TobyMac Review and Contest!

I can’t think of a better way to return from a 40 Day Blog Fast than to kick it all off with a contest! Thanks to my friends at EMI Music, I am honored to both review the new TobyMac CD and offer a free copy to 2 lucky commenters!  First off, here’s my review:

If you have followed the blog much, you probably note that I am a sideline fan of TobyMac. I was a much bigger fan of DC Talk and have enjoyed some of the music that Toby has produced since he went solo. I’ve even had the privilege to see Toby in concert. While extremely loud, it was entertaining (man, I am getting old..did I really just say it was too loud?). I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my friend Jeff’s obsession with TobyMac has led him to purchase front row tickets to see him in concert in Seattle (we live in Ohio) and pay to run with him in the Nashville 1/2 Marathon on April 24th. So I am literally not the biggest TobyMac fan. I think Jeff takes that prize.

All that being said, when I received “Tonight” in the mail and popped it into iTunes, I was hooked after the first two songs. I later used my 5 mile run to really listen to the CD and friends, it is SLAMMIN! If you are a fan of TobyMac he doesn’t disappoint with this latest release. If you are more of a casual listener, I think you might find that this is his best work. His previous CD “Portable Sounds” didn’t catch on with me at first. It took me some time and it eventually really grew on me. Not so with “Tonight”. I have liked it from the first time through to now my third or 4th listen.

Either way, you will want to add “Tonight” to your collection…and iPod.

On that note, let me give a few two copies of the CD away. Of all the songs that TobyMac has released, there are two that I include in my half-marathon playlists. One has been on every single one I have ever created (hint: I usually post my playlists on this blog when I create them). I will send one copy of the new CD to the first two commenters that can accurately guess which two songs I have on my playlists. There are several combinations so give it your best shot! Leave a comment below. I’ll update when I have my two winners.

Congratulations to Dave and Jess for their correct answers! They will each receive a copy of the new CD.

There isn’t a bad track on the entire CD. One thing I have always admired (even when he was with DC Talk) is Toby’s ability to stay current and change his sound to match the popular sounds of culture (like “Jesus Freak” sounded a lot like Seattle grunge). For this reason, “Tonight” will fit nicely on your playlists along with whatever you are listening to.

Head over to iTunes and pick up a copy for yourself or someone you know. “Tonight” is a 5 out of 5!

*Thanks again to my friends at EMI for the free copies of “Tonight” and allowing me to review it.

2010
02/09
POSTED BY
aaron
CATEGORY
Being Me
Music
Reviews
TAGS
5 comments

Back February 9th!!

For those wondering, the blog fast is almost over! Hopefully this post doesn’t constitute breaking said fast. I’ve received questions so this is to remind those that are wondering. Mark the date, February 9th! I’ll be back and I’ll have  copies of TobyMac’s new CD “Tonight” to GIVE AWAY!! See you on the 9th!!!

2010
02/05
POSTED BY
aaron
CATEGORY
Being Me
1 comment

32 Hours: The Church In Haiti

I interrupt my 40-Day Blog fast to post this sermon from Mark Driscoll, Pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle. While I have been away, I have been challenged to use the power of the blog to share links and giving opportunities which I have been made aware of. I have battled between giving in to the fast for something so important as the events in Haiti. Throughout this time away, I have been following and monitoring the progress of Pastors Mark Driscoll and James McDonald as they have launched “Churches Helping Churches” to respond to the devastation in Haiti.  I challenge each of you to watch the video below. It is one hour but will give you perspective on what is really happening in Haiti.

While I will continue my blog fast for the remaining 15 days, this video, this message, our opportunity and our calling is far too great. It goes beyond searching inside ones self (which is what my fast has been all about). It calls us to rise, pray, seek, serve, give and intercede for others. Lord help the people and the church in Haiti. As Casting Crowns so plainly sing it…”Until the Whole World Hears“.

more about “Mars Hill Church | Special | 32 Hours…“, posted with vodpod

2010
01/25
POSTED BY
aaron
CATEGORY
Current Events
Mark Driscoll
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40 Day Blog Fast

Many of the people I follow on Twitter have made a decision to fast for 40 days from their twitter activities. In other words, they are not going to use Twitter for 40 days. Their decisions have inspired me to do something similar. As of this post, I declaring the next 40 days as a fast away from my blogging. The blog world has changed so much over the past several years. I have personally grown to love Twitter. I think the 140 character limit is perfect for my short attention span. I find that after sending my VERY random thoughts to twitter all day, I don’t usually have a whole lot to blog about.

So what will I be doing the next 40 days? First off, I will continue to send my short thoughts, links, reviews, updates to my twitter page. If you’re into RSS Feeds, you can follow the my twitter updates (HERE). Secondly, I have many books that have stacked up on my desk to read. I owe it to the authors and publishers to get them read and reviewed. I’ll do that when I return after the 40 days. We also have a 1/2 marathon or two that I’ll update on when I get back. I figured the next 40 days will give me the opportunity to get caught up on all that. There’s also a little thing called “work” that will be very busy in the next month or so. Due to my Corporations recent acquisition, we are sure to be up to our ears in integrations. Economic travel restrictions appear to be lifted so my travel should be in full mode in 2010 as well.

So I’ll be back in 40 Days to get caught up on all of that and more. I wish each of you a healthy and happy start to 2010. May this be a year where you are blessed and are a blessing to those in need. See you in February!

2010
01/01
POSTED BY
aaron
CATEGORY
Being Me
2 comments

Next Up and 2009 Review

On New Years Day, I’ll be hitting the streets with my good friend (and Dook fan) Jeff to once again kick off the new year with a 5K. Last year we braved the sub-zero temps to get this year started right. Since every where you look, there is an end of the year re-cap, I thought I would recap the year that was my running journey, starting with last years First on the First. It was a great journey and this year looks to be even more exciting. Until next year, have a Happy NEW YEAR!

2009 A Running Log (click on the links to read recaps of each race)

January 1st, 2009 – First on the First 5K

February 15, 2009 - Last Chance for Boston 10K

May 2, 2009 - Columbus Half Marathon

May 9, 2009 – Dublin Quatro Miler

May 17, 2009 – Cleveland Marathon

August 30, 2009 – Spirit of Columbus Half Marathon

September 28, 2009 – 5K and 5 Miler for Corporate Challenge in Indianapolis

October 18, 2009 – Columbus Half Marathon

October 30, 2009 – Nike+ Human Race 10K

November 25, 2009 – Turkey Trot 4 Miler (2nd year)

December 15, 2009 – Charlotte, North Carolina Half Marathon

SCHEDULED FOR 2010

January 1st, 2010 – First on the First (Columbus)

January 17, 2010 – PF Changs 1/2 Marathon in Phoenix, Arizona

February 28, 2010 – Last Chance for Boston 1/2 Marathon (tentative)

April 24, 2010 – 1/2 Marathon in Nashville, Tennessee

May 1, 2010 – Columbus 1/2 Marathon (tentative)

May 8, 2010 – 1/2 Marathon in Indianapolis, Indiana

This year has been a blessing I would never have imagined. Heather and I have a burning desire to do one more FULL Marathon and right now Chicago is the one in our minds. We’ll see as we roll through 2010, but one thing is for sure….we’ll be runnin’!

2009
12/30
POSTED BY
aaron
CATEGORY
Being Me
Running
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