RIP Mr Computer [2002-2004]

So my work computer sorta died last Saturday. I turned it on getting ready for the Focus service and within two minutes of warming up it immediately shut down and a small tuft of smoke started rising from the tower. At first we thought it was just the power source that burned up, but apparently the entire thing was destroyed. Fortunately, I save almost everything I do on our server so I wasn't screwed. And now I have a new computer [with a DVD player and burner] so I'm looking forward to all the new stuff I'll be able to do, but allow me for a minute to pay my last respects to my lost companion.

"Mr Computer, I'm so sad to see you go. If I had known that turning your power on would killed you, I'd have thought twice about it. We had some great times, you and me, huh? I'll never forget that you helped me figure out how to make websites. And how about those wackie emails we used to send? Those were awesome. Sure you had your flaws: the way you decided to occasionally shut down without warning, you deciding not to work with Adobe Acrobat Distiller, and you somehow losing the ability to display the Microsoft Word icon. Yet despite all this, you were my first buddy here at CCM. From 8 to 5, it was me and you. You will not be forgotten.

"So I raise a glass to you, my friend.
One for me . . . one for my homie."

You Too?

"Unos, dos, tres, catorce!"

So Kelly went out and bought How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb yesterday. I have to admit, I haven't been this excited about an album release since GNR put out Appetite For Destruction when I was in high school. They had me at hello with the I-Pod commercial and I've been streaming it from MTV's the Leak for a week. But it's nice not to have it on CD and not get cut off every two minutes.

My thoughts on the album and U2 in general:
Great tunes- I would highly recommend getting it. The weaving of driving rhythms with lyrics that have spiritual depth is genius. If I had but one band to listen to the rest of my life, it would have to be U2. Their body of work is diverse, yet compelling- especially for a three-piece band. I know the complaints out there against them: that they're soft, that they're just write spiritual lyrics to pander to Christians, that Bono should keep his mouth shut about social issues. Honestly, I don't give a rip anymore. In our society of deconstruction where everyone's a critic, I just like their music, OK. Why can't that be enough?

Introduction To The House of Carr

So I've tried this whole blogging thing before and I've been an utter failure at it. I guess there are a few reasons for this:

1. I lack the passion to be a successful blogger
One of the reasons I decided to try this again is because I spent the last few minutes reading some other people's blogs. Obviously I think, "if people like me will read their crap, then there has to be people interested in reading my crap." I mean, I believe I have an interesting life and people could actually be interested in what I think. But honestly, I'm pretty freaking lazy.

2. I don't type well
I never took it in school so I practice this morphed form of hunt and peck. For me to get my thoughts out takes more time than it does for others. By the way, if anyone knows of a good community education program that teaches typing, sign me up.

3. I obsess over the words I use when I write
Being married to an editor, I'm always trying to impress her with my mastery of the English language. I'll write and rewrite meaningless sentences just so I can sound better.

4. My job constrains what I can say
I'm a minister at a pretty conservative church. A lot of blogs I read have controversial thoughts and an occasional curse word- and I doubt you'll ever see either here. It's a dangerous tight-rope to walk trying to be edgy and authentic while at the same time respectful. And I sometimes have ear problems, so my balance isn't the best.

Nevertheless, I'm going to give it one more shot. You'll have to be a little patient with me as a maneuver around, but I'll try to make it worth it.