Quick Hits

Got some quick hits that’ve been kicking around in my gray matter.  Maybe you can help me with some answers or comments, if needed.  Thanks.

OK.  Here we go:

• How do people know to call when you’re about to start something you’ve been trying to talk yourself into for 30 minutes?
• Been thinking about getting into Twitter.  Any thoughts or suggestions?;
• Hadn’t seen it so don’t know, but, imagine Hurt Locker is an anti-war film.  Anyone really surprised it won the Oscar from the liberal Hollywood crowd?;
• Why does NASCAR think it’s smart to head to the West Coast, where the stands are half-full at best, after its biggest race of the year?
• Skype is awesome;
• Ever notice most fitness TV commercials are geared towards women?;
• Now that TNA is moving t0 Monday nights, maybe pro wrestling/sports entertainment will be worth watching again…maybe;
• Brett Hart, the Excellence of Execution.  The best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be;
• Glad the weather’s getting better.  Hope it will inspire me to start exercising more;
• Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains is one of the best seasons ever;
• Anyone else not watching American Idol this year and not missing it?;
• The hardest part of getting a new laptop is getting used to the keyboard;
• It’s true a Southern man don’t need Neil Young around anyhow;
• The Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series is purty good even for adults;
• Is Chumley really that dumb and Rick really that smart on Pawn Stars?;
• Have been able to catch with some folks haven’t thought about in years on Facebook.  Very nice.

Feel a little better now.  Thanks for your curiosity.  Please feel free to leave an answer and/or comment or two, or send me an e-mail at ScotPS23@yahoo.com.  If there’s a question gnawing at you, please leave it, too.

Probably won’t be updating the blog over the next couple of weeks.   Gotta take a break every now and then.  But, fear not, both fans out there, I will definitely be back.  Will still check for comments, though.  Please feel free to peruse my archives over on the left while I'm gone.

Y’all have a good one!  Be back soon!

A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That

Been an interesting week in the news.  Lots of stories in the news ranging from sports, politics and entertainment.  Got my own opinion to share on some of 'em. If it ain't in line with yours, might at least give you a different angle to think about, anyway.  So, if you're interested, here we go:

• Before we get started, was watching TV with my son the other day.  Some commercial with a remake of The Beatles' "All You Need is Love" came on.  My son said it was a "real catchy" song.  Replied that's probably why it's been popular for pert near 40 years.  He was amazed it was that old.  That's the problem with getting older, you see very little that is new and actually impresses you.  Ah, to be young again and discovering things in the world;
• Been reading about all the hoopla surrounding Tim Tebow's Super Bowl commercial.  To be honest, not real sure why some folks are upset about it.  After all, we do have a little something called "freedom of speech" in this here country.  If they have the money to run a counter to it, more power to 'em.  If CBS declines to run it, then you might have something to complain about.  Anyway, doubt the ad will change many opinions about the subject.  Most people are purty dug in on whichever side they are on so they won't be budging.  More surprised there hasn't been much hullaballoo about CBS turning down an ad for a gay dating website.  When I read the storyline of the ad (it ends with two guys making out on a couch), wasn't so surprised they turned it down.  Not sure many people would want to see that.  Lots o' folks are open-minded on that subject, but that don't mean they want to see it, not to mention the folks who ain't so open-minded about it;  
• Saw where J.D. Salinger died last week.  Tried to read Catcher in the Rye when I was in college.  Had a difficult time getting into it and don't think I even finished.  Interesting thing to me is most of the stories I read about him always talk about what a recluse he was.  Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird) has the same kind of stories written about her.  Guess the media folks have a hard time accepting not everyone is hungry for fame.  Must be an anomaly for them cuz they're used to dealing with narcissistic egomaniacs most of the time.  Not sure about Mr. Salinger, but have heard from people who know that Ms. Lee is just an ordinary person who wants to live her life like most other normal folks. Ain't a thing in the world wrong with that, either;
• Heard where President Obama wants to do away with the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.  Got no problem with that.  Times have changed a lot since the military decided to ban gays and lesbians.  Now, have to admit have never served in the military myself so not sure what, if any, effect it will have on unit morale.  However, there were also huge outcries when women, blacks, and other groups were first allowed to join.  Now, most people don't think twice about it.  Reckon this might happen here, too.  Truth is there are already gay folks in the military so it shouldn't be that much of an adjustment.  Most straight folks I know who are leary of gays are worried they're gonna get hit on.  Have several friends I know who are gay and several others I suspect but have never asked and they ain't tellin', either.  None have ever hit on me and feel comfortable when they are around my children.  In other words, like many other fears, has more to do with what you don't know rather than having a legitimate reason to fear or hate.  Imagine it will all work out in the long run;
• Looks like there's finally a issue both sides of the political aisle can work together on.  The president's office announced they are going to look into getting a playoff for Division One (or whatever it's called now) college football.  This all got started when Republican Orrin Hatch got his panties in a wad cuz Utah wasn't in the championship game last year, or at least given a piece of the championship since they were undefeated.  Glad to know we've solved all our minor issues such as the economy, unemployment, health care reform, two wars, terrorism, et al.  What's that?  You say we haven't solved those things, yet?!  Surely they have or they wouldn't distract themselves with petty issues like a football playoff?  Man o' man;
• Kurt Warner has decided to retire from the NFL.  His story is the true American dream.  As Carl the Greenskeeper use to say, "A true Cinderella story.  Coming out of nowhere to win..."  To go from making $5.50/hour as a grocery clerk to winning the MVP and the Super Bowl the next year is truly amazing.  Will be a long time before his story is duplicated. Sure he will hit the speechifying circuit sharing his faith (very devout Christian) now. Good luck in retirement, Kurt;
• Went out to eat the other night and ran into an old college friend I haven't seen in close to 20 years.  Weird thing is, since we've 'talked' on Facebook over the last year or so, we didn't feel the need to sit there and chat in a loud restaurant trying to catch up on the last 20 years in 5 minutes or less.  Another example of the power of the internet;
• Realized the other day have only watched one episode of American Idol this year, and haven't really missed it that much, either.  Might get more interested in it once the finals start.  Don't know.  Not a big fan of Ellen DeGeneres so maybe not.  Possibly after Biggest Loser is over.  We'll see.  Think the biggest problem with the show is, outside of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, none of the winners have really struck it big.  Some who were culled from the herd have done OK such as Chris Daughtry and Clay Aiken, but that ain't quite the same.  Think once Simon leaves the show, it will have really jumped the shark. (What exactly does that really mean, anyway?  What does this expression have to do with something not being popular, anymore?);
• Added a link to a blog called You're So Vain (link here and over to the left).  It's a lady in Northern Virginia who posts photos of a different vanity plate every day.  Pretty neat if you ask me.  Must be lots of them plates around there.  Not sure I could find a different one every day in my neck of the woods.  Found it just hitting the Next Blog button at the very top of the page.

All I got fer now.  Thanks for making it to the end with me.  If you know where "jump the shark" originated and/or why, please leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail.  Please feel free to leave any other comments, too.

Y'all have a great week!

A Vote Is Just A Vote

Sometimes a vote is just a vote.

Been reading all this analysis as to why Kris won American Idol instead of the anointed one. People have been speculating about this, that and the other. Have even broken it down to Red States vs. Blue States like a presidential election. Wish more people would take the presidential election as seriously as they have this.

Didn't see this as a gay vs. straight issue. Didn't see it as a West Coast vs. the Heartland issue. Sad to say, don't think the overall public has enough smarts to think that deeply. That saddens me, but that is a whole other blog.

Most people could care less about the whole gay/non-gay issue, the glam look, or who the judges and producers wanted to win. There's a reason why there are more light rock radio stations than hard rock. More people like to listen to the softer music without all the screaming. When you look back at the history of the show, it's been the Lite FM singer over the Rocker every time. In the end, that's who the people voted for again.

Whether either of them will be huge is still up in the air. For every Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, there's a Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks. If Kris is not suffocated by an Idol machine that didn't want him to win, he has a pretty good chance. If Adam learns you don't have to scream every time you sing, he does, too. They are actually both pretty good and would not have been upset by either winning.

As Chris Daughtry, Elliot Yamin, and Clay Aikin have proved, it doesn't matter whether you win or lose, only that you get noticed. (You hear that, Allison?)

Have a happy Memorial Day and take the time to thank a veteran this weekend. I know it's about remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Unfortunately, we cannot thank them so thank the folks we can. If you know a family member of someone who died while defending our country, make sure and thank them, too. And, by all means, pray for all of them whether you thank them or not.

Idol Rankings

Wasn't able to watch the show live last night so watched it on DVR today. Slash was more insightful than I initially gave him credit for. Shame on me. Thought all the solo performances were just OK as was the Danny/Kris duet. Allison and Adam proved why they are the two best singers in the competition with their duet. Wow!

Rumor has it Slash was informally looking for a Velvet Revolver lead singer tonight. Will be interesting to see if that comes true or not.

Here are my rankings:

1. Adam - Sounded to me like he was being drowned out by the band. Beginning to think he's more of a one trick pony than originally thought. Pretty dang good trick, though;
2. Allison - Should be tough for a 17 year old to sound like a 20+ year old whose voice was soaked with Southern Comfort, cigarettes, and various other chemicals. Did a pretty good job, though. Had a hard time understanding the verses (or would have ranked her # 1) but the chorus came through loud and clear. Knew the judges were not going to like it much when Randy started with, "Check it out." Always a bad sign from him. Hoping her awesome performance in the duet will pull her through to next week;
3. Kris - Just kind of there to me. Much like last week, he sounded good but there was just no electricity to his performance. Might not bode well for him in this week's voting;
4. Danny - What a train wreck. This genre was definitely not for him. Thought he and Adam should have switched songs. What was up with Kara's "Thought you would sing some earlier Aerosmith like 'Crazy'?" Believe "Dream On" was recorded years before that song. Ugh.

If America voted with their ears, Danny will be make his first and last appearance in the Bottom 3. If not, it should be Kris.

Results Show

Well, hope no one really believed Adam might be going home instead of Matt. He may eventually go home earlier than expected, but it was NOT going to be tonight.

Overall, thought tonight's show was OK for a results show. Was great to see Taylor Hicks again. Think he could have cared less about making it big time after he won. He seems content to play the local scenes and act in musicals. Good for him. Fame and fortune is not everything to everybody.

Does anyone know what happens to all those Ford commercials? Never see them on TV. Seems like such a waste. But, if that's what they want to do... At least Ford has decided not to ask for any government money. My tax money goes to enough drivel without going to that, too.

Was glad to hear Simon own up to being wrong about a lot of things last night.

As for the voting, think a lot of people who normally vote for Adam voted for Allison last night. Guess Simon's plan worked after all, if he really had one.

Rock night should be entertaining. Having Slash as a mentor is an interesting choice. If this was a guitar competition, I could see it. Not sure what insight he will have as a singing mentor since I've never seen him sing in any videos or concert footage. HUGE fan of Slash, but...

Speaking of mentors, had no idea Jamie Fox has recorded CD's. Reckon it shows how out of touch I am on some things. Having him as a mentor makes more sense to me now. Was not impressed with the song tonight, but could see him as being pretty good on some other songs. Thought his song choice would be more in line with this week's theme. Shows what I know.

Later.

Tonight's Idol

Rat Pack night? Even though I am a fan of that style of music, would not be in my top 10 choices of genres for this group. Interesting choice for the mentor tonight. Have to say Jamie Fox was way better than Quinton Tarantino. Ain't saying a whole lot, but at least he gave some good musical advice. It's always amazed me that actors who have researched and played a role are considered experts in those fields. Can still remember Sissy Spacek testifying on the plight of farmers before Congress in the 80's all because she played a farmer's wife in a movie. But, I digress...

We interrupt this blog to let you know "Glee" is coming to Fox, just in case you haven't heard, yet. I'm about sick of those commercials. Looks like typical Hollywood stuff: the jocks are keeping the artists of the school down. But, one jock secretly wants to be like them. Suddenly, everyone sees how cool musical/artistic people really are. Wonder if there are a few people in Hollywood with lingering issues from high school? Gee, you think?

And now, back to our show. This is the first year I have not agreed with Simon most of the time. Maybe they sound different on stage than through my TV. Anyway, here are my rankings for tonight:

1. Allison Iraheta - Had goosebumps when she was done singing. Have repeatedly said she is the best singer in this competition but agree with Simon she may be in trouble because people just don't get her. Can't help but wonder if he said she was in trouble to trick people into voting for her. He's been known to do that in reverse. Remember how he tricked people into not voting for Sanjaya by saying how good he was the week he finally went home? Can only hope;


2. Adam Lambert - Before the montage with Jamie, thought there was no way he could screech this week. Silly me. This was the first week there was any hint of criticism by the judges with the "too theatrical and dramatic" comments from Randy. Loved Simon's response of "Saying he's theatrical is like saying cows moo." Purty funny;


3. Kris Allen - Nothing really stuck out tonight so don't really have a comment one way or the other. If it was based totally on performance, he'd probably be in trouble based on this and the fact he was first tonight. But, I think his overall "cuteness" factor will pull him through this week;


4. Danny Gokey - Two questions: How could the people in front clap overhead like they were at a Motley Crue concert? And, did you see Kara's face when he was finished? Looked like she was in pain. But, she followed the script and talked about how great he was this week. All of them did. Don't know. Maybe they heard a different performance than me. Which leads to...


5. Matt Giraud - He may have been the most emotionally attached singer, but the singing was not good at all, especially compared to the other four. Can see why he got a B in jazz class. Barney Fife was emotionally attached to the songs he sang but he still couldn't sing a lick. Matt can sing better than Barney, but I think his remarkable resemblance to Justin Timberlake is the only thing which has kept him from being voted out more than the one time. Maybe Simon was trying that reverse psychology thing again. Hmmmmmm.

Think the Chosen Two will stay out of the bottom three which leaves Kris, Matt and Allison. If America was actually listening, Matt will be going home. But, I fear Allison may be the one to leave, which may not be a bad thing for her in the long run. Don't think the Idol folks would know what to do with her and she would fade into oblivion very quickly. If someone else decides to work with her, she would have a better chance of actually making it. Will just have to wait and see what happens.

On a different note (pardon the pun), if you are not a Deadliest Catch fan, highly suggest you catch the repeat of tonight's show later in the week. Very emotionally riveting. Realized was so wrapped up in the show I had not moved once during the entire first segment of the show. Good stuff.

Thanks for your time.

Disco Night

Well, Disco Night turned out better than expected, but that ain't saying much. Who'da thought Vince Neil of Motley Crue fame would be attending disco night? Must have thought the Solid Gold dancers were going to be there.

Best quote of the night: "Those kids are in high school, grade school." Randy Jackson. Glad to see someone finally call out Simon and Paula for acting like children.

All right. Here's my rankings for tonight:

1. Kris - WOW!!! Was not expecting that AT ALL!! Am not a big fan of guys singing gals' songs so was not thinking positive thoughts when I heard his song choice. Slowing it down like that was pure genius. Allowed him to keep it in his range. WOW!!!
2. Allison - To me, she's one of the best singers ever in this competition. Don't think she's in the same league as Kelly and Carrie, yet... but she will be if she stays interested and doesn't fall victim to bad advice.
3. Adam - As I've said, have accepted the fact he will win even though don't particularly care for him. Thought he was doing OK tonight until he started screeching. Can't stand that. Sounds funny coming from a Guns 'n' Roses fan, but at least Axel screams within the song. Adam is getting to where he's screaming just to be screaming. Don't think Simon was overly impressed but has sense enough to know he will not get out alive if he criticizes.
4. Danny - Did OK. Realized tonight he has the second best stage presence of the group, which will keep him in the competition. Didn't think the song (or genre) fit his personality but he pulled it off better than some others.
5. Matt - He always pulls out the Justin Timberlake hat whenever he knows he's in trouble. My opinion was much closer to Simon's than the other judges. Thought he was slightly below average tonight.
6. Lil - Thought the music carried her tonight instead of her carrying the music. She sounded flat and nothing about her was energetic tonight. The audience would have sat on their hands if the music hadn't been so upbeat. Agree that tonight is probably her last night.
7. Anoop - How bad is it when you are the last singer and most people will probably have no recollection of your performance? You know it's bad when Paula starts talking about your clothes. As bad a sign as when Randy starts out with "Yo, check it out."

For me, the only suspense tomorrow night should be: will there be a Bottom Three or a Bottom Four since two people will be leaving. Just can't see either Lil or Anoop surviving after tomorrow night.

That's the way I heard it.

Interesting...NOT!!!

This show keeps getting more and more interesting each week...not. Will keep watching it like you have to look at the wreck you're passing by, but...

Did not like the solution to the time problem being only 2 judges commenting after each singer. They could have saved a lot more time by not having Quentin Terrantino as the mentor. So what if he has good music in his movies. Does that make him a suitable singing mentor? That's like saying you could teach someone to paint because you like the Mona Lisa. Anywho...

Gonna admit up front my ranking for American Idol tonight will not be the same as America's. At least, I don't think so. Gonna list my rankings then who I think America will have as their bottom three. Here we go:

1. Allison - Very difficult song which she sang very well. History shows America does not appreciate these efforts. Was glad to see the Paula and Simon finally giving her some love;
2. Anoop - Went back to his strength of ballads. Problem is that makes him a one-trick pony, which does not fare well in this kind of competition. Would have voted him # 1 but his enunciation was horrible. Couldn't understand most words he was singing. Could tell they were in tune, though;
3. Kris - Better than the rest but thought it was just kind of OK;
4. Danny - Solid but nothing overwhelming;
5. Lil - Her best performance in weeks but that ain't saying much. Nothing made me say wow. Can understand her frustration at the end but thought the attitude was uncalled for. Even though he criticized the song choice again, was glad to hear Simon finally hint that it may not be the song choices after all;
6. Adam - Count me among the people who "utterly despise" what he did to that song. He took one of the most iconic songs in rock history and turned it into a Broadway/movie musical mess. Sounded like a lot of his other songs, too;
7. Matt - Nothing about that performance sticks out in my mind.

Think the bottom three tomorrow night will be Allison, Kris, and Matt, with Matt going home. But, what do I know about today's music? (See "I'm an Old Coot" in the March archives)

Hope everyone had a great Easter!

Amercian Idol - Result Show ***SPOILER***

Well, I was only about 30,000 votes out of 34 million from being completely right in my prediction last night. Can't say I'm surprised Scott went home. Just thought he might get enough sympathy votes to get past Anoop. It's been time for him to go for several weeks so not really disappointed.

Glad they told Adam early he was safe. No suspense there. Only someone not paying attention would have thought there was any wonder to that question.

Am I the only one who thought Kelli Pickler sounded not so good tonight? At least she sounded better than the group piece. BLEAHH!!! Hip hop ain't my thing so got no comment on Flo Rida. More power to him.

Survivor tomorrow night and Amazing Race on Sunday. Only 6 more days and counting until Deadliest Catch!

American Idol - The Birth Years

Here are my rankings for tonight's American Idol:

1. Adam - Have resigned to the probability he's going to win this year. He's been a professional singer since he was 10 which I think violates the spirit of the show. He can sing, though, when he's not screeching. Did not like the song tonight, but thought he sang it well. Have to give him props for getting a standing ovation out of Simon;
2. Allison - Thought her song was especially on point tonight. Can't figure out why more people aren't voting for her. Maybe it is the personality thing the judges were talking about. Like Adam, her restraint tonight was very impressive. There were many singers who would have really taken off on a bunch of riffs and started wailing away on that song. Would have completely ruined it. Still can't believe she's only 16;
3. Danny - Liked the arrangement and thought he sang it well. Not much else really stuck out to me, though;
4. Matt - Was impressed he also did not take it over the top, but did not think he sang particularly well tonight. Could not understand why the judges were gushing so much over his performance;
5. Kris - Initial thought: Must be something about people performing in that location. Thought Matt mumbled last week when he was there and thought the same thing about Kris tonight. Interesting take on the song, though;
6. Anoop - Did not like his song choice because I'm not a big fan of men singing women's songs. At least he was mostly in tune;
7. Scott - Did not like that song when it came out and still don't. Like Simon, think it's a boring song. Was nice seeing him playing a guitar;
8. Lil - Thoughts while she was singing: This show just proves what great performers the original artists are (or, in some cases, were). I think she's a good singer. They all are to get to this point. But, like many good singers, she (and a few others this year) just does not have that "it" factor. Wonder when (or if) the judges are going to realize it might not be the songs.

That's the way I heard it. My guess is Anoop will be going home this week.

Now that I think about it, I can't remember the judges saying any of this year's singers have the "it" factor. In past years, there's usually someone they've said that about by this point. Maybe I've just missed it.

Looking back, kind of wish I would have gone with my instinct to watch "Deadliest Catch" reruns tonight. I'm glad AI is finally down to the hour-long shows so I can watch the premier of DC next week. Yes!!!