American Idol -remember the name Scott McIntyre
January 13, 2009 at 11:07 pm (movies and music)
American Idol’s new season premiered tonight and I’m wondering if I was the only one who was a bit disappointed? There were a couple of bright spots but overwhelmingly I was glad it was TIVOed so I didn’t have to spend two hours watching it in real time.
Two contestants stood out to me:
Arianna Afsar is 16 years old and lives in San Diego. She started a program called “Adopt-A-Grandfriend”. A while ago she visited her grandmother in a nursing home and recognized that many senior citizens who live in care facilities don’t have friends or family members coming to visit them. Arianna started “Adopt-A-Grandfriend” to change that.
Scott McIntyre is a classical pianist who happens to be blind. This guy is incredible and I bet one of the only ones we’ll all remember by this time next week. Not only does he make music, but he skis…I can see and I’ve always been terrified to give skiing a try! I loved that when the judges were giving their feedback, Kara pointed out that Scott was brave because he came in to audition without having his instrument. If you play an instrument and sing you know it can be tough to separate the two and feel completely comfortable. He did an incredible job and I’m excited to see how far he goes in this competition. He definitely has talent…much more than other selected to go on to Hollywood.
Who did you like? Comment and let me know!
Why Guys Aren’t Asking You Out
January 13, 2009 at 4:46 pm (life in general)
i came across Andy Merrick’s blog and have been so intrigued by his “Why Guys Aren’t Asking You Out” series.
Oh dear, the questions I’ve asked that he addresses in his own unique way. I’d really love to know what men think of Andy’s series…I mean he is speaking on their behalf.
I can’t wait for the day when the questions are over. Cuz all the questions end when you get married, right?! 
Extreme Makover in Fresno…
January 9, 2009 at 8:43 pm (Inspirational People, life in general)
There’s been a lot of excitement around Fresno this week as Extreme Makeover: Home Edition hit town. Our staff was on site the day the team knocked on the door of Maryann Riojas to let her know she was getting an extreme makeover. The anticipation to the “family reveal” was more than just wondering who was going to get a new home. Until you know who’s getting the makeover you’re left wondering…why do they need this? What is their story? If you’ve watched a single episode of this ABC show you know it’s always touching and often leaves you with the awareness that no matter how much you think you lack…you are truly blessed!
The Fresno family getting this makeover is inspirational. Born without legs and only one fully developed arm, Mary Ann Riojas was placed in foster care at an early age and grew up in poverty and an unstable household. After marrying and having four children, she struggled financially and found herself on welfare.
Maryann has worked hard to achieve things she’s been told she never could. She got her drivers license, became the 1st in her family to get a college degree and is an active ambassador for the Easter Seals program. She’s inspired thousands of people to overcome adversity. My friend Cari put it best. When you look at Maryann you don’t see a disability. You see an incredibly strong woman who has refused to give up on life. She lives life and inspires us all to do the same.
I once heard Simon Cowell say that he loved being around Americans because we have a tendency to be happy for other people when good things happen to them. I felt that Thursday morning when the Riojas family learned they had been chosen for extreme makeover. And there’s a really great feeling in the air around this city. Hundreds of people giving of their time and talents to give back to a family that has given so much. It’s nice to be reminded that there’s good people out there willing to do good for others and expect nothing in return.
Ty Pennington and Maryann Riojas heading into her home to meet with her family and the builders
