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FIFA World Cup Review Show with Jeff Vuvuzela

davemiers — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 06:48:30 +0000

I said here that I’d do a FIFA World Cup 2010 wrap. Here it is. Will Ferrell plays the role of Jeff Vuvuzela, the inventor of the Vuvuzela. No violence. No language. No nudity. But part of it is slightly crude. If you’re under 15, check with your parents.

When we went to the Sydney FC vs Everton match the other night they were confiscating Vuvuzelas from people on their way in. I’ve also heard they are being banned at lots of English Premier League clubs. Good decision!

See you in four years time World Cup!!

Maradona is not God

davemiers — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:53:30 +0000

Argentina struggled to qualify for the World Cup, they’ve now been dominating each of their games. During qualification, the impression I got about Maradona (their coach and one of the greatest players, like ever!) was one of a has-been-crack-pot incapable of doing much with the team! But, so far so good. One of the fascinating things to observe is how much the people and players of Argentina treat him like god. Literally. Here’s a crazy throng of photographers snapping him singing the national anthem!

Check out a whole bunch of brilliant photos from boston.com.

If you don’t know the true and living God… check this out.

“Young Punks” – you heard it here first!

davemiers — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 07:52:38 +0000

I’ve recently started referring to high school aged young people as “young punks”. Some friends have even begun to embrace the terminology while blogging, tweeting or speaking. You might think it sounds stupid, but not as stupid as some terms we use.

Here is my ranking of terms for defining this age group:

Young Punks - this is my favourite. It’s a kinda playful and even an endearing description. But if you want to overly allegorise, you could say that the ‘punks’ bit recognises that they are sinners.
Teenagers - I like this. It describes their age.
Students - I like this. It describes their vocation.
Youth – This one is okay. But, it’s also ambiguous. Triple J is a ‘youth’ radio station, which includes many Nirvana-loving 40 year-olds.
Kids - This one is just terrible. Aside from ‘kids’ being junior goats, I think it is patronising and condescending.
Children - This is worse than kids.
Generation XYZ - what the heck is Gen Y or Gen Z or Gen Whatever?!? Too tryhard trendy. Very 2006.

You with me?

Free Music Friday 08 // Jonnday – So Amusing

davemiers — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:04:45 +0000

Jonnday are a hot young indie pop rock band from the Central Coast. I recently had a killer time hanging out with them in Tamworth. They opened the event with an energetic set and their EP, V for Victory, captures that same energy in a really tight recording. They remind me of No Doubt, fortunately without the 90s ska-pop beats and also without the annoying Gwen Stefani, just the good bits. Seriously, they’re legit. With an increasing number of young punks following them, and more gigs on the horizon, they’re definitely worth checking out. Jordan the drummer is probably one of the best on the planet.

Jonnday and dmdc are giving away one copy of their EP V for Victory. To be in the running, just leave a comment below. If you don’t win, defs worth the $8.45 in iTunes.

Jonnday SO AMUSING (right click to download free mp3)

MySpace | Facebook | YouTube | iTunes | Twitter (ps they’re all desperate for followers on Twitter @rinnylee @jessamypurcell @sammytelford @jordanjonnday)

Wicked the Musical

davemiers — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:27:32 +0000

Last night, we enjoyed watching Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz. Very clever story line. Great performances. Spectacular set. Check it out while it’s still in Sydney. Not in Sydney? Don’t have any money? Just read about it on Wikipedia!

Have you seen it? What did you think?

Nike Football – Write the Future

davemiers — Wed, 26 May 2010 13:59:37 +0000

The FIFA World Cup is coming oh so soon!! Bring it. Nike’s Football promo vids are one of the off-field highlights of the World Cup every four years. From the iPhone app I’ve seen and this vid below, they’re off to a good start! Click full-screen for HD goodness.

Joga Bonito.

Blind man gets licence right before their eyes

davemiers — Sat, 22 May 2010 10:31:19 +0000

My friend Charles was in today’s Sydney Morning Herald. The article is flippin hilarious!

Here’s a snippet:

CHARLES KNOX thought the enormous magnifying glass might be a giveaway. Or the fact he ticked a box on the application form saying he had a ”vision condition” that might affect his driving. Or that he used as identification a pensioner card stating he was blind.

But none of them alerted the Roads and Traffic Authority to the fact Mr Knox is unable to focus in either eye. Late last month the authority granted the blind man a driver’s licence.

”Despite being very dangerous,” said Mr Knox, who received a medical discharge from the army after being blinded in 2007, ”it’s still very funny.”

Read the full article

Free Music Friday 07 // Deb Fung – When the World Spun Around

davemiers — Fri, 21 May 2010 13:39:03 +0000

I often write reviews for Christian rap albums. This album is a little different to that. It’s Christian. But yo no rap! Deb Fung is an Australian-born Chinese singer/songwriter, with an acoustic/pop/ballad type of musical feel. Her latest album is called Selah. What the heck does ‘Selah’ mean? I’m not sure, but it occurs frequently throughout the book of Psalms in the bible, it’s possibly a musical term. That gives a clue to one of the things I love about this album: most of the songs are ripped straight from the Psalms. That’s cool. What a great way to get scriptures embedded into your head and heart!

My favourite songs are: Psalm 139 For You Created; Psalm 23; and Psalm 112 Righteous Man. Just like the Psalms, these songs enable the listener to stop and contemplate life and knowing God. This really is a beautiful album. So if you came looking for gangsta rap – this album might not be for you; but if you’re keen for stirring lyrics and comfort from the Bible by a talented artist – check it out!

Deb is kindly giving away When the World Spun Around (watch this live vid for some of the back story) as a free download. AND one copy of the whole album.

To win the whole album, just leave a comment below.

Deb Fung WHEN THE WORLD SPUN AROUND (right click to download free mp3)

Got an idea for Free (+ legal) Music Friday? Leave it in the comments. Are you a band? Think I might like your music? If you send me your album and let me give away at least one mp3 for free, no promises, it might be featured! Contact deets.

Fakebook, Singleness & Justin Bieber

davemiers — Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:36 +0000

Fervr is a killer website for young punks. So if you’re a young punk or a leader of young punks – get your butt over there! Here are 3 recent attention-grabbing articles:

Is your Facebook a fake book? Mick Hyam on how to be a real and genuine Christian online
27 years a virgin – and loving it!!! Dave Morgan on why he’s happy to be single
Devotion and Justin Bieber. Anton Marquez on what we can learn from Justin’s crazy fans

www.fervr.net

Breaking News: Teenager does something

davemiers — Mon, 17 May 2010 06:22:02 +0000

Jessica Watson is one crazy teenager: she… did something. She is now the youngest to sail solo and unassisted around the world. On Saturday she arrived back in Sydney Harbour receiving a hero’s welcome from the Prime Minister, the NSW Premier, Channel Ten and tens of thousands keen on celebrating the milestone. I think some are shocked that a teenager could accomplish so much so young. It really is an incredible feat.

I thought it would be cool to hear of some stories you won’t see on the news about teenagers who are doing useful things. I know teenagers who:

give their pocket money away to help fight hunger
stand up at school and say they follow Jesus
do something useful with their schoolies trip
say no to having sex outside of marriage
pray for the persecuted church
care more about what God thinks than their friends think
don’t cut corners in their casual job
paid for the music on their iPod
honour their parents
can remember more Bible verses than The Simpsons quotes
don’t worship money
say sorry when they’re wrong
spend 10 minutes a day thanking Jesus
do hard things

Got any more?

Free Music Friday 06 // The Window – Fist Fight

davemiers — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:39:10 +0000

A few of the young punks from MBM Youth are part of a killer new band THE WINDOW. They’ve recently released the first song from their upcoming EP, Fist Fight, for free. These young indie rockers liken themselves to The Temper Trap, muse and Deas Vail. My opinion? They’ve got the goods. Seriously. Fist Fight is a catchy tune that wouldn’t be out of place on Triple J. Get it for free from Triple J Unearthed and give them a rating to help them in the Unearthed High school band competition (currently 33 in the charts!).

FIST FIGHT – FREE DOWNLOAD FROM ‘THE WINDOW’

MySpace | Facebook | Twitter | Triple J Unearthed Profile

SHO BARAKA – Lions & Liars

davemiers — Sat, 08 May 2010 23:02:45 +0000

Reach Records keep releasing great Christian rap albums. Great lyrics. Great beats and rhymes. Here is the press release for Sho Baraka’s sweet new album:

The revolution is here! That’s right Sho Baraka’s Lions & Liars is available in stores now! Featuring Lecrae, JAMM, Trip Lee, Tedashii and many more. Get your copy from iTunes.

Deluxe versions are available here. There are five versions to choose from.

For more information on Sho Baraka visit www.reachrecords.com

For promos and snippets go here

Regina Spektor – Laughing With

davemiers — Wed, 05 May 2010 06:26:42 +0000

Check out this song from Regina Spektor. Interesting reflections on God and suffering.

Do you think she’s right?

There’s more to life than the HSC!

davemiers — Mon, 03 May 2010 06:13:37 +0000

Fervr.net and Youthworks have just launched www.year12survival.com – I’ve only had a brief look around, but it looks like there’s some really useful content.

If you’re in year 12 or work with year 12ers, go check it out! Let me know what you think.

Free Music Friday 05 // City Alight – Holy

davemiers — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:18:14 +0000

City Alight is the new album from St Paul’s Castle Hill. It has a fresh mix of great rock and pop songs for congregational singing or passionate solos while driving in heavy traffic. I recently spent time with some of the band; they seem to be creating a great culture of grass roots song writing in their church. What a great encouragement to their church and the church more broadly! My favourite tracks are the first and last Not Alone and Forever and Always. Check their website to hear samples of each track.

‘HOLY’ – FREE DOWNLOAD FROM ST PAUL’S CASTLE HILL

Do you want the whole album for free? Castle Hill will send out a copy of the full album to 1 reader. To enter, share in the comments why this would be a useful album for your church or youth ministry.

Band website | Facebook | iTunes | Koorong | Twitter

I’ve Made The Switch – World News Australia

davemiers — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:32:17 +0000

Reading/watching the news is a good thing. I’ve made the switch to SBS World News Australia for my browser homepage. I’ve gone from Sydney Morning Herald to ABC News and now to SBS. I lost confidence in SMH a few years ago and now ABC are increasingly running more sensational hit-seeking articles in the prominent headline positions.

I already feel smarterer from reading the site. Mainly, I feel like I understand more about what’s happening in the world. That’s gotta be a good thing… right? What paper/news site do you read? Does anyone still read a physical copy of the ‘paper’?

Free Music Friday 04 // Red Letter – Full Album

davemiers — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 05:41:24 +0000

It’s not Friday. It’s been 5 days since I last posted. But let’s pretend I wrote this on Friday (I’ll back-date the post). Mars Hill Church in Seattle have been generously providing their church music for free download for many years. One of their bands, Red Letter, have recently released a full studio-quality album Red Letter. Led by Pastor Joel Brown, the band is a mix of rock, indie and grunge. Sports people often play heavy music to get psyched up before the big game. This album isn’t that heavy, but as a preacher I’ve been encouraged by the Jesus-centred lyrics on the way to speak at a group/event.

Of the 9 tracks, my favourite are: 5 One Righteous Man; 6 Psalm 139; 2 Led to the Slaughter. Download it for free or nominate your price to support them financially.

Free Album Download | Band website | Facebook

Pilgrim’s Podcast #28: Dave Miers, Youth Ministry, Humble Orthodoxy & Snoring on Trains

davemiers — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 01:57:31 +0000

I hung out with Mark Earngey & Steve Gardner to record an episode of their podcast.

Check it out. It’s rowdy!

Free Music Friday 03 // Garage Hymnal – I Am

davemiers — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 04:55:38 +0000

Garage Hymnal are one of the foremost praise and worship bands in Australia. The 8-piece pop rock outfit play regularly in churches, youth groups and special events. They are currently leading the music over the 3 weekends of KYCK 2010. Give away #1 – They have made their track “I AM” available for FREE DOWNLOAD (link below).

Give away #2 - Two copies of their latest album ‘Garage Hymnal’ are up for grabs. To win one, just leave a comment below. It’s that easy. Entries chosen randomly Wed 21 April & Wed 28 April.

Garage Hymnal “I AM” (right click to download free mp3)

Band website | MySpace | Facebook | Twitter

I’m Here – short film by Spike Jonze

davemiers — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:57:31 +0000

I’m Here is a 2010 Spike Jonze short film. It’s a beautiful love story between two robots. Well shot. Good story. It’s loosely based on the 1964 children’s book The Giving Tree.

Watch the 30 minute film for free here. (Here’s the trailer)

(h/t Dave Irving – he’s blogging regularly again, worth checking out)