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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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'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!

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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...

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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."

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