Derek Webb has digitally released his new album on his Web site, however the circumstances are a bit unique for a Christian release. See, there is going to be what basically amounts to a clean and explicit version. Personally, I prefer to think of it as you're able to buy either a sanitized or powerful version.

What brought this about? A single song titled "What Matters More," where Webb dares to suggest that people focusing on homosexuality over, say, people STARVING TO DEATH, are missing the point. I can't say I disagree. Sadly, the message has been given before. While doing a bit of research, I found that the song is really a parallel to a message given by Tony Campolo:

I have three things to say today. 1st: While you were sleeping last night 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. 2nd: Most of you don’t give a shit. 3rd: What’s worse is that you are more upset with the fact that I said shit than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night.

The problem is ... so many people don't want to hear it. The thing is, it's easier to hate than love -- love takes work, hate just takes being pissed. So, working to love someone you don't know? It's unthinkable to some Christians, even if they mouth the words.

So, judge for yourself. Here's a video for the song with the lyrics below:



What Matters More, by Derek Webb

You say you always treat people like you like to be
I guess you love being hated for your sexuality
You love when people put words in your mouth
'Bout what you believe, make you sound like a freak

'Cause if you really believe what you say you believe
You wouldn't be so damn reckless with the words you speak
Wouldn't silently consent when the liars speak
Denyin' all the dyin' of the remedy

Tell me, brother, what matters more to you?
Tell me, sister, what matters more to you?

If I can tell what's in your heart by what comes out of your mouth
Then it sure looks to me like being straight is all it's about
It looks like being hated for all the wrong things
Like chasin' the wind while the pendulum swings

'Cause we can talk and debate until we're blue in the face
About the language and tradition that he's comin' to save
Meanwhile we sit just like we don't give a shit
About 50,000 people who are dyin' today

Tell me, brother, what matters more to you?
Tell me, sister, what matters more to you?

Slow start on the blog ... at least there is a new Ys!

Yeah, yeah ... I know, I've had a serious lack of motivation recently. Things have been rough. However, on the plus side, the new Ys game finally has a trailer -- and, it kicks all kinds of @ss! From my young formative days, the original Ys games had a huge impact on me -- so, check this out ... it's coming out for the PSP in the fall, sadly, only in Japan right now:

The name's the thing ...

The definition of hope: renewing three domain names believing that I'll one day sell actual sell the novels/screenplays associated with them. In this day an age, once you have a name for something, you have to grab it before someone else squats on it. My domains are for Blackburn Burrow, Shiloh's Way, and The Sea of Clouds ... we'll see if anything ever happens with them.

The real question is, will I ever get to read them?

I've been enjoying the TV show Burn Notice on DVD quite a bit recently. There's a lot to like about it -- it's got spies, humor, it's set in Florida, and it has Bruce Campbell. Bruce Campbell elevates whatever he is in at least one letter grade. For example, when he does a B-move, it really is more of an A ... so, his C-level crap actually ranks a B. It's all part of the Tao of Bruce.

Anyway, back to the original topic, Burn Notice. I stumbled a across a listing for some novelizations that didn't have absolutely terrible reviews associated with them, so I figured what the heck. So, on my lunch break today, I stopped by Border's to pick one up.

When I walked out, I had five different books; this was not the result I was expecting or hoping for. For one, I have no space. Every bookshelf in my condo is completely filled and then some. For another, I really don't have the extra money to spend.

This is why I often avoid bookstores. There is always something I want. Always.

On the plus side, most of the books were trades on sale for $4! I picked up a nice edition of The Princess Bride, a new translation of Gilgamesh, and a random fantasy novel ... along with one manga.

First entry for the second time

Well, here we go again.

I kept a long running blog on MySpace, until it became annoying in the utmost. We'll see what happens with this one. My hope is that this simple way to share my thoughts will help me focus a bit more on a screenplay I want to complete for an upcoming contest. I only have a couple months, so it's going to be interesting to say the least.

I've had the concept, plot, and characters jangling around in my head for years. However, I now need the space, as my head is running out of room. Hopefully, I'll get the ball running this weekend.

If this is your first time visiting a blog of mine, here's what to expect: I'll be rambling about my writing, posting odd and strange news stories, talking a bit about gaming (both video and board), and generally wasting time.

Please enjoy.