Daddy!

This clip says it all. Get your tissues ready. Make sure you wait for the commercial to end. The story follows the commercial.

MC Rove

Classic video. This shows that Karl Rove has a sense of humor. Watch this clip and be amazed as Karl Rove turns into MC Rove.
Watch for him on the charts.

(HT: Matt Reisetter)

Heart of the Artist

I received an email from my friend Deanna today. Deanna and I sing together on our worship team at Morning Star Church. She is a great woman, who has an encouraging and fun spirit. Here is a quote she passed on from the book "The Heart of the Artist".

"Most of us have no difficulty encouraging someone whose gifts pose no threat to our place in the ministry. Our character is truly proven when we can root for those who have the same gifts we have. Can you sincerely encourage and pull for someone who has the same gifts as you do? Another test of character comes when someone else gets the opportunities we wish we could have. First Corinthians 12:26 says that if a member is honored, all members should rejoice."

(HT: Deanna)

technorati tags: Worship The Heart of the Artist First Corinthians 12 NIV Bible Encouragement Ministry Character

American Idol Prediction

Last night on American Idol Gwen Stefani was a guest judge and coach. Gwen has made a mark in the industry over the last decade with her solo work and with the band No Doubt.

It was a night with some good peformances and some that we could have done without. Of course, Sanjaya had to give us something to talk about. This week it was the hair again. What was the deal with it? However, as we know by now, he is not going home. He will stick around another week and give us something to talk about next week.

Melinda and Lakisah gave their usual great vocals. However, I wonder if America thinks they have enough "star" factor. Gina gave maybe her best performance to date. Phil came back with some strong vocals, and Jordin was good as well.

The weaker performances came from Chris Sligh and Haley. I want to say Haley is going home, but I am going to predict that Chris Sligh goes home tonight. I like the guy, but I think it may be the end of his American Idol run.

technorati tags: American Idol Gwen Stefani No Doubt Melinda Doolittle Lakisha Jones Sanjaya Malakar Phil Stacey Gina Glocksen Haley Scarnato Chris Sligh Jordin Sparks

Trip To The Dentist

Butch Davis, the North Carolina football coach is undergoing chemotherapy after his dentist removed a growth from his mouth during a routine cleaning. A biopsy diagnosed it as non-Hodgkins lymphoma, but subsequent exams show no evidence that the cancer has spread.

technorati tags: Butch Davis North Carolina Football North Carolina Tarheels Coaching Football Dentists Non Hodgkins Lymphoma

I Think We Are Missing The Boat

I think something is wrong. With all that is going on in the world, we have a girl that has decided to make her voice known by starving herself until Sanjaya Malakar is voted off of American Idol. This is how she has decided to help the world.

Then we have this little girl. Are you kidding me? Are we as parents teaching our kids to look up to the wrong people or what? This girl is freaking out for Sanjaya. Why don't I see little girls crying at church over their worship leader or their pastor? Why don't I see them crying over community leaders? Or what about our soldiers? Why don't they cry when they see the footage of Iraq? Instead we have kids losing it over boys who can't sing, but who can hula.

I am very confused. We as a world need to get a grip.
Don't get me wrong, I like American Idol. This year more than any the show seems to be pointing out some serious flaws in our society.

Oh well. Just my thoughts. What are your thoughts?

technorati tags: American Idol Sanjaya Malakar Starving For Sanjaya Hula Singing Parenting Iraq Soldiers Conflict In Iraq

This May Be Taking It Too Far

Okay. As we all know Sanjaya from American Idol made it through another round. I know Sanjaya is bad, but this girl is taking this thing way to far. Hunger strike? She may have put herself in a bad spot. Check this out.

technorati tags: American Idol Sanjaya Malakar Starvation For Sanjaya YouTube Hunger Strike

American Idol:The British Pop Invasion

Last night on American Idol there was a "British Invasion". It was not one of my favorite genres that they have ever done on the show. To me it was a fairly boring night on the show. Here is a rundown of the show and my prediction for who is going home this week.

Haley Scarnato: "Tell Him"-She did not sound bad, and actually may have been one of her best performances to date. Her long legs can not hurt her in the voting process.

Chris Richardson: Great peformance. His voice resembles Justin Timberlake, and the girls appear to like him.

Stephanie Edwards: "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me"-Pitchy in spots, and she doesn't seem to connect with the audience. I have been saying for weeks that she might go home. I don't think this is the week, but if she doesn't step it up in the personality department it will be soon.

Blake Lewis: "Time Of The Season"- Sounded strained on the higher notes, but has a cool, current sound. He added some cool dance moves, but I could have done without the beatbox this time. Good performance overall.

Lakisha Jones: "Diamonds Are Forever"-Not one of her best vocals, but she is one of the best in the competition so she will be safe.

Phil Stacey: "Tobacco Road"-Nice energy. Nice upper register, but I have heard hundreds of guys that can sing this good. Phil is my prediction for who is going home this week. Phil, you had a good run, but so long man.

Jordin Sparks: "I Who Have Nothing"-Jordin has mad skills for a 17 year old. It was a cool song. She has huge pipes, and is easily one of the best on the show. We may be looking at a winner here.

Sanjaya Malakar: Even before he sang I wanted him off of the show. Right before they went to break there was Sanjaya flailing in front of the camera with his tongue out. Why is this guy here? Then he sang. All of a sudden he is a rocker? Why was the girl crying? Please help me understand. I want him to go home, but he will stick around another round.

Gina Glocksen: "Painted Black"-Nothing special, but the drummer was getting loose behind her.

Chris Sligh: "She's Not There"-It was kind of a boring performance. I like Chris, but it was kind of a forgettable performance. It was a good vocal though.

Melinda Doolittle: "As Long As He Needs Me"-Amazing vocalist. Reminds me of Natalie Cole a bit. She is relishing every moment and making it count. Melinda should be the winner. She has a bright future.

That is all for now. Out.

technorati tags: American Idol The British Pop Invasion Gina Glocksen Haley Scarnato Jordin Sparks Lakisha Jones Melinda Doolittle Stephanie Edwards Blake Lewis Chris Richardson Chris Sligh Phil Stacey Sanjaya Malakar Music Singing

Elvis, JFK, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, and...

It appears conspiracy theorists believe that Barbaro is alive and living in Montana. Check it out here. Could Elvis, JFK, Biggie Smalls, and Tupac all be there as well?

technorati tags: Barbaro, Elvis, JFK, Notorious B.I.G. Tupac Biggie Smalls Conspiracy Theories Montana

Be Lifted High

This weekend was a great weekend. I celebrated my 33rd year of life, and my daughters first birthday. I was surrounded with family and had a beautiful time with them. There was a lot of laughter and smiles around my house.

As I sat back and watched everything take place this weekend I could not keep from thinking how blessed I am. The Lord has given me an incredible wife who is not only a great wife, but a wonderful mother. My daughter could not bring me more joy, and my parents and sister love and encourage me. My sister is due in May with her first baby, so I will be an uncle. I live in a beautiful place and have enough food to eat daily. All weekend I just kept saying, "Thank You Lord".

As I drove to work this morning one of my favorite worship songs came on the radio. It is the song "Be Lifted High" which is on Michael W. Smith's new album. As tears filled my eyes, I once again could not help but think I am a blessed man. I am not worthy, but Lord thank you for everything you have given me. He has brought me from darkness to his splendid light. He has been patient with me and merciful to me. Lord I lift your name high. You are my life.

I just want to share the lyrics of the song with you today. I pray that it can encourage you today and you can think about all the ways God has blessed you.

Here they are...

Sin and its ways grow old
All of my heart turns to stone
And I'm left with no strength to arise
How You need to be lifted high

Sin and its ways lead to pain
Left here with hurt and with shame
So no longer will I leave your side
Jesus, you be lifted high

And even now that I'm inside your hand
Help me not to grow prideful again
Don't let me forsake sacrifice
Jesus you be lifted high

And if I'm blessed with the riches of kings
How could I ever feel that it was me
For you brought me from darkness to light
Jesus, You be lifted high

You be lifted high
You be lifted high
You be lifted high in my life, Oh God
And I fall to my knees
So it's you that they see
Not I
Jesus, You be lifted high

Oh Jesus, You be lifted high
Oh, You be lifted high
Oh, You be lifted high in my life, Oh God
And I fall to my knees
So it's you that they see
Not I
Jesus, You be lifted high

technorati tags: Be Lifted High Michael W Smith Family Blessings Encouragement Jesus Worship

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

Click here for a little history on St. Patrick's Day.

Asking For Your Prayers

A couple days ago I received an email from Matt Reisetter. Matt is one of my best friends and someone I respect, admire, and look up to. He is a man of integrity and one of the best guys that you could ever be around. His wife Jen is one of the greatest women I have ever met. She is a great woman of faith, a great wife, a great mother, and a great friend. She is basically a Proverbs 31 kind of woman. Matt and Jen have the kind of marriage that I strive to have. I love these two people.

As I read the email my heart was saddened to hear that they had received some disturbing news. Here is the email that Matt sent me.

Hello friends and family!

Most of you probably know by now that Jen is pregnant with our second child – a daughter, who is due to be born on August 3.

On Monday Jen received results from a run-of-the-mill blood test which indicated that our daughter is at an increased risk for Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome (that’s a mouthful …SLOS is easier!) and Trisomy 18. Both are serious genetic disorders. The first leads to significant mental retardation and other serious physical defects, and the second leads to death – either before the end of pregnancy (miscarriage or stillbirth) or within the first year of life.

Based on what the doctors are saying, the chances that these disorders will inevitably occur, with blood test results like Jen’s, are 1 in 31 for SLOS and 1 in 10 for Trisomy 18. So far, based on our first ultrasound, there are no symptoms evident for either disorder, which is initially good news. We’ll be heading to Iowa City for a more specialized ultrasound next Tuesday, which may reveal more clearly where we’re at.

Regardless of the results of these tests, Jen will carry this baby to term or until the pregnancy is naturally terminated … we are decidedly pro-life with our words and with our actions, and I’m proud of Jen for that.

While we trust that the Lord has a plan, and while we believe that his plan – regardless of the outcome – is best, we’ll be spending much time in prayer presenting our requests to him until we know what that outcome is, and we invite you to do the same on our behalf. Here are a few of our specific requests:

1) That our daughter would develop normally and healthily; that neither of these disorders would affect her.
2) That the doctors would have wisdom and knowledge to come up with correct diagnosis and proper administration of tests
3) That God would give us the physical and emotional strength – especially Jen – to face whatever comes
4) That we would have wisdom to communicate as clearly and as appropriately to Mason about all this as possible – he’s pretty excited about having a baby sister, so this could be hard on him
5) That we and others close to us would learn from this experience and grow spiritually in the ways that God intends

Other than being a little anxious about what may come, we’re doing well – so don’t feel like you’ve got to walk on pins and needles around us!

Thanks for your prayers – I know I've forgotten several people who I should be sending this to ... sorry. Please pass this along to anyone else who may be interested.

The Reisetters

I am not writing this post in order for you to feel bad for Matt and his family. In fact in talking with Matt, that is the last thing he wants. He knows that many people have dealt with far greater problems. However, I am writing this to ask for your prayers and encouraging words for the Reisetter family.
God is a God that can heal and is a God of miracles. As you can see from Matt's letter, all the Reisetter's want is for God's will to be done, whatever that may be. Let's pray for that. Let's pray for the five things that Matt listed above, and if you can please leave some encouraging notes for the Reisetter's in the comments section.

Be a difference maker today. Pray. Leave an encouraging word. God has blessed us. Let us bless others.

Thank you.

technorati tags: Matt Reisetter Proverbs 31 Smith Lemli Opitz Syndrome Trisomy 18 Prayer Encouragement

So Close, But So Far Away

It almost happened. Sanjaya Malakar was almost given the boot on American Idol last night. It came down to him and Brandon Rogers. They stood there with thick anticipation. Could it be? Could Sanjaya be going home? Then the results were read. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! He is staying. WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?

Do you think that somewhere in the back of Brandon's mind, he is thinking "Did I really get voted off of the show before Sanjaya? Should I just hang up singing?"

I personally think Brandon did not peform well for a guy who has been a backup singer for some big talent. At the beginning of the contest I thought he may have gone pretty far, but it looks as though I know nothing about musical talent.

I was once again wrong with my prediction, Stephanie Edwards did not go home. Maybe I should stop predicting the results.

Okay, well we will have to wait another week. What stunning peformance will Sanjay bring us next? Will someone run on to the stage and just tackle him? Will he cry because Randy and Simon can't stop laughing at him?

Tune in next week. Out.

technorati tags: American Idol Brandon Rogers Sanjaya Malakar Stephanie Edwards Randy Jackson

Aries Spears

Here is a clip of the comedian Aries Spears on a radio show doing some ridiculous rap impressions.

Blake Lewis from American Idol would love this, and Sanjaya Malakar from AI needs to take notes. This is talent.

(HT: Sife)

technorati tags: Aries Spears LL Cool J Snoop Jay Z Blake Lewis Sanjaya Malakar American Idol

American Idol Prediction

Okay. The final 12 performed last night and it was not that great of night. A few stand out, but that is it. Words were forgotten. Stage presence was lacking. It appears some of them just lack that "it" factor.

My vote for who needs to go home is an easy one. I really can't take another week of him. Last night he sang a horrible version of a Diana Ross song. You guessed it. Sanjaya. America, please send him home. Why is he on the show. It is a singing competition. Randy is right. If it as Hair Idol, Sanjaya would win hands down.







However, I have a very bad feeling. I believe Sanjay will stay, and someone with talent is going to be voted off. I think this girl can sing. However, I just don't think her personality clicks with the viewers. My prediction for who is going home is Stephanie Edwards.







Mark my words. Even if I am wrong and Stephanie does not go home, someone who should stay will be sent home. Sanjaya will be hanging around and singing some weak version of a song, and killing my ears for another week. Who will it be?

technorati tags: American Idol Sanjaya Malakar Stephanie Edwards Diana Ross Singing

ConverStations

I was introduced to a new blog today by friend Chris. After taking a look at it I wanted to pass it along. It has some great stuff.

Believing that blogs are conversation stations, the guy who produces this blog coaches business leaders to use blogs and social media as platforms for conversations. He believes blogs help connect with your customers and amplify your relationships.

I suggest you all check it out here.

technorati tags: ConverStations Blogs Business Leaders Social Media Relationships

Quote Of The Week

"Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself."

-E. Joseph Cossman

NCAA Men's Basketball: Selection Sunday

Today is Selection Sunday for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Today team's will have their dreams shattered or answered as they sit, gathered around in gyms, conference rooms, living rooms,and other places watching on televisions just waitng to see their team name pop up with a seed and where they are playing. Then there are those of us who are just waiting to hear the brackets so we can begin trying to figure out who will be the next NCAA champion. Sheet after sheet will be filled out. Pencil in. Erase. Pencil in again. No, wait eraase that. Okay, that is the correct pick.

Men and women will sit around the office, water coolers, and other places just trying to figure out their brackets. Why should I not pick the 10 seed to beat the 7? Watch out for that 13 seed. We will rack our brains, trying to create that perfect bracket sheet, that seems to always evade us.

Then on Thursday starts what I think is the most exciting couple days of sports. Kids leaving it all on the floor. Little schools pulling great upsets. Tears. Sweat. Teamwork. Passion. Guts. Heart. Memories. Guys knowing this may be their last game in their school's jersey. Will this be their one shining moment?

Over the next couple weeks we will all see some great games. We will have our brackets broken. We will see guys make lasting memories for themselves that they will talk about when they are old men. Hold on to your hat, we are in for some great times. March Madness is upon us.

technorati tags: NCAA NCAA Men's Basketball 2007 Men's NCAA Tournament College Sports

Funny! Straight Funny!

This is possibly one of the funniest things I have ever seen. I had tears rolling down my face the first time I watched this. Apparently the object is to remain quiet while sitting in a library. Watching the guys just lose it when things begin to happen to their friends is the best.

technorati tags: Comedy Library Japanse TV Weird Funny

I Appear To Know Nothing

Okay. So I appear to not be on the same page as the rest of the world. I was only 1 for 4 with my AI predictions. Stephanie deserved to stay because of her talent, but I just don't think she has the personality.

The fact that Sanjaya is in the finals is crazy. Phil got very lucky, and was given another chance because his LeAnn Rimes song was horrible. Antonella's looks could not get her into the final 12, but I am guessing she will have someone hook her up with some kind of deal.

That is it for now. I guess I better go learn something about music and get my ears checked.

Late.

"You Tube" (A Love Song)

I came across this cat on You Tube. He has a pretty smooth voice and this is a pretty catchy song. I guess this guy is pretty popular on You Tube. David is currently on staff with Warner Chappell Publishing as a songwriter/producer and is currently working with various artists and writers. Check David out here.

technorati tags: You Tube A Love Song David Choi Guitar Songwriter Warner Chappell Publishing

American Idol Predictions:Women

In a field with a lot of talented women, this year's competition may be a tight race. However, someone always has to go home and here are my predictions for who is going home tonight on the women's side.
Haley Scarnato seems to be a fairly nice girl, but her voice just can't compete with the other girls. She is going home. Stephanie Edwards is my go out on a limb pick of the week. She has the vocal talent, but I just don't think she comes across as a real friendly person. I think her time is coming to an end on the show.

So that is it. My picks for the week. We will see how it all comes down.
Late.

Haley Scarnato & Stephanie Edwards

So long ladies.

Father

A father plays such an important role in a persons life. I can only hope to be the kind of father that Bill Piper appears to have been. I pray that my children will feel and say the things that John Piper says about his father.

John Piper wrote a moving journal entry narrating his father's death. Read it here.

(HT: Z Love)

technorati tags: John Piper Bill Piper Fatherhood Parenting Preaching Gospel

American Idol Predictions:Men

Okay. The show just ended and I think I have 2 picks that are locks. I am predicting that Phil and Jared go home. Phil did a wack version of a LeAnn Rimes song and Jared attempted Stevie Wonder. Don't people know that they should not attempt to sing Stevie. Very few people can pull it off. Okay that is it. I am out of here.

The guys did not sound good at all tonight. Nothing memorable. My vote for the best performance goes to Blake.


Phil Stacey & Jared Cotter
So long my friends.

technorati tags: American Idol Music LeAnn Rimes Stevie Wonder Jared Cotter Phil Stacey

Likeability Factor

Tim Sanders has an interesting post on The Likeability Factor and how it not only helps with business effectiveness, but apparently with American Idol.

technorati tags: Tim Sanders The Likeability Factor Business Business Effectiveness Leadership Marketing American Idol

Nia

This little girl is adorable and seems to be making a name for herself. Mary J Blige has been giving her props, as you will see below.

Glory!

Jake Plummer To Retire

This just in...

Jake Plummer is going to retire.

Serious Acting:Fight Scene

1 For 4

Okay. So I was 1 for 4 on my AI picks. I guess I don't think like the rest of the world. I thought Leslie would go home last week, so I do understand that decision, but I am amazed at a couple of the choices.

I was a little surprised by who was booted off of the show on the men's side. There are only a couple stand-outs on the men's side, but I thought Nicholas may stick around for one more week. Why is Sanjaya still on the show? Can someone help me please. He may be a nice young kid, but America come on. The dude does not have pop star written on him anywhere. Yes, he has a nice, pleasant voice, but he does not have what it takes. Maybe the tribute to his grandpa is what got him through. I don't know.

What I do know is that there are about 3, maybe 4 guys that are even that great. I would say Blake, Brandon, Chris R., and Phil (I may even add Chris S.) can give a few of the girls a run for their money, but I would say this year belongs to the women.

Out.

American Idol Predictions:Women

Okay. Should we just cut to the finals? Don't we all know that it is probably going to be Lakisha Jones v. Melinda Doolittle (my favorite) in the finals? Melinda got loose with her version of "My Funny Valentine" last night, and brought the house down.

Here are my predictions for whose going home tonight on the women's side.



Haley Scarnato & Alaina Alexander

technorati tags: American Idol Alaina Alexander Haley Scarnato Lakisha Jones Melinda Doolittle

Jimmy V

This is a speech that Coach Jim Valvano gave on the ESPY awards show in 1993. It is one of the most moving, motivating, and beatiful speeches/motivation talks that I have ever heard. I usually listen to it once every few months. If this doesn't move you to tears, I don't know what will.

I hope that you enjoy it. Maybe, just maybe it is something you need to hear today.

technorati tags: Jimmy V Jim Valvano Coaching Basketball ESPY