrayed, Figure Four, Counting the Days, Seventh Star, Ruiner, Stretch Arm Strong, The Beautiful Mistake, Road to Emmaus, Ensign, For Today, Call To Preserve, Brutal Fight, Comeback Kid, Champion, Gorilla Biscuits
Americana, Country, Alt.-Country, Rockabilly, Folk & Bluegrass:
Drag the River, Chad Rex and The Victorstands, Armchair Martian, Son Volt/Jay Farrar, Lucero, Johnny Cash, William Elliott Whitmore, Social Distortion, Mike Ness, Alison Krauss, Ralph Stanley, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, Patsy Cline, Two Cow Garage, The Enablers, Ghost Buffalo, Rocky Votolato, Josh Small, The Jayhawks, Neko Case, All Rattle And Dust, Casey James Prestwood
Ska & Ska-Punk:
Janitors Against Apartheid, The Adjustments, One Eye Open, Streetlight Manifesto, Out of Order, Slapstick, Jeffries Fan Club, Kemuri, Can't Say, The Suicide Machines, Blue Meanies, Gals Panic, Missile Command, Less Than Jake, The Miggedys, The Decepticonz, The Pietasters, Five Iron Frenzy, The Slackers, The Smooths, The Impossibles, Potshot, Slow Gherkin, Against All Authority, Animal Chin, Flat Planet, The Hippos, Mu330, Dan Potthast, Knowledge, Mad Caddies, Sam the Butcher, The Bruce Lee Band, The Chinkees, Mike Park, Link 80, Catch 22, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Blindspot, Flat Planet, The Aquabats, Homeless Wonders, Assorted Jellybeans, Reel Big Fish
Rock, Indie, Emo, Post-Hardcore & Garage:
Dinosaur Jr., J. Mascis & The Fog, Texas is The Reason, Small Brown Bike, Shades Apart, Polar Bear Club, Gasoline Heart, Dredg, Blackfield, Nada Surf, The Glorious Unseen, New End Original, Beezewax, Sunny Day Real Estate, Imogen Heap, Frou Frou, Cat Power, Style Over Substance, Porcupine Tree, Faith No More, Quicksand, Rival Schools, Walking Concert, The Forecast, Bad Astronaut, Mineral, Renee Heartfelt, Solea, Andrew W.K., Limbeck, The Exit, Smoking Popes, Duvall, Weston, Digger, MxPx, Mike Felumlee, Mae, Blackpool Lights, Unitas, Pollen, Saves the Day, The Early November, Cooter, Autopilot Off, The Get Up Kids, The Juliana Theory, Jawbreaker, Jets To Brazil, The Police, No Motiv, Genesis, Phil Collins, Liars Academy, Reubens Accomplice, Tuesday, Fun Size, KT Tunstall, The Postal Service, The Stereo, Hot Water Music, The Draft, Ultimate Fakebook, , Benton Falls, River City High, Element 101, Open Hand, Idle Hands, Side Walk Slam, Operation Ivy, At The Drive-In, Sparta, The Lemonheads, Evan Dando, Björk, Jane's Addiction, The Ataris, Ace of Base, Silverstein, The Breeders, Tossers, Oasis, John K. Samson, Brand New, The Stryder, New Amsterdams, Gin Blossoms, Luckie Strike, Rufio
Hip-Hop:
Jurassic 5, Handsome Boy Modeling School, Aesop Rock, Mr. Lif, Immortal Technique, The Streets, The Goats
Movies
Army of Darkness, Evil Dead series, Kill Bill, Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Star Wars (original trilogy), Run Ronnie Run, Robocop, The Lord of The Rings trilogy, The Stabilizer, The Departed, Stand By Me, Fargo, Ravenous, The Big Lebowski, Brick, Freddy Got Fingered, Zoolander, Above the Law (a.k.a. Righting Wrongs, Ronin, Road to Perdition, The Devil's Backbone, Joe Dirt, Duel to The Death, Boondock Saints, The Usual Suspects, Suicide Kings, True Romance, Reservoir Dogs, Ong Bak, The Protector, Born To Fight, Who Am I?, Beyond The Mat, Eastern Promises, They Live, Dawn of The Dead, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Dead Alive!, Snatch, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Brotherhood of The Wolf, Hard Boiled, Police Story, Bella, Frailty
Television
Mr. Show, Arrested Development, Scrubs, Pushing Daisies, Flight of the Conchords, The Office, Extras, Spaced, Veronica Mars, Serenity, Robot Chicken, Chappelle's Show, Heroes, WWE Monday Night RAW (It's NOT fake!), Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Jericho, Jeremiah, Weaponology, Superweapons, MonsterQuest, Space Ghost Coast-to-Coast, Home Movies, Beavis & Butt-head, Malcolm in the Middle, Unbeatable Banzuke
Books
The Holy Bible, anything by C.S. Lewis, Brennan Manning, Ravi Zacharias, Brian McLaren, William Lane Craig, Leon Morris, Philip Yancey, Craig Blomberg, Warren W. Wiersbe, Lee Strobel, Gary Habermas, J.R.R. Tolkien, Norman L. Geisler, J.P. Moreland, John Irving, J.D. Salinger, or Mark Twain. A few personal favorites include: Jesus Among Other Gods by Ravi Zacharias, Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics by William Lane Craig, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, and What's So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey. I primarily read non-fiction regarding theology (especially Christian theism and apologetics), philosophy, automotive/computer technology, economics, and politics. I also have a thing for comic books and graphic novels (e.g. Jeff Smith's Bone and Craig Thompson's Blankets, and anything illustrated by Alex Ross).
Heroes
My heroes are people who strive to better whatever situations with which they may be faced and make the world a better place. I wish that everyone, including myself, could truly grasp the concepts of forgiveness, compassion and understanding.
Hope For The Rejected is a community of believers within the underground subculture. We believe that faith in Christ, and His gift of grace, is not to be forced on people, but rather shared in a relevant way through our friendships and exemplified by our actions. In the underground, actions speak louder than words, and we believe that honesty and sincerity are essential to sharing our faith.
I was born and raised in the heartland of America: Beijing, China. No, just kidding, I was actually born, raised, and in fact still live in the hills outside of Baltimore, MD. Most of my friends call me "The Puke," but I'm not really sure why. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that it's my nickname. At the tender age of 17, I created the character Doctor Garbanzo, who would eventually become the star of a hugely successful line of children's books (including Doctor Garbanzo and The Problem with Petting Zoos and Doctor Garbanzo and The Crazy Thing About Pigeons, just to name a few). I'm still collecting fat royalty checks.
I rock and roll (on alternating days, only... never simultaneously). When people ask me to describe myself in three words, the phrase 'PUBLIC ARENA ROCK' is the first one that comes to mind.
I was an atheist for a large part of my life, until my long search for the truth ended about five years ago with me putting my faith in Jesus Christ. I still screw up constantly, but I'm always trying to do my best, and to pick up and support my brothers and sisters who are struggling. To that end, I am heavily involved with Hope For The Rejected, the "subculture ministry" arm of Youth For Christ, and my work with HR is one of the most important things in my life. I believe that Jesus Christ—the only son of God and the only perfectly sinless man to ever walk the earth—suffered, died, and was resurrected to atone for the sins of all humankind, past and present. Through His sacrifice, Jesus made salvation freely available to all of us, regardless of who we are or what we've done, and this salvation can not be obtained through good works but only through faith. I am sick and tired of judgmental Christians who think they have the right to point out the flaws in others or say who is and isn't being a "true Christian." I won't rub my faith in your face or preach to you... nor will I hide it for fear of not being 'PC' and offending someone. My faith is a precious thing that I don't throw around lightly... so I won't push it on you. If you want to discuss it, or if I know you well enough to bring it up, I'd be more than happy to share my beliefs with you. I have many friends who don't share all of my beliefs, values, opinions, etc., and that in turn means that I'm lucky enough to be exposed to different points of view quite often. All I ask is for some basic respect..
I'm a freelance photographer (mainly bands but also weddings, portraits, car shows, etc.) and web/graphic designer. My photos are featured in several CDs (Champion - Different Directions: The Last Show (Bridge 9), No Innocent Victim - To Burn Again (Facedown), and cover shots on xLooking Forwardx - What This Means To Me (Blood & Ink), Counting The Days - Finding a Balance (Strike First), 24 Hours To Live - We're Loudmouths (Surprise Attack), Soapbox Soldier - My Dear, Where Do We Begin and Never Enough - Dead Set On Oblivion (Organized Crime)), T-shirts, and on numerous web sites, including those of my friends in xLooking Forwardx, Ruiner, Life In Your Way, Alove For Enemies, Seventh Star, Slumlords and Bloodlined Calligraphy. My photo gallery can be found at MartyrMedia.com, and the "old gallery" is at galleries.eMotionWebDesign.net. I also run the web sites of xLooking Forwardx, Seventh Star and Ten 33 (R.I.P.), plus a bunch of other sites that don't earn me nearly as many scene points. Yeah, I'm also the guy from the xLFx DVD with his jaw wired shut, which gets me more scene points than all of my web sites and photographs combined. Go to MartyrMedia.com to check out my portfolio and enlist my services. No, not those kinds of "services."
A Few Random Facts, Figures, and Fizzgigs:
1)
I had my 21st through 25th birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese, then we got banned for life when one of my best friends almost paralyzed himself. The cause: HORSEPLAY. Everything your elementary school teachers told you is true...
2)
I can't help but get all teary-eyed during the bridge scene every time I watch Joe Dirt. No joke.
3)
I wash my hands an average of approx. 14.35 times per day.
4)
I have been pulled over for speeding over a dozen times. My largest ticket was $570 for doing '95+' in a 55mph zone. My probation ended Nov. 19, 2005, and the cost of insuring my car has begun to slowly return from the realm of the absurd.
5)
If you ask me to "guess what," I will guess once and once only. After that, I lose interest and—rather than continuing to make reasonable guesses—attempt to amuse myself by getting more and more ridiculous with each subsequent guess. Get used to it.
6)
My favorite instrument is the banjo.
7)
I'm threatened by other people named "Lucas." I don't mean scared; I mean that I feel as if they are attempting to challenge my position as "Alpha Lucas."
8)
I consider New Balance 574s to be the most comfortable footwear available, and own six pairs in various color combinations. Yes, I realize that's absurd.
9)
I hate live albums, because I'm a stickler for production quality. Bootlegs? Fo'get about it.
10)
Proofreading is one of my spiritual gifts.
11)
The parents of girls that I'm dating like me much more than the girls themselves; that's why I fully support arranged marriage. Plus, come on, dowries are totally sweet.
"I drink this in,
it's too great for me. Understanding is nowhere to be found. Upon such atrocities the questions compound. Omniscient, omnipotent Lord, I see but a fraction. Please intercede. Build something beautiful from these ruins that I see. You've built with broken hearts that others may see Your work. You bring eternal life from tragedy. May I not curse what comes my way; prepare me for that day. I will not curse what comes my way. Build from broken lives, break mine if Your will be done. Everlasting beauty awaits..."
- Road To Emmaus, A Wooing Manner
"In our relationship with God we are to give him his legal right—namely, all that we have and are. The Christian is to be as a matter of course totally dedicated to God (Rom 12:1-2) and filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18). For his part God gives to us positionally, as we are in Christ, forgiveness of sins (Eph 1:7), eternal life (Rom 6:23), adoption as sons (Gal 4:5), and the availability of unlimited help and power (Eph 1:18-19). Think of how much that means! Moreover, he gives to us experientally, as we are Spirit-filled, the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindess, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). When this relationship is intact, the product in our lives will be righteousness (Rom 6:16),and the by-product of righteousness is happiness. Happiness is an elusive thing and will never be found when pursued directly; but it springs into being as one pursues the knowledge of God and his righteousness is realized in us."
- William Lane Craig (emphasis added)
About my baby: 2001 Pelican Blue Audi A4 Avant 1.8T quattro Sport APR Stage II (1.0 Bar ECU upgrade and 2.5" stainless steel turbo-back exhaust), Techtonics Tuning high-flow catalytic converter, Stratmosphere Hyperboost diverter valve, Spec Stage I clutch, Speedline 2308 3-pc. wheels (17×7.5"/ET24), Bilstein PSS9 coil-over suspension kit (w/ adjustable height and dampening), OE Audi S4 front bumper (early style w/ deleted foglights) and side skirts, smoothed/color-matched rear valance, OE Valeo e-code (European) headlights, OE Audi RS4 grille, Meyle OE+ Audi A6 control arms & tie rod ends, Dension ice>Link v1.1 for iPod
"Yeah, it's a wagon..."
Who I'd like to meet: Well, I've already found my best friend and the girl of my dreams, and she's all I could have ever wanted, and so much more than I dreamed of... and we're getting hitched in 2010. But other than her, I like to spend my time with anyone who is interesting, quirky, funny, creative, honest, open-minded, passionate, compassionate, unique, and/or independent. I enjoy people who know how to have fun and aren't afraid to do so. Every one of my closest friends could be a character on a sitcom, so be ready to audition if you want to be one of them.
I'd also like to meet Sgt. Slaughter... but until I do, Scott Edwards is close enough. Oh, and I want Mike LaFontaine to be my agent.
Thanks so much for checking us out yo! You Rule :) We have just filmed a brand new video and are booking shows again for 2010.
Our brand new album "Unbreakable" is available now for pre-order in time for Christmas, there are lots of killer pacakage deals and you can even win an exclusive SG skatedeck! How cool is that?
Thanks for being our friend! How 'bout putting us in your top friends so bands will know they don't have to be alone out on the road. And please if you need prayer hit me up. Jess, myself, and/or Nick will forsure pray for you and those aren't empty words. Not only that...our MySpace inbox isn't like a four lane highway kinda thing. So, your business goes no further than our GREAT BIG God!
Love, Joy & Peace! Cindy Osborne RYFO MySpace Maven & the RYFO Staff
Saturday May 16th - come celebrate 10 years of St Andrews Church shows! and support SHIRTS FOR A CURE
BANE STRIKE ANYWHERE THIS IS HELL THE SCARE IN THE HOLLOWS (CD RELEASE SHOW - MEMS OF RUINER / PULLING TEETH) 5 PM - $12 St Andrews Church 4512 College Avenue College Park MD www.missiontix.com for tickets
Proceeds from the show will go to benefit Shirts for a cure!
wow dude your car looks sick. you going to be in my booths this year. please. how you been bro. long time no see. i miss you homie. hope everything is well. i would love to meet up do dinner or something. and catch up. maby you can eat a few cups of butter like old times.
Shawn(Bassist) will cover himself in peanut butter and birdseed, then go to a Chicago park to be attacked by hoards and hoards of hungry seed carnivering pigeons. All the while one of his friends in the band will film this and we'll post it on the internet for your unlimited viewing enjoyment.
I MISS KICKIN IT WITH YOU. I HOPE EVERYTHING I GOING GOOD WITH YOU. ITS BEEN A LONG WHILE SCENCE WE KICKED IT AND ATE DINNER OR WENT TO A SHOW OR SHOT A INSANELY HOT GIRL. YOU KNOW THE GOOD OLD DAYS. WELL HALLA AT YOUR MAN WHEN YOU GET A CHANCE PEACE OUT FAMILY
Hey man! Tour has been pretty solid, have a small break coming up before we head out with the red baron for a while. Im siked on the Maryland show, never been there, and we will be playing some new songs. Should be a good time.