Monthly Archive for August, 2008

Shawn Johnson and David Letterman

In case you missed it, here is a clip from Shawn Johnson’s appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman.  Other appearances this week: leading the pledge of allegiance at the DNC and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno!

Movie must-see: Young at Heart

I have a 3-year-old.  I have a husband. I have a home.  I have a full-time job.  I do NOT have time to see movies in the theaters.  Sigh.

Regardless, many months ago, I saw a segment on the Today show highlighting a choir comprised of fantastic senior citizens called the Young at Heart Chorus.  This choir is now featured in a heart-warming movie called Young@Heart.  I was lucky enough to see the movie en route to vacation… and was not ashamed to cry on the plane. Tears of complete laughter… and tears of sincere sadness.

I tell you this: see this movie.  It’s a great look at how important and how impactful senior citizens can be to our lives.  This group of singers — belting out contemporary music from Coldplay to Bruce  Springsteen to The Ramones — proves that people have something to share regardless of age.  (You will never laugh as hard as I did to seeing 80 and 90-year olds singing "I wanna be sedated.")

The documentary reminds us that ALL people need to feel valued, loved and worthy. Many of the choir singers are dealing with serious health issues, and they choose to attend choir practice because they need to feel like they have something important to contribute to society.

As the movie progresses, we learn that the singers are working toward a concert in a major theater.  To practice and prepare, the choir performs at a local jail, and the talent and the honesty they share had the prisoners (and me!) in tears.  We also share in the sadness and angst when choir members die before the big concert… and how the compassionate and brave singers rally to ensure the show will go on.

Okay, I am gushing.  But it’s no secret that I have a soft-spot for senior citizens.  I find them wise, experienced and valuable.  See this movie, and you will agree.

Shawn Johnson wins GOLD on balance beam!

Shawn_johnson_ap_photoI loved watching the Olympics this year.  I wrote about Shawn Johnson multiple times, and she made her country so proud.  She is an Olympic medalist who won with grace, style and humility.  The United States, and her hometown of West Des Moines, are very proud of her performance and sportsmanship.

If you are a fellow Shawn Johnson Fan and do not read the Des Moines Register, I am happy to share some links:

- Shawn Johnson beams after getting her gold
- Tickets on sale Monday for Shawn Johnson post-Olympic appearance in D.M.
- Shawn Johnson balances fame with everyday school life

- Interactive: Olympic picture scrambles

- Interactive: Shawn Johnson coloring book

* AP Photo

Aloha! (Back to blogging soon, I promise.)

I just returned from a Kauai vacation with my friends and family, and now am packing for a company retreat at Lake Tahoe.  (Yes, it’s a rough life.)  I know I am late on blogging about the biggies: SYTYCD finals, Shear Genius, Project Runway and more.  In the meantime, I leave you with this:

Kauai_2008_rebel_102