Spoon. Click the link for a free donwload of thier great tune I Turn My Camera On.
By the way, I sing this song to the boys when I get them ready for bed, but we change the words to "I Put My Jammies On". So there you go.
Put Spoon's album Gimme Fiction on your Christmas list.
28.11.05
26.11.05
For to Us a Child is Born
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
-Luke 2:7
25.11.05
23.11.05
How NOT to love people of other faiths.
Dear Christians,
The link attached to this post will take you to a video clip which I hope you will watch. While one naturally desires to elevate positive examples of how to relate with respect, tolerance and love to the broader culture and people of other faiths, occasionally there comes along a negative example so perfect, that we must drag it into the light and gawk at it.
This is an example of how NOT to be a Christian. Please familiarize yourselves with it. Laugh if you can, cry if you must, but please try to remain calm.
Thank you,
FP
_______________________________________
Dear Persons of Other Faiths,
As you watch this film clip please accept our apologies on behalf of Christians everywhere. For too long we have allowed wrong headed and un-Christian thinking to exist in our churches, classrooms and homes. This clip displays one very extreme instance of what happens when Christians are less than loving, tolerant and thoughtful in their application of Christ's example to their lives. (Plus this woman seems to have other "issues" as well).
I believe I am speaking for the vast majority of Christians when I say that we truly love our non-Christian friends, families, and neighbors very deeply and yet we often struggle to find appropriate ways to express that love in light of our deeply held religious convictions. In may ways we have been very poorly equipped to treat others with tolerance, while holding to our faith with confidence. Fortunately, the record of Christ's life still stands in the New Testament. For a better picture of what most Christians strive to embody, consider reading the Gospel of John and note Jesus' interaction with non-religious, or non-Judaic people.
While it may seem that the most appropriate action for us to take as Christians with regard to people with these quite un-Christian tendancies would be to disown them and to distance ourselves from them. To be honest, this is our temptation. Ironically this would be exactly the opposite of what ought to be done. We don't condemn her or people like her, though we strongly assert our confident belief that she is way, way off base in her conduct and attitude towards people of other faiths. Those who seek to be truly tolerant and truly loving, must tolerate and love even those who fail miserably at tolerance and love. And so, we Christians must show this woman (and others like her) patience, tolerance and love. We'll pray for her and hold out hope that God will bring people into her life to correct her misconceptions and inexcusable behavior.
We also hope that the next time a Christian in your life attempts to speak with you about religous issues, that you will extend to them the same grace and tolerance that you desire.
Thank you for your patience with us.
Peace,
FP
The link attached to this post will take you to a video clip which I hope you will watch. While one naturally desires to elevate positive examples of how to relate with respect, tolerance and love to the broader culture and people of other faiths, occasionally there comes along a negative example so perfect, that we must drag it into the light and gawk at it.
This is an example of how NOT to be a Christian. Please familiarize yourselves with it. Laugh if you can, cry if you must, but please try to remain calm.
Thank you,
FP
_______________________________________
Dear Persons of Other Faiths,
As you watch this film clip please accept our apologies on behalf of Christians everywhere. For too long we have allowed wrong headed and un-Christian thinking to exist in our churches, classrooms and homes. This clip displays one very extreme instance of what happens when Christians are less than loving, tolerant and thoughtful in their application of Christ's example to their lives. (Plus this woman seems to have other "issues" as well).
I believe I am speaking for the vast majority of Christians when I say that we truly love our non-Christian friends, families, and neighbors very deeply and yet we often struggle to find appropriate ways to express that love in light of our deeply held religious convictions. In may ways we have been very poorly equipped to treat others with tolerance, while holding to our faith with confidence. Fortunately, the record of Christ's life still stands in the New Testament. For a better picture of what most Christians strive to embody, consider reading the Gospel of John and note Jesus' interaction with non-religious, or non-Judaic people.
While it may seem that the most appropriate action for us to take as Christians with regard to people with these quite un-Christian tendancies would be to disown them and to distance ourselves from them. To be honest, this is our temptation. Ironically this would be exactly the opposite of what ought to be done. We don't condemn her or people like her, though we strongly assert our confident belief that she is way, way off base in her conduct and attitude towards people of other faiths. Those who seek to be truly tolerant and truly loving, must tolerate and love even those who fail miserably at tolerance and love. And so, we Christians must show this woman (and others like her) patience, tolerance and love. We'll pray for her and hold out hope that God will bring people into her life to correct her misconceptions and inexcusable behavior.
We also hope that the next time a Christian in your life attempts to speak with you about religous issues, that you will extend to them the same grace and tolerance that you desire.
Thank you for your patience with us.
Peace,
FP
22.11.05
What are you thankful for?
I want to hear from the silent majority who read this blog but never comment. What are you thankful for?
U2 Live in Las Vegas: Concert Review
Click on over to a friend of the Funky Presbyterian's Blog and read his review of the latest U2 show in Las Vegas.
Strawberry Milkshake & A Bag of Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
Tonight's late night pregnancy craving. Both were purchased at the all-night UDF. (Does everyone have UDF?) Anyway, the place gets knocked over about once a month. I could've taken bullets for my wife's craving. Husbandry is not for the weak.
The Rosebuds- Birds Make Good Neighbors
I've been really getting into this album this week. Very good stuff. It's got this retro 80's vibe kinda like the Killers, but with less of ts80 Tube Screamer and more of the jangly jangly chorus pedals.
Click the title link for a free download of a song that is simply beautiful. It's called "Bluebird". It's legal, it's free, it's for you. Like God's mercy. Be sure to save it to your hard drive.
Click the title link for a free download of a song that is simply beautiful. It's called "Bluebird". It's legal, it's free, it's for you. Like God's mercy. Be sure to save it to your hard drive.
21.11.05
Taking the week off
I'm taking this week off. Last week I worked six evenings in a row (that includes after working all day as well). I'll be spending some much needed time with the boys and Charity and reading a Martin Luther Biography I've been meaning to get to for some time. Charity thinks I should read something not "church related". But I actually enjoy reading like this.
Also I will be having dinner Wednesday with an old friend. A good friend. A secret asian man. If history is any indicator, we will talk about music and life and new names for body functions. There may be beer involved as well.
Anyway, click the link for an article related to the Luther bio I'm reading.
Also I will be having dinner Wednesday with an old friend. A good friend. A secret asian man. If history is any indicator, we will talk about music and life and new names for body functions. There may be beer involved as well.
Anyway, click the link for an article related to the Luther bio I'm reading.
If systematic theology were a drug...
John Frame would be my dealer.
And I guess Vern Poythress would be like his partner who watches out for the fuzz while the deals are goin' down. Or something.
And I guess Vern Poythress would be like his partner who watches out for the fuzz while the deals are goin' down. Or something.
If music were a drug...
Emusic would be my dealer.
Check it out. Cheap, legal, and the artists get paid.
Check it out. Cheap, legal, and the artists get paid.
20.11.05
Best Songs for Listening While Under the Influence of Nyquil
Song: Brothers on a Hotel Bed
Album: Plans
Artist: Death Cab for Cutie
Song: I Love You
Album: Shine
Artist: Daniel Lanois
Song: Svefn-g-englar
Album: Agaetis Byrjun
Artist: Sigur Ros
Album: Plans
Artist: Death Cab for Cutie
Song: I Love You
Album: Shine
Artist: Daniel Lanois
Song: Svefn-g-englar
Album: Agaetis Byrjun
Artist: Sigur Ros
Guest Blogger Joshua Rollins on Johnny Cash
I've always loved Johnny Cash.
As a little boy, I remember diggin' through my granddad's tape box, and coming across "Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison Blues" and falling in love. I'd play it over and over again. My love for this man began at a young age.
As I grew older, I remember hearing songs like "Hey Porter" and "Luther Played the Boogie" and realizing they weren't like anything I'd ever heard. The first riff I ever learned on guitar was the beginning to "I Walk the Line".
Needless to say, when Johnny Cash died 2 years ago, I wept.
Not with a tear of sadness, but a tear like that when finishing an epic novel. Going through the tough times and the slow starts, to seeing the high points and even lower depths of the main characters soul, only to see it in the end fade away.
Today, Johnny Cash is beloved by my peers not neccesarly for his groundbreaking work in his prime, but for his last IV American Recordings. While Good, and haunting at time, they're not Johnny in his prime. They're not Johnny how I will remember Johnny.
Tomorrow night, Johnny Cash will be honored once again my music legends like U2, Jerry Lee Lewis and many others. It's a part of my life that's reminding me once again why I loved Johnny, because he transcended genres and went straight to the souls of those who wanted to be touched. A new generation of fans is emerging and they will continue to emerge as long as Johnny is remembered. I just pray someone, 20 years from now, will get the same chill I did 15 years ago, when I first heard the stone cold "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash."
_________________________________________________________
Thanks, Joshua. More of Joshua's writings can be found at rollinsville.net or you can click the title of this post for a link. -FP
As a little boy, I remember diggin' through my granddad's tape box, and coming across "Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison Blues" and falling in love. I'd play it over and over again. My love for this man began at a young age.
As I grew older, I remember hearing songs like "Hey Porter" and "Luther Played the Boogie" and realizing they weren't like anything I'd ever heard. The first riff I ever learned on guitar was the beginning to "I Walk the Line".
Needless to say, when Johnny Cash died 2 years ago, I wept.
Not with a tear of sadness, but a tear like that when finishing an epic novel. Going through the tough times and the slow starts, to seeing the high points and even lower depths of the main characters soul, only to see it in the end fade away.
Today, Johnny Cash is beloved by my peers not neccesarly for his groundbreaking work in his prime, but for his last IV American Recordings. While Good, and haunting at time, they're not Johnny in his prime. They're not Johnny how I will remember Johnny.
Tomorrow night, Johnny Cash will be honored once again my music legends like U2, Jerry Lee Lewis and many others. It's a part of my life that's reminding me once again why I loved Johnny, because he transcended genres and went straight to the souls of those who wanted to be touched. A new generation of fans is emerging and they will continue to emerge as long as Johnny is remembered. I just pray someone, 20 years from now, will get the same chill I did 15 years ago, when I first heard the stone cold "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash."
_________________________________________________________
Thanks, Joshua. More of Joshua's writings can be found at rollinsville.net or you can click the title of this post for a link. -FP
18.11.05
New Pregnancy Cravings
With our first son, Jack, my wife craved peaches. With our second, Sam, she craved banana peppers. Those of you who know them can verify that the respective cravings very accurately predict their personalities. Now I'm a bit concerned. I just returned form a late night run to the grocery (my clock-thingy is messed up on the time signature). What did she want? Lemons and Limes.
This leads me to predict that in several months my wife will deliver a full grown 7-Up distributor. If we're lucky, maybe he'll be a district manager!
Too bad she didn't crave oranges and lemons. Then we'd give birth to an under-rated, new wave British song writer.
(Come on! Whose with me? Get it? Oranges and Lemons! Come on, people!)
>crickets-crickets<
This leads me to predict that in several months my wife will deliver a full grown 7-Up distributor. If we're lucky, maybe he'll be a district manager!
Too bad she didn't crave oranges and lemons. Then we'd give birth to an under-rated, new wave British song writer.
(Come on! Whose with me? Get it? Oranges and Lemons! Come on, people!)
>crickets-crickets<
Why I wear my Father's coat.
Earlier this week, I spent the day at home with the boys. I try to do that every once and a while. Just me and the boys. And sometimes, when the cartoons are off and the weekly video game allotment has been reached, we actually spend time together. (There are usually couch forts involved. And nerf).
This week Jack put on my corduroy jacket and my hat. (I've got a hat like men use to wear, back when men wore hats. Sometimes I wish men still wore hats). Anyway, Jack puts on my coat and my hat and then he wants my glasses. I reluctlantly surrender them. He stomps around the room, feet flopping in size nines, sleeves swaying by knees, hat cocked, head tilted to keep the over-sized glasses in place on a nose barely big enough to balance them. And then he speaks.
With his chin now pressed against his chest and the glasses now slinding down his little bump of a nose, he lowers his voice to a six year old's best approximation of a baritone and belows forth authoritatively. This is how daddy sounds to him. His phrases are punctuated with fits of giggles and slobber.
It's fun to pretend. (Remember when we use to pretend? Mr. Rogers use to call it "make believe". I like that better, I think). But when Jack plays dress up in my coat and hat, he'd doing more than just playing make believe. Someday Jack is going to grow up. Eventually he'll fit that coat. Someday those shoes won't flop. He'll fill them out. So it is make believe, but it's make believe with a purpose. He's learning to become who he's destined to be.
I use to think that when I prayed I had to use my own words. I thought that to pray words someone else had written was somehow insincere or less than authentic. It felt like I was pretending to express something I didn't really feel. It felt like make believe.
I still think it is to some extent, make believe when I pray the words written by someone else in some other place (usually a long time ago). But now I'm okay with it. Especially when I pray the words of scripture, like the Psalms or the Lord's Prayer. The way I see it, I'm just dressingup in my father's coat and hat. I'm walking around in his floppy shoes, chin like voice, lowered.
For now, the sleeves mostly hang down around my knees, and the hat slides to one side, to big for my head to fill. I have to keep pushing the glasses back up the bridge of my nose. But these clothes- the words, the prayers, the poetry- these clothes are his clothes. These words are His words. They will never fully fit me, not in this life anyway. But the longer I wear them and the more I make believe, the more I grow into them. Even now, they fit a little better than they use to. Wearing them actually makes me look a little more like my Father.
I pray the words of God for the same reason I wore my Father's coat as a child. I'm learning to become who I'm destined to be: a child of God, with a striking family resemblance.
This week Jack put on my corduroy jacket and my hat. (I've got a hat like men use to wear, back when men wore hats. Sometimes I wish men still wore hats). Anyway, Jack puts on my coat and my hat and then he wants my glasses. I reluctlantly surrender them. He stomps around the room, feet flopping in size nines, sleeves swaying by knees, hat cocked, head tilted to keep the over-sized glasses in place on a nose barely big enough to balance them. And then he speaks.
With his chin now pressed against his chest and the glasses now slinding down his little bump of a nose, he lowers his voice to a six year old's best approximation of a baritone and belows forth authoritatively. This is how daddy sounds to him. His phrases are punctuated with fits of giggles and slobber.
It's fun to pretend. (Remember when we use to pretend? Mr. Rogers use to call it "make believe". I like that better, I think). But when Jack plays dress up in my coat and hat, he'd doing more than just playing make believe. Someday Jack is going to grow up. Eventually he'll fit that coat. Someday those shoes won't flop. He'll fill them out. So it is make believe, but it's make believe with a purpose. He's learning to become who he's destined to be.
I use to think that when I prayed I had to use my own words. I thought that to pray words someone else had written was somehow insincere or less than authentic. It felt like I was pretending to express something I didn't really feel. It felt like make believe.
I still think it is to some extent, make believe when I pray the words written by someone else in some other place (usually a long time ago). But now I'm okay with it. Especially when I pray the words of scripture, like the Psalms or the Lord's Prayer. The way I see it, I'm just dressingup in my father's coat and hat. I'm walking around in his floppy shoes, chin like voice, lowered.
For now, the sleeves mostly hang down around my knees, and the hat slides to one side, to big for my head to fill. I have to keep pushing the glasses back up the bridge of my nose. But these clothes- the words, the prayers, the poetry- these clothes are his clothes. These words are His words. They will never fully fit me, not in this life anyway. But the longer I wear them and the more I make believe, the more I grow into them. Even now, they fit a little better than they use to. Wearing them actually makes me look a little more like my Father.
I pray the words of God for the same reason I wore my Father's coat as a child. I'm learning to become who I'm destined to be: a child of God, with a striking family resemblance.
Linford Detweiler performs at the 2006 Grace Central Arts Forum
Best known for his work in the Ohio based folk act Over the Rhine, Linford performed a rare solo show last weekend at the Grace Central Arts Forum in Columbus, Ohio. The evening included poetry, prose and piano pieces, all of which were originally composed.
It really was a fantastic evening for all in attendance, as Linford recounted childhood experiences, many of which cast a light upon the unique and often strained relationship between faith and the creative impulse.
It was perfect. You really oughta been there.
It really was a fantastic evening for all in attendance, as Linford recounted childhood experiences, many of which cast a light upon the unique and often strained relationship between faith and the creative impulse.
It was perfect. You really oughta been there.
Zack Prout Opens the Evening
Zack Prout opened the night's performances with a thirty minute set of familiar covers and original compositions.
If you weren't there, I'd try to tell you how good Zack sings, but you wouldn't believe me anyway. Seriously. He's that good.
If you weren't there, I'd try to tell you how good Zack sings, but you wouldn't believe me anyway. Seriously. He's that good.
Urbanic Spins Records in the Gallery
After Linford's performance, the real party got started after hours in the gallery space. Grace Central's own Urbanic got his groove on.
Drinking
Organic Milk. It really does taste much better than regular old hormone injected milk. Never thought I'd be able to tell the difference, but let me tell ya...
I can. It's great. Plus it's got a little cartoon cow on the carton.
I can. It's great. Plus it's got a little cartoon cow on the carton.
The Four Resurrections of Johnny Cash: In Four Parts
This weekend marks the release of the highly anticipated bigraphical Johnny Cash film "Walk the Line", starring Jauquin Phoenix as the man in black.
In commemoration of the film's release, Funky Presbyterian will be posting a four part essay on "the four resurrections of Johnny Cash".
In addition, if you would like to submit a short essay concerning Johnny Cash and his influence, please email it to me at gracecentral@hotmail.com and I'll post it on the Funky P. Maybe you can be my first ever "guest poster".
In commemoration of the film's release, Funky Presbyterian will be posting a four part essay on "the four resurrections of Johnny Cash".
In addition, if you would like to submit a short essay concerning Johnny Cash and his influence, please email it to me at gracecentral@hotmail.com and I'll post it on the Funky P. Maybe you can be my first ever "guest poster".
Rockin' the Reverend
Band: The Damnwells
Album: The Bastards of the Beat
Genre: Rock and Roll (no pre-fix required)
Track: New Born History
I forgot how much I enjoy this album. Now let me be sure to say right up front: This record will not change your life, like for instance the Joshua Tree or OK Computer or HWY 61 Revisited, or Revolver, or even Graceland for that matter. But it is one heckuva good listen. Fat hooks, rich harmonies, hummable melodies and all without pretense or agenda. These guys don't break new ground, but then again they aren't trying to.
Just a solid B+ listen on a cold day in November.
Album: The Bastards of the Beat
Genre: Rock and Roll (no pre-fix required)
Track: New Born History
I forgot how much I enjoy this album. Now let me be sure to say right up front: This record will not change your life, like for instance the Joshua Tree or OK Computer or HWY 61 Revisited, or Revolver, or even Graceland for that matter. But it is one heckuva good listen. Fat hooks, rich harmonies, hummable melodies and all without pretense or agenda. These guys don't break new ground, but then again they aren't trying to.
Just a solid B+ listen on a cold day in November.
John Lennon still speaks.
And apparantly he's still ticked at Paul. Hey, dude. Get over it, already.
Stand Back- Stand Back!
I found this awesome website where a woman sells her art work- which just happens to be mostly pictures of Stevie Nicks painted on tambourines. How great is that? Talk about a niche market.
p.s. Guess what all of you are getting from me for Christmas this year?
p.s. Guess what all of you are getting from me for Christmas this year?
Got vinyl?
Ok, my funky readers... Who of you out there has vinyl? Do you listen to it? Where & when? Is the listenting experience that much superior to digital? The aspect of vinyl I most admire is the whole event of listening to it. There's the unfolding of the BIG cardboard sleeve, the gently removing the disc, the gingergly gripping of the disc's edge between flattened hands, fingers straightened and placing on that little post. The dropping of the needle and the thup thup thup thup of the speakers when the record reaches the end of side A. Oh yeah... I almost forgot. Remember when there WAS a side A? Now I scroll and click my way through my entire collection in seconds. (Ok, maybe not my ENTIRE collection- but you get the point).
Who's got it? Is it worth it? Do you like it?
So here's my question: If I decide to begin collecting vinyl and actually purchase a record player, will you guys come over and lay on my living room floor so we can look at the album art together?
Who's got it? Is it worth it? Do you like it?
So here's my question: If I decide to begin collecting vinyl and actually purchase a record player, will you guys come over and lay on my living room floor so we can look at the album art together?
16.11.05
Tired, Uninspired, or Just Too Busy?
Formerly prolific blogger, Funky Presbyterian sees posts wane. Substitutes lame links, with no images. Hopes readers won't notice. Renews resolve to "get crap together".
15.11.05
14.11.05
11.11.05
9.11.05
Future Men
Click the link to read an EXCELLENT article about raising boys. I think you'll enjoy it even if you're not a parent. What a refreshing and healthy perspective.
Low Down on the Download.
Click for a link to a free Sufjan Stevens live concert download.
Your welcome.
Your welcome.
8.11.05
Another on the way.
This morning a little pink line appeared on our home pregnancy test. This brings me great joy because it means our third little one is on the way!
It also brings me great joy, because at first I thought she was peeing on my ipod shuffle.
Here's to more babies.
It also brings me great joy, because at first I thought she was peeing on my ipod shuffle.
Here's to more babies.
7.11.05
Office work.
This post goes out to all you office workers who are hanging on until Friday. Rock on, cubicle dwellers.
Anheuser Busch donates water to victims, Baptists refuse to distribute it.
This is ridiculous. Then again, maybe they did the right thing. Can you imagine what a bummer it would be to snap open an icy cold can of the suds only to find it filled with mere water? I mean come on, first a hurricane destroys your town, and now THIS?!
Click the title to read the article.
Click the title to read the article.
Still protesting.
Recently I've had a handful of conversations with Roman Catholics concerning the schism between Catholics and Protestants. The conversations have served to increase my awareness of my own continued protest. I desire unity among all who call themselves Christians. But not at any cost.
In the meantime, I remain under the Roman Catholic "anathema" which means "condemnation" which means in the opinion of the Roman Catholic church, I stand eternally condemned and am no child of God.
Here is the ruling of the Council of Trent:
CANON IX.-If any one saith, that by faith alone the impious is justified; in such wise as to mean, that nothing else is required to co-operate in order to the obtaining the grace of Justification, and that it is not in any way necessary, that he be prepared and disposed by the movement of his own will; let him be anathema.
Well, that's exactly what I saith. Thus, still protesting. God haste the day when your Church is one under the free grace of Jesus Christ.
In the meantime, I remain under the Roman Catholic "anathema" which means "condemnation" which means in the opinion of the Roman Catholic church, I stand eternally condemned and am no child of God.
Here is the ruling of the Council of Trent:
CANON IX.-If any one saith, that by faith alone the impious is justified; in such wise as to mean, that nothing else is required to co-operate in order to the obtaining the grace of Justification, and that it is not in any way necessary, that he be prepared and disposed by the movement of his own will; let him be anathema.
Well, that's exactly what I saith. Thus, still protesting. God haste the day when your Church is one under the free grace of Jesus Christ.
31.10.05
Ryan Adams Has The Right Idea.
Maybe this explains why he seems to have so little time for personal hygene maintenance.
Ryan Adams is set to release his third album of 2005. This third full length album of all original material is currently slated for release in December of 2005. One of his albums this year (Cold Roses) was even a double disc! I did the math- that's fourty-three tracks. Ryan Adams will have released in one year, the amount of music it took u2 twelve years to release. TWELVE YEARS!
Here's how I see it: If you are a professional musician like Adams or U2, your job is to make music, to write songs. It's why you get paid. If you can't turn out AT LEAST ten decent tracks a year, then maybe you're in the wrong line of work, you know what I'm saying? I mean what are these rock stars doing all day? I'll tell you. They're going to Hollywood Movie Premiers with their ex-supermodel girlfriends and crap like that. (I should probably cut Bono some slack for saving Africa or whatever) But still! Take your guitar with you and write me some freakin' songs on your lunch break.
Anyway, props to Ryan Adams for being the hardest working songwriter in rock and roll. And let this be a rebuke to all the bands that release one album every four and half years with every third one being some crappy live- acoustic rehash of previously recorded material.
Ryan Adams is set to release his third album of 2005. This third full length album of all original material is currently slated for release in December of 2005. One of his albums this year (Cold Roses) was even a double disc! I did the math- that's fourty-three tracks. Ryan Adams will have released in one year, the amount of music it took u2 twelve years to release. TWELVE YEARS!
Here's how I see it: If you are a professional musician like Adams or U2, your job is to make music, to write songs. It's why you get paid. If you can't turn out AT LEAST ten decent tracks a year, then maybe you're in the wrong line of work, you know what I'm saying? I mean what are these rock stars doing all day? I'll tell you. They're going to Hollywood Movie Premiers with their ex-supermodel girlfriends and crap like that. (I should probably cut Bono some slack for saving Africa or whatever) But still! Take your guitar with you and write me some freakin' songs on your lunch break.
Anyway, props to Ryan Adams for being the hardest working songwriter in rock and roll. And let this be a rebuke to all the bands that release one album every four and half years with every third one being some crappy live- acoustic rehash of previously recorded material.
28.10.05
Eli, Peyton & Polanyi: Quarterbacks and the Tacit Coefficient
If you are into football and obscure twentieth century epistemologists, then you will LOVE this article. If you're just into football, you'll still like it. If you're only into obscure twentieth century epistemologists, then your name is Dru Johnson, and you should stop horsing around on the internet and get back to work before I call Dr. Williams and tattle on you.
30!
I don't want to give away any secrets or anything, so let's just say, one of the persons in this photo is now 30 years old. Happy Birthday, Sweet Heart!
In my world, this makes perfect sense.
Those of you who, like me, were raised on rock and roll and now find yourselves raising small children will be able to relate to this excellent music video. The rest of you will think we've all lost it. Enjoy
New Development
Attention: In order to further enhance my 'street cred', I will from now on refer to myself solely in third person and using the moniker G Love and Special Bloss. You may now return to your normally shceduled activites.
Sincerely,
G Love and Special Bloss
Sincerely,
G Love and Special Bloss
25.10.05
say what?
I stumbled upon this lovely piece of rational thought and air tight argumentation when perusing the website of Fred Phelps, pastor and owner of www.godhatesfags.com
Guys like this are the reason why 75% of my ministry is spent doing damage control.
Guys like this are the reason why 75% of my ministry is spent doing damage control.
Not Too Cool for School
This from Relevant Magazine:
One lucky Harvard student will get the ultimate roommate this spring semester when Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo returns to the university to finish his bachelor’s degree. The multi-platinum rocker has said that he will move back into the dorms, officially making him that weird 35-year-old guy that creeps everyone out
One lucky Harvard student will get the ultimate roommate this spring semester when Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo returns to the university to finish his bachelor’s degree. The multi-platinum rocker has said that he will move back into the dorms, officially making him that weird 35-year-old guy that creeps everyone out
22.10.05
Apple's itunes now sells music videos for $1.99
And you can watch them on your new ipod with video capabilities. But don't buy them! Videos use to be available to watch for free on the itunes website. Now you can only watch a short sample before paying to download the whole thing. That really sucks. Music Videos are advertisments for the musicians that are selling music. It is ridiculous to ask me for $1.99 so you can advertise your product to me.
I won't pay for it. You won't advertise to me. And then I won't buy your product. Now go home and cry on your ex-supermodel wife's shoulder. Bad! Bad rock star!
I won't pay for it. You won't advertise to me. And then I won't buy your product. Now go home and cry on your ex-supermodel wife's shoulder. Bad! Bad rock star!
Every church is liturgical
Click the link and scroll down below the fine photo of the marching band uniform. Thanks to KDNY for pointing this out.
Baptize your babies
The following was lifted from a blog quoting Doug Wilson. The argument from silence is VERY strong.
"The question for our baptistic brethren is this. Are you prepared to maintain that an infant brought to your congregation (formally and covenantally excluded) is in the same position as an infant brought to a believing synagogue in Jerusalem in AD 52? Not only would the believing synagogue not exclude such an infant, I believe that they would have difficulty even comprehending the concept of excluding the infants. And if there was such a generation-long uproar over the inclusion of the Gentiles, what would the commotion have been if the apostles really were teaching the Jews that not only must you start admitting the Gentile adults, but you must start excluding your own children? I have trouble believing that this would not have caused the Mother of all Theological Controversies. But there is not a word about such a controversy in the New Testament".
"The question for our baptistic brethren is this. Are you prepared to maintain that an infant brought to your congregation (formally and covenantally excluded) is in the same position as an infant brought to a believing synagogue in Jerusalem in AD 52? Not only would the believing synagogue not exclude such an infant, I believe that they would have difficulty even comprehending the concept of excluding the infants. And if there was such a generation-long uproar over the inclusion of the Gentiles, what would the commotion have been if the apostles really were teaching the Jews that not only must you start admitting the Gentile adults, but you must start excluding your own children? I have trouble believing that this would not have caused the Mother of all Theological Controversies. But there is not a word about such a controversy in the New Testament".
Baptize your babies
The following was lifted from a blog quoting Doug Wilson:
"The question for our baptistic brethren is this. Are you prepared to maintain that an infant brought to your congregation (formally and covenantally excluded) is in the same position as an infant brought to a believing synagogue in Jerusalem in AD 52? Not only would the believing synagogue not exclude such an infant, I believe that they would have difficulty even comprehending the concept of excluding the infants. And if there was such a generation-long uproar over the inclusion of the Gentiles, what would the commotion have been if the apostles really were teaching the Jews that not only must you start admitting the Gentile adults, but you must start excluding your own children? I have trouble believing that this would not have caused the Mother of all Theological Controversies. But there is not a word about such a controversy in the New Testament".
"The question for our baptistic brethren is this. Are you prepared to maintain that an infant brought to your congregation (formally and covenantally excluded) is in the same position as an infant brought to a believing synagogue in Jerusalem in AD 52? Not only would the believing synagogue not exclude such an infant, I believe that they would have difficulty even comprehending the concept of excluding the infants. And if there was such a generation-long uproar over the inclusion of the Gentiles, what would the commotion have been if the apostles really were teaching the Jews that not only must you start admitting the Gentile adults, but you must start excluding your own children? I have trouble believing that this would not have caused the Mother of all Theological Controversies. But there is not a word about such a controversy in the New Testament".
21.10.05
Problem: Two Parties- One Funky Presbyterian
It's all boils down to math, really. Two parties Saturday night and only one Funky Presbyter to go around. Ah well. Such is the price one pays for such a hip happenin' social life. Normally I would choose which party to attend based on the predicted funkiness of each. Unfortunately both are registering as maximum funk on the funkometer. In such a case I would normally choose based on which party would afford me the greatest opportunity to display my break dancin' skills. I mean skillz. Neither gathering bodes well for my awesome robotics. (I was pro'lly gonna do the worm too, but whatever). So I guess I must resort to going where I was invited first. Maybe I'll bust out the windmill anyway.
As consolation for your deep empathy with my dilemma, I've linked to an appropriate cartoon. Enjoy.
As consolation for your deep empathy with my dilemma, I've linked to an appropriate cartoon. Enjoy.
All Things Beautiful and Bright
Hey. Remember that really awesome Christian Rock band that played Cornerstone back in in the summer of '93 and blew everybody away? Remember? They opened with Adam Ants "good two shoes" and then ripped through a set of songs good enough to make Thom York jealous. Remember? Then they left Cornerstone and wrecked thier van and they all almost died and were in the hospital for months and then when they all got out they recorded one more album which was one of the best albums of the year- maybe even the decade? Remember that? It had that Frank Lloyd Wright designed interior of a public library on the cover? And it had that song "Mincemeat" that just absolutely left you breathless everytime you heard it? And then they just disappeared. Remember? Of course you don't. No one does.
Well, I remember. That band was called Luxury and recently their ex-lead singer, Lee Bozeman has released a solo project under the name "All Things Beautiful and Bright". You can listen to a track by clicking the title link of this post.
In addition, Luxury released a NEW album on Northern Records this month. Look it up, check it out. Purchase it.
File Under: Christian Rock that doesn't suck. (it's a very small category).
Well, I remember. That band was called Luxury and recently their ex-lead singer, Lee Bozeman has released a solo project under the name "All Things Beautiful and Bright". You can listen to a track by clicking the title link of this post.
In addition, Luxury released a NEW album on Northern Records this month. Look it up, check it out. Purchase it.
File Under: Christian Rock that doesn't suck. (it's a very small category).
I am speechless.
One Nation Under... Hey Wait a Second! I am speechless, but thankfully, KDNY is not! KDNY suspects the bushfish is the reason for Katrina. You know... I think he may be on to something.
Originally uploaded by Greg Blosser.
20.10.05
19.10.05
17.10.05
15.10.05
This looks like a Pez dispenser...
...but really it's an MP3 player. I am overwhelmed by the awesomeness.
13.10.05
HOW SERIOUS IS THE THREAT OF ASIAN BIRD FLU?
Well, check this out. I pulled it off the cdc web site. Apparantly in April of this year W signed an executive order broadening the scope of quarantinable diseases to include influenza. ahh- Ahhh- AHHHH- CHOO!
Executive Order: Amendment to E.O. 13295 Relating to Certain Influenza Viruses and Quarantinable Communicable Diseases
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 361(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 264(b)), it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Based upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Surgeon General, and for the purpose set forth in section 1 of Executive Order 13295 of April 4, 2003, section 1 of such order is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new subsection:
"(c) Influenza caused by novel or reemergent influenza viruses that are causing, or have the potential to cause, a pandemic.".
Sec. 2. This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, entities, officers, employees or agents, or any other person.
GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE,
April 1, 2005.
Executive Order: Amendment to E.O. 13295 Relating to Certain Influenza Viruses and Quarantinable Communicable Diseases
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 361(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 264(b)), it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Based upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Surgeon General, and for the purpose set forth in section 1 of Executive Order 13295 of April 4, 2003, section 1 of such order is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new subsection:
"(c) Influenza caused by novel or reemergent influenza viruses that are causing, or have the potential to cause, a pandemic.".
Sec. 2. This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, entities, officers, employees or agents, or any other person.
GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE,
April 1, 2005.
12.10.05
you go, google.
Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin (search) vowed to create a company "that does good things for the world even if we forgo short-term gains." Toward that end, the pair said they would earmark 1 percent of Google's stock and future profit for a charitable foundation.
- Read the rest of the article at the above link. Man, just imagine what couold be done with 10%.
- Read the rest of the article at the above link. Man, just imagine what couold be done with 10%.
11.10.05
you go girl.
I give Oprah flack whenever I can. It's really not Oprah- the person- I have a problem with. It's what she represents. It's all the cheap psycho-babble- believe in yourself- remember your spirit- just look inside- stuff she preaches each day and the way America undiscerningly laps up every empty self-help cliche she spews forth. She's preaching the only gospel she knows. Just so happens it's no gospel at all. Then there's Dr. Phil, Oprah's instead-man. Don't get me started. (However I will say he definiely knows how to rock the 'stache).
Yes. I give Oprah crap.
Therefor it is only fair that I also give Oprah props on her admirable and courageous behavior as well. Most recently she has announced that she intends to fight for the improvement of laws relating to the sentencing of convicted child molesters. She intends to attack this issue state by state and at her own personal expense. She believes this is the purpose for which she was created. (It's just too bad she got side tracked with that whole talk show thing for the last couple of decades).
Anyway, her passionate conviction and determination to make positive change in defense of the defenseless and at great personal expense is truly noble. You go girl.
Yes. I give Oprah crap.
Therefor it is only fair that I also give Oprah props on her admirable and courageous behavior as well. Most recently she has announced that she intends to fight for the improvement of laws relating to the sentencing of convicted child molesters. She intends to attack this issue state by state and at her own personal expense. She believes this is the purpose for which she was created. (It's just too bad she got side tracked with that whole talk show thing for the last couple of decades).
Anyway, her passionate conviction and determination to make positive change in defense of the defenseless and at great personal expense is truly noble. You go girl.
Lyrics
From The Mountain Goats album The Sunset Tree:
love love love
king saul fell on his sword when it all went wrong,
and joseph's brothers sold him down the river for a song,
and sonny liston rubbed some tiger balm into his glove.
some things you do for money and some you do for love love love.
raskolnikov felt sick but he couldn't say why
when he saw his face reflected in his victim's twinkling eye.
some things you'll do for money and some you'll do for fun,
but the things you do for love are going to come back to you one by one.
love love is going to lead you by the hand
into a white and soundless place.
now we see things as in a mirror dimly.
then we shall see each other face to face.
and way out in seattle young kurt cobain
snuck out to the greenhouse, put a bullet in his brain.
snakes in the grass beneath our feet, rain in the clouds above,
some moments last forever, but some flare up with love love love.
love love love
king saul fell on his sword when it all went wrong,
and joseph's brothers sold him down the river for a song,
and sonny liston rubbed some tiger balm into his glove.
some things you do for money and some you do for love love love.
raskolnikov felt sick but he couldn't say why
when he saw his face reflected in his victim's twinkling eye.
some things you'll do for money and some you'll do for fun,
but the things you do for love are going to come back to you one by one.
love love is going to lead you by the hand
into a white and soundless place.
now we see things as in a mirror dimly.
then we shall see each other face to face.
and way out in seattle young kurt cobain
snuck out to the greenhouse, put a bullet in his brain.
snakes in the grass beneath our feet, rain in the clouds above,
some moments last forever, but some flare up with love love love.
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