Purest Voice I’ve Ever Heard

In case you’ve missed it, American Idol is back. This year, they have not necessarily picked a solid Top 24, but they have picked what could end up to be the most entertaining Top 6 in the show’s history. The girls obliterate the guys this year, for the most part. The girls have some legit competition and the final 6 girls will undoubtedly have some controversy in it’s wake. As for the guys, Michael Johns is the “hot” entertaining performer, but I am not impressed very much at all with his vocal chops. Aside from him though, there is only one other guy that has any true talent. And that is the kid with the purest voice I have ever heard in my life and my choice as this years winner: David Archuletta. This kid is flat out AMAZING! The best “singer” the show has ever had in my opinion is Elliot Yamin, but the greatest voice has just entered the competition. Effortless and flawless and ONLY 17!!!!!!

You haven’t watched? You seriously do not know what you are missing! Check this clip of him singing “Imagine.” This will make everyone of you a believer.

This isn’t his first rodeo either. This kid was on Star Search back in the day and dominated that too. Here he is singing the same song 3 years earlier on some TV show. The cool thing is that all of his early singing caused vocal paralysis and he thought he would never speak or sing again, but thankfully this voice is back and available to be heard every Tuesday on American Idol!

Oh and here is his Hollywood audition singing about the only place a voice like this could come from:

EPIC Worship (Amplified)

So, this past weekend was our Amplified Weekend and it was also a weekend that marked HPC’s 7th CD recording and 1st Student Ministries Worship CD. It was quite an AMAZING time of worship. In a word it was FREE-diculous! Students and adults alike were jumping, shouting, dancing and singing. It truly was one of the most fun worship nights I have been to as that is exactly how worship should be, fun and free. On top of that, all of the songs were penned by our worship leaders from the heart of our church.

Aside from the passion that so obviously filled the room and the incredible songs that were sung, my favorite part of the whole night had to be seeing the joy on the faces of my friends leading worship. They were all obviously excited to simply be apart of this incredible night and recording, but there was a moment for each of them that something totally cool happened. The Bible tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice and man did I ever get a little bonus in that.

I was standing about 10-deep and center, so I had a great view of the entire stage and each of the EPIC band members up there. First, let me say how awesome it was to see every one of the band members not just playing, but singing, dancing and worshiping. But, my favorite observation was seeing the joy on the faces of the worship leaders as they led the songs God had given them and the students, for lack of a better term, got it. There is something really awesome that takes place when God has put a song in your heart, you’ve put it on paper and then the people you are leading take ownership of it. The entire night was awesome, but the 3-song stint that included “The Anthem,” “Search My Heart,” and “Spoke the Words” had a little extra “umph” to it. It was so cool to see Brandon, Tab and Doug leading their songs and having the kids dive into them almost like they had written them. I remember seeing Elton experience the same thing at camp last year when we introduced “Creed” to students that had never heard and they picked it right up. That has to be one of the most satisfying feelings as a songwriter and there faces were all showing it. I know I was proud for them and I can’t wait to hear the final mix of this AWESOME-TO-THE-MAX CD that is expected to hit the streets this summer! Seriously, the songs on this CD are so powerful, that you will not want to miss it! I’ll let you know when and where you can get your copy as it comes available!

Unheard of Resiliency

So, on December 5, 2007 Mrs. Jennifer Laird, lovely wife of The Doctor, saw this LSU Football balloon and purchased it for me. After 1 month, I took this picture of it thinking to myself that it had been flying for a while and wouldn’t make it much longer.

Well, today is February 21st and it is finally showing signs that it may soon give up the proverbial ghost.

It is taking advantage of it’s surroundings here with the return air giving it a little boost.

We are still holding out hope for it to make it a full 3 months, but I thought I would give it the respect a helium balloon that lasts 3 months should get by honoring it with a blog post. That way, those of you that come by the office can still see this Unheard of Resiliency in person and appreciate the valor this “little balloon that could” is showing.

LOST

Are you LOST yet? Oh my gosh, if you are not, you are missing out on the most AMAZING show in the history of television. If you have missed it, please be aware that you can catch up at your leisure at ABC.com. Seriously, you need to dive in. It is free and you NEED to watch this show. The pilot is amazing. The following 6 episodes are intriguing, but can be a little slow if you are not big into character development. Season 2 is awesome, Season 3 starts strong, lulls for a few episodes and ends with some of the most incredible episodes of TV I have ever seen. Right now, we are on Episode 4 of Season 4.

So far, WOW! I can’t believe how much this show can still blow my mind. You think you start to understand where they might be going, then BAM! in your face. That’s what I like to call ownership. The little intricacies of this show are what really keep you coming back for more. The seemingly unimportant turns out to be crucial 3 episodes later. That causes you to go back and watch the past 3 episodes to see what else you may have missed. And you never mind watching an episode more than once. In fact, it is often necessary. LOST, is the first non-sitcom that I have ever enjoyed and been excited to see from the beginning multiple times. There is not one scene or line wasted. EVERYTHING matters! I love it and I want to pass this treasure on to you. If you don’t believe me, ask the many that I have force fed an episode or 2 to only to have them addicted and buying the DVD’s themselves. No one has or ever will regret getting into this show. You can only regret not knowing what all the fuss is about.

And for those that do watch, I’d love to hear some of your theories. I have some of my own as well as some great theories I have read online. I will share them in response to yours. I just don’t want the unknowing non-watchers to be spoiled yet.

New Blogtop

Do you like the new additions to my header? I added a few more elements. I figured I should add a more personal touch. My favorite part, personally, is the addition of my son. This header gives you a bit more insight into my world and a few of the key ingredients o’ Griff!

Best of the Best Super Bowl Commercials!

Definitely this years top 3!

#3 Doritos

#2 E*Trade Baby 1

#1 E*Trade Baby 2

What commercials would you rate the best?