The Barna Group – How Different Generations View and Engage with Charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity

March 29, 2010

Charismatic and Pentecostal expressions of Christianity have been part of the American spiritual landscape for more than a century. How much staying power does that set of beliefs and behaviors have among the youngest generations of Christians? A research study conducted by the Barna Group explored the degree to which four different generations of American adults identified themselves as charismatic or Pentecostal believers. The research also examined generational gaps in terms of beliefs about the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and spiritual gifts.

Read the full and very read worthy article via The Barna Group – How Different Generations View and Engage with Charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity.

Just Keepin’ it on the One: Bootsy Collins: the answer to all your bass groove problems

I remember this video from when Rock-School was on the Dutch TV. How can you not love this video?

BOOTSY’s BASIC FUNK FORMULA.

And here’s how that formula works out on stage:

And don’t come back without a groove anymore. This is all there is to know.

University of Oxford Researcher Discover Heaviest Element Known to Science

Oxford University researchers have discovered the heaviest element yet known to science.

The new element, Governmentium (symbol=Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312. These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called pillocks. Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact.

A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second, to take from 4 days to 4 years to complete. Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2 to 6 years. It does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganisation in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.

In fact, Governmentium’s mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganisation will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes. This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as a critical morass. When catalysed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium (symbol=Ad), an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium, since it has half as many pillocks but twice as many morons.

Update: John joins the New Zealand Modern School of Music

As of today I joined the Christchurch team of guitar tutors at the New Zealand Modern School of Music .

The New Zealand Modern School of Music was established in 1952 and utilizing a network of tutors throughout New Zealand the school offers tuition in several instruments, including but not limited to piano, keyboard, guitar, vocals, woodwind and others.

The school offers opportunities for end of term concerts, theory and practical exams. Whilst participation in New Zealand Modern School of music activities is encouraged, participation is optional.

Teaching is based on a programmatic approach covering all relevant aspects of music practice and theory thus providing students a solid theoretical as well as practical basis in all aspects of traditional to modern contemporary music. Students go through the program and develop from learning right and left hand notated music, to notated music from 1900 onwards to more modern styles and an emphasis of improvisation and creativity, achieved by studying of chords, base patterns backed up by technique and music theory. Students this develop their own style/interpretation of popular music pieces.

More information on tutors in your area can be obtained through the national website of the New Zealand Modern School of Music.

For the Christchurch region more information can be obtained through Christchurch area manager Margaret Shearing.

N.Z. MODERN SCHOOL OF MUSIC

325 Sawyerrs Arms Road, Christchurch 8053

Phone: 03 359 7500

Email: msmch @ inet. net. nz

I look forward seeing you.

Free Guitar Lesson: Ruben Diaz on Bossa Nova

Here’s a great lesson on bossa nova rhythm by my good friend and master flamenco player Ruben Diaz. Ruben is a professor at the Royal Conservatory of Toronto and founder of Contemporary Flamenco Guitar Studio / CFGstudio (Toronto) www.cfgstudio.com

Don’t forget to check out his other videos, albums and  other material at http://www.rdiaz.org/