Examining minds want to know.

I've been doing some writing for Examiner.com over the past month as their Kansas City Extracurricular Activities writer.  Here are the three articles that I've had published so far.  Also, I get some pennies in my bank account every time someone checks out my articles (Hence the tacky lime green font).  If anyone out there has some solid ideas for next things in the Metro that you'd like to see me attempt, drop me a line.  Peace!

http://www.examiner.com/article/from-farm-to-fridge 

http://www.examiner.com/article/fall-fun-at-liberty-corn-maze-and-carolyn-s-country-cousins-pumpkin-patch 

http://www.examiner.com/article/safe-halloween-activities-for-little-ghouls-1 

Navigators Revel at Kansas City Main Event

On the weekend of October 19^th, college students descended upon Crown Center for the Navigators Main Event Conference.  Main Event is an October tradition for students in the Midwest and 2012 marked the fourth straight year that the conference was hosted at what is now the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center.  Students were housed for the weekend in both the Sheraton and the Westin Crown Center hotels.

According to Mark Day, the Navigators Heartland Regional Director, “The Navigators is an international organization devoted to helping college students become deeply rooted in their relationship with God so that they might thrive and bear fruit for the rest of their lives.”  The Navigators was founded by Dawson Trotman in 1933 while serving aboard the USS West Virginia.  Through discipling and mentoring his fellow shipmates, 135 sailors on the ship became Christians before it was sunk at Pearl Harbor.  The Navigators proceeded to direct its work on college campus beginning in 1951 at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln through Mr. Trotman and a group of students in the Sigma Ep fraternity house.  Now, the Navigators has spread to over fifty campuses in the United States and many more around the world.  The Navigators is based in Colorado Springs, CO at Glen Eyrie.

2012 marked the 18^th anniversary of Main Event.  The conference was held in Cedar Falls, IA at the University of Northern Iowa through 2007.  In 2008, Main Event was held at Creighton University in Omaha, NE.  In 2009, Main Event moved to its current location in Kansas City, MO.  The theme of this year’s Main Event was #Revel’12.  The theme encouraged students to take advantage of Twitter in order to share their experiences from the weekend.  The 900 plus students were assembled from schools including the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Northwest Missouri State University, Iowa State University, the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and the University of Central Missouri among others.  The students were divided into 119 small group averaging eight to nine students in each based upon their schools.  Each small group is invited to partake in a dinner with a host family from around the Kansas City Metro area.

Peter Trautmann served as the primary speaker for #Revel’12.  Mr. Trautmann currently serves on staff with the Navigators at New York University in New York City, NY.   Worship music was also present at Main Event.  Paul Zach served in a capacity as worship leader for the weekend.  Mr. Zach toured with the Christian band Remedy Drive until 2010.  According to Northwest student William Quinn, “Main Event provided a safe context full of resources designed to help me deepen my trust in God.  I don't know why, but He just shows up at Main Event year after year and moves people in big ways.  Back at campus, I see young people hungry and eager to step out in faith with Christ.  I think Main Event is the cause for this.”

Kansas City! You’re Giving Poor Kansas City A Bad Name!

There’s something about being a sports fan in the state of Missouri that gives you a deep appreciation for the stench of failure.  Maybe I’m being mildly melodramatic, but it is true.  That is, unless you’re a Cardinals fan; more power to you all.  Now, if you had the misfortune of growing up as a Chiefs or Royals fan, then I’m sorry for pointing out the obvious.  The thing about Kansas City sports fans is that there’s always a pure, innocent idea that things will get better.  That’s what enables us as fans to return each and every year.  We’re all awaiting our so-called “Miracle on Ice.”  Unfortunately, like the years preceding it, 2012 has not been a kind year to be a sports fan in fair Cowtown.

2012 started out with the passionate rivalry between the Missouri Tigers and the Kansas Jayhawks reaching a fever pitch.  While the rivalry had always been there, circumstances intensified things this year.  Missouri had announced that they would be leaving the Big 12 Conference to move to the SEC for the 2012-2013 academic year and so on.  In addition, both Mizzou and KU were embroiled in a battle for supremacy over the Big 12 and in the national rankings as well.  KU would take the Big 12 Conference Championship and Mizzou would win the Big 12 Tournament Championship which led to bragging rights for both schools.  In addition, both schools were able to win on their home courts against their bitter rivals for the final time.  The fans tended to take the hate a little far this time with Kansas fans expressing bitterness at Missouri for leaving the Big 12 and Missouri fans being angry at Kansas for refusing to continue the traditional rivalry game between the two schools.  Throughout the winter months, Kansas City was very divided between the two camps.

In the summer of 2012, Kansas City and the Royals would play host to the Major League Baseball All*Star Game.  The event would definitely bring national attention to Kansas City throughout the week leading up to the game on July 10.  With the Royals already off to a bad start as far as their record for the season went, the All*Star Game was really the biggest remaining event for the baseball season.  Through the weekend leading up to the Game, Kansas City received nothing but positive responses for the the way that the city hosted the FanFest and other festivities.  Starting with the Celebrity Softball Game on Sunday, KU basketball head coach, Bill Self and Chiefs quarterback, Matt Cassel were booed during the course of the game.  Also leading up to the Home Run Derby, Sports Radio 810 started a public campaign to boo New York Yankees second baseman, Robinson Cano for leaving local favorite Billy Butler off the American League's Home Run Derby team.  Beginning with the Derby, Cano was booed non-stop from start to finish.  The only ceasing was when Butler was shown on CrownVision and when Cano struck out for the final time without hitting a home run.  While Sports Radio 810 encouraged fans to cheer for Cano the following night for being a good sports, fans continued to boo hysterically whenever Cano entered the game.  This reception cast an unnecessary pall over the proceedings and dominated the ESPN and FOX coverage of the game.

Recently, Kansas City has been in the news again for less than positive reasons.  With frustrations building for Chiefs fans after a 1 - 3 start, Kansas City fans were beginning to call for changes.  Most of the upset feelings for fans could be traced to two sources: Matt Cassel and Chiefs General Manager, Scott Pioli.  In fact, fans paid for a banner to fly over Arrowhead Stadium proclaiming “We Deserve Better! Fire Pioli – Bench Cassel."  During the course of the Chiefs' game against the Baltimore Ravens, Matt Cassel was injured with a concussion.  When fans saw backup QB Brady Quinn enter the game, cheers erupted in the stadium.  While the cheers weren't directed at Cassel's injury, the gesture still made national news after comments from offensive tackle, Eric Winston.  Winston publicly called out Chiefs fans for what he saw as a negative response to Cassel's injury.  ESPN and other media outlets picked up the story and ran with it.  

People nationwide are quickly beginning to lose respect for Kansas City fans as a whole after the events of the past year.  While this city has always been regarded as having a great attitude of Midwestern hospitality, fans need to step back and take a look at their actions as of late.  It is important for the future of our fair city to take a look at sportsmanship.  If not for us, then for the next generation.  Without respect, really we are no better than Raider fans.  Who wants that? 

Adventures in Letterboxing

With Indiana Jones making his return to theaters for a limited run this fall, you may find your family seeking to replicate the globetrotting adventures of Indy.  World travel for a family may be slightly out of reach in this day and age but Letterboxing provides the same treasure hunting experience on a local scale.

                
Letterboxes are hidden in weatherproof boxes in public places such as parks.  For example, the Kansas City Metropolitan area is home to over sixty letterboxes.  Clues to the whereabouts of the boxes may be found online on various websites.  The contents of a letterbox include a notebook and a rubber stamp.  The rubber stamp will often be hand carved an opposed to store bought.  Finders will want to bring their own rubber stamp, inkpad, and notebook.  Finders will want to make an imprint of the stamp in their personal notebook to keep for their records.   In addition, finders will want to leave an impression of their own “signature” stamp in the letterbox’s “logbook”.  This allows other letterboxers to see who has found the letterbox.

The heritage of letterboxing may be traced back to Dartmoor, Devon, England.  Interest in the United States is generally traced to an article that appeared in the Smithsonian Magazine in April of 1998.  Also, the growing interest in geocaching has helped interest in letterboxing to grow as well.  The original letterboxes were located in hard-to-reach places that could only be found by the most determined seekers.   Letterboxes are now located in much more accessible places than originally intended.  As a result, the activity has become much more popular among children.  Some boxes are placed in tougher terrain and are better suited for adults and experienced letterboxers.

For any additional information about the activity of letterboxing, please visit www.letterboxing.org or www.atlasquest.com.  These websites will provide clues, tips for carving your own stamps, and frequently asked questions for your family’s very own Indiana Jones adventure.

A Letter to My Sixteen-Year-Old Self.

To Sixteen-Year-Old Jesse,

I'm currently writing you from the ripe old age of Twenty-six.  While that probably strikes you as meaning that life’s almost over, the complete opposite is true.  Life's pretty exciting and rarely gets dull (Once I’m done with work for the day).  In fact, based upon the massive wealth of knowledge that I have accumulated by this point in my life, I thought that you might appreciate some tips on how to live your life from a pro.

Let’s go ahead and look at a typical night for you.  Once you’re done with school for the day, it’s normally spent in one of four ways.  Option #1 is always doing homework.  By the way, you know that Algebra that you’re agonizing over that Mrs. Logsdon says you’ll need to know?  I haven’t used that since high school.  Option #2 is a little more fun considering it’s the option of watching TV or playing PlayStation.  You’re not going to believe this as you’re sitting there with a plastic, grey controller in your hands but I have almost the exact same one in my hands today only in black without a cable controlling my PS3.  Option #3 would be hanging out with friends.  Some of the relationships that you build during these years have endured to this day so don’t worry about ever having to say goodbye to your closest friends.  Option #4 is playing tennis.  While you’ll never make it on the ATP and play Andre Agassi for Grand Slams, you’ll still have a great time playing the sport in the future.

You're at a stage of life right now where you're trying to figure out who you are and where you belong.  Knowing you the way I do, you’re trying to decide what’s going to give you that sense of feeling and belonging that you crave as a teenager.  You’ll put all of your stock into grades but that probably won’t fill a void.  You’ll try to be friends with everyone, but somebody’s always going to hate you.  You’re scheming about how to ask out the prettiest girl in class but wait until college when you meet your wife.  You’ll love her to death.  :)  Don’t let yourself get down or stuck in a rut.  Don’t worry about the future because everything’s going to be just fine.  I know that you’re trying to figure out how you feel about the whole God thing right now.  Just go with it because it’ll pay off in the end.  Also, about the glasses.  I know they bug you but contacts don’t seem to work well.  Ask the eye doctor about PureVision 2 HD.  They’re comfy and feel nice.  You’ll love them!

A couple of things to leave you with.  I know that you’re worried that your Dad won’t be around due to his heart attack.  He’s still there and you guys are closer than you’ve ever been.  In fact, he’s probably your best friend (next to the aforementioned wife).  Whenever you go anywhere, make certain to call Mom and check in real quick.  I know that it seems lame and like a massive imposition, but it only takes a minute and it makes things easier in the end.  Also, make certain to meet a guy named Joey Gewin and get to know him better.  He’s a good dude!  I can’t take all of the credit for writing you this letter.  I got the idea from a segment with Dale Jr. on the CBS Morning News.  Yep, that’s right, you’re still rooting for him but I’m not going to tell you if he’s a Cup Champion yet or not.  That’s up for you to wait and see. 

Good luck big guy.  I’ll be seeing you in a few years!

Twenty-Six-Year-Old Jesse

TOP ELEVEN List, 8/7/2012

And now for a new segment here on Holt Off The Presses, the TOP ELEVEN List.  As Dave Letterman has perfected (and probably has the rights to) the Top Ten List, I will be doing a TOP ELEVEN list (Your move Letterman).  Today's edition of the list is sponsored by Wild Berries Restaurant in Normal, IL.  Serving you breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day long!
 
TOP ELEVEN Things Learned on a trip to Illinois!
 
11.  Big words are always better than small, especially for the unenlightened (i.e. anhedonic and lugubrious).
10.  The sun magically seems to change directions as the car does.
9.  Crushed M&M’s will always begin to fly during a storm.
8.  Letterboxing in a library is always bound to get you some strange looks as well as questions about what Microfilm is from the guy wanting to use the Microfilm projector.
7.  Apparently you really can drive too far out of the way for a White Castle.
6.  Random holes on the walls of a mini golf course aren't a great idea.  
5.  The Boy's apartment is NOT a man cave!
4.  Group hugs have redemptive, therapeutic qualities.
3.  Soda water is never the best alternative to H2O, but Combos are magnificent!
2.  Texting thoughts between the front and back seats of a sedan is much more efficient that speaking.
1.  Books on tape are a great use of time in the car to help the hours fly by, especially if they're about dogs.

TNESA, Episode VIII: Is This the Amazing Race?

Saturday, July 21, 2012

And thus our El Salvador adventure is finally, mercifully over.  Don't get me wrong.  It was an amazing trip, but the trip home left something to be deeply, deeply desired.  LOL.  After an interesting night's sleep to say the least, I woke up to my alarm ringing at 4:30 am to get ready to start the day.  The most interesting part of the morning had to be me walking to use the public bathroom and brush my teeth since ours was occupied (We actually shared a bathroom with the Nelsons).  When I got back, I see Luke Owen and Randy trying to knock on the door and attempting to slide an iPhone under the door with music blaring in order to "wake me up."  After letting them in the room, we all packed our bags and headed out to the truck and vans to pack up our luggage.  Just to start the morning off right, both Jacob's van and Milton's van required push starts to get moving (I always find that American dude power is better than horsepower any day of the week).  Then we loaded up and "hit them mountains" for the trek to the aeropuerto.

After a short nap, we arrived at the airport and said goodbye to Walter, Milton, and Jacob and somberly headed inside to check our bags and check in for flight.  When we reached the counter, we discovered that our flight was delayed by an hour and a half!  This would mean that we would miss our flight out of Dallas to get back home so therefore we had to change flights accordingly.  We were supposed to return to Kansas City at 4:30, but now we were dismayed to find that we wouldn't leave Dallas until around 7:00.  :(  Epic boo/hiss.  After getting inside, we all grabbed some breakfast, and headed to our terminal.  Customs check-in was interesting as I was relatively certain that I was going to jail!  While stretching to put my backpack on, i accidental whacked a guard in the stomach (hard) with my arm.  Luckily for me, he just laughed it off and sent me through.  **Big Sigh of relief**  I did lose my bottle of sand and ocean water that I had been planning to bring back for Bethany though.  Apparently, it's illegal to transport that from a foreign country back to the US.  Soon enough our flight took off and we were treated to a nice little croissantwich and the movie, John Carter.  While John Carter wasn't great, I preferred it to Journey 2 from our first flight.

After touching down in Dallas, we immediately found ourselves heading through customs with relative ease.  And by that, I mean that myself and the Cochrans were in line behind the only two non-English speaking US residents and the only non-Spanish speaking customs agent.  This is one of those things where you just stand back and go "Really?  Really?".  After making it through, we picked up our bags and finished up our customs experience before dropping them off again.  With a lot of time to kill now, Team Thomas, Rachel, Sandy and myself headed to T.G.I. Friday's for a great meal.  Especially when you think about all of the fast food we had eaten this past week!  On our way to meet up with the others, Sandy and I mysteriously saw part of our team heading to another terminal but didn't think anything of it.  After eating, we headed towards our gate.  Upon our arrival, we were informed that the team members we saw had boarded another flight that would put them back in KC around 6.  Not going to lie here; we were all a little ticked at that one.  I calmed down with a nice chat with Bethany though and followed it up with a double dip ice cream cone (Possibly the best $6.57 spent on the trip).  Finally, 7:00 came and we were heading home!  Yays!  I will say this, it was really funny to see the early flyers back at baggage claim in KC trying to explain themselves and make sure that no one was still mad.  Since over half of them had been in ES two weeks at this point, I don't think anyone blamed them that much.  People were just mad that they didn't think of it first (For the record, I did think about it, but didn't want to leave the rest of the team and be that guy).

When I think back about this trip, it was definitely a much different experience than in January.  While I didn't have my wife (sad thing), I definitely enjoyed our form of ministry more.  Receiving the opportunity to share the Gospel in public school and a foreign military base is the kind of thing that doesn't happen every single day!  Also, just seeing and working on the new orphanage knowing that our sweat and blood (yep, we all cut ourselves open at some point) went into the building gives a person a great feeling.  While it was really hard to be away from Bethany, the trip was worth it.  Looking back at my prayer requests from earlier, I see how God truly answered most of those requests and it's just a testimony to His power and how much He loves us (For those wondering, the high school drama only came into effect on our last night there).  I don't know when I'll get to go back to El Salvador, but will definitely take the opportunity when it is presented again.  :)

 Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.