"The Maker," by Daniel Lanois

The pantheistic/animistic statement, "everything is sacred" bugs a lot of people, namely monotheists, but in a sense, I kind of get it...in the sense that John Calvin stated, "all truth is God's truth."

People may not know, but I am a huge music buff. I don't tout it much so as to not come off as pseduo-hipster. While historically some songs were definitely considered more spiritual and others more fun, in my opinion the delineation between secular and sacred tunes is a more modern fundamentalist invention. Thus you won't find me boycotting either. I can chill out to Jonathan Foreman or Sigur Ros.

However, in the same sense that I get a shudder of excitement from observing a display of cultivated morality in an obscure and primitive culture, like the Mek Tribe, a morality that wholly mirrors a tenet of Christianity, the feeling is same when I see the same thing occur in the lyrical content of a "secular" artist who bridges the polarized chasm between Christian and non-Christian music.

One such artist is Daniel Lanois; legendary producer, songwriter, musician. While many of Lanois' compositions reverberate with biblical imagery and phraseology, none is more apparently spiritual than his masterpiece, "The Maker." Take some time to watch this video from 1989 that not only transcends ages with its timeless sound, but inspires and soothes--and this from outside of "sacred."

The Rolling Stones and the EPA

I thought this was too much of a priceless gem to not share with the few followers of this blog. Apparently the lyrics were written in conjunction with the Kellog's advertisement staff.

I don't want to hear anyone say the Stones sold out so early in their career--this is the best Rice Krispies commercial you've ever seen and heard, isn't it?

California Sues the EPA

On a different note, the state of California is suing Uncle Sam's natural watchdog, the Environmental Protection Agency with the backing of Arnold Schwarzenegger. California wants to up the standards for emmissions from automobiles from the national standard set by the EPA.

Read the details HERE.

California has the right to set their own standards, but only with a waiver from the EPA, which, in untypical fashion was denied. The EPA feels their up and coming fuel econemy mandate will be more effective than the current Californian attempts.

I don't know the science behind it, but it sounds like there may be some state/fed tension at the root. What do you think? Who is right? (read the article!)