Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, June 23, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
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.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Thursday, May 01, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
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.
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?
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?
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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."
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."
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
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.
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.
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