Monday Moanin' (4)

• Bone Prophet show was amazing. Very polished band. Good energy. Very professional. Not alot of message time, but the message they gave was simple and direct. If you missed this show you need to find a way to see them live. Truly one of the best bands around, signed or unsigned.

• Ready to retire the shokjok name. It's lived it's course, died, came back, died again, and has just gotten beyond meaning...................need a new dj name.

• When I started djing you came up with a radio friendly name. Like Arthur P, or Kid Costan, or Doug Podell. Then later the dj so and so stuff came along,  such as dj beatmixer or dj funtime. Never understood the dj before the name part, I mean if your djing they obviously they know your a dj. So should I go back to a stage name. (way back when -high school days- I used Dave Jacobs)(get it? initals are d and j...haha) or should I come up a new dj so and so name? I shall ponder and then have a retirement party online.........to finally lay the dj shokjok name to rest.

• Never really "loved" the shokjok name, but it was kind of handed to me and I came up with some pretty good marketing themes for it. My favorite was to yell out it's the "shokjok with a little bit of Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiidddddddddddddd   Rooooooooccccccccckkkkkkk!"  (those were fun times). But if I need anymore proof that it's time to retire the name, Kid Rock is country now...

• So is it Dave Jacobs? Or DJ Clarus?  (as in Clarus Promotions)

• Clarus - did you know that the word clarus in latin means clear, bright / renowned, famous, illustrious. Just like I like the music to be, clear, bright, renowned and illustrious. (the famous part isnt so important but it is fitting for a promotions company). In Roman times it was the name used by many saints. So I feel I have the perfect sound production, audio entertainment, and promotions name. (but that's just me.................) Most people say "huh?" what's the name again?" how do you spell that?"

• DJ Grand Mill playing a show in Kingston TN tomorrow, I think I'm going.

• Evolution vs creation debate is a very tiresome debate. They've got science I've got faith. Science changes over the years, faith doesn't. They don't see that science changes though, they look at is as we've advanced. But if we've advanced to the point of knowing it all then we will quit advancing, thus the end is near. Faith tells ya that if you look at the shape of the world today the end is near..........so maybe we're not all that different in that area. Wonder what science will tell us is fact in 100 years. I mean there was a time that the world was flat, the sun went around the earth, Pluto was a planet, and dinosaurs we're "believed" to have existed. Science can't prove or disprove God, it still takes faith even in this highly technological advanced world that we exist in.

• I have my first paid writing gig coming up this weekend. Kind of excited, kind of nervous.

• Do you ever pray and NOT ask for something?

• If you charge a fee for your ministry, such as an appearance fee, is it a ministry or your job?

• If you ask for a donation you're thought of as having ulterior motives. So where's the balance? I don't know, just wondering. Your comments are always welcome.

• And God's lesson to me for this week has been about fear. Fear can conquer us if we let it. Fear can stop us before we get started, or stop us in our tracks. I need to learn to overcome fear, because that is how my faith will grow. One goes hand in hand with the other. More faith equals less fear, less fear REQUIRES more faith.

-dP-

Out Of My Mind On a Monday Mornin' (3)

• Was fortunate to see one of the most "real" live shows ever. The Shine Effect and DJ Grand Mill. Just really "real" people. Yes they were performing but you could just feel that the performance wasn't about the "show" but about what was "real". One of those moments when you just think, "wow, I'm happy to be right here, right now".

• Kinda like that new song by Plumb. Need You Now.

• I think that God knew he was going to die for us BEFORE he ever created us, yet he created us anyway because he knew he loved us BEFORE he created us.

• I also think that God wanted to have a relationship with us, and that is the reason he allowed us to fall, so that we could have a relationship with him through his son, Jesus. He knew that was the only way to have a true relationship with us, and break down the barrier between the Creator and the created.

• Humans cannot have relationships with their creations. Oh, we can interact with our computers, and our devices, but those devices cannot do or give anything back to us unless we tell it to. Our devices have ZERO choice in the matter. Us humans have a choice in the matter, and that choice through Jesus allows to have a relationship with our creator.

• Maybe those things are simple to you, but to me they amaze me to consider everytime I think about it.

• Atheism is a religion, no different than christianity, muslim, deity, etc., etc. An absence of god is the God. As Bob Dylan once said "You Gotta Serve Somebody". The choice to believe or not believe in God is given to you by God, which is the strangest kind of love that I can imagine, but nonetheless it is a love that we should all strive for. Yes God does love the atheist.

• Ever notice how greed and ego seem to go hand in hand?

• I don't think the U.S.A. is the most hated country in the world because of who or what we are, I think it's because we support Israel. Israel is the most hated country in the world. Always has been, always will be. It's God's chosen people, of course the world and it's ruler is going to hate it.

• For some this is reason enough to petition our leaders to stop supporting Israel. Wouldn't you rather be hated for supporting God's people than accepted for not?

• I think I'm one of the last people in the world that does not have an Itunes account. I think I'm going to have to finally give in and obtain one. Why one company controls so much of the music, or at least the distribution of the music seems unfair to me, but it is what it is and if I want to get my hands on some of this new stuff coming out, I'm going to need an Itunes account................pity me...........I feel very sad about this.

 

dP

God Loves Atheists

I must admit I hate atheism. Before I go any futher, it's not the atheist I hate but the idea that a human being could not believe in God. I have a deep caring for atheists, I just hate the atheist religion. (yes it's a religion.......the same way all religions are religions)

First off, how can someone believe that there is no God? How can you look at a newborn baby and not even think about God? How can you stand on a mountaintop and not at least consider God? How can one stand on the seashore and not gaze in wonderment at how that came to be? How can anyone not believe in God?

I guess the first answer that is religion. Religion sometimes makes me question God, but then all I have to do is reconsider the amazement of the universe and those thoughts quietly fade.

There is a news article on Google news today about an atheist church in Britain that is growing so fast they have already outgrew their building. OK, let's consider this. First off it's Britain, a historically very christian country. Then let's consider that this made the main page of Google news. When is the last time a christian church made the main page of Google news? When Pat Robertson said something "out there", when a pastor embezzles millions from his congregation, or when a church sues another church over it's name? Yep, that's pretty much what the world sees in christianity, and the christians so called belief in God. Kind of makes it easy to understand why one would not believe in God.

Atheists often state that they have morals, and they are "good" people, they just don't need to believe in God. Well to that I say hogwash. If you take away the bible, you take away the morals. Morals of man change over time. Consider that it was once OK to have slaves, consider that homosexuality used to be considered a disease. Yes Mr. Atheist, you can have morals and thank God that still yet today man's morals state that it's not OK to kill, steal, or hate, however morals change with time unless you follow the morals of God. Scientists have suggested that a pedophile is not much different from a homosexual person. Kids is their "turn on", just like gay men are turned on by men. (I'll post the news link at the bottom). 30 years ago when I was a child, being gay was considered wrong by the majority, today it's widely accepted and even Pastors and church leaders are gay, I wonder if 30 years from now it will be OK for an adult to date, marry, or have sex with children. Before you say that's ludacris, consider what I just said about the homosexual lifestyle from 30 years ago. My point is, that man's morals change over time, and they will always change AWAY from God, if we aren't believing in, or following God.

Life itself. If life is not a gift from God the creator then life has no meaning. You can do all the good in the world that you want, but when you are dead, you are just dead. If life has no purpose other than to "get through it", then how is life precious. If life is not a gift from God, and it just happened, then nothing matters, it just happens. We could blow ourselves up tomorrow and destroy everything, it's OK though because it was all a random mistake anyways.

I would think that being an atheist would be a lonely and depressing choice of living. Most atheists say that is not true, that they are quite happy. Well I'm the happiest too when I choose to ignore my responsiblites and act as if life was as simple as when I was a 6 year old kid. If you don't have a right or a wrong, there is alot of freedom in that. If you have only heard the "thou shalts" and the "thou shalt not" from religion, well there is a lot of bondage and baggage that goes along with that.

If you have heard that God loves you. That God IS love. That God loved you so much he MADE you. That God loves you no matter what you have done, or what you might do, well that changes things a bit. If you can accept that love, and then love in return, your man made morals no longer matter, now you have a purpose for everything. You live a good life because you love he who loved you first, because you want to. No different than when you fall in love with your life mate. You love him/her so you live your life according to a way in which reflects the love that you have. It's hard to love someone that you don't belive in, I understand that. But God says it's OK to try him, to test him, (1 John 4:1) why does he say that? Well probably because he knows that you too will come to an understanding that he is real, and that will cause faith and faith is what it's all about. Believe in God, love him that loves you and the whole world, scratch that, the whole universe changes.

I've heard christians say about atheism, "well if I'm right I'm OK, if they are right I'm still OK". What kind of attitude is that? I mean no wonder there are atheists if that's the view we take. Jesus said to love one another. He said it many many times, over and over again. I think he might of meant that. If we loved each other with the love of Christ, I think it would be the God churches that would be over flowing and the atheist churches that are emptly on Sunday mornings.

If you don't believe in God, in my mind that's OK, but only if you take the time to really consider the other option. (that there is a God). I spend my fair share of time thinking on both sides of the subject, so I'm not asking anything of you that I don't already do. Remember you can be the best person in the world and not ever meet God, the only sin that sends you to hell is the sin of rejecting God. God loves you so much he cannot stand the rejection and he will cast you away. The same way you would send someone away that broke your heart so many times that you just couldn't take it anymore.

Look at the mountains, look at the babies, look at the perfection of Earth and the way that life exists and can only exist the way that it does, and then consider for just a moment..............God. Then stop and think how God loved you so much that he knew he was going to die for you before he even made you.


link to news article: http://gospelsower.com/  (scroll down to about the middle of the page)

dP

Outta My Mind On A Monday Moanin' (2)

Let's start out today with some thoughts and observations from the debut of last nights TV show "The Bible".

• I thought the show was going to be epic. I was a bit disappointed

• The special effects were a bit disappointing as well

• After I got over the fact that this was a story book type of show, and there was not going to be any true meaning revealed, I found myself paying attention to the story. I realized that they left a few details out

• An angel yelled out to Abraham before he was about to sacrifice his son, he didn't just appear on the mountain. Also, Abraham took two men with him as he made his way out to the mountain to prepare the sacrifice of his only son.

• The Israelites walked across the Red Sea on DRY land, it's only stated like 3 times in the bible. I think God really wants us to understand it was DRY land, not the mud on the TV show. (CC DeMille got it so much better.......and that was over 50 years ago)

• No mention of the golden calf at all. Weird because Moses broke the tablets and ended up having to go back up the mountain and get them from God a second time.

• They did touch on Joshua being the one to finally lead the Israelites into the promised land, but they failed to show why it happened that way. Moses disobeyed God, and God punished him by not allowing him to make it to the promised land. However God did show Moses the promised land so that Moses would die knowing that they had made it and that God had kept his word.

• The angels that appeared to Lot? What in the world was up with that? I didn't know they we're even supposed to be angels until after that entire scene was over. An Asian and and African as angels? I mean angels arent any race, I mean like they are angels. But I guess if your going to portray them as people, somehow you have to include it in the story that these are angels so we know. Imagine someone watching that who has no idea of that story.

• What happened to Lot after the burning of the city of Sodom they did not show. Probably too graphic for "family" television, but it's in the bible if you want to look it up. (Yes I just said the bible might be too graphic for "family" television")

• I pondered if maybe God didn't just use the plagues to convince Pharoah to let his people go, but also to SHOW the Israelites that indeed he IS God, and indeed he is going to set them free, so that they would believe.

• And isn't it funny how God is only as real to us as the last miracle or experience we felt. Just like the Israelites thinking that God had brought them out of Egypt only to let them die at the banks of the Red Sea, sometimes we think that God just forgets about us and that he has left us hanging......................but in the end.................if we are patient.............and pay attention...........the Red Sea will open for us too.

• I also was bummed that they didn't show the manna from heaven. God provided daily. He told them to only take enough for a day at a time, and for two days on Saturday. (I say Saturday to keep it simple, but the day before the sabbath, God gave food for two days because he didn't send the manna on the sabbath). It makes me think that God doesnt cook on Sundays.........

• Just like us regular folks of today, some of the Israelites would gather up more food than they needed...........and what happened to it? It spoiled, and stunk up the whole camp.

• Maybe we don't need savings accounts, and financial advisors, maybe we really should live day to day and learn to truly trust God. I bet we'd see more miracles, because I know we'd all learn to have more faith.

• I think the Egyptians felt that the water in the Red Sea had stayed back long enough that it was an act of mother nature, and it was OK that they tried to cross too, about that time God reminded them that he did it.  I think we often forget that "mother nature" is God's hands at work.

• Does anyone else see the irony in the fact that Ihsmael and Hagar left Abraham and went to Egypt? The same Egypt that years later would enslave the Israelites (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob's descendants) for 400 years. There's a lesson there, I will be studying it.

• One lesson to learn, when God tells you he's gonna do something, don't force the issue. (see: Abraham and Sara agreeing that Abraham should just have a son with the maid since Sara was getting old and they were tired of waiting).

Ok, so today's blog ended up being mostly about the TV show "The Bible" from last night, but then again I did watch the show, it got me thinking, and I think someone needed to fill in the blanks. Thanks for reading, now go read Genesis. You will be amazed at how much information is in that book. History, life lessons, and answers to so many questions which science has never been able to disprove.

dP

Question Everything

Would you go to jail for your faith?

Out of 12 disciples, 1 committed suicide (the betrayer Judas), 1 died of old age (John the revelator) and 11 were killed for their faith and their ministry. Would you die for God?

The masses followed him from place to place listening to his message, then the masses later on yelled out "crucify him". Do you follow the crowd?

Did you ever pay attention in the bible where Jesus was talking to his disciples and explaining to them about his upcoming death, and told them, no demanded to them that they obey his commandments; then at the end of that speech he gave them the commandment:  "love one another". Do you love like that?

Why have I never heard anyone preach or try to explain the part of the bible where it tells of the saints being resurrected at Jesus' death and going into the land? What is that supposed to teach me? I want to learn about that.

Was Jesus homeless? I mean in an earthly sense? Does the bible talk about his "house" or "home".  Would you listen to a homeless man on the corner talking about love and sacrifice and being a servant? Would you give him the time of day?

How does a church report 6 million dollars in donations and only 500k in missionary work, or 200k towards feeding the hungry. What happened to the other 5.3 million? Are you posting this because your proud of your work? What about the verse that says give everything to the poor and go into the land? Do you think God cares about your annual report? I mean how do we miss the point so badly?

Maybe no one follows christianity because christianity is just as wrong and foolish as any or all of the other religions. Do you follow your church? Or do you follow God?

Why are there so many churches? With half of them empty?

Is a big church a better church? Does size mean anything more than just size?

If your thinking right now that I have an issue with churches, it's because I do. Jesus didn't tell us to meet up once a week at our little country club, he told us to go into the world. Well I'm not a real smart guy but as far as I know it's very difficult to pick up a building and move it around into the world. Don't get me wrong church has it's place, it's our hospital, our fueling station, our way to hang out with other sinners just like us and be loved while we love, but if church is about size, numbers, or anything OTHER than the advancement of the gospel...............we've missed the mark.

Why are angels and UFO's and paranormal activity shows so prevalent on TV these days?

Why in the 70's were dinosaurs still up for debate?

Has anyone found Bigfoot yet?

Why do most near death experiences report seeing a bright light? Ever read that scripture that says the devil is an angel of light? Does that worry you? (kinda hoping I don't see a light when I die)

How is it that evolution is still taught, when science has basically proven that it can't happen that way.

How is it we know the earth is 6 billion years old or so, but we can't figure out how old the Shroud of Turin is?

Why do we even care about the shroud of Turin? IF it is Jesus, it still won't make the world believers, they'd just all go and worship the shroud instead. (I only bring this up because there was a Discovery channell show on about it the other day.............the show made for a very good nap.)

Ever think of the irony in the fact that scientists have spent gazillions of dollars looking for the god particle? Does it remind you of the tower of Babel? (Nothing really changes..................)

If you would like to ask some questions or provide some insights..........feel free to comment. I do not ask these questions to cause doubt, division, or because I think I know anything. I ask these questions because the answers are in the bible and hopefully you will be challenged to seek the answers for yourself.

And thanks Dad for teaching me to question everything. It really messes up the comfort zone sometimes, but it does help me to discern between truth and accepted truth.

Monday Moanin'

Bob Talbert was a writer for the Detroit News back when I was a kid and delivered papers. He used to write a column on Monday mornings, called "Monday Moanin". In it he would just write random lines about random things. Kind of like a week of Facebook posts in one column (except this was decades before Facebook). It was typically the only thing in the paper that I would read besides the sports section.


Here is my first installment of out of my mind on a Monday Moanin'. (with all respect to Mr. Talbert)

• I have been amazed each time this past week that I have read that Danica Patrick is a role model for young women. The type of amazed where you shake your head in disbelief as to what you just read or saw. 
   
    
• It's not really about gun control it's about the taking away of our rights. This is when people say well they aren't taking away the rights to own guns, just the really bad ones. I then say when did our government become our judge? Who are they to say what is a good gun and what is a bad gun. At that point I note, once a portion of one right is taken the away the seal has been broken and more and more rights or even portions of rights can then be taken away much easier, with less and less of a fight. 
   
    
• Overhead an elderly lady standing in a check out line describing what her health care has become. She called it "euthanasia".  I hung my head and thought about how much that has to be a burden to her. How she might be feeling too old to be relevant, and that her government agrees so they are getting rid of her and her type slowly. Then I thought about my parents.......................
   
    
• Question your government, or your government will act without question.
   
   
• My favorite tweet of this past weeks was: Don't go to church, BE the church.

• Too many churches are like clubs, if you don't fit the profile you don't belong. Thank God EVERONE belongs in Jesus' church.
  
   
• Watching Mike Murdoch is like watching a train wreck. It is SO bad, yet I can't seem to stop watching. I wonder if the audience is paid to set there and look like they believe the stuff.
  
   
• Is there anything more wonderful than young people doing things for God? Is there a faith that is any more pure than that of a young person. (reminds me of Jesus saying that we all need to be as children to enter the kingdom of God).
  
   
• Isn't it ironic that once the major companies bought up all the christian record companies that christian music became so much more main stream, and widely accepted?
  
   
• Does anyone write protest songs anymore?
  
   
• Does anyone protest anymore? Or do we all just call talk shows and complain?
  
   
• Have you ever pondered the thought of Jesus as a boy? Did he play ball? Did little girls flirt with him? Did he skip rocks across the river? Did he climb trees? God became human, Jesus didn't go from the manger to 30 years old over night. The bible doesn't talk alot about it, but Jesus spent time as a little boy. Isn't that an amazing thing to think about? Listen to Rich Mullins' song Boy Like Me, Man Like You.
  
   
• Can you imagine Jesus having the scriptures read to him as a boy? The same scriptures that he helped to write. Wonder what he thought?
  
   
• Why is the devil red? Why are angels usually babies? Why does Jesus look like a white guy with long hair. Why does Jesus have a piece of cloth around his mid section in pictures of the crucifixion? Western images that block out reality.
  
   
• And I leave you with this: ACTS 14:8 (NIV)  In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. ⁹ He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed ¹⁰ and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.   {That man had faith, I want to have faith like that}.  

You aint' nothin without love......

God has been speaking to me about love lately.

Like love your enemies, love strangers, love when your crabby, and love when your just not feeling it.

That all sounds so cliche, but I've been thinking about it in a different light lately. We all like to think that we love. But then again we all have our ego's that protect us from the truth about ourselves. When is the last time I smiled at someone just because? When is the last time I gave money to a homeless guy on the street, even if I felt they we're going to use it on alcohol or drugs? It's not my place to judge what they do with the money, or justify not giving it to them because they might use it for bad, it is my responsibility to love. How bout handing them a 5 spot and then asking them if I could pray for them? A stranger? Right there on the street...........a guy that smells and is dirty? Hand him a 5 spot (or more) and then ask him if I can pray for him? Me? I should do that? Well in a short answer..........YES.

Isn't that what we are commanded to do? Isn't that the only thing Jesus said we should worry about? Loving others. Feeding the poor and the hungry.........

I spend more on cable TV than I give to homeless charities. I spend more on cable TV than I give to hungry people.

As members of the club USA we have it pretty nice. Even our minimum wage workers make more money than most do in third world countries. Times are tough all over, that is a true statement, however loving doesn't cost a dime. I've been feeling like I want to do more for God, when in reality anything is more than what I'm currently doing.

I've been learning to be nicer to people, this is a tougher thing to do than some would imagine. I grew up in the cold hard life of Detroit Michigan, where people just aren't typically very nice and if they are you wonder what they are up to. It's not just the living in the south thing, it's a heaviness that has been upon my heart lately that I should love more. Smile to strangers, talk to strangers (very tough for me, as I'm quite a private person). Give more to those that need, and just love. Not preach, not argue, not question.....................just love.

I'm inviting anyone that may read this to do the same. If God is Love........(according to the bible), then when we love we share a piece of God with that person. Some take great pride in the number of souls that answer their altar calls, some take great pride in the songs they write and sing, some take great pride in the "work" they do for the church, but God said to love. Just love and he takes care of the rest.

What is it that most athiests say? Don't tell me or teach me that there is a god, SHOW ME! How do you show? You LOVE!

..........dP

(You can be a righteous rocker, or a holy roller, you can be most anything......but without love you are nothing, you are nothing without love) - Larry Norman

My First Visit to New Orleans

I was fortunate to be able to visit the city of New Orleans over the past weekend. I was invited down to dj a wedding for a friend, and while that was the main reason for traveling to New Orleans I was also able to take in a bit of what the city has to offer and to see. Here are some random thoughts on my first visit to New Orleans, Louisianna.

• Traveling to Louisianna through Mississippi from Tennessee is a very long and steady decline. I knew that parts of New Orleans is actually below sea level, but traveling on the roads and experiencing the steady decline was a eye opening experience.
• The landscape is very flat and very wet. Swamps are just for the TV shows, they have alot of swamp area, and weltands
• Shell oil company has quite a few oil pipelines running along the shore lines of the southern tip of Louisianna. We all think about the oil we get from the middle east, but we pump alot of oil from the gulf of Mexico.
• You would think with the Shell oil pipelines that gas would be a bit cheaper than in other parts of the country, however the opposite is true. Gas for the most part was consistently the same price through out the entire road trip, with Tennesse having the cheapest gas that I purchased. Shell gas stations all seemed to actually be HIGHER in price than most other gas stations. On one corner I observed that a Shell station was selling gas for 16 cents MORE than the Exxon station right across the street.
• People build their houses along the coast with some major stilts. But then again some don't. I was wondering why some would and others would not, how would that make sense?
• We as Americans may be in a recession, but you would never know it when you pass by the shops in New Orleans and walk Burboun street at night. People everywhere spending money.
• Katrina still has marks on the city. Most of the "affluent" areas have been rebuilt and they all look new and pretty, but the "inner city" is still quite devasted. We even saw a childs play set still lodged in a tree top (it's been over 7 years).
• The highways that we're taken out are new and rebuilt, so for the most part New Orleans has some very nice road ways.
• The road over Lake Pontchartrain is quite an engineering miracle. How they do that I will never understand.
• Beads are everywhere. People decorate their porches with them, place them on tombs in the cemetaries, and even decorate the trees with them.
• It's amazing that there are stores that just sell beads.
• A tour guide informed us, that beads have no spiritual or historical relevance, that they are used for what we all know as Mardi Gras, or for placing in random places as decorations, and they are mostly made in China is sweat shops..........................
• So these folks in China make beads in sweat shops so we can get drunk and throw them at people............................
• Alcohol is everywhere, it's got to be one of the biggest economical currencies because it is everywhere. It's even legal to walk the streets with a drink in your hand as long as it's in a plastic container. You can take your drinks from bar to bar, this is very strange to someone that grew up in Michigan where alcohol is controlled like it's some big government gift to the people.
• The cemetaries are very interesting. They bury their dead in above ground tombs. The dead are there for 366 days and then the next dead person is placed in the tomb. The 366 days is so that your remains are not disturbed on the day that you died. I was told that the tombs become like an oven in the Louisianna heat, bascially making for a long slow cremation. When the tombs are opened after the 366 days the only remains are typically that of dust and dirt. This causes one to remember that we start out as nothing, and when we are gone we become nothing but dust. One more reason to take care of the spirit inside of us all, our bodies are just dirt walking.
• The reason for being buried in tombs are twofold. Some say it's because of the water tablet in the area and "flooding". If the graves all flooded there would be bodies everywhere. The other reason given is that it was brought over by the Irish and French. In doing some quick research I found that both reasons are fully supported, so the real reason is probaby a combination of both.
• Voodoo looms large in the area. The voodoo priestess Marie Laveau is supposedly buried in a tomb in cemetary #1. People leave her beads, rocks, coins, and Jameson bottles ( I assume she was Irish). People also put three (xxx) x'es on her tomb in hopes that she will grant them a wish. It's crazy to me that people have no problem believing this but question God.
• The Superdome seems (ie looks) smaller than the Silverdome, but I was told it's not. .
• New Orleans was quite clean considering how many people there are, and that visit. Cops we're very noticeable so you felt safe. Not many beggars in the french quarter (I'm sure that's on purpose).
• Cab drivers are quick. They don't like to go to the south bank of the river, but they will if you tip well. Crossing the Mississippi river on a ferry is much more fun than in the back of a cab.
• I was a bit dissapointed that there wasnt more street music, and only two bars (that I found) playing the New Orleans style of music. We mostly heard classic rock cover bands, while I was hoping for some Louie Armstrong and Fats Domino. But then we weren't there during Mardi Gras and we we're told that you see more of it during that time.
• The ride home saw us taking a ride along the gulf coast. I had never seen the gulf before, so this was a ride with a purpose. I was able to walk on the white sand beaches and stick my finger in the water. Gathered a few sea shells and took lots of pictures. The only surprsing thing to me during this portion of the trip was the amount of casino's in Mississippi along the gulf coast. I mean I'm talking like a casino every 3 or 4 miles. It's like Vegas on the water. Weird, neat, and interesting we're the words that kept coming to mind. I also wondered why I don't hear more about this, like we do Vegas.

I enjoyed my time in NOLA (as it's abbreviated). I am glad that I got to scratch it off my bucket list. If your ever going, take alot of money, and plan to walk alot to fully take it all in. It's a party town that is for sure, but there is also a ton of history there and that was the most enjoyable part of my visit for me.

The Top Christian Rock Songs Of All Time

Stealing this from the Righteous Rock Radio website, since they are taking it down to begin their weekly countdowns.

TOP CHRISTIAN ROCK SONGS OF ALL TIME

• 25 - I Need A Miracle - Third Day (it's too new to be any higher, but someday I think it will
• 24 - To Hell With The Devil - Stryper (they infiltrated the other side with this song)
• 23 - Light Your Candle - Steve Camp (summarizes what his music and ministry is about)
• 22 - Shotgun Angel - Daniel Amos (just a great country driving song)
• 21 - Addey - DeGarmo and Key (one of those story songs that could of been written by Dylan or the Eagles)
• 20 - In The Kingdom - Whitecross (the definitve song for the genre)
• 19 - Judas Kiss - Petra (why are you looking for the devil when you should be looking for the Lord?)
• 18 - Built For Glory - Lost Dogs (great coffee shop type song that keeps it all in perspective)
• 17 - We Were All So Young - Randy Stonehill (song about the Jesus Music movement, w/ Larry, Keaggy, and more)
• 16 - I Love - Malcolm and Alwynn (how can you not be happy when you listen to this one?)
• 15 - Great American Novel - Larry Norman (how does one write a dated song that is relevant 30 yrs later?)
• 14 - The Vow - Geoff Moore (a serious song about a serious subject done so softly)
• 13 - God Gave Rock N Roll To You - Petra (even Kiss likes this song)
• 12 - Hero - Steve Taylo (can't put the whole album on here, but it was a first of its kind)
• 11 - Six Sixty Six - Larry Norman (prophetic or poetic or both?)
• 10 - Shine - Newsboys (make em think somthing's up)
• 09 - Best Thing - Big Tent Revival (powerful)
• 08 - Six Six Six - DeGarmon and Key (wastn good enough for MTV, but it's good enough for me)
• 07 - Flood - Jars Of Clay (has there ever been a bigger cross over hit?)
• 06 - He Will Listen To You - Mark Heard (from the first lick this song captures you)
• 05 - I Believe In You - Bob Dylan (a beautiful proclamation of faith)
• 04 - Keep Me Runnin - Randy Stonehill (if theres ever been a perfectly produced song this is it)
• 03 - Jesus Freak - DC Talk (in you face, grunge, rap, rock, a message, they took over the genre with this one)
• 02 - Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music - Larry Norman (arent we all glad this was asked)
• 01 - The Outlaw - Larry Norman (one of the best descriptions of Jesus' life ever put to paper)

New Vinyl

I found the creme de la creme when it comes to christian rock records online at Ebay. Randy Stonhill's Born Twice. Rumored that only about 400 copies were ever made. I was able to purchase one with a "promotional use" only stamp on the cover. Then just yesterday I found one of the most rare Larry Norman albums, "Street Level". Before Larry re-issued this album on CD, it used to trade among collectors in the hundreds of dollars (now you can find it for around 35 bucks). I was fortunate to find it in a record store for 7 bucks. I'll be converting both of these albums to digital for some airplay time. Just mentioning this because before the age of the internet, these albums we're very difficult to come by............and I'm feeling fortunate to have both in my collection now.

Station Update

Upating the music library, and trying to get some organization to it. The radio station should be online by tomorrow at the very latest..........this is getting tedious.

Been A Minute

Well, it's been a minute. I am in the process of hooking up with an online radio station where I will be djing and hopefully writing a blog. So in the process of trying to set up a blog, I find this, my old blog from way long time ago.

Since my last post I have moved to Tennessee. I have obtained work with a audio production company. I run sound at a bar a few times a week for money, but the good money and the fun is when we do special events and shows. I don't really like the bar biz anymore but it pays the bills and beats the heck out of 9-5.

I also do some Ebay trading, mostly PA equipment and music or music memorabilia type stuff.

I am just starting with this radio station, and I hope to be a bit more current on posts, and I also hope to get back into writing for Examiner.com

This station should be a fun station. Christian music, mostly rock but some other genre's too. I'll be doing the classic christian rock show. If I'm gonna dream big, I hope I get this started and some radio station(s) picks it up for distribution. I mean classic rock is extremely huge still...........why not the classic christian music too?

Stay tuned...............................
Oh and visit www.3r-radio.com in the next few days. It should be up and running by early next week.

Bob Seger In Detroit

And I'm on my way. Tonite is the nite as Rockin Robert Seger returns to the Motor City for the first time in over a decade. I was too young to see Elvis or The Beatles, wouldn't pay the money to see the Stones, but there are two artists that I've always wanted to see live. Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger IN DETROIT. Tonite that dream comes true and I am pumped. Seger to me IS Detroit, important but often overlooked. (what would the world be without cars?). He's not the favorite of many but he is liked by most. His biggest hits weren't even hits. Old Time Rock N Roll was released, but then became huge when it was re-released for the movie (think Tom Cruise dancing). Turn The Page was a live cut off 0f the greatest live album ever, but it wasn't a single. Seger is like Alan Trammell, not the best ever, but would you want anyone else on your team? Rock N Roll Never Forgets and tonite I along with Juls and Mom and Dad will remember why. Let It Rock...............

What If (part 1)

What if that hole they have found in the ozone layer is supposed to be there? OK think about it this way before you lock me up. Cars have to rid themselves of exhaust or they won't run. Humans have to be able to burp and fart or they will die. The earth has volcanoe's that allow for gases to erupt from beneath when it becomes too much pressure to hold back. Everything has to be able to rid itself of it's unwanted "fumes". So perhaps that hole in the ozone layer is a good thing. Maybe that's were all the bad stuff we humans creates escapes into outer space and becomes nothing because there is nothing in outer space. I remember as a kid that the hole in the ozone layer was going to burn up the earth if we didn't fix it, my kid is learning the same thing in school now. So I guess we never fixed it, but then I guess we ain't burned up yet either, so maybe ...............just maybe...................that hole is there for a reason.............hmmm. What if.

ELECTION DAY

Be sure to vote today. Sometimes people think that one vote doesn't make a difference, but if a million people that thought that way actually went out and voted IT WOULD BE THE DIFFERENCE.

Seger Sets VanAndel Arena Record

Sold out in 4 minutes! Another show is added and that one sells out in 10 minutes. Congrats to Bob Seger (as if he needs me to say that...). Tix were only 55 bucks. Very affordable all things considered. No I did not get tix, however I am going to try to get some in Detroit when they go on sale for those dates. It would be awesome to see Detroit's favorite rocker in Detroit.

Tigers Beat Yanks

And I was there. Game 4 Saturday night at Comerica Park. What excitement that was in the air. After the game was over no one wanted to leave. We all just stood and waited for someone to wake us up, like it was a dream or something. I've been a Tiger fan all my life and I love baseball so this was truly a magical moment in my life. To actually be at a playoff game in Detroit. The streets were crazy outside after the game but everyone behaved responsibly. Just a great time. Now we need to beat the A's 4 times and we go to the World Series. YEAH BABY!!!!!!!

Seger to tour

Bob Seger has announced that he is going to tour to support his new album. For me being from Detroit this is the same as Springsteen touring or the Rolling Stones. I am anxiously waiting for ticket announcements and tour dates. He has stated that he will open the tour in Grand Rapids. (taking a page out of Kid Rock's tour schedule). I'm sure after GR it will be onto Detroit. He still holds the record for the Palace of Auburn Hills from the last time he toured. 6 dates, over 100,00 tix sold in less than 4 hours. WOW!!!! And that was 10+ years ago. Tour is supposed to kick off in late October or early November. Hope he's not in town on Oct 28th, we'll have to cancel the Halloween Party.

TIGERS ARE IN!!!!!!

Tigers clinched a playoff spot yesterday. What an awesome season. One thing that made it so great was how surprising it was. It's been 19 years (1987) since the Tigers last made the playoffs. Wow, how time surely flies. If your a fan, cherish the moments, it's going to be a fun October. It's almost unbelievable that they are going to the playoffs. I've got tickets to the second home playoff game, I just hope they make it that far. Detroit will go crazy if the Tigers go deep into the playoffs, and I can't even imagine how insane it will be if they win it all. GO TIGERS!!!

NEW BOB SEGER ALBUM DUE OUT

Bob Seger has a new album due out this month on the 12th I believe. Show this fellow Michigander some love and pick it up. It will be a country/classic rock type album. Typical Seger type music. He's our hall of famer, we should definately show him support because you know the radio stations sure won't.