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I haven’t written a blog since February 12. That has to be some record for me. There’s been a couple reasons why I haven’t. The main reason is work has been BUSY! Deadlines, new assignments, old assignments, etc are flying in like crazy and there’s been no time to post. The other reason is I’ve been experiencing extreme fatigue for the last few weeks and haven’t had the energy or brain power to actually attempt writing. But, since it has been awhile, I figured I’d write about something simple.

Here are some of the simple (and seemingly insignificant) things in life I am thankful for:

Starburst Sour Jellybeans
Otter’s Chicken
Hearing a classic U2 song on the radio (such as “Where the Streets Have No Name”)
An extremely comfortable sectional in my apartment
My beautiful TV
Good quality BBQ sauce
St. Louis Cardinals Baseball
The NCAA Tournament
Free stuff
Slickdeals.net
Free shipping at Amazon.com on orders over $25
Fantasy Football
Text messages
Classic episodes of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers on Saturday mornings
My lovely bass guitar
The contacts and people I’ve been able to meet through my job and even Twitter
Books
Christopher Nolan
Sleep
Buying/owning sports memorabilia
Turkey burgers
Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein
Southwest Airlines
Chick-Fil-A
People who let you out in a parking garage
Free movie passes
$1.50 movies
Redbox
The peppermints in Derek Lewis’ office
A clean apartment
Coupons
The song “One Shining Moment”
Toy Story
Toy Story 2
Toy Story 3 (I hope…)
Jack Bauer
Macs
The “Pants on the Ground” song
Texas Pete Hot Sauce
Buffalo Wild Wings
Vanderbilt basketball games
Coke Zero

The Top 10 Signs You Picked the Wrong Valentine

10. During your date, more words are said through text messages than your mouth.

9. The card she gives you says your love almost makes her forget about her ex.

8. Her perfume reminds you of your 95-year-old grandmother and the smell of the Ape House at the zoo.

7. He informs you that your chocolate has been replaced by asparagus because “it’s cheaper” and “your hips are already big enough.”

6. Instead of buying you a stuffed animal, he gives you a stuffed squirrel he hit with his car a few hours earlier.

5. He tells you the date has to be over by 8:30 so he can pick up his “real” date.

4.Your date creates her own candy hearts with personal messages such as “LSE WGHT,” “IC UR FAT,” and “BAD BRTH.”

3. He schedules the date after February 14 so flowers are cheaper and candy is discounted.

2. As he walks you to the door he tells you that you look more beautiful in the dark.

1.When your date receives the check for dinner, he reaches for his credit card, pulls out his coupons, and asks if he needs to pull to the second window.

I know it’s not March yet. I know conference tournaments haven’t started. I know the word “bubble” is just now coming into play. However, I’m ready for the NCAA Tourney! It’s by far my favorite time of the year. Since we’re about a month away from Selection Sunday, I thought I’d make a few predictions on what I see happening. Yeah, I’ll probably be wrong and you can let me know when I am. But here’s a few things I forsee when March and April come around:

Kansas and Kentucky will play in the National Championship
If you asked me to make a list of my most hated basketball teams, Kansas and Kentucky would come in at 2 and 3 (behind Duke). Even though I can’t stand either team, they’re good. Really good. I don’t see how any team in the tournament can match up with their dominant guard play and inside play. Some teams may be able to match up with one element, but not both. With Kansas, Collins and Aldrich are incredible. At Kentucky, Wall and Cousins are only getting better. These are the 2 best teams in college basketball. Kansas is a lock for the Final Four. Don’t be surprised if Kentucky is there too…and in the Championship game.

North Carolina will miss the tournament
That prediction is like saying the Saints will win the 2010 Super Bowl. It’s already determined. Barring a miracle run in the ACC Tournament, my heart will be a bit broken come March 14.

Connecticut will make a strong run at getting into the tournament
Their road record and record against Top 50 teams (1-5) is awful. However, they played Syracuse tough at Syracuse. And now, Jim Calhoun is coming back. This team has talent…they just haven’t put it together yet. Don’t be surprised if Dyson, Robinson, and Walker start rolling and the Huskies get on a hot streak. It would be tough for them to get an at-large bid, but don’t be surprised if they make a run at the Big East title. The Big East isn’t as strong as last year.

The A-10 will surprise people
If you get in the tourney, you do NOT want to get matched up against an A-10 team. Whether it’s Charlotte, Dayton, Rhode Island, Richmond, or Xavier, all of these teams are tough. They haven’t been given much respect or TV coverage this year, which could make them even more dangerous!

The Big 10 will collapse in the tournament
Sorry if you’re a Big 10 fan, but I just find the conference a bit overrated. I’m impressed by Evan Turner and Ohio State, but I just don’t have much faith in Wisconsin or Purdue. Michigan State could show up, or get knocked out in the 2nd round. I just can’t figure them out. The Illini could make some noise, but I could easily see them getting knocked out in the 1st round.

Texas will be a force in the tournament
They’re sliding right now. Don’t expect that to continue for long. Kick them while they’re down because come March, this could be a different team. James and Pittman have the power to lift this team far in the brackets.

Be ready to say “Who?”
This could be a big year for the “smaller” basketball schools. Schools like BYU, Butler, Old Dominion, Northern Iowa, Cornell, and Siena could possibly make Cinderella runs in the tournament. However, if you take a look at the Top 25, some of these teams aren’t even Cinderellas. They’re actually college basketball’s best kept secrets. Don’t be surprised to see one of two of the listed teams in the Sweet 16.

The 1 Seeds will be Kansas, Kentucky, Syracuse, and ???
The first 2 are givens. Syracuse is hot right now. Even when faced with close games lately, they’ve overcome and won. This is a really really good team. Even though Jonny Flynn left, this team is better than last year. Wesley Johnson is a great player. If Rautins is hitting the 3, they can’t be stopped. As for the 4th team, this is a toss up right now. Villanova could take it; however if they sputter in the Big East tourney, they may get a 2 seed. If Duke finishes strong and wins the ACC tourney, they could also take it. I would also say Purdue, West Virginia, Georgetown, and Michigan St could make late runs.

Mizzou will make the tournament, and no one will want to play them
Yes, a personal prediction, but Mike Anderson and the Tigers will make the field. Because of their aggressive style of defense (40 minute of…) no team will want to play them.  When you have to play 2 games in 3 days, the last thing you want to see is an overaggressive full court pressing team that is relentless.

A 16 will finally defeat a 1
Just kidding.

Names you need to know come tournament time
John Wall- Kentucky
Wesley Johnson- Syracuse
Evan Turner- Ohio State
Jon Scheyer- Duke
Scottie Reynolds- Villanova
DeMarcus Cousins- Kentucky
Dominique Jones- South Florida
Damion James- Texas
De’Sean Butler- West Virginia
Cole Aldrich- Kansas

Kansas wins the National Championship
Yuck.

If you listened to our most recent Brink Podcast , you heard us discuss a new genre that is developing in Christian publishing. It’s actually being called “Christian Vampire Fiction.” If you listened you also heard some strong opinions come out and heard things get a little bit fiery. If you haven’t listened, I encourage you to do so. You can visit www.thebrinkonline.com/podcast or find us on iTunes.

I’d like to add a few more comments and maybe clarify a few things with this post.

First of all, I understand that the vampires in Twilight are not the typical vampires we’ve seen in literature. They have morals, practice abstinence (even if it’s not for the right reasons), and are like “normal” people. But here’s my problem: Vampires have long been considered mythological creatures that represent some type of cultist activity. And as we know, they survive by feeding off the blood of living creatures. So how does that line up with Christian value and virtue? It doesn’t.

Regardless if the vampires are moral human beings or not, when we start mixing elements of mysticism in with Christianity, we’ve created a syncretic approach. Essentially, we are blending 2 systems of belief that do not need to be blended.

So let’s look at this even deeper. What happens when a Christian parent tells his or her teen she can’t read Twilight but she can read the Christian alternative? Essentially that parent is saying “Since this is Christian, it’s okay.” In reality, the parent is telling that teen “If it’s labeled Christian, it’s acceptable.” And the truth of the matter is, something labeled “Christian” could be far misleading than the original brand.

The danger of labeling something as “Christian” is that many people in our world aren’t able to discern things from a biblical worldview. They see the Christian label and accept everything at face value, never once thinking to question what the author might be saying. This has led to a lot of “Christian stuff” that is garbage. From Christian music to Christian publishing, there is a lot of stuff out there that has the “Christian” label but is far from biblical.

Christian Vampire Fiction exemplifies that. Mixing Christianity and mysticism is not acceptable. Parents may think this is harmless, but it’s a gateway to other things.

Look at books like The Secret or The Shack. These books have ideas that actually go against the words of Scripture. However, people in our society read the words of these books as Scripture, accepting everything as truth, simply because it’s labeled “Christian.”

To be honest, if I had a teen who was wanting to read Twilight, I would probably prefer my teen to read Twilight instead of the Christian alternative. Here’s why: I could use Twilight as a teaching tool. We could read the book together and discuss the truth in the book, and also where the book falls short. However, things become much more complicated with a “Christian” version. Not only is the quality of the writing typical poorer, but you also have a “Christian” version that is not quite Christian at all.

We have to be very careful and discerning. “Christian” does not mean God-honoring or even biblical. In fact, it even seems like some “Christian” things are more a mix of religions than anything. And the truth is, we cannot mix religions and worship God.

It starts small, even with a simple book. We HAVE to compare what we do and what we read to the Word of God. We must give it a test and see if it holds up when we look at things through a biblical lens. Even if it’s labeled “Christian,” if it does not fall in line with a biblical worldview, it’s not very “Christian” at all.

If you have a comment or a disagreement or agreement, I ask that you tune into our podcast at www.thebrinkonline.com/podcast first and hear our full argument.

Last night I was pulling for the Indianapolis Colts. Unfortunately, they got taken down by the New Orleans Saints. In all honesty, I’m very happy for the Saints and city of New Orleans. It’s a great win for them. I’m especially happy for Drew Brees. Yesterday afternoon, I heard Brees talking on the radio about how he’s a strong Christian and he feels God placed him in New Orleans for a reason. As I did a little more research about Brees today, I came across this video. It’s extremely uplifting and there’s a calm and joyful attitude within Brees that really seems to make itself known in this interview:

This post might offend some people. If it does, just try to hear me out before you get angry and vow to never read my blog again. I have this theory that there are a lot of things that are popular in this culture simply because we think we’re supposed to like those things. For instance, when I was in high school, some friends and I made up a fake band and started raving about them to some of our other friends. Within a short time, some of our oblivious friends were raving about how awesome that band was. They even claimed to have all their albums and songs. Unfortunately, that band was made up. They simply liked them because some of their friends did.

Just because something makes this list does not mean that you’re a poser and only like it because your friends do. In fact, most things in life are “liked” because of a chain reaction. I truly believe that there are genuine fans of these shows, movies, products, etc. The following list (in no particular order) contains things that I think our society has overrated, simply because people think they’re supposed to like those things.

1. Coldplay
And here come the hateful comments. I do think a lot of people like Coldplay for their music. However, I think a lot of people buy into Coldplay because “everyone” thinks Coldplay is “cool” and let’s face it, we all want to be cool.

2. Dane Cook
He’s not funny! But somewhere along the way, someone really popular said he liked Dane Cook. And the snowball effect has taken place.

3. Lost
Too soon? I will admit that I’m a fan of Lost. However, sometimes I think Lost gets overhyped because people think they are supposed to be obsessed with it. It’s a great show…but some go just a little bit overboard with it.

4. The New York Yankees
You either love them or hate them…and a lot of people that love them came to love them by jumping on the bandwagon. They’ve almost become more of a fashion accessory than a baseball team. If you see someone wearing a flat-billed cap turned sideways, chances are it’s a Yankees hat.

5. Avatar
It was in 3D. It featured blue people. But is it really a “great” movie? Is it Golden Globe worthy? Academy Award worthy? I think the media made a lot of us buy into this one.

6. Lady Gaga
People call her a freak, yet her music sells. Someone must be buying it. I guess she could be the very opposite of this last and everyone buying her music is a closet fan afraid to admit it.

7. The North Carolina Tar Heels
This one is tough to put on here because I’d like to think of myself as one of the biggest Tar Heel fans on the planet. (I even came home from the hospital wrapped in a Tar Heel blanket when I was born.) However, much like the Yankees, the Heels have become a bandwagon-ridden team. This is mostly in part to Michael Jordan. Nonetheless, there’s a lot of Heels fans out there who are Heels fans simply because they want to fit in with their peers and culture.

8. Kim Kardashian
I’m pretty sure she’s only popular for being popular. Yet Kim, as well as any other “reality-TV” celeb on the E! channel have become overnight sensations. Their shows and stories are pitiful, materialistic, and vain, yet their popular keeps growing. Do we really like this people, or do we simply like them because our friends like them?

9. Hot Wings
This probably applies to guys more than anyone. Wings are a “guy’s” food. And to be honest, they’re good. But there’s a level of pride in guys that says they have to eat the hottest wings possible to keep their standing as “one of the guys.” Anything mild makes them a wuss. So even though they’re mouth is on fire, they’ll swallow their pride (literally) and pretend like everything is fine.

10. Rap music
A lot of people truly enjoy rap music. But a lot of people only listen to it because their friends are listening to it. You know who I’m talking about too. They’re very easy to spot.

11. Alcohol
If none of your friends drank alcohol, would you? Even more, if all of your friends thought alcohol was disgusting and detestable, would you touch it? Probably not. You’d have no need to.

12. The Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is much more than a game these days. It’s 2 weeks of media coverage, and a 3 hour social gathering for most people. There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, it’s fun for people to get together for the game, even if they care nothing about the game. But since a lot of people show interest in it just to blend in with the crowd, it makes this list.

13. MMA
UFC has a huge following, as well as the rest of MMA. It’s a sport that’s on the rise. But in a sport that’s becoming so popular, you know there has to be a large chunk of the audience that only watch because it’s the “cool” and “manly” thing to do. Also, wearing Tapout and Affliction t-shirts fits in here too.

14. Abercrombie & Fitch
Why do people buy overpriced clothing? Because they’re friends are buying overpriced clothing and because the media says that is what we need to wear to be cool.

15. Dave Matthews Band
See Coldplay

16. American Idol
For many of us, we watch because our friends and co-workers watch. After all, we don’t want to be left without a word during the talk around the water cooler.

17. Political Activism
Whether it’s a fight for social justice or politics, a lot of people take a side they know nothing about and march, protest, complain, etc because that’s what everyone else is doing. This really seems to spring up around election time. If you really want to see it in action, wait until October 2012. Whether people love Obama or hate Obama, they will be out in full force…with absolute ignorance as their guide. Any guesses on how many of those people actually read the newspaper or watch Fox News and/or CNN regularly?

18. President Barack Obama
I’m not bashing or endorsing the president here. However, in many circles, it’s fairly obvious that people make up their opinions about the president based on the opinions of their friends or others in their “social group.” Very few people actually know how to think politically for themselves. Instead, they either hate or love the president based on what they think they are supposed to do to be accepted in certain circles.

19. Twilight
Need I say more?

20. Michael Jackson
It’s sad that Michael Jackson died at an early age. It’s amazing how many people became fans after he died. Some people just couldn’t stand to fall behind a trend.

Thanks for those that contributed. I want to give you credit, but I don’t want to put your name down if you wished to remain anonymous. So, feel free to claim your submission. If there’s anything to add, feel free. If you disagree, I would love to hear about it.

I know this is probably 1 date late and now considered outdated, but sometimes it takes me a little longer to collect my thoughts than most people.

Sunday night was the Grammy Awards. It featured some of the biggest names in music (as well as many actors and actresses from CBS shows) presenting awards, receiving awards, and performing. Awards shows seem to bring out the best and worst in people. Also, they seem to tell us a lot about where our culture is and where it’s headed. No matter if it’s the Grammy’s or the MTV Music Awards, it seems like a lot is said on these star-studded nights.

Here are a few of my thoughts. If I offend you or your favorite artist, I apologize. I’m just speaking my mind:

- First of all, I was glad to see Taylor Swift win the biggest award for Album of the Year. Did she deserve it? Maybe. Maybe not. Did Kanye help her win it? Possibly. But nonetheless, I’m glad she won. Here’s why: the other nominees were Beyonce, the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, and the Dave Matthews Band. While Beyonce has a beautiful voice, she’s marketed through sex appeal. While the Black Eyed Peas create catchy songs that get stuck in your head, some of their lyrics are profane and just like Beyonce, Fergie is marketed through sex appeal. Then there’s Lady Gaga. Sex appeal? Maybe. Shock value? Absolutely! If she was still Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta would we even know who she is? Probably not. As for DMB, I’m not a fan, but I do respect their talent and think they were a worthy nominee. But shockingly, Taylor Swift, in all her youthful innocence, took home the award. You could tell she was sincerely shocked to win. At this point, I think she has been a better role model for young girls that most artists that were at the Grammy’s. Hopefully the wholesome image continues.

- The Michael Jackson Tribute confused me. I felt like I was watching a scene out of Avatar. I also felt like the vocalists were up there to worship Michael Jackson. For a tribute, I expected artists to cover some of his most famous songs. Instead, I heard a great vocal performance that centered on nature/MJ worship. As a kid, I was a big Michael Jackson fan. I still love his music. However, I feel there was a lot of hypocrisy at the Grammy’s. Many people talked about how Michael was supposed to be there, and Michael would be performing his song if he was still alive. I don’t believe that. Before MJ died, he was considered a freak. The music industry shunned him and so did most of the country. If he was alive today, I don’t believe he would have been invited to the Grammy’s even to sit in the audience. I believe he would have been shunned. However, now that he’s dead, the same people that cursed his name now praise him. Something about that doesn’t seem right to me.

- To Lil Wayne, Eminem, and Drake: If half of your performance has to be censored by CBS, what’s the point? The best part of your song was Travis Barker on the drums. Unfortunately, that had to be censored out too because of your language. Also, pull up your pants. And CBS, do you really want Lil Wayne performing on your show when he’s supposed to report to prison next week? Great message you’re sending.

- I don’t understand how the Silversun Pickups were nominated for Best New Artist. Their debut album landed in 2006 and their most famous song, “Lazy Eye,” has been around since 2007. Nothing new about that.

- The performances were hit or miss. In a world of mediocre studio-produced talent, Andrea Bocelli stands above all. Incredible! Like I said, I’m not a DMB fan, but that was an incredible performance as well. Loved the 30+ people on stage all playing different instruments. Great blend. Fun song. Sounded great. And while on the positive side, how bout Bon Jovi? Those guys are 75 years old (jk) and still rocking! I thought the entire set was great…especially the finisher with “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Great stuff! Unfortunately, the Taylor Swift/Stevie Nicks performance was really really rough. Yikes. And Pink’s performance…well…let’s just say it wasn’t family entertainment and maybe made CBS reconsider the TV-PG rating for next year.

- Thank you for changing the landscape of music Les Paul. A legend!

- I first started listening to Green Day when I was in 5th grade. Now I’m 25 and they’re still winning awards and reinventing themselves. Who would have thought a punk band would have such staying power? Do you remember when people accused them of selling out with “Good Riddance”? Now they’re the ones setting the standard.

- I’m really sick of the whole Lady Gaga charade. I really don’t care if she can sing or write. She’s trying too hard for attention, and unfortunately people are giving it to her. We may criticize her antics, but we still buy her music. We may think she’s a freak, but we can’t wait to see what she does next. We’ve essentially created the monster that is Lady Gaga.

- Is Katy Perry talented? I’m not so sure. When she was Katy Hudson, she couldn’t even make it in the Christian industry. However, she changed her name and wrote a song about kissing a girl and now everyone loves her? This confuses me. Just like Lady Gaga, I think fans flocked to her because of her shock value and not because of her talent. Now that she’s made a name for herself, unfortunately, I think her staying power and influence is here for awhile. It’s really sad when people have to become something they’re not to get recognized and noticed. Very few artists stay true to themselves today. They’re only allowed to stay true to their label. And the label seems to be pulling all the strings.

- Last thing…did you know they give away a Grammy for Best Album Notes?

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