Extreme Makeover Home Edition – Remembering Alex Brown

Last night (Sunday) Extreme Makeover – Home Edition did a two hour special with a Texas Family that lost their daughter in a terrible car accident.  The following is a summary of what the show was about:

Seventeen-year-old Alex Brown epitomized the All-American girl — beautiful, smart, vivacious and beloved by everyone who knew her. Tragically her life and her dream of a career in broadcast journalism were cut short: In November 2009, she was killed in a single car accident. Those left behind include Alex’s brave parents and her amazing younger sister. Dedicated to making sure no other family suffers such heartbreaking loss, the Browns turned their tragedy into something constructive, and today they travel around Texas to local high schools with Alex’s wrecked truck on their flat-bed trailer to remind young people of the dangers of distracted driving. Their goal is simple: They want to save lives. Join their effort by taking the pledge today.

On her way to school she rolled her pickup truck and they found out that she was texting while driving when she evidently lost control.

Jeanne (Mom), Johnny Mac (Dad), and daughter Katrina have now dedicated themselves to getting the message out to inform the public about the consequences of texting and driving.  Click here for their website for more information.

On their website is a document that you can print out to make a pledge to not text and drive.  The document is a great reminder to folks and can be printed for all the family members to sign as a reminder.  Click here to get the document.

On the show Emma Roberts came to the build site in Texas to help out the Extreme Makeover folks. Also during the “build week” the Brown family was sent on vacation to New York City and while they were there Extreme Makeover set up a surprise meeting with Justin Bieber who was in NY for his concert.  We have to applaud Justin for taking the time to meet with the family and six of Katrina’s friends.  This young man sure does put out a great message to the young folks in the viewing audience.  Bravo Justin!

We also applaud Emma Roberts, Carl Edwards, and Greg Biffle for making appearances to support this great cause.

The AAN Team is also giving Extreme Makeover a standing ovation for bringing this issue to the public during prime time.  Extreme Makeover is one show that we believe is a must see every Sunday Night by the entire family.  We have done other posts on this show because of the inspiration it brings.  It seems to always show folks out there in cyberland overcoming tragic events and moving forward in their lives for the good of all in their communities.

We have nothing else to report except to say, “If you are reading this post while driving, please turn off your device and pay attention to the traffic around you.”  “DO NOT attempt to leave a text comment”!  One last reminder  — DNT TXT N DRV

Update! We have had several folks asking about the rings.  There is information on the Facebook Account and here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/RememberAlexBrown

Organic Food Trend

About four years ago everyone in this house began eating organic.  I resisted because back then my main food items were Quarter Pounder’s with Cheese, Cheeto’s, Milk Dud’s, and every time I got back to the Midwest I headed straight for a White Castle for a dozen “sliders”.  I liked the junk food, but the other folks in this house were bent on organic.  Slowly they converted me. 

 

Now I actually like organic foods even though I really don’t understand how meat can be organic.  Vegetables I understand them being grown without chemicals, but meats, I don’t get it. I must admit when the entire meal is organic it sure tastes good and I do feel better these days.  I do still have one non-organic item that I still take part in and that’s Starbuck’s Coffee.  I drink it 24/7 except when I get a craving for Gatorade.  And of course, I still get cravings for Quarter Pounders with Cheese, but I don’t say anything.  What I do is sneak out and head straight for MacDonald’s and indulge my eternal craving for the chemical laden meat. To this day nothing compares the a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Super Size Fries, and a Chocolate Shake from Mac Donald’s. (I am getting a craving just thinking about it).

 

 It looks like the trend is really catching on since Mrs. President started that garden behind the whit house.  Everywhere you look its organic this and organic that.  I think it’s a good thing for people to eat healthy especially with the reported obesity problems we have in this country.

 

 Just a few minutes ago during my craving for a Quarter Pounder, a MacDonald’s commercial played on TV, highlighting a special deal for fries purchased with a Quarter Pounder.  I take that as a sign from the universe and I am going to sneak out and take them up on that special.  (I can almost taste it.)

 

 Nothing organic compares to a quarter pounder with fries.

American Idol 2011 Season 10 – Nashville Audition

Tonight is the fourth show of auditions this year.

Tonight AAN invited Gabrielle (5 year old grand daughter), Jojo, and Andrew to be judges and to please rate each contestant on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest rating.  Gabrielle elected to use “X” for did not like and “*” for like

Here are the contestant performances in the order of appearance:

1] Christine #1157
Not good at all.
Jojo – 0
Gabrielle – XXXXXXXXX
Andrew – 0 — Terrible
NO to Hollywood

2] Rob #247 and Chelsee #2246 did a duet, then sang solo. (Now X’s)
The duet was pretty good vocals and their solo’s were also.
Jojo – 4 – Plesant Duet
Gabrielle – Rob ****** Chelsee XXXXX
Andrew – 5 – Better together
YES to Hollywood for both contestants

3] Allen #3939
Basically screamed the entire song.  Not good at all.
Jojo – 0
Gabrielle – XXXXXXXXXX
Andrew – 1 – Shower Singer
NO to Hollywood

4] Stormi #7520
Stormi has the “looks”, but her vocals are suspect.  Not a strong voice at all.
Jojo – 4 – Not an American Idol
Gabrielle – ********
Andrew – 5 Choir singer.
YES to Hollywood

5] Adrienne #359 (Farm girl)
Tonights first “Wow!”  Very good vocals.
Jojo – 7 Think she can do better holding back..
Gabrielle — *****
Andrew – 7 – Great singer and great story,.
YES to Hollywood

6] Kameela #10228
Not good at all.  She screamed the song.
Jojo – 0
Gabrielle — XXXXXXX
Andrew – 1
NO to Hollywood

7] Jackie #13000
Pretty good vocals.
Jojo – 0
Andrew – 2 – She was ok.
YES to Hollywood

8] Latoya #6778 (Another really confident contestant before hand)
So-so leaning on the not good at all side.
Jojo — 0
NO to Hollywood

9] Matt #8518 (Family has taken in over 700 foster children)
Pretty good vocals.
Jojo – 4 – Needs improvement and can become a contender.
YES to Hollywood

10] Lauren #5111 (15 years old)
This was by far the best audition this season so far.  Excellent!!!!!
Jojo – 10 – Best of the past several auditions
YES to Hollywood

We have nothing else to report except to once again thank Gabrielle, Jojo, and Andrew for joining the AAN panel again tonight.

Next audition show will be in Austin, TX.

American Idol 2011 Season 10 – Milwaukee Audition

Tonight is the third show of auditions in what looks like to us is going to be a very good season, maybe the best ever.  It has been getting better each week this year.

Tonight AAN once again invited Gabrielle (5 year old grand daughter), Jojo, Andrew, and Jenna to be judges and to please rate each contestant on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest rating.  Gabrielle elected to use “X” for did not like and “*” for like. (Comments optional).

Here are the contestant performances in the order of appearance:

1] Scott (16 years old) #68524
Right from the “get go” this performance was a “wow!”  Very good country vocals.
Jojo – 10 — Watch out Brad Paisley!
Gabrielle – *******
Jenna – 10
Andrew – 7 Great singer
YES to Hollywood

2] Joe #72330
This was a so-so audition.  Joe did not have very good vocals.  To quote Steven, “Don’t quit your day job”..
Jojo – 0
Gabrielle – *******
Jenna – 2
Andrew – 0 No No No !
NO to Hollywood

3] Emma (15 years old) #6608?  Her and her family drove from Colorado for audition.
Interesting voice in a special kind of way.  Good potential, but we think she is to immature.
Jojo – 2  – No depth and too young.
Gabrielle – X******* (X = scratchy voice)
Jenna – 9
Andrew – 3 — Needs work on vocals.
YES to Hollywood (Steven YES, J-LO NO, Randy hem-hawed and gave a YES)

4] Niama #84319
We thought she has a good voice, has the “style” and stage presence.
Jojo – 9 – Excellent!
Gabrielle – ********
Jenna – 10
Andrew – 5 — Good singer.
YES to Hollywood

5] Jerome #66258
We liked did not especially like the audition, but the vocals were ok.
Jojo – 7-  Great potential.
Gabrielle — *****
Jenna 10 + + +
Andrew – 2 – No good.
YES to Hollywood

6] Thia
Very good vocals and a very good audition.
Jojo – 9 – Bravo!
Gabrielle — **********
Jenna – 10 + + + +
Andrew – 7 – Nice voice.
YES to Hollywood

7] Nathaniel
Sang “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and was way off key..
Jojo – 0
Gabrielle — XXXXXXXX
Jenna — 0
NO to Hollywood

8] Mason #76969
Not good at all!
Andrew – 0 – Strange!
NO to Hollywood

9] Molly #74333
Molly has “the look”, voice, and she is the total package that Idol is looking for.
Jojo – 10 – May go to the finals if she is consistant.
Andrew 8 – Great!
YES to Hollywood

10] Haley #67297 (Tried out last year in Chicago and received a no)
This year she was very good and she is another contestant with “the look”,
Jojo – 8 Excellent
YES to Hollywood

11] Tiwan #70505
We liked the vocals and she has a nice tone in her voice.
Jojo – 6 – Pretty good potential.
YES to Hollywood

12] Steve #69057 (CPA)
Steve surprised us with very good vocals and he has great range.
Jojo – 7 – Very promising
YES to Hollywood

13] Albert #76385
NO to Hollywood

14] Scott #66992
Another surprise!  Very good vocals and performance.
Jojo – 7 – Excellent potential.
YES to Hollywood

15] Megan #76189 (Packer Fan)
Megan wins our vote for the highest off key note sang this year so far.
NO to Hollywood

16] Ali #68842
We thought Ali did a very good “Rock” audition.  We liked her vocal quality.
Jojo – 4 – Okey, not strong quality.
YES to Hollywood

17]  Chris – Interesting story here.  Two months before Chris was to be married his wife to be was in a terrible car accident and she is now in a wheelchair.  Chris is now her caretaker.
We thought Chris had very nice vocal quality and range.
Jojo – 8 – Excellent.  Needs a little more strength in his voice.
YES to Hollywood

We have nothing else to report except to once again thank Gabrielle, Jojo, Andrew, and Jenna for joining the AAN panel again tonight.

Steven Tyler’s “American Idol Icon over the mouth” score this week is 3.

Next audition show will be in Nashville.  Se ya’all then.

Taco Bell Law Suit — What is in the shell?

Taco Bell is being sued over meat that is only 35% Beef.  Interesting enough about a month ago we reported a Yahoo article about whether fast food hamburger places were using beef.  The folks at Taco Bell probably got a good chuckle about that article. It looks like the “beef” question has come full circle.

For full details on the Fox article on the law suit < click here >

“Attorney Dee Miles said the meat mixture contained just 35 percent beef, with the remaining 65 percent containing water, wheat oats, soy lecithin, maltodrextrin, anti-dusting agent and modified corn starch.”  Yuck!

We have nothing else to report except to wonder what ever happen to the Taco Bell Chihuahua mascot that used to be in all their commercials.  Was it retired due to the lack of beef in its diet?

 

The Valentine’s Day “Guardian”

Our grand daughter Gabrielle (5 years old) is the family artist.  She usually makes pictures and cards for all occasions.  Gabrielle has so many friends and family that when a holiday is up coming she starts making cards weeks in advance.  What usually happens is when the holiday is a few days away we seem to have cards missing?  Then the house search begins to find the missing cards.

  With Valentine’s Day approaching Gabrielle has come up with a great solution to keep the cards in one place and in order.  Gabrielle calls it her “Guardian” and the best thing about it is, it’s a way to recycle paper boxes.  The bonus is the whole family can do it together as a project. This years “Gardians” were made by Gabrielle and Andrew.

  All you need is an empty tissue box, the size does not matter.  (We had plenty of these around because someone always seems to have a cold around here)  Then get some construction paper, markers / pens / crayons, scissors, and glue or tape.  The opening in the tissue box is where the valentine will be inserted, so you start creating around the slot.  The picture in the upper left corner are some of the “Guardians” we have created.  Below are pictures of each “Gaurdian” individually. We have a Tiger (by Andrew), Alien (by Gabrielle), Butterfly (by Gabrielle), Rose (by Gabrielle), Whale (by Gabrielle and Andrew), Wizard (by Andrew), and Croc (by Andrew).

  Now when a valentine is completed it will be placed in the “Guardian” for safe keeping and easy access when they are going to be sent or presented to the friend or relative.

 We have nothing else to report except to ask if any of you folks out there is cyberland have a great idea,  If you do, please leave a comment describing the idea and we will post it as a blog at a later date.  If the comment box is too small, please leave an email address that you can be reached with a short description of the idea.

NFL Playoffs – “DA” Chicago Bears

 We at AAN are usually impartial when it comes to our reporting, but with the possibility of “DA” Chicago Bears possibly going on to the NFL Super Bowl we find that impossible.  We are HUGE Chicago Bear fans and have been for decades.  We have been through the good times and the bad with this great team.

This weekend Da Bears are playing the Green Bay Packer’s in Chicago and the winner goes on to the Super Bowl.  The game start at 11:00 PM PST Sunday morning and we will be ready to cheer them on “Go Bears!!!!”

 Now when they make it to the Super Bowl we have plans for a great Super Bowl Party.  We are planning two scenarios, one if they win and the other if they don’t.  We will celebrate even if the don’t win because we feel it’s a great accomplishment just getting to the Super Bowl, however a win would make the celebration all that much sweeter.

So, here are our two Super Bowl Scenarios:

#1**  When the last second ticks off the clock at the end of the game and when Da Bear’s win we will then partake in a five course celebration meal as follows:

 Course 1 Appetizer — Almas Caviar 1 lb.
 Course 2 Soup De Jour – Bird’s Nest Soup (Six servings)
 Course 3 First Entrée – Fence Gate Inn Wagyu Meat Pie (Six servings)
 Course 4 Second Entrée – Golden Tiger Fish (Six Servings)
 Course 5 Dessert – The Grand Opulence Sundae
And Finally – Kopi Luwak Coffee

We referred to “Cracked.com” for this meal.  Click here for details <cracked>.

The wine with the meal will be a special bottle that has been handed down though through our family for generations.  We will crack open a bottle of Chateau Lafite 1787 and enjoy every drop of wine and every bite of the meal with the sweet taste of a victory celebration.

 #2 When the last second ticks off the clock at the end of the game and Da Bear’s lose we will then fire up the barbeque and roast some Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs.  While the hot dogs are cooking we will run down to the local liquor store and buy several bottles (A case) of Mogen David Concord Wine (NY).  When we return, we will enjoy the hot dogs, accompanied with chips, and the wine with many tears for the loss, but happy because they made it this far.

 ** This in truth would be our dream meal and wine.  In actuality the food and drink from scenario #2 will be will replace the dream food, but the sweet taste of victory should make it just a little better tasting.

  We have nothing else to report except to shout “Go Bear’s !!!!!!”

American Idol Season 10 – New Orleans Audition

Tonight is the second show of auditions in what looks like to us is going to be a very good season, maybe the best ever.

Tonight AAN invited Gabrielle (5 year old grand daughter), Jojo, and Jenna to be judges and to please rate each contestant on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest rating.  Gabrielle elected to use “X” for did not like and “*” for like. (Comments optional).

Here are the contestant performances in the order of appearance:

1] Jordan Dorsey #36939
Great vocals and arrangement of the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.
Jojo – 8 Probably make it to the top 10 if he gets current..
Gabrielle – *******
Jenna – 10
YES to Hollywood

2] Sarah #31601
We thought Sara started the performance slow, but he vocals quickly became very good.
Jojo – 4  Good talent but not an American Idol.
Gabrielle — XXXXXX
Jenna – 10
YES to Hollywood

3] Jovany #26226
We did not like this performance..
Jojo – 10 Excellent!! (? Apealing in a different language).
Gabrielle — ******
Jenna — 10
YES to Hollywood

4] Jacquel #30330
We thought she has a nice voice with good potential.
Jojo – 5 Not as smooth as she could have been.
Gabrielle – ******
Jenna — 10
YES to Hollywood

5] Brett #31552
We liked Brett’s message about being comfortable with your self and we liked his vocals.  Very Good..
Jojo – 7 Lots of potential – clean up appearance.
Gabrielle — *****
YES to Hollywood

6] Gabriel (Confident)
He did a Lady Gaga song and was not so good on the vocals.
NO to Hollywood

7] Alex #36943
Alex attended American Idol Camp last year.and this year has was not very good at all.  Way off key on the vocals.
Jojo – 0
Gabrielle — XXXXXXXX
Jenna — 0
NO to Hollywood

8] Jacee #36812 (15 Years old)
Our first “WOW!!” this season.  Awesome vocals and we think this was the best audition so far this season.
Jojo – 7 Good start at age 15.
Gabrielle — ********
Jenna – 10 The best.
YES to Hollywood

9] Paris #29987
Paris was sining for her daughter that has special needs.  She had very good vocals, good range, and very good audience connection.  Her message to her daughter is “Go for your dreams.”
Jojo – 8 Will go on with more practice.
Gabrielle — ********
Jenna — 10
YES to Hollywood

We have nothing else to report except to once again thank Gabrielle, Jojo, and Jenna for joining the panel again tonight.

Also it looks like Steven Tyler is improving on his “American Idol Icon over the mouth” because he only had two tonight.  Ryan Seacrest tied Steven with two when he was attempting to speak a phrase in French (?) in the opening of the show.

Next week is Milwaukee, WII. (1^st time for American Idol)

See all of you out there in cyberland next week and thank you for your support.

American Idol 2011 Season 10 Premiere — New Jersey Auditions

American Idol Season Ten opened the auditions in Jersey City, New Jersey.

The show opened with a “promo” highlighting the two new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, and long time judge Randy Jackson.

Tonight AAN invited “Gaba” (5 year old grand daughter), Jojo, Andy, and Jenna to be judges and to please rate each contestant on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest rating.  Gaba elected to use “X” for did not like and “*” for like. (Comments optional).

Here are the AAN’s contestant performances in the order of appearance:

Day 1 New Jersey:

1] Rachel Zevita #60030  (Rachel was cut at the audition level on season 6)
We though Rachel had a so-so voice but the judges seemed to think she had potential.
Andy — 7
Jojo – 8 to10  Great clarity and range.
Gaba – XXXXXXX
Jenna – 8
YES to Hollywood

2] Caleb Holly #55044
We thought Caleb was pretty good.
Andy – 6
Jojo – pass
Gaba — *****
Jenna – 5
YES to Hollywood

3] Kenzie Palmer #556784 (15 year old)
We thought her voice was really good and showed some great potential.
Andy – 8
Jojo – 8  Excellent especially for a 15 year old.
Gaba — ********
Jenna — 9
YES to Hollywood

4] Achille #62282
Andy – 2
Jojo – 0 Could not understand the words.
Gaba – ******
Jenna — 0
NO to Hollywood

5] Tiffany Rios – Tiffany immediately started crying when she met her idol “J-Lo”.
We thought her first song was not very good, but she did much better on the 2^nd song.
Andy – 5
Jojo – 9
Gaba — XXXXXXXXXX
YES to Hollywood

6] Melkia
NO to Hollywood

7] Robbie Rosen #48041 – Robbie is a 16 year old that was wheelchair bound as a child and overcame the “chair” and is now walking.
Right from the first note we liked Robbie. We had no doubt we would be passed on to Hollywood.
Andy – 5
Jojo – 5
Gaba — ******** (This was Gaba’s last rating due to the sandman calling.)
YES to Hollywood

8] Chris Corderio #63961 – Chris was very confident.
Chris sang “My Way” originally made famous by Frank Sinatra and Chris now needs to apologize to Frank because it was really, really a bad try.
NO to Hollywood

9] Michael Perotto #52329 – Michael burped to get rid of his stage fright.
Michael sang “Proud Mary” and it was an “UGH!” from us.
Andy – 1
Jojo – 4 Great rhythm but not polished.
NO to Hollywood

10] Ashley Sullivan #52859
Ashley initial sang a Broadway Tune that we did not like very much, but then she made up and sang a second song, which we did like and so did the judges.
Andy missed this one.
Jojo — ?  Excellent for Broadway and should get a chance.
YES to Hollywood

11] Victoria Huggins #62183 (16 years old) – Victoria can also be seen on “U-Tube”
We thought she had a so-so voice yet seemed to have promise and does have a great personality.
Andy – 4
Jojo – 5 Great promise.
YES to Hollywood

12] Melinda Ademi – Melinda’s parents are war refugees from Kosovo
Melinda had “that look” with a very good voice to go with it.
Andy – 7
Jojo – 7 Seemed comfortable natural talent.
YES to Hollywood

Day 2 New Jersey

13] Devyn Rush #63667
We liked Devyn’s voice and really liked the performance.
Andy – 5
Jojo – 8 Agreed with judges.
YES to Hollywood

14] Jimmy Kennedy
NO to Hollywood

15] Yoji “Pop” – Great dance moves
Andy – 3
Jojo – 0 Would possibly do good in Japan.
NO to Hollywood

16] Brielle #57802 – Her father beat throat cancer.  We say WTG dad!
We thought she has a pretty good voice and good potential.
Andy – 4
Jojo – 5 Karoke
YES to Hollywood

17] Travis Orlando #52649 – Travis is a 16 year old that grew up in the Bronx “projects”.
We liked Travis’s 2^nd song much more than the 1^st song and overall was pretty darn good.  He might have some good potential.
Andy – 8
Jojo — ? Young good voice but can use some coaching.
YES to Hollywood

We have nothing else to report except we found the new judges Steven and J-Lo very entertaining and we think the viewing audience will see many more American Idol Logo’s placed over Steven’s mouth during this season.  Also many thanks to our guest judges Andy, Jojo, Gaba, and Jenna.

Tomorrow New Orleans!  See y’all then.

AlAboutNothing Update — New Connections

We are happy to announce that we have connected our posts to Tweeter and Facebook.

Look for us on Tweeter and click the “follow” tab. Then when we post on here, you will see it on your Tweeter account.

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If you do not have a Tweeter or Facebook Account and wish to continue receiving post updates –over on the right side-bar of our page the third widget from the top is “Email Subscription”.  This is below the “Socialvibe” widget and above the “Recent Posts” widget.  Just enter your email address and click the “Sign me up!” tab.  Again, every time we post you will receive an email of the post and a link to the actual post.

We have nothing to add at this time except we are also updating our dot com (alaboutnothing.com) and will soon be up and running.

We would like to thank all of you folks out there in cyberland for your support.  We really appreciate you taking the time to read and or comment on our posts.  Bless each and every one of you.  (Namaste)