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I really dislike this night. First off it makes me feel old. Secondly, too many people cheat.

Danny Gokey (April 24, 1980) supposedly sang Mickey Gilley's version of Stand By Me. No, Danny. No you didn't. First because Mickey Gilley's version from Urban Cowboy is country and yours most certainly was not. Secondly, unless you were born in 1961 when Ben E. King sang this song, YOU should not be singing it. Why the producers allow this is beyond me. To make matters worse, it wasn't even sung all that well. From 1980, Danny should have sung either Crazy Little Thing Called Love or Funkytown.

Kris Allen (June 21, 1985) sang Don Henley's All She Wants To Do Is Dance. Somehow he took an up tempo song and made it more funky...and worse. It was a bad arrangement. From 1985, Kris should have sang Everytime You Go Away (by Paul Young) or Raspberry Berret.

Lil Rounds (October 20, 1984) sang Tina Turner's What's Love Got To Do With It. And when I say she sang Tina Turner's she sang a lot like Tina Turner and that's the problem. Lil clearly admires a lot of other singers and she can copy them, but she doesn't seem to have a style of her own. She's got the ability and the raw talent, but she's not given a star making performance yet. From 1984, Lil should have sang Madonna's Borderline or the Pointer Sisters' Jump.

Anoop Desai (December 20, 1986) sang Cindi Lauper's True Colors. Now, I like this song and I think he did an alright job, but I've heard this song covered a lot. It's even used in commercials. To me, it's a little lame. But okay, we know he can sing. He spent a few weeks proving that he has real vocal talents, but I miss the fun Anoop. You know what would have been awesome? From 1986, Anoop should have sang Eddie Murphy's Party All the Time. Or Prince's Kiss, but more in the style of the Tom Jones version. Y'know, louder.

Scott MacIntyre (June 22, 1985) sang Survivor's The Search Is Over. I don't remember this song very well, but Scott made me dislike it retroactively. Scott is in a contest to be the next great singing artist. He'd do great if this were actually American Idol 1979 and it was aired on AM Radio. The Entertainment Weekly web site has made fun of him because he looks like William Katt and they play the theme to the Greatest American Hero. Y'know...Look at what's happened to me-he. To me, the likeness is amusing, but their choice of song is funnier because it's exactly the kind of song that Scott would sing. Scott also broke out a guitar which I guess is his way of showing he doesn't need the piano. It didn't help because he plays piano better than he plays guitar. From 1985, Scott should have (stayed behind the piano and) sang Can't Fight This Feeling by REO Speedwagon or Night Ranger's Sentimental Street.

Allison Iraheta (April 27, 1992) sang Bonnie Raitt's I Can't Make You Love Me. I would say that Allison could be clone of Bonnie Raitt, but I don't think either of their hair color is natural. I like Allison a lot more than the voters it seems. Every so often, folks choose a song that ends up ironic. Picking this song is brave for someone who has been in the bottom three a few times this season. I think her days are numbered. From 1992, Allison could have chosen Save The Best For Last, but maybe that would be ironic, too. Honestly, Allison really should have sung U2's One which could have brought down the house. Or if Gokey can get away with what he did, she could have done a Tori Amos version of Smells Like Teen Spirit. A lot of popular songs from 1992 suck, but she had a few that are still being sung today.

Matt Giraud (May 11, 1985) sang Stevie Wonder's Part Time Lover. Matt is this year's "Most talent, least chance" ratio winner. He's not good looking enough to get the screaming girls, but he does a really good job y'know...singing. From 1985, I would have liked to have seen him done Sussudio, but I have no complaints about his song choice because it suited him.

Adam Lambert (January 29, 1982) sang Mad World. Lambert, like Gokey, is another cheater. 1982's Mad World is Tears for Fears. The version Adam sang was most definitely the Gary Jules version from Donnie Darko, which oddly became a hit single even a few years after that movie came out. Now, don't get me wrong. I think this was the song of the night. Adam could have sucked. From 1982, he could have sang Pac-Man Fever and he'd still get voted though to the next round because he's just that popular. But Adam did a really really good job with this song to the point where Simon Cowell stood up and applauded which I don't remember every happening before someone won the whole thing on the last show of the season. The show ran long (pissing off a lot of DVR watchers, I'm sure) so Adam was gypped of the praise he richly deserved from the other three judges, but Simon standing O was all that needed to be said. I am coming around to Adam, because I like the quiet Adam (this, Tracks of my Tears), but when he does the shrieking, I hate him all over again. Stick with the singing and lose the shouting.

Bottom three: Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds, and Anoop Desai. Kris deserves it more than Anoop, but I have the feeling his fan base is bigger. Going this week, I think: Scott.

Idol's "Popular Downloads" Night

[Mar. 31st, 2009|11:21 pm]

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Great. Let's see if I know any of these songs...

Anoop sang something by Usher. I had to rewind the DVR to see this twice. Not because I liked it. I just forgot it as soon as it ended. Not a good sign usually. Might be bottom three material.

Megan sang a Bob Marley song covered by Lauryn Hill...apparently. Wow. That might have saved Anoop. I'm beginning to wonder if I ever liked anything I've heard her sing. Can't recall.

Danny sang something by someone named Rascal Flats. That could be a person or a band. I don't know. Let it be known that at 0:29 into the show (I know because I rewound to see this again) Danny spits at America. If only I could return the favor. I really, really hate him, but he's way too talented to dismiss. The judges practically went down on him with praise, so I think I have to suffer through him for a least another six weeks.

Allison sang Don't Speak by No Doubt...a song I know and like. I even have a cover by Leela James that is pretty good. Maybe because I like this song...I liked Allison not at all this week. The judges mentioned her outfit, which I think was to make America forget the real problem. She just didn't have it singing wise tonight. This is her worst week yet. She should not play guitar because she and it were out of sync. No way she goes home though. Others were worse.

Scott sang Billy Joel's Just the Way You Are...frankly, I'm a little surprised Billy Joel is on the popular download list, but whatever...I just cringed when Scott said it was just him and the piano. We know you can do the slow piano thing. Would it kill you to play something up tempo? This was absolutely not contemporary. Kind of missed the point of the theme. It was a piano bar act, not a summer concert tour act. Why the judges thought this was good, I don't know. I seem to be disagreeing a lot tonight. Do they want him to stick around another week that bad? Or are we praising the average in the hopes that the truly below average (Megan) gets booted?

Matt sang a Fray(?) song. I liked this, but maybe because I don't know the original. Hated the high end squeal. The judges didn't like it. Another disagreement.

Lil sang a Celine Dion song. Always a mistake if you ask me. No bigger diva out there and you open yourself up to comparison and no one has the chops to match her. Besides, Celine is like what, 60? Play Las Vegas. Lil is way too young to be singing her songs.

Adam sang Wild Cherry's Play that Funky Music (White Boy). Last week he looked like Elvis. This week, it's Eddie Munster. Screeching, loud, and silly. What's strange is they tell the other eight contestants to be themselves, but Adam is so different each week, I have no idea what kind of pop star he would be. I have no idea what his album would be like. Unlike most singers on Idol, Adam's appeal to the judges seems to be his inconsistency. To me, that's a problem that's going to hurt him in the later rounds.

Kris sang Ain't No Sunshine. I have no idea who sang the original. (Tom Jones, maybe?) Best song of the night in my mind. I might even buy the iTunes version. I thought he would be gone in the early rounds, but he's definitely picking up steam as the weeks go by.

Bottom three prediction: Tough call this week. Anoop, Megan, and Lil, but Matt is right on the edge because I don't think the judges did him any favors. And I'm going to keep predicting Megan goes home until it happens. She's overdue. Like like a party guest who asks if there's any more wine when you're in your pajamas and brushing your teeth, she's outstayed her welcome.

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Idol

[Mar. 26th, 2009|12:40 am]

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About a month ago I was doing laundry with other people and overheard the following:

"Yeah. I don't like Motown."
"That's like saying you don't like puppies."

I couldn't agree more with that reply. I love Motown. I also love the similar sounding Atlantic Records from the same era, but it's never had the same notoriety. I don't write about the country week when I watch it because I don't know the songs. I do know know my Motown so here goes...

Matt sang Let's Get It On. He's good. Real good. I thought the starting on the piano and then moving on to the stage and dancing was lame (Pick a lane!). He reminds me of Elliot Yamin. Good singer, not a looker. He's capable of a Top 40 song, but he's not a hit maker.

Kris sang How Sweet It Is. Now, I prefer the James Taylor version of this song and the kid kind of went between that and Motown. I still think he's got the John Mayer/DMB thing going for him. with the guitar. He's talented enough that I'd be sad if he was voted off, but I'd probably forget about him the next week.

Scott sang You Can't Hurry Love. I'm beginning to not like him and I don't think I'm alone. The judges were holding their punches with him in the early weeks, but they aren't any more. In this competition, you need to show improvement and he's just as better than average as he was at the start of the season.

Megan sang For Once In My Life. Wait, did I say sang? I meant butchered. She should have gone home last week but didn't. This week if she doesn't go home, there's something wrong. I have this feeling she's trying for a jazzy American Amy Winehouse, but she's just not capable. This was no doubt the worst performance of the year.

Anoop sang Ooh Baby Baby. There's something about Anoop I like. He's not blowing me away with the talent, but he's got this geek/cool quality I admire. I wish he'd forget the ballads and bring back the fun house party singing. He's a blast when he's gives off energy.

Micheal sang Ain't Too Proud To Beg. I swear, I don't think he understands this song. The attitude is all "Hey look at me!" when the song is supposed to be more "Please don't leave me." He's the weakest guy left and since there's a majority of guys to girls, I think he's out within two or three weeks.

Lil sang Heat Wave. Here's the thing: She should have KILLED this week, but she didn't. It's like when the guidance officer says "You're not applying yourself." She's got more soul than anyone left and she didn't pick the right song to show that off. That being said, there's no way she leaves this week. She's a lock for a judge's save if she got the least amount of votes.

Adam sang Tracks of My Tears. Tonight Adam put down the flat iron and bought himself a bottle of mousse from 1989. He looked like Dean Cain and Stephen Colbert's love child. I think the guy is a complete tool. I hate his personality. I hate his obvious commercialization of himself. All that being said, this was miles better than last week and the judges loved it, so there's no way he goes home. For the first week, I'm okay with that. Next week when he starts screeching again, I'll hate him again.

Danny (speaking of tools) sang Get Ready. I've had it in for this guy since day one when he pimped his dead wife for sympathy. However, I'm finding it hard to deny the guy has talent. But then he was back to being a tool. He listened to and said in the video intro that Smokey Robinson was right when he suggested Danny go without the background singers. Did he? No, because Danny does what Danny wants to do. He's a strong vocal person, but he was weak tonight.

Allison sang Papa Was A Rolling Stone. Maybe I'm wrong about Lil having the soul of the crowd. This girl has got a lot, too. She sounds so natural with all the genres. She's the strongest girl left. I think she's destined for the top 3.

Bottom three: Scott, Micheal, Megan. If any of them left, I wouldn't mind, but Megan has GOT TO GO.

If it's Tuesday night and I'm still awake guess what I'm writing about...	[Mar. 10th, 2009\|10:18 pm]
Michael Jackson night… Wasn’t I just saying what’s the deal with people singing bad MJ songs on this show? No one has done this well in years with the exception of David Cook’s Billy Jean and that was rip off of Chris Cornell. Lil Rounds sang The Way You Make Me Feel. I hate the outfit…a bit drag queeny. She’s got a good voice and sang a good version of a weak song. Scott MacIntyre sang Keep the Faith. Not a huge hit, so this song sounds a little more modern than others he could have chosen. The lyrics are really positive. This guy is starting to look like a front-runner early on. The blind thing might get him some votes in the early weeks, but he’s got to keep up the talent level to get to the end. Danny Gokey sang PYT. Are they going to give him colored glasses to match his outfits every week? This could be his thing. Like a male Lisa Loeb. Oh, and the singing was okay, but not great. But that’s won this show before. (Ahem. Taylor Hicks. Cough. Cough.) I agree with the judges. When this guy sings, it rings true. He feels the words, he’s not faking. I hated him at first for using his wife’s memory, but he’s growing on me. Michael Sarver sang You Are Not Alone. Pretty safe, pretty average. I don’t understand what this guy is core demographic is. He’s too old to get the teeny boppers. He’s not good looking enough to get the old ladies. As good as he sings, I think he’s bottom three material. Jasmine Murray sang I’ll Be There. The look is a little 1970’s, which is probably retro chic for a girl her age. This is so far the safest song choice of the night. Strong note near the end showed off what’s she’s got going on, but it might not be enough. Kris Allen sang Remember The Time. Okay. This guy? I know his demographic. He’s going get votes from fans of John Mayer. For better or worse. Allison Iraheta sang Give Into Me. Horrible song choice. I wonder if she knew it before last week. She’s 16, meaning she was born the year Michael Jackson was first accused of molestation. In her entire life, she probably never thought MJ was cool. It’s almost as if she intentionally picked a song that didn’t sound like one of his. I didn’t like this performance, but I liked her enough in prior performances that I think she’ll stick around. Anoop Desai sang Beat It. This version is somewhere is between MJ and Fall Out Boy. It needed a louder guitar to get to the latter. I’m not sure I liked this. I like him a lot though and I think other people do, too. So, I imagine he’ll be back. Jorge Núñez sang Never Can Say Goodbye. Nice rolled up sleeves, dude. There’s a weird “Vote for Pedro” vibe I get when I look at him. Not a good song. It’s very AM radio. The title may end up being ironic. Megan Joy Corkrey sang Rockin’ Robin. Oh. My. God. This might be the worst song choice ever. She’s smoking hot. Blond, tattooed, red dress. I expected her to be sexy. This wasn’t just lame, it was ridiculous. Adam Lambert sang Black & White. His voice is the closest to MJ out of everyone. He’s got an amazing range, but he is what Simon has previously called “a little shouty”. He’s got stage presence, but I wonder if people will tire of his act over the next ten weeks. Matt Giraud sang Human Nature. I don’t mind nor hate this guy. Simon used the word “solid”. I would say he reminds me of a style and talent level of Bruce Hornsby. You’d probably buy his album and like it, but you wouldn’t admit it to your friends because he’s not cool. Alexis Grace sang Dirty Diana. The producers seem to save the last spot on the show for their favorite. I can see why they like her. She’s got more attitude when she sings than all the other girls/women put together. This wasn’t her best performance, but it was tough, sexy, and worthy of a return next week. I have no idea what these new rules that Simon mentioned are. He’s already said two are going home tomorrow night. One has to be the one with the lowest votes. The other? Maybe this week it’s their choice, but that can’t be happening every week otherwise the show will only last five more weeks, so I wonder if this new rule will be permanent. Unless it’s something like top vote getter gets a free pass the next week. Anyway, assuming they will be following the same format as previous years, I’m going to guess that the bottom three are Michael Sarver, Jorge Núñez, and Megan Joy Corkrey, with Corkrey going home.
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(no subject)	[Mar. 3rd, 2009\|11:37 pm]
Didn't even know this was coming out... http://www.warnervideo.com/wonderwomanmovie/ Someone will have to tell me if it's worth buying.
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(no subject)

[Mar. 3rd, 2009|10:35 pm]

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Another week another rambling...

Von Smith sang I Need To Get By. He's very 80's. Like a one-hit-wonder artist. Still, he's the best opening act in the last three weeks.

Taylor Vaifauna sang If I Ain't Got You. The more contestants say they love to sing a song, the more I worry. This is a good example. It was a little pitchy to start, but had good notes. Like she doesn't feel like she has to rehearse.

Alex Wagner-Trugman sang I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues. Ugh. Painful. Hate the runs. I like him a lot more than I like his singing.

Arianna Afsar sang The Winner Takes It All. Might be the best looking contestant this year. Like America Ferrera, but slightly younger. Is it just me...I have the feeling for every Abba fan, there's two non-fans. The girl can sing, but she did her self no favors with that song choice.

Ju'Not Joyner sang Hey There Delilah. He's my pick for most talent and with the least chance. He's pitch perfect. He took a light fun song and actually managed to turn it a little sexy and R&B. He also admitted he's on drugs, which is admirable and more than a little funny TMI.

Kristen McNamara sang Give Me One Reason. Nice arrangment. I liked it more than the judges, it seems. Her look is a little like Joy from "My Name is Earl" getting dressed up for a semi-formal.

Nathaniel Marshall sang I Would Do Anything For Love. Have you ever seen Mean Girls? There's a line it it..."Too gay to function". I think of it every time I see him cry and say the word "dream". Plus, he's not as good as he thinks he is.

Felicia Barton sang No One. Smart song choice. She was out of the 36 then back in after someone else got eliminated due to a technicality. When her name came up in the press because of that people googled and found a YouTube video where she's singing the same song. Over 100,000 hits so far, so she's got a built in fan base already with the same tune.

Scott MacIntyre (aka The Blind Guy) sang Mandolin Rain. He'd be a huge star if MTV were never invented. I mean that as a compliment. He's all about the blending of playing music and the vocal...not the look. Not that the look is awful, but it's a bit Dan Shaughnessy. He's an okay singer, but quite honestly...it's not fair to the others that they have to compete with him. If this were football season, he'd get a bye week.

Kendall Beard sang This One's For the Girls. Completely generic. I think her belt is made of potpourri (and of course, Paula loved it). If this is her best, she doesn't deserve another week.

Jorge Nunez sang Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me. I really think he won't move on, but the judges seem to love him. So, I think he's a wild card.

Lil Rounds sang Be Without You. Cute and smart lyrical ad lib at the end. She's got a fantastic voice and a personality to boot.

Predictions...Scott MacIntyre in a landslide. Lil Rounds gets the top woman And I think that Von Smith is the most popular after that.

Apparently, the wild card is not a voting round, so Thursday night they'll bring back 10 or 12 people and the judges will choose the top three that night. Supposedly. I think Fox might pull a fast one and not choose until next week. Or announce a last minute vote. Anything to boost ratings and make money.

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(no subject)	[Feb. 26th, 2009\|07:37 pm]
Need to post before the results... Jasmine Murray sang Love Song. If you can't sing it as good or better than the original, don't sing it. She's cute though...like a young Gabrielle Union. Matt Gerard sang Viva La Vida. He doesn't have much range and he got burned by a bad arrangement. Jeanine Vailes sang This Love. She was pitchy early, the middle was unintelligible, but the last note was okay. Nick Mitchell sang...wait I mean...Norman Gentle sang You're Gonna Love Me. This guy is brilliant. He's an average singer but he's very different than the rest and he's very entertaining. If he doesn't advance then I don't know this show. Allison Iraheta sang Alone. If Kate Pierson had a 16 year old daughter I'd imagine she'd look like her. Best vocals so far tonight. Kris Allen sang Man in the Mirror. What is the fascination with old, bad MJ songs? Megan Joy Corkrey sang Put Your Records On. She's alright but does nothing for me. No stage presence. Hold the microphone stand if you can't move your body attractively. Matt Breitzike sang If You Only See. Yet another bad dancer. He's a very good singer, but he'll get no teenager votes. Jesse Langseth sang Bette Davis Eyes. I hated this song when it was hit. I hate it now. Her, I like. At least she can move on stage unlike the last two. Vocally, she's average, but she's got good personality. Kai Kalama sang What Becomes of the Broken Hearted. I'm sure his Mom and her friends loved this performance. I find it corny. Plus, dude...when your number ends in 10...do not flash your hand with 5 then turn around your hand to the back side and flash another 5. That's not 10. That's flashing 5 twice. You just gave votes to Allison Iraheta, but then she deserves them more than you, so thank you. Mishavonna Henson sang Drops of Jupiter. Horrible start, gained confidence toward the end, but forgettable. Adam Lambert sang Satisfaction. Already looks the part. Already lives in Hollywood. Makes you wonder why no label has signed him yet. The judges love his inflections, but I hated them. He's a rock singer who doesn't rock. But the girls will adore them. Prediction...Top guy is Adam. Top girl is Allison. And I do believe that Nick/Norman will get in. He's this year's Sanjaya, except he's got talent.
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Idol

[Feb. 17th, 2009|10:43 pm]

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My mortifying admiration for this show has returned. Here's the notes I took while watching...

Jackie Tohn sang "A Little Less Conversation"--I don't normally mention clothes, but those are some bad pants---I think she's trying for to be a flirt, but she coming across as a dork.

Ricky Braddy sang "A Song for You"--Four seconds in and I already hate this song---He can sing okay, but he's not unique enough.

Alexi Grace sang "Never Loved a Man"--She's a little Chloe from Smallville a little Kristen Bell--Background singers doing her no favors--I like her...sexy, cool, and just different enough.

Brent Keith sang "Hick Town"--Way to be country, dude. As if we wouldn't be able to tell otherwise--It feels like karaoke at a honky tonk.

Stevie Wright sang "You Belong to Me"--I couldn't hear the first part...the mike is on, but she's too quiet--Wow, she's not good when you can hear her--The chorus isn't as bad--Still, sounds like she's reading instead of singing.

Anoop Desai sang "Angel of Mine"--He's got the winning personality for sure--The song on the other hand...sounds like it's the sixth song on an EP with two singles...it's okay, but not something I'd ever want to buy.

Casey Carlson sang "Every Little Thing (s)He Does is Magic"--Always a mistake to change the lyrics to match your sex--She's cute, but one more person who sounds like she's reading from the teleprompter--It's fluff most forgettable.

Micheal Sarver sang "I Don't Want to Be"--He's better than average, but not great--Can't imagine he'll make the top three.

Ann Marie Boskovich sang "Natural Woman"--1st time tonight I wanted a longer version...this song builds and a minute twenty is not long enough time--If people vote on looks, she's in.

Stephen Fowler sang "Rock with You"--Wow...so old fashioned--He looks as cool as he sings lame--worst song choice of the night.

Tatiana Del Toro sang "I'm Saving All My Love for You"--God, I want to hate her because it's so obvious that she can't take criticism, but tonight she sang very well--She might have got the most camera time in Hollywood Week because she's good TV...Eyes on the prize determined one minute and crying her eyes out bat shit crazy the next--I haven't heard one person who likes her personality. I think she has the least amount of chance to advance.

Danny Gokey sang "Hero"--I truly dislike this guy--From audition one he has used his wife's death to drum up sympathy (and votes). He even allowed his wedding video to be used. He should be ashamed of himself--The producers clearly love him because he and Tatiana got the most face time before this week--He did not sing as good tonight as the judges thought he did this week, but he's still good enough to advance, I think.

I don't vote. I don't call or text. I do guess, though, and I think the top guy is Danny, much to my chagrin. I think the top girl is Alexis. I think the next top vote getter is Anoop. I don't think we've seen the last of Tatiana. She'll be back during wild card week.

Writer's Block: Sounds Good to Me

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[Feb. 15th, 2009|10:08 pm]

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vocabulary, words, writer's block

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Persnickety, flibbertigibbet, lollygag—some words are just more fun to say. What's your favorite word?

Callipygian

Writer's Block: Table for One

[Feb. 3rd, 2009|11:41 pm]

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writer's block

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Do you ever go out to dinner (at a sit-down restaurant) by yourself?

All the time. Isn't that why they have bars in restaurants?

Writer's Block: Open Arms

(no subject)	[Jan. 31st, 2009\|04:36 pm]

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Register now for the opportunity to purchase tickets...	[Jan. 29th, 2009\|11:48 am]
http://outfield.mlb.com/bos/ticketing/tickets_form.jsp Register. Once you have the tickets and if you don't want to go sell them to me with the appropriate finder's fee included. :)
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(no subject)	[Jan. 21st, 2009\|06:44 pm]
Oscar nominations come out tomorrow right about the time I'm supposed to be at work, so I'll talk about them now before I know them. Best Picture: I really loved Slumdog Millionaire. The Dark Knight was great. The Reader was pretty good. Frost/Nixon was kind of dull to me. I haven't seen The Curious Case of Brad Pitt's Make-Up Artist, or Milk. I wouldn't be surprised if Wall-E made the list. Actors: Heath Ledger couldn't have less of a lock unless he came back from the dead. But he'll win supporting. Sean Penn or Mickey Rourke will probably get Lead nominations. Me? I'd like to see Josh Brolin for W. get a shot. Also, Robert Downey, Jr. deserves nominations in both Lead and Supporting, but neither of his movies will be considered. Some folks says Dev Patel will get a nomination, but don't think has a chance of happening. Actresses: Anne Hathaway was really good this year, Bride Wars not withstanding. Her work in Get Smart will be underrated like all comedies, but it'll be Rachel Getting Married that will win her the Oscar. Marisa Tomei will likely get another nomination, especially since most folks forgot she already won an award. Kate Winslet might get nominations for both categories, too. Other stuff: Wall-E has animated locked up, but watch the serious Waltz With Bashir or Persepolis will likely get in, but not both. Danny Boyle should win for Slumdog Millionaire, but won't. That movie should get some music nominations, too, but Bruce Springsteen will win. Also, if the make up artist for Tropic Thunder doesn't get nominated there's something wrong with the Academy.
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[Jan. 21st, 2009|02:25 pm]

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etiquette, hugging, national hugging day, writer's block

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Have you ever spontaneously hugged someone you didn't know? Or received an unexpected embrace from a stranger?

Both at the same time.
11:40 p.m. October 27, 2004 Boston time...and for a few minutes after that.
In retrospect, I can't say it was an unexpected embrace, because there was a lot of hugging that night.

Writer's Block: Back to School

(no subject)	[Jan. 19th, 2009\|10:24 am]
Bored... Snow cancelled plans yesterday. Pretty much stayed in bed all day watching TV. Now I'm at work on a day when most everyone I know outside my office has the day off. It's going to be a long lonely day.
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[Jan. 14th, 2009|08:52 am]

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high school, writer's block

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What fictional high school—from tv, film, or a book—would you most like to attend? Or would you rather never go near high school again, fictional or otherwise?

Shermer High School, Shermer, Illinois, 60062

Writer's Block: Shops Gone By

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[Jan. 12th, 2009|12:42 pm]

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stores, woolworths, writer's block

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Woolworths shut its doors in the U.K. last week, sending many into a frenzy of nostalgia and bargain shopping. What now-closed store or chain do you wish was still open?

I miss Woolworths.
I miss Lechmere.
I miss Child World.
I miss Bradlees.
I miss Ames.

Nostalgically speaking, I miss a little shop that was open when I was a teenager. It was called Stairway to Heaven. It was in the basement of a building on Winter Street in Downtown Crossing. It had a lot of posters, photos, skull jewelery, buttons, etc. Best of all, it sold concert T-shirts, so even if you didn't go to the show, you could pretend you did.

Writer's Block: Morning Decisions

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[Jan. 11th, 2009|03:21 pm]

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breakfast, food, writer's block

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The eternal breakfast dilemma: Sweet or savory?

Oh, please.

Both!

Duh!