And the winner is....

UPDATE: AND THE WINNER OF DWTS IS: APOLO!!!
Yah Apolo!! It was really close!! I wish him and Joey could both take home the trophy. Maybe they can share it!! :-)

Details on the battle between Jordan and Blake tonight!

On DWTS, it comes down to three!
On AI, it's down to two.
Tonight will be a hot night for tv.

First, DWTS:
If you've kept up with my ramblings, you know that I'm a fantatic about DWTS now. The final results of DWTS is tonight and the winner will be either Apolo, Joey or Laila. They've all done exceptionally well and it's still anyone's guess as to who is going to walk away with the coveted dancing ball.

Last night's dances didn't impress the judges to grant a lot of 10s, but I thought they were fabulous... especially their free-style.

Apolo and Julianne did a hip-hop, breakdancing type dance and wowed the crowd! Didn't think they were able to do it but it worked well and were totally in step with each other. They even surprised everyone with doing a few moves blind-folded.

Joey & Kym began their dance with slow, elegant choreography. At first, I was like "What in the world is HE doing???" No more then I could get out the words, and they both stripped off their formal wear to show a more dazzling glittery outfits. I should've known better with Joey. He's full of surprises. I loved their dancing and did a lot of great moves - even incorporating some of the techniques he learned throughout the season. It was fantastic!!

Laila and Maxim did ok. They had a lot of good moves but it wasn't anything too 'wow'. She's been rockin' the dance floor, which has led her to get to this point... which is a first for a female dancer.

Eventhough it would be nice to see her win, I think it's in the bag for one of the guys. They're better performers and really know how to shack it.

Now, AI:

Tonight is the finals between Jordan and Blake. My bet is with Jordan all the way!! She's been my favorite, eventhough I haven't paid attention to watching it. I've just made sure she's continued on. We'll see how they sing tonight.

Great news on the Music Front

Just wanted to share this news to anyone who views my blog!!
I found out some great news about my church's worship leader and good friend, Jon Shabaglian.
He is currently pursuing a music career and has made some major strides.

He recently won 2nd place in a Battle of the Bands (he lost to some guys in helmets...). From that win, he and his band will be performing at a music festival up in Sacramento in June.

And the BIGGEST NEWS: Jon and the band has won the grand price in an Indie artist competition called Artist Ovations. The grand prize is the opportunity to perform at Spirit West Coast in Del Mar, California (near San Diego) and will be traveling to Nashville in November to meet with well known producer Otto Price, from Word Records, for a possible record deal.

SWC is the biggest and best music festival on the West coast and is such a great thrill and opportunity. He'll be able to have thousands of people listen to his incredible music, and also get connected with other artists already in the industry. Meeting with Otto Price, who has launched the careers of many new Christian musicians, is an incredible experience and opportunity to finally get noticed in the 'big world' of music.

Check out Jon's music and his debut CD, "Stay Near" at: www.myspace.com/jonshabaglian

Yah Jon!!!! I'm so proud of him!!!

American Idol shocker

I'm not usually one to watch American Idol anymore as it has become more of a popularity contest then a search for talent.

I've been watching the finals off and on for the fact that I'm interested in seeing if 17-year-old Jordan Sparks makes it to become the 2007 "American Idol." The fact that she's only 17, and has made it this far, makes her already a winner- win or lose.

I seriously thought Melinda Dolittle would make it to the final two and ultimately become the winner. I was shocked to see last night that Melinda got voted off, much to Simon's disgust. Through Simon's half-sincere congratulations to Jordan and Blake, anyone who has watched a minute of the show this season has seen how Simon has totally favored Melinda.

Despite the turnout, I truly believe all three of them will get signed to some sort of contract and will become great artists. Whether they have great success such as Kelly and Carrie, or they're shadowed in the woodwork with little high publicity, they'll be doing what they love, and what they do best. Already, Melinda and Jordan have had great success in the industry as backup singers. Now is their time to shine!

I'm reminded of another now famous Christian artist who began as a backup singer and keyboardist. The legendary Michael W. Smith, who actually is close with Jordan and her family, began as backup for Amy Grant many decades ago. He eventually stepped out from behind the piano and became a household name in his own right. He's still doing what he loves - making music and honoring the name of Christ in his music! How much better could it get??

DWTS finals

It's down to the final 3.

Sadly, Ms. Cheryl won't get her 3-peat. Her and Ian were voted off last night. I was sad to see Ian go, especially after he finally got his perfect 10s.

So, going to the finals are Joey & Kym, Apolo and Julianne and Laila and Maxim!!
It's exciting to see that Laila is still in this!!
You go girl!!

Next week should be excited!! Stay tuned dance fans!!

DWTS - Semi-Finals

The Heat is ON!!
The dancers are steppin' up and all I can say about this week's dances was WOW!!!!!
Four remaining couples fight for the chance to win the coveted disco ball. With a nearly perfect 60s across the board for all the couples, the judges scores were:
Laila & Maxim - perfect 60
Joey & Kym - perfect 60
Apolo & Julianne - 59
Ian & Cheryl - 58

Everyone did such a great job, I can't pinpoint an exact favorite. Joey & Kym and Apolo & Julianne just did a fabulous job with their choreography... I loved it! Maybe the best moment was when Ian, who channeled Elvis for the 2nd dance, got his first perfect score of 30. That shows he's not ready to go home yet.

Tonight, we'll see who's fighting for that trophy!

DWTS - Week 7

It's down to the last five couples, and one more is going home tonight.

Ian & Cheryl did a wonderful job with their dances, although yet again, Ian seemed to fall short of impressing the judges.

Joey & Kym are always a favorite. Their first dance was well done but Joey really shined with with his 'razzle dazzle' with their Latin dance. They had a lot of fun with the dance, which is where Joey really shines.

Billy Ray yet again tried his very best with dancing. He definatately has the determination. He tooks some rude comments from the judges in stride

Laila's waltz was truly inspriring and was very sentimental. Her dad, legendary boxer Muhammad Ali was in the audience and the dance was dediated to him. This was the first time he was able to make a show.
One of the great moments was when Billy Ray danced and went over to Mohammad, shook his hand and was air boxing with him. It was very cute, and an honor for Billy Ray.

By far, the hottest dancing of the night was, no surprise, Apolo & Julianne. They were the only couple to get a perfect 30!

So, for tonights results, the list from top to bottom are: Apolo & Julianne, Joey & Kym, Laila & Maxim, Ian & Cheryl, and Billy Ray & Karina.

In the bottom two this week: Billy Ray & Karina and Joey & Kym

Going home this week: Billy Ray & Karina

Anger over a video game

It's unbelievable what people will do for their video games.

We had a shotting near campus last night, in a nearby student apartment complex. The shooter, a criminology major of all things, shot one person, and injured 2 others over a PS2 video game!!
OVER A VIDEO GAME!!!

As I drove to work this morning, I drove by the scene, unaware of what was going on. The street was blocked off, the news media and SWAT team was out in force, so I knew something major had gone down.

The victim shot to death was a former Fresno State student, according to news reports, and was only a acquaintance of the suspect. The other two injured victims have not been identified but are also believed to be FS students as well.

The suspect was suppose to give himself up earlier this morning but some how vanished from the apartment complex. The police are searching for him now.

What is this world coming to, when someone gets so upset, he has to shoot people over a stupid video game!!

National Day of Prayer - TODAY

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humbles themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land." -- 2 Chronicles 7:14

Please remember to pray for our nation and our leaders today, as we celebrate the National Day of Prayer .

I pray for you, I pray for your community, our nation, our governmental leaders, our military, our church's, our children, our families, our friends and I definately thank God in prayer for giving us another day to live and to praise Him!

If you so choose, I would also recommend that you listen to this special song written especially for the National Day of Pray. "We Pray" sung by 2007 Youth Ambassadors BarlowGirl, along with Rebecca St. James and several others sing on this wonderful song. Also on the link is the lyrics that are incredibly written. I hope your blessed by it.

If you participated in your area NDP events, let me know how they turned out.
May God Bless you all today!!

A special prayer written by author/speaker Chuck Swindoll. Think & pray on these things. You can also check out more on the National Day of Prayer website.

2007 Prayer for Our Nation
Written by Dr. Charles R. Swindoll


Almighty God, we pause to reflect on Your character as we seek wisdom for such a time as this.
In these unsafe days, You remain all-powerful and able to protect;
In these uncertain times, You remain all-knowing, leading us aright;
In the unprecedented events we're facing, You remain absolutely sovereign.
Our times are in Your hands.
Therefore, our dependence on You, is total, not partial
. . . our need for Your forgiveness is constant
. . . our gratitude for Your grace is profound
. . . our love for You is deep.
We ask that You guard and guide our Presidentand all who serve the people of these United States. May uncompromising integrity mark their lives.
We also ask that You unite us as truly "One Nation, Under God."
May genuine humility return to our ranks.
And may that blend of integrity and humility heal our land.

In our Lord's name we pray,
Amen.

DWTS results

I didn't get to see the results show due to a concert that Troy and I went to, but this week, we bid a fond farewell to John Ratzenberger and his partner Edyta. I was bummed to hear the news that John was voted off... I was hoping it would be Billy Ray. I guess nostalgic fans of his 'Achy Breaky' days and fans of new Disney show "Hannah Montana" featuring his daugher, have kept the votes comin' in.

I'm sure he's not far behind though. The competition is heating up, and it's down the major contenders:
Apolo and Julianne
Joey & Kym
Ian and Cheryl and
Layla & Maxim

It's a tough race and everyone is steppin' up their dancing. We'll see what happens next week.