Mayhem in Minneapolis

I have traveled over this bridge a hundred times or so. When I caught wind of this tragedy a knot instantly hit my stomach. I have friends and family that live there and I knew that they cross over this bridge often.

My initial calls to family and friends found answering machines which increased my heart rate and caused me to feel a little sick to my stomach. After an hour or so of calling I finally reached them and I calmed a bit. However, my stomach was still sick for the people I knew had been involved and for the people who I knew would now be missing a friend or loved one. I could only imagine the people that were trapped under the piles of concrete or the people that would have plunged in to the water. Being trapped in a car as it sinks in to water is one of my greatest fears.

Twenty people or so are still missing from this tragedy. If you have any family members or friends that are still missing or know of anybody that was a part of this awful tragedy feel free to use the comment section here as a board for communication.

If you were there and witnessed it or were a part of it, please write a description of what all went down.

My prayers go out to anyone who has lost someone in this accident or is still missing someone.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20085333/

technorati tags: Minneapolis Bridge Collapse

Colbie Caillat

Recently I came across a new artist. Her name is Colbie Caillat and her new ablum is Coco. Her voice is as smooth as velvet and I highly recommend that you go and get the album.

This singer-songwriter is 22 years old and in my opinion has a great career ahead of her. He California good looks and attitude shine through in her music, and make it a very pleasant listen. Her song Bubbly is an upbeat song with a simple yet very catchy lyric and melody.

Check it out here.
http://www.colbiecaillatmusic.com/default.asp

technorati tags: Colbie Caillat

Ode To 90210

When I was in high school I was all about the TV show 90210. Luke Perry's character was the coolest. This song is my tribute to 90210. Enjoy, all you fellow 90210 fans.

Quote Of The Week

The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender."

-Vince Lombardi

Quote Of The Week

"Don't find fault. Find a remedy."

-Henry Ford

I Think The Day Has Finally Come!

I think the day has finally come! I am making the call. Sanjaya is going home from American Idol tonight. Sanjaya's peformance last night was so bad, it was not funny. Not to mention he looked like a biker/cowboy/clown.

His sister was not in the audience this week, and I think that may have had an impact as well. People were tuning in to see Shyamali, and without her being there, I personally think some may have lost interest. Shyamali has been one of the biggest internet searches as of late.

I may be wrong on my prediction for tonight, but let's keep our fingers crossed. What will become of Sanjaya Malakar?
Has Sanjaya ruined American Idol?

Another factor that has American Idol in the hot seat is the fact that the camera caught Simon rolling his eyes last night when Chris Richardson sent a shout out to his friends at Virginia Tech giving them his support after the horrible tragedy that took place on the campus this week.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those killed at Virginia Tech this week as well. It makes this whole American Idol/Sanjaya story seem very small and unimportant.

technorati tags: American Idol Sanjaya Malakar Shyamali Malakar Simon Cowell Chris Richardson Virginia Tech Tragedy

American Idol Prediction

I have been having a hard time really getting into writing my critiques of the American Idol performances. It just feels so dumb, knowing that I should be predicting Sanjaya to go home, but for some reason America keeps voting for the kid. Last night, he once again sounded like a weak little mouse. However, it was probably one of his better peformances. He also decided to sprout a little facial hair for this weeks theme. I could not keep myself from laughing as he kept looking for the camera, and would give us his steamy Sanjaya glare. Does he not know that the world is mocking him? Does he not see Ryan Seacrest basically losing it, everytime he talks to or about Sanjaya? Maybe he doesn't care, since he is going to be the one going on the American Idol tour, and probably scoring some kind of deal. It all is dumb.

I love American Idol. I think it gives people a great opportunity to be discovered and to showcase their talent. However, when people with extreme talent like Melinda or Jordin may lose to some kid who is basically a joke, it ruins it for me. We may be watching one of the last seasons of American Idol.

So since we all know Sanjaya Malakar will stick around another weak to annoy us all, I am predicting that Haley Scarnato is going home tonight. I do agree with Simon that the only thing that has kept her around this long is her looks. Every week she keeps wearing shorter skirts or shorts to show off her legs. Her song last night was very weak, and very boring. So Haley, so long my friend. It has been real. We will see you on the American Idol tour. I guess this is Sanjaya's world, and we are just living in it.

technorati tags: American Idol Sanjaya Malakar Haley Scarnato

It's Friday, but Sunday's Coming

(HT:Z Love)

This Scientist Believes In God

Dr. Francis Collins is the Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute. Read why this scientist believes in God here.

technorati tags: God Science Dr. Francis Collins National Human Genome Research Institute

Update on the Reisetter's

I know some of you have been wanting an update on the Reisetter's, so here is the latest email I have received from Matt.

Thanks to so many of you for your prayers, concerns, emails, phone calls, drop-ins, notes, etc. I feel a little sheepish about the attention we’ve been getting – and about sending out another email. But several of you have been asking, plus I said I’d follow up - and this is the easiest way to do it!

Upon returning from Iowa City late this afternoon, we don’t know much more – with any degree of certainty – than we did when we left home. I guess “uncertainty” is the word we live with today and the reality we’ll live with into the short term future.

The ultrasound didn’t reveal any physical markers for either Trisomy 18 (which is lethal within the first year, at least) or Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome (SLOS – a mental and physical handicap), which is encouraging but not conclusive. Either disorder could still exist in our daughter – but the lack of physical markers diminishes the chances, especially with Trisomy 18.

Jen did have the opportunity to have an amniocentesis, which would’ve given us conclusive evidence one way or the other, but we chose not to do that because of the risk it exposed the baby to.

We’re learning a lot … not just about these disorders and pregnancy related stuff. We’re learning sensitivity toward others who have walked this road before – or who face health concerns of any kind. The comments and prayers and notes we’ve received make us want to be more supportive to others who’ve been in our shoes before and will be in the future.

We’re also learning that the Lord works on a person’s heart in times of uncertainty in ways that he does not work under different circumstances. We want to know what’s going on for sure, and we don’t like uncertainty too much – but the blessing of it is that we’re able to learn to trust God in a whole new way.

Your continued prayers for peace of mind and a sense of “alrightness” and trust in the midst of uncertainty are very, very much appreciated.

Looking forward to returning to Iowa City as football fans rather than outpatients!

The Reisetters

Please!

I am pleading with everyone out there who has been a part of the Sanjaya Malakar joke to stop the insanity. My ears can not take anymore. I am asking any Howard Stern fan who is helping the cause or any person that has been a part of the Vote For The Worst craze to please not vote for Sanjaya anymore. He has got to go home. It has gone too far.

Please send Sanjaya Malakar home from American Idol.

Thank you for listening.

technorati tags: American Idol Sanjaya Malakar Vote For The Worst

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