ramblings of a wannabe rockstar

I just thought I’d post this because I love it. Now if only Paul and I would have opened our eyes…

This past Wednesday marked the 32nd anniversary of my 1st birthday. I’ve had some good times on my birthday in the past, but the various observances of my birthday last week (arranged by my dear wife, and celebrated by my friends and the kids I work with) solidified this year as the best birthday I’ve ever had. I am so blessed to be surrounded by the best collective of people I’ve ever known, for whom I have a deep love and their love for me makes me a better man.

Endless thanks to the Straits, Leonards, Bournes, Smiths, Breauds, Boudreaus, Marc Brandenburg, and the students of Elevate and Collide for how special you made it for me. I love you people so much!

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Now playing: Desperation Band – Refuse to Be Denied
via FoxyTunes

And now for a brief moment of rare political commentary from me.

Ever since I first heard him speak at the Democratic National Convention four years ago, I’ve been very interested in Barack Obama. I think he brings a newness to the American political landscape that is desperately needed, regardless of our personal politics. I tend to lean right, although, I would consider myself more of a moderate than anything at this point.

I voted for W. both times he ran (the second time mainly because I was not a fan of John Kerry by any stretch). But over the last 3 years I have becoming increasingly disenfranchised with the Bush administration…over both domestic and international issues.

Eight years ago, George W. Bush ran for his presidency under the banner of being a uniter, not a divider. Seven years later this country is far more politically divided than I can personally remember. But then this Obama guy comes around and saying things that make me think that there’s something to be paid attention to.

I read an article a couple weeks ago that articulated — to the tee — why I feel they way I do about Obama…as an Evengelical Christian. I’ve never been able to place a finger on why it is but I read this editorial by Frank Schaeffer and it immediately resonated with me. Read the article here.

I’m still not settled on whether or not I’m pro-Obama. But I can tell you this: if the presidential election were to happen tomorrow, I know that I’d pull the lever next to his name. Not sure if I will feel the same way in 8 1/2 months, but that’s where I am now.

Technorati Tags: barack obama, hillary clinton, frank schaeffer, election, 2008

Well, I went to my second meeting on Wednesday and had my first week’s weight check. I lost 6.2 pounds in my first week. Not too shabby, I guess.

I’m still a fatty.

Technorati Tags: weight watchers, diet

Check it out here.

I’m a fatty. I am 6 feet, 2 inches tall. And (as of Wednesday last week) I weigh 267.8 pounds. Depending on which source of information you’re looking at, this puts me at about 70 pounds or so overweight with a likely BMI of around 34%. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “an adult with a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese.”

This is a rather difficult reality for me to grasp. Less than 10 years ago I was a stickboy. But a lifestyle of inactivity (mostly due to my line of work) combined with an appetite that won’t quit, it’s easy to understand how things get to be this way.

I joined Weight Watchers last week. Away go the cookies, the ice cream, the Chipotle burritos, the oversized portions, and the weight loss begins. My first target is to loose 10% of my weight by May 15.

I’m not sure why I feel the need to share about it here, but why not? I suppose I’ll keep updates as they are noteworthy.

Technorati Tags: weight watchers, diet

In case you missed it, one of the best performances of last night’s Grammy Awards show. This band is incredible!

Technorati Tags: foo fighters, grammys, john paul jones, dave grohl, pretender

I had the opportunity to catch the U23D IMAX film in Dallas a few nights ago. Stated bluntly, this was one of the most astounding films I have ever experienced.

It should be said that I’m not much of a fan of U2. At best, I am a casual appreciator. But I am fully aware of and acknowledge the importance of this band in the mainstream popular culture across the past 30+ years. Nevermind Bono’s humanitarian and philanthropic work. Let’s just look at the music. Their music is nearly timeless, and the things that they have done with their instrumental sound, with particular regard to The Edge’s guitar work, has influenced countless musicians. Their influence will be in music for many, many years to come.

The above truths have never been more evident to me as they were while I sat and experienced the film. U23D captures this band at their finest performing in front of an Argentinian crowd of seemingly 100,000. It’s about an hour and a half long and finely showcases some of their greatest songs (mostly hit singles) spanning their career. Some of the better performances are Bullet The Blue Sky, Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year’s Day and Miss Sarajevo with Bono aptly filling in on Luciano Pavarotti’s part.

The cinematography though, was — hands down — the most captivating visual experience I’ve ever witnessed on a movie screen. I’ve seen movies in 3D before and they’ve been done very well. But nothing quite compares to how moving this was. I guess this can be expected from an IMAX production, but I was completely blown away, to the point of chills many times.

If there is one highlight, it is during the performance of The Fly when the on-stage video effects are given the ultimate 3D experience, with the images flying out of the screen and smacking you right in the face.

I highly recommend this film to anyone who has an interest in music and/or film. Even if you don’t like U2, go see it.

As we were departing the theater with our friends there was a discussion as to whether or not U2 is the best rock band of all time. I posited that they’re not the best, but one of the most important. When I was asked who the best is, I didn’t have an answer. I still don’t.

Technorati Tags: adam clayton, bono, imax, larry mullen, the edge, u2, u23d