Average Joe Partners with IndieHeaven.com

Average Joe American has joined forces with IndieHeaven.com to bring you the best in Independent Christian Music, starting this weekend on the all new Soapy Joe.

For more on IndieHeaven, read on...

From Transparent Christian Magazine:

Loving Their Neighbors-Indieheaven Offers a Strong Support Infrastructure, For Independent Christian Artists - by Jason Elkins

If you are an independent Christian musician, and you take your craft seriously, Indieheaven is a great friend to have. Created by visionary Keith Mohr 11 years ago in Franklin, Tennessee, this online resource for all things Christian-Indie has established itself as a pioneer in the Christian Independent Artist Support business.

Joe

podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct | ariel publicity
kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven | iris distribution

Gas Station Safety

All I can say is, WOW!



Joe

podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct | ariel publicity
kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven | iris distribution

Seeking Justice

Just learned that the in-laws house was burglarized earlier today. The mother-in-law started a new job yesterday, and today she came home from work to find all of the doors open and the bedroom in disarray.

To make matters worse, it appears that the culprit(s) was/were still in the home when she arrived home. When she saw from the hallway the scattered dresser drawers in the bedroom, she left the house to call 9-1-1 from the car. Several items were left behind that had clearly been gathered with the intention of stealing, including some jewelry and guns.

Luckily she made enough noise before making her discovery that the perp(s) hid long enough for her to get out of the house, then fled the scene.

Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with the feelings of violation that are sure to follow, and as they try to regain the sense of security that we should all be able to feel in our homes. And, if you're like me, you'll also pray that the police catch the person or persons responsible.

Joe

Marines Train In Indy

From the Indianapolis Star:

U.S. Marine helicopters will be landing at Eastgate Mall, Brookside Park and other locations throughout the city as Indianapolis becomes a mock battlefield in an urban combat training exercise.

About 2,300 Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit -- based in Camp Lejuene, N.C. -- will be using various locations throughout the city for their Realistic Urban Training Exercise from June 4 to 19.

"Our aim in Indianapolis is to expose our Marines to realistic scenarios and stresses posed by operating in an actual urban community, thereby increasing their proficiency in built up areas," Col. Mark J. Desens, commander of the 26th MEU, wrote in a statement.

"While some of the activity will take place aboard Camp Atterbury, residents in many areas can expect to see helicopters flying overhead, military vehicles on the roads and Marines patrolling on foot," he said.

Much of the training will be centered near Camp Atterbury and other locations in Indiana and Kentucky. Residents living closest to the training locations will be notified in advance of any "mock raids" or other exercises, Desens said.

Landing sites include Eastgate Mall, Brookside Park, Ellenberger Park, Christian Park, Southeastway Park, Bush Stadium and Douglass Park.

Joe

The Toshiba Lemon Returns

The old broken down Toshiba computer has finally arrived back from Toshiba's far away repair center. The diagnosis: another system board failure. That makes (by my count, though I've admittedly lost track) five system boards that have been in the unit.

To Toshiba's credit, they repaired the computer at no cost to me -- including shipping -- even though the warranty expired some 3-1/2 months ago. I expected no less, however, because during the warranty period the computer spent more time in Toshiba's repair centers than in my own hands (a slight exaggeration, but only slight).

As I explained some time ago, I have already replaced the computer with a new Sony Vaio VGN-NR220E, and have no intention of going back to the Toshiba. Which left me with the dilemma of just what to do with this old lemon of a notebook until the next system board failure. I have a friend/coworker interested in it, but the last thing I would do to someone that I like is curse him with that old Toshiba. I could sell it on eBay, but I'd hate to see the bad feedback I'd get when the next owner runs into the same problems I've had.

Which is why we have opted to give it to my four-year-old son. That's right, my son is probably the youngest kid in the neighborhood with his own laptop computer. Thanks to the quite thorough Parental Controls of Windows Vista, we're able to provide some serious restrictions to what he can do -- both online and off -- and when. It may seem a bit out of line to give such a young child his own laptop computer, but if you saw him on the computer, and how quickly he has adapted to the technology, I'm not so sure that every young toddler shouldn't have access to this great technology. I honestly believe that my son will be advanced beyond many others his age, as far as deductive thinking, hand/eye coordination, and technical thinking are concerned, because of his time allowed on a computer.

Of course, the amount of time that he spends on the computer each day will continue to be limited, but now he and his mother won't have to be limited by the fact that they both are using the same computer. My wife can now freely work on her laptop without my son asking if he can play on the computer.

My wife had one other possible option -- which I immediately vetoed -- sell the old Toshiba and put the proceeds toward a Nintendo Wii. I understand that there are many active games on the Wii, but the last thing I want to encourage is having my kids spend all of their time in front of the television, either watching TV or playing games on the TV. My son has a V-Tech V-Smile, which allows him to play somewhat more educational games on the TV, and is much more suited to his age than a Wii, and we've hooked up my wife's old Atari 2600 to a small television in the play room that my son and I can spend a little goof off time on when we want to play nonsense games. Frankly, the nostalgia benefit of it is unbeatable.

The only family member now that doesn't have her own laptop is my two-year-old daughter. Maybe by the time she's four, her mother or I will be due to upgrade again, and she can have our next hand-me-down. We'll see.

Joe

Need Another Reason?

In a time when America has been under attack, and continues to be under the threat of attack, I find the contents of this video to be very disturbing.



Follow the link HERE.



Joe

A Soapy Joe Show? Your Thoughts, Please

I've been considering adding a second podcast to the Average Joe Radio lineup, and would like your input.

There is a virtually untapped world of Christian Contemporary music in the Independent music scene. I've been considering adding a fifteen to twenty minute weekly show as part of the Soapy Joe blog. The show would consist of an introduction, followed by three or four songs, a final thought, and a wrap up. Not a whole lot of talk, not a whole lot of opinion. Just a whole lot of praise and worship music.

The show would share a Podshow/Mevio feed with The Joe Show at http://averagejoeradio.mevio.com, would be posted each week to the homepage at AverageJoeAmerican.US, but would have it's own home with the Soapy Joe blog. This would allow listeners to subscribe to:

1. all audio content from both shows [FEED];
2. audio content from The Joe Show only [FEED];
3. audio and blog content from Soapy Joe only [FEED];
4. all audio and blog content that is posted to the homepage [FEED].

A wide range of selections to choose from that should provide all listeners/readers with exactly the content that they want.

My question is, what do you think? Would you be interested in subscribing and listening to both The Joe Show and a new Soapy Joe show featuring independent Contemporary Christian music? Send me your thoughts. Fill out the form below, or email me.

Joe

A Soapy Joe Show? Your Thoughts, Please

I've been considering adding a second podcast to the Average Joe Radio lineup, and would like your input.

There is a virtually untapped world of Christian Contemporary music in the Independent music scene. I've been considering adding a fifteen to twenty minute weekly show as part of the Soapy Joe blog. The show would consist of an introduction, followed by three or four songs, a final thought, and a wrap up. Not a whole lot of talk, not a whole lot of opinion. Just a whole lot of praise and worship music.

The show would share a Podshow/Mevio feed with The Joe Show at http://averagejoeradio.mevio.com, would be posted each week to the homepage at AverageJoeAmerican.US, but would have it's own home with the Soapy Joe blog. This would allow listeners to subscribe to:

1. all audio content from both shows [FEED];
2. audio content from The Joe Show only [FEED];
3. audio and blog content from Soapy Joe only [FEED];
4. all audio and blog content that is posted to the homepage [FEED].

A wide range of selections to choose from that should provide all listeners/readers with exactly the content that they want.

My question is, what do you think? Would you be interested in subscribing and listening to both The Joe Show and a new Soapy Joe show featuring independent Contemporary Christian music? Send me your thoughts. Fill out the form below, or email me.

Joe

Memorial Day

From the Hoosier Patriots Memorial in Indianapolis.

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The Joe Show 73 - Memorial Day

New this week on

The Joe Show
featuring Average Joe American

Episode Seventy-Three: Memorial Day

carbon leaf | the war was in color | www
courtesy of the podsafe music network

chris demarco | unknown soldier | www
courtesy of the podsafe music network

joe colledge | american dream | www
courtesy of the podsafe music network

kevin burdick | america | myspace
courtesy of ioda promonet

neil brian goldberg | born in america
courtesy of the podsafe music network

neil brian goldberg | remember america
courtesy of the podsafe music network

nico & the known | the cost of freedom | www
courtesy of the podsafe music network

phil ayoub | white feather | www
courtesy of the podsafe music network

ray younkin | america's sky | www
courtesy of the podsafe music network

rick roark | remember me | myspace
courtesy of airplay direct

shawn cole | in the middle of nowhere | www
courtesy of the podsafe music network

sweet crystal | in god we trust | www
courtesy of the podsafe music network

taps

USED AS BACKGROUND MUSIC:

amazing grace

gary | american the beautiful | www
courtesy of the podsafe music network

when the army goes rolling along aka the army song

the halls of montezuma aka the marine corps hymn

Phone: (317) 644-6129
Email Feedback: joe@averagejoeamerican.us

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John McCain on Weekend Update

Joe

"What Could I Do?" -- What Can YOU Do?

Today's Daily Soap {Scripture | Observation | Application | Prayer}

• S: Acts 26:15-19 (MSG)
  
• O: "I said, 'Who are you, Master?'
  
  "The voice answered, 'I am Jesus, the One you're hunting down like an animal. But now, up on your feet—I have a job for you. I've handpicked you to be a servant and witness to what's happened today, and to what I am going to show you.
  
  "'I'm sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I'm sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.'
  
  "What could I do, King Agrippa? I couldn't just walk away from a vision like that! I became an obedient believer on the spot.
  
  
• A: Why can't we be like this today? Paul, a tormentor of Christians, answered the calling of Christ and "became an obedient believer on the spot." He followed God's direction and spread the story of Salvation to non-Jews. He became persecuted for his beliefs, just as he once persecuted Christians for their beliefs. Today, we hear the church calling us to serve in one way or another, but many find it so hard to answer with a YES. Our lives have become so hectic, so busy, that we don't have time for the One Person we should be devoting all of our time to: God. Can't we be more like Paul?
  
• P: Father, I myself have found it easier at times to make excuses than to say YES. So many things cry for my attention that I fool myself into thinking that they are more urgent, that God will wait. But I know that You wait for no one. That You wait only until You decide the time is right. Lord, help me to get up and say YES. Move me, Lord.
  

Send feedback to Joe by email, or by calling 317-644-6129.

Almost Flew

If you haven't seen this, you should. Great tune, and quite a creative video. Almost inspiring, even.

More at JeffCaylor.com.



Joe

Times Running Out

There's still time to submit your military memories for the Memorial Day Joe Show.

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Calling All Patriots

Still taking stories from vets for Memorial Day. Call 317-644-6129 to record your military memories for The Joe Show.

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Thank The Troops

Want to Thank the troops on The Memorial Day Joe Show? Call 317-644-6129 to record up to 3 minutes.

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A Call To Duty

Send your military memories to The Joe Show.

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Joe Wants You!

Average Joe American is looking for you! Memorial Day is just around the corner. As a former member of America's military, I want to put some special thoughts together for a very special episode of The Joe Show.

I'm asking current and former service members to contribute a brief audio clip telling us what it means to them to serve their country, or maybe to share a memory of their time in service.

If you're a current or former U.S. service member and would like to have your story included in The Joe Show, participating is simple. Just call 317-644-6129 and record your story. Please include your first name and branch of service.

The show will be produced and available for Memorial Day weekend.

Thanks for your service to our country, and thanks in advance for supporting The Joe Show.

Joe

Joe Wants You!

Average Joe American is looking for you! Memorial Day is just around the corner. As a former member of America's military, I want to put some special thoughts together for a very special episode of The Joe Show.

I'm asking current and former service members to contribute a brief audio clip telling us what it means to them to serve their country, or maybe to share a memory of their time in service.

If you're a current or former U.S. service member and would like to have your story included in The Joe Show, participating is simple. Just call 317-644-6129 and record your story. Please include your first name and branch of service.

The show will be produced and available for Memorial Day weekend.

Thanks for your service to our country, and thanks in advance for supporting The Joe Show.

Joe

Selflessness

Today's Daily Soap {Scripture | Observation | Application | Prayer}

• S: Acts 21:4, 11, 13
  
• O: Their message to Paul, from insight given by the Spirit, was "Don't go to Jerusalem." ... "This is what the Holy Spirit says: The Jews in Jerusalem are going to tie up the man who owns this belt just like this and hand him over to godless unbelievers." ... But Paul wouldn't budge: "Why all this hysteria? Why do you insist on making a scene and making it even harder for me? You're looking at this backward. The issue in Jerusalem is not what they do to me, whether arrest or murder, but what the Master Jesus does through my obedience. Can't you see that?"
  
• A: It can be so easy, sometimes, to look at the world in terms of the impact it has on me personally. Most of us do it. It's always, "that car cut me off," or "I just can't afford the price of gas," or "did you drink the last soda?" It can be so much more, in fact, such as favoring abortion because you want to live the kind of life where you might need one some day. Or maybe you just don't stop to help a disabled motorist because you might be late for work. Or, and I'll bet I'm not the only one guilty of this one at times, hesitating to share the word of God with someone because they just might laugh at you. But what of Paul? He was lead by the Lord to go to Jerusalem. Clearly being told by others not to go to Jerusalem because he would be tortured, how did he reply? Did he fear for his own safety? Maybe. But did he let that fear dictate his actions? Absolutely not. Instead, he explained that what happened to him was not at all important -- that whatever God accomplished through Paul's obedience by going to Jerusalem was worth any price he might pay. Must we live a self-centered existence? Or might we reap greater rewards by letting the Lord use us to accomplish his will?
  
• P: Lord, use me.
  

Send feedback to Joe by email, or by calling 206-600-4JOE.

The Joe Show 72

New this week on

The Joe Show
featuring Average Joe American

Episode Seventy-Two:

joe colledge | american dreams | www
courtesy of the podsafe music network
thanks to jersey joe

three blind mice | kolysanka | www
courtesy of the podsafe music network

abbotfinney | show me something better | www
courtesy of ariel publicity

strangers in wonderland | so much more | www
courtesy of strangers in wonderland

comedy minute from the christian comedy podcast
courtesy of mike williams

buckcherry | sorry | www
courtesy of the podsafe music network

ray tarantino | riding rhymes | www
courtesy of ariel publicity

jonathon coulton | the presidents | www
courtesy of the podsafe music network

smallfish | presidents | myspace
courtesy of ariel publicity

presidents of the united states of america | so low so hi | www
courtesy of the ioda promonet

five am | be still | www
courtesy of the podsafe music network

michael dimitri | give me more music | www
courtesy of the podsafe music network
and jersey joe's pick to click

Artist Hotline: (317) 644-6129
Feedback Line: (206) 600-4JOE
Email Feedback: joe@averagejoeamerican.us

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podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct | ariel publicity
kennedy resource development | populuxe records | gorgeous pr | iris distribution

I have started a new...

I have started a new story. Keep checking back for details, maybe, I will share some teasers with you. listen

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Book Review: Deadfall by Robert Liparulo

If you're a hunter, an outdoorsman, you might already have known this, but for someone like me, it took me nearly the entire book to learn exactly what "deadfall" is. Dictionary.com provides two possible definitions of the word, both of which fit the context of Robert Liparulo's latest work, Deadfall:

1. a trap, esp. for large game, in which a weight falls on and crushes the prey.
2. a mass of brush and fallen trees.

Liparulo takes us deep into Canada's Northwest Territory with an unlucky group of four friends trying to get away from their streaks of misfortune. Little do they know that their luck is about to turn from bad to worse.

To go into too much detail about Deadfall would be to give away the entire plot of the story. Imagine, if you will, finding your vacation interrupted by the most unlikely group of people, in the most unexpected place, with the most unimaginable weapon -- and they're out to kill you. To kill you with a weapon that sees all, knows all, and can strike out and reach you wherever you go, without warning. That there is no place you can hide from this ultimate weapon, not even underground.

Robert Liparulo does not disappoint in his latest tale of action and suspense. Just as he did in his debut novel, Comes A Horseman, Liparulo delivers a heart-pounding page turner that demands to be read. To be entered. To be lived. But be careful, because the world of Canada's Northwest Territories becomes so very real in Liparulo's Fiddler Falls, and lends proof to the theory that the best place to hide is right under the enemy's nose.

Joe

The God of Every Man

Today's Daily Soap {Scripture | Observation | Application | Prayer}

• S: Acts 10:34-36; Acts 10:44-48
  
• O: Can't we all just get along?
  
• A: It is clear that God's intention is for us to live in peace and harmony, regardless of our race, birthright, national origin, or religion. As the Apostle Luke reports in the book of Acts, God has brought together a Jew and a Gentile for the very reason of proving this point.
  "It's God's own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you're from -- if you want God and are ready to do as He says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel -- that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again -- well, he's doing it everywhere, among everyone." ... No sooner were these words out of Peter's mouth than the Holy Spirit came on the listeners. The believing Jews who had come with Peter couldn't believe it, couldn't believe that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on "outsider" Gentiles, but there it was -- they heard them speaking in tongues, heard them praising God. Then Peter said, "Do I hear any objections to baptizing these friends with water? They've received the Holy Spirit exactly as we did." Hearing no objections, he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. (Acts 10:34-36, 44-48 MSG)
  The world is filled today with several kinds of people. I'll name just a few: (1) those who love, appreciate, and promote peace; (2) those who would have you believe that their god is calling them to kill in his name; (3) those who find themselves defending the rest of us from the second group listed above by taking up arms and fighting back. It's clear that, first of all, God -- the only God -- is not directing people of any religion to kill others in His name. If they do so, it is because they are either (a) deluded into believing it, or (b) blaspheming the name of God by killing in his name. It would be a wonderful world if we could all live as those in the first group listed above promote, but that is not the world that we live in today, because the enemy -- Satan -- has been given the freedom to move among us and tempt us to act on his behalf. With whom will you stand? The enemy, or the Ultimate Victor? Would God have you turn your back on those in need, or lend a hand in their defense?
  
• P: Lord, as we continue to defend our country -- the world -- from the tyrants who claim to kill in the name of Allah, guide those who defend us to do what is right and just, to fight only defensively, not provoking or prolonging the fight. Help us to win a swift victory against the enemy -- against the armies influenced by Satan.
  

Send feedback to Joe by email, or by calling 206-600-4JOE.

Lovin' From The Oven

Proof that my wife loves me?

Homemade chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter icing (also homemade).

Eat your heart out!

Joe

Ahhhh.....

Enjoying a relaxing end to a nice day off.

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The Joe Show 71 - Mountain Mirrors

New this week on

The Joe Show
featuring Average Joe American

Episode Seventy-One: Mountain Mirrors

special preview of mountain mirrors new album, dreadnought | myspace
courtesy of magnatune

Move over Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, Led Zeppelin, Days of the New, et. al., there's a new kid in the psychedelic rock scene, and they will not be denied. With the release of their fourth album, Dreadnought, Mountain Mirrors treats us to the best they have yet to offer. From the mesmerizing Born Deranged that opens the album, you'll be caught in a whirlwind that takes you back to your youth -- whatever your age.

The bass licks on this album are like something you haven't heard in almost twenty years. There is no band in top 40 radio today that can make a guitar sing like Mountain Mirrors, nor a lyricist in the mainstream music industry who can pen the poetry that these guys put to music on Dreadnought.

Just about the time you start to feel really at ease and relaxed by the mellow rhythms of Mountain Mirrors, the instrumental Your Dirge that occupies the center track on the album will give you a whole new appreciation for the talent of this incredible band.

Dreadnought is not only a must hear, it's a must purchase, and with the ease of Mountain Mirrors' distribution channel available at Magnatune.com, you can do just that for whatever price you wish, as low as just $5 (though I think you'll agree that the album is worth much more than that).

track 1 | born deranged

track 2 | field of grass

track 3 | i don't belong

track 4 | end of days

track 6 | your dirge

track 8 | birds in a rat race

track 9 | better days

track 10 | a spell to block the sun

track 5 | the elemental (background)

Register to win a free high-quality download of the entire album, including the tracks not featured in The Joe Show #71, by submitting a comment to this post. Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 PM May 17, 2008, with a winner being drawn at random and announced on The Show #73 on May 24, 2008.

Artist Hotline: (317) 644-6129
Feedback Line: (206) 600-4JOE
Email Feedback: joe@averagejoeamerican.us

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kennedy resource development | populuxe records | gorgeous pr | iris distribution

Chickens, Blue and Turtles, Too!

I came home from work today after a very hectic week of prepping for inventory and going through a painting facelift of my store, culminating in a twelve-hour inventory blitz today. It has made for a couple of long, hectic weeks.

Tonight, after getting home and eating dinner, even though I felt very sore, burnt out and exhausted, I decided to spend a little time with the kids. We started in the play room, playing my son's version of Blues Clues. Instead of paw prints, we have hand prints cut out of construction paper. And instead of using three prints for "clues" we use five. We take turns hiding the "clues" and finding them, then guessing what the "clues" had in common. We actually had lots of fun playing it tonight in the play room with my daughter joining us (usually it's just me and my son). Eventually, my daughter tore the thumb off one of the hand prints, and while I was out of the room getting some tape to fix it, my son came up with another game to play.

He found my wife's old (and I mean, she had it when she was a kid) Atari 2600 game system, with a library of more than thirty games. "Let's play this," he said.

So I made the minor adjustments necessary to hook it up on the TV, and we went through probably half of the games we have:

• Missile Command
• Berzerk
• Tapper
• Pitfall
• Freeway

Just to name a few. Of course, I think we both enjoyed playing Freeway the most. It's amazing how much fun you can have with such an outdated, basic system as the Atari 2600. Of course, several of the games required turning the system on and off several times just to get it to work. We made a little game of it. My son, then my daughter, then I would all blow into the cartridge (it seemed to work when I was a kid), then I'd insert the cartridge into the game, give it a couple of taps, and then play with the power switch until the game was live. Before I knew it, my daughter was bringing stacks of games over to us and blowing into them. It was really quite a bit of fun.

And we topped the evening off with an episode of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Comcast OnDemand.

This particular episode was titled "Still Nobody," and featured a shrouded caped hero who called himself Nobody. I'm no big fan of the Turtles (my son loves them), but this was probably one of the best episodes I've ever seen. I told my son when it was over, "Maybe they should make a cartoon of the Nobody guy."

It was a nice, relaxing, enjoyable evening with my kids. And I had looked forward so much to just coming home from work and relaxing. Oh the fun I would have missed out on.

Joe

Indiana Governor Candidates Side-by-Side

Now that Indiana Democrats have chosen their candidate for Governor, how do they compare side-by-side?


In addition to the above, Governor Daniels spearheaded and signed into law a Property Tax Reform Bill that will save Hoosiers $870 million in taxes in the first year. Even with a 1% increase in the State Sales Tax, once the plan is fully implemented, the plan deliverys $1.72 in tax cuts for every $1 of the new sales tax.

Joe