This race takes place in Piney Point, MD and is about 1.5 hours from my house. Piney Point is in the southern part of Maryland. It’s on the Potomac River at the point where it enters the Chesapeake Bay. This is a low-key event that only allows 200 runners in it. Not that many people want to run high mileage over the winter to do a marathon this early in the year anyway. The race did sellout a few days before the race date. The race starts and finishes on the campus of a Seamanship School. They have a dining hall and put on a mean post-race buffet for the runners that is supposed to be scrumptious. In the lobby of the main building on the campus is a cigarette machine. It has been years since I’ve seen one of those. I was pretty sure the nanny-state had outlawed them. But we are at a seamanship school and we are in tobacco farm country.
It’s an inexpensive race without a lot of frills. The mileage markers on the road were orange construction paper that someone had written numbers on with a sharpie. They were taped to empty cereal boxes which had rocks in them to keep them from blowing away. And the water and sports drink cups at the aid stations were Dora the Explorer Dixie cups. The shirt was a regular cotton t-shirt with a simple design on it, a light house which is what the race proceeds went to. The Piney Point Lighthouse was decommissioned in 1964 and is now a museum. The race medal also has a lighthouse on it and is a pleasant simple design.
My only complaint about the race would be their choice of sports drink. Instead of something like Gatorade or PowerAde, they use a product called Ultima, which taste like warn panther pee. Please don’t ask how I know what panther urine taste likes. It involves the aforementioned panther tinkle, the indigenous Yanomamo tribe located in the Brazilin rainforest and their Shamans cure for infertility, needless to say it worked.
This race was to be one of my main goal races of the year. So I stopped cycling for a few months to concentrate on running. My goals were A) to beat my best marathon time (3:45:44 at Baltimore last fall) 2) I wanted to run a 3:36:00 (8:15 pace) C) have a long shot at qualifying for the Boston Marathon – I need a 3:30:59 or better. Training went very well, until 3.5 weeks ago that is. That’s when I strained my right thigh/quad. It limited my running to daily 3-5 miles runs for the most part. Not that that was a huge deal since most of my training was finished but it would have been nice to get that last 20 mile run in. Plus the leg didn’t really get 100% better over the 3 weeks, so come race day it was a major concern (excuse #1).
I got up at 4am (which felt like 3am since we set the clocks back that night. So a whole 4 hours sleep was gotten (excuse #2), which wasn’t a huge deal since I slept well Friday night. Had a few cups of coffee (one cup of a Kona blend and one cup of pacific espresso), banana and sports bar. Took a shower – prerace thing I do. Like to smell good before getting sweaty and stinky. I left the house at 4:45 for the ride down south and arrived at 6:20. Got my race number, t-shirt, used the head and hung out with my friend Bob who was doing his first marathon. He’s a fast runner and his goal was to break 3 hours.
The morning was warm (for March – heck they had 12 inches of snow there last Monday). It was 65 at the start of the race which normally wouldn’t seem to warm but when you have been running in winter temperatures for months, it is somewhat of a concern (excuse #3). It was cloudy at the start so that was a plus.
At 7:10 we lined-up in the parking lot and at 7:15 the race started, with no fanfare. Just a ‘Go’ shouted by the race director. We take off and I try and settle into my 8:15 per mile pace. One nice thing about a small race is you don’t have any congestion and can just run your own race.
The first 12 miles of the course are gorgeous (and flat). All the roads are around water with awesome views. After a few miles we cross a short bridge onto St Georges Island. Being in a small fairly confined by water area, the race is mainly of 4 roads and you go out and back on the roads. This is kinda cool cause you get to see the race leaders come back down a road a bunch of times.
After about 4 miles we turn around and head back off the Island. About a half-mile before the turn around we see the lead runners. The first male is a topless dude who looks more like Matthew Mcconaughey or an ab-model than a runner. I wonder if he’s someone who went out to fast and will fad or if he’s a stud runner.
Around mile 10 the sun comes out and warms it up a bit more (excuse #4) and I’m wishing I hadn’t left my shades in the car. Thanks Mr. Weatherman who said it would be cloudy all day.
At mile 12 we are done with the 3 short out and back sections by the water. We then head on to our final road of the day, a 14 mile (7 out and 7 back) countryish not quite a highway stretch. This part of the course was fairly boring but it really didn’t matter much since by that point in a race it’s time to focus and get down to business.
From mile 16-21 the course went from flat to gentle rolling hills, nothing to extreme and actually a welcome change from the flat section. It was nice to use the leg muscles in a different way. Starting around mile14 I have to ease up on the pace to keep my heart rate down. During a marathon I like to keep it in the 160-165 range. Anything higher and I’ll be toast a lot faster. I would have liked to have tried to push the pace a little bit more in the second half of the race but I was afraid that my quad would have gone downhill faster. By mile 15 my pace is slow enough that my goals are starting to slip away one by one. I figure I can still beat my personal record. Plus I was planning on picking up the pace the last 3 miles. As you can see by the splits below, that did not happen. Actually the opposite happened. I was pretty much running on fumes by then.
At mile 23 I’d had enough of the ‘heat’, 75 degrees by then, and took my shirt off. Yes I unveiled the whiteness that is Winter Rob. Which led to an amusing side story. At mile 24 I asked for a cup of water, I had been pouring water of my head and back since mile 12 to help stay cool, I dump the water on my head and it turns out it was sports drink. So now I’m sticky, sweaty, sore and tired. This actually helped me at bit since I found it so amusing.
Miles 25 and 26 were a bit of a disappointment. I thought I had more gas left in the tank but I didn’t. As I made the last turn I saw the Finish clock turn to 3:45 and knew that I would have to hustle to finish with a personal best. Alas I didn’t make it.
I chatted a bit with Bob who finished in 3:03 and just missed his goal. I decided to skip the lunch buffet since I wasn’t particularly hungry. So I waddled like a 9 month pregnant woman with bad thigh chafe over to my car and drove home.
And what about the quad, the right thigh started getting tight at mile 3. From mile 6-10 it worsened. That’s when I had a talk with it and instructed it that it could hurt that much but no getting worse. It pretty much obeyed until mile 23 at which point everything hurt. So while it was an issue I don’t think it really slowed me down much.
Mile 1 - 8:16 hr 154
Mile 2 – 8:17 hr 160
Mile 3 – 8:14 hr 162
Mile 4 – 8:09 hr 164
Mile 5 – 8:17 hr 162
Mile 6 – 8:22 hr 159
Mile 7 – 8:23 hr 156
Mile 8 – 8:15 hr 160
Mile 9 – 8:12 hr 163
Mile 10 – 8:02 hr 163
Mile 11 – 8:12 hr 164
Mile 12 – 8:17 hr 163
Mile 13 – 8:26 hr 164
Mile 14 – 8:32 hr 164
Mile 15 – 8:44 hr 164
Mile 16 – 8:38 hr 164
Mile 17 – 8:39 hr 166
Mile 18 – 8:36 hr 166
Mile 19 – 8:38 hr 164
Mile 20 – 8:54 hr 165
Mile 21 – 8:48 hr 163
Mile 22 – 8:43 hr 161
Mile 23 – 8:50 hr 160
Mile 24 – 8:54 hr 162
Mile 25 – 9:15 hr 162
Mile 26 - 9:09 hr 162
Last .2 miles was around 1:30
My official time was 3:46:06
I was 39th out of 111 males and 15th out of 39 in my age group (40-49)
So am I disappointed? A bit. I’m not too upset about not meeting most of my goals. But I’m ticked that I didn’t at least set a new personal best. I slacked off a bit mentally in the last half and should have been able to find the 12 lousy seconds I needed to achieve that goal. But other than that I’m ok with the race. I left almost everything on the course.
And what’s next? In the short term I’d just like to be able to walk down a flight of stairs in less than the time it takes to read War and Peace. In the longer term I think after a June triathlon I’ll do the Baltimore Marathon again this fall and try and set a new personal best.
Thanks for reading.
Love Imelda.
Ps my Garmin GPS watch said I ran 26.48 miles
Pps Mr GQ pretty boy was a real runner. He smoked that course and won by around 8 minutes and finished an hour and 7 minutes ahead of me.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Pet Peeve Phriday
Where we get to vent about the little things that annoy us. Got one? (other than the usual this blog stinks) Chime in.
Mine for the week is Braille lettering on drive-thru ATM’s. This makes about as much sense as braille Playboy magazines. I mean seriously just how many blind folks are driving these days. I know it sure seems that lots of them are given the number of yo-yo’s out there. Although Scott “The Blind Guy” McIntyre from American Idol could probably drive blind. I know FOX thinks he can walk on water so driving should be a piece of cake. Is this one of those pinko-commie American’s with Disabilities Act requirements. Is the nanny-state even invading our ATM’s now?
Yes I know that the ATM manufacturer puts the Braille stickers on all ATM’s at the family – save your breath people.
Mine for the week is Braille lettering on drive-thru ATM’s. This makes about as much sense as braille Playboy magazines. I mean seriously just how many blind folks are driving these days. I know it sure seems that lots of them are given the number of yo-yo’s out there. Although Scott “The Blind Guy” McIntyre from American Idol could probably drive blind. I know FOX thinks he can walk on water so driving should be a piece of cake. Is this one of those pinko-commie American’s with Disabilities Act requirements. Is the nanny-state even invading our ATM’s now?
Yes I know that the ATM manufacturer puts the Braille stickers on all ATM’s at the family – save your breath people.
American Idol '09
Wildcard Night
A bonus 3rd Idol show this week! We are luckier than a deaf man at a Hannah Montana concert.
Tonight we find out who the last 3 contestants will be that will round out the Top 12
But the more important questions are:
Will, actually not will, but who will Paula go all Cougar on tonight? Like she did on Jorge last night and on Baby Elmo all of last year.
How often will Kara say: “mad chops”, "ridiculous vocals" and the slight but important variation “ridiculous pipes”
How often Randy will say: “dawg”, “on fire” bringing it”, “keep it hot”
Now let’s relive last night’s MAM (most awesome moment)
The return of Tatiana the Terrible.
After the Most Awesome Idolette of The Year, Tatiana Del Toro, was told she would have another chance on tonight’s Wildcard show, she gushed:
"I want to thank the whole world, I want this so much -- this means so much to me and I worked so hard to be here and I want to sing for you more than anything in the whole world, thank you so much!"
“Honey can we name the baby Tatiana? Boy or girl. What’s that? – well when is it supposed to freeze over?”
Don’t hate the player – hate the game.
People we need the Diva on this show. Most of the people are boring. Well except for Adam the bi-vampire-wannabe. Sure she’s not going to win it all. But she will be awesome while she is here. Who else is going to provide drama every night and sass Simon? We’ve already lost Mr. Excitement himself, Normund Gentle (thanks a lot America). We gotta keep at least one totally wacked person. Plus she can actually sing. Just grab a glass of chardonnay, pop a few valium, close your eyes and sit back and listen to the greatness when she is on tonight.
Ok let’s get it on. Where the heck is Ryan? And what am I gonna watch during the ads?
After much soul searching and pondering, I’m going with Megan, Anoop and Tatiana. Simon, Tatiana goes on to the Top 12 or those pictures of you and The Donk in that Afghani opium den are going to TMZ.
And heeeeerrrrreeeee’s Ryan. Sorry wrong show. Ryan is all dressed up again. 3-piece suit sans tie this time.
Jesse Langsforth and her very short dress are up first and singing "Tell Me Something Good" by Rufus. What’s with the grandma sweater over the sexy dress? The boots are kickin’ though. Randy no like, Kara so-so. Paula likey. Simon likes it. But calls it indulgent. It’s not looking good for Jesse. I think her only chance is the fact that the Top 12 is guy-heavy.
Matt is singing “Who’s Loving You” by the Jackson 5. Y’all remember the Jackson 5 don’t you? That was Michael’s band back when Michael was still black and male. Matt looks like a slightly less attractive Justin Timberlake. He’s kinda funky and bluesy. Not bad at all. He might make it thru. The Cougar is getting all diarrhea of the mouth and Simon wants her to shut her trap. Randy throws out his first “Dawg” of the night.
First Bill Paying Session folks. I’m off to watch Ultimate Factories to see how Ferrari’s are made.
Megan “Washing Machine Dancer” Corkrey is up next. She’s my #1 pick for tonight. She’s singing "The Black Horse & the Cherry Tree" by KT Tunstall. I love her song choice. Fits her perfectly. She’s fun and perky. Nice vocals but someone needs to teach that white-girl how to dance. Paula calls her quirky and is mercifully short. Simon, Randy and Kara all love her. She’s in like Flynn.
Von Schmidt is singing “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” by Elton John. Of course he’s singing an Elton song. This is killing me. I don’t like the song, his voice or him. Let’s see what the judges say. Simon’s not into it - says it’s boring and too serious. Randy and Kara don’t like the song choice. Paula, the cougar, says she has been studying Von – of course she has. He’s gotta be gone, his next public performance will be ‘would you like that meal super-sized?”
Ok I’m back from checking out Ferraris’.
Jasmine the 16 year-old is up next. How many times are they gonna tell us she’s 16? She’s singing a Christine Aguilera song, “Reflection”. I bet The Donk has this CD. I like her voice but man I’m bored by the song choice. I hope the judges like her better cause she’s a sweet pretty girl who can sing. While Randy is talking – Simon is blowing in Paula’s ear. Kara is confused, is she channeling Paula. Paula loves her – Paula loves everyone. Be nice Simon. Simon is nice but is now fighting with Paula.
Ricky Braddy Bunch is up next. I remember zero about Ricky. He’s singing “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder. Oh look, Tatiana the Wonderful is dancing on the Catwalk in the background. I like the song but the performance not as much. Kara tells him he can sing his butt off and the FOX censors reach for their bleep-button. The guys mock Kara and say ‘good chops’ repeatedly. The Cougar loves him. Simon calls it karaoke and lightweight. Randy calls it self-indulgent Bye-bye Ricky.
Back to watching the world’s most wickedly awesome cars being made.
Ladies and gentleman please rise for Tatiana the Terrible. She’s wearing a shimmery fish-lure dress. She’s singing “Saving all my Love for You” by Whitney Houston. Didn’t she sing this last time? Man I hope not. The judges won’t like that. But no matter she’s wonderful as always. Love the Diva Drama Queen act. Tatiana cannot be shut up. She’s confused Paula; she needs to be kept for that aspect alone. Kara and Simon nick her for singing the same song again. Simon and Tatiana bicker. Paula and her cleavage try to defend my girl. You go Paula. Randy and Kara try to get a word in but it’s hopeless with Tatiana up on stage.
Anoop is the last one up. He’s singing “My Prerogative” by Bobby Brown. He’s trying to act bad-boy. Um, I like you Anoop Dawg but you look more like a computer-geek in a cubicle than a greaser from The Outsiders. That being said, I do like him and he’s doing a good job. The crowd loves him. Simon calls him an enthusiastic dog and says the people like him and he has personality. Randy and all his jewelry are digging him. Kara says she wanted to get up and dance, thankfully she didn’t. Paula has that department covered. The Cougar is really working the crowd tonight. She says Anoop was a bit nasty tonight.
Ok after some more Ferrari construction, we will be back with the results.
Jasmine is brought up and – whoa Randy says she’s in!!! Didn’t see that coming.
Ricky is ditched by Kara. The Cougar stands up and waves good bye. Or flashes her hotel room number at him? I can’t tell.
Tatiana and Megan are brought up together. This doesn’t look good for my girl. Because I’m 100% sure Megan is in. Paula sends Tatiana the Terrible packing. Tatiana goes and stands in front of the judges and Paula tells her she loves her. Tatiana does her best Sarah Bernhardt. I cry along with her. Goodbye Tatiana we knew you for such a short time but you have touched our souls permanently. So Megan is in!!!! Well that’s cool too. She’s great. America should have voted her in weeks ago anyway.
Sheesh, another break? It’s already past time. The Hell’s Kitchen dude isn’t going to be happy about this. He’s likely to take a meat skewer to Ryan and his dapper-dan suit.
Ok we are back and Simon sends Jesse packing. But tells her she almost made it in.
Now it’s Von’s time to be waxed by Paula.
Ok we are left with Matt and Anoop. Who gets the last spot? Simon gives it to Matt. So Anoop is going home, rats. Well Matt was probably better but I liked Anoop for some reason. Probably because he makes me look like less of a dork than I am. Simon has some words of condolence for Anoop. Wait it’s the old Fake Out. Simon says they have decided to make it the Top 13 this year and Anoop is in after all. Excellent.
So it’s Jasmine, Megan, Matt and Anoop ‘rounding’ out the Top 13.
A bonus 3rd Idol show this week! We are luckier than a deaf man at a Hannah Montana concert.
Tonight we find out who the last 3 contestants will be that will round out the Top 12
But the more important questions are:
Will, actually not will, but who will Paula go all Cougar on tonight? Like she did on Jorge last night and on Baby Elmo all of last year.
How often will Kara say: “mad chops”, "ridiculous vocals" and the slight but important variation “ridiculous pipes”
How often Randy will say: “dawg”, “on fire” bringing it”, “keep it hot”
Now let’s relive last night’s MAM (most awesome moment)
The return of Tatiana the Terrible.
After the Most Awesome Idolette of The Year, Tatiana Del Toro, was told she would have another chance on tonight’s Wildcard show, she gushed:
"I want to thank the whole world, I want this so much -- this means so much to me and I worked so hard to be here and I want to sing for you more than anything in the whole world, thank you so much!"
“Honey can we name the baby Tatiana? Boy or girl. What’s that? – well when is it supposed to freeze over?”
Don’t hate the player – hate the game.
People we need the Diva on this show. Most of the people are boring. Well except for Adam the bi-vampire-wannabe. Sure she’s not going to win it all. But she will be awesome while she is here. Who else is going to provide drama every night and sass Simon? We’ve already lost Mr. Excitement himself, Normund Gentle (thanks a lot America). We gotta keep at least one totally wacked person. Plus she can actually sing. Just grab a glass of chardonnay, pop a few valium, close your eyes and sit back and listen to the greatness when she is on tonight.
Ok let’s get it on. Where the heck is Ryan? And what am I gonna watch during the ads?
After much soul searching and pondering, I’m going with Megan, Anoop and Tatiana. Simon, Tatiana goes on to the Top 12 or those pictures of you and The Donk in that Afghani opium den are going to TMZ.
And heeeeerrrrreeeee’s Ryan. Sorry wrong show. Ryan is all dressed up again. 3-piece suit sans tie this time.
Jesse Langsforth and her very short dress are up first and singing "Tell Me Something Good" by Rufus. What’s with the grandma sweater over the sexy dress? The boots are kickin’ though. Randy no like, Kara so-so. Paula likey. Simon likes it. But calls it indulgent. It’s not looking good for Jesse. I think her only chance is the fact that the Top 12 is guy-heavy.
Matt is singing “Who’s Loving You” by the Jackson 5. Y’all remember the Jackson 5 don’t you? That was Michael’s band back when Michael was still black and male. Matt looks like a slightly less attractive Justin Timberlake. He’s kinda funky and bluesy. Not bad at all. He might make it thru. The Cougar is getting all diarrhea of the mouth and Simon wants her to shut her trap. Randy throws out his first “Dawg” of the night.
First Bill Paying Session folks. I’m off to watch Ultimate Factories to see how Ferrari’s are made.
Megan “Washing Machine Dancer” Corkrey is up next. She’s my #1 pick for tonight. She’s singing "The Black Horse & the Cherry Tree" by KT Tunstall. I love her song choice. Fits her perfectly. She’s fun and perky. Nice vocals but someone needs to teach that white-girl how to dance. Paula calls her quirky and is mercifully short. Simon, Randy and Kara all love her. She’s in like Flynn.
Von Schmidt is singing “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” by Elton John. Of course he’s singing an Elton song. This is killing me. I don’t like the song, his voice or him. Let’s see what the judges say. Simon’s not into it - says it’s boring and too serious. Randy and Kara don’t like the song choice. Paula, the cougar, says she has been studying Von – of course she has. He’s gotta be gone, his next public performance will be ‘would you like that meal super-sized?”
Ok I’m back from checking out Ferraris’.
Jasmine the 16 year-old is up next. How many times are they gonna tell us she’s 16? She’s singing a Christine Aguilera song, “Reflection”. I bet The Donk has this CD. I like her voice but man I’m bored by the song choice. I hope the judges like her better cause she’s a sweet pretty girl who can sing. While Randy is talking – Simon is blowing in Paula’s ear. Kara is confused, is she channeling Paula. Paula loves her – Paula loves everyone. Be nice Simon. Simon is nice but is now fighting with Paula.
Ricky Braddy Bunch is up next. I remember zero about Ricky. He’s singing “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder. Oh look, Tatiana the Wonderful is dancing on the Catwalk in the background. I like the song but the performance not as much. Kara tells him he can sing his butt off and the FOX censors reach for their bleep-button. The guys mock Kara and say ‘good chops’ repeatedly. The Cougar loves him. Simon calls it karaoke and lightweight. Randy calls it self-indulgent Bye-bye Ricky.
Back to watching the world’s most wickedly awesome cars being made.
Ladies and gentleman please rise for Tatiana the Terrible. She’s wearing a shimmery fish-lure dress. She’s singing “Saving all my Love for You” by Whitney Houston. Didn’t she sing this last time? Man I hope not. The judges won’t like that. But no matter she’s wonderful as always. Love the Diva Drama Queen act. Tatiana cannot be shut up. She’s confused Paula; she needs to be kept for that aspect alone. Kara and Simon nick her for singing the same song again. Simon and Tatiana bicker. Paula and her cleavage try to defend my girl. You go Paula. Randy and Kara try to get a word in but it’s hopeless with Tatiana up on stage.
Anoop is the last one up. He’s singing “My Prerogative” by Bobby Brown. He’s trying to act bad-boy. Um, I like you Anoop Dawg but you look more like a computer-geek in a cubicle than a greaser from The Outsiders. That being said, I do like him and he’s doing a good job. The crowd loves him. Simon calls him an enthusiastic dog and says the people like him and he has personality. Randy and all his jewelry are digging him. Kara says she wanted to get up and dance, thankfully she didn’t. Paula has that department covered. The Cougar is really working the crowd tonight. She says Anoop was a bit nasty tonight.
Ok after some more Ferrari construction, we will be back with the results.
Jasmine is brought up and – whoa Randy says she’s in!!! Didn’t see that coming.
Ricky is ditched by Kara. The Cougar stands up and waves good bye. Or flashes her hotel room number at him? I can’t tell.
Tatiana and Megan are brought up together. This doesn’t look good for my girl. Because I’m 100% sure Megan is in. Paula sends Tatiana the Terrible packing. Tatiana goes and stands in front of the judges and Paula tells her she loves her. Tatiana does her best Sarah Bernhardt. I cry along with her. Goodbye Tatiana we knew you for such a short time but you have touched our souls permanently. So Megan is in!!!! Well that’s cool too. She’s great. America should have voted her in weeks ago anyway.
Sheesh, another break? It’s already past time. The Hell’s Kitchen dude isn’t going to be happy about this. He’s likely to take a meat skewer to Ryan and his dapper-dan suit.
Ok we are back and Simon sends Jesse packing. But tells her she almost made it in.
Now it’s Von’s time to be waxed by Paula.
Ok we are left with Matt and Anoop. Who gets the last spot? Simon gives it to Matt. So Anoop is going home, rats. Well Matt was probably better but I liked Anoop for some reason. Probably because he makes me look like less of a dork than I am. Simon has some words of condolence for Anoop. Wait it’s the old Fake Out. Simon says they have decided to make it the Top 13 this year and Anoop is in after all. Excellent.
So it’s Jasmine, Megan, Matt and Anoop ‘rounding’ out the Top 13.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Today's Workouts
3.63 mile run today in great weather. Forgive the weird mileage about. I use a Garmin GPS watch and it's very exact. Just a short run today. I'm resting up for a big race on Sunday. It called the Lower Potomac River Marathon. Mouthful I know. Hopefully the injured thigh will hold up for 26 miles, we shall see.
In other running related news I got two new pair of running shoes the other day. Yeah me. A pair of Asics DS Trainer 13's and a pair of Asics Seed Star 3's.
In other running related news I got two new pair of running shoes the other day. Yeah me. A pair of Asics DS Trainer 13's and a pair of Asics Seed Star 3's.
Isn’t This Considered Cruel and Unusual Punishment?
Does anyone have a copy of the Geneva Convention handy?
Maybe they should mix in some Neil Diamond, Air Supply and Olivia Newton-John too. Or better yet, how about the singers that got kicked off of Idol last night.
Mall wants Manilow music to drive out unruly teens
March 3, 2009 - 7:13am
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - It'll be Barry Manilow versus the mall rats. The New Zealand city of Christchurch hopes that putting the American crooner's smooth and gentle tones into the mix of music to be broadcast through the central mall district can pacify unruly teens who congregate there_ or at least convince them to go elsewhere.
"The intention is to change the environment in a positive way ... so nobody feels threatened or intimidated," Central City Business Association manager Paul Lonsdale told The Associated Press. "I did not say Barry Manilow is a weapon of mass destruction."
A group of several dozen young people regularly spread rubbish, spray graffiti, get intoxicated, use drugs, swear and intimidate patrons at the outdoor mall, he said.
Maybe they should mix in some Neil Diamond, Air Supply and Olivia Newton-John too. Or better yet, how about the singers that got kicked off of Idol last night.
Mall wants Manilow music to drive out unruly teens
March 3, 2009 - 7:13am
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - It'll be Barry Manilow versus the mall rats. The New Zealand city of Christchurch hopes that putting the American crooner's smooth and gentle tones into the mix of music to be broadcast through the central mall district can pacify unruly teens who congregate there_ or at least convince them to go elsewhere.
"The intention is to change the environment in a positive way ... so nobody feels threatened or intimidated," Central City Business Association manager Paul Lonsdale told The Associated Press. "I did not say Barry Manilow is a weapon of mass destruction."
A group of several dozen young people regularly spread rubbish, spray graffiti, get intoxicated, use drugs, swear and intimidate patrons at the outdoor mall, he said.
American Idol '09
Here we are at another one of those painful results nights show. Were they drag out what should take 5 minutes into what feels like an hours long root canal. I know, I know, why watch if it is so painful? I’m just a masochist I guess. I also like to stand in line at the department of motor vehicles for hours just so I can be rudely waited on. I also get joy out of going to Steel Magnolia, Thelma and Louise and Beaches triple feature viewing parties.
Listen, I’m doing y’all a favor, well all 8 of you who read this, you don’t have to watch the results show any more. You can just check back here the morning after and find out who got through. "Um, Rob." "Yes?" "They could do that on CNN or MSN or TMZ or a million other sites." "So what’s your point?" I’m providing a public service by watching this show that has more filler than a Bavarian crème doughnut.
My choices for the 3 moving on, after further reflection…ok I didn’t reflect on it at all, I’m just winging it, I’m not that big of a dork that I reflect on American Idol. Ok I got Lil Rounds for the top female vote getter. With Kristen McNamara as a possibility too. For the top dude I can’t decide between Jorge, Ju’Not (my boy) or Scott McIntyre. I think Scott is getting through one way or another. FOX won’t let him slip away. They are going to ride his blindness as long as they can. At least if we have to see him for weeks to come, Scott is pretty good. So I think all 3 guys can make it one way or another. I just hope for the love of all that is holy – that Nathaniel doesn’t get through…..you guys wouldn’t do that to me would you?
Anyway time to find out. This is American Idol...
Mr. Seacrest is going dressed-up casual. Suit coat, white button-down but tie loose at the collar and jeans. Hmm, maybe they aren’t jeans, hard to tell. Maybe they are cords or Capri’s, he is kinda short. I don’t think they are parachute pants, not nearly baggy enough for that. Yeah I’m just rambling. I’m trying to avoid listening to Paula.
Filler #1 is Paula give giving her opinion of how this year’s contestants compare to years past...
Filler #2 is the flashback of how this set of 12 got here. Kinda boring but not terribly painful to watch. Now worse than swimming with The Donk and his rainbow Speedo.
Filler #3 is the always campy and painful group sing. They are doing Katie Perry’s “Hot and Cold”. Somehow they have managed the impossible. They have made this song sound even worse than the original. This wouldn’t even make it on High School Musical 4 – Troy and Gabriela Get Matching Nose Jobs. They have decided to be kind to the blind guy and have the guys sing seated instead of dancing around like the chicks are. Probably the right call. Don't want Scott falling off the stage onto Paula and getting her all hot and bothered.
No commercials for Poppy tonight, switching over to Terminator 3 – yeah I know it’s the worst of the three movies but it’s better than feminine hygiene product commercials. Of course the anti-weed commercials are pretty darn funny. Be sure to look for T-4 in theaters this Memorial Day weekend.
Filler #4 is actually ok...it’s the recap from last night’s songs.
Filler #5 – chatting with Nathaniel (heaven help us if he is the future of this country). And now Jorge, I like Jorge. Ju’Not apparently had an asthma attack during the rehearsal for the group sing. He’s just used to the good clean air here in my hometown. Can’t handle that nasty LA smog. Or maybe it was the thought of singing “Hot and Cold” that set Ju’Not a wheezing.
Ok Ryan is having Lil stand-up and he gets to the point pretty quickly and tells her she is through. No surprise there. Ryan was smart to not screw around and try and trick us. A Good Behavior Star for AI being kind to us. Lil sings her song again. Paula dances. You really would think a former Laker Girl would dance better. Seriously
The Ryan has Scott, Kendall, Arianna, Taylor, and Alex all standup. Ryan has them standup one by one. Then he tells us we have to wait until after the commercials to see who got through, um no we don’t have to wait. It’s going to be Scott. Trust me on this one.
Off to see the Cute Terminator Chick waste a few more people.
First Arianna and then Taylor bite the dust. Alex is the next victim. Ok we are left with Scott and Kendall. The nation has spoken...and Scott is through...duh...Scott does his song again. Am I the only who wants to see Scott sing “Who let the Dogs Out?” accompanied by his seeing eye-dog during the round of 12?
Nathaniel and Kristen standup. Ryan, after a few jokes, sends both home!!!! Yes Nathaniel is gone. Now Von and Felicia are the next ones to get whacked….me thinks…um yup I’m right. Not that that was a hard call. They weren’t all that good. Although Felicia certainly would up the Idol Beauty Factor quite a bit. I’m not saying, I’m just saying.
Ryan now brings down Ju’Not and Jorge. I like both of these guys. One is getting thru we are told and will have to wait until...no wait don’t change the channel, Ryan was messing with us. Good one Ryan you got me, my mouth was open. And it’s Jorge! Bittersweet. I like Jorge but Ju’Not is The Man. Jorge thanks everyone...in Spanish. And we are told he will sing later.
Now we are getting a glimpse of all the possible people who could be wildcards. This wildcard business will be explained after the next break.
Cool a huge car, truck motorcycle chase involving; John Connor, Good Terminator and Bad Terminator. You guys should see this!
Ryan is back to explain the Wildcard Rules. The potential wildcardettes are all up in the ‘red’ room. The one with the Red Crushed-Velvet Hooker-Couch. It’s like something out of 1970’s swinger’s movie. It appears 8 of the 27 are going to get to go on the Wildcard Show tomorrow night.
Randy announces that the first lucky contestant is Von Schmidt. Yuck. Paula gives some ‘advice’ on what he has to do. Surprising, not, it’s the old be yourself advice. This is totally the wrong advice for Von. Von be someone else, anyone else if you want to have any chance at all to get through.
Kara brings back Jasmine Murray. Cool I like her. She has no chance of winning but she’s a nice girl. Kara, well Kara gives some advice but I was distracted by a butterfly that was outside my window. It was really pretty.
Paula announces that Ricky is in. Ricky who? Ricky Martin? Ricky Ricardo? Ricky Nelson? I don’t remember Ricky at all. Are we sure there is a Ricky on the show?
Simon, after bickering with Ryan, brings Megan. Double cool. Megan I really liked, even though she dances like a washing machine stuck on the wash-cycle. Let’s call it The Agitator.
Ok four more to go after the break. Let’s go see who is being killed in T3. It’s the veterinarian’s fiancé. No big deal he was annoying anyway.
Randy makes his second draft pick and it’s….Whoa! did you see those glasses Randy is wearing? They make his eyes some freaky orange. And, God love you Randy, its Tatiana the Terrible. Just put through Nick/Normund and my life will be complete.
Kara brings back…um, who did she bring back? It’s really hard to pay attention to her. Ok it was Matt somebody or other. Matt? Ricky? Do I have the TV on the right channel?
Paula brings back Jesse. Double-edge sword here. I like her singing but man she is annoying. I can’t see America voting for her much.
Simon brings back Anoop-Dawg. Damn, no Ju’Not. Anoop is cool but…oh well….
Jorge sings us out.
So in summary we have Scott, Lil and Jorge going into the Top 12. They join Adam, Allison, Kris, Michael, Danny and Grace. That’s 9. 6 boys and 3 girls. So that should favor the girls in the Wildcard show. Which means Megan should be a shoe in for the top 12. She’s the best out of the girls that are left.
Three more will be picked out of the 8 on tomorrow night’s Wildcard show. Those 8 are Von, Jasmine, Ricky (who in the heck is this Ricky guy?), Megan, Matt, Tatiana, Jesse, and Anoop. No Nathaniel anywhere!!!!!!! God does love me, just like momma said. But alas no Nick/Normund either.
Adios, Goodnight and God bless
Listen, I’m doing y’all a favor, well all 8 of you who read this, you don’t have to watch the results show any more. You can just check back here the morning after and find out who got through. "Um, Rob." "Yes?" "They could do that on CNN or MSN or TMZ or a million other sites." "So what’s your point?" I’m providing a public service by watching this show that has more filler than a Bavarian crème doughnut.
My choices for the 3 moving on, after further reflection…ok I didn’t reflect on it at all, I’m just winging it, I’m not that big of a dork that I reflect on American Idol. Ok I got Lil Rounds for the top female vote getter. With Kristen McNamara as a possibility too. For the top dude I can’t decide between Jorge, Ju’Not (my boy) or Scott McIntyre. I think Scott is getting through one way or another. FOX won’t let him slip away. They are going to ride his blindness as long as they can. At least if we have to see him for weeks to come, Scott is pretty good. So I think all 3 guys can make it one way or another. I just hope for the love of all that is holy – that Nathaniel doesn’t get through…..you guys wouldn’t do that to me would you?
Anyway time to find out. This is American Idol...
Mr. Seacrest is going dressed-up casual. Suit coat, white button-down but tie loose at the collar and jeans. Hmm, maybe they aren’t jeans, hard to tell. Maybe they are cords or Capri’s, he is kinda short. I don’t think they are parachute pants, not nearly baggy enough for that. Yeah I’m just rambling. I’m trying to avoid listening to Paula.
Filler #1 is Paula give giving her opinion of how this year’s contestants compare to years past...
Filler #2 is the flashback of how this set of 12 got here. Kinda boring but not terribly painful to watch. Now worse than swimming with The Donk and his rainbow Speedo.
Filler #3 is the always campy and painful group sing. They are doing Katie Perry’s “Hot and Cold”. Somehow they have managed the impossible. They have made this song sound even worse than the original. This wouldn’t even make it on High School Musical 4 – Troy and Gabriela Get Matching Nose Jobs. They have decided to be kind to the blind guy and have the guys sing seated instead of dancing around like the chicks are. Probably the right call. Don't want Scott falling off the stage onto Paula and getting her all hot and bothered.
No commercials for Poppy tonight, switching over to Terminator 3 – yeah I know it’s the worst of the three movies but it’s better than feminine hygiene product commercials. Of course the anti-weed commercials are pretty darn funny. Be sure to look for T-4 in theaters this Memorial Day weekend.
Filler #4 is actually ok...it’s the recap from last night’s songs.
Filler #5 – chatting with Nathaniel (heaven help us if he is the future of this country). And now Jorge, I like Jorge. Ju’Not apparently had an asthma attack during the rehearsal for the group sing. He’s just used to the good clean air here in my hometown. Can’t handle that nasty LA smog. Or maybe it was the thought of singing “Hot and Cold” that set Ju’Not a wheezing.
Ok Ryan is having Lil stand-up and he gets to the point pretty quickly and tells her she is through. No surprise there. Ryan was smart to not screw around and try and trick us. A Good Behavior Star for AI being kind to us. Lil sings her song again. Paula dances. You really would think a former Laker Girl would dance better. Seriously
The Ryan has Scott, Kendall, Arianna, Taylor, and Alex all standup. Ryan has them standup one by one. Then he tells us we have to wait until after the commercials to see who got through, um no we don’t have to wait. It’s going to be Scott. Trust me on this one.
Off to see the Cute Terminator Chick waste a few more people.
First Arianna and then Taylor bite the dust. Alex is the next victim. Ok we are left with Scott and Kendall. The nation has spoken...and Scott is through...duh...Scott does his song again. Am I the only who wants to see Scott sing “Who let the Dogs Out?” accompanied by his seeing eye-dog during the round of 12?
Nathaniel and Kristen standup. Ryan, after a few jokes, sends both home!!!! Yes Nathaniel is gone. Now Von and Felicia are the next ones to get whacked….me thinks…um yup I’m right. Not that that was a hard call. They weren’t all that good. Although Felicia certainly would up the Idol Beauty Factor quite a bit. I’m not saying, I’m just saying.
Ryan now brings down Ju’Not and Jorge. I like both of these guys. One is getting thru we are told and will have to wait until...no wait don’t change the channel, Ryan was messing with us. Good one Ryan you got me, my mouth was open. And it’s Jorge! Bittersweet. I like Jorge but Ju’Not is The Man. Jorge thanks everyone...in Spanish. And we are told he will sing later.
Now we are getting a glimpse of all the possible people who could be wildcards. This wildcard business will be explained after the next break.
Cool a huge car, truck motorcycle chase involving; John Connor, Good Terminator and Bad Terminator. You guys should see this!
Ryan is back to explain the Wildcard Rules. The potential wildcardettes are all up in the ‘red’ room. The one with the Red Crushed-Velvet Hooker-Couch. It’s like something out of 1970’s swinger’s movie. It appears 8 of the 27 are going to get to go on the Wildcard Show tomorrow night.
Randy announces that the first lucky contestant is Von Schmidt. Yuck. Paula gives some ‘advice’ on what he has to do. Surprising, not, it’s the old be yourself advice. This is totally the wrong advice for Von. Von be someone else, anyone else if you want to have any chance at all to get through.
Kara brings back Jasmine Murray. Cool I like her. She has no chance of winning but she’s a nice girl. Kara, well Kara gives some advice but I was distracted by a butterfly that was outside my window. It was really pretty.
Paula announces that Ricky is in. Ricky who? Ricky Martin? Ricky Ricardo? Ricky Nelson? I don’t remember Ricky at all. Are we sure there is a Ricky on the show?
Simon, after bickering with Ryan, brings Megan. Double cool. Megan I really liked, even though she dances like a washing machine stuck on the wash-cycle. Let’s call it The Agitator.
Ok four more to go after the break. Let’s go see who is being killed in T3. It’s the veterinarian’s fiancé. No big deal he was annoying anyway.
Randy makes his second draft pick and it’s….Whoa! did you see those glasses Randy is wearing? They make his eyes some freaky orange. And, God love you Randy, its Tatiana the Terrible. Just put through Nick/Normund and my life will be complete.
Kara brings back…um, who did she bring back? It’s really hard to pay attention to her. Ok it was Matt somebody or other. Matt? Ricky? Do I have the TV on the right channel?
Paula brings back Jesse. Double-edge sword here. I like her singing but man she is annoying. I can’t see America voting for her much.
Simon brings back Anoop-Dawg. Damn, no Ju’Not. Anoop is cool but…oh well….
Jorge sings us out.
So in summary we have Scott, Lil and Jorge going into the Top 12. They join Adam, Allison, Kris, Michael, Danny and Grace. That’s 9. 6 boys and 3 girls. So that should favor the girls in the Wildcard show. Which means Megan should be a shoe in for the top 12. She’s the best out of the girls that are left.
Three more will be picked out of the 8 on tomorrow night’s Wildcard show. Those 8 are Von, Jasmine, Ricky (who in the heck is this Ricky guy?), Megan, Matt, Tatiana, Jesse, and Anoop. No Nathaniel anywhere!!!!!!! God does love me, just like momma said. But alas no Nick/Normund either.
Adios, Goodnight and God bless
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Thanks, But No Thanks
from WTOP News
40 percent say give D.C. to Maryland
More than a third of Americans believe the best solution to D.C.'s lack of representation is to cede the District's residential areas to Maryland, according to a new survey.
Only 20 percent of the 1,000 likely U.S. voters surveyed this weekend by Rasmussen Reports thought D.C. should be a state. Forty-five percent said the District's representative should be allowed to vote, compared with 42 percent who did not.
But voters were also asked, "Which is the best approach - to give the District a vote in the House, to give the residential areas back to Maryland, or to keep things the way they are now?" According to Rasmussen, 40 percent backed returning parts of the District to Maryland, 26 percent opted to maintain the status quo, 25 percent said give D.C. a vote and 9 percent weren't sure
As a life long resident of the Maryland county that butts up to DC's lousiest neighborhoods, I say NO WAY. No offense DC residents, but we don't want you. Well mainly we don't want all your crime, traffic, pot-hole filled roads, budget deficits and politicians under indictment....we have all of those in spades.
That other county in Maryland that borders the nice parts of DC (yes there are nice parts...really) might go for it. But we sure don't.
40 percent say give D.C. to Maryland
More than a third of Americans believe the best solution to D.C.'s lack of representation is to cede the District's residential areas to Maryland, according to a new survey.
Only 20 percent of the 1,000 likely U.S. voters surveyed this weekend by Rasmussen Reports thought D.C. should be a state. Forty-five percent said the District's representative should be allowed to vote, compared with 42 percent who did not.
But voters were also asked, "Which is the best approach - to give the District a vote in the House, to give the residential areas back to Maryland, or to keep things the way they are now?" According to Rasmussen, 40 percent backed returning parts of the District to Maryland, 26 percent opted to maintain the status quo, 25 percent said give D.C. a vote and 9 percent weren't sure
As a life long resident of the Maryland county that butts up to DC's lousiest neighborhoods, I say NO WAY. No offense DC residents, but we don't want you. Well mainly we don't want all your crime, traffic, pot-hole filled roads, budget deficits and politicians under indictment....we have all of those in spades.
That other county in Maryland that borders the nice parts of DC (yes there are nice parts...really) might go for it. But we sure don't.
American Idol '09
Round 3 of “These Are the Best 36 Singers in America?” The last of the group of 12 contestants performs tonight. After tonight and Thursday’s Wildcard Show we will have our Final 12.
First off let me say that I’m voting for Ju’not (pronounced Juno – yeah I don’t get it either but just go with it) cause he’s from my hometown. Even though his name is funky and even if he sounds like a donkey being neutered with a chainsaw (ok so those are really pluses with me), he’s getting some of my votes. I’ll vote for others too (maybe) but just wanted to say up front that Ju’Not is my boy
The Seacrest starts us off with a spiel about how much the singers have put on hold and given up to be here. Ryan is looking dapper and relaxed. More professional than last week.
Simon is sporting the standard grey shirt and what looks like a new flattop haircut – very 50’s. Randy says “yo, dawg, knocked it out the box, you know, on fire, dude’. Paula says “colors of the rainbow, mumble mumble sing the telephone book, I heart purple unicorns and pink fuzzy bunnies, I like licorice”. Kara tries to sound like the music industry insider she is supposed to be but just sounds clichéd and boring. Come on Kara you can do better than this.
Von Smith is up first. We get a short interview with him. He seems alright. He’s doing a Marvin Gaye tune, “Your All I Need to Get By”. He’s dressed nice other than some red Bozo the Clown sneakers that have to go and he sings ok but all I’m doing is comparing him to Marvin and his voice is a lot weaker. Bad song choice I’m thinking. But low and behold the three headed monster RanKarula are wetting themselves over him. Simon say Von reminds him of Clay Aiken which just makes me hate him out right. Simon keeps playing up the Clay Aiken comparison…just call him gay already Simon, you know you want to. So is he one of the judge’s Chosen Ones? Nah couldn’t be. Maybe he has some pictures of Randy and Simon dancing around together in leopard-print tutu’s.
And commercial time and I’m off to watch a little Happy Gilmore
Taylor Vaifauna, the high school girl, we are reminded again for the 100th time, is singing “If I ain’t got you” by Alicia Keyes. I don’t know this song. Guess I’m not hip, just ask my wife. She’s a very pretty girl but the boots gotta go. What is it with the contestants’ footwear tonight? Anyway she’s a nice singer but forgettable. I won’t remember anything about her by tomorrow. Kara wants to know what it is like to go shopping with Taylor and is cold?!?! Simon mocks Kara – you go Simon. Whoa she makes Ryan look like a dwarf. I know, I should talk.
Back to watch Happy whack some golf balls.
Coke and Idol are having a design a Coca-Cola cup contest…um ok.
Next up is Alex Wagner-Trugman. I hope he doesn’t make it just cause his name is a PITA to type. He’s singing “I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues” by Elton John. I hate all Elton John songs. I’m physically incapable of listening to any Elton song. I get a shaky and my bladder goes weak. This is painful to watch. Is he truly bad or is it just that I don’t like him and this song? I think it’s him not me, it has to be. I’m perfect, just ask my wife. Paula says he gave us our money’s worth tonight…well maybe…it is free TV. Simon calls him a little hamster trying to be a tiger. Right on Simon. Randy is lukewarm – personally or about Alex I’m not sure. Kara says “at least you do you”, I now have a confused look on my face. Kinda like a dog starring at ringing telephone and trying to figure out what he is hearing.
Alright, Happy made the pro golf tour.
Arianna Afsar is singing “The Winner Takes it All” by Abba. Ok I can’t stand Abba either but I do like Arianna so I’ll give it a chance. Ok I gave it a chance….I still like Arianna but I hated the song. Hopefully the judges liked it better and can pump it up some. Or not. Simon hates it and says it was like a funeral arrangement. Simon is brutal, honest, but brutal. Randy didn’t dig it either. Kara wants to see the Cute as a Button Arianna. Too gloomy and serious. Paula to the rescue, kinda. Arianna and her cute brown doe-eyes look like they are going to cry. I feel bad for her and I’m borderline heartless, just ask my wife. I need to vote for her few times.
Happy is in a suit at night on the golf course with the sprinklers on.
Ju’Not “My Man” Joyner is up next. He can totally blow donkey lungs and I’ll love him. We get a brief glimpse, to brief for my taste, of how he got here. My Boy is doing Plain-White T’s “Hey There Delilah”. I am so sick of this song but it’s Ju’Not so who cares. He can do no wrong. I do really like Ju’Not’s voice. Now, holding my breath, what will the judges say? Randy loved it! I love Randy, tonight. Kara liked it too! I love Kara, tonight. Paula likey him too, I love Paula, tonight. Simon liked it well enough and gives some advice and says he was probably nervous. Ju’Not mentions something about getting a cortisone shot in butt…don’t worry about that folks, that’s how we roll in my hometown, just ask my wife. So Vote Ju’Not. Early and Often!!!!
We are back and we are on the Red Velvet Hooker Couches. Talking with Nathaniel who is so far out of the closet he’s in the front yard and Kristen the annoying girl whose dress blends in to the couch.
Kristen McNamara is singing “Give me one Reason” by Tracy Chapman. I love this song. She’s actually pretty good. I like her voice. She annoys me but I can live with that. I like her voice. Kara is happy her hair isn’t purple anymore and wants her to dial in the outfit and do a more poppy song. Paula has a gaudy watch on. Simon is trying to figure out who she is. He rips the outfit and song choice but says she does have a good voice. Randy and his ugly vest agree with Simon. Ok so let’s get her a stylist and help her with the song choice and see what happens.
Nathaniel ‘The Ultimate Drama Queen” (queen being the key word) is up next. He is doing “I Would do Anything for Love” by Meatloaf. He looks like a cross-dressed Pat Benatar. I hate this, I mean dislike (it’s Lent) this guy with a passion. I will admit that he has a good voice at times but I can’t look at him, it hurts. Simon is channeling me tonight. He calls it almost excruciating. RanKarula says he’s entertaining. Oh grandma is in the audience, she says she is used to Nathaniel’s music. Paula has on a huge ring. Ryan brings Nathaniel over to the judges table to meet Simon. Nathaniel “The Aerobics Instructor” sits on Paula’s lap and looks like he’d rather be sitting on Ryan’s.
Happy is fighting Bob Barker….classic.
Felicia Barton one the 100 or so stay at home mom’s on the show is up next. She’s the one who got the callback to replace The Ringer, Joanna Pacitti. Felicia is singing “No One” by Alicia Keyes. She’s like a mellow Joan Jett (um Rob, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett?! Man you are old). Ok she’s not terrible but not Top 12. She is very pretty, how did that scruffy hippie looking husband of hers get her. Paula has on big earrings and loves her. Simon liked the first part better than the last. Randy is lusting after her. Someone throw some cold water on Randy. And maybe on Kara too…down girl.
Now we got blind guy being exploited. Scott McIntyre is singing “Mandolin Rain” by Bruce Hornsby. I love me some Bruce Hornsby every now and again. Maybe he’ll get behind the piano, I like him better then. But no, he’s on a stool. Not bad but still not great. Good stage presence, he looks comfortable. Ok someone has to say it: would he have gotten this far if he could see and Idol couldn’t play up his blindness for the sympathy story line? Randy says not perfect but great in parts. Kara pulls out the music cliché book. Paula has on a Gi-normous necklace. Oh no, even Simon appears to have drunk the Scott Kool-Aid too. Simon will be amazed if he doesn’t sail through. The Idol fix is in. We now know who one of The Chosen Ones is. I just hope we get to see him with a piano. He’s very good that way.
Kendall Beard is singing “This one’s for the Girls” by Martina McBride. She’s got a country-pop thing going. I don’t care for country-pop music, ok I hate it. But she’s cute and having fun and has a great accent and I love me some southern accent, just ask my wife. I’ll leave it the judge and RanKarula to say how it was. Kara needs to quite banging on the damn desk. Paula says she has the best outfit out there. Great, thanks for participating Paula. Simon “it’s not my cup of tea”. Once again he is channeling me.
Happy learned to putt…cool.
Jorge Nunez is up next. He’s got a cool name. I like Jorge. Jorge! That’s fun to say. Oh No Another Elton John Song….”Don’t Let the Sun go Down on me”. Ok I’ll be in the bathroom doing the Technicolor-Yawn…I don’t remember eating that. Ok I’m back. How was he? Good I hope. I like Jorge. I just cannot listen to an Ms John song. Paula is all gaga. She wants to squeeze him and who knows what else. She really needs to be canned. Simon the only judge that matters likes him too. Randy likes Dawg. Kara seems to want to sleep with him also. Jorge is starting to cry. Cause he’s so happy he did well or because Kara and Paula both Heart him or both.
Our last performer of the night is Lil Rounds. Mother of 3. Lots of mothers on this year’s show. She is singing “Be Without You” by Mary Jay Blige. She looks like a bumble bee with a big old stinger, not that there is anything wrong with that. Mary Jay Blige is really not my style of music. I know I’m un-cool, just ask my wife. Simon calls it brilliant and says it was his favorite of the night. Randy and his Mickey Mouse watch rave over her. Kara tries to act cool. Like ‘sister’ cool. Kara give the fake hip black girl act a break. It’s patronizing. I missed what Paula said. Is she still standing?
Ok folks that it. I got Jorge Nunez, Lil Rounds and Ju’Not Joyner going through. We need to add some color to the top 12. The paleness of the group is blinding. Speaking of which, I don’t really think Ju’Not is going through. Scott McIntyre is obviously favored by FOX for his storyline, just like Dead Wife Danny..
I’ll re-think this before the results show. Gotta think how tween and teen girls will vote.
Please America don’t vote through Nathanial. Please!
Go with God but go.
First off let me say that I’m voting for Ju’not (pronounced Juno – yeah I don’t get it either but just go with it) cause he’s from my hometown. Even though his name is funky and even if he sounds like a donkey being neutered with a chainsaw (ok so those are really pluses with me), he’s getting some of my votes. I’ll vote for others too (maybe) but just wanted to say up front that Ju’Not is my boy
The Seacrest starts us off with a spiel about how much the singers have put on hold and given up to be here. Ryan is looking dapper and relaxed. More professional than last week.
Simon is sporting the standard grey shirt and what looks like a new flattop haircut – very 50’s. Randy says “yo, dawg, knocked it out the box, you know, on fire, dude’. Paula says “colors of the rainbow, mumble mumble sing the telephone book, I heart purple unicorns and pink fuzzy bunnies, I like licorice”. Kara tries to sound like the music industry insider she is supposed to be but just sounds clichéd and boring. Come on Kara you can do better than this.
Von Smith is up first. We get a short interview with him. He seems alright. He’s doing a Marvin Gaye tune, “Your All I Need to Get By”. He’s dressed nice other than some red Bozo the Clown sneakers that have to go and he sings ok but all I’m doing is comparing him to Marvin and his voice is a lot weaker. Bad song choice I’m thinking. But low and behold the three headed monster RanKarula are wetting themselves over him. Simon say Von reminds him of Clay Aiken which just makes me hate him out right. Simon keeps playing up the Clay Aiken comparison…just call him gay already Simon, you know you want to. So is he one of the judge’s Chosen Ones? Nah couldn’t be. Maybe he has some pictures of Randy and Simon dancing around together in leopard-print tutu’s.
And commercial time and I’m off to watch a little Happy Gilmore
Taylor Vaifauna, the high school girl, we are reminded again for the 100th time, is singing “If I ain’t got you” by Alicia Keyes. I don’t know this song. Guess I’m not hip, just ask my wife. She’s a very pretty girl but the boots gotta go. What is it with the contestants’ footwear tonight? Anyway she’s a nice singer but forgettable. I won’t remember anything about her by tomorrow. Kara wants to know what it is like to go shopping with Taylor and is cold?!?! Simon mocks Kara – you go Simon. Whoa she makes Ryan look like a dwarf. I know, I should talk.
Back to watch Happy whack some golf balls.
Coke and Idol are having a design a Coca-Cola cup contest…um ok.
Next up is Alex Wagner-Trugman. I hope he doesn’t make it just cause his name is a PITA to type. He’s singing “I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues” by Elton John. I hate all Elton John songs. I’m physically incapable of listening to any Elton song. I get a shaky and my bladder goes weak. This is painful to watch. Is he truly bad or is it just that I don’t like him and this song? I think it’s him not me, it has to be. I’m perfect, just ask my wife. Paula says he gave us our money’s worth tonight…well maybe…it is free TV. Simon calls him a little hamster trying to be a tiger. Right on Simon. Randy is lukewarm – personally or about Alex I’m not sure. Kara says “at least you do you”, I now have a confused look on my face. Kinda like a dog starring at ringing telephone and trying to figure out what he is hearing.
Alright, Happy made the pro golf tour.
Arianna Afsar is singing “The Winner Takes it All” by Abba. Ok I can’t stand Abba either but I do like Arianna so I’ll give it a chance. Ok I gave it a chance….I still like Arianna but I hated the song. Hopefully the judges liked it better and can pump it up some. Or not. Simon hates it and says it was like a funeral arrangement. Simon is brutal, honest, but brutal. Randy didn’t dig it either. Kara wants to see the Cute as a Button Arianna. Too gloomy and serious. Paula to the rescue, kinda. Arianna and her cute brown doe-eyes look like they are going to cry. I feel bad for her and I’m borderline heartless, just ask my wife. I need to vote for her few times.
Happy is in a suit at night on the golf course with the sprinklers on.
Ju’Not “My Man” Joyner is up next. He can totally blow donkey lungs and I’ll love him. We get a brief glimpse, to brief for my taste, of how he got here. My Boy is doing Plain-White T’s “Hey There Delilah”. I am so sick of this song but it’s Ju’Not so who cares. He can do no wrong. I do really like Ju’Not’s voice. Now, holding my breath, what will the judges say? Randy loved it! I love Randy, tonight. Kara liked it too! I love Kara, tonight. Paula likey him too, I love Paula, tonight. Simon liked it well enough and gives some advice and says he was probably nervous. Ju’Not mentions something about getting a cortisone shot in butt…don’t worry about that folks, that’s how we roll in my hometown, just ask my wife. So Vote Ju’Not. Early and Often!!!!
We are back and we are on the Red Velvet Hooker Couches. Talking with Nathaniel who is so far out of the closet he’s in the front yard and Kristen the annoying girl whose dress blends in to the couch.
Kristen McNamara is singing “Give me one Reason” by Tracy Chapman. I love this song. She’s actually pretty good. I like her voice. She annoys me but I can live with that. I like her voice. Kara is happy her hair isn’t purple anymore and wants her to dial in the outfit and do a more poppy song. Paula has a gaudy watch on. Simon is trying to figure out who she is. He rips the outfit and song choice but says she does have a good voice. Randy and his ugly vest agree with Simon. Ok so let’s get her a stylist and help her with the song choice and see what happens.
Nathaniel ‘The Ultimate Drama Queen” (queen being the key word) is up next. He is doing “I Would do Anything for Love” by Meatloaf. He looks like a cross-dressed Pat Benatar. I hate this, I mean dislike (it’s Lent) this guy with a passion. I will admit that he has a good voice at times but I can’t look at him, it hurts. Simon is channeling me tonight. He calls it almost excruciating. RanKarula says he’s entertaining. Oh grandma is in the audience, she says she is used to Nathaniel’s music. Paula has on a huge ring. Ryan brings Nathaniel over to the judges table to meet Simon. Nathaniel “The Aerobics Instructor” sits on Paula’s lap and looks like he’d rather be sitting on Ryan’s.
Happy is fighting Bob Barker….classic.
Felicia Barton one the 100 or so stay at home mom’s on the show is up next. She’s the one who got the callback to replace The Ringer, Joanna Pacitti. Felicia is singing “No One” by Alicia Keyes. She’s like a mellow Joan Jett (um Rob, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett?! Man you are old). Ok she’s not terrible but not Top 12. She is very pretty, how did that scruffy hippie looking husband of hers get her. Paula has on big earrings and loves her. Simon liked the first part better than the last. Randy is lusting after her. Someone throw some cold water on Randy. And maybe on Kara too…down girl.
Now we got blind guy being exploited. Scott McIntyre is singing “Mandolin Rain” by Bruce Hornsby. I love me some Bruce Hornsby every now and again. Maybe he’ll get behind the piano, I like him better then. But no, he’s on a stool. Not bad but still not great. Good stage presence, he looks comfortable. Ok someone has to say it: would he have gotten this far if he could see and Idol couldn’t play up his blindness for the sympathy story line? Randy says not perfect but great in parts. Kara pulls out the music cliché book. Paula has on a Gi-normous necklace. Oh no, even Simon appears to have drunk the Scott Kool-Aid too. Simon will be amazed if he doesn’t sail through. The Idol fix is in. We now know who one of The Chosen Ones is. I just hope we get to see him with a piano. He’s very good that way.
Kendall Beard is singing “This one’s for the Girls” by Martina McBride. She’s got a country-pop thing going. I don’t care for country-pop music, ok I hate it. But she’s cute and having fun and has a great accent and I love me some southern accent, just ask my wife. I’ll leave it the judge and RanKarula to say how it was. Kara needs to quite banging on the damn desk. Paula says she has the best outfit out there. Great, thanks for participating Paula. Simon “it’s not my cup of tea”. Once again he is channeling me.
Happy learned to putt…cool.
Jorge Nunez is up next. He’s got a cool name. I like Jorge. Jorge! That’s fun to say. Oh No Another Elton John Song….”Don’t Let the Sun go Down on me”. Ok I’ll be in the bathroom doing the Technicolor-Yawn…I don’t remember eating that. Ok I’m back. How was he? Good I hope. I like Jorge. I just cannot listen to an Ms John song. Paula is all gaga. She wants to squeeze him and who knows what else. She really needs to be canned. Simon the only judge that matters likes him too. Randy likes Dawg. Kara seems to want to sleep with him also. Jorge is starting to cry. Cause he’s so happy he did well or because Kara and Paula both Heart him or both.
Our last performer of the night is Lil Rounds. Mother of 3. Lots of mothers on this year’s show. She is singing “Be Without You” by Mary Jay Blige. She looks like a bumble bee with a big old stinger, not that there is anything wrong with that. Mary Jay Blige is really not my style of music. I know I’m un-cool, just ask my wife. Simon calls it brilliant and says it was his favorite of the night. Randy and his Mickey Mouse watch rave over her. Kara tries to act cool. Like ‘sister’ cool. Kara give the fake hip black girl act a break. It’s patronizing. I missed what Paula said. Is she still standing?
Ok folks that it. I got Jorge Nunez, Lil Rounds and Ju’Not Joyner going through. We need to add some color to the top 12. The paleness of the group is blinding. Speaking of which, I don’t really think Ju’Not is going through. Scott McIntyre is obviously favored by FOX for his storyline, just like Dead Wife Danny..
I’ll re-think this before the results show. Gotta think how tween and teen girls will vote.
Please America don’t vote through Nathanial. Please!
Go with God but go.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Finally Some Good News
With all the financial doom and gloom news out there, with my 401k now a 201k and with the rest of my investments worth less than a politician's word. It’s nice to get some good news.
From Xinhua News Agency
Male infertility associated with testicular cancer
Men who are infertile appear to have an increased risk of developing testicular cancer, according to a report published Monday in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Testicular germ cell cancer, the most common cancer among young men in industrialized countries, has become even more prevalent during the last 30 to 50 years, according to background information in the article. There is evidence that semen quality and male fertility have also declined during this time in industrialized nations; however, it is unclear whether these two trends are related.
From Xinhua News Agency
Male infertility associated with testicular cancer
Men who are infertile appear to have an increased risk of developing testicular cancer, according to a report published Monday in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Testicular germ cell cancer, the most common cancer among young men in industrialized countries, has become even more prevalent during the last 30 to 50 years, according to background information in the article. There is evidence that semen quality and male fertility have also declined during this time in industrialized nations; however, it is unclear whether these two trends are related.
Today's Workouts
4.3 miles running in sunny but cold temps. Lots of snow still on the ground but the roads are pretty clear - good job there snow-plow guy.
Talk About Multi-Tasking
AP Story from MSN
KETTERING, Ohio - Police in Ohio say a woman has been charged with child endangerment after another motorist reported she was both breast-feeding the youngster and talking on a phone while driving.
Baby in one hand, cell phone in the other...
What exactly was she driving with? Her tongue?
She couldn't have been using a Bluetooth device or else the person that narked on her wouldn't have known she was on the phone. Maybe they make hands-free nursing devices now. Plastic funnel and tube? Kinda like a beer-bong for boobs.
She must make a great wife. She can probably open a beer for you, find the remote and massage your shoulders all at once.
And no I'm not saying what she did was smart...but man that takes some skill. That is a great resume builder right there.
KETTERING, Ohio - Police in Ohio say a woman has been charged with child endangerment after another motorist reported she was both breast-feeding the youngster and talking on a phone while driving.
Baby in one hand, cell phone in the other...
What exactly was she driving with? Her tongue?
She couldn't have been using a Bluetooth device or else the person that narked on her wouldn't have known she was on the phone. Maybe they make hands-free nursing devices now. Plastic funnel and tube? Kinda like a beer-bong for boobs.
She must make a great wife. She can probably open a beer for you, find the remote and massage your shoulders all at once.
And no I'm not saying what she did was smart...but man that takes some skill. That is a great resume builder right there.
Dow Falls Below 7000 for First Time in 11 Years
and people freak...they are jumping out of windows...going to the salad bar illegally...making soap at home...dogs and cats are living together...what is going to happen when it goes below 6k or 5 or 4?
That's where its heading if does what it has in past depressions. For example
For the past 6 months the stock market has been mirroring the market of '29. The final low for that meltdown was not reached until 1932. There were a few sucker rallies along the way. Just to lure people back in before putting the hammer-lock on them again.
I have been saying for months that the Dow would fall to between 3,000–5,000. But I am the eternal optimist......always looking on the bright side of life, where every glass has a silver lining and every cloud is half-full! Unfortunately if the stock market repeats the experience of ’29-'32 it will fall below 2,000.
I'm trying to picture how people will react and behave if I'm even close to being right. Will there be a rise in crime, suicides and just general meanness? Or will people be more likely to help each other out and stick together during an economic collapse. Will having to life a slower simpler life cause people to reflect more on what they really need and what is important? Or will they just continue to act like putzes?
Check back in a few years for the answers. In the meantime...good luck out there and don't forget to stock up on gold, guns and groceries.
That's where its heading if does what it has in past depressions. For example
For the past 6 months the stock market has been mirroring the market of '29. The final low for that meltdown was not reached until 1932. There were a few sucker rallies along the way. Just to lure people back in before putting the hammer-lock on them again.
I have been saying for months that the Dow would fall to between 3,000–5,000. But I am the eternal optimist......always looking on the bright side of life, where every glass has a silver lining and every cloud is half-full! Unfortunately if the stock market repeats the experience of ’29-'32 it will fall below 2,000.
I'm trying to picture how people will react and behave if I'm even close to being right. Will there be a rise in crime, suicides and just general meanness? Or will people be more likely to help each other out and stick together during an economic collapse. Will having to life a slower simpler life cause people to reflect more on what they really need and what is important? Or will they just continue to act like putzes?
Check back in a few years for the answers. In the meantime...good luck out there and don't forget to stock up on gold, guns and groceries.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Today's Workouts
4 miles running in around 6-8 inches of snow. Nice run. Our one and only snowstorm of the year, hopefully.
EOTWAWKI
- There are 19 million empty houses in America
- The median price of a used house is 26% below its peak
- AIG now says it is facing a $60 billion loss.
- Micro Tech is laying off 2,000 more people in Idaho
- Citigroup is nearing bankruptcy, with the U.S. government getting ready to up its stake to 40%
- Only a few months ago, the official budget deficit was projected to come to $800 billion...then $900 billion...then $1.2 trillion...and now, get this, it's gone to $1.75 trillion.
- General Motors just reported a loss for the fourth quarter of nearly $10 billion - The government gave GM more than $13 billion - there goes the bulk of it.
- Stocks are now back to '97 levels...meaning investors have made nothing for a dozen years.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Give Em Hell Maggie
Can you hear that O? I think we are zeroing in on the breaking point. How much longer are people going to lend money to a bankrupt government? Everybody and their mother wants a handout. Plus the leeches are coming back for seconds and thirds now. Y'all have created monsters
Calling Dr. Van Helsing, Calling Dr. Van Helsing. You are needed in the O.R....to drive a stake through the heart of Fannie Mae.
Fannie Mae is drawing blood from its $200 billion blood bank at the U.S. Treasury. It asked for over $15 billion this week.
"We expect the market conditions that contributed to our net loss for each quarter of 2008 to continue and possibly worsen in 2009, which is likely to cause further reductions in our net worth," Fannie said.
You might want to bring along Captain Ahab, St George and Beowulf...better bring some silver bullets and holy water too. These creatures have more lives than David Hasselhof's career
Kids are Smarter Than Politicians
But y'all already knew that. Feel free to forward this to the O’bomination at president@whitehouse.gov
Friday, February 27, 2009
Is it Possible to Idiot-Proof the Whole World?
The Happy Egg Company (Lincoln, England) altered the packaging in January for its six-egg cartons to include the prominent warning, "Allergy Advice: Contains Egg." [Daily Mail (London), 1-24-09]
American Idol Night - '09
Results Night from Round 2 of These Are the Best 36 Singers in America?
So before the Filler Show of all Filler Show’s start. Lets guess who is making it through. Top Male Vote Getter with be Adam “I Should be in Cats” Lambert even though I want Normund to get it. Top Female Vote Getter will be Megan “I Could Only Afford Tattoos on One Arm” Corkrey even though I want Normund to get it – he actually might have a better chance at getting that than top male. And to round out the night our Third Wheel will be Allison “I Have Awkward Social Skills” Iraheta even though Normund would be a better wheel. But moe than one dude might get through since it’s mainly chicks who vote. In that case Allison or Megan could be out and maybe someone like Kris Allen could get in.
This is going to be painful people. But if we all stick together and have perseverance (that and some vodka, ludes and firearms) we can make it the whole hour.
And Here’s Ryan giving us, the voters, some schmaltzy speech
The three “winners” from last week are here sitting on the Star Trekish bar stools.
. First we get the judges opinions on last night’s performances. Paula, fresh from rehab just waves. Kara the boring heat nodes her head. Randy says, sorry I didn’t hear what Randy said. I was too busy trying to figure out what face work he had down between tonight and last night. Simon, the only judge who matters, scowls and tell Ryan to get on with it.
Filler #1 – the how did they get here montage
Filler #B – the worst moment of every results show. The truly painful “Group Sing”. Here is where the firearms come in – kidding – sorta. Their outfits are very colorful. Kina the Brady Punch meets High School Musical. The Welder Dude looks out sorts. In case anyone cares they sang, it’s Ne-Yo's “Closer”.
I’ve never been so happy to see commercials in my whole life.
Ok we are back. Time to wax a few people. Ok a take that back.
Filler #3 – “Highlights” from last night. Ok it wasn’t all bad. Gotta to see Normund call Simon sappy pants.
Filler #D – Ryan interviews the contestants.
And finally we get Allison, Jesse and Matt brought down to see who gets the Steel Bird Bath of Honor……..and it’s, duh Allison. No real suspense there. So Allison gets to sing that Heart number again. I really like her voice. It’s different, good different. That dye job on the hair is distracting. I think I need to wear my shades. Now did Seacrest say she was the highest Female vote getter or just that she stays? Dang I can’t remember. If she’s not the #1 chick tonight then that means we have another girl getting through. Curse you ADD.
Potty break time. Ok what did I miss? Oh it’s still commercials.
Ok here is Megan and Kris with a ‘K’. Megan was totally better last night but you never know with voters. Ok wait a minute Matt and Jeannie are brought down. Alas only for a moment, both are sent packing. So back to Megan and Kris. We must have a lot of time to fill cause Kara is rambling right along. Simon wants her to shut up and so do I…enough already. And it’s….KRIS! Ok I didn’t see that coming. Thought he might get in but not over Megan. I sure hope the judges bring Megan back. Curse you female teen voters. O’bomination can’t you correct this injustice for us? First Michael Sarver last week and now Kris gets through this week, can we get a law to ban teen girls from voting?
So I was figuring for a Adam was a shoe-in. Does that mean the suspense is over? Should I just tune back at 8:57 to see Adam get the last spot?
Filler #5 – and “Idol Retrospective” set to What a Wonderful World….folks sometimes its not wonderful.
Filler #F - last year’s top 10 contestant; Brooke The Virgin Nanny. Sans shoes again. Sitting at the piano singing her new single that was just released. It’s a song by Heart called “Hold Up”. It’s pleasant but unlike my 12 year old daughter I’m not rushing to iTunes to down load it. Heck for a buck you can get a double cheeseburger instead of a song.
And we are back from the break and the last 5 are brought out.
Mishavonna, Kai, Jasmine, Adam and Normund The Man! That crazy Ryan talks to only Mishavonna, Kai and Jasmine and then boots them off. What a sneak. Like we didn’t see that coming. And of course he’s not going to tell us until after another set of ads.
Ok we are back. Now let’s get this over with and send Adam through already. Ryan tries unsuccessfully to draw it out. And Nick/Normund’s Idol day are over. Adam is in and does his slightly over the top version of “Satisfaction” again. But hey let’s face it, it’s not like Mick Jagger wasn’t over the top at times.
That’s it and not a moment too soon. Paula is in the bag or something. Her eyes are slits and she looks totally spaced. Come to think of it, she didn’t really talk much at all tonight. Plus very low-cut shirt is in danger of sliding all the way down and releasing the girls on live TV.
So we have Allison, Kris and Adam on to the Top 12. With my hopes that Megan could be a wildcard selection by the judges. Please Simon. I’ll detail your Rolls.
So I was 2 for 3 tonight. Better than last week. This is looking like a very white Idol, not that there is anything wrong with that.
That’s it for tonight. Adios, Goodnight and God Bless
So before the Filler Show of all Filler Show’s start. Lets guess who is making it through. Top Male Vote Getter with be Adam “I Should be in Cats” Lambert even though I want Normund to get it. Top Female Vote Getter will be Megan “I Could Only Afford Tattoos on One Arm” Corkrey even though I want Normund to get it – he actually might have a better chance at getting that than top male. And to round out the night our Third Wheel will be Allison “I Have Awkward Social Skills” Iraheta even though Normund would be a better wheel. But moe than one dude might get through since it’s mainly chicks who vote. In that case Allison or Megan could be out and maybe someone like Kris Allen could get in.
This is going to be painful people. But if we all stick together and have perseverance (that and some vodka, ludes and firearms) we can make it the whole hour.
And Here’s Ryan giving us, the voters, some schmaltzy speech
The three “winners” from last week are here sitting on the Star Trekish bar stools.
. First we get the judges opinions on last night’s performances. Paula, fresh from rehab just waves. Kara the boring heat nodes her head. Randy says, sorry I didn’t hear what Randy said. I was too busy trying to figure out what face work he had down between tonight and last night. Simon, the only judge who matters, scowls and tell Ryan to get on with it.
Filler #1 – the how did they get here montage
Filler #B – the worst moment of every results show. The truly painful “Group Sing”. Here is where the firearms come in – kidding – sorta. Their outfits are very colorful. Kina the Brady Punch meets High School Musical. The Welder Dude looks out sorts. In case anyone cares they sang, it’s Ne-Yo's “Closer”.
I’ve never been so happy to see commercials in my whole life.
Ok we are back. Time to wax a few people. Ok a take that back.
Filler #3 – “Highlights” from last night. Ok it wasn’t all bad. Gotta to see Normund call Simon sappy pants.
Filler #D – Ryan interviews the contestants.
And finally we get Allison, Jesse and Matt brought down to see who gets the Steel Bird Bath of Honor……..and it’s, duh Allison. No real suspense there. So Allison gets to sing that Heart number again. I really like her voice. It’s different, good different. That dye job on the hair is distracting. I think I need to wear my shades. Now did Seacrest say she was the highest Female vote getter or just that she stays? Dang I can’t remember. If she’s not the #1 chick tonight then that means we have another girl getting through. Curse you ADD.
Potty break time. Ok what did I miss? Oh it’s still commercials.
Ok here is Megan and Kris with a ‘K’. Megan was totally better last night but you never know with voters. Ok wait a minute Matt and Jeannie are brought down. Alas only for a moment, both are sent packing. So back to Megan and Kris. We must have a lot of time to fill cause Kara is rambling right along. Simon wants her to shut up and so do I…enough already. And it’s….KRIS! Ok I didn’t see that coming. Thought he might get in but not over Megan. I sure hope the judges bring Megan back. Curse you female teen voters. O’bomination can’t you correct this injustice for us? First Michael Sarver last week and now Kris gets through this week, can we get a law to ban teen girls from voting?
So I was figuring for a Adam was a shoe-in. Does that mean the suspense is over? Should I just tune back at 8:57 to see Adam get the last spot?
Filler #5 – and “Idol Retrospective” set to What a Wonderful World….folks sometimes its not wonderful.
Filler #F - last year’s top 10 contestant; Brooke The Virgin Nanny. Sans shoes again. Sitting at the piano singing her new single that was just released. It’s a song by Heart called “Hold Up”. It’s pleasant but unlike my 12 year old daughter I’m not rushing to iTunes to down load it. Heck for a buck you can get a double cheeseburger instead of a song.
And we are back from the break and the last 5 are brought out.
Mishavonna, Kai, Jasmine, Adam and Normund The Man! That crazy Ryan talks to only Mishavonna, Kai and Jasmine and then boots them off. What a sneak. Like we didn’t see that coming. And of course he’s not going to tell us until after another set of ads.
Ok we are back. Now let’s get this over with and send Adam through already. Ryan tries unsuccessfully to draw it out. And Nick/Normund’s Idol day are over. Adam is in and does his slightly over the top version of “Satisfaction” again. But hey let’s face it, it’s not like Mick Jagger wasn’t over the top at times.
That’s it and not a moment too soon. Paula is in the bag or something. Her eyes are slits and she looks totally spaced. Come to think of it, she didn’t really talk much at all tonight. Plus very low-cut shirt is in danger of sliding all the way down and releasing the girls on live TV.
So we have Allison, Kris and Adam on to the Top 12. With my hopes that Megan could be a wildcard selection by the judges. Please Simon. I’ll detail your Rolls.
So I was 2 for 3 tonight. Better than last week. This is looking like a very white Idol, not that there is anything wrong with that.
That’s it for tonight. Adios, Goodnight and God Bless
Thursday, February 26, 2009
American Idol Night - '09
Round 2 of the final 36. 12 more contestants tonight.
As usual, I apologize in advance for all errors, typos and grammatical mistakes. I apologize in particular to my 8th grade English teacher Miss Snodgrass. She had a face like J. Edgar Hoover but could conjugate the hell out of a verb.
In honor of Ash Wednesday I’ll try and be nicer tonight .
And we are off – but first a word from the judges. Randy and his colored beads says something, Kara and her curly hair say something, Paula and her cleavage say something and Simon scowls at everyone….good times.
Jasmine Murray the 16 year old is up first. She’s singing Sarah Bareilles’ “Love Song”. She looks pretty but her voice sounds ‘light’ if that makes any sense. It’s a pretty voice just thin and not mature yet. Randy says it was ‘pitchy’. I thought he had retired that dog-worn phase. Kara isn’t sure either and Paula says she’d like Baklava and is waiting for the mothership from the planet Vulcan to pick her up. Simon is disappointed because he likes her but says she doesn’t have a great voice. But has a great future. Jasmine is gracious about it.
And since this is a 2-hour show we have to have a break now. Time to check the Maryland Duke score. Opps game isn’t on until 9.
Matt “The Dueling Piano Player” Giraud is behind door #2. He’s gonna try and do a soulful version of Viva Vida by Coldplay, Another guy who doesn’t seem to have enough of a voice. Um…where is his piano? Not hate-able just not Wow! I give him props for changing it up some and not trying to imitate Coldplay. Kara makes sense, Paula speaks in tongues, Simon ‘The only Judge that Matters’ says it verged on the horrible, Randy agrees with Simon…thanks for the input.
So two people down and we haven’t been subjected to the Burgundy Crushed Velvet Hooker Couch with the Parents. Thank you FOX!!!!! Enough of us must have pissed and moaned that they stuck the parents back in the audience
Ok each person sings for 1:30 or so. Times 12 people = 18 minutes. So 18 minutes of actual singing and the rest is filler and commercials. So couldn’t this be an hour show? Yeah I know it’s the #1 show each week and they’d make it 3 hours if they could. I can’t blame them for wanting to make a buck or three.
Jeanine Vailes from our nation’s capitol is up next and I remember nada about her. She’s singing Maroon 5’s “This Love” Now the way she is dressed, she should go to the hooker coach. That jean skirt would be too short on my 5 year-old. She was AWFUL and won’t be back. Simon and Randy hate the song but love her legs, duh they are nice gams. Kara says so much about her is pretty but doesn’t like the song either. Paula and her school-girl bangs may or may not have said something.
Game still isn’t on. Gotta find something else to watch during the commercials. Ok UConn and Marquette is on. That’s better.
Nick/Normund Gentle - He’s doing The Normund tonight. With Tatiana gone I just might have to vote for him. I have no idea what he is wearing; white coat, shinny shirt, shorts, brown dress socks and running shoes. He looks like a gay Don Johnson. Ok he lost the white jacket and now he’s got the shimmer-shirt on that looks like a fish lure. He’s singing to the chicks and they love it. Simon prays he doesn’t make it through to the next round. Reverse psychology by Simon to really keep him? Randy calls it the most entertaining performance ever. We really need to keep him around. Everyone else is boring so far. Kara says, oh it doesn’t matter. Paula is looking more and more droopy eyed and loopy. Like a middle-aged drunken Barbie who has had too much face work done. Well that Lenten resolution to be nicer to Paula didn’t make it very far. Man they are talking to him a lot. I really think they want him through. Ok that’s just me hoping they want him.
Basketball time
Another 16 year old. This one looks like a fake red haired Morticia from Addams Family, complete with the black nail polish. Her name is Allison Iraheta. And she’s singing “Alone” by Heart. Not sure I like a 16 year-old looking and singing like that but other than Nick/Norman, who is in his own category, she’s the best so far….not saying much at this point. Randy says she ‘blew it out the box’…3 times he says it. Kara says she has serious chops. Paula breaks out the old “you could sing the telephone book”. We heard this 100’s of times last year. Paula may actually be sitting on a phone book, she looks higher tonight. So to speak. Simon calls her the best by a mile.
Ok we are getting two in a row before a break. Is FOX having trouble selling Ad’s during the depression?
Kris Allen is another one I remember nothing about. He is singing Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”. Didn’t he go to Idol 101 class and learn that you don’t sing Michael, Mariah or Whitney? It’s alright not great. Kinda boring and forgettable. Why do people sing MJ? Kara is not impressed, Paula disagrees completely and says he nailed it, Simon agrees with………Paula! And he gets a kiss from her for it. Interesting. Does Simon mean it or did he just want a smooch from Paula…no couldn’t be that. Randy liked it too. So Kara and I are the only two who didn’t like it.
Break time.
Megan Corkrey is the one tattooed arm chick. Not one arm like the bad guy in The Fugitive, one arm has tattoos and the other doesn’t. She’s singing Corrine Bailey Ray’s “Put Your Record On”. She’s got a pretty face and fabulous hair but that one tatted arm is distracting. But I like her voice. The little hip wiggle dancing thing needs to go. She looks dorky. Paula – do I really need to write what she says anymore? What Is In Her Big Plastic Cup? Are those real? Simon likes it ok but says it could have been better, Randy has a huge watch on, Kara calls her a ‘package artist’ and says she could be a radio/video star.
Ok Maryland vs Puke is on now. Die Dukies! My sis and BIL are at the game. She’s a MD grad and he’s a Blew-Chunks Devil grad.
Matt Breitzke aka The Welder is up next. I’ll probably vote for him just because he looks like he could beat me up. He plays the ‘I’m doing it for my kids’ card. Right. He’s singing Tonic’s ‘If you could only see’. He’s ok but the problem is I’m thinking and digging the arrangement better than the vocals. Plus he’s lacking that star look. Has more of that cage death match look. Simon likes him but is frustrated that he didn’t sound better. RanKarula follows along with The Simon.
Dos in a row again
Jessie Langesh is doing ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ by Kim Carnes. She’s wearing a sweater that someone stole a sleeve off of and jeans. I hate hate hate hate this song. And Jessie annoys when talking but I’m actually liking her singing tonight. Maybe that flu I had a few weeks back has returned. RanKarula - Randy likes it but wasn’t blown out of the box. I don’t know what that means. Kara says what Kara says. Paula, Paula needs to be canned. How does she keep her job. She obviously has pictures of Simon and The Donk wearing Tutu’s together. Simon calls her forgettable and too cool for school.
MD is up 16 – 11.
Kai Kalama is wearing an old lady knit hat for his interview. Kai is singing "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" by Jimmy Ruffin. He looks like he could be a singer or actor. He has an interesting voice but I find myself bored. I start to clean the lint out of my bellybutton and wonder if I left my curling iron on. It picks up during the end. RanKarula – Kara goes with ‘pitch issues’, Paula babbles, Randy pulls ‘safe performance’ from the AI cliché manual….Simon calls it corny and says it should at a hotel or wedding and says he is a backup singer.
MD up 22 – 19.
Mishavonna Henson is up, I hope she leaves cause typing her name is a pain in the rear. She’s singing ‘Drops of Jupiter’ by Train. Train is right as in train-wreck. I used to like this song. Since its Ash Wednesday - she has nice hair and the she gets a bit better at the end. RaKarula - Paula imitates my 3 year-old with the delayed speech problem, Randy, I forget what he and Kara said. Simon likes her voice but not her performance. Paula has her head down and is either sneezing or doing lines of coke or dropped an earring in her cleavage, in which case we will be here all night.
Mayland tied at 34 at the half.
Adam “May Kay” Lambert is going to do “Satisfaction” by The Stones. I like Adam and I’m sure he will make it to the top 12 on his looks alone – teen girls are going to vote for him, but I don’t like his version of the song. But I do like is voice/act and think he will be around for a long time. Paula is about ready to jump his, young enough to be her son, bones. I’m surprised she didn’t strip her clothes off and throw them at him. Simon is torn, part bad part good – I agree. Randy says he is a combo of Edward (Twilight), Steven Tyler and Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy for you geezers out there).
I’m going with Nick/Normund, Adam and Megan getting through. With Jasmine and Allison as possibility.
I’ve totally killed my cell phone battery voting for Nick/Norman. But I got in about 100 votes before the phone died. Of course I did the same thing last week with two cell phones for Tatiana the Terrible and it didn’t work.
Ugh! Maryland lost. Now I'm depressed. I'm going to go watch videos of Norman on YouTube and cheer myself up.
That’s it for tonight. Adios, Goodnight and God Bless
As usual, I apologize in advance for all errors, typos and grammatical mistakes. I apologize in particular to my 8th grade English teacher Miss Snodgrass. She had a face like J. Edgar Hoover but could conjugate the hell out of a verb.
In honor of Ash Wednesday I’ll try and be nicer tonight .
And we are off – but first a word from the judges. Randy and his colored beads says something, Kara and her curly hair say something, Paula and her cleavage say something and Simon scowls at everyone….good times.
Jasmine Murray the 16 year old is up first. She’s singing Sarah Bareilles’ “Love Song”. She looks pretty but her voice sounds ‘light’ if that makes any sense. It’s a pretty voice just thin and not mature yet. Randy says it was ‘pitchy’. I thought he had retired that dog-worn phase. Kara isn’t sure either and Paula says she’d like Baklava and is waiting for the mothership from the planet Vulcan to pick her up. Simon is disappointed because he likes her but says she doesn’t have a great voice. But has a great future. Jasmine is gracious about it.
And since this is a 2-hour show we have to have a break now. Time to check the Maryland Duke score. Opps game isn’t on until 9.
Matt “The Dueling Piano Player” Giraud is behind door #2. He’s gonna try and do a soulful version of Viva Vida by Coldplay, Another guy who doesn’t seem to have enough of a voice. Um…where is his piano? Not hate-able just not Wow! I give him props for changing it up some and not trying to imitate Coldplay. Kara makes sense, Paula speaks in tongues, Simon ‘The only Judge that Matters’ says it verged on the horrible, Randy agrees with Simon…thanks for the input.
So two people down and we haven’t been subjected to the Burgundy Crushed Velvet Hooker Couch with the Parents. Thank you FOX!!!!! Enough of us must have pissed and moaned that they stuck the parents back in the audience
Ok each person sings for 1:30 or so. Times 12 people = 18 minutes. So 18 minutes of actual singing and the rest is filler and commercials. So couldn’t this be an hour show? Yeah I know it’s the #1 show each week and they’d make it 3 hours if they could. I can’t blame them for wanting to make a buck or three.
Jeanine Vailes from our nation’s capitol is up next and I remember nada about her. She’s singing Maroon 5’s “This Love” Now the way she is dressed, she should go to the hooker coach. That jean skirt would be too short on my 5 year-old. She was AWFUL and won’t be back. Simon and Randy hate the song but love her legs, duh they are nice gams. Kara says so much about her is pretty but doesn’t like the song either. Paula and her school-girl bangs may or may not have said something.
Game still isn’t on. Gotta find something else to watch during the commercials. Ok UConn and Marquette is on. That’s better.
Nick/Normund Gentle - He’s doing The Normund tonight. With Tatiana gone I just might have to vote for him. I have no idea what he is wearing; white coat, shinny shirt, shorts, brown dress socks and running shoes. He looks like a gay Don Johnson. Ok he lost the white jacket and now he’s got the shimmer-shirt on that looks like a fish lure. He’s singing to the chicks and they love it. Simon prays he doesn’t make it through to the next round. Reverse psychology by Simon to really keep him? Randy calls it the most entertaining performance ever. We really need to keep him around. Everyone else is boring so far. Kara says, oh it doesn’t matter. Paula is looking more and more droopy eyed and loopy. Like a middle-aged drunken Barbie who has had too much face work done. Well that Lenten resolution to be nicer to Paula didn’t make it very far. Man they are talking to him a lot. I really think they want him through. Ok that’s just me hoping they want him.
Basketball time
Another 16 year old. This one looks like a fake red haired Morticia from Addams Family, complete with the black nail polish. Her name is Allison Iraheta. And she’s singing “Alone” by Heart. Not sure I like a 16 year-old looking and singing like that but other than Nick/Norman, who is in his own category, she’s the best so far….not saying much at this point. Randy says she ‘blew it out the box’…3 times he says it. Kara says she has serious chops. Paula breaks out the old “you could sing the telephone book”. We heard this 100’s of times last year. Paula may actually be sitting on a phone book, she looks higher tonight. So to speak. Simon calls her the best by a mile.
Ok we are getting two in a row before a break. Is FOX having trouble selling Ad’s during the depression?
Kris Allen is another one I remember nothing about. He is singing Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”. Didn’t he go to Idol 101 class and learn that you don’t sing Michael, Mariah or Whitney? It’s alright not great. Kinda boring and forgettable. Why do people sing MJ? Kara is not impressed, Paula disagrees completely and says he nailed it, Simon agrees with………Paula! And he gets a kiss from her for it. Interesting. Does Simon mean it or did he just want a smooch from Paula…no couldn’t be that. Randy liked it too. So Kara and I are the only two who didn’t like it.
Break time.
Megan Corkrey is the one tattooed arm chick. Not one arm like the bad guy in The Fugitive, one arm has tattoos and the other doesn’t. She’s singing Corrine Bailey Ray’s “Put Your Record On”. She’s got a pretty face and fabulous hair but that one tatted arm is distracting. But I like her voice. The little hip wiggle dancing thing needs to go. She looks dorky. Paula – do I really need to write what she says anymore? What Is In Her Big Plastic Cup? Are those real? Simon likes it ok but says it could have been better, Randy has a huge watch on, Kara calls her a ‘package artist’ and says she could be a radio/video star.
Ok Maryland vs Puke is on now. Die Dukies! My sis and BIL are at the game. She’s a MD grad and he’s a Blew-Chunks Devil grad.
Matt Breitzke aka The Welder is up next. I’ll probably vote for him just because he looks like he could beat me up. He plays the ‘I’m doing it for my kids’ card. Right. He’s singing Tonic’s ‘If you could only see’. He’s ok but the problem is I’m thinking and digging the arrangement better than the vocals. Plus he’s lacking that star look. Has more of that cage death match look. Simon likes him but is frustrated that he didn’t sound better. RanKarula follows along with The Simon.
Dos in a row again
Jessie Langesh is doing ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ by Kim Carnes. She’s wearing a sweater that someone stole a sleeve off of and jeans. I hate hate hate hate this song. And Jessie annoys when talking but I’m actually liking her singing tonight. Maybe that flu I had a few weeks back has returned. RanKarula - Randy likes it but wasn’t blown out of the box. I don’t know what that means. Kara says what Kara says. Paula, Paula needs to be canned. How does she keep her job. She obviously has pictures of Simon and The Donk wearing Tutu’s together. Simon calls her forgettable and too cool for school.
MD is up 16 – 11.
Kai Kalama is wearing an old lady knit hat for his interview. Kai is singing "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" by Jimmy Ruffin. He looks like he could be a singer or actor. He has an interesting voice but I find myself bored. I start to clean the lint out of my bellybutton and wonder if I left my curling iron on. It picks up during the end. RanKarula – Kara goes with ‘pitch issues’, Paula babbles, Randy pulls ‘safe performance’ from the AI cliché manual….Simon calls it corny and says it should at a hotel or wedding and says he is a backup singer.
MD up 22 – 19.
Mishavonna Henson is up, I hope she leaves cause typing her name is a pain in the rear. She’s singing ‘Drops of Jupiter’ by Train. Train is right as in train-wreck. I used to like this song. Since its Ash Wednesday - she has nice hair and the she gets a bit better at the end. RaKarula - Paula imitates my 3 year-old with the delayed speech problem, Randy, I forget what he and Kara said. Simon likes her voice but not her performance. Paula has her head down and is either sneezing or doing lines of coke or dropped an earring in her cleavage, in which case we will be here all night.
Mayland tied at 34 at the half.
Adam “May Kay” Lambert is going to do “Satisfaction” by The Stones. I like Adam and I’m sure he will make it to the top 12 on his looks alone – teen girls are going to vote for him, but I don’t like his version of the song. But I do like is voice/act and think he will be around for a long time. Paula is about ready to jump his, young enough to be her son, bones. I’m surprised she didn’t strip her clothes off and throw them at him. Simon is torn, part bad part good – I agree. Randy says he is a combo of Edward (Twilight), Steven Tyler and Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy for you geezers out there).
I’m going with Nick/Normund, Adam and Megan getting through. With Jasmine and Allison as possibility.
I’ve totally killed my cell phone battery voting for Nick/Norman. But I got in about 100 votes before the phone died. Of course I did the same thing last week with two cell phones for Tatiana the Terrible and it didn’t work.
Ugh! Maryland lost. Now I'm depressed. I'm going to go watch videos of Norman on YouTube and cheer myself up.
That’s it for tonight. Adios, Goodnight and God Bless
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Never Too Old to go to Keggers
73-Year-Old Basketball Player Ruled Ineligible Over Credits
The Hartford Courant
February 22, 2009
Fifty-three years after getting the collegiate boot as the fall guy on a prank gone bad, 73-year-old college basketball player Ken Mink is again on the wrong side of a controversy.
Mink says he has been ruled ineligible to play by the National Junior College Athletic Association, and Roane State, the junior college team he plays for in Harriman, Tenn., will have to forfeit his last game.
At issue is the minimum amount of credits an athlete must pass in a semester to keep his eligibility. Mink carried the minimum 12 hours in the fall semester and was doing well in all but Spanish.
Mink and coach Randy Nesbit decided to enroll Mink in another class just in case he failed Spanish. Roane State had no courses left with openings at the time, but Mink was able to enroll in a sociology class through Strayer University.
"I got a B in the course and did well in all the others except Spanish," he said.
The situation was compounded because when his grade was reported, the Strayer class was listed as being completed Jan. 22 instead of Dec. 22.
No hablo espanol. Donde está mi cerveza?
So instead of studying Spanish, what was Mr Mink doing? Partying with the college coeds? Playing Frisbee football? Jamming in a college band? Waiting in line for the Early Bird special at Cracker Barrel? Or maybe he was just napping each afternoon.
Not being the best of college students, I laugh at Mr Mink with empathy. I mean who hasn't had trouble with a college class? It took me 3 times to pass Calculus. But why at the age of 73 was he taking Spanish anyways? Planning on moving to Bolivia? Wants to work part time at Taco Bell? Has the hots for Shakira and wants to impress her with his language Skillz that Killz?
There are plenty of easy courses at every college. Why not take Survey of Art or History of Motion Pictures? Here are a few actual classes I took in college: Skiing, Techniques of Football, Tennis and my favorite - Puppets and Puppetry. It was cool. I made a puppet of the 3 Little Pigs, a Mouse (not sure why) and one of Robert Smith of The Cure. That was the best puppet ever. I'd post a picture of it but someone I'm related to by marriage threw it away cause it frightened her.
I'm pretty sure I saw an old-guy in the background of the infamous Michael Phelps photo. I'm not saying, I'm just saying.
The Hartford Courant
February 22, 2009
Fifty-three years after getting the collegiate boot as the fall guy on a prank gone bad, 73-year-old college basketball player Ken Mink is again on the wrong side of a controversy.
Mink says he has been ruled ineligible to play by the National Junior College Athletic Association, and Roane State, the junior college team he plays for in Harriman, Tenn., will have to forfeit his last game.
At issue is the minimum amount of credits an athlete must pass in a semester to keep his eligibility. Mink carried the minimum 12 hours in the fall semester and was doing well in all but Spanish.
Mink and coach Randy Nesbit decided to enroll Mink in another class just in case he failed Spanish. Roane State had no courses left with openings at the time, but Mink was able to enroll in a sociology class through Strayer University.
"I got a B in the course and did well in all the others except Spanish," he said.
The situation was compounded because when his grade was reported, the Strayer class was listed as being completed Jan. 22 instead of Dec. 22.
No hablo espanol. Donde está mi cerveza?
So instead of studying Spanish, what was Mr Mink doing? Partying with the college coeds? Playing Frisbee football? Jamming in a college band? Waiting in line for the Early Bird special at Cracker Barrel? Or maybe he was just napping each afternoon.
Not being the best of college students, I laugh at Mr Mink with empathy. I mean who hasn't had trouble with a college class? It took me 3 times to pass Calculus. But why at the age of 73 was he taking Spanish anyways? Planning on moving to Bolivia? Wants to work part time at Taco Bell? Has the hots for Shakira and wants to impress her with his language Skillz that Killz?
There are plenty of easy courses at every college. Why not take Survey of Art or History of Motion Pictures? Here are a few actual classes I took in college: Skiing, Techniques of Football, Tennis and my favorite - Puppets and Puppetry. It was cool. I made a puppet of the 3 Little Pigs, a Mouse (not sure why) and one of Robert Smith of The Cure. That was the best puppet ever. I'd post a picture of it but someone I'm related to by marriage threw it away cause it frightened her.
I'm pretty sure I saw an old-guy in the background of the infamous Michael Phelps photo. I'm not saying, I'm just saying.
Today's Workouts
3.5 mile run this morning to test out the sore quad. Not much of a test but it felt fine. Will run longer tomorrow and report back. I know y'all can't wait.......
Afternoon update - weather was nice and I needed to get out of the office after 1.5 days of meetings. Went for a second run around lunch time, another 3.5 miles. Thigh is still attached to the rest of me....so far so good...
Afternoon update - weather was nice and I needed to get out of the office after 1.5 days of meetings. Went for a second run around lunch time, another 3.5 miles. Thigh is still attached to the rest of me....so far so good...
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Today's Workouts
An easy 3.5 mile run to work the kinks out of a sore thigh - um for the record the kinky thigh was mine ;)
Guess He Wasn't Wearing Magic Underwear
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake Tribune
It took a wedgie and a headlock to pin down a man suspected of breaking into a car.
Yvonne Morris, a technician at the Brickyard Animal Hospital, says she chased a man who broke into a co-worker's car, but he kept squirming away from her.
Morris eventually grabbed the man's boxer shorts and pulled. Salt Lake City police say she then she put a headlock on the man until help could arrive.
The man was booked into the Salt Lake County jail on suspicion of vehicle burglary, possession of stolen property and outstanding warrants.
Boxer Short Wedgie?! Ouch!!! Boxer-Briefs wouldn't be too bad and Briefs a little bit worse, but Boxer Shorts? Bet that guy quits wearing those from now on.
What's worse, having a women give you a wedgie or a woman putting you in a headlock until the heat arrives? Got a feeling he's going to have a rough time in jail after getting 'chicked'
Salt Lake Tribune
It took a wedgie and a headlock to pin down a man suspected of breaking into a car.
Yvonne Morris, a technician at the Brickyard Animal Hospital, says she chased a man who broke into a co-worker's car, but he kept squirming away from her.
Morris eventually grabbed the man's boxer shorts and pulled. Salt Lake City police say she then she put a headlock on the man until help could arrive.
The man was booked into the Salt Lake County jail on suspicion of vehicle burglary, possession of stolen property and outstanding warrants.
Boxer Short Wedgie?! Ouch!!! Boxer-Briefs wouldn't be too bad and Briefs a little bit worse, but Boxer Shorts? Bet that guy quits wearing those from now on.
What's worse, having a women give you a wedgie or a woman putting you in a headlock until the heat arrives? Got a feeling he's going to have a rough time in jail after getting 'chicked'
Friday, February 20, 2009
Today's Workouts
1,700 yard swim. No run as of yet. I may do a short run tonight or I may rest my sore quad since I have a marathon to race in 16 days
EOTWAWKI
- A total of 3.6 million people have lost their jobs since Dec. ’07...half of them in the last three months.
- China’s exports plunged 17.5% in January.
- The state of California to layoff 20,000 workers - The Terminator Lives
- The One signs a $787 BILLION 'Stimulus' bill that is over 1,000 pages long
- Starbucks introduced an Instant Coffee that sells for less than a buck
question: if the state of California can layoff 20,000 workers and still function (as well as governments ever function that is) why were they hired in the first place?
question #2 - How many senators and congressmen actually read that thing? How many senators and congressmen can actually read?
question #3 - Is Starbucks, the poster child for yuppie snobby coffee, making an instant coffee a sign of the apocalypse?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
We are a Nation of Over Sensitive Wienies
Is this cartoon racist? That's what the usual PC race-card players would have you believe. The cartoon is from the NY Post. Keep in mind that a crazy chimpanzee on the loose in Connecticut was shot dead by police the day before this cartoon came out.
Al Sharpton and his goons are howling about it. Why? Apparently they think the dead monkey is The One and comparing a half black dude to a monkey is a sin. Never mind that The O didn't write the damned stimulus bill. Come on, like a bunch of people got together in the White House for a weekend cram session and wrote the 1000+ page bill. The awful thing came from congress. It's Pelosi's bill. Didn't any of these people ever watch the Schoolhouse Rock cartoon, How a Bill Becomes a Law? Oh I forgot they didn't have TV's growing up cause The Man was always putting them down.
Well here it is for your eduction "Revered" Sharpton
Al Sharpton and his goons are howling about it. Why? Apparently they think the dead monkey is The One and comparing a half black dude to a monkey is a sin. Never mind that The O didn't write the damned stimulus bill. Come on, like a bunch of people got together in the White House for a weekend cram session and wrote the 1000+ page bill. The awful thing came from congress. It's Pelosi's bill. Didn't any of these people ever watch the Schoolhouse Rock cartoon, How a Bill Becomes a Law? Oh I forgot they didn't have TV's growing up cause The Man was always putting them down.
Well here it is for your eduction "Revered" Sharpton
American Idol Night - '09
Results show night.
But first, I just checked with Vegas and the over/under on how many times Danny Boy’s dead wife or his tragedy or his heroic rising above his situation is set at 4 times. I've got 100 bucks on the over.
Is it just me or is this incessant marketing of this poor woman’s death and Danny Boy’s ‘Heroism’ for going on with life (like millions of other people) getting more disrespectful and creepy as we go on?
What’s next? Candles passed out to the audience for a candle-light vigil while Danny Boy sings ‘Amazing Grace’? Don’t be surprised if this happens, this show is on FOX who brought us the midget Bachelor-type show ‘The Littlest Groom’
So tonight the highest female vote getter and male vote getter get through, plus the next highest vote getter that is left. After 3 weeks of this we will have 9 contestants left (if my public school math is correct) and then the judges will add 3 of their choosing.
Like I said in yesterdays post my predictions for tonight are:
Anoop Desai, Triple T and Danny Gokey get through. With Alexis Grace and Ricky Braddy also in the running.
So let’s see if I’m a genius or not.
Seacrest is looking hipper tonight. The Ward Cleaver look is gone. He tells us that 24 million votes were cast last night. 200 wee me on two cell phones voting for Tatiana the Terrible.
First a How Did They Get Here montage………yawn.
The group song tonight is Jason Mraz’s ‘I’m Yours”. It’s a campy Disney-ish version. I used to like this song. Casey Carlson is sporting a lot of cleavage tonight in a desperate attempt to stay on the show. I guess no one told her the voting ended last night at midnight.
After a long break (hey that got an hour to fill – never mind that this could all be done in a 5 minute broadcast) we see the short versions of last night’s performances.
The 12 are sitting on chairs and The Seacrest is asking them how they thought they did last night. All I heard was blah blah blah.
Ryan brings up Casey ‘Double C’s” Carlson and she is given one more chance to show off here assets before given the boot. Next up is Stephen “I Forget the Words and Pout About It” Fowler and no surprise he’s gone too. Now we get Alexis ‘Two-Tone” Grace…..and….she’s in!!!!!! Yeah for her. She gets to sing her song from last night again. She’s got some mish-mash outfit on that somehow works
Rickie and Jackie are brought up together. Guess they are jumping together off the bridge. First Rickie is given the heave-ho and then Jackie. No surprise.
Next we get Anoop and Michael. Anoop is a pretty tall dude. Ryan asks them if they are nervous. And MICHAEL is going through?! Really? Even Michael looks shocked. Anoop is going home? Ok color me shocked. As Mr. Incredible would say, “they just keep finding new ways to celebrate mediocrity” Michael “Tough Job” Sarver sings his song again. So I’m 0-2 so far. I stink. Anoop could still get through as a Judge’s wildcard.
This messes up Tatiana getting through. I don’t think she got more votes than Danny “Did you know my wife passed” Gorkey. But I never thought Michael would get more votes than Anoop so what do I know.
After a break we get Michael Johns and Carly Smithson. Our two foreigners from last years show. Actually my two favorites from last year. They are supposedly doing a duet tonight. They are singing “The Letter” by The Boxtops. They both look and sound pretty good. Although Sam thinks Michael needs to unbutton his jacket. And Carly has two large black caterpillars for eyebrows – but I’m being too picky. And that’s it for this segment.
Anne Marie, Stevie and Brent are brought forward. All 3 are dispatched quickly and painlessly.
Next up are Tatiana and Danny. Paula rambles in something resembling English but not quite. Paula-Bonics We get the cliffhanger treatment and are off for more commercials.
Ok we are back and the two left both look pretty nervous. Seacrest tries to drag it out but there isn’t much to really say. The Danny gets through and sings that incredibly sappy “Hero” song. I leave the room for a minute to throw-up my roast beef and baked potatoes. Ok I’m back. Tatiana I’m sorry my dear. I did my best. I only have so many phones and hands.
So we have Danny, Alexis and Michael in. I was 1 for 3. Sad.
I quick peek at the 12 for next week and we are done. Ciao.
But first, I just checked with Vegas and the over/under on how many times Danny Boy’s dead wife or his tragedy or his heroic rising above his situation is set at 4 times. I've got 100 bucks on the over.
Is it just me or is this incessant marketing of this poor woman’s death and Danny Boy’s ‘Heroism’ for going on with life (like millions of other people) getting more disrespectful and creepy as we go on?
What’s next? Candles passed out to the audience for a candle-light vigil while Danny Boy sings ‘Amazing Grace’? Don’t be surprised if this happens, this show is on FOX who brought us the midget Bachelor-type show ‘The Littlest Groom’
So tonight the highest female vote getter and male vote getter get through, plus the next highest vote getter that is left. After 3 weeks of this we will have 9 contestants left (if my public school math is correct) and then the judges will add 3 of their choosing.
Like I said in yesterdays post my predictions for tonight are:
Anoop Desai, Triple T and Danny Gokey get through. With Alexis Grace and Ricky Braddy also in the running.
So let’s see if I’m a genius or not.
Seacrest is looking hipper tonight. The Ward Cleaver look is gone. He tells us that 24 million votes were cast last night. 200 wee me on two cell phones voting for Tatiana the Terrible.
First a How Did They Get Here montage………yawn.
The group song tonight is Jason Mraz’s ‘I’m Yours”. It’s a campy Disney-ish version. I used to like this song. Casey Carlson is sporting a lot of cleavage tonight in a desperate attempt to stay on the show. I guess no one told her the voting ended last night at midnight.
After a long break (hey that got an hour to fill – never mind that this could all be done in a 5 minute broadcast) we see the short versions of last night’s performances.
The 12 are sitting on chairs and The Seacrest is asking them how they thought they did last night. All I heard was blah blah blah.
Ryan brings up Casey ‘Double C’s” Carlson and she is given one more chance to show off here assets before given the boot. Next up is Stephen “I Forget the Words and Pout About It” Fowler and no surprise he’s gone too. Now we get Alexis ‘Two-Tone” Grace…..and….she’s in!!!!!! Yeah for her. She gets to sing her song from last night again. She’s got some mish-mash outfit on that somehow works
Rickie and Jackie are brought up together. Guess they are jumping together off the bridge. First Rickie is given the heave-ho and then Jackie. No surprise.
Next we get Anoop and Michael. Anoop is a pretty tall dude. Ryan asks them if they are nervous. And MICHAEL is going through?! Really? Even Michael looks shocked. Anoop is going home? Ok color me shocked. As Mr. Incredible would say, “they just keep finding new ways to celebrate mediocrity” Michael “Tough Job” Sarver sings his song again. So I’m 0-2 so far. I stink. Anoop could still get through as a Judge’s wildcard.
This messes up Tatiana getting through. I don’t think she got more votes than Danny “Did you know my wife passed” Gorkey. But I never thought Michael would get more votes than Anoop so what do I know.
After a break we get Michael Johns and Carly Smithson. Our two foreigners from last years show. Actually my two favorites from last year. They are supposedly doing a duet tonight. They are singing “The Letter” by The Boxtops. They both look and sound pretty good. Although Sam thinks Michael needs to unbutton his jacket. And Carly has two large black caterpillars for eyebrows – but I’m being too picky. And that’s it for this segment.
Anne Marie, Stevie and Brent are brought forward. All 3 are dispatched quickly and painlessly.
Next up are Tatiana and Danny. Paula rambles in something resembling English but not quite. Paula-Bonics We get the cliffhanger treatment and are off for more commercials.
Ok we are back and the two left both look pretty nervous. Seacrest tries to drag it out but there isn’t much to really say. The Danny gets through and sings that incredibly sappy “Hero” song. I leave the room for a minute to throw-up my roast beef and baked potatoes. Ok I’m back. Tatiana I’m sorry my dear. I did my best. I only have so many phones and hands.
So we have Danny, Alexis and Michael in. I was 1 for 3. Sad.
I quick peek at the 12 for next week and we are done. Ciao.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
American Idol Night - '09
Before we start tonight let me say off the bat that I am voting for the following:
Tatiana the Terrible – why? Because I agree with vote for the worst .com. We need to keep her around for awhile just for the drama.
Adam “Max Factor” Lambert – why? Because he’s good. He needs to tone down the theatrics a bit and maybe the makeup but otherwise I like him.
Nick/Norman Norman/Nick – why? Why not? He amuses me. Most of the others don’t have much personality, yet.
Not sure any will be on tonight though.
We are ‘Live’ tonight
Seacrest welcomes us while wearing his best Father’s Knows Best sweater.
Here are our judges. They all look ok. Although Randy has some scarf thing going on and a huge watch. Kara and Paula look pretty good. Simon looks like he always does, dark shirt and scowl.
Trite words of advice from the judges and some comments on Ryan’s new hair style.
The theme tonight is Songs from the Billboard Hot 100
And here is our group of 12 for this week. 3 go on:
Jackie Tohn is doing an Elvis song, ‘A Little Less Conversation’. The dead Elvis. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT SHE IS WEARING. She looks kinda like a 50’s waitress from Happy Days with a bit of white trash and Jane Fonda aerobic video thrown in. The outfit is not doing it for me. But I like her voice. Randy, Kara, and Paula are fans. Simon says she played the clown. I’m with Simon. Now we have to listen to her parents’ opinion. They obviously are fans
Rickie "I'm Too Boring for Nickname" Braddy is doing a Leon Russell song that I didn’t catch the name of. Putting aside the pointy-hair and red velour smoking jacket – he’s BORING. Has a good voice and seems nice enough but he put me to sleep. I barely woke up in time for the next set of commercials. Randy loved it. Kara says he Killed It. Paula gushes over him. Simon liked him but is more restrained. Says he doesn’t have star quality. Thank you Simon. And now we get to talk to his parents (are we going to have to meet everybody’s parents? Makes me wish the hippie-orphan had made it through). His parents are wearing “The Braddy Bunch” tshirts…ugh shoot me now
Commercials, time to switch over to Drake and Josh. Hey give me a break I have lots of tweens and teens here. Plus I like it.
Alexis ‘I got two bottles of hair color for the price one’ Grace who looks a bit like Deborah Harry from Blondie is doing Aretha Franklins ‘Never loved a Man ‘. She appears to be wearing a black short underwear dress. I do like her hair. Lots of people singing lots of old songs. This song doesn’t fit her looks but she sounds pretty darn good. Randy, Kara and Paula love her – this is getting repetitive with them. They should just replay the same clip of those 3 after each performance…it’s always the same. Simon says she is the best so far. And now to the parent’s couch. Alas she has two parents also.
Brent "Toby" Keith – tape problem with the flashback. Skippy, I mean Seacrest, tries to wing it, badly. The joys of live TV. Ok now the tape is working. Brent is singing "Hicktown" by Jason Aldean. Sardonic Dad Does Not Like Country. I like his voice and look but the county music is off putting. Randy, Kara and Paula like, not love him. Side note – Paula is sporting tons of her Star jewelry line. Ok off to the couch with Brent. His wife is there, no parents?
Stevie “I’m a chick not a dude’ Wright. Her tape works. Let’s see she is 17 and is going for the bubbly young look. She’s doing Taylor Swift’s “Love Story“. She looks like a 17 yo trying to do Taylor Swift. Better than most would but still an imitation. She’d me good on a High School Musical type of show. Of course it doesn’t really matter what I say. Randy and Kara do not like it. Shocked! They don’t like someone. And double shocker…Paula is not digging it either. Simon says they were too polite and calls her terrible and she’s done. Ouch! Mom and Dad can’t be happy. Hugs from the parents and a short chat. I got a feeling Joe Jonas just broke up with her by text message.
Anoop “Dawg” Desai (I need a new nickname for him. Anoop Dawg is too easy). He’s singing “Angel of Mine” by Monica. This is the first time I haven’t really loved his performance. Poor song choice. Good voice the song is just boring. Randy calls him Anoop Dawg, now I know I need to change my nickname for him. Kara and Randy didn’t like the song choice either. Paula says something. Simon doesn’t like the song choice one bit. But really likes Anoop. And here we are on the Ugly Red Coca-Cola Parent’s Couch (URCCPC). Hopefully Annop will make it through in spite of this song choice.
We are promised Casey “Double C” Carlson singing The Police after the break. Cool a good band. Don’t butcher it CC.
Casey “Double C” Carlson is singing “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic “by The Police. (the “Double C” is for her name not bra size people so leave me alone) She’s all dolled-up and does not look 20 years old. Hmm, she’s starting really slow and weak. This is like a karaoke night without the liquor to dull the senses. Randy calls it karaoke too. Kara calls it all wrong and over-done. Casey looks like she’s going to bawl. Paula tries to let her down easy by saying she’s beautiful before saying it was bad. Simon says she looks good but was atrocious. Man they killed her. I feel sorry for her. Mom and dad hug her by the URCCPC. It was nice knowing you Casey.
Michael “I have the most dangerous job in America other than Jack Bauer” Sarver is doing “I Don’t Wanna Be” by Gavin DeGraw. I like him and his voice but I don’t think he has that Pop Star thing going. More like he should be singing in a Honkey Tonk over a few Buds. Randy and Kara think he can do better. Paula likes him but was distracted by him switching the microphone from hand to hand?! Paula would be distracted by a butterfly. Simon while not impressed hopes he moves on. On the URCCPC of Death are his wife and mom. Dad is either dead or not on speaking terms with son I guess.
Anne Marie “Comrade” Boskovich is singing “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin. She looks older and trampier than she is. I liked her but Randy and Kara thought it was too big of a song for her to try. Paula like it. Paula and I agree on something. Simon calls here a hotel singer and says she doesn’t have the voice for that song. Anne Marie plops down on ugly couch next too…um mom and sister?..mom and mom? I have no idea. I don’t think Anne Marie should make song term plans to stay in LA.
Stephen “I Forget the Words and Pout About It” Fowler is singing “Rock with You” by Michael Jackson. I have low hopes for him. Not that he will forget the words. But that he will be nowhere near as good as MJ is. And in my very very very humble opinion I’m right. Why do people try and do these hugely popular songs. Let’s see what the Fantastic Four have to say. Randy, Kara, Paula and Simon all agree with me. I Rule. Simon says he wishes he had forgotten the lyrics. Simon hated it. Bye bye Stephen. You are a nice guy but that song ain’t gonna cut it. Stephen doesn’t even get to go to the Ugly Couch…was he that bad? Oh his wife is at home. Probably watching Michael Jackson videos and moon-walking around the living room.
Tatiana the Terrible and I mean that in the best possible way. We have to keep her around. She is awesome blog material. She is signing Whitney Houston’s “Saving all my Love for You“. People close your eyes and forget the horrid laugh for a moment. She’s really a pretty good singer. Yeah I know she doesn’t look like a pop-star. Randy impressed and like it. Kara seems confused by who she is. Paula says something. Simon throws out the obvious drama-queen label and says, like Paula, she’s desperate to be famous. Simon says this quiet Tatiana makes him nervous. He wants the bad laughing Tatiania back. On the URCCPC are 2 dudes who Tatiania calls ‘cousins’. Wink Wink. No word on where her parents are. In hiding back in Puerto Rico maybe.
Danny “My Wife is Dead” Gokey is signing “Hero” by Mariah Carey. What is it with these people and their song choices? He sounds pretty good. I still hope he gets the boot but being pretty good and having the sob story will get him through. Randy, Kara and Paula all go bonkers over him. We see his pin-cushioned faced BFF in the audience. Simon brings everyone back to earth and says it was good but not great. No couch or parents for Danny Boy.
Yes I know commenting about the guy having a deceased wife is not nice. But as long as he's letting FOX pimp it all the time and as long as he keeps mentioning it all the time, so will I.
My predictions for tomorrow night’s result show.
Anoop Desai, Triple T and Danny Gokey get through. With Alexis Grace and Ricky Braddy also in the running.
See ya tomorrow
Tatiana the Terrible – why? Because I agree with vote for the worst .com. We need to keep her around for awhile just for the drama.
Adam “Max Factor” Lambert – why? Because he’s good. He needs to tone down the theatrics a bit and maybe the makeup but otherwise I like him.
Nick/Norman Norman/Nick – why? Why not? He amuses me. Most of the others don’t have much personality, yet.
Not sure any will be on tonight though.
We are ‘Live’ tonight
Seacrest welcomes us while wearing his best Father’s Knows Best sweater.
Here are our judges. They all look ok. Although Randy has some scarf thing going on and a huge watch. Kara and Paula look pretty good. Simon looks like he always does, dark shirt and scowl.
Trite words of advice from the judges and some comments on Ryan’s new hair style.
The theme tonight is Songs from the Billboard Hot 100
And here is our group of 12 for this week. 3 go on:
Jackie Tohn is doing an Elvis song, ‘A Little Less Conversation’. The dead Elvis. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT SHE IS WEARING. She looks kinda like a 50’s waitress from Happy Days with a bit of white trash and Jane Fonda aerobic video thrown in. The outfit is not doing it for me. But I like her voice. Randy, Kara, and Paula are fans. Simon says she played the clown. I’m with Simon. Now we have to listen to her parents’ opinion. They obviously are fans
Rickie "I'm Too Boring for Nickname" Braddy is doing a Leon Russell song that I didn’t catch the name of. Putting aside the pointy-hair and red velour smoking jacket – he’s BORING. Has a good voice and seems nice enough but he put me to sleep. I barely woke up in time for the next set of commercials. Randy loved it. Kara says he Killed It. Paula gushes over him. Simon liked him but is more restrained. Says he doesn’t have star quality. Thank you Simon. And now we get to talk to his parents (are we going to have to meet everybody’s parents? Makes me wish the hippie-orphan had made it through). His parents are wearing “The Braddy Bunch” tshirts…ugh shoot me now
Commercials, time to switch over to Drake and Josh. Hey give me a break I have lots of tweens and teens here. Plus I like it.
Alexis ‘I got two bottles of hair color for the price one’ Grace who looks a bit like Deborah Harry from Blondie is doing Aretha Franklins ‘Never loved a Man ‘. She appears to be wearing a black short underwear dress. I do like her hair. Lots of people singing lots of old songs. This song doesn’t fit her looks but she sounds pretty darn good. Randy, Kara and Paula love her – this is getting repetitive with them. They should just replay the same clip of those 3 after each performance…it’s always the same. Simon says she is the best so far. And now to the parent’s couch. Alas she has two parents also.
Brent "Toby" Keith – tape problem with the flashback. Skippy, I mean Seacrest, tries to wing it, badly. The joys of live TV. Ok now the tape is working. Brent is singing "Hicktown" by Jason Aldean. Sardonic Dad Does Not Like Country. I like his voice and look but the county music is off putting. Randy, Kara and Paula like, not love him. Side note – Paula is sporting tons of her Star jewelry line. Ok off to the couch with Brent. His wife is there, no parents?
Stevie “I’m a chick not a dude’ Wright. Her tape works. Let’s see she is 17 and is going for the bubbly young look. She’s doing Taylor Swift’s “Love Story“. She looks like a 17 yo trying to do Taylor Swift. Better than most would but still an imitation. She’d me good on a High School Musical type of show. Of course it doesn’t really matter what I say. Randy and Kara do not like it. Shocked! They don’t like someone. And double shocker…Paula is not digging it either. Simon says they were too polite and calls her terrible and she’s done. Ouch! Mom and Dad can’t be happy. Hugs from the parents and a short chat. I got a feeling Joe Jonas just broke up with her by text message.
Anoop “Dawg” Desai (I need a new nickname for him. Anoop Dawg is too easy). He’s singing “Angel of Mine” by Monica. This is the first time I haven’t really loved his performance. Poor song choice. Good voice the song is just boring. Randy calls him Anoop Dawg, now I know I need to change my nickname for him. Kara and Randy didn’t like the song choice either. Paula says something. Simon doesn’t like the song choice one bit. But really likes Anoop. And here we are on the Ugly Red Coca-Cola Parent’s Couch (URCCPC). Hopefully Annop will make it through in spite of this song choice.
We are promised Casey “Double C” Carlson singing The Police after the break. Cool a good band. Don’t butcher it CC.
Casey “Double C” Carlson is singing “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic “by The Police. (the “Double C” is for her name not bra size people so leave me alone) She’s all dolled-up and does not look 20 years old. Hmm, she’s starting really slow and weak. This is like a karaoke night without the liquor to dull the senses. Randy calls it karaoke too. Kara calls it all wrong and over-done. Casey looks like she’s going to bawl. Paula tries to let her down easy by saying she’s beautiful before saying it was bad. Simon says she looks good but was atrocious. Man they killed her. I feel sorry for her. Mom and dad hug her by the URCCPC. It was nice knowing you Casey.
Michael “I have the most dangerous job in America other than Jack Bauer” Sarver is doing “I Don’t Wanna Be” by Gavin DeGraw. I like him and his voice but I don’t think he has that Pop Star thing going. More like he should be singing in a Honkey Tonk over a few Buds. Randy and Kara think he can do better. Paula likes him but was distracted by him switching the microphone from hand to hand?! Paula would be distracted by a butterfly. Simon while not impressed hopes he moves on. On the URCCPC of Death are his wife and mom. Dad is either dead or not on speaking terms with son I guess.
Anne Marie “Comrade” Boskovich is singing “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin. She looks older and trampier than she is. I liked her but Randy and Kara thought it was too big of a song for her to try. Paula like it. Paula and I agree on something. Simon calls here a hotel singer and says she doesn’t have the voice for that song. Anne Marie plops down on ugly couch next too…um mom and sister?..mom and mom? I have no idea. I don’t think Anne Marie should make song term plans to stay in LA.
Stephen “I Forget the Words and Pout About It” Fowler is singing “Rock with You” by Michael Jackson. I have low hopes for him. Not that he will forget the words. But that he will be nowhere near as good as MJ is. And in my very very very humble opinion I’m right. Why do people try and do these hugely popular songs. Let’s see what the Fantastic Four have to say. Randy, Kara, Paula and Simon all agree with me. I Rule. Simon says he wishes he had forgotten the lyrics. Simon hated it. Bye bye Stephen. You are a nice guy but that song ain’t gonna cut it. Stephen doesn’t even get to go to the Ugly Couch…was he that bad? Oh his wife is at home. Probably watching Michael Jackson videos and moon-walking around the living room.
Tatiana the Terrible and I mean that in the best possible way. We have to keep her around. She is awesome blog material. She is signing Whitney Houston’s “Saving all my Love for You“. People close your eyes and forget the horrid laugh for a moment. She’s really a pretty good singer. Yeah I know she doesn’t look like a pop-star. Randy impressed and like it. Kara seems confused by who she is. Paula says something. Simon throws out the obvious drama-queen label and says, like Paula, she’s desperate to be famous. Simon says this quiet Tatiana makes him nervous. He wants the bad laughing Tatiania back. On the URCCPC are 2 dudes who Tatiania calls ‘cousins’. Wink Wink. No word on where her parents are. In hiding back in Puerto Rico maybe.
Danny “My Wife is Dead” Gokey is signing “Hero” by Mariah Carey. What is it with these people and their song choices? He sounds pretty good. I still hope he gets the boot but being pretty good and having the sob story will get him through. Randy, Kara and Paula all go bonkers over him. We see his pin-cushioned faced BFF in the audience. Simon brings everyone back to earth and says it was good but not great. No couch or parents for Danny Boy.
Yes I know commenting about the guy having a deceased wife is not nice. But as long as he's letting FOX pimp it all the time and as long as he keeps mentioning it all the time, so will I.
My predictions for tomorrow night’s result show.
Anoop Desai, Triple T and Danny Gokey get through. With Alexis Grace and Ricky Braddy also in the running.
See ya tomorrow
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A Simple Explanation of the Economy and Stimulus Plan
Thanks for the picture Matt. If the picture is too small to read click on it to enlarge
Monday, February 16, 2009
Happy 19th Birthday Alex
Since my bride already did a nice birthday post here, I'll be lazy and just link to it
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day
From The Weston Forum
Written by Kimberly Donnelly
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
What with the $75/dozen roses and the inundation of diamond and Victoria’s Secret ads, it’s easy for a cynic to believe that Valentine’s Day was a creation of Madison Avenue, one of those “made up holidays” created by greeting card companies to generate business in an otherwise dull time of year.
Not true. While the Greeting Card Association of America does admit that Valentine’s Day is second only to Christmas in the volume of cards sent (an estimated one billion valentines will be sent this year!), they refuse to take credit for the creation of the day itself.
That honor goes to the Catholic Church, which, as it did on several occasions, decided to combine some existing pagan rituals with some newer Christian ones. Throw in a saint, a few miscellaneous legends and traditions, and, voilà ! Valentine’s Day!
Fertility rites
Pope Gelasius first declared Feb. 14 to be St. Valentine’s Day in 498 A.D. But long before then, Romans had been celebrating the official beginning of spring with all of its attendant fertility rites in mid-February.
The Lupercalia Festival in ancient Rome was dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and Romulus and Remus, founders of Rome. It is said that priests who were members of the order of Luperci gathered at the entrance of a cave believed to have been the place where the infant Romulus and Remus were cared for by a she-wolf. A goat was sacrificed for fertility and a dog for purification.
The hide of the goat was sliced and the hide was dipped in blood. Men then took to the streets, gently slapping women and fields of crops with the bloody goathide strips. This was believed to make both women and fields fertile.
Later in the day, the names of all the women in town were placed in an urn, and the bachelors would choose a name and be paired with that woman for the following year.
Romance
While today the romance involved in these gestures is a bit hard to discern, February nevertheless has been seen as a month for romance since ancient times. In France and England, it was widely believed that birds began their mating season in mid-February (some even say birds who mate for life choose their mate on Feb. 14).
Valentine himself is often believed to have been a romantic at heart, even though he was a priest. He lived in Rome under the rule of Emperor Claudius II, who outlawed marriage because he believed that single men made better soldiers. Valentine believed this decree to be unjust, and continued to wed young lovers until he was discovered, jailed, and eventually put to death for his crime.
One legend says that Valentine fell in love with the daughter of his jailer, and sent her a letter signed “from your Valentine,” just before he was put to death. And so was born the first “valentine.”
The oldest known valentine still in existence was written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, in 1415, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London after being captured at the Battle of Agincourt.
Valentine’s Day began to be popularly celebrated in Great Britain around the 17th Century. By the mid-18th Century, it was common for good friends and lovers to exchange small tokens and notes on Valentine’s Day. Ready-made cards first appeared at the end of the 1700s.
Americans also began exchanging valentines in the early 1700s. It was not until 1840 that Esther A. Howland became the first person to sell mass-produced valentines in this country.
Today, approximately 85% of all valentine cards are purchased by women. In addition to the United States, the holiday is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, France, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Some would argue that Valentine’s Day, despite being created to honor a legitimate saint, is still a scam perpetrated by the multi-billion-dollar card industry. Most would agree, however, that today’s practices are still better than getting slapped with a bloody strip of goathide.
Written by Kimberly Donnelly
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
What with the $75/dozen roses and the inundation of diamond and Victoria’s Secret ads, it’s easy for a cynic to believe that Valentine’s Day was a creation of Madison Avenue, one of those “made up holidays” created by greeting card companies to generate business in an otherwise dull time of year.
Not true. While the Greeting Card Association of America does admit that Valentine’s Day is second only to Christmas in the volume of cards sent (an estimated one billion valentines will be sent this year!), they refuse to take credit for the creation of the day itself.
That honor goes to the Catholic Church, which, as it did on several occasions, decided to combine some existing pagan rituals with some newer Christian ones. Throw in a saint, a few miscellaneous legends and traditions, and, voilà ! Valentine’s Day!
Fertility rites
Pope Gelasius first declared Feb. 14 to be St. Valentine’s Day in 498 A.D. But long before then, Romans had been celebrating the official beginning of spring with all of its attendant fertility rites in mid-February.
The Lupercalia Festival in ancient Rome was dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and Romulus and Remus, founders of Rome. It is said that priests who were members of the order of Luperci gathered at the entrance of a cave believed to have been the place where the infant Romulus and Remus were cared for by a she-wolf. A goat was sacrificed for fertility and a dog for purification.
The hide of the goat was sliced and the hide was dipped in blood. Men then took to the streets, gently slapping women and fields of crops with the bloody goathide strips. This was believed to make both women and fields fertile.
Later in the day, the names of all the women in town were placed in an urn, and the bachelors would choose a name and be paired with that woman for the following year.
Romance
While today the romance involved in these gestures is a bit hard to discern, February nevertheless has been seen as a month for romance since ancient times. In France and England, it was widely believed that birds began their mating season in mid-February (some even say birds who mate for life choose their mate on Feb. 14).
Valentine himself is often believed to have been a romantic at heart, even though he was a priest. He lived in Rome under the rule of Emperor Claudius II, who outlawed marriage because he believed that single men made better soldiers. Valentine believed this decree to be unjust, and continued to wed young lovers until he was discovered, jailed, and eventually put to death for his crime.
One legend says that Valentine fell in love with the daughter of his jailer, and sent her a letter signed “from your Valentine,” just before he was put to death. And so was born the first “valentine.”
The oldest known valentine still in existence was written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, in 1415, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London after being captured at the Battle of Agincourt.
Valentine’s Day began to be popularly celebrated in Great Britain around the 17th Century. By the mid-18th Century, it was common for good friends and lovers to exchange small tokens and notes on Valentine’s Day. Ready-made cards first appeared at the end of the 1700s.
Americans also began exchanging valentines in the early 1700s. It was not until 1840 that Esther A. Howland became the first person to sell mass-produced valentines in this country.
Today, approximately 85% of all valentine cards are purchased by women. In addition to the United States, the holiday is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, France, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Some would argue that Valentine’s Day, despite being created to honor a legitimate saint, is still a scam perpetrated by the multi-billion-dollar card industry. Most would agree, however, that today’s practices are still better than getting slapped with a bloody strip of goathide.
Friday, February 13, 2009
No Word if he Was Michael Phelps' Milkman Too
BURNLEY, England, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- A 72-year-old English milkman who claimed he provided marijuana for customers who needed it to ease their pain has received a suspended sentence.
Holding was arrested after police found marijuana in an egg crate in his van. He admitted he was supplying 17 people who would leave him notes telling him how much they wanted.
Holding was arrested after police found marijuana in an egg crate in his van. He admitted he was supplying 17 people who would leave him notes telling him how much they wanted.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Today's Workouts
21.27 mile run this morning. I have a GPS watch that gives me the exact distance so don't be hating on my run.
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