Barney Fife and Acappella

We used this video for a while as an introduction to our concerts. I found it again on YouTube. Funny stuff.

He Gave Her Water

Recently, I had the opportunity to return to an annual spiritual retreat in Paris, TN. It is nearly impossible to explain what happens at the retreat. Suffice it to say that it is a mountaintop experience every year.

This year, we gathered together several old fogies to sing, calling ourselves Acappella Classic. It was me, Keith Lancaster, Rodney Britt, George Pendergrass and Steve Maxwell. At one point, we sang the old favorite "He Gave Her Water" with our friend Jerome Williams.

Every time we sing this song, Jerry Jones hops on stage and tries to sing the song with us. This time, we pulled the old trick "turn your back on the guest from the audience" that Acappella (His Image) used to do years ago.

It worked, until Jerry decided to take the lyrics of the song literally. In an attempt to get the microphone, He Gave Me Water. I suppose I've been sprinkled by the pope. A baptismal redeaux. Take a look.

MJ's Death a Hoax?

The king is dead. Long live the king.

Many comparisons have been made between the death of Michael Jackson and the death of his father-in-law Elvis Presley. I'm sure you've seen them and I won't recount them here. So here's my prediction:

Within a month, you will begin to see stories suggesting that Michael Jackson is not dead. He couldn't handle the stress of the new tour. He wanted to drop out of site completely. We'll see shots of what appears to be clandestine meetings between Michael and his children.

The seeds have already been planted. AP released a story about Michael's death certificate and stressed that the cause of death was listed as "deferred." This is obviously because the autopsy had not been completed, but you watch... that's where it will start.

Also, why did the golden casket containing his body detour from it's trip to Forest Lawn? No one seems to know where the final resting place is. Could it be?

Don't get me wrong. I fully believe that MJ has truly shuffled off his mortal coil. This is more a comment on the current society of instant info and our Ethernet-in-the-belly-button lifestyle. Just wait. It's coming.

Book Review: Latter-Day Cipher

I have decided that maybe it’s better to read books by authors you do not personally know. This is no judgement against the book Latter-Day Cipher. As a matter of fact, I really like the book, but more on that in a moment.

I’ve known the author, Latayne Scott, for many years. I’ve read some of her other works and sat in seminars under her leadership and teaching. She is one of the few people I’ve met that I would consider brilliant. Her depth of theological understanding and her ability to present subjects in a clear and understandable manner are highly developed. She has a great sense of humor which, in my experience, runs on the dry and slightly sarcastic side. It’s a joy to be around her.

Which is why it took me completely by surprise when the opening paragraphs of Latter-Day Cipher graphically present the first in a series of serial murders. It made me wonder if I had the right book. I did. And I’m glad. As I write this, I am slightly over halfway through the novel. You are safe from spoilers.

As a novelist, it seems to me that Latayne has a unique style, at least when coupled with this genre. Her flowing language and use of metaphorical imagery create a striking contrast to the topic at hand. Oftentimes, her poetic description of events make them seem all the more horrific.

Latter-Day Cipher flows well. Characters are introduced and fleshed out at a pleasing pace. Events roll along without getting bogged down. The story is well constructed. You won’t fall asleep reading this, unless you take medicine and read it when you go to bed, as do I. But that’s not the fault of the book. That’s the fault of restless leg syndrome.

The story is very compelling and engaging, but what really impresses me is the way she presents truth in an apologetical wrapper. Latayne draws on her extensive history and understanding of the Mormon culture and weaves its secrets into an astounding tapestry. The truths of Christianity shine when compared with the falsehoods embraced by the Mormons of Latter-Day Cipher, and the Mormons of the world.

As I said, I have not completed the book. I look forward to finishing the journey, and I highly recommend you take it as well. Latter-Day Cipher by Latayne C. Scott. Best murder mystery I’ve ever read by someone I actually know.

Wings Point Aid to Nicaragua

Wings Point Ministries has shipped their first sound system to the mission field. Benny Baker heads up Mision Para Cristo in Nicaragua, a medical mission servicing the entire nation of Nicaragua. They were in need of a portable sound system to use as they travel from city to city dispensing aid. Also, one of the larger churches in the country had a place to meet but no means to be heard. God allowed Wings Point to provide for their needs.

On June 24, we delivered 2 sound systems to Global Samaritan Ministries in Abilene. Global Samaritan ships materials to mission points all over the world, including Mision Para Cristo in Nicaragua. Pictured here is David Catalina of Global and me as we stand by a portion of the system, delaying the men who were trying to load it. They had a serious production line going.

Each system we shipped consisted of 2 JBL Eon 305 speakers, a Soundcraft GigRac 600 powered mixer, speaker stands, mikes and cables. Benny tells me that they often use one speaker for their church and one speaker to set out in the street so the town can hear the gospel. That's what it's all about.

If you have any interest helping with future shipments, Wings Point is a non-profit entity. Any donations given are tax-deductible and will greatly help in spreading the Word of God to people who need to hear it around the world.

MLS

Anyone who knows me would probably assume I'm talking about Major League Soccer. Not this time. Since we are moving over the next couple of weeks, we have contracted a Realtor to deal with our house here in Midland. Therefore, MLS refers to the Multiple Listing System. At least I think that's what it stands for.

Anyway, our house can now be seen on Realtor.com at this link. Or you can just search our MLS number, which is 78589.

On another front, I enjoyed watching Gizmodo's live coverage of the WWDC keynote where they announced the new iPhone. I've waited 2 years for this one. My contract finally expired about 5 months ago, allowing me to upgrade around Christmas. I got phones for the family, but held off for mine. I suspected that there would be a new iPhone coming down the pike. I'm glad I waited. 3Gs 16G for me in late June! Whoohoo!

Pitch Pipecast: Episode 16 - Terry Cheatham

Just posted a new podcast!

Episode 16 of the Pitch Pipecast welcomes original AVB 1st tenor, Terry Cheatham. Wes McKinzie joins host Gary Moyers as the three discuss the original days of the Acappella Vocal Band.

Terry shares his favorite AVB songs from his tenure with the group. He talks about his first days as an AVB'er and his first 24 hours, which included the recording of one of his trademark songs.

You can catch the podcast from the Pitch Pipecast website, or as always you can access it directly from this link.

Pitch Pipecast Episode 15: Bret Testerman

A new episode of the Pipecast is now available! Bret Testerman joins me and Wes McKinzie for a great discussion leading up to AVB's reunion concert this coming July.

Bret was the lead singer for AVB during their transition from a back up group for Acappella to a full time independent ministry. He sings lead on some of their most memorable songs, including The Victim.

The Pipecast can be found at PitchpipePro.com. Or as always, you can download it directly from this link.

Roses and Recordings

Not much in general to say lately. We've got our house on the market and we're waiting. One week and no calls.

In the meantime, we've had some nice rains and Sherri's roses have come out nicely. Not that she planted them or anything. They were here when we moved in. She rescued them because they were in pretty bad shape. The rains have helped. Midland water on roses does not do well. Too many minerals. So the better the rain, the better the roses.

I'm heading to Lubbock for the next four days. I've been producing the new release for Taylor Productions. RJ (Sonny) Taylor released a hymnal over 10 years ago. Every year he releases a supplement accompanied by a CD for education and edification. The first 5 were done by Darrell Bledsoe when he was in Houston. The next 5 were done with Ryan Christian at Richland Hills. I get to do #11.

It's been a lot of fun. I've recruited 3 other singers to help me do it right. Lauren Mooney and Jill Riggan are both members of Best Friends from LCU. They sing like angels. For bass, well, there was never really a question. Gary Evans is amazing.

So, my first project with Studio 84 is taking me back to old school. A cappella again.

FSBO: 3306 Dentcrest Dr, Midland, TX

I've mentioned that we have our house up for sale. I realized I might as well go ahead and post the ad on my blog so you won't have to make a trip to 3306dentcrest.com. Here goes:

Great Two-Story House With Charm!
3306 Dentcrest Dr
Midland, TX 79707
MAP THIS HOUSE

3 beds, 2.5 baths
2050 Sq. Ft.
2 Car Attached Garage

FSBO: 3306 Dentcrest, Midland TX

Detailed Description:
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Total Rooms: 7
Floors: 2.0
Square Footage: 2150
Year Built: 1983
School District: Parker Elementary, Abel Middle School, Lee High School
Garage Size: 2.0
Lot Size: 7013 SF

LIVING ROOM (18×15): Fireplace, multiple windows, tile floor.
LARGE KITCHEN (22X10): Multiple cabinets and tops, built ins, incandescent lighting, matching appliances, adjoining breakfast area w/ceiling fan.
DINING AREA (11×12): Open architecture, flows into living area, multiple windows, wet bar and cabinets.
ENTRY AREA (9X14): Cut-back stairs leading to upper loft hallway.
UPSTAIRS: office/library/extra room at top of stairs (17×6).
LARGE MASTER BEDROOM (18×15): Tall vaulted ceiling, private backyard door, tile flooring, 2 huge walk-in closets (4X6 & 9X7).
MASTER BATH: His and her vanity, private toilet and shower/tub.
2nd/3rd BEDROOMS (11×15 & 11×12): Good carpet, natural lighting with multiple windows.
2nd BATH (11×6): Upstairs, vinyl floor, tub/shower combo.
HALF BATH: Downstairs just off living area.
PATIO: Large covered area.
GARAGE (20×21): 2 car attached with shelving and storage area.
ATTIC: Drop-stair, garage entry.
UTILITY ROOM (6.5X11): Area for washer/dryer. Closet for water heater.
BACKYARD: Fenced with cement apron, basketball goal with half-court (18×32), small out building, fenced garden area with 3 beds.
OTHER AMENITIES: Dual HVAC Systems w/Heat Pumps, Central AC, Central Heating, Security System, Tile Floors downstairs, Carpet upstairs, Ceiling Fans throughout, Built-in Appliances (Range/Oven. Dishwasher, Disposal, Microwave), large mature trees.

The Sound of Music

This video was made in the Antwerp, Belgium Central Station (train) on March 23, 2009. It was a Monday morning and with no warning to the passengers passing through the station, a recording of Julie Andrews comes on the public address system singing “Do, Re, Mi.” As the bemused passengers watch in amazement, some 200 dancers begin to appear from the crowd and station entrances.

This was created with just 2 rehearsals. It was a promotional stunt for a Belgian television program that was looking for someone to play the leading role in their musical production of "The Sound of Music". You can see how the crowd reacts. Amazement. As well it should be. Life would be a lot better if this kind of thing happened more often. :)

Ashley & the Talent Show

Ash really wanted to be in the talent show at Midland Christian this year. She kept jumping back and forth on what she wanted to do... sing, play, what song, etc. The night before the show, 90 minutes from rehearsal, she still had not settled on what she was doing. I was concerned, being the stupid perfectionist that I am. So I made her try out for me. Afterwards, I made a small suggestion. She loves doing remixes on Acid (the program, not the drug). Why not do a remix of the song she really wanted to do? Her mind went to work and you can now see Ashley performing Bella's Lullaby from the movie Twilight... techno.

Moving?

It seems the rumor mill is still alive and well. We've not tried to keep this a secret. At the same time, we've not gone out and shouted it from the mountaintop either. That being said, yes, we are seriously considering a move to Lubbock this summer.

I've had several people come up and ask me about it. I suppose it's time to talk more about it. My job with Moyers Sound and Studio 84 is increasing in scope. Studio 84 is in need of someone to manage it. Things are about to take off there, with many plans on the drawing board. Instead of trying to find someone to oversee it all, Wally asked me if I would consider moving to Lubbock and doing it myself.

So, here we go again. This time, it's a good move. We have not sold our house as of yet. That's a big thing. We feel sure that God has something up his proverbial sleeve. I've begun to put together a website to help it sell. If you are interested, you can find it at 3306Dentcrest.com, which is the actual address of our house.

Sherri is applying at several school districts in the area, Lubbock, Frenship & Shallowater. We've made an offer on a house in Shallowater, so it would be very nice to get a job there. We'll see.

If anyone has any suggestions or networking possibilities, please let me know. God seems to be on a roll with this one, and he may want to use you. :)

Pimp my Mac #2

MacHeist is a pretty cool annual offering. Never heard of it? This is year three for the event. It's gotten progressively bigger every year.

The MacHeist people conduct an online spy game, leaving clues on servers all over the world. It's very detailed, so much so that I've never really gotten involved in the game itself.

The cool thing is, they bundle together a ton of software as the reward for being involved. I signed in this year as a player and basically observed the contest. Doing so allowed me access to free software as the game progressed.

At the end, they offer a great bundle of software to anyone who wants it, player or not, for a ridiculously low price. A large percentage of the money goes to charity. It a great way for software developers to get their product into your hands.

This year, the total retail value of the bundle is $950.70 and they are selling it for only $39. Ridiculous. And it's good stuff too. I highly recommend it. There are a couple of programs in the bundle that are easily worth $39 alone.

Here is a link to the bundle. Check it out. And no, this is not an April Fool's joke.

http://www.macheist.com/bundle/u/39573/

Tulsa Snow & Sound Ministry

I've spent the past three days in Tulsa at the Workshop. It's been six years or so since I've had a chance to be here. The event is much smaller than it was even a few years ago. It was still quite effective, I believe, even though it was smaller in size. At least, it was for us. Moyers Sound had a booth at the event and we made some wonderful contacts. My in-laws were also exhibitors at the event. You can see them here at their booth for New Mexico Christian Children's Home.

We had a significant weather event as well. I've been to the Tulsa Workshop at least 15 times before and experienced all kinds of weather. This is the first time I've seen it snow like this. We had 7 inches in about as many hours. The picture below was at about the three inch level. Pulling a trailer was a lot of fun in this weather.

I am amazed at the things God can do when you make yourself available. We came to Tulsa to let people know that I was now involved with Moyers Sound and, hopefully, make some inroads into churches needing system upgrades or new installs. Some of that happened, but much more took place in another area entirely.

Wally, my cousin and the "Moyers" behind Moyers Sound, has always had a dream to do more with Moyers Sound than install AVL systems in churches. One of the common questions we hear after a new install is, "What do we do with the old stuff?" Often, the old system will be relegated to a closet or sold on eBay with shipping costing more than the price it was sold for.

Wally and LaTronda formed a non-profit organization called Wings Point. Wings Point has several purposes, one of which provides an solution to the problem of perfectly good sound systems going to waste.

A system that may be 20-30 years old and "outdated" may be perfectly suitable for an inner-city church that has nothing... or a church in a third world country with less than nothing (is that possible?). Over the past few days, God made it possible for us to connect with several ministries located all over the world... South America, East Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe. Till now, our dream of distributing used systems to needy 3rd world churches has been hampered by two things: 1). a good system to identify deserving churches, and 2). a way to deliver them. God has provided an answer to both this week.

Lord willing, we will be delivering our first two sound systems to churches in Nicaragua this coming June. From there, who knows? At this point, the world is open to us. We just pray that God will bless this effort.

More to come...

The Simple Life

This past week was a both a breath of fresh air and an exhausting experience.

My mother's family is from central Missouri, the little hamlet of Middle Grove, about 30 miles north of Columbia. Her only sister, Margaret, is at home in hospice care after a long fight with cancer. We used the spring break from school as a chance for my family to reconnect with her and several other aging family members in Missouri.

The exhausting experience comes from the fact that the family no longer lives in Middle Grove. They've spread out in a 45 mile radius from Centralia to Mexico to Paris to Moberly. So instead of driving 2 miles to see the next relative, we drove about 50 miles a day after a 900 mile trip there. Then a 900 mile trip back. We are plum exhausted.

At the same time, what I experienced was refreshing as well. Certainly the family renewal was part of it, but we left Missouri with a new appreciation of the country lifestyle. The majority of my Missouri relatives are seemingly isolated from the changes of the world and the culture around them. They see the news and are aware of the issues, but they don't seem to be touched by it. Certainly not all of them fall into this category, and some of those who do have felt the effects at times (my uncle lost his farm because of the Nixon beef policy). But on the whole, they seem to be set apart from the entire thing.

We spent part of a day riding through Amish farm country. We shopped (and spent too much) in an Amish store. After leaving the Amish region and heading back into "normal society"... well, things didn't feel too different.

They still live in the same homes. The homes themselves haven't changed in 30 years. In some cases, it seems like the same dog is still in the barnyard. It's sort of an eerie experience, overall.

Don't take that as an insult. Remember, I said it was refreshing. They seem to have a better grasp on the biblical idea of taking one day at a time. Little worry and less rush. Get up, feed the cattle, work in the field, eat supper, sit around telling stories, go to bed. Sleep in the same bed your grandfather built. Next day repeat same.

There's a sense of peacefulness and continuity that we miss in our rush-toward-tomorrow society. Some of them may read this and laugh, wondering what old crazy Gary is talking about now. That's okay. I've always been a little off. I hope that's because I've got some Missouri roots in me. It sure felt like home to me.

Mutant Potato Two-Toed Tater

My son is in need of some extra cash and he's learned about capitalism. So he's asked me to sell this potato for him on Ebay. Here goes.

This truly unique potato is one of a kind. It's a special spud. A two-toed tater. You can't find a Murphy like this inside of Idaho or outside of Ireland. This one potato will feed at least one and a half people easily. This is one spud you don't want to miss. Bid now and bid high!

If that doesn't move you...

IT'S A MUTANT POTATO! Discovered in the south of New Mexico near White Sands, this potato grew from a small root into a two-headed terror. Nothing in Roswell can match it. The entire town of Lovington ran screaming into the night when this potato was unveiled. Buy it now and clear your block of any unsavory types. Simply set the potato on your porch and the let the hideous nature of this tater take it's course.

Or maybe...

For sale! Special lover's potato. This special spud was designed with two in mind. You may have missed Valentine's Day, but this V-shaped potato will bring it all back. Not only is it "V" in nature, but the rounded edges give it the unique properties of a heart. This potato beats for you. Buy it for your love now, or be forever sorry.

Or could it be....

If one were to stand on their head while looking at this picture, one would see that this potato looks very much like a Star Trek insignia. The new Star Trek movie is opening soon. Buy this potato and wear it on your chest with pride. This spud will help you live long and prosper.

My son just said, "I think that's enough, Dad." Please help him learn about the American Way. Buy my son's potato. Please.

If you have a heart and wish to bid on my son's potato and preserve his faith in justice, freedom and the free market system, follow this link to Ebay and bid high. My starving son thanks you. Well, actually he's not starving or he would eat the stupid thing. But he thanks you anyway. (Bidding available through Mar-20-09 17:57:29 PDT)

Moyers Family Riverdance

My daughter always wanted to be in Riverdance. I'm not sure how my son got there though... Happy St. Patrick's Day to ye.

P.S. Since I've posted this, two issues have been raised. 1) Sherri does so much work around here there seem to be 2 of her, thus 2 in the dance, and 2) yes, my son is secure in his manhood.

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Pitch Pipecast: Episode 14 - Acappella's Sneak Preview

I've just posted episode 14 of the Pitch Pipecast with Keith Lancaster. It's a sneak preview of Acappella's new album, Find Your Way. Keith joins us and gives the "behind the scenes" story of the album. Five songs are highlighted as Keith tells the background and reasoning behind the song... and then you get to hear it!

It's a chance to hear a part of the album before it releases. It's a sneak-peak treat you'll find only on the Pitch Pipecast.

You can hear it at PitchpipePro.com or download it directly from this link.

Before and After

A while back, I posted a couple of shots of my son getting a haircut, before vs. after. I thought I might do the same with my house. We had the trees trimmed today.

BEFORE:


AFTER:


WOW! There's a house in there after all.