All of the Above

First review of the new Coldplay album

2008-05-26T13:03:00.002-05:00

Here is one of the first reviews of the new Coldplay album to be released June 16 in the US.

Published: 24 May 2008

An album by some band I had never heard of landed on my desk yesterday.

I nearly lobbed it in the drawer of unheard music next to SCOUTING FOR GIRLS’ last release.

But the innocuous sleeve with an obscure codename was in fact holding the biggest album of the year — possibly the decade.

I can bring you the first full review of the new COLDPLAY CD, out on June 12.

And I think epic is the word. The full title — Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends — should have been a clue.

The band have really pushed the boundaries of what we expect from an album, producing a beautiful, serious and sometimes testing 45-minute disc.

The attention to detail is incredible. You can imagine CHRIS MARTIN, GUY BERRYMAN, JONNY BUCKLAND and WILL CHAMPION obsessing over every note and word in this, their fourth album.

The boys have developed and evolved their songwriting with each of their albums — from Parachutes, released in 2000, to A Rush of Blood To The Head two years later, then X&Y and now this.

They haven’t gone off the rails with drugs and booze, churning out rubbish, like many a band before them.

This latest album — much of which was recorded in churches in Spain and and Latin America — is full of religious references. It’s as heavy-going as the Bible but as ultimately as rewarding if that’s your bag.

The CD comes to life with a brilliant, glittering instrumental opener Life In Technicolour. It’s just a shame it doesn’t burst into a full track, lyrics and all, because it could have been the best on the album.

The atmospheric, haunting Cemeteries Of London follows next and is one of the songs clearly blessed by holy water.

Lost! is layered over the sort of tribal drum beat that, with all the talk of world music influences, some were expecting to be more dominant on the record.

A track called 42 — which again is littered with references of ghosts and heaven — has been rumoured to be the album’s conquering centrepiece.

But I think there are even better songs.

And as with many on this complex CD, it’s like two or more tracks in one.

So are — as the titles suggest — Lovers In Japan/Reign Of Love, Yes/Chinese Sleep Chant and Death And All His Friends/The Escapist.

Lovers In Japan/Reign Of Love is a classic. Parts are slightly U2-esque and you could almost imagine BONO singing it.

It’s a beautiful rolling number and I can picture Chris running through a field in the video.

I reckon the album’s first single, Violet Hill — the video for which features magnifying-glass-wielding Chris, slideshow below — is its lightest and most pop-friendly offering.

Coldplay released the track free online for a week on April 29 — during which time an amazing TWO MILLION people downloaded it.

I can imagine Chris pulling at his hair as the band perfected every single second of Viva La Vida.

They set out to make a musical equivalent of a work of art — and succeeded. They’ve come a long way since singing about the colour yellow.

Ok...I'm pumped now.

UPDATE: Summer Not SO Blockbusters

2008-05-24T00:06:00.003-05:00

SO...I am 0-2 with the new so called Summer Blockbusters. I won't tell you why because I don't want to be a spoiler. Let me just say this to both Prince Caspian and Indiana Jones..."REALLY? REALLY?"

UPDATE: I forgot about Ironman. It was excellent. So let's say I'm 1-3.

Who you gonna call?

2008-05-23T17:12:00.002-05:00

1) Body shop because I ran my Tahoe against a tree this week (very very frustrated)

2) My MOM! Tell her I love her. She found out she does NOT have Thyroid cancer. I am so relieved. Praise God!

3) Of course...Ghostbusters

Who you gonna call?

Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys

2008-05-21T22:02:00.003-05:00

This is a great band I have been listening to lately. They are from Abilene. I have seen them live 2 times now. Great melodies and driving chord progressions. Their music stays with me. Check them out.

My Space

iTunes

I dig the below tune, "Heartbeat." Take a look and listen.

Grasshopper Like Reflexes

2008-05-21T21:54:00.002-05:00

At the Staff Getaway, there were many many grasshoppers on the back porch. I learned 2 things...1) I scream just as loud when a grasshopper jumps on me as if a spider jumped on me (or if I saw a bear) and 2) I learned that grasshoppers have cat-like reflexes. So much so, I wonder if it is cats who have grasshopper like reflexes. Cause when you flicked one of these little devils off of you, they always landed on their feet or they stuck to some object. ALWAYS!

Are you grasping for joy?

2008-05-21T10:54:00.004-05:00

So we're still on the Staff Getaway and one major part of this time is spiritual renewal. For the past few weeks I have been reading a book by John Eldridge called, "Walking With God: Talk to Him. Hear from Him. Really." I saw the book in BN and just because of that tag I got it and immediately started reading the book that night. It's an interesting book...unlike anything I have ever read. Basically, Eldridge has opened up his journal for 1 year and let's you look in on his walk with God. It is simple...powerful...profound. ok...that's the setup.

So yesterday I read something very interesting in the book...grasping for joy...I'll quote him because my paraphrase would never do it justice and there is beauty in his writing.

Sometime earlier this year, I noticed that I was drinking to often, or more precisely, drinking for the wrong reasons. I'd come home exhausted and frazzled from the day, and I'd turn to a glass of wine or a beer as a sort of refuge and relief, a way to find some peace. Some people use food. Or television. For me it was alcohol. And that's not good. I began to see it as a reaching for joy--joy in a bottle, joy within my grasp. Yikes. This does not have a good future written on it.

And so God gave me a kind of grace to give it up. To make room in my life for Him. It was really that simple. I noticed that when I came home frayed and weary, what I wouldn't do was simply take a few moments to be with God and ask him to comfort me. to be my refuge and peace. I decided to try that instead.

And so something I've enjoyed over the years is gone now. And I have no idea if or when it will return. What I notice is a kind of spaciousness now in my soul in the evening. Room for God.
Walking with God, Eldridge, p88

So...how do you grasp for joy? This has hit me heard. How am I grasping for joy?

God, give us grace to be honest and make room for you.

Staff Getaway

2008-05-20T16:52:00.002-05:00

This place is amazing! A perfect place to getaway and be creative.

What are we doing?

Renewing our spirits, eating well, watching God work through the creative process and laughing tons. We're working on the Fall series schedule...so excited about this. Maybe the most I've been since Keystone started. Can't wait!

On a fun note...we took 2 paddle boats out on the lake. Eric and I were in one. Trey, Brandon and Rob in the other. My paddle was basically a toothpick. But we raced and Eric and I won.

Sent from my iPhone

Peacocks

2008-05-19T23:59:00.004-05:00

Yeah...you read that right. This is what I saw as I walked out of the office this afternoon...

I love where I work!

New Coldplay Song

2008-05-05T16:40:00.005-05:00

According to Wikipedia, Coldplay is set to release their next CD in the US on June 17, 2008.

Until, Tuesday, May 6, you can go to coldplay.com and download a song called "Violent Hill" for free. It caught me off guard the first time I heard it because it was different. But now I love this tune. I have listened to it 4-5 times already today.

They are also playing 2 FREE concerts in June. One at Brighton Academy in London and the other on June 23rd at Madison Square Gardens in NYC. YOuc an find more details about those at their website.

Here is the rumored Track Listing of the CD.

"Life in Technicolor"
"Cemeteries of London"
"Lost!"
"42"
"Lovers in Japan"/"Reign of Love"
"Yes"/"Chinese Sleep Chant"
"Viva la Vida"
"Violent Hill" – 3:49
"Strawberry Swing"
"Death and All His Friends"/"The Escapist"

ENJOY!

Lost In Translation Trailer

2008-03-22T01:00:00.002-05:00

This is the trailer for our current series, Lost In Translation

Watch Jobs and Gates Rare Joint Appearance

2007-05-31T18:48:00.001-05:00

Jobs and Gates Rare Joint Appearance

2007-05-31T18:37:00.001-05:00

From Reuters

It turns out that Steve Jobs has a soft spot in his heart for PC guys.

"PC guy is great, he's got a big heart," the chief of Apple Inc. said on Wednesday, referring to popular television ads in which a hip young man personifies a Macintosh computer and a Windows PC is played by an awkward middle-aged man.

"The art of those commercials is not to be mean, but it's actually for the guys to like each other," Jobs said.

93 days

2007-05-31T13:08:00.000-05:00

That's right...only 93 days until Sooner football!

Tim Hughes - Holding Nothing Back

2007-05-31T12:48:00.000-05:00

Two-time Dove Award winner Tim Hughes doesn’t simply write worship songs—he writes a worshipful life. In Holding Nothing Back, Tim’s 3rd release, he desires to do just that. Tim reflects, “Worship is about surrender, holding nothing back and giving all of ourselves to the One who gave His everything for us.” 40 million people sing Tim’s anthem “Here I Am To Worship” every week, currently the #1 CCLI song. His songs are in high demand from worship leaders and artists. With Holding Nothing Back, Tim is poised to bring his voice, his own recordings to radio and consumers around the world.

In this album, there are a few tunes I like and think could work in our services at Keystone.

On Easter, we sang the song Happy Day. The lyrics are upfront and powerful and the music is high energy and easy to sing. Lyrics - V. The greatest day in history, Death is beaten, You have rescued me, Sing it out Jesus is alive, The empty cross, The empty grave, Life eternal You have won the day, Shout it out Jesus is alive, He's alive C. Oh happy day, happy day, You washed my sin away, Oh happy day, happy day, I'll never be the same, Forever I am changed

I also like the following tunes...The Highest and Greatest, Everything, Take The World and God of Justice. Listen below.

Google Voice Local Search

2007-05-30T23:54:00.000-05:00

I saw this on Google Labs

Google Voice Local Search is Google’s experimental service to make local-business search accessible over the phone.

To try this service, just dial 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411) from any phone.

Using this service, you can:
search for a local business by name or category.
You can say "Giovanni's Pizzeria" or just "pizza".
get connected to the business, free of charge.
get the details by SMS if you’re using a mobile phone.Just say "text message".

And it's free. Google doesn’t charge you a thing for the call or for connecting you to the business.

Regular phone charges may apply, based on your telephone service provider.
Note: Google Voice Local Search is still in its experimental stage. It may not be available at all times and may not work for all users. We’re fine-tuning the service to get better at recognizing your requests. It’s currently only available in English, in the US, for US business listings.

He Will Guide You...He Promises

2007-05-30T23:30:00.000-05:00

Today, if you are contemplating a minor decision or a major decision or even something between those two extremes...take heart and rest in the below truth...

Psalm 32:8
The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. NLT

Official iPhone release date?

2007-05-30T23:14:00.000-05:00

In a letter discovered by LoopRumors, Apple writes to the FCC on October 12th asking for documents regarding the iPhone's schematic design, block diagram, theory of operation, and antenna information to remain confidential and kept from public disclosure indefinitely.

They state that "...the public disclosure of the above mentioned documents might be harmful to [Apple] and would give a competitor an unfair advantage in the market."

Although Apple already disclosed the 'theory of operation' during Steve Jobs' keynote, they ask the FCC to insure that business sensitive information remains confidential until June 15, 2007," a specific date not previously mentioned by Apple. Jobs cited FCC approval as the reason for delay in the launch of the iPhone.

June 15th is the final day of the WWDC.

In related news, Apple removed the colored shuffles from the main image on its homepage and replaced it with the previous image promoting the iPhone.

From Loop Rumors

iTunes Plus

2007-05-30T23:01:00.000-05:00

Today Apple launched iTunes Plus, a premium service that offers music tracks free of copy protection. The iTunes Plus service debuts, as expected, featuring EMI Group's digital catalog of recordings.

Read More

Google Adds 'Street View' to Maps

2007-05-30T21:45:00.001-05:00

I saw this on PC World:
Google began offering street-level views in its maps Tuesday. A button with the label "Street View" now appears next to the "satellite" and "hybrid" buttons above map images for a select number of cities. Choose an address, click the "Street View" button and you'll see a 360-degree ground level view of that place on the map. Click on the arrow graphics overlaid on the street image and you can advance forward down the street into new 360-degree views. I typed in PC World's street address, clicked Street View, and the following view of the intersection of 2nd and Bryant in San Francisco came up:

I clicked on the arrows, moving east on Bryant Street. After about six blocks I ran into Red's Java House, which sits on the wharf at the end of Bryant.

The images that make up Google's Street View feature are taken by a small army of drivers with expensive, multiple lens cameras mounted to the tops of their cars. Streets for which Street View images are available show up with blue outlines on Google Maps. Google says Street View is available for major roads in San Francisco, New York, Las Vegas, Miami, and Denver. More cities will follow shortly, Google says. (PC World)

GOOGLE MAPS SHOW 'FACES' ON STREETS, IN HOUSES...
ALSO LICENSE PLATES...
SEE STEVE JOBS HOUSE...

A Christian Looks at Depression

2007-05-30T01:12:00.000-05:00

Today, I started a mini vacation and was driving from Keller, Tx to Tulsa, OK to see my parents.

I listened to a very powerful and honest look at depression. I had heard about this message from some friends.

Tommy Nelson, pastor of Denton Bible Church and Song of Solomon conference leader, spoke about his personal experience with depression. It was from a chapel service held at Dallas Theological seminary on 27 March of this year. After listening to it, I wanted to share it with you and ecnourage you to share it with your co-workers, pastor, church staff and friends. It is, without a doubt, the most powerful message on the subject of depression I have ever heard - but don't take my word for it, watch or listen to it for yourself.

Watch the Video
Download the Audio

My big takeaway was this...You can get burned out doing what you love to do.

If you are a workaholic or love what you do and do it all of the time with no breaks, please take the time to listen to this.

Microsoft Surface

2007-05-30T00:53:00.001-05:00

Let me say this, I am a huge Apple fan but this BLOWS my mind...
The launch of Microsoft Surface marks the beginning of a new technology category and a user-interface revolution. Surface, Microsoft ’s first surface computer, provides effortless interaction with digital content through natural hand gestures, touch and physical objects. Surface computing breaks down traditional barriers between people and technolog

Ten Most Powerful Movie Franchises in History

2007-05-30T00:42:00.000-05:00

I found this on digg.com:

What is an Epic Movie Franchise, you may ask? Well, it starts by having at least two movies in a series and can range anywhere from 2-3 films (a la Mission Impossible) to countless installments and re-hashings (a la James Bond). The even harder question: how do you say what is the most powerful movie franchise in history?

Read more...

What I'm Listening To...

2007-05-30T00:12:00.001-05:00

Here is an iMix (from iTunes) I will continually update with what I am listening to.

RSS FEED for the iMix

All of the Above

2007-05-28T01:20:00.001-05:00

So why the title, “All of the Above?” This blog is about everything…music, life, faith, movies, tv, technology…pretty much everything that interests me.

Vitalist

2007-05-28T01:17:00.000-05:00

In an effort to become more oragnized, I am trying a new online “To-Do-List” called Vitalist. I have used it all this week and I must say it is amazing. It has helped me to get a ton done. If you are having troubles forgetting tasks or keeping things prioritized, you gotta check this out.

Razor-thin TV screen you can wear as a T-shirt

2007-05-28T01:14:00.001-05:00

This is absolutely unbelievable. I saw this on digg.com.

In the race for ever thinner displays for TVs, cell phones and other gadgets, Sony may have developed one to beat them all - a razor-thin display that bends like paper while showing full-colour video.Read more

See the video.

Why Charlie Died and More

2007-05-28T01:06:00.000-05:00

Lost Redux: Damon Lindelof Breaks “Radio Silence” to Reveal Why Charlie Died and More
So…whoa. Now you’ve seen it. (And if you haven’t, you shouldn’t be reading this!) Lost’s mind-blowing season ender in which the rattlesnake popped out of the mailbox, the series turned upside-freaking-down and the producers sent us into a whole new off-the-island era.

Will CBS Rebuild Jericho?

2007-05-28T01:03:00.000-05:00

Nielsen can measure butts in seats, but it sure can’t measure hearts and minds. In further proof (as if we needed more) that the numbers don’t tell the whole story about the popularity of a show, Jericho fans are making like the characters on the show and refusing to go down without a fight.
Taking a cue from Roswell’s bottles of Tabasco, Arrested Development’s bananas and Jake Green’s “Nuts!” battle cry in the finale, Jericho fans are inundating CBS with nuts—eight tons of nuts so far! Nutsonline.com (in business—but presumably not online—since 1929) has been the semi-official hub of this effort, so if you would like to toss a few Brazil nuts in the general direction of the Eye network (is it just me or did that sound dirty?), check out the nutsonline.com Jericho support page—and while you’re there, don’t miss the awesome YouTube video of a Nuts! delivery.
Read More

I Am Back

2007-05-28T01:02:00.000-05:00

Well after a long time away from blogging...I have decided to jump back in.

24 the movie?

2006-04-16T18:21:00.000-05:00

In an interview with MTV, Kiefer Sutherland announced that the team behind his hit show 24 is working on a movie adaptation. Though the film will not be in real time, the adventure will take place over the course of one day …oh yeah!!!!

"The Office" goes online this Summer

2006-03-17T17:19:00.000-06:00

NBC said that it will make 10 web-only episodes of popular comedy "The Office" during the summer, when the show is not on the air.
In a news release, the network said the "webisodes" will focus on a mystery facing the accounting staff of the Dunder-Mifflin paper company.
The three characters -- Angela, Kevin and Oscar -- are secondary parts of the regular ensemble cast.
The shows will be available on NBC.com.

Cingular, I got an idea...

2006-03-09T22:43:00.000-06:00

So tonight I dialed 411 on my cell phone.

411: "Cingular wireless...what city and state?"

Me: "Grapevine, TX"

411: " How can I help you?"

Me: "Best Buy"

411: "Hang on...have a great day."

Then the cool automated voice comes on a says..."The num-ber you re-quest-ed is blah blah blah - blah blah blah - blah blah blah blah. For no extra charge we will connect you (or something like that.)"

So while auto voice person is stating the number - I am driving - I am looking for a pen and something to write the number because with my luck...I will get disconnected or need to call Best Buy back. Then it hit me...Cingular needs to provide another option than just connecting us...how about this "Press 1 to download this number to your phone." BAM! Who would not love that!

Coldplay Pics

2006-02-28T00:54:00.000-06:00

The concert was great. Coldplay put on a great show. I loved all the technical elements like the video and lights. The seats were great and the sound was good. This was my sister Angie's Christmas present. I think she really enjoyed it. Below are some pics I took at the concert. By the way, Coldplay was probably the best concert I saw all year. Something about their music is so relaxing and fun all at the same time. So if you get the chance to see them live...don't pass it up.

First song...."Square One"

Still "Square One"

"Yellow"

Yellow

"The Scientist"

"In My Place"

Coldplay says Goodbye

2006-02-26T20:37:00.000-06:00

On my way to coldplay!

Passion on iTunes

2006-02-21T11:09:00.000-06:00

This is what I saw today when I made a visit to the iTunes Music Store. That's right...Passion Worship music had this huge billboard on the main page. Way to go guys!

Everyone should buy this EP so that it hits the top of the charts and everyone looks at it.

Too Busy Not to Pray

2006-02-20T23:55:00.000-06:00

I am reading this great book. You should check it out. Too Busy Not to Pray by Bill Hybels

Here are some exerpts from Chapter 2.

God is busy keeping the cosmos in order. He doesn't want to hear about my little problems.
God would think I was selfish if I prayed for my own needs. If I really love Him, I'll put myself in last place.
I know that "the cattle on a thousand hills" belong to God, but that's just a figure of speech. He's not in the business of taking care of me, and I won't ask Him to do it.

Have you ever made any statements like these? If so, you're not alone, but you're tragically mistaken. Those statements are all based on a lie straight from hell - the lie that God doesn't care about His children...
...If imperfect Fathers love to bestow blessings on their children, imagine how our perfect Father in heaven must delight in giving good gifts to us, His beloved children.

Look again at the statements made above that we have all made at one time or another. Think of how brutal they would sound if they represented the attitudes of a human father.

I'm busy at the office. I don't want to hear about your lost bike or unfair teacher.
Don't bother me with your personal needs. I want to take care of everyone but you, If you really love me, you'll survive on bread and water.
Sure, I'm rich, but there's no reason I should give you anything. Back off.

Good fathers don't talk like that. Now take a good father's feeling for his children and multiply it exponentially, and you'll know how your heavenly Father feels about you. No one's voice sounds sweeter to God than yours. Nothing in the cosmos would keep Him from directing his full attention to your requests. Is anything holding you back from making them known to Him right now?

ENJOY!

Wink

2006-02-20T23:31:00.000-06:00

So I know it has been a while since I have blogged and I am sorry. I gotta be honest...I just wasn't feeling it. But tonight I got really really excited about something and I felt it...I have this deep desire and want to share it.

So all day today I have been soaking on a worship order I have been preparing for this weekend at Keystone Church. We are starting a new series to TACKLE temptation. Big deal. Huge felt need for anyone who has blood running through their veins. So...I asked myself, "Brian, what songs do you sing when you are talking about temptation?" With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I realized we would sing about God's freeing work purchased through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. (Songs like: Look to You, Marvelous Light, Nothing but the Blood, Pure, Rescue). I was pumped about the order. But something was missing. I wanted something raw and honest...something that would show someone's deep struggle with desire.

Fast Forward (or forward-wind if you are Chuck) to around 9:15pmish. I am watching this wicked cool show I can't get enough of...I know you all think I am talking about 24 and you are right I love that show but I am actually talking about the show House. I really dig that show. In the show, this tune starts to play...the simple acoustic guitar moves me instantly...the lyrics are raw and honest and then...OH THEN...the harmonica solo. It was so powerful. It's as if the harmonica represents someone pouring out their soul. Oh yeah, the song was called...Desire by Ryan Adams. It is perfect for this weekend.

You see, I have this passion for creativity in worship. I have this driving desire to pursue excellence because I want to give God our best. Now, we could do this cool song because it is simply "cool." But it is so so much more...it is an illustration. An example. An illustration that will stick with people. The lyrics will emphasize our deep struggle with desire...the essence of temptation. I believe God will bless it.

So you say, "Why are you so pumped?" "Why did this move you to share this?" Because I felt God smiling on me. It was as if He winked at me. Remember...I felt there was something missing in the service...and you may not agree but I feel as if God used House tonight to wink at me and smile. It was like I had an inside joke or story with God. I like to think God was a little giddy while I was watching House...just waiting for that music to start. Like a parent waiting for their child to open a present on Christmas morning.

What's the point of this...be aware of God winking at you and smiling. My friend says that often. Psalm 139 says "How vast are your thoughts about me Oh God. Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand." God thinks about you more than you think about yourself.

Come check out Keystone this week and see how God uses "Desire."

Additional 1 percent

2006-02-04T11:23:00.000-06:00

Bono spoke to President Bush and members of Congress at the annual National Prayer Breakfast this week. Bono called for the U.S. government to increase its federal spending an additional 1 percent to go toward the world’s poor. He quoted text from Islamic, Jewish and Christian sources. A full transcript can be found here

Captain Kirk what are you thinking?

2006-01-18T10:47:00.000-06:00

In what may be the most disgusting piece of Hollywood memorabilia ever, William Shatner has sold his kidney stone for $25,000 with the money going to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Online casino GoldenPalace.com, which has a collection of strange collectables, bought the stone. courtesy of relevantmagazine.com

CBS effort to get you to watch commercials

2006-01-18T10:45:00.000-06:00

In an effort to get viewers to stay tuned into commercials, CBS is launching a “micro-series” of seven 40 second episodes about a man trying to rescue his kidnapped wife. The series will premiere in commercial breaks of CSI Miami on Jan. 24 and conclude on Feb. 1...courtesy of relevantmagazine.com

Album Art for Your Podcast

2006-01-18T10:01:00.000-06:00

Have you ever wanted to add "Album Art" for your podcast? What is "Album Art" and why is it important? Album Art is the image that shows up in that window in the bottom left hand of iTunes or most importantly...it is the image that shows up on your iPod when you are listening to a podcast. So I ventured out to find out how to add Album Art. I found you add it in a way that I did not even think of. Very simple.

Here is a simple tutorial:

This tutorial uses iTunes.

You will first need to prepare you Album Art. Youc an use any photo editing software...I recommend some form of Photoshop. Make sure your dimensions are 300x300 pixels at 72 dpi. iTunes loves this setting. Save your file as a jpg and remember where you saved it.

1) In iTunes, right click on the file you would like to add "Album Art" to.

2) An info window will pop-up. Choose the "Artwork" tab.

3) Choose "Add," navigate to where you saved your Album Art jpg and select it. Choose "Open."

4) Check to see if it works by double clicking on your file. You might have to activate the Album Art window to see it.

5) Now all you have to do is upload your file to your server. Now everytime someone gets your podcast and plays it in iTunes or on their iPod...they will see your album art. You will have to do this for each individual podcast session.

Another quck tip is that you can drag your art to that window if you want.

Have fun!!!

Creative Speeches

2006-01-17T00:43:00.000-06:00

So tonight I checked out the Golden Globes. I Tivoed it because I only like to watch the speaches of the people I like and I can't stand all the cheesy banter and "special" awards. I guess one of the main reasons I watch award shows is to see if I have good taste in entertainement choices...really...I just want to see if they agreee with me...anyways...;)

I noticed that all 5 best male actor nominees in a TV drama were from shows I watched...I felt so good...then they started naming the movie categories and realized...I knew nothing...except for Walk the Line...it won best Musical/Comedy (Why are they in the same category?) and best actor and actress in the same crazy category.

Onto why i named this post "creative speeches"... Hugh Laurey from "House" gave a great speech. He said he had so many people to thank (172 to be exact) that he wrote them all down on seperate pieces of paper and put them in his pocket. He then told us he would pick 3 names randomly to thank...He gave his pocket a little shake to mix it up and pulled the first name. It was very witty because the first name was some minimal role and the next the same and the last was his agent. Very funny. THEN...Steve Carrel (Spelling?) from The Office (Fav show)...said he did not write a speech because he did not think he would win but his wife did and handed it to him as he was walking up to the stage. The speech was littered with thanks to his wife. Very funny also.

I love it when talented people share their gifts. It also makes the award show much more bearable.

Great New CD

2006-01-16T21:18:00.000-06:00

I have been listening to a new worship CD. It is from a great church just down the road from Keystone, Gateway Church in Southlake, TX. There are many great songs but one in particular, "Pure," is stuck in my head and in my heart. I cannot get away from the lyrics that are pearcing my heart or the melody that is swirling around in my head. The song is haunting me...in a good way.

One particular lyric that is found in the bridge of the song:
Everything I want
everything I hope in
Everything my heart cries out for

Of course this is a song to Jesus and you are saying this to Him...that He is everything I want, hope in and cries out for but it poses a question...IS HE? The lyrics are powerful.

If you are looking for a great new worship cd...I recommend this. You can only buy it here (at least that I know).

P.S. If you are a worship leader, you will love that they post all the chords to their songs for free.

Is Anyone Thirsty?

2006-01-12T12:54:00.000-06:00

Isa 55:1-3
"Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink — even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk — it's all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen, and I will tell you where to get food that is good for the soul!
"Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, for the life of your soul is at stake. I am ready to make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the mercies and unfailing love that I promised to David.
NLT

Be Encouraged

2006-01-09T15:29:00.000-06:00

Ps 34:8-10
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

Walking the Bible

2006-01-04T14:08:00.000-06:00

Walking the Bible premieres tonight on PBS in HD. Author Bruce Feiler explores the Holy Land and some of history’s greatest landmarks. The three-part series features interviews, archaeological findings and a trek through the Holy Land to explore “the five books of Moses.” Go here to watch the trailer and check your local listings for times.

ABC & ESPN in iTunes

2006-01-04T14:02:00.000-06:00

ESPN and ABC Sports will now be making downloadable versions of condensed games and funny sports-theme commercials available through the iTunes music store. All four BCS bowl games will be available for $1.99 and will feature a 15-minute highlight of the game. ESPN programming will also be sold through the online music store, starting with Knight School, a reality show about controversial college basketball coach Bobby Knight...courtesy of relevantmagazine.com

Blue Like Jazz

2005-12-31T01:41:00.000-06:00

I am currently reading "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. I am only about a 3rd of the way through. Today I was reading a couple of chapters and I found myself laughing out loud. This is unlike any other book I have read. Donald Miller writes in a very random manner. I really like it. He is very vulnerable, random, funny and before you know it he has you and BAM, he lands the point. Like "Velvit Elvis" by Rob Bell, this book has caused me to look deep inside and question why I act the way I do, why I think the way I do, why I say the things I say, why, why , why... It is a great journey so far. So here is a quote that really gripped my heart today...

This is in reference to His thoughts towards God before He becomes a Christ-follower. He is trying to work out his faith struggles with Christianity:
"If you don't love somebody, it gets annoying when they tell you what to do or what to feel. When you love them you get pleasure from their pleasure and it makes it easy to serve."

Have you looked at your relationship with God that way? Or do you do like I do often...see a bunch of rules and a God who is telling me that I did not do it good enough or a God who wants me to create better habits and forget about just turning my affections and heart towards a very very loving and accepting God?

So the next time you feel "beat down" by your faith and/or you only see rules and/or you feel like God is looking down on you as if you did not do good enough...I pray that you remember that quote and turn your heart towards our loving Father.

Check out Blue Like Jazz. You can get it here.

Spizerinctum

2005-12-30T13:47:00.000-06:00

So last night...my Sooners had a little bit of a dry spell...my mom called and said..."Brian, those boys need a shot of spizerinctum." You ask, "what is this spizerinctum?" I asked myself. My mom said she heard it from my Grandpa Bill (Real great man of God).

So mom...I did a little research and WALA!!! I found some definitions of spizerinctum on the web & I found where you can actually buy SPIZ - A Balanced Liquid Food SourceFor Athletes, Dieting and Optimum Nutrition. I found it here...

Here are some main exerts...

Spizerinctum - n. energy, vigor, or vitality. Also spizerinktum, spizzerinktum, spizzerinctum, spizarinctum, pizzeringtum, spizzer inktum, etc.

A Few Citations of the word spizerinctum...

Sen. Alexander Wiley (R) Wis.] said spizerinctum was a word coined by an old banker in his town of Chippewa Falls, Wis., to describe someone full of pep and vitality.
Pioneer Press (Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.) (Oct. 17) “In the realm of the coined”: Spizerinctum is invisible—an essence or energy of sorts. When beer has lost its foam, soda has lost its fizz or a balloon deflates, it has lost its spizerinctum. I suppose you would say that throughout the wedding preparations and busy weekend, I was overflowing with spizerinctum, but as things are winding down now, I think it has flown the coop for a while.

So Happy New Year and may you get a shot of spizerinctum!

Million Dollar Homepage

2005-12-30T13:38:00.000-06:00

I saw this article on relevantmagazine.com

A 21-year-old student in England has earned over a million dollars in just four months from a website that sells pixels. Alex Tew came up with an idea to sell individual pixels on his website (adeptly called milliondollarhomepage.com) to advertisers. Tew has created what has turned out to be a digital Times Square with companies paying $100 for a letter of type. Now why didn’t we think of that …

Googles Top searches of 2005

2005-12-30T13:30:00.000-06:00

Google has posted lists of their search engine's most popular entries of 2005. Topping the list are Myspace, wikipedia and iTunes. The top Google News searches include tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, Harry Potter and at number one, Janet Jackson. Make sure you check the link out above...very interested info. Wow, what a year...

From Google....
A look back at 2005 wouldn't be complete without some lists. Here are three from us to you, representing some of the most popular searches this year on Google.

Google.com - Top Gainers of 2005
1. Myspace
2. Ares
3. Baidu
4. wikipedia
5. orkut
6. iTunes
7. Sky News
8. World of Warcraft
9. Green Day
10. Leonardo da Vinci

Google News - Top Searches in 2005
1. Janet Jackson
2. Hurricane Katrina
3. tsunami
4. xbox 360
5. Brad Pitt
6. Michael Jackson
7. American Idol
8. Britney Spears
9. Angelina Jolie
10. Harry Potter

Froogle - Top Searches in 2005
1. ipod
2. digital camera
3. mp3 player
4. ipod mini
5. psp
6. laptop
7. xbox
8. ipod shuffle
9. computer desk
10. ipod nano

OU's Holiday

2005-12-30T13:19:00.000-06:00

Well, my boys pulled out a big win last night. This win should catipulte the sooners into the Pre-Season rankings. They handled a 10-1 Oregon last night. Their only loss was to USC. OU started a very very young freshman core. Rhett Bomar did outstanding as quarterback and the wide receivers were money. The best part though...all the Seniors playing their last game got a big win. Cough Cough...Dusty you did amazing. Big props to Clint Ingram who saved the game with an interception at :33 second left in the game. Way to go boys...can't wait till next year!

Tips & Tricks

2005-12-21T20:39:00.000-06:00

I just found another cool thing you can do with Google. I have a tracking number from UPS for something I bought on Ebay. So I thought...why not try pastingit in my "google toolbar" and see what happens. I felt very adventurous. Well, I get this page...

Pretty cool hey? IT works with Fedex too!

What if?

2005-12-20T22:19:00.000-06:00

Has anyone seen this promotional idea from Ikea? It is very fun! Check it out!
http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/PS/index_content.html
or http://www.ikea.com/ps/

Snowzilla?

2005-12-20T17:00:00.000-06:00

With the help of his kids and neighbors, it took an Anchorage man more than a month to build what became more than just a snowman—they’ve dubbed his 16-plus-foot-tall creation “Snowzilla.” After using up all the snow in the family’s yard, they turned to neighbors’ yards and carried buckets on sleds. Click here to see the amazing picture. Peter Jackson has expressed interest in film rights to the snowman’s epic story...relevantmagazine.com

My dad with the Beatles?

2005-12-16T23:36:00.000-06:00

A couple of days ago I posted some picks of me and my dad. Some of his co-workers got ahold of them. Here's what they did!

My First visit to IKEA

2005-12-16T23:21:00.000-06:00

Today I went to IKEA for the first time. The reason...well, it was for Keystone. We are having 2 Christmas Eve services this year. We are also meeting at Hillwood Middle School. The service is going to be a candlelight service...SO...I can;t have flourescent light in the room for the first part of the service. So I went on a search for lamps to light the room...and WALLAAH!!! IKEA had 6ft floor lamps for $7.99 each. So I made the long trek to Frisco from Keller. When I arrived I was blown away by the size of the store. It was not huge...it was MASSIVE. I was greeted immediately and given a map and directed to where I was to go. I must have looked like a deer in headlights. I finally found the lamps, thanks to the cool arrows on the floor guiding my steps. Along the way, I came across the coolest chair. I have been looking for a good reading chair. and there it was...it was like a light shining down from heaven...BUM BUM BUM...I give you the Luna Chair. And it wasn't too expensize. I finally got to the lamps and the help was great. A manager went and got a cart to carry the 15 lamps I needed.

IKEA had incredible signage. They explained why they did what they did very clearly. Everything was so affordable...the downside...I wanted to buy many many things.

Old Pictures

2005-12-14T10:00:00.000-06:00

I love old pictures. I came across these photos the other day. Yeah that's me...

Quote of the Week

2005-12-10T21:29:00.000-06:00

So I was talking to my dad earlier this week. I asked him how he was doing. He mentioned to me that he hadn't slept well. I asked him "Why?" He told me there was a squirrel in the attic.
Then he said...

"Every night at about 2:00am the little guy puts on his cowboy boots and line dances across the attic. "

Thanks dad for another great quote of the week.

Color Photos taken 96 years ago!

2005-12-08T21:59:00.000-06:00

I saw this article on digg.com. VERY VERY Fascinating and Inspiring.

Color film was non-existent in 1909 Russia, yet in that year a photographer named Sergei Mikhailovich Prokudin-Gorskii embarked on a photographic survey of his homeland and captured hundreds of photos in full, vivid color. His photographic plates were black and white, but he had developed an ingenious photographic technique which allowed him to use them to produce accurate color images.

He accomplished this with a clever camera of his own design, which took three black and white photos of a scene in rapid sequence, each though a differently colored filter. His photographic plates were long and slender, capturing all three images onto the same plate, resulting in three monochrome images which each had certain color information filtered out.

Sergei was then able to use a special image projector to project the three images onto a screen, each directly overlapping the others, and each through the appropriately colored filter. The recombined projection was a full-color representation of the original scene. Each three-image series captured by the camera stored all of the color information onto the black and white plates; all they lacked was actual tint, which the color filters on the projector restored.

Tsar Nicholas II fully supported Sergei's ambitious plan to document the Russian Empire, and provided a specially equipped railroad car which enclosed a darkroom for Sergei to develop his glass plates. He took hundreds of these color photos all over Russia from 1909 through 1915.
There was no means to develop color prints at that time, but modern technology has allowed these images to be recombined in their full original colors. The U.S. Library of Congress purchased all of Sergei's original glass negatives from his heirs in 1948, and in 2001 a beautiful exhibition was produced to showcase Sergei's photos, called The Empire that was Russia.

Around that same time, in 1907, the first practical color photographic plates were introduced to the world by the Lumière brothers in France. The plates were called "Autochrome Lumière," and they were made up of microscopic potato starch grains which were dyed orange, green, and blue; sandwiched between black-and-white film and a piece of glass; then coated in shellac. The tiny starch grains acted as color filters, making the film essentially a mosaic made up of many tiny pieces.

Once the black-and-white film base was developed, the dyed starch layer which had acted as many tiny color filters when the photo was taken now did the same task in reverse, giving the color back to the underlying image. The technology was a bit crude and grainy, but it was able to capture full color images which turned out looking rather impressionistic.

Autochrome film was expensive, slow and rare, so it didn't see a lot of use by the general public. But when World War One broke out in 1914, the French army began photographing soldiers and scenery, and some of their photos were taken with this new color film. As a result, a large proportion of color photos from that time are images of French soldiers in the field.

Because of the efforts of the French army photographers, there are beautiful color images of soldiers in the trenches, military equipment, ruined buildings, and villages, among other things. Autochrome plates age remarkably well due to their construction, so many of the originals are still in pristine condition today.

Autochrome remained as the primary color photograph medium until Kodachrome was introduced in 1935, and Agfacolor in the following year. Aside from Kodachrome, most modern color films are still based on the Agfacolor technology.

For more info...see the website for The Empire That Was Russia Exhibit

Making Color Images from Prokudin-Gorskii's Negatives - VERY COOL!

Free Christmas Wallpapers

2005-12-08T01:33:00.000-06:00

You can download free Christmas wallpapers for your computer at keystonechurch.com. There are 7 wallpapers to choose from. Check it out!

HOW-TO: Cheaply watch iPod videos on your TV

2005-12-07T21:26:00.000-06:00

I saw this article on digg.com.

Why would you fork out $19 bucks for the Apple iPod AV Cable when you don’t have to? We were looking around for cheaper solutions for getting video over to you TV and came across an article on O’Reilly’s MacDevCenter.com. By following simple steps, you can get any AV cable (with yellow/red/white outputs) to work with your iPod. Read on to find out how.

All you’re going to need for this is an iPod video (obviously), an iPod compatible video on your iPod, and any A/V cable with eigth-inch-to-RCA (yellow/red/white) camcorder cable (get it from ebay if you don’t have one).

Set up your iPod video options
Go to Videos -> Video Settings from the main menu on your iPod. This screen offers three settings: TV Out, TV Signal and Widescreen. Adjust the selections to give the video playback options you need. We suggest you set the TV Out option to “Ask” so you always know it will play. If you live in the US, your TV Signal is NTSC. Make sure this is selected. If you’re outside the US, you might want to check which option to use.
Plugging the AV cable into the TV
You’re probably thinking that you don’t need help doing this one. Well let me tell you, you do. Since Apple wants you to buy their proprietary cable, they decided to be sneaky. They send the video over the Red RCA cable (usually yellow). Therefore, they send the audio over the white and yellow cables. Oh you’re so tricky Apple, whatever will we do? In easier words, do the following:

Red RCA plug -> TV’s yellow RCA jackYellow
RCA plug -> TV’s white RCA jackWhite
RCA plug -> TV’s red RCA jack

If you can believe it, that’s all you have to do. Pretty much the only tricky thing was switching the Red and Yellow RCA cables. If you have any problems, let us know and we’ll get our directions fixed. Enjoy.

from gadgetell.com

Mosaic Podcast

2005-12-07T16:23:00.000-06:00

Recently I have been listening to a great podcast, the Mosaic Podcast. Mosaic is a church in L.A. Erwin McManus is the pastor and a great communicator. This church is on the edge of innovation and sharing the gospel. If you are looking for a challenging podcast that will stretch your faith...check out the Mosaic podcast.

Texas' Brown votes Trojans No. 1, Longhorns No. 2

2005-12-07T00:51:00.000-06:00

Interesting Article from the Associated Press

Texas coach Mack Brown has been calling Southern California the No. 1 team all season and it wasn't just talk.

Brown voted USC first in the final USA Today coaches' poll, and so did his brother.

The ballots were made public Monday, a first for the coaches' poll, which is used by the Bowl Championship Series in its standings formula.

The BCS had urged the coaches to remove the secrecy in their poll after the 2004 season, when Texas made a late surge in the polls to earn a Rose Bowl bid over California.

The coaches decided to release only their final ballots, which were printed in Monday's editions of USA Today.

"I think it proves what we thought it would all along, which is that the coaches who vote in the USA Today coaches' poll are thoughtful and committed to the balloting process," Grant Teaff, executive director of the American Football Coaches Association, said Monday through spokesman Todd Bell.

The Harris Interactive poll, which was introduced this season to replace The Associated Press Top 25 in the BCS formula, also released its final ballots. The Harris panel is comprised of former college football players, coaches and administrators, plus some media members.

The AP media poll has always had transparency in its voting.

Brown had his Texas team No. 2, behind USC. The Trojans and Longhorns will play for the national title in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 4.

UAB coach Watson Brown also had the Trojans first and his younger brother's team second.

USC coach Pete Carroll is not on the 62-member voting panel. Twenty coaches voted for their own teams, with none straying too far from the consensus.

Among the notables, Rutgers coach Greg Schiano gave the Scarlet Knights (7-4) their only vote, putting them 25th on his ballot.

Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis had his team fourth, two spots ahead of Oregon (10-1). The Fighting Irish (9-2) were ranked No. 6.

Oregon coach Mike Bellotti put the Ducks fourth and Notre Dame ninth. Oregon finished No. 5 in the final regular season poll, but Notre Dame earned a bid to the BCS and Oregon did not.

Texas received seven first-place votes to USC's 55.

Three of the seven coaches who voted for the Big 12 champions were from conference rivals: Colorado's Gary Barnett, whose team has lost twice to the Longhorns this season by a combined scored of 112-20, Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy and Iowa State's Dan McCarney.

The others who had Texas on top were San Jose State's Dick Tomey, who was defensive coordinator at Texas last season, TCU's Gary Patterson and Florida State coach Bobby Bowden.

Penn State was No. 3 on all but two ballots. Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione had Notre Dame third and the Nittany Lions fourth. Arkansas coach Houston Nutt had Auburn third, just ahead of Penn State.

Auburn was No. 7 in the poll. Tigers coach Tommy Tuberville had his team fourth.

Other votes that went against the norm were:

• SMU coach Phil Bennett had Oregon 15th.

• Ohio coach Frank Solich placed LSU fifth, 10 spots ahead of Georgia, which beat the Tigers 34-14 in the Southeastern Conference championship Saturday.

• South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier had Notre Dame 14th, his own team 21st, and in-state rival Clemson 24th. The Tigers beat Spurrier's Gamecocks 13-9 to close out the regular season.

NBC now on iTunes

2005-12-06T16:03:00.000-06:00

Not only are they Must See, they are Must Download! Own episodes from your favorite NBC shows such as The Office, Surface, Law and Order and highlights from The Tonight Show with Jay Leno or the Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Feeling nostalgic? NBC vintage hits like Dragnet, Adam-12, Kinight Rider, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents are ready for action. Get started with NBC and iTunes now!

Oh yeah...for all those who like Battlestar Gallactica...

Check out the iTunes TV section!

'Podcast' named Word Of The Year 2005

2005-12-05T23:42:00.000-06:00

The editors of the New Oxford American Dictionary have selected “podcast” as the Word of the Year, beating bird flu and rootkit. It will be in the dictionary in 2006. More...

Weekend Review for December 4, 2005

2005-12-05T11:47:00.000-06:00

Music (with iTunes links)
Blessed Be Your Name
Beautiful One
Joy to the World (Keystone arrangement)
Till I See You
Here With Us
Take All of Me

Message - Christmas Uwrapped - The Story of the Shepherds - How to be ready for life’s great moments
We unwrapped the messageof the shepherds. We learned that God revealed the birth of His son to ordinary people. It was a great moment and the shepherds did not let it pass them by. We learned principles from their response to this Great Moment. This is a great message and quite funny too. - Podcast

Notes:
I really loved "Here Iwth Us." Susan really did an outstanding job on this song. I have to also commend the band because the really out did themselves. They sounded amazing! I also really loved the Trans-Siberian Orchestra feel to Joy to the World. The atmosphere was really great too. Great job Mahons!!! To all the VOLS on Sunday, great job!!!

Going Bowling!!!

2005-12-04T21:33:00.000-06:00

For the first time in their illustrious history, the Oklahoma Sooners are going to play in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl in San Diego. OU will collide with the Oregon Ducks, a team it met last year in Norman and will see again in Eugene, Ore., next season. The 2005 Pacific Life Holiday Bowl will be played Dec. 29 in San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium. ESPN will televise the game, which will start...more.
soonersports.com

USA Today's Holiday Gift Guide

2005-12-03T15:08:00.000-06:00

This is a fun gift guide. Especially the Batman Handbook Guide.

The Forbes Fictional 15

2005-12-03T00:54:00.000-06:00

I came across thison digg.com.

Collectively, we are fascinated by the super-rich. We devour their biographies. We hang on their advice. Maybe we even hope for their downfall. But in our attempts to explain the ultra-rich--and their super-inflated bank accounts--we are often guilty of reducing real people to mere caricatures. There is the monopolist. The oracle. The genius. The thief. With the Forbes Fictional 15, we have taken the opposite approach--fiction’s caricatures are elevated to the status of real people.
Read More

The List

Fox exec says company open to iTunes deal

2005-12-02T15:27:00.000-06:00

Fox Filmed Entertainment is open to a deal with Apple Computer's iTunes music and video service, its co-chairman said Thursday. "Of course, we'd be open to that. We believe it would be a great opportunity," James Gianopulos said at the Reuters Media and Advertising Summit.

Apple recently began selling some ABC TV network shows and music videos on its iTunes service, for play on its new iPod digital music and video player. Fox is a division of global media conglomerate News Corp., run by Rupert Murdoch. ABC is owned by Walt Disney.
from cnet news.com

New TIVO online services

2005-12-02T15:21:00.000-06:00

TV addicts, rejoice! TiVo announced it will now offer Internet content through its boxes, including a movie-ticket service and podcasts. Subscribers can use their TiVo remote control to buy movie tickets through Fandango, which also provides show times and theater listings. TiVo customers also can listen to radio programs, view shared photos through Yahoo's online service and check local traffic and weather... courtesy of relevantmagazine.com

Cool Sites I Visited This Week

2005-12-02T15:07:00.000-06:00

www.registryfix.com - I downloaded this and bought this software and it completely helped my computer!!!
www.daybreak.tv - very creative
www.jaredhall.com - great illusionist. I really liked his NEW promo
www.vintage21.com - intriguing
www.268blog.blogspot.com - great intro video BRAD!
www.joininthejourney.com - Great site of a new church plant in Seattle, WA. You guys are doing a great job!

When I Am Afraid...

2005-12-02T14:24:00.000-06:00

Ps 56:3-43
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust;
I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

FIRST REVIEW: KING KONG 'JAW-DROPPINGLY BRILLIANT'

2005-12-02T14:15:00.000-06:00

I saw this article on the Drudge Report.

Just over a year ago, Oscar-winning film-maker Peter Jackson stood on the mammoth Skull Island set he had built on a peninsula in New Zealand and told me why he loved King Kong.

Speaking about Merian Cooper's classic 1933 movie, Jackson said: "The original Kong is a wonderful blend - probably the most perfect blend - of escapism and adventure, mystery and romance. It does everything an escapist movie should do: it takes you places you are never going to see and gives you experiences you are never going to have."

Jackson's words came back to me as I sat in the back row at the Loews Cinema complex on New York's West 68th Street this week, watching the first screening of his new version of Kong.

He may not have known it at the time, but Jackson could just as well have been talking about his own extraordinary remake of the movie that inspired him to become a director when he saw it one Friday night on TV when he was just nine years old.

The very next morning, Jackson started creating stop-motion films using Plasticine.

This time round, the director had some much bigger toys - 21st-century humdingers - to play with.

And he has made a picture I can only describe as jaw-droppingly brilliant: the most entertaining blockbuster movie this year.

Read More

President Bush the Juror?

2005-12-01T13:57:00.000-06:00

President Bush received a summons to report for jury duty for next Monday in McLennan Country, Texas, where his Crawford ranch is located. Although he won’t be serving this time because of other more pertinent matters—like running a country during wartime—he does plan on rescheduling the appointment. It'll be the coolest court case since Pauly Shore graced the jury booth...courtesy of relevantmagazine.com

New Keystone Website Feature

2005-11-28T22:57:00.000-06:00

This past week we added a new feature to the Keystone website. It is a small feature but I think a pretty cool one. We added a "Mark Your Calendar" feature. Basically, when a user clicks the link Mark Your Calendar, a ".vcs" card opens with all the info for their Outlook calendar. All they do is open it and save it. It is pretty cool.

Here is a sample...Mark your Calendar

How did we set it up? 1) I created a folder on our server called "vcalendar." 2) I created the vcalendar file in Outlook. Creating file: In Outlook Calendar, Click NEW, Fill in all the info (Subject, Location, Start Time & End Time, etc), then choose File, Save As. Save your file as a .vcs to your vcalendar folder. 3) I created a link on a webpage that linked to the .vcs file in the vcalendar folder. BAM! There you go!

Screensaver doesn't work

2005-11-28T22:40:00.000-06:00

This past holiday I was in Oklahoma visiting my parents. While there, I helped setup my mother's new computer. I got everything hooked up. Then I installed her beloved "Aquarium Screensaver." But there was a problem...the screensaver would never activate. The same thing was happening on her old computer too. So I started the elimination process to find out what the issue was. I started with the screensaver. It would work when I previewed it so it was not a memory issue. I tried the "starfield" screensaver and it would not work either. So it is not the software. So then I went with her monitor. It is a Flat screen monitor...a lower end model...it works just fine but I thought it might be the issue. Maybe it wasn't getting the proper signal. The monitor would not go into "Sleep" mode either. So we tried a new monitor. It would not work either. What could it be? I disabled the anti-virus software in case it was conflicting...NOPE...not the issue. Then I finally came across a post on a message board and I tried it. IT WORKED! You know what the problem was??? The wireless mouse & keyboard! It seems that the "Microsoft" brand of wireless keyboard and mouse cause the issue. The receiver keeps looking for the mouse and keyboard...I thought it might be the actual mouse or keyboard...so I took the batteries out but it still did not fix the issue. It is the actual receiver. The screensaver needs NO activity for the alotted time you have chosen before it activates. For me it's 10 minutes. Evidently the receiver must be looking for the mouse and keyboard and not allowing the computer to be inactive. So I went and got a Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse package and WALA!!! Problem SOLVED! It must be silly ole Microsoft!

So if you have the same issue with your screensaver...look at your wireless mouse/keyboard and get a brand other than Miscrosoft.

Ferrell, Heder, Poehler, Arnett skating toward deal for 'Blades of Glory'

2005-11-28T20:30:00.000-06:00

You read the title right. These 2 might be teaming up for a movie together. One of the producers is going to be Ben Stiller. Let me just say this...I can't wait! You can check the article out at Yahoo News!

Update -
In what may be the greatest comic-teaming in recent memory, Will Ferrell, John Heder (a.k.a. Napoleon Dynamite), SNL’s Amy Poehler and real-life husband Will Arnett (Arrested Development’s Gob) are in talks of starring in a comedy based on world-class figure skating. Blades of Glory is slated for release sometime in 2006 …courtesy of relevantmagazine.com

Sooners Win 100th Bedlam Game, 42-14

2005-11-26T22:18:00.000-06:00

After waiting weeks to get back into Oklahoma's lineup, Adrian Peterson needed just a little more patience to get himself a big rushing day. Peterson ran for a season-high 237 yards, including two long touchdowns in the second half, and Rhett Bomar threw three touchdown passes to lead Oklahoma to a 42-14 victory over Oklahoma State on Saturday. courtesy of soonersports.com

go ou

2005-11-26T15:04:00.000-06:00

Mr. Evelyn

2005-11-25T23:18:00.000-06:00

Tonight I met a man who inspired me. He lives in a retirement village where my mother has a salon. He is in his late 80s or early 90s. He is a part of a prayer team that prays for Keystone every week. Bill and his wife are great people. I immediately sensed a strong joy and passion for God in them. Bill began to tell us stories of how he flew planes in WWII. He flew a Mustang, a Spitfire and a Kitty Hawk. He told us about how he flew combat missions as a part of our alliance with the Royal Airforce for England. He was part of a team that chased down General Erwin Rommel, the Desert Fox. Then he told us about how he transported the generals back to the states. He talked about how he flew General Patton, Dolittle, Sharp and many others. While preparing to head back to the states, they got an urgent message to head to Newfoundland to pick up a VIP. Once they landed on the icy runway they parked next to a plane with the name "Sunflower." Once their passenger was loaded, they realized it was General Eisenhower. They flew him back to Washington D.C. Mr. Evelyn also told us about how he worked for the King of Saudia Arabia and then how he managed the Consortium Engineers in the Middle East to help bring oil to the United States.

What impressed me the most was when the subject changed and we talked about Adrian Rogers. Adrian Rogers was a great pastor in Memphis who passed away a few weeks ago. Mr. Evelyn asked us if we had seen his memorial service on TV. We reminisced about Rogers and Mr. Evelyn said something powerful. "I bet you the Lord is very proud of Adrian. He was so faithful." That completely moved me. I felt it in my gut. At that moment I realized I wanted to hear that from the Lord. Have I been faithful? What really spoke to me was that Mr. Evelyn has seen and experienced so much yet he knows what counts. Thanks Mr. Evelyn.

Why am I here?

2005-11-25T04:50:00.000-06:00

Target Wakeup Call

2005-11-24T20:53:00.000-06:00

I am sitting here in my parent's living room and we are debating whether we will get up before anything holy gets up to beat people to the sales. While we are talking a commercial from Target comes on telling me to sign-up for a wakeup call! WHAT?! So I checked it out and it is true and I think it is genuis because I immediately went to their website to see what it was all about. You can have anyone from Brad Paisely, Grandma Josephine, Harp Player (How would that wake anyone up?), Sheep or Boring Guy. Not sure who all these people are but they will call you and wake you up. Check it out!!!

The Best Hamburger in the World

2005-11-24T16:40:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I had the very best hamburger in the world. When I come home to Tulsa, I always have to go to Harden's Hamburgers at least 1-2 times. I can;t explain how good they are. They just are. If you like a very greasy burger with lots of flavor...then Harden's is the place. So if you are ever in Tulsa, OK...you gotta checkout Harden's. I think I will be going back tomorrow!!!

Quote of the day

2005-11-24T15:08:00.000-06:00

This is a quote directly from my grandfather...

"Brian, get me a whiskey sandwich...hold the bread."

This is actually the quote of every Thanksgiving Day.

What are you thankful for?

2005-11-22T10:48:00.000-06:00

What are you thankful for? Who do you say thank you to? Where do all the blessings in our life come from? The scriptures are very clear..."Every good and perfect gift come from God." (James 1:17). God also gives us exactly what we need. He watches over us. (Matt 6 & 7)

So I encourage you today to begin to think on all the blessings in your life. List 10 out. Don't just list them out...list why you are thankful. Trust me it is hard to stop at 10. Then turn your heart's affecions to God and give Him your heartfelt thanks this Thanksgiving!

What am I thankful for?
1) My relationship with God - I was without hope until I met Christ and He rescued me.
2) My Parents - Their unconditional love and support.
3) My Sister - I am thankful for her friendship, love and support. She has great passion for God. I am thankful that we live near each other.
4) My Church - I am super blessed with a new church (Keystone) with passion to proclaim freedom for captives, hope, healing, meaning and joy in life.
5) My Friends - I am blessed with very trustworthy friends. I experience true community with them
6) My Job - I get to serve a great God at a Great church. I wouldn't want to do anything else.
7) My Home - One year this Thursday, I moved into my beautiful home. It has been a blessing to me and many others.
8) My Tivo - I might be too thankful for this.
9) Wireless Internet - It is like oxygen these days.
10) My iPod and iPod connection to my car stereo. I love having all my music in my car. I might not someday when I have a wreck try to sift through 40 gb of music.
Bonus) Chik-fil-a - I gotta have my #1 value-sized with Coke or Sweet Tea.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

James 1:17-18
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

Matt 7:9-119
You parents — if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.NLT

Ps 106:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; His love endures forever.

Ps 107:8-9
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

Lucas and the future of theaters

2005-11-22T10:39:00.000-06:00

In an interview, George Lucas explain why he thinks that, in order to combat piracy, studios will have to move to the iTunes model of distribution. "It's the way kids do it today. It's how you do it on your iPod: They just download it."

See full article: George Lucas talks about piracy and the future of movie theaters

The Revolution Continues - Tivo and iPod Team Up

2005-11-21T11:22:00.000-06:00

TiVo Inc. is expanding its video recording service so users will be able to transfer recorded TV shows onto Apple Computer's iPods, according to an Associated Press report. By adding support for the MPEG-4 video format, TiVo hopes to capitalize on the immense popularity of Apple iPods.

When TiVO launched TiVoToGo in January 2005, TiVO Series2 broadband subscribers gained the ability to transfer recorded shows to Windows PCs and Windows Mobile-based Portable Media Center devices such as the Creative Zen, Samsung Yepp YH-999, and iriver PMC-120. The new TiVOToGo servise will also support Sony's PlayStation Portable. There is no information available at this time regarding support for transferring recorded shows to Apple Mac OS X personal computers, although one might infer that supporting MPEG-4 video will allow Macs to play such content.

Tivo's TiVOToGo webpages do not currently mention support for the Apple iPod. The new service feature will be available "today" for current TiVo subscribers as a beta test and for others early next year, according to the Associated Press report.

"The ability to transfer shows between a TiVo and Apple's market-leading iPod or Sony Corp.'s popular PSP 'may help cement the idea that a TiVo is better than a generic DVR,' said Stephen Baker, an analyst with NPD Group. 'Their route to success is to differentiate themselves from generic DVRs,'" Julie Tamaki reports for The Los Angeles Times. "TiVo subscribers will need to purchase special software to tap the features, said Jim Denney, TiVo's vice president of product marketing. The TiVo box would need to be connected to a home network and the program would first have to be transferred to a PC... Restricted content includes video-on-demand and pay-per-view, Denney added. TiVo also plans to make files traceable to discourage 'people from distributing the content beyond their personal use.'"

Full article here.
from MacDailynews.com

Black Friday Deals

2005-11-18T18:29:00.000-06:00

This website is getting a lot of recognition from people (like New York Times, CNN, Fox News, etc) because it lists the special deals that stores will be running on the day after Thanksgiving, also known as BLACK FRIDAY. So if you like to plan ahaed for the biggest shopping day EVER, then check this out.

Best Inventions 2005

2005-11-18T18:23:00.000-06:00

This is a cool article by Time Magazine.

Maxthon Tabbed Browser

2005-11-18T14:23:00.000-06:00

I read digg.com. It is a great site for those who love technology. The other day I came across a post to "The 100 Best Products of 2005." In that article I came across the Maxthon IE Browser PLugin. It is basically a shell for Internet Explorer. It has an RSS reader...you can customize it. One thing I really realy love because I am a MAC lover...it uses TABS for browsing. It is just like the Safari browser in OS X. What are tabs...basically, instead of having 13 IE browsers open at a time you have one window open and all your pages are in seperate tabs. Check out the pic to the right. The only downfall is that the google toolbar does not work but I have found some plugins to help out and shortcuts. Here is a website for different skins too.

AOL joins the revolution...

2005-11-16T09:25:00.000-06:00

Classic TV shows will soon be available online. AOL and Warner Bros. have partnered to offer streaming video of such shows as Welcome Back, Kotter, Perfect Strangers, Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, Growing Pains, Pinky and the Brain and Head of the Class. Finally, the genius of Balki from Perfect Strangers can be unleashed on a whole new generation ...relevantmagazine.com

What goes through the mind of a worship leader...?

2005-11-15T20:41:00.000-06:00

So what goes through the mind and heart of a worship leader when choosing songs for a Gathering? Many many things. I thought I would give an inside scoop to everyone on what goes through my mind when planning a Gathering.

Let me begin by saying this...I believe that God blesses our preparation. The same God that can lead you on a Sunday is the same God who can lead you on a Monday morning or Tuesday afternoon or whenever to prepare for a Sunday.

All I will say below is very practical and may not seem "spiritual." So do not be discouraged. All that will be said below falls under the umbrella of "trusting the Spirit of God to guide and direct the prep of services. For example, a great sounding band without hearts tuned to what God is doing is "clashing cymbals" in the ear of God. So for as much prep as you do musically/technically do twice as much prep with your heart.

The first thing I ask is "What is the direction?" At Keystone, I am blessed to get great direction from my pastor Brandon Thomas. I firmly believe that Brandon is the actual worship leader and I am a support worship leader. The direction God gives Brandon for the message series drives...let me say that again...DRIVES...where we go on a Sunday. It is important to be on the same page. At Keystone, Brandon leads a creative team and this team meets diligently to seek God and His direction for where we need to go in our message series. Since the message drives the sermon, knowing the direction of the message is of ULTIMATE importance to planning a Gathering.

Then I list all the songs I can think of that deal with the message direction. This can be easy or very time consuming. I gather songs from many sources. My main source is a worship planning software I use - song base pro. I have compiled worship songs for about the last 10 years with this software. It is one of the most important pieces of software I own. I can't live without it. I also gather songs on the subject from iTunes, friends, fellow worship leaders and the creative team.

I take those songs and look at some practical things...lyric, key, tempo, musical difficulty and is it new and if it is how hard will it be for the people to learn it?

Lyrics are the most important ingredient when choosing a song. Does the song enhance the direction of the service? Do the lyrics make sense to the average attender or do they need a concordance, dictionary or seminary degree to understand the song?

Tempo is important for energy's sake. I believe church should be a BLAST! WHY? I truly believe that we have the most to celebrate! So celebration is important. I also believe that church should be life-changing and moving...inspiring. I think that there should be special moments of inspiration. Most moments of inspiration are with songs with slower tempo.

When choosing songs you are providing opportunies for the SPirit of God to work in someone's life.

Key is important for FLO. FLO is also very important. How is Key important? It is easy to flo from one song to another if they are in the same key. For example...this past Sunday we sang "Home" (by hillsongs) and Chris Tomlin's "Enough" followed it. They are both in the same key. So it made the transition seemless from one to another. Even though the 2 songs were different in tempo, I was able to break "Home" down at the end of the song to a slower tempo and end up at the tempo for "Enough." This allowed my to go directly into "Enough." Not only did the key flo and the tempo flo but the lyric had flo. When we sang "Home" at a slower tempo, it also emphasized the lyrics..."Home is heaven, one day Lord I will live. In your courts you'll find me in worship at Your feet. Hide me now in the shadow of your wings. It's where I will be. It's where I will be."....cause..."All of You is more than enough for allof me, for every thirst and every need. You satisfy me with Your love and all I have in You is more than enough." This was a great great moment.

You see FLO is important because it shows preparation. Here's an example, everything on TV or the radio is done with excellence. Excellence only comes from good preparation. I believe that as the church we should do everything with the utmost excellence. That means PREP! God is excellent and He deserves excellence. When you have FLO no one notices (until you remind them) but when you don't have FLO everyone notices it. How? When there is FLO it is seemless. With NO FLO, the service is choppy....it looks like no thought was put into the transitions...it looks like a bad talent show. It looks like we are not giving our best to God.

Another thing is musical difficulty. I am blessed with a very talented band. They pick up songs very quickly. However, we only have 1 hour to sound check and to rehearse songs and transitions. So I will way my options by looking at the difficulty of a new song. If it is an 8 (on a scale of 1-10) then it will take about 20 minutes to rehearse. That leaves me with 40 minutes for the rest of the rehearsal. So if I really feel like a difficult tune needs to be in the service, I will make sure the other tunes can be rehearsed in the alotted time. Music difficulty has an impact on the prep of a gathering.

Don't do too many NEW songs! This is so stinkin important. The goal of a Gathering at Keystone is for everyone to participate. If we do 3 newer songs and only have 6 total songs then that means that the people were only able to participate half of the time. So I have a goal to only do 1 new song during a service and maybe 1 newer song (meaning you have done it a couple times.) If you do a new song...have a goal to do it several times in a row to teach it. After a few weeks, if it does not catch on then scrap it.

These are some of the things that go on in my mind when preparing for Sunday. After the service is planned I soak up the service. My mentor, Kim Noblitt, taught me to "worship" through the order. So I do. It helps me work through the transitions..."How will we get from this song to the bumper (video intro)? How will we get from the Ministry Time to the next song? How will get from this song to that song? How will we end a song? How will we end the service? This is a valuable time because it exposes holes in the service. Once all the adjustments have been made, it frees me to enjoy the service because I know it so well.

So why all this PREP? Why not just choose 5 or 6 songs you like and just do them? Why think about flo? Why think about keys and tempo? Why pursue excellence? Why? Because you are giving God your best. It frees you to let go during the service and let God do His thing. You have done all you can do to get ready. You have prepared your best and that is what God is asking of you. It actaully frees me more to enjoy the service and worship myself.

TO all the worship leaders out there: PREPARE so when God moves and works in your services YOU ARE READY.

So that's a little of what goes on in my mind...sorry for the rambling.

Land on the Moon?

2005-11-15T20:32:00.000-06:00

An “unreal” estate company in China has been shut down for selling acres of land on the moon. Beijing Lunar Village Aeronautics Science and Technology Co. sold 49 acres of prime lunar lots before the Chinese government revoked its business license. Though the lots offer a great view of the earth and plenty of valuable minerals, potential residents face some minor transportation issues... relevantmagazine.com.

...and are we really sure that we have been to the moon?

God Knows You Well

2005-11-15T11:37:00.000-06:00

Matt 10:29-31
Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows. NLT

Weekend Review - November 13, 2005

2005-11-14T00:00:00.000-06:00

Music (with iTunes links)
Sing to the King
Home
Enough (with Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus verse)
Cry Out to Jesus
Made Me Glad

Message - "The Storm of Worry"
Today Brandon talked about the Storm of Worry. There were many good points so I encourage you to get the podcast. One thing that spoke to me in particular - Take a "Thanks" inventory. Many times we take an inventory of our troubles and worries but not our thanks. When we take a "Thanks" inventory our troubles get smaller.

Notes:
Today the band sounded really tight. I loved the transitions...from Home to Enough and out of Enough into Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. It was a great moment. Cry Out to Jesus was a huge favorite today. It spoke to many many people. The band played it very well.

ultimate fan

2005-11-12T13:17:00.000-06:00

28-7 end of 2nd OU leading

2005-11-12T12:08:00.000-06:00

my boys are prayinr

2005-11-12T10:45:00.000-06:00