I went to my third hockey game last night with my good friend Pastor Brien McGarvey. One of Brien's passions is the game of hockey. He took me to two games last season
and I really enjoyed them. Hockey is a game that's better seen in person than on tv, in
my opinion. If you're sitting higher up, you can  look down and see  the plays develop.
It's really fun to watch. And, unlike football and basketball which has endless time outs
and clock stoppages, hockey  rolls through pretty  much unhindered. Unfortunately for
Columbus fans, the Jackets lost last night 2-1 to the LA Kings. Our hometown team has
great  defense, but we  need some  goal makers  and soon!  I was most  surprised at 
Brien's singing ability during the Star Spangled Banner. I told him "He and the guy who
sang it sounded great together!"  

Once again the beautfiul Southern Theater provided the music magic of the Columbus Jazz  Orchestra's "Home  for  the  Holidays" concert. This 90 minute  show  presented without intermission  thrilled fans  of big  band  and jazz from start  to finish. From  the tender "Away in a Manger" to the  rollicking "Jingle Bells" the  first half of  the evening featured  Byron  Stripling  and  the  CJO  shining  in a  wonderfully festive  mood. The highlight  of the  bands set  came with  "Joy to the World". Never  before  have I seen such artistry and musicianship  of this Christmas  nugget. The swing  and style of the band and the rhythm set to the music was worthy of a standing O!  Then, English born Helen  Welch  took  the  stage  to treat the  audience  with  such  favorites  as "Merry Christmas Darling," a snappy "Sleigh Ride," the haunting "I'll Be Home for Christmas," even "Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend" thrown in for fun and humor. Once again the Columbus Jazz Orchestra prove nobody does Christmas quite like they do!