To see more "Fuzzy" images, check out Photo Friday.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Fuzzy
I couldn't decide between two pictures that are good for "Fuzzy".
goat in the children's area of Dallas Zoo, April 2006
dandelion in the park
To see more "Fuzzy" images, check out Photo Friday.
To see more "Fuzzy" images, check out Photo Friday.
Thursday Night Results: Round 2
First a review of my picks for this week: Jason Yeager, Luke Menard, Amanda Overmyer, and Kady Malloy.
I don't think I've ever been so close and so wrong!
First lineup: Jason Yeager and Danny Noriega. I would've been thrilled if Danny had gone home, but it was Jason. Now I'll be subjected to Danny for yet another week. I so wish I had been wrong on this one, but it was my only right call.
Second lineup: Amanda Overmyer and Alexandrea Lushington. Please be Amanda. Please be Amanda. Nope. Who's voting for her? Are they deaf? I'm subjected to her for another week...
Third lineup: Alaina Whitaker and Kady Malloy. Either one of them are fine to go, but Kady doesn't sing as "well" as Alaina, who goes home.
Fourth lineup: Luke Menard and Robbie Carrico. In spite ofOrlando Bloom's Luke's less appealing voice, Robbie goes home. I guess too many people saw his Boyz N Girlz United video from 2000 that's been circulating lately. He says he's not pop, he doesn't want to be pop. Let him be rock. People can change. My tastes have changed. I used to love country music. Now, not so much.
So now I guess I have to pick a new 6 for both groups.
Guys: David Archuleta (1), David Cook (2), Michael Johns (3), David Hernandez (4), Jason Castro (5), and Chikezie (6).
Girls: Ramiele Malubay (1), Carly Smithson (2), Syesha Mercado (3), Brooke White (4), Kristy Lee Cook (5), and Asia'h Epperson (6).
I don't think I've ever been so close and so wrong!
First lineup: Jason Yeager and Danny Noriega. I would've been thrilled if Danny had gone home, but it was Jason. Now I'll be subjected to Danny for yet another week. I so wish I had been wrong on this one, but it was my only right call.
Second lineup: Amanda Overmyer and Alexandrea Lushington. Please be Amanda. Please be Amanda. Nope. Who's voting for her? Are they deaf? I'm subjected to her for another week...
Third lineup: Alaina Whitaker and Kady Malloy. Either one of them are fine to go, but Kady doesn't sing as "well" as Alaina, who goes home.
Fourth lineup: Luke Menard and Robbie Carrico. In spite of
So now I guess I have to pick a new 6 for both groups.
Guys: David Archuleta (1), David Cook (2), Michael Johns (3), David Hernandez (4), Jason Castro (5), and Chikezie (6).
Girls: Ramiele Malubay (1), Carly Smithson (2), Syesha Mercado (3), Brooke White (4), Kristy Lee Cook (5), and Asia'h Epperson (6).
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Idol 20: Girls' Round 2
While the guys' performances were mostly mediocre, with a couple of true stand-outs, most of the girls' performances really fell flat.
1. Carly Smithson - "Crazy on You"
What a way to start! Regardless of all the hoopla surrounding Carly's previous record deal, where she flopped immensely, I think she's got a great voice. She chose a big song (anything by Heart is big!) and did a great job with it. I'd say she had the second best performance of the night.
2. Syesha Mercado - "Me and Mrs. (Mr.) Jones"
I wasn't so impressed with her this time around. She's got a good voice, but that was not a good song for her. (That's besides the fact that I don't like that song.) She really needs to pick it up next week. I'm sure she'll be around.
3. Brooke White - "You're So Vain"
I liked the start of her song, with her playing acoustic guitar. At times she even resembled Carly Simon. Then she stopped playing during the middle. You could still hear the guitar from someone in the band, but what happened with her? Then she started back up and I really couldn't tell the difference. Was she actually playing? Her singing was good, but the whole guitar thing was distracting. I'm surprised the judges didn't say something about that. I would rank her higher this week, but the guitar bothers me. I hope she doesn't use it any more, or at least plays the whole song if she does.
4. Ramiele Malubay - "Don't Leave Me this Way"
I think she had the best performance of the night. I wasn't so sure when she started out, though her voice sounded good. She really powered through to the end. She kept sounding better and better, and she hit all the notes. She's my top pick of the girls, I think. Her hair bothered me last night, but that's minor... :o)
5. Kristy Lee Cook - "You're No Good"
I'm not wild about this song, but she did a good job with it. She was good last week, but this week was better. Like Simon said, I'd like to see her give country music a try.
6. Amanda Overmyer - "Carry On Wayward Son"
This is such a great song - and she butchered it. She never did hit the right note and sang the whole song in too low a key. It was painful to watch. She can dance, but she can't sing and last night proved it. She needs to either go totally blond or totally black because this "Bride of Frankenstein" look isn't cutting it. She looked much better in her video clip with the bandanna tied around her hair. I really think she's going home this week.
7. Alaina Whitaker - "Hopelessly Devoted to You"
I love Grease, but I can't stand this song. There were too many off notes, especially during the chorus. I don't think she has what it takes to make it to the Final 12.
8. Alexandrea Lushington - "If You Leave Me Now"
I really liked her last week, but this week, not so much. This song did nothing to show her voice. The judges keep calling these types of songs "safe" songs. Maybe it's safe as far as the singing of them goes, but as for the hearing, they're dangerous. I hope she sticks around another week so she can remind me why I liked her so much last week.
9. Kady Malloy - "Magic Man"
Another Heart song, but not another great performance. She was off-key too much, which made me cringe since I love this song. I wasn't impressed with her last week, either. She needs to stick with opera.
10. Asia'h Epperson - "All By Myself"
Here's another song I don't like so much. I didn't like her start, but the middle of her performance was better, even though leading into it either her voice or her mic cut out. The end was really good. I was glad she could hit the right notes and hold them.
I know I'm waffling on the girls, but only a few really stand out for me. Here are my current top 6: Ramiele Malubay, Carly Smithson, Kristy Lee Cook (newly added), Brooke White (newly added), Syesha Mercado, and I'm torn between Alexandrea Lushington and Asia'h Epperson. (I mistakenly put Alaina Whitaker in my list last week instead of Asia'h. Too many A's, I guess.)
My pick to go home this week: Amanda Overmyer and Kady Malloy.
1. Carly Smithson - "Crazy on You"
What a way to start! Regardless of all the hoopla surrounding Carly's previous record deal, where she flopped immensely, I think she's got a great voice. She chose a big song (anything by Heart is big!) and did a great job with it. I'd say she had the second best performance of the night.
2. Syesha Mercado - "Me and Mrs. (Mr.) Jones"
I wasn't so impressed with her this time around. She's got a good voice, but that was not a good song for her. (That's besides the fact that I don't like that song.) She really needs to pick it up next week. I'm sure she'll be around.
3. Brooke White - "You're So Vain"
I liked the start of her song, with her playing acoustic guitar. At times she even resembled Carly Simon. Then she stopped playing during the middle. You could still hear the guitar from someone in the band, but what happened with her? Then she started back up and I really couldn't tell the difference. Was she actually playing? Her singing was good, but the whole guitar thing was distracting. I'm surprised the judges didn't say something about that. I would rank her higher this week, but the guitar bothers me. I hope she doesn't use it any more, or at least plays the whole song if she does.
4. Ramiele Malubay - "Don't Leave Me this Way"
I think she had the best performance of the night. I wasn't so sure when she started out, though her voice sounded good. She really powered through to the end. She kept sounding better and better, and she hit all the notes. She's my top pick of the girls, I think. Her hair bothered me last night, but that's minor... :o)
5. Kristy Lee Cook - "You're No Good"
I'm not wild about this song, but she did a good job with it. She was good last week, but this week was better. Like Simon said, I'd like to see her give country music a try.
6. Amanda Overmyer - "Carry On Wayward Son"
This is such a great song - and she butchered it. She never did hit the right note and sang the whole song in too low a key. It was painful to watch. She can dance, but she can't sing and last night proved it. She needs to either go totally blond or totally black because this "Bride of Frankenstein" look isn't cutting it. She looked much better in her video clip with the bandanna tied around her hair. I really think she's going home this week.
7. Alaina Whitaker - "Hopelessly Devoted to You"
I love Grease, but I can't stand this song. There were too many off notes, especially during the chorus. I don't think she has what it takes to make it to the Final 12.
8. Alexandrea Lushington - "If You Leave Me Now"
I really liked her last week, but this week, not so much. This song did nothing to show her voice. The judges keep calling these types of songs "safe" songs. Maybe it's safe as far as the singing of them goes, but as for the hearing, they're dangerous. I hope she sticks around another week so she can remind me why I liked her so much last week.
9. Kady Malloy - "Magic Man"
Another Heart song, but not another great performance. She was off-key too much, which made me cringe since I love this song. I wasn't impressed with her last week, either. She needs to stick with opera.
10. Asia'h Epperson - "All By Myself"
Here's another song I don't like so much. I didn't like her start, but the middle of her performance was better, even though leading into it either her voice or her mic cut out. The end was really good. I was glad she could hit the right notes and hold them.
I know I'm waffling on the girls, but only a few really stand out for me. Here are my current top 6: Ramiele Malubay, Carly Smithson, Kristy Lee Cook (newly added), Brooke White (newly added), Syesha Mercado, and I'm torn between Alexandrea Lushington and Asia'h Epperson. (I mistakenly put Alaina Whitaker in my list last week instead of Asia'h. Too many A's, I guess.)
My pick to go home this week: Amanda Overmyer and Kady Malloy.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Weigh-In Wednesday #6
I took my friend Rachel's advice and dug out my tape measure so I could track my progress another way. I measured Monday morning, but didn't write anything down, so now I've forgotten. I'll do it again tomorrow morning, write it in a place I'll remember, and check it weekly. I'll post how many inches I lose each week.
Eating was better last week. I still had my moments of wanting to eat things (and sometimes actually eating them!) that I knew weren't good for me, but overall I did really well. I'm expecting another good week.
We haven't been able to get out to the park to exercise the way I'd like, but maybe we'll get some opportunities later this week and next week. I think the temperatures are supposed to be in the 70s, so that'd be perfect!
As for today's exercise routine, it went really well. My friend Kim met me at the gym and we walked a mile on the outdoor track. I need to take a stopwatch with me when I walk outside. The only clock on that track is past the building where the dressing rooms are located, so I can only estimate the total time based on my first 1/2 mile. Using that as my guide, I'd say today's mile was a little under 17 minutes. Kim's about my height, but she has a longer stride. I really had to work to keep up with her at the start, but once I found a good pace with hers, we did well. I went in to lift weights after our mile, but she walked another mile.
I changed the way I'm lifting my weights. I just realized in the book I'm reading (Strength Training for Women) that shaping and toning are best done by less weight and more reps; more weights and fewer reps are better for bone-building. So today, I decreased the weight I had been using and did anywhere from 15-25 reps. I went through that routine twice, and walked a quick 1/2 mile (8:14) in between.
When I got ready to stand on the scales today, I was mentally preparing myself to see another gain. Much to my surprise and delight, I weighed in at 157.3! Down a little more than 3 lbs. from last week! Yessss! I know part of that was from retaining water, but I also think doing some exercises each morning has been helping.
Oh, I switched from general upper, lower, and core body toning each morning to focusing on a "Trouble-Spot" workout. I do the upper and lower body exercises Monday and Friday; the core exercises are for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays if I have time. That's quite a workout, too! Monday was the first day I did some of the exercises for glutes and thighs - and did I ever feel it! I was already feeling tight and sore that evening. Yesterday I could hardly lower myself into a chair without using my upper body to lessen the strain! Thankfully I could do everything today without any pain.
I'm glad to see some progress again. It was beginning to get easier to binge on something bad for me since it seemed like nothing was changing anyway. Today's weigh-in gave me renewed inspiration! I'm down a total of 7 1/2 lbs. since I began 8 weeks ago!
Eating was better last week. I still had my moments of wanting to eat things (and sometimes actually eating them!) that I knew weren't good for me, but overall I did really well. I'm expecting another good week.
We haven't been able to get out to the park to exercise the way I'd like, but maybe we'll get some opportunities later this week and next week. I think the temperatures are supposed to be in the 70s, so that'd be perfect!
As for today's exercise routine, it went really well. My friend Kim met me at the gym and we walked a mile on the outdoor track. I need to take a stopwatch with me when I walk outside. The only clock on that track is past the building where the dressing rooms are located, so I can only estimate the total time based on my first 1/2 mile. Using that as my guide, I'd say today's mile was a little under 17 minutes. Kim's about my height, but she has a longer stride. I really had to work to keep up with her at the start, but once I found a good pace with hers, we did well. I went in to lift weights after our mile, but she walked another mile.
I changed the way I'm lifting my weights. I just realized in the book I'm reading (Strength Training for Women) that shaping and toning are best done by less weight and more reps; more weights and fewer reps are better for bone-building. So today, I decreased the weight I had been using and did anywhere from 15-25 reps. I went through that routine twice, and walked a quick 1/2 mile (8:14) in between.
When I got ready to stand on the scales today, I was mentally preparing myself to see another gain. Much to my surprise and delight, I weighed in at 157.3! Down a little more than 3 lbs. from last week! Yessss! I know part of that was from retaining water, but I also think doing some exercises each morning has been helping.
Oh, I switched from general upper, lower, and core body toning each morning to focusing on a "Trouble-Spot" workout. I do the upper and lower body exercises Monday and Friday; the core exercises are for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays if I have time. That's quite a workout, too! Monday was the first day I did some of the exercises for glutes and thighs - and did I ever feel it! I was already feeling tight and sore that evening. Yesterday I could hardly lower myself into a chair without using my upper body to lessen the strain! Thankfully I could do everything today without any pain.
I'm glad to see some progress again. It was beginning to get easier to binge on something bad for me since it seemed like nothing was changing anyway. Today's weigh-in gave me renewed inspiration! I'm down a total of 7 1/2 lbs. since I began 8 weeks ago!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Idol 20: Guys' Round 2
1. Michael Johns - "Go Your Own Way"
He sounded pretty good tonight. There were a few notes that sounded a little off, but he really pulled it off when he got to the chorus. He's still on my list of 6.
2. Jason Castro - "Want to Be Your Everything"
I loved his video clip. He's so down-to-earth and humble. Very endearing. I was a little concerned when I saw him with his guitar again this week. I figured the judges would have something to say about that, and I was right. I hope he'll take their advice and leave it behind next week. It's almost like a safety net. I hope he's not awkward without it.
On to his performance. It was okay. Not the best, but not the worst, either. I still like him; I just hope he does something different, something memorable next week.
3. Luke Menard - "Killer Queen"
His voice is higher than what I like, but it was good for this song. Much better than last week. I don't think he's got the staying power, though.
4. Robbie Carrico - "Hot Blooded"
I enjoyed seeing the video clip of him drag racing. (Billy and I used to go to drag races before Caleb was born and it was always a lot of fun. We'd like to take the boys one of these days.)
At first, his performance seemed good, but as he went on, he seemed to be lacking. It was okay. Last week was better for him.
5. Danny Noriega - "Superstar"
I really like the Carpenters, and Danny's voice is pretty good, but I just don't like his personality. I find him very annoying. I'm ready for him to go, but that's doubtful. He was better this week than last.
6. David Hernandez - "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone"
I like his voice and he sounded great again tonight, but I'm not a fan of the song he picked. At this point, when Simon said it was the best vocal of the night, he was right. Then came the other Davids...
7. Jason Yeager - "Long Train Runnin'"
He was much improved over last week's snooze fest, but he's still got a lot to prove. Billy pegged it right when he said it was a very "cruise ship" performance.
8. Chikezie - "I Believe"
I was more impressed with him this week. For one thing, his clothes weren't screaming louder than his singing, though he was dressed a little too casual. Almost sloppy. But his voice was really good, and he played around with the song some instead of imitating the original. I wasn't familiar with the song, though. He needs to pick something more in the mainstream.
9. David Cook - "Alright Now"
Yea! Another word nerd! Simon might have been bored by his video, but I thought it was really interesting. I never would have pegged David as someone who liked language and wordplay so much. I love how they pieced together his interview clips with all his big words. I never would have realized that otherwise.
On to his performance... The best of the night - to this point! He did a great job playing lead guitar while he sang. And every note sounded on key. He really rocked. Robbie Carrico can take some lessons from this guy.
10. David Archuleta - "Imagine"
He's another really likable, down-to-earth guy. I love how he just smiles so big when he gets complimented. He's not full of himself and cocky; he's humble and truly happy. And he has the voice to beat this season. If he doesn't win the whole thing, I'll be surprised. He's got an amazing voice, amazing control. This one really was the best performance of the night!
My six are still the same, though they're starting to find some order now. Well, maybe one has dropped out for someone else. Not sure yet. What I am sure of is this: David Archuleta is my top pick, followed by David Cook. The order of the others is still in question.
My picks to go home this week: Luke Menard and Jason Yeager. (Same as last week.)
It's a lot easier to judge the contestants' voices by listening to the samples on iTunes. We can all admit that we're influenced somewhat by appearances, personality, and mannerisms, but those perceptions aren't so strong when you're just listening. Try it and think about whether or not you'd actually buy an album based solely on voice.
He sounded pretty good tonight. There were a few notes that sounded a little off, but he really pulled it off when he got to the chorus. He's still on my list of 6.
2. Jason Castro - "Want to Be Your Everything"
I loved his video clip. He's so down-to-earth and humble. Very endearing. I was a little concerned when I saw him with his guitar again this week. I figured the judges would have something to say about that, and I was right. I hope he'll take their advice and leave it behind next week. It's almost like a safety net. I hope he's not awkward without it.
On to his performance. It was okay. Not the best, but not the worst, either. I still like him; I just hope he does something different, something memorable next week.
3. Luke Menard - "Killer Queen"
His voice is higher than what I like, but it was good for this song. Much better than last week. I don't think he's got the staying power, though.
4. Robbie Carrico - "Hot Blooded"
I enjoyed seeing the video clip of him drag racing. (Billy and I used to go to drag races before Caleb was born and it was always a lot of fun. We'd like to take the boys one of these days.)
At first, his performance seemed good, but as he went on, he seemed to be lacking. It was okay. Last week was better for him.
5. Danny Noriega - "Superstar"
I really like the Carpenters, and Danny's voice is pretty good, but I just don't like his personality. I find him very annoying. I'm ready for him to go, but that's doubtful. He was better this week than last.
6. David Hernandez - "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone"
I like his voice and he sounded great again tonight, but I'm not a fan of the song he picked. At this point, when Simon said it was the best vocal of the night, he was right. Then came the other Davids...
7. Jason Yeager - "Long Train Runnin'"
He was much improved over last week's snooze fest, but he's still got a lot to prove. Billy pegged it right when he said it was a very "cruise ship" performance.
8. Chikezie - "I Believe"
I was more impressed with him this week. For one thing, his clothes weren't screaming louder than his singing, though he was dressed a little too casual. Almost sloppy. But his voice was really good, and he played around with the song some instead of imitating the original. I wasn't familiar with the song, though. He needs to pick something more in the mainstream.
9. David Cook - "Alright Now"
Yea! Another word nerd! Simon might have been bored by his video, but I thought it was really interesting. I never would have pegged David as someone who liked language and wordplay so much. I love how they pieced together his interview clips with all his big words. I never would have realized that otherwise.
On to his performance... The best of the night - to this point! He did a great job playing lead guitar while he sang. And every note sounded on key. He really rocked. Robbie Carrico can take some lessons from this guy.
10. David Archuleta - "Imagine"
He's another really likable, down-to-earth guy. I love how he just smiles so big when he gets complimented. He's not full of himself and cocky; he's humble and truly happy. And he has the voice to beat this season. If he doesn't win the whole thing, I'll be surprised. He's got an amazing voice, amazing control. This one really was the best performance of the night!
My six are still the same, though they're starting to find some order now. Well, maybe one has dropped out for someone else. Not sure yet. What I am sure of is this: David Archuleta is my top pick, followed by David Cook. The order of the others is still in question.
My picks to go home this week: Luke Menard and Jason Yeager. (Same as last week.)
It's a lot easier to judge the contestants' voices by listening to the samples on iTunes. We can all admit that we're influenced somewhat by appearances, personality, and mannerisms, but those perceptions aren't so strong when you're just listening. Try it and think about whether or not you'd actually buy an album based solely on voice.
10 Movies I've Intended to Watch but Haven't
This week's Ten on Tuesday looks interesting... I can just look in our DVD cabinet and find several.
1. Gladiator
2. The Rookie
3. Open Range
4. Radio
5. Citizen Kane (I know, I know...)
6. Miss Congeniality 2
7. Walk the Line
8. In Love and War
9. The Missing
10. Vertigo
Some of these I have; some I've checked out from the library but never got around to watching before having to return them. Maybe this spring and summer, when things have slowed down some (?!), I can catch up on these and more.
Do you have any recommendations? (I like everything except horror. Psychological thrillers, yes; blood and guts, a resounding NO.)
1. Gladiator
2. The Rookie
3. Open Range
4. Radio
5. Citizen Kane (I know, I know...)
6. Miss Congeniality 2
7. Walk the Line
8. In Love and War
9. The Missing
10. Vertigo
Some of these I have; some I've checked out from the library but never got around to watching before having to return them. Maybe this spring and summer, when things have slowed down some (?!), I can catch up on these and more.
Do you have any recommendations? (I like everything except horror. Psychological thrillers, yes; blood and guts, a resounding NO.)
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