KEANU LOVE AFFAIR

Just waxing nostalgic...saw the movie Speed on cable and I remembered my love affair with Keanu Reeves. I had such a huge crush on him and I know I made a slideshow of him, sort of my tribute to his hotness...

IT'S WHAT YOU SCATTER

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes... I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green peas.

I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.

Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.

'Hello Barry, how are you today?'

 'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good.'

'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?'

'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.'

'Good. Anything I can help you with?'

'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.'

'Would you like to take some home?'  Asked Mr. Miller.

'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.'

'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?'

'All I got's my prize marble here.'

'Is that right? Let me see it' said Miller.

'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.'

'I can see that. Hmm mmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked.

'Not zackley but almost.'

'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble'. Mr. Miller told the boy.

'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.'

Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me.

With a smile she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances.  Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever.

When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.'

I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado, but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles.

Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could.

Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts...all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket.

Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as one by one each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket.

'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about.

They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size....they came to pay their debt.'

'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided, 'but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho..'

With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.

 The Moral:

We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath.

Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles:  A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself...An unexpected phone call from an old friend.... Green stoplights on your way to work...The fastest line at the grocery store...A good sing-along song on the radio...Your keys found right where you left them.

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER THAT TELLS WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED!

THE LOST WALLET

As I walked home one freezing day, I stumbled on a wallet someone had lost in the street. I picked it up and looked inside to find some identification so I could call the owner. But the wallet contained only three dollars and a crumpled letter that looked as if it had been in there for years.

 

The envelope was worn and the only thing that was legible on it was the return address. I started to open the letter, hoping to find some clue. Then I saw the dateline –1924. The letter had been written almost 70 years ago.

 

It was written in a beautiful feminine handwriting on powder blue stationery with a little flower in the left-hand corner. It was a “Dear John” letter that told the recipient, whose name appeared to be Michael, that the writer could not see him anymore because her mother forbade it. Even so, she wrote that she would always love him.

 

It was signed, Hannah.

 

It was a beautiful letter, but there was no way except for the name Michael, that the owner could be identified. Maybe if I called information, the operator could find a phone listing for the address on the envelope.

 

“Operator,” I began, “this is an unusual request. I’m trying to find the owner of a wallet that I found. Is there anyway you can tell me if there is a phone number for an address that was on an envelope in the wallet?”

 

She suggested I speak with her supervisor, who hesitated for a moment then said, “Well, there is a phone listing at that address, but I can’t give you the number.” She said, as a courtesy, she would call that number, explain my story and would ask them if they wanted her to connect me.

 

I waited a few minutes and then she was back on the line. “I have a party who will speak with you.”

I asked the woman on the other end of the line if she knew anyone by the name of Hannah. She gasped, “Oh! We bought this house from a family who had a daughter named Hannah. But that was 30 years ago!”

 

“Would you know where that family could be located now?” I asked.

 

“I remember that Hannah had to place her mother in a nursing home some years ago,” the woman said. “Maybe if you got in touch with them they might be able to track down the daughter.”

 

She gave me the name of the nursing home and I called the number. They told me the old lady had passed away some years ago but they did have a phone number for where they thought the daughter might be living.

 

I thanked them and phoned. The woman who answered explained that Hannah herself was now living in a nursing home.

 

This whole thing was stupid, I thought to myself. Why was I making such a big deal over finding the owner of a wallet that had only three dollars and a letter that was almost 70 years old?

 

Nevertheless, I called the nursing home in which Hannah was supposed to be living and the man who answered the phone told me, “Yes, Hannah is staying with us.”

 

Even though it was already 10 p.m., I asked if I could come by to see her. “Well,” he said hesitatingly, “if you want to take a chance, she might be in the day room watching television.”

 

I thanked him and drove over to the nursing home. The night nurse and a guard greeted me at the door. We went up to the third floor of the large building. In the day room, the nurse introduced me to Hannah.

 

She was a sweet, silver-haired oldtimer with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. I told her about finding the wallet and showed her the letter. The second she saw the powder blue envelope with that little flower on the left, she took a deep breath and said, “Young man, this letter was the last contact I ever had with Michael.”

 

She looked away for a moment deep in thought and then said softly, “I loved him very much. But I was only 16 at the time and my mother felt I was too young. Oh, he was so handsome. He looked like Sean Connery, the actor.”

 

“Yes,” she continued. “Michael Goldstein was a wonderful person. If you should find him, tell him I think of him often. And,” she hesitated for a moment, almost biting her lip, “tell him I still love him. You know,” she said smiling as tears began to well up in her eyes, “I never did marry. I guess no one ever matched up to Michael…”

 

I thanked Hannah and said goodbye. I took the elevator to the first floor and as I stood by the door, the guard there asked, “Was the old lady able to help you?”

 

I told him she had given me a lead. “At least I have a last name. But I think I’ll let it go for a while. I spent almost the whole day trying to find the owner of this wallet.”

 

I had taken out the wallet, which was a simple brown leather case with red lacing on the side. When the guard saw it, he said, “Hey, wait a minute! That’s Mr. Goldstein’s wallet. I’d know it anywhere with that bright red lacing. He’s always losing that wallet. I must have found it in the halls at least three times.”

 

“Who’s Mr. Goldstein?” I asked as my hand began to shake.

 

“He’s one of the oldtimers on the 8th floor. That’s Mike Goldstein’s wallet for sure. He must have lost it on one of his walks.” I thanked the guard and quickly ran back to the nurse’s office. I told her what the guard had said. We went back to the elevator and got on. I prayed that Mr. Goldstein would be up.

 

On the eighth floor, the floor nurse said, “I think he’s still in the day room. He likes to read at night. He’s a darling old man.”

 

We went to the only room that had any lights on and there was a man reading a book. The nurse went over to him and asked if he had lost his wallet. Mr. Goldstein looked up with surprise, put his hand in his back pocket and said, “Oh, it is missing!”

 

“This kind gentleman found a wallet and we wondered if it could be yours?”

 

I handed Mr. Goldstein the wallet and the second he saw it, he smiled with relief and said, “Yes, that’s it! It must have dropped out of my pocket this afternoon. I want to give you a reward.”

 

“No, thank you,” I said. “But I have to tell you something. I read the letter in the hope of finding out who owned the wallet.”

 

The smile on his face suddenly disappeared. “You read that letter?”

 

“Not only did I read it, I think I know where Hannah is.”

 

He suddenly grew pale. “Hannah? You know where she is? How is she? Is she still as pretty as she was? Please, please tell me,” he begged.

 

“She’s fine…just as pretty as when you knew her.” I said softly.

 

The old man smiled with anticipation and asked, “Could you tell me where she is? I want to call her tomorrow.” He grabbed my hand and said, “You know something, Mister? I was so in love with that girl that when that letter came, my life literally ended. I never married. I guess I’ve always loved her.”

 

“Mr. Goldstein,” I said, “Come with me.”

 

We took the elevator down to the third floor. The hallways were darkened and only one or two little night-lights lit our way to the day room where Hannah was sitting alone watching the television. The nurse walked over to her.

 

“Hannah,” she said softly, pointing to Michael, who was waiting with me in the doorway. “Do you know this man?”

 

She adjusted her glasses, looked for a moment, but didn’t say a word. Michael said softly, almost in a whisper, “Hannah, it’s Michael. Do you remember me?”

 

She gasped, “Michael! I don’t believe it! Michael! It’s you! My Michael!” He walked slowly towards her and they embraced. The nurse and I left with tears streaming down our faces.

 

“See,” I said. “See how the Good Lord works! If it’s meant to be, it will be.”

 

About three weeks later I got a call at my office from the nursing home. “Can you break away on Sunday to attend a wedding? Michael and Hannah are going to tie the knot!”

 

It was a beautiful wedding with all the people at the nursing home dressed up to join in the celebration. Hannah wore a light beige dress and looked beautiful. Michael wore a dark blue suit and stood tall. They made me their best man.

 

The hospital gave them their own room and if you ever wanted to see an 86-year-old bride and an 89-year-old groom acting like two teenagers, you had to see this couple.

 

A perfect ending for a love affair that had lasted nearly 70 years.

DARN THAT ZAC EFRON!

Darn that Zac Efron! Why was he born so late?

I've seen all 3 High School Musical movies, courtesy of my kids, and I really appreciated Zac Efron. I've also seen him in Hairspray and I thought he really got talent. But it wasn't until I saw his movie "17 Again" that I started to see him in a diferent light. He's one hot, hunky dude! And he's definitely grown up! I can feel my heart fluttering when he walked in slo-mo in that "makeover-to-17" scene. Damn that kid, why did he have to be so darn yummy? And to make matters worse, he was having scenes with this "older" woman that was his movie wife! I could hear myself sigh and groan wistfully. Vanesssa hudgens is one lucky girl! What I would give to be in her shoes for just one day, haha!

Moviewise, the plot is nothing new, another one of those "transformation" movies where the hero finds ways to redeem himself or herself or find a way to redo things in the past...pretty much ho-hum. But casting Zac Efron? That was the saving grace, haha! I find the movie refreshingly funny, and I certainly enjoyed it better than "The Hangover".

Oh, dear, does this mean I'll be collecting Zac Efron movies? Hmmm...we'll see...

DUTY WOES

Whew! What a toxic duty! 3 post-cardiac surgery patients with all sorts of arrhythmias imaginable: vtach, atrial fib, brady, paced beats...my eyes were glued to the monitors the whole time! Everytime the alarm goes off, I feel like having my own arrhythmia! To top it off, I'll be on night shift later...

STAYIN' ALIVE!

CPR STUDY SUGGESTS "STAYIN' ALIVE" LIVES UP TO NAME

CHICAGO – “Stayin’ Alive” might be more true to its name than the Bee Gees ever could have guessed: At 103 beats per minute, the old disco song has almost the perfect rhythm to help jump-start a stopped heart.

The American Heart Association recommends 100 chest compressions per minute, far more than most people realize, study author Dr. David Matlock of the school’s Peoria, Ill., campus said.

He found that “Stayin’ Alive,” which has a way of getting stuck in your head anyway, can help with that.

His study involved 15 students and doctors and had two parts. First they did CPR on mannequins while listening to the song on iPods. They were asked to time chest compressions with the song’s beat.

The study showed the song helped people who already know how to do CPR, and the results were promising enough to warrant larger, more definitive studies with real patients or untrained people, Matlock said.

It turns out the American Heart Association has been using the song as a training tip for CPR instructors for about two years. They learned of it from a physician “who sort of hit upon this as a training tool,” said association spokesman Dr. Vinay Nadkarni of the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Matthew Gilbert, a 28-year-old medical resident, was among participants in the University of Illinois study this past spring. Since then, he said, he has revived real patients by keeping the song in his head while doing CPR.

Gilbert said he was surprised the song worked as well as it did.

“I was a little worried because I’ve been told that I have a complete lack of rhythm,” he said. Also, Gilbert said he’s not really a disco fan. But “Stayin’ Alive” work wonders!

ALL HEARTS

My all hearts photo collection in a slideshow...

MY TRANSFORMERS2: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN EXPERIENCE

Okay, after months of anticipation, I finally got to watch the much-talked about sequel. Of course, I resisted the urge to see it on the very first day when the theaters were jampacked. That would have been an exasperating experience with all those jostling bodies, bobbing heads, and noisy commentaries during the movie. My kids and I watched it on the second to the last day of its first week. Even then, there was still a considerable number of moviegoers, proving the movie's global box-office sell.

What do I think? Hmm...when my fifth-grade son asked me "wasn't Bumblebee's voicebox fixed at the end of the first movie?" I couldn't answer him. Then we got lost in the action-packed movie scenes, and I just stopped thinking. We went home with our heads still reeling from the action. We were on a high, what a ride. Great, amazing movie, exactly the kind of movie that will make you forget your problems and worries.

Later, when I was considerably subdued, I started thinking. Then I found myself asking some questions. Days after the movie opened, I deliberately avoided reading reviews of the movie because I didn't want to be influenced. Now I found out that it didn't fare too well with the critics. Okay, fine, for its entertainment value, I give it a 10. I think that's the only thing that matters to the producers. But I couldn't help but agree with some of the critics. I found an article exactly mirroring my sentiments and questions.

1. In "Transformers," there was this giant battle in the middle of downtown Los Angeles -- excuse me, Mission City -- that was witnessed by thousands of people at the very least. But somehow the government was able to cover up the whole thing, and now the existence of alien robots is just an internet rumor? How did they do it? Pay off everyone who was there and quickly fix millions of dollars in damage? Also, didn't Keller (Jon Voight) go on TV and tell everyone we were being attacked by "a technological civilization far superior to our own"? How did they spin that?

2. There are two pieces of the Allspark cube left: the military has one under lock and key, and Sam discovers another. The Decepticons steal one and bring Megatron back to life. But when Sam (Shia LaBeouf) wants to bring back Optimus, he has to find the Matrix of Leadership on the other side of the globe. Why not use the other piece? Mikaela (Megan Fox) has it in her backpack the whole time. It brought his kitchen appliances to life, why can't it do the same for Optimus?

To read more of these questions, and the gaping holes in the plot, click the link:

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/smg-transformers-10-questions.html

But what do we care, right? We had a blast, it was FUN, that's all that matters.

GOODBYE, MICHAEL

He may be strange, a wacko, eccentric...but there's no denying he was a musical genius, his creative talent in a class of his own, a true musical legend. The music industry suffered a tremendous loss. Despite his global fame, ironically, he was a very, very, lonely man. But at least now he finally found the peace that has eluded him all his life...rest in peace, Michael Jackson...

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/michael-jackson-king-of-pop-dead-at-50/24346?nc

TRANSFORMERS!

Can't wait to see the Michael Bay sequel! Shia's even yummier! It's gonna be a blast!

ANG GALING NI BEBENG!

Ang galing ni Bebeng!!! Pinoy talaga!

Registered nurse si Bebeng sa L.A. Kasama niya ang kanyang ina na nagpagamot doon. Namatay ang ina nito. Dahil sa kamahalan ng pamasahe pabalik sa Pilipinas, nagtipid si Bebeng. Pinauwi na lang niya ang kabaong ng kanyang ina na mag-isa.

Pagdating ng kabaong, napansin ng mga kapamilya niya na nakadikit ang mukha ng ina sa salamin ng ataul. Nagkomento tuloy ang isang anak, "Ay, naku! Tingnan mo 'yan...hindi sila marunong mag-ayos ng bangkay sa Amerika! Nakudrado tuloy ang mukha ng inay."

Upang ayusin ang itsura ng bangkay, binuksan ang kabaong. Aba! May sulat na-nakastaple sa dibdib ng ina. Kinuha nila ito at binasa. Ang nilalaman
ng liham na mula kay Bebeng:

Mahal kong tatay at mga kapatid:

Pasensya na kayo at hindi ko nasamahan ang nanay sa pag-uwi riyan sa Pilipinas dahil napakamahal ng pamasahe. Ang gastos ko pa lang sa kanya ay mahigit $10,000 na. Ayoko nang isipin pa ang eksaktong halaga. Anyway, ipinadala ko kasama ni nanay ang mga sumusunod...

Nasa likod ni nanay ang dalawampu't apat na karnenorte at isang dosenang spam. Ang adidas na suot ni nanay ay para kay tatay. Ang limang pares ng de-goma ay nasa loob ng dalawang asul na Jansport na backpack na inuunan ni nanay. Tig-iisa kayo.

Ang iba't-ibang klase ng tsokolate at candy ay nasa puwetan ni nanay. Para sa mga bata ito. Bahala na kayong magparte-parte. Sana'y hindi natunaw. Ang pokemon stuffed toy na yapos-yapos ni nanay ay para sa bunso ni ate. Gift ko sa first birthday ng bata. Ang itim na Esprit bag ay para kay Nene.

Ate, nasa loob ng bag ang pictures ni inay, japanese version ng pokemon trading cards at stickers. Suot ni nanay ang tatlong Ralph Lauren, apat na Gap at dalawang Old Navy t-shirts. Ang isa ay para kay Kuya at tig-iisa ang mga pamangkin ko. Maisusuot ninyo ang mga iyan sa fiesta.

Suot din ni inay ang anim na panty hose at tatlong warmer para sa mga dalaga kong pamangkin. Isuot nyo sa party. May isang dosenang NBA caps sa may paanan ni nanay. Para sa inyo, itay, kuya, dikong, Tiyo Romy. Bigyan nyo na rin ng tig-isa 'yung mga pamangkin ko at 'yong isa ay kay Pareng Tulume.

Ang tigdadalawang pares ng Nike wristband at knee caps na suot-suot din ni nanay ay para sa mga anak mo, diko, na nagbabasketball. Tigdadalawang ream ng Marlboro lights at Winston red ang nasa pagitan ng mga hita ni nanay.

Apat na jar ng Skippy Peanut Butter, dalawang dishwashing liquid, isang Kiwi glass cleaner at tig-aanim na Colgate at Aqua Fresh ang nakasiksik sa kilikili ni nanay. Hati-hati na kayo, huwag mag-aagawan.

Isang dosenang Wonder bra (Victoria's Secret ata ang tatak) gustong-gusto ni Tiya Iskang society natin, suot-suot din ni nanay. Alam kong inaasam-asam nyo 'yan, tiya. Anim na lipstick lang ang kasya sa bra. Ang Rolex na bilin-bilin mo tatay, suot-suot ni nanay. Nakatakip sa Nike na wristband. Kunin mo agad, Itay.

May isinisik akong zip-loc sa bunganga ni Inay na naglalaman ng $759 dollars. Hindi na ako nakatakbo sa ATM. Puede na siguro sa libing iyon.

Iyong tong na makokolekta, i-time deposit niyo Kuya para pag namatay si Tatay may pambili na ng ataul. Ang hikaw, singsing at kuwintas (na may nakakabit pang anim na nailcutters) na gustong-gusto mo, ditse, ay suot-suot din ni nanay. Kunin mo na rin agad, ditse. Ibigay mo ang isang nailcutter kay Jay bakla sa kanto.

Tanggalin niyo ang bulak sa ilong ng inay, may isiniksik ako 3 diyamante sa bawat butas. Ibangon niyo lang si inay at tiyak na malalaglag na ang mga iyon. Konting alog lang siguro ng ulo.

Marami pa sana akong ipaglalalagay kaya lang, baka mag-excess at si nanay pa ang maiwan. Basta parte-parte kayo, tatay, kuya, ate, dikong, ditse. Para sa inyo lahat ito. Bahala na kayo kay nanay. Pamimisahan ko na lang siya rito.

Balitaan ninyo na lang ako pagkatapos ng libing. Alam ni ate ang email ko. Paki-double check ang lista kung walang nawala sa mga ipinadala ko.

Nagmamahal,
Bebeng

MEN GROW OLDER TOO!

Lighten up on the ladies! Men grow older too, as these pics will prove! Recognize them?

STOP WHINING, Y'ALL!! KRIS IS THE NEW IDOL!

Well, what did I tell you? All the hype and brouhaha over Adam Lambert didn't help him clinch the title after all! You may all call it the biggest upset, but for me, I already had the inkling weeks before when Kris started showing strong performances. All the fawning and Adam-worshipping were getting to be too much, in the end, it's the underrated underdog who captured the title. Shame on all of you who thinks America got it wrong! America just elected Obama, for Pete's sake! This should be an eye-opener, a moment of realization that true TALENT prevails over flashy, eyelined showmanship with overrated hype machine. In fairness to Adam, he's a good performer, a good showman, but that's all he excels in. Kris plays the piano, plays the guitar, a songwriter, a TRUE-BLOODED musician! I could listen to a Kris CD all day, but an Adam CD? More than an hour's worth of screaming with that voice? I don't think so!

Adam fans, c'mon, Adam's already a star, title or no title, thanks to all the hype; Kris needed the title more. And if y'all could just stop whining and thrashing and OMG-ing and be objective about it, you'd realize Kris is a deserving winner. You go, Kris!

And please, please, don't make this about homophobia, religion, or all that crap, coz those are totally out of the question! Here's what others have to say:

Aunty-Guv: Buy a clue folks - Kris had the real musical talent - A true musician who was rewarded for his talents - Adam - simply a showman whose screaming finally was his undoing. Kris is an artist - Adam a Flash (In the Pan!!)

Yahoo Music user: Get over it. All season it's been "ADAM IS AWESOME!! Everyone else sucks!" You love him, we get it. That doesn't mean "America" got it wrong or we are all homophobes. Everyone has their own taste, that's why there is more than one radio station. And could you go one article without hating on Danny? Did he do something personally to you to make you hate him so much? I don't care for Adam's singing, but I can admit he is talented and a good person. Both Adam and Kris will be fine. I am sure Adam is glad he lost because now he doesn't have to sing that horrendous "coronation" song.

BrnxBmbr: Thats right losers!!! Adam is and always has been nothing more than a wannabe broadway performer. He is not a musician - he's a drama queen. PLAIN AND SIMPLE!!! All of you who disagree - get your hearing checked. Real musicians prevail - fakers do not... as CLEARLY shown tonight. Congrats Kris. Some of us knew you were the real Idol, not drama queen Adam.

AmandaLea321: does it really matter who the "idol champion" is anymore? i mean, last year archie and cook both got recording deals with the 19 management. i think the same will happen this year as well. kris will get a recording deal and so will adam. it really doesn't matter who wins the coveted "idol champion" spot...the recording contract isn't solely for the "winner"...its not exclusive anymore...the top two are getting the record deals...and not just the winner. kinda takes credibility away from the show a bit. i am very happy kris won..i liked adam but like lindsy mentioned, i got tired of ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE forcing adam in my face and down my throat. and also, i don't think adam needs american idol to become successful. he will do much better on his own. i think kris will do well also. he's creative and artistic..i think he is more of a total package...just my opinion. YAY FOR KRIS ALLEN!!!

christieB: Come on, that's not fair. America can't "get it wrong", because in the end, it's America's choice. America clearly prefers someone who doesn't need to go off on stroke-like shrieks in order to complete *every* song. The first time I heard Glambert sing one of his screaming songs I said "Wow, he's so unique". The 15th time, that wasn't my reaction. He is a very good singer, but (just my opinion) a bit of a one-trick-pony. At least Kris has some versatility.

AmandaLea: OKAY HOLD UP!!! NOW YA'LL GONNA START PERSECUTING SOMEONE ELSE'S RELIGION!!?? YOU SAY KRIS ALLEN WON CUZ OF "CHRISTIAN VOTE"? THAT IS FU**ED UP!!!! THIS DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH RELIGION OR HOMOPHOBIA!! WOW!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE SOME OF YOU HAVE STOOPED THAT LOW...BLAMING A RELIGION OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION JUST CUZ YOU'RE FAV DIDN'T WIN...MY GOD!! ITS A TV SHOW...AMERICA VOTED!! AMERICANS OF ALL DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE!! NOT JUST A CERTAIN GROUP IN GENERAL! GET OFF IT PEOPLE!! sorry, but i just had to get that off my chest.

KizerSoze: Its incredible how blind you Adam fans are. You cant just come to grips that there is a huge amount of people that simply enjoy the singing style Kris possess instead of Adam's. No you cant come to grips with that, instead you do what all lowlife's do. You claim Adam lost because he is gay, you claim Adam lost because Kris is a church goer...you are all pathetic. If you want to shed the blame, blame the people that were completely biased. I for one enjoy that America did not blindly follow the stupid. Simon needs to stick to Britain Has Talent, and forget American Idol. The American Idol judges are completely unlikeable, biased, and moronic, and as a result make Simon look like a tard.

TK: Kris won because Kris appealed to more people... period. It wasn't Gokey fans... I couldn't stand Gokey.. had to fast forward through him tonight. Most Americans are obviously not fans of the theater and to like Adam you needed to like the theatrical. His talent is undeniable. When he sang normal.. I liked him. When he screamed.. I didn't. You talk like there is something wrong with the fact that Kris is a happily married church worship leader (didn't know he was a church worship leader by the way). I'm telling you what... most of America seems to be messed up if they think there is something wrong with that. I could care less about Adam's lifestyle...that would be his choice and his business.. I just didn't like his music style and obviously the majority of the people voting didn't since he didn't win...GET OVER IT.

YahooMusic User: Don't, don't, don't ever believe this had anything to do with anything other than the music. What's so hard for all you Adam Lambert fans out there to understand that there is a large portion of America that doesn't like being shrieked at, on key or otherwise. Kris is just much more marketable to a larger audience, plain and simple.

Maybe...just maybe, next year, the judges won't fawn, slobber, and otherwise crown their favorite as the winner before America speaks. Adam is a talented guy and will do well regardless of the outcome....but I for one got tired of the endless, over-the-top gushing on the part of the judges. It seemed like America was getting the judges' choice rammed down their throats, and probably created a huge backlash.

Deahh: I think Adam is a very talented singer, probably the most talented in the competition this year. But the contest isn't about being the best singer, the contest is about being the best singer that people want to hear.The fact that he endears himself to you and most of your readers (judging by the comments I read most of the season) means simply that you and your readers love him. It also means that the more reserved, less vocal majority liked Kris.The end result will be meaningless in a year or two anyways. I disagree with you and truly believe Kris will have better, more long term success - but I'm not hating on Adam, I just don't think he has "widespread" appeal.As someone who has been a fan of "rockers" since he left the womb 34 years ago, I can tell you I would likely never buy a Lambert album while I can see myself buying a Kris Allen album. And while my rock music collection is quite large, at this point he doesn't even register. I don't even think he really fit well with Kiss tonight. He soft vocals are superb, and his high notes, while annoying, are good. It's his up-tempo, middle ground that I find lacking.

KizerSoze: Kris is humble enough to be suprised by winning since everyone on the show and with visible power, such as this blog was against him. Hence his shock, and comment over Adam not winning. He does not believe for a second he does not deserve it, he just has class. Unlike Adam who actually picked sides when he was asked who he should stand with earlier in the show. Again you all like to spin things into Adam's favor. Sad that you all can't be happy that a regular citizen had this opportunity and made his dream come true. A lot of you are truly sour individuals.

Mike K - MCP President: Singers ALWAYS beat the screamers. Next time you wanna mess with what REAL music is, I'll come at you like an oncoming train!

KRIS IN TOP 3!

Yes! Kris Allen is in American Idol's Top 3! That's enough for me. I don't care now if he wins or not, he's got loads of talent and I'm still a fan.

I just don't like Adam. He's all pomp and flash, but if anybody could just get their heads out of the clouds (of hype over Adam), they'd realize that between Adam and Danny, Danny's got the better vocal quality. Adam is too flashy and theatrical for my taste, and I find his voice shrieky.

I'm so disappointed in Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. She's so star-struck with Adam she's not being objective. Her bias/favoritism is so brazenly obvious I couldn't believe anything she says. Randy, Paula, and Simon have had their favorites but they don't show it that blatantly. You could see that anything could still hapen with them, unlike with Kara, who is so transparent she already had this season wrapped up with her precious Adam on top. Just for that, if Kris gets booted out, I'd vote for Danny; but you know, Adam could stilll get axed. You never know.

SWINE FLU (H1N1) VIRUS UP CLOSE!

May 4, 2009—Sorry, not a curly tail in sight.

Scientists have snapped the first ever portrait of H1N1, the new swine flu virus that has swept the globe in recent weeks.

A virus cell (such as the H1N1 swine flu cells above) is made up of a core that contains genetic material, which is surrounded by a protein-filled coat that allows the virus to catch onto and invade target cells. Each cell measures about one-ten-thousandth of a millimeter wide.

The samples, obtained from an infected patient in California, were photographed on April 27, 2009, at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.

Novel H1N1 Flu

What is H1N1 (swine flu)? H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread

Why is this new H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”? This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus.

Are there human infections with this H1N1 virus in the U.S.? Yes. Cases of human infection with this H1N1 influenza virus were first confirmed in the U.S. in Southern California and near Guadalupe County, Texas. The outbreak intensified rapidly from that time and more and more states have been reporting cases of illness from this virus. An updated case count of confirmed novel H1N1 flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/investigation.htm. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

Is this new H1N1 virus contagious? CDC has determined that this new H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people? The symptoms of this new H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

Can I get infected with this new H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork? No. H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get this new HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick? There is no vaccine available right now to protect against this new H1N1 virus. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

STEPHEN KING'S "CELL"

Just finished very creepy, really gory, spine-tingling "CELL" from the master of the macabre Stephen King. (I got the first edition hardbound...) Couldn't help thinking, it would only take one lunatic with a sophisticated WMD, who cleverly realized that the ultimate method of delivery would be the ubiquitous cellphones -- to wipe us all out from the face of the planet...Most end-of-the-world scenarios dreamed up by writers (and analysts!) usually depict armageddon caused by too much technology...

AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 8

Last year's American Idol Season 7 was better by a mile (remember the two Davids?). I certainly don't think this season has talents who I could say with a certainty will sell records the way David Cook or even Daughtry has. Dunno with you guys but I really like very underrated Kris - he's got sheer artistry, musicality, genuine talent (case in point: his take on Donna Summer's "She Works Hard for the Money"). Adam has showmanship & starpower performance ability but I find his voice shrieky when he hits the high notes, and well, he IS a bit theatrical. Danny's got vetter vocal quality than Adam but his showmanship leaves much to be desired; plus i think he's just getting sympathy votes because of his life story. I think Kris is the dark horse, the underdog. Danny & Adam? Overhyped and overrated, methinks.

Here's what some bloggers have to say: (from About.com)

(Cain): To me kris is the most talented of the bunch. good song choice, versatile yet convincing singing. but i’m not sure he can win. he’s not the one everybody is talking about. best doesn’t mean winner, too many have proven this. so sad ai’s been a popularity show for years and it will still be.

Adam’s dramatic performance soon will wear off and his singing style would be hard to fit into the market, if he indeed won the show. Danny has a good voice and a overly marketed story, but he also needs a little change and his cocky attitude won’t get him very far.

(Leigh): People love Adam because he’s different; he’s an entertainer first and foremost. However, I just don’t know what kind of album he would make or if he can really make it in modern music. He’s a great performer and he’s talented, but he’s so theatrical. And Danny Gokey–I am so done with him it’s not even funny.

(John): Kris is my favorite on this show. He seems like a really musical guy and a true talent, not just a vocalist.

(LeMarie): Totally agree with all the comments. Kris is one of the best contestants to hit AI. He is multi-talented and refreshing. AI would be foolish to pass him up.

BLOG OVERHAUL

I'm currently in the process of overhauling my blog and going for a completely different look. It's been giving me a headache so far. I lost some widgets and I couldn't find them anymore, my flag counter was reset, and I couldn't decide on a template...darn! So far, I think I'm getting there...I haven't updated my blog for months now. Well, I've never been exactly that active in blogging...but I have a feeling that's about to change...here goes nothing...=)

DEAR GOD

In keeping with my "tribute to kids" mood lately, I found this nugget of a photo from www.anvari.org of Dear God letters from kids. Believe me when I say, read on and feel all your worries melt away...ahh, the innocence of youth...

WHAT DOES LOVE MEAN?

Slow down for three minutes to read this. It is so worth it. Touching words from the mouth of babes...

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?”

The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." - (Rebecca - age 8)

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.” - (Billy - age 4)

"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other." - (Karl - age 5)

"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs." - (Chrissy - age 6)

"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." - (Terri - age 4)

"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.” - (Danny - age 7)

"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss" - (Emily - age 8)

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." - (Bobby - age 7) Wow!

"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.” - (Nikka - age 6) We need a few million more Nikkas on this planet!

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday." - (Noelle - age 7)

"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well." - (Tommy - age 6)

"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore." - (Cindy - age 8)

"My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night." - (Clare - age 6)

"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken." - (Elaine - age 5)

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford." - (Chris - age 7)

"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day." - (Mary Ann - age 4)

"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones." - (Lauren - age 4)

"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." - (Karen - age 7) What an image!

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross." - (Mark - age 6)

"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." - (Jessica - age 8)

And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child. The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.
When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry".