Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Being Bruce Springsteen
This guy describes the problem pretty well. I still haven't listened to all of Devils & Dust, so I can't really say that I agree or disagree with his opinion of the record, but I think he does identify Springsteen's struggle under the weight of his persona.
(thanks to John Mead for the link)
(thanks to John Mead for the link)
Friday, June 17, 2005
A Vanishing Breed of Republican
An eminently reasonable op-ed by former Republican Senator (and UN ambassador) John Danforth defending "moderate" Christianity. Key quote (one of many):
Unfortunately, too many in the current Republican party consider the words "reasonable" and "moderate" to be pejorative, if not slanderous. I think it's clear why he didn't last as UN ambassador....
Moderate Christians are less certain about when and how our beliefs can be translated into statutory form, not because of a lack of faith in God but because of a healthy acknowledgement of the limitations of human beings. Like conservative Christians, we attend church, read the Bible and say our prayers.
But for us, the only absolute standard of behavior is the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. Repeatedly in the Gospels, we find that the Love Commandment takes precedence when it conflicts with laws. We struggle to follow that commandment as we face the realities of everyday living, and we do not agree that our responsibility to live as Christians can be codified by legislators.
Unfortunately, too many in the current Republican party consider the words "reasonable" and "moderate" to be pejorative, if not slanderous. I think it's clear why he didn't last as UN ambassador....
Thursday, June 16, 2005
WLUW Radio Spot - Friday, June 24
Leah Moyers and I will be on WLUW (88.7 FM) next Friday, June 24 to promote the upcoming Estrojam benefit at Martyrs. We'll be performing "Jailhouse Blues" by Bessie Smith.
I think we'll be on around 5:oo pm.
I think we'll be on around 5:oo pm.
Monday, June 13, 2005
War: Realities and Myths
from Chris Hedges, veteran war correspondent, and author of War is a Force That Gives Us Meaning....
Friday, June 10, 2005
Upcoming Performances
What a busy month! Here's a rundown of upcoming performances in June:
Saturday, June 11, 10:oo pm - at Seanchai's with Open All Night (corner of Belmont and Western)
Wednesday, June 15, 11:30 am - 205 N. Michigan Ave (outside) with the Soul Ensemble
Saturday, June 18, 8:00 pm - Aimee Mann Ensemble and Soul Ensemble graduation performance at 3030 (3030 W. Cortland)
Saturday, June 25, 7:00 pm - Tribute to John Fogerty at the Hideout (with the Soul Ensemble)
Thursday, June 30, 7:30 pm - Estrojam benefit at Martyrs' (with Mystery Train)
Saturday, June 11, 10:oo pm - at Seanchai's with Open All Night (corner of Belmont and Western)
Wednesday, June 15, 11:30 am - 205 N. Michigan Ave (outside) with the Soul Ensemble
Saturday, June 18, 8:00 pm - Aimee Mann Ensemble and Soul Ensemble graduation performance at 3030 (3030 W. Cortland)
Saturday, June 25, 7:00 pm - Tribute to John Fogerty at the Hideout (with the Soul Ensemble)
Thursday, June 30, 7:30 pm - Estrojam benefit at Martyrs' (with Mystery Train)
Hillary in 2008?
The definitive article (so far) on why it could happen (I think it's too early to tell whether or not is should happen)....
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
More Pictures from Memphis
These photos (along with the Al Green photo posted earlier) were taken at an underpass on Bellevue Blvd, which turns into Elvis Presley Blvd as you get closer to Graceland.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Rewriting History
Since I don't have cable, I didn't see the parade of morally indignant ex-convicts (Liddy, Colson, etc.) railing against Mark Felt, a.k.a. Deep Throat. But here's an excellent piece by Michael Tomasky in The American Prospect on how they fit into a larger project to change the way we remember history...
Pictures from Louisville - Abbey Road on the River
Friday, June 03, 2005
New Class in June: Elvis Costello
I'll be teaching a class on Elvis Costello beginning on June 23. His catalog is so extensive, I have no idea how I'll narrow down a list of songs we can cover in a mere eight weeks.
Anyway, here's an excellent review/article from The American Prospect on Elvis, his current tour, his place in the musical pantheon, etc....
Anyway, here's an excellent review/article from The American Prospect on Elvis, his current tour, his place in the musical pantheon, etc....
Pictures from Memphis
the Million Dollar Quartet (Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash)
my favorite photo at Graceland - the door to Vernon's office
