Meet ‘Biggest Loser’ Danny Cahill Feb. 24 at Rose State College
Rose State College press release
Danny Cahill, the recent winner of the “Biggest Loser” weight-loss show, said the dreams he had as a young student at Rose State College are the things that gave him courage to win on the show.
Cahill returns to his alma mater, Rose State College on Wednesday to give students, faculty and guests advice on a healthy lifestyle. The event, which is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the H.B. Atkinson Theatre on campus, is free and open to the public.
Cahill graduated from Rose State College in 1991 with an Associate in Arts and Music, an Associate in Applied Science in Contemporary Music, and a certificate in Country/Contemporary music. After graduating, Cahill pursued his dream of a career in performing, even playing for Donny Osmond’s band.
However, Cahill said, he started listening to the “negative messages” about how he couldn’t make his life performing music, and he walked away from his dream.
“When I went to Rose State, that’s what I majored in, music. I graduated with music degrees and I gave it all up,” Cahill said. “I was playing in front of thousands of people, had a great promising career, but I let it all go because of something in my life… I believed the lies that the world tells people, therefore I put limits on myself, my dreams.”
Giving up on his dreams, Cahill said, made him give up on himself. His weight ballooned up to more than 400 pounds, endangering his life and everything he loved.
That’s when life handed him another chance, Cahill said. He auditioned for Season 8 of “The Biggest Loser”, NBC’s hit TV show. With every pound that melted away, his old dreams came back to life.
“Going to the Biggest Loser Ranch, I went thinking, ‘Hey this is going to make me do it, and I need to do it to save my life,’” Cahill said. “But going through it, I figured out that ‘The Biggest Loser’ was not about losing weight. It was about healing what’s wrong. I went through the realization of ‘This is why I was fat, and this is what I do now to lose the weight.’”
Not only did Cahill win that season, but also by losing 239 pounds, he became the “Biggest Loser” ever in the history of the show, he said.
The key, Cahill said, is not giving up on himself and being true to those old dreams. He’s reawakened to his life with music and is writing and recording once again. Now that his journey has come back around, he wants to share his accomplishments with others, including students, faculty and guests at his alma mater.
“We all go through struggles… I believe that I have instilled some ways that I can overcome those struggles,” Cahill said. “For anyone, there are things they can do and really reach out and take their dreams in their hands. It all begins with changes you have to make in your life.”
Cahill says he recently ran across an old picture of him performing with Osmond’s band, and was struck with what music has done for his life and once again will.
“I just put it on Facebook last night—I found a picture of me playing with Donnie Osmond twenty years ago,” Cahill said. “He won ‘Dancing With the Stars’ this year and I won ‘The Biggest Loser.’ Is that a coincidence? That was the dream I had given up.”
Healthy refreshments will be served at Cahill’s appearance at Rose State, which is located in Midwest City near the exit at Hudiburg Drive on Interstate 40.
The event is sponsored by Don S. Reynolds Lectureship, the Student Leadership Offices, and Student Activities. A free Health and Wellness Expo will follow in the Rose State Health and Wellness Center immediately after Cahill’s presentation.
For more information, call 405-733-7379 or email tbarnard@rose.edu.
CBS to award $5,000 to best Horatio Caine impersonation from ‘CSI: Miami’
CBS isn’t looking to replace David Caruso on “CSI: Miami,” but the network is looking for the best impersonation of the show’s lead detective Lieutenant Horatio Caine.
It’s a chance to impress America with your best Horatio one-liner. But more importantly, it’s a chance to pocket the $5,000 cash prize.
Simply go to www.cbs.com/primetime/csi_miami/upload and submit a 30 second or less video of memorable Horatio Caine comments from “CSI: Miami, which airs at 9 p.m. Mondays on CBS.
But hurry. Deadline for submissions is Feb. 22. The top 10 videos selected by a combination of votes from the public and CBS.com judges will be announced March 1, followed by announcements of the top 5 videos on March 8, the top 3 videos on March 15 and the winner on March 22.
“Ever since we created Horatio, the fans have been passionate about the character, sunglasses and all,” David Caruso said in a press release. “For years, everyone from Jim Carrey to Laurence Fishburne has tried to do their best imitation of him, but I think the fans are the ones who get it right.
“Now is the chance for them to showcase their best.”
–Penny TV
Submit video for ‘Survivor Casting Call Contest’
If you were on this season of “Survivor,” would you be considered a hero or a villian? That’s what the teams of past contestants are divided into for the latest installment airing at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS.
If you want to be on an upcoming season of “Survivor,” consider entering the “Survivor Casting Call Contest.” But hurry. The deadline to submit a video is Feb. 21.
Simply go to www.cbs.com/primetime/survivor/casting_call/ and upload a video explaining why you think you can win the game. Be convincing in the 30 to 60 second video, as the “Survivor” casting team will single out the top 10 entries.
The winning video, however, will be selected by the general public. Fans will be able to vote for their favorite among the top 10 from Feb. 22 to March 5.
The winner will be flown to Los Angeles to audition for a spot on the show.
–Penny TV
OETA seeks young Oklahoma writers for contest
The Oklahoma Network (OETA-13) has a project for young
writers, and prizes will be awarded.
It’s the OETA-PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest, and entries will be accepted through April 2. The contest calls for children in Kindergarten through third grade to create and submit original stories with illustrations.
To help the young storytellers, OETA is partnering with schools, public libraries and other literacy organizations across the state to ensure all children have the opportunity to participate.
Applications, rules, judging categories, entry forms and additional information is available online at www.oeta.tv. Questions can also be answered by calling 800-879-6382.
Every child who participates will receive a special certificate, and the top three winners in each grade will win special prizes, plus an invitation to a special celebration at the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Oklahoma’s first place winners will also be entered in the national competition for a chance to win a laptop computer, flat panel TV and DVD player and MP3 player.
–Penny TV
Bid on TV memorabilia in the SAG online auction
Holly Hunter has autographed
a “Saving Grace” poster, and it will go to the highest bidder.
So will scripts autographed by the cast of “Modern Family,” “The Good Wife” and “30 Rock.” And fans of “Glee” can bid on an autographed lyric sheet or sheet music.
These items along with 45 more are being auctioned online at www.sagawards.org/auction. Bidding on the items ends Friday afternoon.
Other items featured in the Screen Actors Guild Awards online auction include:
• “An Education” screenplay autographed by Lone Scherfig, Carey Mulligan and Nick Hornby
• Betty White Memorabilia: “Here We Go Again” book, Life Achievement Photo and Screen Actor Magazine, all signed by Betty White
• “Crazy Heart” Special Edition Photo book autographed by Jeff Bridges. (1 of 1500)
• “Curb Your Enthusiasm” box set DVD’s seasons 1-6, t-shirt, sweatshirt and hat
• “Dexter” Memorabilia Gift bag including Bobbleheads, Figurines, Coasters, Season DVDs, Dexter Cap
• “E! News” set visit for two people
• “Extra” Set visit and gift basket
• “Georgia O’Keeffe” Set Props including Shabby Chic Porcelain Serving Dishes, Retro orange and green ceramic jewelry box, Classic hand-painted and polished wood jewelry box, Leaf-detailed Iron chest, Hand painted Bird chest with Wrought Iron tray, and Vintage Mini-Traveler’s Trunk with detailed wooden serving tray
• “Grey Gardens” DVD and frame of East Hampton estate
• “Inglourious Basterds” poster signed by Michael Fassbender, Diane Kruger, Melanie Laurent, Brad Pitt, Eli Roth, Rod Taylor, Christoph Waltz and Quentin Tarantino
• “Law & Order, SVU” T-shirt and cap, photo signed by Christopher Meloni and nominee Mariska Hargitay. The script is signed by Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Meloni, Tamara Tunie, Dann Florek, and Ice T
• “Major League: Back to the Minors” poster autographed by Scott Bakula
• “Medium’s” script of the pilot, DVD set of the 3rd season and photo all signed by Patricia Arquette. She will also leave a personal voice recorded message to the winner.
• “Necessary Roughness” photo and college football signed by Scott Bakula
• “Nine” Autographed Posters by Nicole Kidman, Fergie, Penelope Cruz and director Rob Marshall
• “Poltergeist” Movie poster signed by JoBeth Williams (poster is 11×17)
• Shelley Fabares memorabilia including autographed posters of “Spin Out” “Girl Happy” & “Clambake” and her hit record “Johnny Angel”
• “Star Trek” DVD autographed by writers Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman
• “True Blood” swag including poster signed by Anna Paquin, the complete Season 1 DVD, hat and Merlotte’s Bar & Grill t-shirt
Lots of great TV memorabilia for a good cause. Proceeds from the auction benefit Screen Actors Guild Foundation programs that provide emergency relief to members in economic distress, video and audio preservation, scholarships for performers and their children and emergency funds for members with catastrophic illnesses.
–Penny TV
Apply for HGTV Design Star by Jan. 19
HGTV is searching for a great designer to host a new series.
Anyone interested in competing in a design-based reality show, which will award the winner with their own HGTV series, should apply for Season 5 of “HGTV Design Star” at www.hgtv.com/designstar.
But hurry. Deadline to submit applications, video and photographs is Jan. 19.
Qualities the show’s producers are looking for in potential contestants include design expertise, passion for your work and a personality that pops.
Mark Burnett, executive producer of reality competitions such as “Survivor” and “The Apprentice,” has signed on with his production team to produce Season 5. With Burnett on board, the casting and production for the series are expected to move quickly.
–Penny TV
Megan Mullally promotes soft spread, sweepstakes
Have you seen Megan Mullally from “Will & Grace” dancing in the “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!” TV commercials? Want to meet her in person?
By visiting www.turnthetubaround.com each day, you can view the new dance videos and vote for your favorite for a chance to win the “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Turn the Tub Around Watch, Vote, and You Could Win!” sweepstakes.
Each time you vote, you will become eligible to win the grand prize — a meet & greet with Megan Mullally, a makeover with her stylist and dinner and tickets to a hit Hollywood show.
And instant prizes will be awarded as well, such as cooking.com gift cards ranging from $10 to $300 and Zumba dance fitness DVD collections.
The dance videos feature bloggers from across the country who have been challenged to recreate their own version of the “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!” commercial featuring Megan Mullally, who graduated from Oklahoma City’s Casady High School in 1976.
And Mullally encourages people to look at the “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!” nutrition label and learn how the soft spread offers butter taste yet better health versus butter.
So check out the soft spread and sweepstakes, which ends April 30.
–Penny TV
Regis and Kelly begin ‘Beautiful Baby Search 2010′
It’s not for a TV series role or contract, but the winner of “Live With Regis and Kelly’s” annual Beautiful Baby Search will receive $125,000 towards a college education and be featured on the cover of “Parenting Magazine.”
Oh, and a trip to appear on “Live With Regis and Kelly,” which airs at 9 a.m. weekdays on KWTV-9 in Oklahoma City.
From now until Jan. 29, parents and legal guardians are asked to take a photo of their babies looking adorable. Then either upload the image online at www.LiveRegisandKelly.com or send the photo to Live’s Beautiful Baby Search 2010, Ansonia Station, O.O. Box 230233, New York, NY 10023-0004.
The staffs of “Live With Regis and Kelly” and Parenting Magazine will narrow down the entries to 10 semifinalists, who will be announced on the show on the first day of Beautiful Baby Week, March 1-5, 2010. Viewers will be given the opportunity to vote for their favorites, and the top five contestants will be revealed on the show March 2.
The 10 semifinalists will receive a year’s supply of Gerber products. Four runners-up will receive $25,000 towards a college education.
There are a few details to be aware of, though. Entrants must be a parent of legal guardian of the baby in the photo, and the baby must be between between the age of 6 months and 48 months. For official rules, go to www.LiveRegisandKelly.com.
–Penny TV
Red carpet opportunity for SAG Awards Ceremony
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards will be handed out Jan. 23 inside the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center. The ceremony will air live at 7 p.m. on TNT and TBS.
But for those who want to cheer for the nominees and presenters as they make their way down the red carpet — and a chance to take pictures and get autographs — go to www.sagawards.org/auction and bid on SAG Awards red carpet bleacher seats.
A total of 90 seats from which fans can see their favorite stars walk the SAG Awards red carpet are up for auction. Bidding for the seats — 15 sets of two seats and 15 sets of four seats — ends Monday (Jan. 11).
Those who want to enjoy the ceremony from the comfort of their own home will still have an opportunity at SAG memorabilia.
The SAG Ceremony Auction runs Jan. 21-29, and lots of memorabilia, collectibles and one-of-a kind experiences donated by studios, presenters and nominees and their films and television programs will be up for bid. In previous years, the auction has included autographed scripts and posters, wardrobe and props and set visits to studios.
–Penny TV
Univision seeks ‘Nuestra Belleza Latina’ contestants
Univision is looking for a new on-air personality for the network. And since the search is through the reality competition “Nuestra Belleza Latina,” there are certain requirements.
Firstly, contestants need to be fluent in Spanish. And those who are know that the show’s title translates to “Our Latin Beauty,” which means that the search is limited to Hispanic women. And participants must be between the ages of 18 and 27.
So if this sounds like something for you, make plans to attend an audition for the show. It could result in a Univision contract and a quarter of a million dollars in cash and prizes.
The first audition will be held from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday (Jan. 9) at Houston’s Univision Radio (5100 SW Freeway). Other audition dates are Jan. 14 in Los Angeles, Jan. 23 in New York City, Jan. 29 and 30 in Puerto Rico, Feb. 6 in Chicago and Feb. 13 in Miami.
Greidys Gil, the reigning “Nuestra Belleza Latina,” show host Giselle Blondet and returning judges Osmel Sousa and Lupita Jones will be attending the auditions in search of contestants for Season 4.
“Words cannot express how rewarding the entire ‘Nuestra Belleza Latina’ experience has been for me,” Gil said. “Not only did one of my biggest dreams come true, but the experience I have gained working in television, the friends I have made and the opportunities that have come as a result have been more than I could have ever imagined. I sincerely encourage all young Hispanic women to take a chance and try out for this unique competition.”
For more information, go to www.Univision.com.
–Penny TV
