I'm going to be honest here, the political aspects of life is making me feel a little discouraged. With the federal election just over a month away, and with the current provincial government making very questionable decisions, I am a bit concerned about where my country is headed. I am not overly fond of making a choice between the lesser of three evils, but there is little I can do otherwise.
Classes start for me tomorrow. I am excited for a new start. Heather is back to work at a new school, and the girls are enjoying the care they are receiving at Tara's and Pam's. We have mixed feelings about this, as we have enjoyed having Heather at home full time, but lets face it, a teacher's salary by itself is not quite enough to make ends meet in Calgary these days. So we are facing the joys and struggles of hard work with optimism and faith.
There was a great deal of smoke in the area this past week as forest and wild fires run amok in BC and Washington State. For much of my first week back there has been a haze over the city. Interesting note, on Thursday I was at the temple (doing work for my father's side of the tree) and when I looked around, in every direction there was smoke. As I looked above the temple, I saw a circle of blue sky. It caused me to think that while the world around us may seem to be hazy, confusing, and gloomy, there is a bright spot as we center our focus on Christ. I know that many of my friends who may read this do not subscribe to the same beliefs as mine, so insert whatever spirituality factor that brings peace and stability into your life.
Of course, with school starting it means that one of my favorite summer traditions is soon to wind down, and that is this season of America's Got Talent. Every year I look forward to this show as it brings together regular people of all walks who have a simple desire to share their talent with the world. As a result, I have been introduced to some amazing individuals who have brought me great enjoyment. Not all make it to the finals, not all make it past the judges' cuts, but all have brought me satisfaction as I hear their stories. This year, I have particularly enjoyed a number of great performers. There is Piff, the Magic Dragon, who mixes comedy with magic (or is it the other way around). Benjamin Yonattan is an inspiring young dancer who's vision has diminished each time he has performed. We have a Professional Regurgitator who is actually doing very well at making something a bit odd entertaining to the point where he could be a contender for this year's winner. Paul Zerdan is an amazing ventriloquist who is my top pick for winning it all. Alex Boye provided great energy in his music, Freelusion is so creative and imaginative, and the list goes on. Like most seasons, I cannot clearly identify the front runner for the contest, and I am certain that when the Top 5 are revealed I will be happy with any of them winning. Looking back on the past 10 years, I give you my Top 10 Acts of AGT from the past seasons (I am excluding this season a there are so many great ones).
10. William Close - This man invented his own instrument, and it is original to say the least. With his Earth Harp he was a 3rd place finalist in Season 7, and his music is hauntingly beautiful.
9. Lindsey Stirling - A fellow Mormon, she is not on this list because we share religious beliefs, but because her music is invigorating, her style unique, and her energy infectious. She is on this list because even though she only made it to the quarter-finals in Season 5, she went on to turn her failures into becoming a self-made success. She may not have been the winner, but she won a lot from her time on AGT.
8. Collins Key - This young man was a phenomenal magician in Season 8 who ended up placing 5gth overall. His skill and professionalism belies his age. He left me mystified.
7. Emily West - Her voice is hauntingly beautiful. She brings chills to me when I hear her sing. She was the runner up in Season 9.
6. John Wing - This was a comedian that I knew from his work in Canada on Just For Laughs and the Debators. In Season 8, he was in the semi-finals in a very tough week of competition. If he had switched spots with a comedian in the other semi-finals, he would have moved on to the next round and possibly had won. The other comedian placed 2nd, but John was the better comedian.
5. Jackie Evancho - This young girl was only 10 years old when she auditioned for Season 5. She went on to place a very close 2nd place. To have such grace, poise, and talent at such a tender young age defies explanation. She has had a good career since, and still keeps her head on straight.
4. Fighting Gravity - There have been many dance groups, traditional and otherwise, that have impressed America and myself. The most impressive was one of the first to incorporate more than just bodies on the stage. Fighting Gravity used black lights to create effects that mesmerized me, and I do believe that they paved the way for other groups that I loved, such as Silhouettes and Freelusion Dance. One tiny mistake cost the the grand prize in Season 5, and they settled for 3rd, but they continue to be successful.
3. Nuttin' But Stringz - Hip Hop gets a bad rap (pun intended) due to the stereotypes of street thugs and violence associated with it. Nuttin' I love better than smashing a stereotype, and these two brothers took their violins and put on a hip-hop twist that blew me away. I was hoping that they would win Season 3, and even though they came in 3rd, they were electrifying.
2. Terry Fator - The most successful winner (financially) so far, making over $10 million a year in Vegas, Terry Fator won the hearts of America and the $1 million grand prize in Season 2. Who would have expected a ventriloquist to be so talented? I picked him to win it all after his initial performance in the auditions.
1. Kenichi Ebina - Season's 8 winner is my favorite. It is so hard to describe him, other than talented. He was so different, creative, intelligent, and insanely entertaining. He is more than a dancer, he is an artist and a visionary.
Can't wait to see who wins this year.
