tabbikat's thoughts

This blog has moved

2008-08-10T21:05:00.001-04:00

This blog can now be found at http://tabbikatsthoughts.us .

Tabbikat's Thursday 13 #15

2008-08-07T11:06:00.004-04:00

13 Things You Probably Never Wanted to Know About Emperor Penguins

Emperor Penguins live in Antartica where it is so cold there are no trees, flowers, or grass.

Emperor Penguins are the largest of all the penguin varieties, they grow to be about four feet tall and weigh 48–82 lb.

Emperor Penguins are flightless birds.

Emperor penquins can swim very quickly, and dive as deep as 1,755 feet below the water's surface.

Emperor penguins can stay under water for up to 20 minutes at a time.

On land Emperor penguins waddle on their strong webbed feet, hop, and use their beaks and claws to climb up hills. They slide down the hills on their tummies, the same way kids slide down hills on sleds.

Fish form the bulk of the Emperor Penguin's diet, which can include crustaceans, such as krill, and cephalopods, such as squid.

Like all birds Emperor penguins lay eggs, but they do not build nests because there are no twigs and grass for them to build nests with. Instead after the mother penguin lays the egg she passes it to the father who keeps it safe and warm by resting it on his feet and covering it with a flap of skin called a "brood pouch".

Emperor penguin chicks weigh less than a pound and are covered with grey and black fuzz.

Baby Emperor penguins eat partially digested food that their mother regurgitates (throws up) for them.

Emperor Penguin chicks will stay with their parents until they are about 6 months old and have their adult feathers.

Young Emperor Penguins stay in the water or on the water's edge for 4 years after they leave thier parents, then they travel inland and lay eggs of their own.

Emperor Penguins are serially monogamous. They have only one mate each year, and stay faithful to that mate for that year. However, fidelity between years is only about 15%.

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Tabbikat's Thursday 13 #14

2008-07-31T00:01:00.001-04:00

13 Places I'd Love To Go!

I decided just to list these alphabetically since it was too hard to put them in a most to least type list...

Caribbean
anywhere would be fine with me

China

France

Grand Canyon, Arizona
I went when I was 5 but I don't really remember it and I don't have pictures

Hawaii

India

Ireland

Miami

Mount Rushmore National Monument, Keystone, South Dakota

San Francisco

Disney World

Washington D.C.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Tabbikat's Thursday 13 #13

2008-07-24T13:28:00.004-04:00

Randomness Reigns
Below are 13 questions from a myspace quiz and my 3 word answers to them...
1. Where is your cell phone? on the table

2. Your hair? brown straight boring

3. Your favorite thing to do? laugh with daughter

4. When is the last time you laughed? earlier this morning

5. Your favorite color(s)? blue pink purple

6. The room you’re in? bedroom/office/grey

7. Who did you hang out with last night? mother daughter pets

8. Muffins? cranberry orange nut

9. One of your wish list items? a good job

10. What are you wearing? shorts shirt wristband

11. Your pet? dog three cats

12. Your summer? long hot fun

13. Your relationship status? very very single

Go ahead and try it, it's fun!

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Happy 6th Birthday Miss Andreia!

2008-07-12T17:46:00.003-04:00

So, 6 years ago at 7:14am I gave birth to a sweet, innocent baby girl! I could never have imagined then the wonderful, wild, smart muffin she turned out to be.

She loves presents, well who doesn't, and couldn't wait to open one. She had a hard time waiting until after her party to open the rest, but somehow she managed.

This year she was very hands on for the cakes and decorations. She frosted and decorated both cakes by herself and did much of the decorating, dictating what she couldn't actually do herself.

Our one neighbor has 7 children, and we absolutely love them all. For Andreia's 1st birthday they were the only children we invited, and today Olga and I reminisced about the fact that her 5th & 6th are now about the same ages as her 1st & 2nd were at that first party.

Sweet little Anthony is #7 and was just as chipper at the party as everyone else. He had a small love affair going with a ballon Andreia blew up for him. I have my suspicions about the attraction, but I'll keep them to myself. The older kids had fun with the balloons too; first they popped all the ones we had blown up, then they blew up and popped the rest.

Andreia finally got her chance to open her presents, and she was kind enough to share the experience with Amanda! Not bad for an only who has always lived in a house full of catering adults. I think Amanda was more impressed with some of the gifts than Andreia was, who knows what lurks in the minds of little girls?!?

So, that's pretty much the end of the birthday story except to note that we really need to work on her understanding of money. When she opened the card from her Great-Aunt & Uncle she exclaimed, "Oooh, a one!" as the twenty fluttered to the floor. That and score for Mom with the penguin birthday card that got the biggest reaction of anything from our girl today.

Tabbikat's Thursday 13 #12

2008-07-09T23:13:00.008-04:00

13 Craft Items My House Is Never Without

Arts & crafts are a big thing in our house, someone is always making something. We have gone so far as to stretch our crafting in to the digital age and even my 6 year old knows how to use paint shop. So in a house of crafters here are 13 kid friendly crafting supplies we are never without.

construction paper

paint

brushes

crayons

copy paper

glue

scissors

dried beans & seeds

felt

aluminum tart tins

yarn

clay

markers

Bonus:

modge podge

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Writer's Wednesday #12

2008-07-09T09:11:00.008-04:00

Well, the writer is stumped so...

The Story Of Your Life
Andy Skib ~ To Have Heroes ~ The Pearls ~ MWK

Fall Back Into Me
David Cook ~ American Idol S7 ~ MWK ~ Axium

Streetcorner Symphony
Rob Thomas ~ Matchbox 20

Thank goodness these guys don't seem to have my problem!

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-04T12:22:00.004-04:00

Well, celebrations in our neck of the woods got off to an early start with fireworks in the nearby town of Villa Rica. It was their 3rd fireworks display and the largest gathering of people in Villa Rica ever. I know why so many people were there - these people know what they are doing. There were plenty FREE things to do with the kids, lots of food and drink vendors, lots of great seating areas, plenty of changes of entertainment, lots & lots of bathrooms and pit stop potties, and one of the best & longest firework displays I have seen in years.

Festivities were to start at 6pm and when we arrived at 5:45 everything was in full swing. We staked out a spot to sit and at our supper. After a spectacular air jumper display including the National Athem as the American Flag drifted down with one of the jumpers, we took a walk to check out the booths. Free fans, free ballons, cheap trinkets, fundraising t-shirts, and some photos of the hot air balloon later we headed off to the inflatibles. The line seemed long but the teens running them kept it moving and we were in line for less than 5 minutes.

At 7pm a band started playing and except for a short intermission they played until just minutes before the fireworks started. I'm not a huge fan of country but they were great and had a fabulous mix of songs that kept the crowd entertained. Much to Miss Andreia's embarassment her mom kept singing along - badly. It was lots of fun.

They played the National Athem again and the fireworks started on the line "the bombs bursting in air". They played several patriotic songs, marches, and military songs and there was a mini-finale at the end of each song. Finally, the music stopped and the real finale came and it just kept going. I was disappointed that my camera picked the end of the night to misbehave, but the display was truly enjoyable. We will definately go back next year.

Tabbikat's Thursday 13 #11

2008-07-03T00:02:00.004-04:00

13 First Lines

Rules: Okay below are 13 first lines from novels. All of them on this list are books that I have read. If you know an Author, a title, or both just post your answer in a comment. I will put correct answers up with credit to the person giving the correct response first. Have fun!

As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect. ~ The Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka ~ 1915 (Journeywoman)

All children, except one, grow up. ~ Peter Pan, J. M. Barrie ~ 1904 (Journeywoman)

It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents--except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness. ~ Paul Clifford, by Edward George Bulwer-Lytton ~ 1830

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. ~ Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen ~ 1813 (Journeywoman)

All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. ~ Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy ~ 1875 (Journeywoman)

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair ... ~ A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens ~ 1859 (Journeywoman)

Call me Ishmael. ~ Moby Dick(Carol), Herman Melville ~ 1851

Call me Jonah. ~ Cat's Cradle, Kurt Vonnegut ~ 1963 (Kat)

I am a sick man ... I am a spiteful man. ~ Notes from Underground, Fyodor Dostoyevsky ~ 1864 (Kat)

Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice. ~ One Hundred Years of Solitude, Gabriel García Márquez ~ 1967 (Kat)

The drought had lasted now for ten million years, and the reign of the terrible lizards had long since ended. ~ 2001: A Space Odyssey, Arthur C. Clarke ~ 1968 (Kat)

If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth. ~ The Catcher in the Rye, J. D. Salinger ~ 1951 (Journeywoman)

"To be born again," sang Gibreel Farishta tumbling from the heavens, "first you have to die." ~ The Satanic Verses, Salman Rushdie ~ 1988 (Kat)

Writer's Wednesday #11

2008-07-02T11:46:00.002-04:00

Where are you going?
Have I been there, can I follow?
I am tired of where I am,
Where I am going,
Of the road that I travel
I lost it somehow -
My sense of adventure
Left it behind, on the roadside
In a ditch
I've walked and walked
Been everywhere and nowhere,
Seen everything and nothing,
I'm tired and alone
Where are you going?
Have I been there, can I follow?

written February 1994

Tabbikat's Thursday 13 #10

2008-06-26T00:02:00.000-04:00

13 of My Favorite Books

The Stand,
Stephen King

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,
J. K. Rowling

I Know This Much Is True,
Wally Lamb

A Christmas Carol,
Charles Dickens

The Color Purple,
Alice Walker

What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day,
Pearl Cleage

The Green Mile,
Stephen King

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,
J. K. Rowling

The Client,
John Grisham

Where The Heart Is,
Billie Letts

The Gunslinger (The Dark Tower, Book 1),
Stephen King

A Tale of Two Cities,
Charles Dickens

The Secret Garden,
Frances Hodgson Burnett

Writer's Wednesday #10

2008-06-25T00:05:00.003-04:00

Where can I go?
Locked up in my own mind
Closed off by walls
Of my own creation
Walls too high to climb
Do I have the spirit
To knock them down
Or, must I go through life
Trapped behind these walls
I built to keep you out
But, instead they work only
To keep me in, alone
Protected from everything
Except, the fiercest
Enemy of all
Myself

written February 1994

pounding, pushing, pulsing
blinding, biting, bruising
crushing, cutting
pain washes over me
caressing me with its razor edge
limp, lifeless
battered, beaten, broken
I wish it would leave me
this monster that's attacking me
this...

written May 2006

Tabbikat's Thursday 13 #9

2008-06-19T13:07:00.001-04:00

13 Albums I've Listened to in the Car
During the Last Month

I bought all of David's American Idol performances from i-tunes and made my own little cd! It's my favorite and plays at least once a day in the car.
Favorite Song...
The World I Know

I bought this from Amazon before it was pulled (yeah me!) and have listened to it over and over, even my daughter likes this one.
Favorite Song...
Don't Say A Word

This album has been a favorite for a long time but hadn't been in the car in ages, thanks to David Cook for reminding me how much I love it.
Favorite Song...
The World I Know

This album has been in my car for years and years, it gets more use than any other cd I own.
Favorite Song...
In God's Country

This is one of those cds that I seem to search out when things go wrong, hence the multiple copies floating around the house and cars.
Favorite Song...
One

I don't remember where I first heard this or when I bought it but it is a favorite for traffic jams and other need to relax moments.
Favorite Song...
Hide and Seek

This is another DC addiction, I bought it at the start of the Top 12 and it has been in constant rotation since.
Favorite Song...
Incarcerate

This album has been in car rotation since college, which was a long, long time ago.
Favorite Song...
Sunday Bloody Sunday

This has been in and out of the car over the last several years, I like to sing along and the kid even knows a few.
Favorite Song...
With Arms Wide Open

This was a gift from a former boyfriend, he's long gone but the music remains.
Favorite Song...
My Hero

This is my daughter's favorite, and let me tell you it isn't really a step up from Backyardigans & Dora the Explorer.
My Favorite
Gotta Go My Own Way

Daughter's Favorite...
Fabulous

I honestly can't believe that I listen to this, but my daughter loves it so...
My Favorite...
See You Again

Daughter's Favorite...
Nobody's Perfect

The last of the kid friendly albums in the car, I try to avoid this if possible; but sometimes a mom has got to do what a mom has got to do.
My Favorite...
Breaking Free

Daughter's Favorite
What I've Been Looking For

Writer's Wednesday #9

2008-06-18T12:52:00.000-04:00

GONE
Morning arrives
And you're not here
Alone I face the world
Emptiness envelops me
Invades my soul
Looking ahead I wonder
How I will make it
Even through this second
When my single reason
To carry on
Is gone

written January 1994

So-
you're leaving
going somewhere, anywhere
out of here - away
far
Lonliness-
envelops me
traps me, keeps me
here - alone
scared
Why-
must it happen
this way, or anyway
leaving is so painful
but
Staying-
being left behind
not being able
to follow, is
worse

written February 1994

Friday the 13th

2008-06-13T14:10:00.003-04:00

In honor of Friday the 13th my daughter and I made a middle of the night trek to the emergency room. It was just one of those moments when you know something is wrong with your kid, you just don't know what. Well after much waiting and a spiking of her fever to 103.3 we finally got some help and she was diagnosed with of all things a UTI. Not what she was complaining of at all but at least the antibiotics seem to be helping. Now all we have to do is get some sleep!

Tabbikat's Thursday 13 #8

2008-06-12T07:30:00.002-04:00

13 Photos of My Daughter Andréia

Writer's Wednesday #8

2008-06-11T07:30:00.000-04:00

Silently you smile
Offering a helping hand
A gift of joy and happiness
Lifts my spirits higher
Than I ever dreamed
The limits of joy
Stretched beyond
All hurt and pain
Life appears before me
As endless possibilities
A chance to touch perfection
the will to try again

written March 1, 1994

Tabbikat's Thursday 13 #7

2008-06-05T07:30:00.003-04:00

13 Things To Do On A Rainy Day

read a book

walk the dog

scrapbook

craft with my daughter

jump in puddles

go for a drive through the woods

go to the beach

bake (bread, cookies, cakes, anything really)

watch movies

cruise the internet for new and different sites

sit in the window and watch the rain

have a daylight pajama party with friends

sleep

Writer's Wednesday #7

2008-06-04T07:30:00.000-04:00

Love's Cast

A peaceful shadow
across a moonlit room
your presence stirs my soul
Waking that which has lain dormat
since before my time began
Wakefulness a blessing and a curse
my heart's desire
a step outside my grasp
Taunting, teasing, never fulfulling
wants-desires-needs
plead for completion
for that which never comes
Searching all directions
my heart breaking; soul shattering
realization of impossibility
I let go -- ye, holding on tightly
that elusive word
set within my grasp
My hand and love's hand
clasped

written May 20, 1994
updated June 3, 2008

Tabbikat's Thursday 13 #6

2008-05-29T07:30:00.004-04:00

13 Photos of My Pets

Pepeu

Abbie

Clarkie & Lucyfur

Mr. Dubbie ~ Gone but not forgotten

Writer's Wednesday #6

2008-05-28T07:30:00.000-04:00

union

gently touching, softest caress
like a whisper, or
a delicate spring breeze
passing across you, on
a warm sunlit day
my hands drift across
the surface of my love,
more than just a touch
emotion crossing tactile barriers
leaving nothing unshared

written April 17, 1994
updated May 27, 2008

A Favorite For This Time Of Year

2008-05-23T05:30:00.004-04:00

Since it is graduation time here in Georgia I decided to pull out one of my all time favorite news columns. I have always loved the messages and believed in them; but, the older I get the more I understand just how true it all is...

"ADVICE, LIKE YOUTH, PROBABLY JUST WASTED ON THE YOUNG"
by Mary Schmich
June 1, 1997 Chicago Tribune

Wear sunscreen.

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.

Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.

Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.

Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.

Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.

Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.

Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen.

Tabbikat's Thursday 13 #5

2008-05-22T05:30:00.009-04:00

13 Fav Performances from AI7

13 - Love Is A Battlefield - Brooke White

12 - Eleanor Rigby - David Cook

11 - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - David Cook

10 - In My Life - Ramiele Maluby

9 - Hallelujah - Jason Castro

8 - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me - David Archuleta

7 - Let It Be - Brooke White

6 - Hello - David Cook

5 - Imagine - David Archuleta

4 - Billy Jean - David Cook

3 - Come Together - Carly Smithson

2 - Always Be My Baby - David Cook

1 - The World I Know - David Cook

Cookie Takes It All

2008-05-21T23:58:00.002-04:00

Woo Hoo! My guy took the title! This is the first time that the contestant I picked in the beginning as my personal fav has taken the title! I am sooooooo happy!!!!!!!! I am even tolerating the magic rainbow skittles song Cook has to sing, he almost makes it sound like something I would want to listen to on a regular basis.
Now, I just have to find something to entertain myself until the next season of American Idol.

Writer's Wednesday #5

2008-05-21T11:22:00.001-04:00

Love Hold My Heart

Loving you is something
I did not chose to do
love tapped me on the shoulder
bound my broken heart to you

Now loving is more painful
than what I had before
and my mended heart is tearing
as you walk out the door

Is there nothing I could do
to bring your love back to me
knowing it's our togetherness
that brought peace back to me

Please release my aching heart
or hold it more gently to you
because loving you is something
I did not choose to do

written March 1994
updated January 2004

David vs. David

2008-05-21T05:30:00.000-04:00

So, I wish I had been wrong about this show; but I wasn't. The worst part is that it was so skewed to one side that I'm afraid people didn't hear what was really offered.

Clive's Choice:
David Cook sang "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2. It was really pretty and I love when he strips a song down to the essentials. I am always surprised by his takes on familiar songs and I like being surprised.
David Archuleta sang "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" by Elton John. This has to be one of the most over used songs on American Idol and while David A. sang it well I already have a song on my computer that sounds just like it... only better really.

Songwriter's Contest:
In a strange twist they have let the contestant's pick from the top 10 vote getters but not the top vote getter, that is supposedly being save for tomorrow night. Oh Joy!
David Cook sang "Dream Big" by Emily Shackelton and it was okay. It proves that he could sing my Great Grandmother's sugar cookie recipe to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and I would be able to at least say he sang it well and attempted to make it interesting.
David Archuleta sang "In This Moment" by Ryan Gillmore and it was the longest song of my life. The lyrics to this song are just so cheesy and bordering on arrogant that it was hard to listen to. Add to it that the dang thing never went anywhere it just kept droning to the finish line and one has to wonder what Archie saw in it.

Contestant's Choice:
David Cook sang "The World I Know" by Collective Soul and I was floored. I don't know that other's heard it but I couldn't have stopped myself from loving it had I tried. Once again Cookie about the door to his soul and invited us all inside. I know that judge's wanted rocked out and all but what we got was so much better.
David Archulet sang "Imagine" by John Lennon and all I could say was, "Hey, where have I heard that before?" I think he has a pretty voice but he has no real connection with what he is singing and I am almost always left wanting.

So my winner tonight is David Cook and honestly no matter how the votes turn out tomorrow night I believe that it will be David C. not David A. who goes on to long term greatness.

Tabbikat's Thursday 13 #4

2008-05-15T05:30:00.003-04:00

13 Favorite American Idol Contestants

Here are my top 13 American Idol contestants from seasons 1-7...

13 - Kellie Pickler - Even when I don't like her music, I like Kellie because she doesn't take herself too seriously and always seems to light up the room.

12 - Katharine McPhee - She has a beautiful voice and always looks good on stage.

11 - Melinda Dolittle - I love her humble nature, big voice, and the ability to tell a story with a song.

10 - Diana DeGarmo - Little girl, big voice, never say die spirit, what's not to love.

9 - Clay Aiken - He was the first guy I liked on AI and was definately my choice to win season 2.

8 - Jennifer Hudson - She always performed well on the show, despite taking a beating from the judges and the voters. I think she has really had the last laugh.

7 - Brooke White - Her stage presence leaves something to be desired but if I am just listening to her, I love it.

6 - Elliott Yamin - Great voice and a fantastic attitude, he was my second pick for winner in seasn 5.

5 - Jordin Sparks - It took sometime for Jordin to grow on me, but her beautiful voice and performing skills won me over.

4 - Kelly Clarkson - I thought Kelly was okay on AI, but love her now. I know some are turned off by the darker side, but let's get real, which one of us is light and sunshine all the time.

3 - Bo Bice - Bo had that gritty southern charm on stage and he pushed AI to new levels, I am happy to see that he has come out with an album more representative of who he is and what he does, than his AI release was.

2 - Chris Daughtry - My #1 choice in season 5 I was devastated when he left in the #4 position. Of course, he is another one that proves you don't need to finish anywhere near #1 to make Idol work for you.

1 - David Cook - I like David as much for his pre-Idol music as I do for his Idol performances. I could care less where he gets his arrangements, at least he is smart enough to go looking for what works for him instead of settling for what is expected. Add that he is a self-proclaimed "word nerd" and to me you've got the whole package.

So Long Syesha

2008-05-14T23:17:00.000-04:00

Well you knew it was going to happen, the David vs. David finale has been pimped for far too long to allow Syesha any chance of sneaking in.

I wish I could say that I was looking forward to next week, but I am truly unhappy that this season has come to a close so quickly. I am also suspect that the finale has been overhyped and will never live up to the standards that have been set.

Prove me wrong AI. TTFN

Writer's Wednesday #4

2008-05-14T05:30:00.001-04:00

My Life

As I wander through my life
Not the way it is
But -- the way it should be
I see you standing there, waiting for me
Life the way it can be
Happiness and laughter surround us
As we share the world together -- as one
You and I in my life
The way it could be, if I had met you
Not him -- first
Held you to me, loved you the way
I want to now
To be with you and share with you
That which he already has
You as my life, filling the emptiness within
Using friendship and love to close the gap
I wonder how I made it this far -- alone
As I wander through my life
Wanting what can never be
I see you standing here, waiting for me

written February 9, 1994
updated 2004

The Top 3

2008-05-13T23:54:00.000-04:00

Okay, this night was not as fantastic as it has been in past seasons. The Judges choices turned out to be the best of the night and the contestant's choices the worst.

Judges Choice:
David A. sang "And So It Goes" by Billy Joel. I wasn't thrilled that Paula picked this for him but he does a pleasant, note perfect, yet slightly boring performance. It as standard DA all the way.
Syesha sang "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys. I wanted to slap Randy for choosing this but was pleased that she for the most part stayed out of her screech zone, it was a good performance.
David C. sang "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack. I think Simon has it bad for this song but Cookie owned it and dedicated it to his Mom! Got to love a guy who loves his mother.

Contestant's Choice:
David A. sang "With You" by Chris Brown and it was rough at the start, to overdone at the end and poorly danced (if that's what that was)throughout.
Syesha sang "Fever" by Peggy Lee and I think that the only big problem was that it looked a little desperate with the way short dress and the chair. She needed to focus more on delivering the big vocal.
David C. sang "Dare You To Move" by Switchfoot and I'm just a little sad that he didn't do the Collective Soul number. But I think that as far as being a middle song goes it was a smart choice in that it didn't stretch him too far.

Producer's Choice:
Okay the producer's obviously need to get a grip. Their song choices sucked and did nothing for any of the contestants.
David A. sang "Longer" by Dan Fogelberg and it was a full on, overblown Archuleta ballad. Solid but boring.
Syesha sang "Hit Me Up" by Gia Farrell and I know this song because my 5 year old is a big Happy Feet fan. Would I have ever chosen this for her to sing, no. She puts alot into the dance and gives some decent vocals. It was okay.
David C. sang "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" and it was good a solid vocal performance. If I am judging him on just each performance and in comparison to the others he is head and shoulders above the competition even if he wasn't head and shoulders above his personal best. Go Cookie!

My Order: David Cook, Syesha Mercado, David Archuleta

Tabbikat's Thursday 13 #3

2008-05-08T05:30:00.013-04:00

13 Favorite Movies

Farwell to Jason

2008-05-07T22:46:00.001-04:00

Wow, am I relieved with the outcome of this one. If Jason had stayed then someone who was truly invested in this competition would have been outed and that would truly have been sad. Can't wait to see all the visit home festivities and see what 3 songs the contestants pick next week.

Writer's Wednesday #3

2008-05-07T22:41:00.002-04:00

All That Glitters

Love is...
As gentle as spring rains
As sharp as a razor

Guides me through life
Opening and closing doors
Blinding me to all
But that to which it leads

Helpless in the grasp
Of that which I can't control
Life spinning wildly
Tender hearts tearing
A world out of control

And like that which glitters
All that breaks your heart

...is not love

November 2001

The Top 4 & the Rock & Roll Hall of ????

2008-05-06T23:21:00.001-04:00

So here I am all set to be wowed out of my seat and oh it isn't happening tonight.

David Cook's first performance was okay for him and great in comparison to what the rest had to offer. His second was better except for the very end where it seemed he was rushing it. Perhaps if the judges shut up there would be time for the contestants to comfortably sing their songs the way they practiced them.

Syesha isn't going down without a fight and I really enjoyed her performances. Her voice is much more enjoyable in her lower range and she is able to power without screeching.

Jason, Jason, Jason... What could I possible say that wouldn't be mean? Dude, if you don't want to be there tell the producer's you quit and go home, otherwise practice and perform, practice and perform.

David Archuleta's first was good and I liked the little change ups, but the second left me sleepy and bored. I think he has a lovely voice just no wow factor.

My Ranking: David Cook, Syesha, David Archuleta, Jason

Tabbikat's Thursday 13 #2

2008-05-01T05:30:00.005-04:00

13 Photo Variations #1

I have this crazy idea that an easy and fun way to tackle some of these Thursday Thirteen posts is to share with you some of the fun I have had playing with my photos in Paint Shop Pro and Photoshop. So here goes nothing...

Here is a cropped photo of my first apple blossoms.

Below are 13 variations on the photo using effects available in Jasc's Paint Shop Pro 9. The settings are listed from top to bottom, left to right.

brush strokes
20/200/2/20/2/90/0/white

colored chalk 50/25

colored pencil 90/50

aged newspaper 100

chrome
3/90/use original color-checked

colored foil
5/50/#E8CF01/315

enamel
10/90/75/315/#F1A59B

neon glow 20/90

edge effects
dilated then enhanced more

kaleidoscope
0/0/45/0/reflect/2/3/30

kaleidoscope
25/-50/315/0/wrap/11/0/0

pattern
50/-50/27/-7/4/4/-10/5

mosaic - antique
25/50/symmetric-unchecked/25/5/5

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Farwell to Brooke

2008-04-30T22:33:00.002-04:00

I am actually relieved to see her go! The girl was falling apart in front of us, and it just wasn't funny. I'm glad that she left being proud of the performances that she did and knowing that she is stronger than she thought she was.

Now about the group number??? What was that mess?!? Who had the bright idea to have DA sing "Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies and everyone go"! Too funny. And why was DC the only one you could really hear when he soloed, hmmmm.

Oh well, on to Rock-n-Roll week, looking forward to what should be some really interesting performances.

Writer's Wednesday #2

2008-04-30T05:30:00.001-04:00

Leaving You

We only want
What we cannot have
So the saying goes
And life goes on
Love passes by
Leaves you standing
On the edge of the road
Passions flare and fade
Friendships die away
I know it's true
I know they do
But I never thought
With what we are and
What we are not
And all the things
I think I want
That it would be me
Leaving you this way

May '94

The Top 5 Do Neil Diamond

2008-04-29T23:18:00.002-04:00

So tonight brought us the music of Neil Diamond and it was interesting to say the least. Here's what I thought of the performances:
Round 1

Jason Castro - Forever In Blue Jeans - It was just there. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either.

David Cook - I'm Alive - It was better than good, but somehow not all that I am used to getting from him. Although I do have to admit that as I listen to it while I am writing I like it more now than I did then.

Brooke White - I'm A Believer - A little to frantic and frentic for my taste, but at least she managed a little smiling.

David Archuleta - Sweet Caroline - Umm who thought this song would be a good choice for him??? The "pitchiness", strange phrasing just sort of ruined this for me.

Syesha Mercado - Hello, Again - Wow, she can really sing when she isn't trying to over do the whole diva note thing. I am enjoying her more and more. Poor Sysesha this probably means she is going home.

So my top pick for round 1 was Syesha with David C. a close second. And lest we forget the disaster that is Paula, I really wonder what drugs she is taking and if there is any way to get some. I have some people I'd like to confuse.
Round 2

Jason Castro - September Morn - This could have been great, but of course all of Paula's premonitions came true and it was in general very blah.

David Cook - All I Really Need Is You - Loved it! I miss the big notes from him, but the music, the lyrics, the performance was all just so perfect. And we got guitar in both performances!

Brooke White - I Am I Said - I liked it. It was sweet and vulnerable like all of her best performances. I wish I was more hopeful for her future in this competition, but I think she is more than ready to leave at this point.

David Archuleta - America - Eh! It's not that it was badly sung, or even a poor song choice, I am just over the ballady, heart warming, Disneybot already.

Syesha Mercado - Thank The Lord For The Night Time - Wow, I liked this one too. She really is coming into her own on the Idol stage, now the question is - is it too little too late?

And round 2 goes to David C. with Brooke and Syesha turning in memorable performances as well. Looking forward to tomorrow night and the results.

Top 2: David Cook, Syesha
Bottom 2: David Archuleta, Jason Castro

Site Down Blues

2008-04-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

I am effectively writing this blog to no one as my site has been crashed since yesterday. I hate when this happens as it always seems to take so much longer to correct than it does to go wrong. Here's to a quick resolution.

Tabbikat's Thursday 13 #1

2008-04-24T05:30:00.015-04:00

13 Places I'd Love to Go Back to

Chattanooga, TN - I'd like to live in this area sometime in the near future. We discovered the charm of this city totally by accident and have been back several times. It is easy to walk around, the people are friendly, and there seems to be a never ending list of things to do. The climate and scenery are pretty terrific too!

Newport, VT - I was born there and summered there as a child. The natural beauty and cool weather is just fantastic.

Rochester, NY - Try this in the spring during the Lilac festival, the smell is beyond belief. For a smaller city it has alot of history and some fabulous natural attractions.

Toronto, Cananda - Growing up in Western NY meant that trips to Canada happened pretty frequently. As a kid I loved Toronto because there was always something fun to do, and as I grew up I began to appreciate how clean, friendly, and safe it is. There is everything from shopping to hockey, fine dining to Hard Rock, city streets to country side. If you go try staying a little outside the city and use the subway, you will save alot of money.

New River Gorge, Fayette County, WV - When I move from Western NY to NW Georgia this was one of the places we drove through. We couldn't stop for long but did walk around the gorge lookout trail. Someday I will go back to do the whitewater rafting.

Lake Wylie, SC - This was another stop on the NY to GA move and what a treat it was. We actually spent the night in NC; but it was the 4th of July and we were in search of fireworks. I saw the best display I have ever seen sitting on the bridge over Lake Wylie. If you get a chance to go there for the 4th I highly recommend it.

Green Lakes, NY - This was a family favorite for camping, the lakes are spectacular and you can't really see the color in pictures you have to see it for yourself. It's a short drive into Syracuse too, just in case you crave some civilization while you camp.

Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY - Thi s park was close enough to home a child that we often went here for family hikes. I also took several school, girl scout, and summer camp day trips. Mother nature at her best.

Darien Lakes State Park, Darien Center, NY - This park is pretty and offers a convienent place to stay if you would like to visit the nearby Darien Lakes Theme Park.

Hampton Beach, NH - I spent one of the best summer vacations of my childhood here, the year E.T. came out. We stayed in a little beach house right near the water and ate fry dough for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I can't remember a single day where we ran out of things to do before we ran out of time.

Lancaster County, PA - This area is a wild mix of modern civilization and old world. The Amish are polite and tolerant and the craftsmanship you see in their products is astounding. Try some of the smaller bed and breakfasts to get a better feel for the area.

Kissimmee/St. Cloud, FL - Disneyworld, Seaworld, Universal Orlando, and Green Meadows Petting Farm, and a host of other attractions to numerous to name. If you can't find something to do here you are in big trouble.

Grand Canyon, AZ - I haven't been since I was just shy of 6 years old, but I can still remember thinking that it was amazing. I want to take my daughter there in a few years so that she to can see the wonder of nature and time.

Bye-Bye Carly

2008-04-23T22:06:00.000-04:00

Wow we say good bye to Carly as 6 becomes 5. I'm going to miss her, I didn't always like watching her but I always enjoyed listening to her songs afterwards. Next week it is Neil Diamond week and the contestants are doing 2 songs, should be interesting.

Writer's Wednesday #1

2008-04-23T05:30:00.006-04:00

The Radio Not You Is Loving Me...

The words of love wash across my ears
Sounds that lovingly brush away my tears

Thoughts of you running through my mind
In love's crazy maze it's you I always find
How can you be so close at hand
Yet worlds away from me your love stands
Lying here crying for my broken heart
I wonder why I let this love start
Painfully sure what I want can't be
Knowing you aren't in love with me
My memories burn with your stolen kiss
I'll never again be satisfied with his
Then the words of love wash across my ears
Those sounds that lovingly brush away my tears

Remembering back to a simpler time
When me loving you wasn't a crime
Listening to the words of a forever song
The love in my heart seems to sing along
I stay here waiting on my bed
Radio at my side, earphones on my head
Waiting for what my heart holds so dear
Wondering if you will ever be here
Dreaming of days with bright blue skies
Eyes flooded with tears for all the whys
And then the words of love wash across my ears
With those sounds that lovingly brush away my tears

For one more chance, another forbidden taste
The rest of my life I'm willing to waste
From that first wondering moment until today
Memories unwind in an instant replay
Every thought is of some how, some way
We might be together one wonderful day
The music keeps playing on and on
Each melody soothes and then is gone
As I sit waiting for what can never happen to be
I can plainly hear… and see
The words of love wash across my ears
Sounds that lovingly brush away my tears
The radio not you is loving me

written October 1994
revised June 2000

The Top 6 Do Andrew Llyod Webber

2008-04-22T23:45:00.002-04:00

I must admit I have really been looking forward to this since the theme was first announced. I was definately a theatre geek in high school and just adore Webber's musicals. Overall I was not disappointed with the performances.

David Cook was my favorite of the night. A straight up performance of "Music of the Night" was the last thing I expected, and once again the unexpected was fabulous. Fantastic vocal control, tone, texture, and the boy oozes charisma.

David A., Carly, and Syesha all crowded in wanting to be second; but I think Syesha took it on pure surprise factor. I really liked her, she looked happy and alive, it wasn't a ballad, and she sounded great. David A. surprised by actually making a diva song work, and for making a broadway showtune sound like it could play on pop radio; although I was just a little disappointed that he didn't drift quite as far from his comfort zone. And thank you ALW for helping Carly find her comfort zone! "Superstar" was the perfect song for her, and even with some lyric flubs she was fun to watch on stage.

Brooke and Jason wrap up the pack and I will put Brooke last just because I think the poor girl is actually ready to go. Jason delivered another boring, uninspired performance that left me wondering just how long his looks can keep him in this. Poor Brooke, she didn't perform horribly after the restart; but who gets 2 restarts in one season. During the judges comments I wondered if she was going to throw up and then flee for her life, perhaps it would be better if she had.

top 3: David C., Syesha, David A.

bottom 3: Carly, Jason, Brooke

Keeping My Blogging Resolution

2008-04-21T11:48:00.000-04:00

So here it is Monday morning and the first day of my new blogging resolution. I took my mother to the ENT today and hopefully they have fixed her problem, we have another appointment in a week to check on things. I woke up this morning with a migraine so sitting in the Dr's office was a blast, now all I want to do is crawl into a dark cave and hide. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow. TTFN

Lost Addiction On Hold

2008-04-19T15:20:00.002-04:00

So here I was almost up to date with Lost and suddenly life got in the way. One day in the near future I will get back on track, because I really am enjoying this show. I still wonder how it is that I never got into Lost before this January. Hmmm! I will let you know when I get back into it.

Bored With Myself

2008-04-19T14:03:00.003-04:00

I'm bored with myself and feeling like I really should do more with this space, so starting Monday I am going to try really hard to put something out here at least 5 times a week, plus I will continue to make my usual vague AI ramblings. Look for new links, new thoughts, and possibly some Thursday Thirteens coming your way.

Farwell to Kristy

2008-04-16T22:58:00.001-04:00

Finally I have managed to spell the girl's name correctly and she is gone!!!!!! Do I feel bad, not in the least, now all we have to do is dump Syesha and I will be almost happy to let the rest of the season play out however. Deep in my heart of hearts I really, really want Cookie to win; but Daughtry's doing fine on a 5th place finish, so get rid of Syesha and however the rest plays out I will live with it.

Till next week when we enjoy the music of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber!!!

Top 7 Do Mariah Carey

2008-04-15T22:43:00.001-04:00

So my expectations for this night were not high, too many times we have all heard the judges warn against doing Mariah and now the producers have backed the top 7 in a corner and put the diva gun to their heads.

Surprise, the guys delivered solid performances. David A. was predictable but note perfect and not hard to watch. David C. blew me away and I just know that I will be listening to that performance for hours this coming week. Jason started and ended good, which made the strain on his voice in the middle a little less noticable.

Now for the girls, can we say train wreck. Carly could have been good, if she had just managed to let go, I like her despite this and keep rooting for her breakout performance. Syesha overstretched herself once again and totally missed the mark. Brooke tried to reach beyond herself and fell kind of flat but not so much so that I have stopped loving her, I am still amazed at how much I like to listen to her between shows. And then there is Kristie, I swear that this was one of her best performances and I know that should mean something, but it doesn't I just want her to go away so that we don't lose anymore good contestants.

Top 3: David C., David A., Jason

Bottom 3: Kristie, Brooke, Syesha

IGB and Spring Break Don't Mix

2008-04-10T22:38:00.000-04:00

While on one hand I am glad I didn't have to shuttle my daughter off to bed a little early 3 nights in a row in order to watch IGB having her here 24/7 doesn't leave time for much else. Not that I really wanted to write about this disaster of a week.

The Tuesday performances were overall uninspiring. I love David Cook but the whole arrangement fell flat and the only uplifting moment was the message on his hand. Carly and Michael gave decent vocal performances but the performances left something to be desired. Syesha is once again do a combo performance this time trying to blend Diana & Fantasia ~ NOT! Both David A. and Brooke delivered solid if boring and predictable performances. And Kristie and Jason, yeah they were there too.

Wednesday night started off fun and I had no real delusions about what most of the show content was going to be; but that didn't stop me from being just a little bit annoyed when they started trying to shove religion down my throat in the process.

Tonight the catastrophe continued with a replay of last night's most blatant religious pitch and then some more heart wrenching clips of children in desperate need. Then in an amazing twist the first five out are safe, go Cookie, and Michael, Carly, and Syesha are left hanging in the wings. What possesses America to leave the likes of Kristie, Syesha, and Jason while dumping Michael I don't think I'll ever understand. Till next time.

Good Bye to Ramiele

2008-04-02T22:06:00.004-04:00

I really am sad to see Ramiele go, she has a lovely voice; but I think that people miss the voice because she lacks stage presence and confidence. I am absolutely shocked that Brooke was in the bottom 3, we listen to her performance alot in our house. Well until next week...

AI Does Dolly Parton

2008-04-02T05:00:00.000-04:00

Well, Dolly was just as sweet as she could be and I can't imagine that she was any real help in the development process for the contestants, as she had not one single negative thing to say. Brooke got cheated by the judges as her performance (excluding inappropriate smiling) was better than the judges gave her credit for, and no one really had time to enjoy poor Michael's performance as time was running out. Syesha truly has a death wish trying to blend the worst of Dolly & Whitney to make a truly jumbled version of "I Will Always Love You". My guess is Syesha or Ramiele will go home just due to lack of support.

Top 3: David C., Michael, Brooke
Bottom 3: Syesha, Ramiele, Jason

Songs From Their Birth Year

2008-03-25T23:50:00.002-04:00

In general I would think it was a wise move to pick fairly well known songs since they are at least 16 years old by the time you are singing them, but at least 2 people picked songs I've never heard before?! I liked Ramiele & Syesha, and except for a few minor things felt that Carly & Brooke did well also. Kristie deserves mention for being beyond smart and choosing the ultimate patriotic country song to almost guarantee her a few more week in the competition. Michael was great for the first time in just about forever and then there was David C.! Wow, thank you Ryan for pointing out that it was Chris Cornell's version, who cares David killed it and gets extra brownie points for doing it at the end of the show.

Top 3: David C., Michael, Syesha

Bottom 3: David A., Chikezie, Jason

bye bye Amanda

2008-03-19T22:49:00.000-04:00

The hour format is a bit much but I am pleased with the results. Now on to next week and songs of...

The Top 11 Do the Beatles

2008-03-18T23:20:00.000-04:00

Wow, a second week of classic hits just wasn't as kind to the contestants as the first. I think that most of them tried to do something different to some how stand apart from last week and unfortunately most of them did so in a slightly bad way. David A. was one of the few who definately shined, back on his game he gave a stunning performance of "The Long and Winding Road", and Syesha came back with a lovely performance of "Yesterday". David C. and Carly also ranked high on the list of favorites. I would like for this to be Amanda's week but think perhaps Kristie has finally done herself in. Until the results...

Top 3: David A., Syesha, David C.
Bottom 3: Michael, Amanda, Kristie

Bye-Bye David H.

2008-03-12T22:26:00.002-04:00

So the first of the finalists fall. It seems strange this season that we are sending home singers who could have easily won previous seasons. I really am looking forward to seeing how this all plays out. Good bye to David H. who suffered more from rumors than a bad performance, may Amanda follow you next week. TTFN

The Top 12 & Songs From Lennon & McCartney

2008-03-12T05:25:00.001-04:00

It was a strange night, I thought most of the contestants did well but unlike the judges I really enjoyed the performances that were closer to the originals. Brooke was fantastic and Ramiele was note perfect. Chikezie sounded good but looked a little like he had taken dancing lessons from Taylor Hicks. Amanda was shouty and mumbly as usual and Kristie didn't really pull of her country version of "Eight Days A Week" but she did get my attention. Poor David A. I feel so bad for him, it was obvious from the beginning that he was uncomfortable and once he lost the lyrics he just never got ahold of the song again. I'm not to worried for him at this point though as he definately has the popular vote, my guess is Syesha has had her last chance.

Top 3: Brooke, Ramiele, Chikezie
Bottom 3: Kristie, Syesha, David A.

Down To The Top 12

2008-03-06T23:29:00.002-05:00

Tonight was the big night, the reveal of the top 12 finalists! I was happy beyond words to see Danny go, a little sad that Asia'h went, and totally unsurprised by Luke and Kady's exit - overall the night was pretty much what I expected. I am looking forward to next week and songs from Lennon & McCartney.

Congratulations - Amanda, Brooke, Carly, Chikezie, David A, David C, David H, Jason C, Kristie, Michael, Ramiele, & Syesha

Top 8 Girls Do The 80's

2008-03-06T01:00:00.000-05:00

I don't think the 80's were as kind to the girls as they were to the guys, but overall it wasn't a bad night. Kristie totured "Faithfully" and Kady was way out of her league with "Who Wants to Live Forever", but the rest (even Amanda) had good performances. Brooke surprised me once again with how good she was, it was a smart song choice and she owned it.

Top 3: Brooke, Ramiele, Carly
Bottom 3: Kristie, Kady, Amanda

Top 8 Guys Do The 80's

2008-03-05T01:30:00.002-05:00

Well the 80's were too tough of the guys, overal I felt that all the guys gave good vocal performances. Danny still annoys me with his over the top dramatics but at least he was in tune. I really enjoyed David C. this week and thought that Jason C. gave a great solid performance I just wish he had more to offer.

Top 3: David C., Jason C., David A.

Bottom 3: Michael, Luke, Danny

Another 4 Go Home

2008-02-28T22:56:00.003-05:00

So now we are down to 16, and next week the top 12 will be revealed. I have to say that I am really sorry to see Alexandrea go, and I feel bad for Jason Y. having to put up with all the harsh criticism just to be knocked out of the running while Danny is still in. Well, we can always hope for next week. I am pleased that the girls got Alaina to sing, now she knows she can do it and she will be able to look back and be proud of herself. Robbie could have been interesting but there are still good guys left. That's all for now, looking forward to next week.

Top 10 Girls Do The 70's

2008-02-27T23:02:00.005-05:00

So, it wasn't a great night; but as a long time Idol fan I have heard worse. There's seems to be an almost universal problem with singing softly, and pitchy was the word of the night. The only performance that was utterly and horribly awful was Amanda, just a nightmare, she really is so much better than that. And Kady came close with a song she had no business singing. My only other biggie is that Brooke and "You're So Vain" are NOT meant to be together. She may have the right voice, but no one singing that song should be bouncing, smiling, and annoyingly happy! I really liked Kristie, she surprised me with how well she did tonight.

Top 3: Alexandrea, Kristie, Ramiele
Bottom 3: Alaina, Kady, Amanda

Top 10 Guys Do The 70's

2008-02-27T08:15:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure that the 70's were any kinder to the guys than the 60's were. Some were good, one was great, the rest were somewhere in the middle except of course for Danny. Admittedly Danny's vocals were much better this week; but the overly dramatic gestures, dancing, and expressions just ruin it for me. David A. won the night with a stunning version of Imagine for the show's final performance.

Top 3: David A., David H., Luke
Bottom 3: Michael, Jason Y., Danny

The Lost Addiction

2008-02-22T23:25:00.002-05:00

So I just finished watching Season 2 of Lost. I will have to watch the 1st episode of season 3 by tomorrow, I am such an addict now. I think the good thing about watching it this way is that you really get to see how all the little clues fit together, how everyone is connected somehow. Well, it's bedtime now, bye-bye!

The First 4 Farwells

2008-02-21T23:41:00.003-05:00

So tonight we said goodbye to Garrett, Amy, Joanne, and Colton. I have to admit the only one I am sad about is Joanne, I liked her and she had a nice voice. Danny is still with us and has the full support of VFTW, so I am afraid it will take quite a bit to get rid of him. Wonder who they will latch onto for girls next week? May their servers keep bombing. Looking forward to next week.

Top 12 Girls Do the 60's

2008-02-21T08:50:00.001-05:00

So they weren't as spectacular as the guys but all in all it was definately a better show than say last year. I really enjoyed alot of the performances and feel that we are on our way to a fantastic season.

Carly and Ramiele were both a little more restrained than I expected but they were still very good.

Top 3: Ramiele, Asia'h, Carly
Bottom 3: Amanda, Kristie, Amy

Top 12 Guys Do The 60's

2008-02-20T10:26:00.006-05:00

So I have to admit that I was pleased, and even a little surprised by how the night went. Danny came the closest to sucking and even his performance was livable. No one just totally fell apart and did the deer in the headlights screech and wail.

I'm not going to go through every performance, but I will say that David A. is just amazing, and I like Robbie more than I thought I would, and like Michael less. Who knows.

So tonight it will be the ladies, let's hope they are as good, or better than, the guys.

top 3: David A., Robbie, Michael
bottom 3: Garrett, Colton, Danny

American Idol Season 7

2008-02-15T15:23:00.005-05:00

Well, I can't say I was anymore thrilled with the audition process this year; but I really did like Hollywood Week more. And even though there were people I would have liked to see in the Top 24, I'm not disappointed in any of the judges choices.

So far I think my top 3 girls are Carly, Ramiele, and Amanda. Top 3 guys are Michael, David H., and tied at third David A. & Robbie. I reserve the right to change my mind at anytime, the semi-finals always bring out the best and worst of the group.

I don't even care too much that Carly has already had a contract. Let's be real if it had gone well for her she would already be a household name and not subjecting herself to the rigors of AI. Check out her video...

Looking forward to Tuesday and some great performances.

New Addictions

2008-01-25T22:30:00.001-05:00

So, somehow I have managed to never watch an episode of Lost, well until yesterday that is. They have the entire first 3 seasons in streaming HD online, and I am now 15 episodes into the 1st season. How is it that I've never watched this before? I really don't know but, I hooked now, so here's to my new addiction, may it go on forever.

Well Here Goes Nothing

2008-01-22T11:06:00.001-05:00

Decided to try this again...

Not sure how it will all turn out; but at least it could hold my AI comments for this year...

More again later...I think...