Thursday, November 18
Sunday, November 7
On the Seasons of Baseball, Football, Politics & Life
Pete Seeger used words from the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible in his song, so I guess I can borrow some words from the Byrd's song for my story. You know the one about everything having a season? Maybe it was all about sport’s seasons.
To Everything…There is a season …
So October baseball and the baseball season are over and my Twins got cheated by the evil Yankees. Then my Vikings got rooked by the refs and Randy Moss ran a fake. Oh wait, I mean he was a fake. Their season is going nowhere on the fast track. Then Nov. 2 pulled a punch to the gut with the thought of tea partiers in places of power. We preach against extremists in other countries so why are they electable here? All hail the season of hate.
To Everything…There is a season …
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late
There might be a season for everything but still I fear the truth in the words of my late father. His political wisdom was subtle but right on. Pre-election 2008 when he was grumbling about voting and how it wouldn’t make a difference, I said, “Dad, you gotta vote. If you don’t vote then I don’t wanna hear you bitchin’ about the way things are.”
We talked about the need for change, about politics in general, about issues for seniors, about racism and his pretenses of racism, he grumbled some more, and some more. After about 20 minutes of “discussing” the state of the country he delivered those prophetic words. “By God ‘W’ and his crooks got this country so far down the toilet I don’t think your guy or any other damn politician can pull us back out.”
His 75 years proved to me many times that you don’t need a formal education to be smart. After I said he might be right but we had to try something different, he said, “I don’t care who you are, we ain’t getting’ outta this mess in 4 years or even 8 years—maybe not in your lifetime. It sure as hell won’t be while I’m still around.” True. True. True. And true. Wise man.
He did end up voting for a Black man (he said; I believe it based on his complaints) and he was hopeful about the cost of pills and bills for all his health needs. He prided himself with pushing buttons so I got razzed a lot. Those on the other side of the spectrum in denial of his politics got their share of ribbing. One of the last real conversations we had a couple weeks before he left us was about that same topic.
He told me he was proud of me for standing up for my beliefs. He admitted he voted because he shared some of the same views. He said he knew I wanted to make a difference for senior citizens (old farts were his words) and people in need (don’t have a pot to piss in). For not having a very “touchy/feely” relationship he was wide open when he said he loved me and advised me to keep writing. “You’re damn good at it so you better keep doin’ it."
For someone like Dad who worked a shift job of physical labor everyday and never knew any other way to say those words, made me breathe deep a few times just to keep it together. Quite a contrast from the words he said when I told him I was no longer teaching. “By God that kind of money is hard to come by.” That was the serious part before he went into the routine about how easy teachers have it with summers off and short work days and blah, blah, blah. He put up a good front but I know he was proud of the difference I made for kids. Still, for him to tell me to keep writing and that I was good at it pretty much validated my decision.
I suppose when it’s all mushed together, the Twins will have another shot at a run in the play-offs and the Vikings can still make something of their season. The upheaval in politics will eventually swing back to middle ground. Hopefully, each of us can learn about tolerance and start working together.
In retrospect, even my father is still with me in many ways. Although he died in the summer of 2010, his wisdom continues to influence me on a daily basis.
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
Yup. Nothing like death and dying to get your priorities straight. He might not be here physically but I know Grandpa Bud comforts Andy (Zipper) when he watches over her. Their unspoken bond is just as real as the radiation and chemo her body gets each day. They share some of that same stubbornness. It made him survive some rough times like heart surgery, lung surgery, cancer. That attitude and deep faith might help her cheat the ‘C’ word for a few extra years. She will have her season.
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to build up,a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together
As I sit in silence in our room in Rochester, MN trying not to weep, I think about my daughter.
I think about my dad. I long for his quiet strength.
Small things like laughing about photos, sharing with new and old friends and the kindness of family keep reminding me he is still here in many ways and I aim for hope.
But I guess sometimes it’s too hard to reason with emotions. Sometimes it is just too hard to tell if the falling leaves mean a season is ending or another season is about to begin. In sports it is easy… in life, not so much. Whatever it means, there is a reason.
It is not for me to decide.
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
To Everything…There is a season …
So October baseball and the baseball season are over and my Twins got cheated by the evil Yankees. Then my Vikings got rooked by the refs and Randy Moss ran a fake. Oh wait, I mean he was a fake. Their season is going nowhere on the fast track. Then Nov. 2 pulled a punch to the gut with the thought of tea partiers in places of power. We preach against extremists in other countries so why are they electable here? All hail the season of hate.
To Everything…There is a season …
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late
There might be a season for everything but still I fear the truth in the words of my late father. His political wisdom was subtle but right on. Pre-election 2008 when he was grumbling about voting and how it wouldn’t make a difference, I said, “Dad, you gotta vote. If you don’t vote then I don’t wanna hear you bitchin’ about the way things are.”
A time to build up,a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones,
a time to gather stones together
His 75 years proved to me many times that you don’t need a formal education to be smart. After I said he might be right but we had to try something different, he said, “I don’t care who you are, we ain’t getting’ outta this mess in 4 years or even 8 years—maybe not in your lifetime. It sure as hell won’t be while I’m still around.” True. True. True. And true. Wise man.
He did end up voting for a Black man (he said; I believe it based on his complaints) and he was hopeful about the cost of pills and bills for all his health needs. He prided himself with pushing buttons so I got razzed a lot. Those on the other side of the spectrum in denial of his politics got their share of ribbing. One of the last real conversations we had a couple weeks before he left us was about that same topic.
He told me he was proud of me for standing up for my beliefs. He admitted he voted because he shared some of the same views. He said he knew I wanted to make a difference for senior citizens (old farts were his words) and people in need (don’t have a pot to piss in). For not having a very “touchy/feely” relationship he was wide open when he said he loved me and advised me to keep writing. “You’re damn good at it so you better keep doin’ it."
For someone like Dad who worked a shift job of physical labor everyday and never knew any other way to say those words, made me breathe deep a few times just to keep it together. Quite a contrast from the words he said when I told him I was no longer teaching. “By God that kind of money is hard to come by.” That was the serious part before he went into the routine about how easy teachers have it with summers off and short work days and blah, blah, blah. He put up a good front but I know he was proud of the difference I made for kids. Still, for him to tell me to keep writing and that I was good at it pretty much validated my decision.
I suppose when it’s all mushed together, the Twins will have another shot at a run in the play-offs and the Vikings can still make something of their season. The upheaval in politics will eventually swing back to middle ground. Hopefully, each of us can learn about tolerance and start working together.
In retrospect, even my father is still with me in many ways. Although he died in the summer of 2010, his wisdom continues to influence me on a daily basis.
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
Yup. Nothing like death and dying to get your priorities straight. He might not be here physically but I know Grandpa Bud comforts Andy (Zipper) when he watches over her. Their unspoken bond is just as real as the radiation and chemo her body gets each day. They share some of that same stubbornness. It made him survive some rough times like heart surgery, lung surgery, cancer. That attitude and deep faith might help her cheat the ‘C’ word for a few extra years. She will have her season.
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to build up,a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together
As I sit in silence in our room in Rochester, MN trying not to weep, I think about my daughter.
I think about my dad. I long for his quiet strength.
Small things like laughing about photos, sharing with new and old friends and the kindness of family keep reminding me he is still here in many ways and I aim for hope.
But I guess sometimes it’s too hard to reason with emotions. Sometimes it is just too hard to tell if the falling leaves mean a season is ending or another season is about to begin. In sports it is easy… in life, not so much. Whatever it means, there is a reason.
It is not for me to decide.
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
Sunday, October 10
Broadcasters who sell their souls to the NY Yankees
Oct. 5 2010 comments on ESPN's Baseball Tonight
Regarding Baseball Tonight's attempt to preview the ALDS:
Did Yankee $$$ buy your cohunes? Long ago I realized broadcasters gave up objectivity for Lent but I mean really peeps, c’mon! Let’s review:
Enough Sabathia glory to make me puke. I don’t recall hallowed ground in Cleveland.
Instead of a has-been Petite is Superman’s clone.
Burnett isn’t starting? Is he gonna pout? OMG it must be important cuz it is taking time away from pitchers who ARE STARTING.
Sabathia again. 3 days rest? Good God almighty call out the Guard.
One measly mention of Pavano (probably threw him a bone due to former Yankee status). Nothing about the Liriano’s improvement. Nothing about Duensing stepping up. Nope. No stories there.
There is a cure for the disease commonly known as WWYD*. Do an hour every day revolving around the illustrious Yankees. Then do 30 min featuring other teams.
I must give kudos for calling out Ray’s fans for lack of support. Twins sell out most of their games. Analogy? Fans are to Rays what coverage is to Twins.
BTW Twin’s fans will be waving Homer Hankies, tipping some Buds & listening to Bert Blyleven.
Kind regards,
EJ Young
*WWYD: Disorder caused by hypnotic effects of pinstripes and dollars signs whirling, confirmed at ESPN sites across the country.
Regarding Baseball Tonight's attempt to preview the ALDS:
Did Yankee $$$ buy your cohunes? Long ago I realized broadcasters gave up objectivity for Lent but I mean really peeps, c’mon! Let’s review:
Enough Sabathia glory to make me puke. I don’t recall hallowed ground in Cleveland.
Instead of a has-been Petite is Superman’s clone.
Burnett isn’t starting? Is he gonna pout? OMG it must be important cuz it is taking time away from pitchers who ARE STARTING.
Sabathia again. 3 days rest? Good God almighty call out the Guard.
One measly mention of Pavano (probably threw him a bone due to former Yankee status). Nothing about the Liriano’s improvement. Nothing about Duensing stepping up. Nope. No stories there.
There is a cure for the disease commonly known as WWYD*. Do an hour every day revolving around the illustrious Yankees. Then do 30 min featuring other teams.
I must give kudos for calling out Ray’s fans for lack of support. Twins sell out most of their games. Analogy? Fans are to Rays what coverage is to Twins.
BTW Twin’s fans will be waving Homer Hankies, tipping some Buds & listening to Bert Blyleven.
Kind regards,
EJ Young
*WWYD: Disorder caused by hypnotic effects of pinstripes and dollars signs whirling, confirmed at ESPN sites across the country.
Friday, October 8
Minnesota Twins dreamin'
Minnesota Twins Dreamin’
by a life-long groupie and stalker of all things Twins
Just like Cinderella I got to go to the ball in the fall way back in the year nineteen hundred and eighty seven. World Series game 1 Minnesota Twins vs St. Louis Cardinals. The proverbial once in a life time deal.
Got the ticket because my friend worked at a bank owned by Carl Pohlad the owner of the Twins and they had season tickets but somebody got sick and she knew I was a fan and I was poor and there was this ticket and I think I wrote a check to her for the price of the ticket and the check probably bounced. But I was at the WW'87 sittin' right there behind third base in the prime seats between people who could afford to buy a ballpark beer. And, breathe!
It was all the clichés and cheesy stuff you read about. The atmosphere, the noise, the excitement, the cold beer soaking my Twins T-shirt--stories I've told my children and I'll tell my granddaughter. Yup, I was a Minnesota Twins fan way before being a Twins fan was ever cool. Way before wanna be’s jumped on the bandwagon.
Inspirational but disillusioned.
As a young 'un I remember snuggling under the covers with a tiny transistor radio set on WNAX in Yankton, SD settling in to listen to my Twins. Harmon Killebrew. Tony Oliva. Rod Carew, Bert Blyleven. Heroes to me. Then I was at the HHH Metrodome to see my new heroes Kent Hrbek, Tom Brunansky, Dan Gladden and Kirby Puckett. All the clichés apply here-I was like a kid in a candy store or at Christmas yadda yadda yadda. No, people I didn't have enough money for a beer and I didn't even give a crap. I was living a dream. I can still hear the roar of the crowd; see the Homer Hankies swirling in the stands, still feel the cold wetness of the beer the stumbly guy behind me dumped on my Twin’s T-shirt. Who cares? I didn't pay for it, right?
Flash forward and here we go again. Things have changed. I still can't afford a ballpark beer but there's a new stadium, a new Twin's team and the same old (literally) fan sniffing’ around for tickets.
I am sittin' at my computer, cocked glasses, half cup of cold coffee, smushed bedhead hair, drooling about tickets for the playoffs. Fired up the laptop, clicked up three open windows and I was rollin'! Virtual waiting room on two machines with four open windows. Yessss! This is the life for a Twin's fan that waited nigh on 20 year since my boys made the big show.
When I fantasized about Hrbek when I was 30 that was probably normal and okay. Now when I think of Joe Mauer's spikes under my bed it seems more pathetic than naughty. I remember buying a king-sized sheet at Goodwill and painted the words angled from the bottom left corner to the top right: “How do you spell hunk? H-R-B-E-K!” We tied it on the railing in the upper deck cheap seats. But, row one is row one. We’d stand outside the gates and dash for the seats when the doors opened two hours before game time.
And now it's 2010 and my guys have another shot at the big time . . .
Just like Cinderella I got to go to the ball in the fall way back in the year nineteen hundred and eighty seven. World Series game 1 Minnesota Twins vs St. Louis Cardinals. The proverbial once in a life time deal.
Got the ticket because my friend worked at a bank owned by Carl Pohlad the owner of the Twins and they had season tickets but somebody got sick and she knew I was a fan and I was poor and there was this ticket and I think I wrote a check to her for the price of the ticket and the check probably bounced. But I was at the WW'87 sittin' right there behind third base in the prime seats between people who could afford to buy a ballpark beer. And, breathe!
It was all the clichés and cheesy stuff you read about. The atmosphere, the noise, the excitement, the cold beer soaking my Twins T-shirt--stories I've told my children and I'll tell my granddaughter. Yup, I was a Minnesota Twins fan way before being a Twins fan was ever cool. Way before wanna be’s jumped on the bandwagon.
Inspirational but disillusioned.
As a young 'un I remember snuggling under the covers with a tiny transistor radio set on WNAX in Yankton, SD settling in to listen to my Twins. Harmon Killebrew. Tony Oliva. Rod Carew, Bert Blyleven. Heroes to me. Then I was at the HHH Metrodome to see my new heroes Kent Hrbek, Tom Brunansky, Dan Gladden and Kirby Puckett. All the clichés apply here-I was like a kid in a candy store or at Christmas yadda yadda yadda. No, people I didn't have enough money for a beer and I didn't even give a crap. I was living a dream. I can still hear the roar of the crowd; see the Homer Hankies swirling in the stands, still feel the cold wetness of the beer the stumbly guy behind me dumped on my Twin’s T-shirt. Who cares? I didn't pay for it, right?
Flash forward and here we go again. Things have changed. I still can't afford a ballpark beer but there's a new stadium, a new Twin's team and the same old (literally) fan sniffing’ around for tickets.
I am sittin' at my computer, cocked glasses, half cup of cold coffee, smushed bedhead hair, drooling about tickets for the playoffs. Fired up the laptop, clicked up three open windows and I was rollin'! Virtual waiting room on two machines with four open windows. Yessss! This is the life for a Twin's fan that waited nigh on 20 year since my boys made the big show.
When I fantasized about Hrbek when I was 30 that was probably normal and okay. Now when I think of Joe Mauer's spikes under my bed it seems more pathetic than naughty. I remember buying a king-sized sheet at Goodwill and painted the words angled from the bottom left corner to the top right: “How do you spell hunk? H-R-B-E-K!” We tied it on the railing in the upper deck cheap seats. But, row one is row one. We’d stand outside the gates and dash for the seats when the doors opened two hours before game time.
And now it's 2010 and my guys have another shot at the big time . . .
Monday, September 6
Review: Des Moines American Idol Live Tour 2010
Lee Dewyze didn’t deserve the title. If I ever doubted it, he proved it in his brutal act of slaughter committed on a perfectly nice Kings of Leon song. Dewyze obviously gained some stage presence during the tour, actually working the crowd. His passion for music and gratitude to fans is loud and clear—unlike a few sour vocal notes. Many sounded loud and off key—or “pitchy” as the infamous judges so labeled. His Halleluiah rendition flickered with some potential but the energy eventually waned along with the right pitch.
Kara Dio-freaking-Guardi and the American Idol machine owe Casey James an apology. As soon as she drooled over the tall lean Southerner he was cast as a sex symbol. Judges reinforced that role week after week. Maybe that sexy image carried him to third place but OMG, this guy is talented. Vocally, James was more than solid showing a bluesy twang sound for his solos and a deep sweet harmony in a duet with Michael Lynche. As a guitarist, he is way up in the ranks. After shedding the TV show stereotype, it’s clear he is the real deal. Instead of creeping into the top three as a wanna-be Idol, if voters got a glimpse of his captivating style outside the patronizing judge’s box, the phones might still be ringing. To avoid hypocrite status, I’ll offer up my own apology. I liked him on the show. After seeing his live performance, thoughts of a new groupie group kept tugging for my attention.
The master songstress wowed fans with the raw emotion of Up to the Mountain. That one Crystal Bowersox song made the night for me. Ticket price, driving, parking and any pre-concert drama easily dissolved and melded into tribute to the conviction and truth oozing from her one-of-a-kind sound. Her flawless voice and comfortable style filled the stage and drew the audience into her zone.
Highlights of the concert
Up to the Mountain
• Inspiring flawless vocal quality with a bluesy tone
• Video graphics added to the spiritual elements
• Mentioning her son in the lyrics made her
connection believable
• Contemporary cover
• Original interpretation close to a gospel rendition
The whole Casey James set
• Better vocals than the TV show ever produced
• Natural unassuming style allowed the music to be the focus
• Proved he could be a star in more than one genre
• Master guitarist on electric and acoustic
The James-Lynche duet
• Contrasting styles made a perfect blend for romantic ballad
(It felt like they were making love to the words they sang)• Fused harmony caused chills; sounded like they’ve worked together for years
• Made the duet their own with unique style, each individually strong w/o taking away impact of duo
• Great audience connection with intimate tone
Siobahn Magnus & Paint it Black
• Close to the stunning TV performance with contrast of solid vocals
• Eerie personal emotion attached to the lyrics
• Magnus' moniker fashion w tu-tu type fluffed short skirt and the infamous combat boot ensemble
• Sensual yet almost hostile at times in the Stones’ song
• Performance underscored status as a one-of-a-kind creative artist. More of a celebration of the arts display-not just a song.
• Unbelievable emotional, vocal and physical energy
• Graphics painting different colors on the background screen of set enhanced strength of lyrics rather than distracted (the case for most of the performances)
Nice surprises for the night
• Tim Urban somewhat decent. Lacked vocal energy but not annoying. Full deep tones on his Coldplay cover
• Aaron Kelly has matured. Sounded good coming close to hitting most of the notes from his Rascal Flats’ hallmark covers. Much more comfortable and confident on stage
• Katie Stevens transformed from school girl dressed for prom into naughty teen vixen with a sassy attitude. Impressive vocals.
• Michael Lynche in his element with bluesy ballads. Much more believable when he sticks with the strength of storytelling through music.
Worst moments for the night - besides the measley 5000-6000 people in attendance
• Didi Benami most obvious that she didn’t belong with this group of talented singers. Rather than creating her own style by becoming absorbed in a song, she tried to play different characters revealing she is still mostly absorbed in herself.
• Andrew Garcia just tries too hard to be something he isn’t. Unique creative stylistic twists got him on the big stage but the depth isn’t there.
• Lee’s voice went from the television verson of graveling and smokey to a more strained warbly and burnt out quality. Still has the urge to hitch up his pants a few times.
• All of Siobahn’s other songs in her set. Seems like a hard rocker wanna-be then the next minute she’s impersonating a Sara McClaclan-type singer. Seems disjointed and confusing rather than diverse and refreshing.
• Numbers 4-10 group trying to do The Climb with Miley Cyrus. They didn’t totally crash and burn but didn’t reach the summit either. Meh. Yawn. Time for a potty break. Possibly could sell as elevator music tune.
FAQ (flashing thoughts during boring performances)
• Is Michael Lynche really that muscular or is he a fatty?
• Who is the real Siobahn? A creative artist interpreting lyrics or a raging headbanger screaming the words?
• Is Katie gonna be called out by righteous self serving religious types for her way beyond teeny booper sexy moves and wardrobe? Does Katie’s mom know she dresses like that?
• Why were Didi and Anthony in the Top 10 ahead of talented singers like Lily and Katelyn?
• What’s with all the covers? When can Idol get real and expect original music and musicians rather than just singers?
• Did Crystal act on her Casey crush?
• Do Aaron and Katie have a sibling-type relationship or a kissy-face teen relationship?
• Why does Tim Urban have a great voice with no energy?
• Are Idol singers really a big happy family like they suggest or is there an outsider (Didi) in the group?
Trivial Idol trivia
• Casey makes three. Along with Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox, Casey James recently landed a contract with Sony.
• With judges Simon and Ellen going bye bye, will Bret Michaels become a new/old school judge? Is it true about Mariah Carey? Have they thought about approaching the omniscient Betty White?
• Crystal got her teeth fixed now she just needs a few more fashion tips. C’mon now girl, you don’t have to strut out in Katie spikes or Siobahn boots but give us a little sense of style.
My brilliant predictions for the top three from 2010? Repeat results from last season. Hmmmm. Who won last time out? No, it was not Adam Lambert. It was some guy named . . . Kris or Chris . . . right?
By the way people, Adam Lambert rolled into town over Labor Day weekend taking over Simon Estes Amphitheater and rocked out to a delirious crowd filled with its share of Glamberts.
Wednesday, August 18
Tuesday, August 17
Vanilla Ice, American Idol and other meaningless crap
So, I find myself a little embarassed by my giddiness over the Legends of Hip Hop at the Iowa State Fair. My once gushy junior high-type groupiness is more than a little overshadowed with my daughter's illness. She was to be the one to share her excitement and attend the free concert with me (as in "Yes, mom, I will go because I know you want to. I could care less.")
Now, what to do about the much anticipated (by both of us-for real) American Idols Tour next week at the Well? She says Please go, Mother. You've looked forward to it for so long. But everytime I clap for Crystal won't I be thinking of how Andy would have loved to hear her? Will I feel guilty like I am somehow taking pleasure from my daughter's pain? Should I sell the cherished tickets and feel like a traitor? Should I stay at the hospital and play the role of martyr then regret missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a favorite Idol?
The very best ultimate possible option would be that this is all some kind of a freaking evil nightmare. But, the fluid slowly dripping through the pastic tubes to the sound of beeping machines makes it real. The bunched-up incision on her shaved scalp smacks
of reality. Nothing dream like in Room 667.
Strange how my little girl is still my little girl. She might be 30 years old and trains men twice her size in weapons and field training but I still wish I could go back to a simpler time and just cradle her in my arms and rock and sing a lullaby as she drifts off to sweet dreams. Sorry Taylor but this day ain't no frickin' fairy tale. It's more like a horror film. Hey, I am entitled to a pity party or two.
So I guess I will say a prayer, listen to a Bowersox favorite of ours, Up to the Mountain and sit by her side in room 667 and wait and wait . . .
Now, what to do about the much anticipated (by both of us-for real) American Idols Tour next week at the Well? She says Please go, Mother. You've looked forward to it for so long. But everytime I clap for Crystal won't I be thinking of how Andy would have loved to hear her? Will I feel guilty like I am somehow taking pleasure from my daughter's pain? Should I sell the cherished tickets and feel like a traitor? Should I stay at the hospital and play the role of martyr then regret missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a favorite Idol?
 |
| Andy's incision from left temporal lobe craneotomy with resection and biopsy. |
of reality. Nothing dream like in Room 667.
Strange how my little girl is still my little girl. She might be 30 years old and trains men twice her size in weapons and field training but I still wish I could go back to a simpler time and just cradle her in my arms and rock and sing a lullaby as she drifts off to sweet dreams. Sorry Taylor but this day ain't no frickin' fairy tale. It's more like a horror film. Hey, I am entitled to a pity party or two.
So I guess I will say a prayer, listen to a Bowersox favorite of ours, Up to the Mountain and sit by her side in room 667 and wait and wait . . .
Monday, July 26
Yeah Des Moines, Now Go Eat Some Corn on the Cob
Forget fields of corn. Start thinking field of dreams. Take a closer look, America! Des Moines, Iowa has been named the Best Place to Live in two categories.
After floating in and around the top ten in recent years, Des Moines finally took the top spot. The capital city actually grabbed two number one rankings for Best Place for Business and Careers and the Best Place to Raise a Family. For the business and careers title, Des Moines emerged from a field of the top 200 most populous cities in the U.S. The majority of the top 10 cities are located in the mid-section of the country.
According to Forbes, Des Moines' educated workforce, employment growth and low cost of living/doing business marks the city as a great place for industries that pay well. Over 92% of Des Moines residents graduate from high school while about 33% ear a college diploma.
Business
Forbes cited factors favoring a positive business environment as a reason for companies to relocate to Iowa's largest metro area. Business costs in the city of 560,000 rate about 15% below the national average.
In addition to Forbes' assessment of Des Moines, other sources such as Market Watch Magazine and Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine have placed Des Moines in their top ten lists for the best business environment. Considering that Des Moines is home to several financial, insurance and publishing giants, the city would be hard to overlook. A few of the big boys who call Des Moines home are, Wells Fargo Financial, Nationwide Insurance (Allied), Principal Life Insurance Company, and Meredith Corporation.
Recreation
Adding the Best Place to Raise a Family to Des Moines' award list, Forbes cited Des Moines recreation facilities as an asset. Boasting 40 miles of biking and hiking trails weaving in and around the city a sophisticated trail system extends to destinations like Saylorville leading to more recreational fun. Downtown amenities like Gray's Lake and Water Works Park, accommodate nature lovers while Iowa Events Center or Hoyt Sherman Place extend sports, music and theater fans the opportunity to enjoy top notch entertainment and cultural events.
Culture
Another Des Moines asset, the art scene is gaining national recognition. Des Moines Art Center, the Arts Festival and the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park attract visitors from around the globe. The Pappajohn collection, with an estimated value of over 40 million dollars, is set in Western Gateway Park in the center of the downtown area. The concept for the rolling design was originally planned about 20 years ago by New York architects Mario Gandelsonas and Diana Agrest.
Entertainment venues
Entertainment, recreation and culture blend to offer a diverse collection of activities in Des Moines. In addition to big ticket musicians like the Black Eyed Peas, Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, or Justin Beiber and the sold out theatrical productions of Wicked, Rent or the Lion King, visitors can find a one-of-a-kind entertainment event. The Iowa State Fair. Fans from all over the nation attend the largest state fair in the country. The Iowa State Fair is a top ten destination on its own.
Education and highly ranked colleges
Another highlight helping Des Moines in the ratings was education. With the solid reputation of Drake University located in the city as well as a medical school, Des Moines University and several other colleges, education is a main attraction. The relative short distance of the University of Iowa in Iowa City and Iowa State University in Ames reinforces diverse educational choices. In addition, some Des Moines suburbs offer some of the top secondary schools in the state.
Rankings
For the business/careers category, Forbes rated 200 cities including the smallest metro area of Merced, CA with just under 250,000 people to the ultra-urban setting of New York City's 11+ million residents. A research firm analyzed data in 12 measurable areas. Cost of living and cost of business, job growth, educational attainment, project growth of the economy and income growth were considered. Other factors influencing quality of life such as crime rates, recreational opportunities, cultural events, highly ranked four-year colleges in the area and net migration patterns were considered for both rankings. An analysis of the past three years regarding the percentage of subprime mortgages given was another element studied.
For readers interested in more information on the Best and Worst Places to Live, check on line. Forbes.com is a good starting point; then type in the name of a city of interest
After floating in and around the top ten in recent years, Des Moines finally took the top spot. The capital city actually grabbed two number one rankings for Best Place for Business and Careers and the Best Place to Raise a Family. For the business and careers title, Des Moines emerged from a field of the top 200 most populous cities in the U.S. The majority of the top 10 cities are located in the mid-section of the country.
According to Forbes, Des Moines' educated workforce, employment growth and low cost of living/doing business marks the city as a great place for industries that pay well. Over 92% of Des Moines residents graduate from high school while about 33% ear a college diploma.
Business
Forbes cited factors favoring a positive business environment as a reason for companies to relocate to Iowa's largest metro area. Business costs in the city of 560,000 rate about 15% below the national average.
In addition to Forbes' assessment of Des Moines, other sources such as Market Watch Magazine and Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine have placed Des Moines in their top ten lists for the best business environment. Considering that Des Moines is home to several financial, insurance and publishing giants, the city would be hard to overlook. A few of the big boys who call Des Moines home are, Wells Fargo Financial, Nationwide Insurance (Allied), Principal Life Insurance Company, and Meredith Corporation.
Recreation
Adding the Best Place to Raise a Family to Des Moines' award list, Forbes cited Des Moines recreation facilities as an asset. Boasting 40 miles of biking and hiking trails weaving in and around the city a sophisticated trail system extends to destinations like Saylorville leading to more recreational fun. Downtown amenities like Gray's Lake and Water Works Park, accommodate nature lovers while Iowa Events Center or Hoyt Sherman Place extend sports, music and theater fans the opportunity to enjoy top notch entertainment and cultural events.
Culture
Another Des Moines asset, the art scene is gaining national recognition. Des Moines Art Center, the Arts Festival and the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park attract visitors from around the globe. The Pappajohn collection, with an estimated value of over 40 million dollars, is set in Western Gateway Park in the center of the downtown area. The concept for the rolling design was originally planned about 20 years ago by New York architects Mario Gandelsonas and Diana Agrest.
Entertainment venues
Entertainment, recreation and culture blend to offer a diverse collection of activities in Des Moines. In addition to big ticket musicians like the Black Eyed Peas, Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, or Justin Beiber and the sold out theatrical productions of Wicked, Rent or the Lion King, visitors can find a one-of-a-kind entertainment event. The Iowa State Fair. Fans from all over the nation attend the largest state fair in the country. The Iowa State Fair is a top ten destination on its own.
Education and highly ranked colleges
Another highlight helping Des Moines in the ratings was education. With the solid reputation of Drake University located in the city as well as a medical school, Des Moines University and several other colleges, education is a main attraction. The relative short distance of the University of Iowa in Iowa City and Iowa State University in Ames reinforces diverse educational choices. In addition, some Des Moines suburbs offer some of the top secondary schools in the state.
Rankings
For the business/careers category, Forbes rated 200 cities including the smallest metro area of Merced, CA with just under 250,000 people to the ultra-urban setting of New York City's 11+ million residents. A research firm analyzed data in 12 measurable areas. Cost of living and cost of business, job growth, educational attainment, project growth of the economy and income growth were considered. Other factors influencing quality of life such as crime rates, recreational opportunities, cultural events, highly ranked four-year colleges in the area and net migration patterns were considered for both rankings. An analysis of the past three years regarding the percentage of subprime mortgages given was another element studied.
For readers interested in more information on the Best and Worst Places to Live, check on line. Forbes.com is a good starting point; then type in the name of a city of interest
another post about gaga from Gaga PJ
If you think Lady Gaga was an overnight sensation, think again. She wasn’t born with the proverbial silver spoon in her mouth, either. She climbed through the ranks the old fashioned way with hard work and creative talent. “I did this the way you are supposed to. I played every club in New York City and I bombed in every club . . . I found myself as an artist,” the diva said on her official website.
Growing up in Manhattan as part of a solid middle class family, Lady Gaga’s father was a telecom entrepreneur and her mother also worked in the technical field. Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, Gaga’s talent was obvious at an early age. When she was only four years old she played piano by ear. She and sister Natalie attended private religious schools where Stefani’s talent became apparent to professionals in the field of music. As an eighth grader she landed competitive lead roles in school musicals. At age 13 she penned and played her own piano ballad. During her Sweet 16 party her parents handed out music CDs to guests of the birthday girl singing love ballads.
Lady Gaga was recognized as prodigy status when the elite New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts gave her early admission, a rarity at the exclusive academy. After experiencing what the school had to offer, she dropped out during her second year. She felt she could gain more on her own by teaching herself about music, style and performance through her own experiences. Her father agreed to pay rent on a New York apartment for one year if she would agree to return to school is she didn’t make it in the music industry. Later, during her experimental stage with music and drugs, she gave up drugs because she did not want to lose her father’s respect.
Gifted with musical talent as a writer and performer, Gaga’s journey on her rise to fame included open mike nights and bookings as a go go dancer in a strip club and a bikini clad pianist. While she fronted her own rock band and did a burlesque show with Wendy Starland, she wrote songs for Britney Spears, Pussy Cat Dolls and the Black Eyed Peas and worked on changing her image.
Influenced by Michael Jackson, David Bowie and the music of Queen, the young artist’s style showed glimmers of all three. With help from collaborator Rob Fasari, the soon-to-be Lady Gaga continued to reinvent herself evolving from brunette to blonde, eventually resulting in an unmatched, glammed-out, high fashion look. Fasari was instrumental in coming up with the performer's name. In a text, he referred to the Queen song, Radio Gaga. She settled on Lady Gaga that same day.
When she turned 19 she signed a short lived deal with Def Jam Records. Continuing to perform at diverse music venues drew more fans aided by contract with Stream Line part of Interscope Records. During that stint rap artist Akon recognized her potential and signed Lady Gaga to his label, Kon Live Distribution. With the help of producer RedOne, her debut album, The Fame, with its first top ten single, “Just Dance” debuted Aug. 19, 2008 and Lady Gaga’s diva status went as wild as some of her costumes. Gaga evolved from the girl who once spent a waitress check on a $600 designer purse having her own creative team she calls Haus of Gaga.
Last year Lady Gaga made $62 million and was ranked 4th on the Forbes Most Powerful Celebrities List. In addition to setting new records in sales, Lady Gaga has more Twitter and Facebook followers than any person in the world. The social networks list over 5 million and 10 million followers, respectively. In addition, Gaga is the very first artist in history to top the 5 billion video viewing mark.
Such a high level of star status at the age of 24 might make her success look quick and easy. But, Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta’s transformation into Lady Gaga took a lifetime of practice.
Growing up in Manhattan as part of a solid middle class family, Lady Gaga’s father was a telecom entrepreneur and her mother also worked in the technical field. Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, Gaga’s talent was obvious at an early age. When she was only four years old she played piano by ear. She and sister Natalie attended private religious schools where Stefani’s talent became apparent to professionals in the field of music. As an eighth grader she landed competitive lead roles in school musicals. At age 13 she penned and played her own piano ballad. During her Sweet 16 party her parents handed out music CDs to guests of the birthday girl singing love ballads.
Lady Gaga was recognized as prodigy status when the elite New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts gave her early admission, a rarity at the exclusive academy. After experiencing what the school had to offer, she dropped out during her second year. She felt she could gain more on her own by teaching herself about music, style and performance through her own experiences. Her father agreed to pay rent on a New York apartment for one year if she would agree to return to school is she didn’t make it in the music industry. Later, during her experimental stage with music and drugs, she gave up drugs because she did not want to lose her father’s respect.
Gifted with musical talent as a writer and performer, Gaga’s journey on her rise to fame included open mike nights and bookings as a go go dancer in a strip club and a bikini clad pianist. While she fronted her own rock band and did a burlesque show with Wendy Starland, she wrote songs for Britney Spears, Pussy Cat Dolls and the Black Eyed Peas and worked on changing her image.
Influenced by Michael Jackson, David Bowie and the music of Queen, the young artist’s style showed glimmers of all three. With help from collaborator Rob Fasari, the soon-to-be Lady Gaga continued to reinvent herself evolving from brunette to blonde, eventually resulting in an unmatched, glammed-out, high fashion look. Fasari was instrumental in coming up with the performer's name. In a text, he referred to the Queen song, Radio Gaga. She settled on Lady Gaga that same day.
When she turned 19 she signed a short lived deal with Def Jam Records. Continuing to perform at diverse music venues drew more fans aided by contract with Stream Line part of Interscope Records. During that stint rap artist Akon recognized her potential and signed Lady Gaga to his label, Kon Live Distribution. With the help of producer RedOne, her debut album, The Fame, with its first top ten single, “Just Dance” debuted Aug. 19, 2008 and Lady Gaga’s diva status went as wild as some of her costumes. Gaga evolved from the girl who once spent a waitress check on a $600 designer purse having her own creative team she calls Haus of Gaga.
Last year Lady Gaga made $62 million and was ranked 4th on the Forbes Most Powerful Celebrities List. In addition to setting new records in sales, Lady Gaga has more Twitter and Facebook followers than any person in the world. The social networks list over 5 million and 10 million followers, respectively. In addition, Gaga is the very first artist in history to top the 5 billion video viewing mark.
Such a high level of star status at the age of 24 might make her success look quick and easy. But, Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta’s transformation into Lady Gaga took a lifetime of practice.
gogo over gaga
Imagine you are a Jeopardy! contestant and the answer is: “This 24-year-old pop superstar spent one of her first waitress checks on a $600 Gucci purse.” You buzz in with the question: “Who is Lady Gaga?” The bell dings. You win the prize!
That $600 Gucci purse gave a glimpse into the future. Lady Gaga now has her own hand-picked creative fashion team she calls Haus of Gaga. She likes to design some of her over-the-top costumes and spent a big chunk of the $62 million she raked in last year on her outfits. When it comes to stage costumes, Lady Gaga wants her style of outfit to go with her performance. She’s all about the whole package and the overall impact, not just singing the song or interpreting the song lyrics. That’s part of her unique style.
When thinking of style and Lady Gaga, many adjectives come to mind. Outrageous, offensive, expensive, bizarre and creative are just a few. Have you seen anyone else wear an outfit made up of large clear soap bubbles? That is outrageous. How about a designer jacket or a high-end top combined with no pants? That might be offensive. What about the Jean Paul Gaultier futuristic body suit with sparkle boots? Gaultier could be very, very expensive. Then there was that headgear thing that was a huge stalagmite headpiece that looked like it was about to crash to the floor. That was too bizarre. Remember the red lace one-piece body suit from bottom to top, over the face and formed into a crown on her head? That was all about creative. She definitely has the market on strange attention-grabbing outfits.
Getting attention is another aspect of Lady Gaga’s unique sense of style she could probably teach to others. She knows how to get attention. Attention is a very good thing for those wanting to be in the spotlight. The more controversial the style, the more time in the spotlight. Lady Gaga certainly has a unique sense of style which includes her business sense and her style of branding. The more drama she adds to her costumes, the bigger the number of photos showing up on line, the more clicks that get clicked on her pages, the more interview requests she receives and . . . keep going with the ripple effect.
Her sense of style transfers to her business dealings as she insists in calling the shots. Whether it is a photographer, a director or an actor, Lady Gaga typically shares her vision for all scenes. She is intricately involved in most of the decisions related to her performances. She even convinces sponsors to give free concert tickets to her Little Monsters (her fans) in exchange for hours of community service.
Going back to her early days playing at clubs and doing open mike night, Lady Gaga’s unique sense of style kept her in the spotlight. At one point she regularly dressed in a bikini for a gig and played piano; she was a go go dancer. Her “less is more” attitude for fashion seemed to make a memorable impression. Then skirts got trimmed shorter and shorter and shorter until they seemed to disappear. In contrast with her dark hair from, leg warmer, punk style from her school days, Gaga’s style evolved from a punky school girl look to high-end exclusive designer fashion.
An intelligent student in school and business, Lady Gaga studied a biography of another innovative artist, Prince. She read advice and looked at potential images until she decided to take the advice of producer Rob Fusari and explore the glam style of Freddy Mercury or David Bowie. She went from brunette to blond and let her creative style go crazy thinking of costumes for different moods or for a certain theme. Her decision involving her style brand enhanced her natural talent and helped her career climb to record-breaking heights.
Style is about more than just fashion and accessories. No one else in the business has Lady Gaga’s unique sense of style regarding many aspects of her career. She is definitely successful in branding as she has the most followers of anyone in the world on Facebook with over 10 million. The same record holds true for Twitter where her followers number over 5 million. Sit back and see what records are next.
That $600 Gucci purse gave a glimpse into the future. Lady Gaga now has her own hand-picked creative fashion team she calls Haus of Gaga. She likes to design some of her over-the-top costumes and spent a big chunk of the $62 million she raked in last year on her outfits. When it comes to stage costumes, Lady Gaga wants her style of outfit to go with her performance. She’s all about the whole package and the overall impact, not just singing the song or interpreting the song lyrics. That’s part of her unique style.
When thinking of style and Lady Gaga, many adjectives come to mind. Outrageous, offensive, expensive, bizarre and creative are just a few. Have you seen anyone else wear an outfit made up of large clear soap bubbles? That is outrageous. How about a designer jacket or a high-end top combined with no pants? That might be offensive. What about the Jean Paul Gaultier futuristic body suit with sparkle boots? Gaultier could be very, very expensive. Then there was that headgear thing that was a huge stalagmite headpiece that looked like it was about to crash to the floor. That was too bizarre. Remember the red lace one-piece body suit from bottom to top, over the face and formed into a crown on her head? That was all about creative. She definitely has the market on strange attention-grabbing outfits.
Getting attention is another aspect of Lady Gaga’s unique sense of style she could probably teach to others. She knows how to get attention. Attention is a very good thing for those wanting to be in the spotlight. The more controversial the style, the more time in the spotlight. Lady Gaga certainly has a unique sense of style which includes her business sense and her style of branding. The more drama she adds to her costumes, the bigger the number of photos showing up on line, the more clicks that get clicked on her pages, the more interview requests she receives and . . . keep going with the ripple effect.
Her sense of style transfers to her business dealings as she insists in calling the shots. Whether it is a photographer, a director or an actor, Lady Gaga typically shares her vision for all scenes. She is intricately involved in most of the decisions related to her performances. She even convinces sponsors to give free concert tickets to her Little Monsters (her fans) in exchange for hours of community service.
Going back to her early days playing at clubs and doing open mike night, Lady Gaga’s unique sense of style kept her in the spotlight. At one point she regularly dressed in a bikini for a gig and played piano; she was a go go dancer. Her “less is more” attitude for fashion seemed to make a memorable impression. Then skirts got trimmed shorter and shorter and shorter until they seemed to disappear. In contrast with her dark hair from, leg warmer, punk style from her school days, Gaga’s style evolved from a punky school girl look to high-end exclusive designer fashion.
An intelligent student in school and business, Lady Gaga studied a biography of another innovative artist, Prince. She read advice and looked at potential images until she decided to take the advice of producer Rob Fusari and explore the glam style of Freddy Mercury or David Bowie. She went from brunette to blond and let her creative style go crazy thinking of costumes for different moods or for a certain theme. Her decision involving her style brand enhanced her natural talent and helped her career climb to record-breaking heights.
Style is about more than just fashion and accessories. No one else in the business has Lady Gaga’s unique sense of style regarding many aspects of her career. She is definitely successful in branding as she has the most followers of anyone in the world on Facebook with over 10 million. The same record holds true for Twitter where her followers number over 5 million. Sit back and see what records are next.
Friday, May 21
Crystal Bowersox Biography
With the look of a rebel sporting dreadlocks and a large tattoo, Crystal Bowersox is proof that looks can be deceiving. The Season 9 American Idol contestant is known among peers as the mothering type with a kind heart. Called “Mamasox” by her fans, the small town girl is the single mother of a soon-to-be one-year-old son. As a finalist on the show, Crystal is bound for life changing events.
A native of Elliston, Ohio Crystal has often said that her family means everything to her. Throughout her experience on the show, she has referred to her dad as her supporter. The first time her father watched as a live audience member, she broke down on stage in tears during the last words of her inspirational song, “People Get Ready”. The emotional display was unusual for the typically cool and collected contestant. The feeling must be mutual as another stage appearance made her dad cry. She took the stage in first grade and sang Suzy Snowflake in a Christmas program. He was so proud he shed a few tears. Her talent was recognized by winning the Blade Battle of the Bands competition. That's when her family and friends started talking about American Idol. She eventually audtioned for American Idol in Chicago where Lee Dewyze, the other finalist for Season 9, also auditioned.
Crystal Sarah Bowersox was born with a fraternal twin, Carl, on August 4, 1985. Her life before American Idol contrasts sharply with her American Idol experience. After her parents divorce when she was only two years old, family life detiorated as she watched physical fights between her mom and stepfather. Eventually, a disagreement with a Crystal's 15-year-old step brother landed her dad in jail on domestic abuse charges.
She started playing paid gigs when she was only 10 years old to help with finances. She left her hometown high school to attend the Toledo School for the Arts in Toledo, Ohio where she wrote her own songs. She even wrote a tribute to her father. Home life got tough enough to make her think about dropping out when she was 17, but she stuck with it long enough to graduate from high school. Then she went to Chicago to perform with different bands in local clubs. She also played outside subway stations to earn money. She said that music “has been my therapy, writing, performing—ventilation for my soul”. The most unique job she has had was playing at the funeral of a skydiver. Her payment was half cash and half in skydiving time.
Crystal knows what it’s like to go without. During her childhood money was always tight. If she becomes the next American Idol, one of Crystal's goals is to set up free clinics to screen for Type I diabetes and provide funds to donate medicine and supplies for those in need. She said that there were times in her life when “I’ve begged for insulin outside of pharmacies and no one should ever have to do that.”
Crystal was diagnosed with Type I diabetes when she was 6. Her fight with the disease landed her in the hospital causing a TV schedule change for Season 9 in March. In an interview with host Ryan Seacrest, Crystal expressed gratitude to American Idol producers for the excellent medical treatment she’s received during her time as a contestant. It's the best she's ever felt in her life, she added.
Crystal has interests outside of music. She enjoys knitting, drawing, painting and sculpting. According to her, other talents include flaring her nostrils and mommy multi-tasking.
Her ability to stay true to her style seems to add to her appeal. Influenced by the likes of Tracy Chapman, Janis Joplin, Jewel and Melissa Etheridge, Crystal projects independence with the ease of a pro. Her lack of stage fright makes her a natural performer. Even judge Simon Cowell praised her Top 24 performance of CCR’s “Long as I Can See the Light”. Cowell said, “This will be the moment we realized you’re a star.”
What has this talented small town girl learned in her 24 years? She still believes in her own favorite quote, “Success ain’t about the money; it’s about doing what you love.” She also learned that she is stronger than she ever imagined.
More Crystal Bowersox material can be found at the official American Idol website, the source for the information provided in this article.
Bowersox biography
A native of Elliston, Ohio Crystal has often said that her family means everything to her. Throughout her experience on the show, she has referred to her dad as her supporter. The first time her father watched as a live audience member, she broke down on stage in tears during the last words of her inspirational song, “People Get Ready”. The emotional display was unusual for the typically cool and collected contestant. The feeling must be mutual as another stage appearance made her dad cry. She took the stage in first grade and sang Suzy Snowflake in a Christmas program. He was so proud he shed a few tears. Her talent was recognized by winning the Blade Battle of the Bands competition. That's when her family and friends started talking about American Idol. She eventually audtioned for American Idol in Chicago where Lee Dewyze, the other finalist for Season 9, also auditioned.
Crystal Sarah Bowersox was born with a fraternal twin, Carl, on August 4, 1985. Her life before American Idol contrasts sharply with her American Idol experience. After her parents divorce when she was only two years old, family life detiorated as she watched physical fights between her mom and stepfather. Eventually, a disagreement with a Crystal's 15-year-old step brother landed her dad in jail on domestic abuse charges.
She started playing paid gigs when she was only 10 years old to help with finances. She left her hometown high school to attend the Toledo School for the Arts in Toledo, Ohio where she wrote her own songs. She even wrote a tribute to her father. Home life got tough enough to make her think about dropping out when she was 17, but she stuck with it long enough to graduate from high school. Then she went to Chicago to perform with different bands in local clubs. She also played outside subway stations to earn money. She said that music “has been my therapy, writing, performing—ventilation for my soul”. The most unique job she has had was playing at the funeral of a skydiver. Her payment was half cash and half in skydiving time.
Crystal knows what it’s like to go without. During her childhood money was always tight. If she becomes the next American Idol, one of Crystal's goals is to set up free clinics to screen for Type I diabetes and provide funds to donate medicine and supplies for those in need. She said that there were times in her life when “I’ve begged for insulin outside of pharmacies and no one should ever have to do that.”
Crystal was diagnosed with Type I diabetes when she was 6. Her fight with the disease landed her in the hospital causing a TV schedule change for Season 9 in March. In an interview with host Ryan Seacrest, Crystal expressed gratitude to American Idol producers for the excellent medical treatment she’s received during her time as a contestant. It's the best she's ever felt in her life, she added.
Crystal has interests outside of music. She enjoys knitting, drawing, painting and sculpting. According to her, other talents include flaring her nostrils and mommy multi-tasking.
Her ability to stay true to her style seems to add to her appeal. Influenced by the likes of Tracy Chapman, Janis Joplin, Jewel and Melissa Etheridge, Crystal projects independence with the ease of a pro. Her lack of stage fright makes her a natural performer. Even judge Simon Cowell praised her Top 24 performance of CCR’s “Long as I Can See the Light”. Cowell said, “This will be the moment we realized you’re a star.”
What has this talented small town girl learned in her 24 years? She still believes in her own favorite quote, “Success ain’t about the money; it’s about doing what you love.” She also learned that she is stronger than she ever imagined.
More Crystal Bowersox material can be found at the official American Idol website, the source for the information provided in this article.
Bowersox biography
Tuesday, March 30
Las Vegas Super Dive (DIVE-not diva)
So I plan to take my daughter back to Vegas in the next few months and remembered a review rant I placed somewhere. I dragged it out of the dung heap just for you! If you want to stay downtown, go to the Golden Nugget. You can stay in the older part for a decent price. It's still classy just not trendy. The facilities are top rate. Best thing? It's the opposite of the Plaza-it's clean, secure and the service is great. You don't feel like you're in a real life mafia scene from the '50s.
Review of the Plaza
1 main Street
Las Vegas, NV
Imagine how bad a place must be if you don’t want to stay there even if it’s FREE! That is exactly what happened to me at the Plaza Hotel after my last trip to Las Vegas. After two days and four room changes, I escaped the dilapidated property.
I couldn’t afford to do it, but no air conditioning, a dirty room, a roll-a-way bed as the only bed in the room and not feeling safe due to the shady characters roaming the upper floor hotel hallways, can make you opt for a different room in exchange for a few hours sleep!
The first time we stayed at the Plaza 1995, the hotel room was dated but clean. The price was cheap and the service so-so. After our initial stay, we got offers for discount rates and took advantage of the offers on several occasions. Over the years it was easy to see a decline in the quality of the rooms. It went from an old place with some character to an old place with old stained carpet and crappy service. Ranging from faded thin bedding, to no water pressure and hard poor quality mattresses, the amenities at this place got less and less appealing.
When we traveled with friends and the main purpose of the trip was to party and gamble, it seemed like an okay deal. After all, we just needed a place to sleep. Right? But even that got to the unacceptable level.
The summer of 2009 experience was my last stay at the Plaza-forever. My first clue was on check in. They didn’t have a non-smoking room for me even though I booked several weeks in advance. After talking to a manager to get the right room choice, I got a room key, tromped over to the other tower–a major inconvenience as the front desk only has access to the north tower, rode up the elevator which reeked with fresh urine stains, entered the room ready to collapse and-viola!No air conditioning. It was over 100 degrees so the ninth floor room was miserable. I called the desk and they said someone would be up to fix it. After 20 minutes of sweating, I took my B.O. down to the desk.
One person told me the repairman was on break. After another half an hour someone called and said the air conditioner couldn’t be fixed. It was a miserable experience and no one seemed to know what was going on. It took almost three hours after I checked in to get another room.
For the next room assignment, a bellman helped me move to another room. He was told to make sure it was satisfactory so we both laughed when he opened the room door to find the bed unmade, a garbage can tipped over and beer bottles scattered around the room.
So, you get the idea. It was a joke. The manager assured me they were still in the process of remodeling and that was why there was confusion. Then he upgraded me to a mini-suite in the north tower. That so-called upgrade was another fiasco. The room featured a small bar and little refrigerator so that justified the suite title, evidently. However, there was only a lumpy double roll-a-way bed that I couldn’t sleep on even after a few cocktails! The 19 inch TV in the room featured lines on the screen and loud static. I waited until the next day to ask to be moved.
The next room was back in the South Tower which has direct access across the side alley to the bus station. I have nothing against transient people hanging out there, but I’d rather not have them lurking in the halls and stairwells on the upper floors of the hotel. The lack of security at the hotel was more than a little scary. After hearing loud profanities and a few crashing sounds, a peeked out the door to glimpse at FIP (fight in progress) and ducked back into my dungeon. Stepping over the broken glass and blood a couple hours later, I got the heck out of that dive and don’t plan to go back. We went from free to $39 a night at the Golden Nugget. The $39 difference felt more like homeless in the ally vs comfortable in the penthouse.
Keep in mind that my opinion is not based on a one-time experience. We’ve stayed at the Plaza at least 20 times over the past 15 years. It is simply going downhill fast and attracting questionable clientele. A remodel won’t fix some of the problems that come with a shabby reputation.
Review of the Plaza
1 main Street
Las Vegas, NV
Imagine how bad a place must be if you don’t want to stay there even if it’s FREE! That is exactly what happened to me at the Plaza Hotel after my last trip to Las Vegas. After two days and four room changes, I escaped the dilapidated property.
I couldn’t afford to do it, but no air conditioning, a dirty room, a roll-a-way bed as the only bed in the room and not feeling safe due to the shady characters roaming the upper floor hotel hallways, can make you opt for a different room in exchange for a few hours sleep!
The first time we stayed at the Plaza 1995, the hotel room was dated but clean. The price was cheap and the service so-so. After our initial stay, we got offers for discount rates and took advantage of the offers on several occasions. Over the years it was easy to see a decline in the quality of the rooms. It went from an old place with some character to an old place with old stained carpet and crappy service. Ranging from faded thin bedding, to no water pressure and hard poor quality mattresses, the amenities at this place got less and less appealing.
When we traveled with friends and the main purpose of the trip was to party and gamble, it seemed like an okay deal. After all, we just needed a place to sleep. Right? But even that got to the unacceptable level.
The summer of 2009 experience was my last stay at the Plaza-forever. My first clue was on check in. They didn’t have a non-smoking room for me even though I booked several weeks in advance. After talking to a manager to get the right room choice, I got a room key, tromped over to the other tower–a major inconvenience as the front desk only has access to the north tower, rode up the elevator which reeked with fresh urine stains, entered the room ready to collapse and-viola!No air conditioning. It was over 100 degrees so the ninth floor room was miserable. I called the desk and they said someone would be up to fix it. After 20 minutes of sweating, I took my B.O. down to the desk.
One person told me the repairman was on break. After another half an hour someone called and said the air conditioner couldn’t be fixed. It was a miserable experience and no one seemed to know what was going on. It took almost three hours after I checked in to get another room.
For the next room assignment, a bellman helped me move to another room. He was told to make sure it was satisfactory so we both laughed when he opened the room door to find the bed unmade, a garbage can tipped over and beer bottles scattered around the room.
So, you get the idea. It was a joke. The manager assured me they were still in the process of remodeling and that was why there was confusion. Then he upgraded me to a mini-suite in the north tower. That so-called upgrade was another fiasco. The room featured a small bar and little refrigerator so that justified the suite title, evidently. However, there was only a lumpy double roll-a-way bed that I couldn’t sleep on even after a few cocktails! The 19 inch TV in the room featured lines on the screen and loud static. I waited until the next day to ask to be moved.
The next room was back in the South Tower which has direct access across the side alley to the bus station. I have nothing against transient people hanging out there, but I’d rather not have them lurking in the halls and stairwells on the upper floors of the hotel. The lack of security at the hotel was more than a little scary. After hearing loud profanities and a few crashing sounds, a peeked out the door to glimpse at FIP (fight in progress) and ducked back into my dungeon. Stepping over the broken glass and blood a couple hours later, I got the heck out of that dive and don’t plan to go back. We went from free to $39 a night at the Golden Nugget. The $39 difference felt more like homeless in the ally vs comfortable in the penthouse.
Keep in mind that my opinion is not based on a one-time experience. We’ve stayed at the Plaza at least 20 times over the past 15 years. It is simply going downhill fast and attracting questionable clientele. A remodel won’t fix some of the problems that come with a shabby reputation.
Wednesday, March 10
No poop in there! Sorry predictable girls
I know it was girl’s night on American Idol. But, it seemed kinda blah with a few exceptions. Ryan still tried to be smooth, Simon tried to portray put-offish, Ellen tried to be funny, Kara tried to look competent and Randy… well, and Randy is Randy. In not-my-usual-verbose style, I’ll give ya the scoop. Crystal is still the chick to beat. She sounded like a rock star singing a Tracy Chapman song. Siobhan and Lilly were solid, Lacy and Didi okay, Paige and Katie not okay. That leaves Katelyn who was totally boring but she represents so we gotta hope she stays around. Simon though Didi was grand. Not me. Simon thought Lilly wasn’t so grand. Not me. So, if Lilly goes does that mean Simon is smarter than me? Nope. That means he used his bully power to subliminally reach callers. Money is powerful, people.
The REAL story of the night regarding entertainment is not available to record for later viewing. That, of course, is my granddaughter’s fascination/obsession with caca. The Spanish word just sounds more pleasant. You know, poop. Tonight’s adventure started with the usual question.
“Poop in dare, poo-poo in dare?” she appears to honestly be unaware of the wretched sour smell leaking out of her diaper.
“Yup, poop in there. We should sit on the potty like Elmo does, huh?” as I hold back on the gag reflex.
“No kank Q, Gaga,” she gave as a nonchalant reply.
And who can argue with that? But it did remind Gaga of last week’s poop in dare episodes . . . now we’re talking entertainment.
She bounced in bubbly as usual with Papa closely following. Looking around for a cat to chase, Papa mentioned he thought he smelled “something” in the car.
“Anna, do we need to change your pants?” as he reaches under her arms to lift her up.
“No kank Q, Papa. Anna tooted.”
Then I noticed Papa Mark’s face turn pale and his eyes glazed over a bit. He held her in the air like she was a leper with fresh sores. “Gaga, what is that? OMG is that a turd? “
I wanted to say something like, Duh, Einstein don’t you know crap when you see it? but I could see he was on the verge of trauma so I went for the more sensitive response of, “No, not a turd. It’s too soft and runny. It’s more like a pile of steamy fresh poop.”
By then Anna was protesting with , “No poo-poo, Anna tooted. No poo-poo in dare!” And, Mark still looked stunned just standing there like some act of God would come to his rescue or Barbara Eden would rush in and twitch her nose . . . I don’t know what he expected.
Attempting to stay composed and help the tooting girl stay calm, I suggest, “Well, let’s change her.”
Too late, Ethel. Mark’s drama made the no poo-poo girl flail around a bit as he stood her on the carpet.
As soon as those cute brown suede boots touched the floor, more Papa drama happened. “Is that . . . there’s sh** on her shoe . . . OMG look on her pants . . .”
Uh, oh. He just said the ‘s’ word. He was so over-the-top drama queen, slap-me-across-the-face-to-regain –my-senses that I opted for the cold stone gaze and sternly barked, “Take her in on the bed and we will change her.” Again, not my first choice of words. But, we try to be pleasant and not curse or yell in front of the grandchild.
I ran (okay hobbled fast) into the bathroom grabbing a large towel, and threw it on top the bed. Mark reverted to the dumb act just holding her away from his body uttering a few syllables, “but . . . wh . . . bu”
I took the child and pulled off her pants. Mark stared at me, at the child, at the bed, at the poop. He was either in a trance or paralyzed by poop. I mentioned that he might want to consider helping me as one poop-lined pant leg rolled off. When I hissed, “Papa Mark please hand me the wipes,” he seemed to snap back to present time but he went straight to near hysteria with, “We’re out of wipes, we don’t have wipes . . .”
Shifting to a more realistic goal, I soothed Anna with, “It’s okay. Gaga will get you all cleaned up.” I pointed at the bed and told Mark to stay. As I waited for warm water I glanced through the bathroom door wondering which person looked more helpless. As I wiped and rinsed, wiped and rinsed and repeated as needed, I explained that packaged diaper wipes weren’t around back in the old days and wash clothes were commonly used for poopy butts. “Do you throw it away, then?”
Shoot. One explosive diarrhea-combined-with-pasty-black-stool episode caused a college-educated man to lose touch with reality.
With a happy Anna (no poo-poo in dare now) I instructed the usually wise Papa to finish dressing her. Then I spread the towel on the bed picked up poop pants, a more brown than pink sock, a wettish undershirt, a soiled sweatshirt, a little brown boot with chocolate-colored smudges on white fur lining from floor. I rolled it all into a big towel mass, stomped through the living room, opened the back door and promptly tossed the ball of poop clothes into the garage.
A king-sized comforter and a few other suspect items required removal. But, after a couple bottles of air freshener, a can of carpet cleaner, a change of clothes, and fresh bedding, the damage seemed minimal—until the next Anna tooted event.
In the meantime, I hope Mark watches Forest Gump and works on his poop phobia.
The REAL story of the night regarding entertainment is not available to record for later viewing. That, of course, is my granddaughter’s fascination/obsession with caca. The Spanish word just sounds more pleasant. You know, poop. Tonight’s adventure started with the usual question.
“Poop in dare, poo-poo in dare?” she appears to honestly be unaware of the wretched sour smell leaking out of her diaper.
“Yup, poop in there. We should sit on the potty like Elmo does, huh?” as I hold back on the gag reflex.
“No kank Q, Gaga,” she gave as a nonchalant reply.
And who can argue with that? But it did remind Gaga of last week’s poop in dare episodes . . . now we’re talking entertainment.
She bounced in bubbly as usual with Papa closely following. Looking around for a cat to chase, Papa mentioned he thought he smelled “something” in the car.
“Anna, do we need to change your pants?” as he reaches under her arms to lift her up.
“No kank Q, Papa. Anna tooted.”
Then I noticed Papa Mark’s face turn pale and his eyes glazed over a bit. He held her in the air like she was a leper with fresh sores. “Gaga, what is that? OMG is that a turd? “
I wanted to say something like, Duh, Einstein don’t you know crap when you see it? but I could see he was on the verge of trauma so I went for the more sensitive response of, “No, not a turd. It’s too soft and runny. It’s more like a pile of steamy fresh poop.”
By then Anna was protesting with , “No poo-poo, Anna tooted. No poo-poo in dare!” And, Mark still looked stunned just standing there like some act of God would come to his rescue or Barbara Eden would rush in and twitch her nose . . . I don’t know what he expected.
Attempting to stay composed and help the tooting girl stay calm, I suggest, “Well, let’s change her.”
Too late, Ethel. Mark’s drama made the no poo-poo girl flail around a bit as he stood her on the carpet.
As soon as those cute brown suede boots touched the floor, more Papa drama happened. “Is that . . . there’s sh** on her shoe . . . OMG look on her pants . . .”
Uh, oh. He just said the ‘s’ word. He was so over-the-top drama queen, slap-me-across-the-face-to-regain –my-senses that I opted for the cold stone gaze and sternly barked, “Take her in on the bed and we will change her.” Again, not my first choice of words. But, we try to be pleasant and not curse or yell in front of the grandchild.
I ran (okay hobbled fast) into the bathroom grabbing a large towel, and threw it on top the bed. Mark reverted to the dumb act just holding her away from his body uttering a few syllables, “but . . . wh . . . bu”
I took the child and pulled off her pants. Mark stared at me, at the child, at the bed, at the poop. He was either in a trance or paralyzed by poop. I mentioned that he might want to consider helping me as one poop-lined pant leg rolled off. When I hissed, “Papa Mark please hand me the wipes,” he seemed to snap back to present time but he went straight to near hysteria with, “We’re out of wipes, we don’t have wipes . . .”
Shifting to a more realistic goal, I soothed Anna with, “It’s okay. Gaga will get you all cleaned up.” I pointed at the bed and told Mark to stay. As I waited for warm water I glanced through the bathroom door wondering which person looked more helpless. As I wiped and rinsed, wiped and rinsed and repeated as needed, I explained that packaged diaper wipes weren’t around back in the old days and wash clothes were commonly used for poopy butts. “Do you throw it away, then?”
Shoot. One explosive diarrhea-combined-with-pasty-black-stool episode caused a college-educated man to lose touch with reality.
With a happy Anna (no poo-poo in dare now) I instructed the usually wise Papa to finish dressing her. Then I spread the towel on the bed picked up poop pants, a more brown than pink sock, a wettish undershirt, a soiled sweatshirt, a little brown boot with chocolate-colored smudges on white fur lining from floor. I rolled it all into a big towel mass, stomped through the living room, opened the back door and promptly tossed the ball of poop clothes into the garage.
A king-sized comforter and a few other suspect items required removal. But, after a couple bottles of air freshener, a can of carpet cleaner, a change of clothes, and fresh bedding, the damage seemed minimal—until the next Anna tooted event.
In the meantime, I hope Mark watches Forest Gump and works on his poop phobia.
Wednesday, March 3
Ungroupie me
Mediocre March 2
The topsy turvy world of American Idol got just a little dizzier March 2 when the boyz took center stage. A quick switch flip-flopping the performance nights made for nerves and excuses. Poor, poor shy boy Alex Lambert confessed he often produces pukage prior to performing, but somehow he managed to hold onto his dinner for this round. (maybe his mom cooked?) Crystal (I-wonder-if-she-has-health-insurance) Bowersox checked into a hospital where she was checked by doctors who then checked in with Idol VIPs, and said No go on the show. Then, of course, they all got checks. Not the contestants who work the endless hours away from their loved ones, of course.
So, let’s review the competition for pity votes. Add 1 for Alex-he didn’t make last week’s crowded list. Mama Bowersox pushed for frontrunner status last week. Depending on tomorrow night’s performance, that trendy hospital gown could be her golden egg. Just kidding. Tomorrow’s performance doesn’t matter all that much. Even if you imagine American Idol is all about who can sing, we already know Bowersox has the gift. Think images of mama rocking skinny toddler as she softly sings an acapella lullaby-unless you count the occasional moans from pain as accompaniment. Start dialing.
Back to the big time stage for the competition with the men. Whoops. Except separating the men from the boys, the wheat from the chafe, the rind from the melon, the soap scum from the tub—pick your favorite cliché here, was not much of a challenge. Clarity can be your friend. Not that all the guys are tone deaf, only 3-4 sucked that bad, but the group just ain’t that strong.
Let’s break it down (not MC Hammer break it down, but break it down as in take a closer look). In my totally unqualified opinion there was not much middle ground. Their chops were either very very good or they were horrid (yes, like the nursery rhyme).
• 3 big improvements from last week (2 in the super-sized improvement range)
• 1 stayed about the same but was already at the top so let’s use the cliché here of no harm no foul (maybe that’s why Alex didn’t spit up-the chicken was cooked)
• 1 slight puzzler-some parts unique, some parts uniquely bad. Things that make you go Hmmm (like MC Hammer this time)
• 4 guys tanked. The tanking action wasn’t even in the category of “I see potential” it was more like “I see dead people” I see faux singers with dead careers people.
• And the 1 straggler who was just there. Not impressive. Kinda annoying due to attire and accessories. Not annoying enough to get the boot but certainly not good enough to get a vote. He is just there and gets to hang around in the shadows.
Let’s match ‘em up and see who’s with me! Fill in the blank with the correct answers.
_____ and_____ gave up super-sized upgrades from last week and _____ got even better and he was already berry berry good to me (he could play baseball but he need to give up drooping & get pants that fit). If you answered Michael Lynche and Alex Lambert, then Lee DeWyze, give yourself a cookie. Your score is perfect so far. BTW the first two names do not have to be in that exact order.
Lynche impressed the audience and judges appearing as a seasoned singer with great stage presence and poise. Evidently he visited Miracle Max. I gave him up for mostly dead, but we all know there’s a big difference between dead and mostly dead. He still doesn’t have a great voice, but we’re talkin’ total package here. Total package plus 1 pity vote. Remember he’s the one who went to Hollywood while his wife did the whole giving birth to their first child thing. He’s a keeper. But, this is as good as he gets (write down my words here, I called it).
In contrast, Lambert, scratch that. I gotta go with Alex here due to the same last name as my BFF baby cakes Adam Lambert (hot stuff on Leno tonight). The sex appeal is a bit flat for the new Lambert. But, his voice was hot and the song worked for him. Recap: no deer in the headlights eyes, no pukage, no dashing around lost on stage for Alex. He sat on a stool and held a guitar in his hands resolving the problem of what to do with his hands and feet. He definitely knew what to do with his voice. Yahoo for you Alex! Top o’ the heap and throw in that pity ballot. Solid ground for the boy with potential but no experience. For a gullible second there I thought, Hey that’s what the show is all about, then I sobered up and figured out he’s not as polished as the others who were plucked from the street of regular Joe’s too-the street with the pro giving vocal lessons on the corner as opposed to pros on other street corners. He’s bonified.
DeWyze’s gravelly voice was a perfect fit for that great I’m-not-a-monogamous-creature anthem, Lips of an Angel. He tried to man up without his teddy bear (aka as his guitar) and replace it with a cold microphone stand. That part didn’t work out so much. He can stand in one place and sing into the mic deplete of dance moves. That’s all good. Tugging up on his drawers, however-not once but twice, is not all good. Just when I thought “No he didn’t” Yup. He did it again. Plus he’s handicapped due to NO pity points. A rarity and we can double or triple check. But I don’t think he has a sob story penned at this time.
Casey James still oozed sex appeal and gravelly notes onto the stage. Not as good as last week. But better than most of the other guys this week. He looked good, sound good and was kinda believable as a bad boy with his baby blue electric guitar. It complemented his blue eyes yet didn’t take attention away his rock solid performance and rock solid exterior mass. His pity vote status is pending further review.
The remaining contender remains high on the pity vote tally due to daddy daycare is Andrew Garcia. Probably tried a bit too hard to on a Jim Morrison song, but hey he doesn’t need to break a sweat yet.
The remaining vocals sounded like they’d benefit from karaoke class and really aren’t worth the strain on my digits to write about them.
Todrick Hall? NO, NO! It’s not there. Go home.
John Park? Ditto.
Tim Urban? Double ditto.
Aaron Kelly? Go back to your high school classes, please. Actually, AI could save a couple $$ on food and shelter costs and send the four of ‘em off with one farewell.
Jermaine Sellers? Straggler. Mediocre but kind of just lurking around. On second thought, nope. Give him up. Trade him for two Zhu Zhu pets and a Funhouse and wave bu-bye.
The judges? All four seemed less than entertaining tonight with lots of redundant comments they kept saying over and over (too cute). Really guys. Buy a thesaurus or consult with a dictionary. Find some new words. Wrong song, pitchy, and I’m a fan already sound like a telemarketer recording. I’d vote off the judges this week and start with the blank slate theory with five men and a bedpan (just in case the heaves visit again). Too predictable and unoriginal. Ellen wasn’t close to funny; the banana joke was pre-school level. Kara kept turning to Simon like an obedient domestic pet. Simon’s new love interest has obviously tamed the nasty beast within. Now he is a kinder gentler Simon and Randy . . . well, he’s still just Randy. Dawg.
Tomorrow night the girls close in for the kill. And did I say it’s stupid to pick girl/boy, girl/boy? Boot the lowest vote getters regardless of genitalia. That’s so 70’s mentality politically incorrect malarkey.
The topsy turvy world of American Idol got just a little dizzier March 2 when the boyz took center stage. A quick switch flip-flopping the performance nights made for nerves and excuses. Poor, poor shy boy Alex Lambert confessed he often produces pukage prior to performing, but somehow he managed to hold onto his dinner for this round. (maybe his mom cooked?) Crystal (I-wonder-if-she-has-health-insurance) Bowersox checked into a hospital where she was checked by doctors who then checked in with Idol VIPs, and said No go on the show. Then, of course, they all got checks. Not the contestants who work the endless hours away from their loved ones, of course.
So, let’s review the competition for pity votes. Add 1 for Alex-he didn’t make last week’s crowded list. Mama Bowersox pushed for frontrunner status last week. Depending on tomorrow night’s performance, that trendy hospital gown could be her golden egg. Just kidding. Tomorrow’s performance doesn’t matter all that much. Even if you imagine American Idol is all about who can sing, we already know Bowersox has the gift. Think images of mama rocking skinny toddler as she softly sings an acapella lullaby-unless you count the occasional moans from pain as accompaniment. Start dialing.
Back to the big time stage for the competition with the men. Whoops. Except separating the men from the boys, the wheat from the chafe, the rind from the melon, the soap scum from the tub—pick your favorite cliché here, was not much of a challenge. Clarity can be your friend. Not that all the guys are tone deaf, only 3-4 sucked that bad, but the group just ain’t that strong.
Let’s break it down (not MC Hammer break it down, but break it down as in take a closer look). In my totally unqualified opinion there was not much middle ground. Their chops were either very very good or they were horrid (yes, like the nursery rhyme).
• 3 big improvements from last week (2 in the super-sized improvement range)
• 1 stayed about the same but was already at the top so let’s use the cliché here of no harm no foul (maybe that’s why Alex didn’t spit up-the chicken was cooked)
• 1 slight puzzler-some parts unique, some parts uniquely bad. Things that make you go Hmmm (like MC Hammer this time)
• 4 guys tanked. The tanking action wasn’t even in the category of “I see potential” it was more like “I see dead people” I see faux singers with dead careers people.
• And the 1 straggler who was just there. Not impressive. Kinda annoying due to attire and accessories. Not annoying enough to get the boot but certainly not good enough to get a vote. He is just there and gets to hang around in the shadows.
Let’s match ‘em up and see who’s with me! Fill in the blank with the correct answers.
_____ and_____ gave up super-sized upgrades from last week and _____ got even better and he was already berry berry good to me (he could play baseball but he need to give up drooping & get pants that fit). If you answered Michael Lynche and Alex Lambert, then Lee DeWyze, give yourself a cookie. Your score is perfect so far. BTW the first two names do not have to be in that exact order.
Lynche impressed the audience and judges appearing as a seasoned singer with great stage presence and poise. Evidently he visited Miracle Max. I gave him up for mostly dead, but we all know there’s a big difference between dead and mostly dead. He still doesn’t have a great voice, but we’re talkin’ total package here. Total package plus 1 pity vote. Remember he’s the one who went to Hollywood while his wife did the whole giving birth to their first child thing. He’s a keeper. But, this is as good as he gets (write down my words here, I called it).
In contrast, Lambert, scratch that. I gotta go with Alex here due to the same last name as my BFF baby cakes Adam Lambert (hot stuff on Leno tonight). The sex appeal is a bit flat for the new Lambert. But, his voice was hot and the song worked for him. Recap: no deer in the headlights eyes, no pukage, no dashing around lost on stage for Alex. He sat on a stool and held a guitar in his hands resolving the problem of what to do with his hands and feet. He definitely knew what to do with his voice. Yahoo for you Alex! Top o’ the heap and throw in that pity ballot. Solid ground for the boy with potential but no experience. For a gullible second there I thought, Hey that’s what the show is all about, then I sobered up and figured out he’s not as polished as the others who were plucked from the street of regular Joe’s too-the street with the pro giving vocal lessons on the corner as opposed to pros on other street corners. He’s bonified.
DeWyze’s gravelly voice was a perfect fit for that great I’m-not-a-monogamous-creature anthem, Lips of an Angel. He tried to man up without his teddy bear (aka as his guitar) and replace it with a cold microphone stand. That part didn’t work out so much. He can stand in one place and sing into the mic deplete of dance moves. That’s all good. Tugging up on his drawers, however-not once but twice, is not all good. Just when I thought “No he didn’t” Yup. He did it again. Plus he’s handicapped due to NO pity points. A rarity and we can double or triple check. But I don’t think he has a sob story penned at this time.
Casey James still oozed sex appeal and gravelly notes onto the stage. Not as good as last week. But better than most of the other guys this week. He looked good, sound good and was kinda believable as a bad boy with his baby blue electric guitar. It complemented his blue eyes yet didn’t take attention away his rock solid performance and rock solid exterior mass. His pity vote status is pending further review.
The remaining contender remains high on the pity vote tally due to daddy daycare is Andrew Garcia. Probably tried a bit too hard to on a Jim Morrison song, but hey he doesn’t need to break a sweat yet.
The remaining vocals sounded like they’d benefit from karaoke class and really aren’t worth the strain on my digits to write about them.
Todrick Hall? NO, NO! It’s not there. Go home.
John Park? Ditto.
Tim Urban? Double ditto.
Aaron Kelly? Go back to your high school classes, please. Actually, AI could save a couple $$ on food and shelter costs and send the four of ‘em off with one farewell.
Jermaine Sellers? Straggler. Mediocre but kind of just lurking around. On second thought, nope. Give him up. Trade him for two Zhu Zhu pets and a Funhouse and wave bu-bye.
The judges? All four seemed less than entertaining tonight with lots of redundant comments they kept saying over and over (too cute). Really guys. Buy a thesaurus or consult with a dictionary. Find some new words. Wrong song, pitchy, and I’m a fan already sound like a telemarketer recording. I’d vote off the judges this week and start with the blank slate theory with five men and a bedpan (just in case the heaves visit again). Too predictable and unoriginal. Ellen wasn’t close to funny; the banana joke was pre-school level. Kara kept turning to Simon like an obedient domestic pet. Simon’s new love interest has obviously tamed the nasty beast within. Now he is a kinder gentler Simon and Randy . . . well, he’s still just Randy. Dawg.
Tomorrow night the girls close in for the kill. And did I say it’s stupid to pick girl/boy, girl/boy? Boot the lowest vote getters regardless of genitalia. That’s so 70’s mentality politically incorrect malarkey.
Tuesday, March 2
Another Colbert Nation groupie at Olympics
http://www.helium.com/users/506462/show_articles
http://celebrities.helium.com/how-to/9236-how-to-become-part-of-the-colbert-nati
Just another lesson in how/why we shouldn't take life so seriously. PLUS, a reminder of funny Canadian 'stuff' like take off hoser and let's watch Strange Brew again, eh? Ah, the Great White North.
So after I watched Stephen Colbert crawl into the fireplace (to show how "real" NBC makes the set) during an interview with Bob Costas, I'd say he's added another element to Olympic viewing. He definitely got lots of attention for the speed skating team that they would not have enjoyed without Colbert's sponsorship. Of course, the funny video of the interview has been copyright claimed by the Olympics. For now anyway, all uploads of the video seem to be off limits. Log in to www.colbertnation.com to watch shows featuring some of the Olympic medal winners and all of his hilarious Vancouver broadcasts.
From talking Bob Costas into riding a stuffed moose to accusing the Canadians of cheating and calling them out as "syrup suckers" Colbert's antics made the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics much more fun to watch. Yes, we tune in to see great athletes. Yes, I love to see dreams come true and all that fluffy stuff. But, I also really love it when a pretend sportscaster sings the national anthem(s) with a famed Canadian singer, or offers a beer to a medal winner or proclaims himself "assistant team psychologist" and proceeds to show viewers how he motivated these great athletes to capture medals. For the most part, the athletes seemed good natured. After all, Colbert served as primary sponsor prompting his loyal followers in the Colbert Nation to donate over $350,000 to the U.S. speed skating team. Even the previously disgruntled Shani Davis eventually came around and fended off Colbert in a skating "challenge". Record setting medalist Apolo Anton Ohno said he loves The Colbert Report and followed up with an appearance. Good answer! Merging the popularity of Ohno and Colbert could be so hot viewers might be tempted to miss viewing some shallow show- hmmm, (which one shall I pick?) like the Bachelor or Bachelorette.
Colbert, through his narrow-minded conservative character, does a great job of underscoring problems in politics, in society, with bears . . . pretty much all things important. Viewing The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report not only gives me a great daily dose of laughter (it's good for you to laugh, you know) but viewers get a good idea as to what's going on in the world. It's ironic-don't you think, that they often give a better picture of the news than supposed REAL news shows (like FOX-aka faux news). At least Comedy Central fake news is presented as such! But, that's a rant for another time.
Check out these Colbert articles and links to links: http://www.helium.com/zones/preview/9236
Stay tuned for The Biggest Loser! The show returns from a break due to Olympic cover. Yes, I am a groupie but it's all good. Maybe I will lose a few ounces or become inspired to eat a healthy meal. Stranger things have happened so stop laughing!
There's just something sooo hopeful about watching a 500lb guy workout and lose weight while I sit on the couch and enjoy my bushel of buttered popcorn, thinking how I will start my diet tomorrow.
http://celebrities.helium.com/how-to/9236-how-to-become-part-of-the-colbert-nati
Just another lesson in how/why we shouldn't take life so seriously. PLUS, a reminder of funny Canadian 'stuff' like take off hoser and let's watch Strange Brew again, eh? Ah, the Great White North.
So after I watched Stephen Colbert crawl into the fireplace (to show how "real" NBC makes the set) during an interview with Bob Costas, I'd say he's added another element to Olympic viewing. He definitely got lots of attention for the speed skating team that they would not have enjoyed without Colbert's sponsorship. Of course, the funny video of the interview has been copyright claimed by the Olympics. For now anyway, all uploads of the video seem to be off limits. Log in to www.colbertnation.com to watch shows featuring some of the Olympic medal winners and all of his hilarious Vancouver broadcasts.
From talking Bob Costas into riding a stuffed moose to accusing the Canadians of cheating and calling them out as "syrup suckers" Colbert's antics made the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics much more fun to watch. Yes, we tune in to see great athletes. Yes, I love to see dreams come true and all that fluffy stuff. But, I also really love it when a pretend sportscaster sings the national anthem(s) with a famed Canadian singer, or offers a beer to a medal winner or proclaims himself "assistant team psychologist" and proceeds to show viewers how he motivated these great athletes to capture medals. For the most part, the athletes seemed good natured. After all, Colbert served as primary sponsor prompting his loyal followers in the Colbert Nation to donate over $350,000 to the U.S. speed skating team. Even the previously disgruntled Shani Davis eventually came around and fended off Colbert in a skating "challenge". Record setting medalist Apolo Anton Ohno said he loves The Colbert Report and followed up with an appearance. Good answer! Merging the popularity of Ohno and Colbert could be so hot viewers might be tempted to miss viewing some shallow show- hmmm, (which one shall I pick?) like the Bachelor or Bachelorette.
Colbert, through his narrow-minded conservative character, does a great job of underscoring problems in politics, in society, with bears . . . pretty much all things important. Viewing The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report not only gives me a great daily dose of laughter (it's good for you to laugh, you know) but viewers get a good idea as to what's going on in the world. It's ironic-don't you think, that they often give a better picture of the news than supposed REAL news shows (like FOX-aka faux news). At least Comedy Central fake news is presented as such! But, that's a rant for another time.
Check out these Colbert articles and links to links: http://www.helium.com/zones/preview/9236
Stay tuned for The Biggest Loser! The show returns from a break due to Olympic cover. Yes, I am a groupie but it's all good. Maybe I will lose a few ounces or become inspired to eat a healthy meal. Stranger things have happened so stop laughing!
There's just something sooo hopeful about watching a 500lb guy workout and lose weight while I sit on the couch and enjoy my bushel of buttered popcorn, thinking how I will start my diet tomorrow.
Saturday, February 27
American Idol groupie
Some people are really confused when it comes to groupies. No, you don't need to be some good looking hot young thing to be a groupie. It doesn't ALWAYS mean groupie- as in hang around waiting to offer yourself up to 80's rockband has beens. I am a groupie of a short list of people/shows/stuff but I am not so hot and haven't been considered young for decades. New age groupie. That's what I am- a new age Idol groupie in the virtual world.
My groupiness today focuses on American Idol types. Yes, I was a Clay Aikin and am an Adam Lambert groupie. Groupied them PRIOR to their coming out parties, but that's nothing to me. I'm past fantasizing about that kind of relationship. I groupie them as entertainers. Adam Lambert is the hottest sexiest entertainer EVER to jump through the Idol hoops.(see www.helium.com/items/1457466-american-idol-best-performances-adam-lambert-mad-world) Actually, he would be the reigning American Idol if people in the United States could get over being anal for about one minute. I like Kris Allen but his ability to sing doesn't rank anywhere close to the range, style or performance of the person who was/is better than him. Some can't seem to separate personal limitations and allow their self-professed moral superiority to judge others. They should listen to MJ's Man in the Mirror over and over and over until they get it.
Anywho, this year's crop of Idols offers up some juicey possibilies. Yes, Kara DioGuardi
made a fool of herself over Casey James but that doesn't mean he isn't the hottest thing on the stage. But, that's not his fault. His mama probably told him to wear his shirt open. He is confident-but not too much. And sexy-in a soft way but the facial hair gives him a touch of a rugged, while the longer hairstyle looks way touchable. (breathe ej) The tiny touch of shyness/embarassment makes him that much more appealing. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. He can sing. He kinda reminds me of a hybrid version of Keith Urban, Tim McGraw and John Mayer all wrapped up in one of his golden locks with a scrunchie. (Okay I made up the John Mayer part but I wanted to throw in a non-country singer name). The third person in Casey's mix is really Bucky Covington-a much refined metrosexual version of Bucky. The hairdos, the rings and the swagger all ooze with style; plus those blue eyes could live in my contact lense case any day.
Another guy who can sing is Lee Dewyze. Love the rough smokey voice but too bad for Lee he's not as sexy as Casey. Oh, I mean too bad he's not as musically skilled as Casey. Callers made a big mistake with stupid voting on Wed. Feb. 24 for both guys and girls. But, you'll have that. I thought Tyler Grady and Joe Munoz deserved to stay. Grady=appeal to those who love 70s music (or graduated from high school during that decade) and he can sing a little while Munoz can sing a lot! Tyler's rightful time to leave shouldn't be until around final 12ish and Joe could have made it down to the last 3-4 guys. The boot should have been Tim Urban and Jermaine Sellers. I like Alex Lambert because he symbolizes the type of contestant Idol should highlight. He's not polished and all set to hit the stage because IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE AN AMATEUR COMPETITION. Also, if I were a betting woman-oh, I guess I am pretty much. Okay well, I would put money on Andrew Garcia as the guy to finish first if a guy is going to finish first. Should be big odds and not too crazy. Crazy, but I'm not talkin' like a clown crazy but more like a noncreepy normal person crazy. Aaron Kelly could get annoying fast and Big Mike (Michael Lynche) is a sweetheart but not the greatest singer. And no, this competition ISN'T about the best singer. Last year erased any doubt of that concept. Think about it people. Duh. It's a popularity contest. Pretend you are in high school again. Same concept. Haeley Vaughn hanging in for another week underscores that fact. Totally bad singing as in off key, but you know she just kept smilin' and she's so adorable (ask the judges). Guess what? Puppies are adorable too, but that doesn't mean they should be living the good life on Idol when a decent singer gets the boot.
Oh yes, speaking of the girls. Probably gonna hug Casey just to slide around him to the front of the pack. We'll see if he's got the right inside connections or if he gets used and tossed to the side. Could even be two girls in the finals. I gotta like Katelyn Epperly as soon as she irons her hair. If the 70s taught me anything it's shampoo your hair with eggs, rinse with beer then iron after it dries naturally. I suppose some idiot might singe it off and run home crying to mama, but we didn't have fancy irons in the 70s. Plus, we were smart enough to know you iron OVER the thin towel you spread over your hair. Shoot! I coulda told you it wasn't my fault even before the legal ruling. Everybody's an EJ wanna. Okay so, Katelyn can sing, but more importantly she lives in my geographic area aka Des Moines, IA. No, there isn't a cornfield in the middle of the city and yes, we do have running water and electricity. Hmmm. Now that I think of it we might be just a little ahead of some places where people think they are progressive (we don't tell adults they can't love or marry another adult) so stop the Iowa stereotypes please. Okay, true we do have a diversity of food-on-a-stick offerings at the state fair, but who doesn't? So, yes Katelyn. She'll get into the last few left standing, or singing would be a better word choice. She very sellable-as in vocally and style (don't go there). The black feather in the hair wasn't workin' too much, though.
EJ's favorite BEFORE everybody else jumped on the somebody-different bandwagon was/is Crystal Bowersox. I love that she never watched Idol on a regular basis and doesn't seem phased by all the glitz. She's pretty much for real. I doubt she sucks up to the judges, unbottons her shirt and compromises herself too much. I loved her comment about Idol not allowing original songs when a judge reminded her to be original! Of course, some compromising must take place just to make sure all the contestants are appropriately grateful and say keywords like life changing experience or I am blessed or dream of a life time, yadda, yadda, yadda. Each year the cliches become more cliche. I suppose the fact that Crystal can sing is a good touch. The harmonica is a great extra. How many times do you see the whole package? It would be nice to see a true female all-around musician win. (love Underwood and Clarkson but they don't play instruments). I don't get Crystal's dreadlocks, though. I think that's natural for some hair, but not-so-much Caucasian type hair. My daughter once had a Caucasion female friend who constantly wore dreadlocks or cornrows and the occasional dorag. I finally had to tell her she wasn't Black. Anyway, yes, I'm sayin' my main objection to the two favorites IS their hair. But, we can change that. I'll take care of it. I'll advise them to iron their hair. Then, when it gets too crispy they'll go for a trim. Viola! new hairstyles for Crystal and Katelyn! Speaking of hair, let's give some of Katelyn's curl to Lily Scott and they'd both look better. BTW I like Lily a little. It's the hair thing again. I am not crazy over white hair on young people, but I'm over it. The straight style reeks of a Cleopatra look alike; it's too stark or blunt. Also speaking of hair, why does Casey's look better than most of the girl's hair?
Now for the judges. I am a big Ellen Degeneres fan but she has yet to impress me in the world of Idol judging-too many Paulaesque comments. C'mon Ellen, you can tell the truth and coat it with humor-not Paula. And, somebody has to tell Kara DioGuardi the competition isn't about her. I sense she has a strong need to feel needed. First hint? Bikini. Simon Cowell is still the wanna-be-bad boy but gives solid advice. He's too much of a drama queen, though. He should feel like a jerk for saying things like you blew it and your career is over. Yes, he is the best judge on the panel. But, he still ain't God or some other deity. Randy Jackson is . . . Randy is Randy. He's true to himself and not too abrasive but still doesn't give unrealistic hope to those who pretty much such. The dawg thing was sickening a few years ago, but evidently no one told Randy.
Next up? Tune in for my ultra groupie experience (if that's possible with half a million other groupies) as part of the Colbert Nation as I worship all things Stephen Colbert!
My groupiness today focuses on American Idol types. Yes, I was a Clay Aikin and am an Adam Lambert groupie. Groupied them PRIOR to their coming out parties, but that's nothing to me. I'm past fantasizing about that kind of relationship. I groupie them as entertainers. Adam Lambert is the hottest sexiest entertainer EVER to jump through the Idol hoops.(see www.helium.com/items/1457466-american-idol-best-performances-adam-lambert-mad-world) Actually, he would be the reigning American Idol if people in the United States could get over being anal for about one minute. I like Kris Allen but his ability to sing doesn't rank anywhere close to the range, style or performance of the person who was/is better than him. Some can't seem to separate personal limitations and allow their self-professed moral superiority to judge others. They should listen to MJ's Man in the Mirror over and over and over until they get it.
Anywho, this year's crop of Idols offers up some juicey possibilies. Yes, Kara DioGuardi
made a fool of herself over Casey James but that doesn't mean he isn't the hottest thing on the stage. But, that's not his fault. His mama probably told him to wear his shirt open. He is confident-but not too much. And sexy-in a soft way but the facial hair gives him a touch of a rugged, while the longer hairstyle looks way touchable. (breathe ej) The tiny touch of shyness/embarassment makes him that much more appealing. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. He can sing. He kinda reminds me of a hybrid version of Keith Urban, Tim McGraw and John Mayer all wrapped up in one of his golden locks with a scrunchie. (Okay I made up the John Mayer part but I wanted to throw in a non-country singer name). The third person in Casey's mix is really Bucky Covington-a much refined metrosexual version of Bucky. The hairdos, the rings and the swagger all ooze with style; plus those blue eyes could live in my contact lense case any day.
Another guy who can sing is Lee Dewyze. Love the rough smokey voice but too bad for Lee he's not as sexy as Casey. Oh, I mean too bad he's not as musically skilled as Casey. Callers made a big mistake with stupid voting on Wed. Feb. 24 for both guys and girls. But, you'll have that. I thought Tyler Grady and Joe Munoz deserved to stay. Grady=appeal to those who love 70s music (or graduated from high school during that decade) and he can sing a little while Munoz can sing a lot! Tyler's rightful time to leave shouldn't be until around final 12ish and Joe could have made it down to the last 3-4 guys. The boot should have been Tim Urban and Jermaine Sellers. I like Alex Lambert because he symbolizes the type of contestant Idol should highlight. He's not polished and all set to hit the stage because IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE AN AMATEUR COMPETITION. Also, if I were a betting woman-oh, I guess I am pretty much. Okay well, I would put money on Andrew Garcia as the guy to finish first if a guy is going to finish first. Should be big odds and not too crazy. Crazy, but I'm not talkin' like a clown crazy but more like a noncreepy normal person crazy. Aaron Kelly could get annoying fast and Big Mike (Michael Lynche) is a sweetheart but not the greatest singer. And no, this competition ISN'T about the best singer. Last year erased any doubt of that concept. Think about it people. Duh. It's a popularity contest. Pretend you are in high school again. Same concept. Haeley Vaughn hanging in for another week underscores that fact. Totally bad singing as in off key, but you know she just kept smilin' and she's so adorable (ask the judges). Guess what? Puppies are adorable too, but that doesn't mean they should be living the good life on Idol when a decent singer gets the boot.
Oh yes, speaking of the girls. Probably gonna hug Casey just to slide around him to the front of the pack. We'll see if he's got the right inside connections or if he gets used and tossed to the side. Could even be two girls in the finals. I gotta like Katelyn Epperly as soon as she irons her hair. If the 70s taught me anything it's shampoo your hair with eggs, rinse with beer then iron after it dries naturally. I suppose some idiot might singe it off and run home crying to mama, but we didn't have fancy irons in the 70s. Plus, we were smart enough to know you iron OVER the thin towel you spread over your hair. Shoot! I coulda told you it wasn't my fault even before the legal ruling. Everybody's an EJ wanna. Okay so, Katelyn can sing, but more importantly she lives in my geographic area aka Des Moines, IA. No, there isn't a cornfield in the middle of the city and yes, we do have running water and electricity. Hmmm. Now that I think of it we might be just a little ahead of some places where people think they are progressive (we don't tell adults they can't love or marry another adult) so stop the Iowa stereotypes please. Okay, true we do have a diversity of food-on-a-stick offerings at the state fair, but who doesn't? So, yes Katelyn. She'll get into the last few left standing, or singing would be a better word choice. She very sellable-as in vocally and style (don't go there). The black feather in the hair wasn't workin' too much, though.
EJ's favorite BEFORE everybody else jumped on the somebody-different bandwagon was/is Crystal Bowersox. I love that she never watched Idol on a regular basis and doesn't seem phased by all the glitz. She's pretty much for real. I doubt she sucks up to the judges, unbottons her shirt and compromises herself too much. I loved her comment about Idol not allowing original songs when a judge reminded her to be original! Of course, some compromising must take place just to make sure all the contestants are appropriately grateful and say keywords like life changing experience or I am blessed or dream of a life time, yadda, yadda, yadda. Each year the cliches become more cliche. I suppose the fact that Crystal can sing is a good touch. The harmonica is a great extra. How many times do you see the whole package? It would be nice to see a true female all-around musician win. (love Underwood and Clarkson but they don't play instruments). I don't get Crystal's dreadlocks, though. I think that's natural for some hair, but not-so-much Caucasian type hair. My daughter once had a Caucasion female friend who constantly wore dreadlocks or cornrows and the occasional dorag. I finally had to tell her she wasn't Black. Anyway, yes, I'm sayin' my main objection to the two favorites IS their hair. But, we can change that. I'll take care of it. I'll advise them to iron their hair. Then, when it gets too crispy they'll go for a trim. Viola! new hairstyles for Crystal and Katelyn! Speaking of hair, let's give some of Katelyn's curl to Lily Scott and they'd both look better. BTW I like Lily a little. It's the hair thing again. I am not crazy over white hair on young people, but I'm over it. The straight style reeks of a Cleopatra look alike; it's too stark or blunt. Also speaking of hair, why does Casey's look better than most of the girl's hair?
Now for the judges. I am a big Ellen Degeneres fan but she has yet to impress me in the world of Idol judging-too many Paulaesque comments. C'mon Ellen, you can tell the truth and coat it with humor-not Paula. And, somebody has to tell Kara DioGuardi the competition isn't about her. I sense she has a strong need to feel needed. First hint? Bikini. Simon Cowell is still the wanna-be-bad boy but gives solid advice. He's too much of a drama queen, though. He should feel like a jerk for saying things like you blew it and your career is over. Yes, he is the best judge on the panel. But, he still ain't God or some other deity. Randy Jackson is . . . Randy is Randy. He's true to himself and not too abrasive but still doesn't give unrealistic hope to those who pretty much such. The dawg thing was sickening a few years ago, but evidently no one told Randy.
Next up? Tune in for my ultra groupie experience (if that's possible with half a million other groupies) as part of the Colbert Nation as I worship all things Stephen Colbert!
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