Friday, June 30, 2006

The one with The Edge Radio 91.5FM in Manila

On July 1st, 2006, The Edge Radio, Metro Manila's first all-Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) radio station, goes live from 6PM to 6AM. With music coming in from many of the world's foremost Christian artists, including American CCM artists Switchfoot, MercyMe, and Casting Crowns, and local CCM artists Kitchie Nadal and Barbie Almalbis, The Edge Radio will broadcast 12 glorious hours of CCM daily.

Please help spread the word about The Edge Radio by posting similar announcements on your blog, Friendster, MySpace, or Multiply pages. Tell your friends in your small groups, discipleship groups, and churches. Be part of Filipino-Christian history in the making, with God-glorifying music on local airwaves.

Visit The Edge Radio's official website at http://www.theedgeradio.net.

Email The Edge Radio at info at theedgeradio dot net.

Text The Edge Radio at 0918-795-8665.

Make friends with The Edge Radio on Friendster by looking for "edge radio."

Join The Edge Radio's mailing list: ontheedgeradio@yahoogroups.com

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

The one with lyrics of A Better Way by Downhere

Looking for the lyrics to A Better Way by Downhere? Look no further! Here it is.

A BETTER WAY
Downhere
From the album Wide-eyed and Mystified

I'm not alone, I really believe
You never go, You never leave
Here and now, You always stay
"I love you" could not be said a better way

It's everything You've promised
There's no greater love than this
From prophets until today
A man laying down His life for His friends
Your sacrifice has spoken, You gave everything
And "I love you" could not be said
A better way

I am forgiven, I clearly see
It's why You came to do all you did for me
Trading earth with heaven, You took my place
"I love you" could not be said
A better way

Because You redeem, I know what's to come
Everything I could lose here, You've already won
So You have my surrender, with passion obey
"I love you" could not be said
A better way

There you go! Lyrics to Downhere's A Better Way. Enjoy!

The one with lyrics of You Alone by Echoing Angels

Looking for the lyrics to You Alone by Echoing Angels? Look no further! Here it is.

YOU ALONE
Echoing Angels


Desperately wanting
To just find a way
I'm searching and seeking
For someone to save

That it's all right
And it's okay
Like I know You can
That it's all right
And it's okay
Like I know You can

You alone are God
I am Yours and You're mine
And I know the heavens
will call out Your name if I don't

I close my eyes
And I drift away
To a place I remember
To a place I feel safe

Where it's all right
And it's okay
'Cuz I'm there in Your arms
Where it's all right
And it's okay
'Cuz I'm there in Your arms

You alone are God
I am Yours and You're mine
And I know the heavens
will call out Your name
Yes I know the heavens
will call out Your name

You forgive me
You accept me
Just as I am
And You love me
And You want me
To understand

I am Yours and You are mine
And I will worship You yeah,

You alone are God
I am Yours and You're mine
And I know the heavens
will call out Your name if I don't (yeah, yeah)
You alone are God
I am Yours and You're mine
And I know the heavens
will call out Your name
will call out Your name
And I know the heavens will worship
You alone
You alone are God, yeah

There you go! Lyrics to Echoing Angels' You Alone. Enjoy!

The one with lyrics of Shine by Salvador

Looking for the lyrics to Shine by Salvador the Christian group? Look no further! Here it is.

SHINE
Salvador
From the album Dismiss the Mystery

I woke up to another day
Another day to celebrate
Your beauty and your mystery
is more than I can see

I'm not the man I was before
With you my life is so much more
Break the chains and open doors
To a world I can't ignore

Lord let me shine
Shine like the moon
A reflection of You
all that I do
Lord let me be
Light for Your Truth
Light of the world
I wanna be used to shine for You

Simple as a passing smile
or listening a little while
to someone that's convinced they're in this all alone
Here's my chance to share the news
to introduce that good that's you
here you go again
you never cease to blow my mind

Lord let me shine
Shine like the moon
A reflection of You
all that I do
Lord let me be
Light for Your truth
Light of the world
I wanna be used to shine for You

You're the love that we all need
You lift us up to our feet
You hold the key to eternity
King of Kings and life in me

Lord let me shine
Shine like the moon
A reflection of You
all that I do
Lord let me be
Light for Your truth
Light of the world
I wanna be used to shine for You
Shine for You
Shine for You

There you go! Lyrics to Salvador's Shine. Enjoy!

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Brand-new Las Pinas townhouse for rent

Our Royal South townhouse in Las Pinas will be available for rent for only P9,000/month starting March 1, 2010.

Cathy and I are renting out our townhouse in Las Pinas City. If you're looking to rent a house in Las Pinas, please take a look at our Las Pinas townhouse, situated in private, safe subdivision Royal South Subdivision, only ten minutes away from SM Southmall and other exciting places along the Zapote area.

There is a parking slot in front of the house, and there are no problems with water and electricity. There is a small monthly association fee to ensure the security of the subdivision.

Our asking price for our Las Pinas City townhouse for rent is only P9000/month (other properties in the same area are renting in the Php10,000 to Php13,000 range). Terms are one month advance and two months deposit. Please email us at superblessed at gmail dot com or call 0908-892-2377.

Photos here (note: furniture belongs to previous tenant. Tenants provide their own furniture).

Monday, June 19, 2006

The one with American Idol Season 5:The Encores

Having purchased American Idol Season 5: The Encores, I have to say the quality of this season's batch is certainly formidable, and for the quality of three tracks on this album, the soundtrack is definitely worth purchasing. My review comes from the perspective of a 30-year-old with A/C leanings.

Excellent work
Paris Bennett. Midnight Train to Georgia. Paris vamps and sings her way through this Gladys Knight chestnut with all the sass, pomp, and circumstance belying her 17 years. She certainly does a noteworthy job, blasting Season 3's Jasmine Trias out of the water and coming up with a performance that is memorable, albeit a bit too strong for the emotions required of the song.

Elliott Yamin. Moody's Mood for Love. Spectacular, albeit watered down, retake on the first track that got Mr. Yamin noticed in the first place. His rehash of the James Moody-penned original is superb and near-flawless, with perfect runs and a rich, soulful voice that may well send Elliott on a long and storied career. Breathtaking.

Melissa McGhee. What About Love? McGhee was voted off much too early, and the album opener shows what I knew from the start: McGhee's voice has what it takes to produce songs of topnotch quality. McGhee growls her way to a winning performance with her cover of the original smash by Heart, and delivers a vocal that is impressive and should do Ann Wilson proud. Superb.

Very Good Tracks
Taylor Hicks. Taking It to the Streets. While Season Five winner Hicks has an instantly recognizable voice and a clear idea of where he wants to go, song selection is what makes a winner (listen up, Fantasia), and this Michael McDonald chestnut is uplifted only by Hicks' stellar vocal delivery. Hicks is also encumbered by McDonald's star-making memorable delivery, and comparisons will be expected.

Katherine McPhee. Think. Kat's voice is sterling, and her looks are enviable. Her vocal, meanwhile, is hearty and spirited, despite the fact that McPhee is no Aretha Franklin. Nor is she Fantasia, who delivered a blow-the-roof-off a capella version of this in the prelims in Season Three. Kat has been labelled a diva balladeer, and I think she would do well to package herself as such.

Worth a spin (or three)

Bucky Covington. Superstition. I enjoyed his version of this on the show (did not like the hair, but moving on…). Covington delivers a spirited version of the Stevie Wonder original, and succeeds in making it a track truly his own. While his country leanings certainly do not shine on this track, given its funk-rock treatment, he does make a statement about how far the underdog can come if given the right material. Smokin'.

Chris Daughtry. Wanted Dead or Alive. I was not a Daughtry fan, but there's no denying that Chris has an instantly recognizable voice and a ne'er-say-die confidence that carried him far into the competition. Daughtry does this Bon Jovi original proud, giving it a raspiness and air that lends a new dimension to the song. Kudos.

Ace Young. Father Figure. Never was a Young fan, but he does deliver a decent take on this George Michael hit. Young's breathy, almost nasal delivery channels Michael down to the core, and comparisons between Michael and Young are expected. They have much in common. ;)

The world won't end if you skip these tracks

Mandisa. I'm Every Woman. I was the biggest Mandisa Hundley fan, even after she was eliminated, but her version of this Chaka Khan hit on this compilation is weak and lacking in energy, the kind of energy that she brought to the stage. The arrangement was all wrong, with a listless bassline and vocals that were overwhelmed by the volume of both the instruments and backup vocalists. I blame the producer for this mess.

Kellie Pickler. Walking After Midnight. Sass and spunk may be Pickler's stronger points, but it certainly doesn't show on her cover of the Patsy Cline classic. Her otherwise pure vocals are drowned in a cacophony of pseudo-rock beats and half-hearted growls. She may have a career in musical comedy, though, so don't cry for Ms. Pickler; she's good to go a long way.

Kevin Covais. When I Fall in Love. I'm sorry, but young, precocious Covais brings nothing new to this Nat King Cole gem. Emotion-wise and vocal-wise, Kevin can't pull it off. He does have a pure voice, one that, with time, may just become an amazing voice to remember, but based on his rendition right now, I can't see that happening.

Lisa Tucker. Signed Sealed Delivered (I'm Yours). This is one of my favorite Stevie Wonder songs of all time, and Tucker issues a singing-by-numbers, nasal and dragging version that grates on the nerves of anyone who's ever heard quality covers of this track (including those by Wonder, Brian McKnight and British boy band Blue, which channels Wonder and Angie Stone for an excellent revival). This track isn't even forgettable; you'll remember it for how bad it is compared to the other tracks. She may be young, and a career may be in front of her, but I won't jump onto that bandwagon.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

The one with the 'My Perfect Proposal' contest

To celebrate June weddings, Perfect Proposals, the Philippines' only wedding proposal coordination and assistance service, is offering one lucky gentleman a chance at a truly memorable proposal!

Are you looking to propose to your special someone? Send us your vision of your perfect proposal and allow us to see where we can help you!

The most romantic, creative proposal idea will win a Perfect Proposals package consisting of complete proposal planning and assistance from Perfect Proposals*, as well as coverage of the actual proposal from a local television show (complete prize details will be made available only to the winner).

The best part of this contest? All entries will receive replies from Ganns or Catherine Deen,
co-owners of Perfect Proposals, giving an initial assessment of your proposal idea - for free! Learn from the experts and see if your proposal is doable and well within your budget!

So what are you waiting for? Email us your name, contact information, and proposal idea (in 500 words or less) at superblessed@gmail.com on or before 5PM, Friday, June 16, 2006. Visit us at http://www.perfectproposalsonline.com for more information!

----------------------------------

* Please note that Perfect Proposals will be responsible for proposal planning and coordination only, and will not be responsible or expected to provide financial assistance.

Sunday, June 11, 2006

The one where we've moved

This may come as a surprise, but please update your blog links! Cathy, Nathan and I have moved! See you at www.TheDeensOnline.com!

You can also swing by GannsDeen.com, my new blog! Expect a spankin' new website within the next two weeks! Praise God!

Saturday, June 10, 2006

The one with new FaithFactor items

Some new items on FaithFactor. Do swing by, please!


Superblessed Wall Clock. Cute!


White Sheep Journal! Adorable!


U-Turn Messenger Bag. Trendy!


Black Sheep Tee! Hip!

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

The one with Ain't No Other Man by Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera's new single, Ain't No Other Man, is now fully available for download on ITunes and listening on her official website. Ain't No Other Man is a darn good song, quite catchy, with nothing like it on the radio.

Aguilera's album Back to Basics drops August 15 via RCA. Ain't No Other Man is HOT. I love it. Take that, Britney.

Are you looking for the complete lyrics to Ain't No Other Man by Christina Aguilera? Look no further.

AIN'T NO OTHER MAN
Christina Aguilera
From the album Back to Basics

Hey (Do your thing honey)

I could feel it from the start
Couldn't stand to be apart
Something about you caught my eye
Something moved me deep inside
I don't what you did boy but you had it
And I've been hooked ever since
Told my mother, my brother, my sister and my friends
Told the other, my lovers from past and present tense (all right)
And everytime I see you, everything starts making sense
(Do your thing, honey)

Ain't no other man can stand up next to you
Ain't no other man on the planet does what you do (what you do)
You're the kinda guy, a girl finds in a blue moon.
You got soul, you got class.
You got style, Shake your bad *ss
Ain't no other man it's true (alright)
Ain't no other man but you


Never thought I'd be all right (no no no)
'Til you came and changed my life (yeah yeah yeah)
All was cloudy now it's clear, yeah yeah
You're the life that I needed
You've got what I want boy and I want it
So keep on giving it up

Tell your mother, your brother, your sister and your friends
All the others, your lovers, better not be present tense
'Cuz I want everyone to know that you are mine and no one else's

Ain't no other man can stand up next to you
Ain't no other man on the planet does what you do
(what you do)
You're the kinda guy, a girl finds in a blue moon.
You got soul, you got class.
You got style, Shake your bad *ss
Ain't no other man its true (alright)
Ain't no other man but you.


(Break it down now)
Ain't no other
Ain't Ain't no other other
Ain't no other
Ain't Ain't no other lover
Ain't no other
I, I, I need no other lover
Ain't no other man but you

You are there through all of this
Talked me down from every ledge
Give me strength oh you're the best
You're the only who's ever passed every test

Ain't no other man can stand up next to you
Ain't no other man on the planet does what you do
(what you do)
You're the kinda guy, a girl finds in a blue moon.
You got soul, you got class.
You got style, Shake your bad *ss
Ain't no other man its true (alright)
Ain't no other man but you.


There you go! Complete lyrics to Christina Aguilera's Ain't No Other Man, the first single off Back to Basics, out August 15, 2006. Enjoy!

Update: Corrected lyrics with suggestions from Jekka.

The one with the excitement for Brian Littrell's Welcome Home



I'm so inspired by Brian Littrell. I'm not ashamed to admit I listened to Backstreet Boys back in the 90s. Almost 13 years later, Brian Littrell (B-Rok, I think was his pretty-boy nick) releases his solo venture, Welcome Home, which debuted at #3 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart a month ago. I'm very excited for Welcome Home to hit local shores; I'll be sure to snap up a copy; the track's now #6 on my personal chart. :)

Here's an acoustic performance of Welcome Home by Brian Littrell on the 700 Club. [Thanks, YouTube.]




WELCOME HOME
Brian Littrell
Off the Provident release Welcome Home

When I left home to be who I am
Some people said "No Way"
But I laid it all down, gave everything
In my head rang the words that my father said

You're never far
I will be where you are
and when you come to me
I will open my arms

Welcome Home, you
I know you by name
How do you do?
I shine because of you today
So come and sit down
Tell me how you are
I know son, it's good just to see your face.

When I look at you holding my heart
I will give to you all that I have
Son I know there'll be times
You will feel all alone
I will share with you the words my father said

You're never far
I will be where you are
and when you come to me
You can bet I will open my arms

Welcome Home, you
I know you by name
How do you do?
I shine because of you today
So come and sit down
Tell me how you are
I know son, it's good just to see your face

Said I've been waiting for that day
Just to feel your warm embrace
Your love has shown
I will never be alone
You will welcome me home

I'll forever be
You will say to me
Welcome Home, you
I know you by name
How do you do?
I shine because of you today
So come and sit down
Tell me how you are
I know son, it's good just to see your face

When I left home to be who I am
Some people said "No Way"

The one with the video of Find Your Wings by Mark Harris



Find Your Wings by Mark Harris has been on my charts for more than a month now, and I haven't grown tired of Find Your Wings. Thanks to YouTube, I've found the video of Mark Harris' Find Your Wings, and I'm tearing up yet again.

As I mentioned in a previous blog entry, I picture Nathan growing up to become a God-fearing person who does great things for Jesus and his country, and I get all choked up. I am not a big fan of Mark Harris, but this song makes me an instant convert. The second single from his solo album, The Line Between the Two, Find Your Wings is a ballad about love of family and children - a classic, guaranteed bestseller in my book.

Wanna hear it? Click here for the full song on Mark Harris' Myspace page.

For those of you who are looking for lyrics to Mark Harris' Find Your Wings, look no further. What an amazing song.

FIND YOUR WINGS
Mark Harris
From the INO album The Line Between the Two

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow

Chorus:
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories

Chorus

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

The one with the quick and easy pork steak recipe

I tried out an experiment today that turned out extremely well. Today marks the second day I'm on the Atkins way of life, and I've been preparing my own low-carb, high protein meals (save for dinner last night, which was a delicious chicken stew with tomatoes and carrots prepared by by my wife Cathy; I didn't eat the carrots to avoid additional sugar).

Yesterday, I made myself a great chicken stir-fry, which was quite good, but I'm particularly excited about today's lunch, a dry-rub pork steak that I wasn't sure would turn out well, but if the aroma is any indication, I may just have made myself another diet hit. Mmmm.

So to share with y'all, this is Ganns' Quick and Easy Pork Steak.

You will need:
Two pork steaks, approx. ¼ kilo (half a pound)
Salt
Pepper
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder

Directions:
1.Defrost the pork steaks and lay out on two plates.
2.Dry rub salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and garlic powder into both sides of the steaks. Make your own estimates, but my own estimate revolves around a quarter teaspoon of salt and pepper each on each side, then half a teaspoon each of Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
3.Let sit 10 minutes.
4.Fry on two teaspoons of sesame oil (you can use olive, canola, peanut, or vegetable, but I like how sesame oil smells) on a non-stick pan.

Tada! It's guaranteed delicious, much better than if you were to marinate it in sugar-laden teriyaki, barbecue or soy sauce. Check out Husband Chronicles for other great guy-made recipes and household tips.

Monday, June 05, 2006

The one with Faith Factor

The Superblessed Pink Ladies' Cap Sleeve


The Superblessed Blue Men's Ringer Tee

Hi! I invite you all to visit FaithFactor on CafePress. Faith Factor now carries a line of Superblessed tees! Whee!

Friday, June 02, 2006

The one with Chris Daughtry beating Taylor Hicks

Check it out! The Hot Shot Debut this week on the Billboard Hot 100 belongs not to American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, but fourth runner-up Chris Daughtry! Daughtry's remake of Bon Jovi's 1987 smash Wanted Dead or Alive bows at #43, beating Hicks' Taking It to the Streets, which enters at #69. As per It's the first time an American Idol winner hasn't debuted on the Hot 100 with the winning single, but it's not the first time an American Idol winner has been beated to the Hot 100 by a non-winner, because in Season 2, Clay Aiken pipped Reuben Studdard to #1, when the Season 2 runner-up's This is the Night blasted the Velvet Teddy Bear's Flying Without Wings.

Many people believe Daughtry was robbed, and while I hope he has a long career, at least this is one pretty little footnote he can take with him in case it doesn't work out for him.

And on one final note to end this particular entry, Nellie Furtado jumps 9-3 with Promiscuous, her single off the album Loose, out third week of June 2006. It's a track with Timbaland, and while I hate the lyrics, I have to admit this is ONE HOT SINGLE. Off tha hook. You gotta hear it - Promiscuous could be the next summer single after Rihanna's SOS. My prediction for next week's Hot 100: Chamillionaire's Ridin', the current #1 champ loses its #1 slot for one week for Taylor Hicks' Do I Make You Proud, then goes back up to #1 for another week before Furtado takes the throne for her first-ever #1 single. Go Nellie!