Saturday, November 30, 2002
REFLECTIONS OF THE FAMILY/PARENTING
It's strange how it becomes more difficult to spend quality time with the family as you get older. And I'm not just talking about time-wise either. Sure, life gets busier as you get older and you have less time to meet together for family dinners and even for holidays. But I've noticed that I've become a little less social and a little more hesitant to spend a lot of time with the family. Maybe it's because my grandmother always tells me about 3 times how fat I am now and how I need to lose weight. Maybe it's because some of my uncles' hearing is starting to go so they all need to yell at each other just to communicate.
I think a part of it is that I'm becoming much more set in my ways. And to see my parents do things that I would never do or say things that I wouldn't say becomes a challenge for me. I've become so fixated on what I think proper social behavior is that when I see them deviate from it, I get nervous or almost embarassed. And I hate to feel that way.
That's why I've always said that parenting is the most thankless job in the whole world. I mean, these two people bend over backwards for you and raise you to the best of their ability from the days when you were COMPLETELY dependent on them all the way until you get older and start to push them away because you think you know better. How dare us for thinking such nonsense! But here I am, thinking those very thoughts: I could do better than this, etc. How ridiculous have I become? The truth is that my parents have done very well for themselves -- moving from another country to start literally from scratch to having a family, a home, being financially sound, learning a new language, getting a solid job, etc. What have I done but sit on my lazy butt and take the free handouts they've given me for 26 years! Shame on ME for thinking I could do better. Instead, I should be using this Thanksgiving weekend to say thank you to my parents for giving me a good example. I just hope I will be even half the husband my dad is and half as good a parent to my future kids as my parents were to me, Raymond, and Sandra. If I could do that, I'd be happy.
It's strange how it becomes more difficult to spend quality time with the family as you get older. And I'm not just talking about time-wise either. Sure, life gets busier as you get older and you have less time to meet together for family dinners and even for holidays. But I've noticed that I've become a little less social and a little more hesitant to spend a lot of time with the family. Maybe it's because my grandmother always tells me about 3 times how fat I am now and how I need to lose weight. Maybe it's because some of my uncles' hearing is starting to go so they all need to yell at each other just to communicate.
I think a part of it is that I'm becoming much more set in my ways. And to see my parents do things that I would never do or say things that I wouldn't say becomes a challenge for me. I've become so fixated on what I think proper social behavior is that when I see them deviate from it, I get nervous or almost embarassed. And I hate to feel that way.
That's why I've always said that parenting is the most thankless job in the whole world. I mean, these two people bend over backwards for you and raise you to the best of their ability from the days when you were COMPLETELY dependent on them all the way until you get older and start to push them away because you think you know better. How dare us for thinking such nonsense! But here I am, thinking those very thoughts: I could do better than this, etc. How ridiculous have I become? The truth is that my parents have done very well for themselves -- moving from another country to start literally from scratch to having a family, a home, being financially sound, learning a new language, getting a solid job, etc. What have I done but sit on my lazy butt and take the free handouts they've given me for 26 years! Shame on ME for thinking I could do better. Instead, I should be using this Thanksgiving weekend to say thank you to my parents for giving me a good example. I just hope I will be even half the husband my dad is and half as good a parent to my future kids as my parents were to me, Raymond, and Sandra. If I could do that, I'd be happy.
Friday, November 29, 2002
AFTER THANKSGIVING SALES
In the last few years, I've become notorious for going to the Friday after-Thanksgiving early morning sales. It's a pretty interesting event because most everyone should be overly-sleepy after ingesting so much food (and turkey) the night before, but you'd be surprised how energized people become just to get a good deal. In years past, I've gone traditional department store shopping, but this year, I headed to Best Buy. I know Jason goes every year and comes back with all kinds of good stuff for dirt cheap (as witnessed by his $10 scanner one year).
Anyway, I had to work today so I knew I had to get up early to go to Best Buy. But to my suprise, as I strolled into the Best Buy parking lot at 6:40 am, the lot was full! And people were coming out with computers, TVs, DVD players, CDs, everything. It was ridiculous. Plus, there were about 10 cars circling the parking lot just waiting to take the next available space. When I finally got in there, the place was an absolute madhouse! There were people everywhere! I felt like I was back in my UCLA days where I was but one person lost in a sea of 35,000 other people. I tried to make my way to buy some CD-R and to buy Monsters, Inc for my sister's birthday (By the way, happy birthday Sandra!), but I barely made it to pick up those items. Unfortunately, I didn't have time like I had hoped to check out some other things because it was getting later and later and I had to be at work. And I knew I still had to wait in this huge line just to pay for the stuff.
But everything worked out well because I made it to work on time and still managed to get some good deals.
Now, if I could only take a nap while working ...
In the last few years, I've become notorious for going to the Friday after-Thanksgiving early morning sales. It's a pretty interesting event because most everyone should be overly-sleepy after ingesting so much food (and turkey) the night before, but you'd be surprised how energized people become just to get a good deal. In years past, I've gone traditional department store shopping, but this year, I headed to Best Buy. I know Jason goes every year and comes back with all kinds of good stuff for dirt cheap (as witnessed by his $10 scanner one year).
Anyway, I had to work today so I knew I had to get up early to go to Best Buy. But to my suprise, as I strolled into the Best Buy parking lot at 6:40 am, the lot was full! And people were coming out with computers, TVs, DVD players, CDs, everything. It was ridiculous. Plus, there were about 10 cars circling the parking lot just waiting to take the next available space. When I finally got in there, the place was an absolute madhouse! There were people everywhere! I felt like I was back in my UCLA days where I was but one person lost in a sea of 35,000 other people. I tried to make my way to buy some CD-R and to buy Monsters, Inc for my sister's birthday (By the way, happy birthday Sandra!), but I barely made it to pick up those items. Unfortunately, I didn't have time like I had hoped to check out some other things because it was getting later and later and I had to be at work. And I knew I still had to wait in this huge line just to pay for the stuff.
But everything worked out well because I made it to work on time and still managed to get some good deals.
Now, if I could only take a nap while working ...
Thursday, November 28, 2002
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Whether you are spending the day playing ball at CEFC at 10 am, going through all the ads in preparation for tomorrow's early bird sales, hanging out with the family, or just stuffing your face, have a happy thanksgiving. I know we all have a lot to be thankful for and I hope that we don't forget that as we sit down to dinner tonight. So, take the time to think about it and to say thank you to those you love and care for.
Thanks.
Whether you are spending the day playing ball at CEFC at 10 am, going through all the ads in preparation for tomorrow's early bird sales, hanging out with the family, or just stuffing your face, have a happy thanksgiving. I know we all have a lot to be thankful for and I hope that we don't forget that as we sit down to dinner tonight. So, take the time to think about it and to say thank you to those you love and care for.
Thanks.
Wednesday, November 27, 2002
TWO FUNNY STORIES FROM CHINA
1. Now, everybody knows that my Mandarin isn't the greatest, but it's enough to get by. But while we were in Beijing, Karena put my Chinese to the test ... and I failed miserably. She wanted to buy candy and asked what all these different flavors of candies were. So, there I was, asking, but not understanding most of the answers. I mean, who knows how to say "strawberry rings" or "apricot" or "mint gummy bears?" But I survived that part. But it only got worse. Karena then wanted me to tell them that she wanted 100 grams of this certain candy, 100 grams of that certain candy, 50 grams of another, and just a few of still another candy. I didn't know how to say grams, so I just pointed and said, "100, 100, 50, a few." They must have been laughing at me.
2. During a five-hour bus ride through the heart of China to Wuhan, our tour guide Davis felt the need to keep us entertained so he bought us a $1 bootleg VCD of the movie "Barber Shop." I thought it was pretty funny to be watching a "black" movie like that while in China. That's like dropping 30 Americans into the heart of Africa to watch "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon!"
On second thought, these stories aren't all that funny. Oh well. Maybe you had to be there.
1. Now, everybody knows that my Mandarin isn't the greatest, but it's enough to get by. But while we were in Beijing, Karena put my Chinese to the test ... and I failed miserably. She wanted to buy candy and asked what all these different flavors of candies were. So, there I was, asking, but not understanding most of the answers. I mean, who knows how to say "strawberry rings" or "apricot" or "mint gummy bears?" But I survived that part. But it only got worse. Karena then wanted me to tell them that she wanted 100 grams of this certain candy, 100 grams of that certain candy, 50 grams of another, and just a few of still another candy. I didn't know how to say grams, so I just pointed and said, "100, 100, 50, a few." They must have been laughing at me.
2. During a five-hour bus ride through the heart of China to Wuhan, our tour guide Davis felt the need to keep us entertained so he bought us a $1 bootleg VCD of the movie "Barber Shop." I thought it was pretty funny to be watching a "black" movie like that while in China. That's like dropping 30 Americans into the heart of Africa to watch "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon!"
On second thought, these stories aren't all that funny. Oh well. Maybe you had to be there.
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
HUMILIATED AT WORK
I did physically show up to work today, although I was pretty out of it. My body still has not readjusted to LA time and I'm still not over my illness. But I needed to just get back into the routine of things.
But when I showed up, I was rudely reminded of this dumb bet I made with a co-worker from USC. We bet that the loser would have to wear the other team's shirt for the whole day. And needless to say, he brought two shirts for me to wear. I was forced to don the USC colors and see patients with it on all day. It was both embarassing and humiliating.
But the got the last laugh because I put his shirt around a gym ball after work and added the sign "You can't spell SUCK without USC!" on it. He hated it and threw the ball to the floor.
Ahh, it's good to be back home!
I did physically show up to work today, although I was pretty out of it. My body still has not readjusted to LA time and I'm still not over my illness. But I needed to just get back into the routine of things.
But when I showed up, I was rudely reminded of this dumb bet I made with a co-worker from USC. We bet that the loser would have to wear the other team's shirt for the whole day. And needless to say, he brought two shirts for me to wear. I was forced to don the USC colors and see patients with it on all day. It was both embarassing and humiliating.
But the got the last laugh because I put his shirt around a gym ball after work and added the sign "You can't spell SUCK without USC!" on it. He hated it and threw the ball to the floor.
Ahh, it's good to be back home!
Monday, November 25, 2002
RANDOM THOUGHTS ON CHINA
I'm really not quite sure how to compress 2 weeks worth of stories into a few blogs. And I'm still not feeling 100% yet, but here are some random thoughts:
1. I got air sick for the first time ever yesterday into an air sickness bag that you had to tear before opening. Now, how stupid is that? And once I got it opened, I found out the other side had a hole in it. Good thing I made it to the airplane bathroom in time, but still had to clean the sink afterward. So gross!
2. Karena, her aunt Eva, my dad, and I made it to the top of the Great Wall (888 km above sea level). And you know who had the hardest time with it? No, not my dad or Eva ... or even Karena. I was the one always asking to take a break 'cause I was huffing and puffing.
3. You'd be surprised how for $1 goes in China. You could practically buy any little knick-knack or trinket for one dollar (or two for a dollar ... or three for a dollar).
4. Overall, the hotels there were pretty nice. But we took a cruise down the Yangtze river to see the 3 Gorges and let me tell you, their idea of luxury cruise liner is nowhere near what our idea is! The bathroom was the size of the inside of my car and everything was positioned so that theoretically you could be sitting on the toilet while brushing your teeth over the sink and washing your feet in the shower! Trust me, I tried. Oh yeah, and the shower had no partition so when you showered, the whole floor would be all wet for the next 8-10 hours.
5. I got sick for about half the trip. But then so did everybody else ... except Karena. She was the only healthy one!
6. I got two massages -- one for only $4. It's amazing how hard-working people in China are just to get a few bucks.
7. Overall, the experience was good, the company was great, the food was average, and some of the sights were amazing. But still, I'm glad to be back home.
I'm really not quite sure how to compress 2 weeks worth of stories into a few blogs. And I'm still not feeling 100% yet, but here are some random thoughts:
1. I got air sick for the first time ever yesterday into an air sickness bag that you had to tear before opening. Now, how stupid is that? And once I got it opened, I found out the other side had a hole in it. Good thing I made it to the airplane bathroom in time, but still had to clean the sink afterward. So gross!
2. Karena, her aunt Eva, my dad, and I made it to the top of the Great Wall (888 km above sea level). And you know who had the hardest time with it? No, not my dad or Eva ... or even Karena. I was the one always asking to take a break 'cause I was huffing and puffing.
3. You'd be surprised how for $1 goes in China. You could practically buy any little knick-knack or trinket for one dollar (or two for a dollar ... or three for a dollar).
4. Overall, the hotels there were pretty nice. But we took a cruise down the Yangtze river to see the 3 Gorges and let me tell you, their idea of luxury cruise liner is nowhere near what our idea is! The bathroom was the size of the inside of my car and everything was positioned so that theoretically you could be sitting on the toilet while brushing your teeth over the sink and washing your feet in the shower! Trust me, I tried. Oh yeah, and the shower had no partition so when you showered, the whole floor would be all wet for the next 8-10 hours.
5. I got sick for about half the trip. But then so did everybody else ... except Karena. She was the only healthy one!
6. I got two massages -- one for only $4. It's amazing how hard-working people in China are just to get a few bucks.
7. Overall, the experience was good, the company was great, the food was average, and some of the sights were amazing. But still, I'm glad to be back home.
Sunday, November 24, 2002
WE'RE BAAAAACK!
Hi everyone. It feels so good to be back. But unfortunately, you'll have to wait to hear all the stories and details from our trip to China because I feel nausated after all the flying.
Hi everyone. It feels so good to be back. But unfortunately, you'll have to wait to hear all the stories and details from our trip to China because I feel nausated after all the flying.
Sunday, November 10, 2002
OUTTA HERE
Hey Everyone, I am off to China with Karena, my parents, my brother, and Karena's aunt. In the meantime, check out the interesting diaglogue going on in the guestbook. Enjoy!
Oh yeah, if I get a chance to update my site while I'm there, I'll definitely do it.
And if my email inbox is full, send email to victorwshen@yahoo.com.
See ya!
Hey Everyone, I am off to China with Karena, my parents, my brother, and Karena's aunt. In the meantime, check out the interesting diaglogue going on in the guestbook. Enjoy!
Oh yeah, if I get a chance to update my site while I'm there, I'll definitely do it.
And if my email inbox is full, send email to victorwshen@yahoo.com.
See ya!
Saturday, November 09, 2002
QUICK THOUGHTS
1. Thanks to everyone who has been checking out this site and signing my guestbook lately. The comments have been funny, thought-provoking, and stimulating. Special props go out to Judy and Julie for their comments on Eminem.
2. I'm feeling much better (at about 90%) today. Thanks for your prayers and your phone calls (Jason).
3. Funniest thing Karena and I have done in preparation for China: We had to discuss in detail what TV shows we would each record to maximize our tapes. After all is said and done, I think we'll both have two TVs recording shows over the two weeks we're gone and we'll come back to FOUR FULLtapes to watch. Yikes!
4. Most unbelieveable thing Karena and I have done in preparation for China: We went to Costco to buy a camcorder. We finally decided on one after also going to Best Buy and Circuit City to compare prices. We settled on the Costco one and I paid for it while the guys went to the back to get it. Then, they realized they only had the display model left and would have to re-credit my credit card and sell it to me again since we were getting a discount now. Confused? But wait, there's more. Then, they couldn't find the right key to unlock the display model so they had to re-credit my credit card again and ask us to come back again the next day.
5. It was my co-workers last day of work on Friday and we had a huge party for her ... with so many people in attendance that she was blown away and couldn't stop crying. Although I was happy to see all those people show up, I kept thinking, "Wouldn't it be great if we could show this kind of love and support to each other all the time, not just when people are leaving?"
6. Two quick CEFC things: I am seriously bummed to be missing Pastor Clive's farewell at church. And two, the English Ministerial Committee works very hard for the English congregation. I know most of you don't even know what the EMC is, but I'm here to tell you: we all have people like Pastor Clive, Jesse, Rebekah, Halbert, Dr. Lee, Henry, Mei-Lin, Jimmy, Eunice, Marvin, and Pastor Lam to thank. Good job, guys!
1. Thanks to everyone who has been checking out this site and signing my guestbook lately. The comments have been funny, thought-provoking, and stimulating. Special props go out to Judy and Julie for their comments on Eminem.
2. I'm feeling much better (at about 90%) today. Thanks for your prayers and your phone calls (Jason).
3. Funniest thing Karena and I have done in preparation for China: We had to discuss in detail what TV shows we would each record to maximize our tapes. After all is said and done, I think we'll both have two TVs recording shows over the two weeks we're gone and we'll come back to FOUR FULLtapes to watch. Yikes!
4. Most unbelieveable thing Karena and I have done in preparation for China: We went to Costco to buy a camcorder. We finally decided on one after also going to Best Buy and Circuit City to compare prices. We settled on the Costco one and I paid for it while the guys went to the back to get it. Then, they realized they only had the display model left and would have to re-credit my credit card and sell it to me again since we were getting a discount now. Confused? But wait, there's more. Then, they couldn't find the right key to unlock the display model so they had to re-credit my credit card again and ask us to come back again the next day.
5. It was my co-workers last day of work on Friday and we had a huge party for her ... with so many people in attendance that she was blown away and couldn't stop crying. Although I was happy to see all those people show up, I kept thinking, "Wouldn't it be great if we could show this kind of love and support to each other all the time, not just when people are leaving?"
6. Two quick CEFC things: I am seriously bummed to be missing Pastor Clive's farewell at church. And two, the English Ministerial Committee works very hard for the English congregation. I know most of you don't even know what the EMC is, but I'm here to tell you: we all have people like Pastor Clive, Jesse, Rebekah, Halbert, Dr. Lee, Henry, Mei-Lin, Jimmy, Eunice, Marvin, and Pastor Lam to thank. Good job, guys!
Thursday, November 07, 2002
CALLING IN SICK
I had to call in sick today because I have body aches and maybe a slight fever (maybe.) This is quite ironic considering the fact that Karena has been reminding me to get a flu shot before we go to China and I didn't do it. Now, I may have the flu.
Please pray that I'll get better ... and that it's not the flu because I just couldn't deal with the fact that I could have prevented this whole thing from happening!
I had to call in sick today because I have body aches and maybe a slight fever (maybe.) This is quite ironic considering the fact that Karena has been reminding me to get a flu shot before we go to China and I didn't do it. Now, I may have the flu.
Please pray that I'll get better ... and that it's not the flu because I just couldn't deal with the fact that I could have prevented this whole thing from happening!
MY THOUGHTS ON EMINEM AND "8 MILE"
Since the movie's world premiere was held in Westwood last night, Eminem was the talk of the town yesterday. During the day, I had the occasion to talk about Eminem and his movie with some nurses of various ages and nationalities. Here is an official excerpt of it:
Nurse: I don't know why or how people could listen to his music. That guys is repulsive! Do you listen to his music?
Me: Yeah, I do. But I have to agree with all the bad things you're saying about him.
Nurse: So, if you think he's so bad, why listen to him? He says things that offend blacks, whites, gays, women including his wife and mother.
Me: Yeah, I know. But his music is very artistic and gets you to feel strong emotions. But for me, I don't take those emotions and act on them. I just admire the way he gets me to react so strongly to his rapping, but it doesn't mean I go out and beat on my fiancee or diss people. But I know his music does cause some people to do that and I definitely don't condone that. That's why his music isn't and shouldn't be for everyone. If I couldn't control my emotions, I wouldn't listen to his music.
Nurse: Oh, that's just a bunch of bull! Who cares how "artistic" it is or how you can "control your emotions."
Me: Like I said, I agree with you and support anyone who is against listening to Eminem.
Nurse: So, are you going to go see his movie "8 Mile?"
Me: Probably.
I think the nurse left the conversation very unsatisfied. And that got me thinking as I drove past the premiere, with literally thousands of people waiting by the theater awaiting Eminem,
Am I wrong?
Since the movie's world premiere was held in Westwood last night, Eminem was the talk of the town yesterday. During the day, I had the occasion to talk about Eminem and his movie with some nurses of various ages and nationalities. Here is an official excerpt of it:
Nurse: I don't know why or how people could listen to his music. That guys is repulsive! Do you listen to his music?
Me: Yeah, I do. But I have to agree with all the bad things you're saying about him.
Nurse: So, if you think he's so bad, why listen to him? He says things that offend blacks, whites, gays, women including his wife and mother.
Me: Yeah, I know. But his music is very artistic and gets you to feel strong emotions. But for me, I don't take those emotions and act on them. I just admire the way he gets me to react so strongly to his rapping, but it doesn't mean I go out and beat on my fiancee or diss people. But I know his music does cause some people to do that and I definitely don't condone that. That's why his music isn't and shouldn't be for everyone. If I couldn't control my emotions, I wouldn't listen to his music.
Nurse: Oh, that's just a bunch of bull! Who cares how "artistic" it is or how you can "control your emotions."
Me: Like I said, I agree with you and support anyone who is against listening to Eminem.
Nurse: So, are you going to go see his movie "8 Mile?"
Me: Probably.
I think the nurse left the conversation very unsatisfied. And that got me thinking as I drove past the premiere, with literally thousands of people waiting by the theater awaiting Eminem,
Am I wrong?
Wednesday, November 06, 2002
SHARING YOUR FEELINGS
Why is it so difficult for guys to share their feelings? Is it really jus the whole "macho" thing?
During our pre-marital counseling session last week, all I kept hearing was about my need to share with Karena more. And the truth is that I'd love to do it. I'm a firm believer in sharing feelings, but somehow I'm just don't.
And for the last week or so, I've been thinking about it on and off.
I've decided that maybe guys and girls just process things differently. I tend to be able to communicate better by writing than by speaking. Plus, I am really laid-back and some things just genuinely don't bother me or have much of a lasting impression me. So, if you asked me my feelings right now, I'd usually just say, "I'm fine."
Is this a guy thing?
I guess so.
Why is it so difficult for guys to share their feelings? Is it really jus the whole "macho" thing?
During our pre-marital counseling session last week, all I kept hearing was about my need to share with Karena more. And the truth is that I'd love to do it. I'm a firm believer in sharing feelings, but somehow I'm just don't.
And for the last week or so, I've been thinking about it on and off.
I've decided that maybe guys and girls just process things differently. I tend to be able to communicate better by writing than by speaking. Plus, I am really laid-back and some things just genuinely don't bother me or have much of a lasting impression me. So, if you asked me my feelings right now, I'd usually just say, "I'm fine."
Is this a guy thing?
I guess so.
Tuesday, November 05, 2002
U2: THE BEST OF 1990-2000
I was really excited about this day. No, not because of all the elections going on, but because of the release of U2's new "Best of" album.
People always ask me, "Now why would you buy that if you already have all the original albums with all the original songs on it, especially nowadays where you can burn your own "mix" CDs. First of all, I say, "Wow, that's a long question!"
No seriously, my answer is that it's still great to hear each song done a different way on the album (as is the case on this one) and to hear how different songs flow together.
Plus, I get to hear some never-before heard B-sides and I get to watch their History Mix DVD.
Wait, I could be doing that now instead of writing this blog.
See ya!
I was really excited about this day. No, not because of all the elections going on, but because of the release of U2's new "Best of" album.
People always ask me, "Now why would you buy that if you already have all the original albums with all the original songs on it, especially nowadays where you can burn your own "mix" CDs. First of all, I say, "Wow, that's a long question!"
No seriously, my answer is that it's still great to hear each song done a different way on the album (as is the case on this one) and to hear how different songs flow together.
Plus, I get to hear some never-before heard B-sides and I get to watch their History Mix DVD.
Wait, I could be doing that now instead of writing this blog.
See ya!
Sunday, November 03, 2002
A GOOD FRIEND
For the last few years, it has been everywhere and done everything with me.
It's sat in the front seat, back seat, and trunk of my car.
It's been with me in the bathroom.
I've taken it on trips to the market, trips to the bank, trips to the post office.
It was by my side when I saw U2, the Dodgers, the Angels, the Clippers, UCLA football, etc.
It was with me during an emotional visit to Ground Zero.
It's been close to my heart during all the weddings I've attended.
It's sat in the pews at CEFC and listened to many sermons.
It's been with me everywhere.
But, when I leave for China next weekend,
my cell phone won't be coming with me.
For the last few years, it has been everywhere and done everything with me.
It's sat in the front seat, back seat, and trunk of my car.
It's been with me in the bathroom.
I've taken it on trips to the market, trips to the bank, trips to the post office.
It was by my side when I saw U2, the Dodgers, the Angels, the Clippers, UCLA football, etc.
It was with me during an emotional visit to Ground Zero.
It's been close to my heart during all the weddings I've attended.
It's sat in the pews at CEFC and listened to many sermons.
It's been with me everywhere.
But, when I leave for China next weekend,
my cell phone won't be coming with me.
DOES SEX REALLY SELL?
I was driving home from work yesterday when the new Christina Aguilera song "Dirrty" came on. The DJs quickly said, "Christina has been under some controversy lately because of her new look and clothes (or lack thereof), but there's no denying that this song is hotttt! Here's Dirrty!" Apparently, the double "r" is there for extra emphasis. Yes, there is our little Christina, no longer singing "Reflection" from Mulan or that pop hit "Come on Over." Now, she's prancing around half-naked (and sometimes even more naked than that) presumably to shed her "teen pop star" image. Well, I hate that song so I flipped the station and heard Justin Timberlake's new song "Like I Love You." In it, he also shed his "'N Sync pretty-boy" look for a nastier, more hip-hop style. Unfortunately, his candid sex talk in that song doesn't make his music any more hip hop than my breakdancing makes me more hip hop! And don't even get me started on Britney Spears' downfall.
Wake up, people! Look at the cross you wear as a chain of contradiction around your neck.
You guys made it big as pop stars and are now pretty much type-casted. It's going to be difficult to break out of that mold. But it's possible. Except resorting to wearing less clothing, singing about sex all the time, and posing seductively all the time isn't going to get it done. It doesn't change your music or make you more edgy. It only makes you look stupid! Plus, it shows you have very little self-esteem and are proud to defame yourself every change you get.
This type of thinking didn't work ten years ago for Debbie Gibson or Tiffany. And it's not going to work for you guys now so please, please, please, just give it up.
I was driving home from work yesterday when the new Christina Aguilera song "Dirrty" came on. The DJs quickly said, "Christina has been under some controversy lately because of her new look and clothes (or lack thereof), but there's no denying that this song is hotttt! Here's Dirrty!" Apparently, the double "r" is there for extra emphasis. Yes, there is our little Christina, no longer singing "Reflection" from Mulan or that pop hit "Come on Over." Now, she's prancing around half-naked (and sometimes even more naked than that) presumably to shed her "teen pop star" image. Well, I hate that song so I flipped the station and heard Justin Timberlake's new song "Like I Love You." In it, he also shed his "'N Sync pretty-boy" look for a nastier, more hip-hop style. Unfortunately, his candid sex talk in that song doesn't make his music any more hip hop than my breakdancing makes me more hip hop! And don't even get me started on Britney Spears' downfall.
Wake up, people! Look at the cross you wear as a chain of contradiction around your neck.
You guys made it big as pop stars and are now pretty much type-casted. It's going to be difficult to break out of that mold. But it's possible. Except resorting to wearing less clothing, singing about sex all the time, and posing seductively all the time isn't going to get it done. It doesn't change your music or make you more edgy. It only makes you look stupid! Plus, it shows you have very little self-esteem and are proud to defame yourself every change you get.
This type of thinking didn't work ten years ago for Debbie Gibson or Tiffany. And it's not going to work for you guys now so please, please, please, just give it up.
Saturday, November 02, 2002
SPEAKING IN EMMANUEL PART II
It's really hard to know what to say after you give a talk and people ask, "So, how did it go?" Do you want the honest truth? I think it went about as well as it could have gone, being that I'm not the greatest speaker in the world and I really struggled with the topic of True Fellowship. See, they had already done two or three weeks of Bible Studies on the passages of 1John 1-2 before my talk, so I wasn't talking about content, but more on personal experiences and application.
It was like nothing I had ever done before. But I felt like this "talk" was less about me talking and more about them responding to God's word.
Hopefully, I was able to facilitate an environment like that. The highlights for me were when they spent some alone time with God praying and confessing sins and then singing "Give Us Clean Hands" and then using their own words to the music to praise God wholeheartedly. Another highlight was having them break off into two (a la Michael Cham in Koinonia a while back) so they could do some serious talking, sharing, and praying with each other.
It's really hard to know what to say after you give a talk and people ask, "So, how did it go?" Do you want the honest truth? I think it went about as well as it could have gone, being that I'm not the greatest speaker in the world and I really struggled with the topic of True Fellowship. See, they had already done two or three weeks of Bible Studies on the passages of 1John 1-2 before my talk, so I wasn't talking about content, but more on personal experiences and application.
It was like nothing I had ever done before. But I felt like this "talk" was less about me talking and more about them responding to God's word.
Hopefully, I was able to facilitate an environment like that. The highlights for me were when they spent some alone time with God praying and confessing sins and then singing "Give Us Clean Hands" and then using their own words to the music to praise God wholeheartedly. Another highlight was having them break off into two (a la Michael Cham in Koinonia a while back) so they could do some serious talking, sharing, and praying with each other.
Friday, November 01, 2002
SPEAKING IN EMMANUEL
I'm giving a talk in Emmanuel tonight on "True Fellowship." Please pray for me!
I'm giving a talk in Emmanuel tonight on "True Fellowship." Please pray for me!
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