In early 2002, the world was still in shock and mourning the attacks of 9/11. It was this Super Bowl Halftime performance by U2 that helped to provide national healing. I recall watching the tribute and being totally captured in tears.
Amazing grace!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Blowin' In The Wind - Then & Now
The great singer/songwriter (I really didn't mean singer!) Bob Dylan penned these words to a generation looking for answers, causes, and change. Bruce Springsteen, a much better singer/songwriter, performed this cover of Dylan's classic:
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Born To Run
In 1984, a song called "Dancing In The Dark" hit the charts. I sort of liked it, but the rest of the album "Born In The USA" was outstanding! So, my musical devotion (which has been close to idolatry; or at least fan-obsession) to Bruce Springsteen began. I followed he and his music closely for several years. I did attend one concert in Lexington 1988 - the Tunnel of Love Tour.
Then in the early 90's, Bruce let the E Street Band go and he took 8 years doing some solo projects, went through personal difficulties, and then won a Grammy for Streets of Philadelphia. During that extended break - I too broke away.
In 1995, I got a birthday gift - the Greatest Hits CD. I of course knew every song on it. The band then reunited in 1999 for a tour, which I kick myself over and over for not going to see him again. The band then responded to 9/11 with an album called The Rising, their first studio collection since recording The Tunnel of Love in 1987. It is a great work - I recommend it. It wasn't a commercial success, but the songs spoke hope in the hearts and souls of Americans after 9/11.
I did not buy the next project, "Devils and Dust" (another solo project); but did get the 1975 London concert CD released in 2006. The brand new CD, Magic, seems radio-friendly and lyrically strong - much like the 1980 Album - The River.
Here are five "as the years go by" videos of Born To Run shot during concerts in:
1975
1978
1985
1993
2001
I love the song, but even more these performances give you a great view as to why I have loved his music and energy through the years. He gives his fans 110% when he's writing, recording, and/or performing.
At the risk of sounding cheesy, I think he really cares.
Then in the early 90's, Bruce let the E Street Band go and he took 8 years doing some solo projects, went through personal difficulties, and then won a Grammy for Streets of Philadelphia. During that extended break - I too broke away.
In 1995, I got a birthday gift - the Greatest Hits CD. I of course knew every song on it. The band then reunited in 1999 for a tour, which I kick myself over and over for not going to see him again. The band then responded to 9/11 with an album called The Rising, their first studio collection since recording The Tunnel of Love in 1987. It is a great work - I recommend it. It wasn't a commercial success, but the songs spoke hope in the hearts and souls of Americans after 9/11.
I did not buy the next project, "Devils and Dust" (another solo project); but did get the 1975 London concert CD released in 2006. The brand new CD, Magic, seems radio-friendly and lyrically strong - much like the 1980 Album - The River.
Here are five "as the years go by" videos of Born To Run shot during concerts in:
1975
1978
1985
1993
2001
I love the song, but even more these performances give you a great view as to why I have loved his music and energy through the years. He gives his fans 110% when he's writing, recording, and/or performing.
At the risk of sounding cheesy, I think he really cares.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Little League Baseball
Baseball fans focus much attention on stats, numbers, and records. We are fanatic about percentages, batting averages, and wins/losses. As a Little League Manager in Deer Park Little League, I have a 24-26 overall record (5-4 in playoffs, 3-4 in All-Stars). Last season, my Mets rebounded from an 0-12 record in 2006 to 10-7 and a second place finish in the playoffs.
This year I have asked my Assistant Coach, Jerry Cochran, to take over as Manager. This is for two reasons: 1) He has been wanting to step up and call the shots himself for once & I want to be a dad for once and take some pics and vids of Jon Mark's last season in Little League. Coach Jerry wants me to be in the dugout and help with lineups, practices, and game time decisions.
Our team is returning five 12-year olds who played in All-Stars last summer. Since we finished so well last season, we should be the favorite to win the whole thing. We have three outstanding and experienced pitchers (Jon Mark Feeback, Cade Wilson, and Craig Cochran). Ryan Huseman is one of the best players and kids I have ever coached.
Jon Mark is excited to be able to dominate (his words) the younger players entering the league. He recalls the 0-12 season when he started at Shortstop as a 10-year old and suffered along with Craig Cochran, who started at 3rd that year. They will enjoy this year more than ever - Coach Jerry and I will too.
This year I have asked my Assistant Coach, Jerry Cochran, to take over as Manager. This is for two reasons: 1) He has been wanting to step up and call the shots himself for once & I want to be a dad for once and take some pics and vids of Jon Mark's last season in Little League. Coach Jerry wants me to be in the dugout and help with lineups, practices, and game time decisions.
Our team is returning five 12-year olds who played in All-Stars last summer. Since we finished so well last season, we should be the favorite to win the whole thing. We have three outstanding and experienced pitchers (Jon Mark Feeback, Cade Wilson, and Craig Cochran). Ryan Huseman is one of the best players and kids I have ever coached.
Jon Mark is excited to be able to dominate (his words) the younger players entering the league. He recalls the 0-12 season when he started at Shortstop as a 10-year old and suffered along with Craig Cochran, who started at 3rd that year. They will enjoy this year more than ever - Coach Jerry and I will too.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Vids Galore!
Check out our Feebackfive youtube home to see more of our family vids! This game was played last night against a very good team from Pearland. Jon Mark and the rest of the Deer Park Junior High Fawns played their tails off in a losing cause. Bubby (as we call him at home) is #11.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Work, Work, Work
1) I found another job to go along with my Wal-Mart gig. It's (1PM-5PM) daily here in Deer Park. I am in the Marketing Division of Flexitallic. I send out folders, flyers, hats, pens, and a host of other goodies to customers & potential clients all around the world. One shipment left for Germany yesterday. They make industrial gaskets - that's all I really understand. Check it out www.flexitallic.com
2) My lessson went pretty well last night at San Jacinto Church. The youth and leaders were attentive and seemed to follow me throughout. I asked our daughter Emma if she could understand me and she said I was easy to listen to. It was my first teaching moment in fourteen months...seems like years.
2) My lessson went pretty well last night at San Jacinto Church. The youth and leaders were attentive and seemed to follow me throughout. I asked our daughter Emma if she could understand me and she said I was easy to listen to. It was my first teaching moment in fourteen months...seems like years.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Junior High Basketball
Below are a set of short clips from Jon Mark's tourney this past Saturday in Pasadena. They were filmed by me with our digital camera, so the action is rough, but hey, it's the best we have for now.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Friday, January 11, 2008
The Poet Who Did Know It
I wrote this poem after the arrival of my firstborn, Jon Mark.
The Lord is My Pastor
The Lord is my pastor, I long to hear his voice.
He makes me dive into his Word,
He leads me to quiet places of solitude.
He renews my soul.
He surrounds me with people for his sake.
Whether I receive praise or criticism, I will not give up,
For he is beside me.
His Spirit and Word they encourage me.
Even though my energy and passion sometimes runs dry,
He will strengthen me.
In the presence of his peace, He gives me courage to love.
Surely his guidance, wisdom, and Spirit will lead me
And I will serve on this earth as long as he grants me breath.
August 31, 1995
The Lord is My Pastor
The Lord is my pastor, I long to hear his voice.
He makes me dive into his Word,
He leads me to quiet places of solitude.
He renews my soul.
He surrounds me with people for his sake.
Whether I receive praise or criticism, I will not give up,
For he is beside me.
His Spirit and Word they encourage me.
Even though my energy and passion sometimes runs dry,
He will strengthen me.
In the presence of his peace, He gives me courage to love.
Surely his guidance, wisdom, and Spirit will lead me
And I will serve on this earth as long as he grants me breath.
August 31, 1995
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Speaking of getting "old"...
"Glory Days" by Bruce Springsteen; an incredible performance from Paris 1985 and a song about growing up.
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What is the matter with me?!?!
This is the question isn't it?
- I am tired, though I am now working only one job till I find another one.
- I feel old, though I am only 41.
- I have lost nearly everything I held for granite.
- I am not doing well with God lately...not sure why.
- I am teaching Wednesday night at our new church...San Jacinto Baptist in Deer Park.
- I am thrilled the pastors asked me, and yet scared to death b/c I haven't taught anything, other than baseball, in a long time.
- Whatever is the matter must be worked out soon - or my lesson/discussion will flop.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
- I am tired, though I am now working only one job till I find another one.
- I feel old, though I am only 41.
- I have lost nearly everything I held for granite.
- I am not doing well with God lately...not sure why.
- I am teaching Wednesday night at our new church...San Jacinto Baptist in Deer Park.
- I am thrilled the pastors asked me, and yet scared to death b/c I haven't taught anything, other than baseball, in a long time.
- Whatever is the matter must be worked out soon - or my lesson/discussion will flop.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Forward
Typically I have looked inward and backward to try to understand this thing called "life."
But today, I choose to look outward and forward. Though I may wander into self-reflection; I am attempting to go counter-intuitive and think of the next three steps ahead to do what lies ahead in the space between here and there.
Happy New Year!
But today, I choose to look outward and forward. Though I may wander into self-reflection; I am attempting to go counter-intuitive and think of the next three steps ahead to do what lies ahead in the space between here and there.
Happy New Year!
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