The one with Mandisa singing "Shackles"

Mandisa Hundley delivered a stellar version of Shackles (Praise You) on American Idol, and the naysayers have started hating on her on Rickey.org.

Coming to Mandisa's defense wasn't easy, but this was my post.

Mandisa Hundley - Shackles (Praise You)

Seriously, great performance, good energy, brave woman.

While y'all are entitled to your opinions, I think it's doesn't make sense to criticize a person for a song choice just because it reflects his or her beliefs. All song choices should represent you as a person - if you don't agree with the lyrics, don't sing the song.

I fully support Gerb [post 23]. Why can Paris Bennett get away with singing "Work It Out" and "Fever," too songs ridiculously inappropriate for her age and style, and Mandisa receive this hate for singing a positive song about her God?

Sure, it's okay for a 16-year-old to sing about sex, like Paris, or deliver total vocal fluff like Kellie, or turn in a lackluster performance like Lisa, but Mandisa can't sing "Shackles"?

If an idol contestant were to sing George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord," would you hate on that idol for singing about Hare Krishna?

I agree with Simon - it is indulgent because Mandisa gets to sing the music she wants to sing. But so what? American Idol reaches millions of people. If she wants to use the show as a platform to reach people with the message of God's love, she does so at her own career peril. I believe she's made millions of Christians around the world proud of her, and regardless of what happens, she will have made her God proud.

Mandisa turned in a fantastic performance. If she gets voted out next week for singing about the God that keeps her going, she'll be going out knowing she went out singing the praises of her God, and I think that will be more than enough for her.

If you'd care to defend a fellow believer, click here. Mandisa needs your votes more than ever. She deserves your respect for standing up for Christ. Don't let her down, people.

The one with the news bloopers

These are hilarious!

The one with the Afghan convert

A court dismissed the case against the Afghan man who converted from Islam to Christianity. This ruling paves the way for his release. May this truly be a step towards his religious freedom as many accounts of similar situations ends in violence. As our brother in Christ, let us continue to pray for his safety. His boldness to declare Christ and his unwavering faith is truly admirable. - Caths

While I find this man's courage admirable, I am saddened by the reaction of his family, who turned him in to the authorities, and how they conveniently chalk up his faith to "mental imbalances." Not all people who are a few kernels short of a corn cob are Christian. - Ganns

The one with the white pubic hair

One of the funniest exchanges occurred at the pantry at work today involving a friend of mine, Mike. We're eating at the table, when he picks up what appears to be a white string of some kind.

"What's this?" He asks in horror. "It's a white pubic hair!"

He picks it up. "American!" he declares.

"No wait," he says as he looks at it closer, "it's sotanghon!"

ROTFLMAO

The one seeking your help to find a nanny

With the help of Cathy's mom and househelp, Cathy and I have tried to take care of Nathan on our lonesome because we let his erstwhile nanny (yaya) go weeks ago. With both of us working full-time, it is really difficult not having a nanny for our son.

Please help us find a nanny! Pass this information around as we're really in need of quality househelp.

Young couple looking for a full-time stay-in nanny for their two-year-old son.
* 19 years old or older;
* Can speak basic English and/or Tagalog;
* Non-smoker, non-drinker
* Experience is a plus

Full-time responsibilities are:
* Take care of Nathan (2-year-old toddler), including cooking and cleaning for him
* Ironing (laundry NOT required) of clothes for a family of three
* Basic housekeeping (sweeping, cleaning)

Starting salary is P2,500. Food and lodging are free.

Update: We've found one, a wonderful woman named Nedy. Praise God!