It's already Thursday the end of May. I didn't sleep well. I thought I had my door closed when I turned in but when I woke up there was a cat at my feet. She's been acting oddly throughout the afternoon and evening. There was lots of hollering.
Calmed down, she napped while I watched the "Shear Genius" finale. I actually thought Ben, the shaved-head and tattooed guy, should've won. He did place second though. The actual winner was Anthony so Tabitha would be happy her friend on the show came out on top. None of the final styles were remotely interesting.
The most interesting thing I saw on TV was during flipping. I saw a bit about an oil tanker explosion in L.A. during the 1970s. What was interesting was a mid-section of the ship had been blown into a parking lot. Pretty amazing, I thought.
I've mostly done reading today and will probably turn in early. I still need to do a couple bills though. I either paid one early and forgot I had or don't recall the statement arriving. That's always the fun part! Uh-oh, the cat is awake! Time to hide!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday Torment
The computer gremlins struck again. I assume all will be OK after I rebuild the hard disk. My dreaming storyline was bizarre. There were tsunamis. Normally such water volume is my bladder trying to push me out of bed but that wasn't the case here. I don't really know where the subconscious has been going with recent dreams.
I watched "On The Lot" for its first elimination show. Wow, I thought I'd packed filler into its results programs but this was beyond Secrest's work. They did, of course, retain his trick of getting down to two people and announcing results will come after yet another ad break.
The season finale of "House" was more interesting for unanswered questions about potential cast changes in the new season (if any) than the case itself. Tonight's "The Shield" took my loathing of Shane to new depths. He's such a fool. Next week's preview of the season finale suggests Shane threatens Vic's wife with a gun. A compromising camera photo of the (now) councilman has just fallen into Vic's hands. Now the question comes, does he use it to save his job or does he keep looking into the mysterious Mexican businessman financing the councilman's exploratory committee for L.A. mayor?
Mail brought an expected bill. I'm tired but sure kitty is up to something evil. She's being too quiet. I must investigate!
I watched "On The Lot" for its first elimination show. Wow, I thought I'd packed filler into its results programs but this was beyond Secrest's work. They did, of course, retain his trick of getting down to two people and announcing results will come after yet another ad break.
The season finale of "House" was more interesting for unanswered questions about potential cast changes in the new season (if any) than the case itself. Tonight's "The Shield" took my loathing of Shane to new depths. He's such a fool. Next week's preview of the season finale suggests Shane threatens Vic's wife with a gun. A compromising camera photo of the (now) councilman has just fallen into Vic's hands. Now the question comes, does he use it to save his job or does he keep looking into the mysterious Mexican businessman financing the councilman's exploratory committee for L.A. mayor?
Mail brought an expected bill. I'm tired but sure kitty is up to something evil. She's being too quiet. I must investigate!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Random Items
Kitty had a hard day yesterday (Sunday). One of the neighbors, a shirtless Marine, was installing steal racks on the ceiling of his garage. I saw him when I checked my mail. As readers may know, my apt sits over the row of garages. In other words, it sounded like he was coming through the floor.
I did my grocery shopping. I don't know what was going on with me. I knew if I was going to get it done, I better go right then. The going wasn't much of a problem, I listened to a mix CD on the way. As you'd expect at 1am, the story was mostly empty except for employees. I did see youthful pair of brothers come in just as I'd started shopping. I didn't get a sustained enough look to tell if they were twins or just looked an awful lot alike.
The ends of most of the isles had caution tape up. This was to keep customers from the staging area for new stock. That's great except it keeps you from the dairy case. Not deterred, I wandered under the tape as needed. I wish they'd restocked the bread already though. I have damn few choices left in regular sandwich-type bread.
I splurged a bit, reminded by echoes of Mother to "live a little." I also picked up a few things we didn't need just yet like cat food. I stocked up on paper towels. It was interesting to see the range of count across rolls: 50 to 60. Predictably the super-cheap towels had the lowest count. I wanted more, damn it, forget the price. The store-brand was actually more expensive than a major brand on sale. That's a bit unusual. Often they'll put their own brand on sale too. I ended up with the special PINK breast-cancer awareness designs.
Monday was a holiday, Memorial Day. I put the flag up at 5am. It was probably a technical violation of the uniformity of the apartment appearances policy of the complex but I figured I could round up the Marines if needed. They aren't completely uniform anyway. Several have plants visible on their decks, for example. My immediate neighbor has red curtains. No one complained and I took it down after 6pm. Kitty was in her lounge chair when I went to bed and when I awoke she'd begun taking over the bed.
We missed the first hour of "On The Lot" tonight. They finally began showing the full film clips and voting began too. I didn't vote. I just don't have that much invested. There's one guy who is called a "VFX wizard" and his film was pretty cool, done in one continuous take. The guy needs someone to tell him to look at the camera and not to smile. He looked very handsome in the candid footage and a bit freakish in the stage lighting. At times Carrie Fisher, one of the three judges in lounge chairs sits like Mother did. I can't really explain it precisely, it was just something I noticed. I have something in common with the once Princess Leia: neither of us like flatulence humor in films. I had my "dry run" as an internet radio DJ. It went OK except when the streaming service kept looping my station announcement. No idea when I'll be on next. (Thank you, Leon, for tuning in and enjoy your holiday in Japan this weekend!)
I'd been days since I've seen Duckie. Kitty thinks he's avoiding me. I think he's just busy.
I did my grocery shopping. I don't know what was going on with me. I knew if I was going to get it done, I better go right then. The going wasn't much of a problem, I listened to a mix CD on the way. As you'd expect at 1am, the story was mostly empty except for employees. I did see youthful pair of brothers come in just as I'd started shopping. I didn't get a sustained enough look to tell if they were twins or just looked an awful lot alike.
The ends of most of the isles had caution tape up. This was to keep customers from the staging area for new stock. That's great except it keeps you from the dairy case. Not deterred, I wandered under the tape as needed. I wish they'd restocked the bread already though. I have damn few choices left in regular sandwich-type bread.
I splurged a bit, reminded by echoes of Mother to "live a little." I also picked up a few things we didn't need just yet like cat food. I stocked up on paper towels. It was interesting to see the range of count across rolls: 50 to 60. Predictably the super-cheap towels had the lowest count. I wanted more, damn it, forget the price. The store-brand was actually more expensive than a major brand on sale. That's a bit unusual. Often they'll put their own brand on sale too. I ended up with the special PINK breast-cancer awareness designs.
Monday was a holiday, Memorial Day. I put the flag up at 5am. It was probably a technical violation of the uniformity of the apartment appearances policy of the complex but I figured I could round up the Marines if needed. They aren't completely uniform anyway. Several have plants visible on their decks, for example. My immediate neighbor has red curtains. No one complained and I took it down after 6pm. Kitty was in her lounge chair when I went to bed and when I awoke she'd begun taking over the bed.
We missed the first hour of "On The Lot" tonight. They finally began showing the full film clips and voting began too. I didn't vote. I just don't have that much invested. There's one guy who is called a "VFX wizard" and his film was pretty cool, done in one continuous take. The guy needs someone to tell him to look at the camera and not to smile. He looked very handsome in the candid footage and a bit freakish in the stage lighting. At times Carrie Fisher, one of the three judges in lounge chairs sits like Mother did. I can't really explain it precisely, it was just something I noticed. I have something in common with the once Princess Leia: neither of us like flatulence humor in films. I had my "dry run" as an internet radio DJ. It went OK except when the streaming service kept looping my station announcement. No idea when I'll be on next. (Thank you, Leon, for tuning in and enjoy your holiday in Japan this weekend!)
I'd been days since I've seen Duckie. Kitty thinks he's avoiding me. I think he's just busy.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Is It Friday Yet?
Yesterday, I thought it was already Friday afternoon and put the radio on to listen to a trivia segment. I paid the rent today. I had planned to finally go up to the grocery but I'm tired and kitty was apathetic.
I attempted to watch "On The Lot" but my schedule said it came on at 9:30 and yet it was already in progress. I was disappointed that we didn't get to see more of the two minute short films. The first they showed was funny, and another, while impressing for 24hrs work relied a little too heavily on visual effects. I think there were a dozen teams. I remember maybe three were shown.
I could see if they posted them online but I can't be bothered. I think the regular time slot is on Monday. Apparently we'll be able to vote either starting this upcoming week or the following.
A "Blake Lewis EP" with five studio cuts of his Idol performances is now on iTunes. You can also get the other five songs. The EP contains "You Give Love A Bad Name," "Time of the Season," "I Need To Know," "Love Song," and "When the Stars Go Blue." These are supposedly his best selling performances on the Idol site. I still haven't warmed up to "When the Stars Go Blue" because even on the studio track it sounds as if he's out of tune on the "Ooo's."
Kitty was in hiding for a few hours. One of the smoke detectors briefly went off inexplicably around 1am. I jumped in my chair. Neither of us need that kind of shock! She's resting in her lounge chair, her usual day-time haunt. The litter box got a cleaning while I waited for food to cook. More later. It's half-passed noon. Since I skipped sleep, it's time for a nap.
I attempted to watch "On The Lot" but my schedule said it came on at 9:30 and yet it was already in progress. I was disappointed that we didn't get to see more of the two minute short films. The first they showed was funny, and another, while impressing for 24hrs work relied a little too heavily on visual effects. I think there were a dozen teams. I remember maybe three were shown.
I could see if they posted them online but I can't be bothered. I think the regular time slot is on Monday. Apparently we'll be able to vote either starting this upcoming week or the following.
A "Blake Lewis EP" with five studio cuts of his Idol performances is now on iTunes. You can also get the other five songs. The EP contains "You Give Love A Bad Name," "Time of the Season," "I Need To Know," "Love Song," and "When the Stars Go Blue." These are supposedly his best selling performances on the Idol site. I still haven't warmed up to "When the Stars Go Blue" because even on the studio track it sounds as if he's out of tune on the "Ooo's."
Kitty was in hiding for a few hours. One of the smoke detectors briefly went off inexplicably around 1am. I jumped in my chair. Neither of us need that kind of shock! She's resting in her lounge chair, her usual day-time haunt. The litter box got a cleaning while I waited for food to cook. More later. It's half-passed noon. Since I skipped sleep, it's time for a nap.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Happy Birthday* + Congratulations...
...To Tabitha on "Shear Genius!" She was chosen as the $10,000 viewer favorite. You go girl!
Boogie got axed. Finale next week.
* Belatedly, Tab's birthday was the 17th but I didn't know until the cast reunion.
Boogie got axed. Finale next week.
* Belatedly, Tab's birthday was the 17th but I didn't know until the cast reunion.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Shameless
Blake had to sing the Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There" with Jordin. The opening line? "She's just 17." BARF.
Jordin's AI6. Both get new Mustangs from a desperate Ford. Bette Midler was out of tune. Sanjaya got a solo performance. From what I read, and other's comments, I can safely ignore the finale and find something else to occupy those two hours. Yay me.
So what's going to happen on "Shear Genius" tonight? Will Anthony win? Boogie? Neither? Will Tabitha be the "fan favorite"?
Can I care less about tonight's TV shows?
Maybe I'll sleep or have a game of chess with kitty.
In case you wondered, here's the lyric to the song of the damned, I mean the American Idol winner. Just how lucky is Blake?
Jordin's AI6. Both get new Mustangs from a desperate Ford. Bette Midler was out of tune. Sanjaya got a solo performance. From what I read, and other's comments, I can safely ignore the finale and find something else to occupy those two hours. Yay me.
So what's going to happen on "Shear Genius" tonight? Will Anthony win? Boogie? Neither? Will Tabitha be the "fan favorite"?
Can I care less about tonight's TV shows?
Maybe I'll sleep or have a game of chess with kitty.
In case you wondered, here's the lyric to the song of the damned, I mean the American Idol winner. Just how lucky is Blake?
This Is My Now
There was a time I packed my dreams away
Living in a shell, hiding from myself
There was a time when I was so afraid
Thought I’d reached the end
Baby that was then
I am made of more than my yesterday’s
[Chorus]
This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment
But I look around
I can’t believe the love I see
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubts
That was then, this is my now.
And I have the courage like never before, yeah
I’ve settled for less now I’m ready for more
Ready for more
[Chorus x2]
Seasons And Series Endings
"Veronica Mars" had its "Season Finale" last night. It was two new episodes back-to-back. "The CW" hasn't official announced cancellation but I suspect that's cowardice more than anything. The finale was a cliff-hanger. What happens to Veronica and the gang? Who wins the election? It left all manner of questions wide-open. As good as it was, I couldn't believe that's how it's left. The network technically has until June 15th to make a decision but no one is expecting a reprieve.
I've read "Chris Lowell," Piz, is already on the "Grey's Anatomy" spin-off for the fall so he probably couldn't be a regular on "Veronica Mars" in the fall anyway. Although he'll be playing a receptionist it's a major career move to a top network and a "hot" property.
Kristin Bell is providing narration voice overs for a new fall show on "The CW" from the creator of "The OC."
I watched "The Shield" which was pretty good and has another two shows left of its season. I still hate Shane. I haven't a clue how Vic is going to deal with him. I still want Vic killed in the line of duty rather than prosecuted. I'll need to wait and see how things go before knowing if the did jump the shark this year.
I already mentioned the "Heroes" finale on Monday but that's a show which is definitely on my "jump the shark" watch list over the fates of certain characters.
The ending of SVU suggested someone might be leaving the cast but I don't recall reading anything about that. "House" wraps up next week. It was preempted for the premier of a reality show called "On The Lot." Amateur film-makers compete for a chance to make a real film. I watched bits of it because Carrie Fischer is one of the judges. Another episode airs on Thursday. Maybe I'll check it out. I flipped between that and bits of the latest Jesse Stone novel-turned-telefilm starring Tom Selleck.
Speaking of Tom Selleck, there's a film reimagining of "Magnum P.I." in the works. The putrid Matt McConaughey is cast as Thomas Magnum. To add insult to injury another of my last favorite actors, William H Macy, has been cast as Higgins!
I didn't get my ice cream. I baked cookies and ate the whole batch. I didn't really eat much else. Kitty's been pestering me for hours to get to bed. Time for me to go have another weird dream. Maybe it'll be about grocery shopping in L.A. again. Duckie was in that dream but he wouldn't want to know details--it's probably a banned topic.
I've read "Chris Lowell," Piz, is already on the "Grey's Anatomy" spin-off for the fall so he probably couldn't be a regular on "Veronica Mars" in the fall anyway. Although he'll be playing a receptionist it's a major career move to a top network and a "hot" property.
Kristin Bell is providing narration voice overs for a new fall show on "The CW" from the creator of "The OC."
I watched "The Shield" which was pretty good and has another two shows left of its season. I still hate Shane. I haven't a clue how Vic is going to deal with him. I still want Vic killed in the line of duty rather than prosecuted. I'll need to wait and see how things go before knowing if the did jump the shark this year.
I already mentioned the "Heroes" finale on Monday but that's a show which is definitely on my "jump the shark" watch list over the fates of certain characters.
The ending of SVU suggested someone might be leaving the cast but I don't recall reading anything about that. "House" wraps up next week. It was preempted for the premier of a reality show called "On The Lot." Amateur film-makers compete for a chance to make a real film. I watched bits of it because Carrie Fischer is one of the judges. Another episode airs on Thursday. Maybe I'll check it out. I flipped between that and bits of the latest Jesse Stone novel-turned-telefilm starring Tom Selleck.
Speaking of Tom Selleck, there's a film reimagining of "Magnum P.I." in the works. The putrid Matt McConaughey is cast as Thomas Magnum. To add insult to injury another of my last favorite actors, William H Macy, has been cast as Higgins!
I didn't get my ice cream. I baked cookies and ate the whole batch. I didn't really eat much else. Kitty's been pestering me for hours to get to bed. Time for me to go have another weird dream. Maybe it'll be about grocery shopping in L.A. again. Duckie was in that dream but he wouldn't want to know details--it's probably a banned topic.
It Ain't Over (but Jordin Wins)
Ok, I got that out of the way. Jordin Sparks will be declared the sixth American Idol at the end of tonight's two hour finale. She's 17, in case you haven't heard. We heard it at least three times last night.
I voted up until 1am. No, really. I voted in a finale for the first time, I think, since season 2. In my heart and head I knew it was futile. Jordin's 17 after all.
That feeling was only reinforced with the shameless pimping. Is that you, Randy Jackson?
I'm sure Jordin's tearful ending on her last performance helped make up for the shrieking, clunker notes, her mannequin-like delivery and even flat vocals. Certain judges' comments told me they were ignorant, deaf or liars.
Moving on, Blake slipped up a bit on the very first performance, "You Give Love A Bad Name," when he was carrying the mic stand but in other more subtle ways it was an even better performance than a few weeks back. His vocal on Maroon 5's "She Will Be Loved" was near perfect. In fact, I told the kitty if he didn't like it Randy was an anatomical orifice. He managed to have kind words for Blake.
The song-writing contest winner, "This Is My Now" was HORRENDOUS. That said, I liked that Blake made it more intimate and personal instead of the bombast of 17 year old Jordin's effort. Jordin's ridiculously over-sung version is just what was intended, however, and so the song put Blake at surely unfair, and perhaps calculated, disadvantage.
The results don't matter, tonight Blake's my "American Idol." Melinda should've been on that stage instead of Jordin. This just in: Jordin is 17!
I'm irritated at the sound problems early in the show. That's what dress rehearsals are for. Besides someone forgetting to turn Paula's mic on at one point, the overall audio didn't sound as good as at the Idol stage. Maybe it was the mics, maybe it was echo of the theater coming across or something else. The finale takes place at the 3,000+ seat Kodak Theater and not on the Idol sound stage.
I'm not proficient in the art and just don't know precisely how to describe it. It was almost as if I was hearing too much of the room and I didn't sense the warmth more usual in the voices.
The first time I got a vote through, I was excited there was a recording of Blake thanking us for our votes. I can't remember if they've done that in the past. I remember the reality show "Fame," hosted by Joey Fatone, had contestants provide a recorded message. As an aside, Joey came in second to Apolo Anton Ohno on "Dancing With The Stars." Apolo gets a mirror-ball trophy.
Back to Blake. He's got nothing to regret after Wednesday's results.
Dial-Idol and ZabaSearch predict the Jordin (17!) win. Yawn. "American Idol" is not really a "singing competition" although Simon claims it is. It's ultimately a piece of theater.
I voted up until 1am. No, really. I voted in a finale for the first time, I think, since season 2. In my heart and head I knew it was futile. Jordin's 17 after all.
That feeling was only reinforced with the shameless pimping. Is that you, Randy Jackson?
I'm sure Jordin's tearful ending on her last performance helped make up for the shrieking, clunker notes, her mannequin-like delivery and even flat vocals. Certain judges' comments told me they were ignorant, deaf or liars.
Moving on, Blake slipped up a bit on the very first performance, "You Give Love A Bad Name," when he was carrying the mic stand but in other more subtle ways it was an even better performance than a few weeks back. His vocal on Maroon 5's "She Will Be Loved" was near perfect. In fact, I told the kitty if he didn't like it Randy was an anatomical orifice. He managed to have kind words for Blake.
The song-writing contest winner, "This Is My Now" was HORRENDOUS. That said, I liked that Blake made it more intimate and personal instead of the bombast of 17 year old Jordin's effort. Jordin's ridiculously over-sung version is just what was intended, however, and so the song put Blake at surely unfair, and perhaps calculated, disadvantage.
The results don't matter, tonight Blake's my "American Idol." Melinda should've been on that stage instead of Jordin. This just in: Jordin is 17!
I'm irritated at the sound problems early in the show. That's what dress rehearsals are for. Besides someone forgetting to turn Paula's mic on at one point, the overall audio didn't sound as good as at the Idol stage. Maybe it was the mics, maybe it was echo of the theater coming across or something else. The finale takes place at the 3,000+ seat Kodak Theater and not on the Idol sound stage.
I'm not proficient in the art and just don't know precisely how to describe it. It was almost as if I was hearing too much of the room and I didn't sense the warmth more usual in the voices.
The first time I got a vote through, I was excited there was a recording of Blake thanking us for our votes. I can't remember if they've done that in the past. I remember the reality show "Fame," hosted by Joey Fatone, had contestants provide a recorded message. As an aside, Joey came in second to Apolo Anton Ohno on "Dancing With The Stars." Apolo gets a mirror-ball trophy.
Back to Blake. He's got nothing to regret after Wednesday's results.
Dial-Idol and ZabaSearch predict the Jordin (17!) win. Yawn. "American Idol" is not really a "singing competition" although Simon claims it is. It's ultimately a piece of theater.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Odd Stories, Finales, and Idol Pre-Game
Monday night was "Heroes" finale. It was good. I wasn't blown away (Oh! A shameless pun!) but it was good. They took a few too many liberties with who lives and who (maybe?) dies and the group confrontation with Sylar was very pedestrian. Still, it was worth a look and set up a very entertaining premise for next year.
I stayed around and watched the season finale of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" which had everyone except the intolerable D'Onofrio appearing. It focused primarily on Logan. This was the best finale I've seen this year. Unexpectedly the franchise finally referenced the passing of Jerry Orbach who played Logan's ex-partner "Lenny Briscoe." It was touching, not remotely out of place and just the perfect tribute.
The local news was depressing. A 15 yr old girl gets to bury her last brother. Her oldest brother died two-and-a-half years ago. He was beaten to death in the street at the age of 20. There was never a conviction. Her 18 yr old brother was just stabbed to death in the street after a party.
Beyonce may be headed to Broadway. I want to claw my eyes out. She may be taking the role of Maggie-the-Cat in Tennessee William's "Cat on the Hot Tin Roof." It's my favorite modern play. If you care, Shakespeare's "Hamlet" is my other favorite play.
The finale of "Dancing With The Stars" is on Tuesday as well. Joey Fatone was in second place on the leader board behind Olympian Anton Ono. Lance Bass and Joey will not be doing the "Odd Couple" comedy series remake after all. Sure, he's made some appearances, but I'm not sure any of Lance's projects have come to fruition since 2000.
DNA shows one child, two dads match. They're identical twin brothers who both had sex with the child's baby mamma. The one she named on the birth certificate sued to avoid child support. The courts have decided he's on the hook anyway, essentially trusting the mother's testimony that she can narrow down the moment of conception. Truthfully, I agree with Dr. Bob Gaensslen a forensic scientist quoted in the article. He said both men played so they should both pay. Since neither can prove the other is the uncle in true fact, it should be a 50/50 split. They're a pair of morons and she's no saint.
Tonight is the Idol final performances. Both are singing a song from the song-writing competition but also get to choose two others.
Blake has picked "You Give Love A Bad Name" which was exactly the right choice for him. I know some fans wanted "Time of the Season" instead but his Bon Jovi week performance was the one that rose above the pack and was a water cooler moment. He held nothing back. His new song is "She Will Be Loved" from Maroon 5, probably a good choice for him.
Jordin will torment me with "Broken Wing"--a song beaten to beath. As her final "new" songs Jordin picked "Fighter" by Aguilera. It's a song I don't know that well. Yet.
I've been listening to different studio recordings of Idol contestants and Jordin's vocals are just boring. There's no emotional content. Her age may be the cause but I can't let her off since knowing she's got touring and other experiences. Besides, season 3 finalist Diana DeGarmo was 16. I really like Lakisha's tone and Melinda is fabulous in the studio. Either of those ladies should be in Jordin's place.
I still suspect Jordin will win the title. TV Guide's cover has her in the middle done up in a very Diana Ross look flanked by Melinda who looks about to be nudged off the cover and Blake, unnecessarily partially covered by the magazine's logo, looking like the conniving manager. Notice the "Crazy! Sexy! Cool!" caption? Well, inside its Blake who gets the "Sexy" label, while Melinda is still "Cool."
I stayed around and watched the season finale of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" which had everyone except the intolerable D'Onofrio appearing. It focused primarily on Logan. This was the best finale I've seen this year. Unexpectedly the franchise finally referenced the passing of Jerry Orbach who played Logan's ex-partner "Lenny Briscoe." It was touching, not remotely out of place and just the perfect tribute.
The local news was depressing. A 15 yr old girl gets to bury her last brother. Her oldest brother died two-and-a-half years ago. He was beaten to death in the street at the age of 20. There was never a conviction. Her 18 yr old brother was just stabbed to death in the street after a party.
Beyonce may be headed to Broadway. I want to claw my eyes out. She may be taking the role of Maggie-the-Cat in Tennessee William's "Cat on the Hot Tin Roof." It's my favorite modern play. If you care, Shakespeare's "Hamlet" is my other favorite play.
The finale of "Dancing With The Stars" is on Tuesday as well. Joey Fatone was in second place on the leader board behind Olympian Anton Ono. Lance Bass and Joey will not be doing the "Odd Couple" comedy series remake after all. Sure, he's made some appearances, but I'm not sure any of Lance's projects have come to fruition since 2000.
DNA shows one child, two dads match. They're identical twin brothers who both had sex with the child's baby mamma. The one she named on the birth certificate sued to avoid child support. The courts have decided he's on the hook anyway, essentially trusting the mother's testimony that she can narrow down the moment of conception. Truthfully, I agree with Dr. Bob Gaensslen a forensic scientist quoted in the article. He said both men played so they should both pay. Since neither can prove the other is the uncle in true fact, it should be a 50/50 split. They're a pair of morons and she's no saint.
Tonight is the Idol final performances. Both are singing a song from the song-writing competition but also get to choose two others.
Blake has picked "You Give Love A Bad Name" which was exactly the right choice for him. I know some fans wanted "Time of the Season" instead but his Bon Jovi week performance was the one that rose above the pack and was a water cooler moment. He held nothing back. His new song is "She Will Be Loved" from Maroon 5, probably a good choice for him.
Jordin will torment me with "Broken Wing"--a song beaten to beath. As her final "new" songs Jordin picked "Fighter" by Aguilera. It's a song I don't know that well. Yet.
I've been listening to different studio recordings of Idol contestants and Jordin's vocals are just boring. There's no emotional content. Her age may be the cause but I can't let her off since knowing she's got touring and other experiences. Besides, season 3 finalist Diana DeGarmo was 16. I really like Lakisha's tone and Melinda is fabulous in the studio. Either of those ladies should be in Jordin's place.
I still suspect Jordin will win the title. TV Guide's cover has her in the middle done up in a very Diana Ross look flanked by Melinda who looks about to be nudged off the cover and Blake, unnecessarily partially covered by the magazine's logo, looking like the conniving manager. Notice the "Crazy! Sexy! Cool!" caption? Well, inside its Blake who gets the "Sexy" label, while Melinda is still "Cool."
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Sunday Sundries
It looks like Nick Carter has at long last found true love.
OK, OK. He's actually doing some "Save the dolphins" thing.
Simon Cowell describes Blake as a "brilliant entertainer" and has no prediction for the win this week on Idol. Weeks ago I described Blake as an "entertainer" so I'm a bit hyped to see Simon use the same term.
Blake won the coin toss but let Jordin choose whether to open or close. She chose to close on the finale so Blake will be signing first. A gentlemanly thing to do, sure, but possibly bad strategy if you want to win.
Duckie is being grumpy. That is not allowed! Kitty thinks he put me on block. It makes me wonder whether my trip to Oz will be full of personal drama or a chance to unwind and enjoy myself. I'm hoping for the later.
I still want to pick up some ice cream for the Idol finale viewing. I was sick today. I'm OK now, just hungry.
Lots of items have flowed through my mind lately. Imaginings of the future, really. Dating, not dating, lines of work, lines of education, places or ways of living. The nature of life and death. I don't see how I can be blamed for being depressed around Mother's day. She's barely been in the ground a year. I'm not in denial, more still shocked. When it comes to mind, I feel as though I'm on my first gasp after some terrible thing. I know from experience it takes years to get used to a parent's death, even one expected. Mother's was not.
There's been a lot of death on the outskirts in the past week or so too. Friends on-line with severely ill parents or grandparents or relatives passing. I had bad news about an acquaintance's cancer. Live is ugly. And stressful.
I'm tired--no, I'm very tired some days. These past few years have been a wringer making me even less interested in putting myself out there for a wife or boyfriend or even just someone to hang out with. Social interaction, relaxation, takes work for me. Somehow I feel guilty if I'm not doing something useful or productive and that keeps me from being more free with my time and energy. If you need help with something I'm happy to oblige and feel useful doing so. I'd like to work that in somewhere rather than just take a menial make-work job. Such a job would not pre-occupy my mind enough. I would simply be depressed and feel 'dead-ended.' I can't help the depressed part. It is what it is. "Be yourself," they say. As if!
I have tentatively concluded it was a (financial) mistake to live here, close to the house. I had hoped I'd have more interaction with the very last of my family but it hasn't worked that way. It isn't that I haven't tried. My interest in the kid's baseball, projects at the house and just taking my nephew to see Spider-Man had been shot down. It is what it is. I need to mull this over further. I have some ideas how to improve this.
I'm not interested in hook ups. The idea of someone touching me, at least as the aggressor or dominant character, makes my skin crawl. I'm more in need of simple affection. I could hire a lap dancer or stripper but I imagine it and can't sense any fulfillment for me. I have never been to a strip joint, a club, or a bar for that matter. I'd not go alone. It's a bit like traveling. Why go alone unless you know someone there already?
I happened to be reminded of a statement from Steve Jobs years ago about the journey being the reward. I like journeys more than destinations. I sense a path to happiness in there somewhere. It's something for me to meditate upon further. My ex-girlfriend once accused me of writing to avoid having children as my legacy. It's a thought I hadn't mulled in a lifetime. Perhaps she was only half-crazy after all?
My point in all this is I'm not getting younger. The directions I take will basically layout whatever time left of this life I've got. I'm not saying it'll be rigid and immutable but it will set a tone going forward. Essentially I put my own life on hold over the past... well, ten, maybe fifteen years. That means I have lots of pent up notions, random interests, unsatisfied wild impulses. They need sorting.
Speaking of sorting, I've been ruminating about whether to travel out of state in the next month or so. It's isn't the travel but who to contact, if anyone, while I'm there. I'd call it travel on personal business. There's still more information to gather but I want to go before July. It would only be a couple of days.
OK, OK. He's actually doing some "Save the dolphins" thing.
Simon Cowell describes Blake as a "brilliant entertainer" and has no prediction for the win this week on Idol. Weeks ago I described Blake as an "entertainer" so I'm a bit hyped to see Simon use the same term.
Blake won the coin toss but let Jordin choose whether to open or close. She chose to close on the finale so Blake will be signing first. A gentlemanly thing to do, sure, but possibly bad strategy if you want to win.
Duckie is being grumpy. That is not allowed! Kitty thinks he put me on block. It makes me wonder whether my trip to Oz will be full of personal drama or a chance to unwind and enjoy myself. I'm hoping for the later.
I still want to pick up some ice cream for the Idol finale viewing. I was sick today. I'm OK now, just hungry.
Lots of items have flowed through my mind lately. Imaginings of the future, really. Dating, not dating, lines of work, lines of education, places or ways of living. The nature of life and death. I don't see how I can be blamed for being depressed around Mother's day. She's barely been in the ground a year. I'm not in denial, more still shocked. When it comes to mind, I feel as though I'm on my first gasp after some terrible thing. I know from experience it takes years to get used to a parent's death, even one expected. Mother's was not.
There's been a lot of death on the outskirts in the past week or so too. Friends on-line with severely ill parents or grandparents or relatives passing. I had bad news about an acquaintance's cancer. Live is ugly. And stressful.
I'm tired--no, I'm very tired some days. These past few years have been a wringer making me even less interested in putting myself out there for a wife or boyfriend or even just someone to hang out with. Social interaction, relaxation, takes work for me. Somehow I feel guilty if I'm not doing something useful or productive and that keeps me from being more free with my time and energy. If you need help with something I'm happy to oblige and feel useful doing so. I'd like to work that in somewhere rather than just take a menial make-work job. Such a job would not pre-occupy my mind enough. I would simply be depressed and feel 'dead-ended.' I can't help the depressed part. It is what it is. "Be yourself," they say. As if!
I have tentatively concluded it was a (financial) mistake to live here, close to the house. I had hoped I'd have more interaction with the very last of my family but it hasn't worked that way. It isn't that I haven't tried. My interest in the kid's baseball, projects at the house and just taking my nephew to see Spider-Man had been shot down. It is what it is. I need to mull this over further. I have some ideas how to improve this.
I'm not interested in hook ups. The idea of someone touching me, at least as the aggressor or dominant character, makes my skin crawl. I'm more in need of simple affection. I could hire a lap dancer or stripper but I imagine it and can't sense any fulfillment for me. I have never been to a strip joint, a club, or a bar for that matter. I'd not go alone. It's a bit like traveling. Why go alone unless you know someone there already?
I happened to be reminded of a statement from Steve Jobs years ago about the journey being the reward. I like journeys more than destinations. I sense a path to happiness in there somewhere. It's something for me to meditate upon further. My ex-girlfriend once accused me of writing to avoid having children as my legacy. It's a thought I hadn't mulled in a lifetime. Perhaps she was only half-crazy after all?
My point in all this is I'm not getting younger. The directions I take will basically layout whatever time left of this life I've got. I'm not saying it'll be rigid and immutable but it will set a tone going forward. Essentially I put my own life on hold over the past... well, ten, maybe fifteen years. That means I have lots of pent up notions, random interests, unsatisfied wild impulses. They need sorting.
Speaking of sorting, I've been ruminating about whether to travel out of state in the next month or so. It's isn't the travel but who to contact, if anyone, while I'm there. I'd call it travel on personal business. There's still more information to gather but I want to go before July. It would only be a couple of days.
Weekend Bits
I've heard some comments about Eurovision before but I didn't expect this: Ukraine (video).
YouTube has Tickle Me Emo which I'm sure Duckie would say is me. This is doubly amusing because Father bought a "Tickle Me Elmo" for the SIL one Christmas because she was obsessed with having one. That may have been the Christmas Mother got nothing but dish towels and I was the only one who didn't laugh. That stuck with her. I got her dish towels because when we were shopping she picked some out thinking no one would've thought to get them.
Post holiday, we ended up jewelry shopping instead. She was very pissed. The mere thought of the stone on that ring frightens me even today. Where was I?
Bill Clinton's pal Lanny Davis is defending eHarmony against ads by a competitor highlighting their rejections of non-heterosexual applicants looking for mates. Read more in Wash. Post Lanny is an odd guy, not the usual true-blue flack. Since eHarmony's matching process is based on psychological studies of heterosexual couples it makes sense they wouldn't try to fit the square peg in the round hole and stick to candidates for whom the data is applicable. Duckie has no worries, I'm sure I'd be screened as not happy enough. I'd be more likely to sign up if their founder didn't talk in the ads with the soft, non-threating voice of a cult-leader. *shudder*
YouTube has Tickle Me Emo which I'm sure Duckie would say is me. This is doubly amusing because Father bought a "Tickle Me Elmo" for the SIL one Christmas because she was obsessed with having one. That may have been the Christmas Mother got nothing but dish towels and I was the only one who didn't laugh. That stuck with her. I got her dish towels because when we were shopping she picked some out thinking no one would've thought to get them.
Post holiday, we ended up jewelry shopping instead. She was very pissed. The mere thought of the stone on that ring frightens me even today. Where was I?
Bill Clinton's pal Lanny Davis is defending eHarmony against ads by a competitor highlighting their rejections of non-heterosexual applicants looking for mates. Read more in Wash. Post Lanny is an odd guy, not the usual true-blue flack. Since eHarmony's matching process is based on psychological studies of heterosexual couples it makes sense they wouldn't try to fit the square peg in the round hole and stick to candidates for whom the data is applicable. Duckie has no worries, I'm sure I'd be screened as not happy enough. I'd be more likely to sign up if their founder didn't talk in the ads with the soft, non-threating voice of a cult-leader. *shudder*
Thursday, May 17, 2007
The Axes Fall
There was a surprise elimination last night on reality tv. I'm talking about Tabitha (along with Tyson) on "Shear Genius." The team elimination challenge was wedding party hair.
Tyson had won last week's elimination challenge and when he was instructed to assign teams for the short-cut challenge this week he (wisely) chose my girl Tabitha. They won that easily and got to pick their wedding party for the elimination challenge.
It was Tyson's work that really sunk them but add in their long-going rivalry and I think the judges felt they had to ditch them. More than half the judges looked horrified when Tabitha openly spoke ill of Tyson. To her credit, Tabitha took it in stride. She was satisfied because she knew Tyson was going home too.
Next week there's a one hour cast reunion after what I assume is the finale. One thing that held true was whoever wins the prior elimination challenge and gets their work on the "wall of fame" gets axed next. Tyson won last week and was out this week.
I thought the team thing was a complete co-opt.
OK, moving on. Melinda is out on Idol. I know the judges pretended that Melinda will have a successful career but I'm not so sure. A voice isn't enough. Personality plays a huge part. Even after all these weeks Melinda still exudes a shy lack of self-confidence when her performance ends. Reminds me of the SIL telling me I had no personality.
"Veronica Mars" comes to an end. "One Tree Hill" will fast forward four years when it returns in the spring.
Tyson had won last week's elimination challenge and when he was instructed to assign teams for the short-cut challenge this week he (wisely) chose my girl Tabitha. They won that easily and got to pick their wedding party for the elimination challenge.
It was Tyson's work that really sunk them but add in their long-going rivalry and I think the judges felt they had to ditch them. More than half the judges looked horrified when Tabitha openly spoke ill of Tyson. To her credit, Tabitha took it in stride. She was satisfied because she knew Tyson was going home too.
Next week there's a one hour cast reunion after what I assume is the finale. One thing that held true was whoever wins the prior elimination challenge and gets their work on the "wall of fame" gets axed next. Tyson won last week and was out this week.
I thought the team thing was a complete co-opt.
OK, moving on. Melinda is out on Idol. I know the judges pretended that Melinda will have a successful career but I'm not so sure. A voice isn't enough. Personality plays a huge part. Even after all these weeks Melinda still exudes a shy lack of self-confidence when her performance ends. Reminds me of the SIL telling me I had no personality.
"Veronica Mars" comes to an end. "One Tree Hill" will fast forward four years when it returns in the spring.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Idol and Things
"Roxanne," "This Love" and "When I Get You Alone" were Blake's songs tonight. It's an uphill battle for him to be in the final two. The show judges want Jordin and Melinda. Comments online about Blake's performances have been generally positive.
We found out on Jay Leno last night that Melinda didn't audition to compete. She and her friends auditioned because they thought it was required to see the "funny people." Will she be the accidental Idol?
Jordin admitted to getting no where when she auditioned in L.A., eventually trying again in her state and being sent for another audition in Seattle. She's 17.
Rumors are running strong that "Veronica Mars" will not be back in the fall. I've put a crash cart on standby for Duckie. I really, really want ice cream. There are lame MacBook updates. I'm not in the market right now.
Melinda's songs were "I Believe in You and Me," "Nutbush City Limits," "I’m a Woman." Nutbush is a Tina Turner song and probably selected after some thought there was a bit of Tina in Melinda's Bon Jovi week "Have A Nice Day" performance.
"Wishing On A Star," "She Works Hard for the Money," "I Who Have Nothing" were Jordin's (17!) songs.
I changed the litter box. Kitty seems unmoved. By the clean litter box anyway. I can hear her. She's eating. I'm missing the large, black trash bags I use to line the litter box. I have more but can't find them. I stole one from the garage. My armpits itch. I hate deodorants!
Congrats to Apollo Anton Ono, Ms Ali and Joey Fatone making the finals on "Dancing With The Stars." Apollo, who I have expected to win it all, was almost eliminated tonight but Ian was sent packing instead. Voters got this elimination right.
We found out on Jay Leno last night that Melinda didn't audition to compete. She and her friends auditioned because they thought it was required to see the "funny people." Will she be the accidental Idol?
Jordin admitted to getting no where when she auditioned in L.A., eventually trying again in her state and being sent for another audition in Seattle. She's 17.
Rumors are running strong that "Veronica Mars" will not be back in the fall. I've put a crash cart on standby for Duckie. I really, really want ice cream. There are lame MacBook updates. I'm not in the market right now.
Melinda's songs were "I Believe in You and Me," "Nutbush City Limits," "I’m a Woman." Nutbush is a Tina Turner song and probably selected after some thought there was a bit of Tina in Melinda's Bon Jovi week "Have A Nice Day" performance.
"Wishing On A Star," "She Works Hard for the Money," "I Who Have Nothing" were Jordin's (17!) songs.
I changed the litter box. Kitty seems unmoved. By the clean litter box anyway. I can hear her. She's eating. I'm missing the large, black trash bags I use to line the litter box. I have more but can't find them. I stole one from the garage. My armpits itch. I hate deodorants!
Congrats to Apollo Anton Ono, Ms Ali and Joey Fatone making the finals on "Dancing With The Stars." Apollo, who I have expected to win it all, was almost eliminated tonight but Ian was sent packing instead. Voters got this elimination right.
Scatter-shot Tuesday
ABC did its upfronts today. "Desperate Housewives" is back. Let me pause to yawn over the rest of their schedule. Y-A-W-N. Ok, now I feel better.
Come on, they're making a series out of those annoying cavemen commercials!
Too many vitamins my increase prostate cancer risk. I guess your multivitamin does more than make you urine more yellow.
Televangelist Jerry Falwell is dead at 73. Amid contemporaries caught up in scandals, he seemed to walk the walk. Good for him.
Sleep's dream involved flower and plant shopping. And crossing streets at night. Among unknowns in the dream, there was also local TV man covering pedestrian risks, Lance Bass shopping for greenery and Mother being recapped on my adventure.
My help to find what flowering plant was sought seemed under-appreciated. This probably manifests some of my waking reflections on personal history of how I've never been the guy to have fun with, just the one to turn to for help. I might explore this in an upcoming post.
TV feels bleak tonight. Where's my enthusiasm for Blake? My goose-bumps for "The Shield"? Maybe a meal will help out. I sense my own bitterness. Bah.
Got ads and an auto-pay bill today. Kitty seemed unimpressed. It's cool and cloudy for a change.
Come on, they're making a series out of those annoying cavemen commercials!
Too many vitamins my increase prostate cancer risk. I guess your multivitamin does more than make you urine more yellow.
Televangelist Jerry Falwell is dead at 73. Amid contemporaries caught up in scandals, he seemed to walk the walk. Good for him.
Sleep's dream involved flower and plant shopping. And crossing streets at night. Among unknowns in the dream, there was also local TV man covering pedestrian risks, Lance Bass shopping for greenery and Mother being recapped on my adventure.
My help to find what flowering plant was sought seemed under-appreciated. This probably manifests some of my waking reflections on personal history of how I've never been the guy to have fun with, just the one to turn to for help. I might explore this in an upcoming post.
TV feels bleak tonight. Where's my enthusiasm for Blake? My goose-bumps for "The Shield"? Maybe a meal will help out. I sense my own bitterness. Bah.
Got ads and an auto-pay bill today. Kitty seemed unimpressed. It's cool and cloudy for a change.
It Was Only Monday?
I watched "Heroes." We got our two bodies.
I watched a bit of "Dancing with the Stars" and saw Lance Bass was again there with Alfonso Ribeiro to support Joey Fatone. Joey got a perfect 60/60 for his two semi-final performances. Last week he was top of the leader board but ended up bottom two with the voters. It's anyone's guess what will happen tomorrow. I'd like to see Apollo Anton Ono and Joey in the finals. I guess they do a final three. I don't like Ian from 90210. Mohammed Ali's daughter annoys me a bit. I'd probably rather have her there than Ian.
Monday was a very odd day. I took a nap this afternoon. But when I got up, I just haven't felt like eating. I don't feel bad, just not like eating. I feel peculiar. It wasn't the usual boiling emotions. I feel a little numb and disconnected today. My ears feel a bit constricted. Maybe I've got an illness coming on.
Kitty hung out with me on the sofa.
NBC announced it's schedule for the next season. "Heroes" stays on Mondays at 9pm and will get a six episode spin-off series during its hiatus called "Heroes: Origins" running during the usual hiatus periods. This is in hopes of avoiding viewer drop off that happened this season when the show was in repeats for weeks. Seems like a good idea.
The original "Law & Order" moves to Sundays from the Friday grave yard. It will return mid-season after football ends. SVU stays on Tuesday.
The other show, CI, appears off the schedule but I'm not ready to celebrate just yet because I saw an ad for the "season" (not *series*) finale.
I've seen the 1 minute preview of the "Bionic Woman" remake. It looks awful. "ER" returns although it should've been axed years ago.
NBC is a bad shape. I don't see next season being much of an improvement.
I watched a bit of "Dancing with the Stars" and saw Lance Bass was again there with Alfonso Ribeiro to support Joey Fatone. Joey got a perfect 60/60 for his two semi-final performances. Last week he was top of the leader board but ended up bottom two with the voters. It's anyone's guess what will happen tomorrow. I'd like to see Apollo Anton Ono and Joey in the finals. I guess they do a final three. I don't like Ian from 90210. Mohammed Ali's daughter annoys me a bit. I'd probably rather have her there than Ian.
Monday was a very odd day. I took a nap this afternoon. But when I got up, I just haven't felt like eating. I don't feel bad, just not like eating. I feel peculiar. It wasn't the usual boiling emotions. I feel a little numb and disconnected today. My ears feel a bit constricted. Maybe I've got an illness coming on.
Kitty hung out with me on the sofa.
NBC announced it's schedule for the next season. "Heroes" stays on Mondays at 9pm and will get a six episode spin-off series during its hiatus called "Heroes: Origins" running during the usual hiatus periods. This is in hopes of avoiding viewer drop off that happened this season when the show was in repeats for weeks. Seems like a good idea.
The original "Law & Order" moves to Sundays from the Friday grave yard. It will return mid-season after football ends. SVU stays on Tuesday.
The other show, CI, appears off the schedule but I'm not ready to celebrate just yet because I saw an ad for the "season" (not *series*) finale.
I've seen the 1 minute preview of the "Bionic Woman" remake. It looks awful. "ER" returns although it should've been axed years ago.
NBC is a bad shape. I don't see next season being much of an improvement.
Monday, May 14, 2007
U.S. Stamp Prices Rise to 41 Cents TODAY
WASHINGTON (AP) - A reminder: Extra postage needed on those letters and packages. For a first-class card or letter the rate taking effect Monday is 41 cents for the first ounce, a 2-cent increase... Associated Press
Details on the new rates are available at http://www.usps.com or call 1-800-275-8777.
Naturally I have plenty of the "old" 39 cent stamps I haven't used and will have to buy some 2 cent stamps to make up the difference.
The post office are greedy bastards.
Details on the new rates are available at http://www.usps.com or call 1-800-275-8777.
Naturally I have plenty of the "old" 39 cent stamps I haven't used and will have to buy some 2 cent stamps to make up the difference.
The post office are greedy bastards.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
I Knew It!
I predicted Paula would be the one picking Blake's song.
Simon chose "I Believe in You and Me" for Melinda, Randy picked "Wishing on a Star" for Jordin and just as the rumors had said, Blake's singing "Roxanne" thanks to Paula.
Kitty is vomiting. :(
I think she has an official vomit spot: outside my bedroom door. This is the third time she's picked that spot.
"Roxanne" makes me want to vomit too. Blake needs to find someone to do a proper a capella national anthem arrangement for him. His rendition at the Seattle Mariners' game was just OK. I have a tiny hobby litmus test for singers. How do you sing the "Star-Spangled Banner." I didn't like Clay's version. I really *loved* Anthony Fedorov's though.
Simon chose "I Believe in You and Me" for Melinda, Randy picked "Wishing on a Star" for Jordin and just as the rumors had said, Blake's singing "Roxanne" thanks to Paula.
Kitty is vomiting. :(
I think she has an official vomit spot: outside my bedroom door. This is the third time she's picked that spot.
"Roxanne" makes me want to vomit too. Blake needs to find someone to do a proper a capella national anthem arrangement for him. His rendition at the Seattle Mariners' game was just OK. I have a tiny hobby litmus test for singers. How do you sing the "Star-Spangled Banner." I didn't like Clay's version. I really *loved* Anthony Fedorov's though.
Make It Go Away
It's Mother's Day. Please make it go away. I haven't heard anything from my Brother about going out to the cemetery. If I'm lucky I can just hide in bed and pretend it never happened. I have no family. Only the cat.
I measured the height of the balcony to the concrete below. It's only 12 feet.
Mail was an add from my cable provider selling digital phone. I'm trying to care. The flyer went right to the conveniently located bin by the mail boxes.
My head and neck are aching. I'm tired and want to turn in. Kitty is having her "4am" snack. I saw a rumor Blake will sing Sting's "Roxanne" on Tuesday. I hate that song. He's trying to drive me away, isn't he?
Perhaps he's trying to take a dive and not risk getting into the finals with the hold he won't be a contract slave.
I measured the height of the balcony to the concrete below. It's only 12 feet.
Mail was an add from my cable provider selling digital phone. I'm trying to care. The flyer went right to the conveniently located bin by the mail boxes.
My head and neck are aching. I'm tired and want to turn in. Kitty is having her "4am" snack. I saw a rumor Blake will sing Sting's "Roxanne" on Tuesday. I hate that song. He's trying to drive me away, isn't he?
Perhaps he's trying to take a dive and not risk getting into the finals with the hold he won't be a contract slave.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Thrilling Thursday?
Ok, it's not thrilling at all. The weather however improved. It's stuffy in the apartment but it's much cooler outside that earlier in the week. I vacuumed, refreshed kitty's catnip and checked the mail. Yes, dear readers, we got ads. Scintillating stuff.
I realized I missed VMars this week. I'll have to catch it online. Tonight its "Ugly Betty" but I'll probably watch it online at a later date.
Premier cable network HBO's chief technology officer (Wired) says DRM (Digital Rights Management) should be called something else. DRM is why you can't burn playable DVDs of the films and tv shows you buy on iTunes. It's why some online content providers only support Windows as Microsoft's DRM scheme for Windows Media Player clips is not available on Macs much less any other platform. DRM is why Microsoft's Zune is incompatible with its own Plays-for-Sure technology.
Riiiiiiiight, Bob. He also says while it's technically possible for them to disable analog output, FCC rules don't give them that authority. Disabling analog output would mean requiring "secure digital connection" for consumers.
Make no mistake about it, this is an important statement from one of America's leading entertainment providers (The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Oz). Ever since people could record to tape, the entertainment industry has cried foul. How dare you time-shift without paying us extra!
I realized I missed VMars this week. I'll have to catch it online. Tonight its "Ugly Betty" but I'll probably watch it online at a later date.
Premier cable network HBO's chief technology officer (Wired) says DRM (Digital Rights Management) should be called something else. DRM is why you can't burn playable DVDs of the films and tv shows you buy on iTunes. It's why some online content providers only support Windows as Microsoft's DRM scheme for Windows Media Player clips is not available on Macs much less any other platform. DRM is why Microsoft's Zune is incompatible with its own Plays-for-Sure technology.
Digital Consumer Enablement, would more accurately describe technology that allows consumers "to use content in ways they haven't before," such as enjoying TV shows and movies on portable video players like iPods. "I don't want to use the term DRM any longer," said Zitter, who added that content-protection technology could enable various new applications for cable operators.
Riiiiiiiight, Bob. He also says while it's technically possible for them to disable analog output, FCC rules don't give them that authority. Disabling analog output would mean requiring "secure digital connection" for consumers.
Make no mistake about it, this is an important statement from one of America's leading entertainment providers (The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Oz). Ever since people could record to tape, the entertainment industry has cried foul. How dare you time-shift without paying us extra!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Wednesday Wrap-Up
Dr. Boogie might be on to something. Earlier in tonight's "Shear Genius" he remarked the "Wall of Fame" of challenge winners had turned into a curse. Each winner had been quickly eliminated after their win. Tonight was no different with last week's double-winner going home.
Tabitha's strategy to sink Tyson may have backfired. He won the elimination challenge. I love Tabitha--her look, her accent, her attitude.
The Idol results show was excruciating. The filler is toxic. TOXIC!
Pink performed, I fipped away. Sorry, Alicia, you bore me now. I did listen to Barry Gibb sing. I've always liked his falsetto and figured this might be the last time I see him perform. Nicely done. Lakisha was sent home.
What the hell was up with the mic problems?
It's cooled off tonight. The windows are wide open except the one at the top of the stairs' landing. Kitty is feeling a bit more active tonight. She didn't come in for TV though. Yay! She's in the room now rubbing her whiskers on a box.
Cell phone rang. There was no caller ID. It was the bank offering me a credit card. I told her to stuff it. Debt is evil.
Tabitha's strategy to sink Tyson may have backfired. He won the elimination challenge. I love Tabitha--her look, her accent, her attitude.
The Idol results show was excruciating. The filler is toxic. TOXIC!
Pink performed, I fipped away. Sorry, Alicia, you bore me now. I did listen to Barry Gibb sing. I've always liked his falsetto and figured this might be the last time I see him perform. Nicely done. Lakisha was sent home.
What the hell was up with the mic problems?
It's cooled off tonight. The windows are wide open except the one at the top of the stairs' landing. Kitty is feeling a bit more active tonight. She didn't come in for TV though. Yay! She's in the room now rubbing her whiskers on a box.
Cell phone rang. There was no caller ID. It was the bank offering me a credit card. I told her to stuff it. Debt is evil.
TV and Emotions
ZabaSearch uses sampling to predict Idol results. It shows the same conclusion as DialIdol: Blake and Jordin safe. Melinda and LaKisha on the bubble. Both sites think LaKisha got the lowest vote totals.
We'll see what happens.
"The Hollywood Reporter" says "Veronica Mars" is "closer" to coming back after a favorable viewing of a proposal trailer for a season 4 which jumps ahead a few years and has the title character with the FBI. Would it stay in the fictional Neptune, CA? Would any of the supporting characters besides daddy Keith Mars be likely to return to the show?
I had a dream last night. I remember commented the kids playroom should have an extra window installed on the north wall. Father opted not to do a window there because he planned to put in a fireplace or something. In the dream Brother agreed and whined about cost. Kitty and a spider were hanging out in the northwest corner. Mother was in the kitchen. We were going somewhere and I hadn't slept much. She chastised me for not sleeping more and I said it wasn't as if anyone could tell the difference between me as fully rested and sleep deprived. For unknown reasons I decided to put on two pair of white underwear, boxers over briefs in the dream.
I think Duckie's conspiring with kitty to give me opaque and pedestrian dreams. Kitty is not spiteful enough to act alone. :D
I could use a nap. Or breakfast. One of those two will happen (the nap). Kitty is meowing oddly. I will investigate. OK, I'm not sure what that was about. She's napped all day on my bed. It's another hot day. So much for the break in the weather. I so love local forecasters. Mail was only a solicitation for canned goods from the post office. I made pasta and am finishing off my cranberry juice.
Three hours until Idol's result is official. Today my brain keeps swapping the name Clay in for Blake when I'm talking to Self or kitty about the show. I'm probably fighting with myself over embracing any significant level of emotional investment in Idol. Back with season 3, Mother and I voted heavily for Clay. After his controversial loss, we barely voted the following two seasons. Neither really care who won. Maybe my interest in Blake's Idol success is a good and healthy thing. Maybe it suggests a kind of emotional healing. Ugh. Makes me ill to think I might start to care again. I'm such a sucker. Ok, time for me to be avoidant.
The pasta isn't too bad. I'll have to buy more.
I put the ceiling fan on in this room.
We'll see what happens.
"The Hollywood Reporter" says "Veronica Mars" is "closer" to coming back after a favorable viewing of a proposal trailer for a season 4 which jumps ahead a few years and has the title character with the FBI. Would it stay in the fictional Neptune, CA? Would any of the supporting characters besides daddy Keith Mars be likely to return to the show?
I had a dream last night. I remember commented the kids playroom should have an extra window installed on the north wall. Father opted not to do a window there because he planned to put in a fireplace or something. In the dream Brother agreed and whined about cost. Kitty and a spider were hanging out in the northwest corner. Mother was in the kitchen. We were going somewhere and I hadn't slept much. She chastised me for not sleeping more and I said it wasn't as if anyone could tell the difference between me as fully rested and sleep deprived. For unknown reasons I decided to put on two pair of white underwear, boxers over briefs in the dream.
I think Duckie's conspiring with kitty to give me opaque and pedestrian dreams. Kitty is not spiteful enough to act alone. :D
I could use a nap. Or breakfast. One of those two will happen (the nap). Kitty is meowing oddly. I will investigate. OK, I'm not sure what that was about. She's napped all day on my bed. It's another hot day. So much for the break in the weather. I so love local forecasters. Mail was only a solicitation for canned goods from the post office. I made pasta and am finishing off my cranberry juice.
Three hours until Idol's result is official. Today my brain keeps swapping the name Clay in for Blake when I'm talking to Self or kitty about the show. I'm probably fighting with myself over embracing any significant level of emotional investment in Idol. Back with season 3, Mother and I voted heavily for Clay. After his controversial loss, we barely voted the following two seasons. Neither really care who won. Maybe my interest in Blake's Idol success is a good and healthy thing. Maybe it suggests a kind of emotional healing. Ugh. Makes me ill to think I might start to care again. I'm such a sucker. Ok, time for me to be avoidant.
The pasta isn't too bad. I'll have to buy more.
I put the ceiling fan on in this room.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Tuesday TV Wrap-Up
I might be done with "The Shield" now that Vick has confronted Shane about Lem's murder. "House" seemed to have an off night. Nothing can match Idol though.
It was "Barry Gibb" (of the "Bee Gees") night. Two songs each for a total of eight performances.
Simon told Lakisha she and Blake are at risk for elimination. Jordin (OMG SHE'S SEVENTEEN!!!) was not that impressive. One day she might be but she just isn't there now and I was again sorry she is being pushed into the finals. Some time back, Simon predicted Melinda vs. Jordin (17!). That's a terrible outcome. Even after all these weeks Melinda hasn't embraced "stardom" and tonight Simon said her first performance was like that of a background singer.
LaKisha really had a good range and is a little better grip on herself but has problems with consistency. By the time she hit the last note on her second song her voice was worn out.
I will assume Blake will be sent home on Wednesday and I can ignore Idol next week. Why? He's a guy, he's from the Pacific Northwest and there's no way he can compete in a shouting match with the Three Divas. His performances were not his best work which was a let down. Maybe he set the bar a little too high for himself with last week's performance.
Hoping for a break after a hot day, it was a dreary night of TV. Bah humbug.
Edit: DialIdol.com, the site which measures busy signal frequency to predict Idol results has Blake at the top followed by Jordin (predicting both to be safe) with Melinda and LaKisha on the bubble for tomorrow night. Fascinating.
It was "Barry Gibb" (of the "Bee Gees") night. Two songs each for a total of eight performances.
Simon told Lakisha she and Blake are at risk for elimination. Jordin (OMG SHE'S SEVENTEEN!!!) was not that impressive. One day she might be but she just isn't there now and I was again sorry she is being pushed into the finals. Some time back, Simon predicted Melinda vs. Jordin (17!). That's a terrible outcome. Even after all these weeks Melinda hasn't embraced "stardom" and tonight Simon said her first performance was like that of a background singer.
LaKisha really had a good range and is a little better grip on herself but has problems with consistency. By the time she hit the last note on her second song her voice was worn out.
I will assume Blake will be sent home on Wednesday and I can ignore Idol next week. Why? He's a guy, he's from the Pacific Northwest and there's no way he can compete in a shouting match with the Three Divas. His performances were not his best work which was a let down. Maybe he set the bar a little too high for himself with last week's performance.
Hoping for a break after a hot day, it was a dreary night of TV. Bah humbug.
Edit: DialIdol.com, the site which measures busy signal frequency to predict Idol results has Blake at the top followed by Jordin (predicting both to be safe) with Melinda and LaKisha on the bubble for tomorrow night. Fascinating.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Idol Final Four and More
Rumors say Blake chose "This Is Where I Came In" (from the 2001 album of the same name) and "You Should Be Dancing" as his two Bee Gee songs. Rumor mill also says Barry Gibb was surprised he didn't pick "Jive Talking." I'm glad he didn't.
For Blake, "Jive Talking" would be clichè. In fact he avoided all the songs *NSYNC performed in their a capella Bee Gee medley which had Timberlake beat-boxing on "Jive Talking." Blake beat-boxed over that same song during the Hollywood group performance.
I'm a little worried about all the falsettos in Bee Gee songs. So we don't have a triopoly of style with the "Three Divas" I hope Blake can make it back to the Top 3.
From the previews, tonight on the Shield it looks like Vick becomes suspicious of Shane being involved in Lem's murder.
Last night I caught up on "The Black Donnellys" which is now only viewable online. I don't have a lot to say. Tommy gives up his dream of becoming a painter for a life of organized crime to protect his neighborhood. We find out who killed their dad and why he was in a place to be killed.
Heroes was OK last night. It's the first of the final three episodes. It wasted too much time on Jessica and DL. Hiro confronted Sylar and survived. His sword did not but he has two days before New York is nuked. Mohinder was conceived in hopes he might provide a cure for his sister. Yawn.
For Blake, "Jive Talking" would be clichè. In fact he avoided all the songs *NSYNC performed in their a capella Bee Gee medley which had Timberlake beat-boxing on "Jive Talking." Blake beat-boxed over that same song during the Hollywood group performance.
I'm a little worried about all the falsettos in Bee Gee songs. So we don't have a triopoly of style with the "Three Divas" I hope Blake can make it back to the Top 3.
From the previews, tonight on the Shield it looks like Vick becomes suspicious of Shane being involved in Lem's murder.
Last night I caught up on "The Black Donnellys" which is now only viewable online. I don't have a lot to say. Tommy gives up his dream of becoming a painter for a life of organized crime to protect his neighborhood. We find out who killed their dad and why he was in a place to be killed.
Heroes was OK last night. It's the first of the final three episodes. It wasted too much time on Jessica and DL. Hiro confronted Sylar and survived. His sword did not but he has two days before New York is nuked. Mohinder was conceived in hopes he might provide a cure for his sister. Yawn.
Why Blake (and Jordin?) Can't Win
Idol's long been dominated by Southern contestants but just how far does that reach?
To my surprise four of five winners are from the South. Kelly Clarkson is from Texas which isn't really the proper South. Sure it's on the southern border with Mexico but it's Texas.
Of the runners-up, only Katherine McPhee was from outside the South. She was from Los Angeles.
Looking at the final four this season, Blake is from The Great Northwest, specifically Washington state. Jordin comes Arizona in the Southwest. Suddenly trends look bad for these two.
Melinda and LaKisha are our Southern contestants. The former from Tennessee and the later from Maryland.
Blessedly Burmingham, Alabama, isn't represented this season. They already can claim winners Hicks and Studdard, along with runners-up Digarmo and Bice. Digarmo was living in Georgia when she was on Idol but was born in Burmingham. Four of ten finalists is a huge number for one city for what purports to be a national contest.
So why is this so? One theory at Forbes.com is text voting.
Oddly enough, if you extend the Mason-Dixon line across to the Pacific, Jordin comes back in. With L.A. falling below that imaginary line too, McPhee makes it a clean sweep for all 10 finalists. Makes you wonder about the "American" part of American Idol, doesn't it.
To my surprise four of five winners are from the South. Kelly Clarkson is from Texas which isn't really the proper South. Sure it's on the southern border with Mexico but it's Texas.
Of the runners-up, only Katherine McPhee was from outside the South. She was from Los Angeles.
Looking at the final four this season, Blake is from The Great Northwest, specifically Washington state. Jordin comes Arizona in the Southwest. Suddenly trends look bad for these two.
Melinda and LaKisha are our Southern contestants. The former from Tennessee and the later from Maryland.
Blessedly Burmingham, Alabama, isn't represented this season. They already can claim winners Hicks and Studdard, along with runners-up Digarmo and Bice. Digarmo was living in Georgia when she was on Idol but was born in Burmingham. Four of ten finalists is a huge number for one city for what purports to be a national contest.
So why is this so? One theory at Forbes.com is text voting.
Some observers also wonder if (Idol) partnering exclusively with (AT&T) Cingular has influenced the show's results. According to NPD Group, 44% of Cingular subscribers are in the South. All five former Idol winners hail from below the Mason-Dixon line.
Oddly enough, if you extend the Mason-Dixon line across to the Pacific, Jordin comes back in. With L.A. falling below that imaginary line too, McPhee makes it a clean sweep for all 10 finalists. Makes you wonder about the "American" part of American Idol, doesn't it.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Consumers Are Morons
Why the hell do you put up with this?
There was a post on "Ars Technica" from someone trying to diagnose their crappy HDTV experience. Ok, this is television. T-frickin-V. Since cable-ready homes became commonplace some 30 or more years ago, TV has been ever more plug-and-play. It seemed to reach a peak when we didn't need external cable boxes anymore thanks to the advent of the "cable-ready" TV.
We're in the umpteenth year into the never-ending transition from analog to digital/H TV. Setting aside that a clearer picture doesn't make a bad show anything other than bad, why haven't I taken the hi-def leap?
Look at this reply on Ars: "Scroll down to 4:3 override and select either Off, 480I, or 480P. Use whichever looks best for your TV. This will mainly depend on the quality of your TV's processor compared to the quality of the cable box's processor... (blah) upconvert ... (blah) and 480P will feed a 480P converted signal. Use trial and error here. / Also, check that YBbPr Output is set to 720P or 1080I and TV TYPE set to 16:9."
Ooo-K!? What in the HELL is this? This isn't plug-and-play TV any more, this is the stuff of 12:00 flashing VCR nightmares!
Brother got a 40" SONY Bravia and mounted it above the fireplace for the SIL because, well, she demanded he buy one for her. I was up at the house early in the week and the TV was on. They've got DVR, digital this, blah, blah that. The picture sucked. I wanted to take a stick to the macro-blocking in the picture and beat it smooth.
I'm seeing the macro-blocking on my "old" analog cable setup. A lot of times it's from a crappy satellite feed to the cable station. Other times I'm not so sure satellite transmission's the source. It's distracting. Hey, I get annoyed with color banding on DVDs, do you think I'm not going to be annoyed by a pile of boxes littering the screen? Any moderate motion is the worst!
These are reasons why I haven't thrown down two grand on an HDTV, am not paying a couple hundred for "high-end" digital cable service for eight HDTV channels each month and just roll my eyes at TV in general. I'm a cheap bastard but the value proposition just isn't there.
Even those handful of HDTV channels, sometimes they look like crap. Other than playing a BluRay or DVD-HD on a 1080p true HDTV, you're watching a 1080i or 720p compressed to hell signal fed to you for a princely sum and somehow you love it! You're morons!
The macro-blocking makes me want to gouge my eyes out with a blunt instrument! You know, I'm sure I complained about that a few months ago when I was window shopping HDTVs. Thinking back, the BluRay playback on that 50" Panasonic 1080p screen was mesmerizing.
*That* is the quality you should be getting on every one of your premium HDTV channels and every damn bit of it should all have been plug-and-play. Wake me up when I can have that.
There was a post on "Ars Technica" from someone trying to diagnose their crappy HDTV experience. Ok, this is television. T-frickin-V. Since cable-ready homes became commonplace some 30 or more years ago, TV has been ever more plug-and-play. It seemed to reach a peak when we didn't need external cable boxes anymore thanks to the advent of the "cable-ready" TV.
We're in the umpteenth year into the never-ending transition from analog to digital/H TV. Setting aside that a clearer picture doesn't make a bad show anything other than bad, why haven't I taken the hi-def leap?
Look at this reply on Ars: "Scroll down to 4:3 override and select either Off, 480I, or 480P. Use whichever looks best for your TV. This will mainly depend on the quality of your TV's processor compared to the quality of the cable box's processor... (blah) upconvert ... (blah) and 480P will feed a 480P converted signal. Use trial and error here. / Also, check that YBbPr Output is set to 720P or 1080I and TV TYPE set to 16:9."
Ooo-K!? What in the HELL is this? This isn't plug-and-play TV any more, this is the stuff of 12:00 flashing VCR nightmares!
Brother got a 40" SONY Bravia and mounted it above the fireplace for the SIL because, well, she demanded he buy one for her. I was up at the house early in the week and the TV was on. They've got DVR, digital this, blah, blah that. The picture sucked. I wanted to take a stick to the macro-blocking in the picture and beat it smooth.
I'm seeing the macro-blocking on my "old" analog cable setup. A lot of times it's from a crappy satellite feed to the cable station. Other times I'm not so sure satellite transmission's the source. It's distracting. Hey, I get annoyed with color banding on DVDs, do you think I'm not going to be annoyed by a pile of boxes littering the screen? Any moderate motion is the worst!
These are reasons why I haven't thrown down two grand on an HDTV, am not paying a couple hundred for "high-end" digital cable service for eight HDTV channels each month and just roll my eyes at TV in general. I'm a cheap bastard but the value proposition just isn't there.
Even those handful of HDTV channels, sometimes they look like crap. Other than playing a BluRay or DVD-HD on a 1080p true HDTV, you're watching a 1080i or 720p compressed to hell signal fed to you for a princely sum and somehow you love it! You're morons!
The macro-blocking makes me want to gouge my eyes out with a blunt instrument! You know, I'm sure I complained about that a few months ago when I was window shopping HDTVs. Thinking back, the BluRay playback on that 50" Panasonic 1080p screen was mesmerizing.
*That* is the quality you should be getting on every one of your premium HDTV channels and every damn bit of it should all have been plug-and-play. Wake me up when I can have that.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Idol Is Evil
Phil it out. The three divas are safe. Now they're dragging out the other elimination.
It's down to Chris and Blake.
Robin Thicke performed. Now Bon Jovi. Phil's Idol Journey retrospective has already played.
Across fandom, I know there will be a lot of gnashing of teeth over the break up of "CAKE" Chris/Blake. Will Blake stay? Tick-tock. Tick-tock.
Simon wants a Jordin / Melinda finale.
*snore*
YES! Blake is safe! Top 4! Kitty is here for the results. :D
"Three Divas and a Beatboxer"
It's down to Chris and Blake.
Robin Thicke performed. Now Bon Jovi. Phil's Idol Journey retrospective has already played.
Across fandom, I know there will be a lot of gnashing of teeth over the break up of "CAKE" Chris/Blake. Will Blake stay? Tick-tock. Tick-tock.
Simon wants a Jordin / Melinda finale.
*snore*
YES! Blake is safe! Top 4! Kitty is here for the results. :D
"Three Divas and a Beatboxer"
TV Snoozeworthy
Idol stayed more or less the same when seeing it as when hearing it alone. Chris looked very uncomfortable on stage trying to rock out.
I was pleased the judges didn't sugarcoat some of the vocal problems. Randy tried to drum up sympathy votes for Jordin when her vocals veered well off their mark. Chris was told he did as much as he could with his song but maybe not enough to be back next week. Simon even literally kissed Lakisha for her return to form and told Blake his risk-taking is why he would be back next week! From Simon's mouth to voters' phones? We'll know soon enough. He was clearly the live audience favorite.
"House" was... *snore* although Hugh Laurie had some good lines. I hope Foreman leaves and this isn't just a fake two-weeks notice for ratings purposes.
"The Shield" didn't give me much to care about. Shane told the wife what he did, however. The preview for next week suggests Vick gets suspicious and starts to catch on. I still hope they end up killing Vick in the line of duty.
I may have missed VMars' return. I saw bits while flipped and the episode didn't look familiar but there was an on-screen teaser telling me "One Tree Hill" is new on Wednesday. I caught up with the "Shear Genius" from last week where Theodore goes home. He made the mistake of playing it safe. I love Tabitha for not equivocating. I can't imagine cutting hair with safety scissors. Somehow she did it and made the top 3. Maybe I'll check the next show.
Speaking of ratings earlier, it's May which means shows crawl back from reruns because it's the final ratings period of the season.
I was pleased the judges didn't sugarcoat some of the vocal problems. Randy tried to drum up sympathy votes for Jordin when her vocals veered well off their mark. Chris was told he did as much as he could with his song but maybe not enough to be back next week. Simon even literally kissed Lakisha for her return to form and told Blake his risk-taking is why he would be back next week! From Simon's mouth to voters' phones? We'll know soon enough. He was clearly the live audience favorite.
"House" was... *snore* although Hugh Laurie had some good lines. I hope Foreman leaves and this isn't just a fake two-weeks notice for ratings purposes.
"The Shield" didn't give me much to care about. Shane told the wife what he did, however. The preview for next week suggests Vick gets suspicious and starts to catch on. I still hope they end up killing Vick in the line of duty.
I may have missed VMars' return. I saw bits while flipped and the episode didn't look familiar but there was an on-screen teaser telling me "One Tree Hill" is new on Wednesday. I caught up with the "Shear Genius" from last week where Theodore goes home. He made the mistake of playing it safe. I love Tabitha for not equivocating. I can't imagine cutting hair with safety scissors. Somehow she did it and made the top 3. Maybe I'll check the next show.
Speaking of ratings earlier, it's May which means shows crawl back from reruns because it's the final ratings period of the season.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
I'm Tingling.
I don't tingle. Wow, Blake. Just Wow.
First you teased your audience with opening the song doing vocal effects like lighting a fuse or the start of a spinning record. Then you showed you have vocal power. You brought the beat boxing back in a battle with a drummer. You slipped in a moment of vocal effects work from your pre-Idol performing days and you looked fantastic all in less than two minutes.
Amazing. Rickey had it nailed. A "Summertime" moment if there ever was one.
First you teased your audience with opening the song doing vocal effects like lighting a fuse or the start of a spinning record. Then you showed you have vocal power. You brought the beat boxing back in a battle with a drummer. You slipped in a moment of vocal effects work from your pre-Idol performing days and you looked fantastic all in less than two minutes.
Amazing. Rickey had it nailed. A "Summertime" moment if there ever was one.
Idol Blaze of Glory?
It's Tuesday. This week's Idol coach is Bon Jovi. Be afraid. Be very afraid. I've heard the show, but not seen it so my first impressions by ear may change with the added visual. On with the victims and remember it's double-elimination this week.
Phil might have chosen his song based on what he thinks his chances are. Yes, he sang "Blaze of Glory" and I was disappointed. He has a powerful voice but he didn't sell the song. He tried to sing flat to sound more rock I guess. It didn't work for me as I had hoped. I actually figured this could be his week. I won't be surprised if he's not in the Top 4.
Jordin tortures "Livin’ on a Prayer." I'd swear she's missing notes almost from the start and never quite recovers. She misses a few words too I think. Sounds mostly like shouting than singing. Not a good week for her.
LaKisha takes on "Not a Love Song" and wrestles it to the ground. Fantastic. She's back to form and none too soon! She's had quite a few lackluster performances in recent weeks, this might be enough to ease her into the Top 4
With "You Give Love A Bad Name," Blake was up next but I've avoided his performance for now. He dyed the blond highlights out of his hair which is styled down, not spiked. Rickey.org had this to say: "OMG. Amazing. The Summertime moment of American Idol Season 6. Take a song by the neck and make it absolutely your own."
"The Summertime moment" was in Season 3 when in his critique, Simon told Fantasia her lips had never been put to better use than in her performance of "Summertime." It's a "family show" so Simon won't be saying that to Blake.
"Wanted Dead Or Alive" seemed like a good, strong choice for Chris's voice. He almost pulled it off vocally except he doesn't seem to be able to sustain the notes and the song turns messy after the first minute. It wasn't fabulous but not the worst heard. His risk for elimination will depend on how he looked on stage more than just the vocal. He wasn't his usual nasal self but I'd send Chris home just outside the Top 4.
Melinda wraps up the show with "Have a Nice Day" and it actually bored me enough to tune out after the first minute and check out other performances. On second take it wasn't awful just kind of dull which considering the texture of her vocals is odd. I think it might be that her voice isn't as forward as it could be in the mix. She'll be safe but I swear I'm *SICK* of the "surprised" look! Get over it!
Excluding Blake, I'd put Lakisha at the top, Melinda in the middle with maybe Chris then Phil and Jordin this week. However, the results of last week are added to this week to determine the pair cut from the show so it's anybody's guess how it'll pan out. Could there be only one guy in the Top 4 with three divas? Could be!
Phil might have chosen his song based on what he thinks his chances are. Yes, he sang "Blaze of Glory" and I was disappointed. He has a powerful voice but he didn't sell the song. He tried to sing flat to sound more rock I guess. It didn't work for me as I had hoped. I actually figured this could be his week. I won't be surprised if he's not in the Top 4.
Jordin tortures "Livin’ on a Prayer." I'd swear she's missing notes almost from the start and never quite recovers. She misses a few words too I think. Sounds mostly like shouting than singing. Not a good week for her.
LaKisha takes on "Not a Love Song" and wrestles it to the ground. Fantastic. She's back to form and none too soon! She's had quite a few lackluster performances in recent weeks, this might be enough to ease her into the Top 4
With "You Give Love A Bad Name," Blake was up next but I've avoided his performance for now. He dyed the blond highlights out of his hair which is styled down, not spiked. Rickey.org had this to say: "OMG. Amazing. The Summertime moment of American Idol Season 6. Take a song by the neck and make it absolutely your own."
"The Summertime moment" was in Season 3 when in his critique, Simon told Fantasia her lips had never been put to better use than in her performance of "Summertime." It's a "family show" so Simon won't be saying that to Blake.
"Wanted Dead Or Alive" seemed like a good, strong choice for Chris's voice. He almost pulled it off vocally except he doesn't seem to be able to sustain the notes and the song turns messy after the first minute. It wasn't fabulous but not the worst heard. His risk for elimination will depend on how he looked on stage more than just the vocal. He wasn't his usual nasal self but I'd send Chris home just outside the Top 4.
Melinda wraps up the show with "Have a Nice Day" and it actually bored me enough to tune out after the first minute and check out other performances. On second take it wasn't awful just kind of dull which considering the texture of her vocals is odd. I think it might be that her voice isn't as forward as it could be in the mix. She'll be safe but I swear I'm *SICK* of the "surprised" look! Get over it!
Excluding Blake, I'd put Lakisha at the top, Melinda in the middle with maybe Chris then Phil and Jordin this week. However, the results of last week are added to this week to determine the pair cut from the show so it's anybody's guess how it'll pan out. Could there be only one guy in the Top 4 with three divas? Could be!
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