There's nothing good on the radio...

I heard a song by this title on the radio the other day and, ironically, it wasn't very good.  But it was very true.  

When I listen to the radio nowadays, I will find a song on this or that station that I don't mind listening to, then the next song will either be something I'm sick of hearing or a song I just don't like (or both) so I push scan and it will most likely stay on scan until I

1) listen to sports radio or news radio...yeah, i'm getting old.

2) pop in a cd.

3) get to where I'm going.

It has been a really long time since I have heard a song on the radio that really grabs me, that either impresses me musically or makes some emotional connection.  In my opinion, the music industry is struggling right now.  It's looking for a new sound, some becon of light that will come in the form of a particular artist or band to lead us all down a new road of new sounds and experiences.  Someone like the Beatles in the 60's, Nirvana in the 90's, bands that came out revolutionized what was considered "current," "popular," and "cool."  Something has to happen because the Rock 'n Roll genre in particular is very bland right now.  Everyone has the same, rhaspy, "LOOK AT THIS PHOTOGRAPH" yelling voice that is really limited as far as musicality goes. 

My best guess is that the next set of popular band will be throwbacks to the big voiced rockers of the late 70's.  Styx, the Doobie Brothers, Journey, Boston, the Eagles, Chicago, Queen, Foreigner, U2, Billy Joel, Elton John, and later on Van Halen, and many others.  Lots of different sounds and styles but all very, very strong vocalists with range and power to boot.

The reason I think this is the next trend is because this is the music that is speaking to me right now.  I have an iTunes gift card and try as I might, I can't find any new music that interests me, so I keep falling back to the classics.  I might convince myself to give the new Dashboard Confessional album a try, but I'll probably get several Styx songs (i don't have any) and some random samplings of other above mentioned bands.

In other news, pray for my next career move. I'm looking into grad school at HU in Memphis, and teaching at Central Arkansas Christian in North Little Rock. Or maybe both, if that is do-able.

That's all I got.  Until next time, keep on rockin' in the free world.

In Memorium

Eric "E-Money" Myers

January 25, 1982 - February 25, 2008

I first met Eric as I did many of my closest friends in college; through Delta Chi Delta.  I have lots memories of Eric, but not near enough.  If it weren't for him, I probably would not have continued to participate in Delta Chi, and consequently my life would have been very different.  He took the time and effort to invest in me, and make me feel included, and reminded me what the club was all about, being there for your brother. (I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to tell him this while he was still with us.)  

This is what I remember and admire most about Eric.  He invested in people.  When he asked you how your day was going, it was not just cliche, he genuinely cared how your day was going.  If it was not going well, he would put all of his effort to make it better.  And invariably he would succeed.   That's who Eric was.  That's what he did.  His life was ministry.  Regardless of his occupation, he ministered more than anyone I know.  I wish I were more like him, but only because he wanted to be more like Christ, and it showed.

I'm going to miss him.  Delta Chi reunions won't be the same.  It's tragic that, as young as Delta Chi is (est. 1989), we have already lost two of our members.  And they were both stand-out, stand-up guys.  We are reminded that our Motto is not just some club motto, but it is rooted in something that is more real than anything we know.  "Brothers for Eternity."  It's not some new idea, it's God's plan. And it's not just a red and black thing. It transcends every barrier, every wall that stands in its way.  It is our hope. Not hope as in, "I hope something happens" but hope as in "I have a reason to go on because I KNOW that something better lies beyond this life." Whatever the reason for our loss, nothing can erase the pain except for that glorious day when we will all meet at the throne, when we'll all share together the incredible spectacle of His holiness, with all those who share that hope with us.

Save a seat for me E-Money.  We'll miss you, but we know we'll see you soon.

Tagged?

I got tagged by my sister with these instructions:Pick up the nearest book with at least 123 pages. Find page 123. Find the first five sentences. Post the next three sentences. Tag five people.

"'Photos?' Chavez asked calmly, then took them from Mrs. Foley's hand. There were six of them. Ding examined each, handing them over one by one to his senior."

- Debt of Honor, by Tom Clancy

I tag Dave C., Brooke C., Chris M., Becka O., and Josh S., cuz those are the first people one the permissions list that read this blog that I know have blogs.


I started this book back in December I think and I'm still not to page 123 so I got a sneak peak. It's mostly about economics and the business world and how these stock brokers are making moves to like, take over the world or something. I'm lost. I don't understand money, or the stock market, or business, or economics. It's all a mystery to me.

It's Monday and I have the day off because I have to work Friday to help with an elevator inspection at a bank. It's a good thing too cuz there's about an inch of ice on the ground outside. I don't really feel like driving on it.

In other news, yesterday was our new youth minister's first day at church. Matt Seats. He's old school DCD so of course he's a cool guy. He should do a really good job, I've worked with him before, he was a YM in a congregation not far from here before so we worked together at area wide retreats and at camp and such. I'm excited for these kids that they'll have a leader with as much experience and enthusiasm as him.

We're finally up to date on LOST. I really like this show. It's crazy. I think it really brings out the humanity in all of its characters. None of them are perfect all the time, they all do dumb stuff every now and then, and they all have to learn to trust each other all over again almost every episode. Very interesting.

The quote last time was from "Sister Act II: Back in the Habit." No doubt one of the best sequels of all time. Props to the wife and the sister for guessing right!

Back in the Habit

I preached at church last night. I thought it went pretty well. I enjoyed it but I did think that I was kind of boring. Very academic. In fact my lesson was based on an Adair class I took at Harding. I don't know if I could preach week in and week out throughout the year, but I might could enjoy teaching. There's way too much pressure on pulpit ministers to be entertaining, informative, and challenging every week of the year. Teachers are allowed to be boring...they shouldn't be all the time, but their is not as much pressure to entertain.

I'm going to try to play guitar for at least a few minutes every day from now on. I'm getting rusty. Seriously. It's bad sometimes. I'm doing this for two reasons:
1) For personal fulfillment
2) Just in case, by some off chance, I might get a band together or something, or maybe even try being a studio musician.

We'll see. The worst part is, my current job is really tough on my right wrist because of certain tools I use. I feel like if have arthritis. It's really hurting my dexterity and ability to strum. Maybe I'll file workman's comp for carpel-tunnel syndrome. Or however you spell it.

Life has been pretty good lately. I've had a better attitude about things, especially my job. Though I don't enjoy it. I'm not really any good at it, that's probably the main reason. I was never really any good at handy work, at least now I have a little experience messing up other peoples stuff so when I work on my own house I'll know what not to do. Here's a free tip:

When using a power drill with a 1/8" bit through aluminum (or any metal for that matter) don't push too hard. The bit WILL explode. And the pieces of sharp drill bit will fly through the air like shrapnel. At your face. Very quickly. Wear. Eye. Protection. I was lucky and escaped with a gash on my chin.

That's all for now. Gotta stop before this gets rediculously long. I'll leave you with a "Name that Movie" quote pop quiz.


Kid: "We heard you're not even a nun!"
Other Kid: "Yeah, we heard you're a Las Vegas show girl or something!"

Sorry

If you've tried to post on this before and couldn't, it's because I don't know what I'm doing on this thing. But I think I figured it out. I'm leaving this thing public for a while so whoever wants to can read it.  I'll change it back eventually  though so if you want to stay connected give me your email and I'll add you to the list if you aren't already on it.  

Thanks!

If you build it...

This site is still very much under construction.  I'm still trying to figure out...well, everything, but mostly i'm looking for the most effecient way to tell everyone who might want to read this blog about this blog...so it may be a bit before I post anything of substance.  Just throwing that out there.

Something new....

So I'm trying to start up  a new blog. Everybody's doing it.  I'll try to post on here more often. About life...movies...music...spiritual thoughts...sports...news...politics (maybe)...economics (just kidding)...and so on.  But now, I am le tired.