Friday Snippets and Soundbites

We don't know about your week, but it's been a long one here in the ec offices. So what's a better way to get in the Friday frame of mind than with some random and interesting news stories from this week?

That's right: it's Friday and we've got this week's online edition of "Snippets and Soundbites" all ready to go. If you want to read even more news of the weird, be sure to check out "Snippets and Soundbites" on page 38 of this month's (and every month's) issue of ec.

Here's what we found:

It's going to get ugly.
We've all heard of ugly lawsuits. You know, the ones full of gossip, mud-slinging, and name-calling. But that's not what we're talking about. Nope, apparently you can sue because something's ugly. At least that's what a corporation that owns a swanky hotel in New York City is doing. The Paramount Realty Group of America Corp. claims that a couple from Iceland rented an apartment in one of their NYC hotels and failed to make promised renovations on time. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, alleges that the couple installed an "ugly" kitchen from IKEA in the 16th floor apartment they rented at the Gramercy Park Hotel. The lawsuit claims the kitchen is unsuitable for such a luxurious home. We have no idea how that will play out, but many of the staff members of ec love to shop at IKEA. Read all about it here.

Move over, "American Idol." 

Like to sing? Have a band? Heard about "Rock The Camp"? We recently got a press release about this online music competition and couldn't wait to share the info with you. A partnership production of Camp Electric, Premier Christian Cruises and Endavo media (an Atlanta-based Internet TV platform profider, Rock the Camp is an online contest for Christian bands. Bands from across the country can compete by uploading their music video or MP3 using Endavo Media's platform through February 28 (Sunday). Fans can register and vote for their favorites. The top 10 entries will be judged by music industry professionals who will select the grand prize winner. The grand prize is the opportunity to open for TobyMac in Nashville, a recording session with Grammy Award-winning producer Paul Ebersold, and a performance on K-LOVE Friends and Family Music Cruise. Get all the rules and information here and here. But act quickly! The deadline is Sunday and nearly 600 bands have already signed up!

For the record books.

Khagendra Thapa Magar is only 22 inches tall. And he wants the official title of World's Shortest Man. That's why he's traveling from Nepal, his home country, to Europe this week: to campaign for the Guinness World Record title. He applied for his place in the record book in October shortly after he turned 18, but hasn't gotten a response. So he's taking matters in his own hands and going to Europe to plead his case in person. He and his father plan to appear on an Italian talk show while they're in Europe, talking about his bid for the title of world's shortest man, of course. After they get to Italy, Magar, his father, and a supporter will decide what to do and where to go next. The current holder of the world's shortest man record is He Pingping of China, who is 29 inches tall. To read all about it, go here.

Who are you listening to?

By David Bennett

Today’s world is loud. There are so many voices vying for our attention. Song lyrics. Your favorite TV character’s catchphrase. Movie dialogue. Talk show hosts and their advice. Authority figures, teachers, friends, and parents. There are so many voices saying so many conflicting things. Take some time today to evaluate the voices you’re letting into your life. Are they bringing you closer to God or putting up barriers in your relationship with Him? It’s time to stop listening to the voices that have no place in your life.

Shut Up!
With all those voices—TV shows, music, parents, friends, celebrities, movies—telling you how to live your life, it can be tough to figure out which voices you should listen to and which ones you should tell to shut up. The fact is, the messages you choose to listen to have an impact on the heart of who you are. And that truth has implications for the music you listen to, the movies and television shows you watch, and the voices you turn to for advice. How? Let’s take a look.

Turn up the volume.
You have a right to listen to whatever music you want to, right? Yes, I’m aware that’s what you’re saying. But hear me out: a song is a voice set to music. Some voices are inspiring while others are depressing. Many cult classics were written under the influence of drugs and unchristian practices. At what point do you know if music is affecting you in a negative way? Answer the following questions to determine how the music you listen to influences you.
• Take a look at your iPod® or music collection. Who are the most influential musicians in your life? Are they positive or negative?
• With what are their lyrics concerned? Are they “just songs” or do the words really matter? Explain.
• How do the messages and lyrics of your favorite songs compare with God’s message of love, truth, and purity?
• Are you above the influence of these voices?

Music is a big part of our lives today. Sometimes, we’re naïve enough to think that the music we listen to and the depressing, harsh, and sometimes ungodly messages it promotes don’t affect us. That’s a false assumption because that way of thinking seeps into our minds. If the music you listen to is full of violence, harsh words, depressing topics, and vulgarity, then hear this: Those deadly messages are in direct opposition to God’s message of love, life, and hope. 

Watch out.
Does it really matter what you see and hear on television? Believe it or not, the media suppress the truth. Which voice is louder: God’s or the media? God’s voice is clear. He is constantly revealing His power and nature, but many have replaced His truth with nonsense. Here is a simple test to determine the appropriateness of the messages you hear coming out of your television. As you read these questions, think about your favorite shows and the things they’re teaching you, even subconciously.
• Are people treated as equal and valuable in God’s sight on your favorite show?
• What are the primary concerns of the show? Finances, politics, global warming, faith in God, or moral choices are a few examples.
• Is the language pure and the conversations affirming of others? Is sexual purity valued?
• Is violence toward others a significant portion of the show’s premise?

Would you like butter on your popcorn?
Isn’t everything OK as long as I’m seeing a PG movie?, you ask. The fact is, the images you see on the big screen and the soundtracks you listen to have the power to either draw you near to God or pull you away from Him.
Here is a simple test to determine if the movies you are paying to see are the right movies for you: Picture Jesus sitting beside you in the dark seeing the same images and hearing the same language, music, and sound effects. It really is as simple as WMWJS—What movie would Jesus see? (And if you are sneaking into R-rated movies, then you are being deceitful and dishonest. Sometimes, the truth hurts.)

I hear voices.
You hear a lot of voices in today’s world. Doesn’t every celebrity and authority figure in my life speak the truth?, you may ask. The answer is no. Many celebrities promote their own agendas without one godly thought in their heads. They also switch from fad to fad. Fads never last, and these temporary “fad” voices can have a negative impact on your life. Not everyone in the world believes the gospel or knows its power. Many don’t think it’s a convenient truth to teach. Weigh everything you hear—from the theories you’re hearing in class to the advice thrown out on talk shows—with the truths found in God’s Word. Truth does not change. Just because you hear something new does not mean you need to listen to it. There is no new gospel.

Life is full of choices. Some are easier than others; some are more important than others. The voices you hear and choose to listen to influence your choices, the way you live your life, and the way you treat others. Consider what the following passages say about the voices in your life: Romans 1:18-32, Galatians 5:19-21, Philippians 4:8-9, and 2 Timothy 4:2-4. The only way to get God’s peace is to silence the voices that distract you from following Him. Understand this: the voice of God can’t be silenced. So, listen to Him and live a life that reflects Him.

Getting to know Britt Nicole

By Tifany Borgelt

In case you didn't see our conversation with Britt Nicole in the February 2010 issue of ec, here it is: 

Sparrow artist Britt Nicole burst onto the music scene in 2007 with her debut album, Say It. By the end of that year, she was opening up for ­artists like Sanctus Real, Jeremy Camp, and Steven Curtis Chapman, and her songs were all over the airwaves and charts. She toured heavily for awhile in support of that first album, but somehow found the time to head back into the studio to record her second album, The Lost Get Found, which released in 2009. The title track rushed up the charts.

The singer says her latest album is simply about being who we are called to be as Christians and, as a part of that, seeing lost people come to Christ.

ec recently caught up with Britt Nicole to talk about her new album and find out about her own teen years and how they helped shape her music and ministry today.

ec: How did fan response to Say It affect how you approached your second album, The Lost Get Found?
BN: People love real stories; they can relate when I say, “I struggle, too.” I sing about my pain, my fears, and my weaknesses. I will always be real with my fans. On The Lost Get Found, I just wrote what was on my heart. It’s not complicated, just here’s what’s going on in my life and in the people around me, and these stories and songs are meant to give you hope and joy.
ec: You have a lot of teen fans. What were your teenage years like?
BN: Kind of like a roller coaster ride. One week up, ready to change the world, the next week sad and just trying to make it through the day. I always knew there was a calling on my life to be a leader, to not only talk the talk, but to walk the walk. I knew that if I would surrender, God would use me, and even my weaknesses, to reach ­others and to show His love, and sometimes that pressure was hard.

ec: Looking back now, what have God and time taught you about that period of your life?
BN: I realize that we all go through a season like that where we have to make a decision to go all the way for Christ, instead of one foot in and one foot out. I’m just thankful that God spoke to me when I was 17 and said, “Now, surrender everything.” God and time have taught me the importance of saying, “yes” to His will and His way. In the end it’s not about my wants and my desires, it’s about His kingdom and what His heart burns for, and that’s for reaching the broken and the lost.

ec: If you could go back now and do anything differently, would you? How, if at all, does that affect the way you talk to your fans today?
BN: Yes, I would listen to my parents and youth pastors more and stop trying to be so smart. I tell my fans: “You need someone in your life who loves you and who will tell you the truth. [Authority figures] are in your life and my life for a reason: to protect us, to give us wisdom, and help lead us when we don’t know where to go or what to do. Lean into them and let them help you become better!”
ec: Many times teens are asked to live in the future with questions like “What are you going to do when you graduate from high school?” and “Where are you going to college?,” which can leave the impression that life and the “real world’ doesn’t start until you’re older. Do you think that’s true?
BN: Absolutely not. Some of the greatest men and women of God in the Bible were chosen by God when they were teenagers. God can, will, and wants to use you now to shake your generation for Jesus Christ.


And in case you didn't know, since we talked to Britt, her album hit No. 1 and she was named among the "Top 10 Ones to Watch in 2010” by the GospelMusicChannel.com. She also took a mission trip to Uganda and is going on tour with Natalie Grant and Phil Stacey next month. Also, watch for five of her songs in Sony Pictures' just-released DVD remake of the movie Ice Castles.

Friday Snippets and Soundbites

Why, hello Friday! We've missed you.

And since it's Friday, that also means there's a new  blog edition of "Snippets and Soundbites." If you need even more strange stories and news of the weird, please check out "Snippets and Soundbites" on page 38 of this month's (and every month's) print edition of ec.

That said, let's see what random things have been going on.

Just part of the job
If you live in Atlanta or have ever visited there, you know that traffic there, particularly during rush hour is particularly stressful. So what happens when you add a zebra to the mix? Yes, you read that correctly. A zebra. Yesterday, rush hour traffic in the Atlanta area came to a complete standstill as police chased an escapee zebra down a busy stretch of highway. Apparently, the zebra made his first appearance in downtown around 4:30 p.m., then made it's way onto the interstate. Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus is in town this week, and the zebra apparently belongs to them. Police safely corralled the runaway animal on an exit ramp, and the animal is reportedly OK. Bet the police didn't know think they'd be herding zebras when they got up yesterday morning! To read all about it, go here. Go here to see video.

Mardi Gras Mutt

For Charlie the dog, Mardi Gras really was something to celebrate. See, Charlie, a labrador mix, had said good-bye to his owner, Stephen Soleas when Soleas decided to hitchike to New Orleans, La., for a few weeks of music and fun. At some point after Soleas left, though, Charlie went missing back home. A couple vacationing in Taos, New Mexico, found the collarless pooch, but local vet's didn't have microchip readers to see who he belonged to. So the dog-loving couple gave up their plane tickets, rented a car, and drove Charlie home with them: to New Orleans. Some 1,200 miles and 10 days later, Charlie was reunited with his owner (now visiting NOLA) after the couples' vet checked a microchip in Charlie's neck. In a strange turn of events, the couple also named the dog Charlie. We guess the name just fit! To read all about it and hear about Charlie's ride in a Mardi Gras pet parade, go here.

Ice, Ice, Baby
It's been extremely cold lately and for a few days last week, all but one of the states in the U.S. had at least a dusting of snow. But for a 25-year-old Ohio man, all the snow meant one thing: it was time to chill out. . . .in an igloo. Out of work for almost a year and needing a project to stay busy, Jimmy Grey decided to put the record snowfall to good use and build an igloo in his family's yard. The result is a four-room igloo with 6-foot ceilings and an entertainment room. He powers the TV (yes, the TV) with an extension cord and has also run wires for cable TV and surround sound stereo. To learn more, go here.

Music Minute - Soul Music Playlist

Hope y'all enjoyed listening to some of the gospel & soul songs of the Civil Rights Movement last time. This week we're taking a look at soul music, since it's still Black History Month.

Satellite Records was founded in 1957 in a movie theater in Memphis, in just a regular neighborhood. In 1961, they changed the name to Stax Records, and by 1965, Stax would be Motown Records' biggest rival. Specializing in Southern soul music and particularly what was called the "Memphis Sound," Stax (and its sister label Volt) used the movie theater itself, which still had the sloping floor from under the seats, to record some of the biggest hits of the 1960s and 70s. Audio recordings are shaped in part by the acoustics of the room they're recorded in, and the odd shape of the studio helped to give the Stax recordings a great big sound.

In 1962, Otis Redding was signed to the Volt label and was the first of many commercial successes for the label. Stax/Volt also produced records by Booker T & the MGs, Isaac Hayes, Sam & Dave, The Mad Lads, Wilson Pickett, Elvis Presley, and The Staple Singers (remember them?).

So why am I talking about a record label today? A couple of reasons. One is that Stax/Volt was started as an independent record label by two white executives, and featured several bands that were racially integrated. We don't tend to think of this as a big deal now, but back in the day an integrated record label in the South really meant something.

Another reason is that we don't typically think of record labels as specializing in one "type" of music. Hip-hop labels are obviously an exception, but a major label like Warner Brothers Records has artists ranging from Blake Shelton to Seal, a kind of variety that is much more common. And the Stax/Volt label is, like Motown, renowned for their creativity, artist development, historical significance, and social influence.

So what happened to Stax/Volt? It was sold in the 70s, went through some new management, and was forced into bankruptcy in 1975. In 1981, the Stax studio and headquarters was sold to a church for $10. And in 1989, the church tore down the original building, which suffered from years of neglect. But in 2003, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music was built and opened in the same spot, and contains a replica of the original studio, a music school, a museum, and an actual wooden church from the Mississippi Delta that is over 100 years old. In 2006, the label began operating under the Stax name again to bring soul music to a whole new generation of listeners. (If you're ever in Memphis, you should visit the museum. You'll be dancing by the time you leave.)

What should you know about soul music? Modern R&B comes from soul. It has roots in blues and gospel music. Rhythm is a big deal in soul music, and you'll usually hear big productions in the music—multi-piece bands, brass, background singers, pianos, and often a rhythm section. Soul is usually very danceable, emotional music and you might hear what's called a call-and-response structure in it, where the background singers echo the lead singer. Ray Charles is sometimes called the inventor of soul. Aretha Franklin is probably the most famous soul singer, but James Brown, Smokey Robinson, and Marvin Gaye are also names you might recognize.

All right, time to stop talking and get to listening. Y'all grab your headphones and take a musical tour of Ten Soul Songs You Shouldn't Miss. They're in no particular order. They will be probably be familiar songs, but try to listen with new ears. Enjoy!

10. R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Aretha Franklin

9. I Can't Stop Lovin' You, Ray Charles (Probably more R&B than soul, but still a classic.)

8. Soul Man, Sam and Dave

7. (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay, Otis Redding

6. Stand By Me, Ben E King

5. Green Onions, Booker T and the M.G.s (This song was apparently named after a cat named Green Onions, for his distinctive walk.)

4. What's Goin' On, Marvin Gaye (This song is a social/political kind of sign-of-the-times song.)

3. The Tracks Of My Tears, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles

2. My Girl, The Temptations

1. I Got You (I Feel Good), James Brown

True Love Waits around the World—Part 2

You heard yesterday about how God orchestrated a meeting with a top government official for the True Love Waits Philippines team. Today, you’ll hear more about how God is at work in Africa.

In Africa:
Schumile is a young Christian woman who lives in King Williams Town, South Africa. When Schumile heard the True Love Waits message in a presentation at her church, Good News Christian Church, she realized this was the message God had given her and intended for all of the youth of her country. She became a TLW presenter so that she could share that message with the youth of her community. In one month, Schumile presented TLW 11 times in schools and churches because the passion she has for this message burns so deeply in her heart. She is currently not only presenting TLW, but has become a trainer in the Eastern Cape and is sharing the TLW message over the radio at TruFM, where she is a DJ.

Vernon was trained in March 2009 to present the TLW message. Vernon was the firstborn in his family, but both of his parents passed away when he was young. As the head of the family, Vernon dropped out of school at 16 to work so his younger brothers and sisters could be educated. When attending a family funeral in the village where one of his brothers lives, Vernon was anxious to put his TLW training to use and was allowed to teach in his brother's classroom. The whole village was affected by the message of TLW and insisted that he leave his manual with them so they could continue presenting. But he’d been told not to give his presenter's manual away to untrained people, so he convinced them to just copy it. Well, the village made two copies, and before Vernon left, he was finally talked out of the manual.

Sharon Pumpelly, the director of TLW in Africa, said: “I remember Vernon as a quiet young man with even a bit of a lisp. He seemed a bit shy, maybe even timid. It is just so exciting to see how God puts His treasure in jars of clay so that He can be glorified. God worked and is working mightily through a shy but determined young man named Vernon.”

Happily, Vernon is going back to school now, being supported by the same siblings he enabled to be educated and with whom he shared God's plan for sexuality.

In Malawi, Sharon reports that she went to meet with a man whom someone recommended to translate True Love Waits materials into Chichewa. When we began talking, she found out that when he heard the TLW message, he became so passionate about it that he found the funding himself, translated and printed the materials, and trained youth leaders in each province of Malawi!

God is clearly at work around the world through True Love Waits. As Valentine’s Day nears and love is on your mind, don’t let your idea of love get sidetracked. Following God’s plan for abstinence until marriage will make a huge difference in your life now and your marriage later.

True Love Waits around the World—Part 1

It’s getting close to Valentine’s Day, a day on which we celebrate love. You may be impatient to experience love in all its glory. We know what that’s like, but we also know that God’s plan for love and marriage involves a commitment to abstinence now, resulting in a huge payoff when you get married. That’s the message of True Love Waits, and it’s being taken all around the globe. If you read the article on pages 16-18 of this month’s issue of ec, you heard about True Love Waits in Africa and the Philippines. We’ve got the scoop on some more things that are happening as God finds ways and people to spread the message of His plan for sex and marriage.

In the Philippines:
True Love Waits Director Derek Ross’ friend John Bora owns a large venue—Mega Tent—in Manila. A few months ago, Tim Hughes, a worship leader from England, was about to have a concert at Mega Tent. John Bora invited Derek, along with Isabel Tobias, an official in the Philippine government, to meet Tim Hughes.

Derek gives us the run-down of what happened during that fateful meeting:

“I walked in the room, sat down with Isabel, and introduced myself. Tim Hughes was busy Skyping his wife on his laptop on the other side of the room. Isabel asked what I was doing in the Philippines. I responded that I was teaching biblical purity lessons as the director of True Love Waits Philippines. Isabel listened as I described True Love Waits and our impact on the nation. When I finished, I asked her what it was that she did.
She responded, ‘I am the Secretary General of the Presidential Council for Values Formation.’ This position is comparable to US Secretary of Education in its impact.
So, at this point, I am thinking, Thank you God, but WHAT ARE YOU DOING? But I said, ‘Oh, that's interesting.’
Then she said, ‘Would you like to meet the President of the Philippines?’
I said, ‘Maybe you should meet our team and discuss the details of what we do as an organization,’ but what I really wanted to say was, ‘Sure, just send the presidential limo by my house!’”

Isabel Tobias invited the TLW staff, including Derek and his wife Amanda, to dinner where they discussed the details of what TLW does in the Philippines. She offered to find small ways to help them financially and connect them with the Department of Education and Catholic organizations. She also offered to allow them to upload their upcoming TV show to a government Web site they are designing to promote positive values. She suggested using rooms at The Palace (their version of the White House) for TLW leader training or special events. The team prayed with her and for her and her work in the president’s cabinet, and she also prayed for them.

"God is the One who places people in positions of power, and He also chooses carpenters like me to dine with them," Derek said.


For more information, please visit their web site or e-mail Derek at derek[at]wagmuna[dot]com. And stay tuned for tomorrow's post about how God is working in Africa through True Love Waits!

11 Great Valentine's Movies (that won't scar you for life)

by Julie Sallee Partin

It’s February, which means Valentine’s Day is here, right? And we’d be fooling ourselves if we didn’t recognize that some of you are spending the evening with that special someone. Or maybe you’re spending it with some special someones in the form of your closest friends.

For many of you, though, your Valentine’s Day festivities will include movies. So, we thought we’d ask Julie Sallee Partin to share her thoughts on some romantic movies that won’t pollute your purity, put you in an awkward situation if you’re watching with your date, or lead to embarrassment of any kind. Check out her suggestions! 

1. Pride and Prejudice
(2005) / Universal Studios
Starring Kiera Knightley, Matthew MacFayden, Donald Sutherland, and Judi Dench
Many consider the book this film is based on to be the mother of all romance novels. Fortunately, the movie does not disappoint. A strong-willed young woman refuses to marry for anything less than love, much to her family and suitors’ dismay. Extremely beautiful and marvelously acted, it makes every modern romantic wish they could have found love in 18th century England.
(Also, if you’re Valentine’s Day celebration is a girls’ night and you have awhile, we suggest checking out the BBC’s miniseries adaptation of the book. Be aware: it is hours long!)

2. Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken
(1991) / Walt Disney Pictures
Starring Gabrielle Anwar, Cliff Robertson, and Kathleen York
An inspiring true story about a runaway with big dreams. She gets a job working as a stable hand for a girl-and-horse high diving act. Her boss’ son helps her train a wild horse and becomes impressed with her spirit and ambition. The two devise a plan for her to become a star. And, of course, they fall in love. With a perfect mixture of suspense and heart, this one is watchable over and over again.

3. Ever After: A Cinderella Story
(1998) / Twentieth Century Fox
Starring Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, and Dougray Scott
The story of Cinderella, without all the magic. Drew Barrymore portrays her version of this damsel in distress as full of spunk and fight. The real charm is being a part of a world only heard of in fairy tales that seems surprisingly realistic. With creative cultural references and subtle humor, rooting for the underdog never felt so good.

4. A Walk to Remember
(2002) / DiNovi Pictures
Starring Mandy Moore and Shane West
A high school bad boy is forced to do community service after getting into some trouble. While at these events, he meets a kind, quiet pastor’s daughter. Her softness and his sense of adventure turn out to be a perfect match, and the two unexpectedly fall for each other. The story is full of sweetness and ­sorrow. It will leave you believing that love has redemptive power, and change is indeed possible.


5. Wall•E
(2008) / Pixar
Voiced by Fred Willard and John Ratzenberger, among others
Who would have known that a trash-collecting robot and a space robot falling for each other would be so sweet? In this futuristic tale, humans have ­polluted the Earth to a point that it’s uninhabitable, and they must live in outer space. Left behind is a little so-ugly-he’s-cute robot. He ends up entangled in a romantic space adventure attempting to save his girl and planet. Full of imagination, innocence, and sweet romance, this movie is impossible not to love. 

6. The Princess Bride
(1987) / Act III Communications
Starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright Penn, and a very young Fred Savage
A classic fantasy filled with adventure, this movie has been quoted an inconceivable number of times. Princess Buttercup is kidnapped by a band of vicious thieves including a giant, evil genius, and skilled swordsman. They are then pursued by The Man in Black who may or may not be Buttercup’s true love. There is a good reason this movie stands the test of time. It is entertaining and great for a group setting.

7. While You Were Sleeping
(1995) / Caravan Pictures
Starring Sandra Bullock, Peter Gallagher, and Bill Pullman
A lonely woman saves the life of a ­gorgeous man she has been crushing on from afar. While he is in a coma, his family believes the two are engaged and accept her as one of their own. The situation becomes even more comical and complicated when she begins to fall for the man’s brother. One of the biggest hits of the 90s, this creative story is everything that a romantic comedy should be.



 8. Stardust
(2007) / Paramount Pictures
Starring Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Robert De Niro
An adventure that exists in a countryside bordering a magical world. Evil witches, blundering princes, and spoiled town girls all desire to possess a star that happens to be a young woman. This out-of-this-world love story is told through a whirlwind journey that has the stunning special effects to back it up.

9. Pillow Talk
(1959) / Arwin Productions
Starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson
This oldie-but-goodie relies on the out-dated technology of the party line (ask your grandparents or Google it), but it’s still good! Career girl Jan shares a phone line with songwriter Brad Allen who’s always on the line with one of his many girlfriends. Jan despises Brad, but after some twists and turns—and Brad disguising his voice—the two actually start to talk. Romance blossoms, of course, but you’ll have to watch to find out what happens!

10. Sabrina
(1995) / Constellation Entertainment
Starring Harrison Ford, Julia Ormand, and Greg Kinnear
To the Larrabee boys, Sabrina was just the chauffeur’s daughter. But when she returns to the family’s home after two years away, both brothers are intrigued by the sophisticated, intelligent, beautiful woman she’s become. Will she end up with Linus or with David. You’ll have to watch to find out. (And if you like this version, check out the original starring Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart.)

11. Sleepless in Seattle
(1993) / TriStar Pictures
Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan
The son of a widowed father calls a national radio show trying to find his dad a girlfriend and himself a new mom. Across the country an already-engaged woman decides that this anonymous man and his son might be her destiny and she simply must meet them. The sweet hopefulness in the face of reality results in a relationship built upon blind faith. It becomes a wonderful story of family and optimism. (Also, give An Affair to Remember a try. It will help you understand Sleepless in Seattle.)

Friday Snippets and Soundbites

Welcome to the first Friday in February 2010! We at ec think that's something that calls for celebration—and we'd like to start the celebration off with this week's edition of “Snippets and Soundbites.” It just seems right, somehow.

And if today's news of the weird and random isn't enough for you, check out page 38 in this month's (and every month's) issue of ec. You won't be sorry!

So, what's been happening this week?

Gone but not forgotten: Herbie

Residents of Maine are mourning the loss of an old friend, Herbie the elm tree. No, Herbie isn't some sort of cartoon character; it's an actual tree. The giant elm, nicknamed Herbie, stood at 110-feet tall and was the tallest American elm in New England, was cut down on January 19, a victim of Dutch elm disease. When the tree was cut down, officials estimated its age to be anywhere from 212 to 240 years old this week. If the latter were true, the elm tree would be even older than the United States. But after closer examination the Maine Forestry Service announced Herbie hadn't stood guard over 240 years of American history. This week, officials announced Herbie's actual age as 217, meaning the tree dates back to 1793, the year George Washington began his second term. To find out more about Herbie, go here.

Robo-groundhog

On Tuesday, Americans celebrated the slightly weird holiday of Groundhog Day. And while the holiday may be a little strange in and of itself, things got a little more interesting when animal rights activist group PETA suggested replacing Punxsutawney Phil with a—wait for it—robot groundhog. Each February 2, Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his burrow and officials in Punxsutawney, Pa., watch to see if he sees his shadow. If so, tradition holds that we'll have six more weeks of winter. PETA (short for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) say that it's unfair to keep the groundhog celebrity in captivity and subject him to all the pomp and circumstance (which includes bright lights and fireworks) each Groundhog Day. Officials in Punxsutawney say Phil is treated better than many children, living in a climate-controlled environment and inspected each year by the state Department of Agriculture. To read the whole story, go here. To learn more about the history of Groundhog Day, click here and here.

Anything goes in the commute. . . 

For people who have to commute to work, the drive isn't always fun. You have to deal with the traffic, the volume of cars on the road, and pay attention to what other drivers are doing. Throw in some bad weather (especially in Nashville!) and you've got yourself a mess—and many times, a delay in getting to your destination. One woman in New York thought she'd found a solution to her slow commute woes: a mannequin. Many routes heavily trafficked by commuters include an HOV lane (high-occupancy lane) that drivers are allowed to use if they are carpooling. The key is more than one person has to be in the vehicle. The 61-year-old NY driver knew that and used the mannequin as her “plus one” on the Long Island expressway. That was until that fateful overcast day when a police officer noticed her passenger was using the sun visor and wearing sunglasses and thought something wasn't quite right. The woman faces a $135 traffic fine for flouting the traffic laws. Read more here.

Music Minute - Freedom Highway Edition

Last time I posted, I talked about a new format for the Music Minute column. I've been thinking and studying and praying, and decided that instead of music reviews, we're going to focus on music in a different way.

Music has always been a huge part of my life. In the last 10 years or so I've been working hard on expanding my musical horizons. Finding a link between the musical past and present is endlessly fascinating, and I've gone through lots of musical "phases" that included everything from Hank Williams to Beethoven. I rarely find music I don't like. Music can trigger emotions, tell a story, encourage you to worship God, make you smile or laugh, take you back to being a little kid, or get stuck in your head and drive you crazy.

I've learned that lots and lots of different kinds of music have value—not just the stuff you like right now. And we're (hopefully) going to take a bit of a musical journey together that will include a lot of different kinds of music. We'll feature a playlist or two based on a particular topic. Sometimes it will be a taste of musical history. It might be stuff you've never heard of. Some of the music will be "Christian." Some of it will be mainstream music recorded and sung by Christians. (I'm also going to try to include some YouTube links to special performances, but I'll do this knowing that the comments section on YouTube isn't always clean—and you should know that while we sadly recognize that stuff is out there, we don't endorse it.)

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That said, our first all-new Music Minute is going to be about...the American Civil Rights movement music of the 1950s and 60s. It's Black History Month, and this music is so good y'all. I think it's a perfect start to our new setup. We're going to talk about black gospel music this time...specifically, the mix of gospel, soul and spirituals that became the anthems of the Civil Rights Movement.

Music is a product of its times. People write songs and sing about what they care about. Historically, the Southern black preachers in the 50s and 60s were community leaders-turned organizers of the Civil Rights Movement—peaceful demonstrations, marches, and protests aimed at bringing racial equality and voting rights and outlawing segregation in the American South. Church music became inextricably entwined in the march toward freedom, and many black gospel, R&B, and soul music stars were church folk who brought their musical and speaking styles to a wider audience.

For instance, Aretha Franklin grew up singing songs in the church her father pastored in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr Martin Luther King, Jr became pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama at age 25. Sam Cooke was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi (often called the birthplace of the blues), the youngest of seven children of a Baptist minister. All three became pivotal figures in history, two because of music, one because of his preaching style and message of courage, peace and perseverance. (Who says the church doesn't change history?)

Today I'd like to re-introduce you to some songs about freedom, about courage, about longsuffering. The most famous of these songs is "We Shall Overcome," a song which probably makes you think of people standing in the way of fire hoses and tear gas. Originally titled "I Shall Overcome," this song was based on a gospel song by Charles Albert Tindley called "I'll Overcome Someday" combined with parts of an old spiritual called "No More Auction Block For Me," whose melody you might recognize if you've ever heard the song "Blowin' In The Wind." You'll recognize others, like "This Little Light Of Mine" and "Kumbaya."

So here's some listening, all online, all free:

• Find two free albums' worth of Black American Freedom Songs at emusic. You can preview and download all the songs.

• Go to this link and listen to Martin Luther King, Jr's "I Have A Dream" speech if you want a little context.

• Check out The Staple Singers. The R&B music you're familiar with today has its roots in black gospel music, and The Staple Singers' combination of gospel and soul is as good an introduction as any. In the late 1960s the band stopped recording only gospel songs and started recording protest songs as well. Listen to "I'll Take You There," another big hit from the Civil Rights era. And check out "Respect Yourself." (And for some good old-fashioned church music, listen to their version of "Glory Glory Hallelujah." It will make you want to stand up and praise God.) Their album Freedom Highway is currently on repeat in my iPod.

• Just because it's beautiful and sweet and full of emotion, listen to Mahalia Jackson singing "We Shall Overcome." (Also check out some crazy glasses a minute or two in.)

• And here's Odetta singing "No More Auction Block For Me." If you have time, check out her duet of "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" with Tennessee Ernie Ford.

Now you've had a bit of introduction, and I hope you'll spend a little time digging around on your own. You can put in one of these songs at a site like Last FM or Pandora and you'll find a bunch of related music.

I hope you've had fun during our first musical journey. I'll be back in two weeks with another playlist!

Change your mind

“I changed my mind.” Some days, that could be my slogan. I change my mind often—about my clothes, about music, about stories to include in an issue of ec, about people.

Not long ago, I was listening to the radio and heard a lyric from a John Mayer song: “It’s been a long time since 22.” And believe it or not, it has been awhile since age 22 for me, and those simple words called me into an unexpected time of remembering and evaluating.

I was 22 when I moved to Nashville, Tenn., the city in which this magazine is published. I was getting my master’s degree and working as an intern/temporary worker in the communications department of a large corporation. The things that were of utmost importance to me were my family, myself and my needs, and my friends. God was in there somewhere, and I desperately wanted to seek His will and do what He wanted, but with the 20/20 vision of hindsight, I can identify a lot of selfishness in my 22-year-old self.

In those moments of contemplation about me at 22, I realized that my mind has changed since then—in a good way. I’m not exactly the same person I was then. I’ve grown up, and so has my faith. Through the eyes of that faith, I can see the path that God has led me along. I can see the things He’s called me to give up so that I could have His better plan. I can identify my selfishness sooner now and know that it’s not a characteristic that should define me because I have been given the mind of Christ.

You have it, too. If you are a Christian, you have the mind of Christ, meaning you have the ability to see the world through the eyes of faith, to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and to recognize and trust God’s wisdom instead of the world’s. Because the fact is, as a Christ follower, you’re going to face opposition in this world. The Devil is real, and he’s ready for battle. You’re going to face battles of the mind, of complacency, and even against lies, like the idea that your faith is just part of your life. 

This month, it’s time to recognize these things and grow up in your faith. You don’t grow in your relationship with Jesus and become more spiritually mature without effort. You have the mind of Christ, but you have to let Him use it. You have to let Him use you and change you, sometimes on a moment-by-moment basis. Learn the basics of growing in relationship with Him in Donovan Fredricksen’s cover story on page 26. Learn about the armor of God, the mind of Christ, and the power He’s already given you in this month’s devotions. Understand the things He values, like purity (p. 16) and stewardship (p. 62).

This month, get to know Jesus. In the month of love, let His love overwhelm you. Invest in your relationship with Him. Above all, let Him change your mind. As often as necessary.

February Daily Bible Readings

Hey there, ec readers!
Here's February's part of the plan for reading through the Bible this year.

Monday, February 1: Exodus 18–20; Matthew 16:13-28
Tuesday, February 2: Exodus 21–23; Matthew 17:1-13
Wednesday, February 3: Exodus 24–25; Matthew 17:14-27
Thursday, February 4: Exodus 26–27; Matthew 18:1-14
Friday, February 5: Exodus 28–29; Matthew 18:15-35
Saturday, February 6: Exodus 30–32; Matthew 19:1-15

Sunday, February 7: Exodus 33–34; Matthew 19:16-30
Monday, February 8: Exodus 35–36; Matthew 20:1-19
Tuesday, February 9: Exodus 37–38; Matthew 20:20-34
Wednesday, February 10: Exodus 39–40; Matthew 21:1-22
Thursday, February 11: Leviticus 1–3; Matthew 21:23-46
Friday, February 12: Leviticus 4–6; Matthew 22:1-33
Saturday, February 13: Leviticus 7–8; Matthew 22:34-46

Sunday, February 14: Leviticus 9–11; Matthew 23
Monday, February 15: Leviticus 12–13; Matthew 24:1-28
Tuesday, February 16: Leviticus 14–15; Matthew 24:29-51
Wednesday, February 17: Leviticus 16–18; Matthew 25:1-30
Thursday, February 18: Leviticus 19–20; Matthew 25:31-46
Friday, February 19: Leviticus 21–23; Matthew 26:1-30
Saturday, February 20: Leviticus 24–25; Matthew 26:31-56

Sunday, February 21: Leviticus 26–27; Matthew 26:57-75
Monday, February 22: Numbers 1–2; Matthew 27:1-44
Tuesday, February 23: Numbers 3–4; Matthew 27:45-66
Wednesday, February 24: Numbers 5–6; Matthew 28
Thursday, February 25: Numbers 7–8; Mark 1:1-20
Friday, February 26: Numbers 9–10; Mark 1:21-45
Saturday, February 27: Numbers 11–12; Mark 2:1-14

Sunday, February 28: Numbers 13–14; Mark 2:15-28