CLICK HERE for research on GENERATIONAL ISSUES

Also: If you have high speed download capability, you may be interested in viewing a music video. When I went with Jerry and Daniel to the Warped Tour, I watched a band called UNDEROATH on a sidestage.

I stood near the stage as the band gathered in a circle before their first song. I heard someone next to me ask,

"What are they doing?"

"They're praying," someone answered.

"Oh, I didn't know they were a Christian band,"
                                   was the boy's reply to that answer.

Then, the band rocked. My sons missed their show at the Warped Tour but went with others from Galt to watch them at a venue in Roseville called the Underground. The Underground is a cafe sponsored by a church. It is a great showcase for bands. I went to see Random Intelligence there when I first got back from Liberia. You know Rock Music has really settled down since I was a teen. I seem to remember that our Rock Shows were quite smoky.

So, get ready for  y2k5.teenagers 101:

UNDEROATH  LIVE
 "A Boy Brushed Red
  Living In Black And White" 

   at the Underground

Click here: for a video-stream

       this video is about 50 MB
          so it takes a couple minutes to download.

If you don't have high speed, or don't care to watch a room full of young people rocking out on church-owned property, you could skip the song and just visit the Underground Cafe, click below:

www.undergroundcafe-roseville.com

and then, there's the website for this band. particularly interesting to me is The Forum:

                     www.underoath777.com

Editor's Note: 2.22.05 
    
      Until the archival footage of C.H.S. Follies is located, indigenous coldwater producer, yatukutay, has chosen to digitize and publish
 a childhood trilogy by a current C.H.S. student,
Jerry Patterson. (see right column)

  coldwater - born
                        producer  yatukutay
                  continues to support spontaneous
creative combustion from high school filmmakers.

Click Here to watch an Original Vignette based on Napoleon Dynamite written by students in a parallel universe: G.H.S.
    featuring
Aimee Sayre as Summer
Daniel Patterson as Napoleon

       read what others are saying...

   and here's another video clip
    edited by Daniel Patterson
GHS freestyle wrestling: click here 1:04

An internet review:
                                submitted by Natalie from Singapore
 

Looking for a place to sharpen your skills? Look no more!

     In this Original Vignette by the Epicenter's own Creative Production Team of Napoleon Dynamite, Aimee Sayre as the insistent Summer Wheatley and Daniel Patterson as the renowned Napoleon Dynamite are impressive in acting out their respective characters. The plot presents a conflict between Napoleon’s desire for an uncomplicated life and Summer’s quest for him to jump on the bandwagon of materialism. Her weapon of choice was neither a bowstaff or a freakin’ 12 gauge but rather something a little more common – a credit card.

     Having watched the DVD 7 times, I’ve pretty much memorized the mannerisms of Napoleon as well as Summer’s and I have to say that Daniel did such an amazing job at imitating Napoleon that it was uncanny in many ways. The way he chapped his lips , the manner in which he spoke was almost the exact replica of Jon Heder. And Daniel does look like Napoleon in the movie, except for the hair maybe. 

     Aimee portrayed Summer’s condescension accurately as seen in her review of Napoleon’s room. Her dramatization was equally perfect with “ Do you want them to starve?” Her sharp retorts and convictions also injected humor, spice and color to her character.
Summer’s definition of a happy life is clearly the anti thesis of Napoleon’s who is “ pretty contented with “ what he has.

     Napoleon’s indifference towards Summer’s claims that the American dream as well as the extravagant lifestyles of the rich and famous would make him happy, stems from his contentment with the simple life he leads. Like many of us, he desires to have many things but he understands that his wants may not be what he truly needs.  The television set he owns may not be a state-of-the-art 42” plasma TV and his furniture may not  match but contradictory to what Ms. Wheatley affirms, these are not important for happiness. And it is through such ingenuous simplicity in thought that truly makes Napoleon larger than life.

Kudos to all who made the
             Napoleon Dynamite--Galt-Style
                                 so awesome…Gosh!

Update: 1.25.05  Last night I rented the DVD and watched all of the commentary. Especially helpful was a feature:
Heaven Help Us: a short documentary of the thought and hope that went into their project. I admire Brian Dannelly as a conscientious artist. Much of what I know about him was gleaned from the actors' interviews I read months ago. They spoke of the Director requiring them to attend a number of 'real' youth rallies, conferences, etc. to get jiggy with the whole 'christian youth culture.'

Last year, when this movie about high school
         culture was released, I sent an email to
the
Co-Writer
and Director,

Brian Dannelly.


Below is a copy of the letter that I wrote to Brian. I was thrilled that this busy filmmaker took the time
                                              to respond to my note.

The 21st Century is an Open Door of Opportunity that allows us to cross many ancient boundaries.  Limited imaginations are a hindrance for those who hope to walk through the Door the Lord has opened. In my letter I tried to show Brian that I appreciate his God-given imagination as he uses the tools of his millennial generation.

From: pastorob

   Brian wrote back (below); my computer later crashed and I had lost my email records so I never wrote him again. Recently, d.c.tom forwarded the copy I had sent him (I was so excited to have received a response from Brian). If any of you should decide to write to Brian, please be courteous.

  I suggest that you rent the DVD and watch the film carefully before offering your feedback. Here is Brian's long-lost letter:


From: "Brian Dannelly"
To: "Rob or Cathy Patterson"
Sent: Monday, June 21, 2004 1:05 AM
Subject: Re: your recent release

hello,

  Well, it's true, we may hold different world views...but, I think we're looking for the same thing. One of the very best things to come out of this experience is that I've received so many
kind emails from evangelical Christians and it's actually made me want to explore my relationship with JC more than ever.

  In spite of all the controversy, it's been a very moving experience for me.

  Thank you so much for writing to me. I would love to talk to you more.

Please feel free to write.

  A quick note, I've just returned from two weeks worth of film festival madness and am very tired and am trying to answer over 700 emails...but, yours stood out and I wanted to get back to [you]right away.

best,

brian

A note to my fellow CHS grad:

January 15, 2005

Hi Carol:

  If you'll notice on our website, we have a new page called CHS Follies:

    2 columns:  Class of 1975.....THEN   
           and  Class of Y2K5.....NOW

  In this left column, after I locate the student film I shot (Super 8 circa. Spring 1975), I will feature short mpeg videos. Our task then will be to CLICK and IDENTIFY who those kids were (and 'what were they thinking').

  The film, CHS Follies, was cinema verite'(before I knew what that was) set in the middle of CHS hallways as the dismissal bell rings. 1975-era young people dressed in authentic period pieces came rushing out of classrooms; go back in your long-term memory and relive the excitement of 2-way pedestrian traffic, the unique individuals, the teachers, the couples, the friends (duets, trios, even quads), the loner weaving through those who aren't moving as fast.

   Featuring kids from the classes of 1975,1976, and 1977.  My brother, Mike, was in the class of '77. There's a good chance that he's seen walking down the
hall to his next class....good chance that you're in it...your friends...who knows?

   My Dad, who still lives in Coldwater, is friends with Randy Hazelbaker; I remember really liking that kid back in the day. I think I remember correctly that he helped me win 1st Place Student of the Year for  D.E.C.A.

   Randy helped by shooting photographs, and using the Careers Center darkroom so I could create a portfolia of my legitimate
ventures; I've heard that Randy is now the resident historian for Coldwater, right?  He once featured my Dad on a Cable Access program. Whatever his current skills and interests, he fits the demographic
for this year's strangest web-based reality show: CHS Follies.

   Could somebody call him, simply explain some of this conceptual brainstorming, send him an email link to this page?

   I haven't mentioned any of this Reality Show to Greg Brayton (Class of 73) yet.....but my son, Jerry, is now attending his church and went to Sunday School with him last week. I think Greg
will be on board to help with production.
 
     TO HEAR SOME OF OUR PREVIOUS
   AUDIO VENTURES TOGETHER: CLICK HERE

   Perhaps you could brainstorm about the BIG SEASON FINALE. The best Reality
Shows always have a 'twist' at the end.
I have some ideas brewing...I like my coffee hot and strong(likewise the Season Finale).

Thanks,

Rob Patterson Click here to write

To: The Editor
Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2005 12:25 PM
Subject: Note from Carol Pierce

   Greetings from the very cold state of Michigan. Nancy told me earlier this week that Jerry has moved here. What an adventure for all of you!

   She and I have been working together on a Renaissance Festival, and she told
me last night (at the festival) that I should check out your web page.

   So, that's what I have been doing for last 30 minutes. You have a lot of info
there! Of course, I was especially interested in your family info and
Jerry's journey to join us here in this great state!

   I am looking forward to CHS Follies:
I think! Thirty years. It's hard to
believe, isn't it?  We certainly are a lot younger than people in their late 40's were back in the 1970's, don't you think!?By the way, I still have my copy of the Senior Mirror poll and you forgot to admit that you were also voted 2nd place "Class Clown" (right behind Rich Fraley and tied with Steve Neesley).  Just thought I'd refresh your memory!

   I saw Jerry last night at the Renaissance Festival.  He was hanging with my niece, Lauren (big surprise!)  He is looking healthy, content, and comfortable! 

   It's nice that he has Nancy and her family, and I'm sure that he's comfortable with Lauren's parents, but just for the record, if he ever needs anything, the Ogles would also help him in a heartbeat. Let him know that for us, okay?  I have a son, Sam, who is a senior this year and
knows Richelle (2006) and Sarah (2007) very well. They are in the Balladiers together. 

   So hopefully he and Jerry's paths will cross and they can get to know each
other.  Sam is a really laid back kid, very kind, and also a drummer,
so it sounds like they may have some common ground.  Anyway, I realize this
was a huge decision for you and Cathy, so let us know if there's anything we
can do.

   Well, just wanted to drop you a line.  We will add you all to our prayer list. 
I look forward to getting back on your web page when I have more time.

Until then, 

Carol
to email: click here
 

         Mr. Petzko as himself
         Coach Bilsborrow as himself
         The Friends, The Cousins,
         The Principal, The Teachers,
         The Lunchroom, The Cars,
         The Laughs, The Pathos . . .

    The Senior Classes  of  2005-2008
             meet  Jerry Patterson
                in this season's hottest
                                                reality show.

CLICK HERE for preproduction special feature

Show Them TRUTH

Coldwater High School has a newly-formed student group on campus: "the Gay-Straight Alliance."

Another example of the Gay Activist Agenda, our teenagers are being asked to identify and question their sexuality and submit to being 'educated' by accepting classifications of sexual identity beyond that which is normal: Male and Female.

Websites like myspace.com ask our young people to identify their orientation as
STRAIGHT, GAY, BI, NOT SURE, or NO ANSWER.

Students at Coldwater High School (my alma mater) are being asked to take part in the national campaign "Silent No More."

An 11th grader poet/musician has decided to no longer remain silent. He values his peers enough to endure the pressure of asking some thoughtful questions:
                                                   CLICK HERE

Jerry will graduate from C.H.S. this Sunday. He has attended the United Methodist Church during his time in Coldwater. Graduates were honored at a breakfast on Sunday, May 15th. Allison and Ashley reached out to Jerry as they finished high school together.

editor's note: Jerry doesn't need to write in any longer because Dad™  has come to Coldwater to work on his doctorate. He will stay there until Jerry's graduation from CHS in May, 2005. Still, for archival purposes, we have chosen to leave the following entries online.

Write to Jerry at: your_favorite_weapon_3

  just in.... from Jerry

 

  To the general public:
 

    Jordan Stribley should be back in California now. CLICK HERE and check out this short audio clip:

     "Hi, this is Jordan from California...
                    and you're listening to StudioTime!"

    Greg Brayton recorded Jordan for a StudioTime promo--featuring Jordan's signature scream. We uploaded the MP3.

Greg also gave me a demo of 2 songs upon which I'll lay down drum tracks later this week.

That is great news about my childhood books being published.

Who would have ever imagined?

                    Jerry
 

Ching's Revenge from

A  Childhood Trilogy

  1. The Sword
  2. The Ring
  3. Ching's Revenge
 

---

Ching's Revenge

 
   (written and illustrated by Jerry Patterson, circa. 1994).


The story you are about To read is about a kid named Arthor [who] is in deep trouble.
 

Raded G

        That's the End
         of this series.

The Sword, The Ring,
      Ching's Revenge.
                         
                                                    back cover
               inside cover   "a ya"
  "help"    "I'll help you." 
               "ahah"        "wof"

       Ching's Revenge                  

     As you remember two months ago Arthor had the ring. Now he is 14 and a half. Arthor's dad had a friend
named Albert Zine.    
                                                                    page 1


   Arthor's father, Axel, thought that Arthor and Albet Zine had something in common. So Axel told Arthor, "You are going to see Dr. Zine."

   On his way to Dr. Zine's Office, he played around with his ring, tossing it back and forth between his hands. As he approached Dr. Zine's lab, he tripped over a cord and dropped his ring. When the owner of the ring drops it, he loses control and the ring takes over.

   Accidentally, Arthor sent Dr. Zine into Dinosaur Time which sent him to the other sided of the world.
                                                                     page 2


    Meanwhile, Ching was busy making weapons in his cave. Somehow Ching had a feeling that some kind of scientist was now in Dinosaur Time.

    So Ching took a ride on a Taradactly to see if he was right, if there was a scientist around. He was right! He could sense that a scientist was two hundred miles away.

    Ching grabbed a stick from a tree and hit the Taradactyl so it would go faster. Ching traveled 179 miles quickly. He was now only three miles away from Dr. Zine. He would be reaching the scientist soon.
                                                                     page 3


    Finally, Ching found Dr. Zine and threatened to murder him with his Tyranosaurus Rex if he didn't make a time machine. So Dr. Zine started to make one.
                                                                     page 4


     He used Dinosaur bones for the outside of the chair with Wooly Mommoth fur. He used the tusks from the Wooly Mammoth for a weapon on the machine. The tusks were used to ram people who tryed to hurt Ching. They were on the front of the machine. He put different kinds of plants together to make a potion that would make the time machine to to the future.

                    Ching's Private House             page 5

   Ching: "It looks good"   Potion  and  Time Machine


     Ching jumped in and told Dr. Zine to put the potion in to the machine. So Dr. Zine did. Ching went around and around in a circle, so fast that he went into the future.
                                                                     page 6


    Ching went straight to Arthor's school. Arthor was in Science class,making a top secret ax that only Arthor could hold. Ching ran to Arthor's Study Hall. He didn't find Arthor there. Then he went to Arthor's Science Class and found Arthor.

     Ching raced after Arthor to the playground, into the lunch area, to the playground again--where the battle began. Ching had brought a humungous bat from Cave Man Time.

    Ching swung first, but he missed. Arthor took his ax! He has good aim and he split Ching in half. Circuits flew out of Ching's body because Ching was a Robot.

     Even if someone tried to put Ching together, they couldn't. The reason Ching couldn't be put back together was that Dr. Zine had made Ching.
                                                                     page 7

     When he made him he made sure that if Ching was ever split in half, no one would ever be able to fix Ching because Ching was a failure.

     The story ends with Arthor safe and sound, Ching dead as a doorknob, and Dr. Zine starving in Dinosaur Time, never able to get back or find anything to help him make machines.  
                                                                    page 8


              appendix:  supplemental illustrations
                                        Ching dead as a doorknob
Arthor safe and sound                on the playground

      Dr. Zine almost dead          Jerry writing away:
                                                  "I have to finish this."

 CHECK BACK FOR parts 1 and 2 of Jerry's Childhood Trilogy

---

Tuesday, February 15, 2005  

 

Friday, February 11, 2005 

Hey:

   Sorry it took so long to write back but I've been busy. Uncle Mike didn't get caught driving, he just went in for an evaluation, and they made it final. I didn't end up really going shopping, cuz I ran out of lunch money, so I just am spending it there.

   What's the latest news on dad? How is he doing?Jordan is set to fly down here this Thursday and leave on Tuesday. I'm pretty excited

Aunt Nancy is gonna send you a graduation gown order form so u can order what u want.

Well I g2g, I'm not supposed to be on at the school. Tell Mary, Daniel, and family that I love and miss them.

Love,

Jerry

Monday, February 07, 2005 2:47 PM

 Hey mom,

   That's not good to hear that you're sick. I am too, but I drink a lot of water and sleep, and its goin away.

   We won our volleyball game on Saturday, and I helped with a church fundraiser on Sunday. My number here is 517-278-6569. I got the package and letter 2day. It was A GREAT SURPRISE, especially the muffins. I hope you get better and can go to school n work soon. Uncle Mike got his license stamped and if he gets caught driving then he gets a 500$ fine and up to 90 days in jail, so pray for him and that he'll be happy. Jordan's comin out to see me on my winter break thing on the 17th, so that is something for me to look forward to.

Well, I g2g. 

Love,

Jerry

Saturday, January 29, y2k5

 Monday, January 24, y2k5

 

 

 

 

 

           Wednesday, Jan. 19th

         Hey Dad:
  
       2nd day went
       awesome, and Andy
       invited me to band
       practice tonight. I miss you!

       Love,

       Jerry

Tuesday, Jan. 18th         8:30 PM
   
  Everything's good. I went to the Methodist Church on Sunday (first service); hung out with Greg Brayton and went with him to his Sunday School class.

They had the Andy Griffith Bible Study (the episode where the goat eats the dynamite). It was funny to hear everyone 'interpreting' the film for Greg:

    "Greg, now the goat is eating  
                              the dynamite..."

   I'm not getting online much yet. At school, I was getting a bit lost in the hallways. I have three classes with Andy. He invited me to sit with him and his friends tomorrow at lunch.

Hi Mom!

CLICK HERE to email Jerry

To: The Editor
Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2005 7:04 AM
Subject: First day of school

Well, the day finally arrived--Jerry's first day at CHS.  It was heartwarming to see the three cousins walking toward the front doors at approximately 7:55 a.m. in a frigid -2 degrees.  Jerry is learning
that winter means not only snow, but COLD temperatures.

   Jerry has been forewarned about school lunches at CHS--there are some good things, like the salad bar, but the good things have the very long lines,and then you end up with no time to eat.  So we suggested that Jerry might want to pack a lunch, and he agreed (although this morning when I asked where his lunch was, he said he had money to buy...maybe a case of not getting the lunch packed?)

   I'll keep you posted (and I'm sure he will, too) as to how his first day went...I am picking them all up at 4 pm (school gets out at 2:45, but Richelle and Sarah have Balladiers and Ladies First practices on Tuesday and Thursday, so Jerry either gets to hang out somewhere, like in the library, or go to the choir room and watch the practices.  Or he might make some friends and catch a ride with someone else.)

Saturday, January 15, 2005