I thought for sure I was going to die on my way to Misiones :(

 

Estan locos los Argentinos :)

:shame: well...drivers here are not the most careful of drivers :anxious: especially on national roads, like N14, the one that goes up North...

February 25, 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 3rd March.

 

"I have a friend who I am worried for. He is really short and gets picked on a lot and he takes his anger out by bullying other people. The other day he got mad for someone sitting in his seat and he threw his milk at him, (a closed carton) and he keeps being a jerk to some of my other friends. He really doesn't know how to handle situations where he is bullied and always does the wrong thing and gets in trouble. I want to help him but I don't know how to tell him he isn't doing the right thing, he grew up being bullied and still is and it's just so hard and I want to help. Thank you. Timothy"

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

The Oracle

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

February 25, 2011 - submitted by Brian, Netherlands

 

Q. Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION - #14

"I'm very insecure about my appearance. I think I'm very ugly. I've got acne, protruding ears and glasses. And probably a lot more... I'm just so afraid that I'll never have a girlfriend and that I will die alone. Although I've got a lot of good friends who tell me that I'm not ugly, I know that they're not telling what they're thinking... I just feel so sad. Brian"

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

You're not alone in your insecurities but you do have to accept that people see you very differently than you see yourself. Maybe you judge yourself because of your single status. It matters not one jot what you look like whether you are single or not - the right person loves who you are. I realize it's easier said than done to be more confident (as I have said before confidence is attractive in itself) but you have to believe that beauty is a) in the eye of the beholder and b) comes from within. You may say "yeah, yeah, cliches...." well, cliches wouldn't exist if they weren't based on fact! Ugly is a very harsh word. I have seen people shun model beauty as they don't find it attractive; everyone is different and has different tastes. What you see in the mirror is not necessarily who you are or how others see you. I don't want to appear flippant as I do totally understand how acne can be a totally debilitating disposition but it does not mean you are ugly, nor do any of your physical attributes. It's hard but try to focus on your strengths and don't let what YOU think make you dismiss what others say about you. They see the real you and whatever negative feelings you have trust me when I say you will not die alone. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that your acne can be cured, you could get yours ear fixed and laser eye surgery - all of which I assume you know, all things that may bring confidence but maybe your thoughts are deeper rooted and you need to address those & start believing in yourself. Others clearly already do so you should join that party! Over to you...

 

I know for a fact that you are not ugly, without having ever seen you, just by reading. I can tell that you are a kind person, and you seem like someone any girl would be lucky to be with. Looks are not everything, and sometimes are not even part of the equation. It sounds cliche, but personality IS everything. As a girl, I think it is much better to share similar interests and sense of humor with a companion than to have them be stereotypically "attractive". And when you have feelings for someone, they ARE physically attractive to you no matter what.

However, I do know that we all want to look our best. Just remember that everyone gets acne, that sticky-out ears are not a negative thing, and that there is nothing wrong or dorky or unattractive about wearing glasses, being a glasses wearer myself:) Many women find glasses especially attractive on men.

Girls who don't give you a chance based on looks are shallow and immature and you deserve better.

Plus I am guessing that you are a Coldplay fan, which means you have a fantastic taste in music, and taste in music trumps looks any day! Allie

 

Brian, I don't think you're gonna end up alone. This is just a period of your life and you're gonna surpass it for sure (though you are not convinced of that now). In the meanwhile, if you feel insecure about your appearance, there are some things that you can do to improve it and feel better and more confident about yourself. They say confidence is one of the most attractive things.

First of all, you should see a dermatologist. Sometimes a nice face is hiden behind the acne. I struggled with it last year and people really don�t help with their comments. A GOOD dermatologist can make miracles with your skin. I tell you by experience.

If you have a friend, a cousin or a brother who looks in a way you'd like to look like, ask them for help. They could give you some advices about clothes and some other things. And about the ears, you could ask the hairdresser for a haircut that helps you in that way. Don't think the glasses are a problem, but if you don't like them, look for another model or for contact lens.

I think that if you work out those things, you'll feel much better. You said you have a lot of good friends, so I imagine your personality is not a problem. Try to focus on the positive things you have; those things that you like about yourself. Take advantage of them!! Hope it all goes allright for you. Love from Argentina. Noelia

 

Brian, a lot of times people will stereotype a person before they've gotten to know them. Once people get to know you for who you are, what you look like won't matter. What matters is what you think about you. Don't think you're unattractive, and don't be too hard on yourself. We usually critique ourselves more than we should for some reason. Glasses and protruding ears are NOT ugly. Acne can heal. Just remember, it's not what's on the outside that matters. It's what's inside you that not only matters, but it's what shines through. Don't worry about not having a girlfriend or dying alone. There IS somebody out there for each of us; someone who will love everything about us, even the parts we don't like ourselves. - Dana

 

You musn't be upset about your physical appearance. The thing that matters the most is what kind of person you are inside. I am sure that one girl at least will realize your value and see deeper, into your heart. You must always be optimistic! Try tou be a really goos person and help others so that girls actually see what kind of person you really are. But remember, that you must always stay yourself and not pretend to be something else than what you really are. Ionna

First off let me tell you that your friends aren't lying to you. They see the good qualities about your appearance that you might not be able to see right now.

Everyone has something good about their appearance. So what if you have protruding ears, who's to say that's unattractive? Look at Will Smith. Do you know how many girls go crazy over him? So don't worry about dying alone, there's many people out there who would find things attractive about you. Nobody needs spectacular looks to get someone to love them or be with them. What does help is what you do, whether it's helping others or making people laugh for example.

Many people value personality over looks any day.

Just learn to be confident in yourself. If anyone tell's you otherwise, just brush it off.

I'm telling you this through experience and I hope this helps. Caitlin

 

Well Brian, the thing is, if you believe that that you'll never have a girlfriend, then that may be the outcome. You need to present yourself with confidence, no matter how you look. Acne is normal, plenty of people at some point in their lives have had it..if it's that much of a problem go to a dermatologist, if you hate your glasses, buy a new pair or wear contacts. There are always options, saying that you're ugly won't make anything better for you. Looks are not everything, a confident and lovely personality is..don't fret, if a girl does not like you move on. Just think, 'If you don't love yourself how do you expect someone to love you back?' Hope this helps you. Jasely, 14. USA

 

Some people are just blessed with a beautiful appearance. But, those people are not always the nicest people. If I had the choice, and I'm talking form a girl's perspective here, I'd choose a nice and caring personality over a good-looking appearance. I know it might sound cliché, but I can assure you it really works that way. You said you have a lot of good friends, so they probably think the same way. Maybe you can talk to them about how insecure you really feel. I think that you won't die alone, because I believe there is someone for everyone. Lots of love, Charlotte

 

If anybody has any sense at all, you'll be getting lots of replies like this, but please please don't worry about your looks! Humans are genetically programmed to attract someone who we want to reproduce with, and usually pick our potential matches based on looks. .... But has anybody you have ever known, gone out with someone who had the worst personality ever and just gone on looks? Wouldn't you rather be with someone who appreciates you for who you are, flaws and all? Trust me on this, You sound like a really nice guy , and it takes someone brave to admit their hang ups, like you've just done! Good luck, and please don't be sad about it :) Also, I have problems with acne and got teased about it at school, but it does get better. (if it's really bad you can see a doctor about it, it's more common than you think ). Karma Hugs, Fran

 

Do not think that way. Looks can get a lot of girlfriends, but I tell you that they're not a supplement of a long-lasting relationship. Even though you are not handsome, you will have someone as long as you show how you love her so much. It is actually someone's constant love for another that makes a couples' relationship so tight. When you marry, physical appearance is nothing. Your wife wants you to work hard and take care of her and your children. That is how to show your love. RJ

 

Brian, I've got good news for you: You are not ugly. I guess you are somewhere in your teens, so the acne will go away with time. You can even wear contacts if it bothers you much. But honestly, there's no need to. In that age, girls are complicated. Some of them don't look past the outer appearance and some never learn looking inside, too. These are the ones you should avoid falling in love with. ;) My (now) boyfriend used to be afraid of dying alone, too. He also wears glasses and is not a tabloid-beauty, but I wouldn't want him any other way. When we talked about his fear I said to him what I say to you now: You are right just the way you are and there will be someone who loves you that way. It just might take some time. So continue to look forward to that person and try not to lose hope. Sarah

 

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

Well, I of course agree with all the things they said, but:

 

cliches wouldn't exist if they weren't based on fact!

 

Am I the only one to feel a little bad about this? I mean, where is the fact in, I don't know, the cliche that Jewish have a big nose or something? :confused:

thats not a cliche, thats a stereotype. cliches are old ideas that have been so overused that theyve practically lost their strenght and old wise meaning....he says after googling it to make sure hes right...

Oh ok! I should learn to make the difference then... They are synonyms to me

 

Thanks

February 28, 2011 - submitted by Gabriela, Paraguay

 

Q. Hi Oracle! Can you believe it's been a year since the Viva La Vida Tour started? I'm so sad right now, but at the same time it was one of the best days of my life!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Eh? Gabriela it's almost a year since the Viva tour FINISHED, not started. The tour made it to your part of the world quite a while after their Wembley finale in September 2009. The Latin America tour started at the end of February 2010 but the whole Viva campaign tour started back in June 2008!

February 28, 2011 - submitted by Thomas, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hi dear Oracle, I got a question Coldplay related.

 

If the song Clocks was released in April of 2003 as a single and all of that

why did the song win the Grammy for the record of the year in 2004?

 

Thanks.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The Grammy year of eligibility doesn't run from January - December as a normal calendar so the release dates fall into different brackets rather than what you would think usual.

Hence Clocks' release as a single was eligible for the Grammy nomination and win in 2004 despite the album it came from being a winner the previous year.

i wish Debs would answer just a little bit of the questions about LP5

March 1, 2011 - submitted by Emily, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

Is Guy still accepting old photos. I have some really great photos!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

No he's not as the deadline was 31st December 2010; the very last collection was made last week. Guy is chuffed with the response - truly amazing.

No further photos that arrive will be added as plenty notice was given so please, please do not send any more photos in.

Just to add (as quite a few people have asked) there won't necessarily be any news on the project for the foreseeable future given the band are very busy with their album. Please be patient but don't expect an update any time soon. That said, thank you so much to everyone who sent in photos; there were some pretty incredible ones.

March 1, 2011 - submitted by Shivya, India

 

Q. Hi Oracle!! I've just turned 16 and I'm confused about the friends I've had since last 7-8 years. Although they're very nice but I feel as if they do not like me anymore and do not understand me either. On the other hand I'm leaning towards the friendship of all the other kids in my class and some other people I know. I don't want to "betray" my friends after such long years of friendship, though it's a little weird hanging out with them because I can't seem to indulge in their conversations, on the other hand all these new people I've met recently, it's too early to say that they're my better friends and get me. Help me Oro :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Don't worry Shivya, this is fairly common, we can grow apart as we grow as people. We sometimes change as do our friends. It can be that your interests are different or that you simply outgrow each other. You're not betraying them by hanging out with new people. You need to be with people you enjoy the company of. There's no reason you can't keep in contact with your old friends and see them from time to time but I say, be brave and give yourself more time with the new friends as they sound like they're more suited to you now.

March 1, 2011 - submitted by Nils, Germany

 

Q. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING Q HAS BEEN EDITED BY O.

 

Is this the truth??

 

"I think Chris Martin is fooling around everyone about what Coldplay has done for LP5 until now. For example, "SONG TITLE EDITED" is evidently in the album and it's a precise song.

People, these are the only real facts you must know about the new LP:

 

a) The album is completely recorded since December. Band is still choosing the songs amongst those done and presenting them to EMI to make the final tracklisting.

 

b) The schedule is that NAME EDITED and/or NAME EDITED will mix the selected songs around March

 

c) The album will be out in May 2011

 

Take my words for granted, and keep them for the record, whenever these news will be confirmed."

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Firstly let me just explain why I have edited the question...

There is a lot of speculation surrounding details of the 5th album - of course that's to be expected - but as you know anything other than what we report here, via Anchorman and Roadie #42, is probably just hearsay.

What I can tell you about the post you found regarding the "facts" is that they're not true.

The album was not finished in December, nor is it now. It will not be mixed in March and it will not be released in May.

March 2, 2011 - submitted by Henriette, Denmark

 

Q. Dear Oracle!

Happy birthday to Chris today! Is it a working birthday for Chris? If so are you planning any surprises for him today? Maybe someone have baked him a double chocolate cake?? :-) I know he would enjoy that!

I wish him all the best for his birthday - will you say hi to him from me? Thanks!!

Have a great day dear Oracle.

 

Love, Henriette

 

 

The Oracle replies:

If you remember, last year Coldplay performed in Brazil on his birthday and this year is no different in terms of it's a working day for Chris. The guys don't tend to take a day off for a birthday.

It won't spoil any surprise as everyone at the studio who has a birthday gets a cake and all congregate together for a piece. Sadly I shan't be there in body, only in spirit.

Thanks to everyone for their birthday wishes by the way. It's much appreciated.

March 2, 2011 - submitted by Heather, United States of America

 

Q. Hello wonderful Oracle! I have noticed a lot of entries in the Exhibition Room lately have to do with eyes. Is this just a coincidence, or perhaps some sort of clue about the new album?? Thanks!!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The Exhibition Room is YOUR space so apart from the odd submission from the band/Phil there is absolutely no correlation between what goes up there and what is going on in the studio.

I hadn't noticed the eye thing myself...

March 3, 2011 - submitted by Ignacio, Argentina

 

Q. Hi dear Oracle!

I was wondering if Chris has something to do with this new aspect of Gwyneth, her singing... and what does he think about it?

 

Thank you! Please answer me.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

As regular readers will know I don't answer questions about the band members' personal lives but I decided to pick up on an aspect of this one.

Singing is far from being a "new aspect of Gwyneth". The year that Coldplay released their debut album (2000), Gwyneth had appeared singing in the film Duets and three singles were lifted from the movie. She in fact (together with Huey Lewis) scored a number one with one of those singles - Bette Davis Eyes - in Australia; the song was a hit in other territories too.

March 3, 2011 - submitted by Phyllis, United States of America

 

Q. Oh Oracle,

Do you know what song was played to wake the shuttle astronauts on March 2, 2011? Thanks!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I sure do, Speed of Sound! Very appropriate eh? And on Chris' birthday too.

You can follow NASA's latest mission updates via Twitter where they posted:

"Mission Control woke up the crews at 5:24 am EST to begin Flight Day 7. "Speed of Sound" by Coldplay was played for shuttle Pilot Eric Boe".

March 4, 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 10th March.

 

"Since 3 months I have got an amazing boyfriend. He is my first boyfriend and way more experienced than I am. About two weeks ago he asked me what I wanted. According to him I am not very open and I do not express my feelings well, also I am not very assertive and he wished I would open up more. I realize what he wants but I can't trust people within 3 months enough to really open up. I have had some bad experiences with that in the past. I told him this and he understands, I know he does. However, even though I do not have to share my entire life immediately I find it very, very hard to let people in. Does anyone have tips, because I realize this is not good. Thanks, Liv"

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

The Oracle

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

March 4, 2011 - submitted by Justin, Australia

 

Q. Dear Oracle, are there any plans to release a Greatest Hits?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

No there aren't. The band aren't madly keen on the idea; they don't like fans paying extra for things they already have. Not sure where EMI stand on the idea at some later stage in the future.

Speaking of EMI, you may have noticed their server went down and unfortunately it wiped this week's Team Oracle responses from our system. They will now appear on Sunday as I'm afraid commitments mean I cannot address the problem until then. Sorry folks!

March 3, 2011 - submitted by Ignacio, Argentina

 

Q. Hi dear Oracle!

I was wondering if Chris has something to do with this new aspect of Gwyneth, her singing... and what does he think about it?

 

Thank you! Please answer me.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

As regular readers will know I don't answer questions about the band members' personal lives but I decided to pick up on an aspect of this one.

Singing is far from being a "new aspect of Gwyneth". The year that Coldplay released their debut album (2000), Gwyneth had appeared singing in the film Duets and three singles were lifted from the movie. She in fact (together with Huey Lewis) scored a number one with one of those singles - Bette Davis Eyes - in Australia; the song was a hit in other territories too.

 

:o I missed this yesterday, I can't believe she answered that.

March 4, 2011 - submitted by thenowhereman, United Kingdom

 

Q. Dear Oracle, I am a huge Coldplay fan. Not size-wise, but I truly love this band and their current output. I was even on the boat in the Christmas Lights video. Yet I am peeved. Peeved and annoyed. Testy, you might say. Why, I don't hear you ask? How can a band headline, like, fifteen or sixteen major festivals with no new stuff. It's insane. Apart from myself and other huge fans, some may be big size-wise, no one cares. Seriously. Please tell me what I'm hearing about the next albums release date is false and that it's actually coming before the festivals. Otherwise this group is gonna go down like a lead balloon.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Well nowhereman... I can see how a fan of a band waiting for a new album can feel frustrated at not hearing new material at festivals but I passionately disagree.

I know that back in 2002 they played new songs at Glastonbury after a mini UK tour showcasing AROBTTH but that's because when they booked to play there originally, the album release date had been scheduled for before the event but was put back.

You have to remember that festivals are not usual concerts in that not everyone is there to see Coldplay. It's great to go to a festival and see a band you've never seen before. You may know all the songs but wouldn't necessarily be a fan. I love having a great time courtesy of a band that I'm not that familiar with. Given that not everyone there is a fan, it's different "rules".

I contest what you say about the band going down like a lead balloon; you may as well be saying that every band who is appearing at every festival better be playing new songs or not bother and I have a strong feeling that you're not saying that at all as that's utter nonsense, sorry.

 

Just to repeat what I said on previous post, if you're looking for Team Oracle you may have noticed the server went down and unfortunately it wiped this week's responses from the system. They will now appear on Sunday as I'm afraid commitments mean I cannot address the problem until then. Sorry folks!

kudos to thenowhereman for having the kahunas to ask that

now to figure out who it is... he was on the boat :awesome:

Number 7!

 

http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4545147&postcount=1

Wow! Go nowhereman!

March 6, 2011 - submitted by Timothy, United States of America

 

Q. Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION - #15

"I have a friend who I am worried for. He is really short and gets picked on a lot and he takes his anger out by bullying other people. The other day he got mad for someone sitting in his seat and he threw his milk at him, (a closed carton) and he keeps being a jerk to some of my other friends. He really doesn't know how to handle situations where he is bullied and always does the wrong thing and gets in trouble. I want to help him but I don't how to tell him he isn't doing the right thing, he grew up being bullied and still is and it's just so hard and I want to help. Thank you, Timothy."

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'd be honest with him as him being bullied is no excuse for his behaviour. Surely if you point out to him that he is behaving as unacceptably as his own tormentors he will see he is no different and a bully himself. It is common for people who are bullied to become bullies in later life but your friend is taking out his frustrations rather than trying to find solutions to his own problems; which now seem to include anger management as well as being picked on.

Kids can be cruel and someone who is short in stature may seem like an easy target, however - and I realize this is easier said than done - they would soon lose interest if you friend laughs their comments off or ignores them. The bullies will get bored. I think he needs to talk to either teachers or a family member to explain what is happening and then also deal with his violent tendencies. You may yourself be fearful of his reaction if you speak to him so you could write him a letter and suggest you both try and find a way through this together and support him. I also think you should tell him you really think that being a jerk is not cool. You have a right to tell him so. It's great you want to help him and I'm sure if he values your friendship he will listen to what you have to say and make some much needed changes. Over to you...

 

Okay, when you talk to him, and if you bring up the topic about this bullying then you have to be gentle, but very sure about what's right and wrong. Say you start talking to him about the milk incident, start off with something a little innocent like "why'd you throw that milk carton at someone?" if he says it was for fun, or because he deserved it, or something along those lines then you need to tell him that it's wrong. Tell him that what he did is wrong and explain why. You also need to talk to him about his being bullied, talk, and tell him that he should try to ignore the bullies and keep walking, don't take the bait because that only makes it worse. And one last thing, if he doesn't stop, you've talked to him and you still feel uncomfortable around him then you should probably re-evaluate his friendship to you. Minda.

 

Your friend needs to tell someone. Bullying has to be tackled head on. It takes bravery but with your support I'm sure he can tell someone. There won't be much sympathy if he keeps throwing stuff at people though! Tim

 

There is only so much you can do to help him. I would sit down with him (when he isn't angry) and talk to him about your feelings and how his actions are uncalled for. The fact that he is picking on your friends and other people shows that he needs some sort of help. Either way, you shouldn't have to suffer from it. I hate to say this, but if worse comes to worse, and he doesn't change his actions, it might be in your best interest to let the friendship go.

If he is willing to talk and get help, be there for him. I know that in many schools there's counselors to help out with problems like this, which might be beneficial to him. Just from what I'm hearing, he probably needs some sort of anger management. Which is something you can't fully help with. You could bring that up to him, but I warn you, he may get very defensive, and possibly get violent towards you. I don't know him, so I don't know his limits. Just be careful if that's something you want to bring with him. Also, he might not even be aware that he has a problem. But just in my opinion, I wouldn't keep a friend that picked on my other friends if it continued. I hope that he ends this bullying, and that everything works out. Caitlin

You mentioned that he was bullied growing up, so I'm guessing the problem is more than just anger issues. If you want to tell him gently, ask him how it felt to be bullied. Then ask him how he thinks others feel when he bullies them. This can help him understand that bullying is not so pleasant on the receiving end. Don't be afraid to talk with your school counselor and ask for him/her to share their thoughts, as they can be extremely helpful! Has your friend tried venting anger and stress in more productive ways? Playing competitive sports is an awesome way to cut loose and release some pent-up aggression. I can't imagine a bully has many friends, so make sure you are there for him no matter what happens. Blake

 

I was bullied for being small and I just laughed at them. It wasn't easy though as I was really pretty scared. One day I saw one of the bullies on their own and I smiled and said 'hello', she looked so shocked she ran off! They didn't bother me again. Tell your friend to stand up to them. Crista, Germany.

 

I think that your friend needs help as soon as possible. What he is doing is not right and if he carries on like this maybe he will end up worse than the people who are bullying him. Try to talk to him before it's too late. Good luck! David, 16

 

Oh no Timothy, you must be feeling really bad for all your friends. One is being bullied and he is bullying some of the others. Maybe a counsellor could help him with all the issues? I just think that he needs to have a friend like you who can talk to him calmly about what he's doing and the effect it's having on you too. If he tells someone he's being bullied and it stops, maybe he'll stop bullying too... Sally-Anne

Thanks for your responses. See you next week.

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