Thursday, February 15, 2007

Rebirth International

Rebirth International is the outgrowth of our founder Mo Leverett’s calling and vision to advance spiritual and community revitalization in pockets of poverty both stateside and worldwide. Mo grew up in the Deep South and even as a young man became increasingly burdened to see his South live up to its professed Christian ideals, especially in regard to the historic issue of race and the entrenched problem of multi-generational poverty. That passion has grown to a life’s call and mission and led Mo and his wife Ellen, after receiving his Masters of Divinity degree from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi to move into the Desire neighborhood of New Orleans in 1990 to launch his first urban ministry called Desire Street Ministries.
Of course the Desire neighborhood and the entire 9th ward that enfolds it are infamous for its poverty, crime and other social problems. The housing project which was built in this community was ranked the nation’s worst by HUD and was the center of most the cities murders and poverty. Mo and his team succesfully developed a ministry that became one of the leading young urban ministry models in this country. Within a multi-purpose facility that was built, a church, a school, an off-site medical clinic, and many other ministry programs were set into motion.But after 16 years of succesful yet arduous front-line incarnational urban ministry - the organization and community that he served was devastated and ruined by Hurricane Katrina. Mo went to work with a team of dedicated staff to rescue and redesign the ministry he founded in 1990. Yet through a series of events, it became apparent that God’s call on Mo to expand urban ministry initiatives in other pockets of poverty was the providential next step for Mo’s spiritual journey.
While leaving Desire Street Ministries was among the most painful circumstance Mo has faced in his professional life, the vision of Rebirth was always where Mo’s gifts and passions lied.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Carolyn Peck-FIRED!


The Gators have lost a program-worst 13 straight games and are 6-20 overall and 0-11 in the SEC. Peck is 69-74 overall and 22-45 in the SEC at Florida. She led the Gators to two NCAA Tournaments and one WNIT Tournament in five seasons.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Florida Gators


The Florida Gators defeated the Kentucky Wildcats in Men's Basketball yesterday 64-61. Florida won its fifth straight against Kentucky and two and a row at Rupp for the first time since 1988-89.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Happy Birthday!


Happy Birthday to Cristina Ferrare. She turns 57 today.

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Judy Rodman


Power, Path & Performancefor Maximum Voice
Now, renowned vocal instructor and award-winning recording artist Judy Rodman gives you access to the ultimate vocal technique!
Singers can spend years searching for a method that teaches them how to have it all -- a powerful, healthy voice that can move the heart through authentic communication. After intense personal study and over 30 years of professional singing experience, Judy Rodman offers her comprehensive technique for the contemporary performer.
Power, Path and Performance is available in a series of six CDs. You will receive:
Two audio CDs, from which you’ll learn the method’s basis
Three audio CDs with vocal exercises
One video CD-ROM, viewable on Windows Medial Player, of Judy demonstrating the exercises (45 minutes)
11 color illustrations
Male and female vocal routines
Sounds effects and humor to make your intense learning fun!
With over four hours of instruction, Power, Path and Performance is easily a $400 value. Right now, you can buy the entire course for $130, plus $5 (U.S.) or $10 (outside U.S.) shipping.
More about Power, Path and Performance
Power, Path and Performance features instruction in three essential areas that Judy believes are necessary to master when developing your maximum voice:
“Power”: Breathe correctly, understand your voice’s “engine” and sing with extraordinary strength and volume.
“Path”: Learn how to keep your throat open and easy, maintaining your power withoutstraining your vocal chords.
“ Performance”: Move your audience to tears, joy or profound reflection by entering the song and “making it real.”
Using tools of anatomy, imagery and vocal exercises to connect the mind and body to the voice, you’ll reap the following rewards:
A powerful yet controlled voice with no vocal-cord strain
Pitch accuracy and vocal “lick” ease (stylized ad-lib or embellishment)
Evenness of volume and intensity yet passionate and believable delivery
Healed vocal “breaks” (unwanted yodels) and blended registers (high and low voices)
Vocal uniqueness from access to one’s own resonances
Floating, sustained tones
Expanded vocal range
Freedom of expression due to lack of tension and fear
Confidence and joy in the ability to communicate and to move the heart
Who Benefits?
Beginners, highly advanced professionals and even classical vocalists desiring a more contemporary sound will benefit from this ultimate vocal technique. Public speakers will gain powerful yet pleasant, communicative voices that are not easily fatigued.
Power, Path and Performance starts working quickly but can be studied for a lifetime, as the concepts become clearer and the techniques more entrenched in muscle memory.

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Patricia Neal


Happy 81st birthday to Patricia Neal, the greatest actress of all time. Here is a link to the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

The World War II Memorial


The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S., the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home. Symbolic of the defining event of the 20th Century, the memorial is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people. The Second World War is the only 20th Century event commemorated on the National Mall’s central axis.

Monday, January 15, 2007

Upper 84 Ranch


Former Dallas Cowboy Jay Novacek, invites you to be a guest on his PRIVATE HUNTING RANCH.
It is known as the Upper 84 Ranch, but Jay Novacek refers to it as his little slice of heaven in Nebraska. Jay, known as the tight end who went to five Pro Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys in the 90s, has turned 3,500 acres of land near Brady Nebraska into something he has dreamed of since his youth.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Ronald McDonald House


A strong mind. A strong body. And a safe, supportive place to grow. These are things that every child needs - and deserves. Helping to provide these things is what we do. By creating, finding and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is working to better the lives of children and their families around the world. The three core programs of RMHC - the Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile - are focused on helping families in need. Our cornerstone Ronald McDonald House program began in 1974 based on a simple idea: Provide a "home away from home" for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Since that time, more than 10 million families around the world have benefited from the comfort provided by a Ronald McDonald House.The Ronald McDonald Family Room program extends the comfort of a Ronald McDonald House to a hospital setting. Typically located just steps from neonatal or pediatric intensive care units, the Family Room provides a place to escape the stress and tension of the hospital.Through relationships with local health care providers, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program brings cost-effective medical, dental and health education services directly to underserved children in both rural and urban areas around the world.In addition to supporting the core programs, RMHC and our global network of local Chapters in 49 countries have awarded more than $440 million dollars in grants and program services worldwide to make an immediate, positive impact on as many children as possible. Together with support from hundreds of thousands of passionate and caring volunteers, donors and RMHC staff, we've had plenty of success.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

National Down Syndrome Society


The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to realize their life aspirations. NDSS is committed to being the national leader in enhancing the quality of life, and realizing the potential of all people with Down syndrome.

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

National Champs!


The Florida Gator Football Team won the National Championship last night beating Ohio State 41-14.

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Special Olympics


Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competition.

Friday, January 05, 2007

Jim Harbaugh


Stanford University will have a new football coach next season also. Former University of Michigan and NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh was named head coach. He was formerly head coach at San Diego University.

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Kerwin Bell


Kerwin Bell is the new football coach at Jacksonville University. He is the former coach at Trinity Catholic in Ocala and a former Florida Gator quarterback.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Friday, December 29, 2006

Another Season


I have a book recommendation for you. It's called "Another Season" by Gene Stallings and it is available from Amazon. I have read this book and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

President Ford


President Gerald Ford has passed away at the age of 93. Here is a link to the Gerald Ford Memorial. Here is a link to the Gerald Ford Library and Museum.

Monday, December 25, 2006

Sunday, December 24, 2006

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.

When out on the roof there arose such a clatter,I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.Away to the window I flew like a flash,tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the lustre of midday to objects below,when, what to my wondering eyes should appear,but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.More rapid than eagles, his coursers they came,and he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
"Now Dasher! Now Dancer!Now, Prancer and Vixen!On, Comet! On, Cupid!On, Donner and Blitzen!To the top of the porch!To the top of the wall!Now dash away! Dash away!Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky so up to the house-top the coursers they flew,with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.As I drew in my head and was turning around,down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes--how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.He had a broad face and a little round belly,that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.A wink of his eye and a twist of his head soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.And laying his finger aside of his nose,and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"