Wednesday
Sep072005
I want to be in Letterman's band
Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at 12:43AM
I'm in the middle of three days home, before I head out basically for a week and a half. I haven't had many days off in the past few months, so I'm taking these days to just be at home with my family. It's been nice.
Tonight, though, Todd, Garett and I went to this "sales conference reception" which was basically a bunch of bookstore buyers, label people, and us, Third Day, Bebo and Jars. I'm one of those weird introverts who has to spend a lot of time in front of people and I cope with that in one of two ways: I get really loud or I get really quiet.
Meeting people after shows I usually swing to the former, and just talk way too much. If you've ever met me at a concert, you'd probably agree. Kind of like what your parents used to tell you about bees, I'm more scared of you than you are of me, believe me. Anyway, in rooms like I was in tonight, I just shut up and blend into the walls.
It was good to see the Jars guys again, though. When we were touring with them I rode on their bus and just had a wonderful time. They were some of the most encouraging, welcoming and fun people I'd traveled with in a long time. I really enjoyed getting to spend a few minutes with them again.
I had one awkward moment tonight, and I'd love to know your thoughts on this, because I'm not sure what I think of it yet. Cliff, living down in Houston, has become hugely active with the refugees at the AstroDome and a few other places. He, along with a few others, is in charge of getting food to all those people three times a day. It's a huge responsibility, and we're really proud of him and he's working so hard and doing it great. You can be praying for him right now.
Anyway, Todd and I were talking with a person from the label, saying that we were going down there later this week to rehearse, and that Cliff was going to take us by some of the places he's been working, so we can see what's going on. We said we'd try to help out if we can, which is true, but this is what I don't know what to think about. This person said that if we help out, we need to be sure to get a couple pictures, for magazines or whatever.
I don't know, that just felt a little weird, and I could tell that person felt it was weird saying it, but it was their job to push the band... I mean, our family's putting together a few boxes of clothes and food to send down, like everybody else on the block, but is it wrong or encouraging to make a photo op of what we're doing? I mean, could it spur other people on to help out? Is it wrong or ok? Should it have been awkward? Anyway, no big deal, just something I've been thinking about.
It also kind of seems crazy how political the whole thing has gotten. The media seems to be really pushing it these days, saying some crazy stuff. I hope nobody believes that the relief was bungled because ol' Bushy is a racist. He may not be Abraham Lincoln, but he's not Hitler either. I think he's a guy trying his best, just like any of us would do. And a lot of what went wrong seemed to be more with the local New Orleans folks and annoying red tape than a federal mission of evil. I don't know, I just think it's shameful for people to be taking advantage of this terrible tragedy to push their agendas. It just shows how selfish and inhuman some of these people really are.
In other news, I bought a new chair today at Target. I'm excited about it. I have two "work" chairs in my studio, the kind with wheels on the bottom and a seat and a back. They are small and uncomfortable, and they're all I've used for the last four years. They also make my back hurt and my legs fall asleep.
So today, I bought an actual office chair, the kind with nice, puffy seat and back, and arms, and it raises and lowers. It cost probably fifteen dollars more than the painful ones I already had. So it's still a cheap-o, but I'm excited. I'll let you know how it goes after my first session with it. I'm sure it will be the most productive session ever in the history of recording.
And to end today's stream of rambling I would just like to make this pronouncement:
If I die, don't let The Normals or Caedmon's or Andy and the Andys do a reality show where people compete to take my place by singing bad karaoke, like INXS or TLC. Make them do a spelling bee and/or mad lib competition. So much more inspiring.
Oh, and if you're keeping up the neighbors every night, and you know who you are, might I recommend...
Seacrest Out!
Tonight, though, Todd, Garett and I went to this "sales conference reception" which was basically a bunch of bookstore buyers, label people, and us, Third Day, Bebo and Jars. I'm one of those weird introverts who has to spend a lot of time in front of people and I cope with that in one of two ways: I get really loud or I get really quiet.
Meeting people after shows I usually swing to the former, and just talk way too much. If you've ever met me at a concert, you'd probably agree. Kind of like what your parents used to tell you about bees, I'm more scared of you than you are of me, believe me. Anyway, in rooms like I was in tonight, I just shut up and blend into the walls.
It was good to see the Jars guys again, though. When we were touring with them I rode on their bus and just had a wonderful time. They were some of the most encouraging, welcoming and fun people I'd traveled with in a long time. I really enjoyed getting to spend a few minutes with them again.
I had one awkward moment tonight, and I'd love to know your thoughts on this, because I'm not sure what I think of it yet. Cliff, living down in Houston, has become hugely active with the refugees at the AstroDome and a few other places. He, along with a few others, is in charge of getting food to all those people three times a day. It's a huge responsibility, and we're really proud of him and he's working so hard and doing it great. You can be praying for him right now.
Anyway, Todd and I were talking with a person from the label, saying that we were going down there later this week to rehearse, and that Cliff was going to take us by some of the places he's been working, so we can see what's going on. We said we'd try to help out if we can, which is true, but this is what I don't know what to think about. This person said that if we help out, we need to be sure to get a couple pictures, for magazines or whatever.
I don't know, that just felt a little weird, and I could tell that person felt it was weird saying it, but it was their job to push the band... I mean, our family's putting together a few boxes of clothes and food to send down, like everybody else on the block, but is it wrong or encouraging to make a photo op of what we're doing? I mean, could it spur other people on to help out? Is it wrong or ok? Should it have been awkward? Anyway, no big deal, just something I've been thinking about.
It also kind of seems crazy how political the whole thing has gotten. The media seems to be really pushing it these days, saying some crazy stuff. I hope nobody believes that the relief was bungled because ol' Bushy is a racist. He may not be Abraham Lincoln, but he's not Hitler either. I think he's a guy trying his best, just like any of us would do. And a lot of what went wrong seemed to be more with the local New Orleans folks and annoying red tape than a federal mission of evil. I don't know, I just think it's shameful for people to be taking advantage of this terrible tragedy to push their agendas. It just shows how selfish and inhuman some of these people really are.
In other news, I bought a new chair today at Target. I'm excited about it. I have two "work" chairs in my studio, the kind with wheels on the bottom and a seat and a back. They are small and uncomfortable, and they're all I've used for the last four years. They also make my back hurt and my legs fall asleep.
So today, I bought an actual office chair, the kind with nice, puffy seat and back, and arms, and it raises and lowers. It cost probably fifteen dollars more than the painful ones I already had. So it's still a cheap-o, but I'm excited. I'll let you know how it goes after my first session with it. I'm sure it will be the most productive session ever in the history of recording.
And to end today's stream of rambling I would just like to make this pronouncement:
If I die, don't let The Normals or Caedmon's or Andy and the Andys do a reality show where people compete to take my place by singing bad karaoke, like INXS or TLC. Make them do a spelling bee and/or mad lib competition. So much more inspiring.
Oh, and if you're keeping up the neighbors every night, and you know who you are, might I recommend...
Seacrest Out!
Reader Comments (13)
I am SO with you on the loud/quiet thing. It's part of why people often don't believe I'm an introvert. Well, that and the fact that once I DO know you, I'm usually pretty chatty.
I don't necessarily believe that all the dialogue on race is a bunch of crazy propaganda or media hype. I agree that there might be reason to suspect that some specific people may be using questionable tactics to advance their agendas, but I'm really glad that many activists and lawmakers (including Christians who actively advocate for the oppressed) are speaking out on behalf of many of the survivors who lived in a world where they couldn't get a fair shake, even before said hurricane. And I do applaud some news outlets who stepped out in courage and reported on social inequality, before the media jumped on the bandwagon and it became a ratings war.
I think what this tragedy is doing is helping America take a good, hard look at herself. Yes, depending on how we look at it, we could see a lot of good things happening: for instance, a tremendous outpouring of love, generosity, and support. But it also helps us to see our nation cleareyed: things like class injustice and racial injustice - whether systematic or blatant. This doesn't have to mean that we have to name call specific people bigots. I also don't think calling Dubya a racist is fair to him or accurate. I believe he is in fact broken hearted and concerned about the folks down there like many of us are - maybe some pundits are knowledgable enough to debate his competence, but no one can speak for the way he feels. Moreover, all this just might be an indictment on all of us, including Christendom. There's such a thing as individual sin, and there's also such a thing as corporate sin - meaning broken systems, socially, politically, and economically. As much as it is a time for us to give and share, it is a time for us to mourn together with victims and repent. And to pray that in the midst of all the brokenness, our Church can proclaim the Kingdom by making all things right, just, and new again.
I would know that the motive, at least for you guys, was not for the photo-op ... but I understand your reluctance about how it would be perceived. Perhaps, if you could supply an artist rendition of the visit, I believe that would suffice (not necessarily stick figures, but utilize the language you're comfortable using.)
~r
"I hope nobody believes that the relief was bungled because ol’ Bushy is a racist. He may not be Abraham Lincoln, but he’s not Hitler either."
And, besides, Abraham Lincoln was, unequivocally, a racist.
Supposedly, Sean Penn in his rescuing efforts brought along a photographer. I wonder if he got some good shots of Sean as he bailed water from their sinking boat? Thank you Mr. Penn for your efforts.
Yeah, he got such a picture... it's a good one.
Hope the link works...
Nope, it didn't work. Here's the web link:
http://network.news.com.au/image/0,10114,5044250,00.jpg
yeah, apparently a bystander taunted mr. penn, saying, "how are you going to get anyone into that boat?"
i imagine nelson from simpsons. haw haw!
and yes, lincoln was quite the racist.
Dude, you crack me up.
I think to really find a replacement for you, something more would be needed...like a triathalon of sorts.
You would have to build a studio, write and record a 7 song EP using only a guitar and a kazoo, and eat to slabs of ribs from Judge Beans...all in 24 hours. Now THAT would be contest, but we would all still miss you, so please don't die:)
well, we know I wouldn't win the spelling bee, I can't even spell two. Yeah, definately triathalon.
thank you Mr. Penn for another job well done!
I pray for your guys in the indie Christian music scene from time to time for just this reason...how you deal with keeping your integrity, yet realizing that in some inescapable way, you are a "product" to be "marketed." Still, I would be queasy about having pictures taken of me doing relief work for PR purposes.
I understand the hesitation, and yet I was real interested to know that you were going to be helping out. There's no way I could go down there, and I wouldn't have the opportunities that you will have even if I did go there. So to see and hear things from your perspective would be something I would want. I don't see it as a photo op, even if that was the intent of the label. Instead, I see it as a way to experience something along-side you that I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do otherwise.