Idols: The Whole Country Went to Pot (plus results!)

**Just Added... Idol Results, at the bottom of posting**

Here we are, again, late Tuesday night... normally, I'd be in bed having to work early tomorrow, but I'm working tomorrow night instead due to some schedule changes... that means I can sit up and watch Idol, and review it for my four faithful readers.

Normally, I would have read some reviews at least about the show, but not this night. I know nothing about what's going to happen... I can only hope that My Girl McPhee, Pickles, T-Hicks and Daughtry do well, and Bucky craps himself onstage. Wouldn't that be funny?

First up--Ryan Seacrest is sporting a half-beard thing. Its like he stopped shaving after last Wednesday's results show, and this is all he got. Of course, he is 31... and reportedly dating a 41 year old, so I guess he's trying to look more manly.

Tonight's theme is Country (which is like giving Bucky, and maybe Pickles, an advanced copy of the test), so fittingly they have a country star helping out the Idols... tonight's B-list celebrity musician helper is Kenny Rogers, who just had a new album out--and it debuted in the top 20 on Billboard. Man, he's looking well preserved.

Taylor is up first, and he's singing "Take Me Home Country Roads". Mad props to John Denver. There's even a violinist. I like the original, and I like the spin T-Hicks is putting on it. I kinda miss the blue leisure suit, though... and I miss his bouncy trouncy pouncy founcy fun-fun-fun-fun-fun. Randy wasn't too impressed with the vocals, and Paula actually gave him a negative review. "But I still love you!" Simon was bored. "Safe, boring, lazy..." Truly the wonderful thing about Taylor is he's the only one. Heeeeeeee's the only one.

I recently downloaded Paula Abdul's video for the song "Vibeology" from her 1992 album Spellbound. Man, it took me back to the dances in the Samson High lunchroom... do they still do those? Anyway, if I ever figure out how to put videos onto my site, that will go up immediately. She may be a flake now, but she ruled in 1990-92.

Just saw the trailer for X-Men: The Last Stand... it is going to absolutely rock. That scene with Jean Grey in Wolverine's arms, pleading for him to kill her... I'm pumped.

Here comes Mandisa, singing "Any Man of Mine" by Shania Twain. She sounds fun, but her top is hideous... my mom made an afghan liked that once. Seriously... and I've refrained from saying this until now, because she never looked like this until now--she looks ginormous. The song was okay, though. Randy says "weird song choice." He liked the end, though (the last four bars). Paula says "you can sing the phone book..." but she (Paula) didn't like the song. Simon hated it all the way around. He said it was fun and cutesy, but not very good. I can see his point.

Simon just made a Desperate Housewives crack at Ryan, telling him to lose the beard.

Elliott Yahmean is singing "If Tomorrow Never Comes" by Garth Brooks. Great song I remember from high school. And if I had played this version on a date back then, I would have gotten even less play than I did already--which was none. Well, there was this chick named Julie Phillips from Geneva, and I... wait, where was I? Oh yeah, Elliott. Randy loved it. Paula adores Elliott. She used the words "reckless abandon". Somebody smack her. Simon says "just a safe choice."

I'm beginning to like Elliott, because he honestly seems like a guy who is constantly thinking "how the crap did I get here? this rocks!" He seems pretty humble. I'm not on the Elliott Yahmean bandwagon, but I'm standing in the queue for a ticket.

Here comes Little Annoying Paris. She's like Starbuck's new Blackberry Green Tea Frappuccino... I can't decide if I loved it, or its the absolute worst thing ever. Its one or the other--there is no in-between.. She's singing Leann Rimes "How Do I Live?"... or perhaps its Trisha Yearwood's version? I like Trisha's better, so I'll say that Paris is copying Leann, because Trisha is a billion times better than Paris. Plus, Trisha's version is from "Con Air", one of my top five Nicolas Cage movies. Randy says he could tell that it was tough for Paris. Paula compliments before she gives criticism. And she actually gets booed. Simon smiles, says "I disagree with Paula" (and the crowd goes wild). He liked it alot. "Excellent choice of song, like early Dionne Warrick."

My algrebra teacher was Mrs. Maund, and she always looked like a little old white Dionne Warrick. In between all her cosines and theorems, I expected her to write 1-900-FUTURE NOW for the psychic hotline on the board.

Now, its time for Steph's Man with the Ace Hair, doing some song called "I Want to Cry", to which Kenny Rogers said "Ace matched with his song better than anyone else in the bunch." He's on a stool in the middle of the stage, with the Ron Burgundy "Hey Everyone, Come See How Good I Look!" Look on his face. This guy would have fit perfectly in N*Sync, as anyone but Timberlake. Randy said he was bored. Paula loved him (I would bet anything she's already left him her room key at least once). Simon liked it, finally. Ryan just revealed that Ace is single.

Oh, dear Pickles. Ryan is addressing with Pickles the whole "people are saying that the whole naive thing is just an act" and she's saying its not. So, either she's a very good actress and very deceptive, or completely stupid. Kenny is saying "she is what you see." Either way, two things I hate about most people, yet somehow I like Pickles. Maybe its her need for double sided tape tonight.

Anyway, she's doing "Fancy", as done by Reba. Remember, folks, this is an extremely loud, hard twangin' country song. She's starting from the middle of the audience tonight... good touch. And the song is great, in my opinion. To me, this was perfect for her. Randy says "Great". Paula loved it. Simon hates the song, but liked the performance. He said what we were all thinking... "It would be a shocker if you didn't do good tonight, wouldn't it?" This performance was what made me a Pickles fan to begin with.

I'd bet she would go nuts on "Sin Wagon", a song in my Top 10 All Time Best Thumping the Dashboard and Driving Fast Songs. (other songs in this catagory include "Everything Zen" by Bush, "Jesus Freak" by dcTalk and "Basic Instructions" by Burlap to Cashmere)

Daughtry is up next, singing keith Urban's "Making Memories of Us". His performance is like the Idol equivilent of Lloyd Dobler's boombox held high, blaring "In Your Eyes"... hard to resist. One thing about Daughtry is that he listens to the judges... Simon told him last week that although he was good at being a rocker, he needed to do something different, lest his rockerdom get old. And tonight, he did, and it rocked. Randy loved it. I think Paula just left Steph's Man Ace with the Ace Hair a note that says "Pass this key to Chris". Simon said it was boring.

Sidebar: I knew this frumpy, dopey looking guy in college named Matt Andress that would have girls fawning and throwing themselves at his feet simply by picking "Wonderful Tonight", one string at a time, on his mandolin. I only say this because it is a theory I have that for guys, it doesn't really matter what you look like, as long as you have style and attitude. Heck, Mike Dunn in 320-A of Alumni Hall was one of the goofiest, ugliest guys I've ever seen--and he scored alot. Alot. Even with Katharine Gates, while I was dating her. Of course, looking back, that was okay, because she was a really weird chick with a llama and... remind me to tell you this story later. (you only think I'm making up the part about the llama...)

Is it bad that, after last week's bottom three appearance, I'm actually nervous for My Girl McPhee? Don't they have therapists for this kind of stuff?

My Girl McPhee is singing "The Elvis in Me". Because my beautiful, wonderful, incredible, loyal, fantastic wife Stephanie reads this blog, I'll say only this: McPhee did well. Randy liked it. Paula loved it. Simon says "I don't know what to say..." to which My Girl McPhee says "you don't like country music... its okay. just say it." And Simon replies "You're right, I hate it." I think what makes me like McPhee over Pickles, besides the hotness factor, is that McPhee looks like she's always having fun... Pickles looks like she's trying to just do well.

I just saw a commercial for Cingular, where you can get ringtones for songs that Idols have sung... I'm not to that point. Yet.

And here comes Bucky. Bucky. When the theme is TV Themes, he's all about singing "Bad Boys" from Cops. And I have no clue what this dude is singing--for that matter, what he's even saying. Unlike Elliott, who is growing on me, I'm totally against Bucky. The costume department of Young Guns II called... they want their coat back. Randy says "aight". Paula loved it. Simon says "eh, okay."

I will say this... Kenny Rogers was great tonight. The Gambler actually had criticism for the Idols, telling them what not to do, how to fix things and such. Good times.

My prediction for the bottom three this week: Steph's Man Ace with the Ace Hair, Bucky... and either Elliott Yahmean, or (gulp) My Girl McPhee.

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Read Entertainment Weekly's review of tonight's show right here. The first paragraph is priceless.

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Its early Thursday morning, and its time to watch the results from American Idol. I worked last night, so I had to put the show on tape once again... but I'm here with my handy VCR remote and TV to give you the play by play.

They just brought out Kenny Rogers... he's had so many facelifts, he almost looks Oriental. Ryan is asking him about the group and such, but what I want to know is, "What the *&^% happened to Kenny Rogers Roasters???? here is the chicken?!?!?! Darn you Kenny!!!!"

While he's singing, I'll just tell you they used to have "All You Can Eat Chicken Bashes" on Mondays at Kenny Rogers Roasters, which was located where the McAllisters is now on Highway 31 (across from Ellis Piano). Michael, Tom, Shawn and I used to go over, plunk down the $6.95, and absolutely gorge ourselves on as much chicken, mac n cheese, mashin' taters, glazed apples and other stuff. Good times, very very good times. Then they closed. I felt like Kramer in the Kenny episode... I had a piece of chicken in one hand, other hand outstretched, and in a soft whimpering voice, whispered "...kenny...? ...kenny...?"

And back to the show we go. They showed the new Idol Ford commercial, a take off of the Hollies "Just One Look". And then Ryan took a potshot at Pickles. Bad Ryan, bad Ryan. Just announced that next week will be a show on the music of Queen. Wow.

Here comes the results...with 9 Idols left, its that time in the year when they stop doing the usual elimination process (go one by one, announcing the bottom three along the way...) This time they are splitting the groups in the groups of 3, with one of the groups actually being the bottom 3.

Taylor goes to Group 1. Mandisa goes to Group 2. Elliott Yahmean joins Mandisa in Group 2. Paris becomes the third-and final-person in Group 2. Steph's Man Ace with the Ace Hair starts Group 3. Pickles joins Taylor in Group 1, almost assuring that Group 1 is the safe one to be in. All they need is Daughtry to seal that deal.

And Daughtry joins Taylor and Pickles in Group 1. So that's gotta be the safe group. That leaves this year's Scott Savol, Bucky, and My Girl McPhee in Group 3 with Steph's Man Ace with the Ace Hair. Sigh. This could really go either way... Bucky is the liability in one group (with Ace) while Elliott Yahmean is the liability in the other, though having Mandisa and Paris there doesn't hurt.

As good looking as I think My Girl McPhee is, she needs to kick her clothing stylist in the teeth. Why is it out of all American Idol's resources, she can't come up with better clothes than what she does? Surely she doesn't think the mini skirt and the boots go well together?

Ryan announces that Group 1, with Pickles, Taylor and Daughtry, is safe. Duh. Perhaps one of thoes would be in the bottom three (My Girl McPhee was last week), but surely not ALL three at the same time. Now Ryan announces that My Girl McPhee, Bucky (Bucky?) and Steph's Man Ace with the Ace Hair are safe.

Leaving Paris, Mandisa and Elliott are in the bottom three. Really? Paris has a smile that says "You have to be $*&%@*^# kidding me". He does send Paris back to the couch, though.

With Elliott and Mandisa, this could really be a toss-up. Simon reminds us that America votes, and predicts that Elliott will stay. And Mandisa is going home.

Ever seen Ocean's 12, when Benedict blows up Rusty's old car... Rusty looks on, simply saying "...huh...". Thats kind of what this moment does for me. Huh.

She's holding back her tears, and the audience has this "Mandisa and not Bucky???" aura about them... as does some of the Idols, I think. And she name-drops Jesus again... I love it!

Okay, two funny things about this: Paris, who bawls every week when people get dropped, especially when Chicken Little and Lisa Turtle got punted, is not shedding a single tear. "Yes, I have the full black vote!! Go me! Go me!".

The funniest thing is they show the Idols when Mandisa's name is announced, and Taylor has his hands up like he's about to clap... he realizes suddenly that no one else is clapping, so he freezes, hands stopping in mid clap, with a "...uhhh..." mouth open look. Only his eyes dart around, like he's looking for someone else to clap... either he just knew it was going to be Elliott going, and he was clapping, or he heard "Mandisa" and figured everyone would clap, only they didn't. Funny stuff.

Alright, well, my top four--My Girl McPhee, Daughtry, Taylor and Pickles--are all safe. If we can just chunk Bucky, I think we'll have ourselves a real competition. And as I stopped the tape, I am watching a Shakira video... not sure that there is any woman that the world says I should be attracted to that I find least attrative. Excpet maybe Pam Anderson. And Anna Nicole Smith. Its always good when the last two sentences of your long posting include the words "Pam Anderson" and "Anna Nicole Smith".

The DW, Tori, Satellite Soul & Nic Cage Part I

The "new" Deuce Weekly is up... and its worth mentioning, because its the first Deuce Weekly with a top ten list.

Warrants mentioning.

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I did in fact watch Unan1mous on Fox after American Idol. I did a write-up about it. Then I thought "who actually wants to read about Steve the Truck Driver?". Then I actually heard five IQ points fall onto the floor and shatter. It would have been six, but I skipped the credits. So I deleted it. If I have five people comment to tell me they want to hear what happened, I'll fill you in.

I'm still wanting the chance to watch So Notorious, with Tori Spelling, on Vh1. No Jennie Garth and especially no Shannen Doherty for me. Give me Tori or give me a life!

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In my mission to import CDs into my computer, I've stumbled upon 9 CDs in the "Simply..." series. Anyone who's spent enough time around Family Christian or Lifeway has seen these... once per year, they release a compilation CD of upcoming and new songs from upcoming and new bands.... usually, the price is around $1.99 or so, but its free with any purchase of any CD represented on the compilation.

The titles have varied, from "Simply Fabulous" to "Simply Xcellent" to the two disc "Simply Impossible" set to last year's simple "Simply Great".

Check out some of tracks from the first one, 1997's "Simply Fabulous": "Jonah" by Grammatrain... "Number 9" by The Waiting... "Resolution" from The OC Supertones... "Everything I Hate" by Smalltown Poets... "Know You Better" by Reality Check... "Chem 6A" by Switchfoot... "Child of Sod" by Bleach...

I'm talking bands that I haven't given the first thought to in years, except maybe Switchfoot.

I mention this because I haven't heard most of these songs in years... which means I have to listen to at least part of all of them to remember if I liked them or not.

Perhaps the best part is that on the inside of this CD, is a form for a 7ball Magazine subscription, complete with All Star United on the form.

Some of the long forgotten, yet beloved other bands on the other CDs: The Elms... Earthsuit... PAX217... Circadian Rhythm... Seven Day Jesus... Factor 7... Luna Halo... Satellite Soul (!)...

This should be a party.

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And finally, since I've had a few days to think about it...

Nic Cage Movies Part I: Nic Cage Movies NOT in My Top Five

Before I can properly break down Nic Cage movies, let me give a dislaimer. Yes, there are Nic Cage movies I haven't seen... so I went to Nic's IMDB page, found ALL of his movies that I could have seen, and broke them down into catagories:

Nic Cage Movies I have Not Seen and/or Never Heard Of: Birdy (1984)... The Boy in Blue (1984)... Racing With the Moon (1984)... Never On Tuesday (1988)... Tempo di uccidere (1990)... Zandaless (1991)... Red Rock West (1992)... Deadfall (1993)... Kiss of Death (1995)... Sonny (2002)

Nic Cage Movies I Have Not Seen, but Would Like to Try: Valley Girl (1983)... Rumblefish (1983)... Vampires Kiss (1989)... Bringing Out the Dead (1999)... Windtalkers (2002)... Adaptation (2002)

Nic Cage Movies That Almost Don't Count Because He Was Only In it for a Few Seconds: Fast Time at Ridgemont High (1983)... Never on Tuesday (1988)...

Nic Cage Movies I Have No Intentions of Seeing, Like, Ever: The Cotton Club (1984)... Moonstruck (1987)... Capt. Crapola's Mandolin (2001)

Nic Cage Movies That I have Not Seen, Am Hesitant About Seeing, But Might Give In: Amos & Andrew (1993--with Sammy L. Jackson, I might end up watching it)... City of Angels (1998)... The Family Man (2000)... Matchstick Men (2003)... The Weather Man (2005)

Nic Cage Movies I Liked But Would Probably Not See Again: Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)... Leaving Las Vegas (1995)... 8MM (1999)

Nic Cage Movies I Didn't Like and Would Never See Again: Wild at Heart (1990)... Guarding Tess (1994)... Trapped in Paradise (1994)... It Could Happen To You (1994)

Nic Cage Movies I Liked... But Aren't In My Top Five: Firebirds (1990)... Honeymoon in Vegas (1992)

This leaves 7 Movies in the Nic Cage library not mentioned...

One is Raising Arizona, from 1987. The only reason this gets mentioned outside of the the "Nic Cage Movies I Liked... But Aren't In my Top Five" catagory is because this is a list of my favorite Nic flicks... not the best Nic flicks made.

I think Raising Arizona is one of the funniest, most brilliant comedies out there--and I would rank it #6 on my list. I rank it #6 only because as much as I enjoy it, I wouldn't watch it over and over and over... the soon-to be mentioned Top Five Nic Cage Movies are films I would watch over and over... and have in some cases.

The other is Lord of War. Haven't seen it. Didn't see it at the movies, and haven't rented the dvd... but I look forward to seeing it.

The remaining five movies? I'll list them soon enough.

Danger, Danger McPhee

Tonight--Idol show and results... tomorrow the new Unan1mous

Well, here we are, in the guest bedroom (where the computer is) ready to watch American Idol. Though both of us haven't seen who has been kicked off (but watching Fox 6, they just told us... but I won't spill the beans) it will be fun to watch the show. And talk about it.

So off we go.

Tonight is 21st Century Music night, one you think would be easy after Stevie Wonder week and 50s week... but we'll see.

And here comes Lisa Turtle, singing "Because of You" by Kelly Clarkson. Since Fox only has an hour for the show tonight, none of this silly interview before hand... straight to the music. And 16 year old Lisa Turtle said "damn". Poop mouth. Poopy poop mouth. And Steph went "...oohhh..." when Lisa cracked that bad note at the end. Eeesh. And Lisa has about four feet of eye shadow. Randy said "just okay". Paula couldn't even come up with something good. Simon said "the song was too big for your voice." We both think she wasn't very good.

Here comes Pickles! Singing "Suds in the Bucket" by Sara Evans, one of the most fun songs I've ever heard. And as soon as the music started, I can tell you--I don't like it. The music behind it sounds like crap too. Not only does Pickles look like she is having NO fun whatsoever (and this is a darn fun song to sing--ask my co-workers at Starbucks about how much fun I have singing it when slinging lattes out the door), she also look like she lost a fight with the Mary Kay Lady. Probably one of the worst I've heard from dear Pickles. Neither Randy nor Paula liked the song choice... but if she had sung it well, it would have been great! Simon didn't like it either.

Steph's man Ace with the Ace Hair, singing "Drops of Jupiter" by Train. When he sang "drops of Jupiter in her hair", he touched his hair. And his shirt is straight from the hood of Smokey's trans-am. Steph just said "He had so much promise... and he's kinda going downhill." Ace just showed his scar, and showed his crappy voice. Randy said "wrong song--and you didnt even sing it well". I agree. Paula is looking for something nice to say... she's struggling. Except for "how'd you get that scar on his chest." Simon says "quite karaoke". Steph said "he was flat." I think he was kinda crappy. And using two hands to hold up three fingers? Steph laugh. I just dry heaved. Get rid of this guy.

Taylor Hicks is singing "Trouble" from someone I've never heard of. Remarkably, he's not moving. I think it might actually be hurting him to stand totally still. It's kind of a cool song, though, and its a good way to show off the vocal chops. Steph says "I don't think he can actually stand up straight". A billion times better than Ace and Lisa Turtle, and even Pickles. Speaking of bouncy, they showed George Huff. Randy wanted the "going nuts" Taylor... Paula liked the "standing and singing". Simon liked the song and the vocals. But the styling? Very Clay Aiken. That's pretty harsh...

Mandisa singing "Shackles" by MaryMary! Go 'Disa! Go 'Disa! She did a God shout out before the song began--now she sounds out of breath. What a great song to sing on live TV though... she rocks. I can see her touring with Kirk Franklin one day. And I predict she'll grace the cover of CCM Magazine within the year. Randy wasn't sure about the song choice. Paula just used the words "Church of Mandisa". Mandisa thinks "did you EVEN listen to the words??" Simon didn't like it... he thinks it bit indulgent. Figures.

By the way, "American Dreamz" looks hilarious. Absolutely hilarious.

And here comes Daughtry. First, he is addressing the small controversy of him doing the Live version of "Walk the Line" last week. Tonight he's doing "What If" by Creed. He's kind of mumbling the whole thing, in true rock star fashion. Its not bad, though to me there is nothing special about it. Its a little hard for Steph's tastes though. Randy liked the song choice, but thought it wasn't great. Paula loves him. Of course. Simon says "again, a bit indulgent. You have to show more than the 'rock' side."

My Girl McPhee is up, singing "The Voice Within" by Christina Aguliera. I don't know what she's wearing, but if it were on anyone else besides My Girl McPhee, and maybe Pickles, I'd make fun of her. I will say, though, its not a good idea to have gold plated manhole covers as earrings. Great, strong voice. Randy liked it, but said there was nothing new with it. Paula liked it. Of course. Simon says "the best tonight, almost as good as the original". Steph says "I liked her better last week."

I just asked Steph if she had McPheever. I think she just made fun of me.

Oh Bucky. He's singing Tim McGraw's "Real Good Man." Bucky. Sucky. Same thing. He dances like he's been at the bar a little too long, and the DJ just put on "Boot Scootin' Boogie"... and he's on the dance floor in a stupor. Randy liked it. Paula actually critized ("be careful of your diction"). Simon says Sucky is "winging it". Steph says "I think Tim McGraw would have punched it... Bucky didn't. Does that make sense?" Guys, when answering a question like this, say Yes.

Paris. Singing "Work It Out" by Beyonce, with her Destiny's Child hair all up. She kinda looks like she is having fun, but not really. She's got her "shake my jelly" down. Steph says "if you sing Beyonce, do you have to do the butt thing to? Is that requirement?" Randy says "fearless... bomb... best... hot..." The usual. Paula loved it. Of course. Simon didn't like it. I didn't either. Ryan has called her Princess P twice. That would make me not like her again. Steph: Gosh, her hair... that top knot is distracting me.

Closing it out, Elliott Yahmean and his second set of teeth. He is doing Gavin McGraw's "I Don't Wanna Be". I'm just not a fan of this guy--maybe its how its coming across on TV or something... I just don't think he's very good, and he certainly doesn't look the part. Bo Bice went grapenuts with this song last year, and was awesome. Elliott? Eh. Randy loved it. Paula loved it. Of course. (She used the words "funky white boy") Simon says "great song, terrible arrangement, hideous dancing". Steph says "He's growing on me. I'm down with that."

AND NOW... TO THE RESULTS SHOW WE GO...

The tape is spazzing out, as is the audio, giving Ryan a baritone voice... making us laugh. Perhaps we should chunk this tape soon... like tonight.

Its time for the weekly Ford commercial, starting all the Idols. Last weeks was pretty funny--this was kinda lame.

Now, Shikira and Wyclef Jean are singing. Steph says "Who?" Exactly. Wow, this fast forward button works really well.

In one swoop, Mandisa, Paris, Pickles, Taylor, and Daughtry are all safe. Steph's man Ace with the Ace Hair is sitting on the top, "as yet unsafe" row... with the priceless "Oh crap, not again..." look on his face.

Elliott is... safe. Lisa Turtle is... not. Bottom three for the third week in a row.

Ace Young is... in the bottom three again. Its worth is just to see the "How did I get here again?" look. My Girl McPhee and Bucky are left.... and My Girl McPhee is in the bottom three... WHAT?!? Bucky is safe???

Ryan sends Ace back to the couch. Wow... My Girl McPhee is the 2nd lowest vote getter??? What is wrong with you people??? Simon says "watching it back, it wasn't very good... none of it was"

Could McPhee go the way of Julia Demato? Voted out early, ruining her life?

Lisa Turtle is gone. Good. Talk about a rising star in the auditions with a Idols Final flame out ... and as standard, they are playing Daniel Powter's "Bad Day".

Ryan just informed us "we are goiing country next week". What, did the producers sit around and decide "crap... we gotta figure out how to keep Kellie Pickler and Bucky around! Let's do country!"

My Girl McPhee was in the bottom two... its okay... Fantasia and Ruben spent time in the bottom three once.

Maybe I should start voting.

Midweek Music, TV and Links

So, its Wednesday (at least its 18 minutes into it, so far) and I'm up late loading music into the computer. I just heard the "ding" meaing the CD I just had in finished... The Isley Brothers, fyi.

I just popped in volume 2 of The Monkees "Listen to the Band" box set, so it will be a few minutes before I can go to bed. I would watch American Idol, but its in the bedroom, and Steph is asleep. You don't wake up Steph when she's asleep unless the house is on fire. So, we'll watch that tomorrow night, along with the results show, and post it on Thursday morning. In the meantime, I"ll just ramble a bit, because hey, its my blog.

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Dave's Mental Playlist Top Five
(the top five songs of the week that have been repeating over and over in my head)
1) "Bad Day" by Daniel Powter
2) "Black Horse & the Cherry Tree" by KT Tunstall
3) "Cheatin'" by Sara Evans
4) "Pump It" by Black Eyed Peas
5) "Walk Away" by Kelly Clarkson

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For you Bama fans out there, I recommend Scott Latta's Rammer Jammer Blog. Its pretty funny, witty and he's diehard Roll Tide all the way. Scotty has even appeared in the Sporting News once, and is covering Bama sports for The Sporting News' website. Personally, I'm a Sports Illustrated fan myself (I had TSN subscription once--don't know where it came from. I tried to cancel it, they wouldn't let me) but I do enjoy the blog. And, of course, he's been viewed almost 7,000 times--I'm closing in on 500. Go Me!

Perhaps thats what I need... a blog about something specific, like his is about Alabama. Maybe if I narrow my focus, it would get more traffic...

But then, if I did that, I wouldn't be able to say things like...

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You know how sometimes, you've got an hour or so to kill--not really enough time to do anything, but too early to do whatever it is you were planning for later (today mine was work at 2pm)? I was flipping today and came across "Con Air".

Made me wonder, is there ANYTHING better than flipping through the channels and finding a random Nic Cage movie on? I don't mean his gay crap like "Capt Corelli's Mandolin", or "It Could Happen to You", I mean the cool stuff, like "The Rock" or "Gone in 60 Seconds". I love the fact he's got his Oscar ("Leaving Las Vegas") and then said "Screw it, I'm having fun now. What was the name of that movie that I could be in? Snake Eyes?" (which I think is the most unloved, underrated Nic movie out there... even more so than this one)

You know, I was going to do a thing on my Top 5 Nic Cage movies, but I just realized, thats a whole other column. I'll do it soon.

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Since The Monkees are loading now, in case you were wondering, here are the next five CDs that are getting loaded into my computer, in preparation for my iPod.... Monster Ballads 1 & 2... Cindy Morgan... Lorrie Morgan (no relation)... this Alanis...and this even better Alanis... I'm still on the fence about this Alanis, because she's not angry anymore, and that just isn't the same. (the same can be said for Sheryl Crow's latest, though now that her heart has been broken, I have high hopes for the next album)

It's hard to make bitter music when you are happily in love... and "You Oughta Know" should never be sung by a happy woman--it kills the fun of the song.

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Here's the story about Ocean's 13, and who's in and out. Ocean's 11 was one of the sharpest and smartest comedies I've ever seen (even better than the original), but I was disappointed initially with Ocean's 12. Having said that, the more times I've watched it, the more I've liked it. Its come on HBO several times during the day, and I'll leave it on as I bandy about the apartment.

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I said a week or so ago that "Cold Case" has the coolest opening music on TV. As cool as it is, and even though the show still is #1 on "Hottest Main Character Named Lily In a TV Drama", the theme has been dropped to #2... It's been replaced by "Woke Up This Morning" by A3, which is the theme from The Sopranos. Very jazzy, very bluesy... and very, very cool. You can hear a clip here from the soundtrack page.

Quick Hits:

--Wait for it... yep, its... The Last Stanza for Tony Danza

--Of course when I finally get Dazed and Confused on dvd (thanks to Steph), this happens

--A website in Boston has given their list of "overhyped bands" of the last five years. I'd say I would agree with most of these... including Coldplay.

--Am I the only one sorta giddy about Tori Spelling's new show on Vh1?

--When discussing K-Fed, I think I speak for all of us when I say "...and we care because...?"

--Here's a CD you've never listened to (or even thought about listening to) that I think everyone should own. (no, I'm not kidding--its one of my favorite CDs )

--And finally... what happens when you mix Coke and coffee? You get this.

American Idol update no later than Thursday!

The Weekend My Bracket Fell Apart

And, its over.

Held my head high on Friday, even with a proud post that all four of my final four teams still were competing, and I was only 2 points off the leader (Jon Osborne) and by Sunday afternoon, and when UConn went down, all I needed was a Villanova win, and I'd capture my first Deuce Sports title, the Deuce Madness Championship. We see how that went.

All four #1 seeds fell, all four of my final four picks fell, everyone's bracket began to collapse in on itself, fire and brimstone coming down from the skies, rivers and seas boiling, earthquakes, volcanos, human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together -- mass hysteria.

(note... if you are reading this, you may wonder what this is all about... a bunch of us did a March Madness bracket this year, and though I had posted results all week, I chose to delete all those.  I left this one because of the results -- d$, 10/3/14)

And when it was all over, when Florida punched their dance card in the Final Four, a spot that I had slated for Villanova, Yours Truly still stood 2 points behind Jonathan Osborne... who now stands as the 2006 Deuce Madness Champion. Congrats.

Here's the final Deuce Mandess Standings:
Champion - Jon Osborne - 390
2nd - Yours Truly - 388
3rd - Lori Smith - 385
4th - David Mark Osborne - 383
5th - Tebe Shaw - 380
6th - Jessica Hawbaker - 370
7th - Brad Latta - 368
8th - Drew Morris - 365
9th - James Hawbaker - 363
10th - Stephanie Dollar - 360

And the rest of the field:
11) Tommy McLeod - 355
12-tie) Scott Latta - 350
12-tie) Daniel Powell - 350
14-tie) Michael Nipp - 345
14-tie) Jonathan Taylor - 345
16-tie) Matt Latta - 343
16-tie) Jason Barnette - 343
Dead Last) Tyler Campbell - 295

Congratulations again to Jonathan Osborne (perhaps you can get a 2006 DFC Playoff Appearance to go with your Madness win...) and thanks to all who played. And since its all over for us -- GO GEORGE MASON!!

Idol Thoughts... and its Unanimous

Okay... here we are at 1008pm, on Wednesday night... because I got home late, we watched the Idol performances tonight, taped the results, and just popped in the results show to watch. If you want to read the Idol review, go to the previous post, just below, because this one is all about the results!

First is the review clip, where Barry Manilow helped all the Idols do their 50s songs. Then the clip where Paula and Simon argued. Paula is just a weird kooky chick. She used to be really cool, with Vibeology and Rush Rush and Forever Your Girl and such... but now? Just a flake.

And here comes the cheeseball Ford commercial... it was pretty funny, with the Idols singing "We Got the Beat", complete with Chicken Little wearing a "Love Machine" shirt. I almost think he believes his own hype, sort of like a William Hung way.

Barry is on stage... and yes, I'm a Fanilow. "Can't Smile Without You" and "Mandy " will be on my iPod (when I finally get it.) And he's singing a song from his recent #1 album, "Greatest Songs from the 50s" (yes, I said recent #1 album). The song is "Love is a Many Splendored Thing". Steph just commented, "Poor thing... Barry can't smile. Botox."

Some observations... They just showed the Hispanic Bob from the Bachelor, Chicken Little is macking on My Girl McPhee, Paula is up and swaying her hands like a drunk chick at a frat party during "Freebird", and they brough Hispanic Bob onstage, seeking his next three minutes of fame.

And here comes the results...

Steph's Man Ace with the Ace Hair... and this week? He is safe. Mandisa, looking like a 00's Aretha, is safe. Elliott Yahmean is safe (Ryan sounded surprised when he said it...).

Pickles? Ryan said "Simon called you ballsy and sexy" and Pickles said "What's a ballsy?" Um... Yeah, she's safe. Daughtry, who sang a cool, cool song ("Walk the Line") is also safe.

Paris Bennett, whom I am afraid I might like... she is safe. And My Girl McPhee is... safe. Taylor is safe... leaving Lisa, Bucky and Chicken Little... Steph and I got it right.

Of course, one gets to sit down, leaving only two... Lisa Turtle is safe, leaving Bucky... Bucky... and Chicken Little. I could lose either one and be fine. Paula just said "Just because you don't win, doesn't mean you won't make it... look at Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson, Bo Bice..." Of course, she fails to mention that they finished in at least the top five.

And... Bucky is safe. Chicken Little goes home. HA!

And they play Daniel Powter's "Bad Day" again, during his "goodbye" montage. Chicken Little has the "I should look like I'm not surprised, but I'm actually shocked to be here." HA! And finally, he sings for the last time. Which is probably ticking Melissa McGhee off, because they are showing a lot more of Chicken Little than they did her last week... as long as he's gone.
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And now, for the show that will drop my IQ about 17 points. Unanimous... or, as Fox says, Unan1mous. So, they drop 9 people in a bunker underground somewhere, as a controlled "social expirament". No contact to the outside world, no clocks (Which would drive me crazy) and they basically have to decide on one person to walk away with $1.5 million dollars--and the decision must be unanimous.

We have Adam the Poker player... Vanessa the Soccer mom... Jonathan the ladies man... Jameson the office manager... Jamie the dancer... Kelly the minister (yes, Kelly's a she)... Steve the truck driver... Tarah the fashion designer... and Richard the 42 year old temp.

So everyone has come into the bunker room... and apparently, no one has a clue why they were there. But they all got bugged eye when the host came on, via video screen, who just told them they had to decide who to give the money to. It looks like the guy who used to host that stupid kids game show on NBC fifteen years ago, where brothers and sisters had to guess the same items to win them. Anyway, if one person decides to leave, the money is cut in half.

Jamie the dancer just admitted she was freaked out, but Jameson the office manager talked her into staying, so the money wouldn't be cut in half. Now they all begin to talk to each other, to find out about each other. Kelly the minister just went off on how the Bible is true, and God and such... and apparently, Jameson is gay, and said "Homosexuality is not a choice!".

While speaking truth, Kelly is over the top--not the way to tell others about Christ. I hate when the media does this to Christians, as in, makes them look bigoted, intolerant, obnoxious... I gues thats another topic for another day.

Jonathan the ladies man just told the group a total lie about having testicular cancer. Kelly and Jameson keeps going at it. Jameson wants to get rid of Kelly, while Steve the truck driver wants the money to take care of his children, his grandchildren and such...

Now they get to vote on who gets the money. People can't vote for themselves, so people are voting for different people in order to "see where this goes". Steve the Truck Driver. gets 1 vote... hey, Steve gets another vote... and another... the next vote goes to Vanessa. The next vote? Jamie the dancer. Jonathan gets 1, Tarah gets 2 and Jamie gets another.

They failed to complete the task... and failure has "dire consequences". Those being now deciding who doesn't get the money--as in, eliminating someone. So, they read three secrets out of the group... they decide which one is the worst, and the person who belongs to that secret is gone. So, the secrets are: 1) This person filed for bankruptcy even though they had 100K in the bank... 2) This person was in a mental hospital... 3) This person was arrested for carrying live ammo. Now #2 is not bad--it happens. #3 isn't too bad, depending on the circumstances. The first one, however, is pretty bad... and guess who it belongs to? Yep, Kelly the minister. Way to show that Christ like love. Good job, TV media. Make us look like that hypocrites... not that we aren't already.

And they end the show right now... and let me tell you, I feel like a total moron for watching this--and the fact I enjoyed it? Even more stupid.

Tomorrow? Deuce Madness kicks off.

The Idols Do the 50s

So here we are at American Idol again… Steph is watching it with me this time, so it will be interesting how much she drools over Ace, and how she snaps at me for drooling over My Girl McPhee (which, in that dress, might be a little)

Taylor has a blue coat on. Interesting. Tonight the show is 50s themed, so this should also be interesting.

Did you know Barry Manilow’s latest cd went #1 on Billboard? I mean, above Fitty, Kelly Clarkson, Gwen and others… at number freakin’ one. Anyway, I mention this because he worked with the Idols this week on the 50s songs they chose to sing.

Mandisa is first on the list. She’s singing “I Don’t Hurt Anymore” by Diana Washington. Very sultry, very swanky. She’s got the Aretha look down pat, too. Complete with the big ending, Steph says “Pretty cool.” Randy is speechless, cause he loved it. He says “Y’all gotta bring it tonight, Mandisa set the mark!”. Paula is rambling, as usual. And she called her a horse. Simon says “You are blossoming… it was like a great stripper song—I absolutely loved it.” I liked it too. Steph says “You look at her, you don’t think she’s that fat… then they pan down.” And Ryan just said “Bling.” Kill me.

I’m actually considering watching “Unanimous” on Fox. Am I bad person?

Bucky… Bucky… is doing “Oh Boy” from Buddy Holly & the Crickets, and is getting a different arrangement from Barry Manilow. This is considered a cool thing, right? And Bucky has his hair down again, like the Jessica Simpson look. Without the big boobs and stupid expression (Bucky has his own). He’s countrified the song totally… not a fan. Steph says “Eh. Wasn’t bad.” I would say “Eh. Wasn’t good.” Randy’s all about it, though. Paula loved it, as usual. Both agree a good choice of song. Simon’s reality check? “Nothing more than a pointless karaoke performance.” I totally agree. And both Steph & I agree that Paula claps like a seal.

Steph commented that Barry Manilow has had so much Botox, his face doesn’t move. No expressions. I concur. His face is frozen in time.

Paris is singing “Fever”, from Peggy Lee. I really don’t want to like Paris. I really don’t want to like Paris. I really don’t want to like Paris. I really don’t want to like Paris. I really don’t want to like Paris. I really don’t want to like Paris.

Crap. After that performance, I think I like Paris. Darn it to heck.

Daughtry is up next… and he’s doing “Walk the Line”. I am looking forward to this… Steph is right… nothing about Barry Manilow’s top lip moves. And Chris is rocking out the Johnny Cash song, with his own version—and its awesome. He’s successfully turned a fun Johnny Cash song into an Emo rock ballad… Steph liked it (“…but he was too low with it to begin with…”). However, I loved it. Randy didn’t necessarily love the vocals, but loved the way Daughtry did it. Paula tells the 1,000th Idol “you are true to who you are, and I love that.” Simon agreed with Randy… and added “you are the first artist on this show who refuses to compromise.”

And here’s My Girl McPhee (whom Steph likes better than Pickles—lately, I’d agree). She’s singing Ella Fitzgerald’s “Come Rain or Come Shine”

Sidebar: I had a chance to go see Barry Manilow a few years ago, for $6 per ticket (they had extra nosebleed seats) but I couldn’t find anyone who could… or would… go. When I relayed this story at Starbucks, Seth, one of my co-workers, said “I’d probably pay more than $6 to NOT have to see Barry Manilow.”

Anyway, back to My Girl McPhee… I like the music. I think she’s doing well. Not blowing me away, but satisfying enough to make me enjoy her. Steph says “I think I’d like her dress… if it were different.” I think it sounded great, and Randy agrees with me. “You took a really tough song… and dude, you worked it OUT.” Paula loves her, as usual. Just saw a sign that says “Call a Doctor, I have McPheever.” Maybe that’s my problem. Simon says “Tonight you turned into a star.” Oh, My Girl, McPhee, you’ve been a star for me since you began. She just discussed her double sided tape with Ryan, and jiggled a little by accident. Um, no comment.

Taylor Hicks is coming up now. He’s singing “Not Fade Away” by Buddy Holly. I love watching this guy sing. He’s got the blue blazer working, that leg swinging, hips jiggling… not the same jiggle as My Girl McPhee, but just as fun all the same. He’s jamming with the sax player too. Steph & I both agree he kinda looks like he has to pee. Steph liked it. Randy says “don’t know if it was much of a challenge, but you worked it OUT”. Paula loved it. Of course. Simon says “Sorry, but… it was a complete mess.” I don’t think it was a mess, but it wasn’t Taylor’s best—but I like him just the same.

So, Lisa Turtle is up next now… remember, she was in the bottom three last week. She’s singing “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” by Frankie Lymon, I think. She’s got great hair, I must say. Very 1980’s Whitney Houston “I Wanna Dance With Someone”, only darker and real. You know, with 50s music mostly being around 2 to 2 ½ minutes long, I’d almost them rather sing the whole songs and cut out the Barry Manilow clips. Randy says “Good song choice, but just aight for me.” Paula loved it. Of course. Simon says “Just okay”. Steph & I both agree. Eh.

Chicken Little, singing “When I Fall in Love”. Chicken says “I want to experience love one day, and hopefully it will last forever.”

My buddy Katy says this: I CAN’T STAND HIM. WHY WHY WHY was he in the final 24?!!!!???!!! Why? This is ridiculous. He won’t win. He won’t. And he has officially turned into my Scott Sovol of 2006. The boy who won’t go away. The boy who think’s he’s sooo hot. Is he 7 years old?

I just realized how pronounced his lisp is… and its not that a lisp is a bad thing—but not for Chicken Little. And his version of this song makes me have to pee. And speaking of Idols that should have never made it past the Top, I don’t know, 150… they just showed Jasmine Trias in the audience. Randy liked it. Paula loved it. Of course. Simon says “Kevin… I like you. You know who your audience is [9 year old girls and 60 year old mawmaws] and they’ll love you.” Steph liked it okay… I think he sucked crap. As usual.

Elliott Yahmean is about to sing now. With facial hair and all… and he admits that he wasn’t a big Barry fan to begin with, but now he’s a Fanilow. Yes, I said Fanilow. The Grateful Dead have Deadheads, Clay Aiken has the Claymates, The Deuce has the world, Barry Manilow has Fanilows.

Back to Elliott… he’s singing “Teach Me Tonight” by someone I didn’t catch. No doubt Yahmean’s got a voice, he’s just got this jacked up look with a second row of teeth on the bottom. Okay… sing the word “You”, and as you sing that one word, shake your face around so your cheeks jiggle, like Taylor and My Girl McPhee, only different. That would be Elliot tonight.

Speaking of someone you won’t remember after this season, they just showed Lindsay Cardinele.

Randy liked Elliott. Paula loved him. Of course. Simon says “Your singing? Fantastic.” Again, good voice. Trailer park appearance.

And here comes Pickles… singing “Walkin’ After Midnight” from Patsy Cline. And for you youngsters (probably half my audience, meaning 2 of you), let me just tell you Patsy is HARD to sing. I’m curious as to how much longer the “dumb blonde” is going to be cute before it becomes irritating, not just to me but to the voting public. Pickles looks like she stuck her face in a Mary Kay box and shook it… waaaaay too much make-up. The fact that Paula is clapping along means nothing—she claps to the Idol bumper music, I’m sure.

Anyway, Pickles did pretty good—not great, but not bad. She did the song justice, methinks. Randy really liked it. Paula called her not a minx, but a Tigeress. And loved it. Of course. Simon liked it a lot too. Steph liked it, as did I.

And finally, here comes Steph’s man Ace with the Ace Hair. Yes, my wife Stephanie is an Ace Highroller, and Ace is singing a jazzy rendition of “In the Still of the Night”, which could totally work—or backfire.

If I were gay, I don’t know that I’d be hot for Ace. Daughtry maybe. Did I say that? Steph liked it, saying “I’ll be Paula Abdul—its one of his best ones” (then she clapped like a seal.). Ace has like, fifty teeth in view when he smiles. Randy liked it. Paula loved it, of course, but this time using words like “sexy” and “sultry”. Simon, being honest (and right) said it wasn’t the best… but he liked it. Ace Highroller Steph says “Yay Ace.”

My prediction for the bottom three: Bucky, Lisa Turtle and Chicken Little... with Bucky going home.
Steph's prediction for the bottom three: Bucky, Lisa Turtle and Chicken Little... with Lisa Turtle going home.

We'll see in a minute...

The No Questions Asked Pantheon (and Mariah, ft. Ludacris & Da Brat)

I've got a lot of CDs. No, really. A whole LOT of CDs.

My collection runs into the several hundreds, perhaps. Am I saying this to brag? No... some of them I think I've listen to once, some of them I can't remember if I've ever listened to... to be fair, Steph had a 100 or so, so our collection combined makes up that number, but still, thats alot of CDs. Steph wants me to get rid of some, but I don't know that I'd get much from Coconuts trying to sell Tammy Trent's "Set You Free".

This is all stemming from my latest project... in anticipation of getting my iPod (read the previous entry), I'm loading my CDs into the computer so I can load them in the iPod, when I finally get one. It's a slow process, and its keeping me up nights, but its slowly coming together. Some albums get the whole thing loaded--Paula Abdul's "Forever Your Girl", for example, or Antigone Rising's "From the Ground Up". I like the whole thing... I just insert and hit "upload".

Other artists, most of them, in fact, get the "check treatment". As in, I've got to go through and uncheck the songs I don't want. Audio Adrenaline, Bush, Michael Bolton (as I hear Tommy say "Um.. I'd uncheck all of those), Boyz II Men, currently Mariah Carey... those all get certain songs.

Sidebar: Speaking of Mariah, loading and listening to her music last night made me think... is there anyone in history who was so good who turned so freakishly weird? Love it or hate it, you can't deny that the early 90s stuff--"Vision of Love", "Dreamlover", "Always Be My Baby", "Can't Let Go"--had an incredible voice behind it. I was reading the liner notes to her CDs as I went along--which I found out that she wrote or co-wrote 99% of her songs, and on every CD she has a verse and a thanks to God--and around 1997, with the release of "Butterfly" (the follow-up to her excellent Daydream album) she started getting a little thuggish. This might have been right before she and Coumbia exec Tommy Mottola divorced. Anyway, Steph thinks she's a total slut, and she might be--however, I do admire the fact that not only does she not curse in her music, but not in her interviews (even with Rolling Stone, where chicks like Britney and Christina cut loose), nor in her liner notes. Anyway, no one can take away her 90s stuff from me. Vh1's Behind the Music will return.

One more Mariah Moment... one of the funniest things I've ever seen is the video for "Honey", her first true "Even though I've made millions singing white pop, I'm going to embrace my blackness now" song... all these black dudes are everywhere dancing, on the beach, on jet skis... and she's romancing a studly white guy.

It's like the execs at Columbia were sitting around saying "Um... Ms. Carey, we know that on Tuesday you decided you'd be black, but for the sake of your fans, let's make this transition gradual... how about for "Honey", you make out with a white guy this time, and we'll just surround you with African Americans? Perhaps we can arrange a light skinned, creamy smooth brother for you to make out with next time..."

One last observation... for Mariah and any other artist who is thinking of doing this: Is there really a need to have three versions of the same song on your CD? I mean, the normal one is fine, perhaps the reprise (which is mostly a cop out to add another track), but another remix featuring Da Brat, Ludacris, Twenty II and Shawnna? I mean, if I actually owned the Glitter soundtrack, this would bother me, but I.. uh, I mean I don't really (laugh uncomfortably)... um, lets go to the Pantheon...

There are a few artists in my Pantheon of "Doesn't Matter What They Sing, They Get All of Their CDs Loaded No Questions Asked"... those are the ones that I want the entire album on there, even if I'm not entirely jazzed about all the songs, simply because their so-so music is better than most artist's "good" music. You'll probably notice a "Girls With Guitars Theme" going on here.

Here's the Pantheon of "No Questions Asked", in no particular order:

• Hootie & the Blowfish. Liked them since college. Love their sound, love their music. I've only got their first three, though I could probably get their stuff used and cheap at Coconuts if I looked.
• Plumb. Perhaps one of my top five albums of all time is "Candycoatedwaterdrops", and her latest, "Chaotic Resolve" is EXCELLENT.
• Watermark. When they make a movie of my life, they'll have a song or two on the two disc soundtrack. Though "All Things New" is to me the definitive album, they are all good. Sadly, they are ceasing to perform as Watermark now, doing some silly stuff like devoting time to kids and more worship music. Their new album is a live album, and their final one--and its a fantastic way to say "thanks and goodbye."
• The Dixie Chicks. They got a raw deal a few years back. Do I agree with them? No. Do I think they should have said it? Not at all... I don't think its what Natalie Maines said, but how she said it. But do I agree with the results? Not in the least. Still, I'm a fan, I've always been hot for Natalie in a Jennifer Herndon sort of way, and I'll get their new CD when it comes out in May. Chicks rule.
• Jennifer Knapp. Oh wherefore art thou, J-Knapp? I just picked up the live album the record company released--I can't say she released it, because I haven't heard a thing from her in years.
• PM Dawn. I really don't have a comment here... I just realy like the Bliss Album, which features the song that has been my favorite song of all time since 1991 , "I'd Die Without You".
• Sheryl Crow. Don't know why, but something about Sheryl Crow just makes me happy. Always has. I will say "Wildflower", her latest, is a little unsatisfying, so she's on the edge of this list, but still...

I would add Stone Temple Pilots, but they didn't stop after three albums, and Scott Weiland decided to get sober. I mean, let's be honest... yes, its awesome he's free of heroin... but there was a price to pay. The only time Scott and STP truly rocked was "Core", "Purple" and "Tiny Music fron the Vatican Gift Shop", all when he was high as a kite.

And I would add Pearl Jam, but they didn't stop after one album.

American Idol reviews tomorrow!!

iPods, TV Music & Deuce Madness Day 4

The Deuce Madness scores are below my other thoughts for the day.

I'm on a hunt for an iPod.

Here's my dilemma... I've got $250 on a Wal-Mart card. And I've got $300 cash. The 60 GB iPod that I've been wanting retails for about $399.99, and the 30 GB iPod that I may get is $299.99. If I had all the money on a Best Buy card (totaling $550) there wouldn't be an issue... I'd go to Best Buy and pick me up a 60gig.

The simple answer would be "Well, use your gift card plus cash and get it from Wal-Mart". Here's the problem: They don't sell 60gig iPods. They don't even have them listed online, and their 30gigs are only in stores. Sam's Club doesn't have them either. The other solution would be to save up more money to buy it at Best Buy, which means I'm about $150 short, when you consider taxes, plus the service plan that I'd want to put on it (for $49.99... and Wal-Marts? Their's is $22 and some change)

I'm definately buying my accessories at Wal-Mart, though. The iPod plug adapter, the case and a car apperatus that would allow me to listen to it, and charge it in the car, cost about $89, $30 and $99 respectively. At Wal-Mart? The same iPod adapter was $38, a similar case was about $17 and a similar charger was around $29. I'll figure it out, I guess.

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Was there ever a time when there were no "(fill in number) Greatest/Best/Sexiest/Most Shocking Moments in (name the industry)" specials? I flipped it to Vh1, and on is the "100 Most Shocking Moments in Rock", and I've been privvy to the details of Michael Jackson's hair fire in 1984, Ozzy Osbourne biting the head off of a bat and other fun things.

I'll be honest with you--I don't know who sings it, but "Girl You Know Its True" is a great R&B album. We know its not Milli Vanilli. I actually heard Rob and Fab sing live on Arsenio Hall in the early 1990s, after the lip-sync fallout, and they were AWFUL...

Is there a more disgusting "Woman That the World Says is Hot" woman in the world than Pam Anderson? I mean, she's absolutely revolting. I would be willing to put her and Anna Nicole Smith in a boat to test the viability of the Bermuda Triangle.

Soon to come: "The 50 Greatest 100 Greatest Moment Shows."

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Alright, I'll ask it. If David Mark, Jonathan and Meredith Osborne had been born in England, would their names be David Mark, Jonathan and Meredith Osbourne?

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I may end up re-thinking this statement, but I think that the opening music to Cold Case has taken the spot left empty by Six Feet Under in the catagory of "The Coolest Opening Music on TV".

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Speaking of music, I'm learning that there are bands that I'm supposed to like. I'm flipping through this week's edition of Entertainment Weekly, and occasionally they have an insert called "Listen 2 This", which highlights new music and other things YOU should be paying attention to. This time around, they asked celebrities to give a list of albums that "you've gotta get-by any means necessary-right now". There's a lot of Rufus Wainwright, The Who, David Bowie, Erykah Badu, Jefferson Starship and others. Have you heard any of these artists? None of their music that I've heard really appeals to me, and honestly, I can 't see how it appeals to anyone.

Some of it, like Radiohead, Jane's Addiction, Beth Orton and Joni Mitchell, I can see how you'd enjoy it (Tommy McLeod is a big Radiohead fan) and I even like some of their stuff--but what makes David Bowie brilliant? I don't get it.

What did I like in the listings? Peter Gabriel's "So", Lauryn Hill's "Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" (was there ANYONE who had more hype after her first album only to have her career disappear faster?) , Prince & the Revolution's "Purple Rain", Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall", Nirvana's "Nevermind" and Abba's "Gold".

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Okay, enough chatter... here's the update on Deuce Madness, heading into next weekend's Sweet Sixteen.
1) Jon Osborne - 360
2) DMOsborne - 353
3) Brad Latta - 348
4) Lori Smith - 345
5) Scott Latta - 340
6) Yours Truly - 338
7) Drew Morris - 325
8) James Hawbaker - 323
9) Tebe Shaw, Stephanie Dollar & Jess Hawbaker - 320
12) Tommy McLeod, Michael Nipp, Jon Taylor - 315
15) Matt Latta - 313
16) Daniel Powell - 310
17) Jason Barnette - 303
18) Tyler Campbell - 275