Glo: The Bible for the Digital World
Mar 5, 2010 Feature
Glo: The Bible for the Digital World
Immersion Digital
by Ken Wiegman
I have been a techno-geek a long time, at least since the days when I would take apart my electronic games (Merlin & Simon) just to see how they worked. Fortunately, I was always able to get them back together in working condition as well. Since those days I have worked my way into a full-time job in IT where I get to dabble in all kinds of technology, from simple power point presentations to graphic design software and digital recording. My interest then of course peeked immediately when the first press release for Glo came across my inbox. Thankfully I received a pre-release of the package as an industry “influencer.” (It’s the small things like that title that get me all giddy, fortunately I am very humble and it didn’t go to my head.)
Glo is a full digital package that is more than just a bible, it is more than just bits and bytes of digitized text. Glo is a comprehensive study package all under one easy to use application. The program has five general areas; the NIV & NKJ Bible, Atlas, Timeline, Topical subjects, and high-definition Media. Glo delivers all of this through an easy to use graphical interface.
The amount of data available for research and study is amazing. It reminds me of when my parents first purchased an updated volume of encyclopedias. I could spend hours just clicking through the materials and looking at the pictures, maps, and virtual tours and I would just be putting a scratch in the surface of data available. Aside from the five major categories listed above, Glo also has applicable study notes, thousands of pictures (literally), linked web based articles, maps and more, all available in a searchable and cross-referenced package. One of the most amazing parts is the virtual tour where you can zoom in closer and closer to the object or place. For example, you can effortlessly click through an interactive tour from the outer courts to the inner room of the Holy of Holies.
I was fortunate to be able to speak to co-creator and CIO of Immersion Digital, Nelson Saba. Coming away from the conversation I was blown away by the immensity of the project and the technology behind it. This current version of the program is just the beginning. Mr. Saba describes the current platform as a launching point for future content.
The next big release is coming in the fall of 2010 and according to Mr. Saba it will be a “BIG” launch. As the product evolves it will include content from mainstream providers and well-known and reputable sources, like pastor and speaker Max Lucado for example. This collaboration will differ from what we know as the wiki, as the content will be more strictly controlled – hence making it more reliable. Additionally, with the new release the program will be able to run on multiple devices such as an iPhone, or any Windows based portable device. One license will give the user multiple interfaces to get to the data, either from your home computer or your handheld. It will all be covered under one purchase.
The updated Glo will also be more integrated into the Internet so that you do not have to install the entire package on your device. In some ways it will be much like video on demand, which is something most people are familiar with these days. This will benefit the portable devices immensely, but for faster access it will be more advantageous to have the data stored on a local hard drive.
Glo is a highly advanced program and it really takes digital media one giant step further than many of the ebook readers that are now available. The high-definition pictures and interactive maps, virtual tours and study guides, will all truly make this an immersion experience. Although I am not an advocate of completely replacing paper Bibles, I do believe Glo can save time while studying the Bible, and at the same time, it will increase learning and comprehension.
On a more technical note, the pure immensity of the program is certain to cause some anxiety for the not-so-tech-savvy users. The full install could take up to three hours to install and a lot can go wrong during that time. Not necessarily with the program, but more so with individual computers of varying degrees of speed and capacity. Personally, I ran into problems immediately with the installation, but I believe that issue was with the promotional version only and not the full release. However, there is a decent tech support operation setup and as the product grows so will the support staff.
The space requirements for the complete package are high at 18 gigs of hard drive space for a complete install. This is due to two positive factors however, high quality digital files and the sheer number of files included, a positive trade off for time and hard drive space used up in the installation. Lastly, for the Mac users there is no compatible application at this time. That too will be released in the fall with the new version.
The quality of the content and ease of use are both very impressive. I have found the search function to be most helpful in linking bible passages to teaching articles, pictures, maps and more. Also, after talking to Mr. Saba I believe that the enthusiasm for the program is still bubbling over and I believe there is more to come that they have not even thought about yet. Even as I was speaking to Mr. Saba he was working on an international deal and he advised me that the product is going to be available in other languages eventually.
You need not worry about buying Glo now and paying for it again later either. As a present owner of Glo you will receive automatic updates as the new features are added. So there is a bonus to buying now, as you will get the updates as they come out instead of waiting until the fall of 2010 to get started. I highly recommend checking out Glo. I highly suggest you consider adding it to your library of resources, especially if you are a pastor or in a teaching position. As an avid user of power point for enhancing lectures, I can easily see where Glo will be used in the same way. It is all very exciting and there is nothing like getting pumped up for the Word of God.
Tags: Glo
Gungor – Beautiful Things
Mar 5, 2010 CD Reviews
Gungor
Beautiful Things
Brash Music
Grade – A
Michael Gungor is an independent artist and producer and his latest project is “Beautiful Things.” Looking back, you will find that Michael has done both instrumental and contemporary worship on previous releases. On this release, a spicy soundtrack compliments the worship. The lead track starts with an emotive Latin guitar piece and morphs into an old testament spiritual. The sound is ethereal and it easily pulls you in to the story. It is what the band calls “liturgical post rock.”
The title track is deeply meaningful and the subtler soundtrack gives it a tender sentiment. I have already found myself repeating this chorus in my head when life is seemingly in crisis – “you make beautiful things out of the dust.” I love this poignant message and I wish that more people would be convinced of its truth.
“Heaven” has a funky sound that gets you in the grove of worship. The soulful disposition of the vocals gives this an old-time gospel church flavor.
I like how “Call Me Out” includes some background noise that is totally representative of life. God is calling and it is sometimes hard to hear in the noise of every day life.
Overall the album is highly creative. The mix of gospel messages and the eclectic post rock sound puts Gungor in a unique position to bring worship to a new place and in a new way.
The band has recently changed their name from a longer Michael Gungor Band to the abbreviated “Gungor.” The band includes Michael’s wife Lisa Gungor, Brad Waller and Josh Harvey. The name change reflects a new direction the band is taking as it wishes to take the focus off of one person. The album was self-produced by Michael Gungor and it was recorded in a house, where the members stayed during the process.
For more information check out Gungor’s MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/michaelgungor.
Ken W.
Tags: Gungor
Adie – Just You and Me
Mar 5, 2010 CD Reviews
Adie
Just You and Me
BEC Recordings
Grade – A
I have a lot of respect for Adie as an artist (and a person really). I had followed Benjamin Gate with a youthful invigoration, and initially I was disappointed that the band was disbanding, as Adie was moving on to a new part of her life with Jeremy Camp and their eventually bundles of blessings.
I was enamored with her solo debut, and with her sophomore release, I continue to be taken back. Whether she is belting out postmodern rock tunes like those of Benjamin Gate, or singing beautiful melodies, like “What Have I Done” on her debut, Adie is a remarkable vocalist.
Some of my personal favorites on the new album include “Beautiful Lord,” “Soon,” and “Shelter.” The album focuses on worship and Adie’s tender vocals make these songs seem very personal. It is that subtleness that makes this a very worthy project and a welcomed addition to Adie’s repertoire. Fortunately, it is going to be easy to catch her live as she is touring with husband Jeremy Camp on the Live Unplugged Tour.
For more information check out http://www.myspace.com/adiecamp.
Ken W.
Tags: Adie
Stuart Townend “Introducing Stuart Townend”
Mar 5, 2010 CD Reviews
Stuart Townend
“Introducing Stuart Townend”
Kingsway
6 tracks @ 28:31
Grade = B
Stuart Townend has two songs on the CCLI top 50 worship songs in the US: “In Christ Alone” and “How Deep the Father’s Love.” Those two songs are included here.
About his songwriting, Townend says, “It is so important that our lives are built not on our feelings or circumstances, but on the Word of God, and songs can really help us to meditate on and retain truth.”
Steve Nicolle, Kingsway director, music and media, says, ”A good melody is not enough, but depth of lyric, Scriptural relevance and poetic beauty are required. This is the unique quality that Stuart brings to the global worshipping church.”
I liked the dash of Irish flute on “Beautiful Savior.” Three of the six tracks are live recordings. It’s much easier to appreciate the lyrics and Townend’s vocals on the three studio tracks.
I hope Townend will record more of his additional 110-plus hymns.
Rob S.
Catalyst Music Project
Mar 5, 2010 CD Reviews
Catalyst Music Project
Various
INO Reocrds
12 tracks @ 51:57
Grade = A
This compilation of modern worship and praise is the end result of a songwriting contest where over 300 worship leaders submitted 750 songs. Nathan Nockels serves as the producer of the project.
Among the artists performing these songs are: Laura Story, “What a Savior;” Phil Wickman, “One Who Overcomes;” and Fee, “Beauty of the Cross.”
Jeremiah Jones, who wrote “What a Savior,” says “While there have been countless inspired worship songs produced for the Church by the music industry, it’s refreshing to hear well-worn, time tested songs written by local leaders.”
This is one of those rare records where I enjoyed every song. Some of the standouts include “Love is the Answer,” “What a Savior,” “A Thousand Amens (Doxology),” “Emmanuel,” and “Because of Your Love.”
Several of these songs should receive wide acceptance.
The Catalyst organization was conceived at a Next Generation Leaders Conference in 1999 by Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner, John Maxwell, and Lanny Donoho. It was created to meet the felt need that existed for a leadership event that was focused on a new generation of church leaders, by creating a conference specifically focused on leaders under the age of 40. Over half a million leaders around the world are connected to the Catalyst community through events, resources, unique gatherings, online communities, social media and relational networks.
Rob S.
http://www.catalystconference.com/
Tags: Catalyst Music Project
Chasen “That Was Then, This Is Now”
Mar 5, 2010 CD Reviews
Chasen
“That Was Then, This Is Now”
INO Records
10 tracks @ 34:19
Grade = A
Chasen Callahan is the lead singer/songwriter for this band. Fans of the Robbie Seay band should enjoy this disk. I liked every song.
Callahan was leading worship at Marathon Church in Greenville, SC. He says, “I was content to lead worship on Sunday mornings but I felt God saying, ‘I want you to get beyond these four walls and reach people for me.”
Among the influences that Callahan sites are Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and the David Crowder band.
You’ve probably heard their song “On and On” which hit #1 on the Radio and Records Christian CHR chart in February.
About that song, Callahan says, “The nation was reacting to the recession and weighty political issues. . . . We’d lost that joy, but when all else fails God’s love never does. His grace goes on forever so I’m not going to worry about tomorrow.”
I don’t think that it’s even the best song on their record. “Castaway” is single worthy. A recurring theme is hope; “Airplanes,” and “Slow Down.”
I won’t be surprised if there’s a New Artist of the Year nomination for this worthy band.
Rob S.
Tags: Chasen
Sanctus Real – Pieces of a Real Heart
Mar 5, 2010 CD Reviews
Sanctus Real
“Pieces of a Real heart”
Sparrow Records
11 tracks @ 39:44
Grade = A
Sanctus Real returns with their sixth disk and they’re still going strong.
Lead singer Matt Hammitt says, “There’s a real depth here that I’m not sure we’ve ever had on any other album,” Matt shares. “We’ve always written about things that were important to us. But what really makes these songs stand out is that we’re getting older and have experienced so much more life. There’s a depth that naturally comes with age, and every couple years between albums there’s so much more growth spiritually, emotionally and even musically, and our music is evolving and progressing with life.”
According to the band’s PR, when it came time to choose a name that summed up the band’s newest work, the group was intentional about having the title really fit the pulse of the lyrics.
“At first it seemed a little cliché, but we knew we needed to have the word ‘heart’ somewhere in the title,” Hammitt says. “It’s because all these songs —every last one—are about the deepest parts of our being, our hearts, what we’re thinking about and things we’re living through. As we started thinking about all the different pieces of our lives, it quickly became apparent that these songs are definitely pieces of our real heart.”
The first single, “Forgiven,” has a fresh sound with its judicious use of the banjo. Frank in its honesty, the lyrics are exceptionally strong. With its focus on sin, “that devil just won’t let me forget,” and redemption, “I’m a treasure in the arms of Christ,” this is a contender for Song of the Year.
Equally as impressive lyrically is “These Things Take Time.” Its theme addresses “the big questions” many of us ask: why does pain make me strong? Why do good men die?
“Lead Me” is a very mature look at working for The Kingdom at the expense of those closest to us. Hammitt says the song is a response to his wife imploring him to be a better spiritual leader in their marriage and for their two children.
Hammitt says, “This is the first generation statistically that really believes that divorce and separation are just a normal part of family life. I want to do whatever I can to strengthen families and help them raise kids that have positive role models in moms and dads. And it starts with me.
“While I am committed to ‘death do us part,’ [my wife] made me realize that I was coasting in our marriage. As God is doing great things in my own marriage, I hope that ‘Lead Me’ can be a tool to open a dialog for struggling families, to help strengthen them in their relationships and enabling them to grow together spiritually.”
Other standout tracks include “Take Over Me,” which starts slowly then morphs into a sense of urgency, while “Dear Heart” would fit nicely sonically on Sgt. Pepper.
It’s easy to hear why these guys have real staying power.
Rob S.
Tags: Sanctus Real
All Star United – The Good Album
Mar 5, 2010 CD Reviews
All Star United
The Good Album
E1 Entertainment
Grade – B
I am an avid fan of rock music and “The Good Album” has a lot to offer in this genre. However, I am in love with about only ½ of the album, as some of it diverts to closely to the pop and whimsical pop-punk genre if you ask me. Okay, “Dude… That’s Freaking Awesome!” is fun, but it’s a diversion from the meat of the album, much like “Good Luck With the Girls.” However, as a child of the 80’s I did like the spoof “Good Times.”
I think I am actually convincing myself that this is a better album than I initially thought. Still, I would say the rock songs like “Surface of the Sun” and “Crashing Cars” are my favorites. I also shared the song “Pretty Famous” with all my fanatical American Idol friends. So there are some strong social messages within the music as well.
The band is headed up by Ian Eskelin who is also a well-known and sought after producer, making him a very busy person. Nonetheless, he put everything he had into this new project. With that said check out “The Good Album” and see what flavor you favor. Take a visit to http://www.AllStarUnited.com for more information.
Ken W.
Tags: All Star United
Reuben Bidez – Generation
Mar 5, 2010 CD Reviews
Reuben Bidez
Generation
Independent
Grade – B-
Reuben Bidez is an independent artist and his new album is a fresh blast of worship. “Generation” has a very energetic and modern sound, as it is full of big anthems and guitars. There is a fair share of lighter more acoustical songs as well. The songs are lyrically unique and Reuben is a respectable vocalist, which gives the project and air of originality.
Individually, I like the more subtle tracks like “I Surrender,” the acoustical introspection of “Speak,” and “Alleluia,” which has a rock soundtrack, but it is not as anthem-ish. All together the 10 tracks offer a wide variety of worship both contemporary and more edgy, but all doable in a congregational setting.
Aside from the originality of the songs I was impressed with the production of the CD itself. For an independent debut it was put together very professionally. It goes to show that Rebuen believes in what he is doing and is willing to make an investment to make it the best album he can.
For more information check out http://www.myspace.com/reubenbidez.
Ken W.
Tags: Reuben Bidez
Newworldson
Mar 5, 2010 CD Reviews
Newworldson
Self-Titled
Inpop Records
Grade – B
The band Newworldson is labeled as a “roots band,” but I found them to be somewhat similar to the Latin group Salvador. There is a cool grove that really reminded me of Salvador. The band delves into other areas as well with some jazzy club music and a bit of funk.
My favorites included the inspirational “There is a Way,” which features the Toronto Mass Choir. It is a good story of the love of Christ and it is a call to the listener to be a shining light in the darkness of the world. As far as the music goes, I favored the upbeat “That’s Exactly (How I Like It).” The story behind this song is interesting. The band wrote this song in an hour as a part of a radio promotion. The radio listeners and the station chose the title for them. Lastly, I like the “Jamaican Praise Medley.” It sums up the general picture of the album with its edifying lyrics and diverse soundtrack.
Check out http://www.newworldsong.com for more information.
Ken W.
Tags: Newworldson
