Just a Reminder My blog as changed

Just a reminder that I have moved my blog to wordpress.

you can find it here.

http://www.natesmusings.wordpress.com

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Moving Time....

Well the time has come.  I am jumping ship and following the crowd.  From here on out I will be available on Wordpress. Please follow my blog there.

Click here

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Nate's New Music of the Week:The City Harmonic

These guys first came to my attention while listening to Air1. They stuck out on that radio station, because they were actually good. The lyrics on this song are quite simple but profound. Their sound is like a Radiohead/Coldplay Eurorock thing. I'm really groovin on this song this week.

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Music Discovery-Turtle Island String Quartet

These guys are awesome.  In this clip they play on themes from Bach...

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Nate's New Music of the Week-The Civil Wars

This album due out in February has the potential to be the best album of 2011.  The duo is comprised of John Paul White and CCM alum Joy Williams.  The record is produced by Charlie Peacock.  Don't get the wrong impression though, this is not a Christian album, but one that crosses barriers and is not afraid to touch on themes not normally heard on regular Christian music fair.  If you like Amercana/folk/country this album will be the best one you hear all year.

Barton Hollow - The Civil Wars - The Civil Wars Videos

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Movie Review: The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones
MPAA Rating/ PG-13
Nate's Rating/PG to PG-13
The Lovely Bones is the story of a young girl who is murdered by one of her neighbors and then ends up somewhere in the "in between".  She isn't totally in heaven because she refuses to let go of her own life.  She also isn't exactly living either.  The movie has a gazebo represent the bridge she used between the afterlife and the living situations going on around her.

During the course of the movie, her family struggles to cope with her death as time marches on and relationships move in different directions.  The movie is a roller coaster ride of emotions. Although the movie revolves around something depressing and disturbing as a young girls murder, it is more about life and relationships, and coping.
I had not heard of the book before seeing the movie.  After reading the synopsis of the book, there are parts that I was glad was left out of the movie.  I am not sure it would have played well with the darkly uplifting sentiments being portrayed in the face of this tragedy.
Many aspects of the movie are hard to put into words.  I would recommend the movie, but with caution.  Although not overtly violent or full of cuss words, it is a move that deals with adult themes.  Think twice before letting your children watch it.
3 out of 5 nateys

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Twitter and Slander Wars

As many of you know, I am passionate about Boise State football.  And when somebody says something about my team, it is very hard for me to not correct them.  So just the other day, I happened to tweet something that garnished a response from somebody in Ohio of all places.  I really don't even know what the fellow tweeter was responding to.  But he was quite rude in his response and made sure to hashtag a "dumba@@" in his tweet.  I of course could not let this go.  I responded and told him (or her) that I was glad that they had found a creative outlet to release their childish character and that no on really cared what they thought.  The of course responded calling me a fat f@#$ and that it was unfortunate that I was so ugly.  The following is the actual text....
 @knatradio listen fat f@@@, if you don't like what i say don't follow me. people as worthless as you shouldn't breathe the same air as me.

@knatradio do the world a favor. out in idaho put a plastic bag over your face and duct tape it around your neck hahaha #suckstobefatandugly

I of course immediately responded to that letting him know that I was not following him and he was the one that had originally responded to something that I had said.  So the evening went by and this person had not responded.  I figured that was that and moved on.  This morning I checked my gmail account and low and behold this person had went out of their way to visit my blog and find my gmail address.  He decided to be kind enough to send me this well thought out and eloquent email.
 Its funny how geeks like you will sit behind a computer and blog, tweet and play
WoW, but when someone steps in your face you cower like the worthless excuse for
a man you are. People like you are worthless to the world, you will sit and
tweet but never actually do anything about it. This is probably the story of
your life. You will forever work for someone else and take orders daily. I deal
with spineless people like you all the time. Sit behind your computer and rot
like the hermit that you are. People like you blog because you don't fit in with
society, you are a black sheep. You will forever be looked at like a freak, or
creature, and that makes you feel uncomfortable in your own skin; which you
should be. when you were created something went wrong, you're not like normal
people, you're creation and existence on earth was a mistake, you serve no
purpose, you are an outcast. You can reply to this email or just accept the fact
that you know I am correct and the truth hurts. 
Now, after reading this letter, of course my first reaction was to write him back and say a bunch of nasty things.  But the more I have thought about it, I am not going to carry on with this any longer.  It is a very interesting time we live in that we can have wars with people we don't even know.  I have come to believe we are living in a culture that is becoming more and more insensitive to others.  We don't even have to see people face to face anymore.  And we find it much easier to say things to one another we would never dream of saying to that person face to face.
As for me, I have been very diligent to post things on facebook that are quite neutral.  And I have limited my posts on things that I don't agree with.  I need to do the same thing on twitter.  In fact, I am not really sure twitter is such a good thing.  We have reduced what we are doing and thinking to 140 characters.  How meaningful can that be?  I think I may call a friend up and go have a cup of coffee and share some real quality time them.What about you?  What do you think of this new social culture we live in?  Do you use facebook? Twitter?  Are the good for our culture?  What do you do to keep relationships going with people in your lives?

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Does Leaving "Christ" in Christmas Mean Putting Up a Cross?

I was driving down the road the other day while admiring the wonderful Christmas decorations in the yards, when I came upon a house with a giant cross on their house illuminated brighter than anything else in the neighborhood.  Then, while delivering mail, I walked up onto a doorstep that had a four foot cross with miniature Christmas lights all over it.  This began to strike me as odd.  Now don't get me wrong, I am well aware of the significance of the cross and what it means in the life of a Christian.  There is no greater symbol of the sacrifice that Christ suffered for each one of us on that beautiful scandalous night on that hill they called the Skulls.  But that is Good Friday/Easter.  This...this is Christmas!  The celebration of the Saviour's birth!  This is why we give presents and parties, and bake cookies, and put up trees this time of year.  I don't see many people commemoration someones birthday by how they will or did end up dying.

So why would Christians prop up the cross to such an exalted level this time of year? I can see a couple of reasons.

1. Christians in this area want people to know that they really believe in Jesus.  Not the "false" Jesus taught by some.  The Christians know that the dominant relgion does not really feel the same way as evangelicals do about the cross.  So this is a way to seperate the "sheep from the wolves".

2.  Christians are so focused on death sometimes that we fail to see life.  Think how absurd it is that the ultimate symbol of death is so prominantly featured in these displays.  What does that say?  Does it espouse life to those who see it?  Yes Jesus died for us.  That is something that no one else could have done.  But right now...this time of year is about the life of Jesus.  It's about the miraculous conception of a baby inside a 14 year old Jewish girl 2000 years ago. 

We have plenty of time to contemplate his death on the cross.  Let's at least spend a few weeks contemplating the gift of his LIFE.

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What My Kids are Thankful For

During the month of November, I tried to have my children tell me at least one thing they were thankful for every day.  We didn't hold to the "every day" very well but I think we got a fairly good list.  I am proud of them for some of the things they came up with.  Some of the items are kinda funny.  Here are the uncensored things that my kids are thankful for this year.

Lemuel
family, electronics, funny people, friends, books, memories, warmth, church, hot chocolate, music, imagination, choices, machines

Brayden
Life, deja (his rat), holidays, pets, food, houses, pokemon, popcorn, paper, clothes, legos, cups, colors


Abigail
House, clothes, food, shoes, beds, stores, pets, water bottles, school, plants, animals, holidays, books


Keenan
pumpkin pie, brothers and sisters, feet, firewood, hats, presents, boots, months, wands, legos, poof pillows, mothers

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5 things I Have Learned This Weekend

1. Snow is not a mailman's friend
2. We are not entitled
3. Twitter can be a mean world.  I have not been called so many names since high school.  It's amazing what people say to each other when there are miles and miles between them.
4.  BSU still rocks
5.  Vikings suck

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Frustration Vs. Determination

As many of you know, I have been trying to finish my degree.  It has been a long road to earn my first degree, and I am not happy with what I have done.  I started college in 1992.  Since then I have attended 4 different school 5 different times.  I have changed my major 5 different times.  This is definitely not a formula for success.
This time around I am trying to get an IT degree with a Network Administration.  I have been doing pretty well over the past two years with a scheduled graduation date of November of next year.  At the beginning of this year, I started studying for the Configuring Windows 7 exam.  I have taken the test 4 times with negative results.  Yesterday, I took it for the 5th time...and failed. 
This last score leaves me in kind of a bind.  Microsoft's policy is to only let a person take the test 5 times within a 12 month time frame.  So, I won't be able to take the test again until November 2011 (the month I was supposed to graduate).  And, since the class was worth 6 credits (half of my class load) I did not pass enough credits for this term.  This places me on an academic probation for the next term.  I should not affect my financial aid, but it is very discouraging.
My IT mentor is going to try to get me into a Vista class so I can take a test soon.  This will keep me from having to wait 12 months to take the test again.  But it is still frustrating.  It's days like this that make me think I am an idiot and should just give up.
But I have given up too many times in my life and I am not about to give up on school for a 6th time.  It may be frustrating and a little humiliating that I have been unable to pass this test.  But, for now, my determination outweighs my frustration.
In 2011, I plan on being a graduate of Western Governor's University and earning my first Bachelor's Degree.  It is going to be hard (it has already been hard) but I will not let that deter me from reaching this goal.  I am tired of giving up.  I am tired of other people dictating what I can and can't do.  I will be an IT professional.
Thanks for reading....and GO BOISE STATE!

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What Is Holding Me Back

It has been a very long time since I have written a decent blog post.  I have had many ideas, but no time to develope them in any length.

For the past 10 months I have been trying to pass a test in configuring Windows 7 operating system.  It has been  all consuming.  Every waking moment that is not taken up by necessary duties, has been engulfed by studying for this test.  I have taken the test 4 times and have yet to pass it.  Needless to say, I am getting very discouraged. 

I am taking the test for a fifth time next week.  I would appreciate and covet your prayers for passing it this time.  If I do not pass the test I will not be able to take it again until next year (Microsoft rules).  Also, I will be put on academic probation with my school for not passing enough credits.  I would like to avoid both of these predicaments if at all possible. So, if you wouldn't mind rattling the kingdom for me just a little bit, it would be greatly appreciated.

Blessings,
Nathan

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Would Like to Post...

I am sorry for all of you blog followers for my lack of posting.  I have been very busy the past few months.  The post office is working me six days a week.  On top of that, it 's crunch time for this semester of school.  I have taken the Windows 7 test three times and have not passed it yet.  I am attempting to take again next week and would love your prayers. 

Hopefully after that, things will slow down enough that I can post a few blogs.

Blessings to you all!!!

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New GEICO Commercial Tickles My Funny Bone

GEICO has been rather creative in the commercial department for many years.  The new ones continue that tradition.  This one had me rolling on the floor

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Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody.

Okay so I just listened to a Fresh Air broadcast with the guitarist from Queen.  Did you know he has a PhD in Astro Physics?  Anyway, they discussed this version of the classic Queen song and he said he really liked it.  In fact the instruments is the actual Queen music with the muppets overdubbed on top.  So Queen gave them permission for this.  It's awesome.  LONG LIVE THE MUPPETS!!!

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Review: Newsboys...Born Again

In 1989, I purchased my first Newsboys album just because it had a cool title.  I had never heard of the band before, but with a title like "Hell is for Wimps", how I could I pass it up?  Well....As a collection of songs inspired by hair bands of the day, "Wimps" wasn't that great.  I listened to it a few times and set it in my tape shelf to gather dust.

A few years later, the Newsboys had shed the hair band image and most of the guitars as well.  They picked up a keyboard and took a few lessons from bands like Erasure and Information Society and created their first really good album.  Not Ashamed became one of my favorite albums of all time.

Not Ashamed began a string of big records for the Newsboys that grew their fan base by leaps and bounds.  By the mid 1990's they had become one of the biggest names in Christian music.  Things began to change however and with the departure of the singer John James (you can read is story here), Newsboys began to change their sound to a light hearted pop band with Peter Furler and Phil Joel trading vocals respectively. 

The new millennium found the Newsboys sinking into relative mediocrity with many of their albums.  Yes, they had a few memorable hits such as "It Is You" from their "Adoration" Cd and Million Pieces from Go.  but for the most part their music had become predictable and forgettable.

But, if history is any predictor, one should not count the Newsboys out.  Their new album Born Again has the remaining 'boys joining forces with ex DC Talker Michael Tait.  With Michael's easily recognizable chops and an increase of a more modern guitar driven rock sound, the Newsboys has released their best album in years.

The album starts of with the rocker Born Again and steadily brings song after well crafted song. Some of the highlights include the song One Shot, Impossible, and When the Boys Light Up.  And even thought I am not a big fan of Hillsongs, their rendition of Mighty to Save is admirable (truly Tait's voice that makes it memorable). The last song on the "non-deluxe" version is a remake of the DC Talk classic Jesus Freak.  I couldn't help but wonder who's idea it was to remake this classic.  It is good, but this is one song that was so perfect the first time around, it should not be redone.

If you purchase the "deluxe" version from itunes,  they so graciously add a few more songs.  I highly recommend buying this version.  "We Remember" and "Glorious" are worth the extra four dollars.  They also include the digital booklet and the video to "Born Again".

When all is said and done, my only big problem with the album is the length of most of the songs.  The majority of the songs are less than 4 minutes long and some don't even make to 3 minutes.


If early sales are any indication, this album is striking a nerve for Christian music buyers.  It's first week of sales was more successful than any other first week for the Newsboys. The iconic Michael Tait is a great addition to the iconic band.  If you are looking for great summer music, load your ipod with this well crafted album.

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5 Things I Learned This Weekend

1. B2 Bombers look like giant boomerangs
2. Jets are loud and babies don't like loud
3. Letting water into an outdoor show in 90 degree heat is a lot smarter than not letting water in 90 degree heat
4. walking 7 miles round trip in 90 degree heat is hard to do with 4 kids.
5. You can make a concession worker mad when you decide not to buy their $5 snow cone.

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Review: Picking Dandelions by Sarah Cunningham

Note: This blog is part of Sarah's summer blog tour.  I appreciate Sarah giving me the chance to participate.

The Christian Book industry has changed rather drastically over the past decade or so.  It used to be you couldn't pick up a book in the "Christian Living" section without its author telling you what kind of awful tragedy they had overcome, or what three step process will make your life better.  But with the maturation of my generation (X) and the generation right under us, things have changed.  We don't want simple and quick fixes to our problems.  We don't want somebody to tell us how they have overcome a hurt and now they are perfect.  We want to know that other people realize that life, and consequently our faith, are so daily. Sarah Cunningham is one of these authors. And her new book,Picking Dandelions is a prime example of someone reaching through the muck and mire of perfect fixes and telling us a story where it does not all work out in the end.

"Dandelions" is a quirky memoir with a serious message.  Cunningham believes that through life's weeds, we are all striving to find a little piece of Eden. Some of us may go through extremes to find it, but at it's core perhaps Eden is in front of us-even inside us.

Through light hearted dialogue laced with poignant insights, Picking Dandelions walks us along Sarah Cunningham's road of life as we see experiences that have brought her to a deeper understanding of what Eden may actually be.  Some of her memories are perhaps not that profound, such as her memory of her dad telling her about the "watch cow" that protected their small town from "lions, tigers and bears".  Some of her memories are more serious including a great chapter of her experience at ground zero after the attacks of 9/11.  Through it all, we see an image of grace emerging that helps Miss Cunningham see that Eden can become clear even in the midst of overwhelming tragedy.

The book is laid out in nine very defined sections chronicling her life from childhood growing up with a pastor for a dad, to teaching school to a bunch of obnoxious high schoolers.The sections are short and can easily be read in a sitting.  Each section begins with an attribute of the rather prolific weed known as the dandelion. Cunningham suggests that if we look beyond the obvious traits of a dandelion being a weed, we may find rather extraordinary. 

With wit, charm, and an ample supply of grace Sarah Cunningham shows in her memoir that Eden can be found in the strangest and most unlikely places.  From the farmlands of Wisconsin to the melted and warped metal of ground zero, Eden can be found.  Perhaps if we look hard enough, we be able to find a little Eden inside of us.  It isn't a destination, it is a state of being.

As I said, the Christian book industry is changing drastically.  And if Sarah Cunningham's book is any representation (and I believe it is), it is for the better.

On a side note- Sarah is collecting a list of books for summer reading, these are mine in no particular order.

-Blue Like Jazz/Donald Miller
-To Kill a Mockingbird/Harper Lee
-The Outsiders/S.E. Hinton

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Review: Raising Arizona

Raising Arizona was the next pick on our ever expanding Netflix que.  It's been quite a while since my last viewing of this classic Coen brother flick, but time has been kind to this movie.  After 23 years, the movie is just as fresh and relevant as it was in 1987 when it was first released.  The diaper theft and the ensuing chase is worth the entire movie.  This was one of the best movies that Nicholas Cage ever acted in.  He was still fresh and a bit creepy in his eternally stoned way.  His acting since then has gotten very formulaic an cliche.

I will refrain on too much synopsis since most of you have already seen this classic movie.  And the more enlightened of you have seen it more than once.

Nate's rating----- 4 out of 5 nateys

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5 Things I Learned This Independence Day Weekend

1.  Some people are very irresponsible with fireworks.
2.  Idaho Falls is a boring place 364 days of the year.
3.  Great things can happen when people work together, like a fireworks show on the 4th.

4.  Cops get really stressed out this time of year.
5.  Idaho Falls seems to be very polarized between people of the dominant religion and those that are not.  I'm no more a Mormon than the Pope, but perhaps instead of complaining about it, we ought to learn to love each other.

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