Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
What do find to be the greatest challenges to your faith ?
Feel free to interpret the word faith however you choose(ie faith in god, faith in fellow humanity, etc)...
I feel that there are multiple answers I could give that each work on a different level of Orthodox Christian theology, and each are entirely true, so that is my difficulty in answering this question well. My first instinct is to say "the world", because as one here on earth I am veiled from the true majesty of the kingdom of God. He is everywhere present and filling all things (as we say in the Divine Liturgy), yet this earthly existence, which is inherently good yet full of sin, prevents me from seeing Him... especially the more I engage with the world and keep my focus off the heavenly existence. In other words, being in and of the world strains my faith as I can't experience God as well. But I feel that only presents one side, and so then I would say "myself". Ultimately who is responsible for my disconnect from God? I am free to disengage and reject what I know to be True, and so I am my own greatest obstacle in union with Christ (in Orthodoxy the term is theosis). And that's still not quite right. After all humans are, like the world, inherently good yet corrupted by sin. So I suppose another good answer would simply be "sin". Sin is an illness of the soul, one from which we are continuously in need of healing. The closer I move toward that union with God, the clearer a perception I receive of my own sinfulness. It's like a fractal-- it just opens up and multiplies before my eyes, and I see how many ways I "miss the mark" (the etymological definition of "sin"). Even know I'm priding in my theological knowledge and my supposed writing skill. I'm also looking forward to showing off more of my musical knowledge, too (as some examples of what is revealed to me). None of these will help me gain spiritual gifts, and so I have to be constantly on guard to avoid such sins and to purify myself. (note: I know a common perception about Catholicism and eastern Christianity is that they constantly beat themselves up about being sinful, wicked people needing to be humbled. While that emphasis kind of does exist, it only exists to in turn emphasize the magnitude of the grace of God when He bestows His mercy on us in our fallenness. Ultimately, it's all about praising God for His love of mankind.)
I apologize that I couldn't give a more brief answer. It had to be lengthy. But I hope this helps!
Nah... I'm done with Bonnaroo. I knew even when I was there in June that it would probably be my last Bonnaroo. I figured that if I'm entering school (plus having a second kid), I wouldn't have the time or money to go again, so I just resolved myself to the idea. It was a great ride-- 6 in a row, 4 with my wife--, and of course I'm sad to say goodbye!
No other Black Friday shopping, thank God! I can't believe some people actually *like* to go out in those crowds and fight for their purchases. I hate going to the mall even on a slow day. Also since we're practically broke we are doing very limited gifts. The only thing I'm purchasing is what my wife asked for: enrollment in a yoga class. Everyone else will get homemade gifts, thank you very much. Good thing I married an artist, so they won't be crappy. Speaking of which, my wife got me my Christmas present early: a nice, stylish winter hat from etsy.com. I should post some pics of me sporting it to see what y'all think.
What was the best thing on your plate this Thanksgiving and why?
I feel bad saying it, but I was nuts about my own stuffing. I guess it makes sense, though; I mean, I made it because it's my favorite dish. Dessert was great as well: a blueberry pie, an apple pie, a raspberry pie, a pumpkin pie, and a pecan pie, all with ambrosia sauce. Ohhhhh, mama...
Post by strumntheguitar on Dec 1, 2009 10:03:15 GMT -5
So Macca is your favorite beatle, eh? What would you consider each band members greatest contribution to the success of the Beatles? Whether it's a certain song they wrote, a desire to explore, or just their personality expressed thru their music. I feel like that's a tough question, but I have confidence that you are the man with the answer!
What do find to be the greatest challenges to your faith ?
Feel free to interpret the word faith however you choose(ie faith in god, faith in fellow humanity, etc)...
I feel that there are multiple answers I could give that each work on a different level of Orthodox Christian theology, and each are entirely true, so that is my difficulty in answering this question well. My first instinct is to say "the world", because as one here on earth I am veiled from the true majesty of the kingdom of God. He is everywhere present and filling all things (as we say in the Divine Liturgy), yet this earthly existence, which is inherently good yet full of sin, prevents me from seeing Him... especially the more I engage with the world and keep my focus off the heavenly existence. In other words, being in and of the world strains my faith as I can't experience God as well. But I feel that only presents one side, and so then I would say "myself". Ultimately who is responsible for my disconnect from God? I am free to disengage and reject what I know to be True, and so I am my own greatest obstacle in union with Christ (in Orthodoxy the term is theosis). And that's still not quite right. After all humans are, like the world, inherently good yet corrupted by sin. So I suppose another good answer would simply be "sin". Sin is an illness of the soul, one from which we are continuously in need of healing. The closer I move toward that union with God, the clearer a perception I receive of my own sinfulness. It's like a fractal-- it just opens up and multiplies before my eyes, and I see how many ways I "miss the mark" (the etymological definition of "sin"). Even know I'm priding in my theological knowledge and my supposed writing skill. I'm also looking forward to showing off more of my musical knowledge, too (as some examples of what is revealed to me). None of these will help me gain spiritual gifts, and so I have to be constantly on guard to avoid such sins and to purify myself. (note: I know a common perception about Catholicism and eastern Christianity is that they constantly beat themselves up about being sinful, wicked people needing to be humbled. While that emphasis kind of does exist, it only exists to in turn emphasize the magnitude of the grace of God when He bestows His mercy on us in our fallenness. Ultimately, it's all about praising God for His love of mankind.)
I apologize that I couldn't give a more brief answer. It had to be lengthy. But I hope this helps!
Thanks, Steve, for a well thought out response to a question that might have taken volumes to answer/ponder.
I find it interesting that if one substituted the word "ideal" (as a noun) in place of "God" or Him", etc., you would have a situation like my belief system, but without the presence of a deity. One of my goals is to always do my best. If I do not, I feel like I have forgone the random gift to me of my existence.
I was raised Catholic, so maybe it is the instilled guilt you mention. Heaven(for me) could be similar to "potential realized", the ultimate reward. But I am much more earth-based , here and now, zen style.
I like to take religion, strip away the proper nouns, and see what philosophy remains. Thanks again for indulging me in a topic that many avoid like the plague.
And I think of your love and knowledge of music, not merely as a sinful self indulgence(we all need our batteries recharged, right ?), but also as a universal language that helps us all understand and have common ground with folks whom we might otherwise push away.
Post by steveternal on Dec 1, 2009 12:21:20 GMT -5
You're right, blue. I didn't mean to give the wrong impression when I mentioned music. I don't think there's anything wrong with listening to music or anything. I think music is one of many gifts from God to His creation, and there's no reason not to enjoy it. Sure it can be used to distance souls from their Creator, but there is no inherent evil. I only meant to point out when I feel too much pride about any supposed knowledge or "good taste" I may have, than can be a stumbling block.
Let me tackle the Beatles-related questions a little later today.
So Macca is your favorite beatle, eh? What would you consider each band members greatest contribution to the success of the Beatles? Whether it's a certain song they wrote, a desire to explore, or just their personality expressed thru their music. I feel like that's a tough question, but I have confidence that you are the man with the answer!
John Lennon & Paul McCartney by far deserve the greatest credit to the success of the Beatles. They were both stellar songwriters who, when they collaborated, increased their talent a hundredfold. Paul was responsible for the band's first ever hit single, "Love Me Do"; at the time it was recorded, it was practically un-heard of that a pop band would record their own music. Why else did professional songwriters exist, and producers to match them up? So Paul, and to an ever-so-slightly lesser extent John, was responsible for turning the music industry on its head. He was also the mastermind behind their greatest critical success, "Sgt. Pepper" (which is arguably the first ever concept album). John also deserves tremendous credit, penning most of the band's early hits and being a huge part in their direction all along. I'd say that during the Yoko years he did lose his way and the band suffered a bit (more evident on "Let It Be" than "Abbey Road" or the eponymous). He was also the funniest and most charismatic; in a sense, the others aped his public personality which is what led to their reputation as incredibly likable chaps and great pals. George was the stalwart foundation. He was the quiet one, of course, lending a depth of personality to the group as a unit. He was perhaps the most proficient instrumentalist, which particularly came in handy in the end when the group returned to a more straight rock sound. He was also the one to befriend other great musicians such as Dylan and Clapton, which brought in new talent and inspiration to the creative process. And he was at the center of the group's mid-60's move towards experimentation, most notably the infusion of Indian classical styles. Before George and his sitar, probably the most alien instrument to appear in a pop/rock song was a celesta. Ringo's contributions were much lesser, but still critical: he completed the puzzle. He fit into the personality of the group and was one of the most affable, as evidenced by his prominent parts in the films "A Hard Day's Night" and "Help!". He was a good supporter, almost always willing to follow the others' creative visions. And he provided a unique voice, a different style from the other three, that acted as a good reprieve when one of his lead vocals came along in the sequence of an album.
I'm not terribly familiar with EFO— all I have is their greatest hits CD. But they've never struck me as a Beatles rip-off. Lynne was a great songwriter and had his own voice, and I never thought it was influenced by The Beatles any more than were Queen or Squeeze or any other great pop-rock group.
Seriously... no Bonnaroo ever again? Or just an extended absence? Either way, glad I got to meet you while you were in on it.
What's the first album you bought?
Met anyone famous?
Favorite comedian?
Favorite philosopher?
I won't say I'll definitely never be on the farm again. If time, finances, responsibilities and a kickass lineup all align correctly, I'd be thrilled to do it again. But I'm making the mature and reasonable resignation that it won't happen. And it was great meeting you too, kdogg. In fact I always looked forward to palling around with Inforoosters in person every year!
The first album I ever bought was Pearl Jam's "Ten", on cassette. However, I would like the record to show that the first music I ever bought was the cassette single for "Turtle Power" by Partners in Kryme, from the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. Also, let the record show that I can rap the whole damn thing.
Favorite stand-up comedian currently is Brian Regan. The man is a genius. His topics are so pedestrian and yet his punchlines, delivery and physicality are all impeccable.
Favorite philosopher... the truth is I haven't read much philosophy. I'd like to give as an answer St. John Chrysostom, my favorite early Church Father and theologian, but I know that's kind of a cop-out as theology is not philosophy. Sorry, I guess I don't have a good answer to that one.
Nice bricolage of questions!
EDIT: D'oh! I forgot your second question. I've met very few people that could reasonably be called famous. The first that comes to mind—and I've talked about this on Inforoo before—is SisQó. Yes, composer of "The Thong Song". He's from Baltimore, currently lives in the western suburbs, and I tuned his piano a couple years ago. Very short, decent guy, at the time said he was working on material for a new album... I guess that didn't pan out.
What do find to be the greatest challenges to your faith ?
Feel free to interpret the word faith however you choose(ie faith in god, faith in fellow humanity, etc)...
I feel that there are multiple answers I could give that each work on a different level of Orthodox Christian theology, and each are entirely true, so that is my difficulty in answering this question well. My first instinct is to say "the world", because as one here on earth I am veiled from the true majesty of the kingdom of God. He is everywhere present and filling all things (as we say in the Divine Liturgy), yet this earthly existence, which is inherently good yet full of sin, prevents me from seeing Him... especially the more I engage with the world and keep my focus off the heavenly existence. In other words, being in and of the world strains my faith as I can't experience God as well. But I feel that only presents one side, and so then I would say "myself". Ultimately who is responsible for my disconnect from God? I am free to disengage and reject what I know to be True, and so I am my own greatest obstacle in union with Christ (in Orthodoxy the term is theosis). And that's still not quite right. After all humans are, like the world, inherently good yet corrupted by sin. So I suppose another good answer would simply be "sin". Sin is an illness of the soul, one from which we are continuously in need of healing. The closer I move toward that union with God, the clearer a perception I receive of my own sinfulness. It's like a fractal-- it just opens up and multiplies before my eyes, and I see how many ways I "miss the mark" (the etymological definition of "sin"). Even know I'm priding in my theological knowledge and my supposed writing skill. I'm also looking forward to showing off more of my musical knowledge, too (as some examples of what is revealed to me). None of these will help me gain spiritual gifts, and so I have to be constantly on guard to avoid such sins and to purify myself. (note: I know a common perception about Catholicism and eastern Christianity is that they constantly beat themselves up about being sinful, wicked people needing to be humbled. While that emphasis kind of does exist, it only exists to in turn emphasize the magnitude of the grace of God when He bestows His mercy on us in our fallenness. Ultimately, it's all about praising God for His love of mankind.)
I apologize that I couldn't give a more brief answer. It had to be lengthy. But I hope this helps!
Excellent answer.
Do you ever struggle with falling away from your faith or questioning it?
You were just looking for an excuse to say "bricolage," weren't you? Here's another bricolage for you...
What are some of your favorite words in the English language?
Speak any other languages?
And if I may get all James Lipton on you for a moment... what is your favorite curse word?
Do you yourself curse often? Your comedian of choice doesn't exactly have a reputation for working blue.
I was thinking of saying "potpourri" or "salmagundi", which were other good words that my thesaurus recommended.
Hmmm, favorite words... that's more a question for my wife; she tends to be more synaesthetic when it comes to words. However, some words that I like are "onomatopoetic","palimpsest", "scrimshaw", and "quaff".
I don't really speak any other languages. Took Latin for one year in high school and loved it, took Spanish for most of HS and college and hated it, currently taking Arabic and loving it. Hopefully by the time I'm though here, with 6 semesters of Arabic under my belt, I'll be able to say that I speak it.
Currently the curse word that my friends and I are enjoying is "malakas", which is a Greek epithet, commonly translated as "one who has masturbated so much that he has gone soft in the head". You'll hear Greek people using it all the time, and it's a good one to know.
I try to cut down on cursing now that I've got kids. And, you know, the seminary and all. If I stub my toe, or am playing a challenging video game, I have trouble holding back. I don't really have anything against "blue" comedians, but I do respect Regan for being able to be so very funny without needing to curse. Many comedians nowadays use it as a crutch, to punctuate their jokes or emphasize a punchline, or just to ingratiate themselves to the audience and make themselves look cool. It can get tiring, imo.
I feel that there are multiple answers I could give that each work on a different level of Orthodox Christian theology, and each are entirely true, so that is my difficulty in answering this question well. My first instinct is to say "the world", because as one here on earth I am veiled from the true majesty of the kingdom of God. He is everywhere present and filling all things (as we say in the Divine Liturgy), yet this earthly existence, which is inherently good yet full of sin, prevents me from seeing Him... especially the more I engage with the world and keep my focus off the heavenly existence. In other words, being in and of the world strains my faith as I can't experience God as well. But I feel that only presents one side, and so then I would say "myself". Ultimately who is responsible for my disconnect from God? I am free to disengage and reject what I know to be True, and so I am my own greatest obstacle in union with Christ (in Orthodoxy the term is theosis). And that's still not quite right. After all humans are, like the world, inherently good yet corrupted by sin. So I suppose another good answer would simply be "sin". Sin is an illness of the soul, one from which we are continuously in need of healing. The closer I move toward that union with God, the clearer a perception I receive of my own sinfulness. It's like a fractal-- it just opens up and multiplies before my eyes, and I see how many ways I "miss the mark" (the etymological definition of "sin"). Even know I'm priding in my theological knowledge and my supposed writing skill. I'm also looking forward to showing off more of my musical knowledge, too (as some examples of what is revealed to me). None of these will help me gain spiritual gifts, and so I have to be constantly on guard to avoid such sins and to purify myself. (note: I know a common perception about Catholicism and eastern Christianity is that they constantly beat themselves up about being sinful, wicked people needing to be humbled. While that emphasis kind of does exist, it only exists to in turn emphasize the magnitude of the grace of God when He bestows His mercy on us in our fallenness. Ultimately, it's all about praising God for His love of mankind.)
I apologize that I couldn't give a more brief answer. It had to be lengthy. But I hope this helps!
Excellent answer.
Do you ever struggle with falling away from your faith or questioning it?
What I mentioned above, about what are the greatest challenges to my faith, certainly make me struggle. I can't say I ever have moments where I question everything and say, "Is God really there?" However I wonder how strong my faith is, or how far it can stretch. A good friend of mine is an ordained deacon in the church. He was married, and they had a young son. A couple years ago they were celebrating his wife's birthday, and she literally fell over and died in an instant. No warning whatsoever (I can't remember the cause, but I think it was a brain aneurysm). I'm deeply impressed by him as he continues on, even though he still cries whenever he talks about his wife. I think about myself being in that situation, losing my wife whom I love more than anyone else, having to raise my children on my own, looking at them everyday and seeing my wife's face. I can know in an intellectual sense why such evil happens and its place theologically, but will my heart follow? In the face of such unspeakable tragedy, how would I really react? Even that takes faith. Faith that God knows my strengths and what I can weather. Faith simply that I will have faith. And faith that goodness will ultimately prevail.
If you could be a female for a day, who are the top 3 males you would try to sleep with?
If I was female for a day, I would just spend it seeing what it's like to live as a woman. Sex with men would be very far from my mind (as it is now). But to answer your question... probably Ryan Reynolds, Justin Vernon, and Obama. No follow-up questions, please. *shifty eyes*
What's your favorite jazz album that you feel is overlooked by most jazz fans?
What staple jazz album or musician do find trouble connecting with?
Who's your favorite jazz player who never had his or her own band?
Also, if you're ever in the North Shore area of Boston, let me know. I lived there a couple years, my parents live there now, so I'm pretty familiar with the area and can give you a low down on some places to check out.
Last Edit: Dec 5, 2009 12:02:14 GMT -5 by dudezer47 - Back to Top
Very difficult to narrow all the history and disparate subgenres down to one, but gun to my head I would probably say "Bitches Brew". I feel like it would be difficult to make the case that it was the most important jazz album, but it was certainly one of the most important. Add to that the revolutionary stylistic approach, the jaw-dropping roster, and its deeply mysterious sounds, just clinches it. Also, an album that features 20-minute instrumental freakouts with little discernible rhythm or tonality to become such a smash hit and frequently cited among the top 100 albums ever made... must have something magical going on.
What's your favorite jazz album that you feel is overlooked by most jazz fans?
There are a few obscure classics that I love, but I think the album I'm madly in love with that almost no one seems to know (save those who have seen me talk about it on Inforoo or elsewhere) is David Torn's "Prezens". It's only two years old, but I think it is probably the greatest jazz album of the decade, and could be a foreshadowing of where the world of jazz is headed. Crudely speaking, it's kind of a fusion album, but almost in a postmodern sense. It's also an album that values post-production and recording techniques as much as traditional soloing. I melt every time I put it on.
What staple jazz album or musician do find trouble connecting with?
Charlie Parker. I don't dislike him, but I struggle to appreciate him. His compositions are decent, as is his playing, for sure. Yet I just don't see the big deal, honestly.
Who's your favorite jazz player who never had his or her own band?
That's a very difficult one, because most backing players end up recording as a leader at some point or another. There are some that I love who have done very little, and often not very good, solo work, like Joey Baron, Steve Swallow and Arthur Adams. However the one person I can think of that would truly fit your criteria would be Dave King, drummer sui generis for The Bad Plus. He is such his own creature, forsaking traditional techniques but not in an unrefined, barbaric way. I love watching him play, and he makes any project better.
John: We don't even understand our own music Spider: It doesn't, does it matter whether we understand it? At least it'll give us . . . strength John: I know but maybe we could get into it more if we understood it
Psh, naw. Our apartment is too little and cramped with stuff to house a tree, as much as I miss having a real conifer around during Christmas. We have, however, hung our lights, ornaments, wreath and stockings around various parts of the apartment. We have also started our other Christmas tradition: watching the "Lord of the Rings" film trilogy. I'm sure some of you know what I mean.
What's the worst Christmas present you've ever received?
I can't remember exactly what I did get, but I remember the Christmas that I didn't get a single toy. I was so disappointed. I remember asking my mom, "Where are the toys?", and she said that she figured I was too old to receive toys (I think I was 11 or 12). That stung.
How old were you when you stopped believing in Santa (unless you still believe in him like I do)?
I never grew up believing in Santa. Perhaps it's that background, but I really don't see the point of perpetuating such a random and nonsensical fairy tale. This is particularly in light of the already amazing life of the real St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of Myra. But that's just me.
If you could tune any piano in the history of the instrument, which (or who's) would it be and why?
Love it. I'm not interested necessarily in tuning any great historical pianos (players, orchestrions, square grands, etc.), because the difference in design, as well as having to worry about the appropriate temperament, would be too much of a headache. I would just like to tune a really, really, really nice piano. I've done lots of Steinways, but I've never tuned a Bösendorfer. I'd love to tune a 9'6", 97-key Bösendorfer Imperial Grand. That would sound incredible.
If you could be a female for a day, who are the top 3 males you would try to sleep with?
If I was female for a day, I would just spend it seeing what it's like to live as a woman. Sex with men would be very far from my mind (as it is now). But to answer your question... probably Ryan Reynolds, Justin Vernon, and Obama. No follow-up questions, please. *shifty eyes*
Are these the three men you'd seek out for some guy-on-guy action, or would that change your answer?
Which extracurricular activities did you participate in during high school?
Billboard recently named Daniel Powter's "Bad Day" as the one-hit wonder of the decade... as Sisqo's piano tuner, I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this.
Which extracurricular activities did you participate in during high school?
I ran cross country sophomore and junior year... not so great. What I did excel at was theater. Junior year I played Mr. MacAfee in "Bye Bye Birdie", conjuring the spirit of Paul Lynde. Senior year I played John Proctor in "The Crucible". I also played drums in a crappy hard rock power trio. We had a few different names, but my favorite was Aunt Jemima & The Flapjacks.
Billboard recently named Daniel Powter's "Bad Day" as the one-hit wonder of the decade... as Sisqo's piano tuner, I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this.
Are you implying that SisQó is down for the count? You don't think he's got what it takes to come out of nowhere with "The Knee-high Stockings Song" and race up the club charts a mere weeks before the end of the decade?! Shame on you!
I have no use for the modern conjecture about his relationship to the history of Christianity, and accusations of corrupting him the life and teachings of Christ. To be blunt, this is the type of thing that arises when Scripture is looked at simply on a scholarly or academic level. When one removes the prayerful, spiritual aspect of studying Scripture, one is bound to stumble over obstacles that aren't even there. Now, I don't mean to imply that none of it could ever possibly be true. The important thing to remember is that the Scripture is indeed sacred; it is the Word. Could details be incorrect? Absolutely, but that doesn't take away from the full Truth of it. What I mean is, it's possible that some things weren't written by Paul, or perhaps they were altered or added to (it is an indisputable fact that this happens in some places in Scripture), but as for the person of Paul of Tarsus, or Christ, or the doctrines of the Church, we have no reason to question their origins.
Man, y'all are throwing a lot of tough religious/theological questions at me. I hope my answers are satisfactory.
Post by steveternal on Dec 12, 2009 15:34:30 GMT -5
Not that I have... well, any money at all these days. However I'd still prefer to spend a little for a better hug. And you can tell he means it. The guy on the left looks very happy and friendly, but just look into the eyes of the guy on the right. Look into them. You can tell his interest is not superficial. There is compassion and dedication. You are going to get a hug that will make you believe again. It may even make you cry.
Also, his hugs are "Made in U.S.A.", and I always like to buy American when I can.
But I hope this helps!
