Because of my IPOD, I get several e-mails from iTunes a week.  Normally I just delete them but on this one occassion one word caught my attention . . . PRINCE!

 

I opened the message and was treated to a free sampling of two songs from his new CD that was just released on Tuesday.  I listened to both and was super pleased to hear that the FUNK is back!

 

The sounds were of the old school days which produced such classics as KISS, Adore and 1999.  I was beginning to go through some serious Prince withdrawals.  Every now and then I remember the sounds and visuals of my experiences at his three concerts more than a year ago.  Each time he broke out an old classic he managed to blow the roof off!  The moves . . . the funk . . . the guitar strokes . . . and above else . . . the music! 

 

I would travel anywhere to experience another Prince concert live and in person.  Nothing can really take the place of being right there only 4 rows back and so close to the almighty purple one!

 

Remember, don’t forget to go out and buy Prince’s new CD!

 

 

I’m such a fan of the Olympics and as such I have been faithfully following it daily (except when American Idol is on).  I love the Olympics because it demonstrates the pure and simple passion for “competition.”  It’s about the best in the world competing in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.  It’s an awesome thing to watch!  There was one particular story that really drove home what the Olympics mean to me:

 

American figure skater Evan Lysacek and his entourage of 29 family members traveled to Torino Italy to be on center stage for the world to see.  For his short program Evan didn’t skate a clean program and fell on his triple jump.  He was visibly disappointed.  One can only imagine the level of pressure that these young athletes face during competition.  Each athlete works really hard to get to this moment.  Unfortunately when things don’t go as expected it can be a huge let down. 

 

It would’ve been so easy to just quit or make excuses!  Two days later . . . with the weight of his 10^th place finish and memories of his less than stellar performance the night before . . . . Evan took center stage again. 

 

You could just tell that he had a purpose about him . . . he was determined . . . he was energetic . . . he was strong . . . and he was flawless!  He went from 10^th place to 4^th best in the world. For a few minutes in Torino, he was also number one above some of the world’s best athletes.  The NBC commentators were so captivated by his performance! You could hear it in their voices and literally feel their enthusiasm over Evan's awesome performance!  

 

Evan's story punctuated the idea that you don't always need  gold to win the hearts and respect of your fans. 

 

This is the Olympics!  To be on center stage and know that you gave it your all, you were among the best in the world!