Last night I saw Justin McRoberts play at Trinity College in/near Palos Heights, IL. It was a small setting, very cozy.
I must say I felt almost a sense of pride, as in proudness, seeing him play. I’ve been listening to him since I was in high school, really for about 8 years. I can’t believe it's been that long. I've gotten to see him twice and enjoyed it both times. And he’s still doing music full time. How cool is that?
For a while, he was one of my favorite acoustic artists. In my opinion, his best album is Father, much of which was reflecting on his dad's suicide. Right alongside that I would have to put Untitled EP, a collection of worship tunes written by McRoberts and others, and recorded at a retreat center over a weekend with a couple of mikes. (Actually, that's true. There was a microphone, and Mike Busbee, who plays amazing keys on that album and others.) As far as worship albums go it's right up there alongside Enter the Worship Circle's First Circle, which I absolutely love.
There has certainly been lyrical and musical growth over the years. But to be honest, somewhere around Intersections (5th album) I kind of lost interest. Now he’s on his 9th or so and I think I might tune back in. To me the lyrics are more thoughtful, and as such a little tougher to engage than the simpler lyrics of the albums of years past. Nevertheless, there is growth. The content of the tunes deal with world issues of poverty, loving those different than us, and living your life completely. Of course, everybody sings about those things, but he does it in his own Justinian way, which I really enjoy.
His new album is Deconstruction. I don’t think he’ll give a shout out to Jacques Derrida in the credits, but I wish he would. You should listen to a few songs on his website.
For those of you in the Chicagoland area, he'll be at The Union on Friday with Mitch McVicker. Go!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Relationships - The Right To Be Heard
The hardest groups to talk to, in my opinion, are teenagers.
Teenagers have this uncanny ability to know exactly what you think of them, without you even letting them know. And they know if you're just putting on a show, or if you really mean what you're saying. They haven't been corrupted by years of listening to bull poopoo from people. And really, they just might blow you off.
The second group of near-impossible conversationalists are... attractive members of the opposite sex (henceforth: amotos). Of course! It all makes sense. They usually think you're out with some "agenda" because... well, you are.
So, here's a continuation of my every-other-week-or-so blog series on relationships, or more appropriately, single living.
There is something that amotos and teenagers have in common. Just like teenagers, amotos won't listen to you until you've earned the right to be heard. You need something that'll grab their attention and give you some sort of credibility. For teenagers, it's usually making some connection that subtly says you're not completely lame.
For amotos, your right to be heard can be earned several different ways. Note that I can only speak from a male perspective. So, that being said, here is an incomplete list in the order that I think of them:
1) Physical Appearance
The easiest way to get amotos to notice you is to look cute/hot. Either one will do, and each will attract a different type of person. Just remember, if your bait isn't your hook, don't expect quality. In other words, if you're going to dress hot to attract guys, then chances are you'll attract a guy who's only interested in your body.
There's a delicate balance to be achieved between looking good and gaining the right to be heard with amotos. Basically, practice general grooming. If you're not dirty, you're good to go. And heck, if you like dirty guys, by all means.
Aside from appearance, what else could earn you the right to be heard?
2) Common Interest
Somehow, if you can strike up conversation on a common interest, you at least have gained an audience for that topic. These conversations could be set off by someone having your favorite band on their bumper sticker, looking at the same book in B&N, standing by the same movie at Blockbuster, looking at the same juice in the grocery store, or admiring the same child in the maternity ward. Any of these ... could help you start a conversation instantly gaining the right to be heard.
3) Common Complaint
Everyone loves complaining! If something bothers them that bothers you, they'll complain about it, then you have a chance to respond, and maybe continue conversation. You can almost always start with the weather. Especially in Chicago.
4) Mutual Friend
If they're friends with your friend, and you're friends with your friend, then there's a good chance you've got something in common. Of course, your mediant friend will know automatically whether or not the pairing will work. So, ask.
5) Educational Goals
People like people that are intellectually on the same plane as them. If you're going into an advanced degree, you've got that to talk about. If you hate school and decided it's not for you, someone else will be able to instantly connect.
Teenagers have this uncanny ability to know exactly what you think of them, without you even letting them know. And they know if you're just putting on a show, or if you really mean what you're saying. They haven't been corrupted by years of listening to bull poopoo from people. And really, they just might blow you off.
The second group of near-impossible conversationalists are... attractive members of the opposite sex (henceforth: amotos). Of course! It all makes sense. They usually think you're out with some "agenda" because... well, you are.
So, here's a continuation of my every-other-week-or-so blog series on relationships, or more appropriately, single living.
There is something that amotos and teenagers have in common. Just like teenagers, amotos won't listen to you until you've earned the right to be heard. You need something that'll grab their attention and give you some sort of credibility. For teenagers, it's usually making some connection that subtly says you're not completely lame.
For amotos, your right to be heard can be earned several different ways. Note that I can only speak from a male perspective. So, that being said, here is an incomplete list in the order that I think of them:
1) Physical Appearance
The easiest way to get amotos to notice you is to look cute/hot. Either one will do, and each will attract a different type of person. Just remember, if your bait isn't your hook, don't expect quality. In other words, if you're going to dress hot to attract guys, then chances are you'll attract a guy who's only interested in your body.
There's a delicate balance to be achieved between looking good and gaining the right to be heard with amotos. Basically, practice general grooming. If you're not dirty, you're good to go. And heck, if you like dirty guys, by all means.
Aside from appearance, what else could earn you the right to be heard?
2) Common Interest
Somehow, if you can strike up conversation on a common interest, you at least have gained an audience for that topic. These conversations could be set off by someone having your favorite band on their bumper sticker, looking at the same book in B&N, standing by the same movie at Blockbuster, looking at the same juice in the grocery store, or admiring the same child in the maternity ward. Any of these ... could help you start a conversation instantly gaining the right to be heard.
3) Common Complaint
Everyone loves complaining! If something bothers them that bothers you, they'll complain about it, then you have a chance to respond, and maybe continue conversation. You can almost always start with the weather. Especially in Chicago.
4) Mutual Friend
If they're friends with your friend, and you're friends with your friend, then there's a good chance you've got something in common. Of course, your mediant friend will know automatically whether or not the pairing will work. So, ask.
5) Educational Goals
People like people that are intellectually on the same plane as them. If you're going into an advanced degree, you've got that to talk about. If you hate school and decided it's not for you, someone else will be able to instantly connect.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
I finished!
I finally finished a book! I have entirely read only about 3% of my books, so this is pretty huge. It was Shane Claiborne's The Irresistible Revolution.
Other than reading Jesus's words about the poor straight from the bible, this is the most challenging book on the subject of social justice and responsibility I have ever read. It's one of those ones that will cause me to stop and reconsider how I spend money, live daily, work, play, etc. Because, it's not about me.
Segue!
I've been in the apartment all day today, and got about an hour's worth of work done. Well, it was kind of depressing for a variety of reasons. So, basically I was sitting here depressed for a little while, surfing the internet and watching Andy play Mario Kart and 1080.
Seeing the book, I decided to continue my reading. As soon as my mind shifted off of myself and onto others (the poor, marginalized, destitue) my depression lifted and was replaced with concern, compassion, and even urgency.
In cases of boredom, depression affects those who forget to affect others.
So, good book, great lesson, wonderful end to an otherwise mediocre day.
Next up, Jesus for President by... yep. Shane Claiborne (and Chris Haw).
DL
Other than reading Jesus's words about the poor straight from the bible, this is the most challenging book on the subject of social justice and responsibility I have ever read. It's one of those ones that will cause me to stop and reconsider how I spend money, live daily, work, play, etc. Because, it's not about me.
Segue!
I've been in the apartment all day today, and got about an hour's worth of work done. Well, it was kind of depressing for a variety of reasons. So, basically I was sitting here depressed for a little while, surfing the internet and watching Andy play Mario Kart and 1080.
Seeing the book, I decided to continue my reading. As soon as my mind shifted off of myself and onto others (the poor, marginalized, destitue) my depression lifted and was replaced with concern, compassion, and even urgency.
In cases of boredom, depression affects those who forget to affect others.
So, good book, great lesson, wonderful end to an otherwise mediocre day.
Next up, Jesus for President by... yep. Shane Claiborne (and Chris Haw).
DL
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Paperheart
I am a general. A lone general engaging in a war that must be won by 5 o'clock.
Armies flank me on both sides. Armies of books with notes scrawled in them, lying open, pages down, holding the places I searched so painfully for.
My communications officer rests to my left. In the impending doom, I know I won't be receiving any calls. If I do, they will offer no respite.
Ahead lies the task.
"Organize! Create! Arrange! Edit!"
It will all be done by just over 6 hours from now. It has to be.
Oh patron saint of homework, be with me now.
And tell my family I love them.
Armies flank me on both sides. Armies of books with notes scrawled in them, lying open, pages down, holding the places I searched so painfully for.
My communications officer rests to my left. In the impending doom, I know I won't be receiving any calls. If I do, they will offer no respite.
Ahead lies the task.
"Organize! Create! Arrange! Edit!"
It will all be done by just over 6 hours from now. It has to be.
Oh patron saint of homework, be with me now.
And tell my family I love them.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Kids Should be Scene and Not Heard
I couldn't read this and not repost it:
Mexican Metal Fans Clash with 'Emos'; 28 Arrested, 4
Injured
According to La Crónica de Hoy, several hundred Mexican heavy metal,
"skate punk" and alternative rock fans joined forces last Friday (March 7) in
the in the center of Querétaro, Mexico to confront a group of "emos" (followers
of the "emo" subculture, which is short for "emotional") who regularly use the
city center as a gathering place. Four people were injured and 28 persons were
arrested (22 of them minors) when more than a thousand youths clashed in the
area of Jardín Guerrero, Plaza de Armas (front of the Government
Palace).
Authorities in Mexico are reportedly concerned that similar
incidents could happen in other cities, especially Mexico City, Guadalajara and
Monterrey.
An Internet campaign is reportedly being waged to launch
attacks against "emos" in other parts of the country, with various web postings
portraying emos as "homosexuals" who give a "bad image" to tourists who visit
their towns.
Um... thoughts?
Mexican Metal Fans Clash with 'Emos'; 28 Arrested, 4
Injured
According to La Crónica de Hoy, several hundred Mexican heavy metal,
"skate punk" and alternative rock fans joined forces last Friday (March 7) in
the in the center of Querétaro, Mexico to confront a group of "emos" (followers
of the "emo" subculture, which is short for "emotional") who regularly use the
city center as a gathering place. Four people were injured and 28 persons were
arrested (22 of them minors) when more than a thousand youths clashed in the
area of Jardín Guerrero, Plaza de Armas (front of the Government
Palace).
Authorities in Mexico are reportedly concerned that similar
incidents could happen in other cities, especially Mexico City, Guadalajara and
Monterrey.
An Internet campaign is reportedly being waged to launch
attacks against "emos" in other parts of the country, with various web postings
portraying emos as "homosexuals" who give a "bad image" to tourists who visit
their towns.
Um... thoughts?
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Book 'em Dan-O
Next quarter I have decided that I will be taking 3 courses instead of four, and one will be an online course. I am going to make an attempt at reading a few books that have been on my "to read" list for a very long time.
Among the titles are On the Road by Jack Kerouac and The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggeman. I also want to read some philosophy, and I think this book would be a good starter.
So, that's the goal. I also want to go running, take Latin dance classes (which will likely wait until summer), learn about independent coffee shops, check out Chicago and go to more concerts, all while working more often to help pay down debts.
I'd say that's pretty ambitious.
What's on your to do list?
Among the titles are On the Road by Jack Kerouac and The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggeman. I also want to read some philosophy, and I think this book would be a good starter.
So, that's the goal. I also want to go running, take Latin dance classes (which will likely wait until summer), learn about independent coffee shops, check out Chicago and go to more concerts, all while working more often to help pay down debts.
I'd say that's pretty ambitious.
What's on your to do list?
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