Paying It Forward

Courtesy: A Soldier For A Soldier

This week's salute goes to nine-year-old, Brenden Haas, who's paying it forward in a big way. He's always loved to play with toy soldiers. With that, he's also become fascinated with real life soldiers and has developed a deeper respect for them. With the help of his mom he created a Facebook page, called A Soldier for a Soldier, and posted a toy soldier in hopes of trading it for an all expenses paid trip to Disney World for a fallen soldier's family. 

He received many tempting offers from people right away but he soon got what he wanted. He then put the names of families he had come across on the Facebook page in a hat, chose one, and surprised that family with the trip. Disney found out about what he did but, when they gave him a trip of his own, Brenden said he's going to give it to another family of a fallen soldier instead of keeping it for himself. I think we can all learn something from this incredible act of kindness! 

Way to go Brenden and keep up what you're doing!

The Perfect Getaway?

Some robbers in Houston stole a safe from a home and led officers on a chase. That sounds like your normal, everyday robbery, right? Well, they decided to speed down the local interstate with the safe right in the trunk of the getaway car for everyone to see! I guess they thought a speeding car with a safe in the trunk wouldn't be so suspicious. After stopping on the side of the highway, the suspects got out and ran across six lanes of traffic before getting caught; leaving everything behind in the process. Now, you would think the safe was full of cash or valuables, right? Think again! The couple who owned it said it only contained documents and passports, making matters even worse for these bad guys!

NMM: Double Dose

Although I don't say this every week, I feel that "New Music Monday" not only showcases some new music but it also showcases the freedom we have to create, perform, and listen to it. I would like to take a moment to honor those in our military, and their families, who give their lives on a daily basis so we may enjoy things like this. Your service and dedication to our country is greatly appreciated by all of us!

This week, I wanted to feature some new tunes from two American Idol alums: Haley Reinhart and Casey Abrams. This is a special New Music Monday for me because I had the privilege of meeting both of them last summer on the American Idol Live! Tour. Since the show, both have started their careers off pretty strong and I believe both will do well in the industry. I hope you enjoy this double dose of new music!

First up, Haley Reinhart. She came in third place on season ten of Idol and has released a new album called "Listen Up!" The first track on the album, "Oh My," is a catchy tune that features the rapping styles of B.o.B. I really like it because it's a pop tune but it also has a jazzy feel with the addition of orchestral instruments like the bari sax and others.

Next is one of the many Idol favorites from season ten: Casey Abrams. His self-titled, debut album will not be released until June but he's already released one of the songs on it called "Simple Life." It's a really cool, laid back tune. Going with its title, the song is very simple and will definitely have you singing along.

Save A Life

Courtesy: WRAL/The Boyd Family

If this doesn't motivate you to get CPR training I don't know what will. Phillip Boyd, an employee of WRAL, saved his infant son's life by performing CPR on him. Blake Thomas Boyd and Phillip and his wife, Kristin, were thrilled to be first-time parents. One day, while Phillip was still off work to be with his wife and new child, the family had a frightening experience.

"My wife was breast-feeding our child and, after she was done, she handed him to me to burp him. His lips had turned purplish blue and it looked like he was having a tough time breathing," Boyd said. "We took him, put him down on the floor, and my wife called 911."

He gave his son two breaths and thirty compressions about four times before the paramedics arrived.

"I was talking with the 911 dispatcher and he was instructing me to put my ear to my son's mouth, watch his chest, and tell him each time I saw him breathe," Boyd said. "The EMT workers got there and, after assessing the situation, they realized he had started breathing again. It was a gamut of emotions."

Boyd was trained in CPR as a Boy Scout and took First Responder/CPR training through his job several years ago. Before Blake’s arrival, he and his wife took a refresher course in infant CPR at WakeMed. Miraculously, the couple were squeezed into the class at WakeMed and would've had to wait until July if they hadn't gotten in.

After this experience, Boyd said, “I can't stress enough to people how important it is to learn CPR, particularly if you are about to have a child."

Hear what Phillip Boyd had to say in a radio interview with Mix 101.5.

Thanks to WRAL for this story!

'Idol' Crowns 11th Champ

This was an up-and-down year for me with "Idol." For one, all of my true favorites were voted off long before the finale. However, I decided to sit and watch the duel between Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips. I have to say, I was impressed by both of them. Overall, I was more impressed with Phillip than Jessica. Here's why: I think Jessica has an incredible voice; especially being just a sixteen year old. However, I'm kind of getting tired of seeing those powerhouse, "diva-like" singers.

I thought Phillip brought a very different flavor this year. He's such a soulful singer/songwriter which is something that I've never really seen in the eleven years I've watched "Idol." After his performances of "Movin' Out" and "Home" on the finale performance show, I was hooked. I would've been happy for either to win but I think Phillip's overall performance quality won out.

After Phillip was crowned the winner he, like many who have been in his position, started crying and couldn't even finish the song. That's what I love about this show. You have these regular, everyday people who work their butts off, battle illness (like Phillip had all season) and other things to do their best on the show. I don't care what others say, "American Idol" will always be the best talent search show on television!

Below are videos of what I thought were each of their best performances in the finale.

Congrats to both Jessica and Phillip!

The Curse Of 'AND'

"Wheel Of Fortune" has had a fair share of oops in its history. None, however, seem to compare to this. With the Bonus Round puzzle practically handed to him, a college student only had to say two words. Watch what happens...

Just Horrible

After seeing the latest NC pastor's hate driven sermon hit the blogosphere I have to, once again, write a response. This rant came from Charles L. Worley of Providence Road Baptist Church in Maiden, NC. In his sermon, Worley said that it made him sick to his stomach to see homosexuals marry. But it was what he said next that has caused this firestorm. 

Worley said that two separate areas, one for gay men and one for gay women, should be built and enclosed by electric fences. He said they would "eventually die off because they couldn't reproduce." Seriously? How much hate can one person have? What really ticks me off is he calls himself an ordained minister who preaches the Word of God each week. Now, I know I shouldn't judge someone but this is flat out ridiculous!

For those of you who are reading this and may have more questions about the Christian faith, let me tell you, this is not the love that God shows to us or teaches us to show others! He shows us all, regardless of who we are, unconditional love. He hates the sin we have but still loves us and is there for us regardless! There is a note in my Bible that says we are permanently in debt to Christ for the love he gave to us. The only way to even begin to repay this debt is by loving others in return. I would ask, instead of bashing Mr. Worley, please pray for him because he obviously does not know the true Gospel.

UPDATE: NBC 17 News interviewed some of the PRBC members in support of Worley's comments. One in particular caught my attention. She said the pastor had every right to say what he said and cited the Bible as saying that "homosexuals are worthy of death." I don't know what version of the Bible she's reading but Romans 3:23 says: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

NMM: How Country Feels

Randy Houser has already made a big mark on the country music industry. He charted his first Billboard Top 20 hit with "Anything Goes." He also co-wrote the singles "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" for Trace Adkins and "Back That Thing Up" for Justin Moore. All while receiving several award nominations.

His new single, "How Country Feels," is an upbeat tune that shows you the "laid back," country life. Houser even used an AC/DC guitar riff which is sure to have you rocking out and singing along the whole time. Have a listen!

Two Baseball Salutes

Ten year-old, Harrison McKinion, is a huge NC State Baseball fan. Nine innings at Doak Field is the perfect getaway for him, especially since this last year hasn't been the best. Shortly after his tenth birthday, McKinion was diagnosed with leukemia. Wolfpack head coach, Elliott Avent, found out about Harrison and paid him a visit shortly after his diagnosis. Since then, the team has embraced the McKinion family and considers Harrison one of their own. Watch this awesome story below!

My other salute goes to the South Granville baseball team. They had an outstanding season which, unfortunately, came to an end last night at home when they lost in the second round of the state playoffs. Despite that, they finished the season with a 22-5 Overall/14-1 Conference record and were ranked 46th in the state. Congrats Coach Ferrell and the Vikings on a great season!

Bad Day On The Links

When Angel Cabrera went out on the second day of competition at the Players' Championship, he didn't expect to leave the competition so soon. Cabrera was doing fairly well, mainatining an even par throughout his round. That was until the 17th hole.

The hole, a Par 3 with an island green, sounds pretty simple for a PGA Tour golfer, right? Well, it apprently wasn't for Cabrera, who ended up carding a rare sextuple bogey after hitting it in the water three times and missing his first putt on the green. As a result, he decided to withdraw from the tournament. I really hate this happened to a guy who has great skill like Angel does. I guess it happens to the best of us!

Watch the video here.

NMM: Karmin

You may have heard of this up and coming duo for their hit song "Brokenhearted" but I decided to feature one of their covers for this edition of "New Music Monday." Karmin covered the Lady Antebellum hit, "Just A Kiss" but it wasn't just any normal cover. They jazzed it up and added their own twist as well. The song is a part of their "Covers, Vol. 1" album which includes over twenty different covers ranging from "Grenade" to even "Whip My Hair" and "Look At Me Now." Check it out!

Move Over MLB

I first saw this video on Facebook and had to give a Salute to six-year-old, Ross Bernath, who did something rare even for the MLB: make an unassisted triple play. With an opposing player at the plate, a pop-up floated directly to Bernath, who nabbed it cleanly, raced back to touch third base, and then chased down the advancing runner from second; all without the help of a single teammate.

According to Wikipedia, only fifteen MLB players have done this in history. Even better, Bernath had to do this in a faster amount of time because he was playing on a diamond with base paths much closer to each other than in the bigs. I couldn't believe that a six-year-old was making a feat such as this look like child's play (pun intended). Check out the video of the amazing play below!

Tough Love

Breaking up is never easy but having your teeth ripped out is even worse. A dentist in London is facing jail time for surgically removing all of her ex-boyfriend's teeth for, yes, dumping her. According to the Daily Mail, Marek Olszewski made the mistake of scheduling an appointment with his ex, Anna Mackowiak, for a toothache.

What did Mackowiak do? What any person with a set of pliers and anesthetic would do: dope him up, yank out all his teeth, and wrap his head in bandages before he even noticed. Well, he did notice and I would write his response but it's a little too much for my blog. Let's just say he was not a happy camper! 

What's worse? His new girlfriend has dumped him because, well, she doesn't want to date a man without teeth. Seems like a bad day all around for our friend, Marek, here. Meanwhile, Mackowiak is under investigation for medical malpractice and abusing the trust of a patient. She could face up to three years in jail for her alleged stunt. Olszewski plans on saving money to "get indents or something."

This just makes you go "what?" I guess the moral of the story is: if you date a dentist, never break their heart! 

Review: The Avengers

I never really got into comic books during my childhood but, when I saw The Avengers was coming to theaters, I was interested to see what it would be like. I have to say, I was pretty impressed with it overall. I wouldn't say I was crazy over it, like some other movies I've seen, but I thought it was a good movie.

What To Know

Stars: Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlet Johansson

Director: Joss Whedon

Writers: Joss Whedon (Story/Screenplay), Zak Penn (Story), Stan Lee and Jack Kirby (Comic)

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence/action throughout, and a mild drug reference. Parents Guide

Plot: Nick Fury is director of S.H.I.E.L.D, an international peace keeping agency, featuring a who's who of Marvel Super Heroes: Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When global security is threatened by Loki and his cohorts, Fury and his team will need all their powers to save the world from disaster. Written by WellardRockard 

Family Friendly? Not really. There are multiple scenes of action and violence (as with any superhero movie) as well as a few references to drugs and alcohol. If you take your kids to see this film, I would suggest no younger than age ten or eleven.

Should You See It? Yes. Like I said, I'm not ecstatic over this film as I was about others but I liked it overall. I liked how there was a little comedy thrown into the film along with the action scenes. I would say that the 3D left a little to be desired. It could've been the theater I was in but I wasn't all that impressed with it. Overall, a good film and I would recommend you go see it.

Crazy Good

Courtesy: PS22 Chorus

The P.S. 22 Chorus became an overnight sensation on YouTube for their amazing musical performances, racking up over 43 million views (and counting). The chorus is comprised of 60-70 kids who have to go through an audition process to get in.

What makes it so unique is P.S. 22 is the largest elementary school in Staten Island, with a student body drawn from a wide variety of ethnic groups and socio-economic levels. So, this week, I'm saluting the P.S. 22 Chorus and amazing vocalist, Kevin, who nailed a performance of "Good Girl" with five time Grammy Award-winning artist, Carrie Underwood.

There was another song the chorus performed with Carrie, called "So Small." It was a beautiful rendition of it but watch what happens after the song. Who says we should cut music education from our schools?!?

Are You Kidding? Part 8

You may or may not have heard about a pastor in Fayetteville, NC who has come under fire for things he said during a sermon. Sean Harris, pastor of Berean Baptist Church, was preaching on the marriage amendment to his congregation when he made some very interesting remarks. The pastor babbled on about gay children and then told his congregation that they should, basically, "beat the gay" out of their kids if they start to act like the opposite sex. This was brought to my attention the other day via Facebook and has created a firestorm ever since.

How in the world can anyone say something like this? I'm especially appalled since this man claims to be an ordained minister in a Christian church! I personally believe this guy should lose his job for what he said. I don't care if you're for or against the amendment, there should be absolutely ZERO tolerance for saying such things. Harris later told the media that what he said was "a joke" and showed regret for his statements. Well then, why did you say it in the first place you idiot? It's NO JOKE when you're talking about harming a kid!!!! This is a prime example of why so many people turn away from the Christian faith. I know I wouldn't want to go to a church with a pastor like this!

Rising From The Ashes

Mark Lennihan / Associated Press

Just in time for the one year anniversary of the death of Osama Bin Laden, the amazing One World Trade Center building became the tallest building in New York. Workers raised a steel beam that propelled it to a height of 1,250 feet; just over the observation deck at the Empire State Building. And it's not finished.

At completion, the new building will reach a staggering 1,776 feet, honoring American independence, and will be the tallest building in the United States as well as the third tallest in the world.

Check out a slideshow of photos courtesy of the Los Angeles Times.