So honestly, I’ve been a hip-hop fan for many a year but lately things are looking pretty bad. I should clarify that. What they play on the radio is really bad. In the days of The Sugarhill Gang (who happens to be in Humboldt tonight) and Run DMC, the lyrics were light hearted, fun, and very clever. Now days you’ve got hip-hop songs like Crank That Souljah Boy which have a lame beat, and one line of lyrics.

A few weeks ago I was reading one of Jude’s books to him and thought to myself, “The words, the rhymes…this could be a better flow than most stuff I hear in pop music.” Having absolutely no music production tools or skills, I went forward on this thought anyhow.

I now present to you Jamberry, by Bruce Degen with a sampled beat from the Lifesavas.
Click here and prepare to be amazed.

Just got back (last night) from a whirlwind weekend in Washingon. It was a great time up there and we celebrated Jessica’s Birthday on several airplanes getting back, followed by our favorite chinese food for dinner.

What do your beliefs cost?

If you’re an American than they probably don’t cost much. Depending on how devout you are, at most they may cost you a few friends that don’t believe the same. Religious beliefs may prompt you to draw moral lines that “keep you from having fun”. You know, the “fun” of pre-marital sex, drugs, hangovers…good stuff.

Having been in 11 different countries, I’ve seen what being a follower of Jesus can cost people outside of the U.S. I’ve prayed in a basement with members of the underground church in China, who are ‘free to worship’, as long as it’s in a government controlled institution. I’ve met a woman in Taiwan who chose not to offer incense in worship to dead ancestors because she has chosen to put Jesus first in her life. As a result, her family cut her off and she lost her inheritance – which is more than she could make in her life. (more…)

Buffalo Bleu Kettle Chips.
AMAZINGLY good!

Last night I fulfilled a dream.
I’ve been a Niners fan since I was a kid but have never seen a game in person. Yesterday morning me and a few guys from church drove down and watched the Niners come from behind to beat the Arizona Cardinals. Awesome!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year - football season. Tomorrow night I celebrate by going to watch my beloved 49ers play the Cardinals. There will be much tailgating and yelling. Monday night is a great time to have the season opener and I have high hopes for the boyz this year.

There was a day when I would walk into a WiFi equiped coffee shop and inwardly mock the numerous people with their laptops sitting solo at a table.

If you could see me now.

This film stirs my soul and looks truly amazing!