Today is Wednesday. I have about 2 weeks or so left of school. It's getting to be crunch time. I still have to finish my second major news story for Rob's class which I've been putting off. I have the information to write it but I'm not feeling like a writer.
I'm sitting in an empty class because I have no friends. Well that's not true. The mad catz behind me are pretty cool. Hey Meg and Mel!
I should start studying for a news quiz. And maybe get something to eat. I'm shtarvin'
peace.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
oh Kramer
You’ve really crossed the line this time Cosmo Kramer.
A couple weeks ago, former Seinfeld star Michael Richards performed at a comedy club in Los Angeles. During the routine, Richards got fired up over some comments made by two black hecklers in the audience.
Shockingly, Richards began to lash out at the two men by yelling racial slurs and obscenities. The tirade went on for about two minutes. It was captured on camera-video by a member in the audience. It was put up on the internet shortly after.
Since then, Richards has appeared on Letterman to apologize nationally. He said his comments were fueled by rage and that he was not a racist. He feels shattered about what he did and is now seeking psychiatric counseling to uncover the reasons behind his rage.
He went on Rev. Jesse Jackson's radio program to apologize to the black community in the U.S. and specifically the two men in the audience.
This came across as very shocking. It is appalling! What was going through his mind when he said those things? How bad did he get heckled? Aren’t stand-up comedians heckled at every show? It comes with the job therefore you think an experienced veteran such as Richards would be able to handle it.
There could be many reasons why he said what he said. If you watch the video, it might seem that he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Or perhaps the hecklers weren’t shutting up and letting Richards do his bit.
Whatever the reason may be, there is no excuse for Richards actions. He was caught being a racial bigot and is now paying the price.
An issue raised is why did the club let people with cell phones or video cameras in? Comedians say a lot of controversial things in their sketches and any dimwad with a video camera can capture it and put it up on the web, causing it to be a bigger issue than it really is. What about privacy? What about respect? No one asked Richards if they could videotape his show.
In our world today, almost everyone has a cell phone that can capture video clips. Wouldn’t Richards know that he could potentially be taped? If he thought that, it might have changed his attitude that night. A person changes when they have a camera pointed at them. They act in a different manner because they know other people will see it.
What is also interesting is that a African-American can call a white man a ‘cracker’ and not get in trouble for it but once we say the ‘n’ word, we are suddenly prejudice. We really should examine the words and their meanings. Or choose to not say them at all.
The image of Cosmo Kramer is now tainted. Watching Seinfeld is different now because of what happened. It’s really too bad.
A couple weeks ago, former Seinfeld star Michael Richards performed at a comedy club in Los Angeles. During the routine, Richards got fired up over some comments made by two black hecklers in the audience.
Shockingly, Richards began to lash out at the two men by yelling racial slurs and obscenities. The tirade went on for about two minutes. It was captured on camera-video by a member in the audience. It was put up on the internet shortly after.
Since then, Richards has appeared on Letterman to apologize nationally. He said his comments were fueled by rage and that he was not a racist. He feels shattered about what he did and is now seeking psychiatric counseling to uncover the reasons behind his rage.
He went on Rev. Jesse Jackson's radio program to apologize to the black community in the U.S. and specifically the two men in the audience.
This came across as very shocking. It is appalling! What was going through his mind when he said those things? How bad did he get heckled? Aren’t stand-up comedians heckled at every show? It comes with the job therefore you think an experienced veteran such as Richards would be able to handle it.
There could be many reasons why he said what he said. If you watch the video, it might seem that he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Or perhaps the hecklers weren’t shutting up and letting Richards do his bit.
Whatever the reason may be, there is no excuse for Richards actions. He was caught being a racial bigot and is now paying the price.
An issue raised is why did the club let people with cell phones or video cameras in? Comedians say a lot of controversial things in their sketches and any dimwad with a video camera can capture it and put it up on the web, causing it to be a bigger issue than it really is. What about privacy? What about respect? No one asked Richards if they could videotape his show.
In our world today, almost everyone has a cell phone that can capture video clips. Wouldn’t Richards know that he could potentially be taped? If he thought that, it might have changed his attitude that night. A person changes when they have a camera pointed at them. They act in a different manner because they know other people will see it.
What is also interesting is that a African-American can call a white man a ‘cracker’ and not get in trouble for it but once we say the ‘n’ word, we are suddenly prejudice. We really should examine the words and their meanings. Or choose to not say them at all.
The image of Cosmo Kramer is now tainted. Watching Seinfeld is different now because of what happened. It’s really too bad.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
i've been listening to a mockingbird lately
"I'm in love. Never been so sure of anything. Then again, could be a tumour in my brain."
ok so I'm in love with Derek Webb's music. That's a line from "Mistake of my life" from Caedmon's "Long Line of Leavers" album. I thought I'd use it to describe my view on his music.
To be honest, I've been challenged in my faith more by listening to Dereks latest album "Mockingbird" than I have by the pastors in the various churches I have been to in the last couple months. He's fresh and his music does not fit the christian norm which I'm quite happy about. Christian music is bland and unoriginal, well most of it but there are a few artists who are turning it around. Check out andrew osenga. He used to be in a band called the Normals and now he's lead guitarist in Caedmons (filling the spot leftover by D.Webb). He just put out a full length cd called "The Morning" which rocks. It is funny and introspective.
Guys like AndyO and D.Webb are making music that takes talent and skill. They're not making music that is blatantly Christian and every "Christian" song doesn't have to be. People today are interested in the music more than what is being said and I think many Christian artists are falling behind in this category. People like Tim Hughes or Matt Redman are pumping out bland worship songs that are unoriginal but please the Christian masses. We need more Christian artists who are willing to create good music so the Gospel can be preached through it. And you don't need to write songs like "Days of Elijah" (which I hate with a passion due to theological issues) or "Better Is One Day" to get out your message. Moderen Christian praise and worship music is dying. We need to change our tune.
If I offend anyone, I'd love to hear feedback. I love an argument.
ok so I'm in love with Derek Webb's music. That's a line from "Mistake of my life" from Caedmon's "Long Line of Leavers" album. I thought I'd use it to describe my view on his music.
To be honest, I've been challenged in my faith more by listening to Dereks latest album "Mockingbird" than I have by the pastors in the various churches I have been to in the last couple months. He's fresh and his music does not fit the christian norm which I'm quite happy about. Christian music is bland and unoriginal, well most of it but there are a few artists who are turning it around. Check out andrew osenga. He used to be in a band called the Normals and now he's lead guitarist in Caedmons (filling the spot leftover by D.Webb). He just put out a full length cd called "The Morning" which rocks. It is funny and introspective.
Guys like AndyO and D.Webb are making music that takes talent and skill. They're not making music that is blatantly Christian and every "Christian" song doesn't have to be. People today are interested in the music more than what is being said and I think many Christian artists are falling behind in this category. People like Tim Hughes or Matt Redman are pumping out bland worship songs that are unoriginal but please the Christian masses. We need more Christian artists who are willing to create good music so the Gospel can be preached through it. And you don't need to write songs like "Days of Elijah" (which I hate with a passion due to theological issues) or "Better Is One Day" to get out your message. Moderen Christian praise and worship music is dying. We need to change our tune.
If I offend anyone, I'd love to hear feedback. I love an argument.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
gee it's about time for an update
This past weekend was a blast folks! The drive up on Thursday night was a bit rough to the extreme amount of fog on the road, especially through Algonquin Park. I drove slower because I didn't want to hit a moose or doe which made the ride a lot longer. But we made it safe and sound and it was great to see Ruth's family again.
My friend Luke also spent the weekend with us. He drove up from Toronto on Friday. Everyone in Liz's (Ruth's sister) house had left that morning to either shop or go play hockey. I stayed behind to do my laundry and cleaned their house for them. It was the least I could do. I know it's a tad weird but I felt like I should. Before the trip, I had bought Matt May's latest album, "When the Angels Make Contact." Consequently, being alone in a huge house, I cranked the music! Check his music out...he might have a myspace page or something.
Anyway, I left Magnetewan to head out to Huntsville which is about a 45 minute drive to meet Luke. We met at Wal-Mart and I bought some rich chocolate mints. I have a weak spot for mints.
Blah blah blah, the weekend was good. Ruth, Luke and I went to North Bay on Saturday to hang out and we went to a neat little coffee shop called Twiggs. It looked exactly like Starbucks. Right down to the color and everything. It was also Ruth's birthday Saturday. She turned 20!
Luke also bought a game called "Apples to Apples," a very fun game where you're given an green adjective card and you have to put 1 of your 7 cards (which are nouns) down, and it has to be what you think best describes it. It is hilarious and fun for the whole family.
We went for a hike on Sunday in Magnetewan in the woods behind Ruth's old house. As we traveled along, we came across a river leading into a small waterfall. It also started snowing that day which made everything look magical. Instead of leaving for Belleville on Sunday, we decided to stay an extra night and leave in the afternoon the next day. That way we wouldn't have to drive in the dark for 4 hours back home and we could spend some quality time with her family.
Now we are back in town. And that's all I have for now.
My friend Luke also spent the weekend with us. He drove up from Toronto on Friday. Everyone in Liz's (Ruth's sister) house had left that morning to either shop or go play hockey. I stayed behind to do my laundry and cleaned their house for them. It was the least I could do. I know it's a tad weird but I felt like I should. Before the trip, I had bought Matt May's latest album, "When the Angels Make Contact." Consequently, being alone in a huge house, I cranked the music! Check his music out...he might have a myspace page or something.
Anyway, I left Magnetewan to head out to Huntsville which is about a 45 minute drive to meet Luke. We met at Wal-Mart and I bought some rich chocolate mints. I have a weak spot for mints.
Blah blah blah, the weekend was good. Ruth, Luke and I went to North Bay on Saturday to hang out and we went to a neat little coffee shop called Twiggs. It looked exactly like Starbucks. Right down to the color and everything. It was also Ruth's birthday Saturday. She turned 20!
Luke also bought a game called "Apples to Apples," a very fun game where you're given an green adjective card and you have to put 1 of your 7 cards (which are nouns) down, and it has to be what you think best describes it. It is hilarious and fun for the whole family.
We went for a hike on Sunday in Magnetewan in the woods behind Ruth's old house. As we traveled along, we came across a river leading into a small waterfall. It also started snowing that day which made everything look magical. Instead of leaving for Belleville on Sunday, we decided to stay an extra night and leave in the afternoon the next day. That way we wouldn't have to drive in the dark for 4 hours back home and we could spend some quality time with her family.
Now we are back in town. And that's all I have for now.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
somewhere north of here...
Yes, I know I stole the title from Caedmon's Call song but I couldn't help it. This weekend, my wife and I are taking the long trek up north to celebrate her birthday at her home! I've got the presents bought and I've been working to finish as much school work as possible so that I won't have to worry about it this weekend. I'll probably be more thankful then, rather than I am now!
I just drank some Five Alive (Citrus). Oh so good. I'm watching Season Six of Friends and Ross has just lied to Rachel about getting an annulment on their marriage. I love this show.
Ruth is ironing a shirt for work tomorrow and I'm only wearing one sock.
We're also looking forward to seeing Lukas this weekend. It's been a while and I'm excited to show him my beard I've been growing.
I just drank some Five Alive (Citrus). Oh so good. I'm watching Season Six of Friends and Ross has just lied to Rachel about getting an annulment on their marriage. I love this show.
Ruth is ironing a shirt for work tomorrow and I'm only wearing one sock.
We're also looking forward to seeing Lukas this weekend. It's been a while and I'm excited to show him my beard I've been growing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)