Collideoscope

Posted by: David Bunch

I'm leaving tomorrow morning early for St. Louis. Actually, I'm flying into St. Louis bound for Herrick, Illinois and the men's conference there.

The conference is a huge supporter of the work in Ireland, and since we are now a part of the Ireland team, Bro Terry McFarland invited me to come and be a part of the conference.

There is also the major possibility of a meeting with The Kent (kdc) and if all goes well I'll be able to check in with you via the blog to let you know how the conference is going and how our executive editor is doing. I may even try get a picture of him in his natural habitat, assuming he is not out fighting crime in a superhero suit.

Stay tuned.

Posted by: David Bunch

I just finished reading The Invention of Hugo Cabret, a work of children's literature but fun for grown ups too. It is over 500 pages long, but the story is told in words and pictures so many of the pages are of pictures only.

And really, that is what makes the story so cool. The art is really good and the author has used it to propel the story in a new and fresh way.

The story is of young Hugo Cabret who lives in a Paris train station in the 1930s. He meets a down on his luck, used to be movie producer and learns some valuable life lessons along the way.

A fun read.

Posted by: Denelle

Another awards season has come and gone and last night was the raison d'etre for the whole dog and pony show. The best and brightest (the context of this is arguable) descended on Hollywood's Kodak Theater for four (that's right FOUR) hours of schmoozing and clapping and yes, honoring of this year's memorable performances. And I (despite a cold and the late hour) endured to the bitter end. Just so that I could bring you this post today.

Gwyneth Paltro - she looks vaguely reminiscent of a seashell.

Posted by: kdc

I have some interesting friends, one of whom forwarded me this message:

I thought you might enjoy the link below which
talks about the connection between Judaism and
comics.  I enjoy telling people that Superman's
Kryptonian name is Kal-El which in Hebrew means
"all that is God" according to the link.

As I grew up without a TV in my home, comics were the source of my four color entertainment when growing up. While I suffered for my choices as a child (and teen and 20someething), I'm now reaping the benefits as a parent.

Seems like every huge movie these days is from comic books (Superman Returns, Spiderman, Batman Begins, Men in Black, Incredible Hulk) and since I was an unrepentant geek, I know nearly every little detail about the slightest cameo appearance in every movie (Peter Parker's run-in w/the one-arm professor in Spiderman 2? That's Curt Conners, who will someday become the Lizard. Batman's march through Arkham before the mental patients are freed in Batman Begins? I can name most of them). Not sure I'm proud of retaining all of that arcane information, but that makes me the coolest Dad on earth for my 8-year-old, so it's worth it.

Plus, I just might be able to sell some of those old comics to pay for his college someday.

How about you? Any comic book memories?

Posted by: Denelle

Just a reminder that the deadline for submissions in our ApTube contests is quickly approaching.

All entries must be submitted by February 28!

Details on the content, length, prize money, etc. can be found by clicking HERE.

I for one can't wait to see who the Apostolic Spielberg, Hitchcock, or Jackson is. Good luck to all of our contestants.

Posted by: David Bunch

A guy named Joe Schmidt posted a thought provoking article called "Kill Your iPod, Find Your Walden". Interesting because it not only challenges us to weed out distractions in our lives, but also to weed out distractions in our Spiritual lives as well.

The modern Christian is overrun with everything from books to board games teaching them about God. We’ve invaded ever area of entertainment so as to send the message as far and as often as possible. Please listen to me carefully; I’m not saying this is in and of itself a bad thing. I am saying that if we are constantly reading books and hearing messages about God and never taking time to separate ourselves from those things to seek him for our own, then we will never know Christ beyond an entertainment or philosophical level.

Lately I've been seeking to know God even more than ever before in a really personal way, and the above statement just confirms that that is a lofty goal worth reaching for.

Posted by: David Bunch

Check out former dj and band manager Chris Anderson's review of Matt Redman's new project. This really caught my eye because I'm a fairly recent fan of Redman's.

When we were in Ireland Pastor Matt McFarland gave me a book written by Redman entitled "Facedown" about intimate worship. I read the book and was very impressed with his love and passion for God. Matt Redman is the real deal from what I can tell from the book.

So that led me to check out his music a little closer and I really like it. I'm especially drawn to the current radio single "Shine" which combines catchy music with thought provoking lyrics.

The world needs more genuine worship leaders like Matt Redman.

Posted by: David Bunch

The nominees for the 38th annual Dove Awards have been announced. A few highlights:

Male Vocalist of the Year:

Aaron Shust
Chris Tomlin
Jeremy Camp
Mark Hall
Mat Kearney

Female Vocalist of the Year:

Christy Nockels
Krystal Meyers
Natalie Grant
Nichole Nordeman
Rebecca St. James

Group of the Year:

BarlowGirl
Casting Crowns
David Crowder Band
Jars of Clay
MercyMe

Blogger of the Year:

Bunch

Oh wait, I made that one up.

Posted by: Jared

OK, so I'm back after a short unintended vacation (sorry, my thesis was/is calling). And I'm really torqued about the Grammys. As a sometimes-student of pop culture, I always attempt to look at things "objectively", but this went just too far.

As a sometimes listener to (good) country music, I am especially offended that the Dixie Chicks received the Grammy for "Best Country Performance by a Duo/Group"! THEY AREN'T EVER PLAYED ON COUNTRY STATIONS! For some of my more "saved" brothers and sisters who have never soiled their minds with the debauched revelries of country and don't know the story, the whole controversy started when the Dixie Chicks spoke out against GW and the war in Iraq. Well, country music fans wouldn't be characterized as "unpatriotic". The Dixie Chicks really took a thrashing, especially from Toby Keith; it was pretty spectacular. It made Yoko Ono look like a good thing for the Beatles.

Now, I really don't care if people agree/disagree with Bush's politics; but to make decisions such as these with such blatant political motivations (aren't the Grammys supposed to be about artistic achievement and all that?) and in direct contravention of the expressed will of the targeted audience (if it's such a "great" album and country song, why is it never played on country stations?) is the hallmark of complete, disconnected and even irrational arrogance.

So, those of you who do the "I buy the Grammy's 'Album of the Year' so I can hear what's new and fresh in music" thing, just remember-this year, you're listening to politics cheaply disguised as "art". You're listening to "country" music as NYC and LA -not true "country" people-define it. I'm really miffed, and I'm still "Not Ready to Make Nice Yet".

Ok, I feel a little better now. Breathe, relax; breathe, relax! I wonder, has Bono ever written a country song . . . (JK)

Posted by: David Bunch

Due to some behind the scenes upgrades, new 90&9 content can be found at ninetyandnine.com. Note that this is for today only, and the new content should be posted to ninetyandnine.net this evening.

Thanks for your patience as we continue to make 90&9 the best webzine on the internet!

Posted by: kdc

While Steve and Kristin finish answering all of ninetyandnine's follow-up interview questions for February 19's edition, we thought we'd share a few behind the scenes Wife Swap pictures.

Posted by: Denelle

Posted by: Denelle

Yes, it's that lovely, overly mushy and commercial day of the year again. I hope the silence from the male members of this blog today mean that they are out treating their beautiful wives to a special evening.

Posted by: kdc

Monday night's Wife Swap show, featuring Pentecost's Hoover family, was the highest rated Wife Swap ever, reaching nearly 9 million people.

Question for you Futurists: Does this open the way for even more devout Christians to be featured on reality TV?

Official family information from ABC here.

Labels: Aps in the Media, Media, Wife Swap

Posted by: kdc

So the show just ended. Here are a few unfiltered thoughts.

* This was good reality TV - entertaining & interesting. You felt like you got to know the families (even if in a limited way).

* It didn't start promising, with much made about the "fun" rock n' roll family being contrasted with the Conservative Christian family partying with "pie and prayer."

* Kristin had her arms crossed a lot early on. Obviously being thrown into a punk rock family where they drink most nights & the kids have no rules would be a shock for most caring parents.

* Benjy, the little boy, said, "I think my Mom & Dad spend too much time on the band.” The Mom admitted to spending 10-12 hours pushing their band & lets the kids dress themselves & get ready for school.

* Kristen ended up singing at a bar with the band, but they allowed her to give a short testimony/blurb for God that was included on TV.

* There was a Lillie Agnew (UPCI's "Harvestime") painting on the wall of the Hoover family.

* The show was equally adept at showing the Meeks as safely looser than the average American family while the Hoovers came across a step more conserative than most Apostolics.

* The religious aspect wasn't underplayed, nor was it ridiculed. Kristin got the band to sing "Amazing Grace." She testified about God at the bar. She discussed the crucifixion with her adopted kids.

* If anything, the Meeks seemed a bit deluded, willing to sacrifice everything for "the band." Maybe that works when you're 19, but not when you're 35 and 47. I believe he said, at the end, "Nobody criticizes the band." Okay.

* That said, he'd just lost his job, always a heartrending moment; then he couldn't share the loss with his wife until after the 2 weeks were over, so maybe he was throwing all his energy into the
one positive in their lives at the moment.

So what did you think?

Posted by: Denelle

Proof positive that the world has gone really and truly mad.

Posted by: kdc

90&9 will offer a Collideoscope review after the 7-8 p.m. (Central) show, as well as the invitation for you to instantly comment & discuss your thoughts afterwards. Please don't be shy to see "what everyone else says" when you can participate.

Be Warned: There will be loud beeps during some scenes at the start due to language used by the Meeks family. Whether you keep the kiddies about is your call.

And yes, Blogger still won't allow us to upload pix. So sorry!

Posted by: David Bunch

Sarah Holland has an excellent piece on her top 10 literature classics, and Denelle weighs in with her favorites as well. Ever the literature lover, I just can't resist giving you my top 10. But at the risk of seeming less erudite than the others, I won't bring you my favorite classics. Rather, I choose to give you my top 10 favorite books of all time (keep in mind I am working from the assumption that the Holy Bible is numero uno on all our lists). So, without further ado, Dave's top 10 favorites besides the Bible:

10. Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson. A biography that reads like a novel. The take away is that you get to follow Franklin's adventures all over the world, see his strengths and weaknesses, and realize what a great man he was. It's amazing that he went from humble beginnings to changing world history.

9. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. Who knew science could be so fun? Bryson sets out to explain all fields of science on a layperson's level, with plenty of laugh out loud humor along the way. Overlook his obvious bent towards evolution and you have an enlightening and fun science experience. Bryson is an excellent writer.

8. Outwitting History by Aaron Lansky. What may seem like an odd subject actually turns out to be a fascinating story for bibliophiles everywhere to enjoy. Lansky writes this memoir of his attempt to "rescue" the Yiddish language from historical obscurity and in the process saves millions of Yiddish books that would have been lost forever. He now is the curator of the National Yiddish Book Center in Massachusetts. Fascinating.

7. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. One of the most insightful books to come thru in a long time. Gladwell gives us the "how and why" on fads, trends, and cultural changes. Witty and streetwise with just enough psychology to keep the balance.

6. Sixpence House by Paul Collins. Another great memoir for booklovers. Collins relocates his family from the west coast to Hay on Wye-the town of books-and takes us along for the ride. Besides learning about some fascinating obscure books Collins uncovers, there's plenty of laugh out loud moments as well. Collins is a very talented writer.

5. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Will change your life forever. There's no secret revelation given or theological bomb dropped, just back to the basics, common sense Christianity related in a fresh way. A must read.

4. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. This is adolescent literature that my wife referred to me when she studied it while pursuing a teaching degree in college. It's a celebration of Stargirl's ability to demonstrate uniqueness and self-expression while affecting positive change in those around her at the same time. And everyone should agree that's a win win combo.

3. This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald. At last, a classic makes the list (in the top 3, no less). I suspect that the hard feelings toward Gatsby would be eased some if one took the time to read this better representation of Fitzgerald's genius. In fact, I'd say this is his best. It explores similar themes as Gatsby but this time through the eyes of young Amory Blaine as he comes of age in the 20s. My guess is that Gatsby is foisted upon us in school because it is shorter in length, and that's too bad.

2. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Witty and funny but thought provoking in the end, this is the story of a young man's plunge into self-destruction. In light of history, one can't help but wonder how much of this novel reflects Wilde's inner struggles. But it lands at number 2 on the list because Wilde's wit makes it a fun read, and the subject matter makes it thought provoking at the same time.

1. Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom. The must read. In fact, I go back and read it once every year. Albom chronicles his conversations with a dying mentor who explains what really matters in life when you evaluate it from the perspective of being at the end. Money, promotions, Hollywood, sports, selfish ambition and all of the other things our society places a premium on are complete wastes of time to Morrie. This book places life in perspective, and we all can stand to be reminded once in a while of what should be most important to us.

Posted by: David Bunch

Cruising over to 90&9 and signing up for the email list. It is the best way to stay on the cutting edge of breaking news, new features, and more! Just look to the lower left hand section of the homepage.

Posted by: kdc

Sorry folks but for some reason Blogger isn't uploading pix tonight. (Not even pictures from previous posts! Argh!)

If possible, we'll update this with ABC's picture of the Meeks. Until then, some thoughts from Apostolic Kristin Hoover of Lake of the Ozarks, MO.

90&9: Kristin, tell us how you felt landing in Texas.
KH: Relieved not to be dog sledding in Alaska! Disappointed I was not welcomed by ladies in grass skirts saying “Aloha!”

90&9: Tell us about your swapped family.
KH: The Meeks are a punk rock family trying to make it big. They do have talent, and guts enough push forward.

I enjoyed spending time with the children, Benji (6) and Hannah (5) and with Tony. Tony is a former pastor, who admits shutting out God in recent years. He is very knowledgeable of Scripture. Often when I alluded to Scripture he would let me know where it was found, and the Greek translation.

Read ninetyandnine's exclusive Hoover Family Wife Swap interview on Monday, February 12, 2007! Kristin reveals God talked to her about being used at the Azusa Street Centennial Celebration and many other fascinating insights! The show airs 7 p.m. on Monday.

Posted by: kdc

Posted by: Jared

I'm just kidding! Dan Quayle, former USVP known for his sometimes not-too-bright remarks (but nothing of the Al Gore's, "I invented the Internet," variety), remarked: "You know, when you eliminate all the bad language, The Osbornes (Ozzy's "reality" family show) is all about good family values!"

Jay Leno had the best comeback! He said, "Well, when you eliminate all the profanity, The Osbornes is about 15 seconds long!"

Really, I just want to say thank you to David for inviting me to be a part of this blog and to Denelle for welcoming the addition. I really did enjoy the chat about U2 and I hope for many more like it. But, David, you gotta agree that Bono does have really cool sunglasses, right?

Posted by: David Bunch

Please join me in welcoming Jared Runck to Collideoscope! Jared was 90&9's Month in My Life Blogger for January and is an instructor of Old Testament Theology at Gateway College of Evangelism.

Since Bradley departed the blog last year to work on 90&9's "behind the scenes" systems, we have been looking for his replacement to round out our blog. Nothing seemed to click until last month when I began reading Jared's blog. When we started interacting between the two blogs on the subject of U2, I felt like Jared was someone who would round out Collideoscope with wit and insight.

Jared brings a fresh perspective with his cultural awareness (how about the term "cyber-coffee klatch") and rock solid faith, which is exactly what Collideoscope tries to be about.

The cyber coffee house conversation continues!

Posted by: kdc

Posted by: Denelle

This week over at 90&9, the mothership is abuzz with talks of great literature.

Sarah Holland's article, "Essential Literature: Titles That Can't Be Missed," immediately caught my eye. Not just because of the excellent picks that were on her list - To Kill A Mockingbird, Huckleberry Finn, Pride and Prejudice - but because of some of the choices that I absolutely have to disagree with.

Say What??

That's right. Our illustrious Sarah picked several choices for "essentials" list that I simply cannot agree with.

The Great Gatsby - maybe it was because we were forced to read it in school, maybe it was because no one could just read and enjoy the book without looking for the symbolism (green grass = money, white dress = purity, etc.), or maybe it was the movie they made us watch when it was all over, but if I never, ever, see or hear about this book again it will be too soon.

Jane Eyre - the only thing more painful than reading Jane Eyre was reading Wuthering Heights. Clearly I blame the Bronte sisters. Enough said.

Of Mice and Men (from the special mentions list) - I don't even know where to begin with how much I disliked this book. Maybe it's the violence or the continual cruelty toward things that are weak and innocent. Whatever the cause, it is a book that I am continually astounded that so many people claim is their favorite.

Thankfully, she omitted my least favorite short story ever (The Gift of the Magi) or I might have been reduced to tears. And I am not a total buzzkill. Like I said, Sarah had some excellent choices, I just think her list was a bit lacking. So, here is my essential literature list.

My Top 10 Picks

10. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin - If you've been around Collideoscope very long you know that this book is also on my list of top books for children/young adults. However, it is such an excellent and well written story that I think it deserves a place here too.

9. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll - Beautifully written with great appeal to the imagination. Even more fun as an adult when you can read it and pick-up the double entendres that Carroll has placed throughout these stories.

8. The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare - My favorite Shakespearean play. It tells the story of a long single and yes quite shrewish young lady, who has a beautiful younger sister that everyone wants to marry but who's wealthy father refuses to allow the younger to marry before the elder. All of the suitors of the younger sister feel there is no hope because who would ever want to marry the elder. Then an enterprising young man shows up in town and vows to marry the shrew (in exchange for a hefty amount of money) and tame her. Witty, and moving to the very end.

7. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens - I struggled between this and Oliver Twist but ultimately it was the story of David and the many twists, turns, betrayals and triumphs that won out.

6. Little Men by Louisa May Alcott - Surprisingly, perhaps, I prefer Alcott's sequel to Little Women even more than the original. A delightful story of a bunch of misfit and unruly boys with no family or home of their own that are taken in and educated at the school run by Jo and Fritz.

5. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe - A man, unhappy with his lot in life, runs off to find adventure. Instead he ends up having to face himself and truly discover what life is all about. A highly religious work without being overtly so.

4. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas - Again it was hard to choose between this and some of Dumas' other stories. This is also one case where I would recommend the movie version (with Jim Caviezel) as well.

3. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee - see Sarah's synopsis but I had to add it because it is quite possibly my favorite book.

2. The Hobbit/The LOTR Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien - Mr. Ludwig, my fifth grade teacher, deserves all the credit for my love of Tolkien. He use to read us The Hobbit after recess. If possible, I love these stories more every time I read them because there are so many layers and things that you notice that you haven't noticed before. It is also fun to put together the Christian themes that you see running through the stories.

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - Sarah covered this admirably.

I suggest you read all of Sarah's list and all of my list and decide for yourself what you like. Even if you don't care for all of the books listed it is never a bad idea to know your classic literature.

Posted by: David Bunch

Much is going around regarding Bro Anthony Mangun's statement of his position on Apostolics and television at 2007 Because of the Times. We made it to a couple of days of BOTT, but were not in the session in which Bro Anthony made his statement. But, despair not. I now link you to the internet posting of the video clips.

This clip has the context of his statement, and this clip has the statement itself.

Your thoughts?

Posted by: Denelle

Check out this article about Donisha Albert.

Donisha is a high school senior who is the star and co-captain of her highschool basketball team.

In the stands, fans are instantly drawn to Albert’s talent. In a recent game against Brookland-Cayce, she posted 22 points with a dizzying array of fadeaways, turnarounds and tip-ins. “We have guards that can shoot from the outside, and we are fortunate to have them, but if we need a basket, we’ll go to (Donisha),” Swansea coach Chris Carver said.

She is also an Apostolic, who is proud of what she believes in.

But inevitably the eyes of referees, opponents and crowds focus on one thing: Albert’s modified uniform. An Apostolic Pentecostal, she wears a skirt instead
of shorts. No one else does. But she is used to it. The stares, questions and laughs are as much a part of the uniform as the skirt that causes them, but to Albert, they are inconsequential. The bottom line is simple: “It’s really all about God.”

Way to go Donisha!

Posted by: David Bunch

This coffee shop really brings out the best in good conversation, doesn't it? Check out Stu's comments on the U2 matter here.

And it's not over yet! The U2 discussion thread seems to have touched off a litany of passions and opinions. And in addition, I found this article just posted at CCM. It is a reprint of a 1982 interview that ran in CCM magazine that same year, before U2 was U2. It also claims to be the first interview to discuss faith with the band.

I find it very fascinating simply because it interesting to see what it would have been like to read about the band before they were really big. I missed the article in August 1982, being at the ripe age of 5 1/2, but its cool to go back and read it now.

On the next level though, check out how open they were in discussing their faith.

The Edge and [drummer Larry] Mullen, both 19, were reading the New Testament and downing glasses of orange juice in the dim auditorium dressing room. Bono, 20, and [bassist Adam] Clayton, 21, were upstairs talking with fans and would be down to join in the discussion later. The Edge said they try to make Bible study and prayer a regular part of their “winding down” process after shows.

The song “Gloria” is about the difficulty Bono has in talking about his Christian faith. It is a mixture of the two things with which he feels comfortable in life—his faith and aggressive rock ’n’ roll. It is ironic, Bono said, that many people stop thinking the song is a love song when they notice the lyrics. “Of course, it is a love song. It’s a song about my love for God.”

So this creates the following question. Has their widespread fame since this interview caused them to back off of this pro-faith stance? I honestly don't know because I have not read very much of the interviews over the years. Perhaps someone can help me there. On the surface one would have to say the asnwer is no, faith still plays a big part in their music. But see prior posts for comments about concerns on that matter.

The second question I have is, when they did the Rolling Stone interview 3 years later (alluded to in the CCM posting) did they have this same candor in discussing who they were (are), or did they change the message for the rock n' roll audience? That particular interview may be available somewhere on the net. I just haven't taken the time to search for it....but it makes me wonder...

And in regards to Stu's comments, I had heard once that Bono was fond of the "f bomb" at times. Bitter and sweet water coming out of the same fountain? Can't happen according to the Words of Jesus.

More questions, still no conclusive answers.

Posted by: kdc