This Guy Falls Down

A computer clinic with Carlos

Other than when I first got into blogging (that would be through Rebecca's book), every time I've ever learned how to do anything online has been through someone showing me how (and why!) I need to do it.  Tonight the world famous Carlos Whittaker showed me how to set up accounts with Facebook and Twitter.  Now I just need to figure out how to use them...

I also got to try posole for the first time.  That stuff is off the hook!

HIM concert in Atlanta

(NOTE:  HIM is a metal band, and as such, they sing about some pretty dark stuff.  Ergo, I do not endorse this band or their views.  I know, it may seem silly to say that, but 1) I can see the emails coming and 2) I really don't intend to lead anyone down a wrong path.)

I had never heard of HIM until a few weeks ago I saw a video of theirs.  As they describe themselves, they're the original "love metal" band.  Besides being from Finland, they set themselves apart from most every other metal band in that they actually know how to write a big chorus.  And their singer skips the usual metal vocal cliches for a deep Bowie-esque baritone for the most part.  So, since I've been on a hard music kick, and these guys were in Atlanta, I found myself at the show Sunday night.

The show pretty much rocked.  Everyone ruled on their respective instruments, especially the guitarist.  He comes out of that simple, heavy, squawky Zakk Wylde school, and they sounded huge for just having one guitarist.  Overall, the show was a bit one dimensional.  Their songs are strong enough that they could've done a couple songs acoustic and it would've added another texture to the concert.

I think what was most intriguing about the night was the audience in attendance.  Most of the people there reminded me of our crowd.  20's to 40's, with even a few people bringing their kids.  I was totally expecting a Hot Topic kind of crowd, so I was obviously surprised.  And the place was almost totally full, with people singing along with every note.  For having just heard of them myself, and me being way into music, I kept asking myself "How did all of these people hear about this band?"

One other hilarious thing to mention:  for the "encore" the band didn't come back out.  Instead they just set up a bunch of inflatable lawn Christmas decorations and played some eerie music.  And that was it.

So to recap - a good show by a really good band.  But once again, be warned.  It's dark stuff.  All of the songs are along the Romeo-and-Juliet-let's-die-together vein, with some occult-type imagery thrown in for good measure. 

Dude!!!

(via speakergeek)

(BTW - just realized this was a beer commercial. Sorry. Not like you've never seen one of those!)

Inside the mind of a nerd

OK, so I know you're sitting there thinking "Why, I've seen inside the mind of a nerd. I've been reading your blog, dude." Hang on there, Einstein, I was referring to this article. I definitely found a lot of myself in here. Definitely the concept of a nerd always working on a "project", and DEFINITELY the idea of a "cave". But there are things about me that would drive a true nerd crazy. One look at my cluttered computer desktop would send most nerds screaming...

(via Down to Zero)

"Real guitars are for old people"

I know, I know. I'm not a big South Park fan either. But this clip deftly points out the obvious irony inherent in Guitar Hero. Plus it's the hardest I've laughed in recent memory...

Jenkins and LaHaye weigh in on The Golden Compass

When I first saw the transcript of this interview, I can't say I had the best attitude. But these guys make some great points. And best of all, they admit they haven't read the book.

My favorite quote comes from Jenkins: "You know, we live in a free society where we`re competing in
the marketplace of ideas, and I say bring it on, but make it clear
what you`re doing, and then if it`s something that kids shouldn`t see,
then parents ought to keep them from seeing it."

(Transcript: Glenn Beck Show, via Bully Pulpit News)

BECK: I mean, I have my standards, America.

You know how Hollywood knows it has a potential hit on its hands?
Probably when the movie in question pisses off as many people as
possible, it`s always a good sign to them. With nearly two months to
go before it actually hits theaters, "The Golden Compass" is the
latest example of this controversy-to-cash equation, having already
been the source of an angry press release by the Catholic League for,
quote, "selling atheism to kids," and, ironically enough, the National
Secular Society of London, because the filmmakers took out all the
really juicy anti-religious parts.

The film is based on the first installment of an award-winning
children`s series called "His Dark Materials." Nothing spooky or
sketchy about that title, huh? The author is an avowed atheist. But if
Tinseltown has already pretty much sanitized it for our protection,
what`s the problem?

Well, Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, authors of the wildly popular
"Left Behind" series, are here to tell us.

Read the book before you boycott it

Great. Here we go again. Another controversial movie coming out based on a controversial book, and people who haven't read the book are rushing to boycott it. We've got to kill the spider on the wall. We're not smart enough, our kids can't make their own way, God's not big enough to stand up to the test. So we've got to get rid of it. We've got to boycott it. Ban it!

Or, there's another way. Read the book. I'm not asking you to get your 8 year old to read it. I'm not asking you to see the film either. But bear in mind, Lord of the Rings was rated PG-13. This will be at least PG. It's not made for little kids, not intended for little kids. No one's asking small children to see it*. Once again though, everyone wants someone else to do the parenting for them.

On a personal level, look at me. I listened to Ozzy and Motley Crue in high school. I studied in a liberal arts program in college with liberal professors. And God is still alive for me. In fact, he's the most important thing in my life. I want the same for my kids. But at some point they've got to decide for themselves. I promise you - they can handle it, and so can God.

Obviously if people are wanting to ban something, then it's challenging. Read the book**, let it challenge you. Heck, challenge the book. Challenge the film. But please don't boycott it. And please don't ban it.

I bought the book yesterday, and I'm 50 pages in. Look for a review. Who knows? Maybe I'll hate it. And on the "I'm not going to give my money to support that" front, that's what libraries are for.

* That would be the one case where my ire would be raised...

** Also, just to clarify, I'm not advocating that everyone drop what they're doing and run out and get this book. I'm just saying that if your first reaction is to jump on the boycott bandwagon, then please read the book first. Or if you're like me and just want to know what the fuss is all about.

Positive obsessions

From hanging out with Randy for a few years, I've picked up on several interesting catch phrases such as "webs of significance", "counterintuitive hooks", and "building your platform". I've got a new one to add to the list: positive obsessions. Read this article and ponder this for me. What are you passionate about? If you have a dream, do you literally "dream" about it, or is it just on some vague "list of things to do at some point"? Try OBSESSING about it.

FINALLY!!! An e85 pump in Atlanta

I have talked up the E85 on these parts before, but to date I have been able to count the times I've filled up with the alternative fuel on one hand. But no more. A Texaco station in Smyrna is offering an E85 pump starting today. To commemorate the occasion, they actually sold the fuel for 85¢ a gallon.