Josiah (not joshua)

Sea World Continued

2008-03-15T21:31:00.003-06:00

This is us getting ready for the 4-D show, it was so funny things were in face and people were grabbing at them, we laughed so much. The car next to us is the one of the props they came out on at the ski show , which was pretty cool. It just came across the water. Then we saw the dolphin show and the shark aquarium. ~ Liv

Sea World

2008-03-15T21:14:00.003-06:00

We went to Sea world a couple of days ago. It was fun just seeing all the wildlife. This was a seal show they had going the seal was massive.
~ Liv

Andy Warhol Day Out

2008-03-10T00:28:00.004-06:00

I am trying blogging for the first time so here we go. We are on a couple of weeks holidays so after a few days of sleeping we are off to the Andy Warhol exhibition in Brisbane. It was fun. It wasn't to crowded and not to many of those people that stand in front of the picture forever. We took a quick snap, I don't think I was aloud. But we did anyway. He is a very interesting artist. Josiah really likes him and what he did in his era. I thought it was pretty good. We really liked the cows so we just had to take the shot.
- Luv Liv

Vacation Over...Feeling Good

2008-01-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

SO much has happened since my last post. Liv and I went on vacation for a couple of weeks. We went camping about 3 hours south of where we live to a place called Corrindi Beach. Our tent was set up about 20 yards from the edge of a cliff with a 180 degree view of the ocean. It was awesome. The weather was a little crap but it turned out ok. Lots of reading and listening to music which is great anyway.

Then when we got back this week we worked monday then left for this years first staff retreat. We went to "Kingscliffe" a town about 30 minutes south of the Gold coast and we stayed in a 5 star resort for 3 days. We relaxed, talked about the upcoming year, and we had some guest speakers come in and share. It is so fun to be a part of such a great team and great church. I can't describe how humbled and honored I am that God has given me what He has. Jesus love is amazing.

One of my many responsibilities is to publish our church magazine every 2 months and that will be my big focus today. I need to get it done before Wednesday so we can go to print. It's a lot of work but it's also a lot of fun and a great experience.

We've been doing a series at church this month called "Supernatural." It's about the holy spirit and the power of God, Anyway, we shot a video "spoof" of the TV show supernatural and it's pretty cheesy/funny. Check it out,

Head Cold

2008-01-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

It has been an interesting week. First of all, tropical storms continue to pound the Gold coast so it rains for about 20 minutes, then stops for 20 minutes and that cycle just repeats itself. It means that we've spent most of the week inside and I'm starting to get a little bit of cabin fever. Next week Liv and I had planned to go camping for a week but unless the storm clear up we won't be going. My fingers are crossed though cause I don't want to be stuck in the house again!

This week at church we are starting a new series called "supernatural." It is of coarse a take off of the television show. The cool thing is me and this guy named brad at church filmed a supernatural video clip that I edited yesterday and we'll be showing at church on Sunday. It's so cheesy and funny I think it's going to go good.

As of yesterday I have had a gnarly head cold and I'm doing my best to try and shake it today. I hate being sick, especially when it's so humid you lay in bed and sweat. Ha ha, welcome to Australia I guess.

Tonight we are going to see "I am Legend" with a bunch of friends and tomorrow I'm going over to a guys house to play Halo 2 head to head with 2 tv's linked up. It's going to be awesome.

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T23:11:00.000-07:00

Happy new year to everyone! I hope that 2007 was a great year for you and that you are all healthy, happy and that 2008 seems fresh and exciting to you.

It's funny how the calendar rolling over makes everything seem different. It's really just another day, but it always fills me with a sense of anticipation and a potential for what the future holds.

Over the last week it has been cold and rainy here. There is a cyclone off the coast that is causing all this bad tropical weather. The cyclone won't come here because there are too many islands in the way, but it's made it very wet and windy.

Liv and I went down to the beach today to look at the huge swell and waves crashing in. It was quite a sight and there were a lot of people watching the sea. Then there were those few crazy guys out there surfing. I have to admit, I kind of like that they are not afraid to get out there. It's dangerous, its rough, but they could also catch an amazing wave for the ride of there life. I want to have that kind of ambition this year. I want to go for it and really put myself out there. I just have a sense of "now or never" for most of what is in my heart, and I think that is a good thing.

Right now Liv has her easel set up next to me and she is painting away. I am sitting here looking out the window at the rain falling and the trees swaying back and forth and I feel so
happy and alive...

Godspeed in 2008

Liv's Teeth

2007-11-27T05:35:00.001-07:00

Liv's wisdom teeth days are numbered. She has been in pain for the past week and this Friday they are taking them out. She asked me what they will use to take them out. I said i think they use pliers, dental pliers sure, but they are still pliers. It made her nerves get a lot worse I think. Oops. Thats what a good husband does I guess. lol.

We don't have Sunday night service this weekend so that is gonna be cool. We're gonna hang out with Jon and Crystal and maybe catch a movie...probably a movie you Americans saw months ago. Australia blows when it comes to new releases!!

Just found out that I get to go on Christmas vacation from December 26-January 14. YEA! That's one thing America could learn to do better. Back home it's all push push push and the day after Christmas you're right back to the grindstone. Everything kinda stops here and unless its at least 2 weeks off they don't even consider it a real break...as apposed to 2 weeks being your entire vacation time for the whole year back home.

I have been writing a lot lately for church and hope to start doing original church songs really soon. I am sick of playing hillsong and citipointe stuff. God has really opened my heart to writing worship music and I hope that people get in to what I am doing. Either way it's just good to be writing again.

So Many Things To Say

2007-11-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

I don't know where to begin with this post. I wish I had more time to post here more often because I miss everyone back home. I wish I had more time in general. This is going to be one of those heavy posts so if you're not in the mood stop reading now.

still here?

Cool.

Since I got here in Australia I have become part of something so much bigger than me. In absolutely every way I have faced a tremendous challenge to grow in every area of myself and my relationship with God. This is a good thing but it has also been a tremendous challenge. Everyday I face more tasks than time, more needs than resources and more desires than satisfaction. I think this is a good thing and ultimately the place God wants all of us to be. But there's a battle going on in me lately that I can't deny.

Maybe it's because thanksgiving is this week. I think the holiday season is a big part of it. But I have missed everyone and everything from home this week like crazy. I want to go to buffalo wild wings with you guys and eat until my stomach burns. I wanted to watch the world series with all of you and curse the tv like you all did. I want to hang out and talk about music, swap mp3's and just laugh and have fun.

That's not saying I don't have fun here. I am having a great time but it's just different. When you just pick up your life and relocate it to the other side of the world, you've got to expect some withdrawals I guess. But that doesn't make my selfish want just go away.

I love what I am doing, I love the amazing things God is doing through me that I never thought He could, I love the people here and I love my church; but I also love home and I love all of you. I want you all to know that. I want to keep growing to a new capacity. I want more of Jesus and less of me.

The Day The Music Died

2007-10-23T15:29:00.000-06:00

R.I.P.
Oink

Bacon

2007-10-17T21:07:00.001-06:00

Then Again....

2007-10-12T07:36:00.000-06:00

These guys just might release the best album of '08. Can't wait for Mercy to come out!!!

Do Yourself A Favor

2007-10-12T07:12:00.000-06:00

The best album of the year, maybe next year too, has come out and you can get it for whatever you think is a fair amount. Get it now.

I can't stop listening to this one. This album is so good. So much has been said about radiohead I can't add anything to it. They are really good and I am glad that they make music. Me happy.

Always Breaking The Rules

2007-10-07T23:32:00.000-06:00

I know that I am way behind the curve. But I just found out about Radiohead's 7th album being sold for download for whatever you want to pay. I'm sure everyone has already discussed and digested this but it's news to me since I haven't had Internet access in a long time.

This band has constantly challenged itself, it's fans and the music industry to new heights. I remember the first time I heard "The Bends" and I thought it was so different and weird but so brilliant. I remember sharing it with my friends and telling them that this was a weird band but they were good and they should give them a chance. By comparison when you look at Kid A or some of their other more recent stuff, The Bends seems so mainstream now.

Now they are taking on not only the music industry, but the very idea of paying for music. The best band in the world says you can pay them whatever you think is fair for their new album. While so many artist continue to sit around pouting about the reality of the digital download, Radiohead embraces it and changes the music industry.

This is not only a GENIUS publicity stunt, but a revolution of some sort as well. How many people will check out the band now because they want to hear what all the fuss is about? And also, how can people go on with the same mindset about art and music as commerce?

This move is the dawn of a new music era. Because of the low cost of studio gear ($50,000 will get you the equipment you need to record million dollar sounding albums) and the power of the Internet, the era of music coming directly from the artist to the listener has begun. How this will all pan out in the long run I don't know. But the idea of not having music and art filtered through what some business man in a suit thinks is very exciting to me.

GO ROCKS!!!!

2007-10-02T02:35:00.000-06:00

YEAH BABY!!

I was supposed to be in Brisbane all week this week for a conference but I ended up needing to do some graphic design (my little freelance, on the side income since I've been down here). I was a little bummed to have to come all the way down but I am so happy now.

Once I got to the office I remembered the rockies game and I went online to see how the game turned out. It was the top of the 11th and I quickly registered for an account on MLB.com so i could listen in on the game. So here I am on the other side of the world listening to the baseball game. What a world we live in.

When the Padres hit that homer in the 13th I thought it was over. I even told everyone around me (who I was explaining the rules of baseball to) that one of the greatest closers of all time would definitely close the door on the win.

I am glad that I was wrong.

When that sac fly happened, I felt so happy. Like a part of me was here and a part of me was home. I knew that my family and friends were listening too/watching the same thing and cheering at the same time. It was like we were together. The internet is a cool thing.

Go Rockies! Beat the Phillies!!!

Naked Icky Thump

2007-09-14T15:20:00.000-06:00

I am sitting butt naked at my computer listening to my just oinked copy of Icky Thump by the white stripes. I can't say how happy this makes me. It's funny what you get used to and what you start to need in your life. I need new music. Without it I just start to go stale and boring.

It's Saturday and I am looking forward to just chilling most of the day. Going over to Johnn-o's house for lunch and gonna kick back a bit. Work has been so hectic lately since we don't have a church building at the moment. I thought my days of setting up and tearing down church every weekend were over but I guess not. For the next 6 months or so we'll be setting up on saturday nights until our new venue gets fit out inside. It's a lot of work but a lot of fun at the same time.

ODD THINGS ABOUT OZ
I want to start a little series of strange things I notice here in the land down-unda.

Part 1: The way they say Aluminum.
Say it with me my american friends, aluminum. Down here they say: "AL - LOO - MIN -EE - UM That's right. AL-LOO-MIN-EE-UM I laugh everytime it gets said. Who's right, who's wrong? Who cares, it's just strange.

Back In Black

2007-09-13T14:56:00.000-06:00

After 6 long months, I am finally back online. I have not had internet access since I got here in Australia and it's been rough. In honor of my American way of thinking, my first post back on line is of a Kangaroo that I shot on my hunting trip here. Look how happy I am.

For the first time in 6 months I logged in to oink today. Those of you who know what that is and what it means to me will observe a moment of silence with me now . . . . . . . .

Can't wait to catch up with every one. I'm going to try and let all of you know that I am back online and we can swap emails and messenger info.

Cheers!!

Our Current Decor

2007-04-10T18:16:00.000-06:00

This is the current decoration scheme we have chosen for our living room. It's called "Minimalist Musician." Perfect for writing angry, self-indulgent "Stained" stuff. Because we live in a nice place, it's just empty. So you don't really have anything to complain about, but you choose to anyway. And the kids just eat it up.

Container is set to arrive in Brisbane on April 20th and should be at our house around the first of May. Until then, we will keep living like musician squatters. Ha ha ha.

My New Sin

2007-04-10T18:12:00.000-06:00

"Donuts. Is there anything they can't do?"
- Homer Simpson

These happy little fella's are donut king donuts. Are they that different from anything in America? No. But that's the point. When I close my eyes I think I'm eating a Dunkin Donut. A little round, fried sugary piece of home. Mmmmm.

Get Your Head Around It

2007-04-08T18:57:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone! It's me, the blogger who doesn't blog! Ha ha. It's been so long since I've posted anything. To be honest, my head has been spinning a little bit. All in a good way though. It's just been such a big transition. To start off, we basically took over the creative arts department the day we got here. The first weekend we were at the church, we both were singing. The guy who was running it wasn't around because his wife was having a baby so we jumped straight in. Looking back it was a perfect way for things to go down. I didn't have time to be nervous or worry about it, we just had to jump straight in. 3 services a weekend, a music team of 50+ people and all that goes with it. I said all that to say this, I haven't even thought about my blog.

But that's not a good thing. I had a revelation this week (and when I say revelation I mean my wife talked to me about it). I've still gotta do things for me and that means blogging and talking to my friends. I've seen first hand what "ministry" can do to your marriage and relationships when you let things get out of whack. So, I will be blogging much more regularly. I'm even gonna put up some pics tomorrow.

SO MUCH has happened since we got here but I'll just stick with some personal stuff. We've got a home. It's a 3 bedroom townhouse in Merrimac (a Gold Coast Suburb). It's got a/c and a dishwasher which are not "standard" like they are in America. It's also only about 7-8 minutes from the church which is nice. The best thing is we can be at the beach in about 12 minutes. I LOVE the ocean and the beaches here are the most beautiful I've ever seen (including Maui). Its just so relaxing.

We also got a car! A '93 Ford Laser with 220k. Ha ha. It's nice though. It's got a/c, great gas mileage and we only paid $2k for it. It's really cool to have a car and not debt. I've never had that before so it's exciting.

I miss you all and I miss chipotle. God how I miss chipotle. Ha ha. All is well though and I can't wait to put some pics up and tell you the story that way. Talk again soon.

My Guitar Has Arrived

2007-03-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

Thank God. My guitar is safe at last.

Liv and I waited on hold with the airlines customer service number for 45 minutes yesterday only to be told they didn't have it and they didn't know where it was. When we said, "so it's lost" they corrected us and said it was just "misplaced." We didn't really get into what the difference was between the two with them but it was upsetting.

So then Phil came over and said we should all pray and agree that the guitar would be returned to us. I had a big "why didn't I think of that moment" and we all prayed together. It really eased my mind and I just felt like it would all be OK then. Well only about 45 minutes went by and then the airline called and said they had it and they would be delivering it between 7-10 last night.

Ten o'clock came and still no guitar. I didn't freak out though cause at least it was no longer "misplaced." About 1:30 in the morning last night the knocked on the door and Caleb heard them. He walked it right up and put it in the room with me and Liv. We were tired so we didn't hear him. I woke up this morning and went to swing my legs out of the bed and I ran into the box with my guitar in it. It was like a Santa moment when you were a kid. I'm just glad that I don't have to be distracted by this drama anymore and I can just play my guitar.

We Made It, But Not Taylor

2007-02-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

We made it. I am sitting here in my in-laws house in Sydney writ ting this. It is such a long journey here but I am so excited. I feel like anything is possible right now. I guess it's just the feeling you get when you know you are obeying God.

The flight here was uneventful but I must say, Qantas is a very nice airline. Laugh at me if you must all you Australia detractors, but 60 on demand movies, 50 on demand albums and 25 channels of tv, plus better food, service and accommodation make it way better than United.

Except for one little thing. They lost my guitar. As it stands right now my Taylor is somewhere else in the world. I am not freaking out though. Everyone on our flight that had any baggage with "special handling" instructions lost their bag. So it's not just me, there's about fifty of us. Liv talked to the airline today and they said they think they have it and it should be here tomorrow. We will see.

Jet lag was pretty bad last night but I feel refreshed this morning. It will take a week or so before I feel completely normal but that's alright. It's all part of traveling 8,000 miles to a completely different day and time.

If I could describe my life in one word right now it would be anticipation. There are so many new things to discover and experience and I have just begun.

We Be Thuggin', They Be Movin'

2007-02-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

Last Beer At The Cherry Cricket

2007-02-21T19:43:00.001-07:00

The Sushi Den

2007-02-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

This Made Me Laugh

2007-02-20T12:26:00.000-07:00

Just read this over at Best Week Ever and I laughed out loud.

Carlos Santana is opening a chain of Mexican restaurants. Instead of a Mariachi band, some hippie will come up to your table and d*ck around on his guitar for 30 minutes while Rob Thomas sings, then serves your chimichanga.

I Will Miss This

2007-02-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

I will miss the sunrises and sunsets we get in Colorado. The mountain range is so beautiful. Nothing like seeing this when you walk to your car in the morning.

I said good bye to my Grandparents over the weekend so I am feeling very melon collie. I can't wait to begin the next chapter of my life but right now I am just letting go of this one.

Valentines Day - Brooks Steak House

2007-02-14T20:56:00.001-07:00

New Stuff

2007-02-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

The best movie of 2006, "The Departed" comes out on DVD today. Luckily I have to head over to get an eye exam at Wal-mart after work so I will conveniently be able to pick up a copy.

I can't wait to take it home and rip it to my iPod so I can watch it on the long flight to Sydney (14.5 hours). If Martin Scorsese doesn't win best director for this one, he's never gonna win.

Then when I cam into work this morning I got a little surprise. The new Ted Leo & The Pharmacist record, "Living with the Living" has leaked. I downloaded it right away and have it all set up to be transferred to my iPod as soon as I get home. (A lot of my life seems to revolve around my iPod these days, lol).

Ted is an extremist left wing vegan weenie, but I love the music. They aren't the greatest band in the world or the most innovative, they just make good indie rock tunes. That's what it's about right? Rock and roll? Getting moved by the music? No? It's about the Dixie Chicks winning effing Grammies? Oh well, I can't wait to listen to Ted.

Playing Hooky

2007-02-07T12:51:00.001-07:00

If any one asks, I was sick in bed at home.

Are You Ready For Some Grammy?

2007-02-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

Gotta love those synthesizer medley Grammy performances.

And who could forget the soy bomb!

Best Wife In The World

2007-02-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

So I have been having a rough day today. It's actually just stress from my personal life interfering with work. So my beautiful wife stops by my office and brings me my favorite coffee from Starbucks. She gives me a big kiss and tells me everything will be ok. I love being married to this woman. She is a dream come true.

Arcade Fire - Neon Bible Review

2007-01-31T18:01:00.000-07:00

Arcade Fire want to explode into your home. They want to burst in to your iPod and make every other album you own obsolete.

They try to grab a hold of everything on this album. The song topics and lyrics are huge. The subjects include life, death, love, hate, religion, politics, and all sorts of points in between.

Do they get it done? The answer is, sort of and God love them for trying. This album will not change the world, or your life, it is just a great album that knows what it is and tries to reach deeper than the rest of the crowd around it.

I have listened to this album a few times and the other night I went through the record track by track.

Black Mirror – A droning, dark track with a 2 word chorus the same as the title. This song feels David Bowie-ish to me. There's a sensuality to this track that the band has not touched on before. As far as openers go, it does not slam you against the wall. It just gets your attention and makes you want to hear the rest of what the band has to say.
Keep The Car Running – Driving beat, ready for the arena. Very Springsteen in both lyric content and in musical feel (which runs throughout the album). This is where the band wants you to know that they are going for something big. You can dance to this song and it feels very alive. Just like the best Springsteen stuff, it sounds very American.
Neon Bible - Four on the floor kick drum and repeating acoustic guitar riff. The album pulls back as soon as it looks like it will take flight. Of all the tracks on this record, I found myself singing the line “neon bible – not much chance for survival” over and over after I finished listening. The song is short at just over 2 minutes.
Intervention – An absolute WALL of pipe organ greats you in this song and the first line is “the king’s taking back the throne.” One word describes this song, Unafraid. The title is perfect for this song. The band is warning you. Don’t give in to convention, don’t be afraid, don’t follow the rules or “every spark of friendship and love will die without a home.”
Black Waves/Bad Vibrations – This song is split in to two parts. The first bit is lead by Régine and is a bit of a mis-step. Not in that it is bad, but Win’s voice is just so fantastic that I miss hearing it all the way through this tune. At 1:40 the tempo changes and Win takes over singing again and the song breaks the concrete as it lands on the ground. The beat pounds in your chest and the angels sing in the distance. This is my least favorite song on the record but it is still strong.
Ocean of Noise – A 50’s surf song drum beat and bass line are the foundations of this song. This song gets you ready for the second half of the record where the album really set's off. The outro sounds like ghosts covering the E Street Band.
The Well And The Lighthouse – Bang. The second half begins. The fastest tempo track on the record. “Heaven is only in my head” Win shouts and the band takes off. No band is doing this better right now than Arcade Fire. It feels like life and death hangs in the balance on this one before salvation comes in the form of a fifties music drum beat and guitar progression.
Antichrist Television Blues – An acoustic guitar introduces this song that again, sounds like the best of the boss. “Don’t wanna work in a building down town” is repeated and the song has the sound of the lost Midwest. This one just floors me. It’s not easy to put your heart on your sleeve on record and pure heart is being poured out all through this whole song.
Windowsill – Got up and got a beer in-between these two songs. The intense lyrics throughout this song make it my favorite. This song is rebellion. A rejection of everything and everyone around you. “MTV what have you done to me, save my soul and set me free.” Hell yeah.
No Cars Go – “No cars go where we know.” A lyric line that is open to your own interpretation like “where the streets have no name.” The drum beat and horns sound like Broken Social Scene and the strings propel the song along. The closing statement of the album like Rebellion (lies) was for funeral. The next song is a Post Script.
My Body Is A Cage – The opposite statement of the previous song. The last song says let’s go, we’re free, let’s get out of here, but this song says “my body is a cage that keeps me from dancing with the one I love.” The song builds and builds until it climaxes when the band, an organ, string and horns all come crashing in. The song and album, end in a prayer. “Stay next to me, my mind holds the key, set my spirit free, set my spirit free, set my body free, set my body free”

This is really a brilliant record. Not even close to perfect, but it exceeds the expectations I had for a follow up from this band. This will no doubt be near the top of my year end list.

Thanks Natalie Portman

2007-01-31T13:41:00.000-07:00

It seemed like only yesterday Natalie handed Zach those headphones and told him that the shins would change his life. A few seconds of New Slang and the tool from Scrubs said "I like it." I guess quite a few people agreed.

The Shins new album "Wincing The Night Away" has debuted at #2 with sales totaling 117,991. I never would have guessed that this band would ever debut that high. Imagine what it would have been if the album hadn't of leaked months ago? I've been listening to my copy for a long time now.

This band has allowed me a lot of great elitist moments since Garden State got popular on video. I could attack people on two fronts:
#1 They would say, "have you heard of this new band, the shins? They're good." to which I could sarcastically reply, "They are not a new band and yes, I know."

#2 They would say "I rented this movie Garden State last night, it was so cool." to which I would scowl and say, "yea, actually I saw that in the theater on opening night."

Two responses that would make Rob Gordon very proud I think.

Neon Bible - Arcade Fire

2007-01-30T15:24:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist. I have given in to temptation and downloaded a leaked copy of the new Arcade Fire album, "Neon Bible."

I have only listened to the album once, but so far I really like it. It's so different from their first album "Funeral," but still retains their signature feel.

I haven't had time to really absorb it yet, but I hope to listen to it several times over the next couple of days. I am going to try and post a track by track review sometime this week.

Is this band over-hyped? Yes. Are they gonna save rock and roll or any other grandiose crap like that? No. But I have been looking forward to this record and it does not disappoint so far.

Eno + Coldplay = ?

2007-01-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

Brian Eno is currently at work with Coldplay, producing their next album. He was interviewed for BBC Radio 4 over the weekend and said the new album was “very original and very different from what they’ve done before.”

I'll admit I once hated Coldplay. I used to call them Radiohead-Lite. But now when I look at the pop music landscape, compared to most other bands on the radio/charts, Coldplay is damn good.

Eno is one of the most brilliant musical minds ever. He will not put up with the mediocrity or overly sentimental crap that this band has given in to in the past.

I remember before the last Coldplay album came out the band said something about the album being different and experimental but it was obviously not. It was a step forward for the band, but it was not the revolution to their sound that they claimed it would be. But if Brian Eno says your album is very original and different from what you've done in the past, I'm inclined to believe him. I am officially excited to hear this record.

Dick Cheney vs. Nancy Pelosi: The Blink-Off

2007-01-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

Cheney - Ever vigilant, ever alert, never blinking.

What Kind Of Company Am I Working For?

2007-01-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

Check out the typo on this AT&T bill that just arrived at the company I work for, "Humanscale." What the heck would this company do?

Sleeping At Last

2007-01-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

Sleeping At Last "Keep No Score"

I can't stop listening to this album over the last couple of days. It is just so romantic and beautiful. Everything on this album is where it should be and every melody will break your heart and make you smile. I don't know if this is one of those records that hits you hard at first then fades into the back ground or if it will keep hitting me in the guts. But for now I am just enjoying every listen.

Check out some of their music on Myspace

Forbes Top Money Earners 2006

2007-01-26T12:27:00.000-07:00

Forbes has released their list of the top money earners in music in 2006.

01. The Rolling Stones ($150.6 million)
02. Tim McGraw / Faith Hill ($132 million)
03. Rascal Flatts ($110.5 million)
04. Madonna ($96.8 million)
05. Barbra Streisand (95.8 million)
06. Kenny Chesney ($90.1 million)
07. Celine Dion ($85.2 million)
08. Bon Jovi ($77.5 million)
09. Nickelback ($74.1 million)
10. Dave Matthews Band ($60.4 million)

I did not buy anything from any of these bands this year. The only one I even LISTENED to was the Stones and that was a albums released nearly 40 years ago. This list has brought the following questions to my kojak/moby head:

Am I that out of touch with the rest of America?

How can a band that sucks as powerfully as Nickelback make nearly 100 mil?

Do people really listen to this crap?

and finally...
DO PEOPLE REALLY LISTEN TO THIS CRAP

A Celebration Of Life

2007-01-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

It was only a matter of time until money talked louder than ego. Van Halen will be touring with none other than David Lee Roth fronting the band. Let us all celebrate the return of Diamond Dave. Check out the stage presence, he OWNS this band.

Bush Vs Pelosi

2007-01-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

"Go ahead, use both hands, I'm going over the top bitch."

Dinosaur Jr!!

2007-01-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

Dinosaur Jr. will be releasing a reunion, full length album, "Beyond." The album comes out May 1st on Fat Possum records. The record was produced by John Agnello. I can't wait to hear this. According to a press release, it's both "some of the best music Dinosaur Jr. have ever made" and "an adrenaline-inducing ride, not of nostalgia, but of bona fide excitement." I am so excited! Hopefully it is not a let down and it leaks soon! Now let's just get that MBV reunion record!

What A Freaking Nightmare!!

2007-01-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

We come in to work this morning and the powers out. They have us sitting around doing nothing for the first 2 hours. Finally they tell us that they are closing the office and we can leave. We get half way to Josh's house and they call us and tell us to turn around, the power's come back on.

On top of that, my supervisors (who must be simultaneously PMS-ing) start yelling at me as soon as we get back in over absolutely asinine stuff that is THEIR fault not mine.

I feel like screaming I am so pissed off right now. I am not going to do anything for the rest of the day. I don't give a crap.

Behold The Argyle!!

2007-01-23T14:38:00.001-07:00

Some How, This Makes Me Feel Better

2007-01-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

Brittney Spears has downs. Those of you who disagree with me, just look at this photo of her and her latest empty head with a dick attached (I mean boyfriend).

Not that she is good looking, but why the hell does she keep dating these guys? Does she just wonder into McDonalds at 3 a.m. high on meth and take the assistant manager home with her?

Why does her failure make me feel better? She has spent more money on shoes then I have made in my life. Still this pic was a ray of sunshine today so I'm not gonna fight it.

January 22nd

2007-01-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

One of my co-workers just told me that today has been scientifically proven as the most depressing day of the year. Maybe that's my problem. It has nothing to do with my decisions or life as of late...my anger/depression is a scientific inevitability today.

What's My Problem??

2007-01-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

I don't know why, but I woke up pissed off this morning. I am racking my brain trying to figure out the reasoning behind this but so far I have no idea. I had a good weekend. Spent lots of time with my wife, had a lot of fun and I went to bed in a good mood last night. Woke up pissed off though.

Everything and everyone around me is annoying right now. I just want to be by myself and listen to some music. Hopefully my mood will improve through the day.

Pitchfork

2007-01-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

Pitchfork Media. Hordes of hipsters, hipster wannabe's, music lovers and scenesters visit the site everyday including me (I'm not sure what category I fall in). Everyday the site's influence on music and the music industry gets stronger and stronger. But how credible is the site? Who made them the ultimate authority in music taste?

If you read the site you know the formula for a good album according to Pitchfork. One part indie, plus one part creative, plus one part weirdo divided by the amount of hipster cred you will lose if it is a "major" band. A sure fire way to get a good review is to have all three of the elements above plus be some completely unheard of Japanese Noise Funk Screamo Art House band where all of the lyrics are in a special backwards speak that only the band understands. Or be Radiohead. Radiohead could record an hour of the band butchering chickens and pitchfork would give it a 9.2.

Now I will admit that I have found some great music because of the site. There are A LOT of bands out there that put out amazing music that goes unheard. As sites like Pitchfork gain influence they gain power to bring truly great music to a larger audience. But lately I feel like they are squandering it on stuff that's just plain odd and difficult.

I will let the site speak for itself. Here are albums that pitchfork collectively raves about like soccer moms with Bon Jovi. These were their top 3 albums of 2006.

3. Joanna Newsom - Vs. Weird music, eccentric vocals, dreadful "fairytale" lyrics. Sounds like another winner folks! I like music. I am not an elitist, but when most people look at my music collection their eye's glaze over and confusion sets in. That being said, I am convinced that there is no way that anyone actually enjoyed this album on a musical level. They liked it because of the scene they are in, or because pitchfork told them to.

2. Tv On The Radio - Return To Cookie Mountain. No Matter what this band does, they love it. Not only do they love it, they worship it, sacrifice small mammals to it and swear eternal allegiance to the afro. The truth is, this band is weird for the sake of weird. Breaking no ground that's worth breaking or that is interesting. Rather than PROGRAM a drum machine I could randomly hit buttons and call it a song, but that doesn't make it provocative...it makes it pretentious and weird.

1. The Knife - Silent Shout. I will be honest. I don't mind this band, but #1 Album of the year for 2006? Please. This is a kinda weird, abstract electronic band that is interesting but "Silent Shout" should MAYBE only crack the top 30 albums of 2006. If you are a scene kid who likes X, this blew your mind otherwise you heard it and went, "huh, interesting. Why is the voice so strange?"

I used to be a slave to pitchfork. If they said an album was good I would download it and listen to it over and over again to try and "get" it. But my eyes have been opened, the chains have fallen from my hands and the shackles are at my feet. Music is personal, if YOU like it, who cares what pitchfork says? That being said, I will visit the site tomorrow and everyday this week. Don't want to fall behind on what's hip..you know?

Thank God

2007-01-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

I am so glad we will not have to put up with another year of the Patriots in the Super Bowl. I know out of the Pats and the Colts I should like the Pats. They are a "blue collar" team who, despite not looking very good on paper, keep getting it done. Manning and the Colts are the offensive high paid juggernaut. But the Patriots are BORING.

As always, I will watch the Superbowl for the adds, if I even watch it. Not to mention a Prince halftime show. I am hoping for a Colts win and a butt-less pair of pants on Prince. What does that say about me?

The First Album I Ever Owned

2007-01-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

This was the very first album I ever called my own. My Uncle owned a christian bookstore and gave me the cassette tape of Steve Taylor's christian new wave classic, "On The Fritz." I listened to it so much that the J-card insert was completely destroyed and all of the print on both sides of the tape was worn away. There was a scratch on one side though so I knew which side was which. It met it's demise in my dad's Maroon Mercury Le Grande. Completely eaten in the tape deck.

I've often tried to remember my first record and today it hit me like a bolt of lightening. Check out the chorus to the classic Taylor song "Lifeboat." They don't write them like this anymore:

throw over grandpa 'cause he's getting pretty old
throw out the baby, or we'll all be catching it's cold
throw over fatty and we'll see if she can float
throw out the retard, and he won't be rockin' the boat

Lunch Room...Occupied

2007-01-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

Some chad is being interviewed and so we can't get in and have lunch...seriously, eff him

Would I Vote For This Man??

2007-01-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

Sen. Barack Obama will be filing the necessary paperwork to begin a presidential campaign today. Here's a quote from him: "I didn't expect to find myself in this position a year ago. I've been struck by how hungry we all are for a different kind of politics. So I spent some time thinking about how I could best advance the cause of change and progress we so desperately need."

My interest is beginning to stir for the upcoming elections. I am not the kind of person who feels the need to follow strict party lines, but I typically have voted Republican in the past. I feel I have always voted for whoever I felt was the best person for the job and I will do that again during these elections.

I once sat in a church service and the pastor said that "I'm not going to tell you who to vote for, but I just can't see how you can call yourself a Christian and vote for a Democrat." Religion has nothing to do with politics and vice versa. Also as much as I am pro-life, I don't realistically think that is a good enough reason to vote, or not vote for someone.

Here are some of the major issues that I will base my decision on:

Iraq - I want to hear reasonable, sound ideas, not "Iraq's a mess and I will fix it" or, "I'll bring our troops home."

Immigration - As someone with first hand knowledge and experience with American Immigration, I can say without a doubt that it is a joke, not to mention a great security risk and financial burden.

Education - Our education system is bad. I worked with teenagers for 8 years and most of them could barely read or do simple math equations. Throwing money at the problem does nothing.

We'll see what happens. I hope for good things for America in the years to come, and the decision on who our next president will be is very important.

Blades Of Glory

2007-01-15T10:44:00.001-07:00

This Would Be Amazing

2007-01-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

So Kevin Shields says they will make a new My Bloody Valentine Record:

"We are 100% going to make another My Bloody Valentine record unless we die or something. I'd feel really bad if I didn't make another record. Like, shit, people only got the first two chapters, but the last bit is the best bit. It's just that it's taken me such an oddly long time for that to happen."

Loveless is one of the most brilliant albums I've ever heard so a follow-up would be incredible. I'm not gonna hold my breath though cause these things have a way of never happening. But if it does...the indie music world will collectively poop it's pants with hype.

God Help Me To Begin...

2007-01-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

Why is it so hard to express yourself? The real you. The inside you. The part that's true. I am always saying what I am supposed to. I am always feeling how I should when so many times I look inside of myself and see something completely different.

Maybe it's because it's just easier to lie. It's a faster way to communicate...it's a shortcut. Real emotions, real feelings are hard. I feel like I am constantly talking but never saying anything because if I said something wrong, that would be bad.

My whole life I have been trying to be perfect. To never make mistakes. To always be the person everyone loves. But I can't live this way anymore. I have to come to the surface and breathe or this ocean of pressure will crunch me.

My life. My evolution. My journey. My feelings. My words. God help me to begin.....

Soundtrack For 0 Degrees And Solitude

2007-01-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

Been Listening to Lisa Germano "In The Maybe World" today...it's freezing cold outside and my wife isn't feeling very well so I am just hanging out by myself. This album is beautiful and perfect.

First Mobile Blog

2007-01-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

My first mobile blog! Too bad Hosh is in it. Ha ha ha.

Trent Reznor On Current Music/Emo Trends...

2007-01-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

I'm glad it's not just me...

“Emo screamo!” he ranted in an oddly Dr. Seussian style. “If I happen to accidentally turn the radio on…I literally can’t tell the difference between one of 20 bands,” said a clearly exasperated icon. “Either I’m getting old, which is a fact, or I’m turning into my dad! I wonder about the person that’s in a band, the young kid who just got signed or is trying to get signed - why is he doing it? Is he trying to change the world and do something different and express himself…or is it because they want to fuck Paris Hilton and be photographed outside trendy restaurants?”

The funny thing is that "Rez" looks really emo in the picture.

Bloc Party Leak

2007-01-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

Last night I snatched up a leak of the new Bloc Party album, "A Weekend In The City." I listened to it on the way in to work and so far, I like it.

There's a little less emphasis on the whole "dance" side of their music and more focus on atmosphere which I really like. The dance beats are still there so you can still move to it.

They are kind of a trendy, scenester band (aka, lots of scene kids will buy this album and never reallty LISTEN to it) but I don't care, I like it.

First Blog in 2007

2007-01-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

So much has happened since my last post showcasing a pouting Hosh.

Liv and I had our first Christmas as man and wife. It was a lot of fun. The best thing about being married is having your best friend sharing everything with you. Our pal Josh "guttermouth" Mickelson came along with us too. (I call him guttermouth because of a past misunderstanding between his myspace blog and my parents. ha ha ha). Had a good time and ate way to much food. Josh and I had about half a dozen bathroom trips each within 12 hours of the meal. Rock & roll!

The new year has been really exciting so far. Our old pastors Ross & Kathy offered us a job a their church in Gold Coast, Australia. It's exciting and scary at the same time. We are praying about what we should do and seeking God's direction.

One really cool thing for me over the holidays was the unlimited downloading available at Oink!. I downloaded over a hundred albums in the span of about 2 weeks. I gorged myself at the free music trough and now I am hopelessly addicted. I haven't even listened to everything that I've downloaded yet....why do I feel the need to have albums in my collection that I haven't listened to? Sometimes I feel like that person who has all the American literature classics on the shelf but hasn't read any of them. They just want a complete library...it's a social status thing.

I have been writting a ton lately and really exploring new ways to cultivate and work on new ideas. I bought a book "How to write better lyrics" and it has had some really great tips for me that have kind of liberated me as a songwriter. I think I am growing as well...at least I hope so.

2007 is gonna be the best year of my life, but it's gonna be crazy. Can't wait for tomorrow.

Looks Like Somebodies Got A Case Of The Mondays...

2006-12-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

The Nutcracker, Bad Sweaters and Bad Boys

2006-12-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

Friday my parents took me and Liv to see the Nutcracker Ballet. It was ok but it definitely was designed for kids. The annoying thing was there were these 4 15-17 year old girls sitting in the row behind us who acted like 4 year olds. Actually, there were a couple of small kids in the row in front of us and they acted 10 times more mature than these young ladies. They talked, giggled and kicked the back of our chairs the whole performance. I love it when white trash get dolled up to go out to the Ballet's equivalent to "It's A Wonderful Life." I can say that because, I am white trash too! LOL. Best thing was, during some of their conversation, one of them asked, "where is this from" to which one of the others quickly responded, "I think it's French." Because we all know, anything fancy is French....right?

Saturday night we had our Bad Christmas Sweater Christmas Party. It was great. Liv and I found some really bad print sweaters at the savers thrift store and it was hilarious. Liv also got some Santa earrings and a broach. We both wore big Santa hats. We all ate dinner, kicked back and had fun. Josh was kind enough to share a couple of cigars with me and Anthony so we went outside and had a stoggie.

Last night Liv's work (Blondies) had their office Christmas party. It was a "girls night out" kinda thing so no spouses were allowed. So Scott and I hung out at his house and watched the Broncos game, Along Came Polly and Bad Boys. It was a cool night. Scott is cooped up in the house because he had surgery on his foot on Thursday. He seemed to be recovering nicely though so that was good to see. I had never seen Bad Boys so that was fun.

The Way We Were....

2006-12-15T12:08:00.000-07:00

Josh and I have been singing old DC Talk songs from way back in the day. "I Luv Rap Music," "That Kinda Girl" so many great raps.

Is it my imagination, or is that a FANNY PACK!! And why is Emilio Estevez in the back ground??

Very sorry. That last hand... nearly killed me.

2006-12-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

Last night Liv and I went out to dinner (Red Robin) and then saw the new James Bond flick. Ordinarily I go to James Bond movies for the comedy more than anything...but this one kicks butt!!

It's cool because they actually take the story and the character seriously. Normally Bond just sleeps with every woman in the movie and spouts silly one liners. This Bond has depth and, unlike any Bond for a long time (maybe ever), feels real. He bleeds, he makes mistakes, he falls in love..... You really get wrapped up in him and a huge part of that is the gravity that is brought to the part by Daniel Craig. He was the perfect choice for this movie.

Hold'em poker plays a big part of the story line and climax which put me in the mood for another card game. Need to get the guys together again and play.

It's was so fun to go on a date with my wife. Since we haven't seen each other much over the last couple of days, it's great to be together all evening. Once I get out of work today I've got all weekend to be with her.....I can't wait.

I Found Him!!!!!

2006-12-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

Moving My Friends...

2006-12-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

Spent last night moving my friends Anthony and Megan to their new apartment. It's cool. Their old house was all the way down in the Springs and now they are going to only be 10 minutes away so it will be a lot easier to hang out.

The down side was we got a late start and they lived on the third story, at the end of the hall, the farthest you could possibly be from the elevator. But at least they had an elevator, right?

I haven't been seeing my wife enough lately. She has been working late the last couple of days and while this means more hours and more money, I only get to see her an hour and a half at night. It's just a temporary thing so it's no big deal, but I still miss her when I don't see her. Today she gets off at four so we get to hang out all night, it's going to be great.

4, 13 HOUR WORK DAYS - DAY 4

2006-03-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

thank God it's over

4, 13 HOUR WORK DAYS - DAY 3

2006-03-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

I’m almost there. Tomorrow is the last day of this nonsense. I told my bosses here at the newspaper that tomorrow would be my last day here. I can't wait to just have one job.

I really do love my new job. The people are great and I actually feel like a professional at this job. They treat you with respect and they are a lot of fun. I can't wait for my first check. ha ha.

Liv was sick again today. It’s so hard for me when she is sick. I wish I could just stay home and take care of her. She’s been on my mind all day though. She’s tough. She came out and brought me dinner tonight before my second job. I know she didn’t feel like it, but she was so strong and so supportive of me during this time. You could tell she felt awful but she brought me a whole little dinner, a Starbucks and she just sat there and smiled at me. What a great woman.

I actually got training on my new job today. I think I will probably be “shadowing” tomorrow. It’s fun.

Friday night I am going out on a date with Liv. I just keep thinking about 4 o’clock on Friday. It’s gonna be sweet. Just one more long day and I’m done. Just thinking about it gives me a burst of energy.

4, 13 HOUR WORK DAYS - DAY 2

2006-02-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

Actually not as tired today. After I came home from work last night I just crashed into bed and I think I got about 7 hours of sleep.

Liv called me 3 minutes before my alarm was supposed to go off. She had been sick most of the night and she wanted me to pray. I knew something was wrong because she normally wouldn't call me and wake me. Thankfully she got feeling better as the day went on.

The sunrise was amazing this morning. Yesterday was great too. The sky was filled with those light wispy clouds that the sun reflects off of and paints the sky pink and orange. Massive.

Still haven't begun training at my job yet. They have me just re-naming files and doing busy work because they don't have time to train me yet. Hopefully they will start training me tomorrow.

Had lunch with Josh again today. He's a cool guy.

Ross talked about "Bringing Back The Biff" on sunday. I guess a "biff" is a fight in Australian football. He said we need to have some fight in us if we're going to be anything in this life. It was the perfect message for me this week. I feel like I'm fighting my way through each day.

I just want to go home and go to bed. Only two more days and I'll be home everynight, no later than 4:30. I can't wait.

4, 13 HOUR WORK DAYS - DAY 1

2006-02-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

I'm typing this at 7:01 pm on Monday, the very begining of my 12th hour of work today. I'm tired. My hands are heavy and my eyes are too.

I couldn't get to sleep last night which makes me mad because I was exhausted. Too tired to sleep, too much on my mind.

I'm excited about my new job. It seems like a really great place to work and I like my co-workers so far.

It's really hard to be here at the newspaper job. I could have been home or with Liv all this time. Oh well. Everyone keeps telling me, "it's just four days," but on day one i'm already beat.

I think I will sleep better tonight cause I know what to expect in the morning. I will probably take breakfast with me also which means i can sleep 10 minutes more.

Found out today that I will be able to move in to my new apartment no later than March 18th and maybe even sooner. I can't wait. I've wanted to move for a long time.

My back hurts and so does my stomach. Liv and I went to Mimi's Cafe Last night. She got sick from it last night but I think I am sick from it tonight. I don't know why my back hurts. Exhaustion maybe.

13 hours working. 8 hours sleeping. 1 hour driving to/from work each day. That's 22 hours. The rest is filled with getting ready for work/bed and a 1 hour lunch. This is nuts. I miss my sweetheart.

I'll stop complaining now.

Bad Start...Ok Finish

2006-02-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

Today did not start out so hot. My stomach was upset. Woke me up a couple times in the night and it woke me up this morning. Pain is not a good alarm clock. It got better though. After a couple of trips to the bathroom (yea it was brutal) I felt a whole lot better.

I spent the morning cleaning the house and then I finished up some praise & worship backing tracks for my mom. All in all it was a productive morning considering it had such a rotten start.

Liv got a totally new hair cut/color today. I like it. I call it a Cleopatra cut. It was wierd though because when I saw her I felt like I was seeing another woman. Cheater! lol.

Today is payday and boy can I use it. My part time paychecks don't go far enough. I'm looking forward to starting my new job on monday. I'll be working 14 hour days next week. WOOO!! It's only temporary during my transistion.

I heard some very sad news today. One of my very good pastor friends' church is in trouble. Looks like they might have to close the doors. It sad when good church's have to close. I will be praying that they can keep going.

Tomorrow is the end of my "secular" music fast. 30 days of nothing but christian music. Not many people thought I could do it and I had my doubts myself. But I honestly have not missed it for the past two weeks or so. God really rearranged my heart during this time. I'm sure I'll have to fast it again.

Australia, Sunrise, Christmas Day

2006-02-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

We stayed up much too late on Christmas Eve, talking about where we had come from and where we wanted to go. But we knew that this was a moment we wanted to share. Even though it meant sleep deprivation, we were going to get up early and spend our first Christmas morning together, watching the sunrise over the ocean.

The alarm clock chirped out above my head. I had borrowed it from someone else so I wasn't used to the sound. It startled me. I realised what it was and reached up to silence it. My eyes were so heavy. I felt like going back to sleep. But I wouldn't let this opportunity pass. I got out of bed, put on my swimmers and headed downstairs to her room. I cracked open her door and saw her sleeping there. So silent, so still, so beautiful. It seemed wrong to disturb something so peaceful but we had decided that this was what we wanted.

I layed down next to her and gently put my arm on her shoulder. "Good morning Beautiful." "Good Morning." "Do you still want to go down to the beach?" "(huge yawn) Yea." "Well, the sun will be coming up soon so we'd better go." "Ok" "I love you sweetheart." "I love you too."

I step out of the room so she can change into her swimmers.

We walk out the front door of the house. So sleepy, but so excited. The air has a slight chill compared to the warmth of our beds. The whole street is asleep as we walk hand in hand down to the beach. We are quiet. In these moments, just being together is enough, you don't need to say anything.

We wrap ourselves in our towels because we didn't bring blankets. The air seems even colder, but we huddle close together and stay warm.

Anticipation. The sun seems to want to make a grand entrance. Finally it begins to rise. I look at her. "Merry Christmas baby." "Merry Christmas." We kiss. The day has begun so perfectly. Our first sunrise, our first Christmas, our new life waiting somewhere beyond the shore.

Gospel Music Will Save You

2006-02-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

This is where it all started. Gospel music. There's nothing like the fire and passion found in it when it's done right. Rock & roll only immitates it. This is the real deal. A small church in the middle of nowhere. The deep south. No air conditioning. July hot as hell. People singing and fanning themselves with the service bulletin. A woman in a black dress grabs the microphone and belts out more soul in one note then Mick Jagger has in every song he's ever sang.

This is not the music of pure souls. This is not the music of uptight people who've never broken a rule in there life. These are songs from the pit. Right down in the mud. We've held the devils hand. We didn't just walk through the valley, we live our life in this here valley and this music is our prayer for salvation. Our attempt to get God's attention. We let out souls spill out all over the church floor. The choir shouts.

If you don't understand Gospel music, just quit thinking of it as religious. It's about SOUL. If any music can save your soul, it's Gospel. If it's not Gospel, it's the blues. This is what music is. These are examples of how it is supposed to be done. Stand up, plug in and bleed all over the stage. Can I get a witness?