Blog Over Troubled Water
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
Delaying It Straight
How bad can a reality show be that Fox (yes Fox!!) pulls it from the schedule after three weeks?! Well, Playing It Straight has done it...while it is a little frustrating to have it pulled before it reaches its climax (so to speak)... I admit I am not terribly disappointed....happily it is one more hour (well 43 TiVo minutes) that can be filled with yet another TV program! Rumors are swirling that PIT will return to air its full run or unaired episodes in July...but whatever.
Already on the Fox website is The Casino, Survivor producer Mark Burnett's latest entry which "will provide an extraordinary 24/7, behind-the-scenes look at the real-life dramas unfolding at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, as its new owners, Tim Poster and Tom Breitling, take over the business and attempt to bring back the glory of its Rat Pack heyday.
Premieres June 8th... you know I am all over this one!
American Idol Week 3: Funk You
I don't think the Funk Brothers' legacy will increase any after being the house band for Motown Night on last night's American Idol...though I guess I should give them props for effectively drowning out some of the so-so performances. Don't have all that much to comment on (well, once again we learn...guest judges are useless!!)...but here are the notables:
Camile Velasco - The first victim of being drowned out by the Funk Brothers...she didn't seem as nervous last night, but this is not a voice that deserves to stick around much longer.
If Camille has anyone to thank it should be John Stevens. I have never felt there was a place in this contest for his throwback vocal stylings... but his "My Girl" was horrid. Totally off-key any time he tried to stray from his usual monotone. If he does not make bottom 3 tonight, he is going far ... thanks to some kind of rabid fan-base.
Wasn't feeling Diana DeGarmo tonite. I though her "Do You Love Me" was shouty and she was trying too hard to get the "connection" w/ the audience. If landing in the bottom 3 last week was any indication of her lack of public appeal...she might end up there again tonite.
I liked Jon Peter Lewis better this week than last...I thought it was a good song choice ("This Old Heart Of Mine")...but still don't get his overall appeal. Unscathed last week, I would suspect he is safe again this week.
After her success last week, Amy Adams went up-tempo again... but guess what this week she made a fast song boring...injecting nothing new into "Dancing In The Streets."
Similarly I think Jennifer Hudson was trying to hard to inject that "Jennifer personality" back into her performance...too vampy.
That leaves the top 4...in descending order I would place them: Jasmine (earning the "Ballsy" Award for singing an Ashford & Simpson song in front of A&S), LaToya (not quite a knockout performance, but still has the best voice & control), George (definitely in his element, but what's with the sweat rag?)... and Fantasia - she is simply an original and the complete package of personality, performance & voice.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
The Real Southwest? / Introducing the F.A.G. List
Caught up on a couple of episodes of A&E's Airline last night...this is the reality-documentary show that follows Southwest Airlines' staff and passengers as they cope with traveling challenges...and often with each other. Who "wins" is anyone's guess... I can't imagine anyone watching this show and not think twice about booking a flight on Southwest. I have flown Southwest several times (mostly short jaunts to Vegas) and I have never had any problems with them...but despite being one of the few successful carriers out there this show more often than not shows them in a poor light.
But is it the airlines or the type of passengers they seem to draw? Do I want to be sharing a seat with a passenger that is a) drunk, b) rude, c) senile, d) wacky, or e) all of the above. The show makes you think that 85% of passengers fall into one of these categories. But I guess boring passengers like me don't make for good airplay on a TV show. So I will continue to be amused by the show...until something like what happens on the show every week plays out for me in real life.
I just imagine Yolanda has risen to rock star status by now over at LAX...she seems pretty cool!
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As another added service to my blog, I thought I would help out the poor folks who land on this site thanks to a search engine a little bit more. Why they click on what is obviously a blog is a totally different issue!
I have already created an index of my American Idol-related blog entries - by far the most popular search topic ever for my blog.
But there are other topics...well actually men...that bring folks to my blog over and over and over again. So I figured I would do my best to answer their search requests. So I introduce my F.A.G - Frequently Asked (by) Googlers (also referenced on the sidebar to the right).
The first two honorees into my F.A.G Hall of Fame:
Josh Duhamel and Nate Berkus
Monday, March 29, 2004
The "Family"
Is jet-lag contagious? Todd made it home safely from France, but today it has felt like I am the one who had a 12+ plus flight. I have no real excuse, we took it pretty easy this weekend. Oh well, I guess the good thing is that I have pretty much sleep-walked through the day...I have been busy with work and some of it probably would have annoyed me, but my tiredness has kept me pretty even-keeled.
We are still a week behind on The Sopranos -- we caught last Sunday's episode (not the one aired last night) and I have to say I was pretty bored with it... well, mostly confused...the mob-related plots have always been a little muddy for me (Who's the boss, who works for who, how are they all connected, etc.) so this particular episode ("Where's Johnny") was just one of those I mentally slogged through and hope that things become clearer in the future. I really hate "not getting" stuff.
Granted I "get" all the stuff that is going on over at Playing It Straight but what I don't get is how people can still be so ignorant when it comes to stereotypes...
in this case, gay stereotypes. I guess we are all supposed to be perfectly coiffed, gym-pumped bodied, smooth-skinned...but not masculine and incapable of carrying on a conversation with a woman. What gets me on this one is that the gay guys are just evil in their attempt to secure the cash prize -- more than any other "romance" reality show...I have not seen one iota that anyone (straight guys included!) are really in this love. It is just a bunch of guys looking to walk off with some cash here and a gal who is just befuddled ("I have to figure out who's gay...goshdarnit" or some version of that is uttered by her at least 17 times p/hour) by the fact that gay guys can really just look and act like their straight counterparts! Groundbreaking... I am really not all that sure. The ratings pretty much suck for this show anyway...so I guess it really does not matter!
Friday, March 26, 2004
London Calling
I see the light at the end of the tunnel..."flying solo" week is coming to an end as Todd is hopefully on a British Airways flight from London back to Phoenix (after his first two hour flight from France earlier today). The flight is already about an hour behind schedule so I am guessing there are some major headwinds since the plane was not all that late leaving the gate at Heathrow.
So I survived the week. It was one of the fast week/slow week combos. In the big picture, I guess it went by quickly...but during, it seemed like it really dragged (actually it does seem like he has been gone forever). So let's go back to Monday's "goals" and see how I did:
Sleeping In: Pretty good here...in that I didn't. The latest I slept in was 7:30a... and that was only one day...I am usually "in the office" around 7:00a most days, so not bad. Though should give credit to Toby and Mindy, two dogs are much more efficient/persistent alarm clocks than anything that may sit on your night table.
Eating: Again pretty good... though I did not do any "home cooking." It was a fairly fast-food week - but I rarely do that anymore and my choices were not terribly unhealthy. On the dog front it was a little different, Toby was in his wacko delay/defense mode... in that he doesn't start eating until Mindy is done with her food... then he wolfs it down, keeping a sharp eye on her if she approaches his food bowl. But no dog fights over it.
Working Out: Now the "failures" begin...haha! I had good intentions of getting back to the gym this week...but it didn't work out (hardee har har..). Both days I planned to go ended up being hell-ish work-wise. Tuesday I worked on-and-off from about 7am to 8pm and yesterday was another big fire drill day. But I was looking at/feeling my arms and they actually seem to be in pretty good shape (okay, I am shallow and just want big(ger) biceps)...so maybe what they say about "resting" your muscles so they grow is true....but I do have to get going again!
TV/Computer: More computer than TV. I guess the computer feels more interactive...feel like I am doing something instead of just observing... yeah, all that clicking and scrolling really keeps one busy! But I think I got most of the stuff off the TiVo that I had planned on...
Reading: Just did not happen...ugh! Does reading blogs count?!
One thing that hit me mid-week was the total lack of conversation/speaking I had this week. It is just weird to think that I probably have not talked for more than 1-2 hours in total since Sunday night. A few quick phone chats with clients, my business partner, and Mom...a few exchanges at the pet store, casino, and convenience store... talking to the dogs and the TV...but that is about it!
So at least that explains my blog ramblings this week...but I guess that excuse won't cut it next week. Have a good weekend folks!
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Idol Week 2 Results: Roger(s) and Out
My finger still can not quite find pulse of the American public in regards to American Idol. I finally liked Matt a little on Tuesday... his voice sounded better (even if the song was a bit vanilla) and he turned down the obnoxiousness level...but I guess that is not what America was looking for. While I don't think he ever stood a chance of winning (or even getting half-way thru), as I said yesterday, I thought he would have lasted for a couple of more weeks. Now the betting is on for how long Camille can keep hanging on...
The bigger surprise of the evening was Diana losing the final stand-off with Amy. While Amy certainly deserved to stay after her comeback performance, given last week's results it would have seemed that she didn't stand a chance vs. Diana. But it was the 'ole "fooled ya!" I think Diana was vulnerable since she performed first... and at this stage, with so many contestants, by the time the show ends it is tough to remember WHO performed first let alone how they did. And btw... Paula (just in case you're reading) I was impressed with Diana's last long note...but "groundbreaking"?? I guess someone wasn't able to get to the pharmacy yesterday. I also think Diana may have been perceived as "safe" ... but who knows, at this point it will probably be a Jon Stevens/Jon Peter final for all I know.
Thought K-Lo was looking good last night...but who is writing these songs for these ex-Idols? I think "8th World Wonder" pretty much out-awfuls Ruben's "Sorry 2004."
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Jackpot!
As you know, I am by my lonesome this week. So this afternoon I thought I would give myself a mid-week treat and head off one of the local Indian casinos for a little video poker action. Todd is not the biggest fan of gambling, so I figured it was something for me to do while he was away...and he really would not mind at all.
The Harrahs-run casino is not all that bad on the comps... today they were offering me $20 for just walking in the door as well as tripling my comp points... and since those comps got me 3 free nights at the Rio for my trip with my parents next month...I figured it was worth building them up.
Things didn't start off that well on ... but I guess I blew it with the title...so no sense building up the suspense Triple Play quarters....so I moved over to Ten Play dimes (Triple Double Bonus or something like that)... the machine had the worst video screen...even 1 foot away from it I felt like I was missing a contact lens or something... so I wasn't planning on staying there all that long.
But w/in 5 minutes on it.... I was dealt 4 Deuces... this is one of the premium 4-of-a-kinds on this game... 400 coins p/hand...but it also offers a "kicker" bonus if the 5th card is a 2, 3, 4, or Ace....a payout of 2000 coins p/hand. I held the 4 Deuces... and got 5 hands with the kicker!!! So 12,000 credits... or $1200!! Wow! My biggest one-hit ever!
Now the bad news (well, not exactly there is no BAD news in this story!)... guess what your winnings have to be on video poker/slots in order for you NOT have to report it to the IRS... you got it, under $1200... so I had to wait for a W-2 and all that... oh well... I just hope it is still around by next tax season!
American Idol Week 2: It's A Little Bit Country
It was Country Music night on American Idol...or should I it was the OC...no
not that other Fox show...but over-correction night! George didn't dip, Fantasia wasn't funky, John Peter didn't spazz out, Matt knocked it down a few notches, and Amy finally sang a song that befit her hair color!
Bottom Bunch
We didn't need Simon to tell us that Camile's nerves still have the best of her... shaky vocals once again will likely put her where she belonged last week...in the bottom three "we'll find out after the commercial" torture chamber. She would be my vote "out" at this point.
After rebounding on my list last week Jon Peter falls back down with a truly awful song choice - Kenny Rogers "She Believes in Me"... very shallow sounding...after the line-dancing segment, I was thinking he really should have sang "Achy Breaky Heart" ...I know he was trying "different"...but it just reminded me that, without all those distractions, his vocals are not great.
I am going to go out on a limb and place Jasmine Trias in my bottom 3 this week...though I certainly don't think she deserves or will go. Just a so-so version of Faith Hill's "Breathe"...I think the problem with picking such a popular and contemporary song is that it begs to be compared with the original...and in that sense I don't think Jasmine got even close to Faith.
Okay John Stevens almost made it to my middle group this week - he picked a song that was well in his comfort zone and his "King of the Road" was probably my favorite performance of his thus far. That said...still utterly expressionless and painful in the performance department.
Middle Earth
I like the mellower Matt Rogers. I agree with Randy that is was his best vocal performance thus far... which should earn him at least a couple more weeks in the competition...and no verbal smackdowns with Simon this week...I hope this is a sign of things to come.
I like Jennifer Hudson and thought she did a good job last night, but given last week's results show I would not be surprised at all if she is the one to go this week. Can't put my finger on it - I think she rubs folks the long way...despite being one of the better singers, I think she is not distinctive enough in this group.
Not much to say about George Huff...he kind of wimped out by picking a country song that is perhaps more better well-known for its pop/soul incarnation...but he did a good job with it. As Randy says "Aaight"...just a bit "safe" as they say.
Amy Adams seems like a fun girl and it was finally good to see her have some fun on stage with the Dixie chicks' "Sin Wagon." She needed to break out of her balladry and there was no better song to do it with than this one...and she sounded great to boot. Just as a sidenote, there was a little censorship going on ... the songs real lyrics talk about doing some "mattress dancing" (i.e. the horizontal tango)...but I guess even Fox was too afraid of the wrath of FCC and opted to for substitute some "crazy" dancing.
There is little doubt that Diana DeGarmo has perhaps the technically best of the group...the "technically" is perhaps what will get her in trouble...effortless but lacking some human emotion. But what can you say about that incredible last nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooote.
Top 2
Boring, boring, boring...but...
LaToya was on fire with her take on Garth Brooks' "Ain't Goin' Down"... totally channeling Tina Turner...half expected her to break it out into a "Proud Mary" mega-mix. Hard song to do with more than a mouthful of words...and poor Josh Gracin had to actually be in the audience to see his own personal best performance quite easily eclipsed.
Always On My Mind is one of my favorite songs and Fantasia certainly did not change that. A stirring and soulful rendition...and she really performed it...put emotion in it...and as was said proved that she wasn't a "one trick pony"...real nice change-up.
Shack at TWoP has a wondeful re-cap of last night's show ... go here to check it out. I only wish I could be that observant and witty!
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
The Return of... I've Been Googled!
Okay just out of topics today. Didn't sleep well last night and my workload is just kind of not doing it for me...so just in a "ugh" type of mood....just very, very unfocused in general! So rather than whine about that (and do so badly), I will fallback on what is to become a regular feature of my blog...trumpets please!....I've Been Googled! These are actual Google (okay Yahoo, MSN, etc too...but it is more fun to say GOOGLE!) searches that landed folks on this site:
Yahoo! Search Results for: breakout of small bumps all over the body
Ewwww.. thankfully I didn't write about this specifically or unfortunately for this
poor person... hopefully they headed over to WebMD (not that they're much help either over there!)
Google Search: clay aikens dating
Not sure why the plural on this search...when I referred to "Aikens" in my blog I was using as a noun defined as "a dorky breakout star with an amazing voice competing on nationally televised singing show." But being a person who tries to keep up w/ gossip... I have not heard anything about Clay dating...or whether that would be a guy or a gal (btw, no strong gaydar beeping for me on Mr. Aiken...I think he is just a shy Southern boy who did not have confidence w/ the ladies...well, wait a minute that was me when I was growing up, well except for the Southern part).
Google Search: "nate berkus" official site
When looking for an "official" website it is always worth taking a wild stab at
something like this: www.nateberkus.com, it is his design firm page...so don't get all excited and expect to see pictures of him sh*rtless or n&de or n#ked...keep searching folks!
Well that's it for today... guess I better start writing some stuff that will come u with more intriguing searches. See you tomorrow with the Idol recap... rumor has it that it is "Country" night... should be interesting!
Monday, March 22, 2004
Flying Solo
I am solo this week. As I type, hopefully my other half is getting on a plane at London Heathrow to complete an 11-hour flight combo for a business trip to France. Times like this are a good test for a relationship...I think are relationship is in good shape. The first sign was that I took him to the airport and even hung around while dozens of teens clad in yellow shirts were also checking in for some kind of UK soccer exchange program. Next, I felt pretty glum on the way home, no "whoopees" that I would be returning to an empty house (well, empty other than four animals).
I just had to remind myself that this is the way it always used to be before we moved in together now just over 2 years ago...we would say our goodbyes on Sunday night and 90% of the time not see each other again until Friday night. But these days, I realize how much I rely on having him around...so in total fear of sounding like a loser here is what I have to "watch" myself about this week:
Sleeping In: I used to be a morning person...now, if I am allowed, I am more than happy to sleep in. Since my commute requires a 30-second walk across the house... barefoot and in t-shirt and shorts... there is usually little sense of urgency for me in the mornings (especially when work is a little slow...like it is right now). Todd, like the majority of Americans, has to get ready and get to the workplace at a certain time. So that gets me up and going in the morning...I did not totally succeed this morning. I was awakened to the sound of helicopters about 5:45am -- this is usually the morning news shows covering some fender-bender -- and doing so in the manner that puts Apocalypse Now to shame. But when I finally did drag myself out of bed (at a not exactly obscene 7:05a), I learned that there was a nearby warehouse fire that potentially had some toxic fumes...I even got called with a recorded alert from the fire department at 8:00am ...but all is fine. [UPDATE: Actually no fire, but a collision of two trucks... one containing ammonia...but as mentioned, all is well...all is "contained" and no toxic fumes].
Eating: People used to ask me how I stayed trim... for most of my adult single life, the answer was simple I didn't eat all that much. Living alone, there was little or no motivation to cook for myself. A day could go by and my food intake may have consisted of a healthy combo of some cookies and a handful of chips. Granted I am still not good about taking care of myself food-wise during the day(and probably the main reason I still can't bulk up at the gym like I would like to), but at least I am always eating a measurable (and usually somewhat healthy) dinner every night. I enjoy cooking...but I get far more enjoyment when it is for someone else and I am not going to have leftovers for the next 3 days.
Working Out: I have not been good about the gym at all lately. I took last week off and only made it in 2 times the previous week...after yet another extended break before that! I am having problems...feeling my body has peaked... I have not "seen" the improvements when I first started out. But with the weather warming up, I guess I should have more motivation to get the arms and upper body in shape for the summer t-shirt and swimming season. I can get to the gym during the day when it is substantially less crowded, so I really should do that this week...and keep doing it!
TV/Computer: When I am bored, I spend a lot of time in front of the tv and/or computer. While I have filled up the TiVo with many shows to keep me occupied for the week, I should be careful not to totally plant myself in front of it on more than a part-time basis...likewise, there is nothing new on the websites that I surf all day long...so I don't know what that accomplishes...I really should...
Read: Despite my intention a couple of months ago to get back to social reading, I have yet to do so. I did open up my autographed copy of Hillary Clinton's Living History, but two weeks later I am still just a couple of chapters in...and the book is certainly not to blame... it has been very readable, entertaining and informative.
So I guess this all paints me as a lazy loser...haha! I really don't feel like I am one...but I tend to get into motivation ruts ... and going into this "solo" week I felt I was slipping into one...so I need to prove something and show myself that I can be productive and active all by myself!
Friday, March 19, 2004
Oooh, Oooh, That Smell...Can't You Smell That Smell ?
They say smell is the strongest "memory" sense. Walking out to my backyard and sniffing the spring air makes me believe that is true... and no, it does not have anything to do with what the approximately 40 lbs of Science Diet dog food transforms into each month... something much more pleasant... the smell of orange blossoms!
There is a grove of orange trees about a 1/2 mile west of our house and every March (and seemingly this very week) a sweetness permeates the air. Sometimes it can be quite overwhelming...like walking through the perfume section of a department store... but amazing nonetheless. It is one of the things I always remember about Phoenix when I vacationed down here nearly 20 years ago.
It is more amazing that this orange grove still exists... this area has exploded over the past few years... and it has had little to do with preserving nature... hundreds (thousands?!) of new homes, health clubs, home improvement stores, restaurants galore, an very upscale retail area, car dealerships, an ice rink, too much office/medical space, and about 28 Starbucks (no complaints there...a coffee shop is smell nirvana for me!). So it is a bit surprising that this multi-acre tract of orange trees (and someone's home) has managed to survive. But this time of year I am glad it is still there.
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A scent that transports me back to the far reaches of my childhood are "Wet Ones" -- you know those pre-moistened cloths you get at restaurant after ordering sticky stuff like wings or ribs... or available at the casino change booth to wipe the grime off your hands from scooping up dirty coins.
Of the many "pack-up-the-car" summer vacations of my youth, Mom always had Wet Ones on hand. She would hold my chin and strongly wipe my mouth with the Wet Ones after a particularly messy meal or snack -- and to this day, the citrusy antiseptic smell of those sheets still makes me feel like a 5-year old.
My parents are coming out for a visit late next month. On average, I see them about once a year...for the most part I have been the one who has done the traveling back to NJ (and once again smelling those lovely refineries around Newark airport!). This is only their 3rd visit to AZ in the nearly 14 years I have lived here...so a rare event indeed. I am sure I will be writing about it more as their week-long stay approaches... but all the plans are in place: a trip to Tucson, baseball game (Dbacks vs. Chicago Cubs), and 3 nights in Vegas (a good deal for all, since I definitely inherited the video poker gene).
Don't worry...I am pretty sure Mom does not pack the Wet Ones these days...so I think I am safe from any embarrassing episodes at a Vegas buffet.
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Idol Week 1 Results: Cya Leah
No huge surprises from the Week 1 results show...Leah goes back to life as a Vladowski, music videos featuring Ford vehicles are hopeless cheese-fests (as are group sings), ex-Idol contestants have contracts that feature the line "once you thought you were out, we pull you back in," and even Seacrest got punchy and acknowledges the results show is a big waste of time.
Amy hopefully learned that she is going to have to do something (anything!) new next week and I was a tad surprised that Jennifer Hudson landed in the bottom 3...as was she...did she look a bit pissed that she was there? America clearly wants to see something different...even if it is not very good...and yes Idol boys, I am looking at you!
Speaking of which, since I have been known to throw around the word "gay" a time or two in this blog, I have had more than a handful of Googles about the sexual orientation of some of the current contestants. Jon Peter and Matt have been neck-to-neck (so to speak), while there has been nary a hit for John or George though). While I can understand the dual gay/straight appeal, neither tweak my gaydar. JP is goofy, but not goofy in a gay way (don't ask, I don't even know what that means)... while Matt is getting more difficult debate after his bubble-bath and apparent obsession with Simon...but his desire to have 7 kids seemed genuine enough (and not via adoption, surrogate, or lesbian).
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Onto Survivor and what a devastating blow to to fans of male eye-candy to lose Colby and Ethan on back-to-back weeks. So now we only have the smoldering Boston Rob... granted he is pretty much a grade-A jerk, but even I was amused by his "baby-talk" impersonation of Rupert.
I really thought Kathy (and therefore Shii Ann) would be swayed by Ethan's last ditch plea... I think it would have made sense, ditch Jerri ... then have a 3-1 advantage over Lex. Probably unaware of the Lex/Jerri alliance (which I think is the real thing), Kathy or Shii Ann are next on the chopping block... though next week's preview seems to suggest another tribe shake-up.
My speculation is (and it is pure speculation, I have not read or aware of any spoilers) that there will not be a full merge until the numbers dwindle down to 4 or 5. Until then, I think we may see a couple random re-assignments into the two remaining tribes.
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Idol Week 1: Taking A Ride (Or Missing) The Soul Train
Talk about fatigue, I am just tired at the very idea of giving my thoughts about the 12 finalists... we need to get down to a more manageable number! In the spirit of the bell curve...I put 5 at the top, 2 in the middle, and 5 at the bottom. So let's get to it:
Bottom 5
If his performance was "soul", I can not imagine what John Stevens will come up with on rock or disco night... though at this point I am not even sure he is going to make it that far. His opening notes sent my eyes rolling into the back of my head... if John is a heart monitor it would pretty much be flat-lined...vocal defibrillator...stat!
I will give "props" to Matt Rogers for enthusiasm - but last night just confirmed his voice is not long for this competition. I could not get what problems I had with his performance...but as is often the case, Simon nailed it with his "second rate Tom Jones" comment.
With her pink hair and perky personality you think Amy Adams could come up with some other than another vanilla ballad. She needs to change it up and quick! Boring is not what you think when you see her, but it is quickly becoming the word I think of when I hear her.
The simply petrified Camile Velasco better get some psychological advice and soon...or find out who John Stevens' pharmacist is! Perhaps her fright was more due to what the AI hair-stylist came up with her last night (a quite disconcerting asymmetrical frizz-fest).
Speaking of hair... you can straighten it all you want...but we still know its you Leah LaBelle. Though I have never been a fan, it was a little sad that she so badly crumbled under opening night pressure...so much so that even her biggest supporters, Randy and Paula, abandoned her. As Simon so roughly said, I think Leah will be packing her bags tonight.
Middle 2
The comeback of the night goes to Jon Peter Lewis. Well comeback for me, since I never would have voted JP through on the wildcard show. His best song selection of the competition and he wisely seems to be phasing out...granted verrry slowly...his goofy dance moves.
Just missing my upper cusp is Jennifer Hudson... though I think she was among the most improved...going with a faster paced song allowing her to ditch her "stoic-ness" and flair for drama...it was a looser Jennifer and I think that will be more successful for her in the long run.
Top 5
The revelation of the night was Jasmine Trias, though I would not really classify her performance as "soul." Jasmine was one of those flying under or well below the radar for me...but she showed the ability she could be a breakout.
Call me a George Huff convert. I did not like him at all early on...but his last two performances have won me over... a lot has to do with the all important song selection and George is showing his skill in that department. Like Jon Peter, he really needs to tone down his signature moves... the "dips" will start to get old after awhile.
Despite some strikes against her last night, I still think we will be seeing LaToya London well into May. Song choice wasn't great, there were some vocal or technical/sound issues, and it certainly wasn't the knock-out of her earlier performance...but still LaToya still wiped up most of the others.
Not unlike the current political climate, I have a feeling as the competition moves on there are going to be people who love or can't stand the helium honey that is Fantasia Barrino. For her infectious personality, unique sound (Macy, notwithstanding), and an effortless performing ability count me in on the former...but already dubbed the "favorite" I feel the backlash tide already rolling in.
Loved Diana DeGarmo's "Think"... not one iota of weakness in her voice or performance. If I had to vote for just one contestant tonight, Diana would have been it. Though as with Fantasia, I sense the personality/"doll" image might be a problem in the long run... is she someone America will fall in love with or simply be annoyed by?
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
QAF Cover Boys / Idol Odds / Gotta Love Jessica
The gay media machine is already in overdrive about the return of Showtime's Queer As Folk 4th season premiering April 18th. The most popular gay rags have interviews with on-air couple Robert Gant (Ben) on Out and Hal Sparks (Michael) on The Advocate....but don't fall for the false advertising on the cover...
Out shouts "His Most Revealing Photos Ever!"... but turn to the interview and the hunky Gant is quite dressed up but has nude models around him (one even with a [gasp!] woman)...still sexy, but not what I was hopin' for. The Advocate boldly predicts the Sparks piece is "the interview you've waited four years for"...but what a eye-popper, the interview piece features the hetero-but-homo-friendly Sparks with only a rainbow flag slyly hiding his privates.
So what do we learn? Sparks thinks Gant is a pretty good kisser, while Gant acknowledges that he and Queer Eye's Kyan Douglas "are just getting to know each other right now" but not much else. Imagine all the product used in that house! At least they probably shave in the right direction.... oh boy, won't go there!
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Ready for our first look at the Final 12 American Idol contestants? If you are looking for probable eject-ees... the money seems to be on legend-in-her-own-mind Leah LaBelle and cocky footballer Matt Rogers ... both are "leading" the current Entertainment Weekly departure polls (45% for LaBelle, 27% for Rogers... everyone else in single digits), while professional odds-makers online have also placed that duo on top of their dark horse list... Labelle 31:1, Rogers 26:1.
Are Fantasia, LaToya, and Diana already destined to be the Top 3?
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Jessica Simpson is at it again... this one from Richard Leiby's "Reliable Source" column at The Washington Post:
Simpson, whose verbal gaffes are legendary, pulled another one Sunday visiting the White House, our sources say. The singer was introduced to Interior Secretary Gale Norton and gushed: "You've done a nice job decorating the White House."
Monday, March 15, 2004
Gayer.... Totally!
There is that joke that "my TiVo thinks I'm gay"...a quick gander of our "Now Playing" list on Saturday morning left little doubt...
Totally Gayer - Yet another one of those compulsively watchable, but instantly forgettable, VH-1 specials and the sequel to the aptly titled "Totally Gay." As I just said, can't really remember all that much about it...but it was bubble gum fun...as one of the "expert" panelists said it is totally a different world for kids growing up today with gay folks heavily littering TV and movie screens. All I remember from my youth was Billy Crystal on "Soap" and John Ritter's Jack Tripper "playing gay" on "Three's Company"... no wonder it took me so long to come out!
Playing It Straight - Pretty conflicted about this one as I was with Bravo's original take, Boy Meets Boy (or "Playing It Gay"). What we learned on the premiere episode was that a hair dryer is the "gayest" thing a man can own (btw, I don't own one)... half the show seemed obsessed with this very issue as our gal Jackie tried to ferret out the gay men in order to land $500k. Poor Jackie was just in tears over being lied to (yes, LIED TO!) by the gay guys just trying to win money (if she picks gay the guy gets $1 million, if she picks straight she splits $1 million w/ her hetero). I could totally empathize, who would ever expect to be "lied to"...on a reality show...on Fox?!?! Jackie's gaydar probably needs to go back to the shop as she tossed off two straight guys (out of 14 candidates) in the end...after an elimination process that made American Idol's results show seem speedy...
Will & Grace - Poor Debra Messing... with months to go on her pregnancy I am thinking the show will soon have to be presented in letterbox! Not a stellar episode (but that is pretty much the case these days), but nonetheless it was fun to see Edie Falco play something other than Carmela Soprano.
Queer Eye - A little backed up on episodes here...but decided to "skip ahead" and watch the latest episode featuring USA pairs skater, John Zimmerman...still the hottie I remember from the Olympics! For the first time in QE history no physical makeover to really speak of...even Kyan was having some hair envy...but I think even a pedicure could not do much for that poor guy's feet...do ice skates be officially re-classified as some sort of torture device?! Though a little slow on some things (he hasn't learned any of the language or traditions of his Italian honey over 6 years of dating and 4 months of marriage?), he certainly was not lacking much in the romance department. Heck, his interpretation of the pretty awful "paper art" was a lot more gag-worthy than most of the "advice" that Jai comes up with (and that is saying something!).
Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica - Okay, not explicitly gay-themed except for the thoughts that go through our heads whenever Mr. Lachey is on the screen. We are finally well into Season 2 - though a still handful of episodes behind. Still very amused by the show, though had to spit up a bit finding out that Jessica's birthday wrist-watch gift to Nick cost more than I made salary-wise for all of last year!
Friday, March 12, 2004
Do You Gotta Have Friends?
I am meeting a friend (an ex-co-worker of at least 6 years ago) for lunch today. For the last two years in Christmas card exchanges, we vowed to finally catch up sometime... and this week I finally buckled down. Last night I was thinking how rare of an event that is these days...friends have pretty much vanished from my day-to-day life.
The first dispersion occurred when I packed my bags and moved from NJ to AZ. I left behind a few good college friends. I still consider one of them a very good friend - she is definitely the "Grace" to my "Will." Married with two kids...even her spouse has dubbed me her "gay husband." Something he thinks every wife should have!
In my early years in AZ, I had the good fortune of making three more friends during my two years of graduate school. One moved to Texas shortly after graduation, another moved back home to Northern Arizona (a nearly 5 hour drive away) a few years back, and the third lives just a few miles away. However, this is the friend who is item 15 & 16 in my "100 Things About Me" post - the one I came out to first and responded that I was screwing up my life/after-life, etc. I still see her occasionally... she has mellowed her stance over the years, but things have never really been the same.
Since I started working from home about 4 years ago, there are no co-workers. I am friends with my business partner...but since we both got serious and moved in with our men (my business partner is female) I only really see her a handful of times per year of late. It is a credit to technology that you can run a business without actually seeing co-workers or clients...ever! We talk on the phone nearly every day and share what is going on in our lives...but rarely see each other in-person socially.
I have made a few "cyber-friends" over the years...a few I have had the pleasure of even meeting in person. That always surprises me... having never met face-to-face, when I have, it has always been a very comfortable and effortless experience. Those folks haven't been local...so it is not like we'll be having them over for dinner or meeting up for coffee on Sunday (coffee houses have replaced bars these days).
But before you start the violins playing...I am thankful and happy that I do have that special person in my life...we are a few days away from marking our 2nd year of moving in together...having stumbled onto each other nearly a decade ago. Our life is very full with our four-legged family, baseball games, theater, concerts, dining out and the occasional vacation getaway...and even his in-state parents help fill the "family" gap between my own annual parental visits.
We have talked about how nice it would be to have some friends... particularly gay friends...but don't really have a clue about getting there. We are not the most out-going people (despite what may appear in print on your computer screens) and the whole process seems way too similar to dating...one experience I am more than happy to leave in the past!
I think this is probably one reason that blogging has not turned into a typical passing fancy for me. There is an odd camaraderie in reading and writing blogs -- I am not all "psycho" in saying that we're all friends here -- but I find the exchange to be somewhat similar...a sort of conversation... whether it be my ramblings about American Idol or someone else "talking" about their equally unique parents or travel experiences or even what they watched on TV last night.
I am not mourning or whining about lack of friends...this is just pure observation. Weekends (and any other "free time") fly by too quickly...Sunday nights usually arrive with many a thing not done or somewhere not gone (horrible grammar, I am sure!)...so the proverbial plate is full as it stands!
Have a good weekend...I am sure we will!
P.S. Wow...just read that Barbra Streisand will be playing Mother Focker in the Meet The Parents sequel... Dustin Hoffman will join her playing her husband (and Ben Stiller's dad)...Babs in a comedy...should be great!
Thursday, March 11, 2004
A Little More Conversation About John Peter
I guess I do NOT have my pulse on what the American public is thinking as Jon Peter Lewis was handily crowned the people's choice in last night's wild card show (22% out of 8 contestants is pretty darn good).
Yes, JP did do something different and memorable (and okay, entertaining...heck, I admit to being amused)...but I didn't think that would be enough to get that many people dialing away en masse for what amounted to a drunk frat boy karaoke...well now that I put it that way, that is pretty appealing...haha!! I still stand by my original "analysis" thoughts - the song is very "talky"... requires little vocal ability and the one note he could have held he did not. But as I said yesterday...if a Hong Kong Ricky Martin is the talk of the country, I guess there is room for an Idaho Elvis.
Predictably Jennifer Hudson and Leah LaBelle advanced through... reading boards and blogs I think Leah is going to have a tough time... I sense she is the finalist folks "love to hate." Her encore performance was pretty darn shaky.
The other mild surprise of the evening was George Huff - though if he is able to channel his "Lean On Me" performance he could stick around for awhile. As Simon said, people seem to like him...but that "act" also made me very tired (and very quickly) of Ricky Smith last season.
So onto the first week of the finals...and egads... a 2-hour show on Tuesday...
hopefully someone will capture my attention ala Kelly or Clay this time around...I am not really "feeling it" this season quite yet. I know hard to believe considering the volumes of material written here!
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
American Idol: A Not-So Wild (Card) Show...But One Joker
Well despite Ryan Seacrest's constant reminders, I did not see any Clay Aikens emerge from last night's wildcard show. The first order of business was to crush the hopes of four contestants and for our benefit the humiliation was saved for the live show. I predicted 3 of the 4 ousters last week - Lisa, Marque, and Eric. I only stumbled on Tiara having thought George would be the one to go -- but I am sure there was pressure to keep some males in the competition. I was most disappointed in seeing Lisa Leuschner go, she sounded great in her rehearsal snippet and even had strong praise from Paula, but as I said last week she would probably be ditched for lacking "image."
Definitely Out
Okay, onto the show. Only 2 Whitney Houston songs tonight...wait a minute, that is still too many...and just a sad reminder of how much Whitney has really f&*cked up her career. I did not think Katie Webber did all that great a job with Houston's "So Emotional." She's got some stage presence (despite the short shirt and low skirt), but she is just lacking ooomph in the vocal department. She seemed resigned to that she probably would not be moving onto the finals ... her only hope is the young-male vote that Simon spoke of.
I don't know what to make of Jon Peter Lewis' decision making ability regarding his wildcard performance. Sure it was memorable...but between the dorky outfit, dorky dance "moves," and dorky facial expressions - the one thing I can't remember is anything about the singing. I am thinking the just ousted quartet was instantly put on suicide watch having been not been chosen over what was surely the biggest joke ever in main competition AI history. If he gets through, I think he owes a big thanks to William Hung - the idol of this "art form."
4th Spot Candidates
As mentioned above, I didn't think we would be seeing George Huff perform last night. But what do you know, he earned my "comeback of the night" award - I thought his performance of "Lean on Me" was easily the most natural performance of the night... great song choice for the guy who may turn into this year's version of Ricky (Hercules! Hercules!) from last season.
My current Google search honey is Elizabeth LeTendre... so I know there is interest about her out there. A good performance, but probably not the knock-out that she needed (or perhaps is even capable of?). I thought the band was seriously drowning her out in the beginning...but she picked things up. She has a far better voice than Katie but I think the blonde babe vote is going to be split, so her only hope is to be picked by one of the judges.
Oh Matt, Matt, Matt what to do about you? You have a megawatt smile that can light up a city and are oh-so very easy on the eyes...but the voice just isn't there dawg. Zap2it came up with the perfect analogy...so I will just quote it here... Matt is "like a figure skater whose routine is much too difficult. Every time there's a high note, he just skips it, opting to do a double Salchow when the program calls for a triple." Matt's only hope is winning the popular vote ... I don't think any of the judges (except maybe for a horny Paula) will put him through...
In The Finals
If the judges' reactions are any indication, I am glad to see that our Arizona Idol Suzy Vulaca looks to be making it through to the finals despite pulling out one of the most dreaded AI songs of all time, "I Will Survive." I think Suzy has the unique look and the voice to back it up. I don't think she will win the popular vote, so I am hoping the judges aren't just pulling a "bait-and-switch" and pass over her for the finals.
There is just something I do not like about Leah LaBelle. I think it is perhaps just the sense of entitlement (in a bratty way) regarding herself. You think she was just offended having to even sing in the wildcard show. I wasn't all that impressed with her take on "Let's Stay Together"...but Paula and Randy just seem to fall down at her feet...so I think she is through thanks to one of them, but I am on Simon's side when it comes to the former Ms. Vladowski.
Finally there was Mrs. Roper...err...I mean Jennifer Hudson (For you younger readers, check out an old show called Three's Company to get that reference...boy am I aging myself?!). Despite (or in spite of!) her hideous outfit, Jennifer performed quite well. I am not her biggest fan...she did not make any eye contact with the camera last night..and she always seems three notches too dramatic in her delivery...but she's got the vocal chops. A sure thing with the judges...though I would not be the least surprised if she wins the phone (and AT&T text messaging -- of course!) vote.
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Google Q&A
I need to save up my creativity for tomorrow's wrap-up of tonight's big American Idol wildcard show... so today, I thought I would take the time today to help out some of the poor souls who land onto this blog thanks to Google/Yahoo/etc. searches.
Google Search: gestation for bassett hound
Thankfully I do not know this from personal experience...but another search yielded the answer... approximately 9 weeks for any dog breed... whether it is a Yorkie, Great Dane or Bassett Hound....well unless you happen to be on Sex and the City then it is about 6.5 days.
Yahoo! Search Results for brad pitt classically handsome
Someone needed to search for this?! Yes, he is...NEXT!
Google Search: name of lisa leuschner's song on american idol
In Group 2, she sang a song called "Sweet Thing"... don't ask me who sang it originally...
Google Search: Kiss My Brass Tour pictures
Bootlegbetty.com is a great place to go for all things Divine...here's a link to some photos from Bette Midler's current tour.
Google Search: "real time" "bill maher" "new rules" gay marriage
Love Bill and the show... you can always find a transcript of the latest (and always hilarious) "New Rules" segment here: HBO: Bill Maher: New Rules.
The March 5th rant ended with gay marriage...here is a small excerpt: "Plus, let's face it, when people talk about homosexuality being not natural and an abomination, they're not talking about the women. Nobody seems to find anything so abominable about Britney Spears tonguing Madonna or Gina Gershon in bed with Jennifer Tilly, or anything else on the third shelf of my library. No, in America, when a man puts something in another man, it had better be a bullet."
Yahoo! Search Results for josh duhamel gay nude photos
Well, personally any nude photo of Josh automatically makes it a "gay" photo in my opinion...haha! The Las Vegas hottie has lately risen to the top searches involving famous names in some various stage of undress.
So to help quell the masses...I finally found a link to a fairly non-naughty website where they show some of what Joshie has to offer... for you folks on the job, I would probably wait until to you get home...
The front is cropped before getting to far below the belt...but at least you get view of the back(side)!
Monday, March 08, 2004
Bored of the Rings
Perhaps being the last two people in the United States (the world?!) to do so, we finally watched the first of the Lord of the Rings trilogy...The Fellowship of the Ring. Okay, I may have been was just "old man" tired for a Saturday night (I almost nodded off during hour two), but I just don't get what made this, as well as the sequels, some of the most successful films of all time. I certainly appreciated the production value and the amazing worlds that Peter Jackson and company created - but beyond that I was scratching what little hair there is left on my head. I won't embarrass myself by noting all the things I didn't "get"...but I am sure having not read any of J.R.R. Tolkien's works was part of the reason I had trouble filling in the gaps (i.e. who exactly some of these characters were ... Cate Blanchett, Liv Tyler ... and how they related to everything else). I just don't think "fantasy" is really on (or is ever going to be) on my top 10 favorite genre list.
However, I did discover (and do understand now) what all the fuss over Orlando Bloom is... he is quite the hottie.
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Tony Soprano and the rest of the family returned last night to fill the Sunday night void left by Sex just a few weekends ago. I enjoy The Sopranos but I do not think I am the most rabid fan out there...as far as the "Sunday is HBO" goes, I'd personally put it after Sex and Six Feet Under...that said, it is still far, far better than 90% of traditional network offerings.
I thought the opener was a little slow...but by now, I know how David Chase loves taking his time to set things up. So I trust him enough to not make too many rash judgments based solely on this one episode. Like our local TV newspaper television guru, I thought the bear in the backyard replacing Tony's beloved family of ducks was pretty heavy-handed on the symbolism/foreshadowing front...but based on the previews for next week, it looks like things will be picking up speed.
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Just have to share this quote from actor Jim Caviezel who plays Jesus in this little film you may have heard of The Passion of the Christ...
"It was a little uncomfortable up there on the cross. Very Windy. I almost blew over."
Talk about a cereal-snorting way to start the day... just a reminder that this is just a movie folks!
Friday, March 05, 2004
Gay Marriage Quotes From Sarah Jessica and... Thomas Jefferson
I have been meaning to get to this blog for awhile...as the gay marriage debate rages on, I heard a couple of great quotes from Sarah Jessica Parker and Thomas Jefferson (I think I'll have the only Google search hit on that couple!).
First, let's take a look at SJP who was asked about her thoughts about gay marriage while appearing on Larry King Live. Here's her response:
"Oh, jeez! You know, I feel like people in this country who feel really strongly about a man and a woman being the only -- the sole sort of gatekeeper of marriage should also support people staying together. I mean, a lot of heterosexual couples don't stay together, and I think that's as upsetting as two people who are really committed and loving and have been monogamous for many years wanting to be married and share some of the same rights that this country is so uniquely qualified to give people."
I think SJP really hits it on the head dubbing the "antis" some "sole sort of gatekeeper" but more so, and showing real patriotism, speaks of how "this country is so uniquely qualified" to grant rights to its citizens.
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Okay, so Thomas Jefferson probably never dreamed his words to Samuel Kercheval on July 12, 1810 would be used in relation to gay marriage. But the quote simply gave me goosebumps in how it truly relates to the issue at hand. Thanks to Sir Ian McKellan who brought this to my attention on his recent appearance on Real Time With Bill Maher.
This is the original Jefferson passage - a modified version is etched in stone as panel four at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington DC.
"I am certainly not an advocate for frequent and untried changes in laws and constitutions. I think moderate imperfections had better be borne with; because, when once known, we accommodate ourselves to them, and find practical means of correcting their ill effects.
But I know also, that laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths disclosed, and manners and opinions change with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also, and keep pace with the times.
We might as well require a man to wear still the same coat which fitted him when a boy, as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors."
Wow! What else is there to say?! Please feel free spread this nearly 200-year old quote around...
Mr. President please check this out for yourself. If you are not sure where to go...just climb up to the roof of your house...Look for that tall pointy thing... See it? Now just look past that and across the water you should see a white marble structure with a round roof...Go there and read the words from one of this country's Founding Fathers.
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Karen Hughes...Clean Up on Aisle 9!
Well it certainly did not take long for the Bush team to make a misstep...
One of Bush's first campaign re-election commercials is already drawing criticism. The ad features the text "Then tragedy stuck..." along with some images from 9/11. The commercial is already under fire from families of the victims of 9/11 along with many others who are just offended by the very idea that the events/images of that day are being politicized at all.
Quick to get on the defense, the Bush team trotted out advisor Karen Hughes this morning. I saw her appearances on both CBS' The Early Show and ABC's Good Morning America. Hughes pretty much spouted the same lines (pretty much verbatim) on both shows.
But what got me is when she called the 9/11 images a "tasteful reminder of what the country has been through the last three years." The best that they can come up with is that it is "a tasteful reminder"?!? Talk about adding more fuel to fire!
To add to my nausea she added: "I can understand why some Democrats might not want the American people to remember the great leadership and strength the president and first lady Laura Bush brought to our country in the aftermath of that." Ick, Ick, Ick!
It's going to be a looooong 8 months folks...especially for us folks in the so-called "battleground" states!
(BTW, I am not getting all "newsy" on you...I really TiVo'd both shows to see the Survivor Roundtable discussion on CBS and Diane Sawyer interview The Sopranos' Edie Falco).
Idol: Group 4 Results & Wildcard Predictions!
I got the whole John Stevens thing wrong - as the red-headed 16-year-old crooner earned a whopping 28% of the popular vote. I still think he is going to have problems adapting to "theme" nights... though with the novelty of his voice I would not be surprised if he slips through a few rounds. I was more impressed with the other finalist, Jasmine Trias, last night -- perhaps the weakness I detected in her voice was just nerves...something that I think her other Hawaiian colleague, Camile Velasco, is going to battling with as well.
But the bigger news was the unveiling of the wildcard contestants. No real surprises in the bunch -- and no dipping back into the larger contestant pool as was done last year. The only mildly notable absentees were Erskine Walcott from Group 1, my Google-hit honey Briana Ramirez-Rial, and, one of my personal faves, Charly Lowry.
Back in the race: All the 3rd place finishers (Matthew Metzger, Lisa Leuschner, Jon Peter Lewis, and George Huff) and half of Group 1 (Metzger, Jennifer Hudson, Marque Lynche, and Katie Webber).
With only 2 guys and 8 gals in the finals right now, I am thinking there might be some desire to inject some more testosterone into the mix. So the still in the minority 5 male wildcards really need to hit it out of the ballpark next week...I think they are going to have a tough time against the flashier (both singing style and performing ability) females.
Fearless predictions!
Moving On To The Finals:
Will happen: Leah LaBelle, Jennifer Hudson, Katie Webber, Matthew Metzger
Should happen: Jennifer Hudson, Katie Webber, Susie Vulaca, Matthew Metzger
Difference: I wasn't all that impressed with LaBelle (or her crying jag after failing to move on)...I thought Susie gave a more consistent performance. But of all the wildcards, LaBelle seems to have the greatest judge support. Matthew is here purely for having had past audience support and as personal eye-candy.
Rounding Out The Wildcards:
Will happen: Elizabeth LeTendre, Jon Peter Lewis, Susie Vulaca, Tiara Purifoy
Should happen: Elizabeth LeTendre, Tiara Purifoy, Eric Yoder, Leah LaBelle
Difference: Giving LaBelle her chance here. Think Yoder had the better voice over the Pee-Wee Herman-ish stylings of Lewis. LeTendre was one of the weaker performances of her week, but I think she is the contestant most likely to bounce back.
Cut From The Wildcard Show:
Will happen: Marque Lynche, Eric Yoder, George Huff, Lisa Leuschner
Should happen: George Huff, Jon Peter Lewis, Marque Lynche, Lisa Leuschner
Difference: Not good news for the guys here... I like Lynche and he has a chance to move up if he shows off more of what he did at his original audition than the milquetoast "Wind Beneath My Wings." Leuschner, like it or not, is most likely a victim of the image/star-quality card.
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
My Book & Country
Ok, I will finally bite and post my results from the oh-so-popular blog exercise from the friendly folks over at Blue Pyramid. As an extra added bonus, I will share with you how I got there...my answers in bold.
Book
* Are you long-winded or concise? Long-winded (go figure!)
* Do you feel old? No (well, sometimes)
* Which of these is your mantra? Just the facts ma'am OR Truth is stranger than fiction
* Which climate do you prefer? Hot OR Cold (I live in Phoenix, so I hope so!)
* Do you like Oprah Winfrey? Yes
* Which region is more interesting? Africa OR Latin America
You're The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Deeply rooted in a religious background, you have since become both isolated and schizophrenic. You were naively sure that your actions would help people, but of course they were resistant to your message and ultimately disaster ensued. Since you can see so many sides of the same issue, you are both wise beyond your years and tied to worthless perspectives. If you were a type of waffle, it would be Belgian.
Take the Book Quizat the Blue Pyramid.
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Country
How's your quality of life? Good OR Could Be better
What climate do you prefer? Stay cool OR mild and tropical, baby (Well, actually "dry heat")
Do you like spicy food? Yes
Are you highly disciplined? No
Are you a rebel? Time for a revolution OR No, I go with the flow
Do you believe in self-defense? Yes
You're Thailand!
Calmer and more staunchly independent than almost all those around you, you have a long history of rising above adversity. Recent adversity has led to questions about your sexual promiscuity and the threat of disease, but you still manage to attract a number of tourists and admirers. And despite any setbacks, you can really cook a good meal whenever it's called for. Good enough to make people cry.
Take the Country Quiz at the Blue Pyramid.
American Idol Group 4: Pretty Snoozy (Except For Suzy)
No one jumped out for me from last night's Group 4. There were some good voices, but certainly not any good "performers" in the bunch.
Definite No
Lisa Wilson earned my nod for worst performance of the evening...I pretty much cringed into the fetal position during her rendition of Come To My Window -- just totally flat and quite shouty...not a good combination. However, she fills out a pair of jeans in amazing fashion ... and for me to notice, I guess that is saying something.
Heather Piccinini was not terribly better with her over-enthusiastic "New Attitude"...sure she performed...but I half expected her to start stripping.
There was something that I did not like about John Preator's voice...but I guess my not-so-finely tuned ears could not identify it as a pitch problem. I was pretty grating, whatever it was.
Not Sure
What to do or say about John Stevens? I just think he has no place in the competition...the Dean/Frank thing is just not going to work over the long term. A total catch-22...he does the Dean/Frank song and gets busted on not doing something different, he does something different and everyone misses the Dean/Frank thing. His performing ability is nil and he would probably do fine on the "American Idol Lullaby" CD... zzzzzzzz...
George Huff (who in fact was the one who replaced Donnie Williams in the Top 32) improved after a very shaky start...but I just kept wanting him to clear his throat. Kinda froggy. I don't know if that is the "quality" of his voice...but just bothered me a bit...and I don't see how he is going to shake the "old man" tag.
I was not impressed as the judges were with Jasmine Trias. I did not think her voice had a whole lot of strength...but that could be just an age thing for the 17-year old Hawaiian. I agree with the judges that she has potential...but I still think she needs a few more years under her belt to really develop her voice.
Top 2 ??
I think Paula was a little loony calling Tiara Purifoy's one of the top voices of the competition. I agree she was one of the better ones of the evening...but like Simon, I thought it was a messy, over-ambitious performance...but it just could be that I am deep in the depths of Whitney-fatigue (Please no more Whitney songs!). If she can drop it a notch, I think she will be better... probably does deserve to move on in this group.
Ok, I may be a little prejudiced here...but I thought the best of the night was the winner of the "Arizona Idol" competition, Susan Vulaca. Sure it was probably too much of a Toni Braxton imitation, but that is not that bad of a singer to emulate...especially since she pulled it off. Again with Simon, that she needs to pick it up in the performance department -- not much spark, but great voice.
If I had to predict the top vote-getters... I would say Tiara and Jasmine are moving on.
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Below Average
Although we were fans of the first Average Joe we never got around to the second installment. We got backed up a couple of weeks on the TiVo immediately and since the new chick Larissa did not seem to have the warm appeal of Malena -- we decided to give the sequel a pass. Having stumbled onto the last 20 minutes of the Hawaii finale last night, I am thankful for many hours of my life that were saved.
The hunk is chosen over the average Joe yet again (yikes!), but the audience is teased with one last twist...Larissa has a deep dark secret!
I mentally reel off the reality show possibilities: sex change operation? lesbian? plastic surgery? already married?
No....she once dated... Fabio! Yes, that Fabio!
I guess in hetero-land this is the ultimate deal-breaker... having dated the spokesperson for "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!" The show closes with our tearful brunette being dumped in Mexico by this blond "himbo," who just five minutes ago had almost buckled with relief having been the "chosen one."
Whew...I am glad I missed this one! But do I succumb to the temptation of Average Joe: Adam Returns beginning in two weeks?!
Monday, March 01, 2004
Friendly Warning
Just got a 2nd junk e-mail virus of the morning...my anti-virus software caught them both... so just a friendly warning to double-check that you have the latest updates on your computer. I have not had a virus hit in ages...so this one really seems to be going around today.
Lord Almighty!
(...and I am not talking about the opening box office for The Passion of the Christ, though I have to admit that I was pretty stunned by the money it pulled in...)
No, of course, I am speaking of the Oscars sweep for The Lord of the Rings. Although I know it was probably richly deserved, I have to say it created a (more) boring Oscars show. Even though this was my first Oscars with TiVo, the show still seemed interminable. At this point, I should admit that I have not seen any of the LOTR movies. Just never got around to it (though we have the first film set to record on Encore, or one of the other 28 premium movie channels we have).
Besides the sweep, the show also lacked surprises in the categories where LOTR was not nominated. Geez, I made my predictions on the morning the nominations were announced... and I nabbed all the major awards (plus the two screenplay awards). Though my movie-going has dwindled over the years, it is never too difficult to predict which way the Academy will go...but usually there is some kind of upset.
Thought Billy Crystal was a little off... the opening was pretty weak and I think if he does it again he should retire the nominated movie song sequence (though his singing "voice" was not all that bad...for a non-singer that is). Crystal's "What Are They Thinking?" routine along with his running joke that everyone in New Zealand had been thanked were his best stuff of the evening.
Other good comedic moments: Robin Williams, Adrien Brody's pre-Best Actress announcement "breath spray," Will Ferrell & Jack Black putting words to the "wrap it up" music ("You're Boring"), and the presenter banter between John Travolta & Sandra Bullock (I am thinking these two should do a film together). On the bad side, I think I will be skipping Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson in "Starsky & Hutch" if their Oscar "performances" on the pre-show and as presenters are any indication of the quality of the movie.
Lastly some fashion notes:
Winners: Nicole Kidman (just regal), Catherine Zeta-Jones (stunning in red)... in somewhat similar gowns Renee Zellweger and Jennifer Garner... Sandra Bullock (simply beautiful, but the dress could have dropped the feathery stuff)
Losers: Diane Keaton (by far...c'mon Diane...Annie Hall was over 30 years ago), thought both Charlize Theron and Julia Roberts looked "washed-out."
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
I will blog it down.
A 30-something guy's perspective on the world -- particularly obsessed with TV and all things pop-culture!
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