GUEST BLOG! Helping Out the Library

I received this email from listener Jocelyn - and as someone who has spent HUNDREDS of hours at the Osterhout over the years (a favorite childhood Saturday stop) - we're happy to spread the word. Give 'em your votes!


The Osterhout North Branch Library is one of ten non-profits from around the country vying for $10,000 in Gap's Give and Get contest on Facebook. The contest started on March 1st and from dozens of entries, the North Branch received a spot in the top ten. The finals started today and run until April 4th. You can vote once a day for your favorite non-profit. The winner is the non-profit who receives the most votes through the Gap Give and Get page on Facebook.

http://apps.facebook.com/contestshq/contests/23972/voteable_entries/3254196

In July 2007, the building that housed the Osterhout North Branch was damaged by fire. Currently, the branch is located in a space donated by a local businessman. A former church was recently purchased and will be converted into a library, but $80,000 needs to be raised in order to make the necessary repairs and upgrades to the building. This $10,000 would go a long way towards the goal!

It's not everyday that a local non-profit has a chance like this! Any publicity you could give to us and this contest would be fantastic!


Thanks!
Jocelyn Chocallo
co-chair
Osterhout Library North Branch Committee

American Idol 9

Some random thoughts...





Ellen is clearly trying to find her place at the judges' table. She's intimidated and struggling to find unique things to say about the contestants. Also, she obviously doesn't know the difference between a guitar and piano! :) Maybe she'll be better next season?



Season 9 has been good to Kara. I'm liking her more and more. She offers the best constructive criticism.



OK - some favorite contestants. I'm rooting for this top eight. Look back in April and see how wrong I was!



Aaron Kelly. He's local (Sullivan County) and his soulful country vocals are pretty charming. NEPA's David Archuleta?



Alex Lambert. One of the better voices - though the mullet has got to go! If he can beat his nerves - another Lambert could wow America this season.



Casey James. Kara's shirtless crush has won me over (um - his singing that is). A rocker who can handle the ballads too.



Crystal Bowersox. Feelin' good and kickin' butt.



Katelyn Epperly. Dark horse. Good song choices. At this point I prefer her to Lilly - as more of a unique stylist - but I could be wrong.



Katie Stevens. Hated her last week - but she's cute and can sing. America's teen sweetheart? I'd pick Michelle over her - but one young girl always ends up strong in the end - and this one is easy to predict.


Paige Miles. Simon's right - one of the best voices - but she still needs to nail that right song.

Michael Lynche. Big Mike reminded me of Ruben last night - and he won this thing in Season Two.

To be continued...