My Idol Views

American Idol has some of their best singers yet this season; so many were so good that it was really hard to choose favorites from the final 36 (and frankly, I'm still disappointed they didn't put Cody Sheldon through to the finals).

The Wild Card competition was just as difficult - how can you choose just 3 out of 8 really great singers? Apparently the judges couldn't do it either, because they opted for 4 out of the 8, making it the first ever Top 13 in the finals.

Here's the line-up:

Kris Allen

Megan Corkrey

Anoop Desai

Matt Giraud

Danny Gokey

Alexis Grace

Allison Iraheta

Adam Lambert

Scott MacIntyre

Jasmine Murray

Jorge Nunez

Lil Rounds

Michael Sarver

Although strange things have happened each year on Idol, I'm predicting Lil Rounds and Adam Lambert will be in for a long time - but that's not going out on much of a limb, is it? They're both outstanding singers with great stage presence and they already look like stars.

As for my personal favorites - well, that vote goes to Anoop Desai and Jasmine Murray. Neither is as polished as Lil or Adam, but they're both bursting with talent and personality, and that X factor that makes you want to keep watching.

Just curious - Tatiana Del Toro. The girl can sing, no question. But could you have handled her histrionics every week if she'd made it through?

In Search of Mr./Ms. Right?

Then you definitely want to join us at this week's Be(e) You Sunday at Gulfstream Park.

In addition to our lite yoga class and lite brunch, our inspirational speaker will be Ann Robbins of Lifeworks Matchmaking. Ann is more than just a matchmaker. She's a relationship coach, a career coach and a life coach, and has great insight on how to make all kinds of relationships work.

It's all free, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Sport of Kings at Gulfstream.

No green thumb required

From this ... To this ...

A new recycling concept - save things like pet hair, dryer lint and tea bags for compost.

Check out www.greenissexy.org.

Cheesey but Irresistible

I have to admit, with all the hype surrounding the release of the movie, "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Expeirence", I've actually become a fan of the boys. After catching them on a pre-release visit to The Letterman Show, I was taken with their intelligence and personality. And hey, if they were my kids, I'd sure be proud of them selling out Madison Square Garden.

In case your teenage daughter needs more Jonas Brothers after seeing the movie every day since it opened, Kraft Singles is offering special free downloads.

Of course, if your musical taste runs to a band closer to your own age, well U2's new album, "No Line On the Horizon" is out today, and in their own version of hype, they're performing on Letterman every night this week. Yes, every night. And on Good Morning America Friday.

She's no Apprentice

Yes, Carolyn Kepcher sat by Donald Trump's side in The Apprentice Boardroom - but she's a leader in her own right, founding Carolyn & Co. business consulting firm and authoring 'Carolyn 101'.

She'll be offering her business insight as one of the keynote speakers at this year's 5th Annual Work Life Balance Educational Conference for Women, teaching 'Lessons for Career Success'.

Also lined up as a keynote - James Arthur Ray, one of the teachers of 'The Secret', speaking about 'The Secret of Attracting the Life You Want'.

It's one of the best networking opportunities you'll find. Everyone I know who's attended the Conference has walked away inspired and empowered, and applied the lessons learned to really improve their lives..

You can register online at http://www.balancemagazine.com. I suggest registering soon - this event always sells out.

By the way - Carolyn will be our guest on Be(e) You Radio Sunday night, March 8th - tune in at 10 p.m.!

Nature's Art

I don't know a lot about photography, but I do know when I see a picture that takes my breath away.

When I was on vacation this weekend, I stumbled on a store filled with works by Thomas Mangelsen, a biologist turned photographer, whose pictures are stunning - you know, the kind that make you feel like you're right there seeing the trees, the birds, the bears, etc., in person. I had no idea, but Tanzania is beautiful - this picture, 'Jewel of the Serengeti', taken in Tanzania, was the one that first caught my eye. (By the way - I know it's listed as 'out of print', but it's still available as an art poster.)

Need a vacation?

Actually, according to Joe Robinson, author of 'Work to Live', we all need vacation - and more of it than we're usually allotted - so we can function more effectively in the rest of our life. Robinson is spearheading a movement to have a minimum amount of paid vacation time become a legal mandate, as it is in other countries (it's true - in most other developed nations, workers get at least 4 to 6 weeks paid vacation a year).

You can take his Burnout Survey to find out just how badly you need to get away.

You'll also hear him talk more about the importance of taking time off when he's a guest on Be(e) You Radio, Sunday, March 8th, 10 p.m. on 101.5 LITE FM.

Barockin' Kendall

Well, here's a side of Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan that I hadn't thought of - Obama lookalikes will be well-employed for at least the next few years.

I was at West Kendall Toyota this weekend, looked up and flipped, thinking the president had come to visit. He approved of the LITE FM Money Machine as a way to stimulate the economy, one winner at a time.

Second chance for change

If you weren't able to join us for Be(e) You Sunday this past weekend at Gulfstream Park, don't fret. There's another free event set for Sunday, February 22nd, featuring a "Divaerobics" class and an inspirational speak about determination.

Not only that, but you'll have another opportunity to hear Liz Sterling speak about "Being the Change You Want to See in the World". Liz is one of the featured speakers at this year's Expo of Heart, February 22nd at the Broward County Convention Center.

I actually took notes while she was speaking because there were so many concepts I wanted to remember. Highlights:

* Watch how you're seeing the world. Check your perceptions and be aware of the judgments you make.
* Do not minimize yourself. Sometimes we fear how others will react when we succeed, so we hold ourselves back. Go ahead and be excellent. Invite them to join you on a journey of growth.
* Work with love.

Here's more about Liz and where to find her at the Expo.

Be The Change You Wish to See with Liz Sterling (Booth #52)

How do we change? Liz Sterling, writer for Balance Magazine, host of Be(e) You Radio on 101.5 LITE FM and inspirational speaker asked herself that question as she embarked on a 40 day desert retreat last summer. Through storytelling, pictures, poetry and a deep heartfelt share, you are invited to "take time out for time in" with Liz Sterling, to feed your hungry soul and Be The Change You Wish To See!

Liz Sterling founded LifeWorks Holistic Wellness Center, in Boca Raton, Florida in 1997. She is a media personality, public speaker, freelance writer, marketing consultant and former advice columnist for the Sun-Sentinel newspaper. She is the co-host of Be(e) You Radio on 101.5 LITE FM. Liz earned has a Master's degree in Counseling from Hunter College, New York City.

Be(e) You Sunday

This Sunday we get together once more for a Be(e) You Sunday at Gulfstream Park.

Each one has been special in its own way, and this will be just as fun and inspirational as the others.

We're starting at 10:30 a.m. with a lite Yoga-lates class at Sport of Kings at Gulfstream Park. You don't have to be experienced at either yoga or pilates to participate - the instructor, Debbie Wolfe, is excellent at helping us beginners along.

Following the class we'll go downstairs to Frank's Beach. If you haven't seen this part of Gulfstream, you're in for a treat. They've created a real beach next to the race track, complete with lounge chairs, beds and a tiki hut. Gulfstream treats us to a lite, healthy brunch of fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt, juice and coffee. Then we get to hear inspirational speaker Liz Sterling (one of our hosts on Be(e) You Radio Sunday nights at 10 p.m. on LITE FM) talking about how to Be the Change You Want to See in the World.

And it's all free!

I hope to see you there.

Just Chillin' ...

Usually when you say you're "chillin' " in South Florida, you're just taking it easy. Tonight, the word reclaims it's real meaning. Temperatures will be in the 30's throughout the area, and with the wind-chill factor, it could feel like 20's.

Homeless shelters throughout the area will be open.

And for those with pets and plants, please bring them indoors. What better way to get warm than to snuggle with your furry friend?!

Pet Therapy Pic of the Week

Don't you wish you were doing this right now?

Thanks to Gayle Garton for sharing this picture of her newest adoptee - Joey Jonas. Yes, he's named after the Jonas Brothers. Yes, Gayle has daughters. Everything makes sense now.

What's your company cutting?

It seems like no one's immune to cutbacks because of the tough economy. Macy's is planning to close 11 stores and cut 7,000 jobs, in addition to reducing contributions to employee retirement funds (this, despite my best efforts to fix the economy by shopping :) ).

I've heard of other companies that are putting the office supplies under lock and key, eliminating the use of color copiers, and some that are requiring employees to bring their own coffee cups to work. At least they're still supplying the coffee. As long as they don't make us bring our own toilet paper ...

What's your company cutting?

Tax season begins

Yes, it's the end of January, and by now we should have received our W-2's, W-9's and 1099's so we can start preparing our 2008 taxes. The IRS is opening its taxpayer assistance offices in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties starting this weekend. For three Saturdays in a row you can get help from the experts.

Here's all the info.

McCartney's Humor

You might think that a guy who's arguably the most influential musician of our time wouldn't take insults too well, even in jest. But Paul McCartney showed just how willing he is to laugh at himself in this riotous interview with Stephen Colbert.

What's a pup worth?

Congrats to the Otto family in Boca Raton, welcoming home their new puppy, Sir Lancelot Encore. He's named 'Encore' because he's a clone of their previous Labrador, Sir Lancelot. For real.

The couple paid $155,000 to have Lancey cloned.

Super Behavior

Superbowl Sunday can get a little bit rowdy, even when our favorite team isn't playing. You know, that combination of testosterone, beer and more testosterone.

AAA is not only offering its free Tow-to-Go service Friday through Sunday (just call 1-800-AAA-HELP), but also has some suggestions for guests and hosts to make it a fun and safe celebration.

TO BE A RESPONSIBLE GUEST:
Don’t drink too much alcohol too fast.
Pace yourself and try to drink a glass of water between each drink and be sure to eat.
Designate a driver before the party and make sure they have your keys.
If intoxicated, ask or call a friend for a ride home, call a cab, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP for a free ride and tow home.

TO BE A RESPONSIBLE HOST:
Serve a lot of high-protein foods and non-alcohol beverages.
Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party ends.
Be sure guests who are drinking have a safe ride home.
Keep numbers of local cabs handy and take the keys from any potential intoxicated driver.

Island Food & Iceland Food

We're here at Pelican Bay at Lucaya - the destination when you're the 101.5 Employee of The Day - and it's absolutely beautiful!

I was just talking to Verly, the chef at Sabor, the fabulous poolside restaurant at Pelican Bay. He's from Iceland and he brings a unique flair to the menu here. Can't wait for the Sunday Brunch - Icelandic Eggs Benedict - yes, with smoked salmon.

He has a book out featuring a variety of recipes from Iceland, along with specialties from the menu here at Sabor - you can take a look at IcelandicChef.com.

When does Taravella play?

A big thanks to everyone who helped make a dream come true for the J.P. Taravella High School Marching Band - raising the money to send the band to Washington D.C. to participate in the Presidential Inaugural Parade. They're the only high school marching band from Florida to perform for the new President - although they're one of about 100 bands and troupes participating in the parade.

J.P. Taravella is about 75th in the lineup. Here's who's scheduled, and in what order, so you can keep out for our local heroes.

Run, brides, run!

Up until now, you would have had to travel to Boston to experience the famed Filene's Basement "Running of the Brides" event. It's the one day of the year that designer bridal dresses can be had for ridiculously small amounts of money.

Now that we have a Filene's in Aventura,

we get to experience this wild event up close. Tomorrow (Friday, January 16th) is the day, from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Read about the history of the event and get details on what's happening locally.

And fair warning to drivers - Biscayne Boulevard in Aventura can be challenging on the lightest traffic days. Add in traffic from excited brides and moms, and you might want to consider an alternate route for the day.

Give & Get Happiness

We had a wonderful day at Be(e) You Sunday at Gulfstream Park, and look forward to another fantastic get-together this week.

Once again we join with our partners at Balance Magazine and the Work-Life Balance Institute for Women to bring you a morning of relaxation and inspiration.

We'll start with lite pilates. Whether you've never taken a pilates class, or you're already experiencing the great toning benefits of this kind of workout, instructor Ellen Hoffmann will guide you through the process.

Then enjoy a complimentary lite, healthy brunch, courtesy of Gulfstream Park. They provide a wonderful array of breakfast pastries, fresh fruit & yogurt for you to enjoy outdoors at Frank's Beach.

While you're relaxing on a lounge chair, Be(e) inspired by Maria Soldani, one of the co-hosts of 'Be(e) You Radio' each Sunday evening on LITE FM, and a tremendous promoter of philanthropy in South Florida. She'll be guiding us on the path to being Happy, and discussing how giving can contribute to our well-being. And what an example she sets - as we were encouraging the community to make donations to help send the J.P. Taravella High School Marching Bank to perform in the Inaugural Parade next week, Maria e-mailed me with a donation that she and her husband are making, and this message:

"We are GRATEFUL for many things…and music is one of them!"

Thank you, Maria!

To cap the day, you'll learn how to understand the races and place bets from Gulfstream Park's experts. The excitement's intensified as you follow the horses you've picked. All you need to know to make your day at the races as thrilling as it can be!

Plus, Susan Wise will be there from 11 a.m. - 1p.m. with your chance to win free LITE FM prizes.

Bring your yoga mat and join us Sunday morning beginning at 10 in Sport of Kings at Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino, U.S. 1, just south of Hallandale Beach Boulevard. Just follow the purple balloons.

Be(e) You Sunday

You can bring a girlfriend, win free 101.5 LITE FM prizes and enjoy some fun and relaxation this Sunday, January 11th, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Gulfstream Park. I'll be your host for another LITE FM 'Be(e)You Sunday', presented in connection with our partners at the Work-Life Balance Institute for Women.

We'll start with lite yoga. Whether you're an expert or just looking to explore the mind and body benefits of yoga, instructor Debbie Wolfe will guide you through the process. It's a great way to ease into a refreshing Sunday morning!

Then enjoy a lite, healthy brunch. Gulfstream Park provides a complimentary brunch, with traditional continental breakfast pastries, fruits, breads and yogurts.

Be(e) inspired by Susie Levan. Susie is the publisher of 'Balance Magazine' and CEO of the Work-Life Balance Institute for Women. You'll learn the seven most important techniques for achieving balance in your professional and personal life.

Learn about thoroughbred racing, too. You'll discover how to understand the races and place bets from Gulfstream Park's experts. The excitement's intensified as you follow the horses you've picked. All you need to know to make your day at the races as thrilling as it can be!

I'll see you Sunday morning at 10 in Sport of Kings at Gulfstream Park, U.S. 1, just south of Hallandale Beach Boulevard.

Happy new You

It was this time last year that I signed up for the Discovery Channel National Body Challenge, determined to make some healthy changes. The 30-day Bally gym pass turned out to be the key for me.

Although I had signed up for the Body Challenge in '06 and '07, I never followed through with their recommendations. This time, someone at Bally called me to schedule an appointment. Well, I couldn't very well not show up.

I hadn't been to a gym in ages, so I just laughed when the guy told me I should be working out 5 or 6 days a week. If I got there twice I week I'd be happy. And that's where I started. Once a week with one of their trainers, Adam. For about 3 hours before every scheduled session, I would consider canceling. I ran through all the reasons I didn't want to go - it was too much trouble, I was tired, I didn't have time. I'd call Adam, thinking of some excuse, but somehow he would preempt me every time, and I'd end up going. And don't you know, I felt great afterward, every single time. Physically, I felt stronger and more fit, and mentally, I was proud of myself for sticking with the plan. I finally stopped thinking of canceling and started looking for a way to fit in some more exercise.

Finding the motivation to do a cardio workout was a new challenge. Again, the excuses - the aerobics classes aren't scheduled at a good time, I can't get up that early, I get bored on the treadmill. Again, a breakthrough moment. A friend of mine suggested doing something I enjoy (now there's a concept). Suddenly it seemed easy. Tennis is a great aerobic workout, and although I'm not very good at it, I love it. So I signed up for lessons. Once a week, then twice a week. Then a third day, for a group cardio tennis class.

Now, a year later, I've maintained a 40-pound weight loss, and I can't imagine not having physical activity on a regular basis. To make it even more fun, Adam has taken our workouts out of the gym and to the park. It's great to be outdoors, enjoy the sunshine and the breezes and watch the ducks and geese.

You can do it.

Just start with one step, one day.

We can compare notes next year.