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Scholem, Gershom Gerhard 1897-1982Overview
Publication Timeline
Most widely held works about
Gershom Gerhard Scholem
Most widely held works by
Gershom Gerhard Scholem
Major trends in Jewish mysticism
by Gershom Gerhard Scholem
160 editions published between 1941 and 2009 in 13 languages and held by 1,649 libraries worldwide
Origins of the Kabbalah
by Gershom Gerhard Scholem
35 editions published between 1961 and 2009 in 6 languages and held by 1,232 libraries worldwide One of the most important scholars of our century, Gershom Scholem (1897-1982) opened up a once esoteric world of Jewish mysticism, the Kabbalah, to concerned students of religion. The Kabbalah is a rich tradition of repeated attempts to achieve and portray direct experiences of God: its twelfth-and thirteenth-century beginnings in southern France and Spain are probed in Origins of the Kabbalah, a work crucial in Scholem's oeuvre. The book is a contribution not only to the history of Jewish medieval mysticism but also to the study of medieval mysticism in general and will be of interest to historians and psychologists, as well as to students of the history of religion. -- Back cover.
On the Kabbalah and its symbolism
by Gershom Gerhard Scholem
92 editions published between 1960 and 2005 in 13 languages and held by 1,225 libraries worldwide
by Gershom Gerhard Scholem
29 editions published between 1974 and 2008 in 4 languages and held by 1,104 libraries worldwide
The Messianic idea in Judaism and other essays on Jewish spirituality
by Gershom Gerhard Scholem
19 editions published between 1971 and 1995 in English and French and held by 1,062 libraries worldwide
Sabbatai Sevi; the mystical Messiah, 1626-1676
by Gershom Gerhard Scholem
7 editions published between 1956 and 1974 in Hebrew and English and held by 936 libraries worldwide
Zohar : the Book of Splendor
35 editions published between 1935 and 2007 in 8 languages and held by 763 libraries worldwide
On Jews and Judaism in crisis : selected essays
by Gershom Gerhard Scholem
15 editions published between 1976 and 1989 in English and held by 703 libraries worldwide Includes articles on Walter Benjamin, S.Y. Agnon, Martin Buber, and on Israel and the diaspora.
On the mystical shape of the godhead : basic concepts in the Kabbalah
by Gershom Gerhard Scholem
29 editions published between 1962 and 2010 in 4 languages and held by 685 libraries worldwide
Walter Benjamin : the story of a friendship
by Gershom Gerhard Scholem
23 editions published between 1965 and 2001 in 5 languages and held by 658 libraries worldwide "Gershom Scholem is celebrated as the twentieth century's most profound student of the Jewish mystical tradition; Walter Benjamin, as a master thinker whose extraordinary essays mix the revolutionary, the revelatory, and the esoteric. Scholem was a precocious teenager when he met Benjamin, who became his close friend and intellectual mentor. His account of that relationship - which was to remain crucial for both men - is both a celebration of his friend's genius and a lament for the personal and intellectual self-destructiveness that culminated in Benjamin's suicide in 1940." "Walter Benjamin: The Story of a Friendship is an absorbing memoir with the complication of character and motive of a novel. As Scholem revisits the passionate engagements over Marxism and Kabbala, Europe and Palestine that he shared with Benjamin, it is as if he sought to summon up his lost friend's spirit again, to have the last word in the argument that might have saved his life."--BOOK JACKET.
From Berlin to Jerusalem : memories of my youth
by Gershom Gerhard Scholem
53 editions published between 1977 and 1997 in 8 languages and held by 618 libraries worldwide
The correspondence of Walter Benjamin and Gershom Scholem, 1932-1940
by Walter Benjamin
30 editions published between 1980 and 2010 in 6 languages and held by 551 libraries worldwide Index. Bibliographical references.
The correspondence of Walter Benjamin, 1910-1940
by Walter Benjamin
1 edition published in 1994 in English and held by 508 libraries worldwide "Called "the most important critic of his time" by Hannah Arendt, Walter Benjamin has emerged as one of the most compelling thinkers of our time as well, his work assuming a crucial place in current debates over the interactions of art, culture, and meaning. A "natural and extraordinary talent for letter writing was one of the most captivating facets of his nature," writes Gershom Scholem in his Foreword; and indeed, Benjamin's correspondence reveals the evolution of some of his most powerful ideas. Published here in English for the first time, these letters offer an intimate picture of Benjamin himself and the times in which he lived. Written in a day when letters were an important vehicle for the presentation and development of intellectual matters, Benjamin's correspondence is rich in insight into the circumstances behind his often difficult work." "These letters provide a lively view of Benjamin's life and thought from his days as a student to his melancholy experiences as an exile in Paris. As he defends his changing ideas to admiring and skeptical friends - poets, philosophers, and radicals - we witness the restless self-analysis of a creative mind far in advance of his own time. Writing at length to Scholem and Theodor Adorno, and exchanging letters with Rainer Maria Rilke, Hannah Arendt, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Max Horkheimer, Max Brod, Bertolt Brecht, and Kafka's friend Felix Weltsch, Benjamin elaborates his ideas about metaphor and language. He reflects on literary figures from Kafka to Karl Kraus, the "Jewish Question" and anti-Semitism, Marxism and Zionism. And he expounds his personal attitudes toward such subjects as the role of quotations in criticism, history, and tradition; the meaning of being a "collector"; and French culture and the national character." "In sum, this magnificent collection is an exceptionally rich source of information and an essential key to understanding one of the preeminent figures of modern culture."--BOOK JACKET.
Jewish Gnosticism, merkabah mysticism, and Talmudic tradition
by Gershom Gerhard Scholem
11 editions published between 1960 and 1965 in English and held by 437 libraries worldwide
A life in letters, 1914-1982
by Gershom Gerhard Scholem
4 editions published between 2001 and 2002 in English and held by 376 libraries worldwide
Gershom Scholem : the man and his work
2 editions published in 1994 in English and held by 335 libraries worldwide In the early part of the twentieth century, Gershom Scholem (1897-1982) founded the academic discipline of the study of Jewish Mysticism. In so doing, he not only broke new scholarly ground; but he also revolutionized the field of Judaic Studies as a whole and left an indelible mark on the study of religion. This book presents essays by several of Israel's eminent scholars, reflecting on Scholem's impact on the academic and Jewish worlds, and his life as a scholar, a Jewish thinker, and an activist. The editor has provided an intellectual and spiritual biography of Scholem, which complements the papers by Ephraim Urbach, Joseph Ben-Shlomo, Isaiah Tishby, Rivka Schatz, Malachi Beit-Arie, Nathan Rotenstreich, and Joseph Dan. Together, they highlight the enduring signficance of Scholem's work, which has remained the touchstone for all further scholarship on Jewish Mysticism and Kabbala. This volume thus sets the context for the current debate conducted by a new generation of scholars, who have introduced fresh ideas, new methodologies--and radical critique of the man they still revere as their master. -- Back cover.
Lamentations of youth : the diaries of Gershom Scholem, 1913-1919
by Gershom Gerhard Scholem
14 editions published between 1995 and 2007 in 3 languages and held by 286 libraries worldwide
by Walter Benjamin
10 editions published between 1966 and 1993 in German and held by 260 libraries worldwide
On the possibility of Jewish mysticism in our time & other essays
by Gershom Gerhard Scholem
2 editions published in 1997 in English and held by 207 libraries worldwide
by Gershom Gerhard Scholem
23 editions published between 1963 and 2003 in 3 languages and held by 175 libraries worldwide more
Audience Level
Related Identities
Associated Subjects
American literature--Jewish authors Arendt, Hannah,--1906-1975 Authors, German Benjamin, Walter,--1892-1940 Bible. Biography Bloom, Harold Buber, Martin,--1878-1965 Cabala Commentaries Conference proceedings Corbin, Henry Criticism, interpretation, etc. Diaries Early works Eliade, Mircea,--1907-1986 Ethnic relations Friendship German literature German literature--Jewish authors Germany God (Judaism) Golem History Israel Jewish philosophy Jewish scholars Jews Jews--Cultural assimilation Jews--Identity Jews--Intellectual life Judaism Judaism and literature Judaism and politics Justice (Jewish theology) Kafka, Franz,--1883-1924 Klemperer, Victor,--1881-1960 Lévinas, Emmanuel Messiah--Judaism Mysticism--Judaism Mysticism--Judaism--Historiography Ozick, Cynthia Philosophers Records and correspondence Religion--Philosophy Sabbathaians Scholem, Gershom Gerhard,--1897-1982 Sefer ha-bahir Shabbethai Tzevi,--1626-1676 Transmigration--Judaism
Alternative Names
Šalwm, Gerhard 1897-1982
Šalwm, Geršom.
Schalem, Gershom 1897-1982
Scholem, G.
Scholem, G. 1897-1982
Scholem, Gerhard, 1897-1982
Scholem, Gerschom, 1897-1982
Scholem, Gerschom 1897-1982 B 1996
Scholem, Gerschom G., 1897-1982
Scholem, Gersholm 1897-1982
Scholem, Gershom.
Scholem, Gershom, 1897-1982
Scholem, Gershom 1897-1982 M
Scholem, Gershom G.
Scholem, Gershom G., 1897-1982
Scholem, Gershom Gerhard 1897
Scholem, Gershom Gerhard, 1897-1982
Shalom, Gershom, 1897-1982
Shiyōremu, Gerushiyomu 1897-1982
Sholem, Gershom, 1897-1982
Sholem, Gershom Gerhard 1897-1982
Šolem, Geršôm, 1897-1982
Šolem, Geršôm 1897-1982 DIN Stand 1982
Šolem, Geršom 1897-1982 Serbokroat. Vorlage
Šolwm, Gerhard, 1897-1982
Šolwm, Geršom, 1897-1982
Šwlem, Gerhard 1897-1982
Syolem, Kerŭsyom 1897-1982
גרשם, שלום
שולם, גרהרד
שולם, גרהרד 1897-1982
שלום, גרהרד
שלום, גרהרד, 1897-1982
שלום, גרשום
שלום, גרשם
שלום, גרשם, 1897־
שלום, גרשם, 1897־1982
ゲルショム・ショーレム, 1897-1982 שולם, גרשםשלום, ג ゲルショム・ショーレム שולם, ג שלום, גרשם שלום, גרשום שלום, גרשון שלום, גרשם גרהרד Languages
English (521) Hebrew (429) French (205) Spanish (103) Undetermined (75) Italian (60) Japanese (34) Portuguese (24) Polish (18) Multiple languages (16) Czech (12) Russian (9) Swedish (7) Romanian (7) Hungarian (7) Dutch (6) Slovenian (6) Chinese (4) (4) Latin (4) Persian (2) Serbian (2) Arabic (1) Greek, Modern (1) Korean (1) Turkish (1) Bulgarian (1) Bosnian (1) Catalan (1) more


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April 6, 2006
Disposable Worship: a caution about using too much technology in worship
Last month I attended a "worship experience" that included smoke machines, lasers, digital graphic projections, and more flat panel screens than I could count. Technology is changing the way we worship, but what are we losing as a result? David Fitch, pastor of Life on the Vine Christian Community in Long Grove, Illinois, and author of The Great Giveaway (Baker, 2006), encourages us to use greater discernment when employing technology in worship.
I read a nice story recently about football player Jerome Bettis (aka "the Bus") returning home to Detroit for the Super Bowl. They described his whole journey and how he bought a house for his parents on a golf course in suburban Detroit. But he didn't stop there. Johnie Bettis, the running back's mother, recalls: "When Jerome found out we were going to the laundromat, he said that wasn't acceptable and told us to go get a new washer and dryer. But I kind of liked the laundromat because you get to meet so many interesting people."
Mrs. Bettis' comments reminded me how technology can change the inherent "good" of the basic practices of our lives. Technology, in this case a washer and dryer, means no longer needing to go to the laundromat. As a result, we lose the "good" of meeting and engaging interesting people in our lives. We must therefore discern whether more technology (buying a washer and a dryer, a cell phone, or Tivo) is a good idea by considering more than just the capitalist reasons: "it's more efficient," "it saves time," or "it just looks and feels so good."
The same of course is true of worship. Not every technologically enhanced "improvement" necessarily improves our worship. The flashing of the Lord's Prayer on the screen with a powerful graphic may disable us from bowing as a community and saying it from our soul's memory - in submission together as a Body of Christ.
The brilliant Albert Borgmann in his book Power Failure, narrates for us how technology can change something that was once a "commanding reality" with deep personal and corporate value, and turn it into a "disposable reality" devoid of meaning and power. For example, the music symphony that took so much time, effort, tuning up of instruments, the staging of a concert hall . . . is now reduced to a handy CD that we can play at our convenience and command. He believes this shift to a disposable reality changes us and how we view our world.
Borgmann says technology can make certain wonderful "goods" in our lives disappear without us even knowing it. Example: the central fireplace is replaced by the invisible central air furnace. In the process the family that once gathered around the fireplace to get warm before heading off to bed no longer engages in the community-building routine. The family no longer talks about the day, tells stories, or prays together. Through technology we lose what Borgman calls a "focal practice." We lose a concrete, formative, and simple activity, and our lives are changed without ever noticing.
The question is obvious. Have we lost worship as a focal practice? By turning it into an "experience" saturated with convenient technology, have we made worship a disposable reality when in it is supposed to be a commanding reality?
Last night at a worship meeting we talked at length about the use of technology and graphic arts in our worship service this past Sunday. We want to retain the concrete nature and the formative practice of art in our church, but any art that shocks or produces a disposable experience we try to avoid. Art is really important in our church, but we must not produce disposable experiences. We must retain the focal practice of worship.
Focal practices and commanding realities are things we lose when we purchase a washer and dryer. These are things we lose when we turn worship into a theater show for the masses. And so we must be careful with the application of technology in worship. I am not saying don't use it! I am saying let us be discerning. I believe we need the candles, the wonder, and the mystery of the concrete embodiment of Christ's work at the Lord's Table. We need to kneel (if our knees will hold out) before God with all our brokenness. And we need to use the marvelous technologies of our day in worship in ways that resist making God, community, and worship disposable.
David Fitch is pastor of Life on the Vine Christian Community in Long Grove, Illinois, a professor of ministry, theology, and ethics at Northern Seminary, and author of The Great Giveaway: Reclaiming the Mission of the Church from Big Business, Parachurch Organizations, Psychotherapy, Consumer Capitalism, and Other Modern Maladies (Baker 2006).
I can see the value of some of the modern "enhancements" in a service devoted to outreach where you want those things to help draw in the unsaved, but in a service devoted to just worshipping the Lord, I think those things would become more distraction than enhancement. Some of the best worship times that I have had consist of singing old choruses in a room by myself with no distractions. I've been in services that have had many of the enhancements and I've not really had too much trouble worshipping, but it does take quite a bit more focus.
Well said. I like the statement about the Washer and Dryer. I believe technology on the whole is minimizing a sense of community that we once had. I live in a Condo and sometimes people ask me why I do not buy a house. My response is usually along the lines of "I like living in community. I like living where I know and depend on my neighbors."
Regarding technology and worship. We are a new generation and if we are not entertained, then we do not listen. It is tragic. I do not know why our generation is this way. It probably has to do with our generation being one of the first to grow up with T.V. being considered a necessity and not a luxury.
Good post. I love technology and am so grateful that it allows greater diversity and freedom of expression. All the tools we now have open up new ways to support our worship.
However, I share some of David Fitch's concerns. One danger in particular is the subtle shift to worship as 'entertainment,' where it can so easily become a congregational commodity - consumed rather poured out as an act of service before God. This can be a danger anywhere but perhaps particularly so when worship is embedded in a highly seeker-oriented service.
Some years ago our own congregation deliberately moved away from meeting in a theatre for precisely this reason - the comfort, style, and presentation of the auditorium was more conducive to being a passive spectator rather than a present, worshipping, and active participant.
I don't think this is a new issue - perhaps it's simply we can offer more clever distractions to true worship than ever before.
We do lose something when technology takes over. The Amish certainly have something to teach the world about simplicity. But it is equally wrong to say that all that is coming is wrong. (I don't think the author of this article says that.) Technology may cause something to be lost, but I think it also enables something new to be gained.
The car is a good example. Now, instead of walking or riding our horse, we can travel many miles alone in our metal cocoon. But it has also enabled us to make friends beyond the boundaries of our individual towns.
People are just generally complacent about finding something new after technology has replaced something old. Yes, you may not meet people at the laundromat, but now you have time to spend at a nursing home while your clothes are washing at home. Or, to do something else to meet new people. Just because technology has changed the way something is done does not mean the new cannot become just as good.
My contention all along has been that ANY "creative ministry device" used in our worship gatherings can overshadow the One we are gathered to worship if we are not careful. In fact, if we are really not careful, we begin tiptoing into areas of idolatry... I include in this list of "creative ministry devices" such things as Powerpoint, smoke machines, video, light shows, praise bands, choral ensembles, hymns, choruses, organs, guitars, drums, voices, etc. In other words - - NONE of those are more important than the focus of our attention being on the Lord Jesus Christ.
If we are truly able to encounter CHRIST and be TRANSFORMED by Him in our worship gatherings AS WE USE all of the above - and similar devices - then great! If not, then we need to STOP using that stuff and simply worship God. Once we get that down - sure, include all the bells and whistles...
Far too many churches seem to think that the only way to "be relevant" is to become copycats of MTV... that SOUNDS reasonable - but it's not. If Jesus is not relevant WITHOUT all the hoopla, then He's not relevant PERIOD. So - maybe we really should JUST "Give People Jesus."
What a concept.
I think a balance can be struck where the message of the sermon is not lost in the flash of the technology.
Granted, there are some churches which seem more like a concert, or broadway production than an actual service. Yet, I've seen some decent applications of technology which actually enhances the service.
Powerpoint is an excellent tool for Preachers who want to put more meat to their message. It also allows those of us who are visually challenged to see what the preacher is trying get across without us all squinting at a placard, or guessing at what is being hand-written on an overhead projector (no offense to those preachers whose command of the Olde Kings flourished script is without peer).
However, the major complaint I'v heard the most about technology is in the music, and herein seems to be ample opportunity for the spirit of G-d to mediate amongst his flock.
I think musicians tread a very thin line of opinion when it comes to expressing their spiritual gift, and there has to be a middle ground (oh please let there be a middle ground!). Though technology has granted the musicians the grace to express their worship in new and loud ways, I would think that *sometimes* (read: a lot more!) technology would also allow them to express nuanced music in quieter ways as well.
I'm not saying technology is a bad thing in worship, but I want some reassurances that the musicians and the audiologists are not acting in collusion with each other.
I think it is stuff like this that makes me long to attend a little old country Baptist church, where the floorboards creak and the Bible is clearly preached.
Technology certainly isn't neutral. You are right, that when we put the Lord's prayer up on screens we don't teach people to memorize it and make it their own. Of course we didn't need projectors and powerpoint for this. Print technology, such as Bibles and hymnals also changed worship (and discouraged memorization?). Each piece of technology seems to add an element to worship, and take something away. The tension, as always is on those who form each worship service to make it as engaging and powerful as possible, while always directing people's focus to God. We should never blindly install or use a technology without weighing the cost.
There seems to be a pendulum in everything, there is a lot of swinging back and forth, hopefully we can find a ballance point of pros and cons.
As far as distractions from worship go I think everything (including preaching, which dan didn't mention) can be used as a distraction...that is why we have to be sure of the "why" behind everything we do...and lets not venerate anything, lets examine it all!
Loren - you are correct, I did not mention preaching and, yes, everything and anything can be a distraction to true worship. Thanks for that reminder...
I spoke at a conference a few months ago. The music was loud, the screen graphics were eye-popping, the lights were mesmerising, blah blah blah. In most services, by the end of the worship set 1/3 of the crowd was sitting down.
Late one night I saw a guy playing guitar on a bench outside, and I asked if I could join him. We started singing worship songs with a few people. As people passed by, some stopped. After about a half hour I realized that 50-60 people were singing with us.
We had no slides, so we kept to songs everyone knew. No amps, so no guitar solos. No microphones, so no worship leader blathering endlessly about "what we're really here to do" or trying to impress us with his power ballad voice. We just sang songs: a couple of guitars and a lot of voices. We sang for 3 hours. When it was over, I noticed that no one was sitting down, but several were laying down, face down, in the presence of God. It was the most powerful worship service I have ever been in.
I wish we could do the same on Sunday morning: turn off the mikes and the spotlights and just sing to the Lord.
being distracted is more the responsibility of the worshiper than anything. and I don't think when it comes to technology and worship that it has to be an either/or proposition. the article is a good reminder that those of us "in ministry" (responsible for these types of decisions) need to always go back to the ONE THING and constantly examine our hearts. but even more, it's a reminder to all who worship in a 'corporate' setting (which should be every Christian) to keep our heart in the right place
Technology at any level, and "worship-leading" people in whatever role, are there to facilitate proclaiming the glory and worthiness of God, and to help the people enter into God's presence. They are fulfilling their proper function when they are essentially invisible.
When the technology or the people draw attention to themselves, they are out of place and have usurped the place of honor, which belongs only to God. Much of what happens in "worship" is not done to honor God, but to satisfy the ego of the person "leading" or the person who designed the technological display.
This is false worship.
to Steve May... AMEN!!!!!! In fact, I am trying to put together such an encounter at my church in early May... a time for "simple worship" - where local worship leaders can just gather and praise and worship - no hoopla, no effects, no super-duper worship technology... just - JESUS. I crave the same thing you do... and, I actually move our church more that way than the tech way... some love it, some hate it - as long as GOD loves it, I'm okay.
I don't really agree that the total responsibility on worship is on the worshiper in the pew. I mean, I understand that and, to a degree, am in sync with that - I even preach that. However, at the same time, we leaders CAN make it HARDER for worshipers to encounter the Lord in worship when we RELY more upon technology than the Lord. Bottom line is that God does not NEED powerpoint (or the worship projection software of choice.) He is seeking WORSHIPPERS, right?
I think an important element that you've overlooked here is that all the new technology that can be distracting and detrimental (you're right about this possibility, certainly) also brings its own unique ways in which community can be constructed.
I serve on the production team at a church that - in my mind - effectively uses technology. While I and many others enjoy the audiovisual benefits that our technology provides, there's another plus that many people don't see. Much like the orchestra you mentioned tuning up and rehearsing beforehand, some of the closest relationships I've formed with people at my church are with fellow members of our (volunteer) production team. We all arrive at 6AM to physically set up all the production elements and to ensure that they function smoothly and are well integrated into the service so as not to be a distraction.
While I agree with much you say in your post, I think it's vital to remember that the benefits of technology are not just limited to the additional flash and energy they can bring to a service.
I think we're all missing the point. What has been lost in all the technology and seeker emphasis is the content of worship. Worship that is three hymns and a sermon tends to be church focused. Worship that is four contemporary choruses and a relevant message is seeker focused. Both are fine, but neither are worship.
For most of church history worship was about hearing God's voice in scripture and renewing the New Covenant at the Lord's table. It is supposed to be God focused, humble, reverent. Technology and style may or may not distract from that, forgetting what the purpose is altogether certainly does.
I chuckle when I read how PowerPoint prevents us from saying the Lord's prayer from memory. Most churches I have known don't say the Lord's prayer at all, nor the creed, nor celebrate communion even half the time. Most refer to "worship" as singing, while the rest of the service is something else. Most don't read Scripture except for a few verses as part of the sermon. There is no time at all for confession of sin unless the sermon has an altar call emphasis.
It's not the technology that is the problem. It is the content that we have jettisoned in the process of trying to be new and fresh and relevant. Maybe there is no inspired liturgy that all have to follow, but there certainly used to be a pattern that included scripture, creed, prayer, confession, communion. Worship is supposed to be about God, not technology and not our own feelings.
Wow...I didnt know there were so many Christians against contemporary Christian worship. I help lead a worship service for a church that focuses on unchurched people. I was raised in the church and can respect the old hymns and bible thumping sermons. But in a recent recommittment to God, I find myself rethinking the church. We must do whatever it takes to bring the lost souls into the church. I do not mean watering down the gospel or compromising the good news but rather reaching out to where the world is really hurting. Those days of saying "I need a church to feed me" are to say the least self-serving and hypocritical. We can become too complacent in our roles in church and forget about the Great Commission of telling others about Jesus. At my church we do not overdo the hype of the worship presentation even though we have a full band on stage with drama and video media and we dont even think about taking any of the credit in our musical talents God has given us. Please stop criticizing anything that is getting the gospel out there and making a positive impact to spirit seeking people. That's what makes the world a variety of likes and dislikes. To say a certain style of worship is better than another is depriving those who may not hear the gospel any other way. "But for the grace of God, go I.
I really fail to see how smoke, laser lights and flat panel screen enhance worship or even relate to worship. Maybe smoke and laser lights remind us of God's power and majesty, but would anyone really think of that? Is it easier to confess God as Lord surrounded by all these distractions? Is it easier to hear God speak?
Am so delighted to see such rigorous discussion. I'm originally from a mainline background and for the past couple of years have gravitated towards and seem to be settling in a charismatic environment. I love the freedom, excitement, joy of charismatic worship. But...there are moments where I miss the reverence and awe of 'traditional' worship. There are hymns that usher in the presence of God because they proclaim his greatness without ostentation and gimmicks. It's so wonderful to shout out to God, but sometimes we need to bow before Him. To remind ourselves just how mighty, awesome and great this God is. And often, His magnificence is obscured by the dazzle, razzle and blaze of our modern technologies. The other concern, is that we believing worshippers, know who God is. We know that church is not a show. That we don't come to be entertained or to entertain. I imagine it may difficult for seekers to make the distinction between what worship really is about and who God really is, when our church 'productions' pique their interest instead of their souls.
yes - he has a point in asking these questions. what are we losing.
In the mid-late nineties we did a fair amount of rave based worship (the smoke/lasers/etc in san francisco, but one of the main reasons was the large number of ravers giving their hearts to Jesus and wanting to worship God with their own cultural forms, not those of their parents (rock, easy listening)
i think sometimes i have got too infatuated wiht technology, especially when digital storytelling pointed more to the digital than the storytelling, and i have made a large effort in the past few years to use minimal technology to achieve equal or greater effect.
worship has to be about the object of our worship, not the tools.
I sometimes like the big worship productions, sometimes I don't. I don't see them as being the root of all evil. I find the whole church as production thing to be what is annoying. If you are going to be in a structure, being served by people with defined roles like usher, sitting staring at the front of the room in good classroom form, following off a set printed schedule, listening to some man read a paper he wrote, why not make worship part of the production? Its what everyone expects. The way we do church seems to try to contrive us to look to God, but how often are the people who are doing the pointing for us actually worshiping more than they are stressing about the details of the show...
A few months ago we took our Youth Group to Acquire the Fire. They had upbeat worship music with all the technology to enhance it, drama, music groups, and plenty of videos. It seemed like it was geared towards helping teens experience God.
But for the most part, it didn't, at least not for my group. They were so overwhelmed by it all that they were underwhelmed spiritually. They stood up for so many altar calls that they can't remember everything they promised to do. They enjoyed all the hoopla but when I asked them about the difference it made in their relationship with Christ, for the most part I come up empty.
I think that with all the focus on entertaining the teens, we just might be missing the boat. I'm wondering if we've traded in "entering the Holy of Holies" for the latest fad or trend. We are relational creatures at heart...we need to experience Him not just get excited about Him.
Well, that's just my thoughts for whatever it's worth.
If technology isn't your thing then worship where it's not used but we need to be careful not to criticize any style of worship where people are coming to know Jesus through it. Our church uses lot's of technology and over 4000 people have asked Jesus to be their Lord and Savior in our church in it's eight year history. Technology is being used to reach the people who wouldn't have ever come to church to start with without it.
Acts 5:38-39 38"So my advice is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. 39But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God."
All in all though, I think that there is definitely a caution that needs to be held when we're dealing with worship. I have been to services where lights and fog make the atmosphere more accessible to worship; on the flip side I've also experienced times where the technology seems to try too hard to add a 'cool' factor. So I think when we're dealing with these issues, we need to take the good with the bad. Personally, I love the contemporary scene, when done correctly; when done incorrectly, emotion can get the best of us and become our focus. Emotion plays a huge role in modern worship, whether it's for good or ill. When we worship, we touch God's heart, and it only makes sense that the convey of emotion would become an important part of worship, but when how you feel becomes the focus of why you worship, there are problems. I've never been a fan of the traditional worship scene simply because I have a really hard time worshiping to a hymn and an organ. It's not that I disagree with it doctrinally, its just that I can never sing along with them because a lot of hymns have erratic melody lines that are hard for me to follow. But hymnal worship is no less worship than contemporary is, it's just preference. At the end of the day, we have to check our hearts and let God do the rest.
I know this is an old post and I have responded already but I need to reiterate the necessity to do whatever it takes in this world to reach people for Christ. A post from Joel states that all the technology is overshadowing true worship to God. As I stated in my previous post, we should be looking for what we can do for God not what God can do for us. Its so easy to sit back and criticize different methods of worship. I believe in being current and relavant in a world filled with negativity towards Churches. I also want to commend Pastor Atkinson for pointing out the fact that if churches are missing the mark, then God's blessing will not be on it. If souls are being saved, then who are we to criticize the method in which it chooses. I can imagine there were many critics against Apostle Paul in the early church. He preached an entirely different way to worship God in spirit and in truth. Lets be brave and bold in our ministry for God. My passion for God is what makes me bold. thanks
I just came back to this post. I have been contemplating it for several days. I preach every week in my position at Mn Teen Challenge. Recently the organization has built a new chapel complete with all the current technology (sound system, projector, computer, CD/DVD/VCR). I have been able to utilize the technology to enhance my messages. Also due to the circumstances that brought my men to my program, it is rare that we can have a live worship service. This being the case, we use wonderful pre-recorded worship on DVDs to facilitate our worship. I have also prepared presentations and used video clips etc.
Now to my point: I have gone through various stages of using the available technology. At the beginning, I tried to use everything at my disposal. Some weeks I use hardly any. I often find that the simpler a message is, the more worshipful the experience is. Sometime there is some particular information I want to get across and the technology helps with that.
I guess using technology is a give and take. I want to be faithful to express the simplicity of the gospel while understanding that modern technology (used the right way) can be a tool in doing that.
Marshall Shelley makes a good point in his editoral in this month's issue. I agree that faithful church leadership needs to model itself after something other than the business world. I spent ten years in different leadership roles in the business world before going into the ministry. Then I spent the next ten years trying to lead the Church by applying the things I'd learned in business, which only frustrated me and those around me. It is only in the last ten years that I've finally reached what I hope is an appropriate balance between the two.
The answer it seems to me can be found in the Servant Leadership Model. Servant Leadership strives for excellence while at the same time trying to be sensitive to the needs, abilities, and shortcomings of those you're working with and for, and in that sense it takes the best from both worlds. As Leaders in the Church we need to walk the tightrope of faithfully Serving our God, Serving our congregations, and Serving our communities. Like it or not, that involves measurable goals and return on investment.
We need to measure the effectivness of our service in all areas and we need to ask if we're getting a return on the investment we're making in people lives. Clearly, Ministry is not a business, but neither is it an excuse for mediocrity. We tend to overemphasize the role of Shepherd and underemphasize the role of Servant Leader because we're more comfortable and better trained in the former. Now in this post-modern era perhaps it's time for us to train future leaders in both.
I'm 24 and am all for getting rid of unnecessary technology. I should have to bring my bible to church instead of depending on a big screen with the verses on it.
In a youth group I attended they would do candle light services with a full acoustic set. Acoustic bass, guitars and no mics, all in the atmosphere of a dim candlelight. It was amazing, it was really intense and you were forced to focus on the lyrics you were singing instead of the guitar effects, lighting and sound quality.
I like the idea of less entertainment value. I can go to a movie for entertainment, I come to church to have community, leadership, and worship

subset: commoncrawl


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Archive for the ' Pizza ' Category
Results from previous polls are below. Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress. Digg this post Recommend on Facebook Share on Linkedin share via Reddit Tweet about it Subscribe to the comments on this post Tell a friend[ READ MORE ]
Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress. Digg this post Recommend on Facebook Share on Linkedin share via Reddit Tweet about it Subscribe to the comments on this post Tell a friend[ READ MORE ]
Wes McKinney and I are hosting our first ever Open Statistical Programming meetup tomorrow night after taking over for Drew Conway. Please attend, have some pizza, enjoy the talk then come out for some beer. This meetup is about EDA, Visualization and Collaboration on the Web and will be presented by Carlos Scheidegger from AT&T Labs. [ READ MORE ]
As mentioned earlier, yesterday was Pi Day so a bunch of statisticians and other such nerds celebrated at the new(ish) Artichoke Basille near the High Line. We had three pies: the signature Artichoke, the Margherita and the Anchovy, which was delicious but only some of us ate. And of course we had our custom cake [ READ MORE ]
Happy Pi Day everybody! I'll be out celebrating with the rest of the NYC Data Mafia eating pizza and devouring the above Pi Cake, custom baked by Chrissie Cook. Today is also Albert Einstein's birthday so there are plenty of reasons to have fun. The cake below was my first ever Pi Cake in what [ READ MORE ]
Daily Intel caught wind of a California Lawyer interview with US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia where he proclaims New York pizza "is infinitely better than Washington pizza, and infinitely better than Chicago pizza." I may be biased to New York pizza as well, but that is a debate I'll save for another day. It gets really [ READ MORE ]
Last Wednesday I made a trip to Di Fara in Midwood, Brooklyn. Since that place is well covered and lauded I won't talk about the pizza, as amazing as it is. I gave Dom a copy of my thesis (pdf) on NYC pizza and he loved that his place was one of the few pizzerias mentioned by [ READ MORE ]
After years of waiting a new Artichoke Basilles our dreams have been answered. The new spot, which hasn't even been updated on the website yet, is at 17th and 10th opened this weekend. Unlike the original location this one has seats and wait service and only sells pies, albeit smaller than the originals. There is a [ READ MORE ]
Last week Slice ran a post about a tomato taste test they conducted with Scott Wiener (of Scott's NYC Pizza Tours), Brooks Jones, Jason Feirman, Nick Sherman and Roberto Caporuscio from Keste. While the methods used may not be rigorous enough for definitive results, I took the summary data that was in the post and performed [ READ MORE ]
The other day I found myself walking down 7th Avenue South, as is usual, and I decided to pop into Blecker Street Pizza. I haven't been there in years because of all the other great pizza in the neighborhood like John's, Keste, Number 28 (which is claimed best by Citysearch), Risotteria (so I've heard) and Joe's. I [ READ MORE ]


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Ensemble Liason Presents El Amor Brujo
Sorry, this event's been and gone
Sun 27 Nov '11, 3:00pm–5:00pm |
Where: The Concourse, 409 Victoria Avenue, Sydney
Restrictions: All Ages
Ticket Information:
- Premium: $65.00
- A Reserve: $55.00
- A Reserve Concession: $55.00
- B Reserve: $45.00
- C & D Reserve: $35.00
- Additional fees may apply
Event listed by: concoursemarketing
Fresh from the critically acclaimed debut at the Melbourne Recital Centre, The Concourse presents "El Amor Brujo" a new chamber ballet by Ensemble Liaison and Jack Productions.
"Featuring some of Australia's best dancers… astonishing in their versatility… an intimate and visceral experience…" - Steven Heathcote.
Ensemble Liaison and Jack Productions explore the intersection of chamber music and dance, creating a new 'chamber ballet'. With no sets and no crowded stage – just four musicians and four dancers.
Collaborating with Jack Productions is a natural next step for Ensemble Liaison. Jack was founded by award winning choreographer, Lucas Jervies, and three senior dancers from the Australian Ballet, Robert Curran, Andrew Killian and Laura Tong. This new company is dedicated to producing dance that is genuinely innovative and explores the vast possibilities of classical ballet technique.
This exciting union of creative forces is for only one night at The Concourse and promises to bring a unique opportunity for lovers of ballet and chamber music to come and experience these two art forms united.
For more reviews:
The Australian:
The Age:


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Jerry Micco's sports chat transcript: 10.31.12
October 31, 2012 2:00 PMJerry Micco: Hi folks and welcome to the chat. I'll be back in a few minutes to officially start our discussion. In the meantime, feel free to submit early questions and vote in our poll. See you in a few!
Jerry Micco: Hi folks and welcome to the chat. I'll be back in a few minutes to officially start our discussion. In the meantime, feel free to submit early questions and vote in our poll. See you in a few!
Ralph LA: In the Redskins game, do you know what happened on the missed extra point? Did someone spectacularly block it, or did the kicker just mess up?
Jerry Micco: Mike Shanahan said after the game the kick seemed low. Ziggy Hood was credited with the blocked kick.
The Chief: Hi Jerry, Happy All Halloweds Eve! We are at the halway point in the NFL's Season. Your general observations please.
Jerry Micco: The NFC has emerged as the more powerful conference, and the AFC is more balanced. I'm surprised at how poorly Carolina, the Jets, Chargers, Saints, Bengals and Lions have played. I'm equally surprised at Atlanta's start as well as Minnesota's start, though I think the latter is going to slide some in the second half. I still think the Texans and 49ers will meet in the Super Bowl. But in this topsy-turvy league, who knows?
Ralph LA: Was Dwyer on the sports writer's radar before the season?
Jerry Micco: Ed Bouchette mentioned Dwyer many times during preseason saying how good he looked. But Redman was the starter and Dwyer was limited to a back up role. I think a lot of folks thought Dwyer was a steal as a 6th-round pick, but he was overweight his rookie season, then got caught in a numbers game in year 2. But he seems like the real deal now.
Ken: Left unsaid in the "Ben vs. Eli" arguments this week will be the fact that the Browns took Winslow Jr. over Big Ben. What a disastorus decision!
Jerry Micco: I was at the draft that year. Quick story: I was an officer in the Associated Press Sports Editors and we had a meeting with Paul Tagliabue before the draft, thus were invited to stay to watch as much as we wanted. We also had some refreshments provided to us and to draftees' families by the NFL. I can remember the Winslow family being not happy at all, vocally, in that room when the Redskins passed on him. I remember thinking the Browns made a pretty good pick, but figured Ben would fall to the Steelers. Though everyone knows that Cowher wanted Phillip Rivers. Imagine if that had happened.
The Chief: Really funny to see the two discriptions of the the Steelers Skins game by the Post Gazette and the Washington Post. From the Gazettes perspective it was te best Steeler game of the year; from the Post's perspective the Skins gave the Steelers the game based on all the drops. OK , who is telling the truth!
Jerry Micco: Both of us. The drops hurt the Redskins. But the Steelers played their best all-around game of the season against Washington. You write to your readers' interests, which is what all newspapers do.
Jack Splat: Hi, Jerry, Dywer ready to go Sunday? What about Clarke, Wooldy?
Jerry Micco: Dwyer is not expected to practice today, so we won't know more until late week. Clark is going to be tested for his concussion again before the game. Woodley is going to practice and see how the hamstring feels. I think he's absolutely essential this week if the Steelers are to have a chance. They need to put some heat on Eli or he'll tear the Steelers apart.
The Chief: Comparing Dwyer and Redman, what is the difference?
Jerry Micco: Both are big guys who can run well. Dwyer is a one-cut runner who has more speed and I think better vision. Dwyer has quicker feet than Redman, who is more of a straight-ahead runner who can run people over. Dwyer can do that, too, but he can do a bit more.
Praveen: Ben vs Eli. Eli's success is obviously good for the Steelers as Ben will try to one-up him. Problem this week is not the Ben vs Eli but how will our front 7 come close to the effectiveness of the Giants front 7. No comparison there.
Jerry Micco: The Giants DL is excellent. But I think the people behind that DL are not that good. If the Steelers can control the Giants DL, which is no small task, then they have a good shot. Remember, this Giants defense blew a 23-0 lead to Dallas. And were within fingertips of losing that game.
Praveen: What about SD? When Eli demanded a trade, they had a shot at Ben or even keep Drew Brees long term. Those three have won 5 SBs since that draft.
Jerry Micco: I'll never forget seeing Eli standing there with that Chargers 1 jersey and posing for photos. He looked like he was going to throw up. The trade with the Giants was pre-arranged. And by all accounts, the ranking of the Big 3 QBs was Eli, Rivers, Ben. So they did go in order. Just that Rivers has never had enough to get the Chargers to a Super Bowl.
Andrew: Jerry, who would you give the team MVP to at the midway point in the season so far?
Jerry Micco: No question, Ben Roethlisberger.
Andrew: Jerry, how in the world does Heath Miller continue to get open, even though defenses know that he is Ben's main target?! The guy is incredible!
Jerry Micco: Because if you have a 4-receiver set of Wallace, Brown, Sanders and Miller, the other guys can torch you deep and in some cases, need to be doubled. Miller usually is single-covered and he can unglue safties and LBs. And he has great hands in traffic. Having a Pro Bowl year.
Praveen: What annoyed me about AB's showboating while running backwards was not the 15 yard penalty itself, but the fact that he could easily trip on that Heinz Field turf. Plus the timing came at a time where he should have shown some respect for his coach who put his reputation on the line saying the ST mistakes will stop. So why not curb those instincts for at least one week when the eyes will be on STs.
Jerry Micco: The move hurt the team, and Tomlin said yesterday that he had that discussion with Brown. And Brown said on Root Sports that he got the message. I was surprised at how fast Brown ran backwards. But I also knew that he didn't need to show up the other team that way. Steelers fans/players would not have liked, say, Santana Moss doing that to them.
Praveen: Why does the press keep overusing yardage rankings? Steelers are near last in turnovers and sacks. So what use is trumpeting a #2 yardage ranking, which is partly caused by the other offense getting so few chances to be on the field?
Jerry Micco: Because that's how the NFL ranks teams. I think if you read Ed's stories, he has made the point time and again, that the lack of turnovers and sacks is why the defense isn't as effective as it has been in the past.
The Chief: Jerry, if the NHL cancels the Winter Classic, do you see the total season being lost?
Jerry Micco: No, but it'll be very close to that. I think the players want to end the salary cap structure, because Don Fehr has never wanted it from his days of negotiating for baseball players. And that's a non-starter for the NHL owners. I'd say if something isn't done by late November, there's a good chance the season is canceled.
Praveen: I know Steelres have a policy. But damn the policy, and re-sign Starks and Foster for longer terms if they are willing to sign in the 2M or slightly higher with incentives range. You can use that to trade one of the more expensive linemen if you have to in the offseason. Or you can keep them for valuable depth.
Jerry Micco: You can only keep so many guys, but you make a good point: Ramon Foster and Max Starks are playing as well as anyone on the team. But Marcus Gilbert is a LT waiting to happen. Adams has shown what he can do in a small sample. And remember, David DeCastro is out there and might be ready to play by the end of the year. What do you do with Foster then? The depth is important, but some of those guys will opt for free agency if they don't think they'll start and get starter's money here.
Will: I don't get the NFL in London push. What top 15 prospect would want to play in London? What free agent? I've read where the NFL is reaching its "saturation point" so they have to expand--what? It's probably only going to get more popular in the near term.
Jerry Micco: I don't see how the league works with a London franchise. I'd rather see a Los Angeles franchise, wouldn't you? And if you want to go international, Mexico City or Toronto might be better choices. I do not get London at all.
Andrew: @Chief: healthy (Dwyer) vs. Ankle sprains (Redman)
Jerry Micco: Dwyer has a balky quad, so he's not out of the woods yet.
Andrew: The Giants love to put the pressure on the QB, and with the Steelers already known for quick passes and screens, how else can they surprise the Giant's Defense this week?
Jerry Micco: Run the ball right at the front four and maybe max protect on some plays to see if they can get Wallace down field. The Giants secondary is not very good.
Praveen: What is wrong with the Cards? They have feasted on Steelers rejects for years. Yet, when given a chance to try out Starks in back to back years for NO RISK and a veterans minimum in the worst case, they passed despite having one of the worst OLs in recent years. Worse than even our OL from last year.
Jerry Micco: A lot of folks, including the Steelers, gave up on Max Starks. But he keeps coming back and playing solid, if not very good, LT. He'll look back on his career one day as saying no one really believed in me, but I proved them wrong, so they had to keep me. He's getting the last laugh.
Andrew: Since this is a "Sports Chat," what are your thoughts on Andrew McCutchen winning a gold glove this season, and can we expect anymore hardware to come his way?
Jerry Micco: And yes, @Andrew, this is an all-sports chat, so all questions welcomed. I was surprised to see Cutch get the GG. I see him as a solid defender, but not GG quality. It'll be his only hardware this offseason. I have to think Buster Posey will win the MVP, but Cutch will get some votes there, too.
The Chief: How impressive was the Giants sweep of the Tigers, amazing to see what happens when the trade deadline deal actualy helps a club i.e. Scutaro!
Jerry Micco: I was stunned by the Giants even beating the Tigers let alone sweeping them. They actually got Pirates fan favorite Hunter Pence at the deadline, but he had little impact. Scutaro was a nice pickup, but you wouldn't think of him as a game-changer, though he was in the playoffs. Still, the Giants are all about pitching and they showed just how deep that staff is. I used to work in the Bay Area, and I know those Giants fans waited a long time to win a World Series. And now, 2 in 3 years.
BillL: Does one of the Canton spots go to Steve Sabol this February?
Jerry Micco: Is he eligible? I know his dad got in, what, 2 years ago? Maybe someone here can help.
Praveen: My point about the midseason extensions is that if Foster remains that good, Steelers can always find someone to trade for instead of losing him and Starks for nothing. Gilbert probably fetches more than Starks inthe trade market too. I wouldnt say Colon is untouchable either if Steelers can get the right player in returns. Some teams are hurting bad for quality OL guys. Only problem is Steelers rarely trade.
Jerry Micco: All teams in the NFL rarely trade, which is why you see so many guys leave via FA. If you can get a pick or two for a Foster, Colon or Gilbert, then it's worth it. But that's what it'll be, draft picks.
Jerry Micco: All teams in the NFL rarely trade, which is why you see so many guys leave via FA. If you can get a pick or two for a Foster, Colon or Gilbert, then it's worth it. But that's what it'll be, draft picks.
Praveen: haley needs to consider that the Giants DL is very good at tipping passes when he orders all those short passing plays. This would be a good time to mix up some big plays. But then again, Adams and the TE would have to hold their blocks longer too on such plays. I don't envy Todd's position this week.
Jerry Micco: The Giants front line is tough to do much against. As for the short stuff, it helps when your QB is 6-5 and has a quick release. And it also helps if your OL chop block (legally) the DEs so as to knock them down. Again, I'd see if they can establish any type of run, then look to go downfield on them. Need a huge game from the OL this week.
The Chief: This is a Giant team that was almost beat by the Redskins at home two weeks ago except for a Hail Mary to Nix. Sounds to me its up to Ike Taylor to keep on the role he has been the last two weeks!
Jerry Micco: The Giants like to hammer Bradshaw in there and set up some deep throws to Cruz and Nicks. They have the weapons on offense, and it all starts with Manning. I think the Steelers need to keep everything in front of them, and not get burned by big plays. If they do that, and if the offense can play good ball control, they have a fighting chance.
Praveen: I coudl care less about Hoka Hey. I care more about why Kyle Starks gets hired in the first place with no relevant experience to run a major league organization';s minor leagues. He is no boy genius either to offset that lack of experience.
Jerry Micco: Well, there certainly is a story to tell about the front office, and I'll leave it at that. Let's see if the Pirates can make that leap next year. Everyone over there was saying 2013 was the year. OK, let's see it. Certainly improved in 2011 (72 wins) and 2012 (79). Can they get that to 88-90 next season? That likely makes the playoffs. You judge a front office on how the team develops year over year. Let's see if this group can get the Pirates into contention come September 2013.
Praveen: Freddy Sanchez. I remember thinking it was nice of him to say kind words about wanting to stay with the Pirates when he was traded. But he must be the happiest guy and should give gifts to everyone in the Pirates organization for doing him such a great favor and trading him.
Jerry Micco: He's got 2 rings because of the trade. I think he feels well-rewarded.
Andrew: Pitt at Notre Dame this week...who ya got?
Jerry Micco: I think Notre Dame will win because they are just a better team and they are playing at home. That said, I think Pitt will play them tough because they always play the Irish tough. Too bad Pitt is suffering from some big injuries, none more disappointing than Dan Mason, who deserves so many good things but seems to have terrible luck. I think if Sunseri takes care of the ball and the Pitt OL can make some room for Graham and Shell, the Panthers can keep it close. I don't think ND wins by the spread of 16.5.
Praveen: So is Woodley's injury serious or is the injury reporting just being cautious? Why wouldn't he come out of a game they were winning when he felt the slightest tweak? Any info on this injury? At least Pouncey's multiple injuries are caused by other linemen.
Jerry Micco: Woodley's injury is categorized as slight, but we'll see how practice goes this week. I think for him, hamstrings are a recurring injury. The only cure if to rest them, but you really don't have that luxury now. He may have to play with a tweaked hammy, but even at that, he's important to the defense.
Chunkles: Coach LeBeau called one heck of a game. Too bad it wasn't the Super Bowl where he could ride off into the sunset. He seems like such a good man, I hope he leaves on his own terms.
Jerry Micco: I think he will.
The Chief: You surprised by how handilythe NFL game beat Game four of the World Series in the TV ratings?
Jerry Micco: Not at all. The NFL is king in our country, and I think more and more baseball is a regional sport. Now, if the Yankees are playing, all bets are off because they have a huge fanbase and the rest of the fans generally hate them. So you have interest from all sides.
Praveen: It would be nice if the NBA, NBA, and MLB have a strike every year and lose 25% of their games. Seasons are too long. Only the NFL seems to have the perfect season length.
Jerry Micco: I'd be happy to see fewer NBA, NHL and MLB games. But with the contracts the way they are, the teams need as many games as possible to make a profit. Cutting a little away from all 3 wouldn't hurt from a fans' standpoint, but it would from a bottom-line standpoint.
geography: Jerry, you send a columnist to opine on a game for two schools that are both 3 hours from Pittsburgh and on probabtion. Yet for Pitt, who was playing a home game, no columnist, just the beat writer. Does this mean you will be sending Ron Cook to cover the Cleveland Browns? They are only 2 hours from Pittsburgh and more local than PSU or O$U
Jerry Micco: It's not about distance, it's about interest and storyline. But you already know that Mr. Geography. There's a reason PSU-OSU was on ESPN and why 107,000 were in the seats. Look, we try to get to all the teams we cover with our columnists. Sometimes because both cover the Steelers home and away, we can't. But Pitt gets columnists to its games, as does WVU. We use more than geography to make decisions, and we do have a fanbase for Penn State. And the amazing thing about PSU is, I think every game of theirs has been on national TV except Iowa, and it was primetime Big Ten Network. Go figure.
The Chief: Any mention of Steeler travel issues with the effect of Sandy on NYC?
Jerry Micco: No, nothing yet, but we are monitoring.
Paul: Jerry, I can't imagine (or maybe I can) the anger (to put it mildly) being directed at Andy Reid across the state, right? Despite good showings I think a very overrated head coach nationally. No defense, doesn't adapt and develop a running game ...
Jerry Micco: And here's what I think about sometimes: He lost his son earlier this year. I can't believe that's not on him mind every day. Losing a child is tragic. I think, though, his tenure is up in Philly, unless he can get them to a Super Bowl. But I've read where Jimmy Haslem likes him and he may land in Cleveland.
Andrew: @Praveen: the Pirates would go bankrupt with all the gifts that they would be giving out to former players...
Jerry Micco: True this.
PoopyPants Joe: Showing your true colors in your response to Geography. Shouldn't you keep your rooting interestes to yourself. Have to go and take a back handed jab at Pitt that they can't draw 107,000 like your beloved PSU.
Jerry Micco: How in the world is that a backhanded slap at Pitt. Goodness, who sees it that way unless you have a pre-ordained agenda, which by your name I think you do. I mention the attendance because it shows statewide interest in the game, and TV shows a national interest. Wow, you are making a pretty good leap there. It's incorrect, but you went ahead and did it anyway. And it's kind of a cliched thought, don't you think?
AJC: Jay Bell announced as new Pirates hitting coach ... good move?
Jerry Micco: If nothing else, they'll bunt better than any team in baseball. Be interesting to see what he can do with the Pirates hitters, who in my mind, weren't the problem last season.
The Chief: Speaking of "who you got"; who do you like in the big election next Tuesday?
Jerry Micco: Too close to call. By the way, I'm hosting the election night chat here at the PG. From 8:30 p.m. to whenever. I'm a political junkie in my spare time.
WVU Still Better ThanPitt: What's the reason for sitting Ryan Mundy, and starting Will Allen ahead on the depth chart? I know Mundy will probably get the go because of Clark being out, but I thought Mundy is one of the most physical players on that Defense!
Jerry Micco: He is, but he's had some coverage issues and Allen has been pretty solid in his starts. Neither is as good as the starter they replace, but both are serviceable. Mundy will still get his shots, but Allen's experience makes a difference.
Ken: Yes, Sabol's on the nominees list and he absolutely should get in this year. Just the other day, I was watching the great footage of the Steelers celebrating their first AFC Championship on the Raiders home turf.
WVU Still Better ThanPitt: Pitt is 4-4 and going nowhere fast ... The ACC conference next year should drop them from any sort of coverage because they can't win in basketball or football.
Jerry Micco: I think the ACC will only enhance Pitt's programs. And it really doesn't matter to us. We cover every Pitt football and men's basketball game no matter where they play. Only school we do that for because we know of the local interest there. Besides, I think the ACC move will help football with recruiting, etc. And I'm a big fan of Paul Chryst. I think he can keep them competitive after the move.
Will: Beatles or Stones?
Jerry Micco: Beatles. They were groundbreakers in every way.
Jerry Micco: OK folks, time to head back to some other stuff. Thanks for taking the time to chat today. Interesting stuff as always. I'll be chatting this Sunday for the Steelers game, live from my living room. Have a great week everyone, and I hope to see all of you back next time. Follow me on Twitter: @PG_JerryMicco


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CLEVELAND, Ohio - Things don't look as bright as they did a week ago for the Cleveland Indians, but this week's update of The Plain Dealer's stats-driven Believe-O-Meter says the Indians still are not to be dismissed.
59 | 55 | 63 |
Overall | Heart | Head |
That's down just a bit from a 63 one week ago.
The stats-driven Believe-O-Meter shown here is an alternate way to judge the Indians' hopes this season to the subjective fan-driven Believe-O-Meter. You can be part of that separate rating by voicing your opinion at this link.
Here's how we come up with the stats-driven Believe-O-Meter rating, an average of our head and heart indexes.
- For the head (currently an 63): We've created an index that takes into account the Indians' record over the last 10 games, the overall record for the year, games behind first place, and the team's American League ranking for runs scored and runs allowed.
- For the heart (currently a 55): The index factors in attendance over the last 10 home games and readership over the last week on cleveland.com for Indians stories vs. stories about the Browns, the Cavs and Ohio State. Indians stories ranked second behind the Cavs over the last week. Attendance has averaged 20,503 over the last 10 home games.
Visit the fan-driven Believe-O-Meter to register how you're feeling about the Tribe today.