and i just said that it was a stupid thing to ask, who the heck is going to say "actually, i think racism is a good thing"

April 19, 2011 - submitted by Ruan, Brazil

 

Q. Hey oracle, how are you?

 

I have a simple question, don't know if you are allowed to answer it though. How much it would cost me to have a private Coldplay concert (like Homer did, though I had that idea before)?

 

Thanks

 

 

The Oracle Replies:

 

It's not that I'm not allowed to answer though my answer isn't an amount it costs to have a private concert as they don't do private concerts. There's no hire out fee.

April 19, 2011 - submitted by Kim, United States of America

 

Q. What is the meaning of Coldplay? I looked it up and it said harsh or heartless play?

 

 

The Oracle Replies:

 

Whoever answered that question online has made it up!

Though as it's two words pushed together I can see why they have interpreted it that way.

You're probably aware the name was originally taken from a poetry book and then it was two words Cold Play but Coldplay as one word doesn't mean anything.

and i just said that it was a stupid thing to ask, who the heck is going to say "actually, i think racism is a good thing"

 

Very stupid people.

April 19, 2011 - submitted by Kim, United States of America

 

Q. What is the meaning of Coldplay? I looked it up and it said harsh or heartless play?

 

 

The Oracle Replies:

 

Whoever answered that question online has made it up!

Though as it's two words pushed together I can see why they have interpreted it that way.

You're probably aware the name was originally taken from a poetry book and then it was two words Cold Play but Coldplay as one word doesn't mean anything.

 

 

silly Oracle, Coldplay means 'a group of awesome people' :charming:

April 20, 2011 - submitted by Helmut, Austria

 

Q. Hi there,

do you actually know who the pretty lady was, singing live with Jay-Z at Wembley 19-9-09 the song Empire State of Mind (in place of Alicia K.) ?

Cheeeeers

 

 

The Oracle Replies:

 

For those who don't know, Jay-Z supported Coldplay at Wembley on 19th September 2009. The lady in question is Bridget Kelly.

April 20, 2011 - submitted by Blake, United States of America

 

Q. Dearest Oracle,

 

I'm a bit of a guitar/tech geek. There's a picture of Jonny's pedals on one of the blogs, and it looks like he is using three volume pedals. Why does he use three instead of one?

Thank you!

 

 

The Oracle Replies:

 

Luckily for you Blake, Matt McGinn (Jonny's tech and author of Roadie) was on hand to answer this specific question:

"One's a volume pedal, the other two are used as expression pedals for altering parameters on two of Jonny's rack units (TC 2290 & Line 6 Echo Pro). Short answer: THEY MAKE IT MORE ECHOEY!!"

Very stupid people.

 

She just said that everyone in the world should be more tolerant and accept differences. This is not a stupid question.

 

 

 

and i just said that it was a stupid thing to ask, who the heck is going to say "actually, i think racism is a good thing"

 

 

Believe me, there are racist people in the world.

She just said that everyone in the world should be more tolerant and accept differences. This is not a stupid question

 

I was replying to JackZ. I understand that someone wanted to share that joke and I do like that joke as well.

Yeah it is a stupid question, what did she expect the Oracle to say besides "Yeah racism is bad." I know there are racist people in the world, but it's not like Debs is going to post something racist on Coldplay's website. Even if she is a racist she's not stupid. Honestly I think the only person that person asked the question was to tell that joke, which was funny but I've seen it before so it's sort of a waste of an oracle question.

it's sort of a waste of an oracle question.

 

it probably would have been replaced by a relationship question anyway :P

True, I guess we should just take what we can get :D

April 21, 2011 - submitted by Dew, Lithuania

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

I have so many acquaintances, that I don't know which ones are my friends. Could you help me in finding out?

 

 

The Oracle Replies:

 

There are different levels of friendships. Acquaintances are just people we know, be them work colleagues, neighbours, friends of friends or even the people we say hello to on a regular basis.

At any one time we can have many acquaintances, lots of friends but I'd wager very few true friends.

To answer your question I've looked at my circle of friends which is made up of people I like hanging out with, get on with, who have the same interests and humour as me; time spent with them is fun.

My best friends however, I bestow my trust upon and I must trust implicitly.

I know that I am very lucky in that if I was in trouble and needed help I have at least 7 people who would drop everything to be there for me. That's the mark of a true friend in my opinion.

April 21, 2011 - submitted by Lucas, France

 

Q. Hi Oracle, hope you're fine.

 

Are the very last notes of Viva la Vida -after the last chorus- played by an accordion?

 

 

The Oracle Replies:

 

No, it's keys - electric piano in fact. You know how Chris gets the organ sound on Fix You? Well, same thing here but I guess it does sound like an accordion.

No, it's keys - electric piano in fact. You know how Chris gets the organ sound on Fix You? Well, same thing here but I guess it does sound like an accordion.

I love messing around with the sounds on my electric (digital) piano! The other day I combined the sounds so it was a mix of 'mellow piano' and 'pipe organ - tutti' and played Postcards From Far Away and it sounded so cool... :wacko:

Post it! :D

Post it! :D

Well, I haven't recorded it silly!

Maybe I'll do that this weekend in preparation for 'day 26' in the 30-day challenge in the WoM section.

Well that's what I meant...record and post it [/lazy]

 

And you should :D

^ I agree!

Haha this is so funny to me cause I posted the hypnofeed and that Oracle question a few days ago :P I'm taking control of coldplay.com :awesome:

^ That's certainly a great feeling!:D

April 22, 2011 - submitted by The Oracle, United Kingdom

 

Q. WHO'D LIKE TO JOIN TEAM ORACLE?

When I answer questions of a personal 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.

ANYONE can join in so, if you'd like to, please email your response to the following question, in no more than 200 words, to [email protected] before Thursday 28th April.

 

"I just wanted to ask what one should do if their parents don't allow them to do what they want with their life? My parents are quite strict and they don't think art is something good to do. When I told them that I wanted to take a vocational course on art they were really really angry and said they wouldn't let me. What do I do? Fiona"

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

The Oracle

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

April 22, 2011 - submitted by Annie, United States of America

 

Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION - #21

I have an extremely embarrassing dad who has a very weird and uncommon hobby, which requires having things stuck outside the house that don't look exactly normal. My dad doesn't realize that he embarrasses me and my brother, but I don't know how to explain to him about how I feel without entirely hurting his feelings. Also, two of my neighbors are in my grade and I'm not entirely the most popular kid in the school and and I'm scared of having to explain to them. My dad has tried to get me into his hobby and whenever I have friends over, he takes his hobby all over the house and my friends look embarrassed when they ask me about it. Please help! I need some advice before I do anything! Annie

 

 

The Oracle Replies:

 

It's tough feeling embarrassed by your parents but let's break this down and make it simpler. I don't know what your dad is doing but essentially I assume he isn't really causing anyone any harm by pursuing his interests. Imagine this was you, how would you feel if someone wanted to change who you are and what you do? Your dad may be a little eccentric but he's also showing you how to be who you want to be regardless of what others may think. That's a great life lesson. You do not need to feel scared of having to explain anything to your friends & do you know why? Because you do not have to explain to ANYONE; it's not your place to. Just because he's your dad he's still an individual and as long as he's not putting you at risk he should be free to make his own choices. I know it's hard for you but try to rise above it or let it go over your head. If people ask you about it or poke fun, just shrug your shoulders and say "Hey, that's my dad. Ask him about it." As for your dad trying to include you and engage you in his hobby, that's the perfect time to tell him, each to their own and you don't share his interest AT ALL! It only embarrasses you because you let it. If you become a parent one day, hopefully you will still feel like you can be true to yourself. Over to you.

 

We all have some embarassing family members, but he is your dad and rather than being embarrassed and scared about what others may think, why not be proud of who he is? Don't let popularity ruin your relationship with your dad and maybe you should ask your dad where his habit came from, there might be a deeper meaning behind. Taameen.

 

I, like you, had an embarrassing dad. For example, my dad likes to wear really short shorts. Everyday after school he would pick me up and get out of the car and yell my name really loud so I would get in the car. He was wearing his famous short shorts and a hot pink tank top that didn't fit him well, he looked like a pop star! Everyone saw, even my crush. I personally didn't talk to my dad about it, but I did talk to my friends. I would tease him in a respectful way saying things like "Can you believe what my dad was wearing yesterday?" We would laugh and move on. I didn't make it a big deal, so it wasn't. You could try talking to your dad and tell him your feelings, that never hurts as long as your nice about it. But be prepared though, it's possible that nothing will change because your dad has every right to express his hobby. It's good that you have a sibling you can talk to about it, I didn't, so take advantage of that. I'm sure those "popular" kids have things that's embarrassing about their parents as well. Most people do. I hope this helps in some way! Caitlin.

 

Annie, just talk to your dad. You said so: he doesn't realize how you and your brother feel, so you can't expect him to read your mind. His feelings will be hurt, right, but you can carefully choose the words you're going to use. Think what are you exactly going to say and then go to see him. Your brother and you should talk about it first and then go to talk to him together (your dad will see that you are not the only one that thinks that way). You can tell your dad that he has an strange hobby, that you don't understand it and don't support it. Tell him that people don't get it either because it's weird and they usually ask and find it strange, so you don't feel comfortable with that situation. You can also ask your mum to have a conversation about this subject with your dad after you and your brother talk to him. Try to be kind with your dad. He needs to know how his children feel and the only thing you can do is telling him about it. If it doesn't work, maybe ask someone else close to him, who understands you, to talk to him. If he gets upset, remember that he is your father and this is just a simple fight. Things are going to be alright. And if you have a garden in the back of the house, he could continue with his hobby there. Love from Argentina. Noelia

 

Don't feel too bad, everyone has been embarrassed by their family at one time or another. Both you and your brother should tell your dad about how embarrassed you feel in front of your friends when he gives his hobby tour. I'm sure your dad already knows that his hobby is rather uncommon, so don't be afraid to tell him the truth. He may feel upset, but you could explain to him that you want to try your own hobby if you want to let him down lightly. Don't think that your friends never get embarrassed by their parents. If you explain your dad's hobby to them, they'll understand. Your friends might even tell you something that embarrasses them in return! Blake.

 

Okay when I first read this I thought hey Annie suck it up. I mean I'm 15 right and go to mass and my mum has a tendency of singing super loud. big problem she can�t even sing! Like picture the worst person singing and 10 x worsen that person! That Annie is my mum! Have I told her to shut up? No because she likes it and why stop somebody from liking something. Whatever strange hobby it is, if it makes him happy then you why take that away from him? As embarrassing as it gets, you can talk to him nicely and take it slow by explaining it is humiliating. Start off easy by saying when your friends come over, he can limit it or just try and not get in your way with his hobby. Avoid a) shouting b) using the terms 'you're embarrassing, 'you suck and c) mentioning your friends also finding it weird. If all else fails or you still can't tell him then have sleepovers more at your mates houses and give it a go - he'll love that you at least tried the hobby and you can say you don't like it after you tried who knows... you may even like it! Btw I think I speak for the rest of the readers what is this hobby!? Sara.

 

This doesnt always work out for everyone, but what I'd do, is simply let him be. Don't care what other people think about you. I never did, and that led to me being very well respected among my peers, and my parents. I'd say simply let your father do what he enjoys doing, and dont mind when people poke fun. Eventually poeple will no longer care about it and if you dont let it bother you, people will begin to see it. Daegan.

 

My dad used to go out of his way to embarrass my siblings and I. For example, he'd drive through our neighborhood, honking and waving at everyone along the way; we'd cower on the floor of the van, hoping no one would recognize us. He'd do goofy dances in the grocery store, or loudly pass gas in the checkout lane! Those moments seem funny to me today, but I avoided my dad like the plague when I was in junior high and high school. I don't think it's our parents' jobs to make life easy for us. Kids so often want to blend in as best they can, and maybe their families are not conforming to their expectations of what is normal. As for your friends, I'm sure their parents embarrass them too; so I'm guessing they feel for you! I know it's painful and bothersome, but he's your dad, and you probably have only a few years left living under the same roof. I'd like to recommend that you gather up all your reserves of humor and tolerance, and just do your best to laugh it off. Someday, you'll long for his company. Life's short, so don't sweat it! Good luck to you. Aimee.

 

Thank you all for your replies.

Click to read this week's Team Oracle question, and send us your answer.

 

Happy Easter everyone.

I wish Debs would just answer Coldplay related questions and not all this teen angst bollocks. I would rather know what cereal Chris eats.......:rolleyes:

Noelia's advice gets picked very often! :)