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

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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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.