3. Beirut “The Flying Club Cup”

Another great find. I got in to this album when I watched some of Beirut’s performances in Vincent Moon’s film project on Lablogotheque. I love the different instruments used, I love the gypsie street music feel to it, I love the fact that it brings be back to the Middle East every time I listen to it. The whole sound of this album is so different than other material I’ve listened to.Azeem!Momtaz! Using the favorite expression of my friend Jawad, this album is “fantastic!”

1. In The Mausoleum
2. St. Apollonia
3. Nantes

4. Coldplay “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends” and “Prospects March”
I remember downloading this album the night it came out and listening to the entire album song by song. I remember hearing Life in Technicolor for the first time and just getting pumped for the rest of the album. I then recall listening to this album multiple times through, daily, for the next month. With the addition to “Prospects March” (the EP released after “Viva la Vida”) Coldplay’s 2008 was, well… Brilliant!

1. Lovers In Japan
2. Glass of Water
3. Death and All His Friends

5. Sigur Ros “Takk...”

This is a band that honestly every time I listen to any of their albums I constantly think about the beauty of creation and God and is never ending love…I think about the reward gained after a great risk. The exhilaration of trying something that scares you. To sum it up…for me…listening to Sigur Ros is an emotional overload, and I love it.

1. Glosoli
2. Saeglopur
3. Hoppipolla

6. She & Him “Volume One”

Although I’ve never been one for celebrity crushes…I must admit…I have a celebrity crush on singer/actor Zooey Deschanel. The reason why I ADmire Zooey is due to her beautiful voice which is on full display in her folksie debut album with M.Ward, who, yes, is her boyfriend…I know…I will allow your condolences. The album, which has a mixed folk/doo-wop sound to it, is full of cover songs as well as some songs written by both Zooey and M.Ward. I listen to this album all the way through time and time again and it never fails to put a smile on my face, a leap in my step, and well…it just makes me feel so dog-gone happy…

1. Why Do You Let Me Stay Here
2. This Is Not A Test
3. I Was Made For You

Question of the day: Why is the Arab world the only notable group of people outraged by Israel's attacks on Gaza, which left 225 dead, many civilians? Personally I feel we all should be outraged. I get the argument that their going after terrorist that threaten their nation, but...that does not give them the right to have utter lack of regard for civilian life...and its not like this is the first time this has happened. I get the fact that there has been villains on both side's of the field...but lets face it...Palestinians have gotten BY FAR the worst end of the deal. I'm sick and tired of this act. The UN needs to step up, America needs to step up, people need to step up and hold Israel accountable. I admit that I'm not an expert on the current situation but when a country like Israel did what they did, and fully defends the result...it can't be ignored. I encourage everyone to look into the issue themselves and not just take my rant as fact. That's all.

7. Pearl Jam “Rearviewmirror (Greatest Hits 1991-2003)”

Due to the fact that this is a greatest hits album you honestly can’t go wrong with this 2 disc album by Pearl Jam. It seems every time I pick up the album again after a recent hiatus I find a new song that I fall in love with. Eddie Vedder had “the voice” long before Creed, Nickelback, and a handful of other bands destroyed it. I honestly can’t believe I’m giving Creed or Nickelback the blessing of mentioning their names in this article. Hey, they may be good guys, but their music is so extremely ordinary and knock off (in my opinion)…ugggh..annnnnywaysss….Pearl Jam is one of the few great “rock bands” left. With Vedder’s raspy voice and Gossards incredible guitar prowess…anyone should be sold right off the bat, but for the thick-headed…it might just take a listen through both discs before one throw’s up the white flag. Since this is a 2 disc album, I’m going to give you 2 Top 3’s:

Disc 1

1. Animal
2. Rearviewmirror
3. Not For You

Disc 2

1. Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town
2. Off He Goes
3. Nothingman

8. Cat Power “The Greatest”

Oh, Chan Marshall…How I love your voice. With her distinct voice and bluesy sound Chan Marshall or “Cat Power” is my remedy of choice when I just need to reeelax. For those of you who have never heard of her…you need to, in my opinion she’s one of those artists that everybody needs to listen to. Get on it!Yalla! Here’s the first 3 songs to listen to:

1. The Greatest
2. Willie
3. Love & Communication

Sleep in heavenly peace...

5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

9. Radiohead “In Rainbows”


I must admit, one of my favorite moments of last fall was a phone call I got from one John David Sachs who announced with much enthusiasm that Radiohead’s new album “In Rainbows” had official came out and…it was…at the price of my choice? What?! I remember listening through the whole album into the wee hours of the night, and just feeling ever so warm inside as crashed my head onto my pillow that night. I remember falling asleep to one of the prettiest songs I had heard to date “Videotape”. If you haven’t already, listen to these:

1. Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
2. Reckoner
3. Videotape

10. Bob Dylan "The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan"

Yes, I really do enjoy his voice but for those of you who already enjoy Bob Dylan you already know that its his lyrics that make Dylan’s songs so powerful. I know I could write a massive essay trying to persuade all you Dylan “haters” to Dylan “lovers” but I know its probably not worth my time. “Girl from North Country” is one of only a handful of songs that can make my eyes misty almost every time I listen to it. Listen to it and definitely listen to these:

1. Oxford Town
2. A Hard Rain’s A- Gonna Fall
3. Talkin’ WWIII Blues

Best Sounds of the Year:

A top 10 list from Aaron M.Williams...


Throughout the next 10 days I will be counting down my favorite albums I've listened to this year. The list is not exclusively for albums that were released in the 2008 fiscal year, rather the list will be comprised of any album from any year that I've listened to this year. Enjoy!

...White Christmas (My house+snow Part 2)

View from the top of the barn



The River



The River yet again...




the 'ole blue tractor

I'm dreamin' of a...

Some pictures I recieved from mom & pop's. I miss this...

Before grace I wasn't "worth the blood that runs in my veins."

Speaking of Chan...I had to post this. More great lyrics, and you gotta love her energy!

Chan Marshall is one of my favorite singers. I recently heard this song she covered ,originally written by Bob Dylan, for the first time and it gave me chills. Every time I listen to it I think of all those around the world that actually pay the cost for what they believe in.

"I Believe In You"

They ask me how I feel
And if my love is real
And how I seem
To think that I know
I'm gonna make it through
They looked at me and frowned
They drove me from this town
They don’t want me around
Because I believe
They showed me to the door
They said don't come back no more
We don't like the way
You think you do
So I walked on my own
One thousand miles from my home
But I don't feel alone
'Cause I believe, I do

I believe in you even through all
Tears and laughter
I believe in you, even though
We're apart
I believe in you, even in

The common laughter
Oh, when the dawn is nearing
And when the night is disappearing
This feeling will still
Be here in my heart
In my heart

Please don't let me drift too far
Keep me safe and sound where you are
So I'll always be renewed
And what you've given me here today
Is worth everything I've made
No matter what everyone might say

Because I believe
I believe, I believe
I believe, I believe in you
I believe in you
When we've had no time together
I believe in you
When white turns to black.
I believe in you
Even though we'll all be a number
I'll be oh your earth will be shaken
And friends will be forsaken
Please, we can't go back
I believe in you

I felt homesick.

Stop living in a dream. Leave your comfort and engage the world.

(Clinch)

The sun never sets on the Starpublic...

I officially have joined the Starbucks infantry as of this week. I'm honored to join their on-going conquest to rule the world.

"I'll lead the way when I know."

Beirut's music has really inspired me lately. Their creativity blows me away.







check out LA BLOGOTHEQUE

King Abdullah, start walkin' what you talk.

This past summer while I was in Jordan some of my friends talked to my team and I about the issue of migrant workers rights in the country. They talked about how migrant workers would be hired abroad by families, they would come to Jordan, work for a handful of years, sending the money home to support their families and then when the time was up they would move back home. The problem though is that a lot of migrant workers will be forced to work longer then what they signed on for and sometimes not paid at all. Many times their has been reported sexual and physical abuse. Our friends told us that this was a big problem and Jordan and that a lot of the trouble had to do with the fact that the government doesn't do a lot to stop the problem. The BBC recently reported that the country's only human rights group had recently spoken out against the governments handling of the situation. Check out the article. Pray that the government would fight the injustice that they have allowed to exist for way too long. Also pray that those in bondage to be set free, pray that Jordanians would see the need to speak out for their neighbors who may not have a voice.

I heard there was a sacred chord...

I've always loved hearing about archeologist's discovering places and things from thousands of years ago. I've always felt like it brings history back to life, and brings the reality in front of our face that these things actually happened. Recently Newsweek reported that archeologist's had found evidence that King Solomon and King David were running mines in what is now Jordan and what used to be part of the Edomite Kingdom. Check out the article HERE




Me chillin' in the ancient Edomite Kingdom.

Our family is in need.

Continue to pray for Christians and others being persecuted in Orissa...

1. That the Christians would stay steadfast in their faith, even sometimes in the face of death
2. For the salvation of those who are committing these acts of injustice
3. That, if it be His will, that He might show mercy to our brothers and sisters
4. That whatever the circumstance, His power, His might, and the ultimate glory of His name would be made known to all those in Orissa, India, and beyond.

"Solid with a capital S"

Before Sunday's game against Liverpool,Chelsea had won 86 games in a row at home. Liverpool than promptly arrived at Stamford Bridge, dominated the game offensively and defensively, and walked away with a 1-0 win. Oh, and we're 1st in the Premier League by the way...


(BBC SPORT)

It's official...

(ign)


as of today I am a Portland Trailblazers fan. R.I.P Supersonics.

A new begining...

Many of you have heard about the heart wrenching reality that the Seattle Supersonics have gone extinct. So as the eve of another NBA season falls upon us I, for the first time in my life, have no team to root for. So I'm in search for a new team and call upon you, Bloggernation, to help me make my choice. I've thought about Portland, because, lets face it, they're 4 hrs away from my home city, and I've had some Laker fans suggest their team...but I'm still up in the air. Help me out here. Suggestions???

Speaking of injustice and people that need tremendous prayer...

Darfur: When "Not on our watch" demands more than a catchy dramatic phrase

In the Darfur region of Sudan Christians, Muslims, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters are being slaughtered by their own government. Though the Darfur crisis has been around for sometime now, the situation continues to worsen. Though the Western world has criticized and condemned Sudan for their actions and the ICC (International Criminal Court) has called for the arrest of Sudan's president, the Sudanese government continues its genocide. So as you browse through the images below of those caught in the midst of injustice ask this question: "What can be done to stop this? If the superpowers of this world can't solve the problem... then what? Do we throw up our hands?



It was difficult to come here because they burned our village,” recalled Ismail Ahmat Ishach, a father of six.

“We had to flee immediately, our families were scattered and we had nothing to bring but what we wore that night,” he said, referring to the Janjaweed.

“It took us over three days to get here and we had donkeys,” said Mr Ishach, who added that he and his family were lucky to have make it here alive.



Tens of thousands of refugees from Darfur and the Central African Republic languish in refugee camps in Chad, making it one of the 10 countries hosting the most refugees.

Many thousands of local people have also been forced from their homes.


Koukou is just 35 miles from the poorly defined border with Darfur.


It barely existed until an attack by Janjaweed militias on border villages in April 2007.



Khakeidja Hamat arrived with her two children a few weeks ago. She said she is "happy to be out of danger, even though we’ve left everything and don’t have much here."

Mrs Hamat and the other displaced people in Koukou are from the Massalit communtiy, one of the main groups targeted by the Janjaweed both in Darfur and Chad.


They account for nearly half the Sudanese refugee population now in Chad.




Now ask....What can I do about this? Can I do anything about this?





Photo's and photo commentary by BBC.

Sweet Reykjavik!

All joking aside...

Like a lot of you out there, I'm having a hard time following all of what's happening with the current economic crisis ,both in the U.S. and abroad. I just stumbled across this article today and I feel it deserves our attention.

Learn how the bankruptcy of Iceland could lead to a massive implosion within the European market and beyond...

A poem by Sufi poet Rumi.

Oh! Supreme Lover!
Let me leave aside my worries.
The flowers are blooming
with the exultation of your Spirit.

By Allah!
I long to escape the prison of my ego
and lose myself
in the mountains and the desert.

These sad and lonely people tire me.
I long to revel in the drunken frenzy of your love
and feel the strength of Rustam in my hands.

I'm sick of mortal kings.
I long to see your light.
With lamps in hand
the sheikhs and mullahs roam
the dark alleys of these towns
not finding what they seek.

You are the Essence of the Essence,
The intoxication of Love.
I long to sing your praises
but stand mute
with the agony of wishing in my heart.

Good Music & Goats

Check out Fleet Foxes and their singing goat.

Yup, it's that time again. I'm bloggin' live couchside watching the Major League Baseball playoffs on TBS.

OK, starting off, I still can't completely jump on this Tampa Bay bandwagon yet. I know, I know, they just won Game 1 against the White Sox, but every part me still wants to shrug and say: "Come on, its the the Rays!" Oh yeah, maybe its the fact that they've had a million losing seasons in a row.

Well, Brett Myers looks really really legit. Wait, maybe it was the month of August that I didn't really pay attention to baseball due to being so wrapped up in the Summer Olympics, but, when did Brett Myers get really really good? Forget it, nevermind...I wish John Madden did play by play for all sports, and speaking of which, what happened to Joe Buck? Isn't Joe Buck half of the experience when it comes to post-season baseball? I just really pay attention to these things, I'm sorry. Alright, I've got my pick on this one... Phillies in three. Ummm, I hate to rain on Tampa's parade but I wanna say White Sox in 4. Hmmmm I was just told by a Napa commercial that I can gain peace of mind by taking my car to Napa. Man, that's where you get it...Napa...hmmmm

I've always thought that both the Phillies and the Brewers had some of the sweeetest looking hats in baseball.

Its always depressing to see massive amounts of former Mariners playing in the playoffs...Just to throw me in deeper depression can we take a look at what the Mariners could have looked like if they didn't trade away like everyone...Ok here we go.The past decade we would have had a lineup consisted of names like Ken Griffey Jr, Mike Cameron, Ichiro(soon to be traded), A-ROD, Jason Varitek(farm system), Tino Martinez, Jamie Moyer, Randy Johnson, Derek Lowe... I mean, just to name a few. Alright...enough moping.

Onto the Cubs. I feel terrible for Cubs fans that I already have a horrible feeling about their chances in the first round. I love the old fashion feel to the series but...lets just cut to the chase. Dodgers in 4.

Livin' Proof

What is true religion?

James 1:26-27:

"19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Gaze, contemplate, gaze some more...

The first time I saw this I thought something like: "Momtaz!"(arabic for excellent or intelligent)

(ffffound.com)

I want to go snorkeling here!

(ffffound.com)

is so coo, so coo

(ffffound.com)

Talk about nose bleeds...

(ffffound.com)


(ffffound.com)



(ffffound.com)

"Somalia, Angola, Ghana, Ghana, Ghana...India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Bamboo Banga."

Running out of things/people to pray for?? If so, pray for these countries:

Somalia,India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Pakistan

I can't wait for it to get cold.


data.tumblr.com/kSw6v5Uor3fav3yetWdHnRUh_500.jpg

I feel most alive when...

I'm listening to Sigur Ros



I'm down to $1 in my bank account

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/25741037@N04/2419354397/)

I met my brother Simon Peter...


...and my sister Haruka



I get done praying

("The Lord's prayer" in Arabic)

I'm playing music

(J.Phillips)

I've just finished a long run

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/fstorr/2201663133/)


I do something that absolutely terrifies me

(BBC)

Matthew 4:18-22:
"18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."

An old BBC picture of fishing folk somewhere in the U.K.

Speaking of great family...

Nice Dream?

"They love me like I was a brother
They protect me, listen to me."

Thom Yorke then proceeds to the chorus referring to his hope for the things above as a "Nice Dream". Thankfully I can say that Mr. Yorke's "dream" is a reality for me and my brothers and sisters in Christ. Whether it’s Delhi, Seattle, Kigali or Riverside, whatever city I've been in or lived in, the love and generosity that’s been shown through my extended family in Christ has been a love and generosity so fulfilling, unparallel to any I have experienced before.

"There is always somewhere else to look to make the violence and the despair secondary again, but, without the occasionally agonizing glimpses into the stories surrounding you, the diversions can snowball into a life full of passionless hobby."
-Cord Jefferson

Liverpool-2 Manchester United-1

(BBC)

I just wanted to make sure all you MAN-U fans caught that score...

I wanna know...have you ever seen the rain?

(BBC)

Monsoon rain falls in my home away from home (aka India). I saw this picture today and realized how much I miss a good rain every now and then. I also realized how much I miss India.

"There's 24 hours in a day
I used to split it 8, 8, 8
8 work, 8 sleep, 8 for play
Now I give it all it takes"


What if we loved our friends, family, our God as much as we loved the temporary things of this world?

What if our excitement and passion for the pursuit of wisdom, deeper relationships, and working for justice matched the enthusiasm we use when talking about our favorite sports teams, bands, and TV shows?

Well, what if?

Best walk down the stairs...ever

The band's name is "Beirut".

I love the emotion that is attached to music.

(BBC)

Little kids in oversized clothes make me laugh.

www.knotan.com/pics/kasinofamily/IMG_4692.jpg

Asia fascinates me.

http://ffffound.com/?offset=0&

I like this picture of Sarkozy talking to Russia's president...

(BBC)

and I think this picture is powerful in so many ways.

(BBC)

Ramadan Prayer Time

Just look at this picture for awhile.

(thanks again to the BBC)