Friday, March 27, 2009

Idol “SAY WHAT?“

Kim Reis

SAY WHAT???!!  If you didn’t see Idol on Thursday, stop reading this because it could be a spoiler for you.

OK - so I watched Idol on Wednesday night.  It was fairly easy (at least for me) to see the front runners and those that should go home. 

Definite front runners for me Wednesday were Adam (loved that he lost the grunge look and cleaned up a bit), Allison (cute little red-headed teen), Danny, Kris and Matt.

The mediocre ones were Scott (the blind guy).  My husband says that he looks scary at times when he sings and that will most likely turn off the ladies.  I really, really like him.  I think he’s a genuine person and he’s just so damn sweet.  But I’m not sure he’s up to the caliper of the others.  Lil (didn’t have a strong week this week, but I think she should stick around for a few more weeks) and Michael (the construction dude).

HAD TO GO HOME - Megan.  I really like her unique sound, but MAN did she stink on Wednesday.  Her voice was all over the place, her outfit was yucko and her hair was very old fashioned.

When they announced the bottom three - I gasped right out loud.  Hubby was snoring next to me and sat straight up thinking I had choked.  Sorry honey!    Bottom three = Michael, Matt and Scott.  HUH???!!  No Lil???  NO MEGAN??!!!  I think the bottom three should have been Megan, Lil and Michael with Megan ultimately going home.  NOPE!  America - come on!

Alright, so Michael is heading home and Megan stays.  It won’t be long for her that’s for sure.  Next ones to go will be Megan, Lil, Scott and Anoop.  Most likely in that order. 

Let’s see if I’m right.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Stress, Stress, Stress

Kim Reis

The TiVo is so full that I can’t stand it and it’s causing me stress.  I still haven’t watched the final episode of The Bachelor for crying out loud (wasn’t that like 3 WEEKS AGO???!!)  {Insert fingers into ears and yell LA LA LA LA!  Don't tell me what happens!!!}  I have 5 episodes of Sober House, 4 episodes of Intervention, 2 episodes of Hell’s Kitchen, 2 episodes of The Bachelor, 5 episodes of True Beauty (I think I only watched the first episode of that show), 2 episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, 7 episodes of All My Children, 3 episodes of 30 Rock.  I know, with a husband laid off, two kids driving me nuts, a house that looks like a bomb went off, a rental property that is unrented and bleeding us dry and working in the media industry - why would a full TiVo cause me stress?  Isn’t TV supposed to be a way to relax and unwind?  If you ask my friends, I don’t even know HOW to relax and unwind.  So even entertainment gives me added stress. 

Thankfully, I’m caught up on American Idol and Celebrity Apprentice.  Alexis???  Idol voters, come on.  This year is a tight race for sure.  But Alexis should not have gone home last week.  She definitely wouldn’t have made it to the end, but she deserved to stay a few more weeks.  And the daggers that came flying out of her eyes when Randy couldn’t remember her name and then called her ALLISON!  WOW!  If looks could kill.  I mean - come on dawg!!  That was a huge slip-up.  And Allison in the bottom THREE???!!  What the????  That was an odd show.  I do think Michael will go home next week, but Anoop needs to go soon.  This year’s Sanjaya!  HA!  Carrie Underwood sang a duet with Randy Travis.  Holy singer batman!!  She can belt it.  If the judges had been allowed to comment they would have said that Carrie completely outsang Mr. Travis (even though he’s a legend).  At one point, when Carrie was singing, Randy looked at her and smiled.  He almost laughed because she sounded THAT GOOD!  But what did she do to her hair???!!  She looked so much older and had a look very close to Kellie Pickler.  Almost ditzy looking.

Well - it’s a nice day so the TiVo will have to keep filling up.  The backyard is a’calling!  Anyone up for playing catch?  Anyone?  I yelled and none of my teenagers responded so I guess I’ll be throwing the ball in the air and catching it all by myself.  Isn’t that a song?  “All by mysellllf.  Don’t wanna be.  All by mysellllf - anymore”.... 

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

American Idol - YEEHAW!

Kim Reis

Sorry bloggers!  I haven’t blogged in awhile.  Lots of things going on - including dealing with RI Unemployment to help my hubby.

Anyway - Tonight was “country night” on Idol.  Lovin’ the country!  YEEHAW!  Randy Travis was the menotr.  boooorrrring guy.  Talented, but booooring!

P.S. One of my co-workers (Phil Retamoza) sent me a link that said some American Idol employee has picked the top four.  I refused to click on the link because I didn’t want it to influence me.

First up - Michael Sarver.  He sang Garth Brooks, “Aint Going Down Til the Sun Comes Up”.  Fast song, lots of lyrics.  He did a good job.  Sounded like the original.  Nothing jumped out as “OMG!“  But I think he’ll pass right on through.

While waiting for the next Idol to prepare for her time to sing - it made me think of Coffey Andersen.  Remember him from “Nashville Star” last season?  Anyway - I’m one of his fans on Facebook and he updated his status saying he was “tired”.  YAHOO!  That means he’s been busy.  I hope he does OK.  I sent an email to Cat Country (WCTK in Providence) to ask them to play some of his songs.  Some good stuff!!  Southern Man - way cool!

Next up - Allison Iraheta.  Weird last name.  She’s gotta do something about that.  I think she’ll be in the top 2 for sure.  16 years old and WAAAAY beyond her years vocally.  WOWZA!  I don’t think it was her best performance, but she’ll sail through.  And, if she ends up in the bottom, the judges will save her with their new “one-time” rule.  Simon hates country week - HA!  Too bad.  All of the judges loved her except Simon who faked a criticism - but he will hate everyone during country week.  He’s such a dud sometimes. 

Third singer - Kris Allen.  A ballad.  Slow song.  Those types of songs really allow us to hear the vocals without the pizzaz of the fast-paced music.  I think it worked.  Garth Brooks, love that artist.  “To Make You Feel My Love”.  My husband grabbed my hand and we danced in the bedroom.  Corny.  I know.  But it was a nice song.  Paula rambled, as usual.  Not sure what the heck she said.  Simon said it was “terrific”.  WOW!  Stand back.  Did he just give a compliment????!!!  I’m SHAWKED (said like an English man).

We’re down to the top 11.  The person voted off this week doesn’t get to go on tour with the rest of the group.  OUCH!  They are fighting for survival this week for sure.

Fourth in line - Lil Rounds sang “Independence Day” by Martina McBride.  She belted “LET FREEDOM RING, LET THE WIDE DOVES SING!“  She did a very nice job.  Strong voice.  As a country fan, she rocked it out (as Randy would say DAWG).  I’m reserving my predictions for the end, but I think she’s going to go through.  Randy and Simon were rough on her and I’m not sure why.  Whenever Randy speaks first, I almost feel like he forces himself to criticize so he can keep up with Simon.

Next up - Adam Lambert.  At the beginning of the song, all I could say was WHAT THE HECK IS THIS????  Then I realized he was singing “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash sung like a gothic freak.  I didn’t like it and, as a country fan, I was almost offended.  I don’t think he did himself any favors.  At this point in the 120 minutes, I’m feeling like he’s going home, home, home instead of down, down, down in the ring fire.  The two female judges liked it - ICK!  I’ll reserve my final decision until the end - but I do think country fans will hate that.

Sixth singer - Scott MacIntyre.  Most known as “the blind guy”.  I hope and pray he does well.  Randy Travis said he was very impressed during rehearsal.  He had his piano which helped him - the judges called his piano a “crutch”.  Harsh!  “Wild Angels” was the song by Martina McBride.  I think he did OK.  I hope America puts him through because I really like him.  I don’t think he’ll make it to the end, but I think he’ll do OK.  Nice guy, good voice, talented piano player.  Come on judges, give him a break.  The beginning was rather rough, but he rocked the house at the end.  They compared his piano connection to Elton John and Billy Joel.  Simon didn’t think he picked the right song.

Half way through the batch.

Next up, Alexis Grace and she sang “Jolene”.  The song matched her pink strips in her hair and had a rock flare.  She needs to sing rock songs in order to show her real talents.  She’ll be in the top 4.  She’s HOT!  Crisp, strong, talented.  Great job!  As I sit and wonder what the judges will say, I can’t imagine they will bust her up.  And then Randy (who went first) felt the need to tear her up.  JERK!  Everytime Randy goes first, he tries to be Randy.  Give me a break.  She sounded just fine.  She’ll sail through just fine.  They are trying to make her nervous and I felt bad for her.  She looked so sad.  UGH!  She sounded edgy and her vocals were strong.  Simon gave her a compliment. THANK GOODNESS!  Simon’s comments usually impact votes.

My little E*Trade baby commercial came up.  SO CUTE!  I usually fast forward through all commercials.  But when I see my E*Trade talking baby, I crack up.  I rewinded my TiVo to watch the new one with a golf theme.  Not the best version, but cute.

Number 8 - Danny Gokey. He sang Carrie Underwood “Jesus Take the Wheel”.  He’s favored to win and I like him a lot.  But I don’t think he picked the right song.  He did OK and I think he’ll go through.  If he doesn’t, the judges will save him.  But It wasn’t the best performence for Mr. Gokey.  I love his story (wife died, went to audition anyway, she is watching over him, yadda yadda).  So adorable.  And I truly think she is watching over him.  I believe in that stuff.

Side story - my dad died.  Before he died, on his death bed, he said he would send us a sign to tell us he was OK in heaven.  He said he would put $10 in the dryer.  We laughed.  This morning, my husband found two $5 dollar bills in the dryer and NO ONE in our house remember leaving those bills in our pockets.  He died 4 years ago January 25th.  Is it a sign?  I don’t know.  But we all have to believe.  And I think Danny Gokey’s wife is watching out for him.  I think he’s going to go far and he’ll bei n the top two.  Simon couldn’t criticize his singing, so he criticized his clothing.  Weird.

Next up - Anoop!!  This year’s version of Sanjaya.  Weird hair.  Weird guy.  (Sanjaya I mean).  Anoop.  Should go home.  He sang Willie Nelson, “You’re Always on My Mind.“  The crowd cheered.  I yawned.  So far, he should go through.  I can’t find anyone who totally sucked yet.  UGH!  My guess at the end is going to be hard.  The judges loved him (of course).  He brings ratings.  Not sure why.  But he does.  Simon said that he went from “zero to hero”.  CRAP!  He called it the best performance of the night. 

Number 10, the second to last one, Megan Joy.  I’ve liked her from day one because she has such a unique sound.  She picked the right song for her voice, but she’s odd and that means that the voters are going to abandon her.  “I Go Walking After Midnight” was the song.  Randy liked her (and he went first!!)  That’s weird.  He never says good things when he goes first.  Then they said she had the flu and sang anyway.  WHAT???!!!  The FLU!!!  She was in the hospital.  WOW!

Number 11, Matt Jerrod, the last one.  He’s been compared to Justin Timberlake.  Very talented guy.  He’s clear and he’ll make it to the top 5 or 6.  He’s a talented guy.  This year, every singer is strong.  It’s going to be a tough decision.  He sang a ballad behind the piano and he picked the right song for sure.  “Sure makes everything seem so small”, Carrie Underwood.  He’s been running under the radar and Simon said he “outsang Danny Gokey”.  WOW!  He said that he reminded him of Michael Buble.  Holy moly!  Good for him!!!! 

OK - so after hearing all 11 singers.  I say that Adam Lambert and Megan Joy will be in the bottom two.  Adam Lambert will go home.  Back to his casa.  But he has a huge future on Broadway!!!  And, the reason I say that is because I think Megan will get the sympathy card because of her flu symptoms. 

Time for bed.  Be well bloggers!  Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Thursday, March 05, 2009

You’re Fired!

Kim Reis

So - I watched Celebrity Apprentice from this past Sunday.  It was the big debut and I wasn’t disappointed.  What a cast of characters!  Whew!  Before I begin blogging, please take a look at the cast.

If you missed it, you can see it here: Celebrity Apprentice Archives

Annie Duke: Poker Champion (I had no idea who she was)
Andrew Dice Clay: Oh!
Brian McKnight: R&B Performer
Brande Roderick: Playboy Playmate
Clint Black: Country Star
Claudia Jordan: Model on Deal or No Deal (from RI)
Dennis Rodman: NBC Star
Hershel Walker: Heisman Trophy Winner
Jesse James: West Coast Choppers & Monster Garage
Joan Rivers: Comedienne
Khloe Kardashian: Realty Star
Melissa Rivers: Joan’s daughter
Natalie Gulbis: Golf Champ
Scott Hamilton: Figure Skater
Tom Green: Comedian
Tionne Watkins: T-Boz from TLC

So, I was all excited to watch the TiVo’d version on Monday night.  I got myself settled with my glass of wine and my crossword puzzle book.  Well, I don’t really do crossword puzzles.  It’s actually Fill-Ins.  Mindless writing.

Anyway - I sit myself down and watch the craziness called Trump.  Just as Trump says “You’re Fired!“ to Andrew Dice Clay, my husband walks into the room to tell me that he is officially part of the largest population in RI.  He was laid off on Monday - last day of work on Weds.  Ironic that I hear YOU’RE FIRED followed by a real life reality check.  OUCH!  I’m hopeful that he won’t be jobless for too long, but when I hear that 1200 people applied for 40 job openings, that scares the living bejesus out of me.  Anyone looking for an architectural draftsman?? 

So - I poured myself 2 more glasses of wine and let him vent.  5 years of his life - gonzo.  He’s so inspirational to me though.  He’s looking at it as a positive.  He said it’s a chance to try something new.  Who knows, this could lead to better things?  What a champ!  And, it wasn’t a typo above.  I poured MYSELF 2 glasses of wine.  For me.  Not one for him and one for me.  HA HA HA! 

On a side note - the next day Andrew Dice Clay made a guest appearance on the Howard Stern Show.  He said that he purposely lost the game because of the way Trump (he actually called him “CHUMP”) and the producers of the show treated him.  I didn’t really think about it when I was watching the show, but after I heard his interview, I realized it.  At the beginning of the show Trump introduces the cast of characters.  With each one he says things like “Amazing” - “World Renowned” - “Unbelievable”.  When he introduces Dice, he says “Andrew Dice Clay - so, do you still like women?“  HUH?  He’s one heck of a comedian (if you like that sort of comedy).  Oh well - no more Dice.  We’ll see who goes next.  There sure is a lot of dead weight in that cast.