tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59971122024-03-12T17:37:28.233-07:00A Cracked Pot Among Jars of ClayA Cracked Pot Among Jars of Clay focuses on writing experiments, reviews, occasional observations on life, and personal insight into problems we all face as Christians.Matt Brierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660455790005450021noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-56927271100905277632010-12-27T10:05:00.000-08:002010-12-27T10:05:13.304-08:00The end of an era and the beginning of a new oneI think that title is just pretentious enough. I'm closing up shop at this particular blog and moving all of my blogging activity over to <a href="http://mattbrier.tumblr.com/">mattbrier.tumblr.com</a>. <br />
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I like the Blogger platform well enough, but there is an ease of use with Tumblr that will hopefully inspire me to do more on a regular basis. I will be leaving this blog intact as a reference and an archive, but if you want to keep up with my current status please follow me at <a href="http://mattbrier.tumblr.com/">mattbrier.tumblr.com</a>.Matt Brierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660455790005450021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-84643636567615456952010-11-23T13:20:00.000-08:002010-11-23T13:20:47.073-08:00Learning from NanowrimoWhat I've learned from <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">Nanowrimo</a>:<br />
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1. November is never a good month for me to try and hack out 50,000 words. Inevitably I run against the wall of preparing to go out of town, going out of town, spending time with family out of town, and for some reason work decides to get busy too. I've managed to double my output from last year though and I'm not saying I won't make it in the end. Realistically though, I'm only just over 11,000 words as of today and I should be around 30,000. <br />
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2. Given the right attitude I can make myself write on a regular basis. I have pounded out around 1000 to 1200 words a day for the past three days. This is huge for me and will play a large part in planning things for the next year.<br />
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3. Even when I don't think the words will flow, they do some how. They aren't Shakespeare, but they do flow.<br />
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4. When it comes down to it, it isn't the success of the failure, but the doing. <br />
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I don't know if the novel will ever get finished. I can see adding to it even if I don't finish it by the end of this month, but I may or may not be as diligent in getting it done. I've got renewed passion for other things in my life and I will be, with healthy input from my wife, putting together a plan for the next year and praying over it.<br />
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I'm probably even going to try and blog some of it so I can get some writing done on a regular basis and have a reason to keep this blog around.Matt Brierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660455790005450021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-7765178155527928452010-05-04T11:45:00.000-07:002010-05-04T11:45:00.594-07:00Top 10 PodcastsThis is the second day of the '<a href="http://blog.ourchurch.com/2010/04/27/join-us-and-become-a-better-blogger-in-31-days/" id="ijeu" title="31 Days to Build a Better Blog">31 Days to Build a Better Blog</a>' challenge in which I have decided to participate. I hope the lessons learned will help me not only bring more to this blog, but more inspired writing in general. Today's assignment is a list post and to give you some further insight into my life I present the follow.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Top 10 Podcasts that inform, inspire, and entertain me</b></span><br />
1. <a href="http://www.steelehouse.com/" id="kgh-" title="Steelehouse Podcast">Steelehouse Podcast</a> - Mark Steele and Jeff Houston, along with other guests, discuss God in pop culture. The conversations, sprinkled with much wit and candor, center around how God or the want for God shows up in everyday works if we just take a moment to see. Honest and open discussions underlay the humor.<br />
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2. <a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/" id="bi6g" title="This American
Life">This American Life</a> - This American Life started as a radio program and has had two seasons on Showtime. Each week they choose a theme and produce stories based on that theme. The stories are more often than not true. The production and story telling are top notch.<br />
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3. <a href="http://www.wnyc.org/shows/radiolab/" id="zwr-" title="WNYC's
Radiolab">WNYC's Radiolab</a> - Taking a page from old time radio, Radiolab produces a show dedicated to science, philosophy, and life with the twist of making it extremely entertaining. Sound effects, humor, music, and interesting topics are wrapped around interviews with experts and well investigated stories.<br />
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4. <a href="http://www.themoth.org/podcast" id="zgld" title="The Moth Podcast">The Moth Podcast</a> - Stores told life, from the stage, without any notes. Some adult content throughout, but the stories open an insightful window into humanity.<br />
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5. <a href="http://www.podculture.net/" id="a.vh" title="PodCulture: Equal
Opportunity Geekness">PodCulture: Equal Opportunity Geekness</a> - Geek news and reviews from an ensemble of geeks. Very entertaining, especially segments like 'Geek Cuisine' and 'Guilty Pleasures.' Some language throughout, varies episode to episode.<br />
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6. <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=37" id="gbsq" title="NPR: All Songs Considered">NPR: All Songs Considered</a> - A weekly look at what is new in the world of music, primarily focusing on indie and alternative music. <br />
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7. <a href="http://boredagainchristian.com/" id="hmq:" title="Bored Again
Christian">Bored Again Christian</a> - The music is not what you will find on Christian Radio. It is art inspired by or inspiring the listener to God.<br />
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8. <a href="http://www.crankygeeks.com/" id="i2q." title="Cranky Geeks">Cranky Geeks</a> - Weekly computer news, reviews, and commentary with John C. Dvorak and guests. It is my link to keeping up with the tech world.<br />
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9. <a href="http://www.wired.com/geekdad/" id="k:g:" title="The GeekDads">The GeekDads</a> - From Wired magazine and in some ways similar to Podculture. Every other week the podcast brings news and reviews from the world of geek culture from the perspective of a parent raising a kid in the digital age. On the off weeks they produce a shorter program called Geek Dad Hip Trax that features geeky inspired music(think Nerd core, chiptunes, wizard rock, filk) that can be shared with the whole family.<br />
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10. <a href="http://twit.tv/" id="mxvj" title="This Week
in Tech">This Week in Tech</a> - Leo Laporte's flagship show. Each week Leo and guests discuss the latest in technology news as well as review the latest gadgets and services.<br />
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Hopefully you will find something new in this list to inform and entertain you.Matt Brierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660455790005450021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-64528633279260127632009-11-14T13:00:00.000-08:002009-11-14T13:12:32.440-08:00Not much, how about you?I was going to doing this as a series of Twitter updates, but then I decided that I have a neglected blog that needs something written in it now and again. So here's a little of what's been going on in my neck of the woods.<br /><br />1. God is shaping me in new ways and really opening my eyes to what is important in my life and what isn't. I know I have a lot of decisions to make in the coming months about how I'm going to spend my time and what I get involved in. I've always been of the mindset that once I get to a certain point in, whether an organized office or out of debt, I'll be able to do things. The truth of the matter is I can do things now, maybe not in the 'perfect' way I would want to do them, but if I wait for perfection I'll never do them in the first place.<br /><br />2. Between working, being a husband, keeping up a house, producing a two hour radio show, sometimes writing reviews for destroythecyb.org, sometimes producing a podcast, and studying up on new technologies something has to give. Writing has become really important to me in the past year and I want to do that as much as I can. I've cordoned off time for the radio show so it doesn't interfere with the rest of life. That leaves the podcast and studying. I've been doing better about studying, but the podcast has really fallen by the wayside. I'm beginning to think I should fold it for now. Something I know I need to seriously consider.<br /><br />All of that plus I really need to de-clutter my life of everything I thought I would eventually get around to and focus on a few key things for a period in my life. I'm really bad about wanting to investigate all kinds of avenues and bunny trails, but it is only serving to make me mediocre at a lot of things, but not really good at any.<br /><br />It doesn't help that we're entering the holidays and things tend to get hectic, but God has been adjusting my perceptions and attitudes and I believe this new focus will help me to maintain the busy times and work harder in the slack times.<br /><br />3. I signed up for National Novel Writing Month this year. The goal is to write a novel over the course of November ending the month with 50,000+ words written. This is my first year and I'm way behind on word count, but for me this is a trial run. My focus is more on exercising my writing muscles and stretching my creativity, if I don't make the word count, there's always next year. Either way it has been a fun and helpful experience.Matt Brierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660455790005450021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-14979060465386197352009-07-08T18:35:00.001-07:002009-07-08T18:37:50.052-07:00Kingdom vs. Country -- Where is Our Allegiance?This comes as a follow-up to Saturday's writings on celebrating America and patriotism. I have all of these ideas in my head, all of these thoughts that need to be said, but I'm not sure how to start other than to rip the band-aid off. <br /><br />"Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."<br /> --Philippians 3:19-21<br /><br />Somewhere along the way we've gotten confused. We've traded in the assurance of grace and eternity for the comfort of the land in which we live. We've traded the power of God to save us for the power of democracy to enable us. Instead of pledging our allegiance to eternity in heaven we pledge it to a flag. It seems as though it isn't enough to be Christian if you live in America. It used to be "God, country, and apple pie," but somewhere along the way country took precedence. <br /><br />Saturday I stated that we need more patriotism. Today I'm saying we need to keep it in perspective. It's okay to celebrate the country we live in. It is this country's commitment to freedom that allows us to worship where we want, when we want, and how we want. The problem comes when that respect colors our belief. <br /><br />We can never forget that God created the world, not just the United States. We can never forget that Jesus died for the world, not just the United States. We should not allow ourselves to be comfortable here. This is not where we are going to spend the rest of our lives. Our call, our privilege is to help bring the kingdom here. <br /><br />The problem comes when we mix patriotism with worship. I know this is going to be an unpopular opinion. The moment we mix patriotism with worship we cross into dangerous territory. The line can become blurred. Are we worshiping God or country? Are we pledging allegiance to our country or to heaven?<br /><br />Too often as a church we get caught up in patriotic celebrations around Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Veteran's Day. We intermix our services with music and speeches that don't pay tribute to God above, don't add to the worship, and don't point to the good news of the gospel. In doing so we fail to live up to the grace that has been given to us freely, we fail to uphold the living God in Jesus as the center of our lives.<br /><br />This is not meant as an attack on anyone. This is meant to provoke thought in everyone. I agree we need to be thankful for the nation we live in, but I am bothered that we have become more concerned with the country and less with the kingdom.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-69259283565946886522009-07-07T19:42:00.000-07:002009-07-07T19:52:27.532-07:00The Difficulty of WritingI'm still working on the piece I mentioned a couple of days ago. I think I have finally found the voice, but I'm not sure I want to express it openly. It is a difficult piece for me to write because the opinions I express in it are going to clash violently with the opinions of people I respect. I'm trying to find a voice that is firm enough to say what needs to be said, but respectful enough to say it in a way that doesn't come across as harsh or arrogant.<br /><br />Beyond that I don't have anything in my mind to write at the moment. This of course makes writing everyday, or nearly everyday as it now stands, a challenge at best. <br /><br />I did remember what I wanted to point out a couple of days ago. Mark Steele of Steelehouse Productions, writing, and podcast fame has a new book coming out in the beginning of August called 'Christianish: What If We Aren't Really Following Jesus At All?" It can be pre-ordered through Amazon here:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christianish-What-Really-Following-Jesus/dp/1434766926/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246838645&sr=1-3"><br />http://www.amazon.com/Christianish-What-Really-Following-Jesus/<br />dp/1434766926/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246838645&sr=1-3</a><br /><br />I've read his first two books and enjoyed both immensely. He writes in a humorous style true stories about his life and ties them into a bigger theme of his relationship with God. Two chapters of this book were released in audio form around Christmas through his podcast and they were both side-splittingly funny and thought provoking at the same time and I'm really looking forward to reading the whole thing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-59923806720868104362009-07-05T18:05:00.000-07:002009-07-05T18:11:20.442-07:00Nothing new todayI'm working on article, but it isn't quite ready for prime-time.<br /><br />There was something else I was going to comment on here as well, but apparently I'm drawing a complete blank here so. . .Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-33771775483037133562009-07-04T19:33:00.000-07:002009-07-04T20:06:42.519-07:00Happy 4th of JulyI know a little late to the party, but it is still technically the 4th so I'm in under the wire.<br /><br />Had a good, restful day. Spent time with good friends, eating good food, and generally just hanging out. Which is really what I mean by a restful day yesterday. I had regrets about the general lack of doing anything yesterday late last night and vowed to not let that happen again.<br /><br />As I sit here typing I hear the random pops of fireworks going off around the neighborhood. I'm not sure that any of them are all that spectacular to watch as the laws in Kentucky are pretty prohibitive. I have doubts that my neighbors went anywhere to get the "good stuff."<br /><br />I think I'm probably in the last generation that was instilled with a sense of patriotism growing up. Our grandparents were the Greatest Generation having fought in World War II and being the last generation that probably genuinely cared about the country. Some would say it is because it was a simpler time when patriotism and love of country was more generally accepted. The government wasn't as corrupt and cared more about the people. Etcetera etcetera. <br /><br />I don't believe that for a second. I think the government has always had problems with corruption. It may not have been as out in the open in their generation, but it was there. The advent of first television, then satellite television transmission, computers, and finally the internet have lent themselves to more information getting out faster to more people. <br /><br />Our parents generation, aka the Baby Boomers, still held onto some of those patriotic ideas, but it was also the first generation where people were aware of the scale of dissension. World War II is probably seen by many as the last war that we were justified participating in. Korea was the beginning of America the police force, not America the defender. Vietnam took that a step further and the backlash from that conflict at home started down the path to where we are today. One could argue the first war in Iraq back in 1991 was somewhat justified because Iraq was the aggressor. However, the current Iraq war, while starting with more public support, took a wrong turn and is now very divisive causing impassioned opinions that haven't been seen since Vietnam.<br /><br />All this to say that Independence Day, along with the other patriotic holidays, draws a lot of cynicism from the current generation. There are always exceptions to the rule, but by and large this is more a day of cookouts, fireworks, and an extra day off. It is not a day we reflect the cost of freedom for freedom is taken for granted. We've always had it and it is assumed we always will.<br /><br />I started this by saying I grew up in what is probably the last generation to have a sense of patriotic pride and I have that pride, but even I find cynicism creeping in with the seeming crumbling of the nation around us. A lot of people seem caught off guard by the recession and genuinely surprised by the house of cards our economy has been built on. Not to say I had any special insight, but the longer I've lived the more I've wondered when it was going to happen. We've become too indulgent and too greedy as a nation. Historically when that happens it signals the beginning of the end for the country/empire/civilization involved.<br /><br />So today I salute the men and women who served to protect us and protect our freedoms. I salute this nation, its principles, and the core ideals it looks to for guidance each day.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-35155438244610136302009-07-03T15:19:00.000-07:002009-07-03T15:36:28.185-07:00IntroversionI'm having a very introvert day. Yesterday was great. I had an early day off of work, got a haircut, did some yard work, and spent the night hanging out with some guys playing poker. I capped all of that with 11 hours of sleep.<br /><br />Today I'm recovering. Today I'm quite content to do nothing and that's pretty much what I have done. Outside of writing this I may actually do some reading later, but no guarantees.<br /><br />I used to have issues with this, always feeling like I needed to be doing something and not wasting time. The older I get the more I realize the importance of these days and while it still causes some psychological discomfort, I try to embrace them for what they are.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-47107663557441228362009-07-01T18:47:00.000-07:002009-07-01T19:05:46.473-07:00Writing Challenge - Day 1 - Let the Games BeginToday is day one of the writing challenge I issued to myself for the month of July. Today I present a review of an audio book I recently finished.<br /><br />Audio book review: Salmon of Doubt: Hitchhiking One Last Time by Douglas Adams<br /><br />The Salmon of Doubt was released in May of 2002 one year after Douglas Adam’s passing. It is a collection of interviews, short stories, articles, and speeches of/by Douglas as well as the beginnings of Douglas’ next book. Those elevenish chapters are presented as the next Dirk Gently book. However, as many of the interviews point out, Douglas wasn’t sure what the finished product was going to be. He did mention that some of the ideas felt more like a Hitchhiker’s Guide book. He was looking in that direction as he felt that he ended that series on a down note and wanted it to really go out on a high note.<br /><br />The audio book is narrated by Simon Jones who is probably best known as playing Arthur Dent in both the entire Hitchhiker’s Guide radio series and the television series. He also had a cameo as the holographic message from the planet Magrathea to the spaceship Heart of Gold in the Hitchhiker’s Guide movie. His voice is forever associated with Douglas Adams' in my mind and it is fitting that he would narrate this final chapter in a wonderful career.<br /><br />The audio book is a fascinating listen. Given the number of interviews there is certainly going to be repeated information, but they string them out far enough between other bits that it doesn’t become too redundant. Putting aside the novella for a minute, there are two pieces that really stuck out in this book. The first was his interview with an magazine written by and for athiests. The second is the transcription of a speech Douglas gave to a group of scientists at Cambridge discussing, or more accurately debating himself, about whether or not there is an artificial god. <br /><br />I find it interesting that whether or not I agree with him, Douglas provides a comprehensive argument in his speech that is littered with insightful humor. That same personality shines through as he answers the interviewers questions. He answers are never demeaning to those he disagrees with. I find this to be in sharp contrast to Richard Dawkins, whom Douglas counted as a friend, and his seeming arrogance when comes to espousing similar views.<br /><br />This is not totally unexpected though. In all of his fiction books Douglas hit the right notes with intelligent insight, humor, and humility. It only makes sense that those qualities were in play in all of Douglas' life.<br /><br />Beyond those pieces the Dirk Gently novella provides a satisfying, if brief, end to a wonderful career. Unfortunately the story gets as far as setting up the plot, the characters, and then abruptly ends. It had the potential to be a great Dirk Gently book based on what he had written. Above the Title Productions, who have produced three Hitchhiker’s radio series and two Dirk Gently radio series for BBC4, has been commissioned to produce a radio series based on this incomplete script. Hopefully it will live up to the foundation that has been provided.<br /><br />If you are a fan of Douglas Adams this is worth picking up. If you aren’t, start with the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and work your way here. And don’t forget your towel.<br /><br />-------<br /><br />Random quote overheard today: "Is that Cobra Commander?" --some guy on a call in a cubicle near mine.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-84950855197531459882009-06-23T19:02:00.000-07:002009-06-23T19:04:37.631-07:00Brief update once againFeel like I’ve hit a huge brick wall mentally. So much to do, but I never feel like I have enough time to do it in. I’m looking at kicking off another blog-a-day on July 1st, but I’m not sure if I’ll have the time to write each day. Being a writer means writing, which is something I do precious little of it seems.<br /><br />I do read though so I have that going for me.<br /><br />I’m slowly learning Django. I like it, I think it has a great amount of potential. I am worried that I will learn it and then lose it. I won’t be using it on the job, at least not in the job I currently hold. Maybe, hopefully I’ll be using it in the future.<br /><br />Speaking of which I’m doing most of my learning on the clock and I hope it doesn’t cause any difficulties long term. I know my boss doesn’t care because I keep my work up-to-date. I’m not spending time learning at the expense of my job. Having said that I don’t feel like it is something I should continue to do, but it seems to be the wisest use of my time and it keeps me from surfing the web.<br /><br />I’m not satisfied. I’m restless. I’m also tired. I’m not so tired that I can’t function, but I have a hard time concentrating during the day. <br /><br />I’m way behind on my podcast listening. It doesn’t help that trying to learn and listen to a podcast is near impossible. I’m trying to figure out what needs to be limited and what needs to be cut completely.<br /><br />None of this is all that important; it just weighs on my mind. I think our financial situation right now is causing the stress which is causing a domino effect into other areas of my life.<br /><br />Grr. Arrgh.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-44098820514322945892009-04-08T04:16:00.000-07:002009-04-08T04:26:17.697-07:00Brief updateSo not a lot has been going on at any one time, but since I haven't written here in forever there is a lot to get caught up on.<br /><br />- I was accepted for a writing gig to review comic books at <a href="http://www.destroythecyb.org">destroythecyb.org</a>. I've currently got three reviews up with three more coming in the next week. If nothing else this forces me to write on a semi-regular basis, with the exception of the 3-4 week gap between the last review and the upcoming one.<br /><br />- I started recording a radio show for a local low power FM station. 92.7 WXBH out of Fern Creek in Louisville. My show airs Saturday mornings from 10:00 AM to Noon eastern time. If you are interested, but you don't live near the area, you can also check it out at <a href="http://www.wxbh.org">wxbh.org</a>. I play a mix of rock through the ages, alt-country, country, independent, bluegrass, pop, etc. In radio terms it is more of an Adult Alternative. Think Paste magazine mashed up with a classic rock station.<br /><br />- I'm working out a new format for the PopCulture Geek podcast and hope to have a new one out in the next week or two.<br /><br />- I'm going to fold PopCulture Geek Radio out. With the addition of the radio show above something had to give and this one was it. It was getting even less attention from me and I get a chance to play all of the music on the air. It all works out in the end.<br /><br />- I've recently spent a few days with my wife in St. Augustine, Fl. for a much needed and very restful vacation. I'll be adding pictures to my flickr stream. If you get a chance to go, I recommend it.<br /><br />- As of today I'm scheming and throwing some ideas around. What I have in mind could be big. More details to come as I get things worked out in my mind. Nurturing ideas, for me, are kind of like teaching a child to ride a bike: I have to run along side them for them to gain momentum or they will crash and burn real fast. Please pray that I'll have the wisdom and foresight to carry this through or to let it drop before I get too involved and my pride gets in the way.<br /><br />I think that pretty much covers it for now. I hope to do some more writing as well. I had a few ideas, but I didn't run along side them long enough.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-38861152389237298962008-12-08T18:33:00.001-08:002008-12-08T18:33:26.166-08:00NoiseTrade Widget<div style="width:240px; height: 400px;"><object width="240" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://static.noisetrade.com/w/NTWidget.swf?wid=810f6c84-e10b-4824-81a8-e5e7f3e3ba60"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://static.noisetrade.com/w/NTWidget.swf?wid=810f6c84-e10b-4824-81a8-e5e7f3e3ba60" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" width="240" height="400"></embed></object></div><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTIyODc4OTU4NzY5MiZwdD*xMjI4Nzg5OTY4NDExJnA9MTkwMjgxJmQ9ODEwZjZjODQlMkRlMTBiJTJENDgyNCUyRDgxYTglMkRlNWU3ZjNlM2JhNjAmbj1ibG9nZ2VyJmc9MiZ*PSZvPWE2Njk*MDJlNjUyYzQwZGZiYjRlODU3NzZjNTc4NmI4.gif" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-25600994700033154732008-11-25T19:44:00.000-08:002008-11-25T19:55:20.071-08:00AngerRefrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.<br />Psalm 37:7-9<br /><br />I used to be an angry individual. I'm not saying that I no longer get irrationally angry, but with a lot of work, prayer, support from a patient wife, and some counseling I'm much better than I used to be. With the change that has come I also see anger in others and its effect on their life more clearly. I don't boast in my lack of anger because I know I could very easily be them.<br /><br />I believe anger to be one of the more destructive emotions when handled improperly. It has creates the same internal damage that worry and despair do, but it has the added bonus of coming out in actions and words which damages other people.<br /><br />In the last few days I've watched anger in play. Deep anger and worry that comes from wounds I will never fathom. Irrational anger that lashes out and causes chaos and discord whereever it goes. And I think to myself that only by the grace of God am I not that person. I can only pray for peace in these situations and hope that they receive the same peace that has been given to me.<br /><br />Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.<br />Proverbs 16:31-33Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-63487854148953875012008-11-19T18:42:00.001-08:002008-11-19T18:42:40.235-08:00And now for something completely awesome<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OGqX-tkDXEk&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OGqX-tkDXEk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-30751098925063849312008-11-19T18:27:00.000-08:002008-11-19T18:39:13.400-08:00DagnabbitI hate feeling guilty for not having written here recently or having kept up with either of my podcasts. I haven't touched the guitar in weeks. I've gotten better at managing my time to the point that I'm actually studying web development more. However, that is really the only positive thing I can come up with at the moment. I'll be on vacation for a week and won't be able to do any of this because I'll be in Pennsylvania visiting my in-laws. <br /><br />C.J. Mahaney has written a good piece on his <a href="http://sovereigngraceministries.com/Blog/">blog</a> about procrastination and how some of us are more prone than others to lean towards it. I'm definitely a procrastinator. In the past I always felt I did my best work under a deadline. I've been out of the scholastic environment for ten years now, nothing drives me. Sure I have deadlines at work and I have a good habit of meeting or beating them, but once the work is over I'm back to my lazy, self-centered lifestyle. I know deep down inside part of me feels like I deserve a break after 5:00, but a lack of diligence outside the office has put me in a precarious position. I have to "cram" now so I can be prepared to make a job change if necessary. My options are limited because I haven't taken advantage of the opportunities that I have been given.<br /><br />Outside of that I don't want to be in a corporate environment all of my life. I want to utilize my knowledge of technology to reach out and make a difference in the world. The way I see it though, if I can't take the time for the things I "want" to do on a regular basis then I'm really going to have a hard time with the things I'm called to do as a believer. <br /><br />I'm not saying I need to be a workaholic, studyholic, evangelholic 24/7/365. That is a road of deception that leads away from God as well. I am saying I need to work, and work hard, to strike a balance.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-69594096861075239652008-10-14T18:34:00.000-07:002008-10-14T19:32:38.131-07:00Poverty: How you can make a difference.The economic downturns have impacted us in various ways. Gas prices were up, now they are down. Food prices have gone up. Restaurants are going out of business because costs have gone up and customers have quit coming in. The stock market drops out 2000 some odd points in a month and gains back 900 in a day. All in all it is hard to be optimistic about our future.<br /><br />Chance are if you are reading this and you are in America you own a computer, you live in a house, you ate some food today, and you're probably going to a job tomorrow. In short you have it better than some 95% of the rest of the world.<br /><br />I'm not here to make you feel guilty, I'm here to make you think. The government has many programs to help people here and abroad meet their needs on a daily basis. However the same government has run up a 10 trillion dollar national debt. As much as we would like to look to the government and multi-national corporations to do their part in saving the world, true change will not happen unless we are involved as well.<br /><br />If you are a Christian this is more than a good idea, it is to be a part of who you are. There are at least 2000 references to poverty and children in the Bible. We are created in the image of God. God has a lot to <a href="http://www.compassion.com/child-advocacy/find-your-voice/what-the-bible-says/default.htm">say</a> about poverty, how He handles it, and by example how we should handle it as well.<br /><br />Today I would like to highlight some opportunities for you to help out and contribute. First off is <a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?referer=97447">Compassion International.</a> Your monthly donation will help a child and the community the child lives in. Compassion goes further than just taking care of the physical needs of the child, they also help to educate each child so they have hope for the future. If you cannot give you money, please consider giving your time. If you have a blog, please take a look at <a href="http://www.compassionbloggers.com/">Compassion Bloggers</a>.<br /><br />Another option is to join up with <a href="http://www.adventconspiracy.org/">Advent Conspiracy</a>. Each year Americans spend 450 billion dollars on Christmas every year. Let me repeat that last part. 450. BILLION. EVERY. YEAR. I know what you're thinking, it's October 15th and its too early to start talking about Christmas. It isn't. Christmas will be here before you know it. Did you know that lack of clean drinking water kills more people than anything. It is estimated that 10 billion dollars could provide clean drinking water for everyone in the world. The idea is to spend less this Christmas season. Spend more time socializing with friends and family. Give more time to those who need it. Make memories. Consumerism has run rampant for too long now. Have we not learned from the past few weeks that more stuff doesn't equal happiness? And while you aren't spending on gifts that will probably be forgotten, you can be giving some of that to help out the world.<br /><br />A similar idea is behind <a href="http://www.bloodwatermission.com/index.php">Blood Water Mission</a>. Founded by Dan Haseltine to help provide clean water and clean blood to villages in Africa. They are currently 340 wells into a 1000 wells project and could use any and all help you can give. According to their website 1 dollar will fund clean water for one African for a whole year.<br /><br />These organizations, as well as many others, need your help. It is my hope that what has happened in the world around us has given you pause to meditate and see the blessings in your life. <br /><br /><script src="http://blogactionday.org/js/fad6ca46d0d42616140550ad5cb244d4da2600fe"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-63976280317956969902008-10-13T17:49:00.000-07:002008-10-13T18:03:33.136-07:00At a crossroads?I'm holding back. I'm on the edge looking over and I just need to take the dive. I don't like coming here to write, especially when I don't feel like I've done anything. Pretty soon this is going to end up being a sounding board for how bad I suck at living life and how things aren't fair.<br /><br />I am sanctified by the blood of Christ. I am made righteous in the eyes of God. I have to start living that life.<br /><br />As with many proclamations I have made here I have no idea what or how I'm going to go about that. I need to pray more and focus on listening more and to that end I would ask that you pray for me also in this time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-63468961521671599812008-09-22T17:54:00.000-07:002008-09-22T18:58:31.806-07:00Lord give me patience and I need it right now"The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride."<br /> --Ecclesiastes 7:8(NIV)<br /><br />Patient: bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint(according to Merriam-Webster)<br /><br />Patient: A lost art that apparently no-one, including myself, is in a hurry to find.<br /><br />The windstorm of possibly the century hit Louisville in the past week. 3/4 of the city was without power and the estimates for getting everyone back online was grim. 24 hours had not passed yet and people were complaining about the inconvenience. I've heard several stories of crews being harassed and cursed by people they have come to help. I know it was a massive inconvenience. We lost all of the food we had in our refrigerator and freezer. The day pretty much ended at sundown as reading by candlelight was not happening. We were blessed to get our power back in 36 hours, but even if it had taken all week we would have understood. Patience is key in these times. We've become too used to instant gratification. Buy now, pay later. 500 channels, video on demand. "Instant" messaging. High speed internet. <br /><br />I'm convinced the election isn't about what is good for the nation. The candidate that wins will be the one that can convince the voters he will lower gas prices, taxes, and save the economy in the first quarter in office. We don't look to the big picture anymore. We've got to open up more drilling even though it will take 5-7 years to bring said oil to market. We've got to cut taxes and provide more spending money even though we've just reported the highest national debt ever. We've got to bail out the failing financial market, the same market that tried to shortcut its way to a bigger payday.<br /><br />I'm not immune. I used to be the poster boy for compulsive outbursts. My lack of patience is what got us into so much debt. My lack of patience is what keeps me from sticking to what I start. I'm actually quite amazed I've stuck with writing for as long as I have. <br /><br />Tomorrow I celebrate eight years of being married to a wonderful and beautiful woman. She has taught me more about patience in that time that I ever thought possible and I thank God for her each and everyday. <br /><br />"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."<br /> --Colossians 3:12Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-45882804677737853012008-09-12T20:13:00.000-07:002008-09-13T19:29:45.563-07:00The Wandering MindNewsflash, this just in.<br /><br />- For whatever reason I felt it was a good time to rent an acoustic guitar and try to learn some music. I'm not sure why I thought this was a good idea. I have this insatiable need to create. That is why I write. That is why I put podcasts together. More than likely it is also the foundation for the amount of music I listen to and/or buy. The desire is there, the talent may not be so much. I know what I'm good at. I understand systems very well. God graced me with the ability to see the big picture, very well at times. I am tenacious when it comes to solving problems. I'm also a good facilitator. I know how to ask the right questions. I'm not saying this out of arrogance. I'm saying it because these are my strengths.<br /><br />I haven't written here in awhile and it is killing me not to write. I don't know who said it originally, but Wil Wheaton passed on this bit of advice: "Don't be afraid to suck."<br /><br />I'm not afraid to suck at writing in view of the internet. I may not be the most interesting, I may never find the voice. Right now I can't find the inspiration. I want to write, I don't know what to write.<br /><br />- Gas prices shot up overnight on speculation hurricane Ike will cause major disruption in Gulf oil production. After watching the news tonight I feel it is time for me to add my voice and send out a reminder. If you cause a run on gas, the price will definitely go up. Gas, as with most things, is driven by a little thing we call supply and demand. Supply is not down, oil is selling at less than $100 a barrel as of market close today. Refined gas supplies may go down briefly with this hurricane. However, everyone panicking because they've "heard" prices are going up will drive supply down which will drive prices up.<br /><br />Repeat after me: The news is anything but the news. The news hasn't been real reporting in probably 20 years. The media, whether intentionally or not, is very good at manipulating your emotions. Panic isn't going to help any of us and will probably cause the government, which is another issue altogether, to gain more control. Breath deep and remember things are probably not as bad as they seem to be.<br /><br />- Have I mentioned I have no idea why I rented a guitar?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-75934334890058369032008-08-21T18:58:00.000-07:002008-08-21T19:00:50.477-07:00It's the little thingsI never realized how much I talk to myself and sing in the car until my voice started going out last night. Now I have to force myself not to use it when it isn't necessary. It is mildly annoying to say the least.<br /><br />On the off chance my voice comes back in the next 24 hours I'm going to try and revive my podcasts this weekend, although as with everything the best laid plans . . .Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-55441330909643854332008-08-18T18:33:00.000-07:002008-08-18T19:20:14.004-07:00Music ReviewsI was originally going to do two bullet reviews, two weeks ago. Since I've been derelict in my duties, I'm going to add a bonus review. Strap yourself in, here we go.<br /><br />Samantha Crain - "The Confiscation EP"<br /><br />Imagine Feist or Yael Naim singing the songs of Neko Case and you'll have a pretty good approximation of the sound for this album. If that description puts you off, don't let it. Give this EP a chance to grow on you and you'll see an up and coming star in the making. A native of Oklahoma this first release shows a maturity well beyond her years. The folk songstress blends age old guitar and rhythm with strong and inventive lyrics. Plus her sounds fits right in with her label mates:<br /><br />The Avett Brothers - "The Second Gleam"<br /><br />There is much to be said about the Avett Brothers, but I covered most of it <a href="http://matman42.blogspot.com/2008/05/day-3-oh-things-youll-learn.html">here</a>. This is not necesarily the Avett Brothers album to start out with. "The Second Gleam" follows in the footsteps of "The Gleam" with ballads taking the lead. The first single, "Murder in the City," sets the tone with the lines like "If I get murdered in the city, don't go revenging in my name." The song continues exploring the meaning of life, death, relationships, and what is truly important. The whole EP tackles these themes in a laid back folk/acoustic manner. The Avetts prove that sometimes it is better to leave the rowdy at home and take time to ponder and savor life in all of its glory.<br /><br />Jars of Clay - "Closer(EP)"<br /><br />Jars of Clay are back and if this EP is any indication of what is to come, I can't wait for the full album. "Closer" starts off with a pop rock sound that wouldn't sound out of place on the "Good Monsters" album. The ballad "Safe to Land" follows. Its a good song, but it really doesn't break any new ground. After that are two re-recordings "Love Song for a Saviour(2008)" and "Flood(New Rain)." I'm already a fan of both songs and "Love Song for a Saviour(2008)" manages to capture the beauty of the original with a slightly updated feel. However "Flood(New Rain)" did not work for me. The original version was a breakout hit for Jars and the addition of some vocals and a guitar track just doesn't feel quite right this time around. The EP ends with another ballad "Prisoner of Hope." Again it is a fairly standard sound, but lyrically it captures an unexplainable feeling that makes the song stand out. Jars of Clay have started releasing on their own label, presumably so they can make music on their own terms. After hearing this EP I can't wait to hear what they do next.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-89134238167793621702008-08-04T17:30:00.000-07:002008-08-04T18:07:46.974-07:00From Cracked to Cracking upI'm losing focus and I don't like it. I'm prone to wandering at best and downright attention deficit on my bad days. Outside of the music reviews I haven't done much in the way of writing lately. I know that if I'm going to be a writer I have to discipline myself to write on a regular basis, but like many things I don't feel like I have any follow through.<br /><br />In an attempt to get some money saved and some debt paid off I'm combing through books and CDs to sell. I have a bookcase full of computer books that at one time were intended to help further my career. The problem is that I have no focus. There are books for network certifications, security studies, programming, graphics design, and web design. I hated programming when I graduated with my degree. I knew I was going into network administration. I took a few of the Microsoft tests, but never followed through. In the late 90's I knew computer security would be the next big thing so I started buying books on it. My prognostication proved to be true, but less than helpful since I never actually applied myself to the study. <br /><br />Now I'm looking at web design. I'm trying very hard to take the advice of one of my friends and focus on only a few key programming methods. I get distracted though. I surf the web too much, I listen to music too much, I spend more time doing nothing and avoiding real work than I do actual study. <br /><br />I like where I am in my life for the most part. I like the job I do, but I'm also afraid of what will happen when it eventually runs out. <br /><br />Everyday I hear God telling me to let go. Let go of the job. Let go of the stuff. Let go of my life. Let go of my plans. I want to let go and fall into His plan and lean on His strength. I want to believe that when the chips are down I will have a stronger faith than what I feel I have now.<br /><br />There is a whole school of thought regarding 'delayed adolescence' in young men today. Men in their twenties are staying at home with the parents, not worrying about studying or getting jobs, just concentrating on having fun. It isn't anything I really had to deal with. I lived with my parents through the first part of college and moved out when I was 22. With the exception of six months after a nasty eviction, I haven't lived with my parents since. I worked through college, got my degree in Computer Information Systems, and had a job at a computer support contracting firm one month after graduating. For the longest time I thought I had it all together.<br /><br />This year I've learned a lot about myself, my faith, my relationship with my wife, and my lack of maturity. I'm praying for maturity and wisdom. I'm praying for change in my life. <br /><br />So now I'm a music review and psychological sounding board. It must be a blog.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-89985017035365597222008-07-30T18:35:00.000-07:002008-07-30T18:37:57.889-07:00Music Review: Matthew Sweet "Sunshine Lies"Much has been written about Matthew Sweet. After two critically acclaimed, but poorly selling albums he broke big in 1990 with the album "Girlfriend." The alternative pop hit spawned two top-25 singles on the Modern Rock Chart and two anime filled music videos. The following albums, "Altered Beast" and "100% Fun," widely divided the critics. Some felt the music was uneven, others felt it was a logical extension of what he started with Girlfriend. The following years saw a few more releases that served to build his fan base. He collaborated with Shawn Mullins and Pete Droge to form the super group the Thorns. He cameoed in the Austin Powers movies as part of the band Ming Tea with Mike Meyers and Susanna Hoffs. In 2006 he released an album of classic rock covers with Susanna Hoffs entitled "Under the Covers Vol. 1."<br /><br />Now he is poised to release his first new solo album since 2004 and his first for the Shout! Factory label. "Sunshine Lies" is due out on August 26th, 2008. If you have followed Mr. Sweet's career to this point you will find this album to be a culmination of his talent. If this is a first time experience for you, get ready for a treat.<br /><br />This album is his most consistent release since "Girlfriend." The songs, even the ballads, are catchy and the lyrics are witty. The album simultaneously starts a new chapter in his career while paying homage to his past career. "Time Machine" kicks the album off with a pop fullness while the lyrics paint a wistful picture. "Room to Rock" speeds out of the gate in a manner similar to "Dinosaur Act" from "Altered Beast." The third track, "Byrdgirl," sounds straight off of "Under the Covers Vol. 1" with a late 60's/early 70's rock feel. He then punches out on the fourth track, "Flying," with a classic rock feel and gravely vocals. The song has a real Neil Young vibe and it stayed in my head long after the album had ended. Track five is the deceptively smooth "Feel Fear." Track six, "Let's Love," is the other real standout track on the album. Again he invokes a similar style to Neil Young on the verses, but the chorus leans more towards the Who with its rocking rhythm and lead guitar work. The title track "Sunshine Lies" is up next. Again Sweet, along with his wife and Susanna Hoffs, sings a laid-back, psychedelic track that could have been pulled straight out of the 60's. Track seven is another slow ballad entitled "Pleasure is Mine." If I had to pick a weak track on the album, it would be this one. It isn't necesarily a bad track, but on a disc of memorable tracks this one doesn't stick out. Track eight, "Daisychain," again showcases Sweet's homage to the music that influenced him. It has a 60's rock feel that would not feel out of place on a Beach Boy's album. Track nine brings back the rock with "Sunrise Eyes." This track points back to his success in the 90's, but has an edge of experience that could only come with time. Track ten is the ballad "Around You Now." I couldn't help but hear echoes of "Nothing Lasts" from "Girlfriend" when I listened this track. They both share themes of inevitable change. Track eleven, "Burn Through Love," is the second weakest track on the album. Again the track isn't bad, it just comes off as mediocre alterna-pop compared to other tracks. The album ends with "Back of My Mind." The track starts off as a slow ballad that builds into a powerful chorus only to drop off into a slow ballad again. It is the perfect cap for an album that deftly rode the line between 90's alternative, 60's psychedelic, and flat out rock and roll.<br /><br />All in all this is the best Matthew Sweet in some time and well worth the wait. Next week I'll be reviewing a couple of new releases from Ramseur Records.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5997112.post-65184059892550907492008-07-23T18:27:00.000-07:002008-07-23T18:28:49.854-07:00Review: The Photographic "Pictures of a Changing World"On March 11th, 2008 The Photographic released their debut album "Pictures of a Changing World." On Tuesday July 9th, 2008 I was fortunate enough to hear the track "Bridge Runs" for the first time on a local radio station. That day I sought out and purchased this album and it has remained in heavy rotation ever since. The Photographic are Jamey See Tai and Chad Blevins from Louisville, Kentucky. The duo met in 2001 through a mutual friend, started jamming together in 2002, and formed The Photographic in 2003. Originally Jamey played guitar while Chad played drums. Over time their sound has evolved to include synthesizers and guitar loops as well. The sound is so layered and full that it is hard to believe there are only two people in the band. The band already has an impressive resume having shared the stage with, among others, The Apples in Stereo, Hawthorne Heights, and VHS or Beta. They have also opened for Unwed Sailor and The Naysayer.<br /><br />On first listen it would be easy to compare this album to the later work of Explosions in the Sky. However on repeated listening one discovers the little details in the sound that sets this band apart from other melodic rock bands. <br /><br />The first track, "Inception", slowly meanders along and fades right into the second track, "Millie Rode to Heaven on the Back of an Orca." In this track it sounds as if a guitar is used to mimic whale sounds. It didn't stand out on first listen. I happened to be passively listening through headphones and I just picked on it. From there the album flows on. Drum beats and guitar loops are expertly merged with guitar melodies. From the drawn out synthesizer in "Lost in a Daydream" to crunchy guitar loop that fades to cleaner version on "Night Noise" the album seamlessly melds together for just under an hour taking the listener on a sonic journey. For me the stand out is a ten minute epic titled "We Were Fed Poisoned Bread," a breathtakingly complete story in melody alone. The album is a soundtrack that is waiting for an accompanying movie.<br /><br />As good as the recorded music is I have heard it plays even better live. Jamey's brother Jessie does a video projection for the entire show that is supposed to really draw the audience into the music. There is enhanced content on the disc that gives a taste of the full experience and adds an additional layer to the music.<br /><br />These songs will remain in my rotation for quite some time. This is a band that shows great promise and potential. This disc will definitely appeal to fans of melodic rock, but I would recommend that everyone give it a listen. The music is that good and I hope we will be hearing more from The Photographic in the years to come.<br /><br /><br />"Pictures of a Changing World" was released through Galaxia records and is available through Amazon, ITunes, and Emusic. My recommendation is to buy a copy today.<br /><br />Next week I'll have a review of Matthew Sweet's new solo album, "Sunshine Lies."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com