Friday, August 31, 2007

Whaaaa???

I saw this sign yesterday and had to drive around the block to make sure I read it right. Is it just me, or is this a bit disturbing? What are they talking about? If there is smoke coming from the sewer I have my doubts that it is sanitary. The other option seems to be they are trying to smoke the sanitary sewage. And you thought tobacco was harmful!

Thursday, August 30, 2007

I Can Feel It

I finally did it. I bought a laptop computer. My wife has a laptop. My 12-yr-old has a laptop. My 9-yr-old has mom's old laptop. I was feeling a bit left out.

I may have been last, but it was worth the wait. I got a Macbook Pro!! As a songwriter I didn't really have a choice. I noticed at the Write About Jesus Christian Songwriters convention last year that to be a serious songslinger, 3 things are required: a shiny silver MacBook, a cell phone (any variety will do) and an iPod. Now I am complete. Actually, I don't have an iPod, but my phone plays mp3s so that will have to do.

The amazing thing is, I do feel more creative. I'm not sure if it is the peer pressure or what, but who cares! In the short time I have had my new mac I've started a blog (which you are reading), finished 2 songs and captured a bunch of melodic ideas that may fit into songs in the future.

Not only did I write some tunes, I recorded a pretty good song demo, uploaded it to the web, received some great critiques and suggestions from a couple of my songwriting buddies, re-wrote and reposted it - all in less than 24 hours! I've also been invited to co-write with a very successful writer in Nashville. I can go, confident in the fact that even if my latest creative effort stinks, at least I'll look like a songwriter.

It will be interesting to see how my new mac affects our next CD. I know it is just a tool, but better tools make better finished projects. Of course, for it to be excellent, God is going to have to pitch in on the writing like He has in the past. I wonder if God has a laptop? I wonder if God has a lap? Hmmmmm...

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Are We Qualified?

Last night, while I was filling my car up with gasoline, I noticed the "Static Electricity Explosion" warning label. Apparently, the mere act of opening your car door during the fueling process can create a spark and ... KABOOM! Wow, has this ever happened to anyone?

Think about it, if the gas station is such a potentially explosive area that shutting your door or using your cellphone can set the whole thing off, are we normal people really qualified to pump our own gas? Shouldn't we at least be required to take special explosives classes or wear a blast suit like the bomb squad? And how about the folks who by their driving skills exhibit far less than average intelligence?

If I owned a gas station, I'd be running out the door yelling, "Don't touch that hose!!! Get in your cars and drive CAREFULLY away. Go, GO!!"

This must be a new problem. I can remember long ago when the station attendants used to come pump the gas for you with lit cigarettes hanging out of their mouths. I guess ignorance truly is bliss.

Oh well, my van's gas gauge is sitting on empty, too. If you don't hear from me again, you'll know what happened. RIP

Monday, August 27, 2007

the beginning...

creative Phil: "So what are we up to today?"

business Phil: "We've got a full schedule. There are e-mails to answer, documents to write, forms to fill, calls to make. Busy, Busy, Busy."

creative Phil: "What about playing the piano or writing some songs?"

business Phil: "We don't have time to play, we've got work to do!! Come on, let's wash up and get started."

creative Phil: "oh."

business Phil: "Wait, where are you going? Don't shut that door. Hey, don't lock me in the bathroom!! Come back!"

creative Phil: "Now the fun begins..."