Mogulus Nation...

If you want to follow along with what's going on at the Cleft, you can watch it HERE!

INTER:VIEW - Robert Conn

INTER:VIEW is a new feature of Todd Blog where I interview my friends to showcase how rockin' awesome they are. According to the rules of INTER:VIEW, the interview post with the most comments will win a free guest-blogging spot in the future.

#1. Robert, how do you keep your shirts from getting wrinkled? You always look so fresh and poised...it's amazing.

Todd,I’m honored that your first question to me would be a reference to my physical appearance. I tell you it’s hard to keep up such a debonair (I dare say gentlemanly, courtly, and somewhat dashing look). Not many men could handle such a task but I feel it is my lot in life so onward I must go. Truthfully, I hang my shirts up after each use. Unless of course they need washing then into the spinner for a playful date with Mrs. Downy. Other than that I don’t really have a secret. I don’t think my house has any special electrons floating around unless you count the ones which exist simply from having a smoking hot wife.

#2. You and your wife just had your fourth child. I think I speak for all of us when I say....ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?

As it turns out, Todd, we really don’t know what causes it. We do things to each other and pretty soon stuff like this begins to happen. I can’t keep Shelly away from me, Todd, I try believe me... but she’s like a herd of drunken monkeys. I don’t even have to use Axe or Tag or any other babe-catching pheromone. Like the other night I walked in and simply wink at her and she says to me, “I got a headache and my back is killing me.” And so I respond, “I know what you’re really trying to say baby... It’s business time!”

#3. You now have three girls and one son. Your son, Levi, really is the spitting image of you. He also tends to run smack-dab into walls and tackle other children to the ground. Did he get that from Dad?

The doctors tell us that the concussions and blunt trauma scars will dissipate over time. As far as the other kids are concerned... listen, all we can tell those other parents is, “Quit allowing your kids to be sissies. I mean teach them how to defend themselves already, Mr. Levi’s coming through... honk! honk!” I mean, I really can’t help it if my son already has a positive balance on his Man Card. The dude can chew through a plastic wiener package for goodness sakes.

Seriously though, we got so used to having girls so Levi still strikes us as abnormal at best and downright freakish most other times. We were conditioned to think Pink, Barbie, and Dress Up. Now we have to retrain our minds to think Bugs, Trucks, and the very pensive Man-Grunt. Everyday is a new battle and experience.

Although it is really cool to have at least one child who can instinctively reproduce the sound of any major assault rifle.

#4. I find that you tend to reference the phrase "meat helmets" a lot. Um...what exactly are meat helmets?

I believe the first time I heard it was on Austin Powers. Dr. Evil made the statement reminiscing about his childhood... “My childhood was typical: summers in Rangoon, luge lessons. In the spring, we’d make meat helmets. When I was insolent, I was placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds. Pretty standard, really.”

Not sure why that one stuck...

#5. You play guitar and sing, but musically, you're better known as a percussionist. Why haven't you ever transitioned to a full drum kit? Are you scared?

Frankly, I looked around and noticed how all the well-known drummers sweat too much. I’d have no part of that. It messes with my appearance (see question #1).

I saw Bart Millard playing a Djembe in 1997 and fell in love. With the Djembe that is (while Bart is quite the personality... I was less attracted to him). After I purchased my Djembe I began to add similar percussion type instruments and various noise makers. I actually played using a silver bowl once. The ministry I was involved in had several talented “Kit” drummers already so I opted to stick with the more acoustic/simple kit. Other influences included Craig Weaver and Luis Conte.

#6. You're also an Aggie. Do you find that you regularly regret going to A&M? (Or at least for owning so much maroon-colored clothing?)

Look, I have some T-Shirts, ok... My cars are not maroon; my kids aren’t named Kyle, Ross, or Reveille; and my alarm clock is a chime... not the Aggie War Hymn. While it’s true I did attend Bonfire on occasion, I promise I never inhaled! I’m sorry if I tend to fancy saloons, dominoes and extra large burritos but that is just the way it has to be.

#7. When you and I first met, you favored overalls and work boots. Now, you're rather hip...do you miss the overall days?

I was really hoping no one would remember that, Todd. Yes, I still own some Dickies overalls and work boots. Typically these days I only exhibit them in the form of a costume. I’d like to say I’ve become civilized but the truth is I got tired of wearing Wranglers. Not much breathing room in there if you know what I mean? Now overalls... you could go all commando in those bad boys!

#8. Is it true that you and your wife once had a swing dance routine?

Yes, Todd, it is true. I could make up some lame story about this but I think the damage is far too serious already.

#9. Any chance you could video yourselves doing that routine and post it online? Think you guys could still remember all the moves.

Actually, I believe it is archived on YouTube under “What in the hell were we thinking?”

10. Most of us have heard the rumors regarding your wife's burgeoning addiction to sweet tea. First of all...are the rumors true? And if so, what are you doing to walk beside her on the road to recovery?

Remember that arm cast I had? Yeah, I told you it was from a bicycle accident. Truth is I tried to drink Shelly’s sweet tea and she went all Bruce Lee on me. After I came to, I found myself bound and gagged on a boat in the Northern Philippines crying in the arms of a large tattooed man named Mua. Do not, I repeat do not attempt to intervene in any beverage situation with that woman.


My thanks to Robert Conn, a good friend, a great percussionist and the hippest G in all of North Texas. Okay...now give him some Comment Love!

How Can I Not Love This Band...

I love Family Force 5. And contrary to popular belief, I also enjoy David Crowder Band. Well, now the two worlds have come together.

David's beloved drummer and co-creator, Bwack, was asked by Family Force 5 to build the largest sampler in the history of the world.

So he did...



And here is Family Force 5...doing what they do.



Source: Crowder

INTER:VIEW - David Runnels

INTER:VIEW is a new feature of Todd Blog where I interview my friends to showcase how rockin' awesome they are. According to the rules of INTER:VIEW, the interview post with the most comments will win a free guest-blogging spot in the future.

#1 Hello, David.

Hello, Todd. Are you aware that your e-mail containing your questions to me was in Times New Roman font? Was that on purpose?

#2. Are you mad at me?

Not in the least bit, extreme emotions are often misidentified. What may appear to you as anger, is an abounding and ludic love. Also, I forgot Monday was laundry day. In absence of clean boxers, I was wearing briefs (they bind).

#3. I feel that it's only right for me to get some of the unpleasantness out of the way before we get in to your interview. A while back, I asked you - rather politely, I think - to participate in a one-day "My Friday" collective post. And you responded with something like "No. I hate the My Friday post." What didn't you just say "No, thank you"? You're normally a very polite individual...why were you so aggressive to me that day in the Cheddars waiting area?

I don’t hate your Friday Post. I’m morally opposed to the concept of ritualistically posting the happenings of one’s life. At least you’re not regularly videoing yourself performing mundane routines and posting those online. Quite honestly, do you really want to read that on each Friday, I sit on the couch in my boxer shorts, eating Peanut Butter Cap’n Crunch while playing Wii for 9 or 10 hours straight?

#4. Do you regret not participating in the My Friday movement?

As of yet…no. However, after this Friday I might feel differently.

#5. But do you, though?

Yeah…secretly, I kinda do. I wish I were interesting enough to have a life, at least once a week.

#6. You recently went through a difficult time with your digital music archive. You lost some songs that were very near and dear to your heart. If you're able, tell us how many songs you lost in the Hard Drive Crash of 2008:

Somewhere in the neighborhood of 12,000. The number of songs directly related to puppetry; 700.

#7. How are you coping?

Very well. The drive did not define me. There are a few songs that keep creeping into my head taunting me, goading me to towards emotional breakdown. I’ve found ignoring my ipod and listening exclusively to AM radio has been a healing salve.

#8. That's so unfortunate, both for the loss of good music and the amount of money invested in purchasing that many songs. How much money total was spent on that large large large catalog of tunes?

That’s a difficult figure to calculate. Without factoring in the value of my labor, the cost of high speed internet, or my subscription to a certain file hosting site in the total of “money spent”, I estimate roughly 5 cents a song.

#9. You bought every one of the songs, right?

That depends on the definition of the word "bought."

buy
1: to acquire possession, ownership, or rights to the use or services of by payment especially of money
2 to obtain in exchange for something often at a sacrifice
3 to redeem, bribe
4: to be the purchasing equivalent of

5: accept, believe

I think under definitions 2 and 5, it is clear that I perhaps bought everyone of the songs. I definitely have used these songs to induce and influence you, Romack, Clay and surely Robert and Jason indirectly. Hey, isn’t that definition 3? 3 out of 5 ain’t bad!

#10. There were no "unauthorized" downloads in that collection, were there?

I could not venture to ascertain if every download was done with official permission. I may owe Steve Fee $9.99.

#11. We're running short on time, but can you give us some background on the whole Alan Tudyk situation?

Alan is know for his acting roles in; A Knight’s Tale, Firefly, as “Steve, the Pirate” in Dodgeball and in 3:10 to Yuma.

I attended Lon Morris College with Alan. Alan was a talented actor even then, prior to attending Jullliard.

My depth and dedication did not go unnoticed at Lon Morris. I was awarded “Male Most Likely to Succeed”.

According to Alan’s IMDB bio HE was given that award. It has taken me 2 years since this discovery to channel my rage, at the slighting I have been given by IMDB, away from Alan and rightfully to Anonymous (May God’s judgment be meeded slowly and painfully upon them whoever they are. Amen.)

#12. You once told me that your "DEAD TO ME" list was getting very long. I would imagine Mr. Tudyk is on that list?

Alan was once on that the sole person on that list. My epiphany in regards to Anonymous, spared Alan that fate. I was once very serious about my “DEAD TO ME” list. Now that I’ve come to see the comedic value of pronouncing one “DEAD TO ME”, the list is long and lacking any true merit (except for Anonymous). I now refuse to read or acknowledge the quotes, poetry, blog comments or passive aggressive notes of Anonymous.

#13. Any other folks on the list that I might know?

Adrienne has the distinguished honor of being placed on the list more than any human being. Sear’s of Lufkin, TX has been on the list since 2001.

Currently flirting with assignment to the list; Wal-Mart, Game X-change, several waitresses at Café Del Rio and the guy that that puts too much syrup on my snow cone despite clear and easily followed instructions which would spare me the inconvenient mess and him money on syrup and napkins.

#14. Thank you for your time, David. You are a fascinating (and horrible) man.

Thanks, Todd. You’re dead to me.

David Runnels, kids...if you like what you're reading, let us know in the comment section below!

muxtape...

As long as I've known her, Rachel has always asked me for music suggestions.
While I continue to grow ever more uncool with regard to music, I do love sharing songs.

A while back, all the blogs got fired up with muxtape. I checked out a few of them, but never pursued it.
Then I see Rachel at camp and she asked me again for song suggestions and I got all inspired to utilize this site.

So...HERE IT IS.

It's mostly worship stuff, which I love listening to...although there's some other random stuff on there. I'll try to update this every now and again and keep you updated. Actually, I'll be throwing a link over on the right hand side of the blog so you can always keep up with songs I'm digging! (And you guys really should look at my sidebar...there's always something cool over there.)

Hope you like it, Rach!

Weird, But True...

Awhile back, I rejoined TAXI. This is a subscription service for songwriters where you send in songs for music industry listings.

It's a complicated system, but essentially it works like this. TAXI tells it's clients what type of songs a label is looking for. If I have a song that fits that listing, I send it to TAXI. TAXI has industry professionals who review the song before it goes any further. TAXI either rejects or forwards the songs on to the labels. TAXI works as a middle man to weed out songs that don't fit the listings.

I was a member a few years ago, but nothing ever happened. But back in May, I joined up again, mostly to see if I could do anything with all of these little country/family tunes I've written.

After about a month, I sent in a tune called "Wash The Dishes" for a country-music listing. The other day, I realized I hadn't heard anything from them. So I got online, pulled up my critique and saw this:

"FORWARDED."

That's right...my little country song was forwarded to Capitol Nashville!

Who knows if anybody will dig it, but I am totally excited anyway!

I'll keep you updated!

This Right Here...

is video gold.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you 'ARTIE EATS PIZZA.'






Source: Artie

Corporate America...funnier than it knows

Source: kemmeyer

Healer...

Started hearing about this tune from Carlos awhile back...the song is now on Hillsong's new release...thought I might include the video in case you haven't heard.

(If you're unfamiliar, there are other videos linked to tell the story of the song from the songwriter's perspective.)



Heard it? Dig it? Thoughts?

Instruments Of Cool...

Robert Conn and I have a sickness. It has never been officially diagnosed, so I don't have a name for it. However, I call it LIVE MUSIC SYNDROME (or LMS.)

This means that when Robert or I hear live music in any form, we must find it. And listen/watch for as long as humanly possible. I actually think Robert's disease is a bit more severe. That guy will listen to anything as long as it's live. I'd like to think that LMS has yet to rob me of all my taste.

As I was thinking about LMS recently, I realized that certain instruments create different reactions. If I walk up to a stage and see one type of instrument, I feel excitement, joy, purpose and fervor. Other instruments cause me to be more inclined to dismiss the performance all together. So, I've compiled two lists: Instrument of Cool (stuff that draws me to a performance) and Instruments of Blah (stuff that pushes me from a performance.)

INSTRUMENTS OF COOL (in order)
1. Steel Guitar
It has always been my belief that steel guitar makes any type of music cool. For country music, it makes the old stuff sound even twangier and the new stuff actually sound like country. For alt country, it's weepy and sad. For rock, its genius. And for worship - well, there's not much steel guitar in worship. But there should be...worship has pretty much played the ambient-delay-guitar into the ground, but I think steel is one of the most emotive, sweeping sounds around. We should be using it more in our songs of praise. I tend to prefer "pedal steel" above all others, but "lap steel" or "dobro" work just fine, too.
2. Cello
If I see a cello, I know it's probably gonna' be good. I've yet to see a cello player on stage who's no good. The only problem is seeing one on stage and then only getting to hear it on 2 songs.
3. Mandolin
I'm also grouping bouzuki and mando-guitar in here, as they are variations on a theme. Seeing a mandolin can mean a couple of things: lightning fast bluegrass or cool, high strung jamming underneath the overall mix. Either one works, really.
4. Banjo

Banjo's always a gamble, because there's a chance you'll be hearing some steamboat-era-banjo strumming, which tends to annoy. Otherwise, the banjo adds some awesome percussive elements to the set. (I will say here that I do draw a definite line between a "real" banjo and the "guitar banjo," which is strung, tuned and played exactly like a guitar. While the guitar banjo is certainly an easy way for a guitar player to fake it, I'd rather hear the real deal. I'm looking at you, Keith Urban.)

INSTRUMENTS OF BLAH (in order)

1. Horns
I'm sorry. I hate them. I know they're incredibly hard to play and that I'm a fool to dislike them, but horns are definite instruments of blah. I tend to respond most negatively to a single instrument, like a sax or trumpet in a band, but all horns send me the other way.
2. Two kick drums
This, no doubt, stems from my general displeasure with "double bass" in general. But at least w/ one kick, there's still a chance I can be fooled. And two kick drums just look weird, in my opinion.

3. Stacks of keyboards
Sorry...I know they may be capable of 26,000 different sounds, but nothing freaks me out more than a 3+ keyboards. (I understand the 2 keys situation...usually one dedicated "piano" and then a synth module. But more than 2? Blah.)

Okay! Your turn!
Rather than you griping at me because you think I'm an idiot, tell US your "Instruments of Cool" and "Instruments of Blah." You can explain them if you like or just give us a quick list!

News From Comic-Con...

Two exciting things from Comic Con, thanks to Risky Biz Blog.

#1.
The first full day of Comic-con featured the usual: screaming fans, studio pushes and...Tron?

Pretty much right after Disney unveiled its "Escape to Witch Mountain" sequel, the studio slipped in some footage of a potential reboot of the 80's fx title (only this time it's called Tr2n).

After the Witch footage, the Disney castle logo came up and soon enough, a race on those light cycles was under way.

Essentially, it was a redone version of a well-known sequence from the 1982 pic. The scene, from director Joseph Kosinski, is actually test footage to see how feasible a remake. The topper was the reveal of one of the drivers: none other than Jeff Bridges, who could be to be reprising his role from the original.

The footage blew many away. "That was a sweet surprise, said one industry exec. "It's not very often that you get to see something that you don't know about."

#2.
Comic-Con had its first taste of pandemonium...when Hugh Jackman showed up at the tail end of Fox's presentation.

While there were whispers that some kind of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" aspect would make an appearance, to the majority of the 6,500-person hall it was still a surprise, and they went berserk.

"I know what you're thinking," Jackman said. "This guy is way too tall to play Wolverine." a reference to fan reaction almost a decade ago when it was announced he would be playing the diminutive X-Men character.

Jackman said he wanted to be here "because without you guys I wouldn't have a career." and then he did something actors, and Hollywood types in general, don't do very often: He thanked a comic creator.

Jackman singled out "Wolverine" co-creator Len Wein, who stood up to cheers, and then waded into the crowd to shake the writer's hands. "From that hand came the character that gave me my career," he said.

Then he showed a made-for-Comic-Con trailer that killed. The crowd went wild when characters like Gambit and Deadpool were seen for a split second.

Jackman's appearance was brief but had Fox's desired effect: to win over skeptics and satiate fans.

"I am no longer suspect or angry about the movie," said one girl.

_____________________

The Tron thing doesn't do much for me, but I've been excited about an "Origins" film for Wolverine ever since the comic book series started making waves.

Anybody else interested in this besides Ross King and me?

Source: Jeffrey Overstreet

Check this...

Loving needtobreathe's "The Heat."
So, so, good!

(In addition, I'm working on a cool online thing to share songs I'm digging. And it's legal...I think.)

The Future Of Comedy Is Music...

source: brody harper

My Friday...

Because Jonah had been sick on Thursday night, he slept in our bed. Krist and I stayed up way too late playing a new Agatha Christie game called "And Then There Were None" on the Wii. (Awesome...)

Kristen went to bed and I opted to sleep on the couch so Jonah would have lots of room to flail about.

In the early hours of Friday morning, I was dreaming that I was looking at a laminated chart of great developments in the history to the electric washer and drier (which were invented by Albert Einstein in my dream.) At some point within that craziness, someone in my dream began screaming "DADDY!"

Once I realized that it was not, in fact, Albert Einstein, I dashed down the hall to find Jonah feeling sick and needing a little TLC. Once he felt a bit better, he got up and came in the living room. Kristen and Finley kept sleeping.

Jonah and I lounged for a good while, being about as lazy as we could be and feeling good about ourselves that we were being nice to let Mom and Sister sleep in. Once they got up, I slept. I mean...I slept.

Kristen finally woke me up and kept saying ridiculous things like "let's clean this house." She knows it's Friday, right? I mean...how cool would this post if I blogged about cleaning the house? Not cool, that's how. She actually got busy picking stuff up, which I do appreciate, because this house is filthy.

We all got dressed and headed into town. We were headed to pick up a prescription for Kristen, but halfway there, she roared 'I AM HUNGRY' and we screeched into the nearest parking lot we could find.

We all ate at Cotton Patch, which was delightful in spite of some sort of change regarding the preparation of french fries. I remember their fries being golden brown and crispy through-and-through, which I prefer. Today's fries were not crispy. At all. But the rest of our food was great.

We then drove over to Sam's to pick up Kristen's prescription. (Anybody else use Sam's for prescriptions? They're great.) After that, we headed to the mall to pick up some stuff for Jonah to read. He's a great reader, but he's pretty much read through all his stuff and I wanted to get him something else to dig into.

By the time we got out of the bookstore, Jonah had a giant Spongebob book. (I know, I know. But hey, he's reading, okay?) Finley got Kung-Fu Panda and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Kristen got some sort of Pride and Prejudice spin off. (A la Glen Beck's "bonnet movie" idea...)

We drove home, put Finley down for a nap. Kristen and Jonah read for awhile, then Jonah got his Wii-time. Kristen kept reading, I worked on the computer for a bit and my Mom called asking if the kids could come over later that evening! Yay! Free child-care! Kristen and I got all excited and the prospect of free-time. Then we realized we'd probably just use the time to go to Target or something.

We dropped the kids off and headed into town. Kristen is still eating very little as her body learns how to live without a gall bladder, so I got some fast food and she ate a little ice cream.

After that, we went to Home Depot. I have serious problems with Home Depot, Lowe's, and other home improvement stores, but because I love and cherish my wife, we went.

After driving around town, just talking and hanging out, we headed back to our house for a bit. Krist stayed home and chilled while I drove back over and got picked up the kids. They were bathed when I got there, but still wanted to play. My grandparents were there, so I hung out with Mom, Dad, PaPa and GiGi until the kids were tired and ready to go home.

Finley went to sleep pretty soon after arriving home and Jonah was out not long after that. Kristen messed around on the computer for awhile, then went to bed. Tonight was technically an exercise night, but last night's tennis match with Jonah wrecked my ankles and I was afraid a run might actually result in something broken, shattered or sprained. There's always tomorrow!

I got in bed, watched a movie on the laptop and then crashed!


Other Fridays: (as of this posting...if there are others, I will link them.)
David
Artie
Kandice
Finn
Strader
Angela
Romack
Robert
Stephanie
Sarah
Jason

Double3 delivers again...

One of my favorite "random" blogs these days has to be Double3. I found this guy through Carlos and his site is always good for some distraction.

Over the past few months, Double3's been doing a "Friday Fun" post where he links all his readers to cool online games.

Last week, he shared Ragdoll Cannon and I am addicted. I'm pretty stuck right now...can't figure exactly how to advance to the next level! But I will...and I will do Double3 proud!

Be A Part Of It...

According to my Blogger labels, I started "My Friday" in May of 2007.

I certainly haven't done it every week, but it is one of the more fun posts for me. I look forward to it!

Last week, I try to shake things up a bit by asking YOU to join the "My Friday" movement. I asked all of you to post a recap of your Friday so we could all see what everybody's up to!

But you didn't. In fact, the only person who did was this gal, who is now totally awesome and cool because she did what I asked. (Being my friend isn't difficult, you see? Just obey me.)

But, after thinking on it for awhile, I realize I made a few mistakes.
#1. I didn't promote it early enough.
#2. I didn't troubleshoot some of the natural questions that arise.



So, here I am, promoting this thing bright and early Thursday morning! Come on...take a chance! Live a little! Get busy livin' or get busy dyin'. Take your blog to whole new level!

As to the questions, here are my answers.


A. No...your post doesn't have to follow any formula. You can be as specific or as general as you want to be.


B. You don't have to recall the whole day! Maybe you had one interesting thing happen to you all day. Post that! Or maybe nothing happened. Post that!

C. Yes, you should use the "My Friday" graphic that I use. Because branding is everything.



No, you don't have to make it a regular type of blog. (Although I recommend it!) But for just once, this Friday, July 25th, let's get a little blog community thing happening here!



If you post one, too, leave a comment on my Friday post so everybody can check you out!



Okay...let's do it! I want to hear about your Friday!

Graphic below is intellectual property of Todd Wright, Inc. and is being offered as a one-time free download for bloggers intent on joining the My Friday movement. Please note that this graphic that Todd designed is totally rockin'.

WHO'S IN?

Hold Up, Wait A Minute...

That, my friends is the album cover for Family Force 5's new release, Dance Or Die.
Jonah and I found three of the tracks on a EP a couple of months ago and we're excited to hear this record. (Which "drops" in mid-August, I believe.)

So far, the three pre-release tracks haven't impressed Jonah, who may be the world's youngest FF5 fan, but I really dig them.
I actually think it's going to be really interesting to watch what this record does in the market.

Mogulus Madness...

Sorry, gang...

Mogulus just sent out word they're doing maintenance tonight.

We'll be back on air as soon as they give us the green light.

Same Kind Of Different As Me...

A few weeks ago, I got into a conversation with Clay, Rachel and Forrest Layton about "Southern Gospel Music."

You may not know this, but I grew up listening to Southern Gospel music. Both parents are great singers and tended to follow the latest country Gospel stars all through the 80's.

Rachel, Clay and Forrest all love Southern Gospel music, so we eventually landed on The Greats. Who are the pillars of the Southern Gospel World?

We hit all the biggies...Gold City, The Cathedrals. Forrest kept hollering "Booth Brothers," but I don't know who the heck they are.

So I had this idea...I decided I go searching for YouTube videos of some the Southern Gospel Greats.

And that's when I found them.

I had forgotten them, but as a kid, they were my absolute favorite Southern Gospel group in the world.

Ladies and Gentelmen...

THE HINSONS


Kenny Hinson might just be one of the best singers to ever sing Southern Gospel music.

Runaway Box...funniest guys on YouTube.

On Seeing Batman...

A few thoughts running through my head after seeing The Dark Knight.

#1. Heath Ledger is captivating in this. Folks around me were laughing at all the Joker's antics, but I couldn't. It was dark and brilliant and completely scene-stealing.

#2. Most punk kids don't really know who Gary Oldman is. They do now. I agree with those out there saying it's sad that Oldman's getting overshadowed by Heath. They're definitely on two totally different levels, but I had forgotten how good that dude really is.

#3. Folks who text all the way through a movie baffle me.

#4. The movie did feel a bit long. I kept thinking we were at the end...but no! More fighting! More explosions!

#5. I knew Harvey Dent was a component, but had no idea how big a role he was gonna' play. Pretty cool addition to the storyline.

#6. Great plot twist at the end...smart sequel planning.

#7. Let's just face it...the best previews are always the ones that run before superhero movies. It's like GUY-MOVIE-TRAILER-SEQUENCE. The Watchmen...Eagle Eye...Terminator...Twilight...Righteous Kill. Any of you see any others?

Take a "stab" at the poll over on the right!

A New Contender?

My love and respect for Chick-Fil-A is known far and wide.

I think it's justified...they are always clean, the food is always enjoyable (in my opinion) and the staff actually does a pretty good job of making me think they might really enjoy serving me.

Plus...how great are those little placemats they give for the kids? I hope somebody at Chicken HQ got a bonus for that idea. Moms and Dads dig that, Mr. Cathy. They dig it big time.

So, when I saw that the McDonald's franchise was jumping in the chicken sandwhich game, I was skeptical. I wasn't interested. Chick-Fil-A invented the chicken sandwich. I read that somewhere.

But then, I caught a review over at 3CT. A pretty good review. According to the dudes who run that site, the McDonald's chicken sandwich hadn't dethroned the almighty Chick-Fil-A staple, but it was a valiant and successful attempt.

So, tonight...I decided to give it a try. I was really needing a chicken sandwich, but thanks to the Holy Rollers over at Chick-Fil-A, I can't get one on Sunday night. Sheesh.

So I got to McDonald's.
And I order one.

And it is delicious.

It's not better than Chick-Fil-A, but it's still very, very good. I think Chick-Fil-A has the McD's version beat on overall flavor. The McDonald's sandwich had a very mild aftertaste that wasn't that great. As far as I know, the only aftertaste in a Chick-Fil-A sandwich is the taste of a smile. Anybody feeling that?

Nonetheless...I strongly encourage you to give McDonald's a try on this one. If you've had one, I'd love to know what you think.

_________
2 items of note:

#1. Could I have italicized any more in this post? At all?

#2. I once posted that I thought my mom's PC had some similarities to a Mac and a bunch of ridiculous Mac-heads jerks told me that there was "NO WAY" it was like a Mac...let's not do that, okay? If you have a different opinion, that's okay. It's just a chicken sandwich. But...let's not get all Daniel Rowe about it, okay?

Todd Eats Pizza...

INTER:VIEW

One of my favorite blog posts so far this year has been the interview with Lance Burch after his decisive win in the "Coolest Guy" survey.

Here's why...

I have funny friends. Seriously, I have great taste in friends. I'm able to pick smart, hilarious, sincere people to hang out with and, luckily, they want to hang out with me!

That's why I like interviewing my friends...because it gives you all a chance to see how wise and funny and amazing they are.

So, here's the deal...

I want to start showcasing some of my brilliant friends. Over the next few weeks, I'll be interviewing these guys. As the interviews are done, I'll start promoting so that everybody can be sure and show up to read them.

My only requirement is this: on the day each interview posts, the interviewee will post a link on his blog sending people here to read the respective dude's comedic genius. After all the interviews are done, we will tally the comments for each interview. The the most commented interview will receive a free Guest Blogger Pass for the Todd Blog, meaning that they'll be allowed to post whatever they like here on my blog. They will be given ultimate control...limitless power...posting freedom!

So...who should I do first?
Clay
Robert
Jason
Romack
Runnels

Let's Play Oprah...

Okay....I know a lot you out there are currently reading this.


If you've read it, I'd love to know your thoughts on it. I've got a lot of my own, but I really would like to know what you think.

However, if you're out there and you're not finished with it, we will wait for you.

Just type a comment w/ something like:

"Todd...I'm almost done with the book. Please hold the discussion until I am done."

And I will.

Because here at Todd's Blog, readers are king. Or...kings.

Readers are THE kings.

That doesn't sound right.


Here at Todd's Blog, readers are the kings and queens...of the blog...kinda. But not really.

Wow...this has just turned horrible, hasn't it?

My Friday...

Finley woke up at 6:15. She's now discovered how to open the door to her room, so now, instead of calling us, we hear her rummaging around in the kitchen...which is something you do not want your 2-year old doing.

(While I as leading worship at camp, Kristen walked in one afternoon to find her at the kitchen counter eating peanut butter. With an ink pen.)

So, we hear Finley in the kitchen and Kristen mumbles...

"i got...first...yester...your...turn..."

It made me so angry. Doesn't she know I was up late watching Arrested Development and eating cereal? Don't I need my rest?

Anyway, I got up, got Finley her apple juice and we lounged in the living room while Jonah and Kristen slept.

And slept.

And slept.

Jonah woke up just before 8. Finley was so excited to see him she grabbed his hand and started kissing it. (We're really blessed in that our two kids really do LOVE hanging out together!)

Not long after, Kristen got up. I went through a little moral dilemma at that time - sleep or exercise.?

I chose exercise. Ran on the treadmill for a while, then grabbed a shower and got dressed. We didn't really have any plans for the day. (We've been trying to stay at home as much as possible, since gas prices are little bit higher than normal. Don't know if you've noticed...)

The kids were dressed so I decided to run up the road and visit with my grandparents. It's weird - they live literally fifty yards from us and yet we have a hard time meeting up. Gotta' fix that.

Anyway, Jonah, Finley and I hung out there for about a half-hour then ran back home to pick up Krist. We ran to the bank and then decided to pop in and see Kristen's dad, who works out of town during the week. We ended up eating lunch over there, which was nice. After hanging out and "visitin'," we headed back home.

Put Finley down for a nap, Jonah fired up the Wii, Kristen read a magazine and I snuck in a nap!

After the nap, we all went over to see visit my Dad for awhile. We had a really good time. Dad is moving around pretty good on the walker and doing a good job of dealing with all of the stuff that comes from having an accident like that. We ate supper, plowed through dozens of chocolate donuts (another story for another day...my Dad really needs a blog, by the way.)

The kids played, we all hung around and talked and laughed for a good while. We got home a little before 8pm and threw the kids in the tub. Finley went to bed (but not to sleep) pretty quick and Jonah went to sleep a little after 9. I ran to CVS to pick up some stuff then came back home. At one point earlier in the evening, Kristen had released me to go see Batman, but we're headed out of town tomorrow and a 3 hour superhero movie might be something I regret tomorrow morning. I'll get to it next week probably.

While Kristen lounged around, I actually hit the treadmill AGAIN! Yes...that's 2 workouts in one day. Why? Why not?

After exercise, showered, got some stuff together for the trip on Saturday and went to bed!
_________________
I asked this a few weeks ago: Won't somebody else do a "My Friday" post? It would be such a cool tradition! You could even use the little logo up top. We could start a worldwide blogging movement.

You Tell Me...

How much sleep
do you typically get each night?

"House Of Cards"

Tavin...

In this photo released by the official Xinhua news agency, members of China's armed police demonstrate a rapid deployment during an anti-terrorist drill held in Jinan, east China, on Wednesday July 2, 2008, roughly one month ahead of the Beijing Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Xinhua/Fan Changguo)

Source: Double3 and The Big Picture

On Drinking...

The Stuff Christians Like Subtle Guide To Finding Out
If Another Christian Drinks Too.

1. The Garage Poke
Studies show that 78% of all Christians hide their beer in the garage when people they don't know that well come over. OK, I conducted the study and the research methods are suspect at best, but trust me, it's true. Make up an excuse to go to the garage and then poke around. Don't snoop. Snooping is what the lady on "Murder She Wrote" did. Just poke, there's a huge difference.

2. The Move
This one takes commitment. You either have to help them move or move yourself. Is selling your house and buying a new one worth discovering if your friend drinks too? Depends, how long are you expecting to know them? What, you don't want to invest in them by faking a move across town? I guess you and I are different. The key is to see what type of moving boxes they use. People often go to liquor stores to get boxes when they move. Ask about the wine boxes they are using. If they say, "I had to go to that pit of hell liquor store for these," do not offer them a Sam Adams Summer Ale.

3. The Key Chain
This one is much easier to execute. Just look at their key chain. If they have a bottle opener on it, you're all set. No one ever drinks enough soda to need to carry a bottle opener around full time.

4. The Soda
Speaking of soda, bring a six pack of old school soda over as a housewarming gift. Make sure you bring bottles that have tops that will not unscrew. Then, watch carefully to see what they do next. Do they instantly go to the drawer where the bottle opener is? Do they seem familiar with it? Does it fit the contour of their hand easily from years of usage? Is there a picture of Bud Light's dog, Spuds Mackenzie on it? They might drink beer if there is.

5. The Anything
When you are going to come over their house, call a few days before and offer to "bring anything you need, like drinks." Make sure you stress the word "anything" over and over again. What is so great about this move is that it puts the pressure back on them. Now, they are faced with the decision to ask you to bring wine or Sprite. What will they say, what will they say? Oh the intrigue!

6. The Traveler
One of my favorite places on the planet is the Garage Cafe & Bar in Birmingham, Alabama. It's an antique store built out of old horse stalls with a huge open courtyard that spills a sea of statues and period furniture under a blanket of white Christmas lights and dark sky. At night it's a beautiful place to have a beer and feel poetic. If I tell you that story and the only words you hear are "bar" and "beer" then chances are we feel different about drinking. Tell a story about a place you've visited and see if the first reaction is, "A bar? You went to a bar? Do you think you'll get a fold out couch bed in hell or a bunk bed when you go?"

7. The Ask
Just come on out and say, "did you know Sam Adams Summer Ale has grains of paradise in it? It's a spice that someone felt deserved the name 'grains of paradise.' That's like building a car and naming it, 'super duper awesome bestest car in the world.' Do you enjoy premium lager like I do?" It's more direct but at least you won't have to stage a fake move.

Source: Stuff Christians Like

Good News For Rock Band(s)...

Rock Band will offer more than 500 songs by the end of the year, according to information confirmed by developer Harmonix on Wednesday.


The disclosure came during a private gaming preview at the E3 gaming conference.

"We'll have 500 songs by the end of the year," Sean Baptiste, manager of Community Development at Harmonix, told Digital Music News.


Baptiste stopped short of naming names, though he pointed to "big bands" ahead. Ahead of a September release, Rock Band 2 is rolling with a catalog that includes AC/DC, Bob Dylan, and an exclusive Guns N' Roses track.


Currently, the game offers more than 200 songs, either from the disc itself or download. Rock Band has already amassed 16 million in-game downloads, according to up-to-date figures supplied by an MTV representative. The game is published by MTV Games and distributed by Electronic Arts.



Source: Digital Music News

Cellphones Are Going To Kill Us All...

Source: Bloggess

Oh, Wow...This Might Be Cool....

...somebody calling himself "Crowder" just commented HERE.

And I think it's actually him.

And he says some really great stuff.

This Man Has No Heart, Part III...

Late Tuesday night, I received the following email from the Customer Service Representative for U.S. Airways at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

Mr. Wright,

As you were informed on Friday, July 11th, it is the policy of this airline to make inquiries to any and all passengers who visit any of our fine medical facilities.

Upon review of your profile, we see that you were treated by one of our staff doctors for "severe trauma" and "fevered anxiety." Although our doctor at BWI released you for flight, it is the recommendation of our Customer Service Plus Program that you seek medical and/or psychological attention to assist you in recovery from Friday's incident.

Below, please find diagnosis and notes from James Jameson, MD, who visited with you on Friday afternoon.

"Found Mr. Wright to be fatigued and angry. Upon examination, found that Mr. Wright was suffering from what appeared to be a major mental break, most likely from an altercation that occurred just before Mr. Wright and his companion, Mr. Grimes, entered the airport. Mr. Grimes was deemed fine, but Mr. Wright will most likely suffer something akin to post-traumatic-stress-disorder until properly treated once home. Advised attendants and pilots to keep close eye on Mr. Wright during all flights and gate connections."

Mr. Wright, we strongly advise that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. We hope that you will continue to make US Airways your airline of choice for all your travels.

Sincerely,
Tom Tomlinson
Cust. Care

Monday night, Jonah and I experimented with a live Mogulus broadcast from our living room.
In fact, we had so much fun, we're gonna' do it again!

That's right, gang...this Wednesday night at 8:00pm, we'll broadcast our 2nd "Todd & Jonah show."

Here's what we need...
IDEAS!

In the comment box below, let us know what you'd like to see on the show.
Songs?
Skits?
Q & A?
Theological discussions?

Let us know as quick as you can so we can get ready for the show!

The Weirdest Blurb In History...

Yes, I'm reading The Shack.

Yes, Johnny is giving me grief about ti.

And, yes, I have lots of different thoughts about the book so far. (Maybe we'll do a book-discussion post once I finish it...)

But for now, the thing I can't get away from is the strange author's bio line on the back of the book:

"WILLIAM P. YOUNG was born a Canadian and raised among a stone-age tribe by his missionary parents in the highlands of what was New Guinea. He suffered great loss as a child and young adult, and now enjoys the 'wastefulness of grace' with his family in the Pacific Northwest."

What?

In all honesty, I thought that bio was a joke when I first started reading it. It's vague and weird and really contains non-information. Born a Canadian? Suffered great loss? Lives somewhere in the Pacific Northwest?

Who is this guy, Salman Rushdie? They can't be more specific?

Anybody else find it to be weird?

This Man Has No Heart, Part II...

I mean, he seems so sweet, doesn't he?

He comes from a good family. His wife is tender-hearted wife and two wonderful children.

He's a gifted communicator.

He's funny.

And he will try to tell you that he is a sensitive soul.

When hearing someone share their burdens and woes, his eyes will tear us and he will pat them on the back and it will look like he cares.

But it is fake.

He is a fake and a phony and a cold-hearted snake. Look into his eyes...he's been telling lies.
_____
This Man Has No Heart is a week-long smear campaign intent on destroying the 'character' that Clay Walker has established in this community. This blog will not rest until it has pulled Walker from every high and lofty place of prominence and trust.

Flat Joey...

You're probably familiar with the Flat Stanley movement.
Well, LifePoint Church has taken that to a whole new level.

Meet Flat Joey. The one-dimensional incarnation of LifePoint's Senior Pastor Joe Duke.

And Flat Joey came to camp. Here are kids worshipping and celebrating and, of course, there's Flat Joey mugging for the camera.

Here, you see that photographer was trying to capture Kyle in full on ROCK-FACE VEST-MODE, but alas, Flat Joey was having none of that.

We weren't too happy with Flat Joey interrupting our rocking and we decide to go all Matthew 18 on him.But darn it if the little fellow didn't charm us back into his good graces! Here's to Flat Joey, the newest honorary member of the TWB!

This Man Has No Heart...

This is Clay Walker.

Last week, he was featured on this blog as both a part of our camp experience and the owner of a fascinating beard.

I devoted a significant amount of time and energy to this man. Because I care about him.

But he does not care about me.

Why would I say such a thing?

Here's why....

Kyle Grimes and I flew into Baltimore late last Sunday night. We waited for our other bandmates to arrive, then headed to our homes for the night. Forrest and Justin stayed with the Fullens, while Kyle and I crashed in the basement of Lance and Amy Burch. Clay, who arrived on Saturday, was also staying at Lance's house.

Upon arrival, we talked for a bit, then all went to bed.

The next morning, we all packed our gear to head out for camp.

At some point during this load-up, Clay asked Lance if we would be coming back to the Burch's house before heading to the airport once camp was over.

Now, there are a few problems with the whole exchange. They are not critical to the point of Clay's heartlessness, but they certainly deserve retelling. In this matter, Clay made a few faulty assumptions....

#1. That Lance already knew all of our flight times on Friday afternoon and knew who would be delivering us to the airport.

#2. That Friday's closing service and load-out times were a given.

Lance reportedly answers, "Sure, we can come back," and Clay decides to leave two t-shirts, a pair of shorts and a belt at the house. (I'm not exactly sure why - surely they would have fit in his suitcase?)

We go to camp. Camp is good. And on Thursday night, I talk to Jason about load-out. As he starts hearing our different flight times, he starts to get that we'll-never-make-that look. I am not a fan of this look.

On Friday, we load as fast as possible and begin structuring the vehicles in such a way so that Kyle and I get to our flight (which was first in the order...)

The problem was then revealed...rather than driving straight back to the church, we had to go significantly out of our way to pick up four articles of clothing from Lance's home.

Hear me now - I wasn't that mad at Clay for leaving his stuff. Kyle and I weren't stressing the departure or anything. I wasn't mad at Lance for answering Clay's question in the affirmative.

But I was mad nonetheless.

You know what Clay said when all of this confusion erupted? When it was realized that his shorts and shirts and belt might actually cause us to miss our flight?

Nothing.

No apologies. No "oh-gosh-guys-I-never-thought-about-that." As a matter of fact, when I said, "Clay, don't you even feel a little bit bad about this?" He said this:

"No! I mean, if you miss your flight, I might feel bad about it, but no. I'm not sorry. Lance told me we could come back."

Lance-told-me-we-could-come-back was pretty much his only defense, as evidenced by the 53 times he said it to us.

It was an unfortunate, but manageable, set of circumstances. That, we could deal with.

But one of my best friends so blatantly disregarding my concern and so flippantly speaking to me?

That was a huge hurt to me, and because of that, for the next five days this blog will be running a series that will seek to smear and castigate and ridicule one Mr. Clay Walker.

And maybe, he'll learn the lesson we all need to learn.

You do not mess with Todd Blog.

Clay has been notified of this week's blogging theme and is free to defend his actions here on the blog or via any other suitable online forum. But hopefully not his own blog, because it is totally lame.

Camp Pics...

Marisa Garman is one of the many hidden heroes of LifePoint Churchs student ministry.
She's tireless in her efforts to aid and support Lance and Jason, to mobilize students for ministry and to make worship happen in a way that's engaging and safe.

Marisa took these camp pictures and I love them - she's got an eye for capturing moments like this and I'm so glad she did!

Camp Confessional #5

MUTEMATH VLOG

Camp Confessional #4

Camp Confessional #3

Clay's Giant Beard

Camp Tuesday, Video, Bloopers, Etc...

First off...here's a little something that were most definitely outtakes.

Also looks like we will be broadcast tomorrow at www.mogulus.com/jcast. (9:30am and 6:00pm, Central Time.)

Oh, and there's another camp confessional coming. And it's awesome.

Camp Confessional #2 (late!)

Camp Update...(non video)

Hey gang...

I'm sitting at the back of our "worship center" at camp as Lance talks about something God-related. Blah blah blah.

The guys and I actually shot an awesome confessional last night, but I was hit with a sudden migraine and ran back to my room to try to bring my head under control.

Forrest and the gang kept working on the video, but didn't finish it up.

Here's An Update:
1. The Migraine - I honestly believe God healed my migraine at some point in the night. Usually when I get them, it knocks me out of commission for a couple of days. (I refer to this as the "bruised head" feeling, where the day after a migraine I'm still hurting. After a few hours, I finally got to sleep and I'm so grateful to the Father for that rest.

2. My Dad - I've been getting updates on my Dad while I've been gone. The doctors tell us that the leg is healing well, but Dad is very weak. Surgery always takes a lot out of you, but I think he's still coming to terms with what happened. It's strange to see your big, strong Dad weakened and in the hospital. Pray for his health, but also pray for the emotional stuff he's dealing with.

3. The Sets - Our morning sent went great (All Because Of Jesus, Dancing Generation, How Great Thou Art.) Then we'll head to lunch and then maybe into town this afternoon.

Watch a video update later today!

Camp Confessional #1

Strange, But True...

Nickelodeon or somebody just started re-running Family Matters.
Jonah had been seeing the previews and was dying to see it, so he sat down with me and Kristen the other night and watched it.

And we laughed.
Hard.
I'm not kidding around. It was great.
How many Urkel fans we got out there?
When's the last time you watched Steve and the whole Winslow family?

Moms Have The Best Blogs...

A while back, Brody Harper blogged about The Bloggess, who is, in a word, AWESOME. Bloggess also writes at "Good Mom/Bad Mom" blog for the Houston Chronicles with her friend Mindy Sterba and those gals are great writers. I also hear they've got great abs.

Well you can thank those gals for finding this:



http://view.break.com/527579 - Watch more free videos

Source: Holy Taco

One More Reason Carlos Is The Man...

He constantly reminds us that his church is cool, his ministry team is killer and his blog is a force of nature...

And now, he proves that he is the King of All Romantics, Snoop Dogg style:



Heather's Turning 30 In Style from Carlos Whittaker on Vimeo.

Todd Is Late To The Party, Part III

Thanks to hulu (and inspired by Fauss,) I am working my way through "Arrested Development."



So far, I'm finding it to be laugh-out-loud funny.

Anybody else watch it?

mutemath...