Amazed!!

This weekend I have the honor of playing with the Praise Team at St. Awesome's. It's always an honor, but this weekend is going to be particularly great. We are doing "Where The Streets Have No Name" by U2. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a HUGE U2 fan. They are, in fact, my favorite band!

Anyway, in preparation for the weekend, I have been studying The Edge's delay sound so that I can play the song right and give it the respect it deserves while giving God the praise He deserves. I ran across a video of a guy in Ireland named Gerry who has really nailed The Egde's guitar sounds. He has so many effects in his guitar rig it makes me a bit jealous. After watching his videos over and over, I finally emailed him to see if he could help me out setting up my equipment for the weekend services. He replied back to me promptly and helped me out tremendously. Turns out, he serves with his worship team, as well! Small world, right?

I am just amazed that two people half a world apart can communicate via the Internet and strike up a cyber-friendship. That is really cool to me! I can't help but recognize God at work here. I love when He shows up like this and does really cool things! It's pretty amazing to say the least! I just had to share...

By the way, if you're interested in checking out Gerry's videos, check him out on YouTube. Just search for U2john316. If you're a guitarist, you'll be impressed!

Thanks again, Gerry!!

For Chris...

...and if I'm being real honest with myself, this is for me, too!

DHARMA Jumpsuit

For those who weren't there, here's the DHARMA costume I wore at the Halloween party last night. I "swiped" the picture from my buddy Patch (shhh.... don't tell!) It was a great time as always. Already thinking about next year!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Tonight!!!

Just a reminder... U2's show from the Rose Bowl will be broadcast LIVE tonight at 11:30 ET on YouTube. Of course I realize you'll probably be in bed and you're probably not as obsessed with U2 as I am, but if you find yourself unable to sleep, you should definitely tune in!

BIG NEWS!!!

OK. Not really. I can't back that up.

I just looked at the date on my last post and realized it's been almost a month since I've added any new content to the ol' blog. All I can say is I'm Sorry! I have been terribly busy (vacation, two U2 concerts a Metallica concert and a Kings of Leon concert, work work and more work, make-ups, break-ups, weddings, Keeneland, Big Blue Madness... you name it, I've done it!). It's been a taxing month to say the least!

Anyway, I never intended for the blog to be a place where I have to constantly apologize for my lack of activity, so let's just say I'll try to do better. Deal?

Now on to more important issues. A few random tidbits of coolness if you will:

-U2 live continues to amaze me. I had the good fortune to see them in Chicago and Atlanta during this tour. Simply amazing! If you're interested, their show from the Rose Bowl will be broadcast LIVE on YouTube Sunday night. No joke... U2 on YouTube! Get it?

-If the new Avett Brothers album isn't my favorite, then it at least ranks right up there with Mignonette and Four Thieves Gone...

-Modern Family could be my new favorite comedy currently airing on television. It really has an Arrested Development feel - to me, at least.

-The new Pearl Jam album ROCKS!!!

-No I haven't seen Zombieland yet. Please stop asking me. I'll get around to it, I promise!

-So far at Keeneland during this meet, I've only lost enough money to pay ONE jockey's salary!

-Welcome to basketball in Kentucky, Coach Cal! I don't think you knew we were THIS crazy!

-Congrats to good friends Faith and Lewie on their recent marriage!

-Speaking of good friends, I am overwhelmingly blessed with the best on earth! Be it family friends, high school friends, college friends, work friends, church friends or just "around town friends", you guys are awesome!

-I'm really excited about Halloween this year. Now let's just hope I don't have another hernia attack like last year...

-Have I mentioned that Chicago is the coolest city on the face of the planet?

-I'm sick of Jon and Kate, Octomom and Balloon Boy...

-No I haven't read Dan Brown's new book yet. Please stop asking me. I'll get around to it, I promise!


That's all for now. I know I still need to do a concert recap of U2, Metallica and Kings of Leon. Please stop asking me. I'll get around to it, I promise!

Rick Sanchez is my new hero!!!!