Six years on and I wonder how many of us need to be reminded of that awful Tuesday morning. I just watched again, the very good CNN documentary on 9/11, shown for the benefit of a class of 17-19 year olds. I'm not sure that it resonated with them as much as I would have liked. Our culture suffers from short term memory and we are probably more concerned about Britney Spears career freefall than remembering the events that have brought us to this juncture in History. Maybe the members of the House and the Senate ought to take a small refresher course before some of the more ideological ones of them try to decimate the potent testimony of both General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker.
As if we needed an added injection of reality, Osama Bin Laden has issued another video calling for a caravan of martyrs to be released upon us. A word to the not so wise......George Bush is not and never has been.....The Enemy!! As braver men and women than I, fight to defend and protect freedom, I pray that this country's obsession with self absorption and tendency to sabotage its best efforts, will be halted at least for a moment, as we listen to the names of those who lost their lives on that day; and then that we, having been called to attention oncemore, would recover an urgency and commitment to triumph in this war of the worlds.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
House Passes Bill Requiring Troop Withdrawal Within 120 Days
Mark this date on your calendar. On July 12th, 2007, the Congress of the United States, officially surrendered in the War on Terror. We have capitulated in the face of butchery and horror. Now all that is left for Congress to do is to send an official invitation for Islamic extremists anywhere in the world to 'have their way'.
If it weren't for courageous reporters like Michael Yon http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/al-qaeda-on-the-run-feasting-on-the-moveable-beast.htm few of us would have any idea that this war is continuing to be fought and won against a demonic enemy, in spite of the weak-knee-ed and lily-livered politicos.
George W. Bush will stand his ground and will be vilified for it, but history will treat him with honor. The mainstream media continues its relenting attack on the President with Senator Reid and Nancy Pelosi fanning the flames from their hypocritical ivory towers. Senator Reid even had the gall to suggest that the surge had been a failure when if fact it has only been in full effect for about a week...
IF as some allege, Al-Quaeda are baking children and serving them to their parents, then what this country's leaders are in the process of doing is no less sickening.
Let us surround this President with prayer for not only wisdom but courage to stand firm!
If it weren't for courageous reporters like Michael Yon http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/al-qaeda-on-the-run-feasting-on-the-moveable-beast.htm few of us would have any idea that this war is continuing to be fought and won against a demonic enemy, in spite of the weak-knee-ed and lily-livered politicos.
George W. Bush will stand his ground and will be vilified for it, but history will treat him with honor. The mainstream media continues its relenting attack on the President with Senator Reid and Nancy Pelosi fanning the flames from their hypocritical ivory towers. Senator Reid even had the gall to suggest that the surge had been a failure when if fact it has only been in full effect for about a week...
IF as some allege, Al-Quaeda are baking children and serving them to their parents, then what this country's leaders are in the process of doing is no less sickening.
Let us surround this President with prayer for not only wisdom but courage to stand firm!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Idol crazy
What? it's finally over? Jordin wins over Blake? Now I can finally get some sleep. Big voice overcomes beatbox and now we have two more names to add to the ever growing list of talented youngsters vying for attention in an attention deficient world. It was fun to follow, even though I had to rely on second hand reporting from my family much of the time, as I was otherwise engaged in working for a living!
But does it all amount to anything in the long run?... I think not. "What the world needs now (to quote Bacharach) is love sweet love" not another vocal gymnast to compete with the Whitneys, Mariahs and others.
Another interesting side note is just how many of the Idol finalists claimed a faith and had 'church' connections.
Idol...church...Idol....church....Now there's a disturbing trend to ponder!
But does it all amount to anything in the long run?... I think not. "What the world needs now (to quote Bacharach) is love sweet love" not another vocal gymnast to compete with the Whitneys, Mariahs and others.
Another interesting side note is just how many of the Idol finalists claimed a faith and had 'church' connections.
Idol...church...Idol....church....Now there's a disturbing trend to ponder!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Cho Seung-Hui and red flags
Thesmokinggun.com has posted some of Cho Seung-Hui's writings and considering that he was a senior in a prestigious University maybe the biggest red flag should have not just been the expressions of rage and hate that are contained therein but that his writing was not what I would imagine University level creative writing should be. It raises the question as to what standard they are expecting on a college level these days.
Of course, Cho is not the first writer to ever spew hatefilled rhetoric or dwell on the bizarre or horrific - and I'm not condoning either but there are also examples of horror and violence in literature that are still considered great literature - some of the pre-Shakespearean plays for example.
That said, it could be that no-one was willing to confront his lack of creative writing ability for fear that he might 'go postal'. Unfortunately it was to no avail. The lack of confrontation appears to have only increased his sense of alienation resulting in this monumental tragedy.
To be fair, his professor attempted to have him go to counselling but her pleas fell on deaf ears. Maybe the emotional damage had been done years before and like post-traumatic stress disorder, surfaced to cataclysmic results, this past Tuesday.
Of course, Cho is not the first writer to ever spew hatefilled rhetoric or dwell on the bizarre or horrific - and I'm not condoning either but there are also examples of horror and violence in literature that are still considered great literature - some of the pre-Shakespearean plays for example.
That said, it could be that no-one was willing to confront his lack of creative writing ability for fear that he might 'go postal'. Unfortunately it was to no avail. The lack of confrontation appears to have only increased his sense of alienation resulting in this monumental tragedy.
To be fair, his professor attempted to have him go to counselling but her pleas fell on deaf ears. Maybe the emotional damage had been done years before and like post-traumatic stress disorder, surfaced to cataclysmic results, this past Tuesday.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Melissa Etheridge's wife and other incongruities
I'm afraid I succumbed to temptation and sat through the entire Academy Awards broadcast. I found Ellen DeGeneres to be a pleasant surprise, Al Gore to be as irritating as ever and Melissa Etheridge to be the one to drag everybody in America into her psycho-sexual eccentricity, masquerading as civil rights activism. Her use of the term 'wife' to describe her 'partner' left something behind bigger than her undoubtably diminished carbon footprint. Why does the Hollywood liberal mafia insist on ramming the barrel of its Berkeley pseudo-elitism down our collective throats? And then they go and give her "Best Song"...please......Sorry Randy Newman, you will never be forgiven for "Short People"!!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Mississippi works to heal itself.
The recent sterling work by Jerry Mitchell and others at the Clarion-Ledger in Jackson have meant that justice long awaited might at last be realized. This is a crucial step as MS, even in the face of Rep Charles Rangel's comments, works to heal itself.
Please check out the articles:
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007701250391
Please check out the articles:
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007701250391
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Happy New Year - Brand New Music
Hey!
Sorry to have been absent for a while....I've been busy laying down some new music and revising the "Recovered Memory" project from last year.
Click on http://iacmusic.com/jonathanpatrickmoore
or http://recoveredmemory.bravehost.com/
to hear some new music or stream the project in its entirety.
Meanwhile the world descends into chaos, George Bush's poll numbers dip proportionately, and after a promising start, the Cincinnati Bengals return to relative mediocrity while still hitting the headlines for most arrests per team. Three good reasons to put your faith in Jesus this New Year!!
Sorry to have been absent for a while....I've been busy laying down some new music and revising the "Recovered Memory" project from last year.
Click on http://iacmusic.com/jonathanpatrickmoore
or http://recoveredmemory.bravehost.com/
to hear some new music or stream the project in its entirety.
Meanwhile the world descends into chaos, George Bush's poll numbers dip proportionately, and after a promising start, the Cincinnati Bengals return to relative mediocrity while still hitting the headlines for most arrests per team. Three good reasons to put your faith in Jesus this New Year!!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Intriguing scenario put forth by Pat Robertson
Quoting Isaiah 19:23-25, today on the 700 Club, Pat suggested a possible merger between Syria and Iraq, based on Syria's agreeing to peace with Israel. His reasoning is sound based on clearer ethnic and cultural ties between present day Iraq and Syria as in the ancient Assyria. Pat talks about President Bush fighting Scripture on his "Roadmap to Peace" proposal.
While I'm sure the liberal press will have a field day with this, taking Pat's comments out of context, I believe he has a very good point. When will believers strive to fulfill scripture instead of fighting against it?
While I'm sure the liberal press will have a field day with this, taking Pat's comments out of context, I believe he has a very good point. When will believers strive to fulfill scripture instead of fighting against it?
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Borat and the culture of insensitivity
The leading movie at the box office for the past two weeks has been "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan." starring so-called comedian Sasha Baron Cohen. While I have not seen the movie (it hasn't made it to Grenada's miniscule megaplex!!), it has become apparent that Mr. Cohen managed to create his comedy by demeaning and belittling various people groups. Many of those who have become the unwitting targets of Borat's mock-umentary are now sueing both him and the film distributor who both look to cash in on the strength of multi-millions earned at the box office.
I hope the offended partys win and win big. There is no humor more tasteless than cruelty, and Mr. Cohen should have to reap some of what he has sown.
I hope the offended partys win and win big. There is no humor more tasteless than cruelty, and Mr. Cohen should have to reap some of what he has sown.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Donkey Politics
I don't have the privilege of voting but I encourage my students to do so. I am unable to vote because, as of yet, I am not a citizen of the United States...but if I was, I would hope that my ballot would reflect an informed opinion. Alas, I fear we have just seen the exercise of 'donkey' politics. It's a term that originates from Australia, where because voting there is compulsory, some voters have to vote in the manner of 'pinning a tail on the donkey' hence donkey voting, where they vote blind. It is ironic of course that the symbol of the Democratic party just happens to be a donkey!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Sound of Melodies, Compact Disc [CD] - By: Leeland - Christianbook.com
Sound of Melodies, Compact Disc [CD] - By: Leeland - Christianbook.com
click on the title above and order from CBD
The "new" sound of worship!
On my way to an Encounter God weekend, where I was to lead worship, I stopped off at a christian bookstore (two actually!!...) and picked up a new CD by a group called "Leeland". It was on sale for the ridiculous price of $6.99. I didn't immediately put it in because, quite honestly, I was not sure what it would sound like - I only had a vague feeling that my children probably had heard them on one of their favorite screamo-emo christian rock shows. Instead I inserted into the CD player the latest offering from CCM's current darling Jeremy Camp. I think I listened for about three songs and after being suitable un-impressed, I took a chance on "Leeland".
The opening and title track, 'Sound of Melodies' burst like a wave of cool refreshment into my speeding van and I found myself captured by meaning and passion (something strangely lacking in the Jeremy Camp offering). Great opening I thought, then came track two "Reaching"- equally captivating as I found myself singing along and soaring with the lead singer's Keane-like vocals. Then on to track three and four (the wonderful "Tears of the Saints" with a line 'this is an emergency' which ranks as one of the most telling lyric lines in recent memory...) And so on through the rest of the album. Shades of Delirious, the afore mentioned Keane and even the Afters, but ultimately this is a majestic freshman effort by a band fronted by an eighteen year-old with a genuine message delivered in a pure and powerful yet vulnerable voice. Check it out - the new sound of worship from "Leeland"
The opening and title track, 'Sound of Melodies' burst like a wave of cool refreshment into my speeding van and I found myself captured by meaning and passion (something strangely lacking in the Jeremy Camp offering). Great opening I thought, then came track two "Reaching"- equally captivating as I found myself singing along and soaring with the lead singer's Keane-like vocals. Then on to track three and four (the wonderful "Tears of the Saints" with a line 'this is an emergency' which ranks as one of the most telling lyric lines in recent memory...) And so on through the rest of the album. Shades of Delirious, the afore mentioned Keane and even the Afters, but ultimately this is a majestic freshman effort by a band fronted by an eighteen year-old with a genuine message delivered in a pure and powerful yet vulnerable voice. Check it out - the new sound of worship from "Leeland"
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
How do you score a war?
We now have a tenuous but intact cease fire between Hezbollah and Israel. It seems unlikely that it will hold because nothing essentially has changed. Israel bowed to international pressure and stopped short of what was necessary in order to remove the terrorist threat from its northern border. Hezbollah is claiming both a moral and territorial victory. They are still in place. They still have the capability to launch Katusha rockets, and the Lebanese government is retreating from the notion of disarming them.
How do you score a war like this? Maybe you don't...you simply prepare for a 'do-over'.
The western media are almost reluctantly giving the victory on points to Sheik Nasrallah and his cronies. Ehud Olmert looks set to retire from competitive war making in the not too distant future.
Look for Bebe Netanyahu to emerge as the warrior king, just in time for the rematch. And this time expect hell and fury to be unleashed, not only upon Lebanon, but upon Syria and Iran too!
How do you score a war like this? Maybe you don't...you simply prepare for a 'do-over'.
The western media are almost reluctantly giving the victory on points to Sheik Nasrallah and his cronies. Ehud Olmert looks set to retire from competitive war making in the not too distant future.
Look for Bebe Netanyahu to emerge as the warrior king, just in time for the rematch. And this time expect hell and fury to be unleashed, not only upon Lebanon, but upon Syria and Iran too!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Sobering News
Just a couple of weeks ago, I boarded an American Airlines flight from Heathrow Airport, outside London, bound for New York's JFK airport. Today I awoke to hear the news that Al Qaeda linked terrorists were targeting just such flights with sophisticated liquid bombs, planning to detonate them in mid air causing the maximum loss of innocent life.
Two thoughts come immediately to mind:
(1) I'm glad I'm not travelling at this moment in time and looking back just a couple of weeks, I was somewhat surprised at the lack of intense baggage and personal inspections both in the UK and Stateside.
(2) I'm grateful for vigilant security forces on both sides of the Atlantic and for the skillful investigative capabilities of both nations who are able to interdict such plans in a timely manner and so prevent greater tragedies than have already occured.
It is also apparent that our intelligence and Homeland Security personnel cannot rest for even a moment as this ongoing clash of culture, religion and civilizations continues.
While all eyes are on Lebanon and Israel, the terrorists are eying America and the rest of the western world like a coiled snake ready to strike.
As we approach the fifth anniversary of September 11th, we would do well to remember that our enemy still lurks and we have not yet won this war.
Two thoughts come immediately to mind:
(1) I'm glad I'm not travelling at this moment in time and looking back just a couple of weeks, I was somewhat surprised at the lack of intense baggage and personal inspections both in the UK and Stateside.
(2) I'm grateful for vigilant security forces on both sides of the Atlantic and for the skillful investigative capabilities of both nations who are able to interdict such plans in a timely manner and so prevent greater tragedies than have already occured.
It is also apparent that our intelligence and Homeland Security personnel cannot rest for even a moment as this ongoing clash of culture, religion and civilizations continues.
While all eyes are on Lebanon and Israel, the terrorists are eying America and the rest of the western world like a coiled snake ready to strike.
As we approach the fifth anniversary of September 11th, we would do well to remember that our enemy still lurks and we have not yet won this war.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Not too smart a war being waged by the media.
We are extremely naive when it comes to what we believe from our media. They always seems to have a grandstand view of the war which leads the cynic in me to wonder if it is not being staged for their benefit. The news that the Kana massacre might in fact be an elaborate fraud created by Hezbollah should surprise no-one - http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=109072
but unfortunately it obviously fooled major world leaders, Condoleeza Rice and others.
This is a war and a time when we need to trust our spiritual eyes and not our natural. We are living in an age of manipulation and unfortunately....this is no magic show!!
but unfortunately it obviously fooled major world leaders, Condoleeza Rice and others.
This is a war and a time when we need to trust our spiritual eyes and not our natural. We are living in an age of manipulation and unfortunately....this is no magic show!!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Back from the U.K. back to work!
I'm now back at work having spent a wonderful two weeks back home in the U.K. just hanging out with Mom and letting her fix me all my favorite food.
Since returning home, we have sold our house, witnessed my in-laws being re-married after being divorced for over 30 years, and celebrated two birthdays.
Also I enjoyed a reunion with another part of my 'family' in Dallas, Texas on my way to and from the U.K.!
School is back in session next week for my kids, with Aidan beginning kindergarten, or as he likes to put it....'zero grade'!
More later.......
Since returning home, we have sold our house, witnessed my in-laws being re-married after being divorced for over 30 years, and celebrated two birthdays.
Also I enjoyed a reunion with another part of my 'family' in Dallas, Texas on my way to and from the U.K.!
School is back in session next week for my kids, with Aidan beginning kindergarten, or as he likes to put it....'zero grade'!
More later.......
Sunday, June 25, 2006
New Song and other news
Just got back from a conference on Adult Education in Natchez, MS - a delightful Antebellum town on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi. While I was staying across the river in Vidalia, LA, I wrote a song for my in-laws wedding. (Wonderful story....must tell you sometime!) The new song is entitled "All things beautiful" as in "...He makes all things beautiful in His time." I am pleased with the outcome and may well record that tune and about three others and add them to the new CD for American consumption. Watch this space.
Also we ( actually Allison mainly) have been readying our house for sale and looking at property in the old part of downtown. You get more house for your dollar there....and with our expanding household, it seemed like a needful thing to do!
LAstly...I'm heading across the pond to England on July 4th ( how appropriate...) for almost two weeks of uninterrupted R & R. WOW!!
Also we ( actually Allison mainly) have been readying our house for sale and looking at property in the old part of downtown. You get more house for your dollar there....and with our expanding household, it seemed like a needful thing to do!
LAstly...I'm heading across the pond to England on July 4th ( how appropriate...) for almost two weeks of uninterrupted R & R. WOW!!
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Recovered Memory finished!
Here's the story behind the tracks:
"Drake's Drum" - The drum itself is housed at Buckland Abbey and whenever England is threatened by danger, if you listen, you will hear the sound of the drum and at that moment Drake will reappear and rout the enemy - or so the story goes.
"Doublewaters" - The title refers to the place where the Rivers Tavy and Walkham meet, before flowing into the River Tamar. It was one of my favorite places to go - it was quite a stroll but always worth the effort.
"Apres Stroll" - An instrumental actually written for another project which has never seen the light of day. This piece was inspired by afternoon strolls designed to walk off the effects of Sunday dinner.
"20 Minutes Older" - Written with tongue in cheek (and sung that way!) and in honor of my twin brother Nigel whom I love dearly and have no spirit of competition with whatsoever. (...Right!)
"Home" - A song that has been around for about 8 years but finally found itself a place to call home! All the details are accurate as far as my memory serves me.
"A Rainy Afternoon" - An instrumental written and improvised in the wee hours and a chance to play some uncharacteristic lead guitar.
"Dewerstone" - A cautionary tale based on an old Devon legend. I sang it in about as low a register as I could so that it might sound unlike any other voice on the project.
"Eternal Father Strong to Save / The Traveller" - The first melody is the tune of my Uncle Jack's favorite hymn while the second song is a re-recording of a song from the 'Proving God' album, inspired by the foghorn sounding at the Needles, off the Isle of Wight.
"Photographs" - This song was recorded back in 1982 and appeared first on the 'Shooting for the Heart' album. I thought about re-doing it for this project and then decided I liked the original just fine....so what would be the point. It fits the theme of memory so I've included it here. The song itself was inspired by a grandfather I never knew but one that left a legacy of images for us to enjoy.
"Paris Jazz" - This instrumental dates from my college years. It was inspired by a trip to that great city and listening to the wonderful street musicians who seem to hang out on every street corner.
"There and Back Again" - A synthesis of two memories - the first is of my Nursery School experience where; when we would walk to the recreation field in Yelverton to play, we had to grasp this thick nautical rope and walk along the lane in single file; the other is one of those priceless phrases my father (the Squire) was famous for - ' We're going there and back again to see how far it is!'
"Drake's Drum" - The drum itself is housed at Buckland Abbey and whenever England is threatened by danger, if you listen, you will hear the sound of the drum and at that moment Drake will reappear and rout the enemy - or so the story goes.
"Doublewaters" - The title refers to the place where the Rivers Tavy and Walkham meet, before flowing into the River Tamar. It was one of my favorite places to go - it was quite a stroll but always worth the effort.
"Apres Stroll" - An instrumental actually written for another project which has never seen the light of day. This piece was inspired by afternoon strolls designed to walk off the effects of Sunday dinner.
"20 Minutes Older" - Written with tongue in cheek (and sung that way!) and in honor of my twin brother Nigel whom I love dearly and have no spirit of competition with whatsoever. (...Right!)
"Home" - A song that has been around for about 8 years but finally found itself a place to call home! All the details are accurate as far as my memory serves me.
"A Rainy Afternoon" - An instrumental written and improvised in the wee hours and a chance to play some uncharacteristic lead guitar.
"Dewerstone" - A cautionary tale based on an old Devon legend. I sang it in about as low a register as I could so that it might sound unlike any other voice on the project.
"Eternal Father Strong to Save / The Traveller" - The first melody is the tune of my Uncle Jack's favorite hymn while the second song is a re-recording of a song from the 'Proving God' album, inspired by the foghorn sounding at the Needles, off the Isle of Wight.
"Photographs" - This song was recorded back in 1982 and appeared first on the 'Shooting for the Heart' album. I thought about re-doing it for this project and then decided I liked the original just fine....so what would be the point. It fits the theme of memory so I've included it here. The song itself was inspired by a grandfather I never knew but one that left a legacy of images for us to enjoy.
"Paris Jazz" - This instrumental dates from my college years. It was inspired by a trip to that great city and listening to the wonderful street musicians who seem to hang out on every street corner.
"There and Back Again" - A synthesis of two memories - the first is of my Nursery School experience where; when we would walk to the recreation field in Yelverton to play, we had to grasp this thick nautical rope and walk along the lane in single file; the other is one of those priceless phrases my father (the Squire) was famous for - ' We're going there and back again to see how far it is!'
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Recording up and going
Dear friends,
The "Recovered Memory" project is under way. Having been writing new songs for the past couple of months, I finally got down to recording the tracks. Two are completed so far:- "Drake's Drum" and "There and Back Again". The results are pretty good (in other words - I can live with them...). I think my mother will appreciate them as well. There are lots of references to my childhood as well as universal themes of pilgrimage and growing up. I am planning two more days of recording this week. and I hope to complete at least two more songs in that time. That will put me well on the way to meeting the July 1 deadline. I leave for Dallas on the 2nd and fly out from there to the UK on the 5th. I am planning a couple of instrumental tracks as well - to help the flow. I have eight songs ready to record.
Pray for me!
The "Recovered Memory" project is under way. Having been writing new songs for the past couple of months, I finally got down to recording the tracks. Two are completed so far:- "Drake's Drum" and "There and Back Again". The results are pretty good (in other words - I can live with them...). I think my mother will appreciate them as well. There are lots of references to my childhood as well as universal themes of pilgrimage and growing up. I am planning two more days of recording this week. and I hope to complete at least two more songs in that time. That will put me well on the way to meeting the July 1 deadline. I leave for Dallas on the 2nd and fly out from there to the UK on the 5th. I am planning a couple of instrumental tracks as well - to help the flow. I have eight songs ready to record.
Pray for me!
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