2008 in Review

2008 was a doozy! Here are a few of MY memories:

// Best new place to eat: Sauce (the green leaf chicken salad ... great!).
// Facebook: enjoyed reconnecting with HS friends. Linked with a few Child-hood friends after no contact for close to 20 years!
// Twitter: I've made some great cyber-friends which have translated into great networking and I feel closer to those I follow (in a weird way).
// A few shows that I started to watch in syndication: Scrubs, House, Monk (They are all new to me! My boys dig Monk).
// Favorite songs: Love Song, Sarah Barielles | Song of Hope, Robbie Seay | How He Loves, John Marc McMillan
// Favorite Books: Made to Stick, Heath | It came from within, Stanley | Jim and Casper go to church, Henderson
// News stories that stand out: Olympics (Opening Ceremonies / Phelps) | Economic down turn
// Personal challenge: Marathon training (tougher experience than last one. enjoyed getting "back in shape" ... somewhat!) BuyingLessLivingMore - we started strong ... it was good for our refinement.
// Personal family moments: Melissa meeting her goal - I am really proud of her| my boys and our FSM (FatherSon Meetings) Gigi doing ballet | My dad's surgery | Family Pics with Daley and Julie | Dating Melissa again ... our getaway in October will not be our last.
// The Crossroads: Koina Cafe | Structure of Growth Groups | Speaking improvements | FPU
// Musical moments: Playing on Community of Grace's Worship Project - My bro | Pinnacle Forum - Joey, Andy, Gary, Derrick

What was your top memory (good or bad) of 2009?

Top 3 Benefits

I asked about 30 people that I know in ministry to give me their Top 3 Benefits of being in the ministry. The group of people are in various roles and stages in ministry. Some just a few years, some with 30 plus years of experience, and everywhere in between.

Some things can't be measured but only felt. This straw poll is in no way scientific but it was heartfelt. I wanted to hear the whys, feelings, and thoughts of those who, given the specific challenges (as with every responsibility), sacrifice yet continually are motivated to pursue and fulfill their calling.

TAKEAWAYS:
Most enjoyed being involved with or around people's lives. This was a common denominator. Flexibility of time, working on a team, and knowing there was obedience to God all motivated some in their calling.

Thanks to all 25 who were able to participate.

For a complete list click here!

My favorite blogs

Here are a few blogs that I follow. Some make me think. Some make me laugh.

**Carlos Whittaker (He is a blog master) - Ragamuffin Soul
**Seth Godin (marketing Guru and author) - Blog
**Stuff Christians Like (Prodigal John is a cleaver author, with an interesting perspective on all stuff Christian. No sacred cows here!)
**Anne Jackson (genuine, authentic, passionate) - Flowerdust.net
**Deadly Viper (Mike Foster and Jud Wilhite) - Radical grace and radical integrity all wrapped up in the Asian warrior motif.

Happy 08:08:08! Once a century!

Stuff Christians Like

I came across this blog today called "Stuff Christians Like".  There is some funny stuff on here.  This one caught my eye, cause I dabble with the graphic design.

Here some of my other favorites:  

#157 - Testamints - Sending Bad Breath to hell.

#118 - Slowly turning against Oprah.

#99 - Mixed bathing.

It's OK to laugh at ourselves!  It a sign of a healthy self-image.   Thanks to Scott for sharing this with me. 

If you read the blog, what were some of your favorites?

I can't believe I did this. . . .

I knew I was going to do it!  I left off one of my favorite drummers.  One that has influenced me and many others.  He can be heard on the radio, on any given pop station.  The thing that bothers me about leaving him off is that he and Vinnie are tops to me!  

Abe Laboriel Jr. has it all.  Besides being the backbeat for Paul McCartney, he's also laid down groove for Sting, Sheryl Crow, Clapton, Shakira, Jewel, Liz Phair, Vanessa Carlton, and both Simpson girls.  Here is a complete list.

Three words that describe his drumming to me:  Passion, Power, Passionate-Power!  Entertaining to watch and has such a solid groovy groove.

Rock on Abe!  Rock on!  For your drumming greatness and my forgetfulness . . . you get your own post.

Any others I've left off?  Who is your top three favorite drummers?

Favorite . . . Drummers

Now drummin' is near and dear to my heart. Inevitably someone who "should" be on the list will be left off. These are my favorites right now.

1. Vinnie Colaiuta: He is my favorite of all time. The dude is a legend to say the least. I first heard of him in the early 90's although he was playing with Frank Zappa way back when. His handle of odd times is incredible. I saw him at Yoshi's in Oakland and was glad my Wes and my family got to enjoy the experience as well. Probably not as much as I though! My favorite recording of his . . . Sting's Ten Sumner's Tales - Clinic on drummin'.

The rest are not in any order . . . .
2. Carter Beauford: Looks like he is having a blast behind the kit. Is the train that moves DMB.

3. Chris Coleman: His work with Israel Houghton is phenomenal. He has some of the quickest hands and feet. Makes it look easy.

4. ?uestlove: (Ahmir Thompson) This guy grooves and then . . . grooves some more. Nobody better in the Hip Hop / Neosoul world.

5. J J Johnson: Not to be confused with the Wynton Marsalis Trombone player. I've seen this guy twice live and countless on TV and DVD. Writes the text book at what a pocket feels like. If you ever see him . . . his head and shoulders tell the story. Simple, powerful, solid, money! John Mayer did well in hiring this guy.'

6. Stewart Copeland: For all the fighting that went on with The Police . . . They made great music. Stewart blended lots of styles to give them their unique brand. Rock has lunch with Reggae and coffee with Jazz. Great composer as well.

These Guys have had some influence on my drumming over the years:
Honorable mentions: Chris McHugh (Garth, Lincoln, Currently with Keith Urban) | Bill Maxwell (my childhood hero)- Andre Crouch, Koinonia | Steve Brewster (Faith Hill, Awake America - Lindell Cooley, Nashville Session Guy) | Scott Williamson (Nashville Session Guy, FFH, Lincoln) | Tony Williams (Jazz Great, Miles, and others) | Jeff Pocarro (Toto) | Alex Acuna (LA Session Guy, Weather Report, Koinonia)

Favorite . . . Snacks!

I've turned over a new leaf in the last couple of years. Just trying to take care of myself a little better. My top five snack foods. Not in any order:

1. Carrot sticks (dipped in ranch - when I'm feeling crazy)
2. Raw almonds (Trader Joe's)
3. A warm pita dipped in hummus. (23 seconds in the micro and enjoy!)
4. Cranberry Ice Pops - (Ocean Spray poured in the ice cube trays. Don't forget the toothpicks)
5. Smoothies with silken tofu and frozen berries (seasonal) Tofu is a great alternative protein source without saturated fat.

OK - who am I kidding! Here is the real list.

1. Melissa's Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies - Great out of the oven. Incredible frozen treat - Don't knock it til you've tried it!
2. Peanut M&M's - I used to be a plain guy for years. Still like them, but loving the salty/sweet thing these days!
3. Pepperidge Farm double chocolate cookies. I don't care for the milk choco. Gotta be the dark. So light and crumbly . . . you blink and 4/5 are gone!
4. Fuji apples - Nothing like them in season. This seems like it should go on the healthy list but I really like them! The only stipulation with apples . . . I eat more of them when they are cut up wedges.
5. Grapes - Got to be careful not to eat too many at one setting. Love the purple ones!

Honorable mentions: Bowl of Cereal, pistachios, cashews, brownies (homemade), Snickers - really satisfies!, fresh pineapple

What are your top three?

Favorite . . . . Guitarist

I like lists.  Letterman's Top 10, Best Team Ever, Best Burgers in Town . . . you get the picture.  

Today I read an article about one of my most favorite guitarist. This is the first time a Christian artist has been featured in Premier Mag. It reminded me of how cool he is besides being a great guitaritst.  His personal instruction and direction changed paradigms in music for me.  It shows the impact someone can have, if only for a short period of time.

Not in any order:

1.  John Mayer - his cool factor is off the charts, can make SRV's licks sound like his own, and can write a good song!

2.  Lincoln Brewster - Getting to hang around him, for the selected moments in Modesto, made me want to be a better musician.  Just makes playing the guitar look fun.

3.  Wes O'Haire - Not as known, yet, as the others on this list but should be.  Groove, style and soul.  Well-rounded - can play Rock, Jazz, and Classical in the same set!  Heppest of cats and great friend.

4.  Joey Bombaci - The dude knows his stuff and his licks.  Can look at a guitar and tell you the make, model and serial number!  Enjoy his company.  Joey can be heard on any given weekend in the Alt. Service at CCV.

5.  Stevie Ray Vaughn - Need I say more.  All the four mentioned above own him gratitude.  Heart and Soul blues - "Little Wing" and "Pride and Joy" are my favorites.

Had the privilege of playing with three of my five favorite.  The honor was mine!

**Note:  Joey's picture was not available at time of push-button publishing.  He has a great dome!

Do you have a favorite, not on this list? Let me know.