Grand Rapids Does it Up Right

My former hometown was dissed, and refused to take it. Here's the story, and their video response.

The Grand Rapids LipDub Video was filmed May 22nd, with 5,000 people, and involved a major shutdown of downtown Grand Rapids, which was filled with marching bands, parades, weddings, motorcades, bridges on fire, and helicopter take offs. It is the largest and longest LipDub video, to date.

This video was created as an official response to the Newsweek article calling Grand Rapids a “dying city.” We disagreed strongly, and wanted to create a video that encompasses the passion and energy we all feel is growing exponentially, in this great city. We felt Don McLean’s “American Pie,” a song about death, was in the end, triumphant and filled to the brim with life and hope.” – Rob Bliss, Director & Executive Producer

Penguin Podcast: The Future

   The Future by Penguin Books

The Psalmist's Fears and Depression

I remember the days of old.

I ponder all your great works.

I think about what you have done.

I reach out for you.

I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

Come quickly, LORD, and answer me,

for my depression deepens.

Don't turn away from me, or I will die.

Let me hear of your unfailing love to me

in the morning, for I am trusting you.

Show me where to walk,

for I have come to you in prayer.

P S A L M  1 4 3  :  5 - 8  ( N L T )

The Psalm writers expressed themselves honestly to God, every feeling—from elation to despair. While fighting fear and depression, this writer turned to God in desperation. Remembering the Lord's mighty works of the past, he prayed for a miracle in the present.

Believers experience the whole range of emotions, the ups and the downs. The emotions are neither wrong or sinful, they just are. But the response is critical. We can allow our emotions to pull us away from God, or push us towards him. In this case, the writer's depression moved him in God's direction. First he acknowledged his need and his total dependence on God; then he asked for God's guidance.

Don't allow fear and depression to drive you from the Lord. Instead, tell him how you feel and ask for his help.

(via Beside Still Waters, by David R. Veerman, 1996, ISBN 0-8423-0119-4)

the Tram Sessions

Been enjoying the tram sessions a great deal. Jams played on the - well, tram. This one's particularly cool.

How great is the God who created creativity?

Do what you love the most! brought to you by Funny Videos

See the joy of giving

A true hero! brought to you by Funny Jokes

Trance Guitar

Did he just play a trance song on a guitar? brought to you by Funny

Your faith cannot lead to disobedience.

The Bible recognizes no faith that does not lead to obedience, nor does it recognize any obedience that does not spring from faith. The two are at opposite sides of the same coin.

A.W. TOZER

If you like this video, buy me a Starbucks eGift Card

Okay, if you love this video as much as me, and anything you see saves you time and you appreciate that you saw it on BarryBlog, please feel free to buy me a $5 Starbucks gift card to show your thanks. Surely something here will save you time. And as we all know, time is worth more than money. I have very little money at this time, but have a large need for caffeine, so what are you waiting for? Buy me a Starbucks card, will ya'?

I'm at studiosmith@yahoo.com

Jonny Lang. Lie To Me. Darker Side.

Look at the man with the smile on his face
Looks like he's always feelin' good
Sometimes you might want to take his place
And sometimes I think that you would

When the sun is goin' down And there is no place to hide
Even in the brightest light
You might lean toward the darker side

Look at the people, they learn how to lie so easy
They learn how to lie to get what they need
And after they got what they needed
It turns into a simple case of greed

When they no longer feel ashamed
And they've lost all sense of pride

Misery, love's company And it's lonely on the darker side

And when the party is over
And the music has died
You'll be dancin' to the music, baby
Somewhere on the darker side
Somewhere on the darker side

His Eye Is On The Sparrow - Bound For Glory

Over the last several months I've had the privilege of working with my brother in Christ, Timothy R. Botts, along with the talented Patricia Raybon and my in-house colleague and client Becky Brandvick, on a printed case side hardcover book called Bound For Glory. This book focuses on the rich history and tradition of African American spirituals. It is told through original artwork on the subject by Botts, and writings that make equally powerful connections to today by both Botts and Raybon.

I'm about to wrap this book up, having designed it from front to back cover. I've found working on it to be surprisingly comforting, and an encouragement to me during a very difficult time in my life. The spiritual that has had the biggest impact on me to date is His Eye is on the Sparrow. The words are profound, and I cling desperately to their Truths. I thought I would share the lyrics, and three very different renditions, in the hopes this will also encourage you. Also, I shared what my cover design will look like. More on Bound For Glory here.

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
* Refrain:
I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
2. “Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
3. Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

My design hero Ettore Sottsass on Charlie Rose

Ettore Sottsass (Eh-Toe-Ray Saut-Sass) is one of the designers I admire the most, and learned the most from. Here is an excellent 17 minute interview. The last minute of which is my favorite. He wants his life to remembered for the quality of friend he was to others. This from a man who was the ultimate dreamer and big picture thinker, and doer.