This is my first year to really watch “American Idol” (as in setting the DVR and even watching with fast-forward after church). I’ve been inspired by three nieces. As a 51-year-old uncle, I have to fight to be relevant.
My money’s on David Cook. The guy can rock. Who do you think? (Please don’t leave me hanging here. I just admitted that I’ve been watching “American Idol”!)
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I’d like to write a book entitled “More Information Isn’t the Answer.” Can you see how that applies to marriage? church? nearly any relationship?
We often say that we need to study something further. Maybe we do. But very often, more information isn’t the answer.
My wife mentions a problem at work to me. I provide, thanks to my insight and expertise (ha!) a solution. More information isn’t the answer.
The church has studied a topic for a year or two. They’ve looked at every conceivable angle. It’s time to make a decision and move forward. But inevitably someone says, “We need to study this more.” More information isn’t the answer.
What do you think? Good book?
I am 49, and like American Idol. I like to see the contestants exposed to different genres of music. I do think it will run its course just like I am sure the reality shows hopefully will. I also think that this year the voters have pretty much been spot on, and I agree with you about David Cook. They guy can rock. Go Memphis Tigers.
I was a closet American Idol fan until a couple years ago when I couldn’t hide it any longer. This year I like David Cook and Michael Johns.
The book idea sounds great, but isn’t another book just more information?
It’s going to be down to David Cook and the little Archuleta guy. It’s going to be one of the guys for sure. We have been hooked on this show for several years now. It’s decent entertainment and it keeps me from loading the dishwasher and washing clothes. Hey, I have to take what I can get.
Cook is good. I favor Johns, personally. To the book…if more info isn’t needed…shouldn’t it just be a pamphlet then?
(OK, I just saw that yankeefan was on the same wavelength…and yes, I too am a Yankee fan, so that’s a little scary.)
OK, last night at church when you joined in our American Idol conversation I cracked up! Like you, we haven’t ever watched it until this year. The kids really started talking about wanting to watch it, so we set the DVR, buzz through the commercials and questionable promos, and just get the biggest kick!
I was offended when you suggested the only reason I liked Michael Johns was for his looks! Do you really think I’m that shallow?!?!
The Boone fam likes David Cook, too. In fact, my favorite American Idol moment from this season is actually about him. (I need to preface the story by saying that for many reasons I am a little creeped out at Christian book stores…) My six year old daughter and I were in a Christian book store getting one of the bargains in the current flier. The checkout guy was taking FOREVER to ring us up. My daughter was being very patient, but was clearly in her own little world. The blundering cashier was profusely apologizing and trying desperately to redo our bill sometime in the 21st century when said daughter blurts out, “Mom… what’s the guy’s name on American Idol that plays the electric guitar that I like?” The poor guy behind the cash register let out a small, but audible gasp and somehow completed the sale rather quickly as I replied, “David Cook.” I walked out laughing!
I think Carly has an amazing voice. David Archuletta is extremely gifted, but I’m not sure he’s got the whole performance package down yet. Maybe it’s because he is SEVENTEEN!!!! Good grief. I got so tickled when they had to sing a song from the year of their birth and his was 1990. Wow. I’m also a fan of Brooke. She seems so wholesome.
I do have to admit that all the auditions in all the cities around the country that kick off American Idol are priceless. There were a few that I was truly in pain from laughing. I wasn’t laughing at them… I was just laughing near them.
Glad you are so relevant…. dude.
I do not ever see myself watching American Idol. I’m not relevant.
TMI has always been a problem. I think to write about too much information would just be perpetuating the problem
I thought I was the only American who hasn’t seen that show! I think I would really like it, but we don’t have a convenient tv for me to watch. I have heard lots about the other David with the unusual last name as a favorite. This coming from adoring jr. high girls. So I guess he must be good-looking.
As for the book idea it sounds great to me. One of my philosophies is “less is more” - it applies to so many areas.
I’ve watched American Idol in the past and really enjoyed it. Which is weird because I’m fundamentally opposed to “reality” TV - but I guess AI doesn’t really count, does it? ^_^
However, if it’s not House or Law & Order of some flavor, or possibly Monk or Psych, I probably don’t watch it. Mostly because I’m a creature of habit. Also because they’re on the same channels, usually, and I don’t have to remember where I put the remote. ^_^
Also, yes: it’s time to stop hiding behind studying and take a stand on some things, one way or another. After awhile, it stops looking like responsible studying and starts looking more like “If we say we’re ’studying’ it, we won’t make anybody mad AND we don’t have actually to DO anything about it!”
I’m another one of those “not relevant” ones. Haven’t ever seen American Idol and have no plans to do so.
My thought on the book was along the lines of several others: wouldn’t it defeat it’s stated purpose? But, being a lover of books, I’d read it.
Archeleta wins, but David Cook will be more famous a year from now. Micheal Johns will be forgettable at least one more time and disappoint his teeny bopper fans - they will be outraged, but to no avail. Carly will get enough people’s attention to succeed. Kristy Lee Cook is not the next Carrie Underwood. Brooke White is good but not great. She will not win, but because she is sho loveable she will go places.
Write the book. Reading your post reminded me of Princess Amidala’s wisdom when she sensed her protest about the blockade and assault on the Naboo people would get no attention from the Senate because it would be held up in committe. (Star Wars talk)
There was once a time when options were so few, and in many situations the case reamins, that option and idea proliferation is healthy. But getting every single angle on everything smacks of the old and tired modernist philosophy of having to get everything right before we can implement. What a treadmill. Lots of work and no progress.
We can know so much more by doing than we can by thinking about doing. Our practice can inform our theory and not just the other way around. Too often, thinking and debating becomes a way of justifiable inaction and anti-ministry. When we allow ourselves to be paralyzed in the name of getting everything right and set and neat and tidy we indugle in our privilege like a fat man going back to buffet when he should be taking a jog.
Yes, write the book. Please.
There’s a really good book called Blink that deals with the information we process in the blink of an eye. What you say about more information being overrated is true. But it also talks about the dark side of quick analyses, too.
I agree. It’s David Cook…and I’ve called the winners for 6 out of 7 years now, so I must be right.
Archuleta is talented and endearing, but not enough to give him the edge over Cook. The stresses of it all have already proven to get him down, and I have a feeling it will probably happen again as competition gets even more fierce.
I’ve got a flyer I’m using to advertise a course I’m offering for churches and civic groups:
LEARN MORE ABOUT INFORMATION OVERLOAD!!
Edgar - What a great motto!
Several have picked up the irony (with the wink of an eye) of my suggestion that I might write a book on how more info isn’t the answer. You’re right: maybe just a pamphlet. Or how about just two paragraphs in a blog?
Confessions of formerly anonymous American Idol watchers! Actually, this is the first year for me too. I tivo it and watch the performances in less than 20 minutes that way. For me it’s going to be one of the Davids. I think the young one may pull it off but the older one is probably the best performer of the bunch. I find it fascinating the way everyone hates Simon (and he could definitely use some pr skills) but then go nuts if he gives them a good review.
I like the book idea. I think that “more information” can sometimes be the knife that slashes our ability to move and make decisions with more fluidity and greater impact. In some ways it states our lack of faith and a fear of the idea of risk taking, when in essence we have enough information to move on already, which really makes it less risky than we imagine.
Yesterday on the radio I heard someone (Chuck Swindoll?) talking about the same topic of information and “studying”. He made the observation that we do not do this in any other part of our lives. How many families study the Owner’s Manual for a few weeks before driving the new automobile? How many form a small study group to read and talk about baseball before going to a game? Why do Bible related topics end up in endless study and discussion, and never get to actual application to our lives?
Of course, the book should have a CD in the back with all the PowerPoint slide presentations.
I’ve managed to avoid “American Idol” to this point…
My money is on the Wonder Kid . . . David.
Yep. More information is not needed . . . a bigger imagination is what we’re lacking.
I think it will be a lot like the season two years ago Taylor Hicks wins but never amounted to anything. Chris Daughtry came in 3rd but is by far one of the most popular contestants ever. David Archeleta is a very good singer, but he sings wimpy songs. I think David Cook is by far the best. But Archeleta wins and disappears and Cook becomes a star.
As for Jason Castro … did you know he plays in the worship band at the Rock Point Baptist church in Rockwall Texas?
This is the first year Jan and I have watched AI, and we are hooked!
For the most part I agree with Fajita’s take on everything. Archuleta has an AMAZING voice, but Cook is the whole package. Archuleta’s rendention of “Imagine” by John Lennon was off the charts! I think Carly has an amazing voice also, but again Cook gets her because of his range of abilities to both sing AND perform.
I think Michael Johns may be the nicest guy in the competition. He too, has an amazing voice. I have voted for him a couple of times.
As for the book, I look forward to reading it! You come from a religious heritage that loves the cerebral aspect of everything and anything. Hence your example of “we need to study this more”. We don’t spend a whole lot of time looking at the experiential side of…….well, anything. It’s all about the intellectual, at least in our past.
DU
Good book idea. If you have not read “The Answer to How? is Yes” by Peter Block, It could be helpful in thinking about “more information”.
On my 40th birthday my kids gave me a book “Sex after 40”. All the pages were blank. Maybe you could incorporate that idea into your book. Not the sex but the blank pages.
Does anyone else get the sense that as more and more reality shows hit the airwaves, the more we tend to lose sight of reality? Oh, and my wife and I have been stuck to the tv the last 2 years of American Idol, and thus sometimes dominates our discussions in the morning before work. Perhaps that’s just our issue:)
Archuleta will suffer from the Dolittle effect. He was so good to start with, I don’t think there will be that much improvement. The most improved so far has been Kristy Lee Cook, but she has so far to come. That being said if I was in the bottom two with her I would be worried. She has been in the bottom two 4 times now and not gone home.
Write the book, I woudl like to see what you have to say. Plus I have room on my bookcase in the C section. Maybe you could co-write it with Fajita.
Mike. Unfortunately logic, rationality, and more information are often not the most important factors in decision-making. Relationship, connections, and emotional process almost always carry the day. For “more information” you would really enjoy reading Edwin Friedman’s “Generation to Generation.” Ed was a Rabbi/Family Therapist and wrote about emotional process and systems in families and churches/synogogues.
The best part of AI thus far has been the video clip they showed Wed. night of the orphaned street children in Addis (sp?) Ethiopia. The little sister looking everywhere for the lost big sister broke my heart, & I can’t get them out of my mind. I was proud of Brooke when she explained all the reasons why she was so emotional, & she said seeing that put so much of AI into perspective for her.
NOT ON TOPIC…
On April 4, 2008, let us take a moment to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a prophet in our own times…
I think when the church does that, while I feel for the elders wanting to bring everyone through with a new way of thinking, it is still a cop out for those that just don’t want to change and don’t care to study about it.
You can lead a horse to living water, but you can’t make them drink.
I’ve never seen American Idol. I don’t have the patience. The book sounds great, but it would be more info. Maybe it could be a book with all blank pages, or all pictures, or all random, unrelated words, or an outline in the form of a poem. Actually it could be a book of stories of people actually doing something in love rather than just talking and studying about it.
Mike, you have to see the new book “Six Word Memoirs.” Amazing what one can say in six words.
We don’t spend a whole lot of time looking at the experiential side of…….well, anything. It’s all about the intellectual, at least in our past.
Kind of a broad brush wouldn’t you say? I guess I was fooled by all of those kind, generous, Godly folks I’ve know over the years(prior to the coming of the more enlightened such as David U.)
Careful how you indict so easily our forefathers. Some of those were our parents and grandparents and they didn’t all read piney.com.
I like Clint’s book, having turned 42 today. Spent this one in two continents, left London this morning and in the car on way home from the airport in Illinois.
gt, David U’s parents are kind, generous godly folks, & he’d be the first to praise alot of our forefathers who helped to raise him up to be a wonderful Christian man. He’s not anymore “enlightened” than you; just seeking the ways of The Father & HIS Son.
Being careful to indict so easily works both ways.
If you wrote a book it would “more information” designed to answer something. Don’t write it.
“But beyond this,my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion took books is wearying to the body. The conclusion when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” Ecclesiastes 12:12,13
“Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.” Ecclesiastes 9:9-10
Sheol–place of the dead
David D.
Annie,
Then why the jab? I notice that a good bit here. Gotta get that little 2 cents in. I don’t think Mike floated his idea as an opportunity to take a shot at the Church of Christ and it’s heritage. At least I don’t think he did.
While I LOVE David Archuleta (and his sweet spirit) and have been cheering for him from the beginning, I have to agree-I think David Cook will win-he has been my 2nd favorite. I also love Carly and Brooke, too-they are great! Those are definitely my top 4.
This is also my first season to watch the entire season-which I chalk much of that up to the DVR!! Normally I would just watch the beginning when they audition because it is so entertaining!! But this year, I have been hooked and love watching every week! I am really looking forward to “Idol Gives Back” next week-I was so moved last year when Josh Groban sang with the Africa children’s choir-it was amazing!! I am looking forward to the next few weeks!
I watched some YouTube’s, and found David Cook to be amazing! Whether he wins or not he will be around for a long time, I am guessing.
Book Title: “The Problem with Puffed Up”
AI Winner: David Archuleta
Cope, good post. You’re relevant bro. To any conversation about the 60’s, the Cardinals, Guacamole, Harding, Women in the church, N.T. Wright, etc. Don’t think for a second you aren’t relevant. Now if were talking 7 for all Mankind jeans, Kerastase hair product, or “4 Minutes” lyrics, then no, you’re not relevant.
But then again, if we are talking about people who have blessed and influenced my life, then yes, you are relevant.
You’re right. I got my 2 cents in after yours. I know Mike Cope well, & I know David U. even better. Both are kind, generous, godly men seeking God in everything they do. Since I love them, I’m kinda a mother hen pecking at someone hurting my chicks.
my vote is David Cook…i really like Carly as well. there are a lot of talented contestants this season.
i like the name of the book…we discuss in the MFI the concept of process versus content. content -information -can be important but the process- the way it’s discussed, the meaning that is made- can be life changing!
BTW, my last comment should’ve been addressed to “gt”. Excuse, please.
Hey, Mike….my whole family is into American Idol and has been since the 2nd season. Here are our picks: Big Darrin likes David Cook, Abby LOVES David Archuletta, Brady likes David Cook, Little Darrin hasn’t watched since 1st season, and I like (IN ORDER) David Cook, David Archuletta, Micheal and Brooke. We have yet to actually vote though, have you?
Ya’ll need to watch real shows like Top Chef and Project Runway.
gt, I was just giving my perspective……and didn’t mean to paint with a broad brush. Forgive me if I offended you. I’m also sorry if I came across as appearing “enlightened”. You gave the people who know me a good laugh by calling me that…..I can promise you that! I may be a lot of things, but enlightened is not one of them.
Annie, ain’t family great!!
Thanks for having my back!! Love you much!
God bless,
DU
I am so into American Idol..This is the most talented group yet. I am a big fan of David Archuleta, David Cook, and Brooke White. Anything that gets this many million responses every week gets my attention…plus “Idol Gives Back” is amazing!
Yeah Mike, welcome to the world of AI. Our whole family watches this together and thanks to the DVR we can zoom through commercials or “fluff” as the kids say.
We are thinking it is going to be a Michael Johns/David Cook final.
I downloaded his Billie Jean song - love it! My daughter is a little, lets say, obsessed with David Cook.
If we have to spend time on broadcast drivel like American Idol to be or feel or ‘get’ relevant, then something is seriously wrong…
And overkill on ’study’, especially on issues where there can be dissent, just sets the scene for more procrastinating. It’s the doldrums of decision-making.
Chances are, people who read a book like this will still not be sated enough…the author will just be enabling them into more co-dependency.
At some point, we have to remember we aren’t God and can’t possibly have all the answers.
Here is a great [short] article written by a missionary to the third world poor titled American Idle… pass it on.
http://www.shepherdserve.org/e_teachings/2006_04.htm
Jim
Save the book. I already know more than I do!
This is a wise insight that I first learned in reading Edwin Friedman’s works. We are in an age of information, but sometimes the solution in leadership is not more info, but strong differentiation. Good thoughts.
http://www.matthewsblog.waynesborochurchofchrist.org
Mike…
I’ve been terrible in sending some comments…sorry! I had to comment, you know, on Amercan Idol. Love me some David Cooke. He DOES in fact ROCK. I like Little David Archeletta too though. What an amaing instrument for such a young age!
And…it’s so weird that you wrote about “more information”. I have been struck this week with the same thoughts and lost in the irony of some of it. Sermons about unity and how “we’re a different kind of church” are getting tired to me. How about just being a different kind of church. As is so eloquently stated by Country singer Toby Keith… “A little less talk and a lot more action!”
Mike-I think you are probably right about David Cook and your nieces should be pleased that you know something about American Idol! Check out the Doobie Brothers-Jesus Is Just Alright, Little River Band, or how about the Bee Gees!
Mike, great subject. I’m hesitant to throw marriage relationships and church into the same breathe when concerning more information. My hunch is that you were speaking more about church decisions. As for the relationship side, there is research to support that pre-marital prep classes, marriage enrichment, classes on the transition to parenthood, and conflict resolution classes can help relationships. As a teacher of such classes, the extent to which more information leads to actual changed behavior is somewhat questionable, but it does happen…and probably more than not having a class. To me the issue of “more information” is developmental…based on your previous experiences and current stage in life/relationship. As for the church, it sure does seem a lot easier/comfortable to discuss thou should or should not than to actually start walking.
A belated comment about “more info isn’t the answer”:
Two weeks ago a friend was lamenting his tendency to overanalyze (his sins in this conversation) and he noted that if he were on the Titanic, he would not get into a lifeboat until he figured out exactly why it hit the iceberg first. I suppose someone else said this first, but I don’t know the origin of this quote.
Sometimes we just have to flee. Anyway, your comment reminded me of his. Blessings…