A cool photo of a globe found at the Museum of Science in Boston Massachusetts. Click on it for an enlarged view. So the weekend is here. The sun is shining outside and life is good.

Marion Cotillard won the Best Actress Award and gave a wonderful acceptance speech. This followed her win at the 2008 Golden Globe Awards. Ms. Cotillard grew up in Paris and was instilled with the artistic life at an early age. Both of her parents were participants in the Paris theater community and encouraged their daughter to excel in the arts. She played a small role in the Tim Burton’s 2003 film, Big Fish, and had several other roles early on that demonstrated her skill and versatility. This led to her being chosen by director Olivier Dahan to portray the the legendary French singer Edith Piaf. Although he had not met her before he chose her he said there was a similarity in their eyes. But I am sure her reputation also preceded her and she did an amazing job. She became the character she played in a most amazing manner and won many awards and much praise for her work. She is the first French actress to ever win an Academy Award in a film spoken entirely in French.

Here is video of her and her role.

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I couldn’t help but notice that Jordin was in the news yesterday. Apparently she went with President Bush to Africa and while she was over there she sang The National Anthem. Anybody who heard Jordin sing The National Anthem knows that she nailed it and probably will become associated with it in a way that Kate Smith was associated with God Bless America in her generation. I saw a few of the NY Giants shed a tear over it or maybe they were just thinking about the upcoming game. Or not. We know how that turned out.

Jordin sang lights out and the next thing we know she is singing in Africa after a ride on Air Force One.

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http://blog.washingtonpost.com/on-the-plane/?hpid=news-col-blog

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And the President had this to say about Jordin ( Where have you been Mr. President?) :

“Raising awareness about malaria means that she has got great compassion and a big heart.”

And that’s the truth. Some may say that my fascination with Ms. Sparks stems from her gorgeous visage or the wonderful notes she can hit without half trying. But I am here to say that my fan-cination goes much deeper than that. Jordin is a wonderful old soul and American Idol was simply a vehicle for her to be upon her way into the hearts and minds of young people around the globe. Because we all know how much they can use a great role model. And this young lady is she.

My only mood swing comes as I think about the President. It certainly is “Good to be the King” as they say. All he has to do is pick up the phone and ask for the girl who did such a great job singing at the Super Bowl. And there she is with her bags packed and ready to go! I’ve been trying for months now to get her to go out to dinner with us. I even put in a word upstairs to help the Giants with their Super Bowl aspirations.

Nothing! Well maybe it’s not that bad. She is starting her tour with Alicia Keys within spitting distance of Virginia Beach. So The Big Guy did answer one of my prayers.

And there is still time. Grab a feed if you want to see how this turns out. Oh, I know, you think you ALREADY know how it turns out! Well let me ask you one simple question my all seeing friend. . .

Who did YOU think was going to win the Stupid Bowl? Here’s Jordin singing at the big game

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More Jordin Sparks

http://davidnotes.com/2008/02/01/1154/*

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Vote for Jordin in this years BET AWARDS SHOW

HERE  !!

This is where you can write a message of support

for Jordin and she can see it.  Vote for her too !

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Our trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains turned out to be a false alarm and so we returned home this afternoon. Thankfully the aliens have not landed and started seismic events around the globe. But every false alarm is an opportunity to stop and think about preparing for the next time. Because the next time might be the real deal.

And so I have been taking time from my busy schedule to review some survivalist training videos. Please take a few minutes to make sure you already know this stuff.