Weezer

This is probably one of the greatest music videos ever made (if you're up on the "youtube" culture). "Pork and Beans," Weezers latest single pays homage to the memorable "youtube" moments, with some rather intersting cameos. It's fun.

46% of Teens Text While Driving

That's what this article and video say about teens who text and drive. The boy this article focuses on said that, "it's easy to do." Really? You hit a cement truck, kid. Must not be that easy. I admit to texting and driving sometimes, mostly while sitting at lights. We're such a communication driven society that we have to be in contact even in the usually short amounts of time we're in our cars. Just thought parents should know the high percentage of teens who do this.

Just Cause It's Legal...

Here's a pretty scary article about Salvia. Parents need to be concerned about this drug, because it's over the counter. More and more teens are trying these over the counter drugs such as cough syrup and now Salvia. Students are justifying this drug because it's not considered illegal. They need to understand that just because something is NOT illegal doesn't make it OK. Keith and I were first told about this drug by students in our ministry. So, this is not a "my student doesn't know about this and isn't doing it" situation. This is just a heads up for the parents of teens to keep this on their radar.

MTV's "Most Influential Show" Ever

That was what Brian Graden, President of Entertainment at MTV, said about "The Hills". If you haven't heard of "The Hills" then you need to. For the President of the company, that more or less directs the trends and culture of America's youth, to call a show it's "most influential...ever" definitely got my attention. This quote came from the Rolling Stone article, "Are They For Real?" And, that is the question most people are asking about this show, "is this reality TV?" Yes and No. It's an interesting article that if one reads between the lines you can see what MTV tries to accomplish through this medium. I encourage parents to read the article about this show that has a "cult-like" following among teens. But, do so with understanding that there is strong language in this article and in most Rolling Stone articles for that matter. Even with that in mind I have to admit that RS has a good feel for what's coming over the horizon.

Marriage and Ministry

Doug Fields, the Youth Pastor at Saddleback Church in Orange County, California, has begun a video blog on marriage and ministry. Hopefully this will be a great resource for all of the parents and leaders associated with Amp'd Student Ministries. Saddleback Church is Rick Warren's church, author of Purpose Driven Life, so anything that comes out of there can be considered atleast pretty good stuff. I'll try to link these podcasts as they continue to do them.

Should You Be Worried About the "MONSTER"?

I see it all the time. Empty cans of "Red Bull", "Monster", and anything with a crazy amount of caffeine litter our trash cans....especially when students are able to stay up all night. Should parents be worried about this? Read the research.

The Miley Cyrus Clean-Up

Miley made Times Top 100 Most Influential People List, so with that being said, we need to understand what to do with the latest bomb dropped onto the unsuspecting populous of tweens and teens. I hate pointing fingers, because everyone makes mistakes....even Miley Cyrus. So, I'll hold off on the negative Bible thumping retort that many have lavished up on her and just ask this, "what are you going to teach your kids from this?" While reading Un-Plugged, Focus on the Family's Entertainment Web Mag, I came across the best article published on this whole subject. Take some time to read it here. It puts this into perspective on this situation and turns it into a teaching moment, which I think is what we must always do with the world we live in.

2008 MTV Movie Awards: A Peek at Teen Culture

If you're looking for a quick, all encompassing slice of the teen culture, then look no further than the MTV Movie Awards and Music Awards. The Movie Award nominations come from the viewers of MTV. Even if your teen doesn't watch MTV, there is a good chance they know the movies and the bands that will be playing. Whether we like it or not, MTV is the standard bearer of what is cool. And, if you didn't know it, Nickelodeon is owned by the same company that owns MTV. Just be aware that Nickelodeon's main goal is to transition your young ones to the more edgy MTV when the time is right. Just check out the video and the article to get a small helping of teenage culture.

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

Summer Time!

The summer is almost here, and we here at Amp'd student ministries couldn't be happier! We're in the final stages of solidifying our summer calendar, which should be in your hands next week. Camp O is being tweaked and added to daily as we gear up for a week of awesomeness. There are so many elements being added to Camp O that the students won't get the same experience as last year. It's bigger and better! If you saw the Los Angeles Mission Trip Video, you can expect a lot of the same ministry to take place on our Summer Mission Trip to West Palm Beach! We'll be working with Urban Youth Impact Center, which is a Los Angeles Dream Center like ministry, who is ready for us to be there and serve that community! The dates for West Palm Beach Mission Trip is July 12-19, and sign-ups will begin very soon. We've also got some Top Secret things cooking for the summer, so don't waste your expensive gas and go somewhere else! Stay here and rock it out with Amp'd this summer!

K&C

Time's Most Influential List

It's always interesting to see this list and who Time believes is making the biggest waves. As you look over this list, pay close attention to the "most influential entertainers." I say pay attention because they'll be the ones influencing the those you care about most in the world, your children. Check out the article here.