Stuff I like – Part 1

13 posted on June 13, 2007

POSTED IN: Blog Posts, Culture

I decided to do a series of blog posts on�random list of things I like and why I like them. I’ll be adding to this list over the next couple of days so leave some comments and let me know what you think.

Catalyst Conference – I’ve been to this conference in Atlanta�twice now and I’m hooked. I pretty much decided that I will find some way or another to attend every year – it’s that good. It’s the one place where over 10,000 next-generation leaders converge to hear from outstanding speakers such as John Maxwell, Andy Stanley, Craig Groeschel, Rick Warren, and Erwin McMannus. I have never seen so much creativity in one place. Going to Catalyst gets me charged each year and reminds me that God is changing the face of the church through next-generation leaders. This year’s conference is October 4th & 5th and the theme is Reverb – effect big. I’m going with a group this year from our Church so if you want to go with us and get the group rate let me know! I also subscribe to the Catalyst Blog – check it out.
XXXChurch.com� – I love these guys. You won’t find a more cutting-edge, controversial group of Christians out there but they do more than just stir up controversy. They took on the challenge of attacking one of the biggest moral issues today – Internet Pornography. They have been featured on a host of media programs, talk shows and magazines and, most notably, make their appearance at several key porn shows every year (don’t worry – that’s a link to what they do at the porn shows, not the porn show web sites). At the shows they hand out Bibles with “Jesus Loves Porn Stars” emblazoned on the front. Through other successful campaigns such as Porn and Pancakes they have helped bring the issue of pornography to the forefront of discussion in churches across America. While you’re at their site also check out their free Internet accountability software X3watch. I respect these guys and encourage you to check them out and support their ministry.
Good Coffee – I’ve turned into a bit of a coffee snob over the last 6 months. It started when I was looking into Fair Trade coffee and discovered that Old Crown Coffee, a�coffee shop here in Fort Wayne, sold Fair Trade products. They roast their own beans on-site and I immediately noticed the dramatic difference between fresh-roasted coffee beans and the other stuff I was used to drinking. I now�buy all of my beans from Old Crown and make my coffee fresh daily in my French Press which, in my opinion, is the only way to brew good coffee. My favorite beans right now at Old Crown include The 9th� of Darkness, Rwandan, and Malabar. I also came across a coffee company in Seattle called Storyville Coffee that deserves mentioning. Storyville ships fresh-roasted beans to you directy from their world-class roasting facilities. Their coffee is extraordinary and is complimented by beauty of their packaging. They even send a DVD along with your coffee that explains how they roast their beans and how to brew the perfect cup of coffee.

I’ve got more coming soon but if you have any suggestions for things you like that you think I would like, leave me a comment and let me know.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 13th, 2007 at 1:46 pm and is filed under Blog Posts, Culture. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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June 14, 2007

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1 Kassie said:

Hey Brad,
I really like reading your blogs. They’re funny, interesting, insightful, and make for a good read. Check out this website: http://thewvsr.com/adsvsreality.htm It basically has a comparison of what is adverstised in TV and in ads for fast food and what you really get when you order. Pretty eye-opening. Lemme know what you think (in blog form, of course).

Also glad to see you like Guster. I used to listen to Lost and Gone Forever NON-STOP. I bet you’d like Hear Music (the Starbucks channel on XM radio). I’ve heard quite a few artists you’ve mentioned (Cary Brothers, Brandi Carlisle, Rosie Thomas, etc.) on that channel and have heard a lot of other good new music there too.

Thanks for the blogs!

-Kassie
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June 14, 2007

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2 Brad Ruggles said:

Kassie, Thanks for the comments. I love that link and will definitely have to feature it in a future post!

Yes, I do like the Hear Music channel. I listen to it on XM all the time. I also like the Loft – it has very similar programming. I’ve only had XM for about 5 months now and I love it! I’ve discovered lots of great new music on it.
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June 15, 2007

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3 Jasonian said:

Do they play Todd Agnew on XM?
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June 15, 2007

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4 bradruggles said:

Uhhh…yeah, I think so. Why?
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June 16, 2007

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5 Kassie said:

He asked because Jason’s a dork! (I’ll tell ya why later.)
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June 16, 2007

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6 Brad Ruggles said:

Yeah, he explained it to me. It’s pretty funny!
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January 8, 2008

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7 Luke Gilkerson said:

Just came upon your blog and want to encourage you in your support of those who struggle with internet pornography. It’s a huge battle today. I encourage you, if you are also looking for a filter, to check out Covenant Eyes.

Thanks for your comments!
Luke Gilkerson
Internet Community Manager
Covenant Eyes
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April 10, 2008

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8 » Where do I go for creative inspiration? – BradRuggles.com said:

[...] first ingredient necessary to initiate my creative process is a good cup of coffee. Nothing gets my creative juices flowing like some fresh-roasted, freshly-ground, fair-trade, [...]