:: silkwillow.blogspot.com ::

I Have Moved!

2006-09-19T23:41:00.000-07:00

After several laborious weeks, I have finally completed my port of this site to my new domain. This will be my last post here for I have moved to http://www.silkwillow.com! Don't forget to update your bookmarks and I shall see you at my new haunt.

The Rossi Posse Prevails!

2006-09-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

The little wild chicken from Rock Star Supernova has won the coveted frontman position for the band. He was in the bottom 3 only once ever during the show and that was in the last couple of weeks. I'm glad for the guy. After all it was very tough competition against the likes of Dilana and Toby "EVS" Rand. He can now kiss his Canadian Hooters buddies bye bye for now as he tours the world with Supernova. What I liked about him was how odd, extreme, strange, unique, bizarre and freaky he looked and acted -- and with the heavy make-up, colored nails, wild hair and all, he definitely reminded me of a psychopathic loaded chicken, which of course, was a major part of his appeal. His stage presence does strongly captivate, with a voice from the dark side enhanced by erratic moves.

Lukas, you are one cool cat and wish you all the luck with Supernova. Though will your angst withstand the merriment emanating from the likes of Tommy Lee, I wonder.

Technorati Tags: Lukas Rossi, Rock Star Supernova, Rockstar Supernova, Rossi Posse, Dilana, Toby Rand

< Credit: mattklawitter.com, msnbc, rockstargohome.com, sfondideldesktop.com >

Congratulations To Mike "Boogie" For Winning Big Brother All Stars!

2006-09-15T19:55:00.001-07:00

We're taking a break from Clay Aiken Week to celebrate Mike "Boogie's" victory on the Big Brother 7 All Stars show. Great job Chill Town! I was all for the Doctor (Will Kirby) winning the crown, but his right hand man is good enough for me. What superb game play! I've never been more stupefied by blatant, outright, shameless, unapologetic manipulation as I have been by watching their strategy unfold before my eyes. I still cannot believe that Dr. Will is a dermatologist who *can* perform liposuction and botox. Or so he claims.

This Chill Town "phone call" is classic....well....Chill Town:

This is Big Brother game play...and brotherhood... at its finest: Phone Call #2, Phone Call #3, Phone Call #4!

And for all that, Mike "Boogie" is $500,000 richer!

Technorati Tags: Big Brother All Stars, Chill Town, Mike Boogie, Will Kirby, Big Brother 7

Clay Aiken's Excellent Covers

2006-09-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

Clay is making waves with his Amazon pre-sale orders. He is now ranked at #9! Go ClayNation! For those curious about Clay's track listings for his CD "A Thousand Different Ways" coming out on September 19, well here we have it. I was amazed that Clear Channel streamed the CD. This is the entire album and I can't believe I can get my grubby little hands on it right here, right now. But that won't stop me from buying my obligatory multiple copies, as a card carrying member of Claymaniac. The CD is mostly cover versions of classic love songs but includes 4 original songs.

Title	Original Artist	Original	ATDW
Right Here Waiting	Richard Marx	Listen	Listen
When I See You Smile	John Waite	Listen	Listen
Without You	Harry Nilsson	Listen	Listen
Lonely No More	Clay Aiken	Clay Aiken	Listen
Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word	Elton John	Listen	Listen
Everytime You Go Away	Paul Young	Listen	Listen
Everything I Do (I Do It For You)	Bryan Adams	Listen	Listen
I Want to Know What Love Is	Foreigner	Listen	Listen
These Open Arms	Clay Aiken	Clay Aiken	Listen
Because You Loved Me	Celine Dion	Listen	Listen
Here You Come Again	Dolly Parton	Listen	Listen
Everything I Have	Clay Aiken	Clay Aiken	Listen
A Thousand Days	Clay Aiken	Clay Aiken	Listen
Broken Wings	Mr. Mister	Listen	Listen

Now what I want to know is: why wasn't "Back For More" included in the cut? This is one of Clay's original songs that has not yet been released on record, but which he sang and "tested" in concert. Boo hoo! I liked that song quite a bit.

Overall, it's very "easy listening" and quite a departure from my taste in music, which leans toward the rock spectrum; a great sophomore album nonetheless which will be played at my home till it wears out.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, ATDW, CD release parties, CD release, A Thousand Different Ways, Measure Of A Man, American Idol

< Credit: About.com and Clear Channel Sneak Peek>

This Is Clay Aiken Week

2006-09-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

In honor of Clay, our first online store at CafePress is featuring this design, among several:

In case you are wondering, "Clack" means "anything Clay that gives a fan a rush". We needed some outfits for the CD Release Party, so we fashioned some for it!

Direct from ClayNationNews, Clay's Calendar of Appearances:

Date	Location / Event
09/08	The Insider	more info
09/09	David Foster STAR SEARCH Finale(Vancouver )	more info
09/10	David Foster & Friends Gala(Vancouver )	more info
09/15	The Tonight Show with Jay Leno(NBC)	more info
09/19	Good Morning America (ABC)	more info
09/26	Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC)	more info
12/09	Williamsport, PA(Williamsport Comm. Arts Center )	more info
12/14	Long Island, NY(Tilles Center for Performing Arts)	more info
12/15	West Point, NY(Eisenhower Hall)	more info
12/16	Red Bank, NJ(Count Basie Theatre)	more info
12/19	Grand Rapids, MI(Devos Hall)	more info

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, ATDW, CD release parties, CD release, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol

< Check out www.claynationnews.com for updates! >

Clay Aiken's CD Drop Is Coming Up!

2006-09-07T18:16:00.000-07:00

September 19, 2006 will go down as one of the biggest days in ClayNation history, as that is the day Clay Aiken's new CD, A Thousand Different Ways, will be dropping into stores all over the nation. And all over the nation, there will be much hooping, hollering, clapping and partying as Clay fans from everywhere emerge from hiatus to rejoice their beloved's own return to the spotlight.

And I will be joining them in their revelry, for I am one of those earnest Clay fans and members of ClayNation who has helped catapult Clay to the top of the charts. I am proud of being a Clay fan and proud of what the fandom has done for its hero.

On September 19, I will be somewhere in a California Virgin MegaStore, joining the excited crowd of mostly middle-aged women and teen girls in toasting the magnificence of Clay, his new look and his new sound. There will be dinner, haiku writing contests, trivia contests and raffles. And lots and lots of "Clack" (read: anything Clay you can get your hands on). And probably a life-size figure of Clay on cardboard. And store speakers dedicated to playing Clay Aiken music non-stop. And a television showing Clay's performances....on replay.

Yes, I've done it all once before (try October 13, 2003 at a Great Mall from 7:00 till midnight, all for Measure of A Man). And I'm sure I'll keep on doing this whenever and wherever ClayNation chooses to celebrate.

< Please visit www.clayreport.com for Clay Aiken and Idol news, and details on Clay's Album drop and the Bay Area Release party! >

Requiem For A Rock Star

2006-09-05T21:31:00.001-07:00

The day I dreaded has finally arrived. Ryan Star has been kicked off Rock Star Supernova. It figures -- he's actually not quite a fit for the aging rock band comprised of oldies drummer Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe), Jason Newsted (Metallica) and Gilby Clarke (Guns N' Roses). Ryan's way too serious, way too young, way too good looking for the group. I was not THAT surprised either, since he pretty much overdid his performances last week. As I often do with my favorites, I watched with one eye open with sheer apprehension and cringed at Ryan's antics which involved climbing atop a piano and a stacked set of speakers while screaming his head off. I wrung my hands while he twirled the microphone around like a toy. It was outrageous, and stressful, and ultimately heart-breaking to see him do himself in like that. That is the thing with Ryan Star. There are times when he's spot on, and there are times when he's way too unbridled. Despite the buzzing of the message boards and gossip blogs claiming the usual unfair treatment of the best talent ever to hit the stage this season, I have to agree with the show's and the band's sentiment. Ryan is a bit less experienced than Magni or Dilana, but one cannot deny the intensity and the heart that Ryan injects in his performances. I believe he'll do great on his own, and I'll be one of those folks forking over my support for the guy.

With all the drama from days past surrounding Rock Star Supernova -- thanks to Dilana's cry-a-thon and Ryan's boot off -- I am going to have to settle down and comfort myself with the knowledge that at least, last week had one saving grace: this gal is now gone from the Big Brother house! I can now watch Big Brother with some peace.

< Credit: rockstargohome.com >

American Idol Season 5 Concert: Is This What I Waited For All Summer?

2006-09-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

After the American Idol Season 5 show ended in late May of this year, I excitedly headed for Ticketmaster and got myself 5 tickets for the customary Pop-Tarts concert that followed. Lo and behold the only seats I could get were the $38.50 ones that were on Section 205/Row 13. I figured that just as long as we weren't at the back of the stage, we were all set. I am basically not your concert-going type, so I did not fuss over our placements. Despite offers from friends and acquaintances to have me transfer my seats over to their area, I declined because I didn't want to break my 5 seat set, which comprised of family members. Little did I know that $38.50 seating meant being planted at the top of the arena at the farthest possible point from the stage: the distance from here to Timbuktu. Every time I squinted, I was lucky to distinguish actual performance choreography from among the swarm of humanity on the basement level. All in all it was too loud, too cacophonous, too monotonous for me to appreciate, as the performers simply regurgitated the songs they sang from the AI season. If I had been up closer, I would have probably enjoyed it more, as the action up front would have distracted me from the jarring audio that this typical concert emitted. It was apparent that most of San Jose preferred Chris Daughtry over the whole lot. What else can you expect from the West Coast? I for one thought Taylor Hicks was the best, not just because I'm a Soul Patroller, but because he was so spastic that he stood out no matter where you were in the stadium.

Here are some NICE photos of the concert care of huntsville.about.com,

since from where I was, the only photos I could get were these:

And here were the Idols in order of appearance:

Mandisa: one of the standouts -- literally -- since I could actually see her fairly well without needing a binocular or telescope. I did not even have to squint. She looked great! Her songs were blah.

Ace Young: He did George Michael proud. I loved his Father Figure rendition replete with chest pulsations, dramatic fall-on-your-knees moments.

Lisa Tucker: Way to go! Piano + vocals ala Elton John with Your Song and Someone Saved My Life Tonight. Why does she remind me of a Mouseketeer? Must be because Mouseketeer = Star Search alumnus.

Paris Bennett: Boring except she's looking like Destiny's child and sounding more and more like that.

Bucky Covington/Kellie Pickler: Unfortunately, I.Detest.Country.Music. And You're The One That I Want from Grease the Musical didn't bite me either.

Chris Daughtry/Elliott Yamin: Bravo to rock and soul. After a restless slumber through the previous numbers, I managed to get one eye open to take in the ultra loud ensemble of once again rehashed Wanted: Dead or Alive and showtuney Moody's Mood For Love.

Katharine McPhee: Think was all over the place -- she went in and out of the song for some reason. And if I hear Somewhere Over The Rainbow again in any way, shape or form, I will hurl. But the cute little kiddies in ponytails and glitter were sure loving it.

Taylor Hicks: I woke up to Jailhouse Rock, Living For The City, Taking It To The Streets and Do I Make You Proud. Taylor always makes the same old songs fresh with his antics and stage presence. I was afraid his bobblehead-on-a-dirt-road movements would cost him a concussion, but no...he made it through in amazing form! Go Soul Patrol!

My burning question is: why don't they give the idols some new material for the concerts? What's with this attachment to the songs from the contest, transmitted to both idol CD track and now to pop-tarts concert form? I guess that's what I get for $38.50.

< Tagged in Technorati as: American Idol concert>

Big Brother's Big Bad Momma

2006-08-29T23:43:00.000-07:00

Big Brother is getting to the homestretch and I'm actually glad that Dr. Will Kirby and his sidekick whatshisname are still in the house. I am very entertained and impressed by their game play -- unleashing their cloying charm upon the single women left in the game and coming on to America with no holds barred. Will Kirby, how can we resist you? Annoying as you may seem, your wit and humor are unparalleled. Mike "Boogie" , however, is but a Dr. Evil hangers-on, but at least, he has loyalty. Janelle is now but a powerless husk of her former amazonian self. The floaters (those without strong alliances) Erika and George are dispensable. But there is one who remains who bears the brunt of my distaste, and that is the ever so vindictive, holier-than-thou Danielle, whose strategy and persona from Big Brother 3 are resurrected in the Big Brother All Stars installment. She's one of those "don't mess with me cuz I'm one angry momma" kind of person, which rubs me the wrong way to the nth degree. There are 6 people left and I can't wait for her to depart. When she reaches sequester (booted off contestants enter a sequester house), which I hope she does soon, she'll be all about rolling her eyes, spouting out threats and vowing revenge on everybody till the house's day of reckoning. Danielle, Janelle just called and wants her tears back.

< Credit: bigbtv.com>

Rock Star's Dark Horse

2006-08-26T15:40:00.001-07:00

What is Ryan Star DRINKING? What is he ON?? The last few weeks he's come out from behind the Rock Star Supernova pack to become a frontrunner to possibly win the coveted lead singer spot in the band. Earlier on, his onstage movements likened him to a hammered gorilla, but it appears that he's figured out how to stand still more often. He's tall and has had to work to curb the awkwardness he displays onstage due to his size; he's dark but he's gone from grimy to swarthy; he's handsome, which was the only thing going for him in the earlier weeks of this show.
He's gained a huge following with his intense belting of Losing My Religion, the ultra-weird Paint It Black, the fantastic In The Air Tonight and the screamy but awesome original Back Of Your Car (but this is not the Rock Star Supernova version). Go Ryan. If you keep this up I'll be compelled to vote.

And one more thing.... please don't confuse this Ryan with this one, who was a mediocre contestant from the rocker chick mold right out of American Idol Season 1.

< Credit: erinfeinberg.com and Ryan Star's myspace page >

A Shout Out To Leonid The Magnificent

2006-08-24T12:27:00.001-07:00

I am dedicating this post to Leonid The Magnificent.

Sure it's been two weeks since Leonid's segment aired on America's Got Talent, but I can't help but give kudos to this special...ummmm....person, in the spirit of diversity. The guy's talent may have been questionable, but heck he had heaps of charisma and the X-Factor!

Here's what one judge had to say about this Siberian Sweetheart, Christmas Tree Without Lights, Victoria's Secret From Hell....

"You remind me of a boomerang, every time I try and throw you away, you come back. What can I say. If this show was called 'America's Got Absolute Ridiculous Imbeciles' then you have a pretty good chance of winning but unfortunately it's called 'America's Got Talent' and you are possibly the least talented person in the entire competition."

Well thanks Piers. Are you out of your mind?? Piers Morgan adored the Rapping Granny (gag) and the striptease act (double gag). Whereas, Leonid was breathtaking, and in his own words "great, magnificent and flawless." I agree, though I'm sure we'd completely disagree on public policy and other important matters.

The Beginning of The End of Summer Reality

2006-08-21T07:43:00.001-07:00

This is a summary of what has happened so far at the twilight of the summer reality tv season. A requirement for me to actually write this post is to watch umpteen hundred hours of television. Despite my Tivo screaming UNCLE, I forged on.

The finales are upon us. Sadly, my Tivo was (and still is) packed to the gills and ended up trashing The Last Comic Standing and Hell's Kitchen finales. Yep, they are in the delete pile, vanishing before I had a chance to peruse them, overwritten by other shows on my packed tv show scheduler. When I found this out, I felt like throwing up.

So I had to rely on third party news for some of the recaps. I'm glad I only provide opinions, as opinions never go stale.

My thoughts on the outcomes anyway:

So You Think You Can Dance: Mostly rehash with contestants all dancing previous dance numbers except for gimmicks like the transvestite judge from Turkish SYTYCD, Sierra (whoever she is), Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas (really what's with the awful guest spots on the Simon Fuller shows?), and short solos from the finalists. Gush. Fawn. Marvel. Praise. So much love from the judges. So not like American Idol. And Benji IS IT! Told you the girls were toast. I love crying Benji. He's so adorable. Travis was great and a perfect sport. Hats off to you, man.

Last Comic Standing: I cheated via you tube. Whatever. I'm SOOOoooo happy Josh Blue won. The top 2, Josh and Ty Barnett, were most deserving. That guy Chris Porter (3rd placer), with his overtly adult content, was way too weird for my taste. I'm too much of a prude to appreciate him. I so much prefer politically incorrect jokes about the physically challenged and the special olympics. JOSH BLUE ROCKS!!!!

Hell's Kitchen: What can I say but the right person took it. No surprise that Heather, who stood out as a clear leader from day one, would triumph. She was the audience favorite many weeks in a row. She was predestined to win. Still I hate my Tivo for eating my finale and keeping me from savoring those last few delectable moments of Ramsay's Hell.

America's Got Talent: Whaaaat??! How could America pass on the Millers -- the Miller kid is a harmonica playing prodigy who dare I say would give Taylor Hicks a run for his reputation? How could they snub my personal favorite (!), the truly awesome, spectacular modern day illusionist and wizard, the terrific [add more superlatives here] Nathan Burton! (I prefer him to the serious David Copperfield or the ultra glum David Blaine.) HE WUZ ROBBED!!! And what about All That, the tap dancing quintet channeling Chippendales and Riverdance? Or At Last, the Asian quartet who beatboxes and does harmonized a cappella? How could these talents actually lose? Tell me America, what is so great about YET another child singer with Aretha Franklin's voice straight out of America's Most Talented Kids or Star Search? And my biggest question of all: why do little singing kids leave me cold? A completely unique act could've won -- instead, Bianca Ryan did.

All in all, it was an enjoyable summer season. Now if only my Tivo had a neck so I can wring it.

Hell Yeah!

2006-08-17T21:00:00.001-07:00

The meanest man in all of TV land is not American Idol's Simon Cowell nor the semi-dreadful but boring Piers Morgan of America's Got Talent. These fellows are the Pussycat Dolls compared to the King of All Nasty Mortals on the Reality Channel: Hell's Kitchen's Gordon Ramsay, who by the way, is coincidentally British like all the rest of the television curmudgeons out there. What's with all these imported northern grousers coming to our shores to make a mint off of mocking our aspiring "talents"? There seems to be a trend here. Do Americans really enjoy being lambasted by forked tongues from foreign lands? Is it all the fault of that slick accent that somehow makes any insult sound almost like veiled acceptance?

Simon: "If your lifeguard duties were as good as your singing, a lot of people would be drowning."
Piers: "I don't think it's very easy to arrange car crashes."
Gordon: "Escort these two ladies please... Back to plastic surgery."

Simon: "Why are you having a normal conversation with him? This is a dairy farmer dressed as a woman."
Piers: "We now know that one of the footman at the palace was a Daily Mirror journalist..."
Gordon: "The problem with Yanks is they are wimps."

My Meanness Ratings?

Simon: amusing, funny
Piers: uncomfortable, as if he's trying too hard
Gordon: hard-core

At any rate, I do get a kick out of some of those heartless comments uttered by Mr. Ramsay, my favorites being "You Donkey!" (which sounds more like "Yeewww Dunkee!") and the truly refreshing "Move Your Ass!" (or was that "Mewv Yer Arse!") It awakens in me some strange glee that I had seemingly relegated to a childhood full of rambunctious mischief, especially when some other poor sucker of a kid would bear the brunt of my misdeeds (I learned the art of finger pointing rather early; that is, the skill of blame deflection). But glee aside, does anyone really believe that the skull and dagger talk is the way to figure out what hopefuls are made of -- to filter the cream from the dregs, or as they say, the way to separate the meat from the chaff, the men from the boys? I'm amazed at what the poor blokes on these tv contests have to put up with week after week. All to get a shot at stardom and victory.

Let's see, that brings to mind some fond memories... there was a time when I once withstood two years of almost daily castigation:

"This bloody piece of @#&*(%#$)% hell better make it to !@&^*(#% tomorrow or else I'll bloody have a @#*%$&#%!!!!"

from a boss from hell. Funny... he was also, coincidentally, an import.

< Credit: thinkexist.com for the chuckle-worthy citations >

Rock Star VS So You Think You Can Dance?

2006-08-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

If you're watching Rock Star Supernova, then good for you. You are undoubtedly watching the best show this summer. I find that this season's bunch is superior to last year's talent and better than most of who or what American Idol has churned out. Don't get me wrong -- American Idol is still the finest reality talent show there is -- after all, what AI has, over and above all other shows, is its regular stable of characters who continue to entertain: from the inane judges to the quick-witted, affable host. On the other hand, what Rock Star has is actual talent, unless of course you are not a rock music fan (rock music in this case covers everything that was at one point edgy or cool throughout the years), in which case you can knock yourself out with repeated auditions of "Sugarpie Honeybunch" and "I Have Nothing" over at FOX.

I've also been watching "So You Think You Can Dance?", which is produced by one of American Idol's co-producers, Nigel Lythgoe. He claims of course that this dancing contest has been besting the ratings for the summer season. Yeah right... I can't believe this show is actually kicking Rock Star's butt. Sure it's fun as well, but does America really prefer watching the tango and quickstep over some crazy ass cover of Creep or even 867-5309? Could it be because Benji Schwimmer has attracted vast legions of Claymates to the show? Just to get this straight: Benji is the swing dancer while Clay is the pop artist who emerged from American Idol Season 2 some eons ago. Apparently Benji is a Clay Aiken doppelganger. Let's see if he triumphs over Travis. That said, the girls in the show are toast. Wonder if I'll eat my words after this week?

As for Rock Star, there's one contestant there who captured my attention with his vocal and piano rendition of Losing My Religion a couple of weeks ago. He comes across as a cross between George Clooney and Adam Sandler.
Except without the personality. Sigh. I wish he'd loosen up a little and engage in a little more banter with the judges and Mr. Red Hot Chili Pepper himself (Dave Navarro). Ryan, dude, smile a little will you? The girls would love it. And do us a favor, don't get kicked off yet.

Quit Bugging Clay Aiken!

2006-08-11T08:14:00.000-07:00

When will they leave the poor guy alone? Is it just my imagination or is Clay the biggest magnet for the worst opportunists out there? There's now this friend of a neighbor of his mother's half brother's stepsister's long lost cousin who works at Walmart and does the neighborhood pedicures who wants to sue his family for gobs of money and a spot on your Amazon wishlist. This erstwhile friend has penned a book "Out of the Blue - 'Clay' it Forward" that she put together from recollections of neighborhood back stories of little Clay and his play group. Great. Another memoir from yet another strange woman who lived down the block. According to her, Clay owes her big because she took in his family after they escaped their abusive father. She writes the book, Clay doesn't exactly give it the nod, so she sues. Get this: she wants Clay to retract his criticisms, author one of her chapters, sell her book in his concerts for five years, give her over a quarter of a million bucks, then walk her dog, clean out her trash and mow her lawn too. I guess that's a whole lot better than doing pedicures for the rest of your life.

< Lest you think the lady does pedicures....no she does not. ;) >

American Idol Wannabe

2006-08-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

When I was much younger, I fancied myself as a possible recording artist. Then again, what youthful starry-eyed tween/teen/young adult has not dreamt of being catapulted into the limelight? Of becoming a singer, actor or model? What kid has not imagined him/herself an aspiring talent at something or other? Other than the occasional audition, where I would predictably croak by the second verse (laryngitis flare up), my only other attempts at furthering my ambitions in the performing arts involved tinkering with a demo tape or two.

Truth be told, those cuts weren't that bad. Maybe mediocre, but not bad. Just wouldn't know if Journey fans would appreciate it. Here I am emulating this illustrious band:

Okay, it was something like that.

In the end, I stuck with the predictable career path, the sure-fire way of putting food on the table and asphalt shingles over my head. It's a good thing, given how deeply I value privacy -- something totally lost to the famous. Yes, I'll stick to my day job and leave my warbling in the closet.

What Lies Beneath...Taylor Hicks

2006-08-07T23:33:00.000-07:00

Guess who this is? My eyes popped when I saw these photos. I didn't realize Taylor Hicks was this lean. Or perhaps I just figured the torso would match the jowls underneath all the clothing. All I can say is HUBBA HUBBA!!!
My cell phone bill can attest to how huge a fan I am of this George Clooney double. I was a voting maniac this last AI season all on account of Hicks and the Soul Patrol. Yes, even though I promised I would NEVER EVER vote again, after the "Clay Aiken Only Came In Second" fiasco. Can't wait for the American Idol 5 concert coming to us by the end of this month! Normally I can't stand concerts as I have, uh, sensitive hearing, but I'll endure the clamor for a whiff of outrageous soul and spazz care of Soul Patrol's one and only Idol. And to see firsthand what malady du jour could possibly be afflicting poor Katharine McPhee.

< Thanks TaylorHicksFan.com for the simply divine pix of the Hicks! >

The Amazing Race's Amazing Clone

2006-08-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

Now that Treasure Hunters has aired almost all its episodes, it is clear that this dozen-team-race-to-the-finish-for-a-gazillion-dollars reality show has bested its original cousin. The National Treasure meets Murder In Small Town X atmosphere of the show was what clinched it for me. If you can imagine The Amazing Race done in a creepier way minus the anti-climactic clump ups (when all the teams aggregate) at midpoints of a particular leg of the race, plus some truly mind-bending, intellectually rich challenges thrown in, then you've something for the awards bodies to consider. Unfortunately, I'm not sure Treasure Hunters has caught on in the same way so who knows if it comes back next season. I kind of like the Geniuses trio during this season. Reminds me of how clueless I was way back when. Speaking of "Murder In Small Town X", now that show was undoubtedly the strangest, eeriest show that I've ever come across. The gist of it was for contestants to solve some murders at some fictitious place. As contestants get whittled down to the final winner, they get eliminated by getting knocked off themselves. The unsettling epilogue to this season, which ended in September 2001, was that it's winner, NY city firefighter Angel Juarbe, got killed while serving during the September 11 attacks. What an epilogue.

Big Brother All-Stars' Dr. Evil

2006-08-03T14:56:00.000-07:00

I decided that I am for now taking this blog into the direction of a few interests of mine -- which are pop culture, reality TV, true crime stories, reality TV, creepy movies, reality TV, various other forms of mindless entertainment, reality TV.... I have some credentials to boast in this area, having spent a good amount of time in message boards devoted to seasons of Survivor, Big Brother and the king of all reality shows: American Idol. This season's Big Brother has the all star cast comprised of choice past contestants from Season 1 through Season 6. And yes, I am quite familiar with every one of them and needless to say, this year's cast is as entertaining as ever. This season is being dominated by the largest alliance in the house -- the Season 6 players, my once favorite of all time being Kaysar Ridha. What can I say, the guy is just HOT! I like the fact that he is an Iraqi-American and does this country a service by throwing stereotypes out the window. But I'm rooting for the doctor (Will Kirby) this time around despite the fact that during Season 2, this guy irritated the hell out of me; blame it on that guilty by association showmance he had with that wench who I can't remember (thank goodness). Dr. Evil needs to win.... again. Why? The guy is cunning, duplicitous, and makes evil seem, well...cool. His strategy? Rule everyone in the house with reverse psychology. I can't wait for him to shed his sidekick in the coming weeks.

Return of THE Idol

2006-08-01T23:58:00.000-07:00

So this is what I've been waiting for, for 2 years now. I missed all his concerts except the first one (the AI tour) during those heady days of Season 2 due to life changing events. But every chance I've gotten I would attend parties devoted to the admiration and celebration of the great and wondrous Clay Aiken. I don't know what it is that draws me to this artist. It's not just the voice, nor just the look. After all, he tends to change his look dramatically through the years and this time he's settled on going Beatlesque. Well maybe it's because I just love "Revenge of the Nerd" themes and he certainly personifies that. It could be a vicarious thing.

Say A Prayer....

2006-07-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

I was so saddened to come across this story of Leonid Milkin and the slaying of his family. Leonid is an Army reservist deployed in Iraq when his family was brutally massacred by a neighbor who just moved in a few weeks before. Leonid lost his young wife, sister-in-law and two very young sons, one being only 3 years old. Please say a prayer for him and his family and friends.

Ridiculous Heat

2006-07-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

We're in the middle of a heat wave right now. Yesterday, the temps broke all records. It sucks to see the yard roasting away after having spent mucho dinero on it. We can't even watch television. And I need to shear the cat's coat at some point. This is crazy but the only thing crazier is hearing how New York has had no power in a week with this kind of heat. That makes me feel just a bit more appreciative of the aging lines we have conducting power erratically into our neighborhood. Yes, I'll take the power surges and flickering lights anytime over no power for a week in the middle of the worst heat wave we've ever experienced in July.

Gee I'm just so tickled how my $500 a month utility bill makes sure I only have to wait 2 hours each time for service to be restored. And service interruption only occurs between the hottest hours of 4 pm to 9 pm three times in a day. Yes we are so lucky indeed.

My First Attempt At This

2006-07-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

If you can believe this, I have been in the technical field for 15 years and have made a decent living in it, yet haven't been in touch with the latest web trends. So I'm trying to do some catch up now by trying this out. Hope I'm not too boring.

I am trying out new templates as well to see how it works. Let's see...