Comments for Bagpipe Online

Comment on MGMT by the strike eagle

the strike eagle — Thu, 06 May 2010 18:13:27 +0000

Hilarious review, though tragically misguided. I’d like to ask for some kind of documentation on the LSD charges. But even if it sticks, let me ask you this: did The Beatles start sucking with Sgt. Pepper, the White Album, etc? Yep, you’re trapped.

Secondly, three great songs do not an album make. Except for those three (you know the ones) the rest of Oracular was barely mediocre (even kinda dumb). Congrats has consistently better melodies, and deeper, more complex character and atmosphere. Unlike Oracular, you can listen to it over and over. My assessment is that Colin craves cotton candy in 3.5 minutes blocks, and can’t appreciate a nine course feast.

Also, compared to much of popular indie music, Congrats actually seems unstintingly disciplined. Go listen to some Animal Collective or Fang Island for contextual calibration, and then give Congrats a re-spin. But I recognize that if you’re used to Sara Groves or Jars of Clay, Congrats probably feels like unmitigated chaos.

Comment on Special Grace Not So Common by JMH

JMH — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 04:18:05 +0000

I would indeed argue that there is no distinction between common grace and special grace, simply because there is no two-sided grace. Scripture does not indicate two separate categories. Man’s innate ability to perform marginal good is not the result of ‘common grace’, but a natural echo of Eden, a remnant of the image of God. God’s singular grace IS saving grace, and there is no other. God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:6). That is God’s desire, the purpose of his grace given in Christ. But we know from Scripture that not all shall be saved, because God in his sovereignty has given man the freedom of choice. Many shall reject God’s grace, but that does not change God’s desire that all men be saved. To support an additional category of grace is dangerous, and at its root questions the Justice and Holiness of God. Each human being has a remnant of the image of God within him, and only through Christ’s blood can it be restored. Acknowledging man’s ability to do good on his own in no way diminishes the sacrifice of Christ, nor gives man power to save himself. But each man, regardless of his marginal power to do good, will eventually sin, and so come under condemnation. All men become terminally diseased with sin, and like any diseased person they still function normally on many levels, though that ability fades with time. But God’s saving grace is made available, the cure for man’s disease. As Christians, we should not be preoccupied and biting our nails over issues of ‘common grace/special grace’, rather we should be grasping onto the good in our fellow men and leading them to the cross for regeneration.

Comment on The Infamous Alumnus by Kaitlin Fender

Kaitlin Fender — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:09:04 +0000

Good point, Kate. I’m going to edit that right now.

Comment on The Infamous Alumnus by Kate Harrison

Kate Harrison — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 11:38:44 +0000

I think a Chapman article has been overdue, and this has some very interesting details in it. I’m also glad you covered what’s happened to Chapmman since the shooting. But I am bothered by the final line, “Covenant students would be wise to learn from their example.” Although I know the context in which it was referring (faithful marriage), it is A) pat and didactic, and B) very easy to take out of context. Because the article is online, it is read by way more people than Covenant people. The last thing we want is some kind of misinterpretation which makes a reader think we encourage Chapman’s example in the thing which he is best known for.

Comment on The New Yorker Writer David Grann Comes to Covenant by jharrison22001

jharrison22001 — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:44:10 +0000

To be corrected by someone who simply knows you’ve gotten your facts wrong is one thing. But to be corrected by a nationally known expert in fire investigation, whose hard work you misrepresented, is another.

John Lentini, who was responsible for chairing the team commissioned by the Innocence Project to investigate the evidence concerning the case of Cameron Todd Willingham, sent me the following note this afternoon:

“Your site says about David Grann:

“Grann’s essay prompted the state of Texas to re-examine the case, ultimately leading them to admit that the evidence used in the conviction of Cameron Todd Willingham could not be sustained.”

Not to take anything away from an excellent and exceedingly readable article, but it was the Innocence Project’s May 2, 2006 report that prompted the TX Forensic Science Commission(FSC) to re-examine the Willingham case, and the state has “ultimately admitted” nothing.

The consultant hired by the TX FSC did write a report that came out about a week before Mr. Grann’s piece in The New Yorker. That report, prepared by Dr. Craig Beyler, stated that the evidence did not support the arson determination. Source documents are attached. Try to be a little more careful in the future.”

John Lentini, CFI, D-ABC
Scientific Fire Analysis, LLC

I was reckless– Mr. Lentini is more than right. His name along with the details of his team’s hard work is all over Grann’s article from last year. Here’s one of the many quotes from Grann’s piece that refer to him:

“Nearly two years later, the Innocence Project commissioned (John) Lentini and three other top fire investigators to conduct an independent review of the arson evidence in the Willingham case. The panel concluded that “each and every one” of the indicators of arson had been “scientifically proven to be invalid.””

Getting the facts right matters. To be called out for misrepresenting them is embarassing, but more than helpful.

Comment on The Distribution: Soulcore Comes to Covenant by infracrazyc

infracrazyc — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:21:19 +0000

When it comes to interviews we [The Distribution] obviously esteem entertainment value over informational accuracy.

Music:
Facebook.com/TheDistribution
SoundCloud.com/TheDistribution

Comment on Men’s Style: Valentine’s Day Edition Take out your lady! by jharrison22001

jharrison22001 — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:39:04 +0000

Is it ok for me to give the girl a kiss after the date?

Comment on Federalized student loans poised to become a lot more federal by seogene

seogene — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:40:00 +0000

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If you are burdened with credit cards that have large balances, you can think how to consolidate credit card debt.
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Comment on Promising solution to 20-year-old sewer dispute finally surfaces by jharrison22001

jharrison22001 — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:52:39 +0000

Second that. Nice work.

Comment on Promising solution to 20-year-old sewer dispute finally surfaces by Isaiah Smallman

Isaiah Smallman — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:34:05 +0000

This is a great article! This is probably the first comprehensive history of this issue, hopefully it will get worked out soon.