We ARE The World

During girls night last week, we spent a good portion of the night listening to the 80s music channel on TV and were treated to several gems, including We Are the World by U.S.A. for Africa. Seven minutes of heaven people. So, I looked up the video on YouTube (love you, YouTube!) and found this awesome version - which includes performer names (for main performers) and lyrics on screen. Because I know you want to play along at home.


In reviewing this awesomeness, I started to imagine a We Are the World for the 2009 - and wondered who it would feature. Now, I know what you are probably thinking - there is no substitute for the original. I mean, suggesting someone replace Bruce Springsteen? The mere suggestion might actually get me run of out town. But, let's play anyway. Here are my thoughts - look forward to your feedback in the comments section.

There comes a time when we heed a certain call - Lionel Richie (Chris Brown)
When the world must come together as one - Lionel Richie & Stevie Wonder (Chris Brown & Ne-Yo)
There are people dying - Stevie Wonder (Ne-Yo)
And its time to lend a hand to life - Paul Simon (Jason Mraz)
The greatest gift of all - Paul Simon & Kenny Rogers (Jason Mraz & Toby Keith)
We can't go on pretending day by day - Kenny Rogers (Toby Keith)
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change - James Ingram (Ben Harper)
We are all part of gods great big family - Tina Turner (Leona Lewis)
And the truth, you know, love is all we need - Billy Joel (Jon Bon Jovi)

Chorus - Michael Jackson (Justin Timberlake)
We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So lets start giving

There's a choice were making, We're saving our own lives - Diana Ross (Beyonce)
Its true well make a better day, Just you and me - Michael Jackson & Diana Ross (JT & Beyonce)

Send them your heart, So theyll know that someone cares - Dionne Warwick (Rihanna)
And their lives will be stronger and free - Dionne Warwick & Willie Nelson (Rihanna & Kid Rock)
As God has shown us by turning stones to bread - Willie Nelson (Kid Rock)
So we all must lend a helping hand - Al Jarreau (Usher)

Chorus
We are the world, we are the children - Bruce Springsteen (the guy from Nickelback)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving - Kenny Logins (Brad Paisley)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives - Steve Perry (Rob Thomas)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me - Darryl Hall (Seal)

Theres a choice were making, Were saving our own lives - Bob Dylan (Daughtry)
Its true well make a better day, Just you and me - Bob Dylan (Daughtry)

When youre down and out, there seems no hope at all - Michael Jackson (JT)
But if you just believe, there's no way we can fall - Huey Lewis (guy from 3 Doors Down)
Well, well, well, well let us realize that a change can only come - Cyndi Lauper (Kelly Clarkson)
When we stand together as one - Kim Carnes (Jennifer Nettles from Sugarland)

Chorus repeats a bunch. Eventually an appearance by Ray Charles (RIP) (John Legend)

Did I forget anyone from the original song? There was also the choir made up of people like Bette Midler, Dan Akroyd, most of the remaining Jackson's (except Janet), John Oates (aw, so sad), etc.

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. LaPage

So, my trip to Utica was quite delightful. Angela and Chris are so happy and in love. And you'll see below, Angela was looking super steamy hot. Everything about the day and night was just perfect. I'm so glad I got to share in it with them.

Behold:

I'm Such a Sap

As most of you know, it's been kind of a trying year or so for me, with a bit of an emotional overload hitting yesterday. But I was having a pretty good day today - no crying at all - feeling pretty happy about my evening plans. Getting a hair cut, Criminal Minds is back and overall TV in general is promising this evening and I'm going to go buy some show tickets for when my mom comes, and you get the idea.

And then...I see the news that Friday Night Lights has been renewed. And I'm so happy. And then I start reading the story on Yahoo! News and I get to this part:

Executive producer Jason Katims recalled that, four or five weeks ago, network and studio bosses vowed "to figure out a way to keep this show on the air, despite all the challenges of justifying it from a business standpoint."

"And here we are," Katims said. "They did it."

and that's when I get all teary. What is wrong with me? Like, do I really think all these bigwigs in suits were like "come on, we've GOT to make this work." Because that doesn't seem likely.

But honestly you guys, this show, is beyond awesome. I cry (in a good way) at some point during every episode. And if you think you won't like the show because it's about football, you are dead wrong. The football is there, but it's not the point. The point is watching these people trying to navigate life and hitting bumps in the road and seeing all their mistakes and knowing that you made some of the same ones and wanting them to succeed even though they get in their own way and on and on. It's just awesome.

And really the kicker in all of this? The show is airing on DirectTV first (which I do not have) and then on NBC in January of freakin' 2009. So I'm crying because a show I love is coming back EVEN THOUGH I CAN'T WATCH IT RIGHT AWAY.

I need help, y'all. The rest of you should start renting the DVDs of Season 1 and Season 2. And if you don't love it, I will buy you a beer (provided you are of legal drinking age).