Idol 8 Wild Cards

(Clockwise from Top Left: Megan, Jasmine, Ricky, Anoop)

Best - Great voice and control, good stage presence.

• Ricky Braddy

Next best - Decent voices; lousy songs or weird stage presence.

• Von Smith - Jesse McCartney looks with a far better range, people make fun of his wide open mouth singing, comes across as phony like a theme park attraction singer rather than recording artist.
• Anoop Desai - bad song, "drunken fratboy" vibe
• Tatiana Del Toro - sung the song ok but bizarre persona
• Jasmine Murray - pretty, ok voice, lousy song choice

Meh - No thanks.

• Jesse Langseth - mediocre voice, bad hair, weird outfit and presence
• Megan Corkrey - nice, quirky look and vibe, not a great voice
• Matt Giraud - weak voice, bad song, too much the Timberlake imitator, way over sold

That said I suspect these to go through to the Top 12: Giraud, Anoop and Megan.

I’m not really liking this season. Kristen McNamara was just great and deserved a WC slot but her song choice (Gimme One Reason - Tracy Chapman) and “sound” was probably panned as too “old skool.”

While I see potential in Kris Allen, I really don’t see anyone clearly relevant to the current market besides Lil Rounds.

Safari 4: Top Tabs? No Thanks!

Trying out Safari 4? On a Mac and can't stand those dumb-ass top tabs? Type this into a Terminal window:

defaults write com.apple.Safari DebugSafari4TabBarIsOnTop -bool NO

To get them back, change NO to YES.

Update: More hidden settings to revert to Safari 3 UI.

(Happy Birthday, Steve Jobs.)

A Silver Anniversary For The Mac

Congratulations Duckie

Duckie has a new job!

2008 Is Finally Over

I couldn’t take much more of 2008. In the last month it dealt me a friend’s death from brief illness of pneumonia. He was 45. There was a real lesson or two about life in that. First, work is not as important as your health. Had he seen a doctor, rather than continue working, he may well be alive today.

Second, trust your gut, the irritating sensation in your skull, your instinct, whatever you want to call it. Had he gone to emergency when his housemate asked if he wanted to, perhaps treatment could’ve been successful. Instead he was found deceased later that day.

Like Brian’s housemate, I had a similar sense when Mother was gravely ill a few years ago. I expressed that while she had no fever, had been seen twice by health care providers and had been under treatment for pneumonia, I had the nagging brain quake that this illness was different somehow and more serious than had been diagnosed. I was correct and, ultimately, by the time she asked to go to the ER, by medical standards she was beyond help and died within 12 hours. The diagnosis of pneumonia had been in error, she was suffering from sepsis, a systemic infection.

The final week brought hospitalization for friend, a circumstance which is as yet unresolved. I couldn’t hazard a guess as to the outcome. He’s had serious medical problems in the past and I wouldn’t speculate. While he expressed great concerned, it still took some effort to get him to agree to be transported to the ER. I was genuinely exasperated.

The end of 2008 brought breakups and jobless for some and struggles with depression for others.

The Onion: Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

When That Euphoria Wears Off...

...and the cruel reality of what happened begins to set in.

RIP Mervyns & Linens-n-Things

Two more claimed by this economy. I didn't really like Linen-n-Things as I felt their stores were claustrophobic. Stock was virtually piled up to the ceiling. I kept waiting for it to fall and pummel unsuspecting customers. My current utensils did come from there, however. I shopped there with Mother.

Mervyns, a western U.S. department store chain in business for 59 years is closing after the holiday season. While I haven't shopped there in probably more than five years, their clothes were popular with school peers in the 1980s. I remember their ads for Bugle Boy Jeans during afternoon cartoons like Transformers. While we did holiday and back-to-school shop there with some regularity for a few years, the local store seemed to stagnate and eventually we went elsewhere. I bought a watch there in the college while holiday shopping with the girlfriend.

California Election Picks

Prop   Vote    Reasoning
1A     NO      Bonds! Borrowing is evil. High speed rail 
               between SF & LA? Stupid.
2      NO      Would harm small local farms.
3      NO      Bonds again? They still have billions in 
               bond money left to spend on this!
4      YES     Stop sex predators from taking underaged 
               victims to get rid of the evidence!
5      NO      We authorized a rehab program for convicts
               a few years ago. Why is this back?
6      YES     Budget mandates are evil but we also need 
               a new prison. Flip a coin?
7      NO      Scam.
8     (See Update Below)
9      NO      Weakens impartiality of judicial system
               early in criminal court process.
10     NO      More Bonds?! “Free” money if you buy a 
               hybrid car? Just go away!
11     NO      We need redistricting reform but this 
               alternative scheme seems even worse.
12     YES     Self-funding loan program for veterans. 
               It's worked for 85 years, BUT (see below)

---

4 Nov 2008 Update:

Prop 12

Although I voted YES, voting NO on Prop 12 because it's more borrowing is acceptable to me. The program has been a solid success for 85 years but you can't ignore it will still mean added debt no matter how low risk. Veterans are more worthy than most but is unnecessary borrowing to the benefit of a tiny group in these tough times the kind of message we want to send to other special interests too?

Prop 8

I have removed my previous "NO" on Prop 8, the gay marriage ban. The campaigns on both sides have irritated me greatly.

Between SF Mayor Gavin "Whether you like it or not" Newsom, suppression of free speech statewide with organized theft of "YES on 8" signs and my original qualm with judicial activism, I can no longer strongly support a NO on 8.

The fact remains when the court made the move by the slimmest of majorities, California already had, still has and will continue to have available, comprehensive registered domestic partnerships with the rights and responsibilities of civil marriage available to gays (and seniors) who live here.

This has become a filthy political battle over a word, not of equal rights.

While I voted NO on 8 a few weeks back, I've recently moved to "neutral" on the proposition. I am ashamed of the NO campaign and supporter's tactics.

For those out of state who want to see infamous Mayor Newsom's controversial statement referenced above, I've included a clip here:

Happy Gift To Me

I ordered a self-gift. A 2GB stick for the iMac, ordered from Other World Computing. It was under $40 with shipping.

Galaxy Quest 2? You Wish!

This week brought us the first production photos from JJ Abrams upcoming "Star Trek" film. Many folks, myself included, thought it looked like something that might have been part of the 1998 Trek parody called "Galaxy Quest." See the crew and bridge for yourself!

I guess the Yeomen is ironing Kirk's shirt?

Best Knight Rider Live Blog

The Auto Blog is live blogging the new series Knight Rider. The blog perfectly captures the trainwreckness of the show. Here are links to the entries for the first four shows:

Ep 1: "A Knight In Shining Armor" - A simple package delivery becomes more complicated than it seems when Mike and KITT learn the package is actually a man with top-secret code decryption built into his DNA.

Ep 2: "Journey to the End of Knight". Mike infiltrates a racing gang with the help of an old army buddy; Sarah and KITT join him.

Ep 3: "Knight of the Iguana", a.k.a. "KITT and Mike go to the beach."

Ep 4: "A Hard Day's Knight" Pieces of Mike's past are revealed as a lethal poison threatens his life.

Mother's Cookies Gone!

Mother's Cookies, a CA-based company for 92 years, has suddenly ceased operations. The company is most known for it's icing-covered circus animal cookies. The pink ones were best but the most fun was trying to decipher just which animal shape you were eating!



Read more online (SF Chronicle)

Happy Birthday, Jane

Helen Mirren, Det. Supt. Jane Tennyson of "Prime Suspect," is 63.

Mmm Cookies

It's Mother's birthday this weekend, or would've been. I baked up some cookies this morning to satisfy my chocolate needs. It's been a couple months since I made any.



I've been skeptical of the characterization of The Joker in "Dark Knight" since the early teasers and I find the hype around Ledger to be nauseating. One site had a report that 94% of opening screenings have been sold in pre-sales. I know Mother and I would've gone since she was a fan of the darker, more menacing Batman from her younger years but I bristle at the crass reverence being shown. Heath should not be treated like some Messiah. There's a bit of that hero worship going around these days in the States. It's creepy, it's wild-eyed televangelist creepy.

I'm considering taking kitty to the vet for a once over. She'll be the equivalent of 80 human years next month.

No ComiCon for me and the niece this year. Brother got back to me too late with an answer and all four days are sold out. I kicked myself for not being more aggressive and making the arrangements and paying without an answer in hand but others suggested I shouldn't take it out on myself. One of my Canadians was upset since it reminded him how is family treats him and makes use of his resources and monies. I wouldn't disagree; there are parallels. It's something we're both trying to work on.

This week my dreams have ranged from the bizarre, tsunami survival, to the pleasant, a fun buddy dream.

Flying Toasters

FREE. Mac OS X or Windows

Word for the Day

obdurate |ˈäbd(y)ərit| adjective - stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action. "Obdurate usually connotes a stubborn resistance marked by harshness and lack of feeling (: obdurate in ignoring their pleas)…"

- New Oxford American Dictionary

Which Superhero Are You?

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

JHud is Fabulous!

"Spotlight" is Jennifer Hudson's debut from her upcoming album. She looks good, sound great and the song, shocking, doesn't suck! I love it. Congrats, girl! See the video:

Catching Up...

They never did find the lost rent check for June. Since I habitually pay early and get signed photocopies made when I had checks in they knew it was their error. I wrote a new check today after I called in a stop payment. The bank fee was reimbursed by a discount on July rent. Felt good to take care of something for a change.

Kitty has been acting weird, not that my bizarre hours have helped either of us. She'll adjust.

I've been having a bumpy ride lately.

Weather on the weekend was awful with extreme heat breaking 100F (40C). I ran the AC to keep it about 20 degrees cooler.

The Ax Falls

Blake Lewis has been cut from Arista. No surprise. His fellow AI6 alum, Chris Sligh, posts about it here.

I definitely agree with Chris' remark about "Know My Name" being a better lead single but I don't know why "Break Another" didn't do well. I often noticed on his promo appearances trying to sell the singles, Blake was just not the performer he was on Idol. It didn't excite me about his music although the album isn't half bad.

For now, Blake still has his record deal with 19 and is trying to find a new label.

FireFox 3 and Marriages

---

Legal gay weddings begin today in California. Will there be riots or will Californians shrug and go about their daily lives? Clan of Al Gore's old friend Fred Phelps, he of the "godhates..." websites, is going to be in San Francisco protesting.

Humor

"If Things Turned Out Differently"

CA State Supreme Court Strikes Down Marriage Limit

The California State Supreme Court has struck down Prop 22 which defined marriage as between one man and one woman. That law was passed by CA voters in 2000. Out of 7.5 million votes cast, 61% voted in favor.

Yahoo story

"The justices' 4-3 decision Thursday says domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage."

Full text decision (PDF)

This November, the issue will be back before the voters in the form of a initiative. The proposed state constitutional amendment to define marriage, once again, as between one man and one woman.

Idol Top 4 Results

It's about time Castro left the show after he seemed so disinterested while performing on stage. He still has a very good recording voice and I like the singer-songwriter vibe. He just looks very weird.

Syesha may just be the contestant to make the most appearances in the bottom two/three and survive. She's earned it though, improving week upon week.

I'm going to speculate Simon will pick the song for David Cook and Randy the song for Syesha. We'll know soon enough. Archuleta had a pleasantly surprising good week in the Top 4 although I'm not a fan of Elvis' "Love Me Tender." It was the studio recording released on iTunes rather than the more up-beat "Stand By Me." I still think David Cook will squeak out the win in two weeks.

Clay Aiken released his fourth studio album of new material on Tuesday. None of the songs really grab me. It's mostly slow-mid tempo stuff about overcoming adversity and so forth.

Birthday Bass

Happy 29th birthday to Lance Bass.

Progress?

Congratulations to Van Hansis for his Daytime Emmy nomination. He plays Luke Snyder, a gay college student on "As The World Turns."

---

My credit card expired last month and I've been looking for the replacement. I thought maybe I'd accidentally thrown it out because of the mall ads, grocery ads, services ads, and political junk mail. Since it's May Day, I called dreading having to learn a new card number only to find out the card was mailed within this week. It's still in transit. Nice of them to tell customers there'd been a delay!

To add to my freak-out level, there was a letter stating I was two months delinquent on my health coverage payments and as of today I'd be cancelled. I looked at my checkbook and saw the checks registered so I called. The automated service was reassuring, telling me I was paid up until May but to make sure I talked to a live person. She confirmed that indeed, my coverage was not at risk and my next payment was due by May 10th.

I haven't slept in 22 hrs. I've been busy or distracted. I made a batch of cookies last night and ate them all. This is why I don't make them often. I binged much like when I have ice cream. It's something I need to work on and puzzle out the causes.

Idol is terminally boring this year. I expect David Cook to win with probably the other David as runner up. I skipped GRΣΣK this week since it's become so repetitious with the "love triangle" story.

Idol Top 8 (Added Results)

OK:
Jason Castro — Somewhere Over The Rainbow
David Archuleta — Angels
Syesha Mercado — I Believe

Fair:
Carly Smithson — The Show Must Go On
David Cook — Innocent
Kristy Lee Cook — Anyway
Michael Johns — Dream On

Awful:
Brooke White — You’ve Got a Friend

---

UPDATE: Aussie Michael Johns was eliminated this week. Syesha and Carly rounded out the bottom three. Syesha and Kristy Lee Cook really need to go home. I'm not surprised Michael Johns got cut. As a rocker-type he's been overshadowed by David Cook primarily because of song choice and Cooks shameless cribbing over other's arrangements. The finally three will probably be Castro and the Davids.

Ryan White, Eighteen Years Later

It's been 18 years since Ryan White lost his battle with HIV/AIDS in 1990. Ryan is above, left, his growth stunted by HIV.

A young hemophiliac, Ryan became infected with HIV through contaminated blood products. He was diagnosed in 1984. When he attempted to return to school, he was shunned and harassed. Parents and teachers rallied against him.

A legal battle against the school brought his plight to national attention and humanized the HIV/AIDS crisis. He had hoped if he could live until he was 18, a cure would be found. Another eighteen years on and sadly HIV/AIDS is still just a treatable illness, there's no vaccine or cure.

Three years his junior, as a fresh-faced high schooler I found Ryan's story personally touching. It influenced my volunteer efforts in college, working to create a safer atmosphere for gays and others through education. Years on, I was a bit gratified learning the organization we formed continued doing that important work. I was fortunate enough to meet Ryan's mom during those years and so, waking today, I noted the anniversary and knew I wanted to blog about it.

I Want One

Kettering University student Will Foster builds fully operational half-size Panzer tank

25 Years Ago

Marvel Comics released "Alpha Flight" Volume 1, #1.



Guardian: James MacDonald Hudson is a scientist from Ottawa who wears a suit of battle-armor allowing him to fly and manipulate Earth's magnetic field. Guardian is sometimes the team leader, and wears a stylized maple leaf flag on his costume.

Northstar: Jean-Paul Beaubier is a mutant with powers of super-speed and light generation. He was the first openly homosexual superhero in the Marvel Universe.

Aurora: Jeanne-Marie Beaubier is Northstar's schizophrenic twin sister. Like her brother, she is also a mutant with powers of super-speed, flight, light generation.

Puck: Eugene Milton Judd is a dwarf bouncer from Saskatoon with enhanced strength and extraordinary acrobatic abilities.

Sasquatch: Walter Langkowski is a former American football player and wealthy scientist from British Columbia. Following a gamma radiation experiment, inspired by The Hulk, he can transform into a giant fur-covered beast resembling the mythical sasquatch.

Shaman: Michael Twoyoungmen is a First Nations medicine man from Calgary. He is both a skilled medical doctor and sorcerer.

Snowbird: Also known as Narya, is an Inuit demi-goddess from Yellowknife who can transform into animals of the north.

April First

"GRΣΣK" was better this week. They held a flapper/speak-easy party. It was amusing but I did end up flipping over to "House" where an ill couple ended up being half-siblings.

It's Idol Top 9 tonight featuring Dolly Parton. I'll try to contain my horror until I see who is destroying what song this week.

Happy Birthday to Apple, Inc. Do you miss the gay apple?

GREEK & Idol Top 10

The Top 10 was another disappointment. David Cook once again stood on the shoulders of others. This week Idol admitted he was singing a Chris Cornell rendition of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" and while he did sing fine, I'd like to see him do something that is original (since that's the praise he gets) rather than copycat another's alternative arrangement. Cook is leading at this point and would at least have some commercial appeal.

David Archuleta was dull; his vocal was not clear and strong. Simon was right it was as if he was singing at a theme park. And, seriously David, you need to get beyond the "social consciousness" cliche of a 17 yr old. I don't think he'd make a good commercial recording artist. He might be a fine Christian contemporary artist, however.

Carly Smithson did OK with a passable copy of "Total Eclipse of the Heart." Jason Castro was ok, but lifeless. He needs to mix it up. The rest seemed a mess vocally. Seriously, this is a dreadfully dull season of Idol.

GRΣΣK did not get started on a great foot mostly because they have added a severely annoying "national chapter" girl to put one of the sororities (ZBZ) back on the straight and narrow. I'm a bit bored with the Cappie-Casey-Rebecca-Evan thing.

GREEK Returns!

The second season of GRΣΣK debuts tonight on ABC Family at 8/7c.

Misc. Items

"Morristown teenager Josiah Leming (Youtube) -- forever known as the kid living out of his car on "American Idol" season 7 -- has signed with Warner Bros. records" according to a blog on Knoxnews.com

Don't dunk and drive.

Dolly Parton will be a guest on "American Idol" April 1-2.

Another study, this time saying circumcised men no less likely to get sex diseases.

The Top 11 Results

Amanda is out. Not surprised, but I'm disappointed because she could work the stage and was entertaining to watch. The show will only get harder to watch. The other of the bottom two was the forgettable Kristy Lee Cook, the ex-RCA recording artist Carly Smithson rounded out the bottom three. Only the top 10 tour.

Announced "mentors" include Dolly, Mariah, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Neil Diamond. The Top 10 Idols will perform songs from the year they were born and Season 2 alum, Kimberley Locke, will return to perform on the results show.

Listening to the studio-recording clips on iTunes, Michael Johns and Jason Castro (could win it all) sounded best. David Archuleta sounds alright but the a lot of his charm is sucked out by production, much as happened with Clay Aiken. Clay was far better live on Idol than on his albums.

---

Sean Astin played a preacher on the original "Law & Order" tonight. I suspect the episode might upset some people since he was cast as a radical "warrior" for Christ in the mold of extremist mullahs. I find it boorish and contrived. On the upside, Carolyn McCormick was back as Dr. Olivet.

---

"GRΣΣK" returns soon. The second half "Kyle XY" (Season 2) has ended with Amanda missing, kidnapped either by Latnock organization or Taylor, Jessie XX's "father."

Idol Top 11. The Beatles, Part 2.

David Archuleta returned to form tonight with “The Long and Winding Road.” Sadly he was the only real highlight tonight. When I first saw the performance online I did tingle a bit. I'm very happy he's back and the song was spot on for his style.

Amanda Overmyer rocked “Back in the U.S.S.R.” but it just didn't seem authentic this week. It was a bizarre song choice anyway with many of the contestants, and millions of voters, not able to even remember the U.S.S.R. Since I do, it all seemed even weirder. I generally like her but this wasn't her best.

Kristy Lee Cook attempted “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away,” a song I don't really know. It was worse than bad because it was unmemorable and I suspect she's headed for the bottom three on Wednesday.

Former frontman Michael Johns did ok on “A Day in the Life” but the song is too long to be trimmed to about 90 seconds. He may have pandered a bit after the judges critique saying he chose the song as it was his dead friend's favorite. He's fine on stage but there's just a bit of passion, of authenticity, missing. He might be in danger because he's not really standing out compared to David Cook who some might put in the same rock-style voice category.

Brooke White warbled “Here Comes the Sun” and was boring but at least I remembered her. The dress was a very sunny yellow. She could be in danger.

David Cook acknowledged copying a rock group's rendition of “Day Tripper.” He needs to be careful. He's been borrowing arrangements a lot, some acknowledged and some alleged. I'm tired of seeing him with his guitar.

Carly Smithson chirped “Blackbird” and I found it boring. She looks bizarre with the eye makeup. I'm just not impressed with her and to say she's like the broken winged bird with struggles to break into the industry after millions were spent on her by RCA is ridiculous. She generally leaves me cold.

Syesha Mercado did better than last week with a version of “Yesterday.” I don't know, however, that it was good. I think she was trying to hard after almost being cut last week.

Chikezie attempted to play harmonica on “I’ve Just Seen a Face” and switched from a by-the-numbers R&B opening to a country thing mid-song. It was just all very, very weird. I hope he's gone soon but suspect he won't. I just don't get him at all.

Ramiele Malubay did not have a fantastic vocal with “I Should Have Known Better” but the beginning and end were fine and, unlike more than half the contestants, she looks like she knows how to perform on stage. I'm concerned she might be cut but I'd like to see her hang around a bit.

Jason Castro did a fair version of “Michelle” and at least put down the guitar this week. Still, it wasn't great and I think he looks quite goofy. He's definitely safe, however.

I watched season 6's performance shows again last night and there really is a difference. There might be more technicians this season but there's a bit of fun and performance that's missing which over-all makes the show boring.

Idol Top 11, Like Top 12

I missed out that Idol is doing a SECOND week of Beatles songs. One was bad enough, thank you!

Idol Top 12 Results

The first two announced on the bubble tonight were not a surprise to me. Syesha Mercado and Kristy Lee Cook were pretty awful last night. David Hernandez joined them in the bottom with the lowest vote totals.

The first eliminated from the Top 12 was David Hernandez! I didn't see that coming. I'll be interested in what people consider his downfall. There are many possibilities from the gay stripper past to coming across like a smark-alec having taken a class on the Beatles' music.

E-Online reports fan-favorite David Archuleta might have a "stage dad" and be the cause for David's rattled nerves on Tuesday's show.

Youtube has a clip of Josiah Leming singing the full version of Mika's "Grace Kelly"

Top 12 Idol Thoughts

It was Beatles night on Idol. I expected a mess and they delivered.

David Archuleta fumbled the lyric of "We Can Work It Out" but was ultimately uninspiring. He had the "pimp" spot, the final slot before the show wraps for the night. It was definitely not his best. He was apparently trying to do the Stevie Wonder cover version and by now Idol contestants should know to avoid his songs. They also turn out badly. He was frank with his lack of comfort and unfamiliarity with the Beatles.

David Cook was one of the top performers of the night with a convincing rock version of "Eleanor Rigby."

David Hernandez, the gay stripper, has usually been among the best but he was way over the top tonight by trying to go 50's rock-and-roll, saying the guitar in "I Saw Her Standing There" was inspired by Chuck Berry.

Brooke White played piano and worked through a passable version of "Let It Be."

Carly Smithson got effusive praise from the judges but I thought she yelled "Come Together" more than sang.

Ramiele Malubay underplayed "In My Life" too much and is probably in danger of elimination.

Jason Castro did his usual guitar strumming on "If I Fell," but it didn't work. He was working too hard to selling the emotions for the song. Still it was one of the better performances tonight.

Michael Johns, the Aussie, was alright on "Across the Universe" but a bit forgettable.

Amanda Overmyer, seemingly no ones favorite, was in top form with "You Can't Do That."

Kristy Lee Cook tortured "8 Days a Week" in a country arrangement and mirror mosaic dress.

Syesha Mercado, the first on state tonight, was awful on "Got To Get You Into My Life" and my pick to be in the bottom Wednesday.

Chikezie was a bit weird in his outfit but he sold the song "She's A Woman." Unfortunately I can't tell what he is as an artist.

I cast no votes. I'm not particularly wed to any of the singers this season.

---

I got free movie passes good through the end of June. Maybe something will be available between now and then that I'd like to see.

Oscar Tribute Snubs

Brad Renfro was snubbed in the tribute to deceased entertain persons in last night's Oscars. Their explanation? "We can't pay tribute to everyone." I've heard that before.

Jonathan Brandis was also snubbed by the Oscar tribute segment despite having been in 46 projects. They claimed he was more widely known for TV work but any look at his filmography puts a lie to that.

I wonder who Duckie would get...

Who is Your Ideal TV Boyfriend?

More on Gossip Girl. Created by BuddyTV

Two Years Later

Today marks two years since Mother passed on. I feel I owe her a bit of an apology for not making better use of the time and the resources at my disposal. Still, you can’t exactly skip steps.

I ambled up to Brother’s at noon to try to sign those documents but no one was home. I wandered off to the bank and made a deposit and moved some money from savings to checking so I can pay my March bills online. It was off to the grocery to pick up food for kitty. I got a few piggy items. Nutella, ice cream, stamps. Ok, I don’t eat stamps. Not yet anyway. On my travels I took note of who was hiring.

The walk was comfortable and easy although my feet are groaning. I picked up “active maturity” food for kitty and am mixing it in with her other food. I’m hoping it’ll smooth things out for her digestion. It was cooler today than expected.

When I left there was a notice from the complex someone wants to repair my metering system next week. Yeah. Whatever. They probably think it’s broken because my use is not as high as surrounding apartment. I’m just frugal.

Coroner on Brad Renfro Cause of Death

Knoxville News Sentinel

An old demon defeated Knoxville-born actor Brad Renfro...

"The results have come back, and we have closed the case based on those results," said Craig Harvey, L.A. County chief coroner investigator.

"The cause of death was established as acute heroin/morphine intoxication," said Harvey. "The coroner has indicated the injury occurred by injection, and the coroner has ruled the death an accident."

Renfro had finished shooting "The Informers" with Winona Ryder and Billy Bob Thornton shortly before he died. He gained national recognition starring alongside Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Jones in his first film, "The Client," which he made the summer he turned 11.

Renfro's legal problems involving drugs began in 1998 when he was charged with possession of cocaine and marijuana seven weeks before his 16th birthday. He reached an agreement with Knox County prosecutors to submit to random drug screenings in order to avoid a juvenile record.

Renfro was sentenced by a judge in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in January 2001 to two years of probation for attempting to steal a yacht in August 2000. In May 2001, he was arrested in Knox County for underage consumption of alcohol. After he was arrested in Knoxville for public intoxication in January 2002, he spent a short stint in a Florida jail before being ordered to enter a three-month substance-abuse treatment program.

In November 2005, Renfro was arrested in Los Angeles for driving under the influence, but the incident that signaled the depth of his substance-abuse problems was his December 2005 arrest for attempting to buy heroin in L.A.'s skid row district. After a brief stint in jail on his DUI charge in March 2006, he entered a rehab program in lieu of jail for the heroin arrest...

Harvey speculated that Renfro's overdose could have occurred because the actor had not been using drugs in a while.

"Other people had told us that he was off of the injectables; he wasn't using anything injectable," said Harvey. "You have guys that … go to prison and they were IV drug users, and they're in prison for a period of time. Then they get out of prison, and the first thing they do is they'll score some drugs.

"They buy the same quantity or level of drugs that they were buying before they went into prison, and they use the same quantity or level they used and they'll end up overdosing immediately because their bodies detoxed while they were in prison. They don't take that into consideration.

"And I'm just wondering if he (Renfro) might have done essentially the same thing. He hadn't used it in so long, and when ultimately he did use it again he just simply used the same quantity he did before without thinking, not realizing his body no longer had the same tolerance to it as before."

Despite his legal problems and struggles with addiction, Renfro starred in 21 feature films, including "The Informers," and reportedly he had other film prospects on the horizon...

An "Accidental" Ending For Ledger

Two painkillers, two anti-anxiety meds and two sleep aids let to an "accidental overdose" and his death from "acute intoxication" according to the medical examiner. His drugs of choice were "oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (ibuprofen), diazepam (Valium), temazepam (Restoril), alprazolam (Xanax) and doxylamine (Unisom)"

NYC medical examiner rules Ledger died of accidental overdose

La-La-La La-La

What a fun time! This is the worst election cycle since 1976. Makes me sigh and grind my teeth. I wouldn't give you two cents for any of the remaining major candidates. (Duckie loves Hillary.)

There was good news this morning. CA Prop 93 failed. It was a sham attempt by termed out incumbents in the state legislature to get an additional 12 years. In the YES ads they claimed it reduced term limits from 14 years to 12 years while conveniently failing to mention the loophole for incumbents. Causing us a third statewide election this year, these same people said we couldn't afford an off-year election in 2005 for Schwarzenegger's reform agenda. Speaking of the governor, he support Prop 93 by itself even though earlier he refused to support it if it wasn't coupled with a redistricting proposal. The redistricting proposal never came.

L.A. voted to approve a 9% phone tax, publicized as a "tax cut" from 10% to 9%. Unfortunately, that existing 10% sales tax has been declared illegal by a court. So the "cut" is from a potential 0% to 9%. The opposition only raised thousands for advertising while the establishment had a few million to run ads.

I talked to Brother tonight. Apparently the estate lawyer sent him more papers to sign. WTH!? I guess it's not over yet. It'll be two years in several days. That's just stupid. He also thinks she's ended her private practice and joined a separate firm. Oh joy!

RIP Brad Renfro's Grandmother, 76

Brad Renfro's grandmother, 76, dies

Joanne Barron Renfro, the grandmother of Knoxville-born actor Brad Renfro, died Friday. She was 76.

Mrs. Renfro raised her grandson from the time he was 5 years old at her home in North Knoxville's Lincoln Park community. Her grandson drew national attention at the age of 10 in 1993, when he was cast to star in the film adaptation of John Grisham's "The Client.

There's still no determination on Brad Renfro's cause of death.

24 Year Anniversary

RIP Brad Renfro, 25 ("The Client")

Actor Brad Renfro, whose career began promisingly with a childhood role in "The Client" but rapidly faded as he struggled with drugs and alcohol, was found dead Tuesday in his home. He was 25. (Yahoo)

"Brad was raised by his grandmother Joanne Renfro following his parents' divorce when Brad was 6 years old. He broke into movies at age 10 when he impressed an audience member during a D.A.R.E. skit (he was playing a drug dealer)."

Select filmography:
"The Client" (1994)
"The Cure" (1995)
"Tom And Huck" (1995)
"Sleepers" (1996)
"Apt Pupil" (1998)
"Bully" ("2001")

Christmas? Bah-Humbug.

Happy Christmas to Murray, Leon, Bernie and dearest Duckie. :P

I haven't heard from Brother so I dunno if there's a cemetery visit in the works or not. I got up at 4am. I've been trying to keep busy. I just scrubbed the toilet and sink and mirrors and floor in my bathroom. The kitchen's cleaned up. I'm running out of stuff to scrub.

I've been avoiding holiday music and specials completely. I haven't done a lick of gift shopping. It's just that kind of mood. Kitty's napping in her lounge chair. We didn't put up the tree or anything.

I want a nap. Ugh.

It's now early afternoon. Still nothing from my Brother. I called his cell and got voice mail. If we're going to the cemetery we'll have to go relatively soon. It closes in about three hours and it's almost an hours trip.

I called the house. The SIL answered. Brother's out "running errands" because they didn't get a gift for the niece. Right. Ok. She said as far as she knew he wasn't going to the cemetery today because he's too busy running around and doesn't have the traditional mini tree to take. She said she thought he was going tomorrow but um they're closed tomorrow. Oy.

I think I can see Duckie laughing from here!

Another update. I ate. I used more of my few-months-passed "best by date" sauce. Mother would be proud of my dietary daring. Brother called me to tell me he was coming to pick me up. It was late, less than an hour til closing at the cemetery. I'm like uh... time? He's like "it only takes 15 minutes to get there" and I'm thinking "yous [sic] crazy." I barely had my pants on when he was ringing the bell. Kitty was nonplused, barely roused from her lounge chair, probably because I warned her we might have company.

He explained he never did find a mini-tree. The tree has been a tradition Mother started after Father passed away and I continued last year with Brother after she passed. No worries, I had earlier hacked a length of branch off a pine tree in my landscaping as a back up plan.

I didn't pay attention to the time because I knew that would only annoy me unnecessarily. This is progress. In the past I would've been obsessive about watching the time. Ok, I admit I was eyeing the radio in the truck but couldn't make out a time (if it even has a clock) but I should get points for not checking my watch.

The gates were open. We parked on the gravel and walked in. The sun was quickly heading into the day's oblivion on the ocean horizon. I took photos of the setting sun and Brother rambled to the cold stone with a slight patina of algae. We left.

I'd been thinking that his kids never had their grandpa's holiday candy. For a week or more I'd been kicking around trying my hand at it. He was amenable to the idea so we stopped at a grocery. I didn't have the recipe nor had I even looked it up so I went on memory. It was sad that Brother didn't really have an idea what went into the recipe. It turned out I got was right on all counts but did get margarine that I didn't need. I still swear Father used it even if it isn't in the written recipe. I've been pondering what else he could've made that would've called for melting butter in a large pot. Doesn't matter; it was on sale at only 83 cents per pound--shockingly inexpensive. Not everything was so affordable. The tiny bottle of real vanilla was $4, on sale, for the store-brand!

(more to come)

RIP Dan Fogelberg, singer-songwriter

Dead at 56 of prostate cancer.

"His best-remembered songs include his biggest hit, the affecting ballad "Longer" ... ; "Leader of the Band," a tribute to his bandleader father, Lawrence; and the evergreen seasonal standard "Same Old Lang Syne," which originally hit the top 10 in 1980." USA Today obit. They missed "Rhythm of the Rain."

"Leader of the Band" is one of the very finest of the tributes song genre. Gives me chills.

Rest well, Dan Fogelberg. Thanks for the songs.

A.D.D.

Amazon.com
iTunes

TV Season Winding Down

Spoilers ahead! Be warned!

With the TV writers still out on strike shows have been winding down. On "Desperate Housewives" Andrew (Shawn Pyfrom) moved out of the house which can only mean we'll see even less of him than now I guess. In the tornado episode Bree didn't touch base and we didn't see the gay neighbors at all. Two die. "One loses a husband and everyone loses a friend." I don't know if the second part will actually show this month or if it's being held for the shows inevitable return.

"Heroes" wrapped the second Chapter on Monday and I think I've lost interest in the show. I think they've jumped the shark. If the season wasn't bad enough with the "wonder twins" and the lame diversions with Claire at school and the other story in NOLA. Really my favorite story was Hiro and then, maybe, the Peter mystery but it all came to mean nothing. We know immortality and resurrection exists now in the show's universe so just where's the risk? I've been skeptical since they let Sylar survive in last year's finale and this year proved my skepticism justified. Sad.

January sees the return of "Kyle XY" with the second half of the second season. I don't know when other shows return yet.

"SVU" got me excited last week with the "death" of Eliot's wife. Unfortunately she was alive at the end of the episode. I've never liked that character. "Criminal Intent" is on a slim budget with the four detectives, switching off weeks, and the Captain. No ADA now. I never did find out how or why Jamie Sheridan was replaced. I can't stand the hair on the his replacement.

"House" has his new team. I'll miss "Cut-Throat Bitch."

TV is barely interesting.

"Break Another" on iTunes

Blake's single "Break Another" is now available at the iTunes Music Store.

I sent out iTunes emails to a few people and noticed the email said it's available Nov 20 but I bought it this morning.

Friday cancelled?

Wednesday night I looked at weatherbug to see the extended forecast for my area and here's what it gave me:

Halloween, Blake News!

His debut album, "Audio Dream Day - A.D.D." (Arista), is scheduled for availablity on December 4th and now for pre-order on Amazon. Blake's debut single hits radio today in the U.S. It is called "Break Another"; Blake co-produced. It's catchy! Listen over here

This is a different song than was previously announced as his debut single.

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Happy Birthday to Duckie!

Meow!

Mins: G4-867mHz, G5, Intel. 512MB RAM. 9GB HD. DVD.

The Classic Mac OS 9 environment no longer supported with Leopard.

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Yahoo! Messenger for Mac ßeta Updated.

Desperate Housewives, Desperate Writers

The new token gay neighbors moved in next to Susan. She repeatedly makes an ass of herself. On the upside Andrew was back again, scheming with his step-dad over a motor scooter Bree doesn't want them to keep. He declined a crab cake mini hors d'œuvres, maybe he doesn't do shellfish. The other stories were painful to watch and, frankly, I was not happy to see Rex's mother much less her finding out the truth about Bree's baby.

Beef. It's What's For Dinner

As seen on local TV news:



5 fires start overnight

Trek Casting, Prices, TV

We've an official update: Chris Pine is Kirk. Karl Urban is Dr. McCoy.



They join Zachary Quinto (Spock), Zoe Saldana (Uhura), Simon Pegg (Scotty), Anton Yelchin (Chekov), John Cho (Sulu) and Eric Bana as villain Nero. Original star Leonard Nimoy will also play Spock.

Apple's RAM prices continue to be far outside reality. You can get 2GB for $150 from them or 4GB at $175 from a reliable 3rd party provider.

We watched "Gossip Girl" and bits of some "Law & Order" repeats on Wednesday. It's a chilly night out. Some bills have already arrived. The water bill was estimated. I hate that.

TV. Weak.

"House" was preempted (@*#%! baseball!) so we saved electricity Tuesday and took a nap insead.

Many folks complained about it but I thought "Heroes" was more entertaining than it's been all season. I still hate Micah but we learned about Parkman's dad, Molly's boogeyman and the 'wonder twins' found a familiar body in the middle of the road. Saints be praised, Kristen Bell ("Veronica Mars") joins the cast next week.

Wednesday has something for us to watch. Right? Riiight.

Happy Birthday, Mrs. Fletcher

Angela Lansbury is 82.



She looked great at this month's AFI event where she introduced the screening of "Beauty and the Beast." Some of her other works include the stage musical "Mame," films "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," "The Manchurian Candidate," and "State of the Union" and, of course, TV's "Murder She Wrote."

Star Trek: The Casting (so far)

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Genius!

Duckie is a genius. I got email tonight that Brother is working this weekend so no air show. I got sick on Friday anyway. My intestines burn with hatred of their host body. Hopefully I won't need to see a doctor and I'll be good by mid-week.

TV was dull enough that it wasn't even worth writing about this week.

Blake's debut album has been postponed a week to December 4; re-mark your calendars.

Kitty has a fresh litter box and food is scheduled for delivery.

Kyle XY Renewal

A third season of Kyle XY has been ordered by ABC Family Channel according to Yahoo News. The second half of season two is in production. When we last saw Kyle he had just seen his female counterpart, Jessi, leap off a cliff after stealing information from Kyle.

TV Wrap, Save Electricity Edition

"Heroes" was OK last week, nothing monumental. "House" held interest although I wasn't thrilled to see Cameron. House told her she looked like a hooker as a blond.

Dale, the resident gay, came in second at "Top Chef" although from the tasting panel comments I felt he had a real shot at winning. Unfortunately, it was pretty obvious over the weeks they were setting up Hung, the Ego, for the win. Only 20% of the poll voters wanted Hung to win. Most voted for Casey.

I was disappointed in Casey's dishes and I think she was also. Dale had one 'bad' dish--his lobster course. Hung had one great dish and went safe on his last by doing chocolate cake which didn't fit with his asian-inspired dishes at all. Wednesday is the postmortem reunion show. I'll probably tune in to see what Tre, Casey and Dale have been up to.

I'm trying to figure out why they had the "live" announcement in Chicago rather than Aspen where the finale took place or back in Miami where the season was centered.

Bored, I watched "Desperate Housewives" on Sunday. Even Bree breaking-and-entering to steal a pie recipe couldn't prop up a show so clearly past its prime. Listed as "Also Starring," Shawn Pyfrom hasn't appeared yet. I tried to stay tuned for "Brothers and Sisters" but the political manure was getting too deep. I hate that show although I've liked Bat Getty, Emily Van Camp ("Everwood") and Rob Lowe ("West Wing") in past roles.

Thanks to free downloads on iTunes I caught up to the pilot of "Gossip Girl" which features Kristen Bell as narrator. She was the highlight. I might watch this week. I also saw the vampire detective show "Moonlight" which has another "Veronica Mars" alum--"Logan." The show was painful and free was almost too heavy a price. I know "Piz" is on "Private Practice" but nothing short of a six-figure bribe will get me to watch.

Happy Birthday, Ashmore Twins

Shawn ("X2"'s "Iceman") & Aaron ("Smallville"'s "Jimmy Olsen"), 28:

Blake News!

His debut album, "Audio Dream Day - A.D.D." (Arista), is listed available 27 November December 4th and now for pre-order on Amazon. Blake's debut single which he co-wrote with fellow idol contestant Chris Richardson (also on backing vocal) is called "What You Got To Lose" and hits radio on Halloween, 31 October.

Update: On his MySpace, Blake describes the album as "a mix of all the great pop music that has inspired me since the 80's. Electro/funk/soul/pop I call it my 2080's album. One mix from the start to finish, like a great Electronic or Hip-Hop mix tape."

No TV Thursday (or Friday)

I didn't watch TV Thursday night. I just couldn't get worked up by any of the shows and I was not feeling well so I took a nap. Kitty woke me around 10pm. I got up and ate my green apple. I didn't even sever a finger slicing it up! The nap was ultimately more restful than any sleep I've had all week long.

JC Chasez has parted ways with Jive.

Update: I didn't bother with TV on Friday either. I got cereal (corn flakes) and cat food today. Brother was over with estate papers to sign. I think the end is near--it's about time too. Kitty was stressed and hid for almost two hours after he left. This evening she gagged a bit on hairball but seems in a good mood.

TV Struggles To Entertain

It's been a long-and-dull feeling premier week for me so far. I skipped the "Television Event of the Year." I wasn't feeling like torturing myself with the new "Bionic Woman" so I asked someone who happened to be watching in another time zone. Wondering if it was worth the electricity use, he replied, "absolutely not." Even a desire to savage it couldn't coerce me to tune in. Kitty did not complain when I promised we'd watch something later.

We watched part 1 of the "Top Chef" finale. The "Quickfire Challenge" involved some trout and a Coleman camping stove. Casey, my current favorite, won that challenge. The cocky cook that is Hung finished his dish with five minutes to spare but forgot to add lemon juice. Mother would have loved Brian's comment that in cookie, trout isn't even considered seafood! Preferring salt water fish, like sea bass, she did not like trout. Trout is pretty much all we ever fished for under Father's direction and probably the only fish I cleaned.

For the elimination round, they were challenged to cooked elk. The (not really) San Diego guy got axed. This left the last woman standing (Casey), the Ego (Hung), and the gay (Dale) to battle it out for the final victory next week.

Dale actually won the Elimination Challenge by playing on his strength of well received sauces. It was his first Elimination win. I'd like to see Casey crowned next week. Or Dale. Just as long as it isn't Hung. He's got great technical skill but his supreme confidence is often not reflected in the dishes.

The water meter got replaced. Garage access was needed. Kitty was not happy to have her afternoon nap interrupted. Took up hiding out in the closet for a couple hours until she felt confident the interlopers were gone. As it happens, four hours into sleep, I woke only moments before the doorbell rang. I need to catch up on rest. The energy expended running a marathon in my latest dream cannot be helping matters.

20 Year Anniversary

It was 20 years ago Monday that Jean-Luc Picard and pals debuted:



Earlier this year the six foot "Enterprise" miniature, used in the early special effects of the series, sold at auction for a quarter million dollars.

New Seasons Begin

I watched the openers for "Prison Break" season 3 and "Heroes" season 2.

I hadn't seen the second season of "Prison Break" but did watch the finale. iTunes had the premier of season 3 as a free download. The scheme this season is this: there's someone in the Panamanian prison who wants Michael (Wentworth Miller) to break him out and apparently arranged for his capture and incarceration at that facility. They've taken Lincoln Jr. and Sarah hostage. I can't say I'm eager to see much more of this prison where the convicts run the show and settle disputes in fights to the death in the courtyard.

The opener for "Heroes" was a disappointment. Someone dies and pretty much everyone in the finale was seen except the annoying Sylar and DL-Nicki-Micha group. We were introduced to a few new characters including a brother and sister on the run to the U.S. from Latin America. The other character is someone from the "company" who recruits Mohinder. This fellow's power is one of Midas demonstrated when he turns ordinary tableware into gold. He looks like Microsoft CEO Steve Balmer but with many Bill Gates' affectations. It annoys me a bit. I've seen in him other shows and never been a fan of the actor.

I looked at a few seconds where and there for "Journeyman" but it held no interest and once I saw Reed Diamond, Mike Kellerman of "Homicide," I gave up completely. I've heard "Gossip Girls" was really bad but haven't see it for myself. I'll try-out "Bionic Woman" on Wednesday only so I can give an informed opinion. "CSI:Miami" has some new guy in it. The crime didn't hold my interest and I gave up better than half-way through.

So far the TV season is off-and-running with a dull thud. It's early yet. These days there's always film or YouTube alternatives. I was momentarily nauseated to realized I can vote in a presidential primary in just three or four months. All the major party candidates make me grit my teeth.

Leon is back from holiday in Japan. Vacationing Murray is still invading Europe.

I changed the litter box a little while ago so kitty can be pleased with me. I'll have to get her food at the store very soon. I think I'll get ice cream when I go.

Saturday Sundries

I've had a battle with a cold or allergies most of this week. Friday I was feeling better. There was not one actual sneeze but I expect that's about to be broken any moment. I just changed the litter box so kitty can be happy another week.

Because I was under the weather, I ordered groceries. The only item that didn't come was the cat food. They were out of that item and I didn't approve a substitution. It's OK. She isn't out of food yet. I didn't get any treats like ice cream; no sales.

The damned delivery came on exact time again. I was just finishing up in the bathroom when I heard the refrigeration unit on the truck outside. I had the same delivery driver. The poor deep freeze could not hold another item. Well, there's the sneezing. I don't know if it's litter dust or the ceiling fan so I turned off the fan.

Duckie's been scarcely online this week. I got a couple birthday cards out into the mail this week. Muz has been on holiday for a week already and Leon is on the very of his Tokyo holiday this week.

TV has been pretty uneventful. Greek wrapped up it's first season with a record audience for the channel.

It's 9/11

I feel ghoulish thinking about that day. My flag is hanging outside.

Summer TV Winding Down

"Kyle XY" had its season finale on Monday. I can't say this was a great season. The show lost a lot of its appeal for me through the tortured Jesse XX story. I really can't stand the neighbor girl, Amanda, who Kyle has had a crush on. She's moody and an annoyance.

The finale ended with Jesse jumping off a cliff after she betrayed Kyle.

I don't really know if I care about any of the characters at this point. I think it's gone off the rails.

"Greek" has its season finale next week. I don't really know what I think of that show after one season. Perhaps I'll feel more certain after Monday's show.

Due to the "U.S. Open" tennis match, there's no "Burn Notice" for a few weeks.

I'm feeling rather numb about TV and entertainment in general these days. Hopefully something will come along and stir some excitement.

RIP Pavarotti

Tenor Pavarotti Dies at Age 71

Years ago I used to sing along with him in the car while waiting for Mother to do her shopping. I considered seeing him in concert when he came here for the last time but, for reasons I can't precisely recall, I didn't make the effort.

Murdered By The Media? RIP Richard Jewell, 44

Richard Jewell, the security guard falsely accused of being the 1996 Atlanta Olympic's bomber has died at 44 of natural causes. He recently was diagnosed with diabetes and kidney failure.

After twelve grueling weeks of investigation by the FBI, US Attorney's office and endless hounding by the press, Richard Jewell was ultimately cleared of being the bomber. He really was the hero he claimed to be:

"Jewell was working as a private security guard in Centennial Olympic Park about 1 a.m. on July 27 when he identified a suspicious unidentified package and began moving people away from it. The package turned out to contain the bomb, which went off, killing one person and wounding more than 100." CNN

Eric Rudolph confessed to being the bomber in 2005 and is serving four life sentences plus 120 years for bombings at the Olympics and three other locations including a gay nightclub. One of the bombings killed a police officer.

Bang-Up Day

I slipped on the stairs this morning and landed mostly on one knee. Yes, Duckie, there are pix.

Looks like Vegas is moving to The OC. He's there now house-sitting and has parted ways with the boyfriend.

I'm sipping lemonade and having a teriyaki bowl.

A Trek And A Tre

I strolled to the grocery and to the bank between 4 and 6am. I'm pretty sure that's the first I've left the community since early July. I hadn't planned to do a month's worth of grocery shopping but the urge overtook me. The night was clouded and felt warm, probably from humidity. Once again I managed to dump my groceries in the street thanks to a bungled attempt to avoid just that.

Along the way a few things tried to escape out bags and my new postage stamps flew from my pocket too. Yes, I finally got the new more expensive stamps. Even better, these are those "forever" stamps which means if he price goes up before I run out, I don't need to buy addition postage or wastefully double-up stamps.

I seem to remember the grocery kept stamps in the registers, even earlier this year, but someone had to unlock the service desk to get a book for me this morning.

I paid the rent. There's someone new in the office! She looks to be early 20s and only started yesterday. I hope that doesn't mean my favorite has left us. If she did, I hope she got a better gig.

There's a scent of wildfire smoke in the air from dual fires. One is in Mexico and the other in a county further north. Add in the fresh cut grass and humidity and I think I'll stay indoors the rest of the day.

Kitty is napping in her lounge chair and has been generally non-plussed at my comings and goings. Ok, she was hiding when I got back from my early morning errands but with all the noise I probably made dragging things up stairs, who could blame her for expecting the worst? I promptly shed my sweaty attire, filled a glass with ice and put on the A/C.

Last night we watched Flipping Out and Top Chef. I'm very sorry to see Tre eliminated on Top Chef. It was a surprise. He'd won three of the nine elimination challenges.

Monday Mutterings

Here's an image from "High School Musical 2"'s "What Time Is It." Troy (Zac Efron), Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) and Ryan (Lucas Grabeel) are in the front row:



I changed the litter box so kitty can return to being nice to me. I hope. The station has gone off the air for a top-down reorganization. I've been asked to stay on to assist with the shifting of deck chairs. Duckie refused to advise me saying he knows I'll do it anyway. He's probably right. That's why I keep him around.

My fingers are doing better. Monday means Greek and Kyle XY on TV for me and kitty.

I've been having bizarre dreams. Last evening I dreamed of doing groceries with Mother (deceased). I remember the car vanished from the parking lot. Father (deceased) had run off with it and the groceries. I've had a few grocery shopping dreams over the past few days especially some involving perusing delis. I'm a little vague on recalling the details for now. It isn't grocery time yet so I'm not sure how the dreams fit in.

The so-called "Queen of Mean," real estate tycoon Leona Helmsley, has died at 87. She became most well known during her tax evasion trial in 1989s. The $5 billion holdings of she and her husband included managing the Empire State Building in NYC and two dozen luxury hotels. According to trial testimony, she allegedly told an employee only the "little people pay taxes," a statement she denied making. She survived a collapsed lung caused by a stabbing during a home robbery in 1973 and donated millions to New York-Presbyterian Hospital and related institutions.

High School Musical 2

Well, more than a few people watched "High School Musical 2" on Friday. It was a record cable viewing audience of over 17 million. Kitty and I were among them.

The first one was better, this one seemed more forced as a story. My real concern, as I watched it, was the message that somehow hanging out with your pals constantly is more important than setting up your future.

Since his family can't afford college, the friends should've supported Troy's chances to cultivate a possible scholarship opportunities rather than getting down on him. Even his girlfriend decides to turn away and returns his necklace.

As the climax approaches he's guilted into spiking his chances but--never fear--his friends have set him up with a rouse and it all works out. His opportunities still seem open, his friends forgive him and his girlfriend love's him again. In real life, some friends would support him while those who did not, would just write him off.

For me, other than "What Time Is It?" and "I Don't Dance," the musical numbers are generally uninspired and songs pretty forgettable. "I Don't Dance" features a baseball game with the villainess' brother and presumed gay character, Ryan (Lucas Grabeel), and Troy's best friend Chad (Corbin Bleu) battling it out as pitcher and batter.

A young Rob Lowe look-alike, Troy (Zac Efron) is very fit while shirtless in several scenes and does his own singing this time.

The most annoying part, for me, was how evident the studio effects were in the over-dubbed music. There's at least one ballad which starts on screen with voice and piano only and suddenly it has a drum kit thumping away with no on screen source. That works for big production numbers but seemed bizarre with the spare ballad. PerhapsI should assume the resort's grand piano is enhanced with electronics like Elton John's concert pianos?

Riiight.

Worth a look but don't expect a whole lot from the plot. I'd hope a rumored third film will be a return to form but they may need to infuse the franchise with a new villain.

Beware of Glass...

...it bites! Glass from a picture frame slipped out of my hands while cleaning it. I got two cuts and lost a wedge of flesh to the edges.

TV Renewals

USA Network's "Burn Notice" has been renewed for a second season of 13 shows. It's a fun show. If it comes to your country, give it a look.

GRΣΣK has been picked up for another 10 shows.

GRΣΣK's doing ok but it isn't as strong story-wise as it could be. Still, it's a bit of light entertainments and I like Cappie. OK. How many characters do you need to like to watch a show anyway?

KYLE XY was good on Monday. It's moved the main plot about Kyle ahead. Next week Kyle reveals to Jesse there's more in common to them both than they knew.

Nick In A Bow Tie!

Clipped from promotional photos for the next BSB CD.

Damn. SoCAL Icon Passes...

The fantastic Hal Fishman passed away last week. I grew up watching Hal anchor the "News At 10" on KTLA out of Los Angeles. In fact, with 32 years anchoring KTLA's news, Hal's the longest running anchor in TV history. He was no non-sense and always looked smartly dressed. He was "old skool" in his delivery cadence and it worked.

Quite appropriately, he was in Spider-Man 3 as the anchorman during the climactic battle with Spider-Man and the villains. I noted his delivery style was a little different--more modern--but it was Hal.

Hal was also famous as a private pilot with a number of altitude and speed world records.

There are some echo-worthy comments about Hal in the piece from "The L.A. Times". He died of cancer; it was diagnosed just over a week before he passed on.

You presented what I came to believe the news should be. RIP Hal Fishman.

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Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune creator and all around entertainer Merv Griffin Dies at Age 82 of colon cancer.

There I Was, Minding My Own Business...

... when I saw this posted on a website:

Published August 6, 2007

Redmond, Washington—Microsoft today kicked off the greatest holiday lineup in videogame history by announcing...

What The!? H-O-L-I-D-A-Y!?! It's frigging August!

Bah humbug!

So Far, So Good?

Well, I'm still awake. I went up to the office but it was closed. Summer hours so it opens at 9am, not 8. Fine. So I came back here and raided the garage. I found a 2 liter bottle of cola I didn't know I had and fished out another fish dinner. Not the repulsive fish sticks I had last night so maybe this will be edible. On the down side there's no brownie. I ambled over to get my mail which, of course, is mostly advertising. There was an odd piece though since I could feel what seemed like a credit card. It seems my ATM card expires the end of next moth. How nice of them to remember for me. I didn't realize it even had an expiration date.

I checked the few remaining items in the pantry. The oatmeal is still good as if the corn bread mix--I think. I think my stuffing mix is good through October and that about covers it. I went up to the office dreading it would be occupied with the absent-minded one in need of retirement. I know Duckie will be crushed but she wasn't there. Instead it was the woman who lives on-site. She doesn't seem the sharpest tool--she was the one who couldn't find my rent check a few months ago--but I was able to get a photocopy and she signed it. I had to ask for the photocopy. I missed my usual cat chat. Maybe next month.

I returned and checked my email. Look! It's an email from the power company. It says my bill is available. Due mid-late August. Well, it seems I checked the site on Sunday before all bits of it got caught up with amounts and dates. See earlier entry for that stresser.

Someone had carelessly tossed a lotion bottle in the new plants, just passed a set of dumpsters. It was there when I went up to the office at 8am and not there before 10am. Someone actually picked it up and, seemingly disposed of it! Amazing. I don't know if it was one of the maintenance folks or dog walkers. Doesn't matter, really. There were no cookies in the office and the community kitchen is out of Splenda. There were some yogurt bars so I picked up one of each flavor. Maybe I'll like them.

As I think about it, really, everyone should be able to live like this. I mean, generally, it's a pleasant place. The staff are fine and the residents pretty much keep to and police themselves. It's this last part that makes me like living here. Sure, there were the unruly folks in the pool that one night and the angry guy storming off another but that's two incidents in seven months neither of which amounted to more than noise. In both cases, had I been sleeping like a normal person, I'd probably been completely unaware. Ok, I forgot the garage "break-ins" a few weeks after I moved in but that was addressed with changes to the side doors and it was more pranking than anything as nothing appeared to have been taken other than a box of diapers.

It's more pleasant than living at the house where I had to listen to obnoxious children, pets and face the dread of the ringing doorbell. Kitty has taken up her usual haunt for an afternoon nap, her chair in the lounge. I might turn in soon.

End of Month Routines...

I was doing bills Sunday evening because there wasn't much else going on. I looked at the power bill online and it say "due July 17." So, of course, I gasped! I paid bill online right away! Then I looked to see why I didn't get email about bill. Email came June 27. Well, maybe I forgot about email when it came? Then I look at billing history and it says payment made June 27! Hmm. I look at bank statement. Yes, I gave money on June 27 to power company! It is same amount as was due July 17! I had paid! That is different amount from what I just paid which is a little higher so I'm guessing the stupid system hasn't updated its due dates yet. Very annoying.

My statement from health care says they did not get payment. It also says they will send a courtesy statement from now on. So, I guess, they just decided on their own I didn't need statements which is why I wasn't seeing them in the mail. Instead I had to provide my own envelopes to make payments. I need to see if they cashed check but it won't appear until my next statement for the period that ends the 31st. I looked online but there is no billing info for the health care online. This is just stupid. I guess I will call. I am not paying double! Grr.

I heated two hot dogs today. I put them in buns and one decided to fall over, roll out and off the counter onto the floor. Since food is low in the apartment and I was feeling daring, I picked up the dog, rinsed and dried with with a paper towel twice, then microwaved it 30 more seconds and put it back in the bun. I was not going to let it avoid being eaten! If I end up with botulism that is how I got it. I blame hunger and a conversation I had the other night about my germ phobias for this daring feat.

Tonight I had the door for the deck wide open to air out the stuffy air inside apartment. I forgot I left it open. When I finally remembered and dashed to see if it was open, kitty was sitting neatly on the inside "welcome mat" guarding the doorway and soaking up the breeze. She is a good kitty!

Sleep has stayed the same but it is still an improvement over last week. What else did I do? I cleaned the toilet. I was bad and skipped cleaning it last week. My "Osama look" scares the office lady so I did some trimming. Duckie approves. He is online so I will post this and annoy him awhile!

My cable internet introductory deal ended so it's gone up $10. Why does 5Mbps/768Kbps cost $50 in Southern CA when 10Mbps/1Mbps costs $52 in Texas?

GRΣΣK

Here's a look at three of the characters on GRΣΣK:



Rusty is the main character, a frosh engineering student who joins Cappie's laid back frat. Calvin, the gay character, is a new friend of Rusty's and belongs to a rival house.

Rusty's sister attends the same university and is an ex-gf of Cappie. A sorority girl herself, she's the current gf of a prominent member of Calvin's frat.

It's on cable's ABC Family, Mondays after Kyle XY.

Random Items

Cisco is killing the LinkSys brand. I'll miss LinkSys. Non-US readers probably won't care.

Cisco is apparently going to do yet another branding change. They did one in 2006 to a crappy logo sometimes compared to eye brows or toddler toys.

Casting for the new "Star Trek" film is going OK. The guy who plays the villain Sylar in Heroes (Wiki), Zachary Quinto, is cast as the younger Mr. Spock while Leonard Nimoy has come out of acting retirement to put on his pointed ears one more time. Nimoy has been notoriously difficult to involve in Trek revivals and films. That they got him involved is a huge boost to the film's potential to not completely suck.

Still, I remain quite skeptical at the underlying premise and return to the Kirk and Spock characters and exploration of their early years.

I've been scheduling my meds a bit further apart and it seems to be helping with sleep. I hate waiting for the scheduled time rather than taking them "early" but my dreams are a little less vivid and sleep a less disturbed and thus a bit more restful.

I still need to grocery. I'm in my usual end of the month funk. I hate the act of paying bills so I put it off although I know I feel better once they're paid. I miss having a bill payer.

Dan decided to stay on holiday a week longer which meant a bit of scrambling with the radio gig. I did an extra show and negotiated who would fill when. I might do the show Monday if I get other things done (read as groceries and bills). He's called a meeting for week's end. At this point in life, the very mention of the word strikes terror. No time or agenda is known. Yet.

J, moving from Tues to Fri on air, is now working part time on remodeling a Wal-Mart in addition to his firefighter gig. He needs to slow down, or at least relax. I worry about that boy. Ok, he's 25 but I'm allowed to worry like he's a younger brother, right? Duckie is exchanging his indentured servitude err, I mean he's changing jobs. He needed to climb out of hell err to find a less thankless work situation.

No trip to Comi-Con this year. Brother's decided it's too much of a "zoo" and so that tradition is dead. We were supposed to take my niece for the first time this year. I've been wondering what I'm missing behind the curtain. Go to the films? Nope. Go see the kids play ball? Nope. Host the SIL's surprise bday party? Nope. Connect on Mother's Day? Nope. Mother's birthday? Nope. Close the estate? Not a word. Father used to say I'm paranoid and, well, he'd be right. Of course I am and I probably got it from him. I resist the urge to see conspiracies and plots but, as they say, "my spider-sense is tingling."

Recent dreams have featured my grandmother who passed over 15 yrs ago. I'm not sure where that fits in. Kitty is doing fine. We've been watching "Kyle XY" (Wiki) which has had a bumpy season, the new shows "GRΣΣK" (Wiki) and "Burn Notice."

"Burn Notice," (Wiki) a "dramady," is five weeks in and is the most entertaining of the three we're watching. That said, I've probably just hexed it. I like it so it's doomed.

"Kyle XY" introduced a female counterpart, Jessie XX, and the mystery and exploration of Kyle has taken a bit of a back seat. This past week was an cringe worthy "after school special"-like episode cramming nearly all things gay into the show. We had the drunken homophobic slurring guy, the girl with two mommies, the banning of same sex couples from a school dance, the protest, the alternative dance, the son wigged out by the idea of male couples, straight girls who kiss to show support and the token background gay males who only dance in a three-party group with a girl. None of the principle or supporting characters is gay. It was too heavy-handed.

More as inclination inspires.

RIP Tammy Faye

Tammy Faye Messner dies at 65

I was going to blog about her Larry King appearance but had put it off. :(

Exercise in Frustration.

Doing IT from 9000 km away is a quick way to destroy your disposition and mental health.

I haven't seen duckie in day. I think he's hiding from me. No, I've probably just passed out too early. I'm feeling better today. Thursday I had a very sore and stiff neck, ear and headache issues. Yes, it's the evil left ear again. I think kitty must run her tongue down my ear while I sleep.

I've had a few weird dreams. I had been on a field trip of sorts. I looked at my watch and saw it was too early to go home but really too late to return to school. I asked this other student, Peter, what he thought and the bus scheduling. Long story short, the appropriate bus wouldn't be coming for a couple hours. I remember fumbling with my cranky cell phone. I was going to call Mother to pick me up and asked Peter if he'd like a ride home rather than wait hours since, in the dream, he lived only several blocks away. I knew Mother was at Brother's place but couldn't remember the phone numbers. I also remember having to stuff things back into my pack. Anyway, it's weird.

Obviously Mother's deceased, the car I imagined she'd be picking me up in was the early 1970s station wagon I've mentioned before. It was resold about 20 years ago. Peter, well, I don't even really know where he lived and I'm fairly sure I didn't see him after primary school. I certainly don't know why he, of all people, appeared in my dream except as a stand-in for someone of like name or appearance.

The other weird dream I had involved clothing. I was picking out clothes to wear and Mother wasn't ... OK, there was yelling and because I'm nosey I went outside to my porch. I couldn't see but did hear some things. I threw on some clothes, took the misdelivered package and strolled north on a walk around the complex. Someone left their garage door up but there were two autos part inside so I moved along and headed around the backside of the community center. I did find the noise. It's 2am, tis not the usual time to frolic in the pool and yet that's where the loud voices were.

Coming around to the complex entrance I dropped off the package that belongs in the sister complex and followed the path around to the pool. Suddenly there was hushed voices with one of the women telling a guy to be quiet. I just kept walking and pretended not to see or hear them. Returning to the apartment, I picked out a few things from the deep freeze and returned up stairs. My walk seemed to have served its purpose, it's quiet once again. How no one nearer the pool called in a noise complaint I don't know. It isn't as if I'm immediately adjacent. Anyway, I just heard a couple walk by.

I stumbled outside to notice our rent-a-cop drive in and make an early U-Turn with another couple from the pool right in front of him. I could see him down in the car and imagine he's well over 300 lbs. Why ruin a good night by getting out of the car?

Anyway, they were a young attractive couple. I half suspect they belong to the apartment with the open garage door. I wonder if they climbed into the pool area because when I tried one morning to deposit my rent check, the second lock had been secured and so I couldn't get into the area without resorting to gymnastics.

OK, curiosity got to me and I went back to the pool to see if the gate had been double-locked. It was. No Dr. Pepper for me tonight. On my way back I noticed there was bark on the sidewalk in one spot. A look at the ground showed at least one large indentation as if a heal sunk in. It seems like a good place to exit because you won't land in plants. Walking on, I noticed sandal prints on the high voltage box which is more than half as high as the fence. That's not a bad way to enter. And, just for final giggles I looked and, sure enough, the open garage was now closed.

Kitty is hiding in the bedroom behind her chair. I'm going to have some pasta and loiter around the internet. The pasta cooked badly--that fits the day I've had.

Mmm Nicky...

"US Magazine" had a feature on Nick Carter's weight loss through exercise and counting calories. Supposedly he's 224 in the left photo from 2005 and now around 180 (trying to reach 175). Video here.



Personally, I'd like to see him add back 5-10 lbs. Any more loss and he'll look like a bobble-head.

Doing Better?

Well, Mother's birthday was this week. Or would've been or however you talk about those things after someone's passed away. As I'm sure Duckie won't be surprised to know, I heard nothing from my Brother. Kitty and I had a nap as substitute for actual sleep, and once it was clearly too late in the day for my Brother to invite me on a cemetery visit before work, I went online.

I did something I normally wouldn't do. I employed the axiom, "When you're winning, shut up!" For once in my life I didn't point out that the "1st Amendment" freedom of speech doesn't extend to private entities, only gov't in its many forms. We'll see if there's any improvement in basic civility of the oversight ahead. Let's hope so.

I have to wonder folks reading late always seem so damned loud. Could it just be relative noise? I'm very curious about ambient background news during daylight as compared to night. Just how much is there ignored by the brain yet sensed by the human ears?

Hmm, I just ate some macaronis and I'm still feeling hungry. That's an annoyance!

I'm tired, too. I just noted it's Thursday so Duckie will be very late due to clubbing so it perhaps isn't worth battling sleep too much nor indulging cravings either. If I had ice cream, I'd be diving in right now.

Mumble, mumble...

Let's see, I did three fill-in shows this past week. Vegas had a birthday, Duckie quit his job. I just changed the litter box and now I'm out of breath. I hate warm weather. Hmm. Safarai is way behind as I type this.

Not sure what I'm doing with the rest of my day other than trying to keep from overheating.

Burn notice was better this week than the second week. I watched the pilot for Greek. It had many of the expected cliches. I still might watch it in the regular time of Monday nights. That is, I'll tune in if I remember it's on.

Friday Comes!

It is Friday, about 5am. The Duckie has taken me off block. I am sorting songs. I am doing a fill-in today! I just found out. :/ It will be 2.5 hrs this time. Kitty does not seem interested in helping me. And that is the thanks I get after cleaning litter box! I even put a new filter in. Oh well.

We've watched a bit of a new show called "Burn Notice" , an action comedy series. It's OK. We'll probably watch next week too.

Did I mention I am IT staff for station too? Another development. *sigh* I keep getting bugged about doing a regular show but resist.

Have You Ever Wondered...

What would happen if you bought 25 bottles of nyquil?

If you didn't laugh, why are you here?

Hollywood Sucks

Alvin and the boys have gone Hip-Hop????

I Should Be Sleeping...

Instead of sleeping I'm putting up a blog entry. Let's see... kitty was a bit less neurotic yesterday. She actually returned to her usual lounge chair for the afternoon nap. However, when I got back from the grocery she was hiding in my closet again.

Yes, that's right, I got up to the grocery. I hadn't been in a month and food was getting near critical. It wasn't nearly as hot on the 4th as it had been even the day before. This was fortunate for me as I made a rare day-time trek to the grocery.

I haven't heard anything from my Brother or SIL. Mother's birthday is this month. Perhaps I'll hear something and, too, there's the ComiCon at month's end. I recall he wanted to take the niece there at some point. She's coming up on 7 (surely not!?) so now's as good as any time.

I did a radio show Friday and on Sunday. Nothing regular, just filling in. Now it seems I'll be doing a bit of IT stuff. Just as long as it doesn't become like the last IT work I did, things should be OK. The last time it was a living, all consuming hell. I'm only assisting another poor soul so hopefully we can keep it under control. We both seem to have experience in wrangling cats. :)

I've got a headache, perhaps eye strain. I'm without my glasses--they're in the bedroom. I didn't have my cell phone today, I'd unplugged it and the battery discharged before I noticed to plug in back in. It might be time to get a new battery anyway. I'll have to keep watch.

Oh, we watched the finale of "Hidden Palms" and it wasn't a surprise who really killed Eddie. However, the finale did leave some unresolved threads. Johnny *knows* who did it but everyone else is convinced it was someone else. It's also unclear if there was another murder or murders involving the characters. The finale kind of sucked. No, it did suck. But since the show was cut from 12 to 8 episodes during production it isn't surprising the finale seemed haphazard.

1 July!

( Good excuse to post Alpha Flight art. ;P )