Empire State Building (Yellow and white lights are for Easter/Spring) 
The NYC main post office on 8th Avenue.
The Chrysler Building at dusk from our office window
I LOVE my new camera! Thank you, honey.
Just testing to see if this works
posted by LTC @ 9:18 PM
3 comments
OMG - Sorry guys, I completely forgot to post today. In my defense our bella Flavia returned today and I was all happy and then I had my annual compensation meeting today (which means they let me know that I'm getting another $50,000 a year - ha ha - right), so I was a bit distracted.
So, on with the post - after a bad goup song, (I don't even remember what the song was, but Vonzelle hit some bad notes) they ran through the contestants pretty quickly.
Nadia got pulled up first. And they kept pointing that out. and pointing that out.
Then Jessica - my friend the Sausage.
that left Anwar, Anthony and Vonzelle on the sofa. Ryan pointed out that they were sitting in the same seats as last week. (Which, I think, means they need to switch seat around for better luck, man!).
At this point, I'm chanting out loud "Anthony, Anthony, Anthony". Fade to commercial.
They called up Anwar. Man!
Ryan let Nadia sit down. I hope she pumps it up next week. Cuz she is NOT the worse one out there.
And I'm thinking, if its not the Russian kid, it BETTER not be Anwar. I know he's been lame and bland with one note per week, but I'm not ready for the sweet kid to go. I want to see him improve. I mean, he's gotta improve. Doesn't he?
Drumroll.... Jessica got the boot. I agree with Simon, she really, really, really doesn't have the likability factor. See ya! (and a sigh of Thank God)
Now, on to more important things... Didja see the video clip where the muppets sang? So, what? each of the contestants get a personalized muppet? That was great! I should have taped it so I could replay and guess which one was which. I definitely saw Niko, Mario, and I couldn't tell if the one in the car was Jessica or Carrie, but I'm leaning toward Jessica cuz it wasn't a pretty Muppet. lol
posted by LTC @ 8:10 PM
6 comments
This week’s theme:
The 90's
Well, I gotta start by saying what's with everyone calling us during Idol? There is nothing else we watch on Tuesdays. Arghh
So, this week, I choose to synopsize the performances for you.
My overall favorite (performance, talent, voice, looks, etc.) is contestant #10 - Vonzelle. She's been boring throughout - until last week when she was a bit over the top. This week, she was just right. The judges said she was a bit sharp. Perhaps she was, but who noticed it. She sang 'I have nothing' by Whitney Houston. Whitney's ambitious. Simon said that three weeks ago, if he heard she was going to do Whitney he would have cringed, but he was impressed. "Great job," he said. She was the one to watch this week for me.
Second was Kerry (you know, I have no idea... is it Kerri? Carrie?) She is just a beautiful girl. And she has some pipes. I liked her song choice, too. She sang a country song... something about Independance Day. I don't know what it is. (I'm sure Chenita will cheat tomorrow and go to idolonfox.com and copy them all on here for you, anyway - I prefer to shoot from the hip and just type what I think). Her voice was great, she's a classic beauty, she's adorable to look at and seems to really enjoy being up there.
Third, I'm torn between Scott (Porky) or Niko. They raved over Niko, and he has improved each week. I didn't know the song he sang, but he did a good job. I could see him in an all black boys band. The lead singer, of course, because he can. They said Porky was a bit pitchy but I loved him. I still root for him and want to see him continue.
My bottom three?
The Russian Kid. Without a doubt. If he doesn't go, it will be a travesty to the other singers. Nothing more needs to be said.
Who next? Hmmmm, I'm thinking its Anwar. He's been boring lately. He's got a great voice and a very sweet demeanor, but overall, I'm losing interest in him. I still love him and I'm rooting for him like crazy. C'mon, Anwar... blow us away next week!
...and the Sausage. Not from her singing, because I honestly didn't hear her. The phone rang and I got stuck yappin' through the song. And to be honest, her voice isn't horrible. I just don't like looking at her. She straightened her hair and that was a bit better. She actually sounded good in the recap. But she is still Low #3 in my book.
The two rockers didn't blow me away. Bo did a Counting Crows song. I didn't know it and it was weird watching him run all over the stages with the mic stand. Plus he came on with a gigantic cowboy hat that covered his face so you couldn't see it the first bit of the song. And the hat caused his hair to be really greasy once he took it off and gave it to Paula. gross.
Constantine was good. Actually, I may tie him for the top 3 now that I think about it. But... what's with that thing he does wrinkling up his nose? Its like he's trying to seduce the camera. It just comes off smarmy to me. Gross with a capital G. yuck. Oh, and his hair was all greasy, too. Ewwwww
and that leaves Nadia. I love Bonnie Raitt. Love her songs, love her voice. Actually liked Nadia's rendition too. So I guess if I had a top FIVE, she'd be up there. She's a beauty, too. I love Nadia.
The most annoying person of tonight's show was Paula. Enough. Have an opinion. Everyone can't be great.
I missed enough of the show render my informed opinion a little less informed. So, this week, I'm bowwing out to Chenita. Who is an excellent reviewer (albeit a bit angry at times - lol). She's so anal that she actually checks the site to get the names all correct and in order.
But I stand by my choices. Now on to Wed.'s show...
Fantasia is coming on. I have no interest in her. Wonder what she'll do. Then again, I don't care.
posted by LTC @ 9:36 PM
6 comments
Due to the phone number incident, this week dragged out another show, I was ready for results night on Wed. And I bet so were you guys, so here they are, in order:
Nadia - yes, Nadia! - think it was the hair?? Lol
Mikalah - (resounding "whoo hoo"s all around)
And our little (yet tall) Russian, Anthony
I'm a bit torn because, while I'm ready to see her go, I wouldn't mind seeing her do one more spunky song. (Yes, I'm aware that I am alone in that). But on the other hand that Russian kid can't sing either AND he's smarmy. I can picture him in the future as a 40 year old man hitting on 20yr olds with a copy of People or TV Guide in his hand, trying to leverage his by-gone fame into some collegiate romping. Ewwww
They polled the audience as to who should sit down. I could only hear, Nadia!!!
But, no, it was the Ruskie. Incidentally, he positively swaggered back to the sofas. Cocky much? Don't get too comfortable, kid, you're next.
Dramatic pauses, blah, blah, blah - they booted Mikalah. She looked ready to go (although not in the horrified way she was last week) and she accepted it gracefully. I'm happy as long as its not Nadia. It was Spunkless Spunkerson's time to go. Now the rest of you are probably too busy doing the tribal dance of joy to continue, but I go on. There's more...
The Sausage was boo hooing like SHE was getting kicked off. They had the camera on her as much as they did on Mikalah. Sheesh - tone it down! I don't like looking at her when she's happy much less when she's all distraught like that. Pan away!! Pan away!
And the other thing that struck me was when they were counting down all the singers and highlighting the judges comments to collect our bottom 3...
Nadia and Mikalah were already pulled out and 3 people remained unknown on the sofas. They got to Scott and he kept his head tilted back probably praying, the whole time. You could see his lips moving rapidly. To me, it looked like he was chanting some mystical charm like Professor Snipe in Harry Potter. I'm (relatively) sure he wasn't but it was kinda creepy. I still like him, though.
On to the teaser: What did Paula do to get fined and more? Apparently a year or so ago, she hit a car on the highway and kept going. The driver took a digital pic with their camera phone and she was notified in December. She claimed she didn't realize it, but immediately accepted full responsibility and paid all of the damages. For hitting and running, she got $700 fine and 2(??) years probation.
posted by LTC @ 8:30 AM
3 comments
Well, due to 'human error' they replayed Tuesday night's Idol on Wed. There's no need to recap but I just want to let you know that they scrapped all of the votes from the night before, the contestants were on stage, the judges were in their seats and they all watched a movie of themselves singing and judging from the previous night. Nothing remarkable, nothing changed.
The thing that did happen, however, is that the contestants were much more relaxed and when Ryan did the 'after song interview' they had the opportunity to show their personalities a little more without being tense. I think this worked in Mikalah's favor, because her spunk came out. And her mom was very cute when it was time to watch her daughter sing. She was nearly giddy. It was adorable. This could pop Mikala out from last place, which in my mind, would push the Russian kid off the show.
Personally, I hope this doesn't happen. Not that I love the Russian, he wasn't good - and wasn't good on Wed. either. But I'm ready to see the last of Mikala.
On another note, Mere thinks Constantine is 7' tall and that Ryan is 5'2". While neither is true, it does paint a pretty funny picture. Even funnier than seeing them stand next to each other in real life. How tall IS Constantine? Cuz Mere looked it up (don't ask me where, she pulls all kinds of crap off the net outta nowhere) and found out that Ryan is, indeed, a bit taller than 5'2 - he's 5'9.
posted by LTC @ 6:35 AM
9 comments
Here’s a question for you: they went to the trouble to change the opening animated graphic and all they really did was make it a girl instead of a boy. Same colors, same backgrounds, same music. So, I ask you, why bother?
This week’s theme:
Billboard Number Ones
There’s been 930, so there’s a lot go pick from. (Wow, there’s only been 930? You’d think there were more by now). I’m just gonna go down the line in order. I cheated and typed their names and the song names as they were singing. Well, most of them, I had to cook dinner and eat in between. I multitask well. Sometimes.
Anthony Ferderov (the blonde Russian kid with the tracheotomy – however you spell that) sang “I knew you were waiting for me” (Aretha and George Michael) - ouch. It was bad, well not bad, but not good. Wait – wait, am I deaf?? Randy’s all like, “he’s back, he’s back!” and Paula was gushing. Well, at least Simon’s on board and said it wasn’t so good. To me, the Russian kid just came across smarmy.
Carrie – the country girl sang “Alone” by Heart. She really poofed her hair all up. Wow, how’d she get it to go that high? I guess she was dressing the part; she sang an 80’s song so she’s in leather with big hair. She had a powerful voice and broke out of the country realm with this rocker song. I think she did well. But I’m partial, cuz I’m from the South, and I love a sweet Southern girl (not in that lesbian way – not that there’s anything wrong with that).
Judges loved her. Raved. Simon even gave a prediction: “She is the person to beat, and she will win Idol and sell more records than any other Idol”. Well, stay tuned for many more weeks and let's see if he’s right!
Scott (the Porky Pig looking guy) sang “Against All Odds” by Phil Collins. He’s got a silky voice but still looks a bit – non-idolish. I like his voice and for all us tubbies out there; I root for him to do well. I don’t think he’ll win, but I want him to do well.
Bo Bice (and they always say it that way as if its all one name) sang “Time in a Bottle” by Jim Croce. Did you know I can sign the beginning of this song? Or I used to be able to. I get as far as ‘time in a bottle’ and forget all the other signs before and after it. I thought he did a good rendition. Nothing spectacular or different. But good. Solid. Simon paid him a good compliment. He said watching Bo was like watching someone who wasn’t in a competition but someone who was already an accomplished singer for awhile. Have you SEEN his pot belly? He’s nearly 30. He HAS been around awhile!
Niko I have no idea what the song’s called by Sisqo. I was cooking dinner and I have to admit, I wasn’t paying attention cuz food was involved. Sorry, Flav. Anyway, the only Sisqo song I know is The Thong Song - and it wasn't that one. He was much better than last week, but he only had 2 days to prep for last week’s show. He came out in a big long cape like Count Niko. Then he dramatically tossed it off. Other than that, I have no overriding memory of his performance.
Vonzelle sang “Best of My Love” by the Emotions. This is the first week she’s shown any personality. While that's good, she was a bit ... I dunno... she played it up a bit too much for the cameras. I think she’s cute and the song was ok. But she’s one of those non-memorable people. They could extract her like in the movie “The Forgotten” and there would be no void. whoosh.
Constantine belted out “I Think I Love You” by... yes... The Partridge family. LOVE the Partidges. They’re like a 70s icon. He said it was time that someone remade it. He did a really good job. It was fun and rocky. Simon nailed it when he said Constantine was a bit too over the top. It was good. But he’s still creepy looking. CREEE-py.
Wow... And then Nadia. She came out in a MOHAWK. Thank God she’s beautiful and has a voice that’s superb. But whoa on the hair. She was a bit campy but, again, amazing voice. I bet you thought I was ‘wow-ing’ to her voice. I mean she’s got a fab voice. But that hair detracted so much to me, that I really missed the performance. She was jumping around a lot, though. I think she and Constantine had the same coach this week.
Mikalah – “Love will lead you back” by Taylor Dayne. Its a big 80s night. Who doesn’t love the 80s? Not when she’s singing it. She’s continuing her spunkless phase. I don’t even recall the judges remarks. Ho hum.
Anwar – sang Chaka Khan’s “Aint nobody”. Love Anwar - didn’t love his rendition. Why’s he disappointing us? We love Anwar. He’s so sweet you can almost see visible ‘goodness’ oozing from him. And he has a really nice voice. He’s not really showing it off. But – still love Anwar.
Jessica (the sausage) sang “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler. It really suited her voice. And she wore a flowy shirt that isn’t so tight. Much better. Did one of you tell the show to dress her better or something? Ok, here is my theory on her. She’s from a white trash family and has a hoochie mom and that’s why she’s all out there (if you know what I mean – and I think ya do). Even her less trampy outfit was pretty much see-through in the middle area. Ok, that wasn’t a singing review, but I gotta comment. Its my blog.
Who do I think will be on the bottom 3?
Sorry, Mikalah the spunkless
And the Russian Trach kid
And... I dunno... Niko? He was kinda unremarkable. Oh, that may have been cuz I wasn’t paying attention.
posted by LTC @ 9:30 PM
7 comments
So I was wondering, with the popularity of American Idol and the resulting popularity of Mikala due to the exposure on the show - do you think that they're bringing Fran Drescher (who Mikala appears to very much resemble and sound like) back to TV based on American Idol? Or was that already in the works? It just seems awfully coincidental to me.
What do YOU think?
posted by LTC @ 7:32 PM
3 comments
This is posted for my friends who missed the show. Before I lay this out for you, I'm a blogging newbie (as in, I was a virgin before this post) but I've read some posts by surprisingly irate people out there who responded to pretty tame, innocuous posts. I hafta say, I was surprise that a little bit of nothing got some of these people so riled up. So, I have to put up the disclaimer (at least this very first time I blog). These are all just my ramblings - not meant to offend anyone's fans out there. That being said...
American Idol Results Show Recap
All the men are safe. Safe, safe, safe.
They called out the bottom three in this order:
Lindsey Cardinale (the girl with the throaty voice who Paula liked - light brown choppy hair) Then she had to stand there while they went through the entire cast and two commercials - poor thing.
Mikala (don't know her last name - but do we need it? She stands out)
And finally Jessica something-or-other. (This is the girl who looks like a chunky Tory Spelling, frankly she always looks stuffed into her clothes, like a 5 lb. sausage in a 2 lb casing) she's neither remarkable nor memorable but if this rings a bell for you, she's got curly blonde hair.
I could see any of them go. While I loved Mikala's spunk, she's been pretty darn spunkless these last few weeks, so I'm 'ovah huh'. Lol
Ryan immediately let the sausage sit down. So we're down to 2.
Mikala has the look of “I'm going home” smeared on her face. And Ryan turns to her and says, “Mikala, YOU---” (overly dramatic pause) “will have to wait for the commercial to find out”
Ms. Mikala started giving him a hard time and I caughther saying something like, “I'm a person up here...” As if that was a mean thing to do to her, which of course it is, but they always do that.
Ryan cut her off and said she could yell at him during commercial.
Don't know what happened at commercial, but there were apparently lots of tears. And of course Ryan announced that.
So - who do you think?
Well, like Ryan, I've dragged this out too long - no drumroll, cuz no one really cares- but it was Throaty girl, Lindsey. Buh bye.
If Mikala doesn't do a great job next week, her whining at Ryan may cause her to lose her spot.
What is it that Ryan says? "peace out"
posted by LTC @ 6:24 PM
1 comments
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