Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Cry Me A River!

Kim Reis

Oh please!  Cry me a RIVER!  That would be Melissa and Joan Rivers.  Did you see The Celebrity Apprentice Sunday night?  If it’s still sitting in your DVR and you haven’t had a chance to watch it yet, you’d better not read this blog because it is sure to be a spoiler for you.  But then again, with all of the recent press, you probably already know that Melissa Rivers was fired from The Apprentice and pitched a little hissy fit.  Trump was all over every talk show and it was all the buzz from Regis & Kelly to Kathie Lee & Hoda to The View.  Basically, Melissa Rivers is a baby and mama always comes to her rescue.  Well this time, she was fired and she went on a tirade through the set.  She was demanding that the producers get her BLEEPING stuff and her BLEEPING pocketbook.  She told the producers that she WILL NOT give them a farewell interview and she was totally freaking out.  Then Joan put on her jacket and said “I’m leaving too!“  Wait a minute.  I must say it was not a JACKET.  It was a freakin’ FUR COAT!  That made her look even MORE ridiculous.  Oh please! 

The teaser for next week had the final contestants as being Annie Duke (Poker Player), Brande Roderick (Playboy Playmate), Clint Black (Country Star) and Jesse James (West Coast Choppers).  Joan is missing and should be among those that are left but it appears that she quit.  I’m guessing that Joan will surprise everyone and show up for the challenge.  That’s just a guess on my part. 

According to some of the tabloid websites (like Reality TV World), Melissa Rivers does not regret her behavior.  WHAT???!!!  How can she not regret that?  She looked like a crazed 12 year old who pitched an unbelievable fit.  She was out of breath and ran around in circles like a crazed maniac.  Look - I think Joan Rivers is very talented and she’s a funny, funny lady.  But there comes a point in any person’s life when their children have to fly on their own.  And this was just plain odd.  Two grown women acting like teenagers in high school.  I actually know some people (personally and professionally) who would totally act like that.  Mother & daughter teams.  For me, it’s random and odd because I don’t have that kind of relationship with my mother.  As a matter of fact, I’m not sure that I have that kind of relationship with many people at all.  I might have that kind of relationship with my husband and probably would support him.  But then again, I wouldn’t put myself in that kind of position where I would be on an opposite team than him.

Here’s how the episode played out.  Basically Melissa, Annie and Brande were on the same team.  Annie and Joan hate each other which caused a riff between Annie and Melissa too.  Brande never really liked Melissa and didn’t seem to like Melissa’s work ethic.  Melissa likes to tell other people what to do, but she’s not really a “do-er”.  And some of her ideas are really out there.  I mean - out there.  So it was natural that Annie and Brande would get together and form a bit of an alliance.  Melissa got paranoid and it was all downhill from there.  When I watch this season of Celebrity Apprentice, it does make me think of some jobs I’ve had because some of the personalities on this season’s show really match some of the personalities I’ve met throughout my career.  If you’ve ever worked with me - don’t start getting paranoid on me!  HA!  But honestly - this season really hit home for me for some reason.  My husband says that he can see some of Annie’s personality in me a bit.  I’ll have to watch closer next week to see if it’s true.  But I have totally worked with a Joan Rivers type of personality, a Melissa Rivers and a Clint Black.  I’ve also worked with some others and even some people who could be a few of the celebrities morphed into one person. 

And - what do I think Trump thinks about all of this??  Sing it with me - MONEY MONEY MONEY MONEY — MONEY!!  Ratings were great and they’ll probably be even better next Sunday.  I think Trump honestly likes Joan.  But he’s a business man and ratings mean MOOLAH!  So I’m sure he’s laughing all the way to the bank.  It was great reality TV with a pre-madonna going bizerk with her mother in tow.

Did you miss it?  Click here to check out the tizzy.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Simon Says…

Kim Reis

I didn’t write about Idol this week because I was so livid about the new judge comment rule.  Basically - only two judges are allowed to comment for each performer.  SO - this means that Simon doesn’t get to comment about each person.  That totally STINKS!!!!  Most of the time I fast forward through the other judges because, when they speak, all I hear is the Charlie Brown teacher noise - “WA WA WA WA, WA WA WA WA…“  A bunch of jiberish!  And Paula - well, what can I say?  That’s even WORSE than jiberish! 

I’m not trying to be a Monday morning quarterback, but I totally called it and said that Matt Giraud would be going home.  I know, I know.  I didn’t put it on my blog.  But I was boycotting!!!  I did say it though.  And, even if you don’t believe me.  It doesn’t matter because I NEVER thought that they would save him!!  He’s certainly a good singer, but not th best I’ve ever seen.  Sometimes he reminds me of Justin Timberlake.  But to use their only “save” on him??  That was weird.  So - next week TWO of them go home.  TWO!!!!  Anoop, Lil and Matt will be in the bottom three with Anoop and Matt going home.  That’s my call.  AND I HOPE THEY BRING BACK SIMON’S COMMENTS ON ALL CONTESTANTS!!  UGH!  :(

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Idol Fortune Teller

Kim Reis

{insert eerie music here}  I’m an Idol Fortune Teller {insert echo here} - ooooooooo…

Look - here was my prediction before last night’s Idol results show. 

“So - bottom three this week according to Kim (not that it matters ONE BIT).  Kris Allen, Lil Rounds and Scott McIntyre with Scott going home (only because he’s been in the bottom three WAY too many times).  And I don’t think the judges will save him.  But he’ll do all right in his world.“

YUP!  That was my prediction.  Now, the bottom three ended up being ANOOP, Lil and Scott.  So I guess I’m not the perfect genius. But MAN AM I GOOD!  {Honey, will you pat my back please?  Ahhh!  Thanks!} 

When Scott was announced in the bottom three, my heart sunk.  Even though I knew it was going to happen.  And then, when they called his name - I cried.  I really did.  My eyes welled up.  I felt SO BAD for him.  And I don’t know why I felt bad because he’s going to do OK in this world and he has already had so many dreams come true.  Plus, he was NEVER going to make it to the end.  But my heart broke when I saw the look of sadness on his face.  And, maybe it’s a female thing because Paula and Kara wanted to vote to keep him too.  But in the end, Simon said that “the save” decision was not unanimous and Scott was going home.

Next week should be interesting because it’s getting down to the wire now.  Only the great ones will move on and there are only 7 contestants left.

I repeat - the Final Four will be Adam, Danny, Allison and _____________.  I’m having a tough time picking that fourth one.  Please give me a mulligan and let me hear one more week before I pick that last person.  Anoop, Kris, Lil or Matt.  Hmmmm?  It’s a tough one.  I reserve the right to wait one more week.  Why??  Because I can.

Till next time bloggers! 

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Idol: Eight Left!

Kim Reis

We only have 8 left in Idol (hard to believe).  Megan has been running the talk show circuit all week saying that she didn’t INTEND to say that she didn’t “care” if she was voted out.  Oh please!  She wanted to go home.  The viewers could tell that she really didn’t care.  Whatever.  I really liked her unique sound, but if she didn’t want to be there, it was time to go.  She will now go on tour.  Will she do it?  Hmmmm? 

This week’s theme was songs from the year of their birth.  Corny baby pictures were everywhere but I have to admit - I love baby pics. 

Danny Gokey was first with “Stand By Me”.  His own version.  Liked it.  He sounds best when he has that screechy sound and really belts it out.  He’s safe.

Kris Allen - AKA “The Sleeper”.  He’s a good singer but I don’t think he has enough controversy to keep him in the limelight.  He sang “All She Wants to do is Dance”.  Weird choice for sure.  He sounds very Jonas Brothers.  Squeaky and sounded like he hadn’t hit puberty yet.  Not my favorite performace for Mr. Kris.  The judges didn’t love it either.  Kara (the “other” female judge) never gives a true opinion.  She said that she hated it but was “still a fan”.  WHAT???!!  Come on!  Kara - have a freakin’ opinion of your own!  I think Kris will be in the bottom 3 this week - especially since he’s “The Sleeper”.

Lil Rounds - LIL!  That’s her REAL name!  Look at all the cool things we learn during baby picture week.  She sang Tina Turner, “What’s Love Got to do With It”.  WHOA!  Good choice.  But it’s a big song.  Did she pull it off??  Well, she wore the dress and heels to match Tina - but I think the song was a little too big for her.  She can definitely sing and totally deserves to be in the top 9.  But it was a big song.  The OOOOHHH YEAH YEAH note was pitch perfecto!  Paula spoke first and I have NO IDEA what the HECK she said!!!  I think she said that it was a poor performance??  And then Simon translated saying that Lil copied Tina instead of doing her own version.

ANOOOOOOOOOOOP!  I can’t believe he made it this far!  WHOA!  I thought he would truly be this year’s Sanjaya.  He sang “True Colors” by Cindi Lauper.  Hmmm…. Give me a second to hear the whole thing.  Stand by…
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v Well - it didn’t suck.  That’s the good news.  And, he even made some of it his own.  There was a little bit of whiney tones.  I reserve to right to put him in the bottom three AFTER I hear the others.  Randy liked him - but Randy ALWAYS says that he likes the singer when he speaks first.  No big shocker.  Kara agreed.  Again, no shocker.  Still waiting to hear Simon…Paula - ramble, ramble, ramble.  What the heck did she say?  And Simon says:  last week sucked, this week was good.  He felt that she made it his own.  Not fantastic, but OK.

Scott McIntyre sang “The Search is Over”.  He stepped away from the piano this time.  Bad decision!  He looked awkward without the piano.  Elton John and Billy Joel need their pianos.  So does Scott.  He did have a guitar, but I’m not sure that it worked.  I do love this song, but it was very karaoke.  I’m guessing that the judges will hate it.  :(  I think they will tear his butt apart.  But I really like him A LOT.  He won’t make it to the end, but I’m not ready for him to go home.  Simon hated it and called it “atrocious” (sp?)  Yet again - reserving the right to stick him in the bottom three until I hear the rest. 

Allison - the 16-year-old amazing red head - sang “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt.  Old fashioned song for a young singer, but great tone for her voice.  She really kicked it in when she sang “I CAN’T MAKE YOU LOVE ME IF YOU DON’T”!  Raspy - strong - hot.  I still can’t believe she’s only 16.  What did I do wrong in this life???  She’s only 16 and she runs circles around us 30-somethings.  WOW!  The judges liked it - even Simon.  The judges keep comparing her to Kelly Clarkson and I can see some similiarities.  Allison’s going to be OK. I don’t think she is in the danger zone.

#8.  Matt Giraud.  “Part Time Lover” - Stevie Wonder.  He made it his own and had that Justin Timberlake look/feel yet again.  He has that pop feel and I think record execs are not just Part Time Lovers!  They hear the sound of cha-ching and they are loving Matt.  He did just fine.  I have to be honest, I was a little bit bored by the performance and fast forwarded through most of it.  But I’m not a huge fan of Timberlake either.  But he did great and he’ll be here.  No bottom three for Matt.  Kara gave him an “O”.  A standing “O”.

#9 - Adam Lambert.  OK - here’s the deal with Adam.  I sat and watched Adam with my husband, 11 year old daughter and 17 year old son.  We all looked at each other and gave each other the weird look like “What the HECK is that?“  We even rewound it twice to re-listen to it - thinking we missed something.  Simon said STANDING OVATION???!!!  I have to admit - it was really WEIRD DAWG.  The judges loved it.  I’m thinking that it lost something in translation through the TV set versus live.  But I have to say - it was weird for me at home.  I think he’s safe because the judges loved it.  But they saved his butt because I would be guessing bottom three if they didn’t stand up and clap.

So - bottom three this week according to Kim (not that it matters ONE BIT).  Kris Allen, Lil Rounds and Scott McIntyre with Scott going home (only because he’s been in the bottom three WAY too many times).  And I don’t think the judges will save him.  But he’ll do all right in his world.

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Idol Predictions April 1st

Kim Reis

This is no April Fool’s Joke!  I’m going to make my predictions for tonight’s Idol elimination show.

First up was Anoop.  He sang “Caught Up” by Usher.  YUP!  He’ll be CAUGHT UP in the bottom three.

Megan Joy was next.  Best way to describe her is the unique sounding chick with the tattoos up her arm.  I will say it again.  I love her unique sound and she’d do great with a Colbie Caillat song or something by Duffy.  She sang a song by Bob Marley (which I didn’t recognize at all).  Singing an unrecognizable song + sounding so odd = bototm three and going home.

Danny Gokey and Allison Iraheta.  Best two by far.  They—will—go—all—the—way!  (football joke).  Allison’s outfit was odd but I was aggravated that the judges focused more on her clothes than her voice.  She is only 16 and sounds like she’s been singing for 25 years.  Seriously!  And Danny.  Although I enjoyed his song, I was hoping he was going to kick it into high gear and he didn’t really do it for me.  But he was strong.

Scott MacIntyre (blind guy).  He sang “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel.  I love this guy!!!  But I still think he needs sunglasses so he doesn’t appear so scary when he laughs.  Either way - that song was so romantic!  Best song choice for him.  Can anyone say SAFE??  And he didn’t even need to slide!  (get it?? baseball joke!  Safe).  Nevermind.  I guess I’m in a sporty mood.

Matt Giraurd was up next.  (Justin Timberlake look-a-like).  Not his best performance.  Flat, boring, blah.  He’ll be in the bottom three, but I do think he’s safe.  If he doesn’t step it up soon, he’s D-O-N-E.  But for now, I don’t think he needs to pack his bags just yet.

Lil Rounds - the resident Jennifer Hudson.  When she belts it - can you say WOW?  I think she did a great job and I don’t think the judges were fair on her.  They said that she should have sung a Whitney Houston song.  BUT - in past seasons - when someone comes out and sings a song like that, they say “I think Whitney is too big for you.“  UGH!  Make up your FRICKIN minds!!

Adam Lambert did a nice job.  I’m glad that he cleaned up his grunge look.  Whoever is advising him - KUDOS!  I think he realizes that the Idol audience at home does not like the bizarro looks and weird songs.  But he is still saying true to himself with his unique sound.  He’ll be in the Fab Four at the end I’m sure.

I call Kris Allen “The Sleeper”.  He has no exotic qualities to get people to talk about him.  He’s got a great voice and he’s extremely talented.  This is causing him to slink through the competition without being noticed in a negative way.  Unfortunately, he also isn’t being recogized in a positive way either.  He’s just - “there”.  This can only take him so far and then he’ll go home.  But I do think he’s safe this week.

So - to recap.  Going home tonight is little miss Megan.  And, I’ll say it again.  I like her.  She just needs to find the song that fits her unique sound.  Standing with Megan will be Anoop and Matt.

Will I be right?  I blew it last week!!  HA!  We’ll see.

Til next time Idolers!!

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.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

By Best Friend’s Back!

Kim Reis

Yes - that’s right.  (insert love music here)  After months of longing and tears.  Stresses and fears.  My best friend is back.  My beloved TiVo has a guide again.  Well - at least it HAD a guide when I left the house this morning.  Who knows if it will still be there when I get home tonight?  After hours and hours of those dreaded tech support calls between TiVo and Cox, we were able to get the guide to work again.  Lots of rebooting, restarting, recalling and retuning.  I no longer live in the same town (according to TiVo’s user-guide setup).  I guess TiVo didn’t really like my home town’s Cox signal, so I now live elsewhere (even though I didn’t move).  In setup, we changed the zip code and did all sorts of setup changes.  Seemed to work.  At least for now.

So now I can concentrate on March 1st.  CELEBRITY APPRENTICE!!!  YOWZA!  Can’t wait.  What a cast of characters.  And they all have some sort of unusual behavior.  Should be interesting.  And, one of the contestants (Claudia Jordan) is from Rhode Island!  Click here for information about Claudia.  At this point, Claudia will be my favorite contestant because I’m loyal to those who represent our tiny little state.  But we’ll see if that remains once I start to see their coniving ways.  Sometimes I root for the best coniver.  Sometimes for the best person.  Depends on how the show strikes me.

So - tell your friends (especially your TiVo).  Celebrity Apprentice starts on Sunday night at 9pm!!! 

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Digital Conversion Equals TiVo Frustrations!

Kim Reis

I am FIT TO BE TIED!!  Sidebar: My mother used to say that when I was growing up…FIT TO BE TIED!  What exactly does FIT TO BE TIED mean anyway?  I keep thinking about the words and I still don’t get it.  But, I remember my mother would say it in a very angry tone, so I’m guessing that it means PO’ed.

Anyhow - to put it bluntly - I’m angry!  Ever since January, my TiVo has been a mess.  I have the TiVo with the dual cable cards and my cable provider is Cox.  They have been to my house about 5 times now and can’t seem to get the darn thing fixed.  I’m being told that Cox is moving channels all over the place and they have different “frequencies”.  LOOK!  I don’t really care about the frequencies, megahertz, megabytes or trillamagnolias!!!  All I care about is that my guide works, my TiVo records the shows I want to watch and I don’t fall asleep with anxieties over it.  I know, I know.  In this economy, how can my TiVo be my point of this kind of anxiety??  Well - in this economy, my TV is my escape.  And, since we don’t have extra money to spend on luxuries like movies and dinner out, this is our source of entertainment and my way to chill out from a busy day.

It all started back in January - when I tried to record Gone Country (which airs on CMT) - it would record VH1 Classic.  The guide says that the channel should be CMT, but when I select that channel, it is VH1 Classic.  When I click on the guide that says VH1 Classic, it comes back with “this channel not available”.  Cox has changed cable cards and run all kinds of tests.  No fix.  One guy says it’s our TiVo.  NOT!  Another guy said, “Oh yea!  Those two channels moved as part of a switch back in December.“  After coming to our house several times, they put a bandaid on it and asked us to record Gone Country on Channel 196, which is the HD version.  OK, at least that worked and I felt a little better. 

Then, February 17th happened.  TV went digital.  Calls started coming into NBC10 with aggravated viewers who didn’t know how to use their converter boxes, didn’t know how to set up their UHF antennas and didn’t know how to run the scan feature on their TV’s.  I helped to answer the calls and had a sense of calmness because I knew I had cable and a TiVo box.  I didn’t have to worry about this conversion…Right?  NOT RIGHT!!!  I got home that evening to find that my guide was empty.  From channels 24-96 it says TO BE ANNOUNCED.  No program information.  So, when I put in the keyword of “Real Housewives of New York City”, I get an error back because that channel says TO BE ANNOUNCED.  When I put in “Sober Living” - BUZZ ERROR!  When I put in “Gone Country” - BUZZ ERROR!

Last night we felt like the guy out west who took an automatic weapon and blew up his television.  We were so aggravated.  We called TiVo and they gave my husband some instructions to hopefully fix the problem.  Basically he had to reset the machine.  It took a few hours to complete, so we started it at 11pm before we went to bed.  At 2am, he was curious if it worked.  He turned on the TV to find that our entire Season Pass Manager was empty.  All of my shows - gone!  WHAT???  AND THE GUIDE IS STILL SAYING TO BE ANNOUNCED!!

I’m so aggravated!!  And now my husband had a crappy night’s sleep.  This AM I put in the big shows (like Biggest Loser, American Idol, etc) - but I still can’t record anything on channels 24-96.  Calgon - take me away!!!  Or COX - CALL ME BACK!!!

Friday, February 20, 2009

The TiVo is Full - Belly’s Empty

Kim Reis

As I wait for the hubby to return from picking up our Chinese food takeout, I quickly scanned through my TiVo.  Can you say “overwhelming?“  I have Gone Country, True Beauty, The Bachelor, Sober House, Intervention.  Not to mention that I also have Grey’s Anatomy, about 7 episodes of All My Children, 30 Rock and Medium.  And, Celebrity Apprentice is starting soon.  CAN’T WAIT!

Needless to say, my daughter busted her ankle yesterday (can you say bubble wrap?), so I had a few hours to fold clothes and catch up on some shows today.  I watched 2 episodes of The Biggest Loser Couples (4 hours worth) and I watched the elimination episode of American Idol from Wednesday night.  FINALLY!

So, here are my thoughts—

Dislike the Green Team (former models??  NOT!)
Yellow Team whine too much (sisters)
Purple Team is definitely persistent (mother/daughter)
Pink Team is flying under the radar (mother/daughter)
Blue Team - booooring (cousins)
Brown Team - I feel bad for the son because he’s totally carrying the father who claims he can’t do anything because of a bum knee.  Then why is he here???
Only one member of the black team left - Dane will go far.

I can’t seem to pick my favorite.  I think Tara will win it all (green team).  But I don’t really like her too much.  I think purple and pink will do well. 

Now—on to Idol. 

Favored to win = Danny Gokey.  Can’t dispute that guy.  And I cry every time they talk about his wife who died days before he tried out for Idol.  But - he was only in the first group of 12.  There are 24 more contestants still waiting to show America what they can do.  Although Danny is likable and “the dawg can sing” - it’s a little early to judge before seeing the other contestants perform in front of a live TV audience.  THANK GOODNESS Tatiana Nicole Del Toro did not make it through (insert annoying giggle here).  What a DRama queen (with a capital “DR”!)  So annoying.  I couldn’t believe how BAD some of the performances were!!!  Worse than bad karaoke.  Seriously.  They were B-A-D.  Alexis Grace (pink highlights in her hair) is definitely unique with a great sound.  I wonder how she’ll handle some of those weird theme weeks (like disco week)?  HA!  And then Steven Carver - again, down-to-earth, hard working guy.  Nice sound in his voice.  I think the best three did go through. 

Next week will be tough to decide. 

We have the following contestants next week.  I have put a star next to the three contestants that I think will go through:

Adam Lambert * (as long he doesn’t go way over the top with his Broadway sound)
Allison Iraheta
Jasmine Murray
Jeanine Vailes
Jesse Langseth
Kai Kalama
Kris Allen
Matt Breitzke * (likable, hard working guy, America will love him)
Matt Giraud
Megan Joy Corkrey
Mishavonna Henson
Nick Mitchell * (this guy is hysterical!  I don’t know whether to expect Nick or his alter-ego “Norman” to show up!)

Can’t wait!  Don’t forget that Idol is on Weds/Thurs next week instead of the normal Tues/Weds.

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Hell’s Kitchen!  Another Flaming Hot Season!

Kim Reis

Well - the new season of Hell’s Kitchen just started and I already hate one of the whiney **%$$*&.  I meant to say - one of the whiney young ladies.  Lacey!  OMG!  Shut UP already!!!  I mean, their first day in the darn kitchen and she’s already quitting.  She storms out of the kitchen to go hang out in the dorm room while the rest of team worked their butts off.  She ate food, smoked cigarettes and sat with her feet up.  Then she returned to the kitchen just as Chef Ramsey walks in (cussing like a sailor, I might add).  Unfortunately, Coi (one of the other red team members) was going off on POOR WHITTLE LACEY and Ramsey only saw that part.  That’s like my life.  I am usually the one who is in the wrong place at the wrong time.  What did this girl think she signed up for?

Any hoot - the season has only just begun and I already despise one of the players.  I mean - I really dislike her A LOT.  A whole lot!!  She is like salt in my fruit loops?  She is like an oreo cookie and you just found out someone drank the last bit of milk.  She is like a fake fingernail that pops off when you grab the door handle on your car and your fingers slip off (come on ladies - you know what I mean).  She is like a power outage during the season finale of Biggest Loser.  She is like…. {insert your own statement here by using the comment field below}.

This season is sure to be a DOOOOZY!!  WOW!!  Welcome to Hell’s Kitchen!  “Miss Manners” should be interesting as well.  She reminds me of Bre Vanderkamp from Desperate Housewives.  She’s so proper and there’s Ramsey calling her a BLEEPING BLEEPING BLEEP.  She looked mortified.  HA!!  She doesn’t know what to make of this situation.  And, yet again - I ask—what did she think she was coming into?  Hasn’t she seen the damn show.

‘Til next time bloggers!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Gone Country Makes Me Go Nuts

Kim Reis

Today I realized that my TiVo is filling up - and quick!  We’ve been so busy with track practice, indoor softball, babysitting nephews, cleaning up snow, cleaning up the house and all of the things in between, that I just realized I haven’t watched a reality TV show since last week.  EEK!  When I opened my TiVo menu, I found several episodes of The Bachelor, some episodes of Intervention and I had a great surprise!  An episode of Gone Country.  YAHOO!  It’s back!

I settled in with a Hostess cupcake and a glass of wine (I know, I’m so posh) and prepared for the newseason of Gone Country.  WHAT???!!  It wasn’t Gone Country.  It was some sort of “History of Bon Jovi” special.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I am fond of Mr. Jovi - but I was really looking forward to watching Gone Country.  DAMN!  So, I found a repeat of the first episode in the series that should run tonight at 2am, but that’s not gonna help me now.

I went back to my TiVo menu to look for another great show so I could blog, blog, blog - blog, blog away.  I wasn’t in the mood for screaming blondes on The Bachelor.  Intervention makes me feel guilty as I drink a glass of wine.  And I have three episodes of “True Beauty”.  Not sure what it’s about and I wasn’t mentally prepared to start a new series tonight.  So - I settled for Grey’s Anatomy.  Not quite reality - but I plan to enjoy. 

Til next time Reality friends!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Paula Says It’s More than IDOL Threats

Kim Reis

Idol in Louisville.  Not Louissss ville.  Looey-ville. 

Some of these people who try out for Idol are just not wrapped very tight.  And part of me feels sad for them (while the other evil part of me laughs inside).  The first girl to sing on Weds night came up with bleach blonde hair and her mother says that she sings like an angel.  OH MY GOSH!!  Her family has got to be tone deaf.  How embarassing for that poor girl.  Sometimes I wonder if these people watch the show later and can actually hear what we hear.  I mean, some of these people look completely devastated.  How can they even THINK they sing good???

Then Mark walked in.  I’m not sure what he was thinking - but the guy sang partly as a yodeller and partly as, as, as - I’m not even sure I can think of a word to describe the noise that came from poor Mark’s throat.  He was an interesting guy for sure.  As he walked out, he told the judges to “Be Careful”.  OOPS!!  That definitely raised a red flag for all of the judges who took his comment as a threat.  Paula was really freaked out - you could see the look on her face.  When I was watching EXTRA the next day, they asked Mark if he was threatening the judges.  He said that “Be Careful” is just a term they use in the south when they say goodbye.  Who knows?

Speaking of “Be Careful” - it makes me think of a funny story.  We have some friends from Spain who come to visit every few years.  They know a little bit of English.  Last summer, they came to visit and we took them to NYC.  We visited all of the NYC hot spots and explained the Red Sox/Yankees rivalry.  While on the subway, our friend Emilio saw an angry looking guy sitting alone and noticed he was wearing a Yankees baseball cap.  Emilio put his hand in the look of a fake gun and went up to the guy and said, “Me Red Sock.  You Yankee.  Be careful!“ and laughed.  The mean man just looked up at him.  I wanted to DIE!!  And, of course Emilio had no idea what he was doing.  He thought he was making a joke.  But the guy wasn’t amused.  There were crowds of people in the walkway and my husband and I couldn’t get to Emilio.  We were saying, “Emilio!  No!  No!“ almost like a dog.  “Down Emilio!  Down!“  We finally got to him and explained to the guy that Emilio was European and had no idea what he was saying. UGH!!  “Be Careful” could have gotten us killed for heaven sake!!!

OK - back to Idol…

It makes me wonder sometimes when the judges make their comments.  Simon has told people they sing like a donkey, the look like a monkey and all sorts of mean spirited comments.  And, if the person isn’t wrapped tight - that could be dangerous for them.  I’m sure they have tons of security.

I wasn’t sure how the fourth judge Kara would work out - but it’s actually kind of cool.  She’s not that bad.  I wonder if Paula is afraid that she’ll be bumped out?

In either event - there were some horrid people and then, some unbelievable singers.  I think we’ll see some hot stuff in Hollywood week!