It took my breath away. I didn't know they could do that. When the commentary started, I began to think about the talent and art in China, and I, too, began to wonder if it could be spectacular.
I had no idea.
In my heart, I always knew perfection was there and could be obtained. When I see bands on a field, and they have flag people - you know, just any type of synchronized movement, I am always disappointed. They are not perfect and I don't understand why they don't seem to be striving to be perfect or why others don't seem to notice they aren't perfect.
It can be done. I know. I have seen it.
But, beyond the synchronicity, it was beautiful. It was breath-taking, mezmorizing, awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping, moving, stirring. It reached into my heart and shook me and opened up a whole new part of my heart that was previously closed. It was something that I thank God to have allowed me to live to see. It was life-altering.
It was the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics in China and it was perfect.
God bless the people of China who gave that incredible work of art to the world. On behalf of the people of the world, I humbly thank you and stand in awe.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The Olympics
I need to get this on the record before the Olympics start and I become a Monday-morning quarterback.
I don't know why the Olympic committee gave this year's Olympics to China - ok, I do know why, but it was a really naive move. They are not going to improve human rights or do any of the things the Olympic committee or the rest of the world wants them to do. They are going to continue to be the same human-less machine they have always been and anyone who thought giving them the Olympics was going to change something was foolish.
Having said that, I want all to know I love the Olympics. Every bit of it. I know its problems, the inner-political squabbles and all the junk. But when the athletes take the field, the rink, the ice, the bars, the board, the pool or whatever their sport is played on, I an completely taken in by the purity of the athletic achievement. I love the personal sacrifice, the personal stories, the athletes, the pageantry, the ceremony - I love the Olympics.
However, I have to be on the record early here. These Olympics in China are going to be a nightmare. The pollution, the green gunk in the water - it's just the tip of the iceberg. These people don't have a clue as to what they are doing and these Olympics are going to be a mess. This will be an international drama of epic proportion. I have been seeing the fallout in my head for months now. You just hide and watch.
It grieves me to write those words, but I know it in my heart, and when it happens, I will not be able to scream loudly enough, "I KNEW IT!" and that will make me physically ill. So, I am going on the record now so that I can point back to this and say, "I KNEW IT!" and not become ill.
Of course I hope I'm wrong, what do you think I am - unpatriotic? mean-spirited? Sure, I hope I am wrong.
But I'm not.
I don't know why the Olympic committee gave this year's Olympics to China - ok, I do know why, but it was a really naive move. They are not going to improve human rights or do any of the things the Olympic committee or the rest of the world wants them to do. They are going to continue to be the same human-less machine they have always been and anyone who thought giving them the Olympics was going to change something was foolish.
Having said that, I want all to know I love the Olympics. Every bit of it. I know its problems, the inner-political squabbles and all the junk. But when the athletes take the field, the rink, the ice, the bars, the board, the pool or whatever their sport is played on, I an completely taken in by the purity of the athletic achievement. I love the personal sacrifice, the personal stories, the athletes, the pageantry, the ceremony - I love the Olympics.
However, I have to be on the record early here. These Olympics in China are going to be a nightmare. The pollution, the green gunk in the water - it's just the tip of the iceberg. These people don't have a clue as to what they are doing and these Olympics are going to be a mess. This will be an international drama of epic proportion. I have been seeing the fallout in my head for months now. You just hide and watch.
It grieves me to write those words, but I know it in my heart, and when it happens, I will not be able to scream loudly enough, "I KNEW IT!" and that will make me physically ill. So, I am going on the record now so that I can point back to this and say, "I KNEW IT!" and not become ill.
Of course I hope I'm wrong, what do you think I am - unpatriotic? mean-spirited? Sure, I hope I am wrong.
But I'm not.
Monday, July 14, 2008
This is Love
We fight. We yell. We shake our heads and throw up our hands. Flashes of what I cannot stand about him come into my brain while I am yelling my side. He is yelling back. I would bet that he is getting flashes in his brain about what he cannot stand about me.
There it is. He is yelling at me and suddenly he becomes his father. That really pushes me over the edge. How could I have married this guy? Don't worry - he is thinking the same thing. I am no raving beauty right now, either.
We've been carrying on like this for 21 years. In the first 10-15 years, these scenes played out quite often. Now, not so much. But we can still rustle up a good one now and then.
So now it's over. Not the marriage, silly. The argument. It's not really so much over as we just are too tired to put much more into it. So he goes upstairs to his computer and I sit here on the couch on mine. And you know what goes through my mind?
Touching the side of his face with the side of my nose. His arms tightly around me. His deep, passionate kisses and him holding me close to him.
That's just it. No matter how angry we get or how heated our arguments, I still crave his touch and being close to him. I still love his breath on my neck. I still can close my eyes and instead of seeing red and being angry, I see him walking toward me and pulling me close to him in his arms. And I imagine that one thing I love more than anything, touching his face. He has the most amazing face. I love just taking my hands and stroking his face. He is wonderful.
You see, this is a marriage. This is what it is like with two people who each have a brain and an opinion, and who are incredibly in love with each other. After three children and countless arguments and many wonderful memories, this is a marriage.
This is love. Our love.
There it is. He is yelling at me and suddenly he becomes his father. That really pushes me over the edge. How could I have married this guy? Don't worry - he is thinking the same thing. I am no raving beauty right now, either.
We've been carrying on like this for 21 years. In the first 10-15 years, these scenes played out quite often. Now, not so much. But we can still rustle up a good one now and then.
So now it's over. Not the marriage, silly. The argument. It's not really so much over as we just are too tired to put much more into it. So he goes upstairs to his computer and I sit here on the couch on mine. And you know what goes through my mind?
Touching the side of his face with the side of my nose. His arms tightly around me. His deep, passionate kisses and him holding me close to him.
That's just it. No matter how angry we get or how heated our arguments, I still crave his touch and being close to him. I still love his breath on my neck. I still can close my eyes and instead of seeing red and being angry, I see him walking toward me and pulling me close to him in his arms. And I imagine that one thing I love more than anything, touching his face. He has the most amazing face. I love just taking my hands and stroking his face. He is wonderful.
You see, this is a marriage. This is what it is like with two people who each have a brain and an opinion, and who are incredibly in love with each other. After three children and countless arguments and many wonderful memories, this is a marriage.
This is love. Our love.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Finals
Round 1:
1. David C rocked. Perfect song choice. Loved it.
2. David A was terrific. Perfect song. Flawless voice.
I thought it was a draw.
Round 2
1. David C's song was yuk. The last note was nothing more than a scream. I don't know what the judges were thinking. If this was a Top 12 elimination round song, he would have been hammered.
2. David A's song was icky. I really have grown weary of platitude songs. He was perfect.
Round Two hugely goes to David A.
Round 3
1. I'm just not feeling David C tonight and he is my favorite. I don't know what is up. That was totally forgettable.
I am predicting David A. will bring the house down with Imagine. Before he wraps up the show, let me say, I thought David C would have to drop off the stage for me to change my mind. David A's voice is flawless and his future is certain. He is a star. But he is a boy, and that makes him less attractive as an American Idol to me. But, I'll tell you. David C might have just fallen off the stage.
2. Wow. Perfect again. If he doesn't win, won't it be an interesting study of how someone can be a flawless performer/singer consistently and not win American Idol.
Round Three goes to David A
Last point: Last night on Jay Leno, Simon said he thought David Cook would be the winner. Tonight, he said each round went to David A and that tonight David A brought a "knock out."
It could be that song choice might have cost David Cook the title of American Idol tonight. As for me. I've changed my mind. David Cook fell off the stage.
It's David Archuleta for me.
1. David C rocked. Perfect song choice. Loved it.
2. David A was terrific. Perfect song. Flawless voice.
I thought it was a draw.
Round 2
1. David C's song was yuk. The last note was nothing more than a scream. I don't know what the judges were thinking. If this was a Top 12 elimination round song, he would have been hammered.
2. David A's song was icky. I really have grown weary of platitude songs. He was perfect.
Round Two hugely goes to David A.
Round 3
1. I'm just not feeling David C tonight and he is my favorite. I don't know what is up. That was totally forgettable.
I am predicting David A. will bring the house down with Imagine. Before he wraps up the show, let me say, I thought David C would have to drop off the stage for me to change my mind. David A's voice is flawless and his future is certain. He is a star. But he is a boy, and that makes him less attractive as an American Idol to me. But, I'll tell you. David C might have just fallen off the stage.
2. Wow. Perfect again. If he doesn't win, won't it be an interesting study of how someone can be a flawless performer/singer consistently and not win American Idol.
Round Three goes to David A
Last point: Last night on Jay Leno, Simon said he thought David Cook would be the winner. Tonight, he said each round went to David A and that tonight David A brought a "knock out."
It could be that song choice might have cost David Cook the title of American Idol tonight. As for me. I've changed my mind. David Cook fell off the stage.
It's David Archuleta for me.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Should I Care More?
More coverage tonight on the massive earthquake in China. I have to remember Katrina. When it hit, so many things happened that I thought could never occur in the United States. But listening to the coverage of the earthquake in China, I can't help but wonder - would I care more about this if it happened somewhere other than China?
I am not a fan of anything Asian. Never have been. It's really the only place on earth I have no desire to travel to. Just not interested. My loss, I'm sure. Of course, I am a little ashamed to admit that.
The death toll in China is staggering. They were just numbers to me. I wonder, if this happened in Britain, or Italy or France (well, maybe not France) but you get the picture, would I be more devastated? Then today I half listen to the news, and I see parents sitting outside a collapsed school, weeping. They've been there for days, waiting for government officials to come and dig their child out. They are allowed only one child, so if their child is dead, they have lost their only child. And the children are all dead. Except one amazing boy. I see the parents run to the ambulance in hope the one living boy is theirs. I see the pain on their faces.
Finally, my cold heart is moved. They love their children. I love my children. Why must I compartmentalize my emotions, devoting space to only those people who look like me or think like me? Now my shame is true shame.
So, if you are like me, let me encourage you to take note. There was an earthquake in China this week and many people are dead and many are grieving and the pain is unbearable. Please care. Please pay attention to the story. Please pray for these precious people. And to all people, please forgive my cold heart, I am truly ashamed. And thank you to the little boy who fought to hang on, for showing me the err of my ways. I will never again overlook human tragedy with disinterest. I cannot change it, but I can give it the attention and the dignity it deserves. Join me, if you will.
I am not a fan of anything Asian. Never have been. It's really the only place on earth I have no desire to travel to. Just not interested. My loss, I'm sure. Of course, I am a little ashamed to admit that.
The death toll in China is staggering. They were just numbers to me. I wonder, if this happened in Britain, or Italy or France (well, maybe not France) but you get the picture, would I be more devastated? Then today I half listen to the news, and I see parents sitting outside a collapsed school, weeping. They've been there for days, waiting for government officials to come and dig their child out. They are allowed only one child, so if their child is dead, they have lost their only child. And the children are all dead. Except one amazing boy. I see the parents run to the ambulance in hope the one living boy is theirs. I see the pain on their faces.
Finally, my cold heart is moved. They love their children. I love my children. Why must I compartmentalize my emotions, devoting space to only those people who look like me or think like me? Now my shame is true shame.
So, if you are like me, let me encourage you to take note. There was an earthquake in China this week and many people are dead and many are grieving and the pain is unbearable. Please care. Please pay attention to the story. Please pray for these precious people. And to all people, please forgive my cold heart, I am truly ashamed. And thank you to the little boy who fought to hang on, for showing me the err of my ways. I will never again overlook human tragedy with disinterest. I cannot change it, but I can give it the attention and the dignity it deserves. Join me, if you will.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Year of the David
So it is the two Davids. No one is surprised. I was surprised Syesha was number three, but other than that, no biggie.
I like the talent of David Cook better, but his arrogance is so off-putting. If I was choosing the American Idol, I would have to choose him, as he is mature and has the talent and sex appeal already in place.
David Archuleta's talent is amazing, but I can't see him as anything other than a little boy. I just don't see him selling records to anyone other than 10-year-old girls. He would be a flash in the pan and will go the way of Leif Garrett and <insert the name here of whichever boy whose poster you had on your wall as a 12-year-old>. If I was a betting person, and I am not, I would bet this is the David who will be the next American Idol.
More importantly, I think that back to back winners of Jordan Sparks and David Archuleta could be a death blow to Idol. They are both artists of no relevance. Sorry at how unkind that sounds, but I want to tell the truth on this blog.
On a positive note, I applaud Idol for having the most talented top 10 in memory. This year's talent was impressive. I know this year's cast was blasted for being absent of personality and any fire, but I thought it was a cast of singers who truly sang from the heart and who sang with passion. I'll take that over someone who will smart off at Simon any day. Please, however, remove Danny Noriega from any compliment I might have placed on this year's cast. I disliked him immensely from the beginning. That head snapping smart mouth thing he thought was his image was transparent and silly. And he was the only one among the final 24 who was truly without any talent whatsoever. Other than him - bravo to this year's Idol cast!
I like the talent of David Cook better, but his arrogance is so off-putting. If I was choosing the American Idol, I would have to choose him, as he is mature and has the talent and sex appeal already in place.
David Archuleta's talent is amazing, but I can't see him as anything other than a little boy. I just don't see him selling records to anyone other than 10-year-old girls. He would be a flash in the pan and will go the way of Leif Garrett and <insert the name here of whichever boy whose poster you had on your wall as a 12-year-old>. If I was a betting person, and I am not, I would bet this is the David who will be the next American Idol.
More importantly, I think that back to back winners of Jordan Sparks and David Archuleta could be a death blow to Idol. They are both artists of no relevance. Sorry at how unkind that sounds, but I want to tell the truth on this blog.
On a positive note, I applaud Idol for having the most talented top 10 in memory. This year's talent was impressive. I know this year's cast was blasted for being absent of personality and any fire, but I thought it was a cast of singers who truly sang from the heart and who sang with passion. I'll take that over someone who will smart off at Simon any day. Please, however, remove Danny Noriega from any compliment I might have placed on this year's cast. I disliked him immensely from the beginning. That head snapping smart mouth thing he thought was his image was transparent and silly. And he was the only one among the final 24 who was truly without any talent whatsoever. Other than him - bravo to this year's Idol cast!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Missed Both Days, But No Surprises Here
So, baseball kept me away the last two days and I missed Idol completely. My mother called about nine this evening, and even though she doesn't watch the program, she told me the "blond-haired girl is singing at the end of the show by herself and she is crying. So, I guess that told me everything.
I am curious as to how the Neil Diamond evening went last night. I'm not sure about these mentor nights.
Actually, I think the mentor thing is a good idea. But the method of it is not a good one. I don't know if we need to choose different (better) mentors, or, and this is my thought, that perhaps we need to use different mentors and change the format of the show. For example: is it crucial that we choose mentors and then require the contestants to sing only their songs? Really? Couldn't the pop idol, and keeping in mind the point of the show is to make it relevant to today's pop industry - couldn't the pop idol mentor them on how to attack the songs of today?
Like Simon says, "If you can sing, you can sing anything." That doesn't mean we have to hear them sing anything. Let Neil Diamond coach the kids on how to knock out a song on the radio today, or at least in the last five years. If Neil Diamond can coach, he can coach anything.
The biggest problem I have, you see, is that we force these kids to sing ALL of the mentor's songs. That really narrows our field of mentors down first of all, but I don't necessarily like the mentor coaching on how to sing his/her song. I would like to keep the song selection varied, and a song list where the song choices actually reflect the personality and talent of the contestant. Then, after that song is chosen by a particular contestant, let the mentor coach them on how to sing THAT song.
Why did we think when we brought in the mentors, that the contestants should be allowed to sing only the mentors' songs? Perhaps a contestant would choose the mentor's song, but because it was the right song and the right fit and it just so happened the person who made it famous was the mentor that night.
Is anyone with me on this?
I am curious as to how the Neil Diamond evening went last night. I'm not sure about these mentor nights.
Actually, I think the mentor thing is a good idea. But the method of it is not a good one. I don't know if we need to choose different (better) mentors, or, and this is my thought, that perhaps we need to use different mentors and change the format of the show. For example: is it crucial that we choose mentors and then require the contestants to sing only their songs? Really? Couldn't the pop idol, and keeping in mind the point of the show is to make it relevant to today's pop industry - couldn't the pop idol mentor them on how to attack the songs of today?
Like Simon says, "If you can sing, you can sing anything." That doesn't mean we have to hear them sing anything. Let Neil Diamond coach the kids on how to knock out a song on the radio today, or at least in the last five years. If Neil Diamond can coach, he can coach anything.
The biggest problem I have, you see, is that we force these kids to sing ALL of the mentor's songs. That really narrows our field of mentors down first of all, but I don't necessarily like the mentor coaching on how to sing his/her song. I would like to keep the song selection varied, and a song list where the song choices actually reflect the personality and talent of the contestant. Then, after that song is chosen by a particular contestant, let the mentor coach them on how to sing THAT song.
Why did we think when we brought in the mentors, that the contestants should be allowed to sing only the mentors' songs? Perhaps a contestant would choose the mentor's song, but because it was the right song and the right fit and it just so happened the person who made it famous was the mentor that night.
Is anyone with me on this?
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