News Nuggets and a New Mix

Holy crap, has it really been four months since I last showed up to my own party? This is just sad. But at least I have a good reason for it. Or rather about 4 or 5 good reasons. For those of you who still read or care, here’s what’s been happening…

• joined a band called Life Of Branches. we’ve been practicing and writing the material for our first album and we’re hitting the studio in June to start recording.
• started a new role at work, focusing on social networking and social media.
• a little thing I like to call “fatherhood.”
• starting a new company…more info on that to come soon.

So there you have it. My disappearance from the blogosphere has not been in vain. As a peace offering, let me suggest you download a new mix I made, in celebration of all that is awesome with classic rock. It’s perfect for rockin’ out your cube or for the drive home.

Check it out here.

More updates soon…

Blowfish Balls and Zombies

Two awesome news stories have emerged today. This is one of the times I wish I had Photoshop or InDesign and some mad graphic design skillz. I’d whip up an awesome picture to go with that awesome post title. I’ll let the links do the talkin’…

Blowfish testes nearly kill 7 diners

Hackers warn travelers about Texas zombies

New Blahg

Hello House faithful. How goes it today?

Good, good.

I’m writing to let you know that I have embarked on a new blog endeavor…wait, wait. Don’t worry. Ye olde Haus is going nowhere. The insanity that is HOH is staying put.

That’s right. Breathe…it’s okay.

No, I’m starting another blog with the most talented, beautiful and amazing person I know: April. She and I have discussed (off and on) doing a joint blog, offering thoughts and reflections on marriage, life together, listening to God, and now, parenthood. I’m sure there will be some other nutty stuff that pops up from time to time, but it’ll be a place for a little more serious discussion. We (or rather April) kicked it off last night, so I’d love it if you guys swing by to check it out. Ask questions, request topics for conversation, whatever strikes your fancy. It’s gonna be pretty sweet!

Oh and here’s the link: Hunt Love. See you there!

Dr. Manhattan

My excitement at finally seeing Watchmen on the big screen is running pretty high at this point. Everything that’s been revealed thus far (behind-the-scenes featurettes, imagery, interviews, etc) shows an incredible attention to detail and a love/respect for the source material. While it will impossible to hand down a final verdict until I actually get to view the film in its entirety, little details like this video make me even more excited (if that’s possible) about this film. Check it out…

Twit much?

Oh yeah, in the crazy shuffle, hustle and bustle of welcoming 2009, I forgot to mention that I’m now on Twitter. I mainly joined to see what all the fuss is about. It’s relatively interesting. MC Hammer released the album art to his new CD on Twitter, so it’s got that going for it.

At any rate, follow me if you dare: twitter.com/jehuthehunt

Mark Gormley – You Are Awesome

I know that you crazy people only come to this blog to witness the insanity of the Internet boiled down in bite-size pieces. Well, thanks to the fine folk at Daily Swarm, I’ve got a doozy of a gem today.

Behold! Mark Gormley, singing his soon-to-be top 40 hit, “Without You”!

2009 is here and I’m already behind!

What up party people?! How goes it? It’s been a while since I’ve checked in here (yet again!) and I find myself fighting to keep up. But there are some good reasons why I’ve been so busy. I’ve had a lot of freelance work lately, so that keep me moving at a million miles a minute.

So here’s some of what’s been keeping me busy:

1. New book
That’s right folks. Your truly is starting to work on a new book, my first. At this point, it’s going to be a collection of anecdotes and reflections on life thus far. There’s been a lot that’s been happening in my life (and our lives as a family) lately and it’s given me good reason to step back and ponder the path of my life and where it’s leading. I’ve gotten a chapter or two written, with lots more on the way. So would you guys be interested in getting a sneak peek at it? I need to start brainstorming some ways of promoting it and finding a publisher who would be willing to take a risk on me.

2. Shakefire
I can’t remember if I’ve ever mentioned Shakefire here before, but I started writing for them sometime last year. I’ve done a number of DVD and CD reviews over the past few months. Last week I wrote my first theatrical review, for Revolutionary Road (short version: bummer of a movie). It’s been a great gig and I’ve really enjoyed it. You really have Shakefire to blame for my lack of updates around here, but it’s been a terrific way to get some more exposure. It’s also forced me to write on a very consistent basis (about 3 or 4 reviews a week, plus news items), which is always good. I was asked to start blogging over there this year, so you can check out more of my random thoughts and opinions there. Here’s my list for the most anticipated albums of 2009.

3. April and Flannery
And last, but undoubtedly NOT least, the two beautiful women of my life. I love just spending time with them. I mean, look at that picture up there. Flannery has been learning to crawl and we’re already in trouble. It’s time to baby-proof everything! April has been taking a ton of pictures and just having a blast being a mom. Check out more of them at her blog. In a lot of ways, the stuff that I’m working on in items 1 and 2 are geared towards helping me have more time with them. At least, I’d like to be able to have a more flexible schedule so I can be home more to help out.

So the lesson here is buy my book when it comes out so I can be the dad/husband I want to be. But seriously, buy my book.

Henrietta and Merna

And other Christmas present for youze guyz…

A Christmas Gift

…for all my friends out here in blogoland.

April Lois

Today is April’s birthday, her 30th.

Even though we’ve only been married a short four years, the things that I could say about her could fill a book. She’s one of the funniest people I’ve ever known, often busting out a joke or dry witticism when I least expect it. April’s generous heart and warm spirit knows no bounds. She is quick to open our home and her kitchen to fill the souls and stomachs of the friends we’ve made throughout our ministry and travels.

As I’ve watched her raise Flannery over the past six months, I’ve seen even more aspects of her character come to life: patience, determination, endurance and compassion. Of course, she’s also married to me, so she needs all of those traits just to make it through an entire day with me! She’s one of a handful of individuals who can stop me short and cause me to truly challenge me to reflect on how I’m living and what my attitude is doing to my actions (something that I need far more frequently than I’d like to admit).

If there’s any way for me to plumb the depths of my love and adoration for her, it would be this: To say that I’m incredibly  jealous of everyone who knew her before I had the chance to meet her six years ago…and that I hope our lives stretch on and on into eternity so that we can continue to love, live and experience each moment together. I love you, mi esperanza. Happy Birthday!