My thoughts through this year are culminating with a question of perspective, a question of "-isms". Idealism vs Realism. Other isms aside, these would be the main two. I'm an Idealist - but not a pie-in-the-sky idealist. I think I've given ear to plenty cynicism and skepticism to ground my idealism within the boundaries of plausibility.
But you can't deny I'm an idealist. It's what's behind the phrase "livin' the dream!" I oft hear when I relate my life. If I were a realist in the music business, I'd become a lawyer or an accountant. But I'm a performer.
Realism is a hard drink to swallow for an idealist, but it's a healthy drink. Ideally, the two would be 50/50 (like those red and green 3-D glasses); Realistically, naturally, one takes precedence. And that's the bum part of it all. Realism is bound to natural law. It has the upper hand from the get-go. If we lived in Ideality, instead of Reality, then I'd be right at home. Alas, we don't.
Yet, pure realists have got to have it bad, right? Realists don't dream, or dare. Realists don't risk. And risk is everything! How can we live abundantly without risks?
Still, what risks are worthy of being taken? If you risk your worldly possessions, does the import of probability diminish if the value of rewards increase? What is the equation? If you risk your heart, is it justified by being honest to everything you know and feel, regardless of everything else in the matter? If you sit at home gluing the pieces afix for months or years, is that irrelevant in the light of the truth you lived out in your choices? Is that burden you're left with truly worthwhile? How long before the light retreats and the honesty you pursued feels like a betrayal?
Now, is realism the destiny of a level-headed idealist? Don't all idealists who risk and fail receive a cold embrace from cynicism? We walk away either embittered or delusional, right? Or, perhaps, I speak out of cynicism and not idealism, and I'm compromising the integrity of the word itself by being befuddled, as to where I am, at the offset. Cynicism and Realism are not one and the same, and Cynicism and Idealism are not mutually exclusive.
Yet, does my perspective change the truth of the matter? It becomes a different battle: Absolutism vs. Relativism. Is not empirical evidence mere subjectivity with a title approved by academia? Is not objectivity an illusion, a mass compound of the subjectivity of the majority? Or of the subjectivity of the outspoken, at least? Is that not what Bonaparte said about the veracity of the entirety of History? It seems that the Age of Enlightenment has left us knowing less, while we question more. And perhaps that is why so many take comfort in the questions themselves - because we've started asking what cannot be answered.
And then, we are all, to varying degree, influenced by the dominant paradigm of our generation. But that's tangential.
Is the value of a life determined by how long it's lived, how well it's enjoyed, or what it accomplishes? Do we feel we must justify our existence by giving ourselves a cause to fight for? It now becomes another battle: Egoism vs Altruism. If I live sacrificially to benefit others on a large scope, is that greater than if I live simply and plainly for my family and for myself? Maybe that's where a measure of Relativism becomes necessary. Perhaps I am generalizing a matter in absolutes, when it doesn't belong there.
Even still, is the purpose of a life to be understood in terms of its value, in the first place? Is there an interconnectedness between meaning and value? Perhaps value is inherent: it does not need to be sought, it is there. And, perhaps, meaning is not there at all, and cannot be found.
Does this sound like utter ambivalence to you? What are your thoughts?
Tuesday, December 30
Top 10
I've been tagged by Lisa for my top 10 on iTunes - except my computer has been down. So this is what I've been listening to on Seeqpod:
1. Sky Blue Sky - Wilco
2. 9 - Damien Rice
3. O - Damien Rice
4. Consolers of The Lonely - Raconteurs
5. "Both Sides Now" - Joni Mitchell
6. "Dock of the Bay" - Otis Redding
7. "Hallelujah" - Jeff Buckley
8. Phantom Punch - Sondre Lerche
9. Dan In Real Life - Sondre Lerche
10. "The Look of Love" (Live on BBC) - The Zombies
11. Oddessey and Oracle - The Zombies
12. Random Bob Dylan songs
13. "The Fox" - Nickel Creek
Should have my computer up again tomorrow (let's hope)...
1. Sky Blue Sky - Wilco
2. 9 - Damien Rice
3. O - Damien Rice
4. Consolers of The Lonely - Raconteurs
5. "Both Sides Now" - Joni Mitchell
6. "Dock of the Bay" - Otis Redding
7. "Hallelujah" - Jeff Buckley
8. Phantom Punch - Sondre Lerche
9. Dan In Real Life - Sondre Lerche
10. "The Look of Love" (Live on BBC) - The Zombies
11. Oddessey and Oracle - The Zombies
12. Random Bob Dylan songs
13. "The Fox" - Nickel Creek
Should have my computer up again tomorrow (let's hope)...
Wednesday, December 24
Recapture the Wonder
I've been reading this book by Ravi Zacharias. I really enjoy his writing; still, I have to work to pay attention to what I'm reading.
Here are some snippets from the book:
"We are able to see the crass and believe ourselves to be unaffected. We can watch killing and raping and evil and believe ourselves to remain uninjured and unmolested." p 45.
"Pushing the boundaries of knowledge without the knowledge of who we are makes the knowledge sought greater than the seeker...." p 47.
I'll be chewing on that one.
And then, there's this, written by Christopher Morley:
"I went to the theatre
With the author of a successful play.
He insisted on explaining everything.
Told me what to watch,
The details of direction,
The errors of the property man,
The foibles of the star.
He anticipated all my surprises
And ruined the evening.
Never again!-And mark you,
The greatest Author of all
Made no such mistake!"
hmmm... What do you think?
Here are some snippets from the book:
"We are able to see the crass and believe ourselves to be unaffected. We can watch killing and raping and evil and believe ourselves to remain uninjured and unmolested." p 45.
"Pushing the boundaries of knowledge without the knowledge of who we are makes the knowledge sought greater than the seeker...." p 47.
I'll be chewing on that one.
And then, there's this, written by Christopher Morley:
"I went to the theatre
With the author of a successful play.
He insisted on explaining everything.
Told me what to watch,
The details of direction,
The errors of the property man,
The foibles of the star.
He anticipated all my surprises
And ruined the evening.
Never again!-And mark you,
The greatest Author of all
Made no such mistake!"
hmmm... What do you think?
Tuesday, December 23
Christmastime Is Here
Snap! I haven't really bought much for anybody. Terrible!
And, tomorrow... plenty of snow starting at 11 am. So we'll see what Thursday morning is like. Maybe I'll personally postpone Christmas. Enter bad movie plot.
Read this over at democracynow.org:
"The Associated Press has revealed that many of the nation’s largest banks are claiming they can’t track how they’re using the billions of dollars they have received in aid from US taxpayers. The Associated Press contacted twenty-one banks that received at least $1 billion in government money and asked four questions: How much has been spent? What was it spent on? How much is being held in savings? And what’s the plan for the rest? None of the banks provided specific answers. When Congress approved the massive bailout, it attached nearly no strings to the money, and the Treasury Department never asked the banks how it would be spent."
wow. That's brilliant money management, government.
Also:
"The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush last week said through his lawyer that he will not apologize for his actions. Muntazar al-Zaidi has been held in prison for over a week. His attorney said al-Zaidi has been subjected to repeated beatings in jail. He has internal bleeding in his left eye, as well as bruises over his face and stomach."
So enough of the arrogant "The US has created a government in which he can express himself. He should thank us". pshh. Really? I think you can throw your shoe in any form of government. No one's stopping you. It's just an issue of the consequences. And what he's facing doesn't seem to be so swell. I'd hope that if I threw a shoe at, let's say, Putin, that I wouldn't be beat in jail here in America. But then American Prison Ethics haven't been remarkable lately. Right, Gitmo? ::wink wink, nudge nudge::
Anyhow. I've been blogging a ton lately. But then, I am in a town where I only know five people. I'll try to keep it interesting.
And, tomorrow... plenty of snow starting at 11 am. So we'll see what Thursday morning is like. Maybe I'll personally postpone Christmas. Enter bad movie plot.
Read this over at democracynow.org:
"The Associated Press has revealed that many of the nation’s largest banks are claiming they can’t track how they’re using the billions of dollars they have received in aid from US taxpayers. The Associated Press contacted twenty-one banks that received at least $1 billion in government money and asked four questions: How much has been spent? What was it spent on? How much is being held in savings? And what’s the plan for the rest? None of the banks provided specific answers. When Congress approved the massive bailout, it attached nearly no strings to the money, and the Treasury Department never asked the banks how it would be spent."
wow. That's brilliant money management, government.
Also:
"The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush last week said through his lawyer that he will not apologize for his actions. Muntazar al-Zaidi has been held in prison for over a week. His attorney said al-Zaidi has been subjected to repeated beatings in jail. He has internal bleeding in his left eye, as well as bruises over his face and stomach."
So enough of the arrogant "The US has created a government in which he can express himself. He should thank us". pshh. Really? I think you can throw your shoe in any form of government. No one's stopping you. It's just an issue of the consequences. And what he's facing doesn't seem to be so swell. I'd hope that if I threw a shoe at, let's say, Putin, that I wouldn't be beat in jail here in America. But then American Prison Ethics haven't been remarkable lately. Right, Gitmo? ::wink wink, nudge nudge::
Anyhow. I've been blogging a ton lately. But then, I am in a town where I only know five people. I'll try to keep it interesting.
A Whole New World
A new fantastic point of view!
No one to tell us no!
Or where to go!
Cuz now I'm in a whole new world withNOW I'M IN A WHOLE NEW WOOOORLD
::keychange::
Unbelievable si...
k..
anyhow. I started a new blog. It's specifically for spiritual stuff. You may go over there and say "that's not spiritual. that's religious!" and to that I say "phooey!" Building blocks, my peeps. (tweet, tweet)
Sorry, it's 4 am here in Idaho.
Here it is:Shine On Brightly.
Points to anyone who can guess the source of my blog URLs and Titles. That's four things to guess right now:
Quite Rightly So
Even In The Quietest Moments
Skip Softly
Shine On Brightly
Points can be redeemed for hugs, or a good dose of sass.
New blog. Check it.
No one to tell us no!
Or where to go!
Cuz now I'm in a whole new world withNOW I'M IN A WHOLE NEW WOOOORLD
::keychange::
Unbelievable si...
k..
anyhow. I started a new blog. It's specifically for spiritual stuff. You may go over there and say "that's not spiritual. that's religious!" and to that I say "phooey!" Building blocks, my peeps. (tweet, tweet)
Sorry, it's 4 am here in Idaho.
Here it is:Shine On Brightly.
Points to anyone who can guess the source of my blog URLs and Titles. That's four things to guess right now:
Quite Rightly So
Even In The Quietest Moments
Skip Softly
Shine On Brightly
Points can be redeemed for hugs, or a good dose of sass.
New blog. Check it.
Monday, December 22
Tagged...
...by Lisa :)
1.
First thing you wash in the shower?
hair
2.
What color is your favorite hoodie?
navy blue
3.
Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
yes... you mean my dad, right? :D
4.
Do you plan outfits?
sometimes :) Isn't getting dressed planning an outfit?
5.
How are you feeling RIGHT now?
lowkey
6.
Whats the closest thing to you thats red?
christmas ornament
7.
Do you say aim or a-i-m?
aim
8.
Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
i'd rather not
9.
Did you meet anybody new today?
nope!
10.
What are you craving right now?
something chocolatey.
11.
Do you floss?
yes.
12.
What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Carnies... circus folk.... small hands....smell like cabbage!
13.
When was the last time you talked on aim?
to tony a week or two back. my aim goes through my ichat, though.
14.
Are you emotional?
yes.
15.
Would you dance to the taco song?
not only that, i'll dance to the burrito song AND the enchilada song...
16.
Have you ever counted to 1,000?
haha... no. but i tried.
17.
Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
i don't like biting ice cream. too cold.
18.
Do you like your hair?
yes
19.
Do you like yourself?
yes
20.
Have you ever met a celebrity?
yes... sondre lerche, al bell, john sebastian, moby... couple others... they were like other people... except famous.
21.
Do you like cottage cheese?
yes.
22.
What are you listening to right now?
I can hear my family watching Pride and Prejudice.
23.
How many countries have you visited?
Seven or so?
24.
Are your parents strict?
they're pretty middle of the road, i think.
25.
Would you go sky diving?
absolutely, i do.
26. Would you go out to eat with George W.
Bush?
my first reaction was "DEFINITELY!" but I don't think I'd enjoy my time... unless we played chess.
27.
Would you throw potatoes at him?
no
28.
Is there anything sparkly in the room you’re in?
the fire, and christmas ornaments.
29.
Have you ever been in a castle?
yep. in wales, and england... I also went to a small "castle" made out of glass bottles in africa.
30.
Do you rent movies often?
mmm. dunno.
31.
Who sits in behind you in your math class?
32.
Have you made a prank phone call?
yess
33.
Do you own a gun?
nope. and I never will.
34.
Can you count backwards from 74?
yes
35.
Who are you going to be with tonight?
no one
36.
Brown or white eggs?
organic. :)
37.
Do you own something from Hot Topic?
no
38.
Ever been on a train?
yes. in africa.
39.
Ever been in love?
yes... but I'm single. Pleasant story.
40.
Do you have a cell-phone?
mmhmm.
41.
Are you too forgiving?
no
42.
Do you use chap stick?
seldom
43.
What is your best friend doing tomorrow?
?
44.
Can you use chop sticks?
Yes.
45.
Ever have cream puffs?
everytime I eat pho...
46.
Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
no
47.
What was the last question you asked?
what are we doing tonight?
48.
What was the last CD you bought?
If You Love These Blues, Play em As You Please - Michael Bloomfield
49.
Boys or girls?
girls
50.
What is your bus number for school/work?
51.
Is your hair curly?
nope
52.
Last time you cried?
Last night, a little.
yea, i said it. haha.
53.
Ever walked into a wall?
don't recall.
54.
Do looks matter?
yes. They aren't near the top of the list... but they matter.
55.
Have you ever bought anything from Pac Sun?
i had a gift card, and i bought some pants. otherwise, no.
56.
Have you ever slapped someone?
myself
57.
Favorite time of the year?
all 365 days, baby.
58.
Favorite color?
Green and blue
59.
Are you sarcastic?
i dunno
60.
Do you have any tattoos?
nope
61.
The last person you held hands with?
...
62.
Do you sleep with the TV on?
not at all.
63.
What was the last picture you took?
one w. my sister
64.
Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
i really don't think so.. but maybe.
65.
Do you like your life right now?
yes
66.
How often do you talk on the phone?
this isn't an interesting question.
67.
What is your favorite animal?
none?
and then monkeys, i think...?!
68.
What was the most recent thing you bought?
a moleskine
69.
Do you have good vision?
it's okay
70.
Can you hula hoop?
yes
71.
Could you ever forgive a cheater?
that's like asking "would you believe in God if you lived through the holocaust?"
you'd kinda don't have a clue bout what it would take unless you went through it.
I hope I could.
But I'd have a hard time trusting her.
72.
Do you have a job?
yes
73.
Can you handle the truth?
depends on what the truth is, doesn't it?
74.
What are you wearing?
dark blue jeans, brown t shirt w/ a white dress shirt
75.
Have you ever crawled through a window?
why yes i have.
i tag ben, melissa, dallas and yasi
1.
First thing you wash in the shower?
hair
2.
What color is your favorite hoodie?
navy blue
3.
Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
yes... you mean my dad, right? :D
4.
Do you plan outfits?
sometimes :) Isn't getting dressed planning an outfit?
5.
How are you feeling RIGHT now?
lowkey
6.
Whats the closest thing to you thats red?
christmas ornament
7.
Do you say aim or a-i-m?
aim
8.
Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
i'd rather not
9.
Did you meet anybody new today?
nope!
10.
What are you craving right now?
something chocolatey.
11.
Do you floss?
yes.
12.
What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Carnies... circus folk.... small hands....smell like cabbage!
13.
When was the last time you talked on aim?
to tony a week or two back. my aim goes through my ichat, though.
14.
Are you emotional?
yes.
15.
Would you dance to the taco song?
not only that, i'll dance to the burrito song AND the enchilada song...
16.
Have you ever counted to 1,000?
haha... no. but i tried.
17.
Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
i don't like biting ice cream. too cold.
18.
Do you like your hair?
yes
19.
Do you like yourself?
yes
20.
Have you ever met a celebrity?
yes... sondre lerche, al bell, john sebastian, moby... couple others... they were like other people... except famous.
21.
Do you like cottage cheese?
yes.
22.
What are you listening to right now?
I can hear my family watching Pride and Prejudice.
23.
How many countries have you visited?
Seven or so?
24.
Are your parents strict?
they're pretty middle of the road, i think.
25.
Would you go sky diving?
absolutely, i do.
26. Would you go out to eat with George W.
Bush?
my first reaction was "DEFINITELY!" but I don't think I'd enjoy my time... unless we played chess.
27.
Would you throw potatoes at him?
no
28.
Is there anything sparkly in the room you’re in?
the fire, and christmas ornaments.
29.
Have you ever been in a castle?
yep. in wales, and england... I also went to a small "castle" made out of glass bottles in africa.
30.
Do you rent movies often?
mmm. dunno.
31.
Who sits in behind you in your math class?
32.
Have you made a prank phone call?
yess
33.
Do you own a gun?
nope. and I never will.
34.
Can you count backwards from 74?
yes
35.
Who are you going to be with tonight?
no one
36.
Brown or white eggs?
organic. :)
37.
Do you own something from Hot Topic?
no
38.
Ever been on a train?
yes. in africa.
39.
Ever been in love?
yes... but I'm single. Pleasant story.
40.
Do you have a cell-phone?
mmhmm.
41.
Are you too forgiving?
no
42.
Do you use chap stick?
seldom
43.
What is your best friend doing tomorrow?
?
44.
Can you use chop sticks?
Yes.
45.
Ever have cream puffs?
everytime I eat pho...
46.
Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
no
47.
What was the last question you asked?
what are we doing tonight?
48.
What was the last CD you bought?
If You Love These Blues, Play em As You Please - Michael Bloomfield
49.
Boys or girls?
girls
50.
What is your bus number for school/work?
51.
Is your hair curly?
nope
52.
Last time you cried?
Last night, a little.
yea, i said it. haha.
53.
Ever walked into a wall?
don't recall.
54.
Do looks matter?
yes. They aren't near the top of the list... but they matter.
55.
Have you ever bought anything from Pac Sun?
i had a gift card, and i bought some pants. otherwise, no.
56.
Have you ever slapped someone?
myself
57.
Favorite time of the year?
all 365 days, baby.
58.
Favorite color?
Green and blue
59.
Are you sarcastic?
i dunno
60.
Do you have any tattoos?
nope
61.
The last person you held hands with?
...
62.
Do you sleep with the TV on?
not at all.
63.
What was the last picture you took?
one w. my sister
64.
Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
i really don't think so.. but maybe.
65.
Do you like your life right now?
yes
66.
How often do you talk on the phone?
this isn't an interesting question.
67.
What is your favorite animal?
none?
and then monkeys, i think...?!
68.
What was the most recent thing you bought?
a moleskine
69.
Do you have good vision?
it's okay
70.
Can you hula hoop?
yes
71.
Could you ever forgive a cheater?
that's like asking "would you believe in God if you lived through the holocaust?"
you'd kinda don't have a clue bout what it would take unless you went through it.
I hope I could.
But I'd have a hard time trusting her.
72.
Do you have a job?
yes
73.
Can you handle the truth?
depends on what the truth is, doesn't it?
74.
What are you wearing?
dark blue jeans, brown t shirt w/ a white dress shirt
75.
Have you ever crawled through a window?
why yes i have.
i tag ben, melissa, dallas and yasi
Great Shows of '08
Delta Spirit @ The Tractor Tavern, Seattle
Incredible show. The album already exceeds your expectations. Who'd dream that the concert would be all the more moving and meaningful. All the musicians were passionate. The singer was so heartfelt. He was also very personable and engaging. They ended the night singing "People, Turn Around" in a line at the front of the stage. Amazing!
The opening band, Hacienda, was a late 50's Buddy Holly & the Crickets style act, except for one song that was pure 60s British Invasion. I really enjoyed them. A pleasant surprise.
The headliner, Dr Dog, was good, but I was tired and uninterested. Also, they seem to be the kind of band that has good ideas to implement in songs. The songwriting itself wasn't too engaging. Their bells and whistles and frills in form were fun, though.
Sondre Lerche @ Bumbershoot, Seattle
Second time seeing this Scandinavian swinger. His guitar work is outstanding, and his charm is like candy. I'll try to see him every time he plays in whatever town I happen to be in.
John Sebastian @ the Triple Door, Seattle
:)
Seth Martin @ Empyrean, Spokane
Seth jumped on a Karli/Noah bill last minute. Where did this guy come from? He's amazing. Captivating. Precious and few are entertainers who steal your attention so thoroughly. You must see him.
As well as Karli Fairbanks w/ Oil of Angels, Caroline and Scott Ellis accompanying her @ Caterina Winery, Oil of Angels @ the BLVD, Seven Years Absence @ Madison Cafe, John Van Deusen @ Q Cafe, the Globes @ urbanXchange.
Just a few off the top of my head. Here are the shows I missed that I wanted to see:
Punch Brothers at the Benaroya Hall (ah!)
Chris Thile at the Benaroya Hall
Wilco, wherever they played
Radiohead at the White River Amphitheater
Decemberists at the Moore, I believe
First show I'll see next year:
Al Kooper at the Triple Door, Jan 18 - come with me! This man is an unknown legend, and one of the my biggest influences.
Incredible show. The album already exceeds your expectations. Who'd dream that the concert would be all the more moving and meaningful. All the musicians were passionate. The singer was so heartfelt. He was also very personable and engaging. They ended the night singing "People, Turn Around" in a line at the front of the stage. Amazing!
The opening band, Hacienda, was a late 50's Buddy Holly & the Crickets style act, except for one song that was pure 60s British Invasion. I really enjoyed them. A pleasant surprise.
The headliner, Dr Dog, was good, but I was tired and uninterested. Also, they seem to be the kind of band that has good ideas to implement in songs. The songwriting itself wasn't too engaging. Their bells and whistles and frills in form were fun, though.
Sondre Lerche @ Bumbershoot, Seattle
Second time seeing this Scandinavian swinger. His guitar work is outstanding, and his charm is like candy. I'll try to see him every time he plays in whatever town I happen to be in.
John Sebastian @ the Triple Door, Seattle
:)
Seth Martin @ Empyrean, Spokane
Seth jumped on a Karli/Noah bill last minute. Where did this guy come from? He's amazing. Captivating. Precious and few are entertainers who steal your attention so thoroughly. You must see him.
As well as Karli Fairbanks w/ Oil of Angels, Caroline and Scott Ellis accompanying her @ Caterina Winery, Oil of Angels @ the BLVD, Seven Years Absence @ Madison Cafe, John Van Deusen @ Q Cafe, the Globes @ urbanXchange.
Just a few off the top of my head. Here are the shows I missed that I wanted to see:
Punch Brothers at the Benaroya Hall (ah!)
Chris Thile at the Benaroya Hall
Wilco, wherever they played
Radiohead at the White River Amphitheater
Decemberists at the Moore, I believe
First show I'll see next year:
Al Kooper at the Triple Door, Jan 18 - come with me! This man is an unknown legend, and one of the my biggest influences.
Saturday, December 20
Friday, December 19
It Burns Right Here
Sometimes you really love a song, and it connects with you. But then things happen in your life, you listen to the song again, and you realize that you now FULLY understand it because what they're singing about is exactly what you're going through. Pretty trippy.
So here's the song that, at this time of my life, suddenly makes so much sense.
16 Random Things
1. I've lived in more houses than you! I think somewhere around 18?
2. I've been living with different friends (and sometimes strangers) for over a year and a half.
3. One of the things I look forward to most in life is having a daughter (though I'm in no rush, really).
4. I used to love school when I was younger, but now I highly doubt that I'd ever enjoy it again.
5. I get socially drained quite often, from traveling around and making new acquaintances all the time.
6. I read too many books at one time! Currently:
Recapture the Wonder - Ravi Zacharias
Blue Like Jazz - Donald Miller
Where Is God When It Hurts - Philip Yancey
Could It Be This Simple? - Timothy R Jennings, MD
Desiring God - John Piper
And I'll be adding this to the list in a couple days:
Hatred: The Psychological Descent into Violence - Willard Gaylin, MD
I'm borrowing all but one of them.
7. I want to learn the trumpet, trombone, cello, clarinet and flute, at least.
8. I want to write books.
9. I have Synesthesia, and I love it! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synesthesia)
10. I don't like snow very much.
11. When I was in 6th grade, I wanted to be an architect. Not any more!!!
12. I prefer baths to showers, teas to coffees, snacks to sweets.
13. I disdain television, television culture, and the television-industry marketing complex.
14. Even though I disdain TV, I think Neil Postman's "Amusing Ourselves To Death" is logically flawed. I utterly disagree with him.
15. I generally don't like cereal.
16. I like etymology... a lot. I think it's one of the best fields of study. Consequently, I adore the English language.
2. I've been living with different friends (and sometimes strangers) for over a year and a half.
3. One of the things I look forward to most in life is having a daughter (though I'm in no rush, really).
4. I used to love school when I was younger, but now I highly doubt that I'd ever enjoy it again.
5. I get socially drained quite often, from traveling around and making new acquaintances all the time.
6. I read too many books at one time! Currently:
Recapture the Wonder - Ravi Zacharias
Blue Like Jazz - Donald Miller
Where Is God When It Hurts - Philip Yancey
Could It Be This Simple? - Timothy R Jennings, MD
Desiring God - John Piper
And I'll be adding this to the list in a couple days:
Hatred: The Psychological Descent into Violence - Willard Gaylin, MD
I'm borrowing all but one of them.
7. I want to learn the trumpet, trombone, cello, clarinet and flute, at least.
8. I want to write books.
9. I have Synesthesia, and I love it! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synesthesia)
10. I don't like snow very much.
11. When I was in 6th grade, I wanted to be an architect. Not any more!!!
12. I prefer baths to showers, teas to coffees, snacks to sweets.
13. I disdain television, television culture, and the television-industry marketing complex.
14. Even though I disdain TV, I think Neil Postman's "Amusing Ourselves To Death" is logically flawed. I utterly disagree with him.
15. I generally don't like cereal.
16. I like etymology... a lot. I think it's one of the best fields of study. Consequently, I adore the English language.
Wednesday, December 17
Moleskine Fever
Got this for myself today. yay.I'm listening to U2 on random (How to Dismantle, and All That You Can't Leave Behind). Even though I have my reservations about them, these two albums are rather good.
I'm also chatting with a couple friends on facebook, which I'm really enjoying.
What I want to do is start filling the pages really badly. There's hardly anything as inspiring as an empty page.
But I have no pens in this room. Maybe I can bite off the tip of my finger and write with blood.
That's morbid.
I should just go get a pen!
Tuesday, December 16
Role Call
Hey everyone,
I'm just kinda wondering who reads my blog. So it's role call! If you're reading this, can you take 2 seconds to leave a comment and lemme know you do? Thanks!
I'm just kinda wondering who reads my blog. So it's role call! If you're reading this, can you take 2 seconds to leave a comment and lemme know you do? Thanks!
Monday, December 15
death
I've been thinking about the concert I saw last week of John Sebastian. Here's a musical legend, now a grandfather who's quite old...Probably will die in the next decade or two. But it wasn't so long ago that he was my age, starting his career as a musician. Not long ago at all. And he'll be dead soon.
I dunno. Kinda silly stuff to write about. But for some reason seeing him live, and old, and looking at photos of him as a mid-twenties kid makes me think about our fleeting days.
it's coming. life is so incredibly short. let's not waste our time.
I dunno. Kinda silly stuff to write about. But for some reason seeing him live, and old, and looking at photos of him as a mid-twenties kid makes me think about our fleeting days.
it's coming. life is so incredibly short. let's not waste our time.
Sunday, December 14
farewell, old friend
When my grandparents got married, my granddad bought my grandmother a piano. It was shipped from England down to whatever part of Africa they were living in. When my grandmother died, she willed the piano to my sister. I was one at the time. If only she knew that my sister doesn't play the piano, and that i'm crazy about playing the piano.
Well, it was always at my parents house, until they moved to Idaho. They left, but the piano stayed with my sister in Michigan. ugh... That means that whenever I visit "home", I won't get to play that piano.
Pretty much all I wanna do on my vacation is write a ton of negro spiritual piano songs... but there's no piano!
I learned to play piano on this piano... :(
But I think my sister is spending a year in Germany, come summer... maybe I can get it then! :D
Well, it was always at my parents house, until they moved to Idaho. They left, but the piano stayed with my sister in Michigan. ugh... That means that whenever I visit "home", I won't get to play that piano.
Pretty much all I wanna do on my vacation is write a ton of negro spiritual piano songs... but there's no piano!
I learned to play piano on this piano... :(
But I think my sister is spending a year in Germany, come summer... maybe I can get it then! :D
Monday, December 8
smo?oth sa?iling?
i wouldn't post this... except that karli's posted poems lately. and i might as well share one, too.
but i may take it down tomorrow....lemme know
just
wh&t you
think.
,
,
raise the rough to line the mast
deberth the craft, no longer fast
spread the sheets to catch the gale
shave my chin, and then set sail
I must look fine upon the deck
as passers-by will turn their necks
and gaze afar from distant dock
but once nearby, they wince in shock
You came to hear a song and dance
And ventured forth to flirt a chance
I do look sharp from distant shore
Surprise! in flesh, I am deplored
a tune to hear, a poem to read
and when you’re pleased, a dock to leave
so go ahead and do your deed
and teach my fragile heart to grieve
but i may take it down tomorrow....lemme know
just
wh&t you
think.
,
,
raise the rough to line the mast
deberth the craft, no longer fast
spread the sheets to catch the gale
shave my chin, and then set sail
I must look fine upon the deck
as passers-by will turn their necks
and gaze afar from distant dock
but once nearby, they wince in shock
You came to hear a song and dance
And ventured forth to flirt a chance
I do look sharp from distant shore
Surprise! in flesh, I am deplored
a tune to hear, a poem to read
and when you’re pleased, a dock to leave
so go ahead and do your deed
and teach my fragile heart to grieve
Sunday, December 7
Daydream
Tonight I saw John Sebastian play at the Triple Door. John Sebastian was the singer / guitarist / harmonica player from The Lovin' Spoonful. You might know their songs: "Summer in the City", "Daydream", "Do You Believe in Magic", "You Didn't Have To Be So Nice", "Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind?" and "Rain on the Roof". You should know their songs: "Darling, Be Home Soon", "Six O'Clock", and "Nashville Cats" - and probably a whole lot more than that. In case you don't, go cue them up on Seeqpod and treat yourself.
I treated myself tonight. The concert this evening was one of the best experiences of my life, hands down. I wish I could relive the whole show for you. Just imagine a 60+ dopey-smiled, dangley-legged man playing songs from a different era, telling stories about what it was like to make music in Greenwich Village in the 60s.
This guy played Woodstock.
[read the blog below!]
I treated myself tonight. The concert this evening was one of the best experiences of my life, hands down. I wish I could relive the whole show for you. Just imagine a 60+ dopey-smiled, dangley-legged man playing songs from a different era, telling stories about what it was like to make music in Greenwich Village in the 60s.
This guy played Woodstock.
[read the blog below!]
Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell
these
lyrics
are
profound:
Rows and floes of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons evrywhere
Ive looked at clouds that way
But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on evryone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way
Ive looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
Its cloud illusions I recall
I really dont know clouds at all
Moons and junes and ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
As evry fairy tale comes real
Ive looked at love that way
But now its just another show
You leave em laughing when you go
And if you care, dont let them know
Dont give yourself away
Ive looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
Its loves illusions I recall
I really dont know love at all
Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say I love you right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
Ive looked at life that way
But now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads, they say Ive changed
Well somethings lost, but somethings gained
In living evry day
Ive looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
Its lifes illusions I recall
I really dont know life at all
Ive looked at life from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
Its lifes illusions I recall
I really dont know life at all
lyrics
are
profound:
Rows and floes of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons evrywhere
Ive looked at clouds that way
But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on evryone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way
Ive looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
Its cloud illusions I recall
I really dont know clouds at all
Moons and junes and ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
As evry fairy tale comes real
Ive looked at love that way
But now its just another show
You leave em laughing when you go
And if you care, dont let them know
Dont give yourself away
Ive looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
Its loves illusions I recall
I really dont know love at all
Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say I love you right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
Ive looked at life that way
But now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads, they say Ive changed
Well somethings lost, but somethings gained
In living evry day
Ive looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
Its lifes illusions I recall
I really dont know life at all
Ive looked at life from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
Its lifes illusions I recall
I really dont know life at all
Wednesday, December 3
This Sunday - a (DAY)Dream Come True
John Sebastian, singer/songwriter of the Lovin' Spoonful, is playing at the Triple Door this Sunday. He's a legend and one of my musical heroes and mentors. I'm going. It's $28 but I don't care. It's worth it. I think Tric may be coming along. You're invited, too, if you wanna join us. We can make it a group thing.
I emailed him and requested a song ::*:: Let's hope he gets it and plays "Darling, Be Home Soon"... Let's hope.
I emailed him and requested a song ::*:: Let's hope he gets it and plays "Darling, Be Home Soon"... Let's hope.
From the BBC
"On Wednesday, police in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare, broke up a protest march by doctors and nurses angered at the worsening outbreak. Witnesses said officers used batons to disperse and beat up the crowd of health workers."
...umm?
There's a cholera outbreak, and the police are beating up the doctors and nurses? Are you kidding me?
Monday, December 1
Quotes from a favorite movie
I am ill-equipt in the philosophies of failure.
So you failed. Alright you really failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You think I care about that? I do understand. You wanna be really great? Then have the courage to fail big and stick around. Make them wonder why you're still smiling.
Sadness is easier because its surrender. I say make time to dance alone...
It takes time to extract joy from life.
I want you to get into the deep beautiful melancholy of everything that's happened.
May your loss be met with a hurricane of love.
So you failed. Alright you really failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You think I care about that? I do understand. You wanna be really great? Then have the courage to fail big and stick around. Make them wonder why you're still smiling.
Sadness is easier because its surrender. I say make time to dance alone...
It takes time to extract joy from life.
I want you to get into the deep beautiful melancholy of everything that's happened.
May your loss be met with a hurricane of love.
One More Thing on the Beatles
Thanks, Target. I now hate "Hello, Goodbye".
"Hello, good buy"... good grief.
Michael Jackson! ::fist in the air:: argh.
"Hello, good buy"... good grief.
Michael Jackson! ::fist in the air:: argh.
Chronicles
One thing I really enjoy doing is listening to an artist's catalog in chronological order. That way I can hear how they've grown, what they've experimented with, and what's at the heart of their personal musicianship.
So far I've done it with the Strokes. I had a hard time sticking with it through the bulk of the second album, but their third album was well worth the wait. I've just been slow taking to Room on Fire.
I've also done it with Blood, Sweat and Tears, my favorite band. Except, I have a ridiculous amount of music from them: solo albums, side projects, live bootlegs, unreleased tracks. So, frankly, I've never done it in one sitting. I've done it over the course of a few days. It's especially interesting with them, because they always had about 8 or 9 members, and they always noted who arranged which songs. You can see how the line up changes affected their overall sound.
I've done it with a few other groups. I'm kinda doing it with the Beatles right now, except that I don't like the bulk of their songs - so I'm listening to my favorite ones, chronologically. This still leaves me with a good 30+ tunes. So prolific.
Anyhow, I'm leaving Sgt Pepper's and entering Magical Mystery Tour. I used to think MMT was my favorite album of theirs (double EP, actually). But now I know for sure it's Sgt Pepper's. How cliche. :D
This experiment has also convinced me that their later work is FAR superior to their early work. I'm hardly interested in hearing their Motown covers and early love songs. There are a couple I like, but ultimately, my listening started (small) with Help! and grew with their 67-69 releases.
If you wanna try this, heads up! Back in the 60s, releases weren't album oriented. There were plenty singles that weren't on albums -> Hey Jude, We Can Work it Out, Day Tripper, etc... None of them on any albums.
That's why if you buy something like the Zombies' Begin Here on CD, there's 30 tracks. They've included all the singles from the album period, too.
But yay for album-oriented music. Never been into the singles approach.
So far I've done it with the Strokes. I had a hard time sticking with it through the bulk of the second album, but their third album was well worth the wait. I've just been slow taking to Room on Fire.
I've also done it with Blood, Sweat and Tears, my favorite band. Except, I have a ridiculous amount of music from them: solo albums, side projects, live bootlegs, unreleased tracks. So, frankly, I've never done it in one sitting. I've done it over the course of a few days. It's especially interesting with them, because they always had about 8 or 9 members, and they always noted who arranged which songs. You can see how the line up changes affected their overall sound.
I've done it with a few other groups. I'm kinda doing it with the Beatles right now, except that I don't like the bulk of their songs - so I'm listening to my favorite ones, chronologically. This still leaves me with a good 30+ tunes. So prolific.
Anyhow, I'm leaving Sgt Pepper's and entering Magical Mystery Tour. I used to think MMT was my favorite album of theirs (double EP, actually). But now I know for sure it's Sgt Pepper's. How cliche. :D
This experiment has also convinced me that their later work is FAR superior to their early work. I'm hardly interested in hearing their Motown covers and early love songs. There are a couple I like, but ultimately, my listening started (small) with Help! and grew with their 67-69 releases.
If you wanna try this, heads up! Back in the 60s, releases weren't album oriented. There were plenty singles that weren't on albums -> Hey Jude, We Can Work it Out, Day Tripper, etc... None of them on any albums.
That's why if you buy something like the Zombies' Begin Here on CD, there's 30 tracks. They've included all the singles from the album period, too.
But yay for album-oriented music. Never been into the singles approach.
Tuesday, November 25
Heart in a Cage
I've been on a Chris Thile, Sondre Lerche, Jack White kick lately. It's been delicious.
Top albums are:
Punch Brothers Punch
Chris Thile & Mike Marshall Live Duets
Chris Thile Deceiver
Sondre Lerche Phantom Punch
Sondre Lerche Two Way Monologue
White Stripes Icky Thump
Raconteurs Consolers of the Lonely (which should get high points just for the title!)
I'd love to see Punch Brothers and the Raconteurs play the same show.
Oh... "Heart in a Cage" is a Strokes song, but Chris Thile covers it on How to Grow a Women from the Ground. Go listen!
Top albums are:
Punch Brothers Punch
Chris Thile & Mike Marshall Live Duets
Chris Thile Deceiver
Sondre Lerche Phantom Punch
Sondre Lerche Two Way Monologue
White Stripes Icky Thump
Raconteurs Consolers of the Lonely (which should get high points just for the title!)
I'd love to see Punch Brothers and the Raconteurs play the same show.
Oh... "Heart in a Cage" is a Strokes song, but Chris Thile covers it on How to Grow a Women from the Ground. Go listen!
Tuesday, November 18
The Best Thing That Could Happen To MySpace
Here's a thought... tell me what you think.
If the idea that 'MySpace is dead' became truth in the eyes of marketers, they wouldn't buy the advertising space on the main page. This would mean that major label bands would no longer debut their entire albums on MySpace a week before release. It would also mean that the cost of advertising space for the front page would drop significantly, because it wouldn't be seen as valuable by those who are able (but now no longer willing) to pay the big bones.
This would either propel the MySpace music label on our laps... oooor, perhaps it would make the site more amicable towards independent musicians - as it once was. And if the independent musician became the focus of MySpace again, it would give reason for serious music listeners to stick around, or return. The perceived death of MySpace would be the beginning of it's life.
Otherwise, I'm rather certain it will die - really die - in the next year or two.
If the idea that 'MySpace is dead' became truth in the eyes of marketers, they wouldn't buy the advertising space on the main page. This would mean that major label bands would no longer debut their entire albums on MySpace a week before release. It would also mean that the cost of advertising space for the front page would drop significantly, because it wouldn't be seen as valuable by those who are able (but now no longer willing) to pay the big bones.
This would either propel the MySpace music label on our laps... oooor, perhaps it would make the site more amicable towards independent musicians - as it once was. And if the independent musician became the focus of MySpace again, it would give reason for serious music listeners to stick around, or return. The perceived death of MySpace would be the beginning of it's life.
Otherwise, I'm rather certain it will die - really die - in the next year or two.
OUCH
I've been reading "Where Is God When It Hurts?" by Philip Yancey the last couple days. It's amazing so far. I've read him before, but it's never been this good. I highly recommend it.
Friday, November 7
Busy Bees
I've been rather busy lately and haven't been posting here much. Been doing a whole lot of blogging at garagevoice.com, and that's been taking precedence. Aside from that, my whole life has been hectic and has kept me away from publicized personal reflection.
It's important to stop. Even in the middle of things. Even if you let people down. Even if it means that you don't do what you really want to do. It's important to stop when you need to stop.
At the beginning of the week my body yelled at me loud and clearly. I need to stop. But I'm in the middle of recording our album - a dream come true - so I have to over-compensate and stop more of the other things that I would otherwise do. Yesterday it included not going to my friend's birthday dinner. Tonight it includes not seeing a bunch of my friends at UW. It's not what I want to do, but it's what I need to do.
c'est la vie.
But may I not convince you my days are dreadful. My life has been wonderful. Just burdened in the meanwhile.
It's important to stop. Even in the middle of things. Even if you let people down. Even if it means that you don't do what you really want to do. It's important to stop when you need to stop.
At the beginning of the week my body yelled at me loud and clearly. I need to stop. But I'm in the middle of recording our album - a dream come true - so I have to over-compensate and stop more of the other things that I would otherwise do. Yesterday it included not going to my friend's birthday dinner. Tonight it includes not seeing a bunch of my friends at UW. It's not what I want to do, but it's what I need to do.
c'est la vie.
But may I not convince you my days are dreadful. My life has been wonderful. Just burdened in the meanwhile.
Monday, October 27
Wednesday, October 22
life and death, death and life
my friend died today.
today was a sad day.
tomorrow will be a sad day, too.
today was a sad day.
tomorrow will be a sad day, too.
Monday, October 20
Artsy
Tonight I downloaded an album's worth of unavailable Art Tatum songs that some bloke transferred from old 78s onto the internet. I remember hearing Art Tatum on NPR a while back. I was fascinated by his playing. Well now I can enjoy his music... at no expense... with no guilt.... mwuah ha.
record scratch and all.
record scratch and all.
Friday, October 10
Top 10 Songs
These are the top plays on my itunes right now:
1. Lost Ones - Lauryn Hill
2. People, Turn Around - Delta Spirit
3. Kathy's Song - Eva Cassidy
4. Take Five - Dave Brubeck Quartet
5. People, C'Mon - Delta Spirit
6. Most of the Time - Glad
7. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Aretha Franklin
8. Blue Rondo Ala Turk - Dave Brubeck Quartet
9. Trashcan - Delta Spirit
10. French Quarter - Delta Spirit
Apparently, there are some songs I listen to more on the computer than in the van.
I think Delta Spirit has been winning my ears. They're on the top 10 four times!
1. Lost Ones - Lauryn Hill
2. People, Turn Around - Delta Spirit
3. Kathy's Song - Eva Cassidy
4. Take Five - Dave Brubeck Quartet
5. People, C'Mon - Delta Spirit
6. Most of the Time - Glad
7. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Aretha Franklin
8. Blue Rondo Ala Turk - Dave Brubeck Quartet
9. Trashcan - Delta Spirit
10. French Quarter - Delta Spirit
Apparently, there are some songs I listen to more on the computer than in the van.
I think Delta Spirit has been winning my ears. They're on the top 10 four times!
Saturday, October 4
The Tops
If every bass line that existed had to disappear and never be heard again, but one could stay, I would vote for James Jamerson's work on Stevie Wonder's "I Was Made to Love Her". The greatest line ever.
Victor Wooten and Jaco Pastorius are virtuosos, and I look up to them, but they've never played anything as beautifully as Jamerson in "I Was Made to Love Her".
When it comes down to it, music is about the soul and melody - more than it will ever be about the mind-blowing tricks.
Wednesday, October 1
Kinky
It blows my mind how the Kinks have moved from obscurity to indie street cred. What disappoints me about it is that I presume it is mostly superficial. Thanks to Wes Anderson we can now LOVE the Kinks, but know nothing of the history of the band, their relevance and contribution to rock (eg, the Rock Opera), or their albums - which is most disappointing, as the songs on their albums (first couple aside) were always very purposefully collected as a whole. Not to knock Wes. It's great he's using them. He should. It's just the effect left behind. To love the Kinks is to love a band name and a few good songs.
I suppose we're witnessing what other trendy classic bands have gone through - Led Zeppelin, The Who, etc.... They would have had to have had a comeback, right? Or they would have been huge through the 80s. Or maybe it's just because both of their drummer's died. But then, even AC/DC. They came around much later. In the early nineties, teenagers weren't wearing their t-shirts. But they are now. And they probably have never heard "You Shook Me All Night Long".
But this isn't addressed to teenagers. It's addressed to us in our twenties. We're seriously missing out on meaning. Going vintage (and going green) is a quest for meaning. For significance.
My guess is that the Yardbirds will be the next band to be canonized by young adult culture. Or even the Rascals. Maybe even Traffic. But I think they'll reach Cream status. Not Pink Floyd status.
So kids, if you want to be a step ahead of the trend - a good 3-5 year step - go hear the sounds of Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck in their youth. Listen to "For Your Love". You'll like it.
But I'd like it far better if everyone started listening to Blood Sweat and Tears. Mm mm good.
I suppose we're witnessing what other trendy classic bands have gone through - Led Zeppelin, The Who, etc.... They would have had to have had a comeback, right? Or they would have been huge through the 80s. Or maybe it's just because both of their drummer's died. But then, even AC/DC. They came around much later. In the early nineties, teenagers weren't wearing their t-shirts. But they are now. And they probably have never heard "You Shook Me All Night Long".
But this isn't addressed to teenagers. It's addressed to us in our twenties. We're seriously missing out on meaning. Going vintage (and going green) is a quest for meaning. For significance.
My guess is that the Yardbirds will be the next band to be canonized by young adult culture. Or even the Rascals. Maybe even Traffic. But I think they'll reach Cream status. Not Pink Floyd status.
So kids, if you want to be a step ahead of the trend - a good 3-5 year step - go hear the sounds of Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck in their youth. Listen to "For Your Love". You'll like it.
But I'd like it far better if everyone started listening to Blood Sweat and Tears. Mm mm good.
Friday, September 26
Gap on Existence
I was looking in Rolling Stone today. The first page was a Gap ad with a photo of Joe Anderson (?) wearing "The Private Leather Jacket" ($348.oo). Over the photo reads: "Create Your Own Mythology".
Now isn't that dead on?
Let's first remember that the truest definition of myth is not something erroneous, but something extraordinary, with meaning, and often something of history that is beyond the realm of science.
When a society strips itself of myth and ceremony, it loses more than story and ritual. What we are left with is a generation self-defining themselves. Self-creating. Living in the present. Not the past, nor the future. We have to make our own meaning.
But that's rather meaningless. Especially if our meaning is The Private Leather Jacket.
Now isn't that dead on?
Let's first remember that the truest definition of myth is not something erroneous, but something extraordinary, with meaning, and often something of history that is beyond the realm of science.
When a society strips itself of myth and ceremony, it loses more than story and ritual. What we are left with is a generation self-defining themselves. Self-creating. Living in the present. Not the past, nor the future. We have to make our own meaning.
But that's rather meaningless. Especially if our meaning is The Private Leather Jacket.
Wednesday, September 24
West Africa
In looking for a new house on Craigslist, I have now run into THREE scams by people in "Nigeria" who want me to wire the money, and I can pick up the key tomorrow. These People are always noble - missionaries or NGO workers or something. Terrible.
Sunday, September 21
Wednesday, September 17
Perpetual Change
Lately we've been staying with our friends, Shane and Erika. (ca?) I saw a sticker at their house that says, "The only thing that is constant is change." Such is my life. As Patrick puts it, about every two weeks, the three of us have DRASTIC changes.
A month ago we went on tour with Seven Years Absence. Since then I have stayed in 5 different houses, all but one of them multiple times. Oh, plus a church basement. Last week, for instance, I stayed in 4 different places. And this week I've already stayed in 3.
Last week I did some babysitting and I sanded a deck. Right now I'm a live-in nanny. It's been going really well. The long hours are tough, but the work is still pleasant. But it's 9:11, and I'm gonna go to bed soon. I'd prefer to stay up and do something, but I don't have the energy, and I need to be up again at 6:30.
That's another perpetual change in my life - my sleeping cycle. Falling asleep anywhere from 9 pm to 2 or 3 am. Waking up anytime from 5 am to 10:30.
And then there's eating! I'm never eating meals at the same time. Sometimes I have breakfast right when I wake up, sometimes I have it four hours later - which I suppose isn't breakfast at all.
Amidst this is my attempt to keep some things constant - work progress with the band, practicing, and my spiritual life. If I can learn to be constant in all these things right now, I will have conquered all obstacles of regularity.
A month ago we went on tour with Seven Years Absence. Since then I have stayed in 5 different houses, all but one of them multiple times. Oh, plus a church basement. Last week, for instance, I stayed in 4 different places. And this week I've already stayed in 3.
Last week I did some babysitting and I sanded a deck. Right now I'm a live-in nanny. It's been going really well. The long hours are tough, but the work is still pleasant. But it's 9:11, and I'm gonna go to bed soon. I'd prefer to stay up and do something, but I don't have the energy, and I need to be up again at 6:30.
That's another perpetual change in my life - my sleeping cycle. Falling asleep anywhere from 9 pm to 2 or 3 am. Waking up anytime from 5 am to 10:30.
And then there's eating! I'm never eating meals at the same time. Sometimes I have breakfast right when I wake up, sometimes I have it four hours later - which I suppose isn't breakfast at all.
Amidst this is my attempt to keep some things constant - work progress with the band, practicing, and my spiritual life. If I can learn to be constant in all these things right now, I will have conquered all obstacles of regularity.
Tuesday, September 16
Friday, September 12
Solitaire
Facebook has all those terrible ads. I always block the images and give the thumbs down. But something just caught my eye. The ad headline said: "Still Single?"
What?
Has a time limit been set internationally, and we all have to get hooked up now?
So silly.
I hope you don't look at that ad and get feeling sad. Enjoy your singlehood while you're single. And when you're not, enjoy not being single.
What?
Has a time limit been set internationally, and we all have to get hooked up now?
So silly.
I hope you don't look at that ad and get feeling sad. Enjoy your singlehood while you're single. And when you're not, enjoy not being single.
Thursday, September 11
Abundant Life
Jesus Christ was not a mystagogue. Yet so many of His followers are looking for esoteric, mystical experiences, and not the reformation of practical living that He taught.
Eliot's Question
"Streets that follow like a tedious argument
Of insidious intent
To lead you to an overwhelming question..."
I do not know what his question was. But mine is simple:
Why must a butterfly become a divorce?
Of insidious intent
To lead you to an overwhelming question..."
I do not know what his question was. But mine is simple:
Why must a butterfly become a divorce?
Thursday, August 28
The Pursuit of Happiness
I don't desire happiness. Happiness is pleasure derived from a situation. Happiness depends on what happens. If there are any mishaps, happiness is not present. Perhaps without happenstance, I would be hapless and not happy.
I desire peace. Peace does not depend on circumstance. Peace surpasses situations. I can have peace in a crisis. I cannot have happiness in a crisis. (This does not mean I cannot be joyful in a crisis. True joy springs from Peace, not Happiness.)
King David wrote "Seek peace, and pursue it". Chase it. Hunt it down. Wrestle for it. Do not cease the fight without receiving it. Seize it. The Pursuit of Peace.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ said that those who listen to His words and put them into practice are like the man who built his house on the rock. When the storm comes the house still stands. Those who do not practice what they hear from Him are compared to the man who built his house on sand. When the storm comes the house falls.
Happiness is a house founded on sand. Peace is built on a rock.
I desire peace. Peace does not depend on circumstance. Peace surpasses situations. I can have peace in a crisis. I cannot have happiness in a crisis. (This does not mean I cannot be joyful in a crisis. True joy springs from Peace, not Happiness.)
King David wrote "Seek peace, and pursue it". Chase it. Hunt it down. Wrestle for it. Do not cease the fight without receiving it. Seize it. The Pursuit of Peace.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ said that those who listen to His words and put them into practice are like the man who built his house on the rock. When the storm comes the house still stands. Those who do not practice what they hear from Him are compared to the man who built his house on sand. When the storm comes the house falls.
Happiness is a house founded on sand. Peace is built on a rock.
Wednesday, August 27
Torrential Downpour Blues
So I can go on Seeqpod and cue up a whole album and listen to it whenever I want (assuming I have internet access, which is more often than not). What's the difference between that and downloading the torrent?
It is as though the value of music rests only in excellent packaging. Otherwise, there is no need to buy music ever again.
The exception is under the radar indie music, which is significantly less accessible.
Thoughts?
It is as though the value of music rests only in excellent packaging. Otherwise, there is no need to buy music ever again.
The exception is under the radar indie music, which is significantly less accessible.
Thoughts?
Friday, August 15
I'll Be Wonderin' On
From J A Thompson's The Bible and Archaeology:
"A later writer in the Bible described this first journey of Abraham as one in which 'he went out, not knowing whither he went' (Heb. 11:8b). Recent research suggest quite strongly that it is not in a physical sense that this verse must be applied. There were well-trodden trade routes throughout these lands and we have no reason to think that Abraham left the usual roads when he made his journey. We should rather interpret this verse in a spiritual sense, namely, that having set out at the call of God, he did not quite know where this response was likely to lead him in the end."
Well. I do appreciate this. Perhaps if you've read that text before, you've pictured Abraham rather clueless about his surroundings, and wondering around till he found something. It's good to be reminded that this educated man knew a lot about the world around him. Though he probably knew about Haran, and He probably knew about Palestine, he walked his journey listening to YHWH's guidance, step by step.
This is encouraging to me. I know about the world around me. I know about the music business. But I'm still pretty clueless as to how it will all play out successfully. One step at a time. Listen, hear, follow.
"A later writer in the Bible described this first journey of Abraham as one in which 'he went out, not knowing whither he went' (Heb. 11:8b). Recent research suggest quite strongly that it is not in a physical sense that this verse must be applied. There were well-trodden trade routes throughout these lands and we have no reason to think that Abraham left the usual roads when he made his journey. We should rather interpret this verse in a spiritual sense, namely, that having set out at the call of God, he did not quite know where this response was likely to lead him in the end."
Well. I do appreciate this. Perhaps if you've read that text before, you've pictured Abraham rather clueless about his surroundings, and wondering around till he found something. It's good to be reminded that this educated man knew a lot about the world around him. Though he probably knew about Haran, and He probably knew about Palestine, he walked his journey listening to YHWH's guidance, step by step.
This is encouraging to me. I know about the world around me. I know about the music business. But I'm still pretty clueless as to how it will all play out successfully. One step at a time. Listen, hear, follow.
Thursday, July 31
Walk, Don't Run
I was just playing guitar, when out popped a song I haven't heard for about 7 years: "Walk, Don't Run" by the Ventures. It was good to hear the familiar melody. In fact, I've never actually played the song before.
I think there's something to be said for your abilities growing without your own notice.
I think there's something to be said for your abilities growing without your own notice.
Wednesday, July 30
An Undeveloped Idea
I think music is the closest artistic means to create ex nihilo. When you paint or sculpt, everything is there before you: the paint, the canvas, the wood or stone. When you write a song, you have a silent instrument that offers nothing except what you can make from it. Ex Nihilo. Creation from nothing.
Tuesday, July 29
There IS a World Wide Web
When I was twelve I spent almost every afternoon online. This was during what I remember as the launch of the internet into pop culture. With AOL, the internet was more than a scholarly tool, and certainly more than a techie community. Somewhere in high school the internet changed shape. Instead of using Mamma.com, hotbot.com, web-search.com, ask.com etc... I now used just one site: Google.com. Napster collapsed (in a sense), as did a similar but far advanced site that served as a music-based community (shoot, don't remember the name: AudioGalaxy?) Finally, instead of having an AOL account with a personal profile and a buddy list, I had no means to an online community.
Time passed, blogging sites started, and then the big MySpace came (pre-corporate ownership, back when pages for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the Tapatio man were amusing and not an ad crusade). MySpace provided a community, with blogging AND music sharing. Brilliant (and tacky). But MySpace and Google became so strong, and so commonplace, that they have affected the way we understand what the internet is. It's like we're watching a 3-D movie with the green and red glasses. One lens is MySpace; the other, Google.
The Problem with MySpace
MySpace is a problem because it consumes your time. Going "online" means going "on MySpace". Before you know it, you've spent a couple hours profile hopping, picture commenting and song choosing. It's easy to get swept up doing nothing. Even easier than watching tv. This is applicable to other social networks (especially Facebook, with it's tedious applications).
The Problem with Google
Google is a problem because it only finds what you look for. It doesn't clue you in on all the online communities and resources that are out there. It helps you find your favorite band's website, or perhaps information for a school paper.
Truth is, the World Wide Web (you know, the "www" we no longer type) is huge, and is filled with so much colorful, fascinating information. There are so many things we could learn, but we waste our time accomplishing nothing.
The Problem with Wikipedia
I just had to throw this in. Just remember, Wikipedia is not necessarily objective. I think it is often mass subjectivity. Remember... ANYONE can put things on Wikipedia. ANYONE. It's just as possible for it to be a septic tank as it is to be buried treasure. It's helpful for a brief understanding, or an intro into something. But I don't think it should be taken as authoritative.
There you go. Not particularly spiritual or musical. But this has just been in my head after spending the last few hours reading fascinating things online.
Time passed, blogging sites started, and then the big MySpace came (pre-corporate ownership, back when pages for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the Tapatio man were amusing and not an ad crusade). MySpace provided a community, with blogging AND music sharing. Brilliant (and tacky). But MySpace and Google became so strong, and so commonplace, that they have affected the way we understand what the internet is. It's like we're watching a 3-D movie with the green and red glasses. One lens is MySpace; the other, Google.
The Problem with MySpace
MySpace is a problem because it consumes your time. Going "online" means going "on MySpace". Before you know it, you've spent a couple hours profile hopping, picture commenting and song choosing. It's easy to get swept up doing nothing. Even easier than watching tv. This is applicable to other social networks (especially Facebook, with it's tedious applications).
The Problem with Google
Google is a problem because it only finds what you look for. It doesn't clue you in on all the online communities and resources that are out there. It helps you find your favorite band's website, or perhaps information for a school paper.
Truth is, the World Wide Web (you know, the "www" we no longer type) is huge, and is filled with so much colorful, fascinating information. There are so many things we could learn, but we waste our time accomplishing nothing.
The Problem with Wikipedia
I just had to throw this in. Just remember, Wikipedia is not necessarily objective. I think it is often mass subjectivity. Remember... ANYONE can put things on Wikipedia. ANYONE. It's just as possible for it to be a septic tank as it is to be buried treasure. It's helpful for a brief understanding, or an intro into something. But I don't think it should be taken as authoritative.
There you go. Not particularly spiritual or musical. But this has just been in my head after spending the last few hours reading fascinating things online.
Fresh
A few weeks back I was at Empyrean Coffee Pub in Spokane, scanning their books on the shelf off the cafe stage. I spotted two books that my mom told me to read when I was in high school. I wasn't very interested in the books back then, but this time I was. I asked Chrisy if I could take one "home" (Casey Luport's place) to read. She was cool with it. I read the book in a week or so, and went to the Empyrean to get the other one. Chrisy was once again cool with me bringing it "home" (Zac Fairbanks' place). I finished them both before we left Spokane. For those of you who don't know me well, I read a lot of books at the same time, and make terribly slow progress. I seldom read a book in a week, let alone a month.
The two books are written by Jim Cymbala, the pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle (you may know of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir). They are part I and III in a sort of trilogy: "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" and "Fresh Power". Well, I wanted to read part II as well, but no one had it - that is, until yesterday. Yesterday we arrived "home" (Andru and Monica's place) in Mill Creek. One of the first things to do when you get home is to scan the bookshelves of your new housemates to find out what marvelous things you can learn well residing with them. Last night I was scanning the shelf in the guestroom, and BAM: "Fresh Faith" - Number 2!
I feel like God is throwing these books in my lap. The first two I read were deeply impacting. It is rare that I feel so spiritually nourished and rejuvenated from a book. Most books spur the mind; only few spur the heart.
If you come across these books, I recommend you read them - especially "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire". The stories in this book will blow your mind.
The two books are written by Jim Cymbala, the pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle (you may know of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir). They are part I and III in a sort of trilogy: "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" and "Fresh Power". Well, I wanted to read part II as well, but no one had it - that is, until yesterday. Yesterday we arrived "home" (Andru and Monica's place) in Mill Creek. One of the first things to do when you get home is to scan the bookshelves of your new housemates to find out what marvelous things you can learn well residing with them. Last night I was scanning the shelf in the guestroom, and BAM: "Fresh Faith" - Number 2!
I feel like God is throwing these books in my lap. The first two I read were deeply impacting. It is rare that I feel so spiritually nourished and rejuvenated from a book. Most books spur the mind; only few spur the heart.
If you come across these books, I recommend you read them - especially "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire". The stories in this book will blow your mind.
Thursday, July 24
The Changing of the Guards
Absolutely cheesy journalism blog approach:
[personalize] When I was young I visited England and went to Buckingham palace to see the changing of the guards. [here, insert gaudy descriptions to evoke sentiments and awaken the imagination] The palace glistened in the sun, and the gardens were dotted with seasonal flowers. [return to the metaphor that is loosing all subtlety and strength] The changing of the guards happens regularly....blah blah [make point] My blog is now going through it's own changing of the guards. [describe]
K. I'm gonna stop the tomfoolery.
But what I did want to share was that I'm changing the format of my blog. A bit of the back story:
I blogged a lot on my myspace page, and it was rather personal. I grew sick of the general openness I shared with whomever; sick of public reflection. So I decided to start a blog to write about impersonal things: books, films, music. That way, I could share a bit of myself, without sharing about myself - cuz it ain't yo' bisness nehow.
Now I'm changing this blog again, and I hope you stay with me on the journey. Though I may still write about music, books and films, primarily this blog will be about two things: my musical career and personal spirituality. The former because it's exciting and I'd like to share a more personal journal than what I want every garage voice listener to read. The latter because I want to share what I think about spiritual things, but, more importantly, what I'm learning about spiritual things.
Thanks for lending your eyes to read this.
bruce
[personalize] When I was young I visited England and went to Buckingham palace to see the changing of the guards. [here, insert gaudy descriptions to evoke sentiments and awaken the imagination] The palace glistened in the sun, and the gardens were dotted with seasonal flowers. [return to the metaphor that is loosing all subtlety and strength] The changing of the guards happens regularly....blah blah [make point] My blog is now going through it's own changing of the guards. [describe]
K. I'm gonna stop the tomfoolery.
But what I did want to share was that I'm changing the format of my blog. A bit of the back story:
I blogged a lot on my myspace page, and it was rather personal. I grew sick of the general openness I shared with whomever; sick of public reflection. So I decided to start a blog to write about impersonal things: books, films, music. That way, I could share a bit of myself, without sharing about myself - cuz it ain't yo' bisness nehow.
Now I'm changing this blog again, and I hope you stay with me on the journey. Though I may still write about music, books and films, primarily this blog will be about two things: my musical career and personal spirituality. The former because it's exciting and I'd like to share a more personal journal than what I want every garage voice listener to read. The latter because I want to share what I think about spiritual things, but, more importantly, what I'm learning about spiritual things.
Thanks for lending your eyes to read this.
bruce
Thursday, July 17
A Message to Everyone
Sorry I haven't been keeping in touch with all of you as regularly as I'd like. I've had limited internet access the past couple weeks. When I am on I've been hustling to get GV work done. Thanks for understanding!
bruce
bruce
Monday, July 14
House Built for Tambourines
I'm in a cafe listening to Delta Spirit's "House Built for Two" on headphones... except that I can hear Bob Dylan's blazin' harmonica from "Tambourine Man" piercing through my headphones. These songs are not in the same key or tempo. They're terrible together.
Friday, June 27
Wednesday, June 25
Save the Whale, Let the Poor Die
I take back what I said in my last blog. Don't just watch the first nine minutes, watch all eight sections of that presentation, "The Great Global Warming Swindle".
Over the last couple months I've been frustrated that so much attention has been turned to preserving the earth, and hardly any has been turned to helping the poor. Well, simply put, it seems that the whole Man-Made Global Warming idea is robbing the needy. Watch the whole documentary, and it will explain. There is actually a book about it entitled "Eco-Imperialism: Green Power, Black Death" that I just learned of that I would really like to read.
Here is a quote from Patrick Moore, the co-founder of Green Peace:
"I think one of the most pernicious aspects of the modern environmental movement is this romanticization of peasant life, and the idea that industrial societies are the destroyers of the world.... The environmental movement has evolved into the strongest force there is for preventing development in the developing countries.... I think it’s legitimate for me to call them anti-human."
Um... Patrick Moore said this? Maybe we need to do some rethinking.
For clarity's sake, I'm all about the earth being healthy, and us treating it well. But I've just become convinced that the climate change is naturally caused, and probably not apocalyptic.
So set aside 72 minutes of your time, go to Youtube, and watch the entire "The Great Global Warming Swindle". And then tell me what you think.
I'm still open to believing in this dooms day business, really. But you have to be convincing.
Over the last couple months I've been frustrated that so much attention has been turned to preserving the earth, and hardly any has been turned to helping the poor. Well, simply put, it seems that the whole Man-Made Global Warming idea is robbing the needy. Watch the whole documentary, and it will explain. There is actually a book about it entitled "Eco-Imperialism: Green Power, Black Death" that I just learned of that I would really like to read.
Here is a quote from Patrick Moore, the co-founder of Green Peace:
"I think one of the most pernicious aspects of the modern environmental movement is this romanticization of peasant life, and the idea that industrial societies are the destroyers of the world.... The environmental movement has evolved into the strongest force there is for preventing development in the developing countries.... I think it’s legitimate for me to call them anti-human."
Um... Patrick Moore said this? Maybe we need to do some rethinking.
For clarity's sake, I'm all about the earth being healthy, and us treating it well. But I've just become convinced that the climate change is naturally caused, and probably not apocalyptic.
So set aside 72 minutes of your time, go to Youtube, and watch the entire "The Great Global Warming Swindle". And then tell me what you think.
I'm still open to believing in this dooms day business, really. But you have to be convincing.
Global Warming Debate, pt II
A funny thing I learned today: The producers of An Inconvenient Truth were inspired to make the movie after they watched The Day After Tomorrow, after having seen Gore's slide presentation. I think that's kinda funny... and maybe telling?
Here, watch this for 9 minutes. Please. This is part 1 of 8. But at least watch this:
Here, watch this for 9 minutes. Please. This is part 1 of 8. But at least watch this:
Shades of Grace
Finished reading Ty Gibson's Shades of Grace this morning. A great book. I enjoy his theology.
Friday, June 6
::balance::the meaning of a life:: unbalance::the wasted existence::counterbalance::
i was gonna say i don't think life has inherent meaning, but now i question the meaning of meaning, and it seems mostly meaningless. life has value, life has purpose, life has reason. i suppose i hadn't fully grasped what others meant when they spoke of the meaning of life. i suppose they spoke of this.
the world is like a large dresser. in america and the first world we live in one drawer, maybe two. but there are other drawers. i believe we have an obligation to live in the context of the entire dresser, and not solely the drawer - not just our society.
i've been speaking with my friend Hans who has just returned to the states from chad. he has shared stories about elephantiasis, witchcraft, poverty and the fight for survival, malaria, on and on...
our culture is in want. we lack perspective. i'm sick of our superficiality, our magnification of triviality and the belittlement of love.
our culture is in want. all we do is want. all we want is more. we waste waste waste waste waste. we spend ourselves on foolery, on vapor, on the now. we defy wisdom for independence. we abandon social accountability for more clothing, for more music, for technology. we take the technology and in the name of social activity we isolate and estrange ourselves from each other.
we spend our time campaigning to save the earth, while the inhabitants of the earth are dying. thousands upon thousands every day. and why do we do this? because politicians exploit our sense of justice for their want.
i refuse to want. i shall not want. i will refuse to covet. for what? for WHAT? what do you not already have?
what you don't have is consideration for those who live on less than a dollar a day. what you don't have is a heart.
what you have is selfishness. what you have is vanity. choke on it.
you want blood? you want to embrace anger? you want to make someone of yourself? sculpt yourself into the image you choose? who are you to know whom you should be? by your own hands you only become whom you could be, and who you could be is flawed because you need to be who you can't be on your own.
all you are is want. leave it behind. leave want behind. stop it. throw it away. cast it aside. grow. stop it. stop being selfish.
the world is like a large dresser. in america and the first world we live in one drawer, maybe two. but there are other drawers. i believe we have an obligation to live in the context of the entire dresser, and not solely the drawer - not just our society.
i've been speaking with my friend Hans who has just returned to the states from chad. he has shared stories about elephantiasis, witchcraft, poverty and the fight for survival, malaria, on and on...
our culture is in want. we lack perspective. i'm sick of our superficiality, our magnification of triviality and the belittlement of love.
our culture is in want. all we do is want. all we want is more. we waste waste waste waste waste. we spend ourselves on foolery, on vapor, on the now. we defy wisdom for independence. we abandon social accountability for more clothing, for more music, for technology. we take the technology and in the name of social activity we isolate and estrange ourselves from each other.
we spend our time campaigning to save the earth, while the inhabitants of the earth are dying. thousands upon thousands every day. and why do we do this? because politicians exploit our sense of justice for their want.
i refuse to want. i shall not want. i will refuse to covet. for what? for WHAT? what do you not already have?
what you don't have is consideration for those who live on less than a dollar a day. what you don't have is a heart.
what you have is selfishness. what you have is vanity. choke on it.
you want blood? you want to embrace anger? you want to make someone of yourself? sculpt yourself into the image you choose? who are you to know whom you should be? by your own hands you only become whom you could be, and who you could be is flawed because you need to be who you can't be on your own.
all you are is want. leave it behind. leave want behind. stop it. throw it away. cast it aside. grow. stop it. stop being selfish.
Friday, May 16
Commercials
come on, NBC. I like to watch the Office online so I don't have to see commercials. Not only do I get commercials, I get the same ones over and over again. If we all promise to go to schwab.com and priceline.com will you take it back to how it used to be?
Thursday, May 15
Disco Funk
So a couple blogs ago I listed KC and the Sunshine Band while talking about disco. Oops. I just kinda lumped Disco and Funk together. But I guess they were kinda disco-tinged. Definitely not the authentic James Brown funk.
Wednesday, May 14
Latest Listens
So, here are five albums I've been soaking up lately:
The Listening LP
Intimate lyrics, juicy guitar solos, and a synth explosion (oh, cheesy). But really, if you haven't heard this album by The Listening check it out. Aside from some eternal hellfire references, the message of the album is great. I especially love "Hosea in C Minor". You can hear it on their myspace page.
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
I started streaming this album on seeqpod in February. Tric got it for me for my birthday last month. What an amazing album. The harmonies are fresh like dew. Rich lyrics, good flows, nice beats.
The Legend of Chin
What a great revisit. An amazing debut album! The songs don't sound like they are being performed by a new band. Switchfoot needs to have Charlie Peacock produce their next album. Really.
Ode to Sunshine / I Think I've Found It!
Dang. Delta Spirit grabbed the spirit of Stax and put together two fine records. If you've forgotten what music sounds like when people sing with their souls, listen to either of these albums. Current music doesn't even feel like art after hearing this band. It tastes like processed turkey.
Actually, processed turkey still tastes good.
The Listening LP
Intimate lyrics, juicy guitar solos, and a synth explosion (oh, cheesy). But really, if you haven't heard this album by The Listening check it out. Aside from some eternal hellfire references, the message of the album is great. I especially love "Hosea in C Minor". You can hear it on their myspace page.
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
I started streaming this album on seeqpod in February. Tric got it for me for my birthday last month. What an amazing album. The harmonies are fresh like dew. Rich lyrics, good flows, nice beats.
The Legend of Chin
What a great revisit. An amazing debut album! The songs don't sound like they are being performed by a new band. Switchfoot needs to have Charlie Peacock produce their next album. Really.
Ode to Sunshine / I Think I've Found It!
Dang. Delta Spirit grabbed the spirit of Stax and put together two fine records. If you've forgotten what music sounds like when people sing with their souls, listen to either of these albums. Current music doesn't even feel like art after hearing this band. It tastes like processed turkey.
Actually, processed turkey still tastes good.
Thursday, May 8
Radiohead Laughing at Themselves?
Or making a statement on misconceptions? I have no clue. You tell me. All I know is that this is terrible:
Wednesday, May 7
Regressive, Devolving Market
So it occurred to me the other day that a piece of music history is completely bizarre. In the late '70s, two musical forms that, i assume, were mutually exclusive in audience were annihilated by another genre that most definitely had another audience. The first two genres were Progressive Rock and Disco. I'm certain that people who were thrilled by "Starless and Bible Black" and "Tales of Topographical Oceans" were not listening to KC and the Sunshine Band on Saturday nights. So how entirely odd it would be for both forms to die with the advent of punk. The Sex Pistols, The Knack, The Clash?
People who get pumped by the monotonic riff of "My Sharona" are not the same people that listen to Emerson, Lake and Palmer's 40-odd minute rock rendition of Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" with awe. Or are they?
Is there only one form of rock/pop that can thrive at a time? In the 60's Neil Young and Miles Davis played together. Folk-Rock and Jazz? It's brilliant. Why not today? Overall, jazz and rock have different audiences, and although there are many who listen to mainstream "alternative" claim they like jazz, there's a difference between listening to a bit of post-bop on NPR and understanding the different approaches of Bill Evans and Dave Brubeck, the significance of the evolution of Miles Davis playing, or the change in format of the Monterey Jazz Festival.
But there are those people who listen to two-plus entirely different genres like blues and classical, while others only listen to a single sub-genre. (It's interesting to note that these people are usually those who say they listen to "a bit of everything". "A bit of everything" either means that juicy R&B/pop/hip-hop hybrid or alt-rock that should have died at the turn of the millennium.)
So why can't sub-genres co-exist on radio? Radio is ultimately what I'm talking about here. After all, it has to be a leading cause of the simplification of music appreciation and lack of diversity. Why can't I hear Feist and Lauryn Hill back-to-back? Why can't I hear CCR and BRMC on the same station? (After all, the one wouldn't exist without the other.)
You know what? I can on my computer, whenever I desire. That's why I don't bother with radio.
STILL, radio has an inherently fabulous quality that my computer doesn't: it can introduce new music. Unfortunately it typically introduces music that has been sent out to test groups to see if it can become a hit. And if it passes those unskilled listeners, it probably means it's catchy, but passes through the system like a prune.
What we need is for people to appreciate a wider variety of music, and then we need those different musicians to do concerts together like they used to.
People who get pumped by the monotonic riff of "My Sharona" are not the same people that listen to Emerson, Lake and Palmer's 40-odd minute rock rendition of Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" with awe. Or are they?
Is there only one form of rock/pop that can thrive at a time? In the 60's Neil Young and Miles Davis played together. Folk-Rock and Jazz? It's brilliant. Why not today? Overall, jazz and rock have different audiences, and although there are many who listen to mainstream "alternative" claim they like jazz, there's a difference between listening to a bit of post-bop on NPR and understanding the different approaches of Bill Evans and Dave Brubeck, the significance of the evolution of Miles Davis playing, or the change in format of the Monterey Jazz Festival.
But there are those people who listen to two-plus entirely different genres like blues and classical, while others only listen to a single sub-genre. (It's interesting to note that these people are usually those who say they listen to "a bit of everything". "A bit of everything" either means that juicy R&B/pop/hip-hop hybrid or alt-rock that should have died at the turn of the millennium.)
So why can't sub-genres co-exist on radio? Radio is ultimately what I'm talking about here. After all, it has to be a leading cause of the simplification of music appreciation and lack of diversity. Why can't I hear Feist and Lauryn Hill back-to-back? Why can't I hear CCR and BRMC on the same station? (After all, the one wouldn't exist without the other.)
You know what? I can on my computer, whenever I desire. That's why I don't bother with radio.
STILL, radio has an inherently fabulous quality that my computer doesn't: it can introduce new music. Unfortunately it typically introduces music that has been sent out to test groups to see if it can become a hit. And if it passes those unskilled listeners, it probably means it's catchy, but passes through the system like a prune.
What we need is for people to appreciate a wider variety of music, and then we need those different musicians to do concerts together like they used to.
Wednesday, April 30
Made in the Shade
"I'm a wonderin' soul
I got no place of my own"
- Delta Spirit, "People, C'mon"
Fitting words for me. This week I began my second year of houselessness. I wouldn't want to say homelessness. I think it's almost offensive to compare my situation to that of the homeless. Not offensive to me; offensive to them. My situation is multi-homeness, whereas there's is often family-less. I digress.
This year has been a rich blessing. Probably the best year of my life. But it's only the beginning.
Trying to keep this blog as impersonal and unfocused on me as possible, so i'll leave it at that.
I got no place of my own"
- Delta Spirit, "People, C'mon"
Fitting words for me. This week I began my second year of houselessness. I wouldn't want to say homelessness. I think it's almost offensive to compare my situation to that of the homeless. Not offensive to me; offensive to them. My situation is multi-homeness, whereas there's is often family-less. I digress.
This year has been a rich blessing. Probably the best year of my life. But it's only the beginning.
Trying to keep this blog as impersonal and unfocused on me as possible, so i'll leave it at that.
Tuesday, April 29
A fine, fine work of art
If you've never read this poem, you very well might not know what poetry is. ;)
"The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock" by T S Eliot
Let us go then, you and I,
When the evening is spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherised upon a table;
Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,
The muttering retreats
Of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels
And sawdust restaurants with oyster-shells:
Streets that follow like a tedious argument
Of insidious intent
To lead you to an overwhelming question …
Oh, do not ask, “What is it?”
Let us go and make our visit.
In the room the women come and go
Talking of Michelangelo.
The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window-panes,
The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes
Licked its tongue into the corners of the evening,
Lingered upon the pools that stand in drains,
Let fall upon its back the soot that falls from chimneys,
Slipped by the terrace, made a sudden leap,
And seeing that it was a soft October night,
Curled once about the house, and fell asleep.
And indeed there will be time
For the yellow smoke that slides along the street,
Rubbing its back upon the window-panes;
There will be time, there will be time
To prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet;
There will be time to murder and create,
And time for all the works and days of hands
That lift and drop a question on your plate;
Time for you and time for me,
And time yet for a hundred indecisions,
And for a hundred visions and revisions,
Before the taking of a toast and tea.
In the room the women come and go
Talking of Michelangelo.
And indeed there will be time
To wonder, “Do I dare?” and, “Do I dare?”
Time to turn back and descend the stair,
With a bald spot in the middle of my hair—
[They will say: “How his hair is growing thin!”]
My morning coat, my collar mounting firmly to the chin,
My necktie rich and modest, but asserted by a simple pin—
[They will say: “But how his arms and legs are thin!”]
Do I dare
Disturb the universe?
In a minute there is time
For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse.
For I have known them all already, known them all:—
Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons,
I have measured out my life with coffee spoons;
I know the voices dying with a dying fall
Beneath the music from a farther room.
So how should I presume?
And I have known the eyes already, known them all—
The eyes that fix you in a formulated phrase,
And when I am formulated, sprawling on a pin,
When I am pinned and wriggling on the wall,
Then how should I begin
To spit out all the butt-ends of my days and ways?
And how should I presume?
And I have known the arms already, known them all—
Arms that are braceleted and white and bare
[But in the lamplight, downed with light brown hair!]
It is perfume from a dress
That makes me so digress?
Arms that lie along a table, or wrap about a shawl.
And should I then presume?
And how should I begin?
. . . . .
Shall I say, I have gone at dusk through narrow streets
And watched the smoke that rises from the pipes
Of lonely men in shirt-sleeves, leaning out of windows?…
I should have been a pair of ragged claws
Scuttling across the floors of silent seas.
. . . . .
And the afternoon, the evening, sleeps so peacefully!
Smoothed by long fingers,
Asleep … tired … or it malingers,
Stretched on the floor, here beside you and me.
Should I, after tea and cakes and ices,
Have the strength to force the moment to its crisis?
But though I have wept and fasted, wept and prayed,
Though I have seen my head [grown slightly bald] brought in upon a platter,
I am no prophet—and here’s no great matter;
I have seen the moment of my greatness flicker,
And I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker,
And in short, I was afraid.
And would it have been worth it, after all,
After the cups, the marmalade, the tea,
Among the porcelain, among some talk of you and me,
Would it have been worth while,
To have bitten off the matter with a smile,
To have squeezed the universe into a ball
To roll it toward some overwhelming question,
To say: “I am Lazarus, come from the dead,
Come back to tell you all, I shall tell you all”—
If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: “That is not what I meant at all.
That is not it, at all.”
And would it have been worth it, after all,
Would it have been worth while,
After the sunsets and the dooryards and the sprinkled streets,
After the novels, after the teacups, after the skirts that trail along the floor—
And this, and so much more?—
It is impossible to say just what I mean!
But as if a magic lantern threw the nerves in patterns on a screen:
Would it have been worth while
If one, settling a pillow or throwing off a shawl,
And turning toward the window, should say:
“That is not it at all,
That is not what I meant, at all.”
. . . . .
No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be;
Am an attendant lord, one that will do
To swell a progress, start a scene or two,
Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool,
Deferential, glad to be of use,
Politic, cautious, and meticulous;
Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse;
At times, indeed, almost ridiculous—
Almost, at times, the Fool.
I grow old … I grow old …
I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled.
Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?
I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach.
I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.
I do not think that they will sing to me.
I have seen them riding seaward on the waves
Combing the white hair of the waves blown back
When the wind blows the water white and black.
We have lingered in the chambers of the sea
By sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown
Till human voices wake us, and we drown.
"The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock" by T S Eliot
Let us go then, you and I,
When the evening is spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherised upon a table;
Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,
The muttering retreats
Of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels
And sawdust restaurants with oyster-shells:
Streets that follow like a tedious argument
Of insidious intent
To lead you to an overwhelming question …
Oh, do not ask, “What is it?”
Let us go and make our visit.
In the room the women come and go
Talking of Michelangelo.
The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window-panes,
The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes
Licked its tongue into the corners of the evening,
Lingered upon the pools that stand in drains,
Let fall upon its back the soot that falls from chimneys,
Slipped by the terrace, made a sudden leap,
And seeing that it was a soft October night,
Curled once about the house, and fell asleep.
And indeed there will be time
For the yellow smoke that slides along the street,
Rubbing its back upon the window-panes;
There will be time, there will be time
To prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet;
There will be time to murder and create,
And time for all the works and days of hands
That lift and drop a question on your plate;
Time for you and time for me,
And time yet for a hundred indecisions,
And for a hundred visions and revisions,
Before the taking of a toast and tea.
In the room the women come and go
Talking of Michelangelo.
And indeed there will be time
To wonder, “Do I dare?” and, “Do I dare?”
Time to turn back and descend the stair,
With a bald spot in the middle of my hair—
[They will say: “How his hair is growing thin!”]
My morning coat, my collar mounting firmly to the chin,
My necktie rich and modest, but asserted by a simple pin—
[They will say: “But how his arms and legs are thin!”]
Do I dare
Disturb the universe?
In a minute there is time
For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse.
For I have known them all already, known them all:—
Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons,
I have measured out my life with coffee spoons;
I know the voices dying with a dying fall
Beneath the music from a farther room.
So how should I presume?
And I have known the eyes already, known them all—
The eyes that fix you in a formulated phrase,
And when I am formulated, sprawling on a pin,
When I am pinned and wriggling on the wall,
Then how should I begin
To spit out all the butt-ends of my days and ways?
And how should I presume?
And I have known the arms already, known them all—
Arms that are braceleted and white and bare
[But in the lamplight, downed with light brown hair!]
It is perfume from a dress
That makes me so digress?
Arms that lie along a table, or wrap about a shawl.
And should I then presume?
And how should I begin?
. . . . .
Shall I say, I have gone at dusk through narrow streets
And watched the smoke that rises from the pipes
Of lonely men in shirt-sleeves, leaning out of windows?…
I should have been a pair of ragged claws
Scuttling across the floors of silent seas.
. . . . .
And the afternoon, the evening, sleeps so peacefully!
Smoothed by long fingers,
Asleep … tired … or it malingers,
Stretched on the floor, here beside you and me.
Should I, after tea and cakes and ices,
Have the strength to force the moment to its crisis?
But though I have wept and fasted, wept and prayed,
Though I have seen my head [grown slightly bald] brought in upon a platter,
I am no prophet—and here’s no great matter;
I have seen the moment of my greatness flicker,
And I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker,
And in short, I was afraid.
And would it have been worth it, after all,
After the cups, the marmalade, the tea,
Among the porcelain, among some talk of you and me,
Would it have been worth while,
To have bitten off the matter with a smile,
To have squeezed the universe into a ball
To roll it toward some overwhelming question,
To say: “I am Lazarus, come from the dead,
Come back to tell you all, I shall tell you all”—
If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: “That is not what I meant at all.
That is not it, at all.”
And would it have been worth it, after all,
Would it have been worth while,
After the sunsets and the dooryards and the sprinkled streets,
After the novels, after the teacups, after the skirts that trail along the floor—
And this, and so much more?—
It is impossible to say just what I mean!
But as if a magic lantern threw the nerves in patterns on a screen:
Would it have been worth while
If one, settling a pillow or throwing off a shawl,
And turning toward the window, should say:
“That is not it at all,
That is not what I meant, at all.”
. . . . .
No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be;
Am an attendant lord, one that will do
To swell a progress, start a scene or two,
Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool,
Deferential, glad to be of use,
Politic, cautious, and meticulous;
Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse;
At times, indeed, almost ridiculous—
Almost, at times, the Fool.
I grow old … I grow old …
I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled.
Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?
I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach.
I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.
I do not think that they will sing to me.
I have seen them riding seaward on the waves
Combing the white hair of the waves blown back
When the wind blows the water white and black.
We have lingered in the chambers of the sea
By sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown
Till human voices wake us, and we drown.
Friday, April 18
Another Day
During our last tour Tommy got sick and couldn't sing. We started covering Steven Delopoulos's "Another Day", and I was singing it to cover for Tommy. I gotta say, I still absolutely love the song. Check it out.
Wednesday, April 16
You Only Live Once
Some good lyrics:
"Some people think they're always right
Others are quiet and uptight
Others they seem so very nice nice nice nice nice nice
Inside they might feel sad and wrong"
-Strokes, "You Only Live Once"
"Some people think they're always right
Others are quiet and uptight
Others they seem so very nice nice nice nice nice nice
Inside they might feel sad and wrong"
-Strokes, "You Only Live Once"
Tuesday, April 15
Friday, March 28
"Night" by Elie Wiesel
I started reading "Night" by Elie Wiesel. I stopped reading "Night" by Elie Wiesel.
Thursday, March 27
jesusland, pt II
"Billboards quoting things you never said" - Ben Folds "Jesusland"
I think I need to explain where I was coming from on the last post about christian books. I have a hard time articulating my thoughts on this...
I believe that Truth is universal and pure. So if I have Truth in my left hand, and untruth in my right, I can't get past their incompatibility. It seems that many Christian authors write about doctrines that, when broken down to their foundations, are not compatible.
When I read lots of Christian books, the disparities between the ideas are the grievous for me to process - or care to process. That's when I put it all to the side and return the Bible, only.
It's not that I don't read Christian books. I just often feel more enriched when I'm reading the Bible and non-religious books. Not always, but often.
Is that more clear?
If you have a recent fascination with Christian books, don't stop reading. shoot.
I think I need to explain where I was coming from on the last post about christian books. I have a hard time articulating my thoughts on this...
I believe that Truth is universal and pure. So if I have Truth in my left hand, and untruth in my right, I can't get past their incompatibility. It seems that many Christian authors write about doctrines that, when broken down to their foundations, are not compatible.
When I read lots of Christian books, the disparities between the ideas are the grievous for me to process - or care to process. That's when I put it all to the side and return the Bible, only.
It's not that I don't read Christian books. I just often feel more enriched when I'm reading the Bible and non-religious books. Not always, but often.
Is that more clear?
If you have a recent fascination with Christian books, don't stop reading. shoot.
Wednesday, March 26
Mash-Up
So here's this thing I read about. Try it out. Open up two tabs of Seeqpod.com. In the one queue up Damien Rice's "Sleep Don't Weep", and in the other queue up Damien Rice's "Cold Water". Play them at the same time. It may take a few bars for you to get them in sync, but it keep it up. Its really amazing to hear the two songs together. Ther are discordant moments, but it's all great.
Go. Do it now.
Oh, and close your eyes.
Go. Do it now.
Oh, and close your eyes.
Tuesday, March 25
Craigslist Robbery
Some guy had all his stuff stolen while he wasn't home, because someone posted false ads on craigslist telling people to come by and pick up free stuff. Read about it here.
Monday, March 17
literary jesusland
frankly, i dislike reading christian books. they all disagree with each other, and they almost all have unbiblical ideas sprinkled through. i'm sick of reading things that are intended for spiritual growth that end up confounding you.
reading a christian book is like stocking eggs at a grocery store. you have to check every egg as you go to make sure no egg is broken. likewise, when i read a christian book i feel like it is filled with broken eggs i must discard.
generally, i don't like reading christian books.
some exceptions:
1. the lotus and the cross - ravi zacharias
2. thoughts from the mount of blessings - ellen white
3. endless falling in love - ty gibson
4. cost of discipleship - good ol' however-you-spell-his-name DB
why must there be 1001 interpretations of the bible? why does everyone make it so complex? most of it is utter bs.
reading a christian book is like stocking eggs at a grocery store. you have to check every egg as you go to make sure no egg is broken. likewise, when i read a christian book i feel like it is filled with broken eggs i must discard.
generally, i don't like reading christian books.
some exceptions:
1. the lotus and the cross - ravi zacharias
2. thoughts from the mount of blessings - ellen white
3. endless falling in love - ty gibson
4. cost of discipleship - good ol' however-you-spell-his-name DB
why must there be 1001 interpretations of the bible? why does everyone make it so complex? most of it is utter bs.
Tuesday, March 11
Blink
So I just finished Malcolm Gladwell's Blink last night. It was so good I want to start the Tipping Point right away, but the other part of me wants to finish some other books that I've started first. So, we'll see what happens.
Blink is about the workings of the subconscious, for good and for bad. It is broadly and deeply researched, and well presented. Gladwell hops from Marriage studies to the Music Business to War Games to Morse Code. It's rather amazing, and randomly fluid. It's 250-ish pages, so jump in if you're curious!
Blink is about the workings of the subconscious, for good and for bad. It is broadly and deeply researched, and well presented. Gladwell hops from Marriage studies to the Music Business to War Games to Morse Code. It's rather amazing, and randomly fluid. It's 250-ish pages, so jump in if you're curious!
Wednesday, March 5
Tuesday, March 4
Tuesday, February 26
Punch Drunk
This is the day I've been waiting for for at least a month. Chris Thile's new band, Punch Brothers, released their first album, "Punch" (Playing off of Mark Twain's short story "Punch, Brothers, Punch").
I held the album today, but I didn't buy it. That would require spendable money. But I'll get it one day.
The highlight of the album is Chris Thile's 40-minute, four movement "The Blind Leaving the Blind". Bliss. Bliss. Bliss. I'm thrilled to hear it.
Tuesday, February 19
Monday, February 18
Here comes the flood
So on Saturday night I watched Evan Almighty. If Steve Carrell wasn't in it, I doubt I would have ever seen it. I have foregone Bruce Almighty, despite the random reminders I get that my name, too, is Bruce ("Bruce Almighty!" "Bruce the shark!" "Fish are our friends", etc...). Sorry. Detour there. I had heard much good about Evan Almighty. Much good + Steve Carrell - director of Knocked Up = worthwhile viewing (that is, even though I enjoy Carrell, I'll never see 40-Year-Old Virgin).
The movie has some really nice thoughts throughout, and I think the spiritual lessons are great. Morgan Freeman does an excellent job as God. I feel He was well-represented in His actions toward mankind.
Well, if you don't know, Evan Almighty is about a modern-day Noah. He is ostracized by his family and community. Everyone thinks he's lost it and is following a hair-brained idea. Carrell did a great representation of the change of a humbled heart. It was beautiful, actually, as odd as that sounds.
Of course, there was some dry humor, weak acting, and a few loose strands in the plotline. But all that important mumbo-jumbo aside, it was good.
Incidentally, I spent a lot of time reading about the flood in December and January, mostly from Arthur Rehwinkle's The Flood and Rene somethingsomething's The Ark File, but also some long essays that have been posted online. I haven't finished any of the books, but I intend to on my next visit to Michigan.
The Flood was more credible than The Ark File. The Ark File is focused on sightings of and expeditions for the ark, and is written with an open mind to the plausibility of many stories. For instance, it documents Marco Polo's support of the legendary frequent Armenian sightings. Yet when I cross-checked this with the most recent work to come out about Marco Polo's travels, it doesn't quite stand. According to a certain author, Polo left Armenia discouraged and disbelieving of the accounts. I'm not sure if that view is accurate, or is tainted by the author's own biases to the credibility of the Bible, so I need to look more into it.
Although the Ark File is rather hopeful, the author still makes distinctions between possible truths and probable hoaxes.
The Flood is more thorough in that it deals with all sorts of needless information you're probably not interested in. For instance, varying sizes of cubits and how that relates to the veracity of the ark holding every species; also, the growth of human population, generation to generation. But among the excess is rather interesting theories and information concerning the antidiluvian world (the world's one-season climate, the canopy theory, et al), duration of the flood, and the repopulation of the world post-deluge. A very colorful and unique read.
The main article I was reading online dealt with Genesis chapter 10 and 11, which chronicles the generations after the flood and the nations they became. It is commonly referred to as the Table of Nations. This is a fascinating study, as the Table of Nations covers everything from Babylon to Greece to Spain, to Russian and African territories. The last section of this essay covers the Celts in pre-Roman Britain, and how they could trace their lineage to Noah, even though they refused to practice monotheism. I have yet to read this part of the essay, but it sounds very interesting. The first half is very credible, so I expect the same scholasticism in the second half. We'll see.
All this has been part of my study on History and, especially, Anthropology. I've been doing studies on myths, and I'm trying to pull together an entirely credible, Biblically verified, secular-sourced worldview on origin. I believe it's all there in the information. We just need to be looking at it from the right perspective. It's just a little challenging when your sources are either Evolutionists/Naturalists, or Syncretists. So, we'll see.
The movie has some really nice thoughts throughout, and I think the spiritual lessons are great. Morgan Freeman does an excellent job as God. I feel He was well-represented in His actions toward mankind.
Well, if you don't know, Evan Almighty is about a modern-day Noah. He is ostracized by his family and community. Everyone thinks he's lost it and is following a hair-brained idea. Carrell did a great representation of the change of a humbled heart. It was beautiful, actually, as odd as that sounds.
Of course, there was some dry humor, weak acting, and a few loose strands in the plotline. But all that important mumbo-jumbo aside, it was good.
Incidentally, I spent a lot of time reading about the flood in December and January, mostly from Arthur Rehwinkle's The Flood and Rene somethingsomething's The Ark File, but also some long essays that have been posted online. I haven't finished any of the books, but I intend to on my next visit to Michigan.
The Flood was more credible than The Ark File. The Ark File is focused on sightings of and expeditions for the ark, and is written with an open mind to the plausibility of many stories. For instance, it documents Marco Polo's support of the legendary frequent Armenian sightings. Yet when I cross-checked this with the most recent work to come out about Marco Polo's travels, it doesn't quite stand. According to a certain author, Polo left Armenia discouraged and disbelieving of the accounts. I'm not sure if that view is accurate, or is tainted by the author's own biases to the credibility of the Bible, so I need to look more into it.
Although the Ark File is rather hopeful, the author still makes distinctions between possible truths and probable hoaxes.
The Flood is more thorough in that it deals with all sorts of needless information you're probably not interested in. For instance, varying sizes of cubits and how that relates to the veracity of the ark holding every species; also, the growth of human population, generation to generation. But among the excess is rather interesting theories and information concerning the antidiluvian world (the world's one-season climate, the canopy theory, et al), duration of the flood, and the repopulation of the world post-deluge. A very colorful and unique read.
The main article I was reading online dealt with Genesis chapter 10 and 11, which chronicles the generations after the flood and the nations they became. It is commonly referred to as the Table of Nations. This is a fascinating study, as the Table of Nations covers everything from Babylon to Greece to Spain, to Russian and African territories. The last section of this essay covers the Celts in pre-Roman Britain, and how they could trace their lineage to Noah, even though they refused to practice monotheism. I have yet to read this part of the essay, but it sounds very interesting. The first half is very credible, so I expect the same scholasticism in the second half. We'll see.
All this has been part of my study on History and, especially, Anthropology. I've been doing studies on myths, and I'm trying to pull together an entirely credible, Biblically verified, secular-sourced worldview on origin. I believe it's all there in the information. We just need to be looking at it from the right perspective. It's just a little challenging when your sources are either Evolutionists/Naturalists, or Syncretists. So, we'll see.
Sunday, February 3
Malcolm Gladwell
Author of Blink and The Tipping Point. He is quite an excellent writer. But I am more interested in how he researches for his books. He pulls information from many different studies and events and weaves it all together. I have a lot of respect for him. I'm reading Blink at the moment, and I'll be sure to give a review when I'm done.
Saturday, February 2
Argent-ina
The warmth of Your love is like the warmth of the sun
This will be our year
Took a long time to come
Don't let go of my hand now that darkness has come
this will be our year
took a long time to come
And I wont forget the way You brought me up when I was down
And I wont forget the way You said,
"Darling, I love you"
You give me faith to go on
Now we're here and we've only just begun
This will be our year
Took a long time to come
This will be our year
Took a long time to come
Don't let go of my hand now that darkness has come
this will be our year
took a long time to come
And I wont forget the way You brought me up when I was down
And I wont forget the way You said,
"Darling, I love you"
You give me faith to go on
Now we're here and we've only just begun
This will be our year
Took a long time to come
Sunday, January 27
Africa
I'm learning my African geography by the crises scattered over the land.
The Democratic Republic of Congo? 5 Million dead in a decade.
Uganda? Children fleeing every evening from abduction.
Chad? Where my friend went to help refugees from Sudan.
Oh, and Sudan? Darfur, of course.
Shall we mention Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria, Liberia, Egypt, et al? It's pretty sad.
The Democratic Republic of Congo? 5 Million dead in a decade.
Uganda? Children fleeing every evening from abduction.
Chad? Where my friend went to help refugees from Sudan.
Oh, and Sudan? Darfur, of course.
Shall we mention Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria, Liberia, Egypt, et al? It's pretty sad.
Wednesday, January 23
Stupid Lyrics
"without the poor, there would be no rich"
As though the poor have a responsibility to be poor, that the rich may live in abundance. The words come from a song entitled "Everybody's Got a Song to Sing" by the Chairmen of the Board. The song is really good; and then there's that line. It makes just as much sense to say, "without the rich, there would be no poor".
As though the poor have a responsibility to be poor, that the rich may live in abundance. The words come from a song entitled "Everybody's Got a Song to Sing" by the Chairmen of the Board. The song is really good; and then there's that line. It makes just as much sense to say, "without the rich, there would be no poor".
Cheers, Briertone
I've been listening to an EP by Briertone, a California band. The album is five tracks, and not much more than 15 minutes. It's so good I often play it back to back.
The first track has some strong lyrics:
Let us drink until we cannot think
Let us be numb, numb to the tips of our brains
Let us be numb to this minute, to this hour
Let us be deaf to Your voice, and dead to Your power
Cheers to our deaths and to our falls
We lift our glasses to it all
Cheers to what's wrong and what feels right
We see no black we see no white
But the best song is track number three. It's based on Revelation chapter one, when John first sees Jesus. The culmination of the album is at the end of the song:
I am He which is, which was and is to come
Even though it's grammatically incorrect, it's beautifully set to the melody. Grammar doesn't matter too much in song.
Well, go check them out. Especially if you like hearing youth rocking the banjo (no, not caressing it sufjan-style).
The first track has some strong lyrics:
Let us drink until we cannot think
Let us be numb, numb to the tips of our brains
Let us be numb to this minute, to this hour
Let us be deaf to Your voice, and dead to Your power
Cheers to our deaths and to our falls
We lift our glasses to it all
Cheers to what's wrong and what feels right
We see no black we see no white
But the best song is track number three. It's based on Revelation chapter one, when John first sees Jesus. The culmination of the album is at the end of the song:
I am He which is, which was and is to come
Even though it's grammatically incorrect, it's beautifully set to the melody. Grammar doesn't matter too much in song.
Well, go check them out. Especially if you like hearing youth rocking the banjo (no, not caressing it sufjan-style).
Monday, January 21
tired eyes
Here are some books I'm excited about. Free Lunch is number six on Amazon's sales. I read an interview with the author at democracynow.org, and it was very informative. I wouldn't say that the information is presented sensationally. But it is compelling.
I read a bit from Tea at my last visit to Barnes and Noble. I'm excited about the book. Its a histroy lesson from a different angle.
I've read the first parts of Susan Bauer Wise's book on ancient history. I enjoy how she writes, and I appreciate her perspective on the importance of myth in the understanding of history.
I want to add another book to the list. It's about vikings. But I can't find any trace of it online. I read the first chapter while I was at B&N and it's very well written. It emphasizes the development of viking culture before their golden age. You could say it's more holistic, I suppose.
Anyhow, browse those books if they interest you. And do share your thoughts.
Friday, January 11
Prison Reading
This book is terrible. Well, it was actually amazing. I read it rather fast because the story was powerful. I just didn't enjoy the writing.
"Prisoner for Christ" is the true story of Robert Huang, a Chinese pastor in Shanghai during Mao's Cultural Revolution. It talks about his eight year imprisonment without trial: how he coped, and how he ministered to those around him. The story is right up there with "Sophie Scholl: the Final Days". I wish that it would become a foreign film. Maybe one day....
The main reason I dislike the writing is that the author talks bad about the protagonist every so often. It's straight up finger-pointing. He accuses him of being deceptive as he read from "the book that teaches against deception". That's a paraphrase. Honestly, this guy is locked up and can't own a Bible, and the author is slapping his hands for sneaking some reads. Then he slaps his hands again when he gets rid of the Bible. Honestly, where does the author stand on it?
The story has a beautiful love story weaving through it. All in all, as every book critic notes about every book: "It was riveting!"
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