Oh how the tide has changed

All through this Season of BB8, the Donato's have been sitting pretty. Dick's in-your-face / tell-it-like-it-is style was controlling the game with little interference from anyone else in the house. Everyone, except Jen & Mike, were simply 1) afraid to a) upset the house, or b) upset Dick, therefore upsetting the house; 2) giving him some respect as their elder; 3) unsure how to handle someone like Dick.

The problem is they probably never had to deal on a day-to-day basis with anyone as volatile or crude as Dick.

At first, I was a big fan of Evel Dick's. I got a kick out of him and was sure that 90% of his actions were game play. And it was obvious that he really wanted to mend fences with his daughter, and that he's been trying. He's also offered her some decent fatherly advice on Nick, and the game.

But with his vile displays of calling women "c---ts", and borderline assualts, he's lost all his power, his alliance (except Daniele), and any respect.

I never was a fan of Daniele's, though. She's always come across as a whinny, spoiled, immature brat who will use her father's amends to get what she wants. In other words "Daddy, if you make those mean people go away, I'll give you attention this week." She's been playing the game well up until Nick left. When she won HOH her brains went out the window and all she cares about is a personal vendetta.

I feel for her boyfriend (& Nick for that matter). But then again, unless he's whipped, my guess is Kris is waving bye-bye as I write this. If I were his parents, I'd put the kybosh on that relationship - not hard since he's apparently moving back in with them. And that's another reason he should walk - Daniele blurting all his financial difficulties to America.

Jen is coming across as less than an idiot, but more self-centered. She turns each conversation to focus on her. But she's actually playing the game itself very smart. She plays both sides of the fence with stealth, and doesn't resort to the name calling. Giving up 1/2 the prize money may have seemed dumb to us, but maybe with her modelling she doesn't really need it, and only wants the BB8 connection to land her more Hollywood jobs. Seems that way with her comments about getting TV jobs out of this stint.

Zach is fast becoming my favorite. He’s obsessed with keeping stats, and he’s not in any “alliance”, being more of a floater. He’s been extremely observant of what’s going on, even with the other HG’s ignoring him. It makes me feel sorry for him. Maybe he has some odd quirks, but maybe it’s also in the editing. Addendum: Not sure if he’s now playing NNH or RCA, or if he’s playing both sides of the fence, but he does appear to be blabbing a lot to Dick, which scares me. If Jessica does put up Dustin and Zach decides to stay loyal with Dick, Dustin could be evicted (depending on Jen’s vote, since America – NOT ME – appears to want Dustin out). Don't be surprised to see him in the final four, depending on what happens to the NNH (what's left of the former LNC), or as the Donato's call them: The RCA - Royal Court Alliance (with two maidens (Amber & Jamecka), one Jester (Eric), one Princess (Jessica), and one Queen (Dustin).

Onto the NNH or RCA:


Jameka:

I’m not sure about Jameka yet. She’s smart, pretty, stands up for herself, and is seemingly playing well. However, she is letting Dick get on her nerves rather than ignore him like Jen did. And her total faith that God already has the game planned out is ridiculous. God gives us the tools to use, but we make the choices. And calling Dick’s mother a bitch – even in the heat of the moment – was totally uncalled for and un-Christianlike.

Eric:

I think for all the crap that ‘America’ is dishing out to Eric, trying to disrupt his game, he’s doing a damn good job. He’s a master manipulator. Dick likened him to a lawyer, and he does speak like one. He did a great job (with BB’s help) staying in the game, though I really don’t think Dustin was going to vote him out anyway. (See theory below) Apparently he wasn’t happy that ‘America’ voted for him to nominate Dustin, and he finally opened up and told ‘America’ in the Diary Room why the decision was crap. He’s got a cute relationship with Jessica going on; it’s fun to watch them getting drunk & playing games together. I don’t like what he told Dick about Amber’s secret, and the fact that the didn’t apologize to Amber on live tv on Thursday during his speech.

Jessica:

At first I was really prepared to dislike her. I do feel that she has a lot of growing up to do, but she’s just so damn adorable. Her natural joy & ebullience bring a smile to my face. And her relationship/friendship with Eric is fun to watch. I’m not sure how she’s really playing the game, other than by floating by & voting with the majority, but maybe we’ll see something during this week as HoH.

Dustin:

Dustin is my favorite player (with Zach a close 2nd). He’s controlling the NNH (or RCA), the girls trust him more than Eric, he’s close to everyone (except Dick). I think he’s in the position of the most power right now. I believe he never planned on voting out Eric in the first place. His body language to Amber screams lies. He just wanted to calm her down. Also, why would he not tell Dick he’d vote for Eric if it would buy some peace in the household (even if for a day). However, it was a bold & scary move to volunteer to go up as a pawn. He saw how that screwed Kail over. It doesn’t always work the first time even. I think the votes depend on what Jen & Zach do. I can’t see Jen voting to keep Dick in though, the way he’s treated her. Then again, they do have a truce, and she may see keeping Dick as a pawn to winning down the line. Aggghhh… I will be disappointed if Dustin leaves over Dick, but what can you do?

Amber:

I don’t know where to start with this lady. Who goes on a nationally televised show where there are dozens of cameras 24 hours a day, and you’re wearing a microphone at all times, and tells their most private secrets to STRANGERS?! I’m not saying she didn’t deserve to have her raging fit to Eric, what he did was even more uncalled for. And her constant crying & blubbering over stupid things, like Dustin taking prizes (the Horrors!), and how she things being a mother is unique, and that she loves her dog equally as her daughter. Just plain disturbed. Someone has suggested that she was probably using drugs up until the time she entered the house and is going through withdrawal, and that’s the reason for the bi-polar emotional state. And how could she forget that it was her idea to backdoor Nick! And then to outright lie and cry that she’s never lied?! Even worse is her anti-Semitic tirade. Unbelievable. Apparently protesters were outside the house the following day creating such a ruckus that the HG’s had to be locked up together for several hours in the HoH room. Then there’s her idea that she’s America’s favorite… Huh? Why? She’s got a lot of growing up to do when she gets outside, and she’ll be very lucky if she has a boyfriend, too, after the crap she told America about.

Ah well, I don't understand 'America' wanting to vote out Dustin over Dickface. That must be why we have so many social illnesses in our country today.

Ranking the monkeys on BB8

1. Dick "I know everyone."

As current HOH, he has only solidified his status in the house by being bluntly honest. Letting the women (and I use that term loosely with Jessica & Daniele due to emotion & physical age) sleep in the HOH bedroom can only give him positive points... at least with them. The guys - specifically Mike & Zach - might think he's sucking up. And he probably is, but good for him the way he's doing it. He's also trying to make amends with Daniele, but not being pushy about it. And that can only come across as positive to the other monkeys. From what we've seen, he's not a bad parent. He's made some bad mistakes and he's not a great role model (strip joint anyone?), but he's not the monster parent Kail's making him out to be.

2. Daniele "Food? What's that?"

She's actually playing a smart, subtle game. Her unwillingness to fall into Nick's professions of "like", shows caution & smarts for a young person. She probably has her parents to thank for those traits. She doesn't want to be another "showmance", she obviously cares very much for her boyfriend and doesn't want to hurt him, but she gives Nick just enough to hang onto & trust her. As somone who was abandoned for many years by her father (though I had a loving mother), it's not easy to let by-gones just be gone. Especially on national tv. Now if we can just get her to eat!

3. Jameka "Represent!"

Another lady playing it subtle. She's starting to come out of her shell, but I think that was because she was overwhelmed being the only 'minority' in the house. She's showing some gumption confronting Jen on her scare tactics, and she held her own with Zach.

4. Dustin "I beat my ex at a game I don't even like! Ecstasy!"

He could be ranked higher except for his stupid alliance with Amber. I'm not sure what he's thhinking there; maybe he needs a 'fag hag'? (I'm one myself, so don't yell at me! I didn't invent the term.) And he's a class act, exemplified by his good-bye message to Joe. It doesn't hurt that he's adorable to both men & women. What the hell was he thinking there?!

5. Zach "Sucking up wherever I can"

He recognizes Dick's "game playing", because he's doing the same himself. He aligned with the MRA, probably to see where it would go, but when it fell apart he jumped quietly and quickly. Unlike Nick.

6. Eric "You can spell AmERICa without me!"

He's been subtle about his 'assignments', so he's not yet given away that he's the secret twist. But he's not doing much game playing at this point. He's ticked a few people off apparently, but not enough for them to make him an enemy. More than likely he'll make the sequester.

7. Nick "I think I like you, except I might be gay or bi or pansexual or...."

Nick's in a precarious position right now. I feel he's playing Daniele and I'm not the only one. Dick, Eric & Jessica are being smart, realizing he's probably playing them, but with no evidence, they're keeping their eyes on him. "Keep your friends close & your enemies closer". Also, the way he keeps pushing Daniele to show some romantic inclinations will only hurt him in the long run. If Dick gets evidence of that, or if Daniele breaks down anymore due to his pressure, you can bet Dick will go after him.

8. Mike "Look for me on the next milk carton"

Mike still seems to be aligned with Kail, but I think he voted for Joe's removal because he saw the way the household was leaning and he didn't want to be a target. Unfortunately he's not fooled anyone. He's the next target of Dick's group, I'm sure. He hasn't really done much except try to avoid Kail lately and lifted weights with Nick.

9. Amber "I'm just emotional!"

Amber has no value in the house. This was verified in the recent feed where Dick is telling her they need to distance themselves from each other because the others had caught on. Dick was being smart, seeing Amber's waste, and he did it in a good way (well for him). Of course what does Amber do, but go cry on Dustin's shoulders. Expect her to be gone soon.

10. Jen "Me and my best friend, the unitard!"

Boy if I was her parents, I'd be waaaayyy embarrased! She's crass, jealous, ignorJent, and self-centered. Dick nailed her on that right away. And I don't see how she can say they're alike. She doesn't speak her mind at all. Not sure whose mind she's speaking, actually, since she doesn't appear to have one that doesn't focus on her. She totally didn't get Julie's digs. Whoosh! Right over her empty head. And the bitching & moaning & crying over her pictures?! WTF? Please.... But she sure is fun tv.

11. Kail "I'll play the game smart, I'll trash Evel to his daughter!"

She has major issues. 1) She can't even say Dick's name because it's a bad word?! 2) She's homophobic. 3) She's paranoid to the point of allienating everyone in the house, including her so-called alliance. 4) She got caught in a big lie against the one person who won't hold back. She couldn't hold her own against Dick's accusations and come up with a reasonable debate, so that only made her look worse. And going to Daniele and trying to trash Dick?! As a parent, she should know that outsiders against family will rarely work, esp in this situation, and esp since Dick & Daniele had a reasonably good relationship, and it only fell apart a couple of years ago. She's soooo gone.

Cleveland PRIDE

Andrew & I went to the Parada & Festival on June 16th, with the only intentions being to see Nemesis (or Nemesis Rising as they're now known as).

However, we had a great time at the parade. So much so, that we almost missing seeing Jacob & Joshua! We were chatting with several others and making fun of the homophobic religious nutcases across the street.

The AIDS task force threw Andrew several condoms, which Mom promptly confiscated. Of course, he said he only wanted the candy that came with it. right

We stayed at the Festival for a bit, but it was waaaayy too hot. About 90 degrees, and right off the lake, but no breeze. Andrew saw several suggestive t-shirts he wanted ("I Like Boobies" was one, which I'm sure was geared towards the Lesbians), however Mom curtailed those purchases, too.

After going home for a bit to change and cool down, we went back and enjoyed Jason Stuart, a comedian who's been on 'My Wife & Kids' and 'House'. He asked all his "straight friends" to make themselves know, and then didn't believe I was straight because I was "dressed like a lesbian". (t-shirt, khaki shorts, sunglasses & baseball cap) Told me to go put on some make-up, which I don't wear. Picked on me a bit, but then afterward asked everyone to applause since I took it so well. Very funny gentleman. I even got 99% of the gay jokes and thought they were hilarious.

After a young folk singer, Eric Heiman (sp?) who was actually very, very good, we got to the stars: Jacob & Joshua Miller of Nemesis Rising!

Whoo!

They didn't have their backup singers or band and apologized, but who cared!

They bantered with each other and the audience. Several guys put money down their pants which they took with good grace, and Josh admitted was a first for any of their performances. That surprises me. They came out to greet people standing at the sides of the stage and give kisses & shake hands. I'm not that aggressive, so I didn't try. Besides, I doubt they'd want that kind of attention from a middle-aged hetero woman who's only five or so years young than their mother.

Their voices are much better live. Josh's is definitely lower, Jacob's more pop. Josh's solo, "On My Own" is beautiful. Much better than the bit shown during their Logo series.

Just great, nice young men. Beautiful smiles, friendly personalities, and they seem very appreciative of their audience.

Some pictures are listed below, linked to my Photobucket. So far I only have the pictures from my camera phone on there. More (& bigger) will be added soon.

Pictures from Nemesis

Photobucket Album

LOST SPOILERS

DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU WANT TO BE SPOILED!


I'M NOT KIDDING, THIS IS SERIOUS SHIT!!!


PROBABLY THE BEST DAMN SEASON FINALE OF ANY SERIES EVER, (Except maybe the "Who Shot JR?" of 'Dallas').


LAST CHANCE.....


Okay, you asked for it-

Charlies finally dies. (thank goodness)

Several Others die when they try to charge the beach.

Locke survives, but thinks about killing himself. WALT stops him, but then disappears. He then goes to the transmitter tower to try to stop Naomi from breaking up Rousseau's transmission, and kills Naomi. He then threatens to kill Jack, but backs down.

Naomi is NOT who she appears. There is a message from Penny somewhere and she denies knowing Naomi.

But the biggest, biggest piece of news is that Jack's flash back IS NOT A FLASHBACK, IT'S A FLASH FORWARD!!!!! He becomes a junkie, gets depressed when he sees his ex-wife pregnant by someone else, tries to kill himself. AND HE & KATE ARE OFF THE ISLAND!

WHOA, HUH?

LOST Theories & Musings

Over the last week I've heard some interesting theories:

1) That the Island is a 'weigh-station' of sorts where the soul waits while it's determined if your final destination. Each Lostie has been involved in a con, murder, accidental death, manipulation, or threats except Jack (death during surgery not counting since the patient was warned of the possible outcomes). Which could explain the "Shepherd's not the list" remark. And the smoke monster could be the final juror before judgement, ala Mr. Eko. EXCEPT what about Bernard & Rose & Walt & Michael? As far as we know, they've never done anything shady or harmful. This could explain Richard's in-ability to age. However, them being dead doesn't explain Juliet. She was obviously brought there from 'off Island'.

2) Someone is supposed to die during the Season Finale. My guess is Charlie. However, Terry O'Quinn (Locke) did sell his Hawaiian home a few weeks ago. Hmmmm...

3) Is Jacob, Locke stuck in a time-warp. Several posters have mentioned that the brief glimpse resembled an older Locke and sounded like him.

4) Ben is jealous of Locke and it's obvious that the other inhabitants are looking for a new "leader". Locke's miraculous recovery proves he has some spiritual power with the Island. But then again, so does Rose.... Will Ben go after her next?

5) Will we ever find out what happened to Walt & Michael? Since the world believes that Flight 815 crashed with no survivors, what will happen when they show back up?

6) Either Ben is a physical manifestation of the Island spirituality, orr he projects his feelings onto the Island's magnetic powers. I.E. His mother died giving birth to him at 7 mos. The females that get pregnant on the Island die at that point.

7) Somehow father's are the driving force. Each Lostie + Ben (not counting Walt, Rose, Bernard, Sayid, or Boone) had father issues.

Latest on Lost Theories

Someone pointed out that Locke has some kind of control over the Island, whether he knows it or not.

However, pondering it more, I think there’s a flaw in that theory. One Word:

ROSE

(Who you ask? Yeah, I know. Pisses me off too that we haven’t seen those two more.)

Rose’s cancer was cured by the Island. She also does not want to leave. And of course, Bernard won’t leave without her.

Unlike Locke, however, she won’t prevent anyone else from being rescued. Why does Locke care if anyone else leaves? Ben has a reason to prevent anyone else from leaving, and that the Initiative (not that we know exactly what that is). Locke doesn’t.

Speaking of the Others, if they’re in communication with the rest of the world (or were, until Locke blew everything up), and they went to “war” against the Losties & Tailies, why didn’t they get outside help for them when the plane crashed? They’re so protective of their studies (or whatever the hell it is they’re doing), they could’ve informed the Australian equivalent of the FAA where the plane went down and gotten them rescued. Or, if they didn't want outsiders to know, they could’ve lent the Losties & Tailies their boats and taken them elsewhere for further rescue.

Does this make sense to anyone else?

American Idol, Top 12

First, I want to say that this is the most depressing Season of American Idol. Granted, I didn't watch Season 1, however, it sure couldn't be as bad as this one.

Where is the diversity? (After Wednesday) There are no African American males, no country singers, no rockers (I don't count Gina), no crooners (! not sure if that's good or bad - John Stevens - good, Will Makar - bad), no ditzy girls. Of course we do have our obligatory male teenager, so I guess that's some diversity. Diversify we could do without this year.

I'll be honest, I haven't been prompted to vote ONCE all season. As much as my initial love for Sligh and my current awe for Melinda & Lakisha & Blake. Sorry guys, you just aren't winning my love like Bo, Taylor, Clay & Chris D.

1. Brandon Rogers

I knew Brandon was going home after watching this on DVR when I skimmed through it the first time, barely listening to him. Unlike Travis Tucker who couldn't hold his breath & sing at the same time he danced, Brandon didn't seem to have too much of a problem there. If only because he forgot the words! And unlike Haley & Chris R. (see below), his actions on stage made it very obvious. Not to mention he went first. Not a good place to be if your performance is going to be less than mediocre. Right, Rudy & Patrick (Hall)? To his credit, Brandon was very gracious leaving us on Wednesday.

2. Melinda Doolittle

J'elle adore! There's something about this lady that just grabs you and makes the hair on your arms & neck stand out. She's been consistently the best performer and singer throughout the competition. Unless she murders one of the judges, I can't see anything hurting her (even then the fans might give her a pass). The lack of a neck is distracting, but with training on how to use her body and the right fashions, she'll be fine.

3. Chris Sligh

Oh, Chris, my boy. He's falling down the ladder in my book. First, lets address the glasses. I'm sorry to say this, but he looked like a little piggy without those glasses. As a fellow glasses-wearer, IMO they add personality & distinction. Put them back on, Chris! As far as the song goes, I guess you can't please everyone. Credit should be given to Chris for trying to make the song "more modern", but it really wasn't done well at all. The music was all over the place, and his pitch was off several times, like he was straining to jump from chord to chord. Listen to the pros, Chris, when they "tell" you to do or not do something. There's a reason they're superstars.

4. Gina Glocksen

Gina's actually growing on me nicely. It surely wasn't the best vocals she's ever done, but she looks good doing more of a rock vibe. She looks happier, and less strained than when she tries to do power ballads. The outfit was something to be desired, however! Yikes! I thought heels & jeans went out in the 80s. And that jacket with it looked too small.

5. Sanjaya Malakar

Okay, I'm going to admit. I think Sanjaya's adorable. He's cute, his voice isn't bad, his smile is to die for. But he's way over his head. His voice hasn't matured enough to be performing at this level. He looks scared up on stage. Reminds me of a male Janay C. His voice does have a nice tone, but he needs training. I feel for him, though. It's not his fault that his fans keep voting him through. And really, should we encourage him to quit something? What does that at tell a young person? He's persevering the best he can at this point.

There's a reason we have not let our son try out for American Idol yet, and this is proof enough. 1) We don't want him subjected to the nastiness; and 2) His voice isn't ready.

6. Haley Scarnato

I wonder if they paired Haley & Sanjaya together on purpose? The two worst singers. Both seem to have stage/confidence issues. Haley is very pretty and the camera does love her. I really never noticed her voice, but it's very nice. Soothing, rich. And for once she showed a personality. I'm glad she didn't leave right away without giving her more of a chance to gain confidence. I'm not trying to sound racist, but she's the only white girl left (not county the bi-racial Jordin), and the redneck male contingent would be more prone to vote for her. Of course if she doesn't show more confidence by next week, then she'll be gone shortly. And if she hadn't said anything, I would've never realized she forgot her words.

7. Phil Stacey

For once Phil entertained me...a little. His vocals were better than I've heard from him. No obvious problems with the lower register, but he can't keep relying on power chords. He's still bland, though, with no obvious genre that he seems to fit it. He's just a good singer; would make a good wedding singer, actually. And I really thought he looked like Nosferatu or the vampire in the original 'Salem's Lot' (which starred David Soul, BTW. I found a way to fit him in this critique!)

8. LaKisha Jones

Ah, the lovely, blessed Kiki. Her vocals and outfit were spot on! I think she was slightly better vocally than Melinda, but Melinda has better stage presence at this point. My fear is still that she's a one-trick pony, and can only sing the bluesy or gospelly songs, ala Mandisa of last year. I wonder why she didn't take La Diva's advice of using the mike stand however. I think it would've had more of an impact.

9. Blake Lewis

Blake really grew on me during the semi's and this song did nothing to deter that. Unlike the judges, I liked it. Sure, the vocals were spot on, but he's a born entertainer. He commands the stage better than any of the guys. I never really cared for that song, anyway, so I was impressed with the fact he tried to inject some liveliness into it. And I hope the judge's critique won't deter him from 'Blake-izing' things in the future. He brings much needed uniqueness and freshness to A.I. We've never had a contestant like him before.

10. Stephanie Edwards

Aiiyyyee, my eyes! Whomever dressed Stephanie in that paisley mess should be shot - even if it's Stephanie herself! The only thing I can think of is that she wanted to stand out from Melinda and LaKisha. She did, but not in a positive way. Her vocals were spot on, but there's something boring about Stephanie. She reminds me alot of LaToya London, but with less personality. I think she's more of a robot than Sabrina.

11. Chris Richardson

I'm sorry, NOTHING will ever get me to like this guy. I like boy bands, but not only is he a 3rd rate boy band singer, but he's ugly. Sure he has personality and he grabs the audience, but his vocals are so weak and breathy. In fact, I like him less than Sanjaya. I could deal with Sanjaya over Chris, since I can turn off the music and watch pretty Sanjaya. There's nothing attractive about this guy. But I admit defeat that he'll be around for awhile.

12. Jordin Sparks

Jordin has amazing control over her voice for 17 years old. And therein lies the difference between her and Sanjaya. She knows what's good for her voice. I didn't care for her Pat Benetar rendition last week because she's so young and couldn't put the emotion behind the song. But this week she did and she was gorgeous and deserved the pimp spot. Even though I felt LaKisha & Melinda's vocals were better, they can't get the pimp spot each week. Jordin is fresh, young, she can be molded. Just what E19 likes.

I hope to keep this blog throughout the season and update it weekly. And I promise to try to fit in a David Soul (or Starsky & Hutch) reference each time. :~)

And that's what I thought about this week. What did you think?