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?

21st Century Christmas Songs

Songs of the season for all kinds of personalities:

1) Schizophrenia- --- Do You Hear What I Hear, the Voices, the Voices?

2) Amnesia-- I Don't Remember If I'll be Home for Christmas

3) Narcissistic- - Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me

4) Manic-- Deck The Halls And Walls And House And Lawn And Streets And StoresAnd Office And Town And Cars And Buses And Trucks And Trees And Fire HydrantsAnd......... ...

5) Multiple Personality Disorder---- We Three Queens Disoriented Are

6) Paranoid---Santa Claus Is Coming To Get Us

7) Borderline Personality Disorder--- You Better Watch Out, You Better notShout, I'm Gonna Cry, and I'll not Tell You Why

8) Full Personality Disorder--- Thoughts of Roasting You On an Open Fire

9) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder---Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, JingleBells, Jingle Bells

10) Senile Dementia---Walking In a Winter Wonderland Miles from My House in MySlippers and Robe

12) Oppositional Defiant Disorder---I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus So I BurnedDown the House

13) Attention Deficit Disorder--We Wish You......Hey Look!! It's Snowing!!!

Jeans & Watches

Genre: Gen
Description: Alternate tag to ‘Shootout’. Response to challenge.



One day after the restaurant shooting:

He’s gonna be fine, he’s okay, Hutch reiterated to himself as he paused before opening the door to Starsky’s hospital room.

“Hey, buddy, you about ready to blow this joint?”

The moment the blond head appeared in the doorway, Starsky began to climb out of his hospital bed. By the time Hutch was fully through the door, he was on his feet, pulling the skimpy cotton gown down for propriety. “’Bought time you got here.” He grumbled to his partner.

Starsky grabbed the plastic bag full of clothes that Hutch held out, and quickly strode into the bathroom, not worrying that the back of his gown was open, after all he had briefs on.

From behind the partially closed bathroom door, Starsky made a suggestion. “Hey, Hutch? I was thinking…”

“You’ve got a bullet wound. Don’t strain yourself.”

“Ha, ha. Really. What if we had a celebration?”

“For what?”

“For me, making it. For you bringing down two mob hitmen. Kinda…” Starsky’s voice was muffled the rest of the sentence as he pulled his shirt on over his head.

“I don’t know, Starsky.”

“We can invite the girls, Huggy, Diane. Sammy and his girl can give us pointers and we can do a vaudeville routine.”

Starsky walked out of the bathroom as he tucked his shirt in his jeans one-handed. “I can do the jokes, you can be the straight-man.” He looked up at Hutch, “’Cause let’s face it, you can’t tell jokes.”

Hutch was affronted. “Can too!”

Starsky snorted. “Whatever you say, Hutch. But I’d get a better reaction from the audience. This’ll be fun. We can practice first, get some crazy getups…”

“No.” Hutch said firmly as he slapped Starsky’s wallet and badge into his outstretched palm.

Letting the subject go for now, Starsky slipped the wallet in his back pocket and pulled his jacket out of the plastic bag, putting the badge in that right pocket.

Hutch helped his partner put his jacket on and snapped the front buttons, keeping his injured arm in a sling beneath the jacket.

Both stood for a few minutes while Starsky looked around.

“Got everything?” Hutch asked. He grabbed the discharge instructions and a plant from off the chest of drawers next to the bed.

“Where’s my holster and gun?”

“Starsk, you can’t draw. Besides, you’re on leave for a few weeks. Don’t worry, the gun’s safely locked up and your holster is hanging up, back at your place.”

“Yeah? Well where’s my watch?”

“Your watch? You didn’t have a watch, did you?”

“Yeah. I always wear a watch. Remember? Back at the restaurant you gave me your pocket watch, ‘cause I couldn’t read my wristwatch. I feel naked without my watch.” He grumbled.

Without saying anything, Hutch turned around and opened the door to the hallway, holding it for his injured partner.

As Starsky stepped out before Hutch, he glared at him. “You forgot my watch didn’t you? Did you leave it in the emergency room?” Continued silence followed Hutch out the door. “You didn’t leave it at the restaurant did you, when the paramedics took it off?”

They strode down the hallway side by side, Hutch admitting that he left Starsky’s watch at home. “I was more worried about making sure you had a pair of crummy jeans, than a watch! Wouldn’t want you to go walking out of here with your bare ass sticking out!”

As they entered the elevator, Starsky grumbled. “What kind of cop am I? No watch, no gun. For that matter, what kind of partner are you?”

I'm a Baby Boomer, too!

I’M A BABY BOOMER, TOO!


The Greatest Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen-Xer’s, Y’s. We classify generations of Americans in order to define their desires and needs, likes and dislikes; how they mold our lifestyles.

But what of us who fall through the cracks? How can the media categorize someone and try to fit their square peg into the round hole they want them to go into?

Baby boomers are technically those born from 1946 – the end of WW2 – to 1964 – the beginning of the Vietnam ‘Conflict’. That’s a 20 year difference and in my family encompasses two generations in one classification. My Uncle – born in 1947, and myself – born in 1964.

When I was in college it was big news that the first Baby Boomers were turning 40. Now that I’ve hit that big age mark, the media talks about the first Baby Boomers retiring. I’m nowhere near retiring. How can I compare myself to those now turning 60?

Our viewpoints are different. They remember Vietnam, Kennedy, Kent State, the moon landing. I wasn’t even born when Kennedy was shot. Kent State has no meaning to me, other than it’s nearby my city and they hold annual events pertaining to the shooting. I wasn’t allowed to stay up for the moon landing, and my parents shielded me from Vietnam coverage. At that age I only cared about Speed Racer, learning to ride a bike, dressing my Barbies, and that I loved having a baby sister.

While the eldest of the Baby Boomers are concerned about retiring, rising health costs, and being able to afford their currently lifestyles, my concerns are how I’m going be able afford to send two kids to college and if Social Security will still be around when I get to that glorious age. Or if I or my husband WILL BE able to retire.

The media consistently draws attention to Baby Boomers as the generation who’s been defining American lifestyles and our dictates for the past 30 years. There’s nothing wrong with that, as that ‘generation’ involves the majority of citizens. However, even within that demographic, the media caters to or determines those Baby Boomers as those born in the 1950s or just after the war. What about us stragglers – those born in the early 60s? Who are we? Where do we fit in? How do our choices and decisions reflect currently policy, entertainment, or living? Don’t we get a say, too? The Gen X-ers and Y’s are now getting their voices heard and their choices known. But somehow a generation of children at the end of the baby boomer era and through the early 70’s got forgotten by the media.

As the Baby Boomers reach more age and lifestyle goals, we’ll continue to be defined by those a generation older than us. I can’t compare myself to those just turning 60, or even those in their 50s. I’m still young enough to have children in school, to have a hefty mortgage, small savings, and decades ahead of work.

So to the media and everyone else I shout, I’m a Baby Boomer, too! But don’t define me by a specific demographic. Don’t forget about me and those of us born at the tail end of the baby boom. We need to have our voices heard. Our goals, dreams, choices are just as important to the demographic as those of the Greatest Generation and beyond.

My new Starsky avatar

Why is Jade still ungracing our TV?

Jade is good TV. She's actually takes excellent pictures, but she's better TV. Her mismangement of words & phrases are funny. Her attitude is drama. Every week people want to see/hear what Jade is going to pull next. But I seriously doubt she can win.

I love both Joanie & Danielle, and both take beautiful pictures. Danielle has more personality & spirit than 90% of the girls that have ever appeared on ANTM. I don't think there's been a more natural model than Joanie. Her elephant/shaver photoshoot was probably the best that's ever been done on ANTM. However, I do think that the producers are leading us down a path, making us believe that Danielle is too "uncouth" to win. Either lady would be a credit to any company that chooses to work for them. Sure Danielle's speech isn't the most eloquent, but it's not like you can't understand her at all! And I'm not Southern. How many top models today are from all over the world & have differing speech patterns & accents? And how they can say that Joanie doesn't "look" like a model is beyond me. She has that lovely long neck and excellent facial bone structure.

Why Chris Lost and is there a conspiracy?

Let's get to the main point: Was there a conspiracy by Fox to get rid of Chris?

No... for the following reasons:

1) there is always a "shocking" exit every season on AI (though few less shocking than this one.) Beginning with the first season, Tamyra Gray was booted in fourth place over the vocally poor Nikki "Pole Dancer" McKibbin. Just last season Constantine was booted early on over Scott Savol (though I prefered Scott over Crapenstine, personally). Not only that we had four very good singers & performers. With three white Southern males, the vote was bound to be split in some ways.

2) why on Earth would Fox anger so many viewers by getting rid of the guy who was leading most of the polls to win? why on Earth would Fox dump such a good singer when many more fans were tuning in just to watch Chris? It makes no sense logically or financially.

3) re the phone number conspiracy. Last season Fox had two instances which the phone numbers were messed up or had technically difficulty, and not only admitted it, but in one instance even had a revote taken. Some fans say they couldn't get through, some have said they got through right away and voted for an hour straight. I haven't voted for Chris for sometime, throwing all my votes to Elliot (with a few thrown in for Taylor).

All this conspiracy talk is just poor sportsmanship on the part of fans and now listening & reading Chris' exit interviews, I see where they get it from.

Chris admitted that he arrogantly believed he was untouchable. On RealityTVGames, there is a post of play-by-play when he & Katharine were on the Seal. He's smirking & grinning just before the announcement, like he knew there was no way he was going. Not only that, now he's placing the blame firmly on the shoulders of the voters, rather than admitting that his voice was having problems and he showed minimal personality (& mostly a boring one). And that his intensity - while great for most of the songs he sang - turned off alot of viewers. Hard rock music is not as popular as one thinks in the U.S. (witness Carrie, Kellie, Bucky....)

I've been reading & reviewing the boards the past few days, and surprisingly many fans - while not ecstatic that he's gone - actually are relieved not to have to listen to his one-note singing, see his glaring, unsmiling face/eyes, or get bored. These are not my opinions (though true to some extent), but rather everything I've gathered on the boards.

Why did Chris lose is a different story. I believe that yes, the fans weren't out in full force. But also, the majority of votes come in through TEXT MESSAGING, NOT PHONING. Chris's fans for the most part, aren't the type to spend $ texting. Not only that, based on his interviews and listening to the last two weeks, I believe Chris was phoning his performances in, waiting for the finale. And I'm not the only one who believed that. It's very obvious now that he's very hurt, upset, and slightly bitter. OVER A TV SHOW?! One that gave him more fans and opportunities than he could ever have singing in a bar. He needs to calm down, move on, and so do the fans. Chris will actually be better off not having won or even come in second and have to do some lame-ass soft-rock like Bo was forced to do. (For proof, a months-old documentary that was reviewed on FoxOnIdol.com, it's very revealing on how frustrated Bo was in making 'his' CD.)

American Idol 5/8

Taylor #1 - "Jailhouse Rock". Fun, energetic, the usual Taylor. It was a bit more kareoke than last week's 'FWB', but this is the Taylor we all smile at & clap with. Fug Simon, he's nuts sometimes.

Chris #1 - "Suspicious Minds". It was 'meh', for someone of Chris's abilities. And all I kept thinking was Why's he wearing Bo's sunglasses?

Elliot #1 - "????" Can't even remember what he sang! I do remember that he was shaky during the first part, and coming away unimpressed when he really needed to shine.

Katharine #1 - "Hound Dog" By rights, she should've nailed this song with as much fun as she seemed to be having. However, at this stage of the competition, to FORGET THE WORDS!!!! is a slap in the face to the artist and very unprofessional (Melissa McGhee anyone?), and they weren't even difficult lyrics (see Chris #2).

Taylor #2 - "In the Ghetto". Beautiful. Moving. When he nails a song, he NAILS a song. More moving & better interpretation that last week's "Something", and that's saying alot.

Chris #2 - "Little Less Conversation". I'm not sure what Simon's drinking, but he was waaay off on his critique of this song. It's a difficult song with the lower register taking up 90% of the song, and the hurried lyrics. But Chris nearly got it right. Except the last screaming part, he would've been better without that.

Elliot #2 - "Trouble". Unfortunately I missed this one, but from the clip it sounded 100% times better than the first. I'm throwing my vote his way to keep him on.

Katharine #2 - "Falling In Love". Aiiee, Aiiee, Aiiee. Not only was it over the top, but it was also shrill at points. Time for Katharine to go home. I'm surprised Simon isn't shilling for her, since she is the last female & a very pretty one at that.

Obviously I think Elliot & Katharine should be in the bottom two. Elliot has by far the best voice, however, he lacks the charisma. Taylor has the weakest voice, but the most personality & charisma. Taylor & Elliot also sing the songs from their soul. Katharine's more like a little robot (though not as bad as Diana), and Chris is too intense and needs to relax.... man. However, I do feel that Chris & Taylor (or Elliot & Taylor) will be battling it out at the end.

WINNER OF THE NIGHT: TAYLOR HICKS

Welcome!

Tonight: American Idol does Elvis.

Tomorrow: Michael shot the sheriff, but he didn't shoot Henry
and
Will the Taiwanese ever take Jade off our hands?

Stay tuned!

Hutch's test

This is an initial test.

What a beautiful man!