What are asterisks? I dont get it :confused:

What are asterisks? I dont get it :confused:

 

asterisk is the name for the "*" symbol. :nice:

Asterisk = the --> * <-- sign

 

EDIT: Hi Brooke!!! :kiss:

You were faster haha

Hope you're fine!

Thanks guys :)

May 5, 2011 - submitted by Ayesha, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

 

I don't know how to motivate myself anymore. I've been having a really rough 2 weeks, and every time I say I'm just gonna make the best of the bad and make it good, something else happens that just puts me down. I feel like everything I do is pointless, that I try too hard for nothing or I try too hard and end up screwing everything up. I don't know what to do.

 

Ayesha

 

 

The Oracle Replies:

 

Pick yourself up, dust yourself down and keep going! This is life testing you and hard as it sounds, try to think it can throw all it wants at you but you're not going down. Or if you're going down, you're getting straight back up again.

The key to this is to not feel too negative about it. It's a challenge but try and see that for whatever reason it has happened, it must be leading to a better place eventually. Maybe you're trying too hard at the things that aren't as important as you think? Maybe you need to look again at what IS important to you. Ok so this is turning into a Life Coaching session but try to go along with me here and take smaller steps. You're letting everything overwhelm you so take it a little at a time in more manageable bite size pieces. I find writing lists is really useful. It means I can prioritise and there's a certain satisfaction with ticking things off when you've achieved.

Life isn't always plain sailing so weather the storms as best you can until you come out the other side.

May 5, 2011 - submitted by Alberto, Mexico

 

Q. Hello oracle, please answer me. Is this a Coldplay song or is it a cover?

 

 

The Oracle Replies:

 

It's a cover. It was at the Isle of Wight festival back in June 2006. If you listen, Chris says about having only just learned it and having to play it because "he" didn't. "He" refers to Lou Reed who had performed earlier missing one of his more famous, popular hits (Perfect Day) off the setlist.

I've talked about this before but head over to our timeline and you will see a hand-written account by Guy and there's also an audio clip that starts a few seconds before the video clip you sent. It makes a little more sense.

May 6, 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 12th May.

 

"After 6 months together, my ex dumped me horribly and kind of by mistake on our 6 month anniversary. A long, confusing and heartbreaking summer followed, but since we sort of broke up for no reason, and he's in my class, we still had feelings and started seeing each other again this fall. I want him back more than anything in the world, but he doesn't want to commit even though he tells me he still likes me. He says he can't be in a relationship "right now", but the thing is, he's told me the same thing since October. Am I on the hook? Do I wait for him? What on earth do I do, I am miserable without him, yet this is not what I truly want. Agnes."

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

The Oracle

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

May 6, 2011 - submitted by Sarra, Tunisia

 

Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION - #23

I've lost my best friend after 3 years of friendship. I trusted her, she wasn't like all the other friends but like a sister!

This year, after the summer vacations, I've noticed that she changed, she started acting like a superficial girl! And she started hanging out with more out-going people, cause I'm considered as the girl who spends her time playing piano, painting, reading or studying. On facebook, she shared her pictures with her new friends and I don't know how to react!

It's kinda crazy, but I feel like I have to do something back! A couple of years ago, I was the popular girl, and she didn't have any friends. I got bored of my situation and I chose and introduced her to all my other friend (because she wasn't sociable). Sometimes, I feel like she's jealous, because in my high school, I'm like my teachers' pet.

I still want her to be my best-friend, and I tried so many times to rebuild our friendship, but it seems like she replaced me, after all I did for her.

Please Oracle, what should I do?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Growing up sometimes signals growing apart. It happens all the time and not just at school, even later in life. I know how hard it must be to see someone you were so close to enjoying herself with other people but give yourself a little credit for how she is now. You probably helped her gain that confidence to go out and make new friends. Don't torture yourself over photos on Facebook and don't try to seek revenge by posting bigger and better things; you'll just get yourself into an ugly situation.

If she's acting differently then maybe you need to ask yourself who you actually want to be friends with: the changed girl she has become or the girl you feel she used to be. If it's the latter you have to let go and let her be her own person. Likewise you made mature decisions about how to be and how to live your life so continue on that path. Friends do come and go, very few remain for a lifetime so it's ok to go and make new ones. You're better off surrounding yourself with like-minded people who you have fun with. It doesn't sound like being around your old friend is fun anymore so don't chase it. If it's meant to be you will both find a way back from this but for now, remember people come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person. Over to you.

 

I don't quite get your situation when you say that you were popular and that you are the teacher's pet and your friend wants to be with more out-going people. Those are incompatible things, I guess. But let's talk about your problem. You should talk to your friend personally and tell her that you feel your relationship is not the same. Be open, talk about your feelings and don't tell her that you think she's superficial now and that she is in debt with you (that will only make it worse). Tell her that she's changed. But I have to tell you that if she doesn't want to rebuild your relationship or she doesn't react after that, you better move on. Don't waste your time. Relationships can be rebuilt only if both people are commited to do it and try hard. It's painful to you because she was like a sister. I've been in a similar situation and sometimes when people decide to take a certain path you don't agree, there's nothing you can do. You can't oblige your friend to be like she was before. As for the facebook issue, you should do nothing. Even if you think that you've thought a lot about this and that you're not being impulsive, you're upset now. So try to control yourself. The best you can do is showing the other people that you are a mature girl and you can perfectly move on. Don't show resentment by commenting her photos or doing something you will probably regret later. Hope it helps. Love from Argentina. Noelia

 

It is always hard when someone changes. But, I think you just have to let her become that different person. You should keep trying to be her friend but if she goes down a different path than you, that is ok. If you think she is jealous, well, that is that. You know what you did to help her. So you can always think back to the good times. But, you cannot change another person without far-reaching negative consequence. I think you should keep being friends with her but what happens, happens. Good luck. Julia.

 

You know what? I'm in exactly the same situation. One of my best friends was just the new boy 3 years ago, now he's ditched me for all the popular people and his girlfriends. We used to be the best friends in the world and we could have really open, personal conversations. Someone gave me this advice: There are two options. One is to realise that people change and you will not have the same friends forever, so you could start to distance yourself away from her and let the things you did in common slip away so you won't miss each other. The other is to tell the person bluntly. This is what I did. Tell her that she is changing and she is becoming more superficial, and you're starting to lose your friendship. And remind her of when you helped her out at the start. Lukas.

 

I had a best friend for 8 years. We meet in the Infants School Nursery at four years old, and were friends ever since. We were both the girls at school who always did their homework and listened. She even started a homework club. She was considered the most popular girl in our class and she was. Everyone wanted to be her friend. I didn't mind this, because she wasn't cocky about it. But in year 6, she started to change. She started hanging out with a girl I made friend's with in year 2, 'Kelly' (not her real name). I was quite close with her as well. I didn't mind at first that Kelly was always with us, but when Kelly started bullying me and we started arguing a lot, EVERYTHING CHANGED FOR THE WORST! She got my best friend, made the guy I like hate me, and my best friend told the whole class! I was shamed, and laughed at for months. After all of this, I still wanted to be friends with my old best friend, but she sided with Kelly. I was loyal and I never tried to leave her out, and in the end I was the one on the side. In secondary she has changed even more. Now she is always messing around with boys. She was never like that before. What I'm trying to get at in my experience is, sometimes your going in different directions from your friends and you part. You can be friends with someone for years, and they change suddenly and everything you had is gone. I'm not saying your relationship with your friend was or is like this, but if you have tried to make friends with her multiple times and she had done nothing to show you that she wants to be friends with you, then leave her to it. I know it sounds mean, but you cannot be waiting around your whole life for her. Sometimes you have to loose something close to you to appreciate it. Leave her to it, and later on she will realise what a good friend she has lost. She may come back to you, and taking her back or not is YOUR choice. Be mindful that your friends will change throughout your life no matter how long you have known them. Lexi.

 

Just because people go in different directions it doesn't mean you have to follow them. Girls are a true testament to this as they are in a difficult situation where their image is based off their looks (in most cases). When your friend decided to become a "girly-girl" she chose her own route of life. You may be able to work out your differences and still be best friends, but if not that is okay because that's just how life goes. There will be a lot of people you can relate too, so why not give them a shot at being your best friend? Colin.

 

Don't think that your friend is abandoning you! Even though it may feel like she's left you behind, I'm certain that your friend still very much cares about you and still values your friendship. Everyone is different and some people change over time. You mentioned that at one point in time YOU were becoming bored of your situation, so you chose to make friends with her and introduced her to your social circle. It sounds like your friend is going through the exact same thing and simply wants to keep life fresh and exciting. Don't hold your friend back or hold any grudges against her because she wants to meet new people. She is breaking out of her shell and making new friends, and you should be happy for her! Blake.

 

I think it's useless to put any more energy in this broken friendship. It's better to put the energy in new friendships and find another best friend. People change often and friendships end because of that, it's sad but absolutely normal. Please, don't get stuck in that situation, you won't get your friend back that way. You've tried several times to rebuild your friendship; it didn't work so go on with your life and find other friends. There is not just one person who is perfect for being your best friend, there are so many different people in the world so you will get in touch with another nice person and maybe he or she will be your best friend in the future. Renske.

 

Thank you all for your replies. Click to read this week's Team Oracle question, and send us your answer.

May 9, 2011 - submitted by Junior, Australia

 

Q. G'day Oracle

 

I noticed in the song Christmas Lights that some of the lyrics used in the song were also from the unreleased song Wedding Bells.

 

Does this mean we will never see a finished version of Wedding Bells? It would be a shame if it wasn't.

 

Keep up the good work!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I very much doubt it myself but never say never. It isn't uncommon for a song to end up with lyrics from a previously written one as they often lend themselves better. If Wedding Bells ever does make the light of day, I would say there'd be some adjustment to the lyrics.

May 9, 2011 - submitted by Sindy, South Africa

 

Q. Oracle, please can you confirm if Coldplay is really coming to South Africa. Quite a few people are talking about Coldplay coming to SA but on the website there is no information. We would be super excited if this is really true. We love Coldplay. The Rainbow nation is ready for them, maybe they can meet Mandela who knows!!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

How excited are the fans in S.A today? Anchorman announced dates this morning. It's the first time the band have ever played there so it's pretty exciting for us too!

May 9, 2011 - submitted by Lilac, United Arab Emirates

 

Q. Does Fix You move you to tears like it does to me? If not, what song does? (it doesn't have to be a Coldplay song.)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Don't tell anyone but I have actually shed a tear to that song. I can also tell you that out of every Coldplay song in existence, that is the one that I receive most comments alluding to the fact that we are not alone. Fix You followed by The Scientist seem to be the top 2 tear inducing tracks.

Ooh just by saying tears and tracks in one sentence reminds me of a non-related brilliant song that doesn't really need any excuse to share.

May 10, 2011 - submitted by Ch, United States of America

 

Q. So from Roadie 42's blogs it sounds like the guys are always changing their songs. You said LP5's been named, so did its name have to change multiple times until one was finally decided on, was it the one that always stood out, did it come earlier or later in the process of making the album...?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

There's always speculation about album titles but I've noticed that fans have been referring to the next album as "LP5" for so long that it almost feels like that is the title!

 

In answer to your question, unlike some song titles the name of the album was decided and settled on very early in the process.

 

With the upcoming live dates we've got a lot to look forward to so it hopefully won't feel too long before the album drops and all will be revealed...

May 10, 2011 - submitted by Nao, Netherlands

 

Q. Goodmorning Oracle,

 

First of all, thanks for answering so many questions. I was wondering what a producer's role is exactly during the recording of an album. Are they in the studio every day and do they eventually decide which songs are going to be on the album? Are they still, in any way, involved when the band starts touring?

 

Thanks a lot! Greetz, Nao

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It can vary slightly depending on the band & the producer. For example a new band may (or may not) need more guidance in the studio than a more experienced band. Coldplay have been a hands on band form the start of their career so their relationship with a producer is very collaborative.

Producers are involved in all sonic aspects bringing musical suggestions (tempos, arrangements, instrumentation) whilst working closely with the artist and engineer to achieve the perfect sound for the recording.

Great producers have such good relationships with their artists that they really bring the best out of the bands they work with pushing them, encouraging new ideas and techniques.

Generally speaking a producer would be in the studio every day. If it's a co-producer or executive producer, they're in less but still oversee the whole album making process. They don't solely decide on the album tracks but of course their opinion is valuable and taken into consideration jointly.

A producer isn't needed once the album has been recorded and mixed so during the tour there's not much call for one.

May 10, 2011 - submitted by Ch, United States of America[/color][/b]

 

Q. So from Roadie 42's blogs it sounds like the guys are always changing their songs. You said LP5's been named, so did its name have to change multiple times until one was finally decided on, was it the one that always stood out, did it come earlier or later in the process of making the album...?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

There's always speculation about album titles but I've noticed that fans have been referring to the next album as "LP5" for so long that it almost feels like that is the title!

 

In answer to your question, unlike some song titles the name of the album was decided and settled on very early in the process.

 

With the upcoming live dates we've got a lot to look forward to so it hopefully won't feel too long before the album drops and all will be revealed...

 

She has been answering lots of LP5 questions lately! Hopefully this means we'll get some bigger news soon. She talks about how hopefully it won't feel too long until the album drops because of the summer live dates. I wonder how long is long.

I wonder how long is long.

 

Same here - from her words, one can vaguely interpret that the festivals are coming first that any release...

Same as you two, I really hope long is not that long! :laugh3:

May 11, 2011 - submitted by Madison, United States of America

 

Q. Hello Awesome Oracle,

I was just wondering, out of curiousity, what your 5 favorite bands are right now?

Thanks a million, Madison

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Other than Coldplay? I'm going to answer this solely on the albums by bands (as you were specific) I have been listening to most recently:

Beastie Boys - their new album, Hot Sauce Committee Part Two, is amazing.

The Temper Trap - Conditions still standing strong in my favourites.

Foo Fighters - I like their new album but still listening to Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace regularly to be honest.

Radiohead - King of Limbs isn't my favourite (OK Computer is), but it's still nice to have new Radiohead material.

Elbow - Build a Rocket Boys! is a great successor to their favourite of mine.

May 11, 2011 - submitted by Nevermind, United Kingdom

 

Q. Dear q,

in your answer to Lilac about Fix You, do you by any chance mean a song from the album Blood on the Tracks by genius Bob Dylan? I know Coldplay know this album, as there were some songs in their Song-inspiration poster (from what ever award show) from the album. Which track do you mean?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Were you reading the answer on a phone that doesn't show hyperlinks perhaps? No, it was not a Bob Dylan song. I am not a fan actually. I know, I know...

Click the clickable link when you get a chance to see what amazing track it was.

May 11, 2011 - submitted by Catalina, Mexico

 

Q. Hi Oracle!

 

Hey I have a pair of questions 2 U

 

First of all como estas?

 

Second one, does Roadie is going to make a Live Photoblog of the festivals like he did it when the guys went to Liverpool and New Castle? That Would be AMAZING!!

 

Thanks Oracle!! Que tengas un buen dia!!!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Muy bien gracias. Hope you had a great Cinco de Mayo.

 

It's not a Roadie who does the live blogging from certain shows (like Liverpool & Newcastle in December), it's Anchorman.

 

Anchorman has blogged during tour dates not just special events so I am sure there will be more in the future but perhaps not during the impending festival season.

 

Thanks by the way, you have a good day too.

May 12, 2011 - submitted by Samuel, Nigeria

 

Q. How many Grammies has Coldplay won?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

There's actually a list of Grammy nominations & wins showing seven wins.

May 12, 2011 - submitted by Alison, New Zealand

 

Q. Will Coldplay ever come to New Zealand? They're the most amazing band and the only band I've ever been truly passionate about. I'm pretty sure that they've never been to New Zealand before. but they have so many fans out here! It would be a true miracle if they came here!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I can't say if/when they're coming back but they HAVE played New Zealand twice. In fact the last time they played at the

back in March 2009, Chris says that it's 6 years since they last played so they also performed in NZ in 2003

why don't these people just use google

why don't these people just use google

 

Google? Pffffffft. That's what asking other people is for.

(Also I think the Oracle is stalling. :dozey:)

why don't these people just use google

 

oh, but lmgtfy is so much cooler

May 13, 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 19th May. This week a similar question to last week but from a guy who's struggling with his insecurities...

 

"Hello Oracle, my girlfriend and I just recently broke up and I'm falling apart. I don't know what to do with myself, she was my everything. It was my fault though, I have issues with my self-confidence and I'm always acting insecure. Those feelings eventually drove her away because I'm acting "too clingy." I'm trying to work on these feelings but I can't help the way I feel sometimes. I want her back more than anything else and I know she still has feelings for me as well, but I'm not sure if she still wants to be in a relationship with me. I could use your advice. Giovanni."

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

The Oracle