Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!
Click here for a little history on St. Patrick's Day.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
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.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
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)
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?
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?
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Quote Of The Week
"Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself."
-E. Joseph Cossman
-E. Joseph Cossman
Sunday, March 11, 2007
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.
Friday, March 09, 2007
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
"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.
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 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.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
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)
John Piper wrote a moving journal entry narrating his father's death. Read it here.
(HT: Z Love)
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
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.
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.
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.
Monday, March 05, 2007
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.
Friday, March 02, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
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
Here are my predictions for whose going home tonight on the women's side.
Haley Scarnato & Alaina Alexander
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.
I hope that you enjoy it. Maybe, just maybe it is something you need to hear today.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
American Idol Predictions:Men
Okay. So the guys sang last night and stepped it up a little bit from last week. I still think they are miles away from the top women. However, a few guys turned in some pretty nice performances.
Here are my predictions for which 2 guys will be going home on Thursday.
Sanjaya Malakar & Jared Cotter
Sanjaya should be kicked off for his outfit alone.
Here are my predictions for which 2 guys will be going home on Thursday.
Sanjaya Malakar & Jared Cotter
Sanjaya should be kicked off for his outfit alone.
Quote Of The Week
"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."
-Thomas Edison
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Will Ferrell at the Oscars
For those of you that didn't see the Oscars, you did not miss much. However, here is one of the few highlights.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Senior Pastor: You Are Out Of Here!
Zach posts:
Writing for the Out of Ur blog, David Fitch writes about why we should abandon the "Senior Pastor" model in our churches. His reasons are:
1. Because it doesn't make sense to build a church around a personality.
2. Because there are no supermen(or women).
3. Because isolated pastors can get tunnel vision.
I tend to agree with what he has written here. In most churches, it's an impossible job description and really makes no sense Biblically. (Read this book if you don't agree with that statement)Read his whole post here.
(HT: Z Love)
Writing for the Out of Ur blog, David Fitch writes about why we should abandon the "Senior Pastor" model in our churches. His reasons are:
1. Because it doesn't make sense to build a church around a personality.
2. Because there are no supermen(or women).
3. Because isolated pastors can get tunnel vision.
I tend to agree with what he has written here. In most churches, it's an impossible job description and really makes no sense Biblically. (Read this book if you don't agree with that statement)Read his whole post here.
(HT: Z Love)
Film Claims That Jesus' Burial Site Found
New film documents discovery of Jerusalem cave containing ten caskets believed to hold remains of Jesus, Mary, Mary Magdalene and others.
???
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3368731,00.html
???
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3368731,00.html
Thursday, February 22, 2007
American Idol
Once again it is time for me to start making my predictions for who goes home from American Idol. It appears this year that the crop is not that great. There are a few stand outs who are on a whole different level vocally.
The girls dominated the boys. As far as I can see, I am guessing that the final 3 will be girls. At least they should be. We shall see. However, tonight is the time to chop 2 girls and 2 guys. Here are my predictions for who is going home.
Rudy & Sanjaya
Leslie & Antonella
The girls dominated the boys. As far as I can see, I am guessing that the final 3 will be girls. At least they should be. We shall see. However, tonight is the time to chop 2 girls and 2 guys. Here are my predictions for who is going home.
Rudy & Sanjaya
Leslie & Antonella
Rudy was 100% on the cheese factor and Sanjaya destroyed his song. He actually made a Stevie Wonder song sound boring.
Leslie I think does not have what it takes to get votes, and poor Antonella let the nerves get the best of her. Her attempt at a Aerosmith song failed. Pretty girl, but see you later. Not to mention I don't think the voters will like her since her friend and her vocalized that they can get any guy they want during Hollywood week.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Tommy Morrison Comeback
Tommy Morrison is making a comeback! http://msn.foxsports.com/boxing/story/6488410?MSNHPHMAI remember when Rocky V came out and Tommy Morrison was in the movie. I used to think that he was going to be the guy to beat Mike Tyson. He was fast, he was quick, he was tough! He was going to be the Heavyweight Champion.
I would envision myself with traps and a neck like Morrison as I was lifting weights. This dude was a bad man. When one day we were hit by the news that Tommy Morrison was HIV positive. His boxing career was over.
Now he is coming back. He claims the test was wrong. We will see what happens. He has been out of the ring for a long time. The whole thing seems a little too risky.
By the way, has anyone seen Rocky VI?
Adriannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!
Monday, February 19, 2007
Questions About Martin Luther
I have always heard different things about Martin Luther. I think his thoughts on grace were right on. However, recently while reading "Jerusalem Countdown" by John Hagee I came across some information that disturbed me greatly. I have worked at a couple "Lutheran" churches and I have never heard an inkling of this. Here is what I read.
Martin Luther
(A.D. 1483-1546)
It was Martin Luther whose anit-Semitism was deeply appreciated by Adolf Hitler. "The worst, evil genius of Germany," wrote Dean Inge, "is not Hitler, or Bismarck, or Frederick the Great, but Martin Luther."
When Martin Luther introduced the Reformation. he was convinced that the Jewish people would be delighted in his new version of Christianity and would join him in an assault on the Roman Catholic Church. He was wrong! In the beginning, Luther made complimentary remarks about the Jewish contribution to Christianity. When the Jews did not follow him, he turned on them with a vulgarity and a vengeance that greatly appealed to the German people.
His doctrine provided many suitable texts for Hitler's program of extermination. The most vicious, Jew-hating statements Luther ever made were to be found in his tract entitled "Concerning the Jews and Their Lives." In it he stated:
Let me give you my honest advice.
First, their synagogues or churches should be set on fire. And whatever does not burn up should be covered or spread over with dirt so that no one may ever be able to see a cinder or stone of it. And this ought to be done for the honor of God and of Christianity in order that God may see that we are Christians...
Secondly, their homes should be broken down and destroyed. Thirdly, they should be deprived of their prayer books and the Talmud in which such idolatry, lies, cursing, and blaspheme are taught. Fourthly, their rabbis must be forbidden under the threat of death to teach anymore...
Fifthly, passport and traveling privileges should be absolutely forbidden to Jews. Let them stay at home. Sixthly, they ought to be stopped for usury. For this reason, as said before, everything they possess they stole and robbed us through their usury, for they have no other means of support. Seventhly, let the young and strong Jews and Jewesses be given the flail, the axe, the hoe, the spade, the distaff, and spindle, and let them earn their bread by the sweat of their noses as is enjoined upon Adam's children. We ought to drive the lazy bones out of our system.
If however, we are afraid that they might harm us personally, or our wives, children, servants, cattle, et cetera...then let us apply the same cleverness (expulsion) as the other nations, such as France, Spain, Bohemia, et cetera...and settle with them for that which they have extorted from us, and after having it divided up fairly, let us drive them out of the country for all time.
To sum up, dear princes and notables who have Jews in your domains, if this advice of mine does not suit you, then find a better one so that you and we may all be free from this inseparable Jewish burden...the Jews.
Two days after writing this tract, Martin Luther died!
Now this is the first that I have ever heard of anything like this about Martin Luther. If this information is correct, and Luther did in fact write these things I am ashamed to have worked for a couple Lutheran churches.
Please tell me when Luther said these things. What response was there from others? What does the Lutheran church have to say about these writings and comments? Please let me know. I was amazed to read this. For those of you that attend a Lutheran church or a Lutheran seminary, how does this make you feel? Please respond.
Thank you.
Martin Luther
(A.D. 1483-1546)
It was Martin Luther whose anit-Semitism was deeply appreciated by Adolf Hitler. "The worst, evil genius of Germany," wrote Dean Inge, "is not Hitler, or Bismarck, or Frederick the Great, but Martin Luther."
When Martin Luther introduced the Reformation. he was convinced that the Jewish people would be delighted in his new version of Christianity and would join him in an assault on the Roman Catholic Church. He was wrong! In the beginning, Luther made complimentary remarks about the Jewish contribution to Christianity. When the Jews did not follow him, he turned on them with a vulgarity and a vengeance that greatly appealed to the German people.
His doctrine provided many suitable texts for Hitler's program of extermination. The most vicious, Jew-hating statements Luther ever made were to be found in his tract entitled "Concerning the Jews and Their Lives." In it he stated:
Let me give you my honest advice.
First, their synagogues or churches should be set on fire. And whatever does not burn up should be covered or spread over with dirt so that no one may ever be able to see a cinder or stone of it. And this ought to be done for the honor of God and of Christianity in order that God may see that we are Christians...
Secondly, their homes should be broken down and destroyed. Thirdly, they should be deprived of their prayer books and the Talmud in which such idolatry, lies, cursing, and blaspheme are taught. Fourthly, their rabbis must be forbidden under the threat of death to teach anymore...
Fifthly, passport and traveling privileges should be absolutely forbidden to Jews. Let them stay at home. Sixthly, they ought to be stopped for usury. For this reason, as said before, everything they possess they stole and robbed us through their usury, for they have no other means of support. Seventhly, let the young and strong Jews and Jewesses be given the flail, the axe, the hoe, the spade, the distaff, and spindle, and let them earn their bread by the sweat of their noses as is enjoined upon Adam's children. We ought to drive the lazy bones out of our system.
If however, we are afraid that they might harm us personally, or our wives, children, servants, cattle, et cetera...then let us apply the same cleverness (expulsion) as the other nations, such as France, Spain, Bohemia, et cetera...and settle with them for that which they have extorted from us, and after having it divided up fairly, let us drive them out of the country for all time.
To sum up, dear princes and notables who have Jews in your domains, if this advice of mine does not suit you, then find a better one so that you and we may all be free from this inseparable Jewish burden...the Jews.
Two days after writing this tract, Martin Luther died!
Now this is the first that I have ever heard of anything like this about Martin Luther. If this information is correct, and Luther did in fact write these things I am ashamed to have worked for a couple Lutheran churches.
Please tell me when Luther said these things. What response was there from others? What does the Lutheran church have to say about these writings and comments? Please let me know. I was amazed to read this. For those of you that attend a Lutheran church or a Lutheran seminary, how does this make you feel? Please respond.
Thank you.
Pastor Claims To Be Divine
Here is a scary story about some pastor claiming to be God.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/16/miami.preacher/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/16/miami.preacher/index.html
Friday, February 16, 2007
The Top 20 Singers
sing·er1 /ˈsɪŋər/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[sing-er] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. a person who sings, esp. a trained or professional vocalist.
2. a poet.
3. a singing bird.
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in·stru·ment /ˈɪnstrÉ™mÉ™nt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[in-struh-muhnt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. a mechanical tool or implement, esp. one used for delicate or precision work: surgical instruments.
2. a contrivance or apparatus for producing musical sounds: a stringed instrument.
3. a means by which something is effected or done; agency: an instrument of government.
4. a device for measuring the present value of a quantity under observation.
5. a mechanical or electronic measuring device, esp. one used in navigation: landing a plane by instruments.
6. a formal legal document, as a draft or bond: negotiable instruments.
7. a person used by another merely as a means to some private end; tool or dupe.
–verb (used with object) 8. to equip with instruments, as a machine or manufacturing process: to instrument a space vehicle.
9. to arrange a composition for musical instruments; orchestrate.
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Singing is an art, and to alot of people it is just the cherry on top of a good song. This is essentially true. Without the song, we have no basis for anything memorable. However, occasionally there comes along a singer that can bring the Song to another level, and a Singer who can make a Story come true. They make it come alive in you. You can feel the song as they sing it.
This list is who I consider to be my Top 20 favorite singers of all time. They to me use their voices as "true" instruments. Here it is in no particular order. Feel free to tell me who you feel should not be on the list or added to it.
Males
1. Frank Sinatra
2. Elvis Presley
3. Stevie Wonder
4. Nat King Cole
5. Kevin Max
6. Brian McKnight
7. Steve Perry
8. Seal
9. Anderea Bocelli
10a.Ray Charles
10b.Freddy Mercury
Women
1. Barbara Streisand
2. Christina Aguilera
3. Celine Dion
4. Nina Simone
5. Sade
6. Aretha Franklin
7. Karen Carpenter
8. Whitney Houston
9. Billie Holiday
10. Carole King
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Where There Is Love
"Where there is love there is life."
-Mahatma Gandhi
I find this to be interesting. So would have Gandhi agreed that if God is love, than in Him there is life?
Thoughts.
-Mahatma Gandhi
I find this to be interesting. So would have Gandhi agreed that if God is love, than in Him there is life?
Thoughts.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Friday, February 09, 2007
A New Twist
Oh no. Not another twist. Too much drama.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/LAW/02/09/prince.paternity.ap/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2007/LAW/02/09/prince.paternity.ap/index.html
Thursday, February 08, 2007
No Way! Who Saw This Coming?
Mike Tyson Is Going To Rehab
Mike Tyson is going to rehab for "various addictions". No way! This couldn't be.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
This Is What It Is All About
This is what Tony Dungy had to say after winning the Super Bowl.
"I'm proud to be the first African-American coach to win this," said Dungy during the trophy ceremony Sunday night, according to the Associated Press. "But again, more than anything, Lovie Smith and I are not only African-American but also Christian coaches, showing you can do it the Lord's way. We're more proud of that."
See more here.
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070205/25616_Dungy_Makes_Super_Bowl_History_%27The_Lord%27s_Way%27.htm
"I'm proud to be the first African-American coach to win this," said Dungy during the trophy ceremony Sunday night, according to the Associated Press. "But again, more than anything, Lovie Smith and I are not only African-American but also Christian coaches, showing you can do it the Lord's way. We're more proud of that."
See more here.
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070205/25616_Dungy_Makes_Super_Bowl_History_%27The_Lord%27s_Way%27.htm
St. Louis Stepping It Up
My home town is really starting to change the downtown.Check it out at the link below.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/TRAVEL/DESTINATIONS/02/05/entertaining.st.louis.ap/index.html
Monday, February 05, 2007
Super Bowl Snacks
The Super Bowl has come and gone, and I am still suffering from eating way too much. Our Super Bowl party had great snacks such as buffalo wings, meatball sandwiches, bbq little smokies, carrots, celery, nuts, cookies, cupcakes, chips, dip, and more.
What are the traditional Super Bowl snacks. Some people have interesting choices. One guy told me that he always has peanut butter sandwiches. I had never heard of that one. So holla out. What did your Super Bowl party have for snacks? What are your favs? What do you consider the traditional Super Bowl snack?
What are the traditional Super Bowl snacks. Some people have interesting choices. One guy told me that he always has peanut butter sandwiches. I had never heard of that one. So holla out. What did your Super Bowl party have for snacks? What are your favs? What do you consider the traditional Super Bowl snack?
Friday, February 02, 2007
Greetings from Punxsutawney!
Greetings from Punxsutawney!
Phil Says Spring is Right Around the Corner!
Phil's official forecast as read 2/2/07 at 7:28 a.m. at Gobbler's Knob:
El Nino has caused high winds, heavy snow, ice and freezing temperatures in the west.Here in the East with much mild winter weather we have been blessed.
Global warming has caused a great debate.This mild winter makes it seem just great.
On this Groundhog Day we think of one thing.Will we have winter or will we have spring?
On Gobbler's Knob I see no shadow today.I predict that early spring is on the way.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
iPod
I was given an iPod for Christmas. Let me tell you one thing. I love it. I am giddy with it.
I used to sit back in the Green Room at our church and watch all of the band members play eachother songs off of their iPods and feel like I was so behind the times, not having one. Then for Christmas I was given a video iPod by my Mom. I am pumped.
I am looking for some cool songs to put on my iPod, so if you have any ideas please let me know. Send me your ideas. Songs, video, what not.
Holla!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
C.S. Lewis Quote
I recently re-read The Case For Christ by Lee Strobel. What a great book. It is full of tough questions, and has convincing answers. It provides seekers and believers underpinnings of the Christian faith. I wanted to re-read it in order to have some better answers and some better information to relay around the office I work at.
I recommend this book with my whole heart. If you are a believer it equips you for those conversations with skeptics, and if you are a non-believer it provides info for the questions you may have. Please go pick up a copy.
In closing I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the book (however, there are many).
This comes from C.S. Lewis, the brilliant and once skeptical Cambridge University professor who was eventually won over by evidence for Jesus,
"I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: "I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God." That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic...or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to."
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Monday, January 15, 2007
Quote Of The Week
"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality."
-Martin Luther King Jr.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Friday, January 05, 2007
Quote Of The Week
"Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones."
-Phillip Brooks
-Phillip Brooks
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
What? You Are Already 7 Months Old?
London is now 7 1/2 months old. I have no idea where time has gone. She is a healthy and beautiful baby. I love to come home and play with her and just hold her. Her eyes are very full of life and joy. Brittany continues to do a great job with her. London likes every food that we have given her, loves drinking from her sippy cup, crawls around like crazy, and loves to play and be read to. She is the joy of our life, and Brittany and I can't imagine life without her. Here are some of London's 7 month old pictures.
Cheerleader
Here are some of London's 6 month pictures. I forgot to post them last month, but I wanted to share them. London is sporting her Iowa Hawkeye cheerleading uniform. She looks adorable in it and wears it on Saturdays when the Hawks are on.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Kissing Test
Kissing. It can be a great thing. Check out this clip.
http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm?g=64fbe849-d5cc-4554-b11d-61ed3409ad99&f=imbot_us_m_2534&fg=rss
Wait for the Kissing Test clip.
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