Musings of a Single Dad

defined by words

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 22:11:00 +0000

Tim McBride. 35. Single Dad. Life. Love. God. Passion. Creativity.

Do these phrases define me? This is the beginning of a story about the words that I choose to define who I am. I'm at a point in my life where I am refining definition. I know my name is Tim McBride. Its been a up and down 35 year road to get to this point in my life. I am a divorced single dad of two amazing children. I love Christ with all my heart. I am passionate about all things creative. So yes I am defined by those words. But there is so much more to my life that belies definition.

I am a man who is full of passion. Most of my passion revolves around all things creative...music, art, film and the written word whether it is my own or words of another. I am moved by the wonder of God in his masterpiece called nature. Who isn't? Only God could create the beauty and complexity that exists outside of the four walls we call home. Nature is where I feel closest to God. My faith feels extremely evident when I am outside seeing, feeling and experiencing His creation.

Last fall I road my Trek mountain bike from my home in Panama City over the Hathaway Bridge to the beach at St Andrews State Park. I then proceeded to hike through the hot sand and over the boulders to the end of the Jetties out in the Gulf of Mexico. It's an easy afternoon journey I've always wanted to experience with the goal of putting into words what my eyes were taking in at the end of the Jetties. When I reached my destination at the sun dripped waters edge and sat down on a car sized boulder and viewed the expanse of ocean and water in front of my eyes I was struck by the magnificence, power and beauty of creation. I don't know about you but that kind of visible beauty inspires and stirs something deep down inside. My soul was moved. I write when I feel those creative juices inside of me begin to surface. Whether my words are any good...I don't know. I've never had anyone critique my writing. But the point that I am trying to make is that I allowed that one moment in my life to inspire me to create something. I pulled out my notebook and wrote. I allowed the feeling and excitement of that moment on the Jetties to transcend from pen to paper. I documented it. I felt it. I wrote it. And when I read those words again...I am back there sitting on that grey boulder.

I create my art by placing emotion, feeling and passion into written words. I am expressing and sharing my thoughts and feelings for the whole world to see. Am I scared of what others may think of my words? Yes of course I am as I'm human with a natural fear of rejection and judgement based upon my words. But I am happy with who I am and how I choose to define myself. It is MY creativity that I am expressing. It is me.

I don't intend to ramble but when I start writing about making art in its many forms I get excited. The written word is just one of those forms. The written word's connection and relationship with my love for God's natural creation was the inspirations for these words. More will come in later posts as I have yet to convey how music, film and visual arts inspire and define who I am. Be creative. Be authentic. Be you.

Colorado

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 02:45:00 +0000

Facebookless in a Facebook World

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 20 May 2012 06:24:00 +0000

The other day a new reality came into play for me. I no longer have a Facebook account.
Let me start by saying this was not my decision...initially. It was made for me by Facebook. As I tried to login I was greeted with a message and subsequent email that stated I am no longer "eligible" to use Facebook and that my profile has been disabled. I have no idea why or how this happened and am almost 100% sure this was done in error. But after several emails to Facebook with no response I have came to the conclusion they don't seem care.

Yes...I will admit I was a little bummed and actually said to myself "what am I going to do now with out Facebook?!"

BUT...I have came to the refreshing conclusion that I don't need Facebook. What I am choosing to do now is to focus on and improve my real face to face interpersonal relationships with others. It's so easy to lose the intimacy of authentic friendships when u have the buffer of the internet and Facebook between you.

My hope is to take this oportunity to be intentional in my relationships with others by showing compassion for their lives and care for their well being. I want to show people that I truly care about them and have compassion for them no matter what. I want to be present, real and authentic in my relationships.

Focusing on authentic relationships is what living a life of compassion is all about. It is what unconditional love is built upon. Love with out conditions. Yes...I just threw the love word out there. I am not afraid of what you may think because that is who I am and how I live my life. As someone who has a faith and hope in Jesus Christ, living a life of compassion and unconditional love is my desire and whom I'm called to be.

I am tired of just coasting by and living selfishly for myself. I desire to be used by God for something bigger. So thank you Facebook for re-opening my eyes to the simple fact that real face to face relationships matter. In fact I am probably better off with out Facebook. I am can now focus on being real, intentional, present and authentic in my relationships. I don't have to worry about presenting an image on a profile or a post that may not reflect the true me. God created me to be honest and humble and now it is my job to live that in the most authentic manner I can. It is my prayer that unconditional love, honesty, integrity and humility are the root and basis of who I am. I hope that others see those qualities in me and desire to live there lives that way as well.

Pursuit of a Dream

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:35:00 +0000

The pursuit of a dream. Living for something other that myself. It's what I need to wake up and start doing every single day of my life. I dream to impact this world in so many ways. One of the my dreams is to make a difference in peoples lives...even if it's just in the life of one person.

I have found that it's a dream and desire of mine to open my heart and share the amazing love and grace that I've been given. There is this man that I follow whose name is Jesus Christ. I let him into a broken, dark heart of mine over a decade and a half ago and asked Him to be the center and focus of my life. With out a doubt it was by far the best decision I have ever made in my life. He and His love is the standard that I try to live my life up to every single day. He had a love for humanity that was so unconditional that it absolutely blows my mind. He died for that amazing love. If I can share that amazing unconditional love of Christ with just one person...I am beginning the fulfillment of my life's dream. Loving, helping and serving others while meeting them where they are at in life is the how this dream starts.

The unspoken question that now lies in front of me is... How do I accomplish this dream? The answer begins with a renewed focus and the right frame of mind. It takes true humility and laying my pride and personal selfish desires aside. If I want to make a positive difference in the life of someone else I need to trust and follow the love and example of Jesus. There are many who hurt, lack basic necessities of life and desire the compassion and love that everyone human longs for. It's my desire and dream to come along side and supply that love with out condition. I hope to freely give unconditional love when it is needed most. I desire to invest and join a hurting person and lovingly journey through life with them...not just give them a hand shake and a word of encouragement and wish them well. I don't want to apply a quick mediocre fix to a long term issue. I have the desire to be there for the long haul and show the true love of Christ that this world is missing and so desperately desires.

I know I don't have all the answers to accomplish these dreams and desires but I do know there is a dreaming, compassionate, somewhat sensitive side me that I can not ignore. If you know me, you know that I wear my heart on my sleeve for all to see. Most guys wouldn't say that but it is who I am and I am not ashamed of it. At heart I have always been a dreamer. I am a guy who is filled with passion, faith and a desire to understand. I am always trying to think outside the small brain of mine and figure out life. The love of Christ has helped me to do just that by allowing me to open my heart and let unconditional love pour out.

My dream. My desire. My life.

Authentic and Real

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 05:25:00 +0000

Real and authentic. Who are you? Who are you trying to be? Do these two words describe you. I hope they describe me.

There are some basic truths in my life that I can state with the utmost honesty and authenticity.

I don't have all the answers but I do know that I have tried at times to be someone I'm not. I've tried to make myself into a person who I think others will like. I've tried to make myself more appealing to others...whether it be a close friend or someone I just met for the first time. People don't want me to be just like them...they want me to be myself. I hope people want to be my friend because they like me for who I am and not for who I am trying to be.

So here is my resolution...I need to just be me.

The fact is that we all need to be real and authentic in everything that we do...our thoughts, words and actions. The following is a list of who I am. The real me. The real and authentic Tim. Yes the good...and the bad. This list could go on forever but I will leave you with with just a few.

'Simple Truths of Who I Am'

I am man.

I am a child of God.

I love my saviour Jesus with every ounce of my being.

I am a single father.

I love my children more than words.

I have a large heart that I wear on my sleeve far to often but it is who I am and I am not ashamed.

I love life...who doesn't? There isn't much in life that can bring me down or at least keep me down for long.

I am filled with hope.

I pray that I am a man of integrity and honor.

I am an eternal optimist...I try to find the best in every situation.

Unconditional love is what I live my life by.

With all humility I truly enjoying serving other people.

I am filled with complete and overwhelming joy when I see that I have made others happy.

I desire adventure.

I am a hopeless romantic.

I am a dreamer.

I am moved in my soul by the beauty of words, music, art and nature.

Yet...

I am sinful because I am human.

I am broken...but God has made me whole.

I struggle.

I am not perfect.

I have made many mistakes.

I wish I could go back and correct my mistakes but I admit they have helped shaped me into who I am today.

I have been hurt.

I have hurt others.

I don't like hurting others.

I have been fake.

I have not been real.

I am sorry.

I deserve Hell but Jesus in my heart has given me eternity in heaven.

and.....

I try everyday to be real and authentic in everything I do...in every thought, word and action.

'The Resolution'

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 04:20:00 +0000

Twelve men. United. Pursuing honor, integrity, compassion and courage.

These are the words that describe a group of men that I have chosen to associate myself with. A group of men that I am honored to know and lucky to belong to. They are my friends, my brothers and the men I choose to tackle the issues of life and fatherhood with. They are my small group. They are my Single Dads small group from the amazing body of believers that is called Northstar Church.

The reason I write about them is because we are addressing and tackling an issue that is so extremely important to us and to society as a whole. It is the issue of raising our children in a home where a father is Godly, loving, ever-present, influential, courageous and filled with integrity and honor. I know I have written about this in the past but this issue is so vital and detrimental to the future well being of our children that it deserves clarity and expansion.

I have to make something clear though. I will be the first to admit that I am not perfect. I struggle and I sin. I am a broken human being saved by God's amazing grace through faith in Jesus Christ. I believe that every single dad in my group will fully admit to the exact same truth about themselves. It's vital to understand that fact in order to achieve what we are trying to accomplish.

We are striving and resolving to live 'The Resolution'. It's a commitment and a resolve that we as fathers and men of courage are choosing to live our lives by. It is living a higher standard of faith, family and fatherhood. Sound familiar? Yes...we have seen the film 'Courageous'. Yes...we were extremely moved by it. Yes...many tears rolled down my cheeks. And yes...it was our inspiration. But 'The Resolution' is something so much bigger than just an idea in a film or a book. It is real life to us men...to us single fathers. It is a turning point in our ordinary selfish lives that we have been living so casually. We are committing, trusting AND faithfully asking God to lead us in this journey. We are choosing to do more than just taking the easy way out. We are choosing the road less traveled. We are committing to the hard way. We are sacrificing our selfish desires for the benefit of our children. We are placing our faith first. We are placing God first in our lives followed by our children. We WILL be present in their lives. We WILL be the spiritual leaders of our children. We WILL "win the hearts" of our children. In a society so lacking of loving fathers and men of integrity and honor...we WILL be the difference for our children.

This journey will not be easy. And it is not something to be taken lightly. We must be held accountable. YOU must hold us accountable. I for one do not want to fail. With my kid's spiritual and emotional well-being at stake...I can not fail. We can not fail. That is why I pray...why we pray. It will take discipline, sacrifice and faith to continually live out 'The Resolution.' We will turn to the wise words of the Apostle Paul..."Be alert; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." (1 Corinthians 16: 13-14)

So where are you men, fathers, single dads and husbands? Stand up and take this journey with us! Be men of courage! Make the choice, commit and decide to live a life far greater than the one you are currently living! Live for your children, your spouse and most importantly for God! Live 'The Resolution.'

THE RESOLUTION

I DO solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children.

I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.

I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.

I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.

I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly.

I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.

I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.

I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.

I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.

I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.

I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.

I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.

Single Dad Manifesto

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 03:09:00 +0000

Fatherhood...being a great and loving father...being the spiritual leader of my children...being a man of courage. These thoughts and convictions have been on my heart for some time now. I have been waiting for my heart to cohesively communicate with my brain so that you may understand what I thinking and feeling.

As most of you know...I am a single dad raising two elementary school aged children. I love my kids more than words can describe. I am forever blessed and changed by having Sam and Hannah in my life. I am a better human being because of my children. Being a single dad can be very challenging yet extremely rewarding. Raising my two children by myself wasn't a choice I made but it's a part of my life that I accept and that I am more than happy to have. I am challenged everyday in this endeavor but through patience, love and faith in my best friend Jesus... I am able to do it.

I have came to the conclusion that there are a lot of dads out there not stepping up to the plate of fatherhood. Don't get me wrong...there are a lot of great men being the fathers that are desired and expected of them. But...and this is a big BUT...there are far too many men lacking in the fatherhood department. To be clear I am not perfect either...I make mistakes too. I am not writing this about them though. I am writing this about me. About who I want to become. About who I strive to become everyday. Simply stated...i desire to be the most loving and compassionate dad I can be to my children.

I want to tell u about a goal of mine. That goal is to be the father that my kids deserve, need and desire from the depths of their little hearts. I want to be the father that my children never forget. I want to be the father that my children will always look to for guidance, love and compassion. I pray that I can build my children up with wisdom and love...and not tear them down with hurtful words. I pray that my kids can look back when they have children of their own and be proud of the father I was. That's a BIG goal. It is a life long never-ending goal. I goal that I am striving and determined to fulfill. Its goal that I can not do on my own. It takes prayer, discipline and faith in my God...my Jesus.

I get on my knees and pray that I can do ALL the things I just said. I pray that I can fulfill my goals. I pray that God will make the impossible possible. I pray that other fathers and men have the same desire to become the men who this society so desperately needs. Men of love, compassion, wisdom and courage. It starts with us...with what's deep down in our hearts. But it also takes you the reader...the wife...the mother...the friend to help us become the men and fathers we are called to be and desire to be.

Andrew Belle

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 03:33:00 +0000

It's time for a new music update. Lately I have been wearing out my iPod listening to a new artist by the name of Andrew Belle. He is an indie pop singer/songwriter out of Nashville. And he dropped an new album about a year and a half ago and it was phenomenal! I absolutely love his sound. His music just feels right when you listen to it. By that I mean it's fresh, light and free. He has a real chill vibe to his sound...kind of an acoustic 'smart pop'. He has the kind of record that will make you want to roll your car windows down and let the cool summer evening wind blow as you drive down the highway listening to his music.
So quit reading my review and check out his stuff! 'The Ladder' has got to be one my favorites of his. Trust me you will not be disappointed!

C.S. Lewis and my Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 04:45:00 +0000

I came across a C.S. Lewis quote today that floored me. "When Christ died, He died for you individually just as much as if you had been the only person in the world." You see, I have known this truth but I have to admit I don't think I truly understood its significance.

My understanding of the truth is this. God unconditionally loves each and every person individually. He loves each and everyone one of us so much that he sent and sacrificed his flesh and blood, Jesus, to die for YOU! That thought absolutely blows my mind. You are not just a number to God. You are a person, a soul that He loves dearly and knows intimately!

Faith is important in my life. I have placed my faith in Jesus Christ. It was and continues to be the best decision I have ever made in my entire life. Its a life altering decision to say the least. I have experienced some amazing highs as well as some heartbreakingly lows in my life. And through it all God was there with me because of my decision to follow and love his son Jesus with every single part of my heart. When I was hurting and broken God was there to lift me up and comfort me. And at other times God showed me truly how exceptional he is by blessing me with some unbelievably amazing experiences!

I pray that you make the same decision some day. The decision to follow and love Jesus completely. Its so simple yet such a large decision. Think on it, dwell on it, pray about it and dialogue with me about it. I will be the first to tell you that I don't have all the answers but if you have questions I will give you an honest answer.

-Life as I know it-

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 05:18:00 +0000

Life. It truly inspires me. All facets of it. The good and the bad. So much growth happens in life. I know I am speaking generally here but it is so true. We grow physically, emotionally and most of all spiritually all through out our life. Growth never ends in my opinion.
Lately I have came to the realization that I have done a lot of growing. Life has thrown me a few curve balls in the past year and I have definitely gone down swinging at some of those curve balls. But I am proud to say that I have learned so much about myself as a result enduring my life's recent trials and struggles. I've been to the point of despair where the only thing that kept me from breaking down was my faith in Christ. He is my rock and has always been and always will be there in all the good and all the bad times. The problem for me is remembering to always turn to him in my good times. For me its easy to turn and cry out to God when you are hurting and suffering. Because I know he is there, I have learned to trust his love for me when I am hurting. But to give Him sincere praise and thanks when life is good is something for me to remember to do. I seem to get lulled into the pattern of life at times and focus on myself and not on God. I need to constantly train myself to focus on God because he created that pattern. He made me, loves me unconditionally and has a great plan for my life.
These are my words. Take them or leave, love them or hate them. But they are me and I will always try to best express who I am and what I feel here in a genuine and honest manner. Peace.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 06:49:00 +0000

photo by Jamie C. Emerson

Waiting and Wanting

What is it? I seek it.
I desire it. Am I ready for it?
I prepare, I learn, I grow for it.
I remember it and will never forget it.
Pain and death mark it.
Birth and joy heal it.
I feel it.
I want it.
I wait for it.

photo by Jamie C. Emerson

It is what It is

It is what it is.

There is no change.

It is what it is.

There is no name.

Your name, his name, her name.

Accept it, deny it. Why do you question it?

Trust it, believe it, know it, feel it.

Answers, questions.

Days, night.

Similar, opposite.

Is it wrong? Is it right?

Let it out, keep it in?

Express the feeling.

Express the thought.

Let it begin.

Depression and Love

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 03:35:00 +0000

I've decided to post some more of my writing/poetry. I am still somewhat apprehensive to post it on my blog. But I am learning to trust that this is a place where I can comfortably express myself and more specifically express the creative side of me. These two pieces were written at different points in my life. One of them is very dark and written many years ago when I was going through a tough time. The other one is short but positive and uplifting. I value your comments and feedback.

Depression.
It is around me.
My heart is sore.
I know not why but I do know... it is on me.
It is in me.
I feel it through my bones.
Through the depths of my skin it caresses me.
Will it leave, I don't know?
It is heavy.
It is omnipresent.
I ask why?
I receive no response.
It is cold.
It is there.
The blackness surrounds but there is hope.
But hope is lost.
It is crushed.
My heart is shattered into thousands of pieces.
They cut my feet and the blood drips.
My feet heel but the blackness is still in me.
It is heavy.
It is here.
It is everywhere.

Love.
It is a magnificent word.
At times it is so overwhelmingly strong.
It is the reason for living.
To love, it is a gift that we were given.
Only the Almighty has the power to grant us that gift.
He alone can give meaning to that word.
He alone is the meaning of the word.
God is love.

'Who I am'

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 04:15:00 +0000

I just got back from Poetry Night at a local coffee shop named Rocky Shore Coffee Co. and I was impressed and inspired by the talent of our local writers and poets here in Panama City, FL. The fact that they had the courage to get up and share their writing in a public setting amazed me.
It made me think about the writing that I do. I enjoy writing, journaling and blogging. But who do I write for? Why do I write? I've came to the conclusion that I write for me. I write what I want to hear. If I start to write things that I think others want to hear, then I am writing for the wrong reasons. I need to write for me. I don't mean that in a self-centered way. Its just that my writing is for my own mental well being. My writing expresses the emotions, thoughts and ideas that are bouncing around inside my head.
With all that being said I want to share some of my writing with you. This is the very first time I have ever shared anything I wrote. It's short and its probably not very good but I wrote it for me. It doesn't have any special meaning and probably doesn't make too much sense but its what flowed from my brain to pen to paper. And it felt good to write.

'Who I am'

I am here. I am strong. I am weak
I am free. I am released. I am excited.
I am trusting, patient, passionate.

I am searching, yet I am waiting. I have been given another chance.
I am forgiven and I forgive. I give God the control.

I am hurt. I have been broken.
From brokenness comes healing and strength.

Something touches my heart and soul. It is God's love.
I am grateful. I am thankful. I am overwhelmed.

I put this love and passion to a purpose, a focus.
My passion is for God. He is my everything. He has made me who I am.

Why I love Northstar Church

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 04:43:00 +0000

I've bee thinking lately what has helped me make it through tough times I have had recently? Who has been therefor me in times of need? Where have I experienced powerful and amazing friendships? I've came to the conclusion that it is Northstar Church. I know most of you have no idea what Northstar is all about so let me fill you in.

Northstar is a place where love flows. "It's a place where all are welcome, nobody's perfect and anything is possible." It is a place where lives are changed. It is a body of believers who have faith in Jesus Christ. It is a place that God is using to serve and love our community. It's a place that God is using to reach the rest of the world with his love.

Northstar is a place that has changed me and shaped me into the person I am today. When I was down and hurting, Northstar was there. When I lost a family member to cancer, Northstar was there. When I had questions about God and my faith, Northstar was there. This place has brought great joy to my life and I value every friend I made through Northstar.

There is an amazing group of people here in Panama City, FL who make up a body of believers called Northstar Church. God is using this church for some truly amazing things and I can not wait to see what the future holds. I am eternally grateful for the love, compassion, friendship and honesty shown to me by the many people who attend Northstar. God is God and God is good and I love Northstar Church.

expression through creativity and "art"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 06:28:00 +0000

I have been feeling very introspective lately. I have recently gone through some big changes in my life. And these changes have allowed me to really think, ponder, wonder and consider many things about myself. One of those things that I have thought about a lot is the lack of creativity and "art" in my life.
"Art" as defined by me is something that you use as a tool to express your self. Things such as music, photography, writing, painting...etc. I enjoy art. I enjoy great music. I enjoy amazing photography. I enjoy writing. I want these things to be more of a part of my life. More of a part of who Tim McBride is. I have always admired the creative arts but now I have begun to embrace its many forms.
When I start to write it feels good. It feels like it's something I should be doing. Thats why I do it. I encourage you to do something that artfully expresses your self. I will be the first to admit that I am still learning how to do these things. I am teaching my self how to play guitar better. I am reading and learning about photography and constantly learning how to better express my self through the written word. I know that when I do these things it adds depth to who I am and provides a way for me to release my thoughts, passions, ideas and emotions. Thats all I got for now, more to come later.
p.s. credit goes to my friend Sarah Cusick for the amazing floral photography.

"Need Money For Rocket Fuel"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 05:13:00 +0000

So it has been over a year since I last updated this blog. I last spoke of a Milwaukee, WI band by the name of 'I'm Not A Pilot' and the release of their EP. Well a year later they have released their first full length album "Need Money For Rocket Fuel". It is an amazingly fresh and organic album that truly inspires.
Charles Nevsimal of Milwaukee's Info Magazine describes I'm Not A Pilot's unique sound better than I ever could..."Their own sound is itself at once both lavish and sparse, infusing an Indie-Pop proclivity perfused with Classical influences."
I am a lover of great music, especially music of the independent record label variety. I have heard a wide assortment of music over the last several years and nothing sounds quite like 'I'm Not A Pilot'. They have something unique and touching. Their new album is both melodic and thought provoking. Mark Glatzel's lead vocals and song writing skills have grown to new heights. But personally what keeps me coming back and wanting more is the inclusion of professional cellist Peter Thomas of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. He provides the unique sound of INAP. They are unique because they lack the traditional instrument of guitar. Peter Thomas more than fills the void with his professionally classical cello skills. I can't speak enough of how their sound moves the emotions of the listener. It provides an aura of contemplativity that rarely shows itself in today's music. They almost have an emotionally atmospheric sound. I have heard INAP compared to Arcade Fire and Ben Folds. But I would like to add one more band to that mix...Sigur Ros. The Icelandic natives Sigur Ros have mastered the musical art form of 'atmospheric pop'. Whether by choice or not, I'm Not A Pilot has thrust themselves into that genre of thought provoking and heart moving musical art. Give them a listen and see what you have been missing. http://www.imnotapilot.com

I'm Not A Pilot

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:45:00 +0000

new music update: wanna hear some great new music? go check out I'm Not A Pilot. u will not be disappointed and if fact i think u will be greatly surprised. i am blown away by their talent and originality!they place themselves in the indie pop/classical description of their sound. to quote a friend they have an 'organic ben folds' sound to their music. INAP is sort of a sufjan stevens/arcade fire/ben folds mix. it's a very original sound and the greatest part is that they are extremely talented. INAP consists of piano, cello, bass and drums. their sound is amazing. what draws me in is the interaction of the cello, piano and lead vocals. it's a very pure sound with authentic song writing. check them out! I'm Not A Pilot

The South and the Bible Belt

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:52:00 +0000

The South and the Bible Belt. What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear those words? Probably something that isn't too positive. Well, this video speaks of the idea behind the upcoming book Megabelt which challenges the negative stigma that most people have of the Bible Belt.

Megabelt by Nick May Available November 1, 2009 from Energion Publications

http://megabelt.info/?p=22

Auto-Tune the News #6

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:53:00 +0000

Once I saw this video I could not resist posting it here. It is absolutely hilarious. Its called "Auto-Tune the News #6." The video is done by The Gregory Brothers. They take politicians' and media figures' comments and statements and put them to music in the form of auto-tune and the resulting songs are amazingly funny. And I have to say that this video/song is the one and only acceptable use of auto-tune! (Sorry Jamie Foxx and every other Top 40 wanna-be musicians who uses auto-tune)

Cap and Trade = Energy Tax

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:06:00 +0000

So the other day I called my congressman. Can't say I ever have done that before. But you know what? We live in a time where if you don't agree with something, you have the ability to take take action. Its one thing to talk about issues on a blog but to act upon those issues is another step. So I decided to call Congressman Allen Boyd, of the 2nd Congressional District of Florida, to politely inform him that I and many other constituents in northwest Florida would like him to vote NO on the Cap and Trade Bill. The response I got from his aid answering the phone?.. "I'll pass it along to the Congressman." I guess the aid forgot to tell Congressman Boyd that I called because Boyd voted in favor of the bill, which ended up passing narrowly. Boyd is a Democrat, albeit a moderate "Blue Dog Democrat", but still a Democrat and thats why he voted for the Cap and Trade Bill.
If you don't know what the Cap and Trade Bill is all about here is the short version as per my understanding, in which I'll be the first to admit is lacking. (Correct me if I am wrong) but, by definition Cap and Trade is basically government regulation of carbon emissions and pollution. Government sets a limit of how much a manufacturer (or anybody for that matter) can pollute. If a manufacturing facility end up under their allowed pollution limit they can sell their allowances to another manufacturer. If a facility goes over their allowed pollution limit, fines are imposed by government regulators or they can buy pollution allowances from other manufacturers.
In reality Cap and Trade ends up being one gigantic energy tax on the average American. In fact the working class will probably be the most affected by the Cap and Trade. When manufacturers are fined for polluting to much or have to buy more allowance for their pollution, who is going to pay for that fine? Not the manufacturer. It is us the average American who will pay for it with higher utility bills, higher food prices and higher gas prices.
The Democrats have tried to disguise Cap and Trade as an environmental bill but that's just not the case. Yes, it may help lower carbon emissions in some parts of the country but other regions of the country are only going to get worse as a result of the Cap and Trade regulations. I heard a report today that the EPA says Cap and Trade regulations will lower the earth's average temp less than half a degree over the next one hundred years. Thats hardly worth the trouble if you ask me. Cap and Trade is a way for the Obama administration to create and tap into a new commodity in which they will have the ability to heavily regulate and tax with out having to actually call it a tax.
There is so much more to this issue that I cannot get into here. If you are liberal in your political leanings I am sure your take on Cap and Trade is vastly different. But love it or hate it thats my take.

Japandroids - "Post-Nothing"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:54:00 +0000

I found a new band the other day on eMusic and they blew me away. They are the Japandroids and their album is Post-Nothing and they are utterly amazing. They hail from Vancouver Cananda and are garage rock in sound. They are indie, low-fi, edgy and full of distortion. It is a sound that I have been missing lately and longing to hear. It's just straight up rock that only sounds good when you crank them up loud. In fact, playing loud is the one thing that these two dudes do well. They are a 2 piece that sounds like a 5 piece. So go ahead and check them out, crank the volume up and smile cause that feeling you get in the pit of your gut when listening to the Japandroids, is authentic rock 'n' roll with no frills. Love it and enjoy it cause I sure do!

Center to Right

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:07:00 +0000

I have been silent for far to long in the realm of politics. But President Obama has inspired me to speak up in the political blogosphere. But not in support of him as you may think. For I am diametrically opposed to President Obama and his policies for so many reasons that I can not list them all here. He has inspired me to speak up on the behalf of the Conservative.

I used to call my self a moderate or truthfully, a right leaning moderate. But I now proudly call my self a Conservative. Yes I am a believer in Christ and try to live by Christ's teachings. But that is not the sole reason I call my self a Conservative. I am a Conservative because of my views on the many issues such as taxation, health care, entitlements, immigration, the environment, foreign policy, judicial activisim, liberty and individual freedoms. These are all major issues that are worthy of their own posts and I will address them in the future. For now I will leave you with a quote from the late President Reagan. "Freedom is never more that one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."

Long time, no blog

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Hi. My name is Tim. I write on this blog. Long time since my last post. Did you miss me? I missed you. I missed putting my thoughts down on this page. I enjoy blogging. I need to blog more. I will blog more. I will write longer sentences. I just like short ones today. Stay tuned. Check back often. Peace.

Jaydiohead

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 03:21:00 +0000

So who likes Radiohead? Who likes Jay-Z? If so, go checkout www.jaydiohead.com. A New York DJ by the name of Minty Fresh Beats put out a mixtape mash-up of Radiohead and Jay-Z. He took songs from both artists and digitally combined them. It basically combines Jay-Z rapping with Radiohead as the backing audio with the occasional vocals of Thom Yorke. I am a fan of Radiohead and while I don't own any Jay-Z albums I admire the man's talent. And together they make for a pretty interesting listen.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:56:00 +0000

Happy New Year!!!!

Check out this video from ESPN last night on New Year's Eve. Robbie Maddison jumped his motorcycle 96ft off a ramp onto and off of the replica of the Arc de Triumph in Las Vegas. Pretty awesome footage if you ask me. Messed up his hand pretty bad on the landing on the way down.