EDIT: nevermind, I misunderstood your question :tongue:

 

Although maybe she was holding the question until she could get an accurate answer from someone; she just spoke with Roadie #42, so maybe he knew the answer.

 

i guess maybe....but 42 hasnt even known them as long and it seems like Debs has the best memory so i doubt it was anyone else's remembering...cause the only people who would even no is probably phil and chris is they can remember at all...

 

i wonder if she ever asks the boys a question that she cant answer, doubtful but it would be cool to see a question answered with "well, Jonny just told me that the answer to ur question is...."

February 8, 2011 - submitted by Laurene, France

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

In [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dztdRzWxMo4]In My Place[/ame] who are the two guys on the stairs (1:12 and 2:50)?

Thanks for your answer and have a great day :)

Laurene

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I was going to ignore this as you have sent it a few times and try to tell you telepathically about our Tagcloud. This question has been asked and answered before, ok so it was back in September 2009 but still...

You'll find it here.

Thought this would serve as a gentle reminder to all that if I don't answer there may be no need to keep sending the question as it may already be lurking within.

February 8, 2011 - submitted by Jon Paul, United Kingdom

 

Q. Did the boys attend the premiere of Paul last night?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

In case you don't know who or what Paul is, it's Simon Pegg & Nick Frost's new film and as I am sure you DO know, Simon is the 5th member of Coldplay (a title jointly shared with Phil Harvey that complicates things somewhat). Anyway, Chris & Jonny both attended the London premiere last night in Leicester Square.

I didnt know Simon was the other fifth member, ummmm ok....

I didnt know Simon was the other fifth member, ummmm ok....

Well of course he is my dear!

 

oh, poor Phil, then! having to share the 5th-member-title :p

5a and 5b

poor 5b, though :( :lol:

5a and 5b

HAha, I feel tempted to search for a pic of them and write it on top or something :lol:

 

 

 

 

Aaaw, poor Phil! He'll always be 5a to me :wacky: :phil::heart:

 

 

 

:laugh3:

 

Aaaw, poor Phil! He'll always be 5a to me :wacky: :phil::heart:

 

+1!

:lol: poor :blush: Phil!

maybe so as not to offend anyone, they should be labeled 5p and 5s :lol:

Aaaw, poor Phil! He'll always be 5a to me :wacky: :phil::heart:

 

 

This! Right, Carrie. member 5p and member 5s. And now we need another smiley - a Simon Pegg smiley.

February 9, 2011 - submitted by Valerie, United States of America

 

Q. Hello! Here's a non-Coldplay related question that I can't figure out: in the movie Billy Elliot, there's a piece of classical music that Billy dances to at his ballet school audition and in the gym for his father, but I can't find the name of it anywhere! It's a beautiful piece of music, and this problem might just drive me crazy...

I hope you can help me!

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The reason you can't find the name of it is because there doesn't appear to be a name. It's actually an original piece written for the film's score by Stephen Warbeck.

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYxtkhTD2Xk]YouTube - Billy Elliot - The Royal Ballet School[/ame]

February 9, 2011 - submitted by Jamal, Bangladesh

 

Q. Dearest Oracle,

I was just watching Coldplay live performances on YouTube when I saw the video of The Scientist live in 29 April 2006 There Chris says "Ladies and Gentlemen Mr Jonathan Buckland age 28 years old my best friend and the best guitar player I ever knew..."

Then what does he say?

Greetings from Dhaka.

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7OQSl4FdJE]YouTube - Coldplay - Scientist[/ame]

 

The Oracle replies:

 

What he actually says is: "Ladies and Gentlemen Mr Jonathan Buckland aged 28 years old my best friend and the best guitar player that ever lived... except maybe Slash".

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPa4xMoEGfc]YouTube - slash guitar lesson[/ame]

February 10, 2011 - submitted by Viviana, Colombia

 

Q. Hi dear Oracle!

 

I'm learning to play the guitar but sometimes I'm not a very patience person and I get frustrated because I can't play a song or move my fingers faster. Can you give me some tips?

 

Thanks :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Yes, try something else! I'm only joking. My theory is this: if you want something badly enough you will give it 100% and try to overcome all the things that seem to get in the way including your own impatience. If you're not patient enough to stick with it maybe you're forcing yourself into learning an instrument that isn't for you? Or if it's finally time to tackle those issues you can certainly learn how to slow things right down with practiced patience.

February 10, 2011 - submitted by VanTrice, Philippines

 

Q. Q: Hi there Oracle! I've bumped into a lot of chick flicks on TV recently and that line is quite popular right now. I'm wondering... How can she be sure that "He's the one" when she hasn't even met all the people in the world? I'm 20 and single. I'm a bit scared that I might wake up one day still single and already 40.

 

P.S. I salute you with the make-up answer! Say Hi to the guys for me! Thanks :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'm a cynical so and so which is why I answer with; she can't. Neither can you or anyone else for that matter. Some may think or feel they do but one just simply cannot "know".

You see you're barking up the wrong tree as I am more likely to believe "the one for now".

I tend to use logic in these cases and even though it is claimed that I know everything, I cannot tell anyone they are with the one and only person they will spend significant time with in their life no matter how romantic it may seem.

There's nothing potentially wrong with thinking it though I just don't share their view that they may live happily ever after.

I don't believe that people should (or could) necessarily think they can last a lifetime. I know there are so many who would disagree but particularly this generation seems far more flighty with its falling in love shenanigans.

Meanwhile back to you, do not worry if you are still single at 40 but don't get too worried wondering if the guys you meet are the one or not. You'll know when someone is worth taking a chance on; trust me on that.

February 10, 2011 - submitted by Ollie, United Kingdom

 

Q. After the question about the alternative version of Talk, I began to wonder whether practically all the songs have different sets of lyrics that were not used for the released version, or if it's only a few.

Also, how do unreleased songs/versions get into people's hands in the first place?

Thank you :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It's not really a quantifiable answer. It really is just a simple matter of a song evolving during the writing/recording or performing stages. For instance some tracks don't actually have any lyrics so Chris may make some up on the spot when doing a demo of it; some of those lyrics may then stick. Other times a song can appear as if by divine intervention and present itself practically complete. It's not a set in stone process and so there are varying degrees of an odd word change to entire verses and choruses being re-written - as with How You See the World no. 2.

 

I don't want to accuse anyone but how songs are leaked depends very much on the quality of recording we're talking about so without pointing the finger (they know who they are...) it can be a somewhat inside job, misplaced carelessness or live bootlegging. If there's one copy of an unreleased track that can soon multiply and with the Internet it's pretty viral.

February 11, 2011 - submitted by The Oracle, United Kingdom

 

Q. WHO'D LIKE TO JOIN TEAM ORACLE?

When I answer questions of a personal/emotional nature, Coldplay.com readers often get in touch with their own thoughts. So, we now have a weekly feature, Team Oracle, whereby each Friday (with the question asker's permission) we open up a question to all of you to answer too. Then, the following Friday, I'll post a selection of the best answers, alongside my own reply.

So, if you'd like to join in, please email your response to the following question, in no more than 200 words, to [email protected] before Thursday 17th February.

 

"I've got a problem concerning my friend. She's been dating for this guy for about a year and she's 19 years old. She's currently planning her wedding.

I'd like to be happy for her, but I'm afraid that she's rushing into this. I don't feel like I can just watch her get married with someone she might not know well enough and possibly end up miserable in a marriage she can't get out of (her faith doesn't approve divorce).

What should I do? She's too in love to listen to the reasons not to get married. Should I just ignore possible problems and go shop for a wedding gift?"

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

The Oracle

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

February 11, 2011 - submitted by Caitlin, United States of America

 

Q. Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION - #12

"I have a bit of a problem, I have been with my boyfriend for almost 10 years, we even have a 2 year old together, but lately we have been arguing non stop. If I didn't have a child with him I'm sure I would break it off. I almost feel like all of this fighting is getting in the way of my parenting. What should I do? Caitlin."

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

This isn't a simple case of being able to say one thing to you because there are layers to this that need tackling individually even though they all contribute to the end result.

Firstly I'd advise you to tackle the parenting; think what is best for your 2 year old and immediately find a way to keep any necessary fighting private; you'd be amazed to know what effect that will be having on your child even at such an early age.

Notice I said necessary because fighting can become habitual. Try to have a calm yet brutally honest conversation with your boyfriend to discuss the problems in your relationship. If you think it will help, suggest that you both write a list of what is irritating you both about the other. Counter balance this with things that you like about each other - if you can't think of anything in the moment, remind yourselves of what you did once love. Allow each other time to say your piece without interrupting or shouting.

Ten years is a long time and you may be fighting for many reasons: pressures (finacial, work, child care etc.) or you may have become stuck in a rut with each other. When the routine becomes so set that you discover there's nothing much outside of it, it's time to make time. Bringing up a child is very hard and can impact on a relationship but it's important for you both to take time out; individually and together. Why not have a date night and take it in turns to suggest ways to spend it? Even if the first date night is to discuss where you both feel it is going wrong.

Of course as you mentioned that you're sure you'd leave if you didn't have a child I have to address that too. Maybe you would but you do have a child and there's a chance that's the reason it started to go downhill so do look carefully before you stand by that statement because... IF you truly do think the relationship has run its course and there's no going back it may be wise to consider ending it. I say from experience that I do not believe that staying together for the sake of the child is always a good idea - in fact, I find it's rarely so.

To go back to the parenting, two separated parents who aren't fighting and are happy without the other is going to be a better influence on your child than the current situation. Good luck. Over to you...

 

This is a tricky situation because it has been proven that it's beneficial for children to be raised with both parents, however, you are not happy in the relationship. I know you think it's best for your child if you stay together with your boyfriend but when your child gets older, he or she will be able to see that you are not happy. I'm sure he/she won't want to be the reason you stayed in an unhealthy relationship. The best thing you can do for your child is to be happy, with or without your boyfriend. Also, this could just be a rough patch that all couples go through so try to work it out and if you honestly feel like it is hopeless, end the relationship but make sure the father is still in your child's life. Take Care. Katie, USA

 

Wow you have quite an issue before you... you say you have been with this man for 10 yrs!! Well that's should be long enough to know someone and certainly long enough to make a commitment in your relationship. I have to wonder why you are not married?? It raises a red flag with me right away but on to the problem at hand. You say you are arguing - what are you arguing about?? Your parenting approach? Is it money? Or is there another issue? You have to figure out why you are not resolving this. In order to go forward, you may not like how it ends. Be brave and ask yourself what it is you REALLY want from this relationship and if you are likely to get it. The answer will be obvious to you. I wish you nothing but the best and hope it all works out but if not chin up, move forward, you will be ok, take care , Laurie

 

Staying with your boyfriend just because you had a child together may not be grounds to do so at all. In fact, this could hinder your child's development in one way or another in the long run. Ask him what he thinks is in the child's best interest and work from there. If you believe that your constant arguing is detrimental to your child and your parenting, then it might be a good idea to take a break with your boyfriend in order to give you both time to cool off. Regardless of your decision, make sure your child has the opportunity to spend plenty of time with you and his father. Blake

 

I think that you and your boyfriend should take a weekend off just the two of you... a romantic weekend so you can talk and try to figure out what's going on.

Try to not fight in front of your beautiful baby and I think If you guys talk, you should be able to fix everything. Gisela, Argentina

 

Try and work it out. You have been together for 10 years and have a child so there must be something there between each of you, and to have a loving mother and father in union there for your child is definitely worth sticking it out; as long as you and your child are safe and not being physically or emotional abused. Generally I don't think people argue for the sake of arguing, there must be some sort of underlying issue that can likely be resolved, possibly some form of resentment has manifested over the years that needs to be identified and forgiven. Ask yourself how it would be to live with someone like yourself? Maybe there are things you can do or not do to contribute to a more positive relationship. Talk and at a time that is convenient for both of you, where each of you have a clear and cooperative mind set; that's likely not immediately before or after work, take time to cool down. Try to stay calm, use a neutral or positive tone, listen, understand, empathise and lead by example and if you do this don't use it as a pedestal to look down upon; I know we are human and it can be hard to control our emotion and state of mind, just do your best. Try to identify the problem and come to terms with it and if necessary seek externally assistance. It might help to talk about the issue with family or friends, whether that be in a manner to resolve or simply to vent. To that don't take the entire burden upon yourself, I believe it will take a commitment from both of you and maybe even the support from those around each of you. Most importantly try your utmost best not to argue in front of your child nor bring them into a situation that is not good for them. Well I hope that helps and all the best with your future. Joshua

 

You've been together for 10 years � that is significant. You have a child with this man. Being parents to small children can be very stressful. I don't feel like we're getting the whole picture though. Do you two sit down together regularly, after the baby's in bed, to talk? Are there any subjects that don't culminate in an argument? What are some triggers? I don't feel it's good practice to fight in front of your child. The bickering and arguing isn't good for any of you. It heightens your stress levels, which makes the hard job of parenting more difficult.

I strongly suggest that you find a good therapist who specializes in couples' counseling. Stepping outside of your normal arena may help to change the dynamics of your arguments, and having an impartial referee who can help you navigate tricky topics in a neutral setting is worth every cent. You obviously care about your partner and want to have a future together as a family. I hope you two are able to ride out this rough patch and move forward.

Good luck to you, Aimee.

 

Thank you to everyone who took time out to send responses to Caitlin. Next week I know you'll all be full of love & romance so click to read this week's Team Oracle question, and send us your answer.

February 14, 2011 - submitted by A girl from London, United Kingdom

 

Q. Q.Dear Oracle,

 

Valentines Day is nearly here. What I want to ask is do you have a valentine this year? And if you like someone, and that person likes you does it mean that you have to date?

 

I hope you enjoy the day!

 

Bye!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Bah humbug and all that. It's here and as far as I care the sooner it is over the better. I do not have a valentine this year and that has saved me a fortune so I can't complain. I got a rather nice message that made me smile and I reciprocated but there will be no dating there so I guess that answers your second question - you don't necessarily have to date someone even with mutual feelings; doesn't always mean it's a relationship in the making. I hate to be negative but sometimes the person you like who likes you may be with someone else so it's not always advisable or possible to date them.

Happy Valentine's Day to all lovers and singletons the world over. I love you all...

February 14, 2011 - submitted by Tepu, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

 

How do you and the band feel about Arcade Fire's big win at the Grammys?

 

Thank you Oracle!!!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It's great news!

February 14, 2011 - submitted by Alejandra, Peru

 

Q. Dear Oracle: I know that in the Timeline in the year 2007 where Guy wrote something about Buenos Aires there is a video. In that version of 'Til Kingdom Come I can swear it's Guy singing, is he singing or Chris?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Chris does sound a little different in the verses - a little deeper perhaps - but it is Chris with Will doing backing vocals. Guy is on harmonica as was usual during this song.