What Is Your Favorite Music?

If we are not careful, we will depend on ourselves to do things that only God can empower us to do. Every good work, God empowers us to do that. We are only human and our strength is going to run out at some point, no matter how strong we think we are. God's grace gives us power to do and accomplish more than we ever could in our own strength. Let us be thankful to God for empowering us. He gives us power to make it through adversity, to do good works, and to love our neighbors.

Feb 12, 1976, Actor Sal Mineo is killed in Hollywood. Actor Sal Mineo is stabbed to death in Hollywood, California. Mineo was parking his car behind his apartment when neighbors heard his cries for help. Some described a white man with brown hair fleeing the scene. By the time they reached Mineo, he was almost dead from a deep wound to his chest. He died minutes later. Sal Mineo was a famous teen actor in the 1950s. He co-starred with James Dean in both Rebel Without a Cause and Giant. The transition to adult roles did not come easily for Mineo, but he later appeared in films such as The Longest Day and Escape From the Planet of the Apes, and consistently performed guest spots on television series. On the night he was killed, Mineo was returning from rehearsing for a play. For two years, the police searched in vain for clues to the killer’s identity. At first, they suspected that Mineo’s work for prison reform had put him in contact with a dangerous ex-con. Then their focus shifted to Mineo’s personal life. Investigators had discovered that his home was filled with pictures of nude men. But the homosexual pornography also failed to turn up any leads. Then, out of the blue, Michigan authorities reported that Lionel Williams, arrested on bad check charges, was bragging to everyone that he had killed Mineo. Although he later retracted his stories, at about the same time, his wife back in Los Angeles told police that he had come home the night of the murder drenched in blood. However, there was one major discrepancy–Williams was black with an Afro and all of the eyewitnesses had described the perpetrator as a white man with long brown hair. Fortunately, the police were able to unearth an old photo of Williams in which his hair had been dyed brown and processed so that it was straight and long. In addition, the medical examiner had made a cast of Mineo’s knife wound and police were able to match it to the description of the knife provided by Williams’ wife. Lionel Williams was convicted and given a sentence of life in prison.

Whitney Houston, one of the world’s top-selling singers from the mid-1980s to late 1990s, is found dead in the bathtub of her suite at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on February 11, 2012. Houston’s death was the result of accidental drowning; heart disease and cocaine, which was found in her system, were determined to be contributing factors. The 48-year-old pop diva, known for her soaring voice, won a total of six Grammy Awards and 22 American Music Awards (more than any other female), and was credited with influencing several generations of singers, from Mariah Carey to Jennifer Hudson. Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born on August 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey, to John Houston, a theatrical manager, and Cissy Houston, a singer who backed up a variety of artists, including Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley. Growing up, the younger Houston sang in her church’s gospel choir. In high school, she performed background vocals on songs for Chaka Khan and others, and modeled, becoming one of the first African American women to appear on the cover of Seventeen magazine. In 1983, music producer Clive Davis heard Houston perform at a New York City nightclub and signed her to a recording deal. Her self-titled debut album, released in 1985, sold more than 25 million copies around the world and featured the hit singles “Saving All My Love for You,” “How Will I Know,” “You Give Good Love” and “The Greatest Love of All.” Her next album, 1987’s “Whitney,” was also a top-seller and included the hits “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “Didn’t We Almost Have It All,” “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” and “So Emotional.” Her third album, 1990’s “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” was another big commercial success. In 1992, the songstress made her movie debut, starring opposite Kevin Costner in the blockbuster “The Bodyguard.” The film’s soundtrack featured Houston’s recording of the ballad “I Will Always Love You,” which became the best-selling single by a female artist in music history. She went on to co-star in “Waiting to Exhale” (1995) and “The Preacher’s Wife” (1996), and also performed on the hit soundtracks for both movies.

Ever found yourself glancing over your shoulder on a dimly lit street, wishing you had a few extra ways to keep yourself safe? With more folks back on the road and crowded commutes picking up, personal safety is on everyone's mind these days. Whether you're catching the last bus home, walking through a busy terminal, or even taking a solo road trip, staying alert and prepared can make all the difference. I’ve put together a few practical tips to help you keep your guard up—without letting fear take the driver’s seat. 1. Keep your head on a swivel: Be aware of your surroundings. Scan the area ahead and behind you, especially if you’re using headphones or your phone. 2. Stick to well-lit, populated routes: Shortcuts might save you time but can come with extra risk after dark or in unfamiliar neighborhoods. 3. Trust your gut: If something feels off—even if you can’t explain why—change direction, enter a public space, or find a group to walk with. Instincts are more reliable than we like to admit. 4. Travel light, pack smart: Only bring what you need. Keep valuables tucked close and consider carrying a non-lethal self-defense tool you feel comfortable with—sometimes just having it brings peace of mind. 5. Share your plans: Let a friend or family member know your route and expected arrival time when heading somewhere new, especially at odd hours. Want more ideas for practical personal safety? I usually keep my eye out for new tips and recommend checking out sites with reliable info—plus, the right tools can add an extra layer of protection. Curious about tools and resources that can help you stay even more prepared on the go or at home? Give my site a visit. The goal is simple: help you stay on the ball and feel just a bit more secure on your travels—wherever the road takes you. Arm Yourself Stay alert and on the ball,