Doug Van Pelt

We've Got To Carry Each Other...

Deadline is taxing, deadline is fun, it squeezes you like grapes, and leaves you almost undone.

Okay! Enough!!
I'll stop with the poetry. Am slamming away and it's starting to look finished. Lord willing, we'll wrap up tomorrow and ship it all to the printer in a fed ex box that we pray over. It's a great feeling to get to the end of the production side.

We just sent out 10,000 letters in a direct mail subscription campaign. If you get one of those envelopes/letters, please let us know.

Take care. Sleep tight.

David's Cool

That's all there is to say about that. Straight up.
I mean, he lets me ride his scooter. How cool is that?
That little electric thing zips around. "With the wind blowing in your hair, it helps you think + create," he says.

Last night I heard something shaking around in the garage. I went over to our tall kitchen trashcan and saw a little field mouse trying to jump out to no avail. You know what I was thinking...

Food for Mary! While Martha, the fat, lethargic cat, wasn't interested, Mary was nowhere to be found. Probably night time hunting herself. But I kept going to the door, checking to see if Charity Churchmouse was still in the can, and calling for Mary. "Whooffa-woofa-woofe," I call, breathing short breaths of air in and out of my mouth in rapid succession. I must look stupid, but that's how this cat responds. If she hears it, she always comes running. No Mary.

Finally, after about 4-5 check-ups, I heard her meow back at me from across the street. She came running. I picked her up and let her look down into the trashcan. Mild interest overpowered by a fear of being held and possibly stuffed in a trashcan (I've never treated her like that, but neighborhood cats must trade stories). So I sat her down and just petted her and hung out. After she looked comfortable, I tilted the can so she could see the mouse, who was creeping out slowly. Mary stuck her head in, I laid the can all the way down, she rushed into the can and came out with a fieldmouse in her mouth.

I had such fun watching her play with her live toy in the front yard. She'd pounce on it, look around and listen to the nighttime sounds, look down again, see the mouse run away, and chase it down; all to repeat several times. After several minutes of this, I went back inside and popped in "Bringing Down The House" and laughed my face off. I might be cruel, but I'm fair.

Blessings Come...

Sometimes in large boxes...

David's grandpa gave him a scooter, that arrived today. It's an awesome little machine. I told David we need to take a picture of him on it for his next "Editor's Note" thing in the table of contents.

I've been having to wear the ad sales hat again, so my days have felt like one big rush. I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to look over the contract I have for a book deal. I'm excited about that.

10,000 pieces of mail are in the mailstream right now, one of those direct mail subscription appeals for HM. I'm excited about that as well.

I'm already talking to people about summer festivals for next year.
I'm thinking HM will be at:
Cstone (IL)
Sonshine (MN)
Inside/Out (MA)
Purple Door (PA)

I didn't read the Bible at all yesterday. I wish I had.

Are You A Satanist?

"No," I replied, as I silently gave myself a pretend pat on the back.
"I am working deep undercover as one, though. My plan is a secret, so don't go blabbing this around, but: On Halloween Night I have access to the largest coven meeting in the southwest (outside of Austin in Elgin...what did you think those sausages were made out of?). During the most unholy of nights for the satanists all over Central Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Southern California (Louisianna has their own meeting...not sure why), I will be in the 'inner circle.' At a half-hour before midnight, when the virgin is to be sacrificed, I'm going to start unleashing 'love bombs,' where I'm going to go around hugging everyone and sharing the Gospel. If this doesn't work, I have a cache of weapons duct-taped to my body underneath the black robe. Like they always say, 'If love doesn't work, guns will.'

"I know this is going to work. So far, my cover is working; so don't blow it for me."

Don't Cry For Me

I'm reminded of the time I missed U2's Austin performance a couple years ago. While I had seen and reviewed the Elevation Tour in Dallas the previous spring, it was a drag to miss the same show in my hometown.

Thus it is regrettable that I won't be taking in the Austin City Limits Festival that's taking place right now, with 70,000+ people rocking out for the next three days. I'm most bummed about missing Robert Randolph & The Family Band. Oh well, I've got to work on this deadline. It's all good.

It's exciting to see this next issue take shape. Other stories are relating to and mirroring our cover story -- "The Ugly Truth Behind Christian Rock."

I won't reveal what the story is about, but I will share some more of what it's not:

The Ugly Truth Behind Christian Rock is not Frank Lenz. He's actually a very good looking guy.

It has nothing to do with animals. When critics refer to "Studio Cats" or "those cats in such and such band..." they are talking about people, not cats. I've actually been in studios myself, as well as checked this rumor out, and there are not felines walking on or running the boards in recording studios today. The same can be said for "Road Dogs" and other such euphomisms.

It's not Mormonism. While the Osmonds had their 15 minutes of fame back in the 70s, there is no direct or serious threat to rock and roll from this Utah cult.

It's not the Mafia. While the Elefante Brothers are Italian, there is no proof that Guardian, Petra, or even Barren Cross records are bad for you; nor do they have backwards messages that say, "Bow to Cicily," "Pay Your Protection Dues," or even "Support Your Local Union." These are simply false rumors.

It's not the x-rated film industry. The "x" in hxc comes from the straight-edge movement, where underage kids going to shows were marked with an "x" on their hands signifying that they were not eligible to drink at the bar, which in time turned into a badge of honor and abstinence. The same goes for xDisciplex AD and MxPx. Wise up...

Dashboard vs. MxPx

Going to see Vendetta Red, Dashboard, and MxPx tonight at Stubb's BBQ in Austin. Looking forward to it. It'll be a break from deadline (but a break is not what I need - I need EXTRA time. Feeling behind).

One of our cats, Mary, had a field mouse she caught this morning on the back porch with her. She put on a show, as my daughters and I watched her toy with the mouse, letting it run away and then pouncing on it, batting it around, moving it over somewhere else, plopping it in the water bowl, then chasing it again. I won't say I enjoyed it, because then you'll think I'm cruel or something. So I'll just grin and keep to myself.

Zeppelin was a Christian Band

Okay, so I'm using deceptive headlines. I'm sorry. But Robert Plant did pen many lyrics with J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord Of The Rings created reality in mind. Take "Battle of Evermore," for instance:

The Prince of Peace embraced the gloom
and walked the night alone

"The Ugly Truth Behind Christian Rock."
What is it?
It's not the following:

Jimmy Page, who owns a castle formerly lived in by Satanist Aleister Crowley, secretly started the genre of Christian rock with a side project called Lamb's Blood in England's Black Country back in the early seventies, with a parody version of "Whole Lotta Lord."

Angus Young is financing the Flicker Records label, donating all publishing royalties from the song "Whole Lotta Rosie" to the Catholic church in Rome, which in turn finances all of Nashville's CBA labels.

The Budweiser Girls, who frequent bars in bathing suits, handing out bottle openers and koozies, are also outfitting drunken salooners with Facedown and Solid State sampler cds, with their phone numbers written on the back with a silver sharpee.

Frank Lenz is the mastermind behind the entire industry, secretly writing songs that younger, better looking pop artists are riding to fame and (his) fortune. Don't be fooled by the 1981 Datsun B2-10 he drives around Newport Beach, California. He owns several yachts and 39% of Catalina Island.

Satan, also called "Prince of the Power of the Air," takes all Christian radio wave signals and twists and distorts them so that all Christian radio listeners are hypnotized into following the devil and supporting Planned Parenthood.

Canadians are using Christian rock to slowly take over the United States in an underhanded political maneuver. Don't trust TFK.

Sick Again

ugh! Sick all weekend. I felt bad, not being a very pleasant host to my parents, who flew in on their way to my sister's in Albuquerque, and stayed an extra day due to inclement weather. Normally I would have loved to have just laid around for two days straight, but when your body's not happy, it's harder to enjoy yourself.

As much as Led Zeppelin represented (to a lot of people) debauchary, sin, and even the occult; they at least showed some level-headed maturity in naming their song about groupies "Sick Again" (Physical Graffiti). It's good to know that some of the tragic throwing their body around of several teenage girls to their rock star heroes was just that -- tragic... and sick.

Am listening to the new P.O.D. song "Will You," which is streaming on their site.

Underoath, BRMC, Pillar

We're staying busy here. Both David and I have our noses to the grindstone, with flesh, blood, and bone fragments flying over our heads. It's a mess! In the midst of all this, I'm managing to take in 3 concerts this week. On Tuesday night at Emo's, I had a chance to see Underoath play with a new singer. The new guy (whom I met and can't recall his name this early in the morning) did really well. He went after it and didn't hesitate or seem pensive for even a second. It's hard to compete with Dallas, but throwing yourself into the role of frontman is the way to do it. It was a good show.

Last night was Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, who were brilliant. They took the stage with no fuss or fanfare and proceeded to rock it for a good hour and a half, playing a bunch of new songs as well as staples from its debut. Drummer Nick Jago pounded away at the drums all night, never slowing down his snapping and energetic beats. He showed a little dexterity by playing one song with both a conga and drumstick in his right hand; and guitarist/bassist/sometime lead vocalist Peter Hayes showed his skills as well, taking on harmonica and steel guitar in addition to swapping guitars with bassist/vocalist Robert Turner for a song. The trade-off vocals between Hayes and Turner were swell, although thrown right in the middle of the mix for an overall subdued feel.

Today/tonight is Shoutfest, which features a rare stop by Pillar on this tour.

So & So Says Book

I'm talking to a publisher about releasing a book (I've tentatively titled it Rock Stars & Jesus, but you know how this process can go - titles can change, things can fall thru...), which would be a collection of a bunch of the So & So Says interviews throughout the years. Obviously, I'll keep everyone informed via this site and the email list, etc.

Still stuck in the first part of 2 Corinthians (and loving it). It's interesting how Paul talks in chapter 5 about how we "groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling." Very similar to the verses in Romans that talk about creation groaning. We have this inner sensitivity that longs for full redemption. We have an expectation, a hope, for better things to come.
That's nice. That's really cool.

The DVD's Are In

After way too long a wait, the Cornerstone HM Stage, Volume 1 DVDs are finally in and ready to ship. I'll endeavor to get this item up in our online store before I leave today. Just thought I'd let you know, as some people have been wondering when we'd finally have that thing.

The Internet Is Slow

It must be the glut of emails due to that blaster virus reproducing itself with the bazillions of junk email lists out there.
sigh.

Trying not to let my love for football information crowd out my devotional time. Was tired this morning, as usual, and flipped through a few pages of ESPN The Magazine over breakfast rather than the Word. I'm not gonna assault myself as a result, but it's now a warning sign for me to stay true and keep up with some daily Bible reading.

Maybe this internet problem will help me focus on the writing I have to do.

Persuasion

I'm reminded that part of our purpose, destiny, calling, obedience is to persuade people to be reconciled to God. Does this mean it's our job to talk people into the Kingdom? I hardly think the text says that. Does it say we never have to talk about the Gospel to other people? I don't think it says that, either.

"Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men... For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died... So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view... All this is from God, who reconcilded us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God."

My understanding of Scripture tells me this: God has given us the job (which is a privilege) of persuading people to understand and put into action (relationship) the reconciliation between God and each person. I think the admonition to not "regard anyone from a worldly point of view" partly means not to think that we who believe are better than anyone else. Only pride and arrogance would try to set ourselves up over anyone else (but oh how we like to indulge this tendency, huh?). We cannot force someone to believe. I think that God has given us free will and a choice of whether or not to follow Him. Think back to when you made that choice. What were the factors that gave you the confidence, urgency, or compulsion to believe in God's great act of redemption? I doubt anyone forced you to believe or made you feel like an idiot or a second-class citizen if you didn't believe. Remember that. This can be a lesson in how we try to "persuade" people to be reconciled to God. If we can relax a little bit and remember that God does the work, with the Bible seemingly making it clear that He wants us to instigate the process by appealing to people, maybe it'll happen more often in our lives. Does this mean we have to "witness" to everyone who crosses our path? Hardly. It's possible, but it's more likely that if we submit to God's guidance and ask for His direction, that He will actually step into our lives and orchestrate some seemingly "chance" encounters and situations that'll make it "easy." Sometimes we need to be encouraged to do more activity. There's probably a line someplace where this encouragement is good and necessary and where it can become "guilt." I say "relax, but don't go to sleep."

Some of us argue better or talk more eloquently than others. If I'm not gifted with my tongue, I probably still have the ability to be an incredible friend to others. Sometimes little gestures speak volumes. Sometimes blogs become places of rant, where magazine editors start typing away and...

And then they realize they should stop.

Went to see Type O Negative last night. Was so looking forward to seeing this amazing and original band, but my name wasn't on the guest list as I was told. Drag. I always think it looks bad for someone who's supposed to be on a guest list to throw a fit and make sure everyone around them knows they're important and yada yada, so I took the polite approach, thanked the ticket taker for checking. He told me I was the fifth person that this happened to. I waited around, heard some great sounds from around the corner and outside the backstage door (this band has an amazing sound), and asked a couple more times if any changes to the guest list were made (as if the road manager would remember and come out and add those names to the list), but it wasn't to be. I got to see the end of a well played game between the Jets and Skins on some very large screens in the gameroom side of the club, talk to a couple friends, and leave.

Have a great weekend.

You're my BOY, Blue!

Haven't blogged in a while. I feel bad...kinda like forgetting to brush my teeth.

2 Corinthians 4 greeted me this morning. Paul's comment about, "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing..." It made me wonder what he meant by that. Was he being coy and metaphoric a lot (kinda like the parables of Jesus)? The thought came to my mind about the criticism some bands face about "not preaching enough" (or at all) from the stage. I don't really think this verse applies here, it probably came to mind cuz I'm penning a story for our next issue, called "The Ugly Truth Behind Christian Rock," and the lives and criticisms that Christian rock artists face has been on my mind. I haven't thrown myself into a story like this in a while. It should be interesting.

"It is written: 'I believed; therefore I have spoken.' With that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence." While it may sound like I'm putting these two thoughts together, that's not really where I'm going. Talking publically via mass media (and live performance) is an entirely separate subject. For example, look at that judge in Alabama. No matter how eloquently someone speaks and/or presents the Gospel, it can be distorted, misquoted, and "doctored" to erase or minimize its impact. While God's Word never returns void, there is certainly biblical precedence for silence, as well as wisdom and courage.

Here I am, rambling on and throwing jabs at both sides of an argument. One reason this happens is that both parties of the "speaking out" issue have reason to pause, think, and consider their ways. Both need and should expect criticism and, perhaps, instruction. We'll see if this article, perhaps, can be used to "step on toes" in every direction. "Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable," as it were.

Been getting a ton of dvds lately.
CSI: Season 2. Amazing.
Ripley's Believe It Or Not. Should be amusing.
Anger Management. I love Adam Sandler.
Chasing Papi. I see why this one bombed (and I'm only 20 minutes into the movie).
Pink Floyd : Dark Side of the Moon. A "making of" documentary. Insightful. Self-engrossing and indulgent to a great extent, but educational nonetheless.
Bowling For Columbine. Michael Moore, called the "loudest liberal," goes off on guns. Sigh. Well, you've gotta have extremes on every issue. It helps the undecided think.
Brigham Young. Yep, a movie on one of those early, founding Mormon guys. I'm not holding my breath on this one, but it should prove to offer some insight.
Windtalkers (Special Edition). Delivers what I'd expect, but comes up short (and still takes up 3 discs...how?).
Punch Drunk Love. I like arty films. I like modern and post-modern art. This film? I guess if you've got plenty of energy and an open mind, it pulls off some good stuff. Overall for the average movie-goer? Pass.
Agent Cody Banks. Spy Kids, only this time set in Seattle. And without the Willy Wonka-like characters.
Lord Of The Rings. Bought it the day it came out. Haven't watched it yet (and didn't see it in theaters). Looking forward to that one.
Leap of Faith. A cult classic, perhaps? Some interesting commentary on modern evangelism, to be sure. Steve Martin is awesome.
The Core. Bombed. I'll find out why. Trust me, kids. (ha)
Solaris. Alien meets Ghost. Slow but intriguing.
Titanic. The original (not the color one with Leonardi...). My morbid side wants to see how they handle the lifeboats and drowning victims...
Wings Of Desire. Old precurser to City of Angels.
Apollo 11. Part of a boxset with a massive collection of NASA footage. While maybe not as compelling as the Ripley's dvd, it's way more important (which means it'll be boring, but beautiful).
PAX217. Videos and interviews. Budget priced. These types of packages are great. I hope it's good.
Benjamin Gate. Did they break up or not? I'm sure this dvd won't offer any insight or answers...
Choices. Features Junker Jorg on the soundtrack. I'm expecting Matlock meets Shazam, but that's just me.
Bulletproof Monk. It'll be interesting to see how spiritual this one gets (if at all).
Dang! That's a lot.