Vocoder

This is a vocoder built by the band Kraftwerk.

The first time I ever heard someone use one of these contraptions was in a song called Freak-A-Zoid, by Midnight Star. Kraftwerk was actually the first band to use this technology. It's been incorporated by other artists such as E.L.O. Herbie Hancock, Pink Floyd, Neil Young...

Do you remember the song Mr. Roboto by STYX? Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto? That's an example of the vocoder. To learn more about vocoders click here: vocoder.

Cathedrals and the Transcendence of God

Why would anyone ever want to worship in a big ol' ugly cathedral? One reason I believe people are attracted to Gothic architecture is because it communicates the transcendence or "bigness" of God. To quote John Piper, people go to the Grand Canyon not to feel big about themselves but to be overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of it! (my paraphrase). A lot of modern churches do a pretty good job (using architecture and liturgical forms) to communicate the immanence or closeness of God but they are not doing a very good job communicating the transcendence or even the holiness of God for that matter.

Neil Young and Springsteen-All Along the Watchtower

Dr. Neil's guitar sounds like bombs bursting in the air! Shock and awe! This may be the only time I've ever seen Springsteen upstaged by anyone. But what can you do with Neil in a situation like that but turn 'em loose!

Paul Washer on Total Depravity

If you have not heard of Paul Washer yet, I encourage you to check him out. He's a polarizing preacher. It's hard to be neutral with the message he proclaims: You either love it or hate it.

Who Is It? (or What is It?)

I'll post the answer...next ni...no wi....sorry...WEEK!

The Hooters- 500 Miles

Just goes to prove not everything that came from the 80's was bad! Actually, this may have come from the early 90's because there are some clips from Tiananmen Square. Okay, I take back what I said, nothin' good came from the 80's except for Wall of Voodoo.

Buckwheat Zydeco- Ya Ya

Zydeco legend Buckwheat Zydeco. Turn....it....up!!! (real loud)

The Discovery: Beyond the Jesus of Flapjacks and Grilled Cheese

My good friend Josh Via has a new book that he's written. It's called The Discovery: Beyond the Jesus of Flapjacks and Grilled Cheese You can buy it over at Amazon.com. I'm ordering my copy right away because I absolutely know this is going to be a wonderful book! I would strongly encourage you to get it and read it as soon as possible. In other words...get it while it's hot!

Blue Ridge Bulldozer

Back in the spring I took some pictures in my yard of flowers that I may use for potential paintings. Silly Lilly came from that session of picture taking, along with this little fellow: The Blue Ridge Bulldozer. He may not be very tough but he's got a lot of heart!

Summertime-Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

Few songs are truly brilliant...this one sparkles! Happy 4th of July.