IN REALITY THAT COMES FROM ABOVE
Reality, it can sometimes be so entertaining. Below are some stories that I have seen on the news or news sites that have caught my attention and helped me to wonder about reality.
- Zoo Wants Chimpanzee To Stop Smoking Cigarettes. A chimp at a zoo in South Africa started smoking by watching people and now the zoo wants the chimp to go cold turkey and stop the nasty habit. No word on how they will stop him from buying the smokes or why the chimp must go cold turkey with no help from the patch.
- Colorado Eagles take a 2-0 lead in best of seven championship series. Yep, Colorado is just a bit closer to having two hockey championships this year. At the current pace of the NHL and Players Union negotiations, the Avs will not be joining that list anytime soon.
- Herd Of Buffalo captured on a tennis court. Apparently, a herd of buffalo got loose in an upscale Baltimore suburban area and had to be corralled to a tennis court. Afterwards, the owner said he plans to have them taken to the slaughterhouse. As SI.com writer, Pete McEntegart, said, “That brings a sad finish to the biggest tennis story of the year.”
- Lots of sorry people. As I read this story, I learned it is easier to say bad things about people’s character than to think and say the right things.
- Exploding Toads In Hamburg, Germany, Baffle Scientists. Really, I am not making these up. The scientists have no explanation for this. They have tested water, dirt, etc. to determine the cause of this. What happens is the toads fill up like balloons until their stomachs suddenly burst. That is a serious case of indigestion.
- Baby Born Alive at Florida Abortion Facility, Staff Refuse Care. This apparently happen in Orlando, FL. Whether you are pro-life or pro-abortion, this just strikes me a very over-the-top story. I know that abortion facilities are not there to give birth, but if a baby is born and the mom wants to save it you would think they could at least call for help. More on this story, click here.
- Robber With Guilty Conscience Breaks In, Reinstalls Electronics. In Oklahoma, it appears a thief re-broke into a house they robbed and return the things they stole and even repaired the doors.
- Rockies win two in a row without the bullpen blowing it. Yep, this is also true. However, to be fair to the bullpen, one game was a complete game by Jennings. So no relief pitcher had a chance to come in and blow it for the team.
LikeMUSIC TO SOOTHE YOUR SOUL – PART 3
OK, the last few days there has been lot of events that I been able to be a part of. So I thought I would blog a bit about the activities. As it would be a long post if I had all of them in one entry, I am dividing the post up into a few different post, my first blog series. The events reviewed will included, Faith Christian Academy Promise Celebration, The Next Level Church Festival of Bands, and the Diverse City Worldwide Tour Denver concert.
PART 3: DIVERSE CITY WORLDWIDE TOUR DENVER CONCERT
Oh Colorado weather, it can always make things fun. I was so glad this was not an outdoors concert. When Jay, Lynzee, and I had left the house it was raining pretty good. When we got to Troy’s place to pick up Troy and his brother, Drew (who was using Mindy’s ticket as she had to go out of town for business), the lighting was pretty impressive. The flashes were big, long and turned darkness into an eerie light.
After getting Troy and Drew, we started to drive the RTD light-rail station where we planned to hook up with Ethan and take the light rail downtown. As we were on the way to light-rail, the hail the size of small ball bearings started to really come down. In a matter of a minute or two, the road was covered with hail and it felt like I was driving on snow. I was very happy not to have any hail damage to my vehicle (at least any I have found).
Well, when we got to the light-rail station, we met up with Ethan and hopped a train to the 16th Street Mall. Then we walked a few blocks to the Paramount Theatre where the concert was at. We had a little wait in line outside in the rain, but it was not that bad. The old theatre itself is an interesting place for concerts, it has character with its age. Our seats were in the balcony, in the next to last row. So we did not have premium seats, but hey we were there. Where were you?
The concert started off with Hawk Nelson, but they had small set. In all they only played five songs. I knew two of the five, but I thought they did a good job and were fun to hear.
Then Kutless come out and played. I really wanted to see them, and I was hoping they would play a few songs from their new CD, Strong Tower. However, they only played one song from the new CD. If I had to pick one song for them to play from the Strong Tower CD, it would have been the one they played, “Strong Tower”. All in all they played about ten songs, but they did not play “All The Words” liked I hoped. Overall, I really enjoyed seeing Kutless and hope to see them again.
Third up was Toby Mac. This was the third time that I have seen him, but I am not a big fan. His music is more aimed at Middle School Maggots (as we used to be called) and people who were teenagers in the 70ies, neither of which I am. However, there were plenty of Middle Schoolers screaming at everything he did. When I see him live, I just wait till he breaks out former DC Talk songs. The other times I saw him, he did three DC Talk songs, but this time he only did two. He did “I Want To Be In The Light” and “What If I Stumble”, but not “Jesus Freak”. Hey, I am not a big fan of his, but I do like that for a hip-hop/rap guy he is good, clean, and Godly.
Finally, in the clean up spot, a band I really like, Audio Adrenaline. This is a band who have lots of great songs and this was the third time for me to see them in concert. With them, it is hard to figure out what songs they will or will not play because they have so many big hits. I was surprised that they did not play “Chevette”, but they did play a lot of other good songs. They did a super job of getting the crowd pumped and involved in the show. The only thing I would say they might need is just a little bit more cowbell!!!!! (They have a big cowbell part in one of their songs at the end of the show, it is very funny. You can even get Audio A t-shirts that say “More Cowbells”.)
It was a good night and uplifting event that I enjoyed. I was impressed that Jay stayed up for all the concert (it started at 8 PM and ended a little after 11 PM). Yes, we had the kids go to a late night concert on a school night, but I think they did good. Lynzee slept through Audio A, but both got up on time for school on Thursday and did well on Thursday as far as I know.
MUSIC TO SOOTHE YOUR SOUL – PART 2
OK, the last few days there has been lot of events that I been able to be a part of. So I thought I would blog a bit about the activities. As it would be a long post if I had all of them in one entry, I am dividing the post up into a few different post, my first blog series. The events reviewed will included, Faith Christian Academy Promise Celebration, The Next Level Church Festival of Bands, and the Diverse City Worldwide Tour Denver concert.
PART 2: THE NEXT LEVEL CHURCH FESTIVAL OF BANDS ’05
One of the best parts of being at TNL for now over ten years, has always been the music. The worship pastor, John S. Miller, is incredible and the worship band is powerful. Now John does a lot with music in the area and has a lot of contacts in the music world. So when bands come into TNL, I take notice of who they are.
The TNL festival of bands this year consisted of three bands that performed 20-25 minutes of their material. The bands who played have been part of TNL in some way either by just attending TNL or were former worship band members. These local Christian bands may not have made the big time yet, but I think they were very good.
Some Kind Of Hero style was that I would described as driving rock sound to worship songs. They were a six member band that has performed in small settings and groups as big as 900 people. They have small self-made CD, but as I understand it they have a new CD coming out soon.
Newcomers Home really impressed me. I enjoyed their set a lot and I really enjoyed talking to them in the lobby afterwards. They were very nice, funny, and a pleasure to met. They have been getting national radio play time with their song “Drive”. Also, one of their songs, “Chase Me” was featured in an episode of the WB TV series, “Smallville”.
As for their style, I find it hard to figure out what to say about it, but I will go Country and New Age and Stevie Nix combination. The band is good, but the fiddle player is just amazing. She has some serious skills on the fiddle. The band is having three CD release concerts on the Front Range area on April 29, 30, and May 1. Check out their website for when and where if you would like to see them.
Travis Kaker Band was the closing band for the festival. Travis used to be a member of the TNL worship band a few years ago. He has worked for Dare 2 Share youth worship ministry. I loved the fact he closed the night with “My Glorious”. It had been awhile since “My Glorious” was song at TNL. I could really see the influence of John S. Miller and a love Delirious in his music.
I would recommend any of these bands. They are worth taking a listen to.
P.S.
Oh, Foolish Things was not there on Tuesday, but has played at TNL and some of the members attend TNL. They ddi have a concert in town last Friday, but I did not get to see that show, they are good and I thought I mention them here as they to are a good local Christian band, that has TNL ties.
MUSIC TO SOOTHE YOUR SOUL – PART 1
OK, the last few days there has been lot of events that I been able to be a part of. So I thought I would blog a bit about the activities. As it would be a long post if I had all of them in one entry, I am dividing the post up into a few different post, my first blog series. The events reviewed will included, Faith Christian Academy Promise Celebration, The Next Level Church Festival of Bands, and the Diverse City Worldwide Tour Denver concert.
PART 1: FAITH CHRISTAN ACADEMY PROMISE CELEBRATION
This is the third year, I have made the school’s big fund raiser. This year they change event from a dinner and the big name speaker at the Denver Convention Center, to a silent auction, lots of food, and big name speaker at the school itself.
First all, there was a lots of good food in the gym. For me good food really helps make a great event. The high school bands, which are very good, were playing good tunes. The decorations in the gym were very well done. In the lobbies were students showing off their science projects, art projects or creating works of art.
In the main area of the lobby was all the stuff (and I means lot of stuff) being auctioned off. The items included things from the kids, classes, teachers, businesses, and other big name donors. There were things like vacations, car repairs, spa treatments, computer desk, furniture, sports items and tickets, and so many thing other kind of things. So many things in different areas of life, that I was very impressed. I tried to win some things, but I could not keep up with the thousands of other people’s bids.
Finally, the night ended in the auditorium with a video serious about the school and past students telling us how the school has made a difference in their lives since they finish school. In between the video series, the elementary, middle school and high school choirs sang.
Then this years, big name speaker, Pat Summerall, “the voice of the NFL”, spoke. His story was mostly focused on him coming to Christ 12 years ago at the age of 63, and how developing a relationship with God has help him beat his drinking problem and to rebuild his relationship with his kids. Yes, he did have a few good football stories and I learned his college degree in Russian History was never used, go figure. It was nice to see God still working in people’s life no matter of their age.
Hopefully, the school raised money to help with scholarships, technology, and keeping cost affordable to parents who want give their kids a great education. I know that would be a good thing for my kids and us if the cost can be as affordable as possible. It is a big sacrifice to have them there in so many ways, but we believe it is worth it.
Monkey Meditations
- OK, I am admit it, I was wrong, very wrong. I said the Rockies bullpen would be bad. However, they so far beyond bad, I am not sure there is much chance of them getting up to the status of just bad.
- Congratulations to the WCHA, for being the first conference to have all four of the Frozen Four teams be from the same conference. More important two teams were from the great state of Colorado, University of Denver and Colorado College. However, the best team won and repeated as champions! Way to go Pioneers!!!!!!!
Yep, who needs the Avs. - Memo To Clint Hurdle: If Micheal Tucker come up again with the bases loaded, don’t let him hit another grand slam off our pitchers, just hit him and give up only one run.
- I made my first professional indoor lacrosse game a few weeks ago and it was awesome, a must see event. As the playoffs begin, lets just hope the Mammoth bring us a championship.
- Ann Coulter’s story, called, The Purpose Driven Left is a great read.
- Memo To The Rockies Owners: It is time to make changes to Coors Field to help the pitchers. Raise the walls, change the foul lines, adjust the background to make it harder for hitters to see the ball, higher consultants to give you ideas to help pitchers, or whatever. But for the love of baseball, please do something to help the Rockies have a chance.
- I don’t think The Donald should hire any of the candidates on Apprentice III. Sometimes interviews don’t help you find anyone to hire.
- My softball team first game is Monday. I think our GM did a nice job of building us a much better team than last year. At least we don’t have bullpen problems.
- In case you have missed it, the Colorado Eagles of the CHL is one game away from being in the championship. Yep, who needs the NHL.
- Memo To Stan Kroenke: Are you interested in a local MLB baseball team? Please, consider taking ownership. If you need a couple more dollars, my friend Todd and I will throw in a few bucks to help you buy the local boys of summer.
- Congratulations to my friends, Dr. Harrell and Dr. Harrell on the birth of their first child. A baby boy named Andrew Gaines Harrell, II!!!
- A big congratulations to Chris of Stonestead.com on Operation Get Wet!!! Sorry we missed seeing it live and in person.
PUT ME IN COACH
Oh, it is one of my favorite days of the year. It is the day where baseball begins and college basketball ends. Opening day is just special to us baseball fans and I think it even better not having to deal with a basketball season anymore.
Therefore, in honor of opening day, I thought I would make my predictions for the standings at the end of the year along with what I think each teams 2005 slogan should be. Why post my predictions which are usually wrong? Well, just in case I got one right, I can say see I told you so. 
AL East
1. NY Yankees – The Empire strikes back
2. Boston – Only 86 more years till we win again
3. Baltimore – We could win if there was no team in DC
4. Tampa Bay – Finally, we are a true Triple-A contender
5. Toronto – Come see us, because the Maple Leafs will not be playing for a long, long time
AL Central
1. Minnesota – Trying to open the playoffs this year against anyone but the Yankees
2. Cleveland - If we have a bad year, we will trade our players to the Denver Broncos, too
3. Chicago – We wish we were the Cubs
4. Detroit – We are much better than we were in 2002
5. KC – Remember how great 1985 was, well, enjoy the memory
AL West
1. LA of Anaheim -Our name says it all
2. Oakland – Our pitchers get younger every year
3. Seattle – Ichiro doesn’t use steroids
4. Texas – See no A-Rod, Hear no A-Rod
NL East
1. Atlanta – Winning the division is everything
2. Florida – Las Vegas Marlins: Do make us do it, Miami
3. NY Mets – Willie Randolph, means Yankee power, right?
4. Philadelphia – Are you ready for some football?
5. Washington – Sure we lose, but we still have better winning percentage than the Democrats in this town.
NL Central
1. St. Louis – Big Mac, Who is that?
2. Chicago – Our pitchers could be healthy next year
3. Cincinnati – Renaming our DL to the KG to honor Ken Griffey, Jr.
4. Houston – Ugggg, we were so close last year
5. Milwaukee – Bud Free!!!!!!!!
6. Pittsburgh – Ben Roethlisberger may come to one of our games, so come and see Big Ben
NL West
1. San Diego – We won’t wear the camouflage uniforms if you come to the games
2. San Francisco – The official team of the AARP
3. LA – There is no Anaheim in Los Angels
4. Colorado – Youth is wasted on the young
5. Arizona – Just because we are in debt, does not mean we can’t spend more money
My AL Wildcard pick will be Boston and my NL Wildcard team will be Florida.
My prediction for the first manager to get fired, well, I am leaning towards Lloyd McClendon of the Pirates.
There you have it, my predictions for the 2005. Enjoy the day and season, baseball fans.
