Mitchell Hollis attended the young adults bible study my wife and I attened. I did not know him well, he had been only a few times, but he had been atteneding the church and a small group that some of my close friends are in.
News Article
Please pray for his family, he was working on getting back together with his wife, pray especialy for her and their kids. Thanks.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Monday, December 27, 2004
All I Want For Christmas is....
From my wonderful wife:
1 Year subscrition to PRINT Magazine
Corn Cob Pipe (the bent one)
Some fine tobacco selections
Boxers
and some other random stocking stuffers
From my mom and dad:
Cordless Drill
From my in-laws:
Air purifier (for Jenny and I from her mom and dad)
Tools and a tool box (from her brother, who drew my name)
1 Year subscrition to PRINT Magazine
Corn Cob Pipe (the bent one)
Some fine tobacco selections
Boxers
and some other random stocking stuffers
From my mom and dad:
Cordless Drill
From my in-laws:
Air purifier (for Jenny and I from her mom and dad)
Tools and a tool box (from her brother, who drew my name)
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Top 10 Albums of 2004
1. U2 - How To Dismantel An Atomic Bomb
2. Derek Webb - I See Things Upside Down
3. Wilco - A Ghost Is Born
4. The Cure - The Cure
5. Mutemath - Reset
6. Indigo Girls - All That We Let In
7. Modest Mouse - Good News For People Who Love Bad News
8. Pedro The Lion - Achilles Heal
9. Carbon Leaf - Indian Summer
10.Caedmon's Call - Share The Well
Andrew Peterson - Behold The Lamb of God gets mad props too, but its seasonal, so i am not sure if I can add it to my list.
2. Derek Webb - I See Things Upside Down
3. Wilco - A Ghost Is Born
4. The Cure - The Cure
5. Mutemath - Reset
6. Indigo Girls - All That We Let In
7. Modest Mouse - Good News For People Who Love Bad News
8. Pedro The Lion - Achilles Heal
9. Carbon Leaf - Indian Summer
10.Caedmon's Call - Share The Well
Andrew Peterson - Behold The Lamb of God gets mad props too, but its seasonal, so i am not sure if I can add it to my list.
Monday, December 20, 2004
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Here is the thing....
I have been busy and lazy, mostly busy, but partly lazy, so I have nothing new to say, but Hi, and I will come up with somthing witty someday, don't hold your breathe.
As for my review of the last few tracks of the U2 album, I love them, you will too, go buy it!
Thats all.
As for my review of the last few tracks of the U2 album, I love them, you will too, go buy it!
Thats all.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
U2 - How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb - Crumbs From Your Table
Track #8 - Crumbs From Your Table
From the brightest star
Comes the blackest hole
You had so much to offer
Why did you offer your soul?
I was there for you baby
When you needed my help
Would you deny for others
What you demand for yourself?
Cool down mama, cool off
Cool down mama, cool off
You speak of signs and wonders
I need something other
I would believe if I was able
But I’m waiting on the crumbs from your table
You were pretty as a picture
It was all there to see
Then your face caught up with your psychology
With a mouth full of teeth
You ate all your friends
And you broke every heart thinking every heart mends
You speak of signs and wonders
But I need something other
I would believe if I was able
But I’m waiting on the crumbs from your table
Where you live should not decide
Whether you live or whether you die
Three to a bed
Sister Ann, she said
Dignity passes by
And you speak of signs and wonders
But I need something other
I would believe if I was able
I’m waiting on the crumbs from your table
___________________________________________________
This is another song about the AIDS crisis in Africa. I see it as a song being sung from an unbelieving world to the American church as they watch the crisis unfold and they here us speak of "signs and wonders" but we "deny for others what we demand for ourselves".
"Three to a bed /Sister Ann, she said /Dignity passes by "
This line is actually a quote from a nun working in an African AIDS relief tent, when Bono went to visit she explained to him "dignity passes by this place".
"And you speak of signs and wonders /But I need something other /I would believe if I was able /I’m waiting on the crumbs from your table"
This line points out what I feel is a great problem with the church and us Christians in general. We are called to be Christ like, we talk about right and wrong, we judge by standards no man can keep yet we do little to help our fellow man, something Christ spoke about more then anything. Let us not be known for what we say but what we do.
From the brightest star
Comes the blackest hole
You had so much to offer
Why did you offer your soul?
I was there for you baby
When you needed my help
Would you deny for others
What you demand for yourself?
Cool down mama, cool off
Cool down mama, cool off
You speak of signs and wonders
I need something other
I would believe if I was able
But I’m waiting on the crumbs from your table
You were pretty as a picture
It was all there to see
Then your face caught up with your psychology
With a mouth full of teeth
You ate all your friends
And you broke every heart thinking every heart mends
You speak of signs and wonders
But I need something other
I would believe if I was able
But I’m waiting on the crumbs from your table
Where you live should not decide
Whether you live or whether you die
Three to a bed
Sister Ann, she said
Dignity passes by
And you speak of signs and wonders
But I need something other
I would believe if I was able
I’m waiting on the crumbs from your table
___________________________________________________
This is another song about the AIDS crisis in Africa. I see it as a song being sung from an unbelieving world to the American church as they watch the crisis unfold and they here us speak of "signs and wonders" but we "deny for others what we demand for ourselves".
"Three to a bed /Sister Ann, she said /Dignity passes by "
This line is actually a quote from a nun working in an African AIDS relief tent, when Bono went to visit she explained to him "dignity passes by this place".
"And you speak of signs and wonders /But I need something other /I would believe if I was able /I’m waiting on the crumbs from your table"
This line points out what I feel is a great problem with the church and us Christians in general. We are called to be Christ like, we talk about right and wrong, we judge by standards no man can keep yet we do little to help our fellow man, something Christ spoke about more then anything. Let us not be known for what we say but what we do.
Monday, November 22, 2004
U2 - How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb - A Man and A Woman
Track# 7 A Man and A Woman
Little sister don’t you worry about a thing today
Take the heat from the sun
Little sister
I know that everything is not ok
But you’re like honey on my tongue
True love never can be rent
But only true love can keep beauty innocent
I could never take a chance
Of losing love to find romance
In the mysterious distance
Between a man and a woman
No I could never take a chance
‘Cos I could never understand
The mysterious distance
Between a man and a woman
You can run from love
And if it’s really love it will find you
Catch you by the heel
But you can’t be numb for love
The only pain is to feel nothing at all
How can I hurt when I’m holding you?
I could never take a chance
Of losing love to find romance
In the mysterious distance
Between a man and a woman
And you’re the one, there’s no-one else
You make me want to lose myself
In the mysterious distance
Between a man and a woman
Brown eyed girl across the street
On rue Saint Divine
I thought this is the one for me
But she was already mine
You were already mine…
Little sister
I’ve been sleeping in the street again
Like a stray dog
Little sister
I’ve been trying to feel complete again
But you’re gone and so is God
The soul needs beauty for a soul mate
When the soul wants… the soul waits …
No I could never take a chance
Of losing love to find romance
In the mysterious distance
Between a man and a woman
For love and faith and sex and fear
And all the things that keep us here
In the mysterious distance
Between a man and a woman
How can I hurt when I’m holding you?
___________________________________________
This is a classic love song as only U2 could do it.
"You can run from love /And if it’s really love it will find you"
Some of these lines are so cheesy that I would not be able to take them seriously, but Bono has a way of giving them meaning anyway.
"I know that everything is not ok /But you’re like honey on my tongue "
As with every U2 love song its born out of some conflict.
"I could never take a chance /Of losing love to find romance "
This is one of the best love song lines ever, I love that idea, Romance is somthing that you can find in many places, love is much harder to find.
"How can I hurt when I’m holding you?"
Great closing line of a great love song.
Little sister don’t you worry about a thing today
Take the heat from the sun
Little sister
I know that everything is not ok
But you’re like honey on my tongue
True love never can be rent
But only true love can keep beauty innocent
I could never take a chance
Of losing love to find romance
In the mysterious distance
Between a man and a woman
No I could never take a chance
‘Cos I could never understand
The mysterious distance
Between a man and a woman
You can run from love
And if it’s really love it will find you
Catch you by the heel
But you can’t be numb for love
The only pain is to feel nothing at all
How can I hurt when I’m holding you?
I could never take a chance
Of losing love to find romance
In the mysterious distance
Between a man and a woman
And you’re the one, there’s no-one else
You make me want to lose myself
In the mysterious distance
Between a man and a woman
Brown eyed girl across the street
On rue Saint Divine
I thought this is the one for me
But she was already mine
You were already mine…
Little sister
I’ve been sleeping in the street again
Like a stray dog
Little sister
I’ve been trying to feel complete again
But you’re gone and so is God
The soul needs beauty for a soul mate
When the soul wants… the soul waits …
No I could never take a chance
Of losing love to find romance
In the mysterious distance
Between a man and a woman
For love and faith and sex and fear
And all the things that keep us here
In the mysterious distance
Between a man and a woman
How can I hurt when I’m holding you?
___________________________________________
This is a classic love song as only U2 could do it.
"You can run from love /And if it’s really love it will find you"
Some of these lines are so cheesy that I would not be able to take them seriously, but Bono has a way of giving them meaning anyway.
"I know that everything is not ok /But you’re like honey on my tongue "
As with every U2 love song its born out of some conflict.
"I could never take a chance /Of losing love to find romance "
This is one of the best love song lines ever, I love that idea, Romance is somthing that you can find in many places, love is much harder to find.
"How can I hurt when I’m holding you?"
Great closing line of a great love song.
U2 - How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb - All Because Of You
Track # 6 - All Because Of You
I was born a child of grace
Nothing else about the place
Everything was ugly but your beautiful face
And it left me no illusion
I saw you in the curve of the moon
In the shadow cast across my room
You heard me in my tune
When I just heard confusion
All because of you
All because of you
All because of you
I am… I am
I like the sound of my own voice
I didn’t give anyone else a choice
An intellectual tortoise
Racing with your bullet train
Some people get squashed crossing the tracks
Some people got high rises on their backs
I’m not broke but you can see the cracks
You can make me perfect again
All because of you
All because of you
All because of you
I am… I am
I’m alive
I’m being born
I just arrived, I’m at the door
Of the place I started out from
And I want back inside
All because of you
All because of you
All because of you
I am
____________________________________________
This song is basicaly a praise song that rocks.
"I saw you in the curve of the moon /In the shadow cast across my room /You heard me in my tune /When I just heard confusion"
This verse leaves little doubt that he is talking about God.
"I’m not broke but you can see the cracks /You can make me perfect again"
speaking about God's redemptive abilities.
"All because of you /I am"
I was born a child of grace
Nothing else about the place
Everything was ugly but your beautiful face
And it left me no illusion
I saw you in the curve of the moon
In the shadow cast across my room
You heard me in my tune
When I just heard confusion
All because of you
All because of you
All because of you
I am… I am
I like the sound of my own voice
I didn’t give anyone else a choice
An intellectual tortoise
Racing with your bullet train
Some people get squashed crossing the tracks
Some people got high rises on their backs
I’m not broke but you can see the cracks
You can make me perfect again
All because of you
All because of you
All because of you
I am… I am
I’m alive
I’m being born
I just arrived, I’m at the door
Of the place I started out from
And I want back inside
All because of you
All because of you
All because of you
I am
____________________________________________
This song is basicaly a praise song that rocks.
"I saw you in the curve of the moon /In the shadow cast across my room /You heard me in my tune /When I just heard confusion"
This verse leaves little doubt that he is talking about God.
"I’m not broke but you can see the cracks /You can make me perfect again"
speaking about God's redemptive abilities.
"All because of you /I am"
U2 - How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb - City Of Blinding Lights
Track #5 - City Of Blinding Lights
The more you see the less you know
The less you find out as you go
I knew much more then than I do now
Neon heart dayglo eyes
A city lit by fireflies
They’re advertising in the skies
For people like us
And I miss you when you’re not around
I’m getting ready to leave the ground….
Ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh
Oh you look so beautiful tonight
In the city of blinding lights
Don’t look before you laugh
Look ugly in a photograph
Flash bulbs purple irises
The camera can’t see
I’ve seen you walk unafraid
I’ve seen you in the clothes you made
Can you see the beauty inside of me?
What happened to the beauty I had inside of me?
And I miss you when you’re not around
I’m getting ready to leave the ground
Ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh
Oh you look so beautiful tonight
In the city of blinding lights
Time… time
Won’t leave me as I am
But time won’t take the boy out of this man
Oh you look so beautiful tonight
Oh you look so beautiful tonight
Oh you look so beautiful tonight
In the city of blinding lights
The more you know the less you feel
Some pray for others steal
Blessings are not just for the ones who kneel… luckily
_______________________________________________________
Hulkster on the Circle 6 boards nailed this one, so I am just going to steal his post, I couldn't have said it better....
Hulkster said:
I think Bono is just saying that, the older we get, the more complicated things tend to get in our lives. The more complicated things get, the more gray things become, and answers seem less black and white.
The line about knowing much more "then" than now is just a look back to his youth when he no doubt(like us all) thought we knew it all. And again I think it's just a way Bono in saying "back then things were a little bit more simple than they are now." Everything now is complicated. He's having to jump through government hoops across the world to get things done in Africa, whereas before he thought(mistakenly) that he could change the world with a song, like Sunday Bloody Sunday. It's just a wakeup call of sorts, an admission of the reality of what he's facing.
The more you see the less you know
The less you find out as you go
I knew much more then than I do now
Neon heart dayglo eyes
A city lit by fireflies
They’re advertising in the skies
For people like us
And I miss you when you’re not around
I’m getting ready to leave the ground….
Ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh
Oh you look so beautiful tonight
In the city of blinding lights
Don’t look before you laugh
Look ugly in a photograph
Flash bulbs purple irises
The camera can’t see
I’ve seen you walk unafraid
I’ve seen you in the clothes you made
Can you see the beauty inside of me?
What happened to the beauty I had inside of me?
And I miss you when you’re not around
I’m getting ready to leave the ground
Ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh
Oh you look so beautiful tonight
In the city of blinding lights
Time… time
Won’t leave me as I am
But time won’t take the boy out of this man
Oh you look so beautiful tonight
Oh you look so beautiful tonight
Oh you look so beautiful tonight
In the city of blinding lights
The more you know the less you feel
Some pray for others steal
Blessings are not just for the ones who kneel… luckily
_______________________________________________________
Hulkster on the Circle 6 boards nailed this one, so I am just going to steal his post, I couldn't have said it better....
Hulkster said:
I think Bono is just saying that, the older we get, the more complicated things tend to get in our lives. The more complicated things get, the more gray things become, and answers seem less black and white.
The line about knowing much more "then" than now is just a look back to his youth when he no doubt(like us all) thought we knew it all. And again I think it's just a way Bono in saying "back then things were a little bit more simple than they are now." Everything now is complicated. He's having to jump through government hoops across the world to get things done in Africa, whereas before he thought(mistakenly) that he could change the world with a song, like Sunday Bloody Sunday. It's just a wakeup call of sorts, an admission of the reality of what he's facing.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
U2 - How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb - Love And Peace Or Else
Track #4 - Love And Peace Or Else
Lay down
Lay down
Lay your sweet lovely on the ground
Lay your love on the track
We're gonna break the monster's back
Yes we are...
Lay down your treasure
Lay it down now brother
You don't have time
For a jealous lover
As you enter this life
I pray you depart
With a wrinkled face
And a brand new heart
I don't know if I can take it
I'm not easy on my knees
Here's my heart I'll let you break it
I need some release, release, release
We need
Love and peace
Love and peace
Lay down
Lay down your guns
All your daughters of Zion
All your Abraham sons
I don't know if I can make it
I'm not easy on my knees
Here's my heart I'll let you break it
I need some release, release, release
We need
Love and peace
Love and peace
Baby don't fight
We can talk this thing through
It's not a big problem
It's just me and you
You can call or I'll phone
The TV is still on
But the sound is turned down
And the troops on the ground
Are about to dig in
And I wonder where is the love?
Where is the love?
Love and peace
Where is the love?
Where is the love?
Where is the love?
_________________________________________________
This song is about the Israeli - Palestinian conflict. Bono is calling both sides to look for Love and Peace.
"Lay down/ Lay down your guns/ All your daughters of Zion/ All your Abraham sons"
Leaving little doubt about the subject matter of this song.
"Baby don't fight/ We can talk this thing through/ It's not a big problem/ It's just me and you/ You can call or I'll phone/ The TV is still on/ But the sound is turned down/ And the troops on the ground/ Are about to dig in"
Comparing it to a fight between two lovers.
"Where is the love?"
Lay down
Lay down
Lay your sweet lovely on the ground
Lay your love on the track
We're gonna break the monster's back
Yes we are...
Lay down your treasure
Lay it down now brother
You don't have time
For a jealous lover
As you enter this life
I pray you depart
With a wrinkled face
And a brand new heart
I don't know if I can take it
I'm not easy on my knees
Here's my heart I'll let you break it
I need some release, release, release
We need
Love and peace
Love and peace
Lay down
Lay down your guns
All your daughters of Zion
All your Abraham sons
I don't know if I can make it
I'm not easy on my knees
Here's my heart I'll let you break it
I need some release, release, release
We need
Love and peace
Love and peace
Baby don't fight
We can talk this thing through
It's not a big problem
It's just me and you
You can call or I'll phone
The TV is still on
But the sound is turned down
And the troops on the ground
Are about to dig in
And I wonder where is the love?
Where is the love?
Love and peace
Where is the love?
Where is the love?
Where is the love?
_________________________________________________
This song is about the Israeli - Palestinian conflict. Bono is calling both sides to look for Love and Peace.
"Lay down/ Lay down your guns/ All your daughters of Zion/ All your Abraham sons"
Leaving little doubt about the subject matter of this song.
"Baby don't fight/ We can talk this thing through/ It's not a big problem/ It's just me and you/ You can call or I'll phone/ The TV is still on/ But the sound is turned down/ And the troops on the ground/ Are about to dig in"
Comparing it to a fight between two lovers.
"Where is the love?"
U2 - How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb - Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own
Track #3 - Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own
Tough, you think you've got the stuff
You're telling me and anyone
You're hard enough
You don't have to put up a fight
You don't have to always be right
Let me take some of the punches
For you tonight
Listen to me now
I need to let you know
You don't have to go it alone
And it's you when I look in the mirror
And it's you when I don't pick up the phone
Sometimes you can't make it on your own
We fight all the time
You and I...that's alright
We're the same soul
I don't need...I don't need to hear you say
That if we weren't so alike
You'd like me a whole lot more
Listen to me now
I need to let you know
You don't have to go it alone
And it's you when I look in the mirror
And it's you when I don't pick up the phone
Sometimes you can't make it on your own
I know that we don't talk
I'm sick of it all
Can - you - hear - me - when - I -
Sing, you're the reason I sing
You're the reason why the opera is in me...
Where are we now?
I've got to let you know
A house still doesn't make a home
Don't leave me here alone...
And it's you when I look in the mirror
And it's you that makes it hard to let go
Sometimes you can't make it on your own
Sometimes you can't make it
The best you can do is to fake it
Sometimes you can't make it on your own
________________________________________________________
This song was written for Bono's father's funeral.
"We fight all the time/ You and I...that's alright/ We're the same soul/ I don't need...I don't need to hear you say/ That if we weren't so alike/ You'd like me a whole lot more"
This line is pretty typical of a lot of father son relationships.
"Listen to me now/ I need to let you know/ You don't have to go it alone"
I heard an interview were Bono was talking about how his "old man" was losing his faith, I think this is Bono's plea to his dad to give up, to stop trying to "make it on your own".
"Can - you - hear - me - when - I -/ Sing, you're the reason I sing/ You're the reason why the opera is in me..."
His father loved Opera and Bono feels that has been passed on to him.
"Where are we now?/ I've got to let you know/ A house still doesn't make a home/ Don't leave me here alone..."
I take this line as admitting, that 'hey, you can't make it on your own, but either can I, I need you here to help' maybe I am wrong with that one, but that’s how I like to think of it.
Tough, you think you've got the stuff
You're telling me and anyone
You're hard enough
You don't have to put up a fight
You don't have to always be right
Let me take some of the punches
For you tonight
Listen to me now
I need to let you know
You don't have to go it alone
And it's you when I look in the mirror
And it's you when I don't pick up the phone
Sometimes you can't make it on your own
We fight all the time
You and I...that's alright
We're the same soul
I don't need...I don't need to hear you say
That if we weren't so alike
You'd like me a whole lot more
Listen to me now
I need to let you know
You don't have to go it alone
And it's you when I look in the mirror
And it's you when I don't pick up the phone
Sometimes you can't make it on your own
I know that we don't talk
I'm sick of it all
Can - you - hear - me - when - I -
Sing, you're the reason I sing
You're the reason why the opera is in me...
Where are we now?
I've got to let you know
A house still doesn't make a home
Don't leave me here alone...
And it's you when I look in the mirror
And it's you that makes it hard to let go
Sometimes you can't make it on your own
Sometimes you can't make it
The best you can do is to fake it
Sometimes you can't make it on your own
________________________________________________________
This song was written for Bono's father's funeral.
"We fight all the time/ You and I...that's alright/ We're the same soul/ I don't need...I don't need to hear you say/ That if we weren't so alike/ You'd like me a whole lot more"
This line is pretty typical of a lot of father son relationships.
"Listen to me now/ I need to let you know/ You don't have to go it alone"
I heard an interview were Bono was talking about how his "old man" was losing his faith, I think this is Bono's plea to his dad to give up, to stop trying to "make it on your own".
"Can - you - hear - me - when - I -/ Sing, you're the reason I sing/ You're the reason why the opera is in me..."
His father loved Opera and Bono feels that has been passed on to him.
"Where are we now?/ I've got to let you know/ A house still doesn't make a home/ Don't leave me here alone..."
I take this line as admitting, that 'hey, you can't make it on your own, but either can I, I need you here to help' maybe I am wrong with that one, but that’s how I like to think of it.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
U2 - How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb - Miracle Drug
Track #2 - Miracle Drug
I want to trip inside your head
Spend the day there...
To hear the things you haven't said
And see what you might see
I want to hear you when you call
Do you feel anything at all?
I want to see your thoughts take shape
And walk right out
Freedom has a scent
Like the top of a new born baby's head
The songs are in your eyes
I see them when you smile
I've seen enough I'm not giving up
On a miracle drug
Of science and the human heart
There is no limit
There is no failure here sweetheart
Just when you quit...
I am you and you are mine
Love makes nonsense of space
And time...will disappear
Love and logic keep us clear
Reason is on our side, love...
The songs are in your eyes
I see them when you smile
I've had enough of romantic love
I'd give it up, yeah, I'd give it up
For a miracle, a miracle drug, a miracle drug
God I need your help tonight
Beneath the noise
Below the din
I hear your voice
It's whispering
In science and in medicine
"I was a stranger
You took me in"
The songs are in your eyes
I see them when you smile
I've had enough of romantic love
I'd give it up, yeah, I'd give it up
For a miracle, miracle drug
Miracle, miracle drug
__________________________________
This song is about the Africa AIDS crisis. It is dirceted to God, Bono is crying out for a Miracle Drug, not a "sign or wonder" but a solution.
"I want to trip inside your head/ Spend the day there.../ To hear the things you haven't said/ And see what you might see/ I want to hear you when you call/ Do you feel anything at all?/ I want to see your thoughts take shape/ And walk right out"
This line recalls the song "When I Look At The World" from ATYCLB, in which Bono is calling out to God asking to better understand His ways.
"God I need your help tonight/ Beneath the noise/ Below the din/ I hear your voice/ It's whispering/ In science and in medicine/ "I was a stranger/ You took me in""
This line he is calling for God's help, or for the church to listen to God's teachings. That God even is in the worlds of scince and medicine, a place that the church is often fighting against. Echoing the words of Christ "I was a stranger/ You took me in" calling the church to action.
I want to trip inside your head
Spend the day there...
To hear the things you haven't said
And see what you might see
I want to hear you when you call
Do you feel anything at all?
I want to see your thoughts take shape
And walk right out
Freedom has a scent
Like the top of a new born baby's head
The songs are in your eyes
I see them when you smile
I've seen enough I'm not giving up
On a miracle drug
Of science and the human heart
There is no limit
There is no failure here sweetheart
Just when you quit...
I am you and you are mine
Love makes nonsense of space
And time...will disappear
Love and logic keep us clear
Reason is on our side, love...
The songs are in your eyes
I see them when you smile
I've had enough of romantic love
I'd give it up, yeah, I'd give it up
For a miracle, a miracle drug, a miracle drug
God I need your help tonight
Beneath the noise
Below the din
I hear your voice
It's whispering
In science and in medicine
"I was a stranger
You took me in"
The songs are in your eyes
I see them when you smile
I've had enough of romantic love
I'd give it up, yeah, I'd give it up
For a miracle, miracle drug
Miracle, miracle drug
__________________________________
This song is about the Africa AIDS crisis. It is dirceted to God, Bono is crying out for a Miracle Drug, not a "sign or wonder" but a solution.
"I want to trip inside your head/ Spend the day there.../ To hear the things you haven't said/ And see what you might see/ I want to hear you when you call/ Do you feel anything at all?/ I want to see your thoughts take shape/ And walk right out"
This line recalls the song "When I Look At The World" from ATYCLB, in which Bono is calling out to God asking to better understand His ways.
"God I need your help tonight/ Beneath the noise/ Below the din/ I hear your voice/ It's whispering/ In science and in medicine/ "I was a stranger/ You took me in""
This line he is calling for God's help, or for the church to listen to God's teachings. That God even is in the worlds of scince and medicine, a place that the church is often fighting against. Echoing the words of Christ "I was a stranger/ You took me in" calling the church to action.
U2 - How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb - Vertigo
The cd is coming out this coming Tuesday. In the next few days I plan on posting the lyrics for each track and take a look at what its about.
Track #1 - Vertigo
Unos, dos, tres, catorce [1,2,3,14]
Turn it up loud, captain!
Lights go down
It's dark
The jungle is your head
Can't rule your heart
I'm feeling so much stronger
Than I thought
Your eyes are wide
And though your soul
it can't be bought
your mind can wander
Hello, Hello
Hola! [Spanish for Hello]
I'm at a place called vertigo (¿Dónde está?) [Where is it?]
It's everything I wish I didn't know
But you give me something I can feel
Feel
The night is full of holes
Those bullets rip the sky
Of ink with gold
They twinkle as the boys play rock and roll
They know that they can't dance
At least they know
I can sell the beat
I'm askin' for the check
Girl with crimson nails
Has Jesus 'round the neck
Swinging to the music
Swinging to the music
Woooao
Hello, Hello
Hola!
I'm at a place called Vertigo (¿Dónde está?) [Where is it?]
It's everything I wish I didn't know
But you give me something I can feel
Feel
All this, all this can be yours
All of this, all of this can be yours
All this, all of this can be yours
Just give me what I want
And no one gets hurt
Hello, Hello
Hola!
I'm at a place called Vertigo
Lights go down and all I know
Is that you give me something I can feel
You're teaching me...hahahaha-ow
Your love is teaching me...hahahahaha-ow
How to kneel
Kneel
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah...
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
__________________________________________
I covered this song earlier here.
After hearing the rest of the cd I am sticking to my first thought, that this track is about the unrest in the world.
"The night is full of holes/ Those bullets rip the sky"
"I'm at a place called Vertigo/ It's everything I wish I didn't know"
The unrest in the world makes it feel dizzy, uneasy, like Vertigo.
But there is hope and your "soul can't be bought" it is still tough because "your mind can wander".
"The jungle is your head/ Can't rule your heart/ I'm feeling so much stronger/ Than I thought/ Your eyes are wide/ And/ though your soul/ it can't be bought/ your mind can wander"
McPhisto (devil/rockstar altra-ego) from the Zoo Tour days shows up and offers the world, or the "place called Vertigo"
"All this, all this can be yours/ All of this, all of this can be yours/ All this, all of this can be yours/ Just give me what I want/ And no one gets hurt
Ultimatly there is a final hope, a hope in God.
"But you give me something I can feel/ Feeeeeel"
"Your love is teaching me...hahahahaha-ow/ How to kneel/ Kneeeeeeel"
Track #1 - Vertigo
Unos, dos, tres, catorce [1,2,3,14]
Turn it up loud, captain!
Lights go down
It's dark
The jungle is your head
Can't rule your heart
I'm feeling so much stronger
Than I thought
Your eyes are wide
And though your soul
it can't be bought
your mind can wander
Hello, Hello
Hola! [Spanish for Hello]
I'm at a place called vertigo (¿Dónde está?) [Where is it?]
It's everything I wish I didn't know
But you give me something I can feel
Feel
The night is full of holes
Those bullets rip the sky
Of ink with gold
They twinkle as the boys play rock and roll
They know that they can't dance
At least they know
I can sell the beat
I'm askin' for the check
Girl with crimson nails
Has Jesus 'round the neck
Swinging to the music
Swinging to the music
Woooao
Hello, Hello
Hola!
I'm at a place called Vertigo (¿Dónde está?) [Where is it?]
It's everything I wish I didn't know
But you give me something I can feel
Feel
All this, all this can be yours
All of this, all of this can be yours
All this, all of this can be yours
Just give me what I want
And no one gets hurt
Hello, Hello
Hola!
I'm at a place called Vertigo
Lights go down and all I know
Is that you give me something I can feel
You're teaching me...hahahaha-ow
Your love is teaching me...hahahahaha-ow
How to kneel
Kneel
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah...
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
__________________________________________
I covered this song earlier here.
After hearing the rest of the cd I am sticking to my first thought, that this track is about the unrest in the world.
"The night is full of holes/ Those bullets rip the sky"
"I'm at a place called Vertigo/ It's everything I wish I didn't know"
The unrest in the world makes it feel dizzy, uneasy, like Vertigo.
But there is hope and your "soul can't be bought" it is still tough because "your mind can wander".
"The jungle is your head/ Can't rule your heart/ I'm feeling so much stronger/ Than I thought/ Your eyes are wide/ And/ though your soul/ it can't be bought/ your mind can wander"
McPhisto (devil/rockstar altra-ego) from the Zoo Tour days shows up and offers the world, or the "place called Vertigo"
"All this, all this can be yours/ All of this, all of this can be yours/ All this, all of this can be yours/ Just give me what I want/ And no one gets hurt
Ultimatly there is a final hope, a hope in God.
"But you give me something I can feel/ Feeeeeel"
"Your love is teaching me...hahahahaha-ow/ How to kneel/ Kneeeeeeel"
Monday, November 15, 2004
Derek Webb - T-shirts
They'll know us by the t-shirts that we wear/ they will know us by the way we point and stare/ at anyone whose sin looks worse then ours/ who can not hide the scares of this curse that we all bare/ They'll know us by our picket lines and signs/ they will know us by the pride we hide behind/ like anyone on earth is living right/ and isn't that why Jesus died/ not to make us think were right/
chorus/ when love, love, love/ is what we should bew know for/ love, love, love/ its the how and its the why/ we live and breathe and we die/
They'll know us by the reasons we divide/ how we can't seem to unify/ because we gotta sing songs a certain style/ or we'll walk right down that aisle/ and just leave 'em all behind/ They'll know us by the billboards that we make/ just turing God's words into cheap cliches/ says "what part of murder don't you understand?"/ but we hate our fellow man/ and point a fingure at his grave/ chorus/
They'll know us by the t-shirts that we wear/ they will know us by the way we point and stare/ telling them their sins our worse then ours/ thinking we can hide behind our scars/ beneath these t-shirts that we wear.
chorus/ when love, love, love/ is what we should bew know for/ love, love, love/ its the how and its the why/ we live and breathe and we die/
They'll know us by the reasons we divide/ how we can't seem to unify/ because we gotta sing songs a certain style/ or we'll walk right down that aisle/ and just leave 'em all behind/ They'll know us by the billboards that we make/ just turing God's words into cheap cliches/ says "what part of murder don't you understand?"/ but we hate our fellow man/ and point a fingure at his grave/ chorus/
They'll know us by the t-shirts that we wear/ they will know us by the way we point and stare/ telling them their sins our worse then ours/ thinking we can hide behind our scars/ beneath these t-shirts that we wear.
It's been a while.
Sorry guys, I have been really freakin' busy. I have a bunch of stuff I want to post, but I am going to spread it out over the next few days.
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Thursday, October 21, 2004
ALCS
The biggest collapse in the history of professional sports.
And it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving team.
Thank you Red Sox.
And it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving team.
Thank you Red Sox.
Monday, October 18, 2004
Is a vote for Bush a Pro-life vote?
Pro-life? Look at the fruits
by Dr. Glen Harold Stassen
I am a Christian ethicist, and trained in statistical analysis. I am consistently pro-life. My son David is one witness. For my family, "pro-life" is personal. My wife caught rubella in the eighth week of her pregnancy. We decided not to terminate, to love and raise our baby. David is legally blind and severely handicapped; he also is a blessing to us and to the world.
I look at the fruits of political policies more than words. I analyzed the data on abortion during the George W. Bush presidency. There is no single source for this information - federal reports go only to 2000, and many states do not report - but I found enough data to identify trends. My findings are counterintuitive and disturbing.
Abortion was decreasing. When President Bush took office, the nation's abortion rates were at a 24-year low, after a 17.4% decline during the 1990s. This was an average decrease of 1.7% per year, mostly during the latter part of the decade. (This data comes from Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life using the Guttmacher Institute's studies).
Enter George W. Bush in 2001. One would expect the abortion rate to continue its consistent course downward, if not plunge. Instead, the opposite happened.
I found three states that have posted multi-year statistics through 2003, and abortion rates have risen in all three: Kentucky's increased by 3.2% from 2000 to 2003. Michigan's increased by 11.3% from 2000 to 2003. Pennsylvania's increased by 1.9% from 1999 to 2002. I found 13 additional states that reported statistics for 2001 and 2002. Eight states saw an increase in abortion rates (14.6% average increase), and five saw a decrease (4.3% average decrease).
Under President Bush, the decade-long trend of declining abortion rates appears to have reversed. Given the trends of the 1990s, 52,000 more abortions occurred in the United States in 2002 than would have been expected before this change of direction.
How could this be? I see three contributing factors:
First, two thirds of women who abort say they cannot afford a child (Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life Web site). In the past three years, unemployment rates increased half again. Not since Hoover had there been a net loss of jobs during a presidency until the current administration. Average real incomes decreased, and for seven years the minimum wage has not been raised to match inflation. With less income, many prospective mothers fear another mouth to feed.
Second, half of all women who abort say they do not have a reliable mate (Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life). Men who are jobless usually do not marry. Only three of the 16 states had more marriages in 2002 than in 2001, and in those states abortion rates decreased. In the 16 states overall, there were 16,392 fewer marriages than the year before, and 7,869 more abortions. As male unemployment increases, marriages fall and abortion rises.
Third, women worry about health care for themselves and their children. Since 5.2 million more people have no health insurance now than before this presidency - with women of childbearing age overrepresented in those 5.2 million - abortion increases.
The U.S. Catholic Bishops warned of this likely outcome if support for families with children was cut back. My wife and I know - as does my son David - that doctors, nurses, hospitals, medical insurance, special schooling, and parental employment are crucial for a special child. David attended the Kentucky School for the Blind, as well as several schools for children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. He was mainstreamed in public schools as well. We have two other sons and five grandchildren, and we know that every mother, father, and child needs public and family support.
What does this tell us? Economic policy and abortion are not separate issues; they form one moral imperative. Rhetoric is hollow, mere tinkling brass, without health care, health insurance, jobs, child care, and a living wage. Pro-life in deed, not merely in word, means we need policies that provide jobs and health insurance and support for prospective mothers.
by Dr. Glen Harold Stassen
I am a Christian ethicist, and trained in statistical analysis. I am consistently pro-life. My son David is one witness. For my family, "pro-life" is personal. My wife caught rubella in the eighth week of her pregnancy. We decided not to terminate, to love and raise our baby. David is legally blind and severely handicapped; he also is a blessing to us and to the world.
I look at the fruits of political policies more than words. I analyzed the data on abortion during the George W. Bush presidency. There is no single source for this information - federal reports go only to 2000, and many states do not report - but I found enough data to identify trends. My findings are counterintuitive and disturbing.
Abortion was decreasing. When President Bush took office, the nation's abortion rates were at a 24-year low, after a 17.4% decline during the 1990s. This was an average decrease of 1.7% per year, mostly during the latter part of the decade. (This data comes from Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life using the Guttmacher Institute's studies).
Enter George W. Bush in 2001. One would expect the abortion rate to continue its consistent course downward, if not plunge. Instead, the opposite happened.
I found three states that have posted multi-year statistics through 2003, and abortion rates have risen in all three: Kentucky's increased by 3.2% from 2000 to 2003. Michigan's increased by 11.3% from 2000 to 2003. Pennsylvania's increased by 1.9% from 1999 to 2002. I found 13 additional states that reported statistics for 2001 and 2002. Eight states saw an increase in abortion rates (14.6% average increase), and five saw a decrease (4.3% average decrease).
Under President Bush, the decade-long trend of declining abortion rates appears to have reversed. Given the trends of the 1990s, 52,000 more abortions occurred in the United States in 2002 than would have been expected before this change of direction.
How could this be? I see three contributing factors:
First, two thirds of women who abort say they cannot afford a child (Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life Web site). In the past three years, unemployment rates increased half again. Not since Hoover had there been a net loss of jobs during a presidency until the current administration. Average real incomes decreased, and for seven years the minimum wage has not been raised to match inflation. With less income, many prospective mothers fear another mouth to feed.
Second, half of all women who abort say they do not have a reliable mate (Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life). Men who are jobless usually do not marry. Only three of the 16 states had more marriages in 2002 than in 2001, and in those states abortion rates decreased. In the 16 states overall, there were 16,392 fewer marriages than the year before, and 7,869 more abortions. As male unemployment increases, marriages fall and abortion rises.
Third, women worry about health care for themselves and their children. Since 5.2 million more people have no health insurance now than before this presidency - with women of childbearing age overrepresented in those 5.2 million - abortion increases.
The U.S. Catholic Bishops warned of this likely outcome if support for families with children was cut back. My wife and I know - as does my son David - that doctors, nurses, hospitals, medical insurance, special schooling, and parental employment are crucial for a special child. David attended the Kentucky School for the Blind, as well as several schools for children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. He was mainstreamed in public schools as well. We have two other sons and five grandchildren, and we know that every mother, father, and child needs public and family support.
What does this tell us? Economic policy and abortion are not separate issues; they form one moral imperative. Rhetoric is hollow, mere tinkling brass, without health care, health insurance, jobs, child care, and a living wage. Pro-life in deed, not merely in word, means we need policies that provide jobs and health insurance and support for prospective mothers.
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Avrg. IQ vs. PROJECTED Electoral Vote
This chart is based on the 2004 Election PROJECTIONS and the average IQ of those states. We shall revisit it after the election and see if it holds up, but it is pretty interesting none-the-less. Draw your own conclusions ;-)
Dark Red = Bush by more then 10%
Red = Bush by 5% - 9.9%
Light Red = Bush by < 4.9%
Dark Blue = Kerry by more then 10%
Blue = Kerry by 5% - 9.9%
Light Blue = Kerry by < 4.9%
scroll down, blogger is stupid.....
If nothing else, we learned that the souf' is stupid.
Dark Red = Bush by more then 10%
Red = Bush by 5% - 9.9%
Light Red = Bush by < 4.9%
Dark Blue = Kerry by more then 10%
Blue = Kerry by 5% - 9.9%
Light Blue = Kerry by < 4.9%
scroll down, blogger is stupid.....
| State | Avg. IQ | Votes | |
| 1 | Connecticut | 113 | Kerry |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 111 | Kerry |
| 3 | New Jersey | 111 | Kerry |
| 4 | New York | 109 | Kerry |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 107 | Kerry |
| 6 | Hawaii | 106 | Kerry |
| 7 | Maryland | 105 | Kerry |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 105 | Kerry |
| 9 | Illinois | 104 | Kerry |
| 10 | Delaware | 103 | Kerry |
| 11 | Minnesota | 102 | Kerry |
| 12 | Vermont | 102 | Kerry |
| 13 | Washington | 102 | Kerry |
| 14 | California | 101 | Kerry |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | 101 | Kerry |
| 16 | Maine | 100 | Kerry |
| 17 | Virginia | 100 | Bush |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 100 | Kerry |
| 19 | Colorado | 99 | Bush |
| 20 | Iowa | 99 | Kerry |
| 21 | Michigan | 99 | Kerry |
| 22 | Nevada | 99 | Bush |
| 23 | Ohio | 99 | Bush |
| 24 | Oregon | 99 | Kerry |
| 25 | Alaska | 98 | Bush |
| 26 | Florida | 98 | Bush |
| 27 | Missouri | 98 | Bush |
| 28 | Kansas | 96 | Bush |
| 29 | Nebraska | 95 | Bush |
| 30 | Arizona | 94 | Bush |
| 31 | Indiana | 94 | Bush |
| 32 | Tennessee | 94 | Bush |
| 33 | North Carolina | 93 | Bush |
| 34 | West Virginia | 93 | Bush |
| 35 | Arkansas | 92 | Bush |
| 36 | Georgia | 92 | Bush |
| 37 | Kentucky | 92 | Bush |
| 38 | New Mexico | 92 | Kerry |
| 39 | North Dakota | 92 | Bush |
| 40 | Texas | 92 | Bush |
| 41 | Alabama | 90 | Bush |
| 42 | Louisiana | 90 | Bush |
| 43 | Montana | 90 | Bush |
| 44 | Oklahoma | 90 | Bush |
| 45 | South Dakota | 90 | Bush |
| 46 | South Carolina | 89 | Bush |
| 47 | Wyoming | 89 | Bush |
| 48 | Idaho | 87 | Bush |
| 49 | Utah | 87 | Bush |
| 50 | Mississippi | 85 | Bush |
If nothing else, we learned that the souf' is stupid.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Backpacking with God
I had an opportunity to go backpacking with some friends this weekend. We went up to Lake Stuart and Horseshoe Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It was amazing. Every time I am surrounded by God's creation I am just blown away by it. How can anyone not believe in God when they are surrounded by such splendid beauty? Every piece is planed out, everything is put were it is for a reason, yet in such amazing beauty. Accidents are not that beautiful or well thought out.
Anyways, as we were hiking up to Horseshoe (about 1,500 feet above Stuart) by legs were burning, I had 40 lbs strapped to my back (nearly 1/3 of my body weight) and I was headed straight up this cliff. I got to thinking, everything worth getting to is not easy, and everything worth having takes a lot of work. Marriage is a lot of work, but the awards are amazing. Friendships take a lot of work, but the awards are great. Heaven takes a lot of work, you have got to follow a long, steep, windy path to get there, but it is the ultimate in rewards. As I crested the top of the cliff and set my eyes on Horseshoe Lake, I forgot all about the hard journey to get there and was overwhelmed with the amazing beauty around me. I can only imagine how much more that is going to be the case when the golden gates are flung wide open and I step in.
Pictures will come soonly.
Anyways, as we were hiking up to Horseshoe (about 1,500 feet above Stuart) by legs were burning, I had 40 lbs strapped to my back (nearly 1/3 of my body weight) and I was headed straight up this cliff. I got to thinking, everything worth getting to is not easy, and everything worth having takes a lot of work. Marriage is a lot of work, but the awards are amazing. Friendships take a lot of work, but the awards are great. Heaven takes a lot of work, you have got to follow a long, steep, windy path to get there, but it is the ultimate in rewards. As I crested the top of the cliff and set my eyes on Horseshoe Lake, I forgot all about the hard journey to get there and was overwhelmed with the amazing beauty around me. I can only imagine how much more that is going to be the case when the golden gates are flung wide open and I step in.
Pictures will come soonly.
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Friday, September 24, 2004
Derek Webb on his new album - I See Thing Upside Down
“What are the things that we American Christians value in our culture and how is that different, and often ‘upside down’ from true Kingdom values? I’ve found that often success looks more like failure, riches more like poverty, and have found that real life often feels more like death, as the Christian life is very literally the process by which we are killed.” - Derek Webb
U2 - Vertigo
The first single has dropped!
I heard it on the radio yesterday.
HERE IT IS!
After listening a few times, I think I am getting the gest of the song. It seems to me to be about the unrest in the world and the possability of hope in God.
"In a place called vertigo,
its everything I wish I didn't know.
But you give me something I can feel."
"I can feel you teaching me how,
your love is teaching me how to kneel"
I heard it on the radio yesterday.
HERE IT IS!
After listening a few times, I think I am getting the gest of the song. It seems to me to be about the unrest in the world and the possability of hope in God.
"In a place called vertigo,
its everything I wish I didn't know.
But you give me something I can feel."
"I can feel you teaching me how,
your love is teaching me how to kneel"
Thursday, September 23, 2004
New U2 Album Info
I have been waiting for this for about a year now. Here is the latest info from U2.com
Ok, so the wait is nearly over and the new album is on the way. So what do we know... and what do we not know!
There’s still a lot to be revealed in the coming weeks, but, when you pull it all together, quite a few of the vital statistics are already out there. We figured it might be time to separate some of the facts from some of the wilder flights of virtual imagination and online chatter. Of course, some of these outrageously speculative stories may yet turn out to be bang on the money - others will fade within days into the obscurity of rock'n roll trivia quizzes.
So here’s our top ten checklist to guide you through the jungle of rumour and speculation.
1. U2 have been recording a new set of songs over the past two years. Set for release on November 22nd, the album is called How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb.
2. According to Edge, at least one of them is called All Because of You. Or at least that's what the track was called when they were recording it. But what we do know for sure are titles of six other tracks on the album. Check them out here.
3. A handful of influential people - outside of the band - have heard some of these songs. The unanimous verdict seems to be that it's a pretty dang hot collection. Take Bill Flanagan, sometime U2 biographer, who says: 'I've heard it, it's great. It's the best album they have ever done. It's going to knock them out!'
4. In case you were hibernating or holidaying on Mars, earlier in the summer some of the new material went missing during a photo shoot with the band in France. 'A large slice of two years work lifted via a piece of round plastic.' reflected Edge.'It doesn't seem credible but that's what's just happened to us....'
5. The first single will be on air before the month is out. It’s called Vertigo and comes complete with a Kraftwerk cover and live studio performance. Complete story here.
6. The album has been produced by Steve Lillywhite, his first time at the desk for a whole U2 album since he produced the bands' first three albums, Boy, October and War. But others have been in the studio too - including Flood, Jacknife Lee, Nellee Hooper and Chris Thomas.
7. Any clues about the sound of the record ? Lillywhite says, 'I've heard some great songs. The Edge is playing some really great guitar.' Time Magazine, which also claims to have had an ear to the studio wall, is delighted that 'there's no crunk-style rapping, no gospel choirs or techno experiments.' 'Instead, this as-yet-untitled album is just full of confident, expansive guitar rock from the masters of the form.'
It will, according to Bono, ‘be our first rock-n-roll album'.
8. Oh yes, the title. Well, in case you missed it above - the album is called How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb.
9. When Vertigo goes to radio later this month, expect to find U2.Com undergoing its own revolution in look and content. When the album arrives, expect even more startling changes.
10. Plans to tour are also underway - the date of the tour will be 2005. (Rest assured, you’ll have the dates first from U2.com, just as soon as they’re buttoned down.) Paul McGuinness says the tour will be defined by ‘the character of the new album and the new production.’ So we can speculate more on the tour, when we've heard the album!
(Throughout September and October U2.Com will be posting official confirmation of all new U2 releases - as and when we get it!)
OH, I CAN"T WAIT!
Ok, so the wait is nearly over and the new album is on the way. So what do we know... and what do we not know!
There’s still a lot to be revealed in the coming weeks, but, when you pull it all together, quite a few of the vital statistics are already out there. We figured it might be time to separate some of the facts from some of the wilder flights of virtual imagination and online chatter. Of course, some of these outrageously speculative stories may yet turn out to be bang on the money - others will fade within days into the obscurity of rock'n roll trivia quizzes.
So here’s our top ten checklist to guide you through the jungle of rumour and speculation.
1. U2 have been recording a new set of songs over the past two years. Set for release on November 22nd, the album is called How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb.
2. According to Edge, at least one of them is called All Because of You. Or at least that's what the track was called when they were recording it. But what we do know for sure are titles of six other tracks on the album. Check them out here.
3. A handful of influential people - outside of the band - have heard some of these songs. The unanimous verdict seems to be that it's a pretty dang hot collection. Take Bill Flanagan, sometime U2 biographer, who says: 'I've heard it, it's great. It's the best album they have ever done. It's going to knock them out!'
4. In case you were hibernating or holidaying on Mars, earlier in the summer some of the new material went missing during a photo shoot with the band in France. 'A large slice of two years work lifted via a piece of round plastic.' reflected Edge.'It doesn't seem credible but that's what's just happened to us....'
5. The first single will be on air before the month is out. It’s called Vertigo and comes complete with a Kraftwerk cover and live studio performance. Complete story here.
6. The album has been produced by Steve Lillywhite, his first time at the desk for a whole U2 album since he produced the bands' first three albums, Boy, October and War. But others have been in the studio too - including Flood, Jacknife Lee, Nellee Hooper and Chris Thomas.
7. Any clues about the sound of the record ? Lillywhite says, 'I've heard some great songs. The Edge is playing some really great guitar.' Time Magazine, which also claims to have had an ear to the studio wall, is delighted that 'there's no crunk-style rapping, no gospel choirs or techno experiments.' 'Instead, this as-yet-untitled album is just full of confident, expansive guitar rock from the masters of the form.'
It will, according to Bono, ‘be our first rock-n-roll album'.
8. Oh yes, the title. Well, in case you missed it above - the album is called How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb.
9. When Vertigo goes to radio later this month, expect to find U2.Com undergoing its own revolution in look and content. When the album arrives, expect even more startling changes.
10. Plans to tour are also underway - the date of the tour will be 2005. (Rest assured, you’ll have the dates first from U2.com, just as soon as they’re buttoned down.) Paul McGuinness says the tour will be defined by ‘the character of the new album and the new production.’ So we can speculate more on the tour, when we've heard the album!
(Throughout September and October U2.Com will be posting official confirmation of all new U2 releases - as and when we get it!)
OH, I CAN"T WAIT!
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Political Compass
http://www.politicalcompass.org/
I know we have all done these tons of times, but I find it interesting each time, and I like to see how i have changed over time.
My Score
Economic Left/Right: -6.38
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -5.23
I scored similar to Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Lama
WOOT!
I know we have all done these tons of times, but I find it interesting each time, and I like to see how i have changed over time.
My Score
Economic Left/Right: -6.38
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -5.23
I scored similar to Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Lama
WOOT!
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Prayer Request
Some of you may know I have a brother-in-law, Jon, in Iraq. I just got this e-mail forwarded from my sister-in-law. Please pray for these men and all the service men and women in Iraq. It makes me sad, then angry that lives are being lost, they could use all the prayer they can get.
I received the following email from Jonathan early Wednesday morning.
You may want to be sure you have a few min. available to pray before
reading the following.
Crystal Tolson
Jonathan Tolson wrote:
So my old platoon got shot up in a drive by shooting yesterday. One
of the guys was killed (he got to the platoon about a week before I
left, so I didn't know him other than talking to him in passing). His
name was SGT Jacob Demand, was divorced, but had a child
Scott Thorne concerns me the most. He had neural surgery in Baghdad,
but the fact that he made it through surgery and made the 3 hour
flight down to Baghdad is good signs. Still too early to tell. He
had a daughter just about a month ago when he was on leave. As you
know, I've prayed for him and he has asked me to pray for his family
in the past.
PFC Majors was in my platoon, but I did not know him that well...he'll
probably be partially paralyzed, also critical condition.
Will Duran and James Wingate, who wrote you during NTC you may recall
, had some serious wounds, but are both in stable condition and should
make a near full recovery. I got to see both of them at the hospital
yesterday, which was very good.
Another guy, Mullins, who i didn't know also got injured but is doing
well along with Duran and Wingate.
Chris McCracken was the only guy there who left without a physical
scratch. Well, him and the interpreter that was with them. He
concerns me as he's taking it really hard.
"Bon Bon" Bonjiorno, the Platoon medic is also taking it fairly hard
since he treated them all.
It has also hit the squadron fairly hard since Corey Harris, Greg
Mills, Ray, and Scissons and others that knew them from the platoon
are now at Squadron.
I don't feel like sending this out to my usual prayer list, but you
can and I'll let you decide what should be filtered. For now I'm
doing fine, although I'm sure it will hit me in a day or two. If you
do tell people at church, my parents, etc, please stress to them that
I do not want them to pray for me until they have prayed for the above
people, their families, and the other soldiers of B Troop. Only then
do I want them to pray for me in this regard. These people need the
prayer more than I do. I have Christ, many of them don't.
Your shook up, but loving husband
Jonathan
I will only add a request to pray for their wives and families as
well. Scott Thorne's Wife is Theresa, I believe. I do not think any of
the other gentlemen were married. These guys are all due home soon and
that feeling of "so close" can easily leave you unprepared for
something like this.
Crystal
I received the following email from Jonathan early Wednesday morning.
You may want to be sure you have a few min. available to pray before
reading the following.
Crystal Tolson
Jonathan Tolson wrote:
So my old platoon got shot up in a drive by shooting yesterday. One
of the guys was killed (he got to the platoon about a week before I
left, so I didn't know him other than talking to him in passing). His
name was SGT Jacob Demand, was divorced, but had a child
Scott Thorne concerns me the most. He had neural surgery in Baghdad,
but the fact that he made it through surgery and made the 3 hour
flight down to Baghdad is good signs. Still too early to tell. He
had a daughter just about a month ago when he was on leave. As you
know, I've prayed for him and he has asked me to pray for his family
in the past.
PFC Majors was in my platoon, but I did not know him that well...he'll
probably be partially paralyzed, also critical condition.
Will Duran and James Wingate, who wrote you during NTC you may recall
, had some serious wounds, but are both in stable condition and should
make a near full recovery. I got to see both of them at the hospital
yesterday, which was very good.
Another guy, Mullins, who i didn't know also got injured but is doing
well along with Duran and Wingate.
Chris McCracken was the only guy there who left without a physical
scratch. Well, him and the interpreter that was with them. He
concerns me as he's taking it really hard.
"Bon Bon" Bonjiorno, the Platoon medic is also taking it fairly hard
since he treated them all.
It has also hit the squadron fairly hard since Corey Harris, Greg
Mills, Ray, and Scissons and others that knew them from the platoon
are now at Squadron.
I don't feel like sending this out to my usual prayer list, but you
can and I'll let you decide what should be filtered. For now I'm
doing fine, although I'm sure it will hit me in a day or two. If you
do tell people at church, my parents, etc, please stress to them that
I do not want them to pray for me until they have prayed for the above
people, their families, and the other soldiers of B Troop. Only then
do I want them to pray for me in this regard. These people need the
prayer more than I do. I have Christ, many of them don't.
Your shook up, but loving husband
Jonathan
I will only add a request to pray for their wives and families as
well. Scott Thorne's Wife is Theresa, I believe. I do not think any of
the other gentlemen were married. These guys are all due home soon and
that feeling of "so close" can easily leave you unprepared for
something like this.
Crystal
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
p00p
I was talking to my wife the other day about the word "poop". I decided its my favorite word.
1. It is funny to those of all ages, for a test say it around a 4 year old, they love it.
2. It makes me laugh, go ahead, say it outloud.
3. It looks cool.
4. Over the Rhine sings about it here
5. You can spell it backwards and it still says the same thing.
6. and best yet, when you turn it upside down it says "boob".
*TOAST: to the word "poop"
1. It is funny to those of all ages, for a test say it around a 4 year old, they love it.
2. It makes me laugh, go ahead, say it outloud.
3. It looks cool.
4. Over the Rhine sings about it here
5. You can spell it backwards and it still says the same thing.
6. and best yet, when you turn it upside down it says "boob".
*TOAST: to the word "poop"
Friday, September 03, 2004
JR - The Motion Picture Soundtrack Vol. I
I got this idea from Michaela (Ass Machine Lobos), and I have no problem with blatantly ripping it off.
Here is the song track of my life:
Opening song: “Beautiful Day” - U2
Waking up: "Welcome to the Cruel World" - Ben Harper
First date: “I Want to Hold Your Hand” - The Beatles
First kiss: “Casual Affair” - Tonic
Heartbreak (relationship 1): "Song for the Dumped” - Ben Folds Five
Heartbreak (relationship 2): "Screaming Infidelities" - Dashboard Confessional
Heartbreak (relationship 3): "Better Off As Friends" - The Waiting
Heartbreak (relationship 4): "Glass" - Five O'clock People
Recovery from relationship 4: “Halloween” - Dave Matthews Band
Falling in love with Jenny: "The Luckiest" - Ben Folds
Still Falling in love with Jenny: "When You Say Love" - Over the Rhine
Driving fast: “Open Road Song” - Eve 6
Guys Night: “Don't Mug Yourself” - The Streets
Romancing the Wife: "If You Wear That Velvet Dress" - U2
Alone with God: "Somewere North" Caedmon's Call
Missing Jenny: “Angle" Dave Matthews Band
Summer vacation: “Sail Away" - David Grey
Traveling: “Into the Great Wide Open" - Tom Petty
Thinking of Friends: "Bowl of Oranges" - Bright Eyes
Christmas time: “Oi to the World" - No Doubt
Falling asleep: “Lullabye” - Over the Rhine
Closing song: "In My Life" - (Johnny Cash version)
Here is the song track of my life:
Opening song: “Beautiful Day” - U2
Waking up: "Welcome to the Cruel World" - Ben Harper
First date: “I Want to Hold Your Hand” - The Beatles
First kiss: “Casual Affair” - Tonic
Heartbreak (relationship 1): "Song for the Dumped” - Ben Folds Five
Heartbreak (relationship 2): "Screaming Infidelities" - Dashboard Confessional
Heartbreak (relationship 3): "Better Off As Friends" - The Waiting
Heartbreak (relationship 4): "Glass" - Five O'clock People
Recovery from relationship 4: “Halloween” - Dave Matthews Band
Falling in love with Jenny: "The Luckiest" - Ben Folds
Still Falling in love with Jenny: "When You Say Love" - Over the Rhine
Driving fast: “Open Road Song” - Eve 6
Guys Night: “Don't Mug Yourself” - The Streets
Romancing the Wife: "If You Wear That Velvet Dress" - U2
Alone with God: "Somewere North" Caedmon's Call
Missing Jenny: “Angle" Dave Matthews Band
Summer vacation: “Sail Away" - David Grey
Traveling: “Into the Great Wide Open" - Tom Petty
Thinking of Friends: "Bowl of Oranges" - Bright Eyes
Christmas time: “Oi to the World" - No Doubt
Falling asleep: “Lullabye” - Over the Rhine
Closing song: "In My Life" - (Johnny Cash version)
Thursday, September 02, 2004
Brennan Manning - The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus
Wow, What a great book. I am only on the second chapter but I am loving it. My wife and I are leading a small group were we are reading this book, I highly recommend it to everyone. My experince is that it is hard to find a book that says anything I havn't already heard, being someone who has grown up in the church, but this one really got me thinking about my view of God.
Here is one of the quotes that really stood out to me:
The old religious image of a vindictive, mean, and jealous God gives way in Jesus to the God of faith who cherishes people, all people, and has made his abode with them. Jesus presented a God who does not demand but gives; does not oppress but raises up; does not wound but heals. A God who forgives instead of condemning, and liberates instead of punishing. Woe then to those who demand, opress, wound, condemn, and punish in His name. It can only be said that they do not truely know him."
Wow, sometimes the truth cuts deep.
Here is one of the quotes that really stood out to me:
The old religious image of a vindictive, mean, and jealous God gives way in Jesus to the God of faith who cherishes people, all people, and has made his abode with them. Jesus presented a God who does not demand but gives; does not oppress but raises up; does not wound but heals. A God who forgives instead of condemning, and liberates instead of punishing. Woe then to those who demand, opress, wound, condemn, and punish in His name. It can only be said that they do not truely know him."
Wow, sometimes the truth cuts deep.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
DodgerBlues.com
Check out this website, very funny.
http://www.dodgerblues.com/
I wish they had something like this for Mariners fans.
http://www.dodgerblues.com/
I wish they had something like this for Mariners fans.
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
My Art
I got a little bit of my art work up on the ol' world wide web.
http://www.jrcaines.com/
Check it out. I will be getting much more up eventually, and designing a site for it. I have got to get my new design site done first, the old one is bad news.
http://www.jrcaines.com/
Check it out. I will be getting much more up eventually, and designing a site for it. I have got to get my new design site done first, the old one is bad news.
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Were is the Balance?
My wife and I have been frustrated with our current church lately because they seem to be taking a conservative approach to everything. Politically, spiritually, ect. I for one do not think any church should take any political side, but that’s beside the point here. I get annoyed with the idea that seems to be popular among conservative Christians, that we are the last line of defense of moral values, and the idea that we are right and they are wrong, so they can shove it. It seems so contrary to Christ's teachings to me.
So in our frustration we have been talking about going to St. John's Episcopal Church on Sunday mornings, but staying involved in our church at the same capacity the rest of the week. So today I went to check out their website. After reading around a bit and reading their newsletter I find the opposite problem our church has. They are over relativising everything. I don't understand how you can believe in the Bible and be so vague on truth.
When will we learn, there is a balance to everything. There is truth; there is right and wrong. But we do not have the market cornered on what that is, only God does, but we should strive to know it and learn it. We should base our beliefs in it on the bible, and on the teachings of Christ. We should have loving attitudes towards everyone, no matter what their opinions on "truth". We should accept all people, but reject all sin. We should not bring along an attitude of "I know the truth, and what I say is it" but with the attitude that you do not know everything, that God is teaching us new things everyday. You have to be open to the idea of being wrong before God can show you or tell you when you are wrong.
I pray that I do not let my own beliefs, pride, and arrogance, get in the way of letting God reveal truth to me. I pray that I listen to that truth, and I live by it, and stand on it. I pray that I respond to those who disagree as Christ would, with absolute love.
P.S. - We may still check out this church, that was just my impression on it based on the website.
So in our frustration we have been talking about going to St. John's Episcopal Church on Sunday mornings, but staying involved in our church at the same capacity the rest of the week. So today I went to check out their website. After reading around a bit and reading their newsletter I find the opposite problem our church has. They are over relativising everything. I don't understand how you can believe in the Bible and be so vague on truth.
When will we learn, there is a balance to everything. There is truth; there is right and wrong. But we do not have the market cornered on what that is, only God does, but we should strive to know it and learn it. We should base our beliefs in it on the bible, and on the teachings of Christ. We should have loving attitudes towards everyone, no matter what their opinions on "truth". We should accept all people, but reject all sin. We should not bring along an attitude of "I know the truth, and what I say is it" but with the attitude that you do not know everything, that God is teaching us new things everyday. You have to be open to the idea of being wrong before God can show you or tell you when you are wrong.
I pray that I do not let my own beliefs, pride, and arrogance, get in the way of letting God reveal truth to me. I pray that I listen to that truth, and I live by it, and stand on it. I pray that I respond to those who disagree as Christ would, with absolute love.
P.S. - We may still check out this church, that was just my impression on it based on the website.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Bye Edgar.
Edgar was Mariners fans' best friend
Steve Kelley / Seattle Times staff columnist
Remember the day your best friend came up to you in the elementary school hallway and said his father had been transferred and he was leaving your hometown for good?
Remember how sad you felt?
That's how yesterday was.
In a crowded interview room underneath Safeco Field, Edgar Martinez announced that, after 18 years as a Mariner, he will retire at the end of this season.
It wasn't a death in the family. It wasn't a tragedy. But it hurt anyway.
It was one of those inevitable time passages you know in your head will come, but you hope in your heart will get postponed this year and next year and the year after that.
"Today feels a little bit like a funeral," said former Mariners reliever Norm Charlton, who played with Martinez in 1993, '95-97 and 2001. "You pay tribute to Edgar the same way you do for a war hero, but you try to turn it into a celebration, not a time of mourning."
Everything good that has happened to the Mariners has had Edgar Martinez's imprimatur.
He is this franchise, the one player in the team's history every fan feels he or she knows. They lazily chant his name "Ed-guuur," every time he comes to bat.
He is a neighbor who just happened to win batting titles. He is that smiling face who became the greatest designated hitter ever.
He is the Mariners star who delivers his lines with perfect pitch in almost all of the team's award-winning commercials.
In Seattle, he simply is Edgar.
"His legacy will be felt by this organization for many, many years to come," Charlton said.
When all of the other Mariners left, Edgar stayed. Through the worst of times and into the best of times, when he could have moved, he didn't. In 1992, when the team was horrible, Edgar led the American League in hitting. In 1995, when he helped save the game in this city, he won a second batting title.
"His name is synonymous with the team," Mariners president Chuck Armstrong said in his eloquent tribute. "He is what Cal Ripken was to Baltimore, Tony Gwynn was to San Diego and Ted Williams was to Boston. It is impossible to picture Edgar in anything but a Mariners uniform."
He will forever be linked with the greatest moment in team history, the double down the left-field line he hit off Jack McDowell that beat the New York Yankees in the fifth and final game of the 1995 American League Division Series.
On that night, Mariners manager Bob Melvin was sitting at home watching like every fan and marveling at Martinez.
"It was perfect Edgar," said Melvin, a former major-league catcher with seven teams, six of them in the American League. "You know he's looking out over the plate. The ball's a little bit in and he pulls his hands in and reacts to it. I still get goose bumps when I see it.
"I've been behind the plate many a time where you think you've finally set him up so you can get him inside, then he pulls his hands in and whips one down the left-field line."
Edgar has hit 305 home runs and 510 doubles. He has driven in 1,244 runs and has a career batting average of .312.
He is so respected around the league, players on every team call him Papi.
"It is a term of endearment and respect in Puerto Rico, and Edgar has earned it," said Mariners vice president Lee Pelekoudas. "He is the kindest, humblest man you'll ever meet."
This is Edgar Martinez:
It is early in the morning in the Mariners' spring-training clubhouse in Peoria. He looks everybody in the eye when he smiles and says good morning. Then he disappears into the training room to mix up a protein shake. A reporter asks him how it tastes, and he smiles and says it tastes great.
And the next morning, he not only makes a shake for himself but he makes one for the reporter.
Of course I'll remember "The Double" that beat the Yankees, but I'll also remember the two home runs he hit in the fourth game of that series. He had seven RBI in that game. Without them there wouldn't have been The Double.
Even more important, I'll remember the small moments.
The tears that welled in his eyes when he talked about where he was and how he felt when he heard his idol, Roberto Clemente, had died.
I'll remember many times waiting by his locker stall as deadline ticked closer and closer — waiting not because he was voraciously chowing down his post-game meal but because he was finishing his elaborate and exhausting workout routine.
Edgar always was the best weapon the Mariners had, in season or offseason.
"I was trying to get Ellis Burks to come here last year," Melvin said. "Ellis had pretty much made up his mind that he was going to Boston. He had played there before, and his wife's family was from there.
"But I said to him, 'Hey Ellis, I want you to think about one thing. If you come to Seattle, you'll be able to spend a year with Edgar Martinez. If you were an art major, it's like spending a year with Picasso.' He called (former manager) Dusty Baker that night and said that affected him so much he had to think a little more about it. That's the effect Edgar Martinez has on guys."
Burks thought seriously about spending the year with Edgar before he surrendered to his family's wish to be back in Boston.
Although Edgar Martinez is the last person who would want a fuss made over him, we should feel fortunate he announced his retirement this week. Now we can come to the stadium these last two months and cheer him as if he were our neighbor and give him the thoughtful long goodbye he deserves.
We can say, "Thanks, Edgar."
Thanks for enriching our lives with your skills. And for making it feel, at times, as if you really were our best friend.
Steve Kelley / Seattle Times staff columnist
Remember the day your best friend came up to you in the elementary school hallway and said his father had been transferred and he was leaving your hometown for good?
Remember how sad you felt?
That's how yesterday was.
In a crowded interview room underneath Safeco Field, Edgar Martinez announced that, after 18 years as a Mariner, he will retire at the end of this season.
It wasn't a death in the family. It wasn't a tragedy. But it hurt anyway.
It was one of those inevitable time passages you know in your head will come, but you hope in your heart will get postponed this year and next year and the year after that.
"Today feels a little bit like a funeral," said former Mariners reliever Norm Charlton, who played with Martinez in 1993, '95-97 and 2001. "You pay tribute to Edgar the same way you do for a war hero, but you try to turn it into a celebration, not a time of mourning."
Everything good that has happened to the Mariners has had Edgar Martinez's imprimatur.
He is this franchise, the one player in the team's history every fan feels he or she knows. They lazily chant his name "Ed-guuur," every time he comes to bat.
He is a neighbor who just happened to win batting titles. He is that smiling face who became the greatest designated hitter ever.
He is the Mariners star who delivers his lines with perfect pitch in almost all of the team's award-winning commercials.
In Seattle, he simply is Edgar.
"His legacy will be felt by this organization for many, many years to come," Charlton said.
When all of the other Mariners left, Edgar stayed. Through the worst of times and into the best of times, when he could have moved, he didn't. In 1992, when the team was horrible, Edgar led the American League in hitting. In 1995, when he helped save the game in this city, he won a second batting title.
"His name is synonymous with the team," Mariners president Chuck Armstrong said in his eloquent tribute. "He is what Cal Ripken was to Baltimore, Tony Gwynn was to San Diego and Ted Williams was to Boston. It is impossible to picture Edgar in anything but a Mariners uniform."
He will forever be linked with the greatest moment in team history, the double down the left-field line he hit off Jack McDowell that beat the New York Yankees in the fifth and final game of the 1995 American League Division Series.
On that night, Mariners manager Bob Melvin was sitting at home watching like every fan and marveling at Martinez.
"It was perfect Edgar," said Melvin, a former major-league catcher with seven teams, six of them in the American League. "You know he's looking out over the plate. The ball's a little bit in and he pulls his hands in and reacts to it. I still get goose bumps when I see it.
"I've been behind the plate many a time where you think you've finally set him up so you can get him inside, then he pulls his hands in and whips one down the left-field line."
Edgar has hit 305 home runs and 510 doubles. He has driven in 1,244 runs and has a career batting average of .312.
He is so respected around the league, players on every team call him Papi.
"It is a term of endearment and respect in Puerto Rico, and Edgar has earned it," said Mariners vice president Lee Pelekoudas. "He is the kindest, humblest man you'll ever meet."
This is Edgar Martinez:
It is early in the morning in the Mariners' spring-training clubhouse in Peoria. He looks everybody in the eye when he smiles and says good morning. Then he disappears into the training room to mix up a protein shake. A reporter asks him how it tastes, and he smiles and says it tastes great.
And the next morning, he not only makes a shake for himself but he makes one for the reporter.
Of course I'll remember "The Double" that beat the Yankees, but I'll also remember the two home runs he hit in the fourth game of that series. He had seven RBI in that game. Without them there wouldn't have been The Double.
Even more important, I'll remember the small moments.
The tears that welled in his eyes when he talked about where he was and how he felt when he heard his idol, Roberto Clemente, had died.
I'll remember many times waiting by his locker stall as deadline ticked closer and closer — waiting not because he was voraciously chowing down his post-game meal but because he was finishing his elaborate and exhausting workout routine.
Edgar always was the best weapon the Mariners had, in season or offseason.
"I was trying to get Ellis Burks to come here last year," Melvin said. "Ellis had pretty much made up his mind that he was going to Boston. He had played there before, and his wife's family was from there.
"But I said to him, 'Hey Ellis, I want you to think about one thing. If you come to Seattle, you'll be able to spend a year with Edgar Martinez. If you were an art major, it's like spending a year with Picasso.' He called (former manager) Dusty Baker that night and said that affected him so much he had to think a little more about it. That's the effect Edgar Martinez has on guys."
Burks thought seriously about spending the year with Edgar before he surrendered to his family's wish to be back in Boston.
Although Edgar Martinez is the last person who would want a fuss made over him, we should feel fortunate he announced his retirement this week. Now we can come to the stadium these last two months and cheer him as if he were our neighbor and give him the thoughtful long goodbye he deserves.
We can say, "Thanks, Edgar."
Thanks for enriching our lives with your skills. And for making it feel, at times, as if you really were our best friend.
Thursday, August 05, 2004
When I Look At the World
I was thinking about this song the other day from U2 - All That You Can't Leave Behind. The song is basicaly a pleed to God to let him see the world how God does, because when he looks at the World all he sees are the bad things.
When you look at the world
What is it that you see?
People find all kinds of things
That bring them to their knees
I see an expression
So clear and so true
That changes the atmosphere
When you walk into the room
So, I try to be like you
Try to feel it like you do
But without you, it's no use
I can't see what you see
When I look at the world
When the night is someone else's
And you're tryin' to get some sleep
When your thoughts are too expensive
To ever wanna keep
When there's all kinds of chaos
And everyone is walking lame
You don't even blink now, do you?
Don't even look away
So, I try to be like you
Try to feel it like you do
But without you, it's no use
I can't see what you see
When I look at the world
I can't wait any longer
I can't wait till I'm stronger
Can't wait any longer
To see what you see
When I look at the world
I'm in the waiting room
I can't see for the smoke
I think of you and your holy book
When the rest of us choke
Tell me, tell me
What do you see?
Tell me, tell me
What's wrong with me?
As I was thinking I pictured a little glob in my head and I was looking down on it seeing all the bad things, armies marching across nations and planes crashing into buildings, ect. Then I started thinking about God and how he could let it go on. Then it hit me, if you look really close you can see why, you have to look past the surface, the nations, the things that go on on a major scale, look past all that to the little things. To people who love their children, to great friendships, to little boys helping old women across the street, to people smiling at oneanother as they walk past at the grocery store, to people working in a food bank, to people giving there time, and lives to help others. If you add all these things up, there is more good in this world then there is bad.
This was really encouraging to me, thought I would share.
When you look at the world
What is it that you see?
People find all kinds of things
That bring them to their knees
I see an expression
So clear and so true
That changes the atmosphere
When you walk into the room
So, I try to be like you
Try to feel it like you do
But without you, it's no use
I can't see what you see
When I look at the world
When the night is someone else's
And you're tryin' to get some sleep
When your thoughts are too expensive
To ever wanna keep
When there's all kinds of chaos
And everyone is walking lame
You don't even blink now, do you?
Don't even look away
So, I try to be like you
Try to feel it like you do
But without you, it's no use
I can't see what you see
When I look at the world
I can't wait any longer
I can't wait till I'm stronger
Can't wait any longer
To see what you see
When I look at the world
I'm in the waiting room
I can't see for the smoke
I think of you and your holy book
When the rest of us choke
Tell me, tell me
What do you see?
Tell me, tell me
What's wrong with me?
As I was thinking I pictured a little glob in my head and I was looking down on it seeing all the bad things, armies marching across nations and planes crashing into buildings, ect. Then I started thinking about God and how he could let it go on. Then it hit me, if you look really close you can see why, you have to look past the surface, the nations, the things that go on on a major scale, look past all that to the little things. To people who love their children, to great friendships, to little boys helping old women across the street, to people smiling at oneanother as they walk past at the grocery store, to people working in a food bank, to people giving there time, and lives to help others. If you add all these things up, there is more good in this world then there is bad.
This was really encouraging to me, thought I would share.
Thursday, July 29, 2004
DNC: Day 3
I was sad that Dennis Kucinich spoke early in the day and I was unable to watch it. Instead they gave a good slot to the babbling idiot Al Sharpton, I can not beleive they even let that guy speak, he makes the democratic party look bad, shut him up!
Here is a quote from Dennis' speech:
"I was mayor of Cleveland, and I tell you have seen weapons of mass destruction - - in our cities. Poverty is a weapon of mass destruction. Joblessness is a weapon of mass destruction, homelessness is a weapon of mass destruction, racism is a weapon of mass destruction, fear is a weapon of mass destruction.
We must disarm these weapons and we must turn the military budget into books, schools, teachers, housing, health care, job creation and stronger neighborhoods."
Thats good stuff, you can read the whole thing here.
John Edwards speech was okay, it was nothing I have not heard him say 50 times before though, but good non-the-less, he is a good man.
Here is a quote from Dennis' speech:
"I was mayor of Cleveland, and I tell you have seen weapons of mass destruction - - in our cities. Poverty is a weapon of mass destruction. Joblessness is a weapon of mass destruction, homelessness is a weapon of mass destruction, racism is a weapon of mass destruction, fear is a weapon of mass destruction.
We must disarm these weapons and we must turn the military budget into books, schools, teachers, housing, health care, job creation and stronger neighborhoods."
Thats good stuff, you can read the whole thing here.
John Edwards speech was okay, it was nothing I have not heard him say 50 times before though, but good non-the-less, he is a good man.
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
DNC: Day 2
Barack Obama's speach was amazing, it gave me chills. This man needs to run for presidnet someday, I think our country would be much better off with people like him in office.
"We are connected as one people. If there’s a child on the south side of Chicago who can’t read, that matters to me, even if it’s not my child. If there’s a senior citizen somewhere who can’t pay for her prescription and has to choose between medicine and the rent, that makes my life poorer, even if it’s not my grandmother. If there’s an Arab American family being rounded up without benefit of an attorney or due process, that threatens my civil liberties. It’s that fundamental belief—I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sisters’ keeper—that makes this country work." - Barack Obama
I also noticed that Ron Regan's speaking voice sounds exactly like his dad's.
Thats all.
"We are connected as one people. If there’s a child on the south side of Chicago who can’t read, that matters to me, even if it’s not my child. If there’s a senior citizen somewhere who can’t pay for her prescription and has to choose between medicine and the rent, that makes my life poorer, even if it’s not my grandmother. If there’s an Arab American family being rounded up without benefit of an attorney or due process, that threatens my civil liberties. It’s that fundamental belief—I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sisters’ keeper—that makes this country work." - Barack Obama
I also noticed that Ron Regan's speaking voice sounds exactly like his dad's.
Thats all.
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
DNC: Day 1
I just want to say that Carter is one kick ass former president. Not much of a president, but a great former president. I wish I could buy him a beer.
Thats all.
Thats all.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Lincoln Quote
Christian conservatives could learn a lesson in humility and faith by contemplating the words of Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president. Lincoln declined to claim that God was on his side; instead, he prayed that "I and this nation may be on the Lord's side."
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Lyric of the Day: Ani Difranco - Animal
Ani Difranco - Animal - Lyrics
More and more there is this animal
Looking out through my eyes
At all the traffic on the road to nowhere
At all the shiny stuff around to buy
At all the wires in the air
At all the people shopping
For the same blank stare
At america the drastic
That isolated geographic
That's become infested with millionaires
When you grow up surrounded
By willful ignorance
You have to believe
Mercy has its own country
And that it's round and borderless
And then you have to grow wings
And rise above it all
Like there
Where that hawk is circling
Above that strip mall
More and more there is this animal
Looking out through my eyes
Seeing that animals only take from this world
What they need to survive
But she is prowling through all the religions of men
Seeing that time and time and time again
Their gods have made them
Special and above
Nature's law
And the respect thereof
And I think when you grow up surrounded
By willful ignorance
You have to believe that mercy has its own country
And that it's round and borderless
And then you just grow wings
And rise above it all
Like there where that hawk is circling
Above that strip mall
Ask any eco-system
Harm here is harm there
And there and there
And aggression begets aggression
It's a very simple lesson
That long preceded any king of heaven
And there's this brutal imperial power
That my passport says I represent
But it will never represent where my heart lives
Only vaguely where it went
Cuz I know when you grow up surrounded
By willful ignorance
You learn that mercy has its own country
And that it's round and borderless
And then you just grow wings
And rise above it all
Like there
Where that hawk is circling
Above that strip mall
More and more there is this animal
Looking out through my eyes
At all the traffic on the road to nowhere
At all the shiny stuff around to buy
At all the wires in the air
At all the people shopping
For the same blank stare
At america the drastic
That isolated geographic
That's become infested with millionaires
When you grow up surrounded
By willful ignorance
You have to believe
Mercy has its own country
And that it's round and borderless
And then you have to grow wings
And rise above it all
Like there
Where that hawk is circling
Above that strip mall
More and more there is this animal
Looking out through my eyes
Seeing that animals only take from this world
What they need to survive
But she is prowling through all the religions of men
Seeing that time and time and time again
Their gods have made them
Special and above
Nature's law
And the respect thereof
And I think when you grow up surrounded
By willful ignorance
You have to believe that mercy has its own country
And that it's round and borderless
And then you just grow wings
And rise above it all
Like there where that hawk is circling
Above that strip mall
Ask any eco-system
Harm here is harm there
And there and there
And aggression begets aggression
It's a very simple lesson
That long preceded any king of heaven
And there's this brutal imperial power
That my passport says I represent
But it will never represent where my heart lives
Only vaguely where it went
Cuz I know when you grow up surrounded
By willful ignorance
You learn that mercy has its own country
And that it's round and borderless
And then you just grow wings
And rise above it all
Like there
Where that hawk is circling
Above that strip mall
Friday, July 09, 2004
CS Lewis Quote
Someone posted this on Relevant and I thought it was great, so I am posting it here:
"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and lust and ambition when infinate joy is offered to us, like an ignorant child who wants to keep on making mud-pie in the slums because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a vacation at the beach." If I really wanted to be happy, I would seek God. Oh, but God is abstract! It takes effort to reach God. So I settle. I settle for weak amusements that require no effort. What a lazy fool I am!!" - CS Lewis
"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and lust and ambition when infinate joy is offered to us, like an ignorant child who wants to keep on making mud-pie in the slums because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a vacation at the beach." If I really wanted to be happy, I would seek God. Oh, but God is abstract! It takes effort to reach God. So I settle. I settle for weak amusements that require no effort. What a lazy fool I am!!" - CS Lewis
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
New Relevant Mag.
I got my new issue of Relevant yesterday. There were some great articles, I will post more about it soon, I want to refrence some of the articles and discuss them.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
I am a slaker
I have no updates today, but I had to post somthing so that the 3 people who visit my site will keep coming back. Thats all.
And thank you to the faithful 3.
And thank you to the faithful 3.
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Pedro the Lion: Achilles Heel
I just bought this album last night. I really am enjoying it so far. The story telling album concept that Pedro is known for is not as strong in this album, but he still makes very blunt points about the state of society and the problems with "religion".
"you were to busy steering the conversation toward the lord/
to hear the voice of the spirit saying shut the f*&% up/
you thought it must be the devil trying to make you go astray/
besides it couldn't have been the Lord because you don't believe he talks that way/"
- Foregone Conclusions
If you like David's song writing style, I would higrecommendmend this album.
"you were to busy steering the conversation toward the lord/
to hear the voice of the spirit saying shut the f*&% up/
you thought it must be the devil trying to make you go astray/
besides it couldn't have been the Lord because you don't believe he talks that way/"
- Foregone Conclusions
If you like David's song writing style, I would higrecommendmend this album.
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
French Toast Pop-Tarts
I just had the wierdest thing, thats right, a French Toast Pop-Tart.
It was actually pretty good, tasted a bit like french toast.
Thats all.
It was actually pretty good, tasted a bit like french toast.
Thats all.
Monday, June 07, 2004
Lesson of the weekend
It is amazing what God uses to open our eyes. I was fuming in church yesterday after my pastor made comments about "standing up against homosexual marriage". Thoughts about political agendas not belonging in church, thoughts about what church we could go to if my wife and I left this one (my home church). It just makes me so angry.
Then out of the same mouth that had made these comments, the answer to my anger. He preached on letting God heal your hurts. About not hiding your anger, not running from your anger, and not festering in your anger but letting Christ take care of it.
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Then out of the same mouth that had made these comments, the answer to my anger. He preached on letting God heal your hurts. About not hiding your anger, not running from your anger, and not festering in your anger but letting Christ take care of it.
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Friday, June 04, 2004
Friday: Lyric of the Day
DAVID GRAY - Let The Truth Sting
The hour is out of joint
black sun has risen
and the river of words
is flowing on through
the cages of tradition
and they're handing out emptiness
we'll take it cos it's given
free with this plastic innocence
and these standards of living
Questions lighted questions
burnin' holes into my head
hanging like shadows o'er the sun
staring out like the eyes of the dead
and sometimes my soul flickers
when the wind of change blows cold
over the mire of repetition
down the corridors of rigmarole
What I say, what I think
what I put down in ink
I'm only trying to find a way to understand
and I mean no harm
I'm just searching for calm
in the storm of mankind
Do you find it there
in the sea of faces
that drowns you everyday
or in the silence and rubble and empty spaces
where children and rottweilers play
is it buried in the praise
given so cheap
with a meaningless movement of the jaws
in the looking glass
that flatters you
or in the rattle of hollow applause
Blind circle, moon and sun body willing, mind undone
one pain ending while another begins
lies, ruin disease
into wounds like these
let the truth sting
From the hub to the limit
through the urban hollows
out into the poles of the extreme
to echo through the numbness
of these godless minutes
in the shadow of delusion's regime
And here watching the night
as it opens like a flower
and the day starts to rust
feeling time pound
like a silent hammer
on this empire of dust
and I'm thinking bout the bullet
and the TV screen, the dollar, and the clenched fist
and if we're searching for peace
how come we still believe
in hatred as the catalyst
Oh through the borderline
in front and behind
one pain ending
while another begin
lies, ruin disease
into wounds like these
let the truth sing
yeah
let the truth
And I feel it from the pit of my stomach
into the ditch of my mind
inside the chambers of my heart
as I stare half blind
at these walls of cardboard
at this space that I've rented
at your beauty that is crumbling
though you try so hard to prevent it
On and on
body willing, mind undone
one pain ending while another begins
lies, ruin, disease
into wounds like these
let the truth sting
let the truth sting
let the truth sting
The hour is out of joint
black sun has risen
and the river of words
is flowing on through
the cages of tradition
and they're handing out emptiness
we'll take it cos it's given
free with this plastic innocence
and these standards of living
Questions lighted questions
burnin' holes into my head
hanging like shadows o'er the sun
staring out like the eyes of the dead
and sometimes my soul flickers
when the wind of change blows cold
over the mire of repetition
down the corridors of rigmarole
What I say, what I think
what I put down in ink
I'm only trying to find a way to understand
and I mean no harm
I'm just searching for calm
in the storm of mankind
Do you find it there
in the sea of faces
that drowns you everyday
or in the silence and rubble and empty spaces
where children and rottweilers play
is it buried in the praise
given so cheap
with a meaningless movement of the jaws
in the looking glass
that flatters you
or in the rattle of hollow applause
Blind circle, moon and sun body willing, mind undone
one pain ending while another begins
lies, ruin disease
into wounds like these
let the truth sting
From the hub to the limit
through the urban hollows
out into the poles of the extreme
to echo through the numbness
of these godless minutes
in the shadow of delusion's regime
And here watching the night
as it opens like a flower
and the day starts to rust
feeling time pound
like a silent hammer
on this empire of dust
and I'm thinking bout the bullet
and the TV screen, the dollar, and the clenched fist
and if we're searching for peace
how come we still believe
in hatred as the catalyst
Oh through the borderline
in front and behind
one pain ending
while another begin
lies, ruin disease
into wounds like these
let the truth sing
yeah
let the truth
And I feel it from the pit of my stomach
into the ditch of my mind
inside the chambers of my heart
as I stare half blind
at these walls of cardboard
at this space that I've rented
at your beauty that is crumbling
though you try so hard to prevent it
On and on
body willing, mind undone
one pain ending while another begins
lies, ruin, disease
into wounds like these
let the truth sting
let the truth sting
let the truth sting
Thursday, June 03, 2004
One more thing.
I just wanted to point out that yes, I do realize it is ironic that my blog is called originality and I am using a template.
smartasses.
smartasses.
I'll try this again
Okay, my last blog lasted one day and I have not posted anything in it since, hell, I don't even know the address for it. I want to try and make this one work, we'll see.
If anyone has any ideas for topics let me know.
If anyone has any ideas for topics let me know.
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