Scott Freeman

1. Jim Caputo–Check this singer-songwriter out. “Not Even Rand-McNally” may finish as my favorite song of 2005.
2. Supernatural–Hands down, the creepiest show on TV.
3. The Colbert Report–It has already surpassed The Daily Show in excellence. Colbert is the master of parody.
4. Good Night, and Good Luck–Great storytelling. Oscar noms for Clooney and Strathairn are imperative.
5. The Thunder of Angels–Donnie William’s retelling of the Montgomery Bus Boycott is moving and inspirational. There was so much more than Dr. King and Rosa Parks. Count Fred Gray (a Church of Christ’er, by the way) and E.D. Nixon as two of my heroes.
6. My wife’s other blog–If only I could be the man she deserves.
7. Mark Elrod’s Blog–A political science instructor at Harding University, his entries are insightful and are aiding me in my own political wanderings.
8. Both of my fantasy football teams are playoff bound.
9. Condi Vs. Hillary–This book is as partisan as all get-out. But who isn’t looking forward to the ’08 race. No matter what people might tell you, it’s wide open. Come on, John McCain.
10. INXS’ Switch–Michael Hutchence would love this album.

What’s on your radar screen?

1. Keith and Dan together again. I know it is just an hour a week on Friday afternoons but for those of us who think they were the greatest broadcasting team ever we will take what we can get.
2. Lori McKenna. Beautiful lyrics and heart-rending vocals. I know that recommending something that I found on Oprah may be a sign of the Apocalypse. However, I’ll have some great music to listen to during Armageddon.
3. Prison Break on FOX. My favorite new show of the season. I hate I have to wait two weeks for the next episode.
4. Traveling Mercies : Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott. Sometimes irreverent, sometimes mournful, but always thought-provoking this is a great offering by a flawed soul seeking God’s mercy. If you liked Blue Like Jazz, check this out.
5. Crash. So far, the best movie of 2005. It forced me to confront my own stereotypes and prejudices. Definitely worth the watch. Warning, however, it’s rough.
6. Indian Summer by Carbon Leaf. I have not enjoyed a band this much since my Great Big Sea period a year or so ago. One listen and you will see why they are the darlings of Newfoundland. Hey sis, some compare them to Matchbox 20. Give them a listen.
7. Harriet Miers’ blog. This cracks me up. Here is where you can learn about her takes on the important issues of the day.
8. Mega M&M’s. The missus and I share this as a guilty pleasure.
9. The fact that it is not 180 degrees in Texas.
10. Get Up, Stand Up! The Story of Pop and Protest. This illuminating PBS documentary on how pop music has been used through the years as a weapon of dissent is worth searching your local listings for. I’m putting together my own playlist of my all-time favorite protest songs. Any suggestions?

1. Bon Jovi’s new album, Have a Nice Day. 20+ years in they are still a guilty pleasure of mine. Jon, you’ll never be Bruce in the lyric department but keep trying, OK?
2. Felicity Huffman’s Emmy win. Any time an actor from Sports Night, one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, gets some recognition it is a good thing.
3. The Principle of Reciprocity. One day, eventually, USC will lose in college football. And one day, they will lose big. It will serve them right after what they did to my Hogs on Saturday.
4. Both of my fantasy football teams are 2-0.
5. Rockstar: INXS the tour. And the possibility of a second season. Calling Van Halen. Calling Queen.
6. Orbitz Games. I’m addicted to Island Hop.
7. Old Friends Collaborating.
8. Performing the Faith: Bonhoeffer and the Practice of Nonviolence by Stanley Hauerwas. Helping me sort through my theological wrestling.
9. Sojourners. Showing me new ways to perform the faith.
10. Fall TV.

You got any?

OK, so there is one week of Rockstar: INXS left. A sadness is setting in.

The reason? This is the greatest Reality Show ever.
Finally, a music competition that rawks.
But, after next Tuesday there will be a void.
One request: Bring it back.
Make this a staple.
Need a band for season 2?
Here are my suggestions”

• Queen–Could you imagine trying to replace Freddy Mercury? Would make a great competition.
• Van Halen–They can’t make up their mind on a lead singer now. Toss 15 different voices in the mix and Eddie and Alex will come to blows by week 3.
• Motley Crue–You don’t even have to tell Vince Neil. Just do it.
• Guns & Roses–The litigation alone would make it worth watching.

Any other suggestions?

Wow, almost 13,000 hits. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

OK, I plan on running 5 miles this afternoon to justify my evening plans.
New TV season is starting.

Gilmore Girls at 7. What will Luke say? What happens between Lorelai and Rory. The funnest (and wittiest) show on TV returns for season 6.

House at 8. Man, I love that guy.

Rock Star: INXS at 9. Here is hoping for a Marty/MIG finale.

You just can’t beat that line-up. Nothing getting done at our house tonight.

Run, don’t walk, to your nearest record store or on-line music service and pick up a copy of Carrie Newcomer’s new disc, Regulars and Refugees.
Fantastic.
I don’t believe there is anybody in music today that is writing more heart-felt, compassionate lyrics that she does. Do yourself a favor and give her a listen today.
I have her November Texas dates circled on my calendar.

So, my Internet connection was down all day-putting me in an unnecessarily bad mood. I began to devise a post of things that annoy me.
I decided, however, to do the more mature thing and blog about some things that bring me joy at this moment in my life. All of the things listed are non-family (this way I don’t have to do one for each of my 4 girls).

1. The slow walk back to the car after a great run.
2. My friend Jason Bybee’s new blog, The Top Ten of Everything. He’s a pretty opinionated guy but he has the intelligence to back it up. There is just one post so far but I look forward to his regular updates on his top 10 lists. More importantly it’s a great way for us to stay in touch.
3. Bob Marley. (Thanks Ty, for that masterful performance of No Woman, No Cry. It made me go listen anew.)
4. Amy’s Spinach Pizza. Delicious pizza without the guilt.
5. The Gilmore Girls. Who knew it would become my favorite TV show, after 24?
6. Three weeks to college football.
7. The writings of John Howard Yoder.
8. Running on the Sun. A great documentary about die-hards running 135 through Death Valley. I didn’t complain during my 7 miles on Sunday after watching this.