April 30, 2005
Prom Frenzy Rivals Wedding Planning
(Filed under: Society)It's prom season and teens everywhere are forking over cash for dresses, tuxes, flowers, limos and more. Teens are spending hundreds of dollars for all the festivities and having to plan well in advance. It's geting to the point where prom rivals the planning and cash required for a wedding.
Me? I didn't go to prom. I had a girlfriend at the time, but we just weren't interested. Looking back I don't think I missed a thing.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 04:18 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Your Peers in Sudan
(Filed under: Society)
This drawing, and the many others like it, are from children and teens who survived attacks by the Sudanese government and Janjaweed rebels in Darfur, Sudan. Women have been raped, villages bombed and burned, and a people exterminated. It's genocide.
The drawing above was made by Abd al-Rahman, Age 13:
"I am looking at the sheep in the wadi [riverbed, or oasis]. I see Janjaweed coming—quickly, on horses and camels, with Kalashnikovs—shooting and yelling, 'kill the slaves, kill the blacks.' They killed many of the men with the animals. I saw people falling on the ground and bleeding. They chased after children. Some of us were taken, some we didn’t see again. All our animals were taken: camels, cows, sheep, and goats. Then the planes came and bombed the village."
But you can do something about it. Take action. Tell your parents, your teachers, your friends. Write your government representatives and demand the intervention of peace-keeping forces.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 09:34 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
April 29, 2005
Christian Teens Make Online Series
(Filed under: Movies)
A group of Christian teens are producing an online series, Persecution Video. You can watch a trailer and some teaser bits, which are pretty well done.
The focus of the series is to show typical teens in public high school and the kinds of "persecution" they face. While persecution is a strong word for what they're talking about, it can often feel like that when you're being picked on and ridiculed for your faith from friends, teachers and family.
They hope to go into production this summer and are looking for help and donations. (link via YS Update)
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 01:07 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
April 27, 2005
Abstinence Groups Question Oral Sex Study
(Filed under: Sex)A study released earlier this month that reported on teen attitudes towards oral sex is drawing fire from abstinence groups. The study found teens have a casual attitude toward oral sex and suggested teens are turning to oral sex to preserve their virginity.
Richard Ross, co-founder of True Love Waits, counters that their material has always preached purity in all areas of sexuality. New York Times columnist David Brooks came to the defense of teens (subscription required), pointing to stats that indicate teens are having less sex than previous generations.
Bicker, bicker, back and forth. Sigh. Adults can argue all they want over whether or not teens are doing it, how to do sex ed, and all that. But sometimes we miss the point—it's your life. Know what you're getting yourself into and talk to an adult you can trust if you've got questions. Not everyone is doing it. Sex is a big deal, and maybe instead of arguing over numbers, adults should be honest about what's at stake: you.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 09:03 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Teen Girls on Steroids
(Filed under: Health)Steroid use among teen girls is at an all-time high—5% of high school girls and 7% of middle school girls admit to trying anabolic steroids at least once. Bulking up a la Governor Schwarzenegger isn't the goal, rather steroid using girls are hoping to lose weight and tone their bodies. Often these same girls suffer from eating disorders.
In teenage girls, the side effects from taking male sex hormones can include severe acne, smaller breasts, deeper voice, irregular periods, excess facial and body hair, depression, paranoia and the fits of anger dubbed "roid rage." Steroids also carry higher risks of heart attack, stroke and some forms of cancer.
Something tells me losing a few pounds isn't worth all that.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:52 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
April 26, 2005
Public Virginity Pledges Likely to Fail
(Filed under: Sex)A new survey of virginity pledges shows that those who make a formal public promise are less likely to stick to it. Of the teens surveyed, 17% had made a formal public pledges and 74% made a casual, private commitment. Those private commitments were more likely to wait, showing the importance of a private, personal choice as opposed to the pressure that can come with a formal public choice.
While the article doesn't give a lot of details, it appears from the numbers that 91% of teens have made a commitment, whether public or private, to wait for sex. That's amazing.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:52 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Finding that Summer Job
(Filed under: Money)Since 2000 the number of teens with jobs has steadily dropped, but 2005 might see a change. At least according to Teens4Hire.org, a site devoted to helping teens get hired (kind of obvious, huh?). They have some helpful resources and job listings.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:46 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
April 25, 2005
Paris Hilton the Mother
(Filed under: Quotes)"I know that when I have kids and a family, that's when my real life starts and that's what real happiness is."
-Reality TV star and snobby rich girl Paris Hilton (Elle Girl, May 2005)
Good to know Paris Hilton has some priorities in life, though they seem to have little effect on her now, but can you imagine having Paris as a Mom? Yikes.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 12:50 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Pornography is Ho-Hum for Teens
(Filed under: Sex)The Internet has made pornography so accessible for teens it's ho-hum:
"I mean, porn is really easy to get now. It's like, who cares? [It's] like cigarettes, which everybody can get if they want them. Porn is just another form of entertainment now." -18-year-old Ben Meredith
Admittedly the effects of porn are hard to discern—today's teens are having less sex than previous generations of teens. But all that easy-access porn is only serving up a stilted perception of reality. The negative implications for body image and attitudes towards sexuality can't be good.
If you're struggling with porn check out the #1 Christian porn site, xxxchurch.com. It's not what you think.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:34 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
TV Turnoff Week
(Filed under: TV)April 25-May 1 is TV Turnoff Week. Sounds scary, huh? Don't worry, it's not. The goal is to get people to turn off the TV for a single week and experience life without.
Consider this: the average American teen spends 900 hours every year in school, but watches 1,023 hours of TV.
Instead of soaking up the latest episodes, consider what you could be doing: reading a book, talking to a friend, playing a sport, earning cash and the list goes on. And if you can't decide what to do, staring at a wall burns more calories than watching TV.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:15 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
April 22, 2005
Jake Lloyd of the Phantom Menace
(Filed under: Movies)
MTV scores the first interview in six years with the childhood star of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Jake Lloyd who played the young Anakin Skywalker.
On the dark side, he didn't expect the sudden fame that comes with starring in a movie two decades in coming: "None of us really understood exactly how much that film would affect us for the rest of our lives." Uh, Mark Hamill anyone?
But on the side of all things good, he can recognize a bad haircut: "That bowl cut really drove me insane." Now if only he'd express hatred for Jar-Jar Binks, we'd be in good shape.
And on a deeper note, Lloyd is trying to get into acting again after a six-year hiatus: "The most important thing to me when it comes to auditioning is something where at the end, it's not going to be like, 'Oh, I wasted three months of my life making this movie, but at least I came away with cash.' That's not important to me. I'd rather go in and say, 'I spent three months of my life and I created something that I can appreciate, that I'm proud of, that I enjoyed doing and I can enjoy the end result of.'"
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 09:57 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
The Dangers of Tanning
(Filed under: Health)Spring has come and that means people are donning shorter sleeve, baring flesh and hoping to soak up the sun with a good tan. Which is a great way to get skin cancer and die.
A nice tan may be the cool look, but it's also deadly. Tanned skin is damaged skin, and it's the first step towards premature aging and skin cancer. Experts say 80% of the damage to your skin will happen by age 18. Skin cancer is the number one cancer among women under 35, and doctors blame high levels of UV radiation. Which means sun bathing and tanning booths can kill you. Yes, the UV rays from a tanning booth can have the same skin-wrinkling, cancer-causing effect.
37% of young women have used tanning booths at least once, along with 11% of guys. They may be joining the estimated 1 million people diagnosed with skin cancer last year, more than all other cancers combined. (American Academy of Dermatology)
If you must have the in-look of orange, cancer-susceptible skin, a safer way to go is sunless tanning sprays and lotions.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 09:12 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
New Law Bans Cell Phones While Driving
(Filed under: Driving)
Teens in Colorado may have to hang up their cell phones while driving. The new law, which will go into effect in August, will prohibit teens on their learner's permit from talking on a cell phone while driving.
Studies have shown that talking on a cell phone can slow a teen's reaction time to that of someone in their late 60s or early 70s. The distraction of a cell phone is also equivalent to the impairment of a blood-alcohol level of 0.08.
Cell phones: they can be great in emergencies, when you're lost or to order a pizza, but behind the wheel they can be a dangerous distraction. I managed to get in enough trouble while driving without a cell phone. I hate to think how many more ditches I would have visited if I had a cell phone.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:58 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Perfect SAT Scores
(Filed under: Academics)Nationwide 107 teens scored a perfect 2400 on their SAT tests.
Show offs.
Previously a perfect score was a 1600, but the addition of a new writing section has boosted the total possible score.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:51 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
35th Earth Day: Does Anybody Care?
(Filed under: Society)Today is Earth Day. It's the 35th anniversary of the day to raise awareness for environmental causes, but some wonder if environmentalists are losing the battle.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:44 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Generation Rx: Teens Abusing Prescription Drugs
(Filed under: Health)Percentage of teens who have ever tried:
37% - Marijuana
19% - Inhalants
18% - Vicodin*
10% - OxyContin*
10% - Ritalin/Adderall*
9% - Cough Medicine
9% - Crack/Cocaine
9% - Ecstasy
8% - Meth
While the rise in prescription drug abuse is perplexing, there is good news: Marijuana, tobacco and alcohol abuse are all down.
(*without a doctor's prescription, Partnership for a Drug Free America)
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:21 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
April 21, 2005
Free Speech Battle at Minnesota High School
(Filed under: Society)Two Winona High School students have been threatened with suspension and expulsion after wearing buttons that said "I [heart] My Vagina" after seeing a performance of the play The Vagina Monologues. The girls, Carrie Rethlefsen and Emily Nixon, say the buttons are meant to spark discussion about violence against women and women's rights. The school thinks the statement is inappropriate and sends the wrong message.
More than 100 students have supported the girls by ordering T-shirts that say "I [heart] My Vagina" for girls and "I Support Your Vagina" for boys. The school has threatened serious action if anyone wears the T-shirts to school.
It's a peculiar story that ties into a history of free speech conflicts between students and school administrators. While students should have free speech, I wonder about the effectiveness more than the appropriateness of "I [heart] my vagina." I've seen plenty of T-shirt slogans more inappropriate than that, but I wonder how many people connect that slogan with women's rights. It seems to make more of a statement about sexuality (imagine what "I [heart] my penis" might mean).
Did I just write an entry using the words 'penis' and 'vagina'?
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 11:47 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Christian Cheerleading
(Filed under: Sports)It's supposed to be about exciting the crowd, encouraging your team and launching people into the air. And don't forget human pyramids. But cheerleading is too often a racy sideshow that seems more focused on sex appeal. The Washington Times agrees, commenting on the bare midriffs, short skirts and bump-and-grind routines.
But it doesn't have to be that way. Christian cheerleading camps are cropping up, offering an alternative for Christian school squads.
"It's not dorky. It's not '80s cheerleading," says Jaime Fulton, cheerleading coach at Western Christian High School in Covina, Calif. They just take out the gross stuff." (link via YS Update)
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 10:29 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
April 20, 2005
Christian vs. Gay T-Shirt Showdown
(Filed under: Society)
A T-shirt campaign is being waged at a suburban high school between pro-homosexual students and Christians who oppose them. It started with a day of awareness at Homewood-Flossmoor High School in suburban Chicago when as many 225 students would wear T-shirts that said "Gay? Fine by me." Christian students who opposed the pro-homosexual message planned to wear shirts declaring their values that said "Crimes committed against God" and highlighted discrimination Christians face.
The Christian T-shirts were printed by Family Harvest Church, though youth minister Jacques Jacobs notes that his church is "not fighting anybody, we are only standing up for the rights of the Christian student."
"I do know that Christian students, their right to pray has been taken from them," Jacobs said "Their right to believe in their values has become an offense to many people. The Bible has become an offense."
I know these are serious issues, but can we step back for a second and breathe? Seriously.
Continue reading "Christian vs. Gay T-Shirt Showdown"
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 12:29 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Letting Teens Race—Legally
(Filed under: Driving)The Colorado State Patrol has an alternative for street racing teens: the drag strip. Alive At 25 and Bandimere Speedway are offering Take it to the Track, a program where anyone can race their car. All you need is $30, a valid driver's license and a car that passes inspection and you can race all night (16- and 17-year-olds need a minor release form signed by a parent or guardian). The program will run for 22 Wednesday nights throughout the summer.
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teens, and this program hopes to minimize illegal street racing.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 10:15 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Teens Incriminate Themselves After Graffiti Rampage
(Filed under: Society)A group of New Zealand teens spray-painted their hair and faces the same color as the graffiti they'd recently painted. The fashion no-no led the police straight to the vandals.
It doesn't get much smarter than this. But if you're ever thinking graffiti, don't. Put your art to better use.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 10:04 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Teens and Credit Cards
(Filed under: Money)11% of teens who participate in the Junior Achievement program (what's that?) carry credit cards, some as early as 13 or 14. 82% of those teens pay their balance in full every month, which is probably better than most adult credit card users.
It's never too early to learn proper financial management. I know, I know—it sounds boring as all get out. But making smart money choices can save you a lot of hassle. Credit cards aren't just free money.
Continue reading "Teens and Credit Cards"
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 09:39 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
April 19, 2005
Picking On Clay Aiken
(Filed under: Society)American Idol superstar Clay Aiken told Dr. Phil what it's like to be picked on.
"It was a really tough time. Middle school's really tough—I think everybody has trouble with middle school. It's about finding out who you are and being happy with who you are and being comfortable with who you are, because everybody in middle school is confused."
Aiken describes his experiences further in his book, Learning to Sing, including what it's like getting wedgies and being "dodge-ball bait."
"I was dubbed a loser throughout most of my childhood. As a kid, I was an insult magnet—a nerd who loved his grandparents, who wore the wrong clothes, who liked the wrong things, who had goofy hair and glasses, who didn't smoke or drink."
Sounds like my experience as a teen, though sadly I didn't grow up to be voted the second best pop star by America. Not yet anyway.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 09:23 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
meant4more.com
(Filed under: Faith)This site brings a worldwide message to teens, hoping to connect them with God and each other. There's plenty of questions about God and real life answered (my favorite: Is This Love? Or a Bad Taco?). (link via effective web ministry notes)
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 07:32 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 18, 2005
New Coldplay Single
(Filed under: Music)The highly anticipated new album from Coldplay, X&Y, comes out June 7. You can listen to the first single, "Speed of Sound" on their web site today (free registration required: go to the members area and register, then click on the "Coldplayer" and enter your e-mail address). The single will be available on iTunes tomorrow.
MTV.com gives a track by track description of the album, for those Coldplay fanatics willing to read about music.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 04:17 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
The 10 Commandments Don't List Profanity
(Filed under: When I Was Your Age...)When I was your age, I could cuss with the best of them. I'd let loose with a string of four-letter words I'd heard from R-rated movies or when my dad let slip when a project wasn't working. Using swear words was dangerous, edgy, and yet somehow cool. Today's it's becoming commonplace.
You know what I think? Words are words. Now before you go drop the F-bomb for your teachers, hear me out. I work on a side project called Church Marketing Sucks and I wrote a piece defending our use of the word 'sucks.' I think my conclusions apply to words farther down the profanity scale as well.
Ephesians 4:29 tell us to not use unwholesome talk. But it doesn't give us a list of off-limits words. Instead it gives us a general guideline: build other people up. You see, God didn't define swear words. He told us not to take his name in vain, and that's about it. Profanity is culturally and contextually defined. Words themselves aren't naughty, it's the meaning culture gives to them and the context they're used in. You can be just as profane using clinical words as you can using "swear" words.
While I stand by my claim that words are words, we also have to pay attention to those around us. Some people are incredibly offended by profanity, and we need to be respectful of them. 1 Corinthians 8 is an interesting chapter that basically tells us sometimes we need to limit our own freedom for the sake of others. Swearing may not be wrong, but if someone has a problem with it, we're not helping them overcome it with our potty mouth. I don't always agree with that chapter, but the challenge seems pretty clear.
So what's the bottom line? The words coming out of your mouth should build people up. I don't think God will put a check in your sin column just because you use a specific word. But it might be a sin if your teachers or parents ask you not to use the word and you do it anyway. And it might be a sin if you're using the word to tear people down (which eliminates a lot of profanity).
While your parents, teachers and youth workers may disagree with me, I don't think profanity is a big deal. Honestly, I don't give it much thought. Instead, I focus on being respectful with the words I do use, and try to build others up instead of tear them down. I won't pretend I'm perfect, but I do think it's more important to focus on how we use our words, as opposed to being obsessed with blacklisted obscenities.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 03:34 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Edgy Christian T-shirts
(Filed under: Fashion)Apparently edgy Christian T-shirts are the latest rage, with such in-your-face slogans as "Satan Sucks," "My God Can Kick Your Butt," and "To Hell with the Devil" (consequently a popular Stryper song from the 1980s, available on iTunes). The AP story notes the trend cropping up in Lawrence, Kans. of all places (props to Kansas: just because it's flatter than a pancake doesn't mean they lack style). Of course we've heard my rant on Christian T-shirts.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 09:46 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
April 15, 2005
United Nations Video Game Targets Hunger
(Filed under: Video Games)The United Nations has jumped into the video game world with a PC-based education game (supposedly Mac as well) from the World Food Program called Food Force. Game play involves negotiating with armed rebels and coordinating food drops to starving refugees. The goal is to teach video games fanatics about world hunger.
"The game itself is somewhere between a game like Tomb Raider and a lecture from the WFP," explained the game's designer, Mike Harrison. (BBC)
It's probably no match for Halo, but did I mention it's free?
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:22 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
April 14, 2005
Are You Suicidal?
(Filed under: Health)Every year 3 million teens ages 15-19 seriously consider suicide; 1.7 million actually try it. Are you thinking about suicide?
According to a new study asking that question doesn't make suicide more likely. In fact, it can be a release valve and shows that you care.
So if you're worried about a friend, it's OK to ask. Just know that a suicidal friend is a big deal—it's not something you should have to handle yourself. Get help. (link via YS Update)
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:16 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Relient K's Matthew Thiessen and his Side Project
(Filed under: Music)Relient K fans should check out lead singer Matthew Thiessen's side project, Matthew Thiessen and the Earthquakes (which according to one blog is just Thiessen). You can hear the subdued pop number "The Calendar, the Energy" on purevolume (it's also available on the $5 The Revolution Will Begin in the Blink of an Eye sampler).
It's not the pop-punk of Relient K (hence its appearance in a side project), but Thiessen's witty writing is still there. It's heavy on the piano with a rising, up-tempo swing before the climax.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 07:59 PM | Comments (11) | TrackBack
Mmhmm by Relient K
(Filed under: Reviews: Music)Mmhmm
by Relient K
2004
The Ohio punk rockers are back with their fourth album and showing a few signs of maturity—but not too many.
Immature: Lyrically there’s still some of Relient K’s trademark humor like the quirky love ode “My Girl’s Ex-Boyfriend” and “Maintain Consciousness” which explores ADD. But overall it seems like they've toned it back a notch.
Hear it: The music is tighter and more varied, offering a little more edge on some songs and nice keyboard arrangements. (listen to three songs and download one at purevolume, or score a free download from iTunes)
Best line: "Lately the weather has been so bi-polar / and consquently so have I" from "High of 75," which consequently earns the nod for best song on the disc.
World wide web: relientk.com
Bottom line: This is quite possibly Relient K's best album yet. The pop-punk is solid and worth checking out.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 09:21 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Jesus the Pot-Smoking, Flashing Hippie
(Filed under: Comics)
An Austrian comic book, The Life of Jesus, depicts the Son of God as a pot-smoking hippie who flashes people from a surfboard. The comic is the work of Gerhard Haderer and had been banned in Greece since 2002 thanks to complaints from the Greek Orthodox Church. Haderer had been found guilty of "malicious public blasphemy." Now the ruling has been overturned and the book is again available for sale.
I'm never quite sure what to think about stories like this. There's always the kitsch factor, like the Barbie-sized Jesus doll or the "Jesus is my Homeboy" T-shirts. They're corny, a bit off the wall, and frankly weird. But there's often a pure motivation behind them (OK, maybe not the homeboy shirts), and honestly, I think Jesus has a sense of humor. But Jesus smoking pot? Flashing people? Binge drinking? I think we've gone over the edge.
Of course freedom of speech gives people the right to do that. Just like Mel Gibson has the right to make The Passion of the Christ, Haderer has the right to make The Life of Jesus, whether we agree with it or not. And I think that's one of the cool things about freedom. Sometimes we need to see Jesus in a different light. We need to remember that Jesus became fully human. He faced bullies and the awkwardness of an adolescent voice change and the temptation to get blasted with a stolen wineskin. Let's face it: Jesus farted. Sometimes it's good to see Jesus as more than the holy do-gooder people like to dismiss him as.
But there's also a time for reverence and respect. I think Haderer's pot and nakedness has gone too far, but you know what? I'll let Jesus take care of it. I know who Jesus is, so there's no sense worrying about some guy's goofy comic book. The real Jesus is seen every day in the not-so-common actions of his followers, and that trumps any hippie Christ.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:26 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
April 13, 2005
Should Christians Watch Horror Movies?
(Filed under: Movies)Having never cared much for slasher films, I've never worried much about whether or not Christians should watch horror movies. But the world's bigger than me, isn't it?
A few weeks ago my wife and I had lunch with several teens from the youth group after church. At one point the conversation turned to the latest horror flicks and I woke up to the reality that Christians teens do watch horror movies. I managed to stay in the conversation thanks to the overdose of slasher trailers I'd seen: The Grudge, The Ring Two, Cursed, etc.
Since my horror-fandom extends to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and that's about it (you can read my confessional/defense, Don't Be Stuffy About Buffy), I don't have much to offer this discussion. But I will point the way to a recent Christianity Today commentary, "The Horrors!", which dives deeply into the subject.
It's weighty stuff, but if you're a teen wondering about horror flicks, it's worth considering. Here's a final point from the article (and if this is all you take from it, you're missing a lot):
True horror, finally, makes possible an experience of grace. It suggests that we too are misshapen, we too are duped by evil. There is in us all a Mr. Hyde. We are all of us Edward Scissorhands.
Note: The article I linked to above is probably more of a resource for parents or youth workers and it's not written with teens in mind. However, I'm a firm believer that teens are smart. So I'd rather offer the resource and encourage you to talk to your parents and youth workers about horror films than pretend they don't exist or that you don't really watch them.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 01:23 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
April 12, 2005
How Great is Our God: Live Worship from Passion 05
(Filed under: Reviews: Music)How Great is Our God: Live Worship from Passion 05
by various
2005
Live worship with an 11,000-member backing choir and some of the biggest names in worship today. But that's not really the point, is it?
Background: Passion is a gathering of 18-25 year olds eager to serve and worship God, which most recently met in Nashville, Tenn. in January.
Three words: Live, raw, loud.
Who's involved: David Crowder Band, Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall and others.
New song: The album features three brand new songs, including "Here is Our King" by the David Crowder Band, "All Over the World" by Matt Redman (co-written by Martin Smith of Delirious) and "Marvelous Light" by Charlie Hall.
Best of the lot: "There is No One Like You," thanks to the total shock of an 11,000-person sing-a-long.
World wide web: 268generation.com
Bottom line: It's loud and vibrant worship, worth turning up and tuning out the distractions.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 07:09 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Everyday People by Nicole C. Mullen
(Filed under: Reviews: Music)Everyday People
by Nicole C. Mullen
2004
Nicole C. Mullens delivers exactly what you'd expect: an album of pure gospel/R&B funk.
On the cover: The album opens with a cover of Sly & The Family Stone's "Everyday People." That's the "different strokes for different folks" song, and it's a fun throwback to set the theme.
Best line: "I like cute ugly kinda shoes," from the 'it's OK to be yourself' funk anthem "This This."
Honestly: Everyday People lacks a soaring number like "Redeemer" or "Call on Jesus" from her previous albums.
Nod: The album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Contemporary Gospel Album, so that's got to be worth something.
World wide web: nicolecmullen.com
Bottom line: Her voice ranges from subtle to sassy to soaring, sometimes within the same song, all with funky beats keeping the pace. It's time to get your groove on.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 06:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
True: Real Stories About God Showing Up in the Lives of Teens
(Filed under: Reviews: Books)True: Real Stories About God Showing Up in the Lives of Teens
by Irene Dunlap
Nonfiction
2004
Over 300 pages of inspiring and miraculous stories of God moving in the lives of teens can be pretty amazing. That's the idea.
Cool factor: In addition to everyday stories from average teens you'll find stories from Christian rockers like Audio Adrenaline, PAX 217, Slick Shoes, LaRue and others. But they're not hyped as rock star stories. In fact, if you don't recognize their name you'll have to flip to the biographies in the back to see who's famous and who's not. That's a nice bit of anti-star worship.
Readability: With bite-size stories written by tons of different people, it's hard to get bored. If one story isn't working, just skip to the next one.
Bottom line: Irene Dunlap has worked on several Chicken Soup for the Soul books, but True is no hokey bowl of soup.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 06:02 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Rock Band Pillar Subtle About Faith
(Filed under: Music)
For the Christian hard rock band Pillar the question of how up-front to be about their faith has had different answers. Lately they've been toning down their faith to reach the masses, but it doesn't mean they're losing faith. It's been a changing approach according to bassist Michael Wittig (aka Kalel):
"I don't think that it's ever really settled. It's ongoing. It just kind of happens. There was a time in our career when we wanted to be really upfront. Over the years, we felt God wanted us to tone it down a bit. ... There are a lot of young people who listen to hard-rock music and don't go to church. To reach more people, you have to be more subtle."
Pillar released Where Do We Go From Here last summer and plans to release a DVD in May (available to preorder now). (link via CT's weblog)
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 12:40 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
The Apocalypse According to NBC
(Filed under: TV)
NBC's end times miniseries Revelations premieres tomorrow night. The apocalyptic series pairs a secular scientist (Bill Pullman) and an Oxford-educated nun. And the early indications aren't good:
If the end of the world really is near, you might consider spending your limited time on something better than this creepy, gloomy show. (AP)
Jerry Jenkins, the co-author of the Left Behind series, described the beliefs in Revelations as a "mishmash of myth, silliness, and misrepresentations of Scripture. Acknowledging that not everyone agrees with my particular take on End Times prophecies, at least my interpretations are based on some commonly accepted study. Revelations seems to draw from everywhere and nowhere." (Beliefnet)
If that much negativity hasn't deterred you, the series premieres Wednesday, April 13 at 9:00 p.m. (8:00 p.m. Central). All I know is that Bill Pullman already saved the world once in Independence Day. Twice if you count saving the galaxy in Space Balls.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 12:17 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Free Pop-Punk Music: Relient K on iTunes
(Filed under: Music)Snag a free copy of "Be My Escape" from the Ohio pop-punk outfit Relient K off their latest release Mmhmm (read our review). The track is available free for all you iTunes junkies thanks to Carson Daly picking it as his free catch of the week.
You can also score a free track and listen to three more on purevolume. And if you're a real Relient K freak, you an check out our book review of The Complex Infrastructure Known as the Female Mind.
(Of course as I'm writing this the track is still listed at 99 cents. But it's early out in Cupertino. Those Apple boys will get to it soon.)
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:22 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
April 11, 2005
When Superman Becomes Assigned Reading
(Filed under: Comics)In Maryland comics are finding their way into the classroom. Comic books and graphic novels are being used to get students to read. The state-sanctioned lesson plans (the first in the nation) provide lessons for 3rd through 12th grades.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 09:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Preparing for the SAT & ACT
(Filed under: Academics)Helping students prepare for the dreaded SAT & ACT college entrance exams is big business. But one company stands out: Prepme.com, an online preparation company founded by Karan Goel and Avichal Garg--who both graduated from high school in 2001. Test prep from someone who's been there recently sounds like a good idea.
But who am I to talk? I did squat for test preparation and couldn't tell you how I scored on either test. Apparently good enough to get into college and become a fine, up-standing citizen. Well, sort of.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:55 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Scoring the Summer Job
(Filed under: Money)It's only April, but smart teens know that good summer jobs will be gone come summer. Teens in Boston are already looking. A summer job can score some nice cash, give you experience for the not-too-distant future, and --your parents' favorite reasons--teach you responsibility and keep you out of trouble. But don't forget daytime TV. A summer job can keep you away from the addictive and brain-mushing qualities of daytime TV.
The Chicago Tribune has some job hunting advice--more like motivation. They point out that gold medalist Carl Lewis, Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos and the late president and CEO of McDonald's, Charlie Bell, all worked a stint as McCrew members.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:38 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Sixteen and Behind the Wheel
(Filed under: When I Was Your Age...)
When I was your age I had a tenuous relationship with cars. I slid my '88 Mustang off the road more times than I care to remember. I tore reverse out of my dad’s brand new truck. I rear-ended a car in the school parking lot, causing $500 worth of damage.
The police pulled me over for going 59 mph in a 40 mph zone and threatened me with reckless driving. My excuse? Late for a final. Another time I stopped at a red light, looked both ways, and kept going, causing an officer to ask if I'd taken any drugs or alcohol. No sir, I'm just stupid.
Once I shouted over the noise to my friend: "Does the muffler sound loud to you?" Before he could answer there was a crash and the sound of a muffler dragging along the road.
I grew up in the suburbs where public transportation was a joke and walking was only a form of exercise. Which made a driver's license a necessary right of passage. But it didn't come easy. Driving a car in my house meant responsibility. We made all repairs ourselves, which meant goodbye Saturday. And don't forget insurance. Every six months I had to pony up insurance money for my dad. Is it any wonder I took the bus to work for three years and now work at home?
The automobile brings freedom to the American teenager. It can also bring stupidity. Car accidents are the leading cause of death among teens. Driving with a friend doubles your risk of getting in a wreck, and talking on that cell phone slows your reaction time to that of a 70-year-old. Don't check your brains at the car door: Wear your seatbelt. Drive the speed limit (I'm still learning that one). Look both ways. Red means stop. Showing off puts your stupidity on display. And donuts? Stick to eating them. (ABC News, Feb. 13, 2005)
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:17 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
4th Grader Scores Britney Exclusive
(Filed under: Music)
10-year-old Veronic You landed an exlusive interview with perky pop star Britney Spears (something few real journalists have been able to do). The fourth grader heard Spears was in town and slipped an interview request under her door and Spears called back to give the inside scoop. The interview should be appearing in Hancock Park Elementary's school paper.
You do realize what this means, don't you? Britney Spears currently has at least one fan. And I thought we were finally moving past skinny blondes with record deals. (And is it just me, or does the way that photo's cropped make it look incredibly fake? A little too much Photoshop work on that one.)
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 07:50 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Everwood's Emily VanCamp Promotes Nothing
(Filed under: Quotes)"There’s no way I'm going to go on TV to promote teen sex. I'm also not going to promote abstinence."
-Actress Emily VanCamp (who plays Amy on Everwood) (Spin, March 2005)
Thanks for stepping up to the line and putting your full support behind... nothing.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:28 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Christina Ricci Avoided Mirrors
(Filed under: Quotes)
"As a teenager, I didn't like to look in mirrors. I'd put collages and stuff over them; left the lights off in the bathroom. Those are the years when I feel like you hate yourself or love yourself."
-Actress Christina Ricci (Teen Vogue, April 2005)
C'mon, who couldn't love Wednesday Addams, Ricci's break-out role in 1991 remake of The Addams Family? Creepy, yes. But still cute. Sadly, mirrors can be a bit too powerful.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:26 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Sandra Bullock the Cheerleader
(Filed under: Quotes)"The day that I got chosen for the squad, I came to school and the gates of heaven opened. Everyone's opinion of me changed overnight. And it's sad. I started conforming and got really preppy."
-Actress Sandra Bullock talking about the changes to her social standing when she became a cheerleader in high school (Teen People, April 2005)
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 08:24 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
April 08, 2005
Storm the House
(Filed under: Links)Fight off the threatening stick men and protect your home. Or something like that. It's a goofy flash game and perfect for a Friday.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 05:16 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
The Incredible Popeman
(Filed under: Comics)
When I suggested we should learn from the late Pope John Paul II, this wasn't what I had in mind: The Incredible Popeman.
He's a new Colombian comic book starring the late pontiff as a Satan-fighting superhero armed with an anti-devil cape and chastity pants. Popeman takes lessons from Superman and Batman and wields a staff, holy water and communion wine.
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 04:42 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack