Friday, February 29, 2008

Four More Go Home

Folks, we need to pull ourselves together. 

Never in the history of Idol has a departing contestant sobbed as much as Alaina did last night. That was just too painful to watch. (That is her name, isn't it? Honestly, I still cannot tell the blondes apart.) To be honest, I did think the other blonde was going home last night. But does it really matter? It's just a matter of weeks before all the blondes are sent packing and David Archuletta is the sole survivor. How about her begging Ryan not to make her sing? Holy mother of pearl was that uncomfortable.

Alexandriaessa (whose name I never mastered) was no surprise. And while she held herself together nicely, sweet, Little David had a hard time with her departure. I think she needs to play volleyball. I'm not sure she has the skill set, but she's got the look. 

Robbie the Rocker, who apparently sports a wig, (that's what TMZ is reporting) was sent home to find his identity. He will not be missed. (I hope the paparazzi gets a shot of him sans the wig). Lady Luck was on Luke's side last night....I'm sure he'll be the next to go. 

And Jason, Jason, Jason is headed back to the restaurant where he'll resume his gig as a singing waiter. Love how Ryan asked Simon for advice for the departing Jason, but opted to go with Paula (the kinder, gentler judge) when he needed help with the sobbing Alaina. 

And, no, I will not comment on The Group Sing. It was embarrassing enough having to watch Alaina melt down in front of 30 million viewers, I could not bring myself to watch that Group Sing thing. 

Way too much sobbing. I watched Tuesday's episode of The Biggest Loser last night and the crying that went on there almost put me over the edge. Four grown (I'm talking LARGE) men blubblering like idiots. Nobody needs to see that on TV. 

I'm just glad that the week is over. I don't have to turn on that TV for several nights. It's all about smiles today....

Thursday, February 28, 2008

You Had a Bad Day

My son came home from school today and told me he had a bad day. 

He had to pull a card (code for: he was not behaving). I always tell him that as long as I hear it from him first (and not his teacher) we can talk about it and I promise not to lose my cool. "So, what happened?" I asked. "Well, Char Char was on the monkey bars and I kicked him." Uh-huh. Ok, so I'm not really sure how that explains my son having a bad day? Cause I'm thinking Char Char is the guy having the bad day. I asked if he apologized and he assured me he had. And then I asked him what we should do about it. "I think a piece of Maddie's birthday cake would make me feel better." Hmm. Not exactly where I was going, but, wow, ok. I guess it's all about Beck today. 

Unfortunately, he ate the last piece of cake the other day. Which made me think about my bad day last week...

I ordered an ice cream cake for my daughter's birthday party. You'd think it would be a relatively easy thing to do. And I'm sure it would be if you were dealing with somebody behind the counter who a) knows what they are talking about and b) cares. Apparently the person(s) I was dealing with (2 days prior to the party) didn't fall into either one of those categories. 

Here's what went down...

I walked into the store all smiles and lovely-like and asked the woman behind the counter about placing an order for an ice cream cake. And while she looked for the "paperwork" (her word, not mine) my kids and I enjoyed an ice cream snack. Twenty minutes later, the paperwork still had not been located. "Can't you just jot down what I want on a piece of paper?" I asked. Sorry, that's not allowed. There is an official document. So after a few more minutes of her rummaging through some papers, I told her I'd come back later. 

But what I did was go to another location of the same store. Where I was greeted (and I use that term loosely) by a woman behind the counter. Actually, I got nothing. Not a smile, not an acknowledgment that I was alive, not a word. Just a big ole stare. I inquired about ordering an ice cream cake to which she replied, "The cake decorator isn't here." Hmm. Ok. So, I gather only the cake decorator can actually take a cake order? Is that how it works? Seems a little odd, but who am I to reason why?

"When do you expect her?" I asked, again, in my loveliest of tones. Let me paint a visual for you: she is looking at me like I am speaking a foreign language AND like I am requesting something she's never heard of rather than a basic ice cream cake that her store sells every single day of the week. "Around 5". Okeedokee then, I'll scoot home and call her at 5:00 pm. Much obliged to you ma'am; it's been a pleasure. 

And that's what I did. I called her at 5:00. And the same lovely lady I dealt with in person answered the phone and informed me that the cake decorator was still not there. Ok, I'll call back in a few. And that's what I did. The next time I called back, another lovely "helper", who turned out to be the manager, informed me that you can't place cake orders over the phone.

WHAT THE? 

So, let me get this straight...I can place an order for practically anything from shoes to cars to weapons of mass destruction over the phone, but I can't place an order for an ice cream cake? You've got to be kidding me? Nope. She wasn't kidding. And apparently it never occurred to the first lovely lady to tell me that tidbit. So, apparently cake ordering can only be done in person and only the cake decorator herself can take said order. On the official cake decorating stationery, mind you. 

Now at this point you'd think I'd be tempted to make my own damn cake and be done with it. But my daughter doesn't eat cake, only ice cream. And it was just going to make the whole blowing-out-of-the-candles-part-of-the-party that much easier if I had an ice cream cake. So I persevered. 

I proceeded to explain my frustration with her store's customer service, or lack thereof, when halfway through my story she says, "Ok, I'll take your order." Huh? That was easy enough. (Even though I envisioned the entire staff spitting in the ice cream cake, but that's neither here nor there.) So I proceeded to give her my order. But I didn't hear any paper shuffling in the background. And she never asked me to spell my name. And when I told her I would pick it up in 2 days at noon, she didn't say anything. And when I asked her how much it would be, she said, "They'll ring you up when you get here." Yeah, no kidding, Sherlock, I realize I'll be paying for the cake - I just want to know how much I can expect to pay?

I'll be honest with you, I had my doubts. So the next morning, I stopped in just to make sure that there was, in fact, an order for a polka dot birthday cake. A whole new crew "greeted" me behind the counter. I inquired about the order and, much to my surprise, there was indeed an order for a 9" round cake with cookies and cream ice cream and chocolate cake. And, yes, it was going to be decorated with polka dots on top. Imagine that. I felt silly checking up on the night manager. And the woman behind the counter did not make me feel any better about it. She acted like I was certifiably insane. Granted, I'm a little Type A, but it's not as if the folks I dealt with the night before gave me any reason to feel good about my order. 

"So do you want to place another order?" she asked. Nope. Just checking on this order. "Do you want to change the order?" she asked. Nope. Really, just checking to see if there really was an order. And she looked at me like I had 3 heads. And I'll be honest, I kind of felt like I had three heads. So I ordered a cup of coffee and a donut and was on my way. (can you guess the store, yet?)

The next day I go back to the store to pick up my cake and guess what? Yup, you got it - no cake. No cakes in the back, no cakes in the front freezer, no cakes on the premises. I don't see any of the familiar faces so I start to tell my story to a woman behind the counter who stops me mid-sentence and says, "Sorry, the cake decorator was sick." I looked around the store just to make sure that I was not on Candid Camera. But no, it was not a joke, there really wasn't a cake. And in 2 hours I was hosting a birthday party at my house. 

I realize that if this is my biggest problem, then I'm doing pretty well. (but actually it wasn't, this was the very day that I accidentally blew away my blog and I was fit to be tied. You wanna talk bad day....). I asked to speak to the manager who appeared minutes later with a face on to stop a clock and little to no sympathy for me, "Sorry. The cake decorator is sick." End of story. 

It never occurred to anybody to maybe call me and let me know that I should make other plans for a cake? I decided it was best to leave before I completely lost it. I got in the car and drove back to the other location (the one I started at two days ago) with hopes of picking up a cake in their freezer. Screw the polka dots and the Oreo Cookies 'n Cream flavor - I just needed a cake. But much to my surprise and delight there was a new "helper" behind the counter and guess what? She was the cake decorator! And when I told her my sob story, she promised to have the exact cake ready for pick up in 2 hours. And she did! 

So, yeah, my bad day wasn't a total disaster. But I'm telling you, I'm boycotting store #2. They are not going to have me to kick around anymore. And speaking of kicking, I need to go have that talk with Beck....

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Top Ten Ladies

We didn't really learn anything about Carly that we didn't already know. She's Irish and she hangs out at an Irish pub. Now there's a shocker. 

You know, after seven seasons of this stuff, there is only so much that the judges can say, that the contestants can say and that I can say without sounding like a broken record. So do you want to know which redundant statement bugs me the most? It's when the judges say it was a bad song choice and the contestant says something like, "I was having fun; it was my favorite song and I always wanted to sing it on TV." Really. Really? So you're happier singing a bad song and losing the competition, than singing a good song and becoming the next American Idol? Is that what I'm to believe? Well, then, Carly is ecstatic.  

Sayesha thinks that the camera loves her. She thinks she's something special. I'm not saying she isn't, I'm just saying Sayesha is going to be the first one to tell you about it. 

My favorite of the night was Brooke. I thoroughly enjoyed her Carly Simon tribute. And, no Brooke, I am not surprised, in the least, that you are a beauty school drop out. In fact, you kind of remind me of Frenchie from Grease. 

Ramiele the hula dancer has a great, big voice for a teeny, tiny girl. I think she needs to work on her stage presence a bit. 

As does the Horse Lady. You know what? I've tried, but I am just not a fan of this girl. Yes, she was better than she was last week, but that's not saying that much. I think she's jerky and forced up on stage. And I'd like to know what 5 antibiotics she was on for the flu. Five? Really. Hmm.

Sure, the Rocker Nurse was doing her best Cruella DeVille this week, but I kind of thought she looked a bit like the Cowardly Lion, as well. Maybe she would have had better luck with, "If I were the King of the Jungle...". She reads a lot. But, she doesn't think she's over educated, so that's good. Cause for a minute there I thought she might be too smart, so I'm glad she straightened that out for me. Cause a person can get crazy smart from reading too many biographies about rock star musicians. I think next week she'll heed the warning and lose the get-up.  

Alaina wanted us to know that she's got eating issues. That's what she most wanted to share with 30 million viewers....that she does not like her egg rolls to touch her lo mein noodles. I'm with Simon, she looks very old fashioned. She needs to step it up a notch. 

What was it that Alexandrea was trying to tell us? Something about joining the fire department? I didn't follow that one and had no desire to back it up and replay. What the heck was she wearing? Simon said she looked great, but I didn't get it. At all. The song was bad, the look was bad and the voice was bad. She might be going bye-bye. 

And Kady the opera singer might be joining her. Like Carly, she tried to convince us that she was having fun. She wasn't really competing as much as just trying to have some fun. Uh-huh. Sure. Funny thing was, she didn't look like she was having fun. But, that's her story and she's sticking to it. 

Asia'h had a bad night. I thought the judges were easy on her. I thought it was one of the worst performances of the night. I hope she gets a pass, because I do like her. 

Did I manage to say anything nice about anybody tonight? I think not. I'm tired and bored. I hope America is voting, because I'm going to sleep...




  

Tears of Joy

A friend, who shares my love for Idol, left a message on my cell phone today. 

Apparently she is feeling the love a lot more than I. She had just finished watching last night's performance and had gone through a box of tissues after hearing sweet Little David sing Imagine. Wow. No Idol has ever brought me to tears. Taylor Hicks nearly reduced me to tears, but they were not tears of joy. And while I like sweet Little David, a lot, I just can't get on board with anybody this early in the season. Back in the day, I wouldn't even tune in until the Top Ten were in place. 

But my friend wants me to write more about him. I don't know what else to say? I guess I could make some stuff up? I just got on YouTube and there were lots of David Archuleta hits including one where he was singing Imagine on some morning news show. Swear. It was a few years ago, so I'm going to assume that he has sang his fair share of that song. 

He's young, but he's been at it for awhile, for sure. Apparently he won Star Search when he was 12? And we saw him stalking Kelly Clarkson in last night's Up Close and Personal (and by the way, the video endeared me to Kelly even more. She's a class act). So he's had his eye on the Idol prize for quite some time, too. I mean, yeah, Little David is really good. But there is something a little unnerving about him. I mean, the boy has been working it. For a long time. 

We'll have to wait and see. I still think Michael Johns has some major potential, too. And I'm still hoping that one of the girls wins my heart. 

I know it's a singing competition, but you need a personality, too. I find David Cook hard on the eyes, but I promise you, if I liked his personality, that same balding head, squinty eyes and bad facial hair would be a lot easier on my eyes. Sweet Little David has the voice and the personality, so he's two for two. For now....

Until tonight...

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Top Ten Men

I think Paula had her best night. 

Not only did she look halfway decent, she actually had a couple of legitimate comments. I think she may have been completely off the meds tonight. Good for her! (get the visual: I'm clapping my hands with my fingers spread wide open and my hands stiff as boards). 

Ok, so where do we begin? 

The producers promised that this season they were going to put more focus on the contestants and less on the guest stars. So tonight we got to learn something unique about each and every singer. Truly. Fascinating. Stuff. 

We learned that Michael Johns is not only a hottie who can sing, but a hottie who can sing and play tennis. I thought he did a good job with that Fleetwood Mac song. He'll be back next week and when he returns, he had better up the ante. 

In Dreadlocks' Up Close and Personal, we learned that he is not about the interview. He likes to sing, but he doesn't like to talk or have his picture taken. And apparently throughout the Idol process, he's gotten a lot more "not music stuff" than he bargained for. I thought he sang ok tonight. He needs to keep those eyes in check: every once in a while they do this weird stare thing that kind of wigs me out. He still reminds me a bit of John Travolta - more like John Travolta doing Vinny Barbarino.  

We didn't learn much about Luke. I'm not so sure there is much to learn about Luke. Simon was spot on about him: he lacks charisma. In fact, I think he lacks a pulse. And as a result, he may be going home this week. Back on the road for another six years with his a cappella group. 

Quick question...are the coke bottles on the couch in the I Dream of Jeannie waiting area new? I think they may be new. Perhaps a new slip cover? 

Who was next? Robbie the Rocker. Robbie the drag racing Rocker. I don't really like him. But I'm sick of hearing the judges tell him that he doesn't know who he is. That's just rubbish. He's a shallow drag racin' rocker who looks like Justin Timberlake. Leave it at that. 

Good to see that Danny was sporting the skinny jeans again. I'm sorry, that boy is more feminine than I am. It's just getting too damn hard for me to look at him. He's on fire. Simon says that he stands out. Sure he stands out, because he's a freak show. He gives me the heebie jeebies, big time. 

I did like David Hernandez (do I need an apostrophe s on that end of that name? Uncle Ryan, what say you?) performance tonight. And I enjoyed seeing him as a junior olympian gymnast. Now help me out here - wasn't he the guy who told us that he was raised by his single mother somewhere in the projects? There wasn't much money and times were tough? Well then who, pray tell, was paying that gym membership? Hmm. David might be rewriting his history, but that's ok, it's his to rewrite. 

Jason, Jason, Jason. That cheesola version of the Doobie Brothers was bad. And I don't mean bad good - I mean bad bad. Love that he's still looking for a song that will work with his guitar. Um, Jason? You've wanted to be on American Idol for how long? You've had a loooong time to pick a song that might work with your freaking guitar. But guess what? Time is up, dude. You need to go home. And if America gets it right - you will be home by week's end. 

What did we learn about Chekezie? Oh, that his name isn't really pronounced Chekezie. Riveting stuff. I'll give it to you that this week was better than last, but I still don't like him. I think he's extremely obnoxious and I don't like the disrespecting act that he's got going on with Simon. It does nothing for him. And this is a dude that needs something going for him. 

David Cook is another disrespecting fool. Don't these characters know that Simon has a lot of influence over America? It's so not funny when they take those pathetic swings at Simon's appearance. They never attack what he actually says - because what he says is 100% spot on. I wasn't bothered by David's word nerdiness until he started dissing Simon. Now when I think of David, I think of these words: cheeky, flippant, smart-aleck, and irreverent. To name just a few.

And once again, they saved the best for last. That little David What's-his-Name is simply precious. Love his brush with (Kelly Clarkson) fame caught on grainy video! How cool is that? Did you happen to catch Paula's nose running while she was reviewing his performance? Necessary? I think they need to get Kleenex as a sponsor. They could prop a box of tissues right next to the Coca Cola cups. Paula was moved beyond tears - she was moved to snots. He really was that good. Love his voice, his look and most of all his personality.   

And now it's the ladies turn to woo... 

Monday, February 25, 2008

I'm baaaaack!

So I had a day from hell this past Friday. 

I thought I was deleting a useless Google account, but in fact I was deleting a very useful Google account - the very Google account that is associated with my blog. And so when I clicked the delete button, I actually cut myself off from my blog. User error to the nth degree.  

So after a weekend of fretting (and dropping multiple f bombs)...I'm back....thanks to my friend, Peter, who not only knows all there is about blogging and computers, but also has friends in high places. In his case, it's not only what he knows, but who he knows. Thanks, Peter!

So I watched the Academy Awards with a heavy heart last night thinking I wouldn't be able to blog about it (I got word this afternoon). But like a lot of the Idol contestants this season...I have been given a second chance and will use it wisely. (I promise to back up my blog AND not to hit an unnecessary delete keys.)

Here's what I remember....

While I thought Jon Stewart did an ok job, I thought the show was one of the most boring I've seen. I actually wound up going to bed before it was over and watching the rest of it this morning. That's an Oscar first for me, folks.

I do love that Javier Bardem and was glad to see him win. I liked his speech - what little I understood of it (loved Jon Stewart's translation - hilarious). I could have done with less of the montages and more of the key acceptance speeches. (and by key I do not mean that I am interested in hearing one second more from the winner of the sound editing award.) I think Javier looks like Jeffrey Dean Morgan, the actor who played Denny Duquette on Grey's Anatomy - but way cuter on account of the Latino influence... 

And Tilda Swinton won the female version of Javier's award. She's a strange bird: an odd, odd, duck. Is that really the shade of her hair and eyes? I understand that she has never been to the Oscars before and she claims that she's never once watched them on TV (which was evidenced by her get-up). What rock did she crawl out from under? 

Marion Cotillard was the Leading Lady winner last night. I'm sure she was fantastic in the movie, but I'll have to take the Academy's word for it as I have little to no desire to see it. And while her performance in the film was award worthy - her acceptance speech at the podium fell short. (And I didn't get the mermaid look. Her dress was more like a Halloween costume than an Academy Award gown. )

Again, I ask, would it kill the actors to do a little performing during the acceptance speech? Every writer in Hollywood was out of work for the past three months, you would think that Marion could have found somebody to help her write a little acceptance ditty. 

Enter Daniel Day Lewis whose speech was very classy. He took home top honors for his work in "There Will be Blood". I love this guy. Always have, always will. Sure, he's a little out there, but most artists are. His suit looked like something Captain Kangaroo might have worn to the Oscars and I certainly don't get his hair. And for the life of me I don't know why he doesn't fix those teeth (Let me answer my own question...he is British. Enough said.) But he's a brilliant actor and a very, very classy guy. Loved when he kneeled to the Queen. I did notice that earlier in the evening he and Johnny Depp were both chomping on chewing gum, but by the time it was speech time, he lost the gum. 

Who else won? The Cohen brothers! For both picture and director. Good for them. They are the quirkiest of quirky, but very likable nonetheless. I don't think either of them really smiled, nor did they look the least bit excited, but I kind of like their overwhelming low-keyness. It's endearing. 

I was pleased as punch that Diablo Cody won for the Juno screenplay. She looked like I-don't-know-what with that bad-ass tattoo and that wacky-ass dress of hers. But she is a pretty girl and obviously very talented. And her speech was one of the best of the evening (I guess you'd expect that from a writer.) 

And to be perfectly honest with you...I don't really give a rat's ass about the other awards. I get annoyed when they spend a lot of valuable time on people that I don't know. (read: haven't been in People Magazine). Take for instance that old man who hobbled up to the podium and waxed poetic about his career as a....what was he? A cinematographer? I think. I don't know. Or care.

And I would have rather seen Matt Damon up there for The Bourne Identity than the guys who won for sound editing and film editing for the same film. Harsh? Perhaps. But Matt's got the glitz and the glamour (Um, hello, People named him Sexiest Man Alive) - the sound and editing guys do not. Simple as that, folks. 

And yes the usual suspects were present and accounted for. Most of you know how I feel about Jack Nickolson, Renee Zelwegger and Cameron Diaz (and I don't care if I misspelled their names as I have no use for them). Last night, they did not disappoint. Good to know that Jack is still ass-clown extraordinaire, Renee still cannot open her squinty eyes (although she must be able to see her way around a gym as she looks exceptionally buff) and Cameron Diaz is still in need of a shower. Hated her dress. Hated her hair. (and I might add that her dress was in need of a good pressing). 

Nicole Kidman is another favorite of mine. Not. Her necklace reminded me of tinsel on a Christmas tree. Do you think the woman has ever been in the sun? Ever? She's a weird color. And speaking of weird colors - Kerry Russell's dress was a bizarre color. And it was doing something weird to her breasts - kind of smooshing them down. Weird. Not attractive. And the grey color made her look dead. But at least she wasn't wearing red like 80% of the women last night: Helen Mirren, Katherin Heigel, Anne Hathaway, Miley Cyrus just to name a few. (Um...could Katherine Heigel have been any more nervous? I think not.)

I watched a little bit of the red carpet scene. I thoroughly enjoyed when Gary Busey attacked Jennifer Garner and Ryan Seacrest. That guys is as high as a kit. Always. Jennifer Garner looked lovely last night. I didn't love her hair, but that's ok. And speaking of hair...what, pray tell, did John Travolta do to his? He looks like a Chia Pet?! 

Nobody, nobody, NOBODY looked as good as George Clooney. Nobody - male or female. The man is smokin' hot. 

And that's all I've got. Not a great review, but I'm dealing with sub par material this year. I had high hopes, but they let me down. I hope I don't feel that way tomorrow when my Idol friends take the stage...







Thursday, February 21, 2008

The First Results Show

No surprises tonight. 

Actually, there was one.... believe it or not, I forgot about the group sing. You'd think after 6 seasons of faithful viewing I'd remember the queer group singing and dancing extravaganza. But no, it caught me by surprise. That's when the FF button on the DVR comes in handy.

So, I'm not sure if Colton should have been the one to leave us tonight, but if not tonight, then surely in a week or two. So, why not cut to the chase.

I know a lot of people think that Simon is cruel and heartless. (I am so not one of those people.) But they are wrong, I'll tell you what is cruel and heartless...making the losers sing their way off the stage. Seriously, it is beyond mean. Again, thanks to the FF button on the DVR, I am not forced to watch such heinous acts. Go ahead and show us "their journey" and blast the send off song in their ears - but spare them the walk of shame by having to sing their bad song choice one last time. It's cruel and unusual punishment. It's just wrong. 

I don't remember the other dude's name who left tonight. The kid who looks like a crack addict. (He actually looked better tonight, I think he may have gotten a full night's sleep last night). 

As for the ladies....they both needed to go. America did it's job nicely. We narrowed the field by two and didn't lose a single blonde. And did you see the sushi girl got hair extensions? I wonder if her stylist is reading my blog? Because while the Rocker Nurse still has those weird blonde streaks in her hair - it's not quite as Lily Munster-esque. The hairstylist are earning their pay. 

I'd already seen the two music videos that aired tonight. When you are as obsessed as I, there is very little that gets by you. The Idol video proved to me that with the right stylist and camera guy, anybody can look like a star (Example: Oprah Winfrey. Have you ever seen her without hair and makeup? Horrible.) And the Paula video proved to me that she is infact a talentless has-been. 

And as for the "scandal" of several Idol contestants having previous recording contracts? I hardly think it's even worth mentioning. I think everybody deserves a second chance. America loves a good second chance story. Think John Travolta. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again...



Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Top 12 Ladies

I'm not going to take up much blog space on tonight's performances. 

Last night I started by commenting on Paula's performance (and by the way, I think she had her meds adjusted; she didn't appear quite as high) so tonight I'll start with Ryan. Love him. I think he always knows what to say and handles himself like a pro. If Paula and Randy left tomorrow (fat chance of that happening) the show would go on...but if Ryan or Simon left...they would be sorely missed. That said, if Ryan tells me that "the level of talent is higher than ever before" one more time, my head is going to explode. Enough already, Ryan. 

Here it goes...I don't remember half their names or their performances. 

First up was the girl who sold her horse to make it to the auditions. If she wins Idol, she wants to buy her horse back. Well, it looks like the horse may be headed for the glue factory. 

Next up was the plus size model. I don't remember her song, but I remember that she sang like a white girl, yet looked like Queen Latifah.

The Carrie Underwood look-a-like was ok. She sings well and has the look. I'm assuming she has a tutor on the set? Hopefully said tutor can help her with her grammar. Referring to her shoes as "these ones" left a bad taste in my mouth. I know, I know....it's a singing competition. But I like my Idols (and my presidents) to sound somewhat intelligent when they open their mouths. Is that too much to ask?

Who was next? The Rocker Nurse. Do you think she's channeling Lily Munster with that hair-do? Simon says he likes her. He can have her. I don't care how authentic she is - I don't get her gig. 

Amy Davis is forgettable

Brooke White? I think she's cute and has a good voice - but I know what Simon means about the squeaky clean persona. She'll be around for a few weeks, but she certainly doesn't have that star quality. 

I thought Alexandrea cleaned up nicely. She was very confident and seemed to blossom on stage with her hair and make up. But I don't think she has that great of a voice? And not that it matters, but was that a zit or a mole under her lip?

When the Britney Spears impersonator took the stage, my husband (who was in and out of the room during the show) reappeared and said, "Didn't she already sing?" It was a little racist on his part - but I had to give it to him - all the blondes look a like. It's hard to tell one from the other. 

Asia'H (is that how she spells it?) did a good job. And it was good to hear about her father's passing once again. Just in case you missed it the first 300 times she mentioned it - her father is dead.

I like the sushi girl. Ramiele? I think she's a class act. And I love that she thinks that hair and make up is the best part of the show. I hope her hairstylist puts some extensions in that hair of hers. I think it would do wonders to soften her up a bit. 

What was up with Sayesha kneeling on the couch in the waiting room? Very contrived, Sayesha. Especially since Ryan had to arch his neck to make eye contact. Weird. She does have the package, but I don't think she's as likable as she thinks she is. I'm not feeling it yet, dawg. 

And last but not least...Carly. Talk about not feeling it? I haven't liked her since day one. I just don't think she's that great. Maybe that's why her first record company folded? I think I saw her buckle when Simon told her he was not impressed tonight. She knows that his opinion is really the only one that matters. It crushed her. 

So tomorrow 4 people go home. We really need to send home about 15 more to get this party started....



Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Top 12 Men

So, the show did not disappoint. 

I must admit...the first shot of that scene on the balcony where the men line up and awkwardly dance to each other's performances - yeah, it made me a little sick. I wish we could fast forward to the top 12 on the big stage and be done with that waiting room that looks like the inside of the "I Dream of Jeannie" bottle on steroids. (Did anybody notice the Ford tire embedded in the middle of the coffee table? What the?)

Before I comment on the performances, can I just say that I am pretty sure that Paula is back on the meds? Granted, she wasn't slurring her words like she has been known to do in the past, but she had that all too familiar glazed look about her. She was basically incoherent. I think she was talking about colors because that's what she was seeing while hallucinating. And really, who dresses that woman? Since the theme of the night seemed to be "keep it current" would it kill her stylist to heed the warning? Where do we start: the bling, the shag hairdo or the silver lamme blouse?

So I liked David Hernandez. I think he's got potential. Good to know that he comes from a broken home and used to live in the projects with his single working class mother. The Idol producers love that crap. They will be sure to exploit the hell out of that tidbit when they are not focusing on the female contestant whose father died, excuse me - was killed, a few days before her audition. 

Chikezie? Loser, loser, loser. So, was he cut last year or the year before? Cause he should have been cut this year, as well. I don't like his style or the fact that he was disrespecting Simon. He'll probably make it this week, but he's not long for the Idol stage....

I hate when the contestants beg for their votes. It's so demeaning. While Ryan is busy telling us the number to dial, they stand next to him and mouth their numbers and contort their faces and hold up their fingers and squint their eyes. It's unnerving to watch and yicky.

As is David Cook. Yicky. I liked his performance and I think he has a good voice, but man, do I hate his look. And I'm not all over his personality. What was up with those bracelets he was sporting? Necessary? I think not. I think he'll be around awhile, so hopefully the stylists will get their hands on him (and those bracelets). Yicky. 

Unfortunately, Jason Yeager may never get the chance of having the stylists help him out. He was tragic this evening. I think next week Jason will be back at his day job as a singing server. It's a shame, because he's doing it for his son. Why is it that every freaking contestant who has a child is doing it for their kid? Whatever. It so doesn't tug at my heart strings, Jason. But I will say - your kid looks like a young Matt Damon.  

I like Robbie the Rocker. And I know I have said before that I think Simon and I are twins separated at birth because he often says exactly what I say. Well tonight it was Ryan who took the words right out of my mouth. Actually, we said it at the exact same time - Robbie looks like Justin Timberlake. I'm not all over the Survivor buff that he wears on his head, but I'm not going to hold it against him. Maybe he's obsessed with Survivor like I'm obsessed with Idol.  

Apparently the 16 year old total package, David Ar-somethingorother, turned 17 sometime between Hollywood and tonight. Love him. I cannot stop smiling when the camera is on him. I get this goofy grin going and I just want to eat him with a spoon. He's so humble and genuine and adorable and best of all - he can sing! 

But that other young thang, Danny Noreiga? Yeah, no. He's off my list. Gone. He grosses me out. Enough with the skinny jeans already. And what's up with the man with the least amount of testosterone in the top 12 singing Elvis? So not natural. I do think he's got a good voice, but there was no evidence of that tonight. No. Uh-uh. 

I know I like to play the "he looks just like so-and-so" game, but doesn't Luke look just like Luke Perry? Wow. He was bad news tonight. Bad, bad song choice, dawg. You will most definitely be cleaning carpets again in the very near future. I do some of my best singing while vacuuming; it looks like I am not alone.  

Colton, aka Ellen DeGeneres, has a good voice but is destined for Broadway. Enough said. He will be voted off and invited on the Ellen Show by mid-March. 

Garret, Garret, Garret, I totally know what Simon means about him needing some fresh air. He's crack addict skinny and has the complexion of a corpse. Ouch. He is a nice kid, but so lacks that star quality. What was it that his mother told him - go for it or go home? Uh-huh, enough said. 

Loved the Rastafarian dude. Loved him. He also puts a smile on my face. He's just so joyful and hip and now. There was something John Travolta-esque about him. Not sure if it was his eyes or his mouth - but something was making me think of John Travolta. 

But they definitely saved the best for last. Michael Johns is hot. Love his look, his voice, his style, his personality, his accent. I'm not all over his Atlanta debutante wife, but that's neither here nor there. He can always leave her when he becomes rich and famous. He seems like he's already famous to me. 

 

Where Have All the Comments Gone?

I've been enjoying all the comments! 

I wish there was a mystery concerning the deleted comments. I guess I could spin a tale about how the comments were x-rated and not fit for family reading. Or I could tell you that somebody at the YMCA was making death threats to me and my family. Or that the Girl Scouts of America were plugging their sales locations and offering huge discounts in an attempt to dump the Do-Si-Dos. But they would all be lies. 

The simple truth of the matter is that they were duplicate comments. Apparently some of my blog readers, ok, really just one particular reader, has not yet mastered the comment section. Said reader was quick to try to place blame on my blog for her duplicate entries, but I was quicker to point out that it was in fact...user error. I encourage her and all of you to practice your blogging rights by commenting early and often. 

This is the same reader (whose identity I will keep secret, but who is much more than just a mere reader to me. And since I referred to her as "her" in the above paragraph you know the reader is a female) hopes my blog "goes national". Um, last I checked, the world wide web covered the entire nation and then some. But yes, let's take it national, for sure. As soon as she masters the comment section - I'm taking this thing national. Who's in?

So I'm looking forward to some quality TV watching tonight as the top 12 men will be taking the Idol stage for the first time. I've got big hopes for the Tim Daly look-alike. And then I guess tomorrow night the top 12 women will do the same. And then Thursday night we will say good bye to 4 or them? Holy mother of pearl, that's a helluva lot of TV watching this week. Between my blogging and my TV watching, I have little time for anything else. But I do have plans a few nights this week, so bare with me if my blog isn't as punctual as you would like. Duty calls. 

And speaking of TV, this Sunday is my favorite night of television all year. Bar none. Oscar night. Hell, it's right up there with Christmas for me. I cannot wait. I've already got my DVR programmed to record the red carpet, the Barbara Walter's Special and, of course, the Academy Award Presentation. 

Enjoy the show tonight...

Monday, February 18, 2008

President of the Clean Plate Club

I've gotten a few e-mails from friends who have graciously offered to take the extra Girl Scout cookies off my hands. 

(Granted, they didn't leave a comment on the blog because that would require admitting to an audience that they actually like Girl Scout Cookies.)

But, the truth of the matter is...my kids already came up with a plan to dispose of the cookies. The other day when we first broke into the cookies, Beck declared that he hated them. He couldn't even finish the one cookie he sampled. (Which is foreign to me). Maddie, whose diet consists solely of peanut butter, yogart and pretzels, declared that she would take care of the peanut butter ones. And together they decided that the others would be consumed by Granny when she comes to visit. Because, as Beck put it, "Granny and Pop Pop love everything." 

I didn't include this tidbit in my blog this morning out of respect for my parents who truly are the President and Vice President of the Clean Plate Club. But after the e-mails I started receiving concerning what to do with the cookies, I thought it best to add this addendum to the cookie blog. 

My parents have taught me a lot of things and I am truly grateful for all that they've done for me. But I do think that enticing me to become a Member of the Clean Plate Club in my early years was not their best advice. I have been a card carrying member since my chubby teenage years and I'm not proud to admit that I am now a Lifer...



Sunday, February 17, 2008

Girl Scout Cookies

Are any of you out there enjoying your Girl Scout Cookies this year?

Cause I have to say, I rarely meet a cookie I don't like, but I think I'm officially done with the Girl Scout variety. They used to be a delicious treat back in the day, but now I can barely choke 'em down. 

If I'm being perfectly honest (and yes, I stole that expression from Simon who uses it ad nauseum when addressing the Idol wannabees) I haven't really liked them for years; I've just been fooling myself, pretending that I enjoyed them. I was caught up in the nostalgia of it all. It brought me back to a time when instant gratification was not an option. Back to a time when you had to wait for things. Back to a time when "The Sound of Music" and "The Wizard of Oz" were televised once a year and if you missed it, you were out of luck. Back to a time when you could literally get on your bike and sell Girl Scout Cookies door to door for an entire afternoon. And earn a merit badge, to boot. (Ok, that's not really a memory I have as I hated Girl Scouts and quit shortly after the flying up ceremony from Brownie's. I doubt I ever sold a box, much less got on my bike and drove all over town ringing doorbells. But that's neither here nor there.)  

My point is: Girl Scout Cookies used to be worth the wait, but they no longer are. At all. They have a fake, chemically taste and the consistency is simply wrong. They leave a thin layer of grease on my tongue and a weird after-taste in my mouth. I took a look at the list of ingredients, and granted, while I wasn't expecting to find lots of protein and vitamins under the Nutrition Facts, I did find it odd that a product that held such nostalgia for me contained ingredients that probably weren't even produced back when I snarfed down my very first sleeve of Thin Mints. The ingredients have definitely changed and so, I'm afraid, has the taste. 

I'm not afraid of the calories - I mean, if you're going to inhale a sleeve, you've got to be prepared to pay the price in fat, carbs and sodium - but what exactly is invert sugar? Cause it's listed as an ingredient. Brown sugar, white sugar, powdered sugar, sure, these are all sugars that I am quite familiar with - but invert sugar? Hmm. 

I don't know about every Girl Scout Cookie - but the Do-si-do (otherwise known as the Peanut Butter Sandwich cookie - think Nutter Butter but not nearly as tasty) contains partially hydrogenated vegetable oil and partially hydrogenated palm oil. I wonder which of those oils makes up that lovely little residue that remains on my tongue even after multiple swallows and several swigs of milk? 

This year I ordered a couple of boxes of Thin Mints, which I will admit are fine. Especially if you freeze them. And I bought both peanut butter types: the Do-si-do and the Tagalong, which is a peanut butter patty dipped in chocolate. And then I shook it up a bit and ordered the All Abouts, which turns out to be an exceptionally disgusting little cookie. Consisting of shortbread with a layer of chocolate fudge on the bottom, how could they possibly go wrong? Well, trust me, they did. But, as an added bonus the Girl Scouts include an inspirational word on top of each All Abouts; words like "character", "courage", and "service". They should have stamped them with "inedible". I don't know, the Keebler elves have no problem baking a delicious cookie using that same theme of shortbread and chocolate, but the Girl Scouts fall short.  

And please, don't even get me going on the Lemon Chalet Cremes. Horrible. I'm pretty sure the "creme" does not have one single natural ingredient. And again, let me stress, I'm not looking for a healthy cookie: healthy and cookie should be mutually exclusive as far as I'm concerned. I'm just looking for a cookie that tastes good. I think that's what StarKist was looking for in a tuna, if I recall correctly. "Charlie, we're not looking for tuna with good taste, we're looking for tuna that taste good." In this case, "Sorry, Girl Scouts." Some of you may be too young to remember that ad campaign. And if you are, then you probably don't remember when Girl Scout Cookies tasted good. 

So I hate to say it, but I think this is my last year supporting the cause. I'll no longer get excited when I see the neighborhood Girl Scout approaching my door. Instead, I'll hide in the kitchen when she rings my bell and pretend I'm not home. Or maybe I'll hop in the car and head over to Harris Teeter where I can find an entire aisle devoted to good tasting cookies. Good tasting cookies that don't require a wait, I might add. Now that's what I'm talking about...






Saturday, February 16, 2008

My So-Called Life

I am not kidding you, the YMCA is all about the immunization thing. 

When I went to register, it was the first thing the lady behind the counter said to me, "Do you have your immunization record?" (Oh, I've got it alright, no problem there, my friend.) And I noticed that they added a sticker to each and every camp brochure stating, "Don't Forget!! Immunization Record Is Required To Register!" Seriously, what is going on over there? I don't recall reading about a Tuberculosis outbreak at the YMCA summer camps? 

But the funny thing is (and by funny I do not mean funny ha-ha) the funny thing is - I left without signing him up for the camp. Yup. After all that running around, turns out the football camp is in the afternoon and not in the morning. Football in August. In the afternoon. In North Carolina. That translates into child abuse if you ask me. I can barely walk to my car in the afternoon, in August, in Charlotte, so I certainly don't expect my peanut of a son to play football in those temps. I mean I would, it's just that I'm not sure if he's been vaccinated against passing out due to extreme heat. But I can check my immunization record to be sure. Because I have three of them now. On file. At home. 

So I'm on a mission to find another camp and I have my best ladies on it....stay tuned. 

You know, some people claim that they can't watch American Idol because it takes up two nights of TV watching and that's too much. But I find if I don't have American Idol to blog about, then I am forced to share with you the riveting aspects of my so-called life. So, in a way I feel that Fox is letting you, my blog readers, down by not airing it every night. Until they do, you'll have to read this mundane crap. To quote my mother, "That's what you get." 

Friday, February 15, 2008

Day Camp and Immunization Records

I called my pediatrician's office this morning to get a copy of my son's immunization records. Apparently he needs this very important documentation in order to sign up for a day camp at the YMCA. 

What the? 

Who the heck is signing up for these camps, I wonder? Cause last I checked, every school in town requires their students to be immunized. So who is the Y trying to protect us from? As if the Y is trying to protect us, let me rephrase that question: who is the Y trying to protect itself from?

Maybe there has been a vicious onslaught of un-immunized home schoolers trying to infiltrate day camp? (Is un-immunized a word? Uncle Ryan, can you check that out for me? I was told you were a master copywriter. I don't think my blog has spellcheck.) Or perhaps foreigners? Do a lot of foreigners hit the Y camps during the summer? I don't know, it just seems kind of ridiculous to me. 

But not as ridiculous as the reaction I got from my pediatrician's office. Yes, they could get me that information (hey, that's great) and then I can stop by and pick it up when they call me. Whoa, whoa, whoa, is faxing said documentation not an option? Apparently not given the hemming and hawing that is coming from the other end of the phone. The copy machine was one thing, the fax machine? Nope, completely a different story. They can put it in the mail, though. In 3 to 5 days. I am not making this shit up. 3 to 5 days, folks. 

So I told her that I'd come by and pick it up. Granted, I'm a good 8 miles from the office and it is in a part of town that I only frequent when my kids are sick, but that's neither here nor there. But, again, this was only an option if I was planning to drive over in 3 to 5 days. 

Look, I understand that I am not the only person looking to get a copy of my kid's immunization record. But unless his file is kept off-site, and by off-site I mean Africa, I don't see why it should take 3-5 business days. I thanked the lady profusely and told her I'd be by in 3-5 days. Yes, after I got the call. And then I hung up and got in my car and drove over to the sick part of town. 

These day camps fill up quickly and if I lose my son's spot on account of his immunization records, all hell will break loose. So I sauntered in to the pediatrician's office doing my best nice and lovely impersonation. And yes, I can be nice. And lovely. Those of you who know me don't see it much because I save it for strangers. Particularly strangers who have something I need. And when I want to be lovely, look out. 

Lucky for me, that lady behind the counter was obviously not from these parts. I'm not sure if it was her accent, her finger nails, her hairstyle or her rode-hard-and-hung-up-wet complexion, but I knew instantly that she hailed from the North East. And so when she asked me if it was cold outside I told her, "Oh, it's chilly alright, but nothing like what my sister in Boston or aunt in New Jersey are experiencing..." I knew I was golden. She, too, was from New Jersey. No kidding? Huh. Who knew? And we laughed and yucked it up and then I mentioned that I needed my son's immunization records. At which time she launched into that damn 3-5 business day schpeal. But I appealed to her inner-Jersey and the next thing I knew, she was off to talk to the ladies behind the door. 

A few minutes later, out came another lady carrying not one, but THREE copies of my son's immunization records. AND, she threw in a bonus - she had copies of my daughter's records as well because they "encourage everybody to keep a copy on file at home." On file at home? Really? Whatever. That's why I'm paying you the big bucks, lady. 

So now it's off to the Y to register for the day camp. And rest assured I will be inquiring as to why they require the immunization records. What do you think they most fear the Mumps or Hepatitis? Hmm. 

I'm putting my money on the home schoolers as the source of the immunization requirement. Something tells me that those wild and crazy home school moms are not all about the immunizations. I don't really know that for a fact as I really only have one home-schooler friend (at least, I HAD one home-schooler friend until I published this blog). But, as always, that doesn't stop me from forming an opinion. Who need facts? Not I. 

I'll let you know how I make out at the Y....

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

The Final 24

I've got to admit, I thought the kid who lived in the car was going to make it. I'm not saying I'm sad that he didn't make it, I'm just saying I thought Josiah was going to make it. That surprised me. I wonder where he'll live now. Maybe in a shoe?

The Rocker Nurse. Yuck. So not looking forward to seeing her mug and hearing that rhaspy voice of hers. She won't be around for long. She's got to make it home in time for Biker Week in Myrtle Beach for Spring Break. I don't think she'll have any trouble. 

My top three are all men right now. Granted, I haven't heard many of the Idol wannabees sing, but that doesn't stop me from forming an opinion and picking favorites. So my top three are: 1) The Hottie from Hottingham also know as Michael Johns the man with two first names 2) David the 16 year old total package dude and 3) the other young boy who may be on the other team, not that there is anything wrong with that. 
 
I promise I'll learn their names soon. It's just that 24 names is 14 too many to learn. Especially since we'll (well - you'll - since I don't vote) be eliminating them two at a time for the next couple of weeks. 

Oh but the drama of it all. Simon's little tirade at the end in his defense of Kyle cracked me up. Puhlease. Kyle would have been 2008's version of Clay Aiken. No thank you. He would have been eliminated in the first or second week, so spare me the song and dance, Simon. 

I'm just glad that we're done with the freak shows. I'm anxious to check out all that raw talent that Ryan had been plugging so diligently. 

Buckle up, folks, I think it's going to be a good season!

Ode to my BFF


What I am about to divulge might be considered blasphemy in some circles. I may be risking life and limb by putting these thoughts on paper. But I am coming clean: I am not a fan of Oprah Winfrey. Ok, that’s putting it mildly. I realize that Oprah has a rather enormous fan base; again, putting it mildly, but I have never quite understood the attraction. And yes, I am fully aware of the fact that should she get wind of this, my writing career could be over before it even begins.


I realize that she has done more to further the cause of literacy than any other human being on the face of the planet. She and her Angel Network have provided millions of dollars to people who, I’m sure, truly deserve her help. (Granted, most of the time it’s staged as a huge nationally televised event, but that’s neither here nor there.) She is enormously successful, incredibly wealthy, and hugely famous. She has earned a list of honors and kudos that include Emmys, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination. She is loved and adored the whole world over. But nobody loves Oprah as much as Oprah and that, in a nutshell, is what I find so very unattractive about her. 


I try to avoid her like the plague. But it’s hard to avoid a mega star whose television talk show airs twice a day, whose own face graces the cover of her magazine every single month, and whose name is behind a weekly half-hour radio show broadcasting from a new state-of-the-art XM studio at her very own Harpo Studios in Chicago. Not to mention, she doesn't seem to go anywhere or do anything without a complete camera crew in tow. No good deed goes unnoticed or undocumented. 


There is a part of Oprah that wants you to believe that she is just like you. And that is why most of her fans love her. But another part of her makes it perfectly clear that she is not anything like the soccer mom who lives down the street. Oprah Winfrey is powerful and has friends in high places and is the first to tell you about it. She’ll invite experts on her show to give their opinion on issues ranging from parenting to relationships to cosmetic surgery, but is then quick to present her own ideas as if they are fact. Why bother asking the professionals when most of the audience believes everything Oprah has to say anyway. For awhile, her talk show opened with the song, “I’m Every Woman” but she is nothing like the women I know and I know some great women.


I was in the waiting area of my dentist’s office when I reluctantly picked up O Magazine and opened to a story about Oprah and her best friend Gayle. One of Oprah’s favorite things to do is name drop. She has made it abundantly clear that she includes the likes of Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston in her close circle of girlfriends. But Gayle is her BFF, always has been, always will be. Of course, since everything Oprah does is magnificent it didn’t surprise me to learn that her friendship with Gayle is something that the average person cannot get their head around. In the article she says, “Other people’s definition of “friend” isn’t what ours is”. Hmm. Even her friendships are different (read: better) than the average woman’s. 


I’ll give it to you, she’s got a bigger book club than I do and I certainly wouldn’t put my PTA committee up against her Angel Network, but if Oprah wants to go head to head with me in the girlfriend department, I’m ready. I say bring it on, O. My BFF and I have got everything she and Gayle have and more. Oprah might know more about running a multi-million dollar production company and losing weight than the average person, but she does not have a lock on the friendship market. Even an average Joe Blow like me is capable of having dear friends and deep friendships. I don’t have to tell anybody how phenomenal my best friend is; her kind and gracious spirit speak for themselves. Most women share a deep bond with a special girlfriend and if Oprah really was “every woman” she would know that to be true. 


Some day I would like to have a book of my essays published. I’m not stupid; I realize that with Oprah’s blessing, I could make it to the New York Times’ best-seller list overnight. I may just have to eat crow and crawl on her stage begging for forgiveness. In my fantasy, Oprah reluctantly admits that she loves my book, but not before convincing me to omit the essay about her. Because really, in the end, doesn’t Oprah always get what she wants? I’m content knowing that I have one thing that Oprah will never get and that is my priceless friendship with my BFF. 




Blogging - take two.

Blogging rocks. 

I especially liked reading the comments from those of you who actually mastered the comment section. Yes, there were several who could not. A few of my friends actually asked that I send directions on how to comment. Wow. Do you have any idea how exhausting it is for me to have such friends? They drain me. 

I've also had a few requests to send an e-mail whenever I update my blog. Um, hello? This is about ME, people, not you and what you need from me. Hopefully I'll make some new friends in the bloggosphere (is that a word?) and will be able to drop those friends who really bring me down. (you know who you are). But I don't know, would it kill you to remember to try to check my blog every now and again?

Of course that does not include my BFF whose comment did not go unnoticed, thank you very much. That's why she is my BFF; I can always count on her. I think I'll post that essay I wrote about you awhile back. Now that I'm a blogger, I can do that, you know. You remember the essay? The one where I put you up against Gayle? Yes, that Gayle; Gayle of Oprah fame. Gayle King, I believe. (no she cannot pull off just Gayle like her BFF, Oprah). 

Ok, so back to my lame friends. I think there is some way for YOU to get an e-mail when I post something new. But I'm certainly not going to get bogged down with those details. That's up to you. I have more important things to do now that I am a blogger. If somebody knows of a way - feel free to comment. 

Which brings me back to the comment section. It's really quite simple, folks...you choose the word "COMMENT" at the bottom of my blog. This will take you to a new screen and if you don't have a Google/Blogger sign on - then choose the Sign Up Here option. Simply click on the words "SIGN UP HERE" and it will bring you to another screen that will allow you to sign up! Simple as that. Use your current e-mail address (carolina.rr.com, aol, etc...), then retype it, choose a password, then retype it, choose a Display Name (BFF Erin is already taken - so back off), then type in the word that looks like it's been pulled on and stretched out, then hit the acceptance of terms key and you are ready to type a comment. Here's where you say something nice and then have an option to preview it. Then post the sucker for all to read and voila...you are done. Any questions? You know where to find me. 

I was also told that my font was a little small. And then somebody else told me it was too big. And lo and behold, another reader told me that it was the perfect size. I guess you can't please everybody, can you? I guess I'll only listen to those of you who can actually master the comment field. 

Ok, I've got to go look for my essay on my BFF...
Later...
L.


Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Finally...Hollywood

Look at me...I'm blogging. Who knew? 

Yep, it's official, American Idol is in Hollywood and I AM A BLOGGER! I'm not sure which is more exciting? The blog or Season 7? Probably the blog. 

Well, suffice it to say, it's taken me me a long time to get here. Seven seasons, in fact. There are a lot of blog templates out there for me to choose from - I just hope I made the right blog choice. Cause if there's one thing I've learned from all my years of watching Idol, it's that it's all about the song choice. Or in this case, the blog choice. And, yes, I'm fully prepared to make it my own...

And while I usually don't start giving my two cents until the judges do their magic and whittle away the crowd, I decided to start early so I could get a handle on this whole blog thing. 

So, yeah, Season 7. Time flies when you're having fun. Ryan Seacrest promised that there is more talent this season than ever before. In fact, if he said it once, he said it a hundred times. So, yes, it's got to be true. 

All that "talent" has my head spinning. I will say that the Aussie impressed me the most. I don't remember his name, so let's just call him the Hottie from Hottingham. He's got the look and the voice. Can't you hear Simon preaching, "this is a singing competition"? Yeah, well, I never quite buy that, my friend. Sure, you've got to be able to sing, but you've also got to have the look (read: Carrie Underwood). Because if you don't have the look, your teddy bear voice will get you no where (read: Ruben Studdard). But yes, Simon is right, you do need to be able to sing or it's all for naught (read: Taylor Hicks). 

Some other notables: that adorable 16 year old boy who appears to have the total package. And the dude who sang, "Stand By Me" in the beginning of Tuesday night's show. I anxiously await the new look that the stylists will create for the Irish lass who, in my humble opinion, is in desperate need of some grooming tips. And I don't think I've ever been so proud of Paula as I was tonight when she gave the pageant girl the axe. Good riddance, my dear. The rocker nurse? No, I am not all over her. She's a one trick pony. Sure, she will excel during Janice Joplin week, should the producers throw her that bone. But I shudder to think what she would do to a Barry Manilow song. And really, while it's not politically correct, I must say...two thumbs up for letting the single, black mother go. I really could not stomach another season of hearing about how she is doing this for her baby at home. Been there, done that. 

So, stay tuned. I have high hopes for this blog and for this season....