That Sweet Vocal Music

I have always been mesmerized by a cappella music. I am amazed at what the human voice can do. A cappella is the Italian phrase meaning "of the chapel" or "of the church" and it means music performed without accompaniment. Only vocals. I love all kinds of styles of A cappella music from barbershop quartet to gospel choir to the pop vocal groups of today. I wish my singing voice was strong enough to be in an A cappella group. I'd love to experiment with harmonies and construct songs using only voices. I love watching "The Sing Off" because it highlights groups of this nature. I am always blown away at what these groups can come up with. Here are a few of my favorite A cappella groups.

The Roche Sisters were probably one of my earliest introductions into what the human voice can do. They performed on Saturday Night Live in the early 80's and my Mom got me out of bed to watch them perform the Hallelujah Chorus by Handel. Only three sisters pumped out a song that normally an entire choir sings. They were amazing. I couldn't find the SNL performance on YouTube, but here's a 1982 version.


I've been a fan of Bobby McFerrin since his Ocean Spray commercial in the early 80's. A couple years later he released his first CD. He's amazing in that he can sing poly-phonically and has a voice that expands across several registers. He is a band unto himself. Here's a fun live performance in which he does a James Brown cover.


Take Six is a Christian A cappella group. I would say they are probably the best Christian A cappella group...if not the best A cappella group in any genre. I had the pleasure of seeing them live at El Camino College in the early 90's. They were amazing. Everyone in the audience were singing and dancing. You've got to hear their song "I L-O-V-E U" to really hear their talent with singing and beat boxing. I couldn't find a good version on YouTube, so I thought I'd give you a glimpse of another fun song. I like the reggae breakdown in the middle of the song.


Pentatonix blew me away with every single performance on this years "The Sing Off". I was a fan from day one. I can not wait for the release of their CD. For only five members, they have a LOT going on. Also, they have the best beat boxer and bass combo than I've ever heard. Amazing. Here they are performing an 80's favorite.


Nota was my favorite group from "The Sing Off" a couple of years ago. They do an amazing cover of "I Got a Feeling" from the Black Eyed Peas. Listen to the whole thing. They do a mind-blowing African themed breakdown near the end that is so awesome. They actually make a mindless pop song amazing. Their beat boxing is outstanding and filled with Latin flavor.


I found this guy on Youtube. I enjoyed the geekdom of singing lyrics pertaining to Star Wars while singing a medley of some of John Williams best movie themes. Plus, it's the same guy singing all four parts. Pretty stinkin' awesome if you ask me.


The Underage Quartet is another YouTube find for me. I enjoyed it because they are a girl group and yet they have a good bass singer. Girl basses are not easy to find. Plus, they are singing a medley from one of my favorite musicals....Phantom of the Opera.


The Buffalo Bills were a popular barbershop quartet in the 60's. They starred in the movie version of "The Music Man". Here is a scene from "The Music Man" where the professor takes four individuals who hate each other and turn them into a barbershop quartet.


Here is an A cappella song that is created using technology. Officially, there is accompaniment. She is playing the keyboard and sampling her voice through her keyboard. But, ultimately you only hear vocals. This is probably one of my all-time favorite songs...ever. Here is Imogen Heap with "Hide and Seek".


Lastly, here is a beat boxing video that was created with some clever film editing. I thought it deserved a shout out.

Colorado Spring

This has been the warmest and driest March on record for Colorado. It's been almost consistently in the 70's all month long. It's even reached 80 degrees a couple of times. We haven't had any rain or snow to speak of. In prior years of living here, it is not strange to get snow on Easter or even into May or June. But, we hit a weird warm snap and it's like summer out there. The good news is that I was able to break out my shorts and I got my first sunburn of the season while watching my boys football practice. It feels good to soak in the warmth of the sun. We get 300 days of sunshine per year in Colorado. Even when it is cold and wintery, we still get days of sunshine. But, there is something special about the warmth of the sun and being outside when it is in the 70's in shorts and a t-shirt. I love living here. I am enjoying the spring growth. Trees are starting to bud leaves and grass is turning green from the dormant brown that it turns during the winter. There are Cherry Tree's across the street from my office and they are in full bloom (pictured). It's a beautiful sight and a beautiful place to live.

Life Lessons for my Boys

I love my boys. Generally, they are very well behaved and precious individuals. However, there are some things that I wish I could get through my children's thick skulls. These are things that as a Dad, I hope they learn before they move out on their own and/or get married. I'm sure many of you parents out there will sympathize and empathize.

The Trashcans are not bottomless. If the trash is overflowing onto the floor, it's time to take it out...not throw more things on top that inevitably topple to the floor and add to the trash-blob that threatens to take over the entire room.

The Stainless Steel Forks are not disposable. My wife noticed that we are suddenly running very low on forks. We had two sets of forks at one time. Now, we are down to just a few. The mystery was...where are they going? We think we have that figured out. We have a feeling that they are inadvertently throwing them into the trash. So, we had to pick up a few spare forks at a yard sale to supplement our dwindling collection.

Their bedroom has a floor. You wouldn't know to look at it most of the time. We have them super-clean their room at least once a week and by the next day, the floor has disappeared again. It becomes a conglomeration of toys, clothes, duct tape, cardboard, and whatever else they decide to drop wherever they were standing when they lost interest in it. Why can't they just put things away when they are done? Their  four hour super-cleaning sessions would take a lot less time and be a lot less painful if they would just take care of things as they go.

The Dishwasher is not a garbage disposal. For whatever reason, my boys believe that they can stick their dripping plate piled with food on it into the dishwasher and it will magically come out clean and sparkling. Despite how many times I tell them that there is no where for the food to go in a dishwasher and that they need to rinse off their plate, they don't get it. They think the food fairies are going to come down and magically remove the food and scrub each plate clean. It drives me insane. Also, they think that putting bowls on top of other bowls is okay and that they will also somehow get clean.

The garbage disposal is only on one side of the sink (and it's not the side their putting their food in). One the rare occasion they do rinse off their plate, they will invariably do it on the side of the sink that does not have a garbage disposal. Now we've got food clogging up the drain and stopping the water from going down at all. I have to dig it out of the drain screen with my fingers and throw it away. Why don't they understand that the side of the sink with the big hole has the garbage disposal.

Food goes in your mouth. I am blown away at how much food we can find on the table, on their chairs, and on the floor. You would think that my boys have holes in their neck. Some of the boys suffer from this malady more than others, but they all suffer to one degree or another. I'm hoping that they learn how to actually get the food in their mouth, or the first dinner to meet their future wife's parents will be a little awkward.

Unwrapped food will spoil. My boys are wrapper deficient. They will get a slice of bread and are unable to twisty tie it back up. They'll get a cookie from a zip-lock bag and will throw the unzipped bag back into the food drawer. They'll leave out milk after getting a glass. They'll leave sandwich meat unzipped as they put it back into the fridge. They'll put the cap back on the peanut butter and jelly, but forget to twist it shut...so that when I pick it up by the lid, it falls to the floor. No matter how many times I explain that we will get ants or mice if they leave food unwrapped and open like that, it doesn't change things. Or when I explain that our loaf of bread is now stale, they don't mind at all. I supposed when they have to spend their hard earned cash on the food, their priorities will magically change.

The most important job that my wife and I have are to create and nurture responsible little humans who will one day leave our home and will venture out in the world. I know there are more important lessons than the ones outlined above, but I think if they can master these, they will be better off all around. Otherwise, they'll need to find a very understanding and forgiving wife.

My Wife is 22 Years Old

Despite a three and a half year age difference, my wife and I are both 22 years old...as of Sunday. Confused? You shouldn't be. Twenty-two years ago, my wife gave her life to Jesus. I beat her in doing that by exactly a month, but there are times when I feel like a spiritual child next to her. Her faith, spiritual wisdom, bible knowledge, and prayer life is amazing. I am humbled by her relationship with Jesus. I was never told about having a list of what you'd want for a spouse and praying over it, but I did have a subconscious list mostly from learning what I didn't want from past failed relationships. Having a strong relationship with Jesus was #1 on my list in what I wanted in a wife. Joi certainly embodies that. In fact, she exceeds my expectations in that aspect of her life. I find her spirituality very attractive and her daily walk inspiring to me. She is amazing. I am thankful that she gave her life to Jesus 22 years ago. I am thankful for what a pillar she is to our family and how she daily provides a spiritual example to our children...and me. I love her very much. I know she loves me, too. But, I am thankful she loves Jesus more than me.

Rubber Ducky...You're the One!

My youngest son has found something to collect. I'm not sure why or what made him want to collect this to begin with. But, he has begun collecting Rubber Ducks. He's using his own Amazon.com gift card money to corner the market on rubber ducks. He's got quite the collection already, as you can see from the photo. I took a shower with 25 little companions today. Many of them were replica ducks from the Harry Potter series. It's an odd sensation to have a Dumbledore duck staring at you while you lather up. I still don't know what possessed Gavin to start collecting rubber ducks, but it is nice that he has a "thing" now. He was the hardest kid to shop for. At least we have a "go to" gift for him. Until, that is, he decides to drop the ducks and start collecting something else. In the meantime, I can see these ducks multiplying like little rabbits. I may have to find a new place to take a shower.

The Mysterious Chother

I don't know what a chother is, but my kids talk about it a lot. We keep correcting them, but it keeps coming back up in conversation. Even last night, one of my sons brought it up. "They can hang out with their chother!"...or "We want to buy that for our chother." Who is this chother they keep speaking of? My wife and I know what they mean and we keep correcting them. "No...no, it's each other...each other...we want to buy that for each other!" we say over and over again. "You want to hang out with each other!" It cracks me up. But, it seems that no amount of correction keeps the chother from coming up in conversation again and again. We'll keep correcting them, in hopes that they can get the chother under control before they become adults and leave our home. If not, the chother might haunt them forever.

I do the Rock!

I don't have time to blog so far this week, but I wanted to take a moment to share a great song that might have existed under the radar for many of you. It's an old one. But, I think it deserves the limelight. It's a song by the infamous Tim Curry. It's just such a happy song. I learned the entire bass line a couple of years ago, because it just sounded like so much fun to play. Enjoy! Plus, if you listen to the lyrics, it's like a history lesson of the 70's.

Beards: Science Says I'm Unattractive, Old, and Scary

I was listening to news radio this morning on the bus and I heard about a new scientific study concerning beards. The study suggests that beards, while stylish, are not attractive to women. In fact, beards are a way of signaling social status, age, and aggressiveness to other males (alpha male style). The study says that if I want to attract women, I need to shave the beard. If I want to intimidate other men, I need to keep the beard. In actuality, my wife finds my beard attractive. And since she's the only woman whose opinion of my face matters...I'll keep it. I like it, too. Not because I like to be scary or aggressive, but because I like the way it looks and it keeps my face warm on a cold Colorado day. For those of you who know me, I am far from scary and aggressive. I am certainly not the "alpha male" type. I wear a beard because my wife likes it, I like it, and I'm enjoying the way it looks with a smattering of gray hair. Plus, it gives me something to play with them I'm thinking. My wife tells me that I'm going to look like Sean Connery when I get completely gray. There are certainly worse guys to look like. I'm definitely okay with that comparison. I'm guessing that the scientific study wasn't comprehensive enough. They certainly didn't ask my wife. Opinions?

Spiritual Mentors

As I was watching Pastor Bob Daily on Facebook this morning, I began to realize what an important part Pastor Bob played in my early Christian formation. I then began to think about the other "spiritual mentors" who played a part in my formation. This blog is dedicated to those people who gave a piece of themselves to help shape me spiritually...whether they knew it or not.

Leonard Plick - I was a Catholic when I met Leonard at Catholic School. I wouldn't say that I had a personal relationship with Jesus, though. But, of all the Catholic's I knew, Leonard definitely did. He and I became friends somewhere around 5th or 6th grade. He had a deep and personal relationship with Jesus that most children of that age do not have. He didn't curse and it became a game at school to try to get him to say a bad word. He read his bible and prayed. He was good at everything he tried and was definitely charismatic in that everyone liked him and wanted to be around him. My friendship with Len put my soul on the path of searching for what real Christianity meant. His parents were great Godly examples, too. His father was a strong Catholic who lead the choir. His mother was a charismatic evangelical. Definitely two ends of the spectrum, but it made for a nice medium. I remember asking Len's Mom what I should read in the bible if I wanted to be wise. She said "Definitely Proverbs!" and that was my first experience reading the bible outside of a Catholic missalette. Proverbs is still my favorite book of the bible.

Robert Campbell - My brother Robert was instrumental in my conversion to real Christianity. I grew up Catholic and left the church prior to my confirmation because I didn't agree with all of the tenants of Catholicism. I searched and explored many fruitless avenues for most of high school. Early in my senior year, my brother reestablished a connection with me and invited me to church. Seeing his conversion and dramatic transformation was enough to open my eyes to the reality of a life-changing God. Within a couple of months, I gave my life to Jesus. I am forever thankful to Robert for the time and energy that he invested in me. Robert would remain an important catalyst for my spiritual development through the years. He baptized me in 1990 and later officiated my wedding in 1999.

Scott Bruce - I've known Scott Bruce since I was a child. He used to work with the boy scout troop that I belonged to. As fate would have it, he was the Youth Pastor at the church that my brother Robert took me to in 1989-90. Scott made the bible come alive and opened my eyes to a spiritual/supernatural world that existed beyond my perception and comprehension. I gave my life to Jesus at a winter camp at Thousand Pines Christian Camp. Scott rocked my world at that camp and his sermons (along with the Holy Spirit and God's calling) caused me to leave a life of sin and give my life to Jesus. I still have the pocket bible that Scott gave me at that camp.

Joel Weldon - Joel Weldon is a Christian musician who happened to be leading worship and doing concerts at the winter camp I attended in 1990. His music was a HUGE part of what drew me to the Lord that weekend. His songs were simple and often involved heart-wrenching stories which opened my spirit to the Lord's calling. Later, as an early Christian, I often lead worship using many of Joel's songs like "For I am Convinced" and "Every Minute". When I formed my first band, Cry for Mercy, we used to perform some of Joel's songs for the youth group. His songs are a soundtrack to my early Christian walk.

Mel Brower - Mel was an elder at Covina First Baptist and a great man-of-God. At a church that was desperately divided between an established in their way older group and a youth who were going through revival, Mel was one of the few people who reached out to the youth. He asked me if I wanted to be mentored and meet him each week for a bible-study. I agreed and learned so much from that great man. I still know Proverbs 3:5-6 by heart because of Mel. It's been my life-verse ever since.

Bob "Pastor Bob" Beeman - Pastor Bob is a neat man. He started a church called "Sanctuary: The Rock and Roll Refuge" for those church-outcasts (long-hair, tattoos, piercings, etc) who were becoming Christians at Stryper concerts. I started attending Sanctuary in 1991 when I moved to Torrance to live with my brother and a few other "dirtbags", as we affectionately called ourselves. That home became the "Dung Gate Commune" and we often housed homeless teens and troubled people who needed some love and support. Pastor Bob is a big man, with big hair, a big smile, and an even bigger heart. He's instantly likeable and has a great voice....deep and resonant. I could listen to him and Garrison Keillor for hours just because their voices are so soothing. Anyway...Pastor Bob knew that it was important to get spiritually grounded so he put together a year-long study called "Intense Studies" that I started to attend in 1991. An amazing study. I still have all of my notes from that class. I read lots of books, memorized scripture, was introduced to apologetics, and grew in my faith in leaps and bounds. It was just what a growing Christian needed. I am thankful to Pastor Bob for all of his hard work and taking a chance on the outcasts. It made a big difference in my spiritual formation.

Dave Vincent - Dave was my step-father. He passed away in 2005, but he was an integral influence in what a Godly, humble man of God looks like. He had his quiet time every morning locked in the bathroom where he prayed and read his bible. He often talked to me about the importance of tithing (when I wasn't tithing) and he and I had debates about it until I realized that he was right and I was very wrong...which took me a few years. His death left a big hole in our family. He definitely left his mark on my spiritual life.

Joi Copeland - When I met Joi in 1997, I had given up on dating. I was done being hurt and I was done with the fruitless search. I told God that I would give my dating life to Him and if He wanted me to date someone, he would bring her to me. But, when and if that time came, I asked God for a spiritually strong woman who would stand by her morals and encourage me to be a stronger man of God. Joi was God's answer to that prayer. I never met another woman who was so disciplined in her devotional time. She prayed, read the bible, and was a spiritual inspiration to me. She is amazing. I instantly fell in love with her because of her deep, strong, and steadfast commitment to God first. She made me want to be a better man and a stronger Christian and I desperately needed that spiritual shot in my life. She continues to be an inspiration to me and helps keep me on track when I falter. I am blessed to have such a Godly woman in my life.

Russell and Steffanne Ferris - Russell and Steffanne became my brother-in-law and sister-in-law when I married Joi. They are a strong man and woman of God and a great example of a Godly marriage. Whether they knew it or not, they mentored Joi and I in our early marriage and early parenting. They continue to be a great example and mentor us by the life that they lead. I learned a lot from Russell about how to be a man of integrity. I am thankful for their continuing friendship and their great example.

An Ode to Robert Sherman

We lost a titan of music and Disney history yesterday. Robert Sherman has died. Robert along with his brother Richard penned many of the greatest Disney songs ever. Walt Disney called them "The boys". Among their accomplishments were writing songs like "It's a Small World", all of the songs from Mary Poppins (my favorite), "The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room", "Winnie the Pooh", "I wanna be like you" and "Trust in Me" (from Jungle Book), and many, many others. If it's a Disney song and it sticks in your memory forever....chances are the Sherman brothers wrote it. Robert was the wordsmith in the pair, while Richard penned the music. The brothers' awards include 23 gold and platinum albums and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They were inducted into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame in 2005. They wrote over 150 songs at Disney, including the soundtracks for such films as "The Sword and the Stone," "The Parent Trap," "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," "The Jungle Book," "Mary Poppins", "The Aristocrats" and "The Tigger Movie." They came from a song writing family. Their father, Al Sherman, was a popular Tin-Pan-Alley song writer who wrote hits for Tommy Dorsey, Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong. Their Grandfather was a court composer for Emperor Franz Joseph.

I actually had the great pleasure of meeting Robert and Richard Sherman while they were autographing copies of their book "Walt's Time: From Before to Beyond". I got to shake their hands as they signed two copies of the book for me and told them how much I enjoyed their music. They were very nice. Richard did most of the talking. Robert was fairly shy and quiet and had a gruff, aged voice. I'm thankful for the opportunity to meet them. "Feed the Birds" is probably my favorite Disney song ever. In fact, it was Walt's favorite, too. When he was having a hard day, he'd call for the brothers to come up to his office and he'd say "Play it!" They knew what that meant. They'd start playing "Feed the Birds" from Mary Poppins and Walt would stare wistfully out of his office window until the last note was played. The Sherman brothers music is ingrained into my memory and is an integral part of my childhood. I am forever grateful for their contribution to music. Robert will be greatly missed.

Letting Go

I'm tired. I'm discouraged. I'm overwhelmed. I've been trying so hard to accomplish things under my power. I'm getting nowhere fast. I'm almost at the end of my rope. I sat here...lamenting. I started wondering what it would be like to really let go and let God take over. It seems so freeing. It seems so carefree. Why worry if God's taking care of it? Why beat myself up with worry, concern, and drain all my power fighting for something that God can handle without me? I don't know. It makes sense. I pictured myself just floating on my back in an endless ocean. Relaxed. Letting the current take me where it wants. Without concern. Without worry. That's what I want. But, letting go is so hard for us humans. We think we can do it all without any help. We want control. Giving up control is probably the hardest thing that Christians have to learn. Perhaps God is using this experience to help me see that I need to relinquish control and let Him do what He does best. I don't know. All I know is...it's hard. But, I'm willing to learn.

Little Known Facts About Dr. Seuss

In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, I thought I'd share some little known facts about Dr. Seuss. He's easily my all time favorite children's author.

• Dr. Seuss was not his real name and he was not a doctor. His real name was Theodore Seuss Geisel. Seuss was his mother's maiden name and he started using it as a pseudonym while attending College. He added the doctor part because Theodore's father always wanted him to get his doctorate and become a professor.
• He was afraid of children. He never had any children of his own and was actually slightly afraid of them. His wife said that he was always wondering what they'd do or say next. She added that he couldn't just sit down and play with children.
• He didn't become famous easily. His first book, "And to think that I saw it on Mulberry Street" (my childhood favorite) was turned down by 27 publishers before someone finally picked it up. He almost burned the book, because he was so frustrated.
• Green Eggs and Ham was written on a bet. Dr. Seuss' publisher bet him that he couldn't write a book with only 50 words. Green Eggs and Ham was the result. These words are, in order of appearance: I am Sam; that; do not like; you green eggs and ham; them; would here or there; anywhere; in a house with mouse; eat box fox; car they; could; may will see tree; let me be; train on; say the dark; rain; goat; boat; so try may; if; good; thank. 
• His greatest work wasn't a book. When asked what his greatest life work was, he responded that it wasn't a book or an illustration. It was the Lion Wading Pool at Wild Animal Park in San Diego, which he donated in 1973. 
• One of his books didn't have an ending. His most controversial book, The Butter Battle Book, which was published in 1984 was loosely based on the arms race between the American's and the Russians. The story ends with a blank page, allowing readers to imagine the result of the rising tensions for themselves.
• It's not Seuss at all. He actually pronounced "Seuss" like "Soice" (rhymes with voice).
• Dr. Seuss wasn't his only pen name. He also went by  Theo LeSieg, Rosetta Stone, and Theophrastus Seuss.
• He served in the War Effort. During World War II, Seuss served as the commander of the Animation Department of the First Motion Picture Unit of the United States Army Air Forces.
• Dr. Seuss received many awards for his writing. Dr. Seuss’s honors include: two Academy awards, two Emmy awards, a Peabody award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal, and the Pulitzer Prize.  
• He tackled many social and political issues with his books. Dr. Seuss's books were more than morality tales for kids, they were outlets for Geisel to comment on social issues. "The Lorax" was about environmental conservation, "The Sneetches" tackled racism, "Horton Hears a Who" was anti-isolationist, "The Butter Battle Book" commented on the arms race (as previously mentioned) and "Yertle the Turtle" was inspired by Hitler's rise to power.