So, I just came across one of the greatest stories in the music industry that I’ve heard in a long time. I’m an 80’s kid. I lived most of my childhood and into early adolescence in that decade. So, my early music influences were bands like Chicago, Journey, etc. I grew up on bands that were defined by their lead singer. So, when Chicago lost Peter Cetera and Journey lost Steve Perry that was pretty much it for me. These bands have replaced their lead singers with really great vocalists, but they just don’t compare to the originals… until now!

The story goes like this… Arnel Pineda has been a musician in Asia for 25 years. (Sidebar: he’s 40!!! He looks like he’s 20.  I couldn’t believe it when I found that out.) His most recent stint was with a band called “The Zoo.” They did some original music but mostly covered Journey, Van Halen, Air Supply and others. Journey had once again lost their lead singer. Neil Schon (the only original Journey member) is quoted this way on Journey’s website, “I was frustrated about not having a singer, so I went on YouTube for a couple of days and just sat on it for hours. I was starting to think I was never going to find anybody. But then I found The Zoo and I watched a bunch of different video clips that they had posted. After watching the videos over and over again, I had to walk away from the computer and let what I heard sink in because it sounded too good to be true. I thought, ‘he can’t be that good.’ But he is that good, he’s the real deal and so tremendously talented. Arnel doesn’t sound synthetic and he’s not emulating anyone. I tried to get a hold of him through YouTube and I finally heard from him that night, but it took some convincing to get him to believe that it really was me and not an imposter.”

What an incredible story! Here is a clip of “The Zoo.” You are not going to believe your ears!

So, I’m going to write this post and just ignore the fact that I haven’t posted in like 2 months. I’ve read so many blogs that start out, “I’m really sorry. Life got hectic. I know it’s been a while…” blah… blah… blah. So, I’m going to ignore it and assume you understand.

I just had to bring attention to this. To this point, I have not blogged on sports. I’m a pretty big sports fan, but I’ve stayed away from it because it tends to polarize my audience. I’ve always blogged with the vision of appealing to all people. Plus, I’m constantly trying to gain approval from my wife, and for the most part she couldn’t care less about sports. However, this story has to get out.

I am originally from the Indianapolis area (born and raised). Therefore, since 1984 when the Colts arrived from Baltimore, I’ve been a huge Colts fan. As you can imagine, last year was the most exciting year of my life as a sports fan! (I’m not exaggerating… consider the fact that I’m also a Cubs and Pacers fan.) Over the past several years I have developed a severe hatred for the New England Patriots… mostly because they’ve been really good and until last year appeared to have the Colts’ number.

This year these teams are the only undefeated teams in the NFL. However, it is the Patriots who have gotten all the “run” in the media. I guess you hear more about them because they have the big stars and are blowing teams out – in sports jargon the Patriots are the “sexier team.” So, November 4th they play each other in Indianapolis. Assuming they both win this Sunday, they’ll come into the contest undefeated.

I said all that to say this… regardless of where you are on your journey to severe and utter hatred of the Patriots, you must read this article. It will help you see that this is not a contest to see who the best team is in the NFL. This is a battle of GOOD & EVIL. The moral balance of the universe is at stake. Not a sports fan? Great!!! This is your chance to stand for all that is right and good in this world! Read this article and tell me you are not moved!

https://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrook/071023&sportCat=nfl