Cindy Swanson, CyberSnoop: The Case of the Jury Duty Scam

Are identity thieves trying to trick people into revealing their personal information by telling them they’ve failed to report for jury duty?

The answer, according to several sources, is YES.

This is the subject of an e-mail that has been circulating since around 2005…the latest version, which I actually just received the other day, even provides a link to Snopes.com confirming that it’s true.

Here’s how it works: The scammer calls claiming to work for the local court, tells you you’ve failed to report for jury duty, and claims that a warrant has been issued for your arrest. When you say you never received jury duty notification, the scammer then asks you for confidential information for "verification" purposes.

The scammer will ask you for your Social Security number, birth date, sometimes even credit card numbers and other private information. The jury duty scam has popped up in several states.

Here’s what you need to know: court workers will NOT call you to ask for personal information because you’ve supposedly missed jury duty or even for screening purposes. ( In most cases, court workers won’t call you at all…most of the info you receive from them will be through the mail.)


Again…and we can’t say this enough…unless YOU initiated a call, do NOT give out those personal details to someone who claims to be from a government office, the bank, or even just someone who’s trying to sell you something. They’re probably just trying to get the information they need to commit identity theft.


Confirming another internet rumor, this is Cindy Swanson, CyberSnoop…reminding you to check it out BEFORE you hit that “send” button!

American Idol singers have a local tie

Shortly after Darren Marlar and I mentioned American Idol contestant Danny Gokey on 101QFL this morning, I got a call from an elder at Faithbuilders International in Beloit, WI.

It seems Gokey--who touched hearts as a recent widower and wowed the judges with his soulful singing--was a worship leader at Faithbuilders. Also involved with Faithbuilders was Jamar Rogers, who also made it through to Hollywood from the Kansas City auditions.

I didn't get to see AI last night, but I checked out Gokey's audition at Rickey.org:

Danny Gokey audition

Apparently both Gokey and Rogers have ministered in the Faithbuilders locations in both Milwaukee and Beloit, which is right up the road from me. I will definitely be watching to see how they fare in their AI journey!

Biggest Loser tugged at the heartstrings last night

As annoyed as I with with Biggest Loser last week for sending nine players home to lose weight on their own--with the promise of maybe getting to come back to the ranch in 30 days--I saw strong glimpses last night of what makes the show worth watching.

First, the negative...

I can't say I blame normally sweet trainer Bob for losing a grip over the very annoying Joelle and her non-participation. However, I wish both Bob and Jillian would clean up the potty-mouths. Even with bleeps a-plenty, it got offensive. That said, Joelle was incredibly annoying.

Still, she doesn't even begin to approach the unlikability factor of which last season's Vicky was the undisputed champion.

That said...

Yep, the show tugged at the heartstings last night. I saw contestants put thoughts of "game play" aside to give a hand to other contestants. Like when the team-mates of the over 400-pound teenager, Dan, helped him make it up a steep hill. Their very real kindness was heartening.

When the 63-year-old Jerry realized, at weigh-in time, that he was in danger of being eliminated, I'm pretty sure there were sniffles all across America. He just broke my heart...as he did Jillian's and even Alison Sweeney's, who was dabbing away tears.

Still, the players showed heart when they sent Jerry home instead of the teen-aged Dan. They reasoned--rightly--that Jerry would be able to continue losing weight at home, whereas Dan might not.

The follow-up video did indeed show that Jerry has gone on to lose a total of 84 pounds. It looks like he and his wife, Estella, have a new lease on life.

It's pretty obvious that Dan simply HAS to stay on the show, as long as possible. I am so rooting for him to lose weight and turn his life around. He has really captured my heart.

As for Joelle. Yes, she's annoying and seems to be a slacker. Did she really think she could come on Biggest Loser and fake exercising? Also, she'll be responsible if her team-mate, Carla, doesn't make it back on the show--and frankly, Carla seems like a much more fun and entertaining person than Joelle.

I'm hoping the fact that she nearly got sent home will cause Joelle to change her attitude and rededicate herself to the task at hand--but judging from the previews, it doesn't look like that happened.

All in all, Biggest Loser seems to be returning to what made me like it in the first place. It's an inspiring story about changing yourself for the better.

It's baaack.....American Idol returns to TV tonight

You've got to understand, I watch so little television that I really get excited about the few shows that I really do like...and two of them are returning this month.

"American Idol" returns tonight, with the obligatory audition episodes. To be honest, I'm not sure how much I'm really looking forward to these episodes. They can be painful, even somewhat cruel at times. Still, it's best to watch them if you're going to start rooting for someone early on. At best, they can be truly funny and entertaining.

The dilemma tonight? Both "American Idol" and "The Biggest Loser" are on. I'm thinking I'll probably DVR "American Idol," and watch "The Biggest Loser."

I was really ticked off at TBL last week for pulling a stunt that I thought was just tacky. (I won't go into it now, but Sam Barrington perfectly expressed my own feelings on the subject here, if you're interested.)

But TBL has me where they want me. I care enough about the contestants that I'll keep watching.

The other show returning this month is, of course, "Lost." I'm hoping the show lives up to my expectations and doesn't disappoint me the way "Heroes" did. "Heroes" has completely lost me. I never watch it anymore.

Why am I so fixated on/passionate about these few television shows? Well, to me, these shows represent a few of those small pleasures that make life enjoyable. I am well aware of the overall sad--actually appalling-- state of network television these days, generally speaking...so it's nice to have those shows that offer some quality entertainment.

Do you enjoy "American Idol," "The Biggest Loser," and/or "Lost"? Why or why not? Let me know in my comment section!

What are you blogging about today?

Image from Jollyblogger, where you can order T-shirts touting it


Since I'm drawing a blank on blogging ideas today, I decided to report on what OTHER people are blogging! If you read this and you're not mentioned here, tell me what YOU'RE blogging about in my comments section...and of course, provide a link to it!

--Randy at Reflections in Life reviews Don Piper's 90 Minutes in Heaven.

--Smiling Sally is taking part in the Blue Monday meme.

--Chris Brauns at A Brick in the Valley has some good thoughts on the importance of waiting.

--Ann-Marie at The Left-handed Rabbit blogs about getting to know her dad's side of the family.

--Robin Lee Hatcher at Write Thinking shares a beautiful view from her patio.

--Big Doofus might've over-exerted himself a bit.

--Angela Hunt at A Life in Pages is sharing a video.

--Dan Burrell has a house you might want to rent if you're visiting western North Carolina.

--"We're Living Proof that Depravity is Total."--Phil Johnson at PyroManiacs.

--Dave Kendall at The Silent Fool says it's never too late to become the person you want to be.

--Barbara at Tidbits and Treasures was impressed with a presentation at her church by Teen Challenge.

--La Shawn Barber blogs about Christians in Hollywood.

--David at Jollyblogger writes about his cancer experience.

--Janet at Quoth the Maven isn't sorry she fell asleep during the Golden Globes.

--Reformed Grits is sad that her son won't be playing soccer anymore.

So what are YOU blogging about? Give me a link!

Cindy Swanson, CyberSnoop: The Case of the Cell Phone Con

As part of my job on 101QFL, I check out internet rumors as "Cindy Swanson, CyberSnoop." Here's the latest:

The Case of the Cell Phone Con

Are instances being reported, here in the stateline area and across the nation, of cell phone users getting text messages asking them to contact a number with their banking and other personal information?

Yes. CyberSnoop didn’t even really need to check this out on Snopes or TruthOrFiction. It happened to quite a few of our listeners and to me personally!

In my case, both my husband and I received text messages on our cell phones, claming that our bank account was being terminated due to “unusual activity.” In both cases, we were urged to call a provided number…one of the messages came right out and said “to verify bank information.”

The bottom line? Unless YOU initiated a phone call with a trusted institution, do NOT give out those numbers. You could end up with a drained bank account.


I talked with Winnebago County Sheriff's Deputy Chief Dominic Iasparro about giving out personal numbers. Listen to his comment here.


If you’ve already given out such information to strangers who contacted you, you should call your local police department and your bank—-and make sure it’s your bank’s legitimate number, by the way.

And if you get a message like that again…whether it claims to be from your bank or any other institution…and whether it arrives via e-mail, phone call, Facebook or MySpace or text message, DO NOT give out those numbers. Be on the safe side and delete.

Confirming another internet rumor, this is Cindy Swanson, CyberSnoop…reminding you to check it out BEFORE you hit that “send” button!

Promoting and encouraging Christian filmmaking...

The San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival

The humanistic religious worldview of Hollywood elites and their intense hatred for Christianity and the value system which it embodies has created a rift in American culture and profoundly damaged the American family. We intend to respond, not by cursing the darkness, but by lighting candles. Building a community of independent Christian filmmakers is one such candle.--Doug Phillips, President, Vision Forum Ministries

More than 2000 Christian filmmakers were expected to attend this week's San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, going on now in San Antonio. Dean Jones and Kirk Cameron are on hand at the festival.


Fireproof (which earned more than 33 million dollars at the box office) and Ben Stein's Expelled are among the films for the 101-thousand dollar grand prize awarded to the best feature film.

Have you seen "Fireproof"? I haven't yet, and would love to know what you thought. Give me your mini-review in my comments section, please!

Movieguide Awards

Meantime, the 17th Annual Movieguide® Faith & Values Awards Gala is set for February 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills, CA. The two winners of the Most Inspiring Movie of 2008 and the Most Inspiring Television Program of 2008 will each be awarded a total of $100,000 in prize money at the event.

Last year's winners were “Amazing Grace” and Hallmark Hall of Fame’s “The Valley of Light” on CBS.

Top Cultural Events of 2008?

Movieguide founder and spokesman Dr. Ted Baehr has come out with a list of the Top 5 Cultural Events of 2008. According to him, they include:

1. Media bias.

2. The decline in attendance at the movie box office in 2008, where admissions dropped 5%.

3. The success of clean movies, especially animated movies, at the box office, including such hits as “Wall-E,” “Kung Fu Panda,” Madagascar: Escape to Africa,” “Horton Hears a Who,” “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” “Bolt,” “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” and “High School Musical 3.”

4. Movieguide® and the Concerned Women for America’s successful campaign to get the controversial child rape movie, “Hounddog,” pulled from theaters.

5. The cultural move toward the Internet, including teenagers and young adults downloading movies from the Internet to watch on their laptops instead of in theaters or on television.

Wordless Wednesday--piggin' out on the chips and salsa

My grandson, Payton, enjoying a Mexican dining experience--spicy salsa included!

A cup of hot tea: one of life's "creature comforts"

Discovering the pleasures of loose tea

Noun
1.
creature comforts - things that make you comfortable and at ease;
"all the comforts of home"

One of my favorite gifts this Christmas was from my son and daughter-in-law, but I suspect my daughter-in-law picked it out! She knows me well enough to know that I enjoy what I call "creature comforts"...those little things in life that make things more comfortable, cozy and pleasant.

I'm holding the little purple teapot in this picture. (The color was even chosen for a reason: to match my eggplant-colored Longaberger mugs--and it does match them, perfectly.)

The pot is for the purpose of brewing loose tea. Although I love tea, I've never really had access to loose tea before. My gift was the little teapot, which comes with a snap-on metal lid and an "infuser"--a little strainer basket that fits in the top of the pot, in which you spoon a small amount of loose tea.

Along with the teapot, I was given a bag of loose tea. It's from Keria Teas in Round Rock, Texas, and it's called "Texas Summer"--according to the website: "This refreshing blend of peaches and apricots with gunpowder green tea has been our #1 seller for many years."

I can see why. This tea is absolutely delicious. I admit I had to learn by trial and error--there were no instructions as to how much tea to put in the strainer, and I put way too much the first time...to the point where it was completely undrinkable.

I learned that a scant teaspoon works best for my taste. The result is one of the smoothest, most delicious teas I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying.

I can see why tea is a so essential and even almost a ritual in some cultures. Few things are more enjoyable, more soothing and delightful than a cup of really delicious hot tea...and you can really taste the difference between the loose tea and tea-bags.

I'll be enjoying this gift for a long time to come!

So, how about you...any especially delicious teas you can recommend? Let me know in my comments section!

These former teen idols seem like some pretty nice guys

OK, I'm not saying I'm going to watch this show regularly. But while nursing a bad cold over the weekend, I lighted on VH-1's Confessions of a Teen Idol...and I actually didn't hate it.

Granted, I only watched it because there was nothing else on...and if it had even begun to exhibit the disgustingness (is that a word?) of most VH-1 reality shows, I would've zapped it immediately. But this gathering of formerly famous entertainers (other columnists and writers are labeling them "has-beens," "washed-up," etc), did catch my attention.

It's unclear what the aim of the show really is. Apparently it's to give the seven former "heart-throbs" another shot at fame, although the first episode didn't go into how that would be accomplished. I guess just being on the show will restore a measure of fame in itself.

To be honest, they kinda touched my heart in a weird way. Here were seven guys who had experienced pretty much the pinnacle of fame and adoration, and now they're back to being just normal guys.

All seven of them seem--at least from the initial episode--like nice guys. Most of them still retain the good looks that helped catapult them to fame--although Christopher Atkins of The Blue Lagoon (I'm sorry, but I always thought that was the lamest movie) and Adrain Zmed are looking pretty craggy, and Billy Hufsey (of, ironically, the show called Fame) is looking a little beefy.

A mean-spirited prank?

The show is produced by former kid stars themselves, Scott Baio and Jason Hervey. I'm sure a stunt played on the seven former idols was aimed at stirring up controversy and therefore drama for the show, but it did seem a bit mean-spirited.

Spoiler if you haven't watched it yet and intend to: the guys are told they're going to be the focus of a red-carpet event in which they'll be appearing for their "fans." They dress excitedly and are whisked away by limo, where, sure enough, a red carpet lined by (admittedly a rather small number of) fans and photographers awaits them.

Their eagerness as they wait backstage, hearing their names announced and cheering fans, is kind of sad...because you have a slight premonition that they're being set up.

The curtain rises, and Jason Hervey and Scott Baio are standing in an empty room. The cheering fans were nothing but sound effects.

Apparently it was supposed to be some sort of object lesson about the fleetingness of fame and how these guys need to have a tough skin if they want to make comebacks, but I thought it was lame.

So did the guys. In fact, a couple of them were positively irate at being punked and made to look like fools.

I've gotta say, I liked Adrian Zmed's attitude throughout the entire episode. Apparently he has a nice career as a cruise ship entertainer, so he lacks the desperation evinced by some of the other guys. He also actually seems to have some wisdom and maturity that comes across as very appealing.

Maybe it's just my thing to cheer for the underdog, but I found myself rooting for the guys. I'm not sure if I'll ever watch the show again, and maybe future episodes will reveal that some of them really are jerks, but I honestly wouldn't mind if they did succeed.

Beginning a brand new year....

My family! (Standing) My son Justin and daughter Elizabeth
(seated)My daughter-in-law Daylyn, grandson Payton, son Jonathan, me and my husband Doug

Wishing a blessed and prosperous New Year to all who read this blog!

WOO-HOO!!! Michelle wins Biggest Loser

...and, I'm going on blog hiatus for a bit

My favorite Biggest Loser contestant won the title and the 250-thousand dollar prize last night...thereby totally redeeming the show for me!

The Biggest Loser has tried my patience this season. I feel it lost a little sight of what fans really appreciate about the show--seeing hard work and determination pay off. Instead, we got way too much unpleasantness from certain participants.

Michelle Aguilar stayed sweet and pleasant throughout the show, while still being competitive and determined. I'm really, really glad she won.

I'll also give the show another chance in the season that begins January 6th. As I continue my own fitness journey, the show continues to inspire and educate me. I enjoy it!

Congratulations, Michelle, and God bless you!

...and I'm off to God's Country...

...otherwise known as the Great State of Texas!

I fly tomorrow (Dec 18th), and any prayers for traveling mercies would be greatly appreciated. I can't wait to spend Christmas with all the people I love down there, including my precious little grandson, Payton!

So if I don't get a chance to blog before then, a very sincere Merry Christmas to all of you who stop by this blog...and a very blessed New Year.

My Fijian foot massage

A couple of weeks ago, one of our 101QFL sales executives told me I need to schedule an appointment at Salon Crimson for a foot massage. As often happens in radio, we were going to be giving away a gift certificate on the air for the massage, and they wanted me to experience it firsthand so I could talk about it on the air.

He didn't have to twist my arm. I've had massages before, and I find them incredibly relaxing. I was a little puzzled, though, that a foot massage was going to last an hour. That's quite a bit of massaging!

Well, when I called to make the appointment, I found out that it wasn't just my feet that were getting the massage. It was actually a full-body massage DONE BY the feet of the masseuse!

I was a little surprised, to say the least. Although I had vague recollections of seeing something like this on TV, I had to admit it seemed like kind of a funny idea.

After experiencing it, I have to tell you that I definitely would recommend it. At first, the idea of someone's feet being on your person is just a little off-putting.

However, I quickly stopped thinking about it when the incredible relaxation set in! It was really easy to forget that it was feet that were performing the massage.

Why the feet?

I did wonder why feet would be employed in a massage, instead of the hands and arms.

Well, according to Fijianmassage.com, there are several benefits. They say the foot massage is often a more effective treatment for damaged, painful or tight muscles; clients often say it's a deeper yet gentler massage, and it can be done through clothing or on bare skin.

It's also beneficial for the person giving the massage, as it "saves therapist's hands, neck, arms and shoulders while avoiding kyphotic strain, cervico-cranial hyperlordosis, repetitive strain injury to hands and many overuse syndromes."

Would I do it again? Definitely, if it was free! And I have to say the staff of Salon Crimson couldn't have been more gracious.

But I do have to admit, I enjoy a regular massage just as much.

If you want to know more about Fijian barefoot massage, here's a video.

I'm tagged! Seven things about me...

...and a wonderful birthday

Before I get into the meme, I have to mention my birthday, which was Wednesday. The picture is of my daughter Elizabeth and me at Red Robin, where she and my husband took me for lunch that day. (I added the seasonal border on Snapfish, just for fun.) Both of them got me gifts that I had mentioned in passing and was very excited about receiving! My husband was a sweetheart, and made me feel great. It was a happy day.

As I get farther on the down side of fifty, you would think each birthday would be more depressing. However, my wonderful family made it a happy occasion. And I have to admit that it's encouraging to know that I'm probably healthier now than I was in my forties. I'm definitely taking better care of myself. I'm going to continue my personal mission statement of being the very best fifty-something woman I can be!

Thank you SO much to those of you who took time to wish me happy birthday on Facebook. That was so much fun, and so appreciated!

OK, now the meme...

My wonderful blogging friend Ann-Marie has tagged me with a meme in which I have to tell seven things about myself. I must admit I'm going to cheat a little, because I was tagged with a similar meme a few years ago, and some of my answers will be the same.

Here we go:



1. I spent two years in Beirut, Lebanon, when I was a child (my parents were missionaries.) The picture you see is of Beirut, and it is remarkably like my first impression of the city from our ship. As a litte girl I was immediately enchanted by the beauty of the place, which was not yet marred by war.

2. In the fifth grade, while in Lebanon, I got to help interview astronaut John Glenn. (I've blogged about the experience here.)

3. My favorite book of all time, not including the Bible which goes without saying, is Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte.

4. My family tree includes a lot of Scottish and Irish on both sides, but my mother's father was full-blooded Greek.

5. I am a grandmother, and it's one of my favorite roles in life! Little Payton Charles Douglas Swanson will be 2 years old on January 31st.

6. I don't like circuses. I'm not scared of them, I just don't like them.

7. I am a voice-over artist, and my voice can be heard on tutorials for several computer programs and a lot of phone surveys for restaurants and other businesses, among other things.

You're supposed to tag seven people with this and leave comments on their blog letting them know you tagged them...but I'm going to take the lazy way out and just invite everyone who reads to do this. Feel free to do it on your own blog, or in my comments section...I love getting to know my readers!

My vote was for Ed--as "Biggest Loser" winds up...

...a less-than-stellar season

As you know if you read this blog at all, one of my favorite TV shows--one of the few shows I watch regularly--really tried my patience this season.

"The Biggest Loser" has been a source of real inspiration in my own fitness journey. This season, it was mostly about game-playing, manipulation, and really unpleasant people getting their way.

And yes, Vicky's ultimate game-playing plan succeeded. Her alliance with Ed and Heba did result in them, as blue team members, making it all the way to the final four, and could result in her winning the big 250-thousand dollar prize at next week's finale.

I hope not. I've like Michelle (and her mom, Renee, who left the show last week) from the very beginning. Their pleasant personalities and obvious niceness, along with their hard work, determination and healthy competitiveness, are what the show's all about for me.

I think that what has grated on my nerves the most is the fact that Vicky's plan has worked almost like clockwork, with only a few setbacks (notably when Amy C had the courage to vote off Vicky's husband Brady, and the fact that Michelle and Renee of the black team just kept working extremely hard and losing weight.)

Unpleasant and annoying though she is, Vicky is a hard worker and a brilliant game-player. I have to give her that. But that's NOT why I watch "The Biggest Loser."

Last night, blue team/alliance members Ed and Heba, who are married to each other, fell below the yellow line that puts you in danger of elimination. Now it's up to "America" to vote: who will be the third person in the finale, alongside Michelle and Vicky?

Ed made a plea for us to vote for Heba. He wants her to have the chance to be in the finale.

Well, I voted for Ed.

Why? Honestly, I'm not trying to be spiteful. It's just that after watching Heba and Vicky scheme and manipulate week after week to play the game, I just want something NOT to go their way.

This article by Valerie Phillips does a good job of summing up why the show needs to shed the negative aspects that it seems to have embraced this season.

Phillips tells quotes her sister-in-law, who has lost 50 pounds with the help of the show:

"I was so excited for this season to begin but have been so disappointed at the mean-spirited people they have chosen, especially Vicky, who has such hateful thoughts and actions toward many of the other contestants." she said.

She hopes that NBC will heed her plea: "Give us back the show that inspired us. Give us back the show that made us believe we can do this. Give us back the show that gave me hope."

Amen to that.

OK, I know Blago is innocent until proven guilty, but I'm thinking...

...about what makes people in high places take risky chances?

And I thought our biggest news story today was the winter weather.

The arrest of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich today on federal corruption charges has sent a shock wave around the state, despite the fact that the governor has been under investigation for some time, and despite the fact that our most recent governor is serving time on federal charges. Sheesh.

While these are only charges and haven't been proven (yada yada yada), I can't help but wonder WHAT people in high positions--whether it be elected officials, pastors, evangelists or priests--are possibly thinking when they partipate in wrongdoing. They are taking enormous risks when they do so. How do they possibly imagine they can get away with it?

And yet it happens over and over again.

Why? I believe one explanation is summed up in the word hubris:

In its modern usage, hubris denotes overconfident pride and arrogance; it is often associated with a lack of humility, not always with the lack of knowledge. An accusation of hubris often implies that suffering or punishment will follow, similar to the occasional pairing of hubris and nemesis in the Greek world. The proverb "pride goes before a fall" is thought to sum up the modern definition of hubris.--Wikipedia

This from an article titled "Why Good Leaders Do Bad Things" (from the Graziadio Business Report, which--perhaps ironically--is put out by Blagojevich's alma mater, Pepperdine University):

"Leaders with strong virtuous values are more likely to act ethically than are leaders who are operating with a weak or non-existent value system. One set of values that seems to be universally accepted includes wisdom, self-control, justice, transcendence, kindness, and courage. [my emphasis]...

"When faced with challenging decisions, leaders who have not internalized a value system that includes these values will probably respond with more variability than will one who has such a system. It is primarily in the situation in which the leader does not have an internalized value system that mental gymnastics or mind games may cause an otherwise good person to make unethical decisions."

Thomas Macauley wrote: "The measure of a man’s real character is what he would do if he would never be found out."

Whatever happens in the case of Governor Rod Blagojevich, I think I speak for thousands of Illinoisans who want a break from even the hint of the taint of corruption. Oh, for leaders--whether it be in politics, business or religion--who have true integrity!

The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.--Proverbs 10:9

Chicago--City of the Year!

Kudos for one of my favorite cities

GQ Magazine has named Chicago "City of the Year."

I do love that city, but not so much for the reasons cited by GQ. From the Associated Press story:

Barack Obama's election as president, a yet-to-be built skyscraper and a Batman
movie.
GQ magazine says those are among the reasons it's picked Chicago as
its "City of the Year" for 2008.
GQ editor Sara Goldstein says Chicagoan
Obama's election is the most obvious reason.
But the magazine points to other
Chicagoans it says have changed the way the country does politics. That includes
Mayor Richard Daley and the president-to-be's chief strategist, David
Axelrod.
GQ also cites Chicago's role as the backdrop in the latest Batman
movie, "The Dark Knight."
It calls the proposed 2,000-foot Chicago Spire the
next "American landmark" even though construction on the project has stopped
amid the economy downturn. If completed, it'd be North America's tallest
building.

"Changed the way the country does politics"? Eeesh...I'm not so sure Chicago's politics are something to be proud of or emulated.

I happen to love the city because of all it has to offer culturally and its distinctive, exciting personality. It's just a really fun place to visit!

The Gospel Music Channel's Top 10 Albums of 2008

The Gospel Music Channel has announced its Top 10 Albums of 2008. Interestingly, even though I work in Christian radio, there are a few artists on the list that I've never heard. If you enjoy any of them, let me know in my comments!

Oh, and this note: The Gospel Music Channel is offering you the chance to win all 10 CDs here.

Mary Mary - The Sound (Columbia/Integrity)

From the site: "..this duo continually sets new standards for artistic greatness, and The Sound has only solidified their lead in that regard. "

21:03 - Total Attention (Verity)

From the site: "The songs carry spiritual messages geared towards youth, yet inspiring for all, and an attention-grabbing sound that embodies the project's fitting name. "

Deitrick Haddon - Revealed (Zomba)

From the site: "...it's Haddon's artistry and creative skill that allow him to blend it all together in a cohesive mix that simply works. "

DecembeRadio - Satisfied (Slanted Records)

From the site: "...these wild guys (in playing contexts only) return with even more muscle than the first round, all the while holding firm to their faith. "

Fireflight - Unbreakable (Flicker)

From the site: "...the high-octane troupe is carving out a niche of its own thanks to explosive chord progressions and spirited sing-a-longs. "

Josh Wilson - Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup (Sparrow)

From the site: "In an age where substance tends to triumph over style, Josh Wilson offers up both in spades. With vivid, faith-centered imagery in his songwriting..."

Newworldson - Salvation Station (Inpop)

From the site: "...fusing the soul roots of Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, and Donnie Hathaway with unapologetic, spirit-filled lyrics, while simultaneously injecting a huge shot of fun.

Brandon Heath - What If We (Reunion Records)

From the site: "There's an urgency in Brandon Heath's music that causes the listener to examine the world and their faith through a more finely tuned lens.

Crabb Revival - Runaway Train (Daywind)

From the site: "Fueled by a great collection of songs penned by patriarch Gerald Crabb, Adam, and Zach, this album is the standout in 2008.

From the site:

Greater Vision - Not Alone (Daywind) --I blogged about hearing Greater Vision in concert here.

I agree with these comments from the site:

"Great harmonies and poignant, powerful lyrics have always been the backbone of Greater Vision's music ministry and it's those qualities that make Not Alone one of the best discs of the year in any genre. "

What are your favorite albums from 2008? Let me know in my comments section...

Monday Melange

Benefit for Sydney Ives...Ugly Sweater time
...and "a lovely way to spend Christmas"

The little girl whose picture you see on the left is 10-year-old Sydney Ives. Sydney has an inoperable brain tumor, and I was privileged to m.c. a benefit concert for her yesterday.

You can read more about Sydney here and at her Caring Bridge site here.

As Sydney sang with her cousins and her beautiful mom, Tasha, I couldn't help but get emotional. Sydney has the most amazing spirit. As her grandfather said at the concert yesterday, she has faith far beyond her years.

Her grandpa told about Tasha reading the message on the Caring Bridge site from a woman who has accepted Christ after following Sydney's story for some time. "See, Mom?" Sydney said triumphantly. "That's why!"

Wow. To value one soul like that...

Anyway, if you're a praying person, do keep Sydney and her family in your prayers.

Two cool items from USA Today Pop Candy:

Ugly sweaters?

Well, it's that time of year again...time to don your ugly sweaters! Most of us have at least one or two ugly sweaters in our past, but who knew there would be a website devoted to them? Here's their mission statement:

"Our sole mission is to quickly & conveniently provide people nationwide with quality ugly sweaters that will end their sweater-searching woes and make them the talk of the party."

Oooh-kay...

And if you've always wanted a beard..

(I can't say that I have), but you can Build a Beard here.

What Christmas music are you enjoying now?

Gotta say, I'm loving Kristin Chenoweth's A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas. It's a nice blend of the spiritual and the secular...from the quietly worshipful "Born on Christmas Day" to vintage perky, funny Kristin on "Christmas Island," with a lot in between...even a cover of the Carpenters' "Sing." You can see the video for "Christmas Island" here.

What's your favorite? Let me know...

"The Biggest Loser" gets another reprieve from me...

...and my yearly Thanksgiving forecast

Vicky in the foreground, Michelle and Renee across the table

Biggest Loser Michelle is my new hero...and she pretty much singlehandedly--well, with help from her mom, Renee--kept me from ditching one of my favorite shows altogether last night.

I honestly don't wish any evil on Vicky. That just wouldn't be Christian. But I've made it clear on this blog how I feel about her. Last night, before even watching the show, I had decided that that would be the Last Chance I would give it. If it bummed me out last night, I was going to bail on it until the finale.

Well, for the bulk of the show (again, what's with the "heavy" puns that pop into my mind when writing about a weight loss show?!), things were not looking good for NBC retaining my viewership. (I'm sure NBC brass were sweating buckets as they gauged my reaction, right?)

It was beginning to look horribly like The Vicky Show. Vicky, in my face, talking, talking, talking. (Is it just my imagination or did she get more face time than any of the other contestants last night?) Vicky crying. Vicky laughing. Vicky smirking. Vicky winning every challenge that was offered up.

I got the feeling the show was trying to atone for Vicky's extremely unpleasant characterization thus far this season by trying hard to present her as more humane and likable. But guess what? It didn't work.

I just didn't see how the episode was going to end up without one of the two remaining black team members--i.e., Michelle and Renee--going home. And even though I love blue team member Amy, and think she's sweet and adorable, I couldn't stomach the thought of an all-blue-team Biggest Loser. The show was going to lose me.

Well, amazingly, Michelle and Renee didn't go below the yellow line (going below the yellow line, for you non-Biggest Loser watchers, means that you're in danger of elimination)! Not only that, Renee lost 8 pounds and Michelle lost TEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For the second time this season (the first being when Amy wonderfully voted Vicky's husband Brady off the show) I pretty much came off the couch, whooping and hollering with excitement.

I'm sad to see Amy go. She was a real sweetheart, and sadly seemed oblivious to the meanness of Vicky--who never stopped harboring a massive grudge against Amy for voting off Vicky's hubby.

BUT--Michelle and Renee live to fight another day. I have been so impressed by their classiness, grace and beauty. Even last night, when it was obvious that they had had it up to here with Vicky's antics, they never acted with anything less than class. I just love them! I would so love to see one of them win the entire thing.

Next week is one of my favorite episodes. It's the one where the remaining few contestants are given make-overs, and it becomes really apparent just what an incredible change they've made in themselves. So this season's TBL retains my viewership for at least one more week. After that...who knows? It all depends on the outcome of the next week's episode.

Now for my traditional corny-but-funny Thanksgiving forecast:

Turkeys will thaw in the morning, then warm in the oven to an afternoon high near 190F. The kitchen will turn hot and humid, and if you bother the cook, be ready for a severe squall or cold shoulder.

During the late afternoon and evening, the cold front of a knife will slice through the turkey, causing an accumulation of one to two inches on plates. Mashed potatoes will drift across one side while cranberry sauce creates slippery spots on the other. Please pass the gravy.

A weight watch and indigestion warning have been issued for the entire area, with increased stuffiness around the beltway. During the evening, the turkey will diminish and taper off to leftovers, dropping to a low of 34F in the refrigerator.

Looking ahead to Friday and Saturday, high pressure to eat sandwiches will be established. Flurries of leftovers can be expected both days with a 50 percent chance of scattered soup late in the day. We expect a warming trend where soup develops. By early next week, eating pressure will be low as the only wish left will be the bone.

Let me just take a moment to say...

I just want to attempt to express how thankful I am to God for His amazing grace and goodness. I thank Him for my husband, my family, and all the blessings with which he's enriched my life.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!