Archive for May, 2008

Today in Music History 05/31

May 31, 2008

TiMH May 31

Today in Music HistoryIn 1948, legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham is born.

In 1969, The Rolling Stones recorded “Honky Tonk Women.”

In 1969, The Plastic Ono Band recorded “Give Peace A Chance” during a ‘bed-in’ at the Hotel La Reine in Montreal, Canada.

In 1975, the Eagles released the “One Of These Nights” single.

In 1982, R.E.M. signed a five-album deal with I.R.S. Records, an independent label based in California.

A Moment of Truth by Tom Leu

Volume and intensity do not necessarily equal value and intelligence.

Today in Music History 05/30

May 30, 2008

TiMH May 30

Today in Music HistoryIn 1964, Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello is born.

In 1964, The Beatles’ single “Love Me Do” hit #1 in the United States.

In 1968, The Beatles began recording sessions for the White album.

In 1975, Paul McCartney & Wings release the Venus and Mars album.

In 1992, The Black Crowes’ second album, The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion, went to No.1 on the US album chart.

A Moment of Truth by Tom Leu
People often ask the question “Why?” when fearing they know the answer already, but want a different one.

how to get traffic for your blog

May 28, 2008

Here is a very informative post from best-selling author Seth Godin on how to attract traffic and keep people coming back to your blog again and again. I refer to it often. Click HERE to read the entire 56-point post! Web-hounds everywhere will be glad you did.

“Simplicity”

May 28, 2008

Simplicity by Mark Salomon

Simplicity by Mark Salomon

A very interesting book written by the lead singer from the rock band Stavesacre, whose music career had been spent primarily in the evangelical Christian market.  Mark discusses his life and journey to and through his faith, his music, and his resolve today to resist labels and categorization.  Finally someone who really tells it like it is without sugar-coating.  An insiders looks at the intersection of music and faith. A great read for musicians and spiritual seekers alike.  BUY it here.

lost and found

May 27, 2008

Many religious adherents applaud those who claim to have been “lost” but are now “found” - this is viewed as good. 

Their system is set up to save the lost and free the found. The lost are herded into the confines of the flock where they are shown the way… the right way; the only way, some say. They join the team and begin to identify with the like-minded, previously lost, but now-found-fellowship. Their new-found conviction now requires the recruitment of new converts. And on and on it goes…

But what about those who claim no need for some brand of spiritual group identification or belonging? There are many well-adjusted people who have no need to be affiliated with some group to know who they are - and no need to be told and sold what to believe in. This is viewed as bad because these folks (according to fellowship), are still lost - blindly believing they aren’t. See how it works? The only true way is their way… those who “believe the good stuff” as I’ve heard it said. You cannot win otherwise. And “winning” of course means an eternal spiritual victory and everlasting life because you chose the right team.

This is self-serving, circular reasoning that initially appears very compelling, but is hardly true. One’s identity need not be produced from some group ideology. As soon as one has to belong to a group to really belong, the purpose of the group is now defeated and its value diminished.

Here’s a thought:

Instead of “lost” → “found”

How about ”learning” → “growing” → ”fulfilled”

Works for me…

Photo - July 17th, 1963: A collection of bibles at a lost and found area at a Jehovah’s Witness convention. (Photo by Reg Lancaster/Express/Getty Images)

“What God Wants”

May 26, 2008

What God Wants by Neale Donald WalschWhat God Wants by Neale Donald Walsch

Easily the most impactful book of spiritual reflections that I have ever read.  The questions, the current and historical references, and the logic behind the book’s premise are profoundly simple, but startling.  Reading this book urges me to further explore other great spiritual texts of the world besides only those common to the western culture.  If you’re unwilling to even consider the concepts presented here, you’re in danger of missing out on universal truths that have impacted world cultures throughout history and across centuries.  BUY it here.

Why is it…? #4

May 25, 2008

why is it?That some assume enthusiasm equals evidence?

That so often feelings get confused with facts?

That some adhere to religion at the expense of reason?

That so many attempt to make science out of that which is only speculation?

Why is it…?