December 30, 2010 - submitted by Blake, United States of America

 

Q. Dearest Oracle,

 

Is the video performance of Christmas Lights from the Live Lounge available online? I've looked everywhere with no luck.

 

Thank you!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Everywhere Blake? Are you sure about that? Here it is! http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/sessions/2010-12-17_coldplay Enjoy...

December 30, 2010 - submitted by Vicky, Argentina

 

Q. Dear Oracle, have you ever felt that you couldn't be more happy but depressed at the same moment because u know that that happiness is just going to fade out?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I remember a Buddhist meditation mantra that was given to me many years ago during a very bleak period and I thought it was amazing until I realized the reverse was also true; "and this too shall pass".

I started to think the bad times will pass as will the good but quite quickly thought about how negative I was taking the mantra instead of keeping my outlook positive. I confess that these days I pretty much see the best in things and accept the bad knowing the good will soon come.

I truly believe life is too short to sit in black moods contemplating about happiness fading.

To me it's worth the energy to keep the happy light burning for as long as possible.

That's a nice thought to end the year on eh?

December 31, 2010 - submitted by Marta, United Kingdom

 

Q. Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION - #6

"It's so hard to live without one of your parents. And I do not really know what to do. I live with my dad, but it's annoying. I can't understand all the things he does. I'm a teenager and I just can't live with dad. I need my mum. She's in England now, she and her family. What should I do? Marta".

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

This is a very difficult situation and I'm not sure I can solve it in one simple answer. I don't know the reason you do not live with your mum or whether that's even a possibility but I'd be tempted to find that out. You may be finding it hard as you miss your mum and can't find common ground with your dad. Maybe you are confused and have some anger about the situation? Teen years are already hard enough without having to cope with such a huge change. Many divorces divide families but you obviously have a geographical divide that is also not easy to live with.

I think you need to talk to both of your parents and tell them how you feel; explain how difficult you are finding the situation and see if they can come up with solutions too. In the meantime have a think about what YOU want and see how possible that is to achieve. Hang in there Marta, the adjustment may take a while for both you & your dad. Over to you...

 

If you think you would be better off with your mom, then go for it. There's no reason to be unhappy and annoyed living with your dad. I think you should tell your dad that you want to be with your mother, he might be upset by this but I'm sure he wants you to be happy. I hope things will work out for you. Taameen, United States

 

Dear Marta,

I am a mom of two teenagers - a boy 16 and a girl 13. And to be honest, it is hard living with both of them at times. I used to have a great relationship with my son. We talked about everything. I loved being with him. Then sometime during middle school he stopped talking to me so much. I was really hurt. Then we went to a worshop at his school. Small groups of parents met with small groups of kids (but not their own child), and we asked each other questions. I learned that those kids were also starting to keep their private lives from their parents. So, we were normal and my son didn't hate me! With that knowledge I could look at it all more objectively.

I don't know exactly what is annoying for you living with your dad. Still, I think it would help for you to sit and talk calmly - maybe over a nice dinner. He needs to respect what you are saying as a young adult, and you need to listen to him. I think you'll work things out if you can remember the big picture - though there will be some tears along the way, you are going through an inevitable stage of growing up, and you love each other. Just remember, all parents are a little annoying if they are doing their job right. Lisa , Princeton NJ

 

Dear Marta,

Sometimes we can't understand what is happening around us... sometimes it's because it has no explanation.

I'm sure that your father loves you, even when you don't understand him. And your mother too from the distance.

Take this love and try to be positive. You won't be a teenager forever... and then you can decide who you want to be with.

Cheers. Fran... just a father

 

I understand how you feel. My dad passed away about 8 years ago, and since then I have not had the feeling of having someone as a paternal figure. I know you live with your dad and you are missing your mom, but I think both your parents are very important. You shouldn't say it's annoying, simply that you don't understand him, just as he doesn't understand you, specially with you being a teenager. It is hard for him too so, maybe you can talk to your dad and tell him that you need to be with you mom for a while. I think he will understand your situation, giving that you are a girl and girls need and trust their mom more than their dads. Good Luck. Camila

 

Hey Marta. Hope you're alright. I'm 16 year old girl and I know you need a woman in your life. I can't say "I know how you feel", because I don't. You should always try and keep in contact with your mum as much as possible, maybe even go and visit her if you can. I would advise you to get Skype and talk to her through that, so that you can see here and talk to her at the same time. Since you don't live in the same area as your mum, I think the best thing for you is to ask one of your best mate's mum for advice about your problems. I would also suggest you talk to your dad sometimes and clear things with him, and tell him how you feel, so at least he know you can talk to him about some of your problems and things that he needs to sort out himself to interact better with you. I really hope this may help you. Rana, United Arab Emirates

 

Given that you are becoming a young woman now it might indeed be best that you go to live with your mom; you will have to get both of your parents to agree to that. You know your situation better than anyone else, but it does sound like it is time to tell your dad about how you've been feeling. If you are uncomfortable talking with him alone perhaps you can get a school counsellor (or someone that you trust) to sit down with both of you while you talk things through? It won't be an easy conversation, however you might find that your dad is just as concerned as you are! Don't underestimate dads, they can be very good listeners, and very observant. He may already be aware that you are struggling, is trying to be the best parent to you he can and doesn't know how to ask what's wrong, or how he can help. Good luck to you, whatever you decide to do! Stena.

 

My relationship with my father doesn't seem too different from yours... It's hard to live with one parent, I get it. If I try to imagine a life with only my father... I don't like the idea. Everyone need a mum and a dad. In my case living only with my father would be a nightmare! We need our mother's support. Why? Because she is your mother... the person that you need the most, specially when you are a teen.

About the fact that you can't understand what you dad does... I'm not sure what do you mean? I don't understand my dad either. But it's common I guess... We often don't understand our parents. I hope this was helpful. Patr�cia

 

Thank you to everyone who answered Marta's question.

 

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

 

Wishing each and every one of you a very happy & healthy 2011.

THIS WEEK's QUESTION:

 

December 31, 2010 - 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 thought we'd launch a new 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 6th January.

 

"My best friend likes the boy that I'm with. I don't want my friend to feel bad! I feel so guilty but I don't want to leave my boyfriend. I don't know what to do so that my friend does not feel bad! She knows that I know that she likes my boyfriend and she's well aware of how I feel. HELP ME! Emma".

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

The Oracle

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

January 4, 2011 - submitted by Daria, Lithuania

 

Q. So, yeah it's new year, new promises, new things I'm going to do but I don't know what I really need this year. What I really want from my life. It's the hardest part of growing up, yeah to try find yourself. How to do that easier?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Today there were rather more questions about life and ways out of situations than usual. I'm assuming that some new year blues have taken hold or it's the time of year where people look at their life and assess where it's going.

If you don't yet know what you need this year, I'm sure it will reveal itself at some point.

Maybe write a list of everything you'd like your life to look like and be; see where changes could be made to get you on that track.

I did that and have an action plan of what I will need to do and when. I am scheduling it in so that it will become part of my every day rather than a separate entity.

It's not easy to find yourself when growing up but all you need to do is be true to yourself rather than be what you think is expected of you. Don't concern yourself too much with what others are doing but also don't worry.

January 4, 2011 - submitted by Pranav, India

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

Can you help me find a picture of the band standing in a railway track if it exists...I can't find it anywhere!!!

Thanks!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It's funny because when I read your question an image popped into my mind; it's not of a railway but for some reason I felt it was the photo you are looking for. If this isn't it, I'm sure that if there is a railway photo, we'll find it for you!

* The photo was taken by a lovely guy called Matt in Palm Springs around the time of their Coachella appearance in 2005.

A picture of the band standing on a railway track is the one you have on your sig Natascha, isn't it? :thinking:

 

edit: this

January 4, 2011 - submitted by Pranav, India[/color][/b]

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

Can you help me find a picture of the band standing in a railway track if it exists...I can't find it anywhere!!!

Thanks!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It's funny because when I read your question an image popped into my mind; it's not of a railway but for some reason I felt it was the photo you are looking for. If this isn't it, I'm sure that if there is a railway photo, we'll find it for you!

* The photo was taken by a lovely guy called Matt in Palm Springs around the time of their Coachella appearance in 2005.

 

That's funny. Reading it the same photo popped into my head.

Me & Debs will marry one day. I swear, she was giving me the 'I want you' eyes on the boat. :charming:

 

 

this may not be true /sigh

 

January 4, 2011 - submitted by Pranav, India[/color][/b]

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

Can you help me find a picture of the band standing in a railway track if it exists...I can't find it anywhere!!!

Thanks!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It's funny because when I read your question an image popped into my mind; it's not of a railway but for some reason I felt it was the photo you are looking for. If this isn't it, I'm sure that if there is a railway photo, we'll find it for you!

* The photo was taken by a lovely guy called Matt in Palm Springs around the time of their Coachella appearance in 2005.

I just sent a message to the oracle with the suggestion that Pranav could have meant one of those:

http://picasaweb.google.com/ColdplayFrance/COLDPLAYStephan_Craneanscki#

 

EDIT:

I'm too slow... had the tab with the thread open for too long and didn't see Denise's reply.

So yeah, that pic. :embarrassed:

A picture of the band standing on a railway track is the one you have on your sig Natascha, isn't it? :thinking:

 

edit: this

 

Yup, it is :D

 

I just sent a message to the oracle with the suggestion that Pranav could have meant one of those:

http://picasaweb.google.com/ColdplayFrance/COLDPLAYStephan_Craneanscki#

 

EDIT:

I'm too slow... had the tab with the thread open for too long and didn't see Denise's reply.

So yeah, that pic. :embarrassed:

 

Don't be embarrassed, it happens to me all the time :hug:

The reply is changed... guess that's me. :blush:

 

new reply

The Oracle replies:

 

*Edited - see below... It's funny because when I read your question an image popped into my mind; it's not of a railway but for some reason I felt it was the photo you are looking for. If this isn't it, I'm sure that if there is a railway photo, we'll find it for you!

* The photo was taken by a lovely guy called Matt Jones in Palm Springs around the time of their Coachella appearance in 2005.

 

Thanks to Anna (amongst others) for showing me the photos you are DEFINITELY looking for! I had never seen them before. Shame on me!

Well done Anna :hug:

:cool:

January 5, 2011 - submitted by N, United States of America

 

Q. I was wondering, if Coldplay was so big on Fairtrade, why are their tickets so expensive? Broke college students still deserve to soak in some of their magic live, no? And please don't quote supply and demand, I am merely asking this to ensure my affordability for their next concert as true fans surely do.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I don't want to appear as a rich, arrogant or rude Oracle here but I get a little cross when this subject is brought up... A tour happens every 2 or 3 years, so if for example a ticket costs £65, I think that is plenty time to budget to pay for it don't you? I'd grumble at a premier league football match that happens every week (for a season) at around £45 per ticket. You do the math as they say in your part of the world.

Not sure why you think it would have anything to do with supply & demand. That's the way that scalpers/touts do business. The prices are in line with all other tours on the same scale.

There, rant over. And breathe...

Tours are part of the business and are supposed to generate income for all involved (and a profit of course) but you have to realize that taking a show on the road is a very costly thing to do. At this level there are at least 2 stage sets to transport and so two crews to build it/take it down. There is a huge staff on board as well as the actual cost of the lights, screens, effects etc.

Fairtrade is a totally different thing by the way.

In my experience broke college students seem to have more money than me! I always see them out drinking, partying and gigging round my way.

Anyway 'N', as it's been a while since the last tour, maybe you could start putting a little aside from now, I'm sure that even $2 a week will help the gig fund. Hmmm I might start doing it too just in case Prince is due back in the U.K...

January 5, 2011 - submitted by Yelva, United States of America

 

Q. Hi Oracle! Do you believe in new years resolutions?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'd rather resolutions take place as and when necessary. I find it quite strange that the 1st January generates a mild panic in people to make resolutions. If you want to lose weight, quit smoking, get fit, stop drinking or get a new job... why wait? Do it anytime!

January 5, 2011 - submitted by Madeline, United States of America

 

Q. Dear All-Mighty Oracle,

On the back of the Parachutes album, there are four people. Which one is which band member?

Thanks,

Mad :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'm sure there are people who have a different back cover to the album, but the photo on the back of Parachutes shows the band from left to right: Guy, Will, Chris & Jonny.

 

There were photos in the NME on July 8th 2000 with photos from the same shoot.

There's also one of the back of their heads; that's trickier to see who's who but not impossible as I have already answered that.

You do the math as they say in your part of the world.

Hilarious! I love the Oracle!

Hilarious! I love the Oracle!

I totally agree, the reply to that question was spot on!

 

Oh and to the "who's who on the back of Parachutes": :facepalm:

Oh and to the "who's who on the back of Parachutes": :facepalm:

 

+1

January 6, 2011 - submitted by Anush, India

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

Why don't Will, Guy, Jonny & Chris have their own social networking ID's for interacting with their fans, apart from bands website?

 

Anush.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I promise I'm not trying to be funny Anush but what with having families and being incredibly busy in the studio they don't really have time.

I'd also add in my own general view... just because Facebook & Twitter etc. exist doesn't mean to say that everyone must have one and share in their channels.

It's great in our case that we have collective pages for the band because should the mood take them, they do have the access to interact and indeed Guy has.

I know many high profile people do tweet; I see it as a platform to say what's on their mind rather than interaction per se.

January 6, 2011 - submitted by Monica, United States of America

 

Q. Who is your favorite Doctor from Doctor Who?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Tom Baker.

January 6, 2011 - submitted by Colin, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

Will people in the U.S.A. be able to watch the Zane Lowe interview tomorrow morning?

Colin

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Given it's on the radio, no and neither will people in the U.K.

Sorry for being facetious Colin but as you may already know Radio 1 is part of the BBC (think TOTP) and so not every territory will have access to it.

^ :laugh3:

La Oracle es funneh

January 6, 2011 - submitted by Colin, United States of America[/color][/b]

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

Will people in the U.S.A. be able to watch the Zane Lowe interview tomorrow morning?

Colin

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Given it's on the radio, no and neither will people in the U.K.

Sorry for being facetious Colin but as you may already know Radio 1 is part of the BBC (think TOTP) and so not every territory will have access to it.

 

Wait I thought Anchorman said everyone was going to be able to listen online...I followed his link and it worked...:confused: