IT'S FRICKEN HOT!!!

Hey everybody. I decided to write one more post since I'm leaving for the mountains tomorrow. It's about 105 degrees today in Tucson and I can't help but feel like it's giving Hell a run for its money. Happy to be on vacation. I was thinking on the flight over about life, especially since I started reading Brave New World again. It is such a fragile thing and the minute we think we can control it, things collapse right before our eyes. I was looking out the window of the plane at San Diego and then Tucson with wonder. To think that this globe we live on is so vast to us and full of all kinds of life, is just one small planet in a gigantic universe. I often think everything revolves around our world, then it starts to get smaller until it only revolves around me. I don't know if there is life on other planets, but I think if we did find life, it would be very humbling. I guess it would make me realize life is bigger than myself. The Goo Goo Dolls have a song with the line, "Don't it make you sad to know that life is more than who we are". I like that line. I like it because although it does make me sad, it also makes me a hell of alot less selfish. I start to thank God more for the little things I often take for grantid. I begin to realize how much I am blessed and to praise Him for it instead of curse Him everytime something doesn't go my way. It's important to remember where God has us here and now. While I am anxiously awaiting and praying for a wife, I should be mindful of the things God is doing in my life right now. There's definitely a lack of trust that comes into play here. It's just so hard with the "wife" thing because of lust. It consumes me until it becomes the only thing I long for and desire. Which then causes me to become angry and agitated because I can't satisfy it. Not to mention, my desire is really focused on sex rather than a wife. Pray for me. Sometimes I think the demons are too strong to cope with. But I know the Lord promises never to abandon us even when we abandon Him. Just some thoughts and struggles of mine. Oh, by the way, I got the BMW. It's awesome. I fricken love it. Just another example of God coming through in the clutch even though I don't deserve it. Later.

New Music Tuesday- 6/27/06

Normally, this will not happen. I decided to do my new music blog a day in advance only because it is my birthday today and some friends of mine got me the new dashboard confessional CD. The same CD that was supposed to be released tomorrow. They said they found it at the Last record store. Weird!! I guess they put it on the shelf early. Anyway, I've been fortunate to listen to this album and actually give you a critique before you buy it. This is my only new release for this Tuesday!! So here it is...
The new CD is called Dusk and Summer. It has been highly anticipated after Dashboard's very successful, "A mark, a brand , a mission, a scar". Many fans liked this album, but longed for Chris Carraba to return to his acoustic, emo roots. I partly agree with these fans. While I enjoy his electric side, I truly do miss the simplicity and beauty of The places we have come to fear the most. Unfortunately, these fans will be very disappointed. Dusk and Summer has one acoustic song on it, the self-titled one, and even that song has that "Highly Produced" sound that hurts the track more than helps it. In fact, the whole album could be looked at as "Highly-Produced". This is just a different Dashboard than we're used to. Some of the songs are definitely going to take some getting used to. With all that negativity being said, I don't hate the album. It has some great songs on it, one of which entitled "So Long, So Long", features Adam Duritz, Counting Crows lead man. And Carraba continues to grab you with his thoughtful lyrics and strong, emo voice that can't be matched. The subjects range from Seizing the day to broken love to sex, picking up where Hands Down left off. There is also a song entitled, Slow Decay, about war and how it effects individuals who make it out alive.
In conclusion, I'll say this. I like the album. I have to give more it more time to see how much, but I definitely like it. Does it come close to his last two projects? Unfortunately, No. But it does have it's own beauty that I think we'll love if we give it a chance. So, I would encourage everyone to purchase it and be patient with it. Don't expect the Dashboard of old. If you do, you will be sorely disapointed. Instead look at it with an optimistic perspective. Alas, we can always hope Carraba will pull out that dusty, acoustic guitar and give us a few more emo songs one day. Until then, I guess it all fades with Dusk and Summer.

"Communication Breakdown"

Communication is a funny thing. It's supposed to be so simple. The one thing we all do with one another to help each other understand what were thinking about or where were coming from. But instead it is so complex, it's frustrating. I understand everyone is not wired the same way and I'm glad we aren't because that would be lame. But why is it that we spend so much time as humans trying to explain to others how we feel, only to come out of it more frustrated and confused? I know what this is like. So often there are times in my life where words cannot express the way I feel. We all encourage each other to talk about it especially when its about struggles or pain, but what happens when you do try and talk about it and no one seems to understand? I had a conversation with a friend of mine who is struggling with boredom. More importantly, struggling with the temptation of sin that arises because of boredom. I was blessed to be able to talk with this person about it and certainly was encouraged by the honesty, yet I felt a sense of confusion and frustration that I didn't really understand what he was feeling like. I'm sure he felt the same way. We're told that talking about it helps you to confront whatever it is your going through, and I believe it does when communication is clear. But when its not and the words just seem to get lost in the confusion, it breeds more sadness and pain. I guess the important thing I realized was that we often think we can resolve all our issues. Whether it is within ourselves or with others that we care about. But the fact is that sometimes, You and God are the only ones who really know what's going on inside. Maybe we trust our human capabilities to understand more than God's. I don't know. I just wonder why we are constantly led to believe that the center to our understanding is our own intuition. It's no wonder were constantly left feeling worse than we did before. We just won't accept that were finite. We push on, stubbornly, towards the goal of personal enlightenment avoiding reality. I worry about myself. How many crushing blows can a prideful soul take before it, either, calls out to it's creator or dies in meaningless, self-defeat?

New Music Tuesday!! 6/20/06

I'm Sick of hearing about the radio stations talking about the new hit music that comes out every tuesday. Most of what they tell you about is crap anyway. I once heard while I was listening to 101.7 theFox, this guy give his usual New music Tuesday report. I was absolutely disgusted when he said, "Sorry everybody, there is no new rock music that comes out today.""But make sure you pick up the recently released Disturbed album, "Ten Thousand Fists", in stores now." WHAT???????? NO ROCK ALBUMS COME OUT TODAY?? It just so happened that on that very day, Project 86 was releasing their new album, And the rest will follow. No Rock albums?? Who is this jack ass?? Project 86 is one of the best rock bands of this decade and he mentions Disturbed? Whatever. That's why I have decided to start a blog of my own that let's you know about the good music that comes out on Tuesday's. So, since music is what I love, I will do my best to bring you this information every Tuesday, if any good music comes out at all. So we begin with today which has three new releases that are promising...

Define The Great Line: Underoath has run into soaring popularity after their last CD, They're only chasing safety, got them noticed by people everywhere. In fact, They are on the Warped Tour this year and have been getting lots of play on MTV2 and Fuse. While I'm not sure yet if this CD will be as good as their last, my hopes are high. Underoath has a great way of making screamo/hardcore vocals bring out the insanity in you. Whenever I listen to them, I get a inspired, this fricken rocks, feeling that you can't help but love even if the constant screaming gets on your nerves. I did listen to a few of the new songs on their pure volume page. They still have that same sound that gets you on your feet. The screamer has added a deeper, metal scream in some areas which should add some variety. I can't really critique the album because I don't have it yet. But I can say it does look to be promising and is a must purchase for all of the hardcore fans out there.

Live at the Heineken Music Hall in New Amsterdam: Counting Crows is my favorite band and to those who know me this is no secret. While I have been disappointed that the band has not released a new record and will not until late 06-07, I am excited about this record. Anything they do is gold to me and even though it another live album with all songs I've heard before, it will definitely be in my collection. Their activity of late has been limited due to Adam's personal problems and issues, but the band is finally touring again with the Goo Goo Dolls so check them out if you get a chance. Adam also took time out to appear on Dashboard Confessional's new cd coming out soon. Anyway, the up side to this record even if you don't like live albums and have heard these songs too much is there is a new song on this record. I guess it is just a teaser for us loyal fans waiting for the next release. I still highly recommend it. Were talking about one of the greatest bands ever to walk this earth. Trust me, they never disappoint.

This Town's Disaster: Blackpool Lights is a new alternative band started by Jim Suptic, The Get up Kids. I heard about them because I was interested in what members of the Get up kids were doing. I found this band and went to their my space page. I was impressed. If anyone knows alternative, indie/emo, its the Get up kids. Anyway, this band has a great sound that is perfect listening music if your traveling somewhere. I contribute their sound to bands like Fair, Feilding, and of course the Get up kids. Best Buy has this record for sale for 8 bucks, so pick it up. Also, their on tour with Anberlin at the moment so if you get a chance to see that show, it would be amazing. I also highly recommend this one.

So there you have it. Your new music for Tuesday, June 20th. Happy listening!!!!

POLITICS (poop sauce) - A word that describes anything that is void of Honesty or Integrity!

Okay, I admit it. I used to love politics. I actually would watch the Fox News channel for at least 3 hours a day. I knew all the issues. You might say I was a freedom fighter for the Republican party. Defending the Right with whatever hurtful, personal cuts and slams I could think of to crush the bleeding hearts into oblivion. Trust me, I was well armed with all the evidence (or as some may call it "propaganda") to fight against the liberal way of thinking. But then something happened. I can't quite explain it. Maybe it was divine intervention or possibly just a granola bar and apple I had to snack on for a change. Whatever it was, it opened my eyes to what politics was really all about. I continue to change as I grow older and with that has come a different perspective on politics. That perspective is.... IT SUCKS!! I used to believe that everything Republicans stood for was what Jesus was all about. Liberals were sent to do Satan's work and Republicans were sent to do the mighty work of the Lord. Boy, was I wrong. Somewhere, God opened my eyes to lies I had been told. I became concerned with things like honesty and love. How to live as Christ lived. To love our enemies and care for those who persecute us. Since these things became important to me, I couldn't help but notice how disgusting politics are. Suddenly, everyone I saw on TV were hypocrites, saying whatever needed to be said to gain the votes of the public. I realized that what I had thought to be important was actually just a game in which two people deceive as many people as possible and the one with the most followers, wins. Where was the honesty, the integrity? I guess it is much easier to fool the masses than one person who knows who you are.

I think what hurt the most was that nobody cares. Politicians are only concerned about themselves, their agendas, their families, their issues, their financial stability, their religion, their lives. Why is it that we spend so much time, energy, and money on arguing over Space, war, terrorism, gay marriage, immigration control, when we could be helping so many people who need love and care here in our country and overseas. I think it is because we are fueled by hate. The issues that we fight about, the greed that we covet. Everything we find to be important is based on hatred, whether it is toward an ideal or a person. Like the cartoon above, hatred is everywhere and it causes us to be blinded to the opportunities to love those around us regardless of political views. Michael Moore is a good example. Instead of helping those less fortunate with his money and time, he spends it on bashing others with opposing views and spreading hatred against individuals. This is why I am determined to steer clear of political banter. It only fuels hatred. On the other side, Bono, the lead singer of U2, is spending his time and money with the hurting people of Africa who are suffering from starvation and Aids. He is striving to make this aware to the public and bring this concern to Congress. Though it may not do any good on a political level, I feel hope again by what Bono is doing. He realizes the need to love others and show Christ to the world. His concern is not who is the president of the U.S., or whether conservative views are being pushed on us, or how to stop liberal views from spreading through our schools to our children. His concern is how can he love those who not only need financial help, but need to see that someone out there cares about them and wants to be in their lives and help them. My prayer is that we all stop next time it seems easy to get caught up in a political discussion that turns out to be so meaningless. But that our concern would be for individuals and their hearts. I hope that we would be motivated to live as Christ lived and show compassion to the hurting and lost. Were all going to die one day. Christ is the only thing that matters. The rest of this shit is going to burn.

The Office

In the television world, there seems to be so much of the same monotonous crap!! Reality shows that have absolutely nothing to do with reality, BRILLIANT!! Ever since the days of Seinfeld, I have been yearning for another creative comedy. Something that seems to tickle your fancy every episode. Something you have been waiting for. Sitcoms continue to pop up everywhere only to cause you to pull your hair out and gnash your teeth, trying to figure out How in all of God's green earth could a show like this get air time? I had virtually lost all hope, until I was introduced to The Office.
Jordan first showed me a couple of episodes from the British version. I thought they were amusing, but not funny enough to be drawn in continuously. It was actually not until a few episodes into the second season did a guy from work say that I had to see this show. So, I decided to watch it and give it a chance. It was on that evening that my life changed. It was absolutely hilarious. Each character had his or her own personality that had me rolling with laughter. I was hooked and have been ever since. I have all 6 episodes of the first season on my Ipod. I actually look forward to Thursday nights just to watch the next episode. Hilarious. I can only hope they keep this show around for a long time. But, knowing the history of television here in America, it will probably be cancelled for the premier of Survivor 10: The plains of Kansas. God help us all. Anyway, take some time out on a Thursday night and tune in to NBC at 9:30. It just may give you hope again that there just might be writers in the Television business who still have a sense of humor. Hooray for The Office!

Finding Feeling in Music

Lately, I have been listening to alot of different music. I love to listen to music right before I fall asleep. It's peaceful. I find that music, to me, is the best way to reveal one's true emotions. Talk can be so cheap, and there is a beauty to music that touches our soul where mere words cannnot compare. Of course, music too can be cheap if it is not honest. I think that is what attracts me to the music I like. There is an honesty, a devotion to staying true to your heart in writing and making music. That is really what makes it so special. Alot, of what I have been listening too is sad, depressing music. It's kinda funny, but I think that often the songs that are dreary and depressing are more enjoyable than the poppy, "Always smiley because Jesus loves me" songs. You know, the "Powerpop Gospel" type of music. I believe it is because of the honesty. It truly drowns out the sugar-coated bullshit that leaves you confused and unsatisfied. We want something we can relate to. As Project86 puts it, we are crying out for something we can feel. Let's face it people. Life is not just "peaches and cream". It can also be "piss and vinegar". It's important to recognize this because it is when we are broken that we see are desperate need for Christ. Jordan wrote a song called "Secrets" that has a line that says, "Only broken find the healing hand". Our eyes are often clouded by our selfishness when everything seems to be going well. I'm sorry for quoting my own band, it was just too perfect to pass up. Let's continue to pray for one another that we will not be blinded to superficial thinking. We can take heart in our lowest times because it is in that place where we truly feel. Here we can find comfort in knowing Jesus will carry us if we trust in him. Christ is our recovery room.

Here is some music that I have been listening too!

Denison Witmer- Are you a Dreamer?

As Tall as Lions- Lafcadio

Copeland- Beneath Medicine Tree

Counting Crows- Everything they've done

Death Cab for Cutie- Transatlanticism

Fielding- Fielding

The Get up Kids- Something to write home about

The Jealous Sound- Kill them with Kindness

(F.Y.I: I used the phrase "Recovery room" from one of my favorite songs they do. This song is particularly depressing.)

Jimmy Eat World- Clarity

The Lyndsay Diaries- The tops of trees are on fire

The New Amsterdams- Worse for the Wear

Number one Fan- Compromises

Rocky Votolato- Suicide Medicines and Makers

Slow Runner- No Disassemble