While watching the repulican cage fighting, I can't help but feel a sense of desperation across the board as the rhetoric ratchets up and the mud slinging and name calling continues. Was feeling relieved that my brother is in Florida, while I sit quietly in Arizona. Then our governor seemed to miss having the cameras flashing in her direction and stiuck her finger in the face of the leader of the free world. It doesn't matter what party the President belongs to or if local political yocals don't agree with his or her politics, it is still the most respected political seat in the world. I saw the cartoons go up immediately - one with Governor Brewer protrayed as the Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizard of OZ and another with her illiterate quote explaining her reason for the finger. It seems as though people everywhere are clamouring for their 15 seconds of fame - it used to be 15 minutes, but that was before the internet. This blog is already old news - just thought the topic worthy of mentioning.
Then this guy who claims to represent the enitre republican party - Priebus - compares the President of the United States to the captain of the recently sunk Italian cruise ship. I think you have the right to disagree about pretty near any topic with someone without calling them names - to me that's the class warfare - people who have to revert to name calling to win the favor of others completely lacks class. America is suffering from a lack of class. I remember people talking about actors, sports figures, politicians, co-workers, neighbors and friends as "a class act" or somebody who "had a lot of class." You don't hear that much anymore. So, here's the challege in the future, America - instead of out-mouthing one another with epithets, let's try to out-class each other. Wouldn't that be something? A country where people were proud of their government and their politicians, where trustworthiness and honesty were the words used to describe candidates? When candidates make a claim about another, they should have to state where they got their information from. The same should hold true for all of those phony ads run by super-pacs. Americans should be allowed to know who paid for them and from what source they got their information. There have been enough political careers launched from lies - it's time Americans' votes were fact based. Let's put an end to class warfare and clean up our act America - and let's start at home.
That's all for now . . .
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
New Song
Have a close friend who went through a messy divorce. Listening to his stories brought about a couple lines leading to the beginnings of a new song. The lines came to me while driving down the road. Had to keep repeating them so I wouldn't forget them.
Just finished delivering hard copies of the January issue of the Sedona Excentric - this July will make 24 years. It will be uploaded later today - need a break.
So glad the Iowa Caucus is over - what a suspense-filled evening - wait that was a rerun of Monk. I understand people are not pleased with the lack of progress to improve the middle class status in America, but i just can't find it in my head or heart to blame President Obama for it all. I think he would be hailed if just one crooked banker were indicted.
Amazingly, hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent in the coming months on political contests. I thought there wasn't any money. Apparently, there are hundreds of millions of dollars to toss at politicians to buy their favor. If corporations have that kind of money to buy politicians, maybe they have more to buy jobs.
I firmly believe corporate raiders are secretly hoping Obama wins, because a republican win would fuel the fire that is Occupy Wall Street. Speaking of OCW, perhaps it is time for them to come to agreeance on what goal they would ultimately like to achieve. Here's hoping spring comes soon, bringing warmer weather and fresh bodies.
Ho'oponopono
That's all for now . . .
Just finished delivering hard copies of the January issue of the Sedona Excentric - this July will make 24 years. It will be uploaded later today - need a break.
So glad the Iowa Caucus is over - what a suspense-filled evening - wait that was a rerun of Monk. I understand people are not pleased with the lack of progress to improve the middle class status in America, but i just can't find it in my head or heart to blame President Obama for it all. I think he would be hailed if just one crooked banker were indicted.
Amazingly, hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent in the coming months on political contests. I thought there wasn't any money. Apparently, there are hundreds of millions of dollars to toss at politicians to buy their favor. If corporations have that kind of money to buy politicians, maybe they have more to buy jobs.
I firmly believe corporate raiders are secretly hoping Obama wins, because a republican win would fuel the fire that is Occupy Wall Street. Speaking of OCW, perhaps it is time for them to come to agreeance on what goal they would ultimately like to achieve. Here's hoping spring comes soon, bringing warmer weather and fresh bodies.
Ho'oponopono
That's all for now . . .
Monday, January 2, 2012
Music for Social Change
Well, it seems Cee Lo Green decided to change a line in John Lennon's "Imagine" as a New Year's tribute.
The "nothing to kill or die for / and no religion, too" became "nothing to kill or die for / and all religions true."
Unfortunately, as well meaning as Mr. Green was, he missed the sentiment of the line. More deaths have been caused in the name of religion than for any other reason, cause or gain. The impact of the words from "Imagine" asks everyone to do just that - imagine. Imagine there was one less reason to kill or die for - religion - not imagine religions being true to their followers and continuing the hatred and prejudice being perpetuated in churches, cathedrals, mosques, synagogues, chapels and any other place people gather to convince each other that their belief system is the one, "true" belief system favored by God. I believe John Lennon, a man I deeply admire, was, in a very artistic way, asking us to look deeper within and question whether any belief system would ask you to take the life of another. Clearly, if your religion does indeed promote violence, it would serve the universe well for you to Imagine there was "nothing to kill or die for / and no religion, too."
Peace
Ho'oponopono
That's all for now . . .
The "nothing to kill or die for / and no religion, too" became "nothing to kill or die for / and all religions true."
Unfortunately, as well meaning as Mr. Green was, he missed the sentiment of the line. More deaths have been caused in the name of religion than for any other reason, cause or gain. The impact of the words from "Imagine" asks everyone to do just that - imagine. Imagine there was one less reason to kill or die for - religion - not imagine religions being true to their followers and continuing the hatred and prejudice being perpetuated in churches, cathedrals, mosques, synagogues, chapels and any other place people gather to convince each other that their belief system is the one, "true" belief system favored by God. I believe John Lennon, a man I deeply admire, was, in a very artistic way, asking us to look deeper within and question whether any belief system would ask you to take the life of another. Clearly, if your religion does indeed promote violence, it would serve the universe well for you to Imagine there was "nothing to kill or die for / and no religion, too."
Peace
Ho'oponopono
That's all for now . . .
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Latest from Arizona
Well, it has been some time since I signed in, but I just can't hold back any longer. I am listening to politico arm chair quarterbacks blather incessantly about whether or not we should get or have gotten involved in Libya's struggle for freedom from their vicious dictator and the extent of our involvement or lack of. First, let me give you the names this tyrant goes by and the media uses to identify him . . .
(1) Muammar Qaddafi,
(2) Mo'ammar Gadhafi,
(3) Muammar Kaddafi,
(4) Muammar Qadhafi,
(5) Moammar El Kadhafi,
(6) Muammar Gadafi,
(7) Mu'ammar al-Qadafi,
(8) Moamer El Kazzafi,
(9) Moamar al-Gaddafi,
(10) Mu'ammar Al Qathafi,
(11) Muammar Al Qathafi,
(12) Mo'ammar el-Gadhafi,
(13) Moamar El Kadhafi,
(14) Muammar al-Qadhafi,
(15) Mu'ammar al-Qadhdhafi,
(16) Mu'ammar Qadafi,
(17) Moamar Gaddafi,
(18) Mu'ammar Qadhdhafi,
(19) Muammar Khaddafi,
(20) Muammar al-Khaddafi,
(21) Mu'amar al-Kadafi,
(22) Muammar Ghaddafy,
(23) Muammar Ghadafi,
(24) Muammar Ghaddafi,
(25) Muamar Kaddafi,
(26) Muammar Quathafi,
(27) Muammar Gheddafi,
(28) Muamar Al-Kaddafi,
(29) Moammar Khadafy,
(30) Moammar Qudhafi,
(31) Mu'ammar al-Qaddafi, and
(32) Mulazim Awwal Mu'ammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Qadhafi.
As it that weren't enough, he also goes by the following titles:
(1) Dean of the Arab rulers,
(2) King of kings of Africa, and
(3) Imam of Muslims.
How's that? We not only can't find a six-foot-plus Arab on dialysis, but now we can't agree on what spelling to use to name yet another sociopath that, by the way, world governments have tolerated for more than 40 years. I wonder if the Mayan people ever vacationed in the Middle East or North Africa. Could this all just be a calendar snafu? What happened to Persia anyway?
I also recently am inspired by the constant barrage of virtual claims about social media and social marketing. While I am pleased that a large group of people can be assembled in a short period of time to protest, attend a rave or riot against their government, I fail to see the value vs print to inform the public of actual facts and support the dissemination of those facts through advertising.
It seems some CEOs in Arizona have sent a signed letter to AZ legislators asking them to back off immigration attacks through state bills proposed by a few politicians hoping to literally whitewash their inability to raise enough funds to run their state. According to this misguided few, everything that is wrong with Arizona must be the fault of immigrants. After all, if we can pit the poor African Americans against the poor Hispanic Americans, we can keep them from organizing against the wealthy. I don't wish to begrudge anyone's success, but if the soldiers of this nation are protecting the abilities and freedoms of those who need abilities and freedoms to become rich, then they should volunteer their wealth to fund the struggle. If illegal immigrants were gathered and placed on active duty, perhaps some National Guard and Reserve men and women could come home and do what National Guard and Reserve men and women are supposed to do. When the new soldiers have completed 3 years of service to their new nation, they could become American citizens and get an education and continue to contribute to our society.
Anyone priced lettuce lately? Now imagine if white people were picking it. We'd be paying $3 to $4 per head. Then there are grapes, lemons, melons, peppers, tomatoes, nearly every type of fruit and vegetable picked by immigrants. With politicians seemingly trying their best to reduce pay and benefits for middle America, higher priced food is far more painful than educating a child of an undocumented alien.
I always thought it would be interesting to see people with political career desires to be given the same amount of time on radio, television, in print and on the web and let the best person win. But, our Supreme Court Justices have determined that America deserves the best government money can buy. Hopefully, it will all play out like the recent Wisconsin rucus. Maybe Americans will decide they've had enough and realize their government isn't really there to protect them or improve their quality of life, but there to have cushy jobs with great benefits and pensions.
I do feel a little better now that I've ranted. Good luck and God help us, everyone!
That's all for now . . .
(1) Muammar Qaddafi,
(2) Mo'ammar Gadhafi,
(3) Muammar Kaddafi,
(4) Muammar Qadhafi,
(5) Moammar El Kadhafi,
(6) Muammar Gadafi,
(7) Mu'ammar al-Qadafi,
(8) Moamer El Kazzafi,
(9) Moamar al-Gaddafi,
(10) Mu'ammar Al Qathafi,
(11) Muammar Al Qathafi,
(12) Mo'ammar el-Gadhafi,
(13) Moamar El Kadhafi,
(14) Muammar al-Qadhafi,
(15) Mu'ammar al-Qadhdhafi,
(16) Mu'ammar Qadafi,
(17) Moamar Gaddafi,
(18) Mu'ammar Qadhdhafi,
(19) Muammar Khaddafi,
(20) Muammar al-Khaddafi,
(21) Mu'amar al-Kadafi,
(22) Muammar Ghaddafy,
(23) Muammar Ghadafi,
(24) Muammar Ghaddafi,
(25) Muamar Kaddafi,
(26) Muammar Quathafi,
(27) Muammar Gheddafi,
(28) Muamar Al-Kaddafi,
(29) Moammar Khadafy,
(30) Moammar Qudhafi,
(31) Mu'ammar al-Qaddafi, and
(32) Mulazim Awwal Mu'ammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Qadhafi.
As it that weren't enough, he also goes by the following titles:
(1) Dean of the Arab rulers,
(2) King of kings of Africa, and
(3) Imam of Muslims.
How's that? We not only can't find a six-foot-plus Arab on dialysis, but now we can't agree on what spelling to use to name yet another sociopath that, by the way, world governments have tolerated for more than 40 years. I wonder if the Mayan people ever vacationed in the Middle East or North Africa. Could this all just be a calendar snafu? What happened to Persia anyway?
I also recently am inspired by the constant barrage of virtual claims about social media and social marketing. While I am pleased that a large group of people can be assembled in a short period of time to protest, attend a rave or riot against their government, I fail to see the value vs print to inform the public of actual facts and support the dissemination of those facts through advertising.
It seems some CEOs in Arizona have sent a signed letter to AZ legislators asking them to back off immigration attacks through state bills proposed by a few politicians hoping to literally whitewash their inability to raise enough funds to run their state. According to this misguided few, everything that is wrong with Arizona must be the fault of immigrants. After all, if we can pit the poor African Americans against the poor Hispanic Americans, we can keep them from organizing against the wealthy. I don't wish to begrudge anyone's success, but if the soldiers of this nation are protecting the abilities and freedoms of those who need abilities and freedoms to become rich, then they should volunteer their wealth to fund the struggle. If illegal immigrants were gathered and placed on active duty, perhaps some National Guard and Reserve men and women could come home and do what National Guard and Reserve men and women are supposed to do. When the new soldiers have completed 3 years of service to their new nation, they could become American citizens and get an education and continue to contribute to our society.
Anyone priced lettuce lately? Now imagine if white people were picking it. We'd be paying $3 to $4 per head. Then there are grapes, lemons, melons, peppers, tomatoes, nearly every type of fruit and vegetable picked by immigrants. With politicians seemingly trying their best to reduce pay and benefits for middle America, higher priced food is far more painful than educating a child of an undocumented alien.
I always thought it would be interesting to see people with political career desires to be given the same amount of time on radio, television, in print and on the web and let the best person win. But, our Supreme Court Justices have determined that America deserves the best government money can buy. Hopefully, it will all play out like the recent Wisconsin rucus. Maybe Americans will decide they've had enough and realize their government isn't really there to protect them or improve their quality of life, but there to have cushy jobs with great benefits and pensions.
I do feel a little better now that I've ranted. Good luck and God help us, everyone!
That's all for now . . .
Monday, January 10, 2011
Latest from Arizona
Observed moment of silence in respect for recent fallen and injured and their families in what is being called Tragedy in Tucson. Finger pointing has begun, and quotes from politicians, pundits, media hosts and the like are being attributed to the motive of the gunman.
They're all right and they're all wrong. I don't believe it is any one statement or gesture or accusation or threat that causes an unstable gun owner to decide to murder people. I believe it is the fervent fevor of society in general and our acceptance of inane thoughts and gestures.
Juan Williams says you can't blame the rhetoric of the right for the Tragedy in Tucson. He's right. But, that doesn't mean there wasn't an influence from the Palin crosshairs and Nevada's Engle who suggested her constituents exercise their 2nd Amendment Rights and take out Harry Reid. Of possible influence was the ad that Giffords herself posted toting an automatic rifle. And the Mama Bear statment of don't retreat, reload.
Put those thoughts and images in the twisted mind a derranged gun owner on the edge and maybe he decides it's his responsibility to take out this dangerous politician who opposes his views.
The mentioning of poilitical rhetoric comes in play because a Congresswoman was shot, an attempted political assasination, but hundreds of people are shot every day for anger, love, jealousy, drugs, money, spite, revenge, initiation, sport, and nobody mentions political rhetoric.
While watching footbal games this weekend I was struck by the insensitive nerve of two commercials in particular, both by Bud Light Beer. One showed a driver waiting for his truck while mechanics stole his cargo and partied under the bay, lying to him about his truck's problem and continuing with the celebration. The second involved a couple of thugs holding hostages and making wild demands because they found Bud Light. It sounds innocent enough an is made humorous by thie outrageous requests, but the fact remains that in order to take hostages you must be committing a crime and have weapons to keep the hostages detained. I realize these are meant to be humorous and appealing to the sophomoric audience watching the ball games, but, as with some explicit video games, we tend to desensitize to viewers and users.
It is far different to gobbly things with Ms PacMan and have a frod dodge in and out of traffic than to reward points for shooting cops or causing bodily harm to women.
Could these commercials and games be contributing to the violence in America? Who knows?
As an alleged civilized society, we are responsible for all of our actions, including our verbiage. If one attributed every thought to being a prayer, perhaps we could begin to offer words of understanding, acceptance and compassion rather than threateing words of contempt, anger and discontentment; We can begin to see our opponents as jopponents and not enemies.
Someone has to step up. Someone needs to lead the march for civility, not just for women or black men or Christians or gays, but for all humankind. We need to Think Universally, Act Globally!
Peace! Namaste! Shalom! Ho'oponono!
That's all for now . . .
They're all right and they're all wrong. I don't believe it is any one statement or gesture or accusation or threat that causes an unstable gun owner to decide to murder people. I believe it is the fervent fevor of society in general and our acceptance of inane thoughts and gestures.
Juan Williams says you can't blame the rhetoric of the right for the Tragedy in Tucson. He's right. But, that doesn't mean there wasn't an influence from the Palin crosshairs and Nevada's Engle who suggested her constituents exercise their 2nd Amendment Rights and take out Harry Reid. Of possible influence was the ad that Giffords herself posted toting an automatic rifle. And the Mama Bear statment of don't retreat, reload.
Put those thoughts and images in the twisted mind a derranged gun owner on the edge and maybe he decides it's his responsibility to take out this dangerous politician who opposes his views.
The mentioning of poilitical rhetoric comes in play because a Congresswoman was shot, an attempted political assasination, but hundreds of people are shot every day for anger, love, jealousy, drugs, money, spite, revenge, initiation, sport, and nobody mentions political rhetoric.
While watching footbal games this weekend I was struck by the insensitive nerve of two commercials in particular, both by Bud Light Beer. One showed a driver waiting for his truck while mechanics stole his cargo and partied under the bay, lying to him about his truck's problem and continuing with the celebration. The second involved a couple of thugs holding hostages and making wild demands because they found Bud Light. It sounds innocent enough an is made humorous by thie outrageous requests, but the fact remains that in order to take hostages you must be committing a crime and have weapons to keep the hostages detained. I realize these are meant to be humorous and appealing to the sophomoric audience watching the ball games, but, as with some explicit video games, we tend to desensitize to viewers and users.
It is far different to gobbly things with Ms PacMan and have a frod dodge in and out of traffic than to reward points for shooting cops or causing bodily harm to women.
Could these commercials and games be contributing to the violence in America? Who knows?
As an alleged civilized society, we are responsible for all of our actions, including our verbiage. If one attributed every thought to being a prayer, perhaps we could begin to offer words of understanding, acceptance and compassion rather than threateing words of contempt, anger and discontentment; We can begin to see our opponents as jopponents and not enemies.
Someone has to step up. Someone needs to lead the march for civility, not just for women or black men or Christians or gays, but for all humankind. We need to Think Universally, Act Globally!
Peace! Namaste! Shalom! Ho'oponono!
That's all for now . . .
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Sdona Excentric
It's been a while. A lot has happened around the world - floods, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, oil spills - myriad natural disasters and tragic stories. Some tragedies are not natural but worthy of mention - a Mosque a couple of blocks from an attack in New York, the World Trade Center. More than 90 countries lost citizens September 11, 2001. This horrific and cowardice attack was carried out by an extremist group of radical Islamic fundamentalists. Since then, many Americans seem to want to hold all Muslims responsible. I have trouble with that. As a recovering Catholic, I ponder the accusations from some that all Catholics are bad because of the actions of some of their priests, or their relation to the slaughters of the varius Crusades or their role in the Spanish Inquisition or the Norman Conquest. Some believe Catholics click their heels three times and say, "There's no place like Rome." How about those Episcopalians, allowing homosexual clergy? Will some contend that all Episcopalians are or will be homosexual? If so, let's deny them the right to build their places of worship. Let's not forget those polygamist Mormons. Most men fantasize about being with more than one woman, but married to more than one! Should we deny them the right to continue their faith and gather to worship in future Tabernacles? How were Buddhists allowed in Hawaii and Japan after they attacked Pearl Harbor? There are 7 Temples listed on Wikipedia, along with 7 Shinto Shrines. Since most Japanese relate to either Buddhism or Shinto, should Hawaii bar their places of worship? Extremists from any group scare me. They are willing to further their agenda at any cost. Sadly, my baby-boomer brothers and sisters seem to be missing from the ranks of the shouters of true freedom - including the freedom for any religion to build wherever they are legally permitted to do so. No wonder Green Day is so popular with today's American youth. I was thinking of standing on a corner with a sign on a pole that reads: God Hates All Protesters! But, I'm afraid too few would get it! Today, I read that Roger Clemens has been indicted by a grand jury for lying to Congress about his personal use of a substance that could have brought potential harm only to himself. I recall military officials lying about arms trades and tobacco company owners lying about the addictiveness and harm of cigarettes and oil barons lying about the safety of their rigs and refineries and NOT ONE of them has been indicted for the line of bull they spewed under oath. People who have directly caused serious harm to their fellow Americans and have even been involved in products or events that have taken lives have walked out of Congress never to be heard from again. But an athelete who juiced to enhance his performance - that's something that can't be tolerated - not in this country. Who does he think he is? He shot a strange substance into his body, bulked up, thew small balls at sultans of swat and possibly lied about gaining an edge. Clemens' greatest guilt is that he just didn't contribute to enough political campaigns. America is embroiled in two wars, facing one of the greatest depressions of all times, unemployment is rampant, people live in constant fear or depression, our climate is changing, our political system is morally bankrupt and we're publicly dragging the multiple Cy Young Award winner to face Congress about steroids! The inmates have finally seized total control of the asylum! I'm thinking of rubberizing all the walls in my home. Then, bouncing off them would leave fewer scars and bruises. If this continues, I may install the tequila cooler I have had my eye on for the past 10 years. I still have hope, clinging perilously onto the swaying branch of reason.
That's all for now . . .
That's all for now . . .
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Sedona Excentric
Todrick Hall and Lily Scott - two names only family and friends remember. They were contestants on 2010 American Idol. What a waste of talent. Didn't they know they were entering a popularity contest, whre someone with talent might possibly win, but no necessarily.
American Idol remains the only reality TV show my wife and I watch. Our love for music is the only draw, and we actually talk about the show, before, during and after. Todrick and Lily have musical talent, more than most of the remaining seven and quite possibly the only legitimate competition to Crystal Bowersox besides Lee DeWyze and Sioban Mangus. Following close behind was Lacey Brown. If this group were competing next week I believe the audience would be actually juding a vocal talent competition.
Instead, we are forced to watch a teenage boy gyrate his hips the same to an Elvis song as he does to an inspiration tune about Flying. But, because of his age and the age of the average text voter, he remains alongside the other talent-challended, Tim, who should have auditioned for Glee or an UltraBright commercial. Casey, the Bob Seger of the group is a rock star, just not an Idol. The super-sized brother, Mike, has the gentlest voice among them, but that's his limit - Luther Vandross tunes, romantic balads.
I usually blog, though it's been a while, about social, economical or political issues, but after a show revives memories of performing music and currently being of the age when you want to see everyone to succeed, I felt compelled to vent the frustration viewers create with their selections, which, by the way are often guided by the "judges" especially the musical Machiavelli, Simon Cowell, whose interests seem to be inspired purely by the marketability of each contestant and how much more money he can make off of them.
Let's review, nay, judge, the judges. Randy Jackson - finally learning not to call everyone Dawg and everything he doesn't like, pitchy. His weight loss seems to have given him a new vocabulary - "I just didn't get it." He also seems to favor, "I don't know." Well, Randy a judge has to know. Either the performance was worthy of them returning or it wasn't. Last night he gave us interesting choice and okay karaoke praise to Tim Urban, who butchered an inspriational tune from the Goo Goo Dolls followed by the big pipes appraisal of Aaron Kelly on a song that was way too big for this youngster. It's as if Randy now sets the tone for, okay we need to keep our young viewers tuning in, so let's not bash these guys who shouldn't be here in the first place.
Kara DioGaurdi - a woman who has never met a camera she didn't think loved her. A cardboard cutout with a massive overdressed wardrobe could replace her easily with a recording of "You are in the zone" and "I just don't know who you are." Give me a break. You're not there to know who someone really is or not - you're there to evaluate their vocal ability on that song on that given night. Either it was good or it was bad.
Simon Cowell - the man who single-handedly revived the stock values of Hanes and Fruit of the Loom. How dare he judge someone on their attire? Especially Siobhan, whose wardrobe must be provided by some futurist designer. For vocal purity, nobody comes close to Siobhan, who could benefit from some coaching with her arrangements, but is the only "big pipes" singer on that stage this season. Back to Cowell - it's as though he has resigned as the insensitive pit bull he was when Paula Abdul was there to offer emotional balance. Now, he seems to be calculating what songs he would record with each singer while mildly paying any attention to their performance. Perhaps he is ready to move on.
Ellen DeGeneres - no doubt, the best thing that happened to this show since its debut. Her wit not only entertains and disarms the viewer as well as the contestant, but her ability to hear talent and appreciate diversity places her in a judge's robe of her own. I hope she'll stay.
Each year, my wife and I attempt to guess who the texters will remove from their list of favorites. Let's face it, these are the people who are going to be buying their favorites' tunes, so they should be the ones to decide who it will be. By definition, they crown their American Idol.
People do make careers from reality contests - remember Star Search? How about Britney Spears, Beyonce Knolls, Alanis Morrisette, Justin Timberlake, Norm McDonald, Tiffany, Aaliyah, Brad Garrett, Leann Rimes, Christina Aguilera even Drew Carey and Rosie O'Donnell? All appeared, but didn't necessarily win on Star Search.
If the music gods are watching this year's Idol contest, they are surely amused and amazed by Crystal Bowersox, possibly the purest raw talent to ever step on that stage. Too bad she won't be competing with Lily Scott, who hopefully can forge a successful career like the losers from Star Search.
Wouldn't it be fun to see which judge American viewers voted off?
That's all for now . . .
American Idol remains the only reality TV show my wife and I watch. Our love for music is the only draw, and we actually talk about the show, before, during and after. Todrick and Lily have musical talent, more than most of the remaining seven and quite possibly the only legitimate competition to Crystal Bowersox besides Lee DeWyze and Sioban Mangus. Following close behind was Lacey Brown. If this group were competing next week I believe the audience would be actually juding a vocal talent competition.
Instead, we are forced to watch a teenage boy gyrate his hips the same to an Elvis song as he does to an inspiration tune about Flying. But, because of his age and the age of the average text voter, he remains alongside the other talent-challended, Tim, who should have auditioned for Glee or an UltraBright commercial. Casey, the Bob Seger of the group is a rock star, just not an Idol. The super-sized brother, Mike, has the gentlest voice among them, but that's his limit - Luther Vandross tunes, romantic balads.
I usually blog, though it's been a while, about social, economical or political issues, but after a show revives memories of performing music and currently being of the age when you want to see everyone to succeed, I felt compelled to vent the frustration viewers create with their selections, which, by the way are often guided by the "judges" especially the musical Machiavelli, Simon Cowell, whose interests seem to be inspired purely by the marketability of each contestant and how much more money he can make off of them.
Let's review, nay, judge, the judges. Randy Jackson - finally learning not to call everyone Dawg and everything he doesn't like, pitchy. His weight loss seems to have given him a new vocabulary - "I just didn't get it." He also seems to favor, "I don't know." Well, Randy a judge has to know. Either the performance was worthy of them returning or it wasn't. Last night he gave us interesting choice and okay karaoke praise to Tim Urban, who butchered an inspriational tune from the Goo Goo Dolls followed by the big pipes appraisal of Aaron Kelly on a song that was way too big for this youngster. It's as if Randy now sets the tone for, okay we need to keep our young viewers tuning in, so let's not bash these guys who shouldn't be here in the first place.
Kara DioGaurdi - a woman who has never met a camera she didn't think loved her. A cardboard cutout with a massive overdressed wardrobe could replace her easily with a recording of "You are in the zone" and "I just don't know who you are." Give me a break. You're not there to know who someone really is or not - you're there to evaluate their vocal ability on that song on that given night. Either it was good or it was bad.
Simon Cowell - the man who single-handedly revived the stock values of Hanes and Fruit of the Loom. How dare he judge someone on their attire? Especially Siobhan, whose wardrobe must be provided by some futurist designer. For vocal purity, nobody comes close to Siobhan, who could benefit from some coaching with her arrangements, but is the only "big pipes" singer on that stage this season. Back to Cowell - it's as though he has resigned as the insensitive pit bull he was when Paula Abdul was there to offer emotional balance. Now, he seems to be calculating what songs he would record with each singer while mildly paying any attention to their performance. Perhaps he is ready to move on.
Ellen DeGeneres - no doubt, the best thing that happened to this show since its debut. Her wit not only entertains and disarms the viewer as well as the contestant, but her ability to hear talent and appreciate diversity places her in a judge's robe of her own. I hope she'll stay.
Each year, my wife and I attempt to guess who the texters will remove from their list of favorites. Let's face it, these are the people who are going to be buying their favorites' tunes, so they should be the ones to decide who it will be. By definition, they crown their American Idol.
People do make careers from reality contests - remember Star Search? How about Britney Spears, Beyonce Knolls, Alanis Morrisette, Justin Timberlake, Norm McDonald, Tiffany, Aaliyah, Brad Garrett, Leann Rimes, Christina Aguilera even Drew Carey and Rosie O'Donnell? All appeared, but didn't necessarily win on Star Search.
If the music gods are watching this year's Idol contest, they are surely amused and amazed by Crystal Bowersox, possibly the purest raw talent to ever step on that stage. Too bad she won't be competing with Lily Scott, who hopefully can forge a successful career like the losers from Star Search.
Wouldn't it be fun to see which judge American viewers voted off?
That's all for now . . .
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