What's on my ipod this week

I've decided I'm going to do a weekly posting every Friday about what music I'm listening to. I welcome my readers to share with me who they are listening to. I like to expand my horizons.

So this week I am featuring Vampire Weekend. Don't let the name fool you, its not what you think. They actually chose that name for their band after watching some old cheesy film titled that. They actually are extremely good. They list their biggest musical influences as classical, and you can tell. They have a more independent sound, and eclectic mix of organ, strings, guitar, drums, etc. Its really quite clever music. If I had to try and compare it to someone else, I'd have to say a loose mix between Paul Simon, the beetles, and well, never mind, I can't really compare it and do it justice. Their debut album is a current favorite of mine, and I would suggest you especially listen to the songs A-Punk, Campus, Cape Cod, Mansard Roof, and The Kids Don't Stand a Chance. In fact pretty much the whole album is great, and those are rare. So that's what's in my ipod this week. It comes with high recommendation if your looking for intelligent, fun music to listen to while you work around the house, go for a run, or are having a get together with friends. Stay tuned (play on words, eh?) for next week.

Feel Good Story # 2

Well I'm still waiting for other people to tell me about good acts of service or charity. In the meantime, here is yet another good story for you all.

In Calgary we have a local radio station that does something called "Gerry Forbes Secret Wish". Now, I'm not a big fan of Forbes. I find him to be pretty gross most of the time, but I do listen every Friday at about 7:30 am (little plug for anyone wanting a pick me up) to hear him make someones day. As annoying and over the top as he can be, he does have a big heart, and this charity of his needs to be recognized. He generally takes in donations from friends, local businesses, and the general public. A friend or acquaintance of someone in need will submit a letter into the station as to why their friend is a candidate for the secret wish. The station will then find out what needs that family has, and then every Friday morning, Gerry will call them up at around 7:30 and present them with their gifts over the air. It really is heart warming to hear, and I find myself now wanting to contribute to help his cause.

For your benefit, here is what happened today. He received a letter regarding a family where both parents have struggled with their health the last 4 years. The parents would work on and off between health problems, in entry level fast food positions, as it was the only work they were able to secure. The mother became ill and diagnosed with cancer, and recently passed away, leaving the father to care for his twin 11 year old son and daughter, all on the budget of an entry level fast food worker. So at 7:30 this morning Gerry sent out his girl to this man's house with their donations. He called and the father answered. Gerry introduced himself, gave his condolences, and offered words of encouragement. At this point the father was speechless, but said thank you. Gerry instructed him to go to the door and let his helper in, which the man did. Gerry then began to tell the man what they were receiving. He gave the family a laptop donated by future shop, so the kids could do their homework, gift certificates to get the kids new clothes for school, $250 worth of groceries for this long weekend from Safeway, and $1000.00 to help with bills. By the time he was done, all you heard on the other end was sobbing from this man, who could barely choke out a thank you. The DJ was getting choked up as well, as he wished the man a good long weekend and said he was always welcome to call the station. I'll admit, it had me feeling a tug on my heart strings, and ask most people who know me, I'm not the most emotional person. I thought it was an amazing gesture, and something that I think we can all learn from. Look around your own communities, see what charities are there and see how you can help someone in need. Like a wise man once told me, there's usually someone having a worse day than you, so let's see what we can do to help one another. Have a great long weekend!

1st Good News Story! Hurray for Football Players

To Start my quest in bringing good news to you my readers, here is my first story. Kitwana Jones is a Linebacker for the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos. Yesterday Kitwana was downtown coming back from a public appearance, when he witnessed an elderly woman being mugged for her purse. What did this football star do? Well he didn't get out a camera and start filming (see previous posting). And he didn't keep driving, minding his own business. He got out and chased the thief on foot, tackling him to the ground and "detaining" him until police showed up. The purse was returned and Kitwana Jones labeled a hero.

I love this story for a few reasons, Kitwana is a professional athlete, and his lively hood depends on his ability to play football. Many athletes will refrain from any activities outside of games where there is a real risk of injury, as it could jeopardize their jobs. Mr. Jones however didn't think twice to risk himself to help out someone who couldn't defend herself. He says in his interview posted on TSN, that God placed him there to help that woman out, so he did what he had to do. He has every reason to pull celebrity status and use it as an excuse as to why he would have done nothing, but as his teammates attest to, that's not Kitwana. He is always one to help and defend others. Anyhow, he is a pretty entertaining guy in his interview. If you can click on this link and view the video, you won't be disappointed. http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=285288 Kudos to you Kitwana, for doing what so many others in this world would be afraid to do.

In all, I think we should take something from Kitwana's example. Always help out your fellow man. I'm not suggesting we all chase down criminals on foot. I'm merely suggesting we begin actively serving those around us in any way we can. Lets start sticking up for one another, especially those who can't defend themselves.