RIGHT BRAIN ::: Lessons

Happy birthday to my father.

We don't always get along and I purposely run my mouth just to try to teach you a lesson -- in vain.

But I'd be a fool to believe my life would be any better had you not been my father. So thank you and may the seed planted in your heart grow and bear fruit for His glory.

Aren't you glad I posted this photo from '68 instead of something else less flattering? Bait kong anak, di ba? Hahaha!

I love you, Dada.

U2 ::: The Weight of Christmas '07

I keep telling people what I want for Christmas and been dropping hints all over the place but does anyone listen to me? No. And then you say I'm picky. TSK!

Which is why I want to give mad props to Nice for my first ever (and best one, thus far) U2 present, the U2 by U2 hardcover put-wheels-on-it-and-ride-it-home book. Really. It takes 'hardcover' to a whole 'nuther level. Damn! To think she had to lug the thing back home and then to work and then to me. (Can't thank you enough. I love you, you nutter!) I swear I'll guard it with my life...and it might even guard mine from the way it looks.

I haven't gotten around to reading it at length but I did go over a few pages last night. Hindi ko muna nga siya inuwi because I would be taking public transportation. Unacceptable when carrying invaluable memorabilia. For now, though, it's locked safe in a drawer. You can take my atm, my illegal certificates, my toothbrush, but don't touch the U2 book. They wrote it, Mexico-fo. They wrote it.

But yeah from what I've read in the intros, the guys almost sound like being in U2 saved each of them from their miserable mediocrity. That's funny. Still, that Bono does have the best quotes. Reading him is like an extension of the New Testament.

The more I read, the more I admire these guys for their integrity, both artistic and moral. I guess it's because Paul McGuinness himself was big on r-e-s-p-e-c-t. The band had the right figurehead going in with the A&Rs and record company folk. I haven't heard about U2 getting caught in ugly legal battles over early publishing issues or burning all the advance even before their first single was put out on radio. You know, the sort of thing that makes most young groups crash and burn.

I will be poring over this book while relishing this week-and-a-half holiday. My U2 IQ should be off the charts when I get done that I could point out things to Bono about his life he never knew happened. And then he'll be super impressed he'll recruit me for his entourage. Then he'll put me in-charge of the next tour itinerary.

...I should really try to be more productive around here.

U2 ::: Did Someone Say Glib?

"We are guilty — all of us — between the war in Iraq and the environment," he continued. "We're damned, if we don't fix this. With this record, I'm just throwing my hands up in the air, going, 'I guess we're just going to f--- this sh-- up, and ruin the planet.' It's a little less optimistic and more inspired by frustration and anger toward what we're doing. It comes from a way darker place, and it's heavy — the first three songs are really heavy, and I'm proud of that. I miss that in music. I don't want to pigeonhole myself, but it's almost like a heavy U2 record."

The guy talking is Richard Patrick of the band Filter.

But it's the holidays, people. Let's just try to get through this one shall we?

U2 ::: Bono for Bob

Was listening to Bono's message/greeting in the original version of "Do They Know It's Christmas". Yeah, he just had to go first with that.

It's been 23 years but the contrast between him and Geldof is still obvious. Say, was Bob punching the world in the face back then, too?

Sorry, no download here but I prolly could pull something off for anyone who wants it.

U2 ::: No Rhythm Required

Bono won't even let us miss him just a little, the crumb. So that leaves me to assume that, Mencap notwithstanding, Edge and Adam got on Larry's nerves and were then banished from the studio. For now.

RIGHT BRAIN ::: Hammering Away

The problem with being too philosophical is that it can be easy to get caught up in your own thoughts. Think too much about people's motivations and societal complications right now, and you will get overwhelmed by the sheer scope of things. Instead, turn your philosophical scope down to a pinpoint of light, and let it illuminate your personal life. For now, just focus on the people in your life and what they're thinking about. That will make you feel like you can make a difference.

Hardly calling this one advice but I can't argue with it. And even with just focusing on the people I am overwhelmed. Maybe that's why it's easier to philosophize on a general scope. So how appropriate can the Current Favorite Song be?

Beautiful Mystery
Caedmon's Call

I tried to know
Every mystery
Soon realized, no
It was too much for me

'Cause most things true
Are simple and complex
So it is with You
What else should I expect

You suffer the seeker
In You they abide

You are to me
A beautiful mystery
You are to me
A Servant and a King
You're a beautiful mystery

You're like the water
I can feel but not grasp
Still You say all I've gotta do
Is seek and knock and ask

You are to the river
What hems it in and sets it free

The truth is a river
Where the strong can swim down deep
The weak and the broken
Can walk across so easily

U2 ::: These Irish in America

RollingStone.com has come out with the Top 25 Music DVDs of All Time and our boys come in last. I have to admit I'm a tad surprised Rattle and Hum even made the cut considering all the supposedly bad reviews it got from the music press. But who makes these lists anyway? I'm sure they left out a good number of great ones, too. All the same, I think this is a good way to remind Bono that the cummerbund isn't really considered a cool stage prop.

Here's what RS said:

25. U2: Rattle and Hum (Paramount Pictures)

This was the 1980s answer to Zeppelin's The Song Remains the Same: The world's biggest rock stars acting out their fantasies -- except instead of knights or wizards, U2 just wanted to be Americans. They rock out with B.B. King, visit Sun Studios in Memphis and play a rooftop gig in L.A. -- Bono even commands, "Edge, play the blues!" Sure, the Irish rovers get carried away with their reverence for the Elvis-Dylan-Hendrix tradition. But they live up to it with "All I Want Is You," possibly their finest song. (Although it was used even better in Reality Bites.)

Speaking of DVDs, the POPMart DVD isn't locally available yet. Wonder when the folks at Universal will come around to getting that stuff on the shelves. Watch out, you slackers. You don't want to spark the ire of a novice marketing student who thinks and feels like Merry and Pippin up on Treebeard's branches. (Shoulders?) This is the kind of thing that inspires madness. Like a dreadful 80s power ballad that just won't die.

Personal notes:

Hey, I've a few things I'm praying for but I constantly have to remind myself that before all that, I need to give thanks. I need to touch base with who I am and which questions matter. I do get the love after all.

SHRINK RAP ::: A General Wonderingment

I was a kid you were my dad
I didn't always understand
I wanted freedom you got mad
You were concerned I got upset
I didn't recognize you yet
And did you cry I know I did
When I lied to you
I didn't want to hurt you
I just never knew I did
You never told me that you loved me
I know you didn't know how
I guess that shows we're much the same
'Cause I love you too and until now
I've never said those words out loud
I hope you're proud
To be my dad...
What are your secrets, do you pray
Is there a god that shows your way
I wish I knew...
Do you have crazy fantasies
What happens in your dreams
I want to know...
I guess you'll always be a mystery to me
But you taught me how to value life
And what else do I need
I have a dad who watches over me

Dad by K's Choice.