Neil Diamond Week + 2 Songs Each = 1 Hour Of Very Rushed TV. So to keep in line with this weeks AI broadcast, I will limit my review of each song to only 5 words [some have been made up just for this post]:
Solid · Rockin' · Professional · Leathery · Choice
BrookeI'm A Believer
Non-believer · Bell-bottoms · Rushed · Lost · Done
David A.Sweet Caroline
Sweet · Strips · Tonal · Runny · Unengaging
SyeshaHello Again
Helloooo · Sultry · Curls · Shoeless · Elegant
At half time of the 1 hour sprint, we got a quick check with the judges and for a while the train has been coming of the tracks and last night it jumped the curb and crashed into a very deep ravine. Can someone please [please, please, please] get me the recipe for what ever Paula is drinking during the show? I have the red Coke cup at home and I want to temporarily live in a world where I can't remember what happened just 25 minutes ago! Otherwise I would like to get a peek at the notes she was reading from that were either taken at a dress rehearsal or [conspiracy theorist gone wild] given to her by a show producer. Either way, it looks like AI needs to shove another stupid Q & A into the results show [just like the whole David Cook arrangement question from a few weeks ago] to account for this serious breakdown in the "judging" system.
Gratuitous Celebrity Sightings: Zero - No Time! Hottie Of The Week: Syesha [not that Brooke really has a chance] Wants To Go Home: Jason and Brooke Should Go Home: Brooke Will Go Home: Brooke
Iron Man could be the next real comic book to big screen franchise [where Ghost Rider and Hulk failed]. Robert Downey Jr. is the perfect actor to be Tony Stark - wealthy industrialist, genius inventor, and playboy - and if the good vs. evil superhero story comes off right, we might as well pen in May 2010 and 2012 for Iron Man 2 and 3 respectively. Big screen must!
Not so much for the story but more for the visualization of this film the Wachowski Borthers might bring to a big screen near you. They broke all the rules with The Matrix in 1999 and with Speed Racer they might just re-write them again. On the other hand it might also be a multi-million dollar bomb. Looks like a wait till video.
19 years after Crusade, Indy and crew are now battling the Russians. As long as Spielberg/Lucas learned what their fans want to see [Raiders/Crusade] and what they don't [Temple], they should be ok with the forth installment. Plus how we have all missed Karen Allen's Karen "Damn Partner" Ravenwood.
Adam Sander + Goofy Borat like voice + deadly middle eastern super agent + fake death = New York City hair stylist. There is an opportunity for this to be a very funny movie and I hope [and pray] it does not go the way of recent romantic comedies which are long on romance and low on the laughs. Maybe a renter.
M. Night Shyamalan has gone from brilliant to good to just so-so when you look at his directorial resume. Going with the end-of-the-world story, we should be given some intense scenes but I am wondering if he can finally deliver another mind f*ck ending, like The Sixth Sense, or will it just be an ending? We have all been waiting patiently for 9 years for another film which leaves drooling to watch it again and see if we can find the clues.
Steve Carell is Don Adams' incarnate so he is the natural choice for the film. The big [box office] question is will the 2008 movie crowd pay to see a revamp of a mid 60's TV show? Not sure it will have a huge draw and feels like a great mid-fall netflix queue choice to me.
Those mad men at Pixar bring you the last robot on earth who holds the key to mankind returning home. You have love, adventure, space travel, a cockroach and the first story idea Pixar ever had finally coming to the big screen. By and Large, the kids are going to love it.
This is probably going to be the low on plot/high on action film of the summer. But who cares. Angelina Jolie looks hot [and she has found another role where he tats have a use], Morgan Freeman will be the unshakable leader and James McAvoy will be the kid on the team. Add that to high flying cars, lots of things blowing up and ridiculous looking gun play and you have a winner.
Will Smith tries to corner the big 4th of July holiday weekend and this time he the anti-super hero [who should go all legit by films end]. The movie looks like it be large on effects and a feel good story line. Not sure it will be as big as ID4 or MIB but I'm sure it will do just fine when it's all said and done.
I am a fan of the original Hellboy movie and really think Guillermo del Toro [who directed the first film as well as Pan's Labyrinth] will have some real eye candy in store for us. Plus with smoking hot Selma Blair back as pyrokinetic Liz Sherman, we might even get a little love story this time around.
Beyond the tragic story of Heath Ledger, this movie looks as good as Batman Begins plus a rebootish move bringing back The Joker character, who was killed off in the 1989 Batman film. With some potential foreshadowing, we also get another rebooted character in Aaron Eckhart's Harvey Dent and a replacement for the Rachel Dawes character with Maggie Gyllenhaal, who I prefer over Katie Holmes.
The latest film in the Judd Apatow movie factory reunites Freeks and Geeks co-stars Seth Rogen and James Franco in what looks like less of a comedy [per se] and more like a buddy adventure. It will be good to see a different side of the Apatow team in action, pun intended.
Films I could do without:
The Incredible Hulk | June 13th [Not another reboot] The Love Guru | June 20th [Austin Powers with a beard] The X-Files 2 | July 25th [It has been too long to believe] The Mummy 3 | August 1st [Been there, done that] Tropic Thunder | August 15th [Don't get it at all]
A woman called my company today and stated she worked for The Chamber of Commerce and was updating her records on our business. Note: this is the second time she called here this week, I know because I spoke to her before. She just said she was completing our "file" and wanted to verify our address, which she had correct. Then she went on to ask if we were moving when our lease was up or planning on staying. Another note: we might move at year's end to a different location near our current address or we just might re-up our lease - not sure yet. Since I already told her that we may or may not move I asked her again why she wanted to know so badly if we had found a new location, if we have been working with a realtor, ect. After a few minutes of this line of questioning, I finally tried to pin her down. I asked her name to which she responded Grace Cortez. I then verify she worked for the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce to which she said yes. I went even further to inquire about a phone number for which she could be reached at, to which she promptly gave me this number: 508-435-2000 [which looks like the kind of number a chamber might have]. Unfortunately I wasn't quick enough to recognize the exchange to be in the town of Hopkinton not in the town of Marlborough. She also asked if she could send me a change of address form by fax which I said she could, however I don't expect it to ever arrive. Once I hung up with "Grace", I called the actual Chamber of Commerce, who have a Marlborough phone number, to inquire about this mystery caller. They of course had no idea who she was so I just told them to be aware someone is posing as a member to try and obtain information about companies and their possible need for a business realtor. This is a new low, even for telemarketers, trying to drum up business. I wish that we had caller ID so I could do some real detective work on these guys [mostly to let the world know who they are]. If she calls back, I'll try to dig in even further and maybe expose who the real Grace is working for.
I am officially now going to put Brooke in the Should/Will Go Home bucket from here on out until she actually does go home. Based on performances only, she has been by far the worst of the Idol's for the past few weeks. I guess America feels sorry for her because she missed her sister's wedding, perpetually looks like she is going to cry and she forgot the words to her song this week. Sorry Carly, I pegged you for the top 3 given you amazing voice. I guess the voting public just didn't connect your your Irish charm.
As for next week, we will be treated to the songbook of Neil Diamond and while we are down to just 5 singers and I think I could stomach 5 ND tracks I hope they don't double down and give us 10 tracks to sit through. Here are my suggestions for song choices for next week:
David A. - If You Know What I Mean Jason - Forever In Blue Jeans David C. - America Syesha - Cherry, Cherry Brooke - Be
Although honestly, I would like to see Brooke come out and sing Sweet Caroline [bomp, bomp, bomm] as if she was standing in the bleachers at Fenway after 5 beers and a few hot dogs - just to see if America can actually listen to the songs for one week. So good, so good...
The music of Andrew Lloyd Webber? Alright. Words, Words, Words. Kind of an odd statement for a guy known for his composing music but ok. Can the contestants take Broadway songs and, as Simon put it, make them memorable and contemporary? In 1 hour we will know.
Syesha | One Rock & Roll Too Many - Starlight Express
'Bout time they did something with her hair! [The AI stylist must have been reading my blog posts for the last weeks] Loved the song choice and the red dress. I thought Syesha sounded great and this was by far her best performance. I liked the Ricky/Syehsa connection but would have cut the whole singing to the guitar player. It might be so good, she could slide up into the top 3 instead of the perennial bottom 3 where she has been for he past few weeks.
Jason | Memory - Cats
Jason. A rather popular song? Really, with who? This song was over the top too big for Jason's limited range which he seemed lost among the very nice orchestra music. Too bad ALW didn't write a musical about a group of 20-somethings hanging out in a coffee shop all the time - oh wait that was Friends and I'll Be There For You was not an option. Maybe when it's Acoustic-Cover-Of-Over-Played-TV-Theme-Song Week he'll have a better chance.
Brooke | You Must Love Me - Evita
Holy Crap! Forgotten lyric/mis-start? As I said for David A. when he pulled that in week 12, I would call that a season-ender. For most of the song, Brooke sounded ok but at times the music seemed to take over. She did seem to connect with the song but didn't connect with me as a listener. This maybe the week this performance will finally but Brooke out of her misery [and allow me to not go 0-for-3 in Brooke is going home predictions because I'm going to keep putting her down as going home until she actually does].
David A. | Think Of Me - The Phantom Of The Opera
There's no doubt the kid can sing and he sounds like a Broadway star to me [I mean I could never buy a whole album of sappy piano driver tracks from a 17 year old kid]. While I disagree with the judges calling it "Da Bomb" and "Perfect" because I felt the low notes in the middle section seemed a little off key and not nearly as strong as the real big notes of the song. Unfortunately for me, the legions of Archuleta's tweeny fans will keep him around for 4 to 6 more weeks.
Carly | Superstar - Jesus Christ Superstar
I got one word to describe Carly's Broadway week song - ROCKIN! Carly really gave this classic Broadway tune and added a sprinkle of rock and a touch of blues. She is by far the strongest female vocalist of the final 3 ladies and she should reach the top 3. Superstar, Do you think you're what they say you are? [I do] And in a clever PR move, she brought out the very awesome Great Simon Loves Me (This Week) t-shirt. Wonder if the remaining contestants will order there very own after tonight's elimination?
David C. | Music Of The Night - The Phantom Of The Opera
Not so sure of his high notes in the beginning but one he got into the song a bit, he really sounded good. And his big note gave this slow tempo song some much needed punch. Of all of the Idols, this was the only song/performance that I felt conveyed the story element that you would expect when you see at a live musical performance and again David was the man of the week.
Gratuitous Celebrity Sightings: Paul Stanley, David Duchovny Hottie Of The Week: Syesha [by a mile] Should Be In The Bottom Three: Jason, Brooke, David A. Will Be In The Bottom Three: Syesha, Jason, Brooke Should Go Home: Brooke Will Go Home: Brooke
Yesterday I started and completed the 112th running of the Boston Marathon. Living so close the the starting line gave me the opportunity to leave my house about the same time as the wheelchair division was heading out to Boston. Since I went by car, thanks for the ride honey, I was not allowed to be dropped off at the Hopkinton High School but rather about 1 mile from the runners village. Not a big deal I thought and on my way I went. I turned back to wave at Lisa as she returned home and when I turned around I heard some call out to me. I turned back an four guys were behind me and they asked if I wanted a ride. Normally, one would probably decline such an offer but on race day it seemed like a good idea. They had stashed a mini van on a side street just past the police barrier and they drove all of us up to the house just before the school - that was nice. I spent about 45 minutes in the runners village which had large tents, water, Gatorade, bagels, bananas and power bars for everyone.
Around 10:15, I headed down to my corral - #23. We stood there for about 10 minutes before we were able to start walking to the starting line. Once I [and everyone around me] reached the painted stripe on Main Street Hopkinton, we all began to run. For the first 10 miles the course covers the suburb towns of Hopkinton, Ashland and Framingham. On that part of the course you see many families watching in small gatherings at larger intersections. It was nice to see so many little ones out there looking for a high five from an average runner like myself.
Once past downtown Natick, you get to the meat of the course across Wellesley which I never knew was such a large town. Just past mile marker 12 you can begin to hear the famed screaming Wellesley students. Lined up in front of the school is a wall of screaming women all encouraging the runners on. They seemed especially interested in the male runners but that could just be me. Past the school is the half way marker which felt great to get past.
Once you pass the 15 mile marker in the center of town, the real race begins. The next 6 miles take you through Newton, over 128/95, and 4 climbs which conclude at the top of the famed Heartbreak Hill at the west end of the BC campus. This is a very difficult stretch of road to run after you have already pumped out 15 miles and really took a lot out of me. Most of this section of the race I don't remember how many spectators were watching because most of the time I had my head down, listening to music and thinking about a shirt I saw that read "Pain is temporary, Pride is for ever!" as I was just trying to get past the hardest thing I have ever done.
Once I got over Heartbreak, it is all downhill to the finish but I was literally spent. I thought running downhill would just be a easy run into town but once I got to the bottom of the BC campus and the road flattened out before me I now realized how tired I was and how far 4 more miles really was.
As I ran, jogged, and walked the rest of the distance through the finish line I felt frustrated that my legs wouldn't carry me any further but confident that I would finish, eventually. My team of runners including Suz who joined me at mile marker 15, Kym & Bob who jumped in at BC and Lisa & Sandy who hoped a fence in Kenmore Square really helped me endure the final miles as my legs grew weak, began to cramp and fatigue. Without my team, my time would have been over 5 hours but they kept me going and for that I say a huge THANK YOU! And to the thousands of people who line the course from Hopkinton to Boston [especially all those college kids at Wellesley, BC and BU], thanks for all the encouragement, cheering, and high fives [which I must have gotten hundreds and hundreds] thank you for keeping this old guy running all the way from one painted stripe to the other.
The the shirt was right, the pain will fade but the pride will shine on and I am now one of the few, the proud, a finisher.
Twenty Three Thousand and Five. That's my bib number for the Boston Marathon, which [for me] gets under way at 10:30 am on Monday morning. For those of you not coming out to the race itself, you can use this page to track my progress from Main Street in Hopkinton to Copley Square in Boston - 26.2 miles.
The length of a marathon was not fixed at first, since the only important factor was that all athletes competed on the same course. It was the marathon at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London that permanently set our modern day distance. The 1908 race was set to measure about 25 miles (40 km) and to start on The Long Walk – a magnificent avenue leading up to Windsor Castle in the grounds of Windsor Great Park. The Princess of Wales wanted her children to watch the start of the race, so the start of the race was moved to the east lawn of Windsor Castle, increasing its length to 26 miles (42 km). The race was to finish at the Great White City Stadium in Shepherd's Bush in London; however, Queen Alexandra insisted on having the best view of the finish; so, in the words of the official Olympic report, "385 yards were run on the cinder track to the finish, below the Royal Box". The length then became 42.195 km (26 miles 385 yards).
So a big thank you to the Princess of Wales and Queen Alexandra for the last 1 mile and 385 yards of The Long Walk.
Brooke hangs on for another week as we say Hasta la Vista [baby] to Kristy Lee Cook, who made her debut on this blog all the way back on January 15th. Hopefully getting into the top 10, being able to go on the summer tour and riding the AI train all the way to the top 7 will allow her to but her favorite barrel horse back. [Note to the AI producers, that would be a nice feel good story for this year's finale]
Next week we have Andrew Lloyd Webber as the Idol's mentor which concerns me over what music the contestants will get to choose from. Are we going to hear something from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cats or The Phantom of the Opera? Please, please, please do not subject us to Broadway tunes next.
This week Idol takes on the Mariah Carey song book. Sure Mariah has the 160 million cd's sold, 18 number-one singles and 5 Grammy's but can she truly mentor the idol hopefuls? Watching Mariah speaking to the camera and with the Idols, she seemed a little uncomfortable and stiff, which was very odd. The big question is can the girls cover her songs without being compared to the original and can the guys figure out a way to sing her songs?
David A. | When You Believe
Leather Pants? Has David growing up right before our eyes? Anyway, for once I liked that David didn't go all sappy and depressing piano driven song and sang this song very well. His vocals are right on, as usual and this week I have to say I actually liked his performance overall.
Carly | Without You
I liked how she took the song down a little into a deeper voice and she swelled at the end. Being a straight cover, it does pale in the original. On the positive side, I really liked how she looked in the dark dress because I have found her large tattoos distracting.
Syesha | Vanishing
I like Syesha and she certainly has the look of a pop star so I have been hoping she would do well. She sang the song well and she looked great on stage. I would have preferred to hear more lyrics and less runs this week. On a side, I am glad to see the AI stylist have been reading my blog and gave her hair a little spice with some sparkles.
Brooke | Hero
I really love Brookes quirky voice but I'm not sure this was the best song selection for her person style. She again was solid with the whole piano/singer-songwriter vibe but by choosing such a well known song she maybe have been choosing to leave Idol this week. [How sad would it be if this is her last week and she missed her sisters wedding?]
Kristy | Forever
It must be gold dress week. Kristy sang this pretty well however I have to say I felt bored for the entire song. She said she wanted to connect with the song but I think she forgot to connect with the audience. I still have hope she can find a way to make it enough to buy her horse back.
David C. | Always Be My Baby
I liked the arrangement [wonder if he got that from iTunes] but I thought his opening vocals fell flat at times and maybe it was the selection of such a hugely popular song. The mid-point to the end was much better and he continues to a fan favorite. Even if his last few lyrics were nearly inaudible.
Jason | I Don't Want To Cry
Although this is another song in a string of Coffee House tracks by Jason, this one I liked because I felt it was an original take on this Mariah song [unlike the other covers which have been down a thousand times before]. Maybe it was him without the guitar and just putting everything into the vocals instead.
On a whole, Simon was right and the guys did much better than the gals. It seems like songs written for a woman was an advantage for the guys who didn't get the natural comparison.
Hottie Of The Week: Carly Bottom Three: Carly, Syesha and Brooke Should Go Home: Brooke Will Go Home: Brooke
Yesterday after work I took a fellow runner's good advice and ran the newton hills [3 out of the 4 anyway] to get a sense of what is in store from me next Monday.
As you can see, there are some lovely inclines between miles 16 and 21 on the Boston Marathon route. It was a nice 9+ mile run yesterday and I thought it was a good primer and workout. Now how will I feel next week after running 16 miles to get to the same part of the course? I'm betting I will have a completely different outlook on those five miles of road.
If you ever want to experience this run for yourself, you might want to hook up with these guys who run in and around the hill every Sunday.
The 19 year old 2 time Dancing With The Stars Champion [season 4 with Apolo Anton Ohno and season 5 with Hélio Castroneves] has wrapped her first country album, which is due to drop on May 20th. The first single called That Song in My Head was debuted back in March and below is the music video for that song. If the rest of her album is this sugary sweet with just enough pop to it, she may have no need to dance for her supper much longer.
Last night was the end of the road for Michael Johns and while he was never going to win it all, I'm am surprised he is gone before a few other contestants. This was another bad week of predictions [only got 2 of the bottom 3 and dead wrong on the person voted off] due to the fact there were so few stand out performances leading to a pile of could-be-in-the-bottom-three-contestants. Hopefully next week's Mariah Carey mentoring will lead to more powerful performances [Brooke, Syesha & Carly are you reading this] and what could be one my favorites, David Cook, most challenging week. Final thought to ponder until next week: Will any of the Idol's cover a song from the Glitter soundtrack? God I Hope Not.
On March 27, 2008, Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri issued a six-point executive order he said will enable "a vast array of state government agencies" to address illegal immigration in Rhode Island. Two key points to the Governor's executive order are the use of the federal government’s E-Verify program and the urging of all law enforcement officials to take steps to support the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Yesterday the Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee heard comments on bills that would block illegal immigrants from getting driver’s licenses, housing assistance and punish businesses and state agencies that hire them, effectively taking Governor Carcieri’s recent executive order a step further. The Boston Globe even published an article that Massachusetts illegal immigrants fear driving into Rhode Island in fear of being deported. Although this is a hot button issue, I'm not sure why there is such a backlash toward RI who are simply enforcing our existing laws and trying to find ways to make them work within the biggest littlest state in the union. I'm waiting for Rhode Island to announce a meeting at Dunkin' Donuts Center for anyone who wishes to protest these new laws and/or receive a free bur ticket to a country out than this one.
During last nights Idol Give Back, the top 8 did a sing along of Rent's Seasons Of Love, which is a great song from a good play/movical. Here is the performance from last night:
Notice anything missing? Like a Brooke solo? Could this be foreshadowing for tonight's elimination? Conspiracy theorist discuss.
In line with Idol Gives Back [tonight 7:30/6:30c, Only On FOX], the contestants were given the task of choosing inspirational songs this week. One question before I get started: Paula, is that a dress or some sort of medieval torture device? Ok so let's see what songs inspire our Idols this year:
Michael | Dream On [Aerosmith]
First Fred "Freddy" Jones of Scooby Doo fame called, he wants his ascot back. As for the song, it felt a little flat to start but was strong at the end. How did he hit those high notes anyway? Not sure this song fits Michael's personal style and unless he can find it, he might not be going much further.
Syesha | I Believe [Fantasia]
Can't they do anything with her hair? Anyway, great, great, great song choice. This is by far Syesha's best performance and I really loved the whole background singer crew in the loft. I've never heard the original version of this song but I guess after the judges gushed over it, I'll have to give it a listen.
Jason | Over The Rainbow [Israel "Iz" Ka'ano'i Kamakawiwo'ole]
"Blazing Molting Hot"??? Really Randy? I thought it was just ok and I again felt this was just more of the same Coffeehouse Idol stuff Jason has done for the past few weeks. By the way, if you want to hear how that song is supposed to sound check out WBOS at 11:55 AM on any Sunday morning.
Kristy | Anyway [Martina McBride]
A really sweet song for a really sweet girl. Good choice going with a country type track and her outfit looked good too! Perhaps she will be in the top 5 this week instead of the bottom 3.
David C. | Innocent [Our Lady Peace]
Honestly, I didn't get it. Started off all over the place vocally and ended ok. Did he pick this song because he loved it or because he can sing the hell out of it? Probably just a simple personal indulgence this week and though I loved the Give Back writing on his hand. That was quite clever.
Carly | The Show Must Go On [Queen]
I personally love this song [being the last single released before Freddie Mercury's death] and really think Carly can sing almost anything. This however was not her best performance but I thought it was totally good enough to get her through till next week, even if she is in the bottom three. And she did look good, thanks for noticing Simon.
David A. | Angels [Robbie Williams]
Good to see him back behind the piano again but I'm not sure this was a great song choice for me. Started pretty flat and the vocals came together in the chorus and the end. Not sure why I'm not feeling David while the judges drool over him week after week. Maybe it's because I'm not 14 or 80 years old.
Brooke | You Got A Friend [Carole King]
My 1970's house called and it wants it's curtains back. Not sure I like the overall down-tempo arrangement of this song [which is in line with King's version]. JT plays this a bit quicker and think Brooke would have been better served with that style. Not sure how this performance will play out in the vote and Brooked looked very concerned when the judges were granting their opinion.
Least Inspiring Song: Innocent - Our Lady Peace Bottom Three: Michael, Carly & Brooke Should Go Home [for last night]: Brooke Should Go Home [for the whole season]: Jason Will Go Home: Brooke
What would it be like to live and eat nothing but animal products instead of being a non-animal consumer [i.e. vegan]? Like an Atkins diet on steroids but never eating fruits and vegetables. A typical dinner could be a steak, 2 eggs and a fat slice of cheese. Yum. How about clothing - only leather, fur and silk? Doesn't sound that bad. Plus alligator skin boots and belt to match would be pretty good. Loosing cotton as a wardrobe option would have it's downside but all that soft Corinthian leather would more than make up for it.
Yesterday's Boston Globe Magazine included a First Person interview with Co-Owner of the Boston Celtics Wycliffe "Wyc" Grousbeck [who has also held the titles of Managing Partner, Governor and Chief Executive Officer since 2002]. Not only is he a local-boy-done-good [graduate of Noble and Greenough School in Dedham and current resides in the Metro west with his wife and 3 children] but he is also a very realistic owner. His comments on not winning a championship this year were well put and very businesses like [as in building a team that can contend now and be legitimate contenders for the next 3 to 5 years]. I have to disagree with him on Moon vs Peart. He said Peart is more skilled and there's no doubt he is one of the best drummers ever [I personally rank him second to John Bonham]. But the best part of the interview was when he was asked about Mark Cuban [very outspoken owner of the Dallas Mavericks] to which he said Mark was welcoming and he hinted that looked up to him a bit and his communication with the fans. He said he would try to do the same here and with that offered his email address if you have a question for him. It's nice [and quite refreshing] to see a person like Wyc make himself available to anyone who has a question about our Boston Celtics instead of hiding behind a great green wall of websites and non-describe email address. Now if they can just bring championship # 17 to the hub, it will be a great start to 2008!
13-year-old Alexa Rodriguez, who was touring Fenway Park on a school trip Thursday, was attacked by a resident red-tailed hawk that drew blood from her scalp. The hawk flew at the girl and swooped with its talons extended, scratching her scalp. Luckily Ms. Rodriguez wasn't seriously hurt.
Unfortunately the hawk's nest and egg were removed at the direction of state wildlife officials which puts a real damper on the sox plans for the friendly hawk to be available when the real A-Rod comes to town on April 11th. I guess they will just have to go to Plan B.
After an off week last week, I am back on track with 2 out 3 for the bottom trio and a correct prediction on our departing Ramiele. [Props to the J-Man for posting a perfect predition this week, you da man!] Now that all 4'11" of her is no longer with us, Ryan now can claim the prize for the shortest person left on American Idol. Next week is the Idol Gives Back charity week and last year they went with Inspirational songs and I am hoping they use that theme again, which would give the contestants a large pool of songs to pick from.
In related news, Ellen DeGeneres will not be co-hosting the charity event this year. Apparently, Ellen can participate due to an unforeseen production schedule that conflicts with her show, which is scheduled to tape this coming Sunday. This year's event will include an impressive roster of talent including U2's Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli and Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5, Heart, Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, Robin Williams, and "High School Musical" stars Ashley Tisdale and Vanessa Hudgens. All monies raised this year will go to the Children's Defense Fund, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Make It Right, Malaria No More, Save The Children, and the Children's Health Fund.
And finally in related, yet much sadder news, the mother of former contestant Elliott Yamin has passed on Monday night in Richmond, Virginia. Claudette Yamin was 65 years young and will always be remembered by Idol fans as one of the most supportive moms ever. A rep for Elliott released the following statement on Wednesday on the singer's behalf: "My mother touched many people's lives on a local and national level and she will be missed." Yes she will, yes she will.
Although not my brand of music/artist, Dolly Parton is one of the most successful female country artists of all time with 25 number-one singles and 42 top-10 country albums. When the group of idol hope fulls sang 9 to 5 though, Yikes! Well they all can't be winners. How well did Dolly mentor the Idol's? Let's see...
Brooke | Jolene Perfect song choice and I loved the arrangement. Contrary to Simon, I liked the four piece band on this track on stage. I think she did a good job and a country-ish/folk style record would work for her.
Rant: I know David has gotten some bad press about "his" arrangements but this pre-song question was A. so lame and B. only asked to have him say he borrowed most of his arrangements from other artists. Come on AI, is this the best you can do? Really? Since the judges never ask the contestants where the musical arrangements come from, why should we assume they are all original? If the media at large wants to hear what these guys and girls can compose for themselves, how about original week and see how that works out? Yeah I didn't think so. And by the way, the first thing I would do if I had to cover a song written in 1971 is see if anyone else has already recorded a version with a different musical style but I guess that's not such a novel concept [but I wouldn't use iTunes]. Ok rant over.
David C. | Little Sparrow Not my favorite song by David this season and I didn't really care for the high pitched falsetto but he certainly continues to keep things very cool. And finally a hair cut, about time!
Ramiele | Do I Ever Cross Your Mind Paula said Ramiele was having fun, but I don't think the audience was. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz She has a nice voice but I'm just not connecting with her performances. At least her legs, even as short as they are, looked good.
Jason | Travelin' Thru Good but again more of the same. Jason has shown over the past few weeks he has very little range. I;m sure that grin and puppy dog eyes will keep him around a few more weeks. Note to self: If I ever get to Dollywood, borrow Simon's pass.
Carly | Super vocal control and swelled perfectly at the end. Not so sure about her outfit though. If she continues to make good choices and deliver great vocals, she could give David Cook a run for the title.
David A. | Smoky Mountain Memories There's no doubt the kid can sing but I am wondering if anyone would buy a whole album of those ballads he has been belting out over the past few weeks? I'm not sure this kind of music would even sell as single on iTunes.
Kristy | Coat of Many Colors Not the strongest signer but I really liked her natural southern twang and how it fit with this song. Plus she gets the coveted Hottie Of The Week award!
Syesha | I Will Always Love You Here's the problem, Whitney made this song uber-famous and Syesha is no Whitney. Sure the last note was long and big but that doesn't make up for the rest of the song. Good not great was a really good way to put it. Thanks Simon.
Michael | It's All Wrong But It's All Right" Michael made an old song current again. Loved the bluesy/gospel vibe on his rendition and it even sounded, and I am very secure in my manhood, sexy.
Bottom Three: Ramiele, Jason & Kristy Should Go Home: Ramiele Will Go Home: Ramiele
According to Wired Magazine the mixtape is gone for most intents and purposes, but the idea of assembling a few tunes for one's friends is very much a thing of the present. Muxtape is the latest service we've seen that lets users assemble mixtape-like play lists online, and it might be our favorite. To that end, I created my first official BOTB/DJ EL Train Muxtape for your listening enjoyment. This is a collection of known and unknown artist covering a fairly wide variety of styles. Most of these songs I found from commercials, tv shows, and [believe it or not] music played at stores. Enjoy!
PS: Feel free to create your own muxtape and share it with your friends.
In a joint statement today, the Mayor of Paris Bertrand Delanoë and the President of the French Republic Nicolas Paul Stéphane Sarközy de Nagy-Bocsa announced that the Eiffel Tower will be getting it's first structural change since the original construction was completed in 1889. The plan for the new Chapeau Haut-de-Forme [Top Hat] observation deck have been approved by the Conseil de Paris, Conseil Municipal and Conseil Général. "This is a great day for the City of Paris and will become the tourist destination of the next century" said Delanoë. Construction is planned to begin in September and be completed prior to the tower's 120th anniversary of inauguration, which will be on March 31, 2009.
Here are a few sketches of what the new top floor will look next year.
Yesterday's 
13-year-old Alexa Rodriguez, who was touring Fenway Park on a school trip Thursday, was attacked by a resident red-tailed hawk that drew blood from her scalp. The hawk flew at the girl and swooped with its talons extended, scratching her scalp. Luckily Ms. Rodriguez wasn't seriously hurt.
And finally in related, yet much sadder news, the mother of former contestant Elliott Yamin has passed on Monday night in Richmond, Virginia. Claudette Yamin was 65 years young and will always be remembered by Idol fans as one of the most supportive moms ever. A rep for Elliott released the following statement on Wednesday on the singer's behalf: "My mother touched many people's lives on a local and national level and she will be missed." Yes she will, yes she will.
In a joint statement today, the Mayor of Paris Bertrand Delanoë and the President of the French Republic Nicolas Paul Stéphane Sarközy de Nagy-Bocsa announced that the Eiffel Tower will be getting it's first structural change since the original construction was completed in 1889. The plan for the new Chapeau Haut-de-Forme [Top Hat] observation deck have been approved by the Conseil de Paris, Conseil Municipal and Conseil Général. "This is a great day for the City of Paris and will become the tourist destination of the next century" said Delanoë. Construction is planned to begin in September and be completed prior to the tower's 120th anniversary of inauguration, which will be on March 31, 2009. 
