Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
T-G-I-F- VS. -S-H-I-T
A business man got on an elevator. When he entered, there was a blonde already inside who greeted him with a bright, "T-G-I-F."
He smiled at her and replied, "S-H-I-T." She looked puzzled and repeated, "T-G-I-F," more slowly. He again answered, "S-H-I-T."
The blonde was trying to keep it friendly, so she smiled her biggest smile, and said as sweetly as possibly, "T-G-I-F." The man smiled back to her and once again, "S-H-I-T."
The exasperated blonde finally decided to explain. 'T-G-I-F' means 'Thank God, It's Friday.' Get it, duuhhhhh?"
The man answered, 'S-H-I-T' means 'Sorry, Honey, It's Thursday'
He smiled at her and replied, "S-H-I-T." She looked puzzled and repeated, "T-G-I-F," more slowly. He again answered, "S-H-I-T."
The blonde was trying to keep it friendly, so she smiled her biggest smile, and said as sweetly as possibly, "T-G-I-F." The man smiled back to her and once again, "S-H-I-T."
The exasperated blonde finally decided to explain. 'T-G-I-F' means 'Thank God, It's Friday.' Get it, duuhhhhh?"
The man answered, 'S-H-I-T' means 'Sorry, Honey, It's Thursday'
Friday, February 26, 2010
Before and After
We have been told that being president is stressful on the president and first lady (not to mention the country). Now we have photographic proof. He are pictures of the last 6 presidents and their wives before entering office and upon leaving.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
American Idol 2010
2 nights, 4 hours, 24 performances, 1 hour tonight, 4 to get the axe. At the end of the night I will have wasted 5 hours of my life that I can never get back. I could have been watching the winter Olympics and incestuous brother-sister ice dancers instead.
And it doesn’t really matter who gets the boot, as long as it’s not Siobhan of course, there were no great performances. As there ever been a less impressive Top 24.
Kris Allen the harmless vanilla Idol winner from last year and Allison Iraheta will be singing tonight. After having to put up with the likes of Flo Rida and Lady Gaga last year Kris and Allison will actually be a welcome change. But not to worry I’m sure Idol will scuzz it up as the season progresses. Maybe some Marilyn Manson, Ozzy Osborne, NWA and Nancy Pelosi.
Question: who looks manlier Seacrest or Ellen?
Question: has there ever been a more annoying person than Kara? If she was a dog would she even be on the show? Is she given a pass due to her looks?
The much dreaded Group Sing starts off things tonight. They are singing “American Boy” by Estelle. I confess I have never heard this song or of Estelle – wasn’t she the old Aunt on “Sanford and Son”? What? That was Aunt Esther. Oh anyway I sure hope the original was a lot better than this “Glee” wannabe version.
We are starting with the girls tonight. What is the over/under on how many fake outs Seabiscuit will try?
Siobhan is safe!!! Yes!
Haeley is safe???!!! R U KIDDING ME – she was awful
Michelle and Katelyn are safe.
Katie is safe and that means Janell is the first one to be given a ticket home. I really thought they would keep the pretty blondes for longer. Janell sings her Heart song one more time. And while she isn’t great she is way better than that cringe-inducing Haeley Vaughn.
Allison Iraheta is back with us and singing her new song “Scars”. Allison was one of my favorites from last year and it’s good to hear her sing again. I love her voice but the song…well it’s not my style but so what. Hopefully the girls are paying attention and learning from Allison.
Back to the whacking.
Paige is safe.
Lacey is safe after Seafoam fake out number 1. Cool I like Lacey.
Lilly is also safe. Another one I like.
Crystal, who looks a bit cleaner tonight, lives to fight another week.
That leaves Ashley and Didi – so another pretty girl is going to get the heave-ho. And I am surprised it’s Didi that is safe. I thought for sure Ashley would stay around longer than this. I mean I know she was bad but I really thought she would hang longer.
I swear on my mother’s grave (what’s that? My mother is still living…oh…well you get the point) that Ashley and Janell are way better than Haeley. And I will be proven as the weeks go by and you people have to listen to Haeley again.
Dude killing time.
Tiny Mike is safe.
John Park is staying after fake out number 2.
Aaron Kelly (Archuleta 2.0) is staying with us also.
Toderick, stealer of little kids’ money, is safe.
So either Joe or Tim is done. And drum roll please...Holy Mother of Pearl it’s Joe??!! Really? I mean I didn’t like Joe’s performance either but Tim was really bad. Guess the tweens voted him through on looks. Even Tim looks like he’s in shock that he is staying and almost passes out. Or maybe its fear because he’s going to have to sing in front of 25 million people again. Joe sings goodbye.
And we are down to one more to be let go and I haven’t predicted anything correctly this week :P
Kris Allen is back and talking about is visit to Haiti. So Kris has been doing good and helping people out. If you want to buy Kris’ song from tonight the mullah will go to help out or you can donate directly. Kris is singing “Let it Be” and doing a nice job I might add.
Ok lets wrap this puppy up.
Casey is safe – the rest of his family looks dirty too.
Jermaine made it though somehow too.
Lee will be staying too
Andy Boy is safe too
So we are down to Tyler and Alex. And Tyler is gone and Alex is in safe and does a Tim Urban and almost faints too. Tyler whines a bit about the judges not helping out enough. Go home whiner. I’m done with you.
Tyler sings us out.
So I’m 0-4 tonight and we are done. See ya
PS - I still can’t believe Haeley and Tim are still around. Curse you Vote for the Worst
Today's Workouts
Time of Day: 11:00am
Weather: cloudy, windy and 35
Distance: 6.25 miles
Time: 54:25
Running Shoes: Asics DS Trainer 14
Back Pain: 2
Comments: Very windy out there today
Weather: cloudy, windy and 35
Distance: 6.25 miles
Time: 54:25
Running Shoes: Asics DS Trainer 14
Back Pain: 2
Comments: Very windy out there today
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
American Idol 2010
Top 12 Guys – Finally after a month and a half of pain.
Ok here is our first good look at the singing abilities of the dudes. Hopefully this will tell us who the players and who the pretenders are going to be. Which I can’t say about the girls last night. No one really blew my doors off last night. Not even close to it – hopefully next week.
The worst part about tonight? That’s easy, In Heat Kara drooling over all the dudes and making a complete fool out of herself. At least when Paula did it it was amusing in a goofy sort of way. One the plus side we don’t have to worry about this kind of behavior out of Ellen. Why is that if Simon or Randy was hitting on the young ladies that everyone would be going ballistic but its ok for Horn-Dog Kara?
What’s up with Simon’s shirt unbuttoned halfway down? And Simon and Ellen are at opposite ends of the table again...anyone feel a dislike brewing between them?
Todrick Hall – “Since You Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson Todrick is a dancer, actor, producer of plays (which he may or may not have cheated people out of money) and it shows. It’s not that he’s bad it’s that he’s just average. He’s comfortable on stage so that should help him, if he lasts. Ellen loves him which shows that she should stick with comedy. Randy/Kara not impressed. Simon hates it. Grade D+
Aaron Kelly – “Here Comes Goodbye” by Rascal Flats – Aaron, who for better or worse, will get compared to David “Baby Elmo” Archuleta is not someone I could ever in a few lifetimes listen too. But I certainly can see him getting deep in the competition because of all the teenyboppers and country fans out there. But what I can’t take is weeks of these damn ballads. The judges dig him showing that he’s one of their early pets. Grade B
Jermaine Sellers –“Get Here” by Oleta Adams – Ugh another way to soft boring ballad by the Diva. Jermaine has on a way too small jacket but somehow pulls off the look. The singing doesn’t quite work, at least not for me. Ellen, Randy, Kara, Simon all give it a thumbs down. The only judge that matters hits his performance hard and says he may have blown his chance tonight. Whoa tough room tonight. Grade D
Tim Urban – “Apologize” by One Republic – He’s another pretty boy who should get some votes on that front. On the singing front – meh. So-so. Parts of the song I like ok but most of them are boring with a capital B. He was not strong enough of a singer for this song. Will his looks get him through for another week? We shall see. The judges DO NOT LIKE IT! Where is Paula with a kind word when a brother needs her? Grade D-
Joe Muñoz – “You and I Both” by Jazon Marz – Joe looks like a light version of Anoop Desai from season 7. And yes once again it’s another ballad. Will someone please sing something up tempo? Please I am begging you people. His voice is fine but the song almost puts me to sleep. Simon says it was ok, safe and predictable and that he needed to not be forgettable. Grade B-
Tyler Grady – “American Woman” by The Guess Who – Tyler, That 70’s Show, is doing what he’s comfortable with, a rock song from the early 70’s. A good choice for him and finally someone rocking it out a bit. He’s not great but it was a nice change from the ballads and he looks the part. Simon thinks he needs to stop playing the 70’s rock star part and concentrate on his singing. Style over substance it the judge’s consensus. Grade C-. It would be lower but I’ve been whining for an hour to hear something upbeat so I have to be nice.
Lee Dewyze – “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol – Lee is a singer I liked in Hollywood Week but he had the personality of dead house plant. This is not a good choice for anyone because it’s one of those Iconic songs that was done so well originally. Lee has a great unique voice but it was not a good choice! Ellen disagrees with me but Randy is my Dawg and on my side. Simon on the other hand calls it the best performance of the night. Well that it might have been Simon but there haven’t been any great performances tonight. I hate to take Randy and Kara’s sides over Simon. I really hate to. Grade B-
John Park – “God Bless the Child” John fills 2 slots for AI this year; token Asian and token guy who is light in his loafers. He should be a favorite of Ellen’s. What you say he’s straight cause he loves Shania Twain? Hmm…Holy Butterball Turkeys it’s another stinking ballad. I feel like I’m in a piano lounge at a bar near the airport surround by drunken salesman of shower curtain rods. Wake me up for the commercials. Judges no likey John’s performance and song choice. Except for butch who seemed to like it – see I told you. Grade D-
Michael Lynche – “The Love” by Maroon 5 – what a shock they are talking about his wife having a baby while he’s screwing around in Hollywood, figuratively. Big Mike is rocking his guitar (looks like a violin in those big hands) tonight and thankfully for my sanity is not singing it as a ballad. I can’t say that I like his voice a lot in this song but he looks like he is having fun up there on stage so I would have to he’s safe for tonight. He’s the type of guy who you would ask to perform at the local VFW or Fire hall. But after all the downer songs tonight its a nice change. EllRanKara likes him. Simon calls it a vague jazzy version and that it wasn’t unique. Grade B-
Alex Lambert – "Wonderful World" by James Morrison– he was the one who was berated by Devil Woman Mary Powers a few weeks ago. Which makes me sympathetic to him..that is until he sings this boring song. Good voice or not he looked painfully uncomfortable up there. Like the proverberial deer in the headlights. Simon almost makes him cry. Kara wants to hug him. Come on Kara he’s barely legal. Randy and Ellen like him and hope he does well in the future. Ellen compares him to an unripe banana. Grade C-
Casey James – "Heaven" by Bryan Adams – Kara who loves the dirty hippie girl-toy will need a bucket of cold water thrown on her by the end of this performance. It still appears that the showers at the Motel 6 where Casey stays are still on the fritz. This guy needs to stay around because he’s such an easy target. Vote for the Worst is gonna have a field day with him. Oh I guess I should say something about his performance. Casey is sitting on a stool playing his guitar just like if he was at a coffee house or a peace march. He can sing well but I have a hard time taking him seriously after taking his shirt off during the auditions. The judges ramble forever with stupid Kara jokes. Why does everyone think he is so good looking? Seriously? Simon and the others actually like his performance a lot. Grade B
Andrew Garcia “Sugar we are Going Down” by Fallout Boy – Andrew aka Danny Gokey 2.0 is in the Idol pimp spot which proves the point that he is one of their favorites. He could come out and sing the alphabet and he would still be safe. Andy is a stay at home dad which is code for unemployed mooch. Interesting song choice. He’s doing a mellow acoustic version of it and I don’t hate it as much as a thought I would. I hate it even more. The judges do not like it either but start doing damage control and talking about how great he was in Hollywood week and how great he could be. Talk about shameless pimping on the judge’s part. This show comes way too close to being rigged at times. Grade F but he will stick around.
Just like the girls last night, none of the boys blew the doors of the place.
Quick Pick on the 2 to get booted tomorrow (do I only get to pick two?) Tim Urban and Alex Lambert or maybe John Park or maybe Jermaine Sellers or maybe...
This may be the worst season of Idol ever. Can they just cancel it now and change "24" into "48"?
I DON'T CARE
from a yahoo article on America's worst French Fries
Worst Order of Fries
Five Guys Fries (large)
1,464 calories
71 g fat (14 g saturated)
213 mg sodium
They are so yummy that I could care less. I'll just run another 15 miles that day :p Plus the large order of fries is HUGE. No one, not even my bride, eats an entire large order by themselves.
Worst Order of Fries
Five Guys Fries (large)
1,464 calories
71 g fat (14 g saturated)
213 mg sodium
They are so yummy that I could care less. I'll just run another 15 miles that day :p Plus the large order of fries is HUGE. No one, not even my bride, eats an entire large order by themselves.
Today's Workouts
Time of Day: 6:45am
Weather: sunny and 33
Distance: 10.04 miles
Time: 1:25:25
Pace: 8:30
Running Shoes: Saucony Tangent 3
Back Pain: 1
Comments: very good run. Legs tired and a bit sore but manageable
Weather: sunny and 33
Distance: 10.04 miles
Time: 1:25:25
Pace: 8:30
Running Shoes: Saucony Tangent 3
Back Pain: 1
Comments: very good run. Legs tired and a bit sore but manageable
American Idol 2010
Top 12 Young Ladies
(as always these are random semi-live unedited Ritalin-free thoughts. I apologize in advance for the typos, stupid opinions and offending you)
Seacoast – “this is not just a stage…” Seafoam intones while walking down a paddle-line of the contestants. Ryan has an all black 80’s new-wave look going. Not bad actually.
The judges – all looking reasonably normal tonight. Simon tells what we already have heard, that it is the girls year to win it. We are “treated” to a fake tape of Simon feeling up Ellen – a lowlight this early in the season – sigh – the cheesy-meter is running high already. Could we please just let the girls sing? And please no SOB stories or more filler.
The girls will be singing songs from the Hot Billboard Singles from 1958-1972 and 2003-2010. And I’ll be assigning a grade to each performance.
1)Paige Miles – “All Right Now” by Free – Paige is doing a light and flat version of this former rocking song. It almost sounds as if the vocals are muffled or turned down. She does look cute and confident for what it’s worth. Simon says he likes her voice but not the song choice. Kara disagrees with Simon and liked it. Randy seemed to like it and Ellen, well it doesn’t matter. Paige informs when she is down that she has had to pee for about 5 hours. TMI. Now go potty girl. Its 8:17 and we have only had one song. Grade C-
2) Ashley Rodriguez – “Happy” by Leona Lewis – Ashley definitely has the look to go far. Once again the vocals are bit muffled and hard to hear. Is AI using a Mr. Microphone for the sound system this year? It was a pleasant if underwhelming performance. The 3 judges that don’t matter aren’t all that impressed either. And our judge that matters says she is going backwards and was not original and could be in trouble. I wouldn’t go that far, she’s too cute to get booted already. Yes we are that shallow. Grade D+
3) Janell Wheeler – “What About Love?” by Heart – in a possible strategic mistake of Titanic proportions, Jenell is wearing long pants and covering up her legs. Is she going to really just on her voice? Ugh I do not like Heart, maybe because I don’t have one. But I kinda like her version. She’s got a bit of a rough edge to her voice – in a good way. Randy doesn’t like the song choice but likes her voice and I find myself agreeing with Randy. Simon gives her a 65% but liked parts of it. Ellen and Kara both ‘like’ Janell. Grade C+
Holy cow we are taking a commercial break after each singer. I thought we were in a Depression? How can all these companies afford to advertize? What’s that? Sith Lord Obama has fixed the economy. Really? It was the high unemployment, lousy stock marked and massive home foreclosures that threw me.
4) Lilly Scott – “Fixing a Hole” by The Beatles – with the platinum hair and acoustic guitar is doing a really good job. She is someone I could actually listen too. She doesn’t look or sound like a typical Idolette. Pink is the new Black. Kara is the new Paula. I have no idea what she just said. All t he judges praise her for being different. But just you wait; they will turn against her for exactly the same reasons as the season continues. Grade A-
5) Katelyn Epperly – “Oh Darling” by The Beatles – Idol let her keep her crazy curls. Unlike Janell, Katelyn is showing a ton of leg. That should get the young males voting for her. I’m not crazy about the song choice but I do like her voice. Kara disses her makeover and her lipstick, whatever Kara. Kara then mouths and obscenity. Grade B.
6) Haeley Vaughn – “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles. 3 Beatles’ songs in a row? Who made up this order of performance? Listen the girl is only 16 so I need to be careful what I say but I really don’t know why she’s in the Top 24. She’s cute and bubbly but also annoying at times and her voice is grating on my ears like a listening to an Oprah show. It’s like a girl singing on her 16 birthday and her family indulging her and telling how wonderful she is. Kara, Ellen and Randy want her to work on her vocals. Simon says it was a mess and verging on a total disaster. Sadly for Haeley I agree with Simon. She could be one of the first two to go. Grade D-.
7) Lacey Brown – “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac – I like Lacey. She’s got a good voice and a cute look. I do not like this song but I’ll live. It was a blah performance though. Hopefully people will vote for her on possible potential. The judges hate it. Sadly I find myself agreeing with Kara. It will take hours of therapy to get over that. Grade D-.
A commercial for some movie with that dude who played a vampire in those awful Twilight movies. Where is Buffy when you need her?
8) Michelle Delamor – “Fallen” by Alicia Keyes – I know nothing about her. Did they show her at all during Hollywood Week? She’s a lovely girl with a confident look on stage and her voice is good too. Even with jeans on she is a Top 3 in the Idol Leg contest. The judges like it well enough but want more from her. They want her to take risks. Sadly I find myself agreeing with the judges again. Grade B+.
9) Didi Benami – "The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michelson – now if she can just get through a song or interview without crying. Didi takes a song I like and manages to bore me to tears. I just may cry. The judges are not into it much either. Grade D+.
10) Siobhan Magnus – “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaac – I love this song! But I’m not sure if any young lady can do it justice. It’s a dark tough song to sing. More of a dude song. But Siobhan does a nice job on it. Great set of pipes. Hopefully she will pick a more upbeat rocking song next week. America will not vote for singers who choose dark ballads all the time. She is one of the top singers in the group but one of the least like a pop-star (that is a compliment) Kara kinda liked it and called her a quirky girl and says she feels real. Randy wants to her bigger songs from her. Ellen loves it. Simon is luke-warm but not to nasty so I won’t have to have his kneecaps broken. Grade B+
11) Crystal Bowersox – “Hand in my Pocket” by Alanis Morissette– listen I like Crystal and like this song but she’s hardly American Idol pop star material. More like a new-hippie singer song writer type. The kind that hang around college coffeehouses and pubs. Hopefully she will stay around for a few more weeks so we can hear what she can do. The judges like her but just like Lilly I predict they will turn on her. Simon starts to do that already in a limited way. Grade B.
12) Katie Stevens – “Feeling Good” by Michael Buble – another youngster but unlike Haeley she’s not a train wreck. She has a great voice but it’s kinda boring. Too slow. She sounds like she should be singing in a smoky lounge to middle-age losers. She does pick it up a bit towards the end. Ellen and I agree that it was too old for her. Simon is with us too. Grade C.
Quick prediction of the two to get the boot – Haeley Vaughn and Lacey Brown. I sure hope I’m wrong about Lacey and that the voters keep her around.
(as always these are random semi-live unedited Ritalin-free thoughts. I apologize in advance for the typos, stupid opinions and offending you)
Seacoast – “this is not just a stage…” Seafoam intones while walking down a paddle-line of the contestants. Ryan has an all black 80’s new-wave look going. Not bad actually.
The judges – all looking reasonably normal tonight. Simon tells what we already have heard, that it is the girls year to win it. We are “treated” to a fake tape of Simon feeling up Ellen – a lowlight this early in the season – sigh – the cheesy-meter is running high already. Could we please just let the girls sing? And please no SOB stories or more filler.
The girls will be singing songs from the Hot Billboard Singles from 1958-1972 and 2003-2010. And I’ll be assigning a grade to each performance.
1)Paige Miles – “All Right Now” by Free – Paige is doing a light and flat version of this former rocking song. It almost sounds as if the vocals are muffled or turned down. She does look cute and confident for what it’s worth. Simon says he likes her voice but not the song choice. Kara disagrees with Simon and liked it. Randy seemed to like it and Ellen, well it doesn’t matter. Paige informs when she is down that she has had to pee for about 5 hours. TMI. Now go potty girl. Its 8:17 and we have only had one song. Grade C-
2) Ashley Rodriguez – “Happy” by Leona Lewis – Ashley definitely has the look to go far. Once again the vocals are bit muffled and hard to hear. Is AI using a Mr. Microphone for the sound system this year? It was a pleasant if underwhelming performance. The 3 judges that don’t matter aren’t all that impressed either. And our judge that matters says she is going backwards and was not original and could be in trouble. I wouldn’t go that far, she’s too cute to get booted already. Yes we are that shallow. Grade D+
3) Janell Wheeler – “What About Love?” by Heart – in a possible strategic mistake of Titanic proportions, Jenell is wearing long pants and covering up her legs. Is she going to really just on her voice? Ugh I do not like Heart, maybe because I don’t have one. But I kinda like her version. She’s got a bit of a rough edge to her voice – in a good way. Randy doesn’t like the song choice but likes her voice and I find myself agreeing with Randy. Simon gives her a 65% but liked parts of it. Ellen and Kara both ‘like’ Janell. Grade C+
Holy cow we are taking a commercial break after each singer. I thought we were in a Depression? How can all these companies afford to advertize? What’s that? Sith Lord Obama has fixed the economy. Really? It was the high unemployment, lousy stock marked and massive home foreclosures that threw me.
4) Lilly Scott – “Fixing a Hole” by The Beatles – with the platinum hair and acoustic guitar is doing a really good job. She is someone I could actually listen too. She doesn’t look or sound like a typical Idolette. Pink is the new Black. Kara is the new Paula. I have no idea what she just said. All t he judges praise her for being different. But just you wait; they will turn against her for exactly the same reasons as the season continues. Grade A-
5) Katelyn Epperly – “Oh Darling” by The Beatles – Idol let her keep her crazy curls. Unlike Janell, Katelyn is showing a ton of leg. That should get the young males voting for her. I’m not crazy about the song choice but I do like her voice. Kara disses her makeover and her lipstick, whatever Kara. Kara then mouths and obscenity. Grade B.
6) Haeley Vaughn – “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles. 3 Beatles’ songs in a row? Who made up this order of performance? Listen the girl is only 16 so I need to be careful what I say but I really don’t know why she’s in the Top 24. She’s cute and bubbly but also annoying at times and her voice is grating on my ears like a listening to an Oprah show. It’s like a girl singing on her 16 birthday and her family indulging her and telling how wonderful she is. Kara, Ellen and Randy want her to work on her vocals. Simon says it was a mess and verging on a total disaster. Sadly for Haeley I agree with Simon. She could be one of the first two to go. Grade D-.
7) Lacey Brown – “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac – I like Lacey. She’s got a good voice and a cute look. I do not like this song but I’ll live. It was a blah performance though. Hopefully people will vote for her on possible potential. The judges hate it. Sadly I find myself agreeing with Kara. It will take hours of therapy to get over that. Grade D-.
A commercial for some movie with that dude who played a vampire in those awful Twilight movies. Where is Buffy when you need her?
8) Michelle Delamor – “Fallen” by Alicia Keyes – I know nothing about her. Did they show her at all during Hollywood Week? She’s a lovely girl with a confident look on stage and her voice is good too. Even with jeans on she is a Top 3 in the Idol Leg contest. The judges like it well enough but want more from her. They want her to take risks. Sadly I find myself agreeing with the judges again. Grade B+.
9) Didi Benami – "The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michelson – now if she can just get through a song or interview without crying. Didi takes a song I like and manages to bore me to tears. I just may cry. The judges are not into it much either. Grade D+.
10) Siobhan Magnus – “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaac – I love this song! But I’m not sure if any young lady can do it justice. It’s a dark tough song to sing. More of a dude song. But Siobhan does a nice job on it. Great set of pipes. Hopefully she will pick a more upbeat rocking song next week. America will not vote for singers who choose dark ballads all the time. She is one of the top singers in the group but one of the least like a pop-star (that is a compliment) Kara kinda liked it and called her a quirky girl and says she feels real. Randy wants to her bigger songs from her. Ellen loves it. Simon is luke-warm but not to nasty so I won’t have to have his kneecaps broken. Grade B+
11) Crystal Bowersox – “Hand in my Pocket” by Alanis Morissette– listen I like Crystal and like this song but she’s hardly American Idol pop star material. More like a new-hippie singer song writer type. The kind that hang around college coffeehouses and pubs. Hopefully she will stay around for a few more weeks so we can hear what she can do. The judges like her but just like Lilly I predict they will turn on her. Simon starts to do that already in a limited way. Grade B.
12) Katie Stevens – “Feeling Good” by Michael Buble – another youngster but unlike Haeley she’s not a train wreck. She has a great voice but it’s kinda boring. Too slow. She sounds like she should be singing in a smoky lounge to middle-age losers. She does pick it up a bit towards the end. Ellen and I agree that it was too old for her. Simon is with us too. Grade C.
Quick prediction of the two to get the boot – Haeley Vaughn and Lacey Brown. I sure hope I’m wrong about Lacey and that the voters keep her around.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Today's Workouts
Time of Day: 11:30am
Weather: cloudy, misty 35
Distance: 6.2 miles
Time 56:15
Running Shoes: Asics DS Trainer 14
Back Pain: 3
Comments: yack
Weather: cloudy, misty 35
Distance: 6.2 miles
Time 56:15
Running Shoes: Asics DS Trainer 14
Back Pain: 3
Comments: yack
Top 24 American Idol Wannabe's Ranked
The complete top 24 of AGES: Didi Benami, Crystal Bowersox, Lacey Brown, Michelle Delamor, Lee Dewyze, Katelyn Epperly, Andrew Garcia, Tyler Grady, Todrick Hall, Casey James, Aaron Kelly, Alex Lambert, Michael Lynche, Siobhan Magnus, Paige Miles, Joe Muñoz, John Park, Ashley Rodriguez, Lilly Scott, Jermaine Sellers, Katie Stevens, Tim Urban, Haeley Vaughn, Janell Wheeler.
#1 Siobhan Magnus, 19, Barnstable, MA:
The niece of a friend so she will always be ranked #1 as long as she is in the contest. But it definitely helps my case that she can actually sing.
#2 Ashley Rodriguez, 22, Chelsea, MA:
What a shock another good looking girl. What is a shock is that she isn’t a blonde. And she can sing. She will go far with her good looks and nice voice.
#3 Andrew Garcia, 24 Moreno Valley, CA:
Andy Pandy and his Danny Gokey Eyeglass Collection will be with us for some time to come. I’m not a big fan but show is obviously pushing hard for him. And all the soccer moms of America will vote for him just like they did for Danny and Kris Allen last season.
#4 Katie Stevens, 17, Middlebury, CT:
(Grandma with dementia sob story) Good voice, Dove soap quality skin, wholesome look but young and inexperienced. If she can handle the pressure look for her in the Top 12.
#5 Janelle Wheeler, 24, Tampa, FL:
Yet another leggy blonde. It is gonna be tough keep all the blondes straight this year. But the long gams and the blonde good looks will get her lots of votes.
#6 Didi Benami, 23, Hollywood, CA:
Another story pimper, this time it’s a dead friend. Which talking about causes Didi to cry more often than Kara hits on a male… any male…contestant, guest judge, guest performer, doorman, key-grip, bathroom attendant. But DIdi should last a long time given that she’s: pretty, sings ok, white and blonde. All favorites of the Idol powers that be. Add on that AI wants a female winner this year and Didi could be an early front-runner
#7 Crystal Bowersox, 24, Elliston, OH:
You will remember she is the non-bathing female. Not to be confused with Casey James the non-bathing male. There is no truth to the rumors that they are twins. Maybe they are angling for a Dove endorsement if they win. Yet she is very talented and if she cleans up well she could last a long time. But if she keeps her look and sings music she likes, there is no way the tweens and middle-age housewives of America are going to vote for her.
#8 Michael Lynche, 26, Astoria, NY:
Speaking of pimping a story, how many times are we gonna have to hear about his wife having a baby while he was at Hollywood Week? Is that supposed to make us like him more? That he wasn’t there for the birth of his child. Makes me think he’s a selfish weasel, and trust me being one myself i know what i speak of. Just don’t tell him i said so, he’s huge
#9 Casey James, 27, Fort Worth, TX:
Dirty jailbird (DUI, reckless driving, driving with an invalid license). There are many reasons to vote him off early. One is Kara’s constant drooling over him like a hyena in heat. But that being said he does have a nice bluesy voice. And the cougars will be voting for him. But dude take a shower.
#10 Aaron Kelly, 16, Sonestown, PA
Seriously? This kid is in the Top 24! Has he even gone through puberty yet? He makes Baby Elmo (David Archuleta) look manly. On top of that his singing is vanilla. But the tween girls will, sadly, vote for him in droves. He also will get some sympathy votes for his sob story – dad couldn’t hold down a job and aunt and uncle adopted him.
#11 Lilly “I buy peroxide in bulk” Scott, 20, Littleton, CO:
A different quasi-cool look should take her close to or into the Top 12.
#12 Alex Lambert, 19, singer, North RIchland Hills, TX:
He fills the quota of the straight A. Lambert this year – I believe there is a federal law regarding that. Cutie-pie dorky-cool looks should carry him for a little while.
#13 Tim Urban, 20, Duncanville, TX:
Tim was a last minute replacement for Chris Golightly who was ruled ineligible. We know nothing about Tim and won’t get attached to him. He does have that teen heartthrob pretty boy look going for him
#14 Haeley Vaughn, 16, Fort Collins, CO
Too young to handle the pressure and doesn’t have The Look – she needs a makeover and some voice lessons to last long. She’s talented and annoying all at the young age of 16.
#15 Michelle Delamor, 22, Miami, FL:
A pretty but almost unknown lady. We saw very little of her during Hollywood Week.
#16 Todrick Hall, 24, Arlington, TX:
A dancer and producer of musicals. Has never had a voice lesson and it shows. Plus he spells his name funny – his first name
#17 Lacey Brown, 24, Amarillo, TX:
Lacey made it pretty far last season (Top 50) and this season she’s going even farther. Thankfully we finally got a non-blonde. Last year Lacey was a brunette and now she’s a redhead. That was money well spent at the hair salon. Lacey has a cool look and good voice so hopefully she will be around for quite awhile just so everyone doesn’t look the same. But she is probably to cool for AI and will be gone earlier rather than later.
#18 Katelyn Epperly, 19, West Des Moines, IA:
Katelyn likes to remind us that her parents are divorced (over and over she likes to remind us). She is this year’s Danny Gokey. At least milking mileage out of divorced parents isn’t as offensive as pimping the death of a wife. She does have big puffy 80’s hair (which Idol will probably tame) and an ok voice.
#19 Tyler Grady, 20, Nazareth, PA:
He’s a late 60’s early 70’s Robert Plant wannabe who I happen to like. But he hardly seems like a typical AI contestant who all the tween girls will vote to keep for long. He’s better suited to be a dory rocker on That 70’s Show or a cool rocker on The Brady Bunch. He is also competing with Casey James for the dirty hippy vote and Casey is dirtier and greasier. The question is, will the stoners that he is likely to appeal to even watch AI and if they do will they be too high to vote?
#20 Lee Dewyze, 23, Mount Prospect, IL:
I like Lee’s voice but he’s as exciting as watching a senate filibuster. He needs to come out of his shell or something if he is going to last.
#21 Paige Miles, 24, Cypress, TX:
We basically know nothing about Paige at this point because they haven’t really shown her at all.
#22 Jermaine Sellers, 26, Joliet, IL:
His SS is that he has been taken care of his mom with spina bifida since he was 17. I don’t care for his singing and he had that diva moment when he blamed the band for a poor performance during Hollywood week. Not cool from someone who touts himself as a church singer.
#23 John Park, 21, Evanston, IL:
3 from Illinois this year? John is a nice looking guy who fills the Asian Quota but damn if I can remember anything else about him.
#24 Joe Munoz, 20, Huntington Park, CA:
was given about 10 seconds (at the most) of air time during the Top 24 shows which tells us the powers that be think he has less chance of being promoted than the lookout on the Titanic has of being made Captain. Are we sure he’s even a real person? Has anyone ever seen him?
#1 Siobhan Magnus, 19, Barnstable, MA:
The niece of a friend so she will always be ranked #1 as long as she is in the contest. But it definitely helps my case that she can actually sing.
#2 Ashley Rodriguez, 22, Chelsea, MA:
What a shock another good looking girl. What is a shock is that she isn’t a blonde. And she can sing. She will go far with her good looks and nice voice.
#3 Andrew Garcia, 24 Moreno Valley, CA:
Andy Pandy and his Danny Gokey Eyeglass Collection will be with us for some time to come. I’m not a big fan but show is obviously pushing hard for him. And all the soccer moms of America will vote for him just like they did for Danny and Kris Allen last season.
#4 Katie Stevens, 17, Middlebury, CT:
(Grandma with dementia sob story) Good voice, Dove soap quality skin, wholesome look but young and inexperienced. If she can handle the pressure look for her in the Top 12.
#5 Janelle Wheeler, 24, Tampa, FL:
Yet another leggy blonde. It is gonna be tough keep all the blondes straight this year. But the long gams and the blonde good looks will get her lots of votes.
#6 Didi Benami, 23, Hollywood, CA:
Another story pimper, this time it’s a dead friend. Which talking about causes Didi to cry more often than Kara hits on a male… any male…contestant, guest judge, guest performer, doorman, key-grip, bathroom attendant. But DIdi should last a long time given that she’s: pretty, sings ok, white and blonde. All favorites of the Idol powers that be. Add on that AI wants a female winner this year and Didi could be an early front-runner
#7 Crystal Bowersox, 24, Elliston, OH:
You will remember she is the non-bathing female. Not to be confused with Casey James the non-bathing male. There is no truth to the rumors that they are twins. Maybe they are angling for a Dove endorsement if they win. Yet she is very talented and if she cleans up well she could last a long time. But if she keeps her look and sings music she likes, there is no way the tweens and middle-age housewives of America are going to vote for her.
#8 Michael Lynche, 26, Astoria, NY:
Speaking of pimping a story, how many times are we gonna have to hear about his wife having a baby while he was at Hollywood Week? Is that supposed to make us like him more? That he wasn’t there for the birth of his child. Makes me think he’s a selfish weasel, and trust me being one myself i know what i speak of. Just don’t tell him i said so, he’s huge
#9 Casey James, 27, Fort Worth, TX:
Dirty jailbird (DUI, reckless driving, driving with an invalid license). There are many reasons to vote him off early. One is Kara’s constant drooling over him like a hyena in heat. But that being said he does have a nice bluesy voice. And the cougars will be voting for him. But dude take a shower.
#10 Aaron Kelly, 16, Sonestown, PA
Seriously? This kid is in the Top 24! Has he even gone through puberty yet? He makes Baby Elmo (David Archuleta) look manly. On top of that his singing is vanilla. But the tween girls will, sadly, vote for him in droves. He also will get some sympathy votes for his sob story – dad couldn’t hold down a job and aunt and uncle adopted him.
#11 Lilly “I buy peroxide in bulk” Scott, 20, Littleton, CO:
A different quasi-cool look should take her close to or into the Top 12.
#12 Alex Lambert, 19, singer, North RIchland Hills, TX:
He fills the quota of the straight A. Lambert this year – I believe there is a federal law regarding that. Cutie-pie dorky-cool looks should carry him for a little while.
#13 Tim Urban, 20, Duncanville, TX:
Tim was a last minute replacement for Chris Golightly who was ruled ineligible. We know nothing about Tim and won’t get attached to him. He does have that teen heartthrob pretty boy look going for him
#14 Haeley Vaughn, 16, Fort Collins, CO
Too young to handle the pressure and doesn’t have The Look – she needs a makeover and some voice lessons to last long. She’s talented and annoying all at the young age of 16.
#15 Michelle Delamor, 22, Miami, FL:
A pretty but almost unknown lady. We saw very little of her during Hollywood Week.
#16 Todrick Hall, 24, Arlington, TX:
A dancer and producer of musicals. Has never had a voice lesson and it shows. Plus he spells his name funny – his first name
#17 Lacey Brown, 24, Amarillo, TX:
Lacey made it pretty far last season (Top 50) and this season she’s going even farther. Thankfully we finally got a non-blonde. Last year Lacey was a brunette and now she’s a redhead. That was money well spent at the hair salon. Lacey has a cool look and good voice so hopefully she will be around for quite awhile just so everyone doesn’t look the same. But she is probably to cool for AI and will be gone earlier rather than later.
#18 Katelyn Epperly, 19, West Des Moines, IA:
Katelyn likes to remind us that her parents are divorced (over and over she likes to remind us). She is this year’s Danny Gokey. At least milking mileage out of divorced parents isn’t as offensive as pimping the death of a wife. She does have big puffy 80’s hair (which Idol will probably tame) and an ok voice.
#19 Tyler Grady, 20, Nazareth, PA:
He’s a late 60’s early 70’s Robert Plant wannabe who I happen to like. But he hardly seems like a typical AI contestant who all the tween girls will vote to keep for long. He’s better suited to be a dory rocker on That 70’s Show or a cool rocker on The Brady Bunch. He is also competing with Casey James for the dirty hippy vote and Casey is dirtier and greasier. The question is, will the stoners that he is likely to appeal to even watch AI and if they do will they be too high to vote?
#20 Lee Dewyze, 23, Mount Prospect, IL:
I like Lee’s voice but he’s as exciting as watching a senate filibuster. He needs to come out of his shell or something if he is going to last.
#21 Paige Miles, 24, Cypress, TX:
We basically know nothing about Paige at this point because they haven’t really shown her at all.
#22 Jermaine Sellers, 26, Joliet, IL:
His SS is that he has been taken care of his mom with spina bifida since he was 17. I don’t care for his singing and he had that diva moment when he blamed the band for a poor performance during Hollywood week. Not cool from someone who touts himself as a church singer.
#23 John Park, 21, Evanston, IL:
3 from Illinois this year? John is a nice looking guy who fills the Asian Quota but damn if I can remember anything else about him.
#24 Joe Munoz, 20, Huntington Park, CA:
was given about 10 seconds (at the most) of air time during the Top 24 shows which tells us the powers that be think he has less chance of being promoted than the lookout on the Titanic has of being made Captain. Are we sure he’s even a real person? Has anyone ever seen him?
Monday, February 22, 2010
Today's Workouts
Workout #1
Time of Day: 7:30am
Weather: n/a on the dreadmill due to road conditions
Distance: 8 miles
Time 1:04:04 Pace: 8:01
Running Shoes: Zoot Ultra Tempo+2.0
Back Pain: 1
Comments: 2 mile warm-up (8:57pace) with 4x30 second striders, 4X1 mile with 1/4 mile jog between each mile. Mile splits 7:14, 7:09, 7:04, 6:59. 1/4 mile jogs at 8:57, 1.25 mile cool down at 8:57 pace.
Workout #2
Time of Day: 12:3pm
Weather: cloudy and 37
Distance: 4.46 miles
Running Shoes: Asics DS Trainer 14
Back Pain: 2
Comments: outside run at lunch. Wanted to get in a run before the rains came
Time of Day: 7:30am
Weather: n/a on the dreadmill due to road conditions
Distance: 8 miles
Time 1:04:04 Pace: 8:01
Running Shoes: Zoot Ultra Tempo+2.0
Back Pain: 1
Comments: 2 mile warm-up (8:57pace) with 4x30 second striders, 4X1 mile with 1/4 mile jog between each mile. Mile splits 7:14, 7:09, 7:04, 6:59. 1/4 mile jogs at 8:57, 1.25 mile cool down at 8:57 pace.
Workout #2
Time of Day: 12:3pm
Weather: cloudy and 37
Distance: 4.46 miles
Running Shoes: Asics DS Trainer 14
Back Pain: 2
Comments: outside run at lunch. Wanted to get in a run before the rains came
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Are You Kathlick?
THREE LITTLE BOYS were concerned because they couldn't get anyone to play with them. They decided it was because they had not been baptized and didn't go to Sunday school.
So they went to the nearest church. But, only the janitor was there.
One little boy said, "We need to be baptized because no one will come out and play with us. Will you baptize us?"
Sure," said the janitor.
He took them into the bathroom and dunked their little heads in the toilet bowl, one at a time. Then he said, "You are now baptized!"
When they got outside, one of them asked, "What religion do you think we are?"
The oldest one said, "We're not Kathlick, because they pour the water on you."
"We're not Babtis, because they dunk all of you in the water."
"We're not Methdiss, because they just sprinkle water on you."
The littlest one said, "Didn't you smell that water?"
They all joined in asking, 'Yeah! What do you think that means?'
"I think it means we're Pisskopailians!"
So they went to the nearest church. But, only the janitor was there.
One little boy said, "We need to be baptized because no one will come out and play with us. Will you baptize us?"
Sure," said the janitor.
He took them into the bathroom and dunked their little heads in the toilet bowl, one at a time. Then he said, "You are now baptized!"
When they got outside, one of them asked, "What religion do you think we are?"
The oldest one said, "We're not Kathlick, because they pour the water on you."
"We're not Babtis, because they dunk all of you in the water."
"We're not Methdiss, because they just sprinkle water on you."
The littlest one said, "Didn't you smell that water?"
They all joined in asking, 'Yeah! What do you think that means?'
"I think it means we're Pisskopailians!"
Thursday, February 18, 2010
American Idol 2010
Yes I know that AI was on Tuesday night. And yes I know that I didn't post about it. It was my oldest child's 20th birthday and we were a bit busy. I did watch it though. So it seems we have 7 of our Top 24 decided. And 17 more to be decided so far. The 7 that have gone through seem ok, nothing special yet but that could change once they get help from the so called pros.
Can you believe that show was two hours last night? How am I supposed to watch curling, luge and men's figure skating? :P That was 2 very painful hours. Lots of cliches from Seabiscuit about how "lives will be changed" and "futures decided" (I am furiously rolling my eyes). And boy do I miss Paula. Randy is just there, Ellen adds nothing at all, Simon seems to be going a bit soft and seems disinterested in his last season and Kara is one of the most annoying people to ever walk the planet. Is it wrong to wish a stage light would fall on her during Lent? Sigh - I thought so.
With tonight only being an hour I am hopeful they will give us the rest of the 24 without too much pain and suffering. Hopeful but not confident.
My week will be made if Mary “Demon Woman” Powers doesn’t make it. Besides doing the fake hard-rock mom retinue – grow up honey you are old – she is mean, overbearing and obnoxious.
First to get through is a very leggy blonde Janelle Wheeler. It’s gonna be tough keep all the blondes straight this year.
Next up we get Tyler Grady (who Kara fawns over) who makes it also. He’s a late 60’s early 70’s Robert Plant wannabe who I happen to like.
Lacey Brown made it pretty far last season and this season she’s going even farther. Thankfully we finally got a none-blonde. Lacey has a cool look and good voice so hopefully she will be around for quite awhile just so everyone doesn’t look the same.
Ashley Rodriguez, Alex Lambert and Joe something or other are all put through in less than 30 seconds….FOX must be in a hurry to sell some more ads.
They spend a few minutes putting through a girl who needs to shower by the name of Crystal Bowersox. Maybe she should hook up with Casey James our other non-bathing contestant.
Its got to be time to whack a few people. But first they are letting Sob Story #42 go on. (Katie Stevens Grandma with dementia) Ellen Degenerate tries to do the old American Idol fake-out hahaha we have never seen that one before Ellen. Good one, you got us. But of course we are too seasoned and wise and are soon on to Ellen and her zaniness.
Next on the hot seat is Angela “Sob Story #258”. Her sob story is actually heart-rending. Kara the bizarre goes and sits on the chair with her, interesting I would have guessed Ellen would have snuggled up to the chick. But alas Angela is sent home.
Lilly “I got this hair dye on sale” Scott makes the long walk to the chair of judgment. Kara, who would be pretty if she never spoke again, rambles in a Paula like fashion for awhile before telling her the good news.
Then what seems like 100 people are given the green light in machine-gun fashion. Including the official #1 contestant of Sardonic Catholic Dad, Siobhan Magnus. More on her in coming weeks. I didn’t catch the names of the others but we can catch up on that another time.
As an aside Randy has been very quiet tonight and Seafoam hasn’t been annoying...maybe its an Ash Wednesday gift.
2 chicks left neither of whom I care for but the winner is Yvonne or Paige or heck I can't remember her name, and a girl named Tory who is sent home. It is actually somewhat surprising because Tori is about 100 times better looking. I guess AI isn’t as shallow as I am.
Two dudes are also left for one spot – Andrew Garcia and a rather large 16 year old black kid who is a total momma’s boy. And boy is that momma obnoxious. There is no suspense here because they have been pushing Andrew and his Danny Gokey Collection glasses for the past month. And of course Andrew is kept and the kid is sent home like we predicted. But on the Brightside the kid is good and only 16 so he can try next year. And maybe by then he will have cut the apron strings from mom...who just followed him into the can.
So 17 more got through tonight to complete our Top 24 and it doesn’t include Mary Powers – are those angels singing? Many weeks to go until we get to our winner. Stay tuned and check back in a few days to see the Top 24 ranked.
This is the very unofficial blog of promoting and encouraging voting for Siobhan Magnus - more on that later
Can you believe that show was two hours last night? How am I supposed to watch curling, luge and men's figure skating? :P That was 2 very painful hours. Lots of cliches from Seabiscuit about how "lives will be changed" and "futures decided" (I am furiously rolling my eyes). And boy do I miss Paula. Randy is just there, Ellen adds nothing at all, Simon seems to be going a bit soft and seems disinterested in his last season and Kara is one of the most annoying people to ever walk the planet. Is it wrong to wish a stage light would fall on her during Lent? Sigh - I thought so.
With tonight only being an hour I am hopeful they will give us the rest of the 24 without too much pain and suffering. Hopeful but not confident.
My week will be made if Mary “Demon Woman” Powers doesn’t make it. Besides doing the fake hard-rock mom retinue – grow up honey you are old – she is mean, overbearing and obnoxious.
First to get through is a very leggy blonde Janelle Wheeler. It’s gonna be tough keep all the blondes straight this year.
Next up we get Tyler Grady (who Kara fawns over) who makes it also. He’s a late 60’s early 70’s Robert Plant wannabe who I happen to like.
Lacey Brown made it pretty far last season and this season she’s going even farther. Thankfully we finally got a none-blonde. Lacey has a cool look and good voice so hopefully she will be around for quite awhile just so everyone doesn’t look the same.
Ashley Rodriguez, Alex Lambert and Joe something or other are all put through in less than 30 seconds….FOX must be in a hurry to sell some more ads.
They spend a few minutes putting through a girl who needs to shower by the name of Crystal Bowersox. Maybe she should hook up with Casey James our other non-bathing contestant.
Its got to be time to whack a few people. But first they are letting Sob Story #42 go on. (Katie Stevens Grandma with dementia) Ellen Degenerate tries to do the old American Idol fake-out hahaha we have never seen that one before Ellen. Good one, you got us. But of course we are too seasoned and wise and are soon on to Ellen and her zaniness.
Next on the hot seat is Angela “Sob Story #258”. Her sob story is actually heart-rending. Kara the bizarre goes and sits on the chair with her, interesting I would have guessed Ellen would have snuggled up to the chick. But alas Angela is sent home.
Lilly “I got this hair dye on sale” Scott makes the long walk to the chair of judgment. Kara, who would be pretty if she never spoke again, rambles in a Paula like fashion for awhile before telling her the good news.
Then what seems like 100 people are given the green light in machine-gun fashion. Including the official #1 contestant of Sardonic Catholic Dad, Siobhan Magnus. More on her in coming weeks. I didn’t catch the names of the others but we can catch up on that another time.
As an aside Randy has been very quiet tonight and Seafoam hasn’t been annoying...maybe its an Ash Wednesday gift.
2 chicks left neither of whom I care for but the winner is Yvonne or Paige or heck I can't remember her name, and a girl named Tory who is sent home. It is actually somewhat surprising because Tori is about 100 times better looking. I guess AI isn’t as shallow as I am.
Two dudes are also left for one spot – Andrew Garcia and a rather large 16 year old black kid who is a total momma’s boy. And boy is that momma obnoxious. There is no suspense here because they have been pushing Andrew and his Danny Gokey Collection glasses for the past month. And of course Andrew is kept and the kid is sent home like we predicted. But on the Brightside the kid is good and only 16 so he can try next year. And maybe by then he will have cut the apron strings from mom...who just followed him into the can.
So 17 more got through tonight to complete our Top 24 and it doesn’t include Mary Powers – are those angels singing? Many weeks to go until we get to our winner. Stay tuned and check back in a few days to see the Top 24 ranked.
This is the very unofficial blog of promoting and encouraging voting for Siobhan Magnus - more on that later
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Today's Workouts
Time of Day: 12:30pm
Weather: 32, windy, cloudy
Distance: 10.29 miles
Time 1:32:54 Pace: 9:02
Running Shoes: Asics DS Trainer 13
Back Pain: 2
Comments: Slow but at least it was outside. To many cars and to little cleared roads
Weather: 32, windy, cloudy
Distance: 10.29 miles
Time 1:32:54 Pace: 9:02
Running Shoes: Asics DS Trainer 13
Back Pain: 2
Comments: Slow but at least it was outside. To many cars and to little cleared roads
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Top 10 Set of New Judges for American Idol
Top 10 set of 3 judges who would be better than Kara, Ellen and Randy when Simon leaves.
With the coming departure of Simon the Terrible next year and with Ellen having signed a multi-year contract, we appear to be stuck with the triumvirate of Kara the Annoying, Randy the Forgettable and Ellen the D......um moving right along. So unless Fox decides to shake things up, this is what we are in for next season (yes I know this season is just underway but I've been snowed-in for days so humor me).
Out of the kindness of my heart and to try and stay sane and occupy myself during these white-times and not stick my tongue in a light socket, I have come up with my Top 10 set of judges to replace the current crop. Other suggestions are always welcome.
The Jonas Brothers - Even after Joe's lackluster performance as a guest judge I'd still pick them
Snap, Crackle and Pop - Ok so they aren't as cool as the Trix Rabbit but they are funnier and better looking than the current gang of three
Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil - Of course if they are judges they Will have to hear, see and speak evil
Charlie's Angels - They would up the male demographic category of age 10-100 tremendously
Larry Darryl and Darryl - can you really have too much of Larry, his brother Darryl and his other brother Darryl? Well no you can't
Huey, Dewey and Louie - Ducks are awesome plus you could have a guest judge appearance by Donald
The Bee Gees - Yes I realize that one of them is dead...or is it two? Really not sure...it doesn't matter anyway...I'd still take them over the current crop
The Three Amigos - The IQ total just went up for the judges group
The Three Stooges - Who doesn't like the Stooges?
The Brady Bunch Girls - What you thought I was gonna suggest the boys? Get real
With the coming departure of Simon the Terrible next year and with Ellen having signed a multi-year contract, we appear to be stuck with the triumvirate of Kara the Annoying, Randy the Forgettable and Ellen the D......um moving right along. So unless Fox decides to shake things up, this is what we are in for next season (yes I know this season is just underway but I've been snowed-in for days so humor me).
Out of the kindness of my heart and to try and stay sane and occupy myself during these white-times and not stick my tongue in a light socket, I have come up with my Top 10 set of judges to replace the current crop. Other suggestions are always welcome.
The Jonas Brothers - Even after Joe's lackluster performance as a guest judge I'd still pick them
Snap, Crackle and Pop - Ok so they aren't as cool as the Trix Rabbit but they are funnier and better looking than the current gang of three
Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil - Of course if they are judges they Will have to hear, see and speak evil
Charlie's Angels - They would up the male demographic category of age 10-100 tremendously
Larry Darryl and Darryl - can you really have too much of Larry, his brother Darryl and his other brother Darryl? Well no you can't
Huey, Dewey and Louie - Ducks are awesome plus you could have a guest judge appearance by Donald
The Bee Gees - Yes I realize that one of them is dead...or is it two? Really not sure...it doesn't matter anyway...I'd still take them over the current crop
The Three Amigos - The IQ total just went up for the judges group
The Three Stooges - Who doesn't like the Stooges?
The Brady Bunch Girls - What you thought I was gonna suggest the boys? Get real
Monday, February 15, 2010
Today's Workouts
Time of Day: 12:00pm
Weather: n/a on the dreadmill due to road conditions
Distance: 8 miles
Time 1:04:30 Pace: 8:04
Running Shoes: Newton
Back Pain: 3
Comments: 2 mile warm-up (8:57pace) with 4x30 second striders, 4X1 mile with 1/4 mile jog between each mile. Mile splits 7:14, 7:09, 7:04, 6:59. 1/4 mile jogs at 8:57. 1.25 mile cool down at 8:57 pace.
Weather: n/a on the dreadmill due to road conditions
Distance: 8 miles
Time 1:04:30 Pace: 8:04
Running Shoes: Newton
Back Pain: 3
Comments: 2 mile warm-up (8:57pace) with 4x30 second striders, 4X1 mile with 1/4 mile jog between each mile. Mile splits 7:14, 7:09, 7:04, 6:59. 1/4 mile jogs at 8:57. 1.25 mile cool down at 8:57 pace.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Today's Workouts
Saturday
Time of Day: 2:00pm
Weather: n/a on the dreadmill due to road conditions
Distance: 8 miles
Time 1:10:00
Running Shoes: Newton
Back Pain: 1
Comments:
Sunday
Time of Day: 8:00am
Weather: n/a on the dreadmill due to road conditions
Distance: 4 miles
Time 35:30 Pace: 8:50
Running Shoes: Zoot Ultra Tempo 2.0
Back Pain: 1
Comments:
Time of Day: 2:00pm
Weather: n/a on the dreadmill due to road conditions
Distance: 8 miles
Time 1:10:00
Running Shoes: Newton
Back Pain: 1
Comments:
Sunday
Time of Day: 8:00am
Weather: n/a on the dreadmill due to road conditions
Distance: 4 miles
Time 35:30 Pace: 8:50
Running Shoes: Zoot Ultra Tempo 2.0
Back Pain: 1
Comments:
Friday, February 12, 2010
Today's Workouts
Time of Day: 11:00am
Weather: n/a on the dreadmill due to road conditions
Distance: 18.05 miles
Time 2:39:24 Pace: 8:50
Running Shoes: K-Swiss K-ona
Back Pain: 1
Comments: 18 stinking miles on the treadmill. The treadmill is in a finished section of the garage with no heat yet still I had to open the window next to the treadmill and I was still sweating like the proverbial whore in church. Every 5 minutes I varied the speed and/or the incline. I need a drink or three.
Weather: n/a on the dreadmill due to road conditions
Distance: 18.05 miles
Time 2:39:24 Pace: 8:50
Running Shoes: K-Swiss K-ona
Back Pain: 1
Comments: 18 stinking miles on the treadmill. The treadmill is in a finished section of the garage with no heat yet still I had to open the window next to the treadmill and I was still sweating like the proverbial whore in church. Every 5 minutes I varied the speed and/or the incline. I need a drink or three.
How Adam Got Eve
Adam was hanging around the garden of Eden feeling very lonely...
So, God asked him, 'What's wrong with you?'
Adam said he didn't have anyone to talk to.
God said that He was going to make Adam a companion.
And that it would be a woman.
He said, 'This pretty lady will gather food for you, she will cook for you.
And when you discover clothing, she will wash them for you.
She will always agree with every decision you make and she will not nag you.
And will always be the first to admit she was wrong when you’ve had a disagreement.
She will praise you!
She will bear your children.
And never ask you to get up in the middle of the night to take care of them.
'She will NEVER have a headache and will freely give you love whenever you need it.'
Adam asked God, 'What will a woman like this cost?'
'An arm and a leg.'
Then Adam asked, 'What can I get for a rib?'
Of course the rest is history
So, God asked him, 'What's wrong with you?'
Adam said he didn't have anyone to talk to.
God said that He was going to make Adam a companion.
And that it would be a woman.
He said, 'This pretty lady will gather food for you, she will cook for you.
And when you discover clothing, she will wash them for you.
She will always agree with every decision you make and she will not nag you.
And will always be the first to admit she was wrong when you’ve had a disagreement.
She will praise you!
She will bear your children.
And never ask you to get up in the middle of the night to take care of them.
'She will NEVER have a headache and will freely give you love whenever you need it.'
Adam asked God, 'What will a woman like this cost?'
'An arm and a leg.'
Then Adam asked, 'What can I get for a rib?'
Of course the rest is history
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Today's Workouts
Time of Day: 2:00pm
Weather: n/a on the dreadmill due to road conditions
Distance: 6.2 miles
Time 54:24 Pace: 8:46
Running Shoes: Zoot Ultra Tempo 2
Back Pain: 6
Comments: Back pain was bad but not from the normal troubles I have been having for the past 4 months. It was sore from shoveling all this damn snow off my driveway, my roof, neighbors driveways etc...
Weather: n/a on the dreadmill due to road conditions
Distance: 6.2 miles
Time 54:24 Pace: 8:46
Running Shoes: Zoot Ultra Tempo 2
Back Pain: 6
Comments: Back pain was bad but not from the normal troubles I have been having for the past 4 months. It was sore from shoveling all this damn snow off my driveway, my roof, neighbors driveways etc...
Today's Reading
and now a brief spiritual interlude.
With apologies to King David - from various sources
PSALM 2010
Obama is the shepherd I did not want.
He leadeth me beside the still factories.
He restoreth my faith in the Republican party.
He guideth me in the path of unemployment for his party's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the bread line,
I shall fear no hunger, for his bailouts are with me.
He has anointed my income with taxes,
My expenses runneth over.
Surely, poverty and hard living will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will live in a mortgaged home forever.
I am glad I am American,
I am glad that I am free.
But I wish I was a dog...
And Obama was a tree.
With apologies to King David - from various sources
PSALM 2010
Obama is the shepherd I did not want.
He leadeth me beside the still factories.
He restoreth my faith in the Republican party.
He guideth me in the path of unemployment for his party's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the bread line,
I shall fear no hunger, for his bailouts are with me.
He has anointed my income with taxes,
My expenses runneth over.
Surely, poverty and hard living will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will live in a mortgaged home forever.
I am glad I am American,
I am glad that I am free.
But I wish I was a dog...
And Obama was a tree.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
American Idol 2010
Seacrest welcomes us back to Hell Week. And he might be right, it is Group Night – ugh – some will be tolerable, some with be great, many will be train wrecks.
What is worse than watching the group performances? Watching them organize their groups, pick their names (Idol and the Idolettes, Sexual Chocolate, Ellen and the Eves) and select a song.
Minutes that seem like hours go by and we watch more seemingly staged drama.
Big Mike, whose wife is delivering their first baby (what are you doing in Hollywood dude?) is shown chatting with her. Internet rumors (so it must be true) have it that Big Mike makes it to the Top 24 and then gets the boot. We are treated to a play-by-play of it. Man I hope the rumors are true and he is gone.
How and the heck are you supposed to tell who is good when they are all singing together?
Big Mike’s team is up (Team Awesome) what a self-serving pompous name. Hopefully most of them get kicked out just for selecting that name. You don’t gloss yourself. That is for others to do. Well half of them get sent packing. Better than nothing.
Neapolitan and Destiny’s Wild are having a feud cause each are singing the same song and Neapolitan stole their ideas. Full disclosure – a friend’s niece (Siobhan) is on Destiny’s Wild. But I can still be objective in my critique of the blood-sucking leeches that are Neapolitan - truly I can.
Sadly the back-stabbing Neapolitans are all put through. A pox upon them and the judges.
Destiny’s Wild kicks it great. They were awesome sounding. Much better than the others. And the judges keep all of them. Even the white dude who is more than a bit light in the loafers gets through. Let’s hear it for DW and the awesomeness that is Siobhan!!!!!
Isn't she cute?
Some who are cut beg and whine. Man up dudes. Simon tells them “not to beg”. Here Here Simon.
Katie, Andrew, and Casey all make it onward. They were some of my favorites from last night so its good to see that I have gotten a few things correct.
The Dreamers go last with the awful and overbearing Mary Powers. If there is a God in heaven (and there is) she is toast. But it also has Hope who is one of my favorites. Well God is punishing us with Mary for a bit longer. She is even snarky in her interview afterwards – the girl is evil, evil I tell you. she even looks a bit like a demon. Look at her picture below. Whenever I see it I want to put a string of garlic around my neck, grab some holy water and speed-dial 1-800-exorcist.
Sadly Group night is over (dancing around the room and clicking my heels). Next week we winnow the group further.
As always feel free to leave comments – Good, Bad and Ugly are all welcome. But please remember this is the home of Team Siobhan. Dis her at your own risk. For I shall hunt you down, cut your eyelids off and force you to look at pictures of a nude Ellen DeGeneres - don’t ask why I have those.
Adios, God Bless and goodnight
What is worse than watching the group performances? Watching them organize their groups, pick their names (Idol and the Idolettes, Sexual Chocolate, Ellen and the Eves) and select a song.
Minutes that seem like hours go by and we watch more seemingly staged drama.
Big Mike, whose wife is delivering their first baby (what are you doing in Hollywood dude?) is shown chatting with her. Internet rumors (so it must be true) have it that Big Mike makes it to the Top 24 and then gets the boot. We are treated to a play-by-play of it. Man I hope the rumors are true and he is gone.
How and the heck are you supposed to tell who is good when they are all singing together?
Big Mike’s team is up (Team Awesome) what a self-serving pompous name. Hopefully most of them get kicked out just for selecting that name. You don’t gloss yourself. That is for others to do. Well half of them get sent packing. Better than nothing.
Neapolitan and Destiny’s Wild are having a feud cause each are singing the same song and Neapolitan stole their ideas. Full disclosure – a friend’s niece (Siobhan) is on Destiny’s Wild. But I can still be objective in my critique of the blood-sucking leeches that are Neapolitan - truly I can.
Sadly the back-stabbing Neapolitans are all put through. A pox upon them and the judges.
Destiny’s Wild kicks it great. They were awesome sounding. Much better than the others. And the judges keep all of them. Even the white dude who is more than a bit light in the loafers gets through. Let’s hear it for DW and the awesomeness that is Siobhan!!!!!
Isn't she cute?
Some who are cut beg and whine. Man up dudes. Simon tells them “not to beg”. Here Here Simon.
Katie, Andrew, and Casey all make it onward. They were some of my favorites from last night so its good to see that I have gotten a few things correct.
The Dreamers go last with the awful and overbearing Mary Powers. If there is a God in heaven (and there is) she is toast. But it also has Hope who is one of my favorites. Well God is punishing us with Mary for a bit longer. She is even snarky in her interview afterwards – the girl is evil, evil I tell you. she even looks a bit like a demon. Look at her picture below. Whenever I see it I want to put a string of garlic around my neck, grab some holy water and speed-dial 1-800-exorcist.
Sadly Group night is over (dancing around the room and clicking my heels). Next week we winnow the group further.
As always feel free to leave comments – Good, Bad and Ugly are all welcome. But please remember this is the home of Team Siobhan. Dis her at your own risk. For I shall hunt you down, cut your eyelids off and force you to look at pictures of a nude Ellen DeGeneres - don’t ask why I have those.
Adios, God Bless and goodnight
Today's Workouts
Another day another snow storm - I'm about to go Shining on the family.
Run #1
Time of Day: 1:00pm
Weather: Heavy snow, 21 degrees, windchill 5, winds 20-30mph gusting to 40
Distance: 5.52 miles
Time 52:42 Pace: 9:33
Running Shoes: Asics Trail Attack
Back Pain: 2
Comments: Wore the shoes with the screws again. Stopped at the halfway point to return a video (Julie and Julia - chick flick, nuff said) at the Redbox at Giant Food. They were actually open and had a few customers.
Does this running outfit make my hips look fat?
Run #1
Time of Day: 1:00pm
Weather: Heavy snow, 21 degrees, windchill 5, winds 20-30mph gusting to 40
Distance: 5.52 miles
Time 52:42 Pace: 9:33
Running Shoes: Asics Trail Attack
Back Pain: 2
Comments: Wore the shoes with the screws again. Stopped at the halfway point to return a video (Julie and Julia - chick flick, nuff said) at the Redbox at Giant Food. They were actually open and had a few customers.
Does this running outfit make my hips look fat?
Today's Workouts
Date 2/9/10
Run #1
Time of Day: 9:00am
Weather: n/a indoor on treadmill
Distance: 3.69 miles
Time 32:45 Pace: 8:50
Running Shoes: New Balance
Back Pain: 2
Comments: I hate the treadmill but the roads are still bad and even if I run on them there is no shoulders or sidewalks to escape the cars.
Run #2
Time of Day: 10:00pm
Weather: snow/sleet/freezing rain
Distance: 7.06 miles
Time 1:09:51 Pace: 9:54
Running Shoes: Asics Trail Attack with screws added
Back Pain: 2
Comments: Night time run in heavy snow which changed to sleet and freezing rain half way through the run. 3 inches on the ground so far heading to 10 inches or so. This on top of the 27 inches we had on Saturday. To increase traction I screwed about a dozen screws into the soles of my running shoes. They helped quite a bit.
Run #1
Time of Day: 9:00am
Weather: n/a indoor on treadmill
Distance: 3.69 miles
Time 32:45 Pace: 8:50
Running Shoes: New Balance
Back Pain: 2
Comments: I hate the treadmill but the roads are still bad and even if I run on them there is no shoulders or sidewalks to escape the cars.
Run #2
Time of Day: 10:00pm
Weather: snow/sleet/freezing rain
Distance: 7.06 miles
Time 1:09:51 Pace: 9:54
Running Shoes: Asics Trail Attack with screws added
Back Pain: 2
Comments: Night time run in heavy snow which changed to sleet and freezing rain half way through the run. 3 inches on the ground so far heading to 10 inches or so. This on top of the 27 inches we had on Saturday. To increase traction I screwed about a dozen screws into the soles of my running shoes. They helped quite a bit.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
American Idol 2010
Ok the sob stories, horrendous auditions and sometimes even worse guest judges are all a thing of the past. Its Hollywood week, where all those who got through at least have some tale...we hope.
We also, for better or worse, get our first glimpse of Ellen as Paula’s replacement. I never thought I’d say it but after watching all the guest judges and putting up with Kara (and Randy to a lesser degree – speaking of lesser, does anyone else think Randy has shrunk?) I actually miss Paula and all her loopy sappiness. But with a bit of prayer and a good stiff drink or two, we will all get through this together. Besides we are getting blasted with yet another snowstorm so what else is there to do?
I can’t type anywhere near fast enough or accurate enough to comment on everyone tonight. I maxed out at about 25 words per minute in 10th grade typing class. But I’ll try and give a few highlights of some of the singers until we get down to the Top 24.
Seacrest is looking dapper and well-groomed for the start of Hollywood week. From looking at the preview we are going to have lots of crying tonight – sigh.
So they have a choice, sing acapella or with an instrument. I take back what I said about the sob stories. First up is the 17yo girl, Katie, with the grandmother with dementia. The judges like her. And next is the annoying but entertainer, Skiiboski, he’s ok. Not great but I’d keep him for the laughs. Ellen is afraid of him. And he doesn’t make it through but leaves with a bang.
I brief montage of Simon and Ellen hammering people. Not a pretty thought.
Andrew is singing a Paula Abdul song with his guitar. Never heard this song before but I’m digging Andrew – not in an Ellen sort of way. Kara and the other judges love it too. Oh to have Paula here at this moment. She would be going totally cougar on poor Andrew. I can picture her now - standing, dancing, swaying, her magic coca-cola cup with its mystery contents in one hand. Andrew is totally Top 24 material. As a matter of fact I'm gonna go out on an early limb and say he will make the Top 12. I mean really what do I have to lose?
Up next is the ‘hickish’ girl, Vanessa, whose voice I loved during the auditions. If she cannot lose it emotionally she will go far. We get a look at where she is from so obviously she is getting through to another round. Now I’m not a country fan at ALL but there is something about her voice that is haunting. Whoa my first (of many) big mistake of the season. Vanessa is sent home!!!!
My next favorite is a young lady with a guitar by the name of Janell. I'm going out on a second limb (I have lots of them) and picking Janell for the Top 12 too. Its not like anyone reads this and is going to hold me accountable.
After her we get a bunch of lousy ones in a row. Lousy as in, what were the judges thinking during the auditions? You gotta ask why they sent these people through in the first place. Why do the judges get mad at the bad performances when they shouldn’t have sent them there. is the talent in America getting tapped out? is that why Simon is leaving?
Haely Vaughn is next. A 16 year old girl with a voice a LOT older than that. Very different but in a good way. and now a “geezer”, 28 year old Mary Powers, another girl with a strong voice. And both are getting to hang out a bit more.
Day 2
Lilly Scott, her of the white hair, is doing an Ella Fitzgerald song and doing it well. And the judges agree with me. I'm picking Lilly for at least the Top 24.
Next up is Michael Lynche whose wife is in labor. He is ginormous and good. And gets through. If my wife was in labor and I was across the country in Hollywood hanging out with pretty singers.....lets just say Lorena Bobbit would look like a nun compared to what Sam would do to me.
Justin, a cancer survivor, is singing at the piano. Is it ok to say I hated his singing? I mean its not like he has a dead wife or something – thankfully we are being spared that this year. The judges are with me and send Justin home.
Maddie Curtis a 16yo who has a bunch of brother’s with Down’s syndrome does an average job but is cute and well dressed. Will she get through? Alas no.
Casey a bluesy dude rocks it with a guitar and thankfully keeps is shirt on this time, unlike during the auditions. Another Top 24 candidate.
Didi aka Dread-Girl is singing a Kara song. First a Paula song and now a Kara song? I'm glad no one is singing an Ellen song. But Didi is great. Another potential Top 24 or better singer.
There were one or two other great ones tonight but I was yakking on the phone and missed the names.
So we are slowly narrowing it down towards our 12 males and 12 females that will make up the Top 24.
Ok so Ellen Degenerate wasn’t horrible, if nothing else they featured her a lot this first night so that meant very little screen time for the Darth Kara.
We also, for better or worse, get our first glimpse of Ellen as Paula’s replacement. I never thought I’d say it but after watching all the guest judges and putting up with Kara (and Randy to a lesser degree – speaking of lesser, does anyone else think Randy has shrunk?) I actually miss Paula and all her loopy sappiness. But with a bit of prayer and a good stiff drink or two, we will all get through this together. Besides we are getting blasted with yet another snowstorm so what else is there to do?
I can’t type anywhere near fast enough or accurate enough to comment on everyone tonight. I maxed out at about 25 words per minute in 10th grade typing class. But I’ll try and give a few highlights of some of the singers until we get down to the Top 24.
Seacrest is looking dapper and well-groomed for the start of Hollywood week. From looking at the preview we are going to have lots of crying tonight – sigh.
So they have a choice, sing acapella or with an instrument. I take back what I said about the sob stories. First up is the 17yo girl, Katie, with the grandmother with dementia. The judges like her. And next is the annoying but entertainer, Skiiboski, he’s ok. Not great but I’d keep him for the laughs. Ellen is afraid of him. And he doesn’t make it through but leaves with a bang.
I brief montage of Simon and Ellen hammering people. Not a pretty thought.
Andrew is singing a Paula Abdul song with his guitar. Never heard this song before but I’m digging Andrew – not in an Ellen sort of way. Kara and the other judges love it too. Oh to have Paula here at this moment. She would be going totally cougar on poor Andrew. I can picture her now - standing, dancing, swaying, her magic coca-cola cup with its mystery contents in one hand. Andrew is totally Top 24 material. As a matter of fact I'm gonna go out on an early limb and say he will make the Top 12. I mean really what do I have to lose?
Up next is the ‘hickish’ girl, Vanessa, whose voice I loved during the auditions. If she cannot lose it emotionally she will go far. We get a look at where she is from so obviously she is getting through to another round. Now I’m not a country fan at ALL but there is something about her voice that is haunting. Whoa my first (of many) big mistake of the season. Vanessa is sent home!!!!
My next favorite is a young lady with a guitar by the name of Janell. I'm going out on a second limb (I have lots of them) and picking Janell for the Top 12 too. Its not like anyone reads this and is going to hold me accountable.
After her we get a bunch of lousy ones in a row. Lousy as in, what were the judges thinking during the auditions? You gotta ask why they sent these people through in the first place. Why do the judges get mad at the bad performances when they shouldn’t have sent them there. is the talent in America getting tapped out? is that why Simon is leaving?
Haely Vaughn is next. A 16 year old girl with a voice a LOT older than that. Very different but in a good way. and now a “geezer”, 28 year old Mary Powers, another girl with a strong voice. And both are getting to hang out a bit more.
Day 2
Lilly Scott, her of the white hair, is doing an Ella Fitzgerald song and doing it well. And the judges agree with me. I'm picking Lilly for at least the Top 24.
Next up is Michael Lynche whose wife is in labor. He is ginormous and good. And gets through. If my wife was in labor and I was across the country in Hollywood hanging out with pretty singers.....lets just say Lorena Bobbit would look like a nun compared to what Sam would do to me.
Justin, a cancer survivor, is singing at the piano. Is it ok to say I hated his singing? I mean its not like he has a dead wife or something – thankfully we are being spared that this year. The judges are with me and send Justin home.
Maddie Curtis a 16yo who has a bunch of brother’s with Down’s syndrome does an average job but is cute and well dressed. Will she get through? Alas no.
Casey a bluesy dude rocks it with a guitar and thankfully keeps is shirt on this time, unlike during the auditions. Another Top 24 candidate.
Didi aka Dread-Girl is singing a Kara song. First a Paula song and now a Kara song? I'm glad no one is singing an Ellen song. But Didi is great. Another potential Top 24 or better singer.
There were one or two other great ones tonight but I was yakking on the phone and missed the names.
So we are slowly narrowing it down towards our 12 males and 12 females that will make up the Top 24.
Ok so Ellen Degenerate wasn’t horrible, if nothing else they featured her a lot this first night so that meant very little screen time for the Darth Kara.
Today's Workouts
Actually yesterdays...
Date 2/8/10
Run #1
Time of Day: 9:30am
Weather: n/a indoor on treadmill
Distance: 3.34 miles
Time 30:00 Pace: 8:57
Running Shoes: Newton
Back Pain: 1
Comments: I hate the treadmill but the roads are still bad and even if I run on them there is no shoulders or sidewalks to escape the cars.
Run #2
Time of Day: 3:30pm
Weather: n/a indoor on treadmill
Distance: 7.25 miles
Time 59:00 Pace: 8:08
Running Shoes: Zoot Ultra Tempos 2.0
Back Pain: 1
Comments: See above about treadmill and roads. To releave the boredom of the treadmill I did the following workout: 2 mile warmup, 6 x 1/2 mile hard at 7:00 pace with 1/4 mile recovery jog at 9:00 pace inbetween each one, 1 mile cool down.
Date 2/8/10
Run #1
Time of Day: 9:30am
Weather: n/a indoor on treadmill
Distance: 3.34 miles
Time 30:00 Pace: 8:57
Running Shoes: Newton
Back Pain: 1
Comments: I hate the treadmill but the roads are still bad and even if I run on them there is no shoulders or sidewalks to escape the cars.
Run #2
Time of Day: 3:30pm
Weather: n/a indoor on treadmill
Distance: 7.25 miles
Time 59:00 Pace: 8:08
Running Shoes: Zoot Ultra Tempos 2.0
Back Pain: 1
Comments: See above about treadmill and roads. To releave the boredom of the treadmill I did the following workout: 2 mile warmup, 6 x 1/2 mile hard at 7:00 pace with 1/4 mile recovery jog at 9:00 pace inbetween each one, 1 mile cool down.
Guilty Pleasures
Books:
Grisham, Clancy, King and Kellerman novels
Music on my iPod:
Rush, Journey, Prince, Black-eyed Peas, Goo Goo Dolls, Kelly Clarkson
TV shows:
American Idol, Biggest Loser, 24
Movies:
Planet of the Apes, Star Wars, 80’s Teen movies (Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink etc…), Arnold Schwarzenegger movies
Friends:
The Donk
Food:
5-guys French Fries, Pork Rinds. Cheesecakes, key-lime pie
Grisham, Clancy, King and Kellerman novels
Music on my iPod:
Rush, Journey, Prince, Black-eyed Peas, Goo Goo Dolls, Kelly Clarkson
TV shows:
American Idol, Biggest Loser, 24
Movies:
Planet of the Apes, Star Wars, 80’s Teen movies (Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink etc…), Arnold Schwarzenegger movies
Friends:
The Donk
Food:
5-guys French Fries, Pork Rinds. Cheesecakes, key-lime pie
Monday, February 8, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Today's Workouts
Date 2/5/10
Time of Day: 10:30pm
Weather: 32, windy and heavy snow
Distance: 5.11 miles
Time 50:28 Pace: 9:53
Running Shoes: Asics Trail Attack shoes
Back Pain: 1
Comments: Second run of the day (20+ total for the whole day). 8-10 inches of snow on the ground and its coming down like crazy. They have declared a blizzard warning for our county for the next 24 hours We are supposedly getting 18-24 inches total when all is said and done. Should make for interesting running this weekend.
Here are a couple of pictures at the end of the run.
Time of Day: 10:30pm
Weather: 32, windy and heavy snow
Distance: 5.11 miles
Time 50:28 Pace: 9:53
Running Shoes: Asics Trail Attack shoes
Back Pain: 1
Comments: Second run of the day (20+ total for the whole day). 8-10 inches of snow on the ground and its coming down like crazy. They have declared a blizzard warning for our county for the next 24 hours We are supposedly getting 18-24 inches total when all is said and done. Should make for interesting running this weekend.
Here are a couple of pictures at the end of the run.
2010 List of Banished Words
From Lake Superior State University Who knew there was such a school? Probably great weather (for 2 weeks in the summer).
SHOVEL-READY
TRANSPARENT/TRANSPARENCY
CZAR
TWEET
APP
SEXTING
FRIEND AS A VERB
TEACHABLE MOMENT
IN THESE ECONOMIC TIMES...
STIMULUS
TOXIC ASSET
TOO BIG TO FAIL
BROMANCE
CHILLAXIN'
OBAMA-prefix or roots?
SHOVEL-READY
TRANSPARENT/TRANSPARENCY
CZAR
TWEET
APP
SEXTING
FRIEND AS A VERB
TEACHABLE MOMENT
IN THESE ECONOMIC TIMES...
STIMULUS
TOXIC ASSET
TOO BIG TO FAIL
BROMANCE
CHILLAXIN'
OBAMA-prefix or roots?
Friday, February 5, 2010
Today's Workouts
Date 2/5/10
Time of Day: 6:00am
Weather: 30 and dark
Distance: 15.08 miles
Time 2:11:47 Pace: 8:45
Running Shoes: Saucony Tangent 3
Back Pain: 2
Comments: Early morning longish run. Decided to get it in before the "blizzard" hits here. Legs were sore and sluggish on the first 7 miles. Pace picked up and legs loosened up on the second half of the run. Got back in time to have a recovery drink and take a 12-minute ice-bath. Man that was cold today. About 5lbs of ice and cold water out of the tap. I was in pain after a minute, shivering after 2 minutes and numb for the last 6 minutes. It was worth because I'll be walking fine today and ready to run tomorrow instead of limping around like a geezer waiting for ObamaCare to give him a hip replacement. Ice-baths are a special kinda torture that I save for runs of 15+ miles.
Time of Day: 6:00am
Weather: 30 and dark
Distance: 15.08 miles
Time 2:11:47 Pace: 8:45
Running Shoes: Saucony Tangent 3
Back Pain: 2
Comments: Early morning longish run. Decided to get it in before the "blizzard" hits here. Legs were sore and sluggish on the first 7 miles. Pace picked up and legs loosened up on the second half of the run. Got back in time to have a recovery drink and take a 12-minute ice-bath. Man that was cold today. About 5lbs of ice and cold water out of the tap. I was in pain after a minute, shivering after 2 minutes and numb for the last 6 minutes. It was worth because I'll be walking fine today and ready to run tomorrow instead of limping around like a geezer waiting for ObamaCare to give him a hip replacement. Ice-baths are a special kinda torture that I save for runs of 15+ miles.
Pet Peeve Phriday
People who Talk at the Movies.
I didn’t pay $10 to listen to you comment on the movie, discuss the movie with your date, ask your date questions because you can’t follow the plot (how hard is it to follow an Adam Sandler or Will Ferrell movie?), or just chat cause you are bored.
Crying, laughing, screaming in horror, clapping and cheering are allowed if the movie plot dictates.
Getting up 5 times to get your free refills of the tub of popcorn and jumbo Coke are also frowned upon. If you must do this to feel like you are getting your money’s worth from your $14 popcron and $9 soda then plese get an aisle seat.
Also to be discouraged is making-out and groping like white-trash…unless the movie is really truly awful. But may I suggest in that case going home or at least out to your car.
I didn’t pay $10 to listen to you comment on the movie, discuss the movie with your date, ask your date questions because you can’t follow the plot (how hard is it to follow an Adam Sandler or Will Ferrell movie?), or just chat cause you are bored.
Crying, laughing, screaming in horror, clapping and cheering are allowed if the movie plot dictates.
Getting up 5 times to get your free refills of the tub of popcorn and jumbo Coke are also frowned upon. If you must do this to feel like you are getting your money’s worth from your $14 popcron and $9 soda then plese get an aisle seat.
Also to be discouraged is making-out and groping like white-trash…unless the movie is really truly awful. But may I suggest in that case going home or at least out to your car.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Today's Workouts
Date 2/4/10
Time of Day: 11:15am
Weather: 40 and sunny
Distance: 7 miles
Time 1:02:09 Pace: 8:53
Running Shoes: Asics DS Trainer 14
Back Pain: 2
Comments: Wore shorts since it was sunny and not too cold. With the impending "blizzard" heading this way I figured this might the last time for awhile to wear them. Kept the pace nice and easy to give the legs a rest.
Time of Day: 11:15am
Weather: 40 and sunny
Distance: 7 miles
Time 1:02:09 Pace: 8:53
Running Shoes: Asics DS Trainer 14
Back Pain: 2
Comments: Wore shorts since it was sunny and not too cold. With the impending "blizzard" heading this way I figured this might the last time for awhile to wear them. Kept the pace nice and easy to give the legs a rest.
State of the Union
Over five thousand years ago, Moses said to the children of Israel "pick up your shovel, mount your asses and camels, and I will lead you to the promised land".
Nearly 75 years ago, Roosevelt said, "Lay down your shovels, sit on your asses, and light up a camel, this is the promised land".
Now Obama has stolen your shovel, taxed your asses, raised the price of camels, and mortgaged the promised land!
Furthermore, I was so depressed last night thinking about Health Care Plans, the economy, the wars, lost jobs, savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc...I called Lifeline, the suicide help line. Got a freakin' call center in Pakistan. I told them I was suicidal.
They got all excited and asked if I could drive a truck...
Nearly 75 years ago, Roosevelt said, "Lay down your shovels, sit on your asses, and light up a camel, this is the promised land".
Now Obama has stolen your shovel, taxed your asses, raised the price of camels, and mortgaged the promised land!
Furthermore, I was so depressed last night thinking about Health Care Plans, the economy, the wars, lost jobs, savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc...I called Lifeline, the suicide help line. Got a freakin' call center in Pakistan. I told them I was suicidal.
They got all excited and asked if I could drive a truck...
Today's Workouts
Date 2/3/10
Time of Day: 12:30pm
Weather: 35 and sunny
Distance: 7.08 miles
Time 58:11 Pace: 8:13
Running Shoes: Newtons
Back Pain: 1
Comments: Nice faced paced run
Time of Day: 12:30pm
Weather: 35 and sunny
Distance: 7.08 miles
Time 58:11 Pace: 8:13
Running Shoes: Newtons
Back Pain: 1
Comments: Nice faced paced run
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
A Trillion Here a Trillion There...
Master Obama has come forward with a $3.8 trillion budget. $3.8 TRILLION looks like this 3,800,000,000,000.00
The amount of the budget itself is staggering. That's a lot of money. But even more staggering is the glaring omission: the Obama administration is planning to spend $1,600,000,000,000.00 it doesn't have. And that's on top of the $1.35 trillion it didn't have, but nevertheless spent, last year. Where is all this money coming from?
The amount of the budget itself is staggering. That's a lot of money. But even more staggering is the glaring omission: the Obama administration is planning to spend $1,600,000,000,000.00 it doesn't have. And that's on top of the $1.35 trillion it didn't have, but nevertheless spent, last year. Where is all this money coming from?
Today's Workouts
Weather: 35 and cloudy
Time of Day: 11:30am
Distance: 6.75 miles
Time 1:00:43 Pace: 9:00
Running Shoes: Asics DS Trainer 14
Back Pain: 2
Comments: Still paying for that long run on Sunday. Too many hills on my route here at work
Update - did a second run at 10pm cause it was snowing and looked really cool. Ran 7 miles that time.
Time of Day: 11:30am
Distance: 6.75 miles
Time 1:00:43 Pace: 9:00
Running Shoes: Asics DS Trainer 14
Back Pain: 2
Comments: Still paying for that long run on Sunday. Too many hills on my route here at work
Update - did a second run at 10pm cause it was snowing and looked really cool. Ran 7 miles that time.
Curse You Punxsutawney Phil
The stinking rat that they insist on calling a ground hog, like that makes it cuter, up in PA saw his shadow...again. 6 more weeks of winter. 6 more weeks of wearing winter clothes to run and running in slush and snow and cold rain and sleet and wind.....
Beginner Runner Tips
Start slowly. Alternate walking and running at first if need be. A track is a good place to do this. Run the straight aways and walk the curves until you can run a whole lap. Then progress from there. Just be sure to stay in the outside lanes and to go counter clockwise around.
Run on soft surface. No sidewalks – concrete is of the devil. Run on asphalt, grass, dirt, a track. Anything but concrete.
If you are going to run inside on a treadmill be careful when transitioning outside to harder surfaces, this can lead to injuries.
When running on the street run with and against the traffic. The curve/slope of the road will kill your knees if you always run facing the traffic.
If you start to build up your mileage and like running, get a good pair of shoes. Go to a local running shoe store and have them watch you run and recommend a shoe. If you like that shoe you can buy replacement shoes online.
Put 300-500 miles on a pair of shoes and then replace them.
Fancy shorts and shirts, while nice to have, are not required. Regular shorts and your old Frankie Says Relax t-shirt will work just fine.
In the winter you don’t need as many clothes as you think do. You should be cold at the start of the run.
Signup for a race. 5k would be a good distance to start. Having a goal to work towards will help you get out there when you don’t feel like it.
Run with a friend, a dog and iPod...anything that helps you pass the time.
Give it time. It usually takes a few months before running short distances is comfortable and running becomes fun.
There are plenty of resources online for beginner runners. Checkout runnersworld.com and runningtimes.com for starters.
From Couch to 5k running plan.
Run on soft surface. No sidewalks – concrete is of the devil. Run on asphalt, grass, dirt, a track. Anything but concrete.
If you are going to run inside on a treadmill be careful when transitioning outside to harder surfaces, this can lead to injuries.
When running on the street run with and against the traffic. The curve/slope of the road will kill your knees if you always run facing the traffic.
If you start to build up your mileage and like running, get a good pair of shoes. Go to a local running shoe store and have them watch you run and recommend a shoe. If you like that shoe you can buy replacement shoes online.
Put 300-500 miles on a pair of shoes and then replace them.
Fancy shorts and shirts, while nice to have, are not required. Regular shorts and your old Frankie Says Relax t-shirt will work just fine.
In the winter you don’t need as many clothes as you think do. You should be cold at the start of the run.
Signup for a race. 5k would be a good distance to start. Having a goal to work towards will help you get out there when you don’t feel like it.
Run with a friend, a dog and iPod...anything that helps you pass the time.
Give it time. It usually takes a few months before running short distances is comfortable and running becomes fun.
There are plenty of resources online for beginner runners. Checkout runnersworld.com and runningtimes.com for starters.
From Couch to 5k running plan.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Today's Workouts
Weather: 35 and sunny
Time of Day: 12:30pm
Distance: 7.18 miles
Time 2:05:00 Pace: 8:54
Running Shoes: Asics DS Trainer 13
Back Pain: 2
Comments: A bit sore today in the back and legs. Paying for yesterdays longish and fastish run. Well worth it though
Time of Day: 12:30pm
Distance: 7.18 miles
Time 2:05:00 Pace: 8:54
Running Shoes: Asics DS Trainer 13
Back Pain: 2
Comments: A bit sore today in the back and legs. Paying for yesterdays longish and fastish run. Well worth it though
Pet Peeve Phriday
People who Talk At The Movies
Look you have paid $9(and so have I - well maybe, i can still pass for a student) to see this movie so Angelina and Brad can afford to fly on their private jet to Mogadishu and adopt another cute kid and get some free publicity so shut your pie-hole during the flick.
DOn't have a conversation with your BBF. Don't holler at the people on the screen, they can't hear you.
This includes my beloved bride who likes to ask me what's going on? what's going to happen? why does that guy have an axe behind his back?
You can also add people who don't silent their cell phones, people who makeout like white-trash and old people who smell like mothballs and fall asleep and snore and drool during the flick.
Look you have paid $9(and so have I - well maybe, i can still pass for a student) to see this movie so Angelina and Brad can afford to fly on their private jet to Mogadishu and adopt another cute kid and get some free publicity so shut your pie-hole during the flick.
DOn't have a conversation with your BBF. Don't holler at the people on the screen, they can't hear you.
This includes my beloved bride who likes to ask me what's going on? what's going to happen? why does that guy have an axe behind his back?
You can also add people who don't silent their cell phones, people who makeout like white-trash and old people who smell like mothballs and fall asleep and snore and drool during the flick.
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