Tyler Hilton talks new tunes
Meagan Clements | Guest Writer
Tyler Hilton sings at a local concert
Get ready to sink your ears in some solid new songs! With an EP out April 20, an LP to follow and a sweltering tour with Spill Canvas, charismatic recording artist Tyler Hilton of Warner Brothers Records brings a tasty blend of tunes ranging from country/folk to Americana pop.
“[For the EP], I picked songs that were a little more love-story driven—that’s why I named it ‘Ladies and Gentlemen,’” Hilton said. “They were also the first songs that I wanted people to hear off the LP.”
For Hilton, “The Storms We Share” (follow-up LP to 2004’s “The Track of”) was about finding the right balance—satisfying himself, the fans and the major label.
“I was tying to find that balance between writing pop/rock tunes, singer/songwriter folky tunes and country tunes and also make the record exciting and not some kind of sleepy record,” Hilton said. “It was definitely by far one of the hardest things I’ve had to put together.”
If left up to Hilton, he'd release a record with as many as 25 tracks on it.
"I kept thinking that my own personal feelings about the songs were sometimes getting in the way of what would be the best for the record," Hilton said.
Customary of most major labels, the bar was set high for Hilton.
“Sometimes you can overpressure somebody and squeezing something out of them ends up sounding not genuine," Hilton said. "On the flipside of that, you can end up pushing someone past where they want to be pushed and end up coming up with some of the best music you’ve ever made, which is what in a lot of cases, happened with me.”
From up-tempo yet intimate scores to radio-friendly riffs, Hilton's passion for playing exceeds just another "hit song." Sketching the “sunset desert haze” with his signature throaty rasp, Hilton leaves listeners but one option—crank up that stereo and sing along.
“Tyler's voice sells any song he sings on, and his voice is the thread that ties the album together,” indie artist Curtis Peoples said. “Whether it's the more acoustic songs like ‘Say It Like A Lie,’ or more pop/rock songs like the song we wrote ‘So Young,’ you believe Tyler when he's singing.”
While writing for the record, Hilton moved to Nashville, setting clubs alight with his novel compositions and immersing himself in songwriting sessions with Grammy-award-winning country trio Lady Antebellum. Rachel Yamagata, Colbie Caillat and Taylor swift were among other artists Hilton befriended.
Hilton, who grew up performing country, folk and blues music, agreed that living in Nashville accentuated the “country” in a few of his scores. Still, he was apprehensive to let genre define his new record.
“I just wanted to write songs that I dug and produce them in the best way I could,” Hilton said.
However, writing for the record proved tougher than Hilton could ever have imagined.
“I started realizing that putting together a group of songs for a record was different than putting together a group of songs for a setlist,” Hilton said.
It wasn't long before frustration set in.
“I’d put together a favorite group of my songs and they wouldn’t sound good together—they would sound disjointed," Hilton said. "I couldn’t figure it out—I didn’t know if it was the production that wasn’t working so I kept having to change producers, change studios and change cities.”
While Hilton may have endured hardships in writing and recording for "The Storms We Share," the album (as its title alludes) spotlights several tracks of encouragement, among them "Keep On" and "This World Will Turn" (both which appear on Hilton's EP).
"Hilton's lyrical depth seems to reflect his personal struggle, growth and subsequent maturity over the past few years," longtime listener Pat Wehner said. His musical intensity has a bite which pulls you in...you feel as though you're traveling that road with him."
A vulnerable yet honest performer, Hilton molds thought-provoking lyrics ("the beauty in the window/the princess of the shadows"), picturesque imagery ("I've never seen the sky as vanilla as tonight") and edgy yet endearing moments sure to tickle your emotions whether cruising in the car or listening live.
Hilton’s laid-back looks and witty sense of humor aren’t all adorning teens and twenty-somethings are attracted to.
Spinning his scores since 2002, Katie Williamson was moved by themes of love and encouragement dominating Hilton’s latest releases.
“I think any songwriter is affected by what’s going on around them and Tyler’s records all show influences from his life’s story,” Williamson said. “I think it’s inspiring and it’s cool—from where I’m sitting anyway, being a fan for all these years, to see that gradual change and to see everything fall into place for him.”
Stephanie Stephens, another longtime listener, agreed.
“Overall I enjoy Tyler's music because you can hear and feel the passion he pours into every song,” Stephens said. “Musicians share their emotions through song and Tyler does so flawlessly.”
Hilton agrees it's best not to look at the past or to the future, but rather live in the present.
"It’s humbling to think that this business can change in a dime," Hilton said. "You can try to guess where it’s going but you can’t and so you’re safest bet is just to make something that’s good and that you dig."
From an ounce of vocal grit enough to sustain energy throughout tracks like "Sixteenth Summer" and “Sunset Blvd” to the sound of his contagious laughter sweeping across center stage, Hilton is one artist worth the investment.
“Tyler's new songs have more of a depth and a richness in the production,” Peoples said. “The highs are higher and the lows are lower. Songs like ‘I Believe In You’ and ‘This World Will Turn’ are big emotions, but they're still really catchy tunes.”
Whether redefining simple elegance or raising the bar with undeniably catchy hooks sure to garner accolades from an all-ages audience, Hilton puts "memorable" back in music, leaving listeners a reason to lend an ear.
Music theory professor Joel Clifft caught sight of a YouTube video entitled “Girl Who Got Away,” premiering one of Hilton’s unreleased tracks.
“The simplicity of the chords and melody are an effective vehicle to deliver some beautiful poetry,” Clifft said.
Whether you enjoy soaking up the sun or meditating with the music, Hilton’s upcoming releases will tug at your heart and gnaw at your soul. A bountiful brew of fearless folk/rock, jubilant soul-pop and galvanizing musical licks, Hilton’s releases emote more than just colorful textures and canny flavors.
From swank rhythms to the daring fusion of energy and intimacy all in one line, Hilton ventures into musical territory, few singer-songwriters have gone before. Braving the adversities often faced by industry artists, Hilton has “survived the storms” and has the songs to show for it.
“I think in the time it’s taken to make this record (you know a lot of people would have made several records), I feel the growth,” Hilton said. “I think I have become more susceptible to other people’s ideas in a good way and become more secure in who I am as an artist.”
For tour dates or information on purchasing Hilton’s music, visit: http://www.tylerhilton.com or check out his MySpace music page. Registered users of Hilton’s website receive a free download of “Keep On,” hailing from his April EP, “Ladies and Gentlemen” and summer LP “The Storms We Share.”
Presidential Forum Promotes Discussion of Institutional Values
CARI STRATE | STAFF WRITER
Over 300 APU students, faculty and staff gathered in UTCC on Tuesday, March 23 at 7p.m. to discuss the institutional values of APU at the Presidential Forum. The format of the event changed this year, as a staff or faculty member acted as a facilitator for each table, encouraging discussion.
Tyler Prieb, SGA President, and Laura Jane Kenny, elected SGA President for 2010, introduced the event by reading the University passage for the 2010 to 2011 school year. Following their introduction, Kenny opened the evening in a prayer for openness, listening, and honesty.
Peggy Campbell, Kenneth Waters, and Jon Wallace spoke at the event, framing the institutional values for the attendees.
Campbell spoke representing the trustees and reviewed APU’s Mission Statement.
“I hope you leave feeling highly assured in what you chose APU for,” Campbell said.
Going over APU’s Statement of Faith, Waters gave his own seven observations on the Statement of Faith. Waters stated that the Bible is the infallible word of God, and discussed the difference between infallibility and inerrancy.
When Wallace spoke, he had the facilitators pass out copies of APU institutional values to everyone in attendance. Wallace covered APU’s Motto, God First, and the APU Positional Statements on Evangelical Commitment, Human Sexuality, Diversity, and Alcohol.
“Living outside of God’s best is a plan for shipwreck,” Wallace said.
Following the speakers, the facilitators lead each table in discussion, covering four provided questions and intending to gain input from each table. A participant at each table was asked to write down everything discussed, and these comments were collected to be typed up and presented as records representing the voice of students.
Wallace, encouraging the APU community to live intentionally and closing in prayer, concluded the Forum.
“Your future matters to the church, matters to us, matters to the world,” Wallace said.
Presidential Forum from The Clause Video on Vimeo.
Finding Grace in Science
SAMMI SHEPPARD | STAFF WRITER
The Science, Faith and Culture Lecture series continued last Wednesday, March 10 and the connection between Christianity and science was challenged by Dr. Tim Morris professor of biology at Covenant College in Georgia.
Morris explained how God’s grace can free people from certain things, as well as free people to other things this sentence does not make sense.
Most science and faith lectures typically are about science and religion or science and the Bible, but they imply that there is a contrast between the two components according to.... Morris showed that they can and are in fact meant to work together by exploring the grace of God.
“I think people have associated grace entirely with religious things and with redemption and have not usually thought about grace more widely in all human endeavors,” said Morris. “I think talking about science and grace opens up some new areas to think about God’s work and God’s favor.”
God’s grace can free people from vain attempts to establish a foundation for science within science itself according to Morris. Throughscripture, Morris concludedthat science needs to have a “Christocentric”focus—God made creation good, therefore, studying creation is good.
God’s grace also frees people from the view of science as being completely human and value-free-all of these statements need to be attributed to him or else this seems like an opinion article with him supporting her opinion Morris explained self-involvement from scientific activities is neither completely avoidable, nor is it regrettable. Human involvement will happen since science is done by humans.
“It was pretty interesting when he was talking about human involvement and how you couldn’t be able to eliminate that,” freshman biology major Marissa Ulrich said. “Typical scientists, on the other hand, think we have to remove human error and any type of biases.”
Throughout the lecture, Morris emphasized the opportunity Christians have to show God’s grace to others and bring everything people know as Christians to doing science.
“The lecture was very informative,” Ulrich said. “I thought it was really cool how Dr. Morris integrated his personal Christian ideologies onto a broad scope of sciences.”
As stewards of God’s grace and favor in science, Christians must love their enemies, find joy in the favor God shows to scientists in their work and participate in scientific culture by being a good neighbor in it. attribution God’s grace allows people to fully engage in the cultural endeavors of science, according to Morris.
“This shows people who are going into the field of science that you can hold your faith in a field that typically is portrayed as mechanical,” said Ulrich.
Morris also challenged the audience to think about knowledge. Who or what are we trying to please in out scientific knowing? Morris said our only real need is to trust God because he constructs knowledge. As Christians, scientists need to take the gift God has given them and the task they haveseriously and give it back to the one who gave them the gift. attribution.
“I liked that Dr. Morris said all things that we truly know are by revelation of God so it kind of erases that selfish nature; we really have to put that back to God,” senior cinematic arts major Natasha Koziol said. “I really liked how he said that the purpose of science and discovery is that it eventually all points to the creator.”
Morris explained that one’s calling to science is not just to find out stuff about God’s creation. By studying science, people can reveal more about God. Scientists need to be bold in creative ideas or new ways of thinking in ways that are pleasing to God. Attribution If scientists have Christ at the focus of their work, it will be pleasing to God.
Morris showed how God’s grace frees people to bear witness as redeemed human beings to God’s redeeming work in and through the science they do. God made four relationships to be in perfect order: human to God, human to self, human to others and human to creation.
“Reconciliation of relationship to God spreads throughout all our relationships and it’s a matter of scientification and the work of the Spirit,” said Morris.
Already stated
“I love science so I really think Christians should be open to science 100 percent because it’s exciting,” Koziol said. “When I was younger, I remember you didn’t really talk about science in church so I’ve really enjoyed coming to APU and having that open up and be acceptable. I think it’s opening up in the churches as well. I think the more that we look to science it just reveals more about God.”
APU sending Bibles overseas
ANDREW RUIZ | STAFF WRITER
Azusa Pacific was given 10,000 Bibles to be signed and shipped off to soldiers at war by Operations Worship, a group dedicated to spreading encouragement and God’s word.
Azusa Pacific had booths on west and east campus, for the last two weeks, giving students an opportunity to get involved and write these letters to our soldiers. The letters allows students to communicate and share prayers with soldiers overseas.
“Writing letters gives me recognition of what they do,” Higgenbottom said. “Hopefully they benefit from each letter and Bible they receive.”
During the last seven years America has been at war, many soldiers have been in and out of Iraq. Senior political science major Andre Bordeaux was on deployment in Iraq for five years and was among many of the soldiers who received letters from students across the nation.
“We get care packages and they're important but the letters we receive may be more important,” Bordeaux said. “It brings a sense of normalcy and brings us back to reality. Each letter has its own meaning and definitely helps our faith and keeps up our morale.”
Senior business major Ashley Thomas has worked the booths and have seen many students take part in this opportunity.
“Regardless what your political views are we still need to give our support.We can’t neglect the sacrifice they make for us,” Thomas said.
Although booths are no longer set up on campus, students have plenty of time to still get involved. Note cards for students to sign that will be put into the Bibles are placed outside of the Cougar’s den and Felix Event center.
The last day for signings is March 19 and note cards can be dropped off at the collection boxes at these locations or to the Veteran’s Affairs office.
“II would like if every student wrote some but not because they feel forced but because they want to,” Bordeaux said. When people do them on their own terms it means so much more.”
Students Notified of Leadership Positions
MEREDITH ANDERSON | EDITOR IN CHIEF
This past weekend has been long-awaited for the 650 students who applied for various on-campus leadership positions. Students were notified via e-mail whether they were accepted, denied, or chosen as an alternate. Decisions were sent out to students applying for R.A., Alpha, SALT, and Communiversity.
Melissa Stava, assistant director for the Office of Student Success, confirms that out of the 300 applicants for the Alpha position, 130 were accepted. The Alpha program does not integrate replacements in case a student declines or fails to respond.
Instead, the number that responds to their acceptance is the final count for filled positions. Stava validates that the number of applicants this year are identical to the 2009 figures. Resident Advisor acceptances were sent to applicants Monday, Mar. 8.
The numbers, recorded by associate director of Student Life, Jen Fleckenstein, resulted in 250 applicants, and with 90 positions offered. There were also 20 students put on an alternate list. Fleckenstein also confirms that this year’s numbers are similar to the 2009 year.
The results for the SALT team have yet to be determined, though administrative assistant to the Associate Dean of Students, Jeanette Garces, assures that 42 positions will be offered.
In the Communiversity office, the accepted interns were also notified this past weekend. 43 students initially applied for the position by completing the online application. However, only 26 completed the process by following through with an interview. Chuck Strawn, director of Communiversity, offered 9 positions, also designating a few applicants as alternates.
Three students attend IMT informational discussion on internet issues
MEREDITH ANDERSON | EDITOR IN CHIEF
IMT hosted a dialogue with students to address the slow and sometimes non-existent internet access in University Village, where student reportedly experienced dramatic internet problems this academic year.
According to chief technology officer Jeff Bridges, currently between the hours of 10 am until 2 am the internet is saturated with users. Assistant director of client computing Rob Davis said there have been several internet related issues taking place that have been lumped into one complaint—the problem with the internet. The goal of the evening was to break down the multiple issues facing IMT and provide context to the work that has been done and that is still in progress.
IMT plead with students to report issues so that work orders can be made to correct problems. In an effort to get students involved IMT posted a hotline number on the door of every apartment in the Village over Christmas break. On average this hotline rings once—maybe twice in a day according to IMT staff.
“If would have known about the issues in the fall that would have helped,” chief information officer Don Davis said.
According to IMT staff representatives there are many factors that have contributed to frustration with the functioning of the wifi including the rate at which technology itself is developing. Everything from the volume of personal laptops to smart phone has played a part in the problem according to Davis.
Factors—the truth and the speculation
The use of video and music streaming has increased is five times greater then last year according to Bridges. Many students have speculated that implementation of the peer to peer sharing blocking program has played a role in the internet slowing. Ironically, red lambda, the software used to enforce sharing rules, was projected to increase the bandwidth availability resulting in faster internet. (Systems that use peer to peer sharing gobble up 40 times more space on the bandwidth as regular programs.) The sudden jump of video streaming paired with the move to high definition technology on many websites, chronically impaired the internet's ability to function. IMT is now asking faculty, staff and students to adapt their internet usage habits. According to recent IMT data 88 percent of internet bandwidth is used for what they classify as “entertainment” sites such as YouTube, Facebook and Hulu. When asked why students should be told to limit their use of such sites, Bridges said it is the same reason why cable is not an option in the dorms—it was decided students should be encouraged to engaged in community that isn't limited to commercial breaks.
Peer to Peer Sharing Blocking
While websites deemed in violation of peer to peer sharing could have simply have been blocked from APU's internet network, a different route was taken. By implementing the system of offenses and punishments, the hope is student will learn to think twice about their internet use instead of being prevented all together. Since the process was initiated on Jan. 14th, approximately 700 students have been first time offenders averaging 100 a week. Of those 20 percent go on to be second time offenders according to Bridges. IMT is in the process of expanding the new internet restrictions to faculty and staff as well. While some students have gotten kicked off the internet for using valid applications such as Skype, IMT assures students those issues will be resolved this week. The company hired by the university generates the list of what sites are off limits. Students who were surprised when accused of violating the policy are being encouraged to report such incidents to IMT so their record can be cleared if necessary. Also a list is currently being compiled of such unexpected banned sites and will be made available to the community.
Internet Improvements and Options in the Apartments
While banned in the freshman dorms, purchasing cable and alternative internet from an outside provider is an option in the apartments. Students can opt to pay for their own internet and cable from Charter, the only company who services the apartments, if the internet is through a router and not a wireless access point. Non IMT wireless interferes with APU internet and is therefore not allowed. While this alternative is not advertised, it is fine by IMT and allows students to use the internet without the peer to peer sharing software monitoring web browsing. For those sticking with APU internet, IMT staff assured Village residents the problem of not enough wifi access points will be resolved by the end of this week with the number increasing from four to six access points per court and by putting the additional two inside the buildings.
Upgrading the bandwidth for increased speed delayed
An internet upgrade was planned to take place over Christmas break however, negotiations between APU and Verizon took longer then anticipated to complete. At this point the contract has been signed and processed. Now Verizon must schedule the engineer visit to campus, to complete the procedure to increase the bandwidth—a task that will take all of ten minutes according to Bridges. However scheduling the visit could take up to three months on Verizon's end.
“Every day this week they [Verizon] has told us they will have a date for us but it hasn't happened yet.” Bridges said. “I have no idea when it is going to be and I don't want to speculate.”
IMT even went as far to offer to pay extra to get the upgrade implemented faster. This contract itself will cost $5000 extra a month and make the internet four times faster; currently the bill comes to $10,000 a month. Because IMT has not been given any additional money in the budget, internal charges have been made to accommodate this new expense. According to Bridges, while some internal tasks will take longer but will not affect students.
“After the upgrade comes into effect APU will have the fastest internet of any college in the CCCU (Christian Coalition of Colleges and Universities). It will be twice as fast as the school trailing us,” Bridges said. “Four times whatBiola has.”
What now?
While the waiting game continues to be played with the anticipated upgrade—students, faculty and staff are being asked to limit watching movies and streaming music over the web. When it comes to current internet slowness, IMT recommends using an ethernet cord as it is literally 100 times faster then connecting to the network by using wifi. Supervisors are being instructed to tell staff and faculty not to use internet for things such as Pandora radio and Hulu during the work day. While the request to students is on a voluntarily basis, the effectiveness of this approach will be considered over the course of the next weeks to determine if an enforcement policy will be established. Something of that magnitude would go before the president's cabinet for approval.
“Student's have a social responsibility to be a partner with us [on this issue,]” Bridges said. “It is like like this analogy—we can all drive our cars but it is better for everyone if we walk.”
“I like that they were making it known what they are trying to do. It is obvious they know about the problem and are trying to do something,” junior graphic design major Steven Morrison said.
He came to the meeting to show support to IMT's effort to communicate with students and because he assumed not very many students would attend.
“We don't see a lot of talk from IMT—they are not very visible. People assume they are all nerds working away in their cave,” first year graduate student Aubree Stransbury said. She applauded IMT's attempts to be more communicative with facebook and twitter.
“People want to get on facebook and yell about the internet but IMT needs a work order to fix it,” Stransbury said.
The fact that at last night's event, IMT staff and student workers outnumbered student participants more then three to one is telling according to Bridges.
“Students just want to grip—that's entertainment of its own. I mean look at the attendance here,” Bridges said.
The need for a partnership between students, faculty and staff was stressed by IMT staff to improve internet conditions.
Another meeting is planned for next Tuesday at 6:45 pm in Trinity Lounge.
How to to get crafty with recycling.
CARI STRATE | STAFF WRITER
Want to spice up your bedroom? Have old books and newspapers lying around? Blend your flair for decor and your desire to go green in this creative yet re-sourceful mobile design from juniors Amy Snyder and Bri Martindale.
Materials
5 ft. of thing string/thread
1 old newspaper/map
2 popsicle sticks
scissors
5" of ribbon
tacky glue
cardstock
Step 1: Using cardstock, create a stencil of each shape. With the pages of your re-cycled paper product, cut out four of each shape.
Step 2: Cut four strings of all different lengths. Leaving room at the top, tape the shapes to the string, varying the spaces.
Step 3: Glue the two popsicle sticks at the center in a crisscross fashion.
Step 4: Glue one string of shapes to each end of the popsicle sticks.
Step 5: Tie a ribbon to the center of the popsicle sticks and hang where desired.
Q & A With Presidential Candidates
In an APU first, the two candidates for SGA president sit down and answer questions asked by a panel of former SGA presidents
The questions asked cover topics such as, What do you think are the most important issues facing APU students today and why? What are your weaknesses and how will those impact your leading as SGA President?
Q & A With Presidential Candidates from online editor on Vimeo.
Obama’s State of the Union Address
KARLA SHIRVANIAN | STAFF WRITER
In the midst of a struggling economy and unemployment rate at 10 percent, President Barack Obama gave his first State of the Union Address on Jan. 27.
In his address, Obama spoke about the resilience of Americans in the face of adversity, and the fact that people still remain hopeful and encouraged after one of most difficult years in history.
“It's because of this spirit—this great decency and great strength—that I have never been more hopeful about America's future than I am tonight,” Obama said. “Despite our hardships, our union is strong. We do not give up. We do not quit. We do not allow fear or division to break our spirit. In this new decade, it's time the American people get a government that matches their decency, that embodies their strength.”
The president went on to speak about changes he proposes in various aspects of the government in order to improve the quality of life in America. He began by talking about the economy. Obama proposed a fee increase on the big banks in order to stabilize the economy.
“To recover the rest, I've proposed a fee on the biggest banks. Now, I know Wall Street isn't keen on this idea. But if these firms can afford to hand out big bonuses again, they can afford a modest fee to pay back the taxpayers who rescued them in their time of need,” Obama said.
Obama also proposed $30 billion stimulus for small businesses to stay afloat in order to help those suffering from the weak economy. He also wants to encourage small business growth through a tax credit for small business owners who hire new employees or increase wages.
Building a better future is also something the president discussed. He said America should begin to build clean air facilities and rebates should be given to Americans who make their homes more energy efficient, which support clean energy jobs. Obama discussed financial reform, as well as the export of more of American products.
“The more products we make and sell to other countries, the more jobs we support right here in America,” Obama said. “So tonight, we set a new goal: We will double our exports over the next five years, an increase that will support two million jobs in America. To help meet this goal, we're launching a National Export Initiative that will help farmers and small businesses increase their exports, and reform export controls consistent with national security.”
Obama also discussed something that affects many people, education. He said today, in the 21st century, the best anti-poverty program is a good education. This is why the Elementary and Secondary Education Act will be reformed and he will work with Congress to expand reform to all 50 states. He encouraged the Senate to follow the House of Representatives to pass a bill to renew community colleges. He also proposed a reform that would affect all students who have, or are planning on attending college.
“To make college more affordable, this bill will finally end the unwarranted taxpayer subsidies that go to banks for student loans. Instead, let's take that money and give families a $10,000 tax credit for four years of college and increase Pell Grants, Obama said. “And let's tell another one million students that when they graduate, they will be required to pay only 10 percent of their income on student loans, and all of their debt will be forgiven after 20 years –- and forgiven after 10 years if they choose a career in public service, because in the United States of America, no one should go broke because they chose to go to college.”
Spending was also a predominant topic in the president’s address. He said that in 2011 government spending will be frozen. This freeze will not effect national security, Medicare, Mediaid and Social Security, but will force the government to work within a budget and be mindful in what is invested in and what needs to be sacrificed. Obama even said he would enforce the discipline by veto if he has to.
Through the address, Obama also spoke on the need for equal pay laws to be enforced and for women to receive equal pay as men in the workforce. Obama also said he would work with Congress to repeal the military’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy in order for homosexual Americans to serve in the armed forces. He also spoke about the need to fix the immigration laws.
“In the end, it's our ideals, our values that built America--values that allowed us to forge a nation made up of immigrants from every corner of the globe; values that drive our citizens still. Every day, Americans meet their responsibilities to their families and their employers. Time and again, they lend a hand to their neighbors and give back to their country. They take pride in their labor, and are generous in spirit. These aren't Republican values or Democratic values that they're living by; business values or labor values. They're American values,” Obama said.
In the end Obama spoke again about the spirit of the United States that has prompted the resilience in Americans and kept them hopeful in the midst of hardships.
“The spirit that has sustained this nation for more than two centuries lives on in you, its people. We have finished a difficult year. We have come through a difficult decade. But a new year has come. A new decade stretches before us. We don't quit. I don't quit,” Obama said. “Let's seize this moment -- to start anew, to carry the dream forward and to strengthen our union once more.”