A Ministry of Music

Violent Femmes

May 27, 2008 music cassettes
Posted by admin

Violent Femmes

Ten years ago this month, I stepped into a darkened room, laid my hand on a Bible, recited a few words and made one of the best choices of my life: the decision to pledge Kappa Sigma, my college fraternity.

"Whoa, Engel!" you may be saying, especially if you believe all the rumors of wild keg parties, abuse of barnyard creatures and pretty much every scene from, Animal House. If you have no personal experience with the fraternity and sorority systems, I'm here to tell you one thing: don't believe the hype. Maybe some of those stereotypes are earned, but they have little to do with the obligation I took on that chilly February night; a promise that revolved around honor, wisdom, courage and diligence.

Don't get me wrong - my college years were greatly enhanced by fraternity fun! God knows I'll never forget dressing like Elvis and singing Violent Femmes songs in front of a thousand people. Or chasing after an elusive grey squirrel that was loose in the house. Who knew a fishing net could also be used to capture rodents? True story!

Fraternity fun was a HUGE part of college life, but as my obligation stated, there was also a big emphasis on aiding humanity. And contrary to the mystic so communal associated with frat life - the overriding emphasis at fraternities and sororities around the county is that same sense of human responsibility. For example, Indiana University's Inter-Fraternity Council members remember the promises they made to be charitable. That's why they're all currently being trained to be an emergency response team. Nicholls State fraternity members are heading up their annual fundraiser for the Children's Miracle Network. Beta Theta Pi's chapter at the University of Maine is currently raising funds and awareness for a local rape prevention agency. These are just a very few of the on-going legacies - the truth not usually seen in the headlines.

And there's more good stuff - like lifelong relationships! To date, I've been privileged to stand up in the weddings of two of my brothers. When it's time for me to don a tux and slip on a ring, you can bet my pledge brother, DJ, will be standing right next to me. The friendships are so deep and long-lasting that it's hard to describe the bond as anything less than how it's termed: brotherhood.

I have the joy of working at colleges around the country and this often involves a lot of members in the Greek system. When I mention this to folks who've not had the opportunity to personally experience this ** slice of life?** I often hear the snickers and sometimes even a bit of outrage because of the negative press fraternity / sororities often get. It reminds me that some of the things I hear about second hand and develop a negative option about just might not be deserved. Maybe I don't get the complete story, but instead only hear the sensational parts that are deemed "newsworthy". The cultural phenomenon of how news is presented to us makes it easy to be cynical. If we believe the press there isn't much good stuff going on. Teens are all suicidal maniacs, ministers are all con artists, politicians are all lying greedy etc.

Humm. I like to be well informed because I've come to understand opinions are based on the information I've received. I intend to be more diligent at gathering information from varied sources - especially the ones who've lived the story.

So, what does this mean? Well, this month after hanging with a bunch of fraternity guys following a presentation at Wake Forest University, I'm nostalgic for the old days - days of three hour afternoon naps, fraternity rituals and schemes that shouldn't be mentioned in a public forum. And even more? I'm just grateful I'm part of something that transcends and outlives the college experience of yours truly. And I'm so glad that I didn't miss the opportunity to be part of something that continues to make my life richer - no matter what the rumors are.

Marcus Engel is a professional speaker/author who inspires audiences to achieve success by making intelligent choices. Blinded by a drunk driver at age 18, Marcus battled through two years of recovery and 300 hours of reconstructive facial surgery to reach his goal of returning to college. After graduating from Missouri State University in 2000, Marcus began sharing his story professionally to audiences nationwide. In 2002, Marcus founded his own publishing company with the release of his autobiography, "After This...An Inspirational Journey For All the Wrong Reasons." His latest book, "The Other End of the Stethoscope" was released October 2006. His messages of empowerment and motivation have been witnessed by hundreds of thousands through his keynotes, his autobiography and his monthly newsletters. Marcus Engel is a speaker, a message, a story you will never forget! Visit http://www.MarcusEngel.com for more information!

Anyone have this Violent Femmes music video?

I am looking for the music video for "American Music" by the violent femmes. i know it used to be on you tube but now it's not there and it made me sad when I made this discovery. so a link or a download would be preferable. btw the video is the one where the band is in an auditorium and all the elderly people start showing up. thx a bunch.

Here

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xef5r_american-music-violent-femmes_music

VIOLENT FEMMES-Kiss Off

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