Valuable Gems-Shining A Light On Life Changing Non Profit Organizations

Have you ever met an individual that is so rare and special that you could compare them to a valuable gem?  Let me tell you about such a person, Jessica Angelique, who has a passionate mission in life to shine a light on life changing non for profit organizations.  Jessica has had an interesting life full of ups and downs and because of that she has dedicated her life to making the world a better place.  Her heart has been drawn to organizations that help build people up and educate them; which allows them to positively impact the world for the better.  She is in need of help to continue to expand her ability to impact the world by educating them through a wonderful opportunity called the Pepsi Refresh Project.

Pepsi is offering up an opportunity to win a $250,000 grant to those who win the most votes in their category.  Jessica Angelique is the creator and executive director of Definitive Voices.   She is also an author who has written of her life’s journey; navigating through the challenging foster care system into a positive, purpose filled adulthood.   She uses her voice to empower people and organizations to be aware and proactive in their communities to build up those in need.

Through Definitive Voices Jessica uses social media to shine a light on individuals and organizations that are doing their best to help people improve the world through education, awareness, and hands on action that is changing the lives of those they encounter.  Jessica needs your help by getting you to go to this link and vote for her Definitive Voices so that she can expand her ability to positively impact the lives of others.  It only takes a couple of seconds once you register and sign in using an active email and a Pepsi password.  Here is the link to cast your vote daily until the 28th of February: http://www.refresheverything.com/definitivevoices . 

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Simon Sez Crazy Things…Paula Abdul Claims

      Wow… I just watched a clip from The View today in which Barbara Walters talks about an interview she did with Paula Abdul on her radio show.  http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=6425460

       In the chat fest in the beginning of the show Barbara refers to that interview when she says that Paula has dropped a few explosive bombs about American Idol producers, Fox television, as well as,  Simon Cowell.

         As many of you know, there was an unfortunate young woman who was allegedly obsessed with Paula Adbul who died in front of Paula’s home…allegedly a suicide.  This young woman, Paula Goodspeed, has been supposedly sending letters and trying to make contact with Paula Abdul for something like 17 years, through her fan club. 

         Abdul claims in the radio interview with Barbara Walters that the producers of American Idol knew of this young woman’s obsession and still they allowed her to audition for the three Idol judges.  That audition  appears to have caused much harm; because of the rejection  Paula Goodspeed felt that she was publically humiliated.  Does a show like this carry a  legal and moral responsibility to pre-screen contestants; to make sure that they can handle the criticism that they face on the show?  I think they should.

          Paula Abdul says that she begged the producers and Simon not to allow Ms. Goodspeed to audition…but, against her wishes they allowed her to audition, possibly more than once.  It put her in a terrible position; Paula says that the producers and Simon wished to see her squirm. 

          At some point, Ms. Goodspeed followed Paula Abdul to her home address.  There were other incidents that took place there before the actual suicide took place.  Paula was not home when the suicide took place.  She now has her home for sale i hear; she says she has not slept there since it happened.

         Paula also says that she has lost endorsements and business opportunities because of the public’s perception that she is drunk or stoned on medications; because of the way that she is portrayed on the show.  She says, part of, that is caused by Simon who says crazy things in Paula’s ear piece while she is trying to communicate her “judgement”.   She says, something to the effect, that this is a distraction; and, Simon tries to make her laugh when she is trying to graciously speak to the contestants.

         If these things are true, and she can prove them…i see this turning into a major big, legal deal.  Obviously, Paula is upset about the whole nightmare of the suicide of Paula Goodspeed.  After all, a life was lost and if it is true that it was because of manipulations behind the scenes of the show…then shame on those involved.   There are more important things than ratings of a television show!

         When asked why Paula was still on the show…she apparently, simply said that she is under contract.  Paula also allegedly says that Simon could have at anytime corrected himself and retracted the statements that he has made.  She is under contract for another year; even though, this year there is a fourth judge being brought onto the show.  Just last week, Randy Jackson was on television shows saying not to believe everything people hear about this year’s American Idol.  

           What does this mean?  Is there a mystery here behind the scenes?  Does Paula want out of her contract?  Did this suicide impress on anyone the importance of the impact of the hurtful words that are said to contestants who don’t measure up to the judges expectations?  Is the show going to be legally liable in the young woman’s death?   I wonder, do you anyone feels guilty who was involved in that episode involving young Paula Goodspeed?

          Does this controversy mean that Paula will no longer associate herself with the show after her contract expires?  Time will tell.  I suspect that we have not heard the last of this drama.  What do you think is going on?  Is it alright to do “anything” to get ratings…or, should networks, producers, and the like be held responsible when things go wrong?

* See related story here: https://writeasrain.wordpress.com/2008/11/13/american-idol-judge-idolized/

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Dancing W/The Stars Maurice Greene is A Good Sport

          Maurice Greene was this week’s celebrity to leave dancing with the stars.  Maurice Greene was paired with Cheryl Burke.  They danced well together this week…it looked smooth and they received the same scores as Cody Linley and his partner Edyta by the judges.  However, fan base was much higher for Cody who’s fans number quite high because of his high profile on the show Hannah Montanna. 

          However, Maurice was a good sport…but, I am sure that he learned that young himself being in sports.  Maurice knows you don’t win every sport event and you just learn to take away the positives and learn from the negatives.  He was a true gentleman.

          This week’s results show was a little different.  I really and truely enjoyed Julianne and brother Dereck’s dance number together.  It was high energy and very entertaining.  What is even more amazing is that Julianne just had her appendix taken out two weeks ago because it was discovered that she had endometriosis.  That is a very painful condition where the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus and starts to cover internal organs and can actually cause infertility issues down the road. 

           Julianne’s performance was nothing short of a miracle.  Anyone who has ever had abdominal surgery knows that it takes time to heal.  Obviously, she didn’t just start learning and performing the routine with her brother yesterday…she had to have been practicing during that two weeks.  Wow!  Totally inspirational.

           What wasn’t so inspirational on the results show was the tip toe through the tulips of counseling( w/Dr. Drew) with the professional dancers and their celebrity partner’s relationships.  I didn’t enjoy that…except for the sliver of the session between Julianne and Cody (they have been unable to perform on the show due to her surgery for the last week or two-Edyta filled in for Julianne in a very professional way).  Cody really communicated his respect and caring for Julianne and she was visibly moved to tears as well.  I don’t think that the viewers of the entertainment show really needed to see the dancing couples deal with the issues involved on an emotional level that should have been kept private between the individuals–and a counselor if that was needed…not broadcast for the whole world to see.  It was a bit too tabloid talkish for me.

           Also please, can we get a new co-host for Tom for next season of dancing with the stars?  Samantha Harris is way too awckward in her interview skills. This creates uncomfortable situations for both the dancing teams as well as the viewers…it just takes away from the show.  She just tries too hard or something but there is always some major social goof…it has come to be painful to watch.  Such as her comment this week to teen Cody, “Did you ever think that you would be dancing on live television with a naked or half naked woman?”  Is this appropriate for a show that young children are watching?  Please, powers that be…bring on a new co-host for Tom. 

          

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Are The Olympics In Beijing China Safe To Attend?

        With recent terrorist attacks on civilians in China; and, a video promising more of the same, up to and during the Olympics; you have to wonder…are the Olympics in Beijing, China safe to attend?  Will the threat of terrorist attacks weaken the support for the games?

         There have been attacks on buses and on a plastics factory, allegedly by the Turkistan Islamic Party…they have claimed to be responsible for the recent attack of the bus bombings.  They are promising to attack Chinese cities by “means that have never been employed” before.  With the whole world watching, the temptation to use violence and fear, to control large numbers of people who would go to support the Olympic games, appears to be irresistible.  The threats must be taken very seriously.

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18th Annual National Baby Food Festival

      Are you tired of trying to find family activities that you don’t have to apologize to your kids for; inevitably, many of those so called family activities, violate the very family values that you are trying to instill in your children?  Well, here is an event that you won’t have to justify taking your family to.

       It is the National Baby Food Festival in the Baby Food Capital of the World.  Gerber baby food company is known around the world for it’s innovative production of baby foods and products; and it is celebrating in the town where it all began, Fremont, Michigan.

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Live’s High Heel-A-Thon

       Today, on Live With Regis And Kelly’s morning show , they had there much promoted high heel a thon.  It was a sprint of 150 yards in high heels; it was done to benefit the March of Dimes.  The participants had to register and then run pre-race heats to get their placement in the race.  Each contestant wore a timing chip to help determine the winner.  The high heels had to be a minimum of 3 inches in heighth.  The winner was declared to be a woman from Queens, New York.   Another woman, by the name of Jill Stamison who is from my very own state of Michigan,  won the best legs portion of the contest, as well as, set a  Guiness World record with her time in the race which was 21.95 seconds.  Congrats to Jill Stamison from the wonderful and scenic Grand Haven, Michigan!!!

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Girl Power Rules-Dancing With The Stars

       Girl Power rules on dancing with the stars.  Kristi Yamagucchi and her partner Mark took the championship.  They now have the winning trophy.  But class reins because Jason Taylor and his partner Edyta conducted themselves with style and grace and joy even for Kristi as she won the trophy.

         This season was pure joy watching this group of contestants as they competed.  They enjoyed each other and it showed.  Great job everyone.  Next time though, let’s pray that they cut down on how long the finale is.  Three hours of waiting for the results is a bit much!

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Dancing With The Stars-Hours To Go-Then, We’ll Know

         Well, it is finally here…with only hours to go, then we’ll know who will claim the trophy from Dancing With The Stars.  My guess is that it will be Kristi.  But, it is always a guess because there is no way to predict the power of the audience votes!  It could be anyone’s game truthfully.  But, whoever really wins…i think they all have alot to be proud of. 

          Their accomplishments are big and small from the time they agreed to compete in this contest of dancing with the stars.  Just by taking a chance and challenging themselves…they have gained my respect.  Who do you think will win this season?

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The Gucch Has Got It-Dancing With The Stars!

         Last night’s competition on dancing with the stars was outstanding.  The group dance that began the show was awesome to see.  The teamwork and genuine joy of working together for these three competitor teams was obvious to see.  They like each other…they really like each other.  When the individual dances began, Kristi and her partner Mark set a standard that looked impossible to beat.  I think to myself as i watched it….the Gucch has got it!  The showman in her just can’t help but ooze through her pores.  But, she competes with style not with a mean bone in her body.

       Then Jason and Edyta started their dance and it was fireworks from the beginning.  Boom, there they were…somehow though, i don’t know how it happened…they both seemed to have costume malfunctions…they each “lost” pieces of clothing!  LOL The song was hot and so was the dance. 

          Then, right before Christian and Cheryl began their dance; Samantha was awkwardly interviewing Jason.  She made references to the media buzz surrounding Christian and Jason’s newfound friendship.  Jason with a wry grin said, that was last week!  🙂  His sense of humor comes through.  I loved seeing him with his children.

          Christian and Cheryl’s dance was good.  After all, he was not capable of doing the high flying of Kristi and Marks dance, he wasn’t able to lift his partner Cheryl in competitive lifts the way Jason was able to smoothly lift Edyta, but what he did have was Latin blood pumping through his veins and it brought a salsa side dish to the dance.  His surgery is scheduled for Friday.  His dance was good.   I am just afraid with the injury….Kristi’s dance was more advanced; advanced to the point of winning the trophy.

         Of course, it all comes down to the wire with the votes of the fans.  That could, as always, change everything!  This year’s finale was great.  No disappointments here, no matter who you support!

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A Trio To Remember

      Tonight, there will be a trio of contestants to remember, on dancing with the stars.  Kristi Yamagucchi and her partner Mark will go head- to- head (or feet- to- feet, as the case may be) with Jason Taylor and his partner Edyta  &  Christian de la Fuente and his partner Cheryl.

       This finale will be something to see.  Jason and Christian are new life-long friends according to all of the media buzz.  Kristi says it is time for another female celebrity winner to claim the trophy.  Tonight, they will compete for the final time.  Who will take away the trophy?

        Kristi barring any catastrophe is far and away the most skilled.  However, Jason has a huge following and is looking pretty smooth out there; but, Christian is strong in well-wishers because of his arm injury, weeks ago during competition.  He is scheduled to finally have the surgery on Friday for the ruptured tendon in the bicep. 

         Will Christian have the sympathy votes to get him the trophy?  He has definately stepped up his skill set in the last couple of weeks…and, has definately earned the right to be in the finale.  They all have.

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