Myspace, scantily clad to say the least...

Everyone has it. Well almost everyone that is. Myspace, the latest opinions rage that flares its way onto the morning news, casually is crossed on day-time talk shows, and has been the punch line to at least one joke on late-night TV. So then if it’s so good, what is it?
It is a networking of individuals who set up profiles and from there can interact with friends, groups, blogs….the whole shpeal. What makes it so opinionated? What makes it so opinionated is that a 40-year-old man in Malaysia can be checking out a 16-year-old girl in Tennessee, and after reading her profile alone, most generally have enough information to buy a plane ticket (money permitting) and meet her personally—just, without her knowing any of this is going on. Myspace is a stalkers paradise, a creepsters battlefield, the beginning of identity theft, and a not so intimate version of online dating (seeing as one party is generally unaware that they are being pursued.)
Now, do not misunderstand me, Myspace has its perks. You can write your friends goofy comments, aptly amuse yourself with various webpage fonts and backgrounds, post fun pictures for all your friends to see, and read about that cute guy in your math classes favorite movies (ok, quite possible on the lower part of the perk list,) but regardless in its essence, it is harmless. In its essence.
Maybe I should further this by saying, I have a Myspace. It’s blue and has falling hearts coming down the webpage to Death Cab for Cuties “Soul Meets Body.” I have about six photos, and some hundred and something friends. Mainly I keep it for the occasional comment, and so I can snoop around on other people’s when I am bored.
But recently, in one of my bored, snooping adventures I came to a conclusion—there is a serious problem with the photos girls are displaying. Approximately 15-22 year old girls are posting half to basically nude pictures of themselves that they took after epic amounts of prep time and with the adjustments of Photoshop. Myspace is littered with aspiring porn stars, who in all innocence, just post the picture of them in the fish net tights and lace bra to show their crush how hot they are. What teens fail to realize, is that Joe Brown from Malaysia is able to see how hot you look as well.
Myspace. Scary? More like frightening. Fun? At times. Innocent? Maybe in its essence. But in truth, it is sad. It is sad that 16-year-old girls can post nearly pornographic photos of themselves, and it’s sad there is no one to tell them otherwise.

Turbo 2500, I mean, our blender...

Ever since I was young my dad has fixed everything for me—well everything that can be fixed with a hammer, duct tape, or a screw driver. I live in a home that has never had to see a leaky faucet or a squeaky door, because with my dad in the house those things don’t exist.
The down side to living with such a handy man is that even when there is nothing to be handy with he seeks to build, fix, restore, and…err…invent things.
It was Easter Sunday and I was seated on the blue cushions on our squashy couch. We were just relaxing before heading over to my grandparent’s house for Easter dinner, and my mom and I were half chatting, half watching the TV when all of this sudden I hear this violent blare; one that closely resembled the sound a dying lawnmower would make—when amplified. Before even having to ask I knew it was my dad who was producing this menacing noise.
Turns out my dad was in the process of finalizing his newly created invention. Roughly one hundred dollars, and eight weeks later, my dad had created it—a blender that does not require electricity. The “little turbo” is solely powered by a lawn mower engine, which would explain the noise.
The question that was pressing me was why would one need a blender that doesn’t require electricity? I mean unless one is planning to bust this piece out during their morning commute or in the middle of the movie theatre (well, I suppose the sound would create problems,) but regardless, why?
According to my father the device is needed for blending drinks and such on camping trips and related endeavors. I think he is referring to the one camping trip we take every year in a cabin, a cabin that has full electricity that is. When refuting this to my father he answered with a concerned look on his face, “what if the power goes out and I want a milkshake?”
Needless to say, currently stationed in our garage, next to the treadmill and the Dodge 2500, is the blender. And to make matters more humorous, my equal of a handy man grandfather has spent the bulk of the past two days building the blender a carrying case.
So to say the men in my family are handy men, to say they are “Mr. Fix Its,” and the expression, “dad can fix it,” are all understatements. But hey, that’s the men of my family, and to be honest, in this I find comfort, character, and even a sense of pride---and yes, I would not want these men any other way, even if it does mean that we are the only family on the block with a lawnmower engine powering our blender.

Ignorance, a New Yorker's Bliss?

Everyone says our world has changed since 9/11, and though we may find proof of this change in the tight airport security and in the sad stories left behind, for the majority of us west coaster’s the change is more subtle.
Recently I visited New York City. It was my first time in New York, my first trip to Central Park, my first Broadway musical, the first major trip I’d been on with no adults, my first time in the Today Show audience, and the first time I had been to the east coast in March.
On my trip I shortly learned that the vast majority of New Yorker’s sought to do their own thing but were always happy to help, people on the east coast fold their pizza and eat it, Wal-Mart’s and Albertson’s are sparse, and even during a fun event like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade the repercussions of 9/11 are felt.
It was crisp and chilly in just the right way. The sun was smiling down on a city of drunks, as 8 a.m. is as intense as the drinker’s 10 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day. Three girls walked down the crowded streets, making our way through the stench of bear and smoke. Beyond the crowds the parade was glorious. Now, I’m not a die hard parade fan, and the amusement of the loud instruments and impressive marching formations can only sustain me for so long, but regardless it was an event worth being noted. Most just lined the streets as an excuse to be in a place where they don’t have to drink alone, and others were trying to have a family day amidst the annoyances. But in reality, the event was fairly innocent, it was happy, and it was well deserved for the overworked city of New York. Even the George Clooney-like business men in their festive mint colored ties, managed to stop for a second of their time and marvel the magic of the day.
It was a day that, for most, was not thought of as a reminder of the tragedies felt just five years ago, a day that was thought of to celebrate, if anything, just life.
I stood there in my Black Pea Coat and spotted mittens, and felt the chilling air freeze up all the moisture in my eyes. I stood there in stupid dusty sneakers that did not match the rest of me and marveled at how small I was. With a stretch and a yawn my eyes left the parade, and looked up…then up…to the tip on the beige sky scraper that peered down at me. Nestled in a corner was the long black bar of a sniper, pointed, aimed, ready to fire at anyone who disturbed this scene. My heart stopped, my eyes had to re-blink, where I’m from they don’t even have snipers. Why do they even need one? I knew why they needed one, but I didn’t want to remind myself, I decided better yet would be to meld into this crowd of oblivion. Better yet would be to dismiss this, temporarily resulting to an American ignorance, to let go of the newly surged fear, and to enjoy a day, that only God can bring to a tomorrow.

Subways, Elevators, and Such



Have you ever been on a subway? I have. They don’t smell good, they have a varied crowd, and it is tricky to master the art of “this is my stop.” But on the other side of the coin, they are inexpensive, they are rich with culture, and are economical to say the least.
This past Friday on my way to Universal Studios, and a few weeks ago while in New York for a journalism conference I purchased a Metro Card, and experienced the Subway system first hand. To be honest I don’t mind the subway, and hey, without a car it’s a great option, but some of the experiences are so far from what I am used to it amuses me. On the left is the group I went with on the subway in New York, and on the right is a rather “creative” photo of the group I was with on the subway in Los Angeles. I’m sure to other people, we stuck out far more then I can even imagine.
New York—Subway Elevator: “It’s what my people do for me...” said a wiry man to a woman that was old enough to be his mother. Three girls were smashed in an elevator with a man that was discussing his selling of body parts at a volume level that would only logically be attained for such a topic if one was on drugs.
Los Angeles—Subway: A weather looking Hispanic, elderly man sat on a bench with his eyes softly shut and his feet barely touching the ground. He clutched tightly to a small pail filled with flowers that he sold to the passer-byers in the subway station. He did not flinch his eyelids at the abrupt stopping and going or the chatter, but the second the subway reached his destination he just new it, and arose from his seat, and left, to be forgotten by the passengers. But no, that image will rest in my mind much longer.
New York—Waiting for Subway: Flashy business men fumble through the New York Times in a fashion that makes my trust in print journalism feel restored. He does not look at anyone or anything but that newspaper. He looks smart, he looks successful, but I cannot tell if he is happy.
Los Angeles—Subway: Scruffy girl who looks like a hard 14 tells a random boy she’s 21. Claims she lost her id and for some reason only has a friends. She keeps scratching her head in a manner that makes me nervous. She talks about weed like it’s as common as the topic of grocery shopping. She doesn’t hesitate to share a Twix with a complete stranger. She gets the number of this random guy, for reasons that I don’t even care to know. I am amazed by how brave she is trying to pretend to be. Why is this little girl all alone on a subway at 9 at night?
New York—Subway: Man plays the steel drums in the middle of the subway. They are too loud and out of place for me to recognize if they are good or not, but I’m for sure not telling him to stop. I can’t help but wonder what people would do if I busted out a random instrument in the middle of the subway.
Los Angeles—Subway: I man is wearing a hat that says “God Is Good” about four times on it. He is big, and has baggy clothes and a hard expression. He doesn’t cause trouble, and nobody seems to bother him either.
New York—Elevator to Subway: There is a huge puddle of someone’s pee. It smells. It’s either the elevator or the stairs. With the amount of luggage we have the elevator is really the only option. It really smells.
Los Angeles—Subway: Two 12 year-old girls engage in a typical conversation about boys. They look like they want to be older then 12, and their mouths suggest this as well, as they spout of profanities like no other. The one with heavy eyeliner is very concerned if the boy her friend is talking about it cute.

Politics at Biola: A Rarity

With all senators running unopposed and only two presidential candidates in the running Associated Students (AS) faces little competition, but a big decision when it comes to the election at Biola.
Since all senators are running unopposed, the only competition remains in the presidential race.
Come April 10 students must decide if first semester junior Micah Fell, or second semester junior Cory Cress will make a better choice for AS student body president.
Both men have a solid background in leadership.
Fell has had most of his leadership experience during his time served in the Marines, where he was a squad leader and vehicle commander. While in the service Fell partook in two tours in Iraq, and supervised the lives of eight to ten other men.
Aside from the Marines, Fell has leadership experience as a leader in the Social Justice Ministry on campus, and as a political science major. In addition he worked as a youth pastor/youth summer staff director at High Desert Baptist Church in Phelan, CA this last summer.
Though Fell has a strong leadership background in the military that his opponent does not possess, he does not have as much of a political background at Biola.
Cress, a math major, has been a Sigma senator for the past two years, and this has given him a great deal of experience in AS.
“[You learn] a lot of great personal things—just practice, communication, and listening. You learn how to be open to people; how to prayerfully and responsibly get input, and then make the best response as possible,” said Cress.
But Cress is not running alone. Behind him is Benny Stripe, running for Vice President.
Stripe, junior biology major, has been a Hart Hall senator for the past year, and plays an unofficial leadership role to the men of Heat (the upper floor on Hart Hall.)
When asked his reasons for running Stripe said, “to see things I want to change and to be in that position [to change them.]”
Stripe wants to help improve the overall quality of campus life, from everyday life to big events.
Not only is Stripe eager for change, but Fell’s Vice President running mate, Festim Gashi, is eager to make his impact for the better.
Gashi is a sophomore political science major, who is currently a secretary for the International Student Association (ISA). Gashi was also a member of the Social Justice Ministry, and has past experience in missions, particularly with the Youth With a Mission organization.
Gashi brings diversity to AS, seeing that he grew up in war torn Kosovo.
“I experienced war on many different levels as a victim and refugee,” said Gashi.
Gashi feels that being from Kosovo and seeing lots of the world will be beneficial if he is vice president. It also makes him a good partner for Fell because they have both experienced war on different levels.
“It will make people more aware at Biola that there are students in other parts of the world,” said Gashi.
Gashi also has passion for the office he is running for.
“Wherever I go I like to be challenged, and I like to give a contribution to the community and belong,” said Gashi.
All presidential candidates want to contribute the way they think Biola will benefit the most.
Cress and Stripe have a platform that aims to promote unity on campus through major social events, racial reconciliation, and a major remodel of the Student Union Building (SUB), from student services to the fountain.
Though promoting campus unity is the ultimate goal of the two men, they are seeking something much deeper.
“We have specific ideas as to what [our platform] means, not just a buzzword,” said Cress.
They both are in favor of the continuing of big campus events such as concerts and a possible beach day. They are also interested in focusing more on racial reconciliation.
Both men are confident in the job they could do, and feel they are overall the most beneficial vote to Biola.
“One of the main reasons is our experience and that we’ve already started the work. If we are elected come August we can already get the ball rolling,” said Cress.
Fell and Gashi are confident that though their opponents are worthy, they are what Biola needs at the head of AS.
“The student body should inform themselves, they will see we offer the most. What we intend to bring to AS is change,” said Fell.
Fell explained that he and Gashi are targeting two things in their platform. Firstly, they want to bring community to Biola, and secondly, to promote school pride.
They want to interact with students, inviting them to their room once a month for a time of open hours, giving students more of an opportunity to give ideas and feedback. They also want to focus on Social and Spirit Board.
“We want to give students something to do on the weekends. We don’t want to invest all our money into bands that charge an arm and a leg,” said Fell.
Fell and Gashi are excited about the prospect of creative new ideas, such as a Biola Olympics, but they are also interested in more serious topics.
They want to focus on better racial reconciliation, a stronger relationship between religious and academic relations, and more support to ISA.
“We are just average students, we don’t see ourselves any different, God has brought us to this point and we feel blessed to serve,” said Fell.
And on a similar note Cress concurs saying that ultimately they are seeking “a healthy campus where people are enjoying themselves both spiritually and academically.”
It is evident that both candidates have a vision, and it’s up to the student body to decide what vision will ultimately guide Biola.

Great Lengths For The Word

Despite his battle with filariasis, threats of Muslim terrorists, and his growing allergy to malaria medicines, Lloyd Peckham managed to endure Indonesia’s brutal conditions for nearly twelve years.
Lloyd Peckham, Biola’s Introductory to Lingustics and Language teacher, has devoted the last 25 years to translating the New Testament into Mairasi.
It hasn’t been easy. In order to get to the Mairasi people, the Peckhams and their colleagues had to travel through a war zone filled with Muslim terrorists. “One half of my translation team was killed by Muslims,” Peckham said.
Peckham wants to reach the Mairasi people with the gospel in whatever way possible, but due to the severity of his tropical illness, filariasis, and his allergy to malaria medicine, he fears he will have to work with the Mairasis from a distance.
The Peckhams have faced the challenge of being isolated.
“Even when we found a relatively healthy place in the southern Philippines, it could take up to six months for a letter to get there,” Mr. Peckham said.
Despite the complications, the Peckhams are determined to continue to make a difference, bringing the word of God in the “heart language” of the people. Last December, when Lloyd and his wife Nancy celebrated the completion of their translation of the New Testament in Kaimana, Indonesia, “the 900 copies printed were presented and distributed,” said Peckham.
Mr. Peckham and his wife were led to their work in Indonesia after being forced to leave their missionary work in Mexico due to an earthquake.
Being called to Indonesia, they began missionary work with tropical rain forest hunter-gatherers in Indonesia, next to a town called Kaimana. The Peckhams shared the gospel with the hunter-gatherers, known as the Mairasis, through translating the Bible into their “heart language.”
“They get so excited [about the gospel.]” said Peckham. “The word of God is the key to understanding [Christianity]. I have seen many churches planted on poor foundations, resulting in a lot of cults.” What Peckham strives to follow is Matthew 28: 19-20, teaching all Jesus commanded.
The Lord first called Peckham to cross cultural ministry work at the age of seven, while listening to missionaries speak about their experiences. At 14, Peckham’s parents became short term missionaries, and Peckham learned Spanish and some Portuguese. Recognizing his talents in languages, Peckham knew he could make a difference for the glory of God.
To say the least, Peckham is well qualified as a linguist. He received a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology from California State University Fullerton, took courses in Greek and Bible at Multnomah College, and received a master’s degree in linguistics from the University of Texas.
“The key is knowing and living God’s Word” Peckham says. He and his wife feel that the translation of the Bible is so important in missionary work because the Word will remain with the people forever.
Nancy and his three sons have supported and aided Peckham in translating the Bible in whatever ways possible. Mrs. Peckham spoke about the amount of moves their family has undergone. They lived in Indonesia for nearly twelve years, and then left due to the severity of Mr. Peckham’s tropical illness. The Peckhams moved to the southern Philippines, where they lived until last Feburary, prior to their move to California.
“This is [Mr. Peckham’s] first year teaching at Biola,” Mrs. Peckham said. Mrs. Peckham informed that though Mr. Peckham enjoys his new job, he will be leaving Biola after this year, enabling them to do more missionary work.
Each family member plays their own significant role in helping to translate the Bible. Mr. Peckham does the majority of the translating, and his wife Nancy does the editing. The Peckhams son Joe, helped his parents on the small projects. Joe helped his father translate short stories into Mairasi.
“There are a ton of idioms in their language,” Joe said. But despite the cultural barriers Joe loved Indonesia. “It’s the most beautiful place in the world.”
After Mr. Peckham’s year at Biola, he and his wife will return to the southern Philippines. There, Mr. Peckham will be teaching in three locations, training Filipino missionaries.
“My guess is I will keep doing some [work] on the interlinear translation of Mairasi.”
The Peckhams are planning on continuing the translation of the Old Testament the best they can from a distance. They have written rough drafts in Mairasi for the books of Genesis, Ruth, Lamentations, and Jonah, and they are writing an introductory to each book in the New Testament. Peckham feels that Lamentations will relate to the Mairasis because of their experiences as slaves.
Joe Peckham quoted Cameron Townsend, founder of Wycliffe Bible Translators “The greatest missionary is the Bible in the mother tongue,” and this is something the whole Peckham family strongly agrees with. The Word of God is the foundation of Christianity, and no person should be prevented from receiving the Word. It is families like the Peckhams that make a mark on the lives of others, and we should all try to strive to fight with that much vivacity to bring God’s Word to those who need it.

This was actually picked up by KTLA and Whittier Daily News

The big red and blue colored boxes that have been sitting in dorm lobbies for just over a week remain barely full; despite the limited response to the boxes, many students think that Dr. Clyde Cook’s chapel message hit the campus on an even deeper level.
Cook gave a clear message; with part of the message addressing how stealing a fork or a cup may seem small, but it is still disobeying God. The administration gave students the opportunity to return their stolen items in the colored boxes.
“The majority [of people] I’ve heard have either borrowed stuff, or it was more or less they threw it away on accident,” said sophomore Jennifer Young.
Though some of the missing items may have been accidentally taken, that still does not account from the 2,128 forks, 1,512 spoons, 1,236 cups, 504 knives, and 51 patio chairs.
Of these items roughly five forks, six spoons, 105 cups, one knife, and several miscellaneous items such as an orange cone and eight burned CDs were put in the dorm boxes as of Monday. In addition, several bowls, coffee mugs, and plates were returned.
Though the amount of items returned is hardly notable in the large picture of things, the message was able to make a difference in several people’s lives.
“It made me think a lot about the little things people take for granted,” said Young.
Young said that she thought the chapel affected many people because they thought about it in a different way.
“A number of students have personally told Dr. Cook how much they appreciated what he had to share,” said Brian Shook, Dr. Cook’s assistant. Some people left notes…"I deleted 312 songs. It may not sound like a lot, but I only download my favorite stuff--this was very difficult but worth a sweeter communion," said one student.
A key point in the message was not necessarily to erase what students had done in the past, but to make them aware for the future, and to explain the reward of letting go of what some may call smaller sins.
“The main point is to think about how it affects the experience when you come to the Cafe. Think about the frustration when we don’t have enough cups for everyone,” said Heather Ogg, director of operations for the cafeteria.
Ogg explained that so far the budget has been able to absorb the cost of the missing items, but if it continues there will be consequences. She emphasized that the current issue is more about how the loss of items is affecting people, rather then the budget.
“It does affect everyone. [The main effect is] on our ability to provide good service,” said Ogg.
Since the topic is one that can only be fixed if students are motivated to change, it has facilitated different responses.
“I think for those students who had ears to hear, it caused them to think about where they’re at spiritually with the Lord on smaller choices,” said Ryan Low, Hart resident director.
Low explained that though the amount of returned items were fairly small, it was worth addressing because it made many students examine their relationship with the Lord.
“Making students aware is always good, it’s the first step,” said Low.