The most boring of personal intrigue...

Keep Writing

2011-04-14T19:47:00.002-05:00

Untitled from kelly oxford on Vimeo.

YEP

2011-03-20T19:31:00.002-05:00

2010-08-12T21:30:00.000-05:00

FRONT AND BACK (HALF SHEET OF PAPER)

Saturdays | Surf NYC

2010-08-07T08:27:00.004-05:00

This place was just featured on Secret Forts. I used to go there for coffee, as it was the closest, most delicious coffee near my job at Odin. The first time I visited, I talked to the guy who runs the place, Josh, about everything really--but mostly about surfing in NYC. I find it very interesting, but don't need a new hobby--especially not in Missouri...

Anyway, here's the great video Secret Forts just posted. I love it.

Saturdays short directed by Adam Neustadter.

ps they also have great bags, shoes, and such. ALWAYS talk to the barista--makes for a fun convo.

A Real Tailor

2010-01-22T10:56:00.000-06:00

I loved everything this guy had to say--reminded me of long conversations with my great-grandpa.

Lessons from a Tailor. Directed by Galen Summer from Ed David on Vimeo.

Maybe Because I Tend to Choose Loyalty Over Money

2010-01-14T08:12:00.001-06:00

Matisyahu On God's Absence

2009-12-04T09:58:00.001-06:00

I recently read an interview with Matisyahu in Relevant Magazine. One particular Q&A within it caught my attention.

Q: On "Silence," a track off your new album, you tackle the tough issue of feeling God's absence in the midst of struggle. Theodicy is something a lot of us struggle with, both within Judaism and within Christianity. Do you have any ways that you personally deal with this issue in your spiritual life?

A: I think we need to embrace that feeling because it works in two ways. On the song I discuss the idea of God being absent, but then I add the lyric, "I wouldn't have it any other way." In other words, God is sovereign and acts in distinct ways that we don't know about, but that's how it should be. There's a philosophical idea in Judaism that God, in order to create the world, had to evacuate Himself from it, in a sense. So God's absent just enough in order that the world can feel its own autonomy. It can in a sense exist on its own, and that's the ultimate act of giving for God: to pull away.
And at the end, when a person lives through God's absence and then goes to his or her church or temple, there's a feeling that God has created something, a lesson or a learning experience. There's a creative element to the absence, and I think often there's a redemptive quality to it.

Best Bud Wedding

2009-11-06T08:37:00.002-06:00

My bestest friend Tommy's wedding pics have made it on a wedding blog! Rightly so too, because the pictures look great. I thought I'd share them here. Follow the link!

Spontaneous Bon Iver - For Emma

2009-10-23T11:22:00.001-05:00

Bon Iver - For Emma, For Ever Ago - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

What I would give to just sing

..spontaneously..

...with quality...

....with beauty....

Caffe Capri

2009-10-15T11:51:00.003-05:00

Today is more of a personal post. And like most personal posts, it will be interesting and fun for me more so than for you. :) Perhaps you'll enjoy it a bit.

I woke to a cold, wet morning. Last night was the first night I needed a second blanket. Today is the first day they turned the boiler on in my apartment. It is that fall day we all know very well--disgusting, dank, and somehow uncomfortably cozy.

The cozy part of the day came when I decided to walk in and check out Caffe Capri. It's an old coffee place around the corner. When I first noticed it yesterday I imagined it would have a kind old lady at the counter, the decor would be wonderfully gaudy and dated, and the coffee would be just so-so. I've never assumed more correctly. Yesterday I judged a book by it's cover and wasn't let down. This woman served me.

She was quiet, but friendly. I fell for her the way a child falls for the cozy part of his mother's shoulder during a Sunday sermon's nap. As for the decor, there were lots of the usual Italian tidbits to the like of a newspaper clipping of ol' blue eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. The whole experience reminded me of a place you would find in a small European town. Again, I loved it.

All of this was very much encouraged by my reading of A Farewell To Arms. I read these days. It is solely attributed to riding the subway. Without giving you the whole rundown, I'll just say that the book makes me want to re-live history, drink....A LOT....and just sit back with a close friend and shoot the shit.

Levi's Ad - Pioneers

2009-10-13T22:43:00.002-05:00

I found this on a blog I finally found: Secret Forts.

The Pacific

2009-10-12T07:53:00.001-05:00

I cannot wait for this...

Pre-Black Eyed Peas Sergio Mendes

2009-09-19T05:22:00.002-05:00

This is why he deserves to be known by one and all. Tell me you don't like this song--I dare you.

found at The Trad

Nike Commercial

2009-09-19T05:11:00.002-05:00

This commercial by David Fincher is very very impressive. I found it at getkempt.com. I hope you like it too.

Bow Tie Show Time

2009-09-17T14:56:00.003-05:00

Lately I've been complaining about the lack of clothing I have to wear to work. Well, Alison decided to spoil me yesterday and went to H&M to pick up some affordable fashion fun. This is what she got (this is me right before I left for work).

Isn't it a great crazy grandpa outfit? I hope to be that crazy grandpa someday for sure.

Now for just a great picture from The Sartorialist to finish.

Your New Favorite Show

2009-09-15T22:44:00.001-05:00

Me Without You - The Fox, the Crow, and the Cookie

2009-08-31T10:02:00.001-05:00

I can't believe I haven't seen this video yet. Me Without You never disappoints.

The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

2009-08-27T11:45:00.001-05:00

If you saw (500) Days of Summer, you like this song as I do.

The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition (Music Video) from Moop Jaw on Vimeo.

Elephant Gun

2009-08-25T15:20:00.002-05:00

New Beirut=inspiring

Manly Girliness

2009-08-18T09:43:00.006-05:00

I recently started following a blog called Design Sponge in order to learn what good design is as well as to get ideas on how to do it myself for cheap. It's a great blog, but it's a bit of a girly thing for a guy to look at every day. Well I found a few pics and had a recent experience that have allowed me to find something I love right now. I found these on design sponge:

Now, the other day after an early meeting at work, I wandered with some co-workers down to a coffee house/bar called Blackbird Parlour in Williamsburg. The whole time I was entranced by the design in there. Check it:

There aren't any good pictures really. Imagine the way this pic looks, but more run down. There is aged wood everywhere in different textures: picture frames cut and lined up vertically, large victorian style panels, bookcases, different types of old chairs, varying tables..

I'm sure you could see a while ago the point I'm trying to make. Yes, it's considered girly in some ways to love interior design, but what about when you make something as masculine as this?? I love it. I'll finish off with some pics of the late Heath Ledger's cafe, 5 Leaves, that is reminiscent of an old old ship complete with "Water Closet" ship door (porthole included).

p.s. come visit me and we'll see them in person--it's much better that way.

Spaced

2009-08-06T14:35:00.003-05:00

If you liked Shaun of the Dead and/or Hot Fuzz, then you might want to check Hulu right now. Before Simon Pegg did the aforementioned films, and way before he played the new Scottie on the new Star Trek, he had a show. This week Hulu is letting you watch the full season for free. It's every bit as funny, genius, and little boy fun as anything he's done. Make it happen.

Soul Power

2009-08-01T13:27:00.002-05:00

I know I know...you're thinking this whitest of white boys really shouldn't be using that phrase at all, but I use it today to tell you about yet another amazing (to me) film that's actually out right now--Soul Power. It features amazing video footage of several soul/R&B artists as well as boxers in the 70's. The biggest appeal to my senses is the fashion, but the music, story, and sweating on camera really keep me begging for more.

Helvetica Film

2009-08-01T13:03:00.004-05:00

This film is sort of old as far as blogging goes, and I saw it a long time ago, but is worth being reminded of. I was reminded of it by this tattoo Alison found online. I loved it...so here's the tattoo to accompany the film trailer.

Helvetica preview from Ken Lam on Vimeo.

A Run In With The Roots

2009-07-31T11:16:00.004-05:00

Last night was a very interesting night with a few highlights just slightly too numerous to share via twitter. I was working at Urban Outfitters and checked my phone on my break. I had several texts from Alison basically saying we got free Diesel passes to an amazing show that night (Passion Pit, Cobra Starship, The Roots, and....Lady Gaga...). All I had to do was close out the sale section. Well, I was doing just that when Alison came down to say hello! She sadly said that the club was full and they weren't letting anyone else in. So, what does she do? She helps me close down sale hahaha...how great is that?? After I got out of work, we decided to go back and check on the show again. At the door, Alison very nearly ran into the guitar player for the roots and subsequently got yelled at by their security. We got out of the way and decided to head home after being denied entrance a second time. That's it and that's all.

WWI Vets Are Still Alive!

2009-07-30T13:47:00.002-05:00

This is an article talking about the life and funeral of a British WWI veteran. I couldn't believe they are still living! Well, I followed a link to information on and interviews with the last surviving American WWI veteran on the website for the Library of Congress. Stories include experiences with German prisoners, lying about his age to enlist, and pestering officers to send him to France. I'm a sucker for history...and this is a gold mine.

Sufjan Stevens FILM

2009-07-27T10:19:00.002-05:00

In case you haven't seen or heard of this yet...

THE BQE- A Film By Sufjan Stevens from Asthmatic Kitty on Vimeo.

So...the trailer was unclear...did Sufjan Stevens do anything in this film??

How to lose and iPhone and Be Thankful

2009-07-25T12:34:00.012-05:00

It's been a week since I moved to NYC and there's a decent amount to report. I'll start from the very beginning...a very good place to start.

So, the first mentionable thing to happen to me in NYC is that I lost my phone. I got into a convo on the bus leaving La Guardia and left it in my lap. My hands were full of bags and I was worried about getting off the bus, so when it stopped I got up and left as quickly as possible after saying goodbye to my Brazilian dancer acquaintance. After I went down two tiring staircases carrying 100+ pounds of luggage, I realized my phone was still on the bus. I may have let out a few choice words to myself, caught the attention of a few passers by, and then got over it and attempted to figure out what train to take--since the one I wanted to take was shut down in that area. Long story shortish...I rode the train all over NYC in order to not have to transfer and finally arrived and hour and a half later to Alison's apartment--drenched in sweat.

Well, lucky for me, that's as bad as it's been thus far. The next day I went to my new church, Resurrection Presbyterian, and hung with my good friends Mario and Alexis at a bar serving free pizza with the purchase of a beer.

Now for the blessings given me in New York:
-First of all, yes, I lost my iPhone, but Chuck had very graciously given me a gift card to the Apple store that is the perfect amount to replace it with a new one. And losing the phone is the only way I would have cancelled that service, so now I save $30/month on a cheaper plan. Perhaps I've been forced into an unpleasant blessing haha. I miss my phone badly (perhaps too badly)...but it's for the best.

-I signed up for a bank account today, and since I did it today and at Bank of America, I receive $100...FOR FREE. Right?

-Now for the really great one. I got a job after only 3 days of searching!!! I intended to look for a job at Urban Outfitters immediately in New York. I had been working there for a month before I moved for that reason. Well, my good friend Jamie Finch informed me that now is actually perfect timing because they are hiring 2 people next week. So, I went in and talked to a manager two days in a row. The second day they took me downstairs and started interviewing me before I realized it. The next day I called to follow up on the second interview date and after a series of phone transfers was offered a job without the second interview! The fact that I will be working a week after I got to New York is a HUGE blessing.

Things are far from easy, but they are moving in the right direction. I am looking for another job as a bar back, banker, cook, sales associate, loss prevention agent, barista, substitute teacher, and band director. Pray for that if you will, as that is the next step necessary in affording an apartment. If you are reading from St. Louis, I miss you. Please let me know what you're up to if you have the time.

Where To Go From Here

2009-06-08T14:49:00.008-05:00

As many of you have heard already, I will, after July 5, no longer work for Calvary Church. I'd first like to say that Calvary has been one of the most instrumental pieces in shaping my life to this point. For example, I had never played guitar in public until I did so at Calvary in 7th grade (13 years ago!) with plenty of help from Dave Milliken. My first true encounter with God's love and mercy happened on a youth trip. My first icy parking lot doughnuts were there. I can think of endless numbers of relationships, conversations, and teachings that will never and could never leave me wherever I am. Lucky for you, I will not list them all.

However, one of the more recent teachings that has changed my thought processes is the idea of a calling. Throughout my years in youth and Mosaic I've heard prayer requests for a calling many a time (Rom 8:28). As for me, I feel a strong draw to New York, but do not hear a sure calling to either St. Louis or New York. A study we went through in a college age class talked about a missionary that at one point decided to go to a foreign country and start an orphanage. He did just that, and did so without feeling a strong calling to do it. That orphanage has helped many a child, and no doubt through the workings of God. So, rather than being sure of a calling, I intend to live by this:

Romans 12:1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Throughout this terribly imperfect life, I move up and down in my feelings for and toward God, but am always perfectly certain of my salvation in Christ alone. So, in my move to NYC, I intend to do this:
-I hope to seek God's face
-I hope to serve and worship Him in everything
-I hope to identify true happiness with Him alone
-I hope to be perfectly satisfied in success or failure

I ask you to pray for this end if you will.

As for more concrete and physical plans, I hope to get settled and somewhat financially stable in 6 months to a year before I set plans in motion to be a teacher--more specifically a band director for junior or senior high levels. This involves getting a graduate degree in education--if possible, through a program that will pay for school in exchange for teaching in the city for two years.

If you are reading this, you have some sort of love or interest for me and my future. Please do pray for me. I could never fully express my appreciation to Calvary, friends, and family for the support that has been very freely given. I love you all so very much.

Department of Eagles - No One Does It Like You

2009-06-08T08:57:00.003-05:00

I fell in love with the imagery in this video. Found on thematerialreview.com.

What I Wear...Please meet what I'd like to wear...

2009-05-11T16:01:00.002-05:00

Lately I've been taking an interest in fashion. My girlfriend, Alison, directed me to a blog: The Sartorlialist, and I've been very entranced by many aspects of the pictures he takes and posts there. These are a couple that caught my eye.

Fishing boots take 1

Vintagey Oxfords!!!

Attention socks...

I had the lovely opportunity to hang with Archie and Cara McKinley the other day and it was a blast. Archie suggested another blog: A Continuous Lean. I was immediately drawn to many things about it, this being my immediate fav. I have a definite love of cardigans, plaid, and fishing boots...not necessarily all together, yet here it is. Yes sir, I'll take your outfit...and also your beard...and also your glasses...and also your manly mcmanliness...

I am by no means able to keep up with fashions for many reasons, but I am indeed inspired.

Fiddlin' Around in a Music Store Full of Character

2009-05-04T12:21:00.004-05:00

This looks like a good time. I got this at thankscaptainobvious.net He posts a lot of good free music if you want to check it out.

Job&Jesus

2009-04-13T14:01:00.004-05:00

Job has lost everything and everyone on earth he cares about, cursed his life, and been brought back around to say this at the end of chapter 9: "if only there were someone to arbitrate between us, to lay a hand on us both, someone to remove God's rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more. Then I would speak up without fear of Him, but as it stands with me, I cannot."

How lucky are we to know our savior? To know that he is saving us and advocating for us in heaven..

Being dragged into the past by Copeland

2009-04-08T23:59:00.004-05:00

I'm at the Copeland show at Off Broadway tonight and so many thoughts and emotions are running through my mind.

First, I noticed how much like old men copeland is becoming..then I noticed that I never noticed how much Aaron's live voice sounds like a higher pitched Neil Diamond. In a good way...haha. The new stuff sounds really great. As does the stuff they've been playing for years, as it should.

I don't think I'll ever stop loving Copeland--even if it means liking them must turn into a "guilty pleasure" at some point. Copeland will forever remind me of my youth..of love..of heartbreak..and of becoming a man (still in progress of course).

As of late...

2009-04-03T09:18:00.004-05:00

It's been a long time, so here's a bit of an update. Short and sweet. I've started a couple projects...one of which is growing herbs indoors. I planted basil the other day in a planter which is placed on top of a bass cab seeing as how I don't have a lovely table with which to reach window height. With a lot a' bit of luck, I should see some sprouts in a week or two. If that goes well, I plant cilantro in another division. Garden pasta anyone? Vietnamese dishes?? I'm excited to cook with home grown herbs. So, here is a phase 1 photo of the basil. I hope there will be more...haha.

Many of you may or may not know that I bought a scooter this fall and have been driving it (except for below freezing weather as of late) everywhere. This is incredibly overdue, but here are some pics of my '08 Piaggio X9 Evolution 500:

outside Picasso's in old town St. Charles

in the gated parking behind my building

you can see my building in the back...sorry for the blurry phone pics, but I just love my building...

This is how I took clothes to the local second hand clothing store. That's an Ikea bag turned upside down on the back haha.

future blogs to come...homemade soap from bacon grease and hopefully a scooting adventure to NYC.

Cheers

Definitely, Maybe...

2009-03-04T15:06:00.004-06:00

Something many of you may not know about me is that in high school, my parents got divorced, which led to me living for years with my mom, sister, and very girly Aunt Tricia. During this time, I quite naturally developed a love, or more an appreciation, for chic flix. I watched it today on and off again while I worked at home. It reminded me how much I love it. It's up there with Love Actually in my book.

The premise of the movie is that the lead (Ryan Reynolds) has a daughter and tells her the story of his relationships in life, three in particular, in order to reveal who the girl's mother is. It's a very beautiful journey. He finds three really amazing girls at different times in their lives. Each has her charms and quirks...but circumstances make them all not work out at different times in his and their lives. These people are really all just trying to find themselves...in their 20's...in New York...figuring out their careers...making mistakes...learning...growing up...and figuring out what is most important. Does that sound relevant to your lives?? It indeed is to mine...

Vintage Design and Film: Is it getting played out?

2009-02-25T09:26:00.003-06:00

I just saw Coraline, and I definitely think it's a beautiful piece of art. I was told that everything knitted in the movie was done by hand using sewing needles for knitting needles. Toward the end, there is a pair of gloves she gets from her parents. HAND KNITTED. Insane. Insanely awesome.

I have started noticing something in me as of late though. I think I may be getting a little bit numb to the style of art that is used in many a creative film lately. Many use the same kind of vintage, child-like, and maybe a little junky design and art (that's MY description--who knows how you view it). I've always loved that look and style, but again, I think I may be getting numb to it. Coraline was an amazing movie, but I didn't find myself getting as excited about the look and feel of it like I did for some others. For the buttons...the clothes...the sweet mask on Wybie...the music.

Here are some films and shows I can think of off hand and (to me) seem to use the same theme: Juno, Eagle vs. Shark, Napoleon Dynamite, Flight of the Conchords...do you see where I'm going with this? Is it possible this style is beginning to become played out? (I hope not) At the very least I think it's about to go very mainstream, if it hasn't already. Am I way off?

Slightly more eclectic than the last..

2009-01-29T18:47:00.005-06:00

^Lil'-Z likes it and you should too^

Check it: New worship song

Opinions welcome.

Thanks.

Woody Boggs

2009-01-09T16:45:00.000-06:00

Newest video for Calvary.

Woody Boggs Interview from Phill Grooms on Vimeo.

Writing and Recording

2008-12-14T13:06:00.002-06:00

I've written and very poorly demoed 4 songs in the last 2 months. That's more than...ever I think. I also have weeks at church when I don't put a band together. So, I will start making beats and whatnot to back myself Metro Station style. This week I tried it with Here Is Our King and the kids liked it. I also liked it and how it turned out. So, if you follow this link you can hear what I've been up to lately. Don't mind the terrible quality on the recordings please. (hurray for built in mic and Garage Band)

"Charlemaigne" fun

btw, John Harder and I did a photo shoot sorta thing for his resume and I happily obliged...or my vanity did... ;) Just wanted to drop a name for the pic above. Thanks y'all.

Be Still

2008-12-02T23:06:00.001-06:00

Kinda freaky..and weird. Especially because I'm in the video...I hate that part haha. But, I'm proud of a few cool editing points. I hope you like.

Still from Phill Grooms on Vimeo.

When you go to the house of God

2008-12-02T16:00:00.004-06:00

"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong."
-Ecclesiastes 5

"Careful now, you'll hurt yourself...you'll hurt someone else."

It's bad enough to go into the house of God with a blank or distracted heart. It seems far worse to go that way as a leader. At times, I am sure I get in the way of God being glorified on Sundays. Sad and scary thought.

MoLife Ad

2008-11-09T10:13:00.003-06:00

I finally found a bunch of old files. I'll be posting a bunch now. Here's the first one. My inspiration is the inspirational videos in Donnie Darko.

MoLife Ad from Phill Grooms on Vimeo.

You let me down STL

2008-11-08T12:02:00.006-06:00

If you can handle skimming this article, do it. Otherwise, read this exerpt:

"What happens if Prop M fails?

Without new revenue, Metro will be forced to shrink the system to the funds it has available and will provide fewer transit options, Baer said.

Baer listed cuts to the system if Prop M doesn't pass:

-MetroLink trains would run every 15 minutes during the rush hour instead of every 10 minutes.
-Non-rush hour service would run every 20 minutes instead of every 15 minutes.
-Extra service for special events would be eliminated.
-MetroLink service would cease after 8 p.m.
-Up to 28 of the 60 existing Metro bus routes may be eliminated, including all service outside I-270. Since Call-A-Ride, a van service for the disabled, mirrors the bus service, Call-A-Ride service beyond I-270 would end, too, he said. One-third of the -60,000 trips a month would be cut, Baer added.

If further cuts are required, express bus service and night service would be eliminated, he said.
But Sullivan is skeptical. "For the past five years, Metro officials have continually claimed the agency was running out of money and needed a tax increase," he said. "A $28 million deficit was predicted for fiscal year 2007, ending June 30, 2007, but then the year ended with a $9 million surplus.""

So, this is terrible...owning a scooter, I was counting on cutting my trip nearly in half on bad weather days. This is now impossible because the Metrolink will now shut down by 8PM. When am I ever done with work by 7:30?? In a time when people in St. Louis AND St. Charles are calling out for better public transportation in light of rising gas prices, we turn down a tax to improve it?? I understand management problems, but we don't have time for this. News channels are reporting it being a problem for SPORTS TEAMS?? Think about students of UMSL who bypassed parking passes for Metrolink passes. What do they do if a class goes late? How do they study late in the library? People without cars? It goes on and on...

St. Louis has just taken several giant leaps backward.

Music News

2008-10-22T10:19:00.009-05:00

Today I am going to record with Tom Wehrle. I'm excited to go into a studio and lay down some tracks. It's been a while and I'm ready to be creative. Right now I'm giving his demos a listen and I'm hearing some potential for fun for sure. I will definitely give you an update when he posts the final product in the distant future. You can hear what came of it. If you haven't listened to Tom before, you should give it a try. He's a very talented song writer in my opinion.

In other music news, Brooke is playing a show this Friday at the new Faith Church in Earth City (what used to be Incahoots and a go-cart place). She's on tour with Barlow Girl right now. I won't be playing with her, as she wasn't allowed to take us with her on the tour, but I'm really excited to see her again. This past weekend she was in town with Billy for some business stuff. It looks as if we most likely will be on the Revolve Tour a year from now and that's a really good deal. Say a prayer for a good Spring tour! The biz is in a funny place right now and it's a little un-nerving...mostly for Brooke. I have very little doubt in her so I'm not too worried about it, but prayer would be very appreciated.

Brooke and Billy in my apartment this weekend

Christians in Iraq

2008-10-15T09:56:00.004-05:00

Iraq's Christians Ask For Protection
by Lourdes Garcia-Navarro

listen to the story on NPR.org

Morning Edition, October 13, 2008 · Christians are a minority in Iraq, and there has been a rapid increase of attacks against them this year. The assaults raise fear about the future of Christians in Iraq. One church leader has asked the Iraqi government and the U.S. military for help.

There are so many disheartening facts in this news story. I won't try to list them all, but this is a realization I came to about the war in Iraq that really blew my mind (first brought to my attention by Shane Claiborne in his book Jesus for President--highly recommend). We have Iraqi Christian brothers and sisters dying every day....as well as Muslims whom God wants to draw to Him. No matter how you feel about the war, you must not only pray for our soldiers in Iraq, but also our Christian brothers. And you must not only pray for our Christian brothers, but also for our Muslim "enemies".

Worship songs...

2008-10-14T16:38:00.002-05:00

I spent the day recording and finishing up writing a worship song. I've been meaning to do this for years now, and I finally got around to finishing one. This demo is pretty darn crappy, but give it a listen. I'm very open to criticism, especially on the lyrics. They're very important to get right...

Listen to the song here

At least it was relaxing...

2008-10-11T23:39:00.002-05:00

Today I got to go to the Mizzou game with the Atkinson family. We went nice and early to tail gate and it was more than delicious. My favorite part was catching up with Ben. I've really really missed him and am very thankful I got to see him.

So...we lost the game, but there's still hope in the Texas game. All in all it's been a really great day.

In other parts of life, decisions must be made. Here's hoping for the best...

Jenson's first cone

2008-10-10T15:18:00.002-05:00

Kyle, heidi, beau, Ashley, lil Jenson and I drove down to sw Missouri to scout out a youth camp for this summer. At a stop for lunch we got ice cream and Jenson got to experience his first ice cream cone. It was funny to watch because he couldn't figure out how to lick it.

Man on the Street video

2008-10-08T20:35:00.001-05:00

We went to the loop to interview people to go with a series called Resident Aliens at Calvary Church. This was a fun one to shoot and edit.

Aliens -- Man on the Street video from Phill Grooms on Vimeo.

Serve Day Highlight/The Zone

2008-10-05T12:18:00.003-05:00

This video highlights my church's participation in a world-wide serve day. We have some of the best footage we've collected at an event in my opinion. 3 of us went out shooting which gave us a large abundance of footage. It made this video take a looong time, but allowed for better quality in my opinion. I hope you enjoy.

Serve Day Highlights from Phill Grooms on Vimeo.

This is a promo for a weekly kid's program at Calvary Church.

Embrace the cheese people...

The Zone Promo from Phill Grooms on Vimeo.

First Video Post

2008-10-04T15:38:00.007-05:00

I intend to post all of my video work on this blog for everyone to see what I've been up to. Some will be good and some won't. Anyway, here's the first one. It's not my best work by far, but if you keep in mind what happened, it's good to see what I can pull out even under a time crunch. I shot and edited this from scratch in 9 hours, split only by 6 hours of sleep. Our first interview went totally wrong. The interview subjects were absolutely wonderful, but one camera stopped and the other had terrible terrible audio. It was unusable. So, we happened to have a second couple lined up anyway and decided to go with that.

OK, I could go on more about what I don't like about this video, but why waste your time. You will see. You will also see SOME good, so do your best to be positive :). Enjoy.

Beauperlant Interview from Phill Grooms on Vimeo.

Super Scooter!!!

2008-10-03T15:17:00.001-05:00

So, I've made a brash decision. It's dangerous...I very well might regret it with all of my inner being...but it will save me soooo much money. Plus, it's pretty hardcore and, being a man, that makes me feel good.

I've decided to buy a scooter instead of a car. I've read up extensively on winter riding and it's totally doable. It may be very harsh and crazy at times, but doable. I've agreed to buy an Aprilia Atlantic 500. It's in a relatively new category of scooters called "super scooters". This is because they are highway safe and made for commuting. Many of you will think it's not the prettiest thing in the world. I would have preferred to have a sweet vespa or sport bike, but this is more practical. Besides, after my visit to France, these things are rampant. They actually grew on me quite a bit.

So, soon I will have the bike and as the weather gets colder, I will have to stock up on things like a heated vest and gloves, wind/water proof coat and pants, and a good full face helmet.

Here are the pics of my actual bike: