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A M E R I C A N   I D O L   (May 22nd, 2007)
May 23rd, 2007
      Tensions were running high, mine included.  We were treated to a recap of the remaining two idols' past performances.
      Blake sang "You Give Love A Bad Name" - I love the song but I hated his interpretation.  Jordin sang her heart out (I didn't catch the song title) and she sounded better than Blake, much better.  I love her voice and I feel strongly that she'll win.  A great performance.  Blake's second song I missed - watching The Bachelor at the same time - however, the judges were positive.  Jordin's second song was "A Broken Wing", her favorite song.  I didn't like the song but I enjoyed listening to her singing it.  Simon liked it.  "Now that was good," he said.  For Blake's third song he sang the winning song ("This Is My Now") which was written for the competition.  It was a slow number and a pleasant enough song, but I still couldn't see this guy winning.  Jordin's last performance was her rendition of the winning song, but it was arranged completely differently and it sounded superb.  She hit all the high notes beautifully, and her voice was much stronger and more convincing than Blake's.  If she doesn't win, there's no justice.
      So nice to see some of the other contestants in the audience - I spotted LaKisha, Melinda and Constantine and a few others.  A special treat was to see Chris Daughtry and his band closing the show.  I still don't know why he didn't win.  Who did win that series?
      RESULTS:  A long and drawn out two hours to announce the winner of American Idol.  We were treated to performances by Gwen Stefani, Kelly Clarkson, Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett, Carrie Underwood, Green Day, Taylor Hicks, Reuben Studdard, Bette Midler (what a wonderful surprise!), and undoubtedly the highlight of the evening, was Ms. Gladys Knight who sang "Midnight Train to Georgia" with the last six female contestants.  It was a star-studded evening and I spotted Teri Hatcher, Brad Garrett, Jolie Fisher, Jeff Foxworthy, Jennifer Hudson, Jerry Springer, and David Hasselhoff.  Oh jeez, we had to suffer more of Sanjaya as he and the last six male contestants joined Smokey Robinson on stage.  It was lovely to see and hear Chris Sligh again - I did like him.  Blake was later joined by Fresh E for a rap and beatbox number from which I had to walk away - I just can't stand this.  The African Children's Choir brought tears to my eyes with their rhythm, drums, and smiles - they touched my African soul.  I hated the idea of Sanjaya being in the same category as J.F. Kennedy, Gandhi, Einstein, and Martin Luther King Jr.  This kid can't sing and the less I see of him, the happier I'll be.  I hate that they are still harping on him - if he had talent it would be a different story but it's all so absurd.
      There were a lot of performances and the whole show went off smoothly but I found it too long.  Finally, after two hours, Jordin was the winner.  Great job, and I know she's going on to greater things in the music world.  Now, in my opinion, she should have been announced about fifteen minutes earlier so that we could see her journey to the finals - everything was rushed earlier on.  It was over so quickly the poor girl hardly had time to catch her breath and then they expected her to sing.  She gave a shaky performance but was thrilled.  Both she and Blake also got a new mustang car each.

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D A N C I N G   WITH  THE  S T A R S  (May 21st, 2007)
May 22nd, 2007
      It's all coming to an end and just in time.  It was getting a little monotonous as the dancers are all good and not really going anywhere at this stage.  Once again, my comments were noted before the judges passed their comments.
      Their first dance was one chosen by the judges and first up was Laila Ali.  She had the paso doble to perform.  A very dramatic beginning and they had the audience clapping along.  Beautifully executed, and Laila's dress was just magnificent.  She looked like a temptress!  Fan-flipping-tastic.  29/30
      Apolo was next and he had the rumba to dance.  It was full of drama, elegant, and extremely controlled, and I loved his use of his hands.  Very sexy and a joy to watch.  His performance started a fight between the judges!  28/30
      Last up in the first half of the show was Joey, and he had to dance the cha cha.  Although I enjoy Joey dancing, I wasn't enthralled and I hated the improvised bits.  Kym's always a delight to watch.  26/30
      Next it was the freestyle round where anything goes and the dancers were really looking forward to this section.  Laila looked as though she was having so much fun, and Maks even managed a lift.  Lots of fun, energetic, and I loved her glittery shorts.  26/30 (55/60)
      Apolo and Julianne looked like street kids with new clothes, complete with a bit of break dancing.  It was frenetic, as only youngsters can do, and it was so much fun.  They both looked so happy dancing.  Great job.  I still think Apolo is going to win.  30/30 (58/60)
      Finally it was Joey, and he and Kym looked elegant, posed, and rather sedate at the beginning, but as the music progressed, off came the outfits and both were in shimmering gold outfits.  Lots of lifts, jumps, kicks, and so much energy.  It was wonderful.  My goodness, Kym really does have the most stunning figure and fabulous legs.  It was superb.  30/30 (56/60)
      I spotted Karina and Mario Lopez in the audience, and Jerry Springer, and Joey's cute little daughter.  Almost over for another season.
      RESULTS:  Everyone was back so it was a full house - nice to see everyone together again.  The three finalists had one more dance left, but before that, it was dances from the professionals, and a look back at the other competitors.
      Apolo and Julianne were up first with their fabulous paso doble.  That dramatic removal of Julianne's skirt.  What a dance!  Loved it!  So much drama and toro, toro, TORO!  Great compliments from the judges.  30/30
      Joey did his Star Wars tango which was lovely to watch, with all the drama and elegance.  30/30
      Laila did her mambo, one I enjoyed watching before.  She really seems to enjoy herself and this time she was a lot more refined.  I didn't think it would help her win though.  I think her legs have slimmed down a bit, too.  30/30
      Well, it was easy to give everyone perfect scores but would it make any real difference to the overall scores?  The third place was given halfway through the show, and it was Laila.  She was bummed out but she was gracious.  I think the vote was spot on.
      Paulina Poriskova, Shandi (those legs!), Leeza (that smile), and Clyde (how he wasn't voted off first I'll never understand) all did a quick turn on the dance floor.  And then it was the turn of Heather, Mr. Ratzenberger (and his over-the-top Edyta), Billy Ray (why did he wear that mullet wig?), and Ian.  A really nice bunch this season.
      The show was a tad long - we didn't need the past winners making an appearance or the repetitive (I heard "What are you going to take away from this show?" toooooo many times.) "interviews".  I'm sure it could have been done in one hour.  I was yawning my head off after 75 minutes.
      Okay, so the winner, eventually, was APOLO.  Yah, yay, YAY!  He was positively delighted.  Poor Joey, I loved his dancing and showmanship and a pity there was only one winner.

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A M E R I C A N   I D O L   (May 15th, 2007)
May 16th, 2007
      Last night it was three songs - one each chosen by the judges, one each chosen by the producers, and one each contestant chose for themselves.
      Jordin sang Simon's choice of "Wishing on a Star" which was a good song for her voice.  She gave a good performance but Simon wasn't too happy with the arrangement.
      Paula chose "Roxanne" for Blake to sing.  See, I said he reminded me a bit of Sting.  I was hoping he wouldn't do his beatbox thang last night.  Not a bad performance but he isn't going to win.
      Melinda sang Randy's choice which was "I Believe in You and Me", a Whitney Houston song - tough.  I think she coped well as the song built, but Whitney's songs often call for a lot of screaming.  This is the winner I believe.
      The producers' songs were next and Jordin had "She Works Hard For the Money", a nice uptempo beat.  There's not much Jordin can't sing but I didn't think this song was really her.  Great voice though, as always.
      Blake was given the task of singing "This Love" by Maroon 5 which I thought was a good choice for him.  I thought it suited him and he managed to get in a little "blakeness" as well.  He never stands still and he's a lot of fun.
      Melinda's producers' song was "Nutbush City Limits".  Now, she can do rock, and this was no different, and her voice easily tackled this Tina Turner hit.  Melinda can sing anything.  She's so wonderful and I couldn't wait to hear which song she chose for herself.
      Jordin's personal song was "I Who Have Nothing", a tad "grown up" for her.  It's a Shirley Bassey song, one of my all-time favorite singers, and she hit the big and powerful notes and did a great job.  I couldn't help but think that her mother must have chosen that song for her, although she's probably also young.  I was hoping she'd choose a much more contemporary song to sing.  Loved her dress.
      Blake opted to sing "When I Get You Alone" (never heard of it) - the underlying Saturday Night Fever song was recognizable but I didn't like it.  His voice was okay.  Simon liked it.
      Finally, Melinda's choice was "I'm A Woman" which suited her.  Sultry doesn't come to mind when describing Melinda, but she was fabulous.  Simon's right, she is the most consistent.
      I'm sad LaKisha isn't in the top three but I'm happy with Melinda and Jordin.
RESULTS:  A long and drawn out hour with home visits for the idols, videos, a surprise performance by Elliott Yamin, and plenty of emotion.  Another surprise performance by Maroon 5.  The shock of all shocks though!!, was that Melinda didn't get to the finale.  How could that be?  The mind boggles.  I would have bet money (if I had any) that she would have won.  I had to assume that really young kids were voting and that they just didn't appreciate her fabulous voice and the fact that she's older (and so much more sophisticated) than the others.  I did pick Jordin but never in my wildest dreams would have thought that Blake would have made it.  God help us if he wins.  I just hope Ms. Melinda pursues a singing career because, my goodness, she really can SING.  Go forth and record.

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D A N C I N G   WITH  THE  S T A R S  (May 14th, 2007)
May 15th, 2007
      Last night was the semi-finals, with four stars left to battle it out.  I'm still going with Apolo to win.  They chose their favorite dances to perform last night in both the Ballroom Round and in the Latin Round.  And to reiterate, my comments were written before the judges passed their comments and scores.
      First on the dance floor was Apolo, and his choice was the quickstep, one of my faves to watch.  Very posed and polished - loved the bouncing.  Both looked much more mature than their young ages.  Lively and a lot of fun.  30/30
      Next up was Ian and he chose the tango.  Much better than I've seen in a while from him but I didn't like their interpretation of this dance.  They looked good, very good.  Judge Len loved it.  28/30
      Third on the floor and Ms. Laila with her quickstep.  Cleopatra-esque Laila and Maks bounced around beautifully.  I don't know how she danced with flat shoes, but dance she did.  Yay, Len chastised the god-awful Maks.  He is such a pain and far too full of himself, for no good reason.  30/30 (I didn't think it was perfect.)
      Last up was Joey and his choice was the foxtrot.  Both looked lovely in their white outfits.  Because this dance is not flamboyant or funky, it's difficult to impress (me).  Lots of antics and a lovely turn around the floor.  Very polished.   30/30
      In the second half of the show, the Latin Round, Judge Len offered some pointers, and it was fun to see him dance in the studios.  Apolo danced the cha cha, a wonderful dance to watch.  These two were so electric and so sexy.  I think they're by far the most convincing of all the stars.  Lots of fantastic hip grinding and great footwork.  Charming performance.  Judge Len thought it too raunchy.  29/30 (59/60)
      Ian was next with his jive.  He was unrecognizable as Elvis but I enjoyed his moves - flowing and fab.  Hated his wig though.  30/30 (58/60)
      Laila's second dance was the cha cha.  She has so much energy and she gets around the dance floor with grace and ease.  She couldn't resist inserting her own little spin on things.  Fabulous.  30/30 (60/60)
      Joey was up last with his jive.  A great way to end the evening's competition.  It was full of excitement and energy and flamboyance.  If anyone deserved a 30/30, this was IT.  30/30 (60/60)
      It must be extremely difficult to learn two dances and routines and pull them off confidently.  But, I didn't think that all the 10s were truly warranted last night.
      RESULTS:  A repeat of the show the previous night and then, it was a performance by Enrique Iglesias.  Pity his song was accompanied by the barely-clad-and-over-tanned Edyta.  Karina was just as scantily dressed.  The first star through was Joey and his partner Kym, and then we were treated to a phenomenal show of Spanish dancing by Joaquin Cortez.
      So, it was Ian voted out and going home.  Sad to see him go home (sad for Cheryl too), but I think it was the right vote.

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S U R V I V O R   (Finale)   (May 13th, 2007)
May 14th, 2007
      Nerves were frayed, at least mine were last night.  Poor Yau-Man had to win immunity in order to stay in the game.  It had to be each person for themselves now.  Cassandra said that she, Boo, and Dreamz had to stick together because Earl and Yau-Man were thick as thieves.  The immunity challenge was a huge maze through which they had to work their way, blindfolded.  It got more difficult to negotiate and the more they rushed, the more they crashed into each other and into bars and barriers.  I'd have hated this.  Yau-Man won - woo hoo!  Great job because it look horrendous but his methodical approach worked for him.  Now he was safe at tribal council.
      Boo's face said it all.  He suggested to Earl they vote out Dreamz so that there's a good chance they'll both be the last two.  Food for thought for Earl.  At Tribal Council Boo made a huge mistake by revealing his thoughts and strategy for everyone to hear, which made me feel uncomfortable.  I couldn't understand he and Dreamz opening up and telling everyone what's what.  Earl, Cassandra, and Yau-Man kept their mouths shut.  They had good points about sympathy votes from the jury, but come on, don't tell everyone.  Earl played the last immunity idol and Boo got voted off, and rightly so.  So, the alliance stayed strong.  Would Dreamz keep his word if he won immunity?  I'd liked to have thought so, but you just never know.
      Day 38 brought Dreamz saying he'd stick to his word.  Good man.  The last four paid tribute to the other players and then burned all of their torches.  The next and final immunity challenge was a test of their pain threshold and their desire to win.  They had to lie on a flat surface, hanging onto a handle while being tipped and watered on and getting slippery.  It was then that they were told that three were to face the jury, not the usual two.  The third time the angle of their slabs was increased, Cassandra slipped off.  The next time you could see their agony.  Earl fell, leaving Dreamz and Yau-Man - poetic.  Yau-Man conked out first, giving Dreamz immunity.  I don't know why the guys just didn't decide to vote Cassandra out - she's not done much except tag along and nod and agree here and there.
      However, at Tribal Council, Dreamz went back on his word and kept the necklace, to Yau-Man's obvious disgust and sorrow.  Big mistake in my opinion.  I couldn't see the jury voting for him.  Poor Yau-Man looked worried sick.  He was voted out when he absolutely shouldn't have been.  I was convinced he would win.  Earl looked disgusted but he too, voted for Yau-Man.  I didn't realize he was so close with Cassandra, but perhaps it was strategy.  Now I wanted Earl to win - obviously - I'm not convinced Cassandra outplayed or outwitted anyone.  She just outlasted some.
      Dreamz said he was sorry but it was only a game and he had no remorse.  Earl on the other hand, felt terrible that he voted against Yau-Man.  After their last day celebrating and burning down the camp, they headed off for D-Day.  Deliberation Day.  The jury quizzed the final three after each had had a chance to fend for themselves, and of all of them, Alex let them have it.  He was angry, but his posturing and being incredibly autocratic with his power at being able to cross-examine the final three, was just pathetic.  Lisi was her usual obnoxious self.  Actually, except Mookie and Michelle perhaps, the jury was bitter and behaved stupidly.  I was so glad that none of them had made it to this stage, except of course, Yau-Man.  I hoped he would win a special award - much like Rupert did.  Boo let Dreamz have it from a religious standpoint, and I can't stand holier-than-thou people.  Cassandra was virtually pushed aside so I didn't expect her to get many votes from the jury.
      As expected, Jeff took the final votes and walked out of Tribal Council and walked down the steps and out onto the stage in New York City.  Everyone looked fit, fatter, and healthy.  Earl won!  A clear winner as everyone voted for him.  The first time ever in the game.  He never even got one vote during the entire game.
      Then it was the Survivor Reunion - many forgettable participants which I wasn't interested in seeing or hearing from again.  All I wanted to see was whether or not Yau-Man got any special award.  The less said about Rocky, the better.  Stupid doesn't begin to describe him.  The others are a pretty non-descript bunch too.  I mean, what was Rita wearing?  Not the brightest did we have on this show.
      I loved Yau-Man's philosophy: "Love many - Trust few - Do wrong to none.  My sentiments completely.  It's a wonderful thing to be reminded that there are honorable men out there.  Well played Yau-Man.
      The next season of "Survivor" will be in China!

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S U R V I V O R  (May 10th)
May 11th 2007
      It's now the final few left to battle it out.  Boo, Yau-Man, Cassandra, Dreamz, Stacy, and Earl remain.  Last night Boo made a sneaky move, making a pathway to the water so that if the others talk about him, he can listen in.  The others wanted to get rid of him if he was up for being voted out.  Dreamz wanted to win the reward challenge so badly because he didn't have a car and a Ford F350 Super Duty was up for grabs.  For the first part of the challenge they were tied together, three in a team, and had to negotiate an obstacle course, the winner taking the car and then delivering school supplies to a little local school.
      Dreamz, Cassandra, and Earl were tied together and took an early lead, but were soon overtaken by the other team, led by Boo.  The second part of the challenge was an ax-throwing competition which Yau-Man won, winning the car!  He negotiated a deal with Dreamz, to which he readily agreed, and he was given the car.  Yau-Man then sent himself to Exile Island.  What does this man have up his sleeve?  Next they had to deliver the school supplies and the children were delighted with their gifts - Dreamz was already scheming how he could get rid of Yau-Man so that he didn't have to give him immunity if he won it and there were only four left.
      For the immunity challenge they had to cross the water on a plank to retrieve a buoy, losing someone along the way, with Boo winning again.  Earl diligently searched for the other immunity idol after Yau-Man shared the clue he found on E.I. with him.  It was a tense situation because Yau-Man had a feeling something was up.  They couldn't vote Boo off so they said Stacy would be next but Dreamz had convinced the others to vote Yau-Man off.  Yau-Man, at the last minute, played his immunity idol - wise move.  He read them perfectly.  Stacy went home but it could very well have been Yau-Man - great move.  Still, now he knows they can't be trusted so my guess is that he'll have to try and convince Earl to give him the idol next episode.  At least he and Earl are still tight.
      The finale is this Sunday - what a treat this is going to be.

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A M E R I C A N   I D O L   (May 8th, 2007)
May 9th, 2007
      Barry Gibb was the music mentor this week and does he have an extensive repertoire!  I would imagine it's hard to reach those high notes, and they had to learn two songs.  Last night the young singers harked back to their parents' era.
      First up was Melinda with "Love You Inside and Out".  She made it her own and sang it beautifully.  No falsetto, but it was fabulous.  For her second song she chose "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart", another beautiful Bee Gees song.  And wow, did she sing it brilliantly.  That voice!  She's going to be hard to beat.
      Blake sang "You Should Be Dancing", and once again, he brought some beatbox to the song.  I don't like it very much but he coped well with the high notes.  This is such a great song and after all, I quite enjoyed his version.  For his second song he chose "This Is Where I Came In", a song I don't know at all and neither did the judges.  I hated it and he will probably be going next.  He's nowhere near the caliber of the women.
      LaKisha was up third and her first choice was "Staying Alive", one of the all-time great Bee Gees songs.  She went with the song and rearranged the high notes and I thought she did a wonderful job - the song sounded contemporary.  She sang "Run To Me" for her second performance, another spine-chilling song for me.  Oh my goodness!  I just wanted to weep.  These are my songs, ones I used to sing along to.  LaKisha gave me goosebumps.
      Jordin's first song was "To Love Somebody", another of my favorite favorite songs.  It always makes me want to cry, and I can recall my teenage years in an instant.  There have been many versions but I love the Bee Gees' the best.  Barry Gibb said he'd not heard a better version than Jordin's!  What a compliment.  I did get chills.  For her second song she chose "A Woman In Love", Barbra Steisand's hit.  A tough act to follow, and Barry Gibb said Jordin could become one of our greatest female artists.  Jordin's no Streisand but by heavens, she's not far behind.  Hated the dress.
      Can you tell I'm a Bee Gees fan?  This is my era and it was an emotional night on Idol for me.  It's going to be a close race for the finish line - all women is my guess.  Oh, I have to say that Paula looked so sophisticated with her elegant up do.
      RESULTS:  So tense.  So nerve-racking.  I couldn't stand the wait.  I wasn't up to surviving a shock announcement last night.  It had to be Blake.  I'd be more than happy with any of the remaining ladies.  What I couldn't handle would be seeing any one of them being sent home at this stage.
      Pink performed - loved the hair, loved her pretty face, hated the dress, and couldn't care less about the voice.  I was most looking forward to Barry Gibb singing, apart from the results that is.  I did enjoy the Idol's tribute to the Bee Gees - my word, they did have a zillion great hits.
      The results were agonizing and took SO long to get to.  Mr. Gibbs sang "To Love Somebody" but gone was the falsetto voice - much more mature.  Then, finally, it was down to business - LaKisha goes home.  I couldn't believe it.  Blake should have gone - he's not in the same class as LaKisha in my opinion.  What a shocker!  I'm going to miss her fabulous voice and I hope she gets a recording contract - I'll buy her CDs.  She was gracious in defeat and sang "Staying Alive" with her powerhouse voice.  Well done!

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D A N C I N G   WITH  THE  S T A R S  (May 7th, 2007)
May 8th, 2007
      Five stars left and just a few weeks left of this lovely show.  Once again, the show was divided into ballroom dances (foxtrots, a tango, and waltzes) and Latin dances (rumba, mambo, jive, paso doble).  They started with the Ballroom Round.
      First up was Ian with his foxtrot.  Very light on his feet and I think he had a good time.  He's getting better and better to watch by the week.  It was a little bouncy though.  Cheryl's gown was fabulous.  22/30
      Next up and second to dance was Joey, and he had the waltz to dance.  Not the most exciting of dances to watch, Joey made it fun with his huge smile.  Very smooth and poised.  Kym looked stunning in her soft pink swishing dress.  26/30
      Billy Ray was up third with his foxtrot.  This I had to see.  Not very light or fluid on his feet and he seemed a little mechanical.  Not horrendous though.  He's probably going home this week.  18/30
      Laila was fourth on the dance floor, with her parents in the audience.  Oh the pressure!  Very elegant and flowy.  Loved it.  27/30
      Up fifth was Apolo with his tango.  Loved it.  I could feel the passion and arrogance of their tango.  Fabulous.  A wonderful season-winning performance.  28/30
      Next was the Latin Round with everyone dancing in the same order.
      Ian's rumba was very sexy and smooth.  His hands these days are beautifully used.  Very elegant.  25/30 (47/60)
      Joey did the mambo and it was all action.  He's so much fun to watch.  Great job.  Loved the spats!  29/30 (55/60)
      Billy Ray also had the mambo to contend with.  Nowhere near Joey's smokin' performance but he looked so relaxed, and what an ending.  And, he wasn't too happy with Judge Bruno.  Clearly he has to go now.  20/30 (38/60)
      Next up was Ms. Laila with her jive.  What a whole lot of fun!  She was electric and magnificent to watch.  Wow, Maks got a tongue-lashing from the judges.  Good, he needs putting in his place.  26/30 (53/60)
      Apolo was up last to round off the evening and he danced the paso doble.  Wow!  What fire.  What passion!  If he doesn't win the title I'd be very surprised.  Not to mention disappointed.  Just wonderful and chilling.  30/30 (58/60)
      Another great evening of fabulous dancing.  I can't get enough of this show.  Thankfully there were no more Edyta fashions to make me cringe.
      RESULTS:  The controversy of Judge Bruno's remarks continued and were rehashed again.  Billy Ray's feelings were hurt.  Oh boo hoo, he's a big boy.  He was a little brutal but he was quite right.  I had hoped we'd get to see Apolo and Julianne's paso doble again, and we did.  What a treat!  So fabulous.  Magnificent.  My thoughts were along the lines of Billy Ray going home, and he was the first in the bottom two.  Ian and Cheryl were the first to go on.  Nellie Fratado (sp) is so pretty to look at but I didn't like her singing - too nasally for my liking.  The other couples who were safe were Laila and Maks and Apolo and Julianne - it wasn't that clear whether it was Joey or Apolo in the bottom two, but the red light shone on Joey and Kym.  Phew.  It was Billy Ray who was going home.  You're on target, America.  My, how Samantha's tummy has grown!  A fun show and fun to celeb-spot in the audience.

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A M A Z I N G   R A C E  (May 6th, 2007)
May 7th, 2007
      Going into the finale without any preferred team to win, I was neutral but did feel the excitement.  One million dollars is not to be sneezed at and I'll be happy for whichever team wins.
      From Guam the last three teams flew to Hawaii and then made their way to Lanai.  They were all on the same flight out of Guam so all started off on an equal footing.  They were also all booked on the same connecting flight but the cousins spotted another flight that would arrive 40 minutes earlier than the others.  That left D & K and E & D very confused as they couldn't spot them on the plane.
      At Lanai they each took a helicopter flight and then had to drive a jeep to their next clue.  The cousins left first, E & D next, and D & K last.  Their "detour" was a choice between "over" (stand on a surfboard-type-raft and paddle to the clue) or "under" (swim to some rocks where they then had to swim underneath to retrieve their clue) - both tasks were rather exhausting.  The cousins chose "over" and the others chose "under".  Charla totally conquered the paddling bit as she was small and didn't have the toppling over syndrome.  Everyone had to then paddle out in kayaks to a shipwreck to get the next clue.  The tide seemed against them all and D & K were having some problems which led to bickering and some unkind things being said.  E & D got to the clue first and the cousins were now in last place.  One of the things I love so much about this race - the front-runners change all the time.
      Next, it was off to San Francisco, the final leg of the competition.  Everyone was back on track as they all got on the same flight.  In San Francisco, it was a race to the Old Mint where one team member answered numbered questions about all of the other teams.  Their answers gave them a four-digit code which they used to lock a little safe.  Their better halves had to also answer the questions and work out the code to unlock the safe.  Danielle got hers open first and she and Eric headed off to the Botanical Gardens to meet Phil and the rest of the entire mob who took place.  They came in first and won the $1M to the applause of everyone else.  It was so nice to see Uchenna and Joyce again, O & D, Team Guido, and Rob and Amber.
      D & K came in second and the cousins came in last.  A nice reunion and there were hugs all around and tears and laughter.  In the end, it really depended on who you picked as your taxi driver.  Anyone could have won as E & D got so many red traffic lights, while D & K sailed through the green lights but they were far enough behind not to be able to catch up.
      A terrific series and I can't wait for the next season.

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S U R V I V O R   (May 3rd, 2007)
May 4th, 2007
      Well, unless Alex wins Immunity, his time is up I would think.  It's going to be interesting to see who hooks up with whom if Alex does go.  Cassandra and Earl were talking strategy within earshot of Alex (who was awake) and Dreamz (sleeping, I think) and Yau-Man putting in his shaky opinion.  They also had to consider Boo who was on Exile Island.
      Their reward challenge involved a food and field trip reward and an "advantage" in the next immunity challenge for the winner.  They had to pull off chunks of roast pork (dangling from a rope) with their mouths (hands tied behind their backs) and put as much as they could on their plates.  Boo won with nine pounds!  He sent Earl to E.I. and he, Yau-Man and Dreamz went off to enjoy their reward.  Apart from being fed, again, they toured the islands in a helicopter which was absolutely beautiful.  They also went whitewater rafting.  Finally, they each got letters from home.  Boo got on everyone's nerves because he just wouldn't shut up on their trip.  Yak, yak, yak, yak, yak!
      Alex and Dreamz plotted to vote Boo out if he didn't win the immunity challenge.  The "advantage" he got was in the form of three steps to a 12-foot pole they had to climb, so the others had to dig for theirs.  The next two were allowed to climb (Boo made it three) the poles.  Dreamz and Alex found theirs and the three-way challenge was on.  Boo made it to the top first and won the immunity necklace, which more than likely meant that it would be Alex going home.
      Earl, Cassandra, and Alex wanted to vote Yau-Man off and Dreamz wanted to keep Alex.  Cassandra wasn't convinced so it made for exciting viewing waiting to see what their final decision would be.  Stacey just followed the crowd and had no real input.
      It was Alex who got voted out so his strategy didn't work.  Everyone voted against him, enforcing their alliance.  From who is left, I would still go with Yau-Man winning.  The others haven't worked that hard and some are just coasting - hardly outwitting anyone.

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A M E R I C A N   I D O L   (May 1st, 2007)
May 2nd, 2007
      Here I thought Bono was the music mentor this week, but I was mistaken.  It was Jon Bon Jovi, one of my favorites.  Just love this man and his music.  What I didn't forget was that two were going home this week.
      Phil was up first and I had to wonder how this "country" singer was going to tackle true rock.  "Blaze of Glory" was his song choice and he handled it just fine.  I have to believe he's one of the two going home.
      Jordin grew up on Bon Jovi, or so she said, and chose "Living on a Prayer", a song with lots of deep notes which she struggled with here and there.  She really can sing almost anything.  Stunning.  And I loved her hair this week.
      LaKisha bravely took on "This Ain't a Love Song", one of my favorite Bon Jovi songs.  I got chills listening to LaKisha singing.  This song suited her to a tee.  Superb performance.  Simon obviously loved it as well.  I don't think he's ever kissed any contestant post singing their song.
      Next was Blake with "You Give Love a Bad Name".  I love this song as well as it's a hard rocker song, but he changed it a lot.  I don't think Jon Bon Jovi was too happy about it.  A little beatbox here and there (I hated that) but he more or less stuck to the chorus.  Not bad enough to be eliminated I didn't think.  The judges loved it.  I wonder how the band liked this version.  Gone were his blonde spikes this week.
      Chris was up next with "Wanted Dead or Alive".  I felt this was perhaps a little ambitious as he doesn't have that strong a voice.  Not too bad (I've heard worse from him), but everyone else was so much better.  I have a feeling he might be on his way this week.
      Last to sing was Melinda, and she chose "Have a Nice Day" which is a rock song with attitude, so not Melinda.  She was totally out of her element songwise but she's such a fabulous performer she can sing anything.  I loved her attitude and she totally nailed the song.  Love, love, LOVED it!
      What a lovely selection of songs - rock and not.  Last week they raised $70M - how wonderful and I was so glad I could help just a little.
      I have to watch the results show to see Bon Jovi in action.  I dig Mr. Bon Jovi.  He's so doggone sexy and he can sing.
      RESULTS:  Tense, tense, tense.  I went with Phil and Chris being booted off last night but there was so much to enjoy, best of all the anticipation of Bon Jovi.  The fun Idol videos also give one a nice breather.  However, Robin Thicke was also a guest performer, but when I saw him the other day on television, I nearly puked and had to change the channel.  His high-pitched, insipid, and incessant (and very unsexy) whine was unintelligble and pathetic.  Had it been the radio, I'd have changed the station in a flash.  I just turned the sound down and looked away.  It was HORRENDOUS.  I hope I never hear it ever again in my entire life.
      Back to Idol.  Phil was the first to be knocked out.  It was with much personal relief that both LaKisha and Melinda (three of the six) were safe.  Thank God.  Of the other three Jordin was safe, so the other one to go was between Blake and Chris.
      Bon Jovi performed a low-key number which was nice but I was rather hoping for a little headbanging and a thumper of a song.  Still, his smile more than made up for it.  Chris was the other one going home.  Good job America.  Great job.

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D A N C I N G   WITH  THE  S T A R S  (April 30th, 2007)
May 1st, 2007
      The remaining six stars had to learn two dances which couldn't have been easy.  However, all did and did well, considering they have their careers to juggle as well.  The first half of the show was the Ballroom Round.
      First up was the last female star, Laila, and her first dance was the quickstep, the only one of the evening.  I love to watch this dance.  She was light on her feet and looked like a graceful swan.  LOVED her dress and her great hairstyle.  29/30
      Second on the dance floor was John and he tackled the rumba.  He never looks very confident and this wasn't very good so I have to hope that he goes home next.  Watching John and Edyta practicing, I had to wonder where this woman gets her outfits.  They are so out of date and make her look ridiculous.  23/30
      Apolo was third to perform and his was a foxtrot.  I loved the way he glided across the floor.  Old-fashioned charm and a very classy performance.  Loved it.  He's a natural.  26/30
      Fourth out there was Ian doing the tango.  A tough dance and he had some great moves but it didn't look much like a tango to me.  He looked good and it was enjoyable.  27/30
      Fifth to dance was Billy Ray and the waltz.  He wanted to showcase his partner Karina, and he did.  Very gentlemanly I thought.  He barely danced but when he did, he was quite light on this feet.  He's in danger of going home as well.  However, judge Len loves him.  17/30
      Up last and sixth to dance was Joey and the foxtrot. Fun costumes and lots of fun to watch.  I can't say it looked like a foxtrot at all but the judges liked his performance.  29/30
      Up next was the Latin Round with the stars dancing in the same order as the Ballroom Round, and their scores were added together at the end of their second dance.  It was Laila out first doing the samba.  A little heavy on her feet but she's so flexible and a joy to watch.  The singer in the band really sounded like Johnny Mathis.  A wonderful performance by Laila.  30/30 (59/60)
      John did the rumba and this dance suited him more and he looked more comfortable.  Smooth but often he didn't know what to do with his hands.  22/30 (45/60)
      Apolo did the rumba.  I love watching this young man's hips swinging so seductively.  He's a great dancer and I'm still rooting for him to win this series.  Fa-a-a-aaaab.  28/30 (54/60)
      Ian and Cheryl danced the mambo which is a lively dance and Ian offered us much sexy shimmying.  What a lot of fun and I loved it.  Loved watching Cheryl too.  27/30 (54/60)
      Billy Ray did the samba but he was wearing boots and they didn't help his performance.  Nevertheless it was fun to watch.  Len also commented on his footwear.  21/30 (38/60)
      Last up was Joey and he did the jive.  What a great dance to end the show with.  And Joey could do his thang!  And the high leg kick!  Oh, oh, oh, oh.  Definitely the best dance of the night.  All the right moves.  They deserve a "full house" in the score department.  30/30 (59/60)  (And they got it!)
      There was lots of bickering between Len and Bruno which added to the fun of last night.  Karina's tan was far too much in my opinion.  Not only did the stars learn and deliver two dances this week, they raised the bar to impossible new heights.  A great show.
      RESULTS:  It was so nice to see Meat Loaf singing again, and I also loved the "sports analysis" with Jerry Rice, Judge Len, and Kenny Mayne - what fun.  We were also treated to some young ballroom dancers and how absolutely wonderful to watch them dancing.  It's a relief to see that not all kids are stuck in front of video games or at the mall.  Quite enchanting.
      The bottom two places went to John Ratzenberger and Billy Ray, with John leaving the show.  No emotion from me as I thought it appropriate.

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A M A Z I N G   R A C E  (April 29th, 2007)
April 30th, 2007
      Oh my goodness, it's so exciting.  Last night they went from China to Guam, in the south Pacific.  Four teams remain, and the finale is next week!
      O & D were the only two on a different flight to Hong Kong but they made the connecting flight, with everyone else on board, by the skin of their teeth.  They had to run and for a change, they ran.  They were first off the plane and first to choose a soldier to drive them to the Air Traffic Control Tower to get their first clue.  Their detour was between "care package" (packing and airlifting and dropping from a cargo plane during a training exercise, which looked incredible) and "engine package" (scrubbing and cleaning an engine of a B-2 Bomber).  The cousins chose the "care package" and the others all chose to clean the engine.  Both detours had to be done with military precision.  Then they drove themeselves 21 miles to pick up another military driver to take them to the next stop.  Places changed with D & K in first, E & D in second, the cousins in third, and O & D getting lost again and in last place.
      The road block was a naval search and rescue exercise in the "jungle" using a GPS to retrieve a "lost" pilot.  Charla chose to do it and made a mess of things as she couldn't read the GPS, and neither could Danielle who got most frustrated.  O & D arrived last but had a chance to catch up as D and Charna were so far behind.  Either D or K (I still don't know who is D and who is K) finished first, and they all got to ride in a helicopter with their rescued pilots.
      Fort Soledad was the next pitstop to which they had to drive themselves.  D & K arrived first and each won an all-terrain vehicle!  E & D came in second and the cousins arrived in third place, all securing themselves a spot in the last three chances at a million dollars.  O & D arrived last and were eliminated but not before saying that they wanted the cousins to win and that they had no regrets.  Everyone was so fired up for the finale next week.  Me too.
      The determination to win was palpable - can't wait for next week.  What a show!  Love it!

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S U R V I V O R  (April 26th)
April 27th 2007
      Could anything top last week's episode?  Would Dreamz get himself voted off for his betrayal?  Such fun seeing those guys' smiles wiped off their faces one more time as this week's "Survivor" began.
      At last they woke up to Dreamz' back stabbing and it was Dreamz himself who realized that he could be out, as they hadn't told him about their vote switch from Mookie to Edgardo last week, which is why I now realize, he voted for Mookie.  He tried to get back with the horsemen but his lies are probably going to catch up with him.
      The reward challenge was to win another spa clean-up.  Why?  Why can't they just be survivors?  Wusses. The immunity Idol that Alex played was back up for grabs with clues somewhere on E.I.
      During the somewhat physical challenge, Boo popped something in his knee, with the most horrible clunk sound, but was all right to continue. The tribe was divided into two teams and Alex, Dreamz, Stacy, and Earl won, sending Boo to E.I.  Now, these four could change things.  Alex was clearly not going to sway the others, try as he may.
      Mookie suspected Yau-Man had the other idol so he and Alex went scratching in his things and they found it.  Like two dorks, they went and talked about it while hiding in the bushes where no one could hear them.  What they didn't know was that Cassandra and Stacy were skulking a close distance yonder and overheard most of what they said.  Mookie discovered the women and he and Alex dashed off to confront Yau-Man.  Two schemers caught red-handed.  Hoo boy.  And now they wanted to "threaten" Yau-Man about his having the idol!  The excitement grows by the second and I can't believe it's the same series I'm watching.
      So, the two twits confront Yau-Man and give him the chance to change his mind about his plans.  He didn't change his mind and kept his composure even though he was clearly livid.  He then told the rest of the tribe about the idol and everyone was horrified at Mookie and Alex's tactics.  Meantime, there was no sight or sound of Boo on E.I.
      The immunity challenge was another puzzle type/memory thing, with Stacy of all people, winning.  Their strategy was to split the votes - three for Mookie and three for Alex, with Alex going.  At tribal council, silly Mookie revealed to all that Yau-Man had the idol and he got voted out.  Alex voted for him!  See, you can never really and truly completely trust someone on "Survivor".
      What is becoming of this group?  Gotta watch next week when I have a feeling that perhaps Boo found the Immunity Idol and that it will save his butt.

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A M E R I C A N   I D O L   (April 24th, 2007)
April 25th, 2007
      Idol Gives Back is now an incentive for corporations to help others.  A great idea.  Our votes will also help to help kids in the USA and Africa.  Newscorp plans to give up to $5M (10c a vote, up to 50M votes!), joining AT&T, Coca Cola, and Ford.
      There are only six players left and it's getting down to the wire - you don't really want to see anyone go.  Most are so good and a pleasure to watch.
      Chris went first with an Eric Clapton song.  Not very good and I would think he has to go now.  He's sweet enought but doesn't have a dynamic voice.  The judges liked him.
      Next was Melinda with a Faith Hill number in her indomitable talent and superb voice.  A little shouty for my taste but she's so difficult to fault.  "A vocal masterclass", said Simon.
      Blake sang one of my favorite songs, "Imagine", which usually brings tears to my eyes.  Great diction and a good voice.  Lovely.
      Next up was LaKisha with a Fantasia song.  I just love her voice and the conviction with which she sings.  It's hard to believe she's not a professional singer.  I also love her tone.
      Phil sang a Garth Brooks song quite nicely.  I feel he has to be very careful which songs he picks because there have been so many disasters he's lucky to still be where he is.  Not a bad rendition though, and thankfully there was no silly hat.
      Jordin closed the song with "You'll Never Walk Alone" which is a very old song and one of encouragement and it's also very moving.  She hit the notes with guts and glory.  Beautiful.  This young lady really could win this season.
      Everyone chose songs that meant something to them - all very moving.  I think Chris was the weakest and that he should go.  I am so happy that hungry kids are going to be helped.  It's a dream of mine to raise funds for hungry children through my books but getting started is so hard.
      RESULTS:  A huge show last night - 70M votes!  Well done, News Corp.  With Earth, Wind & Fire opening the show from the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Ryan announcing that this was going to be the most shocking result in Idol history, I nearly freaked.  My first thought was that Melinda was going home.  I chewed my nails throughout the show, waiting to find out who it was.
      Meantime, I was so moved to see what this Idol Aid show was doing to help others.  I was in tears when I saw films from Africa, where I am from, and my heart ached.  I had to make a donation, even though I can't really afford to as I'm unemployed and on the bones of my butt.  But, I have a roof over my head and food to eat, so I'm fortunate, thank God.
      Melinda was safe.  Blake was safe.  I have to say that Paula's dress left very little to the imagination, was very unflattering, and I had to hope that she didn't fall out of her top.
      I loved the "Staying Alive" montage with so many stars all doing their thing.  Very funny.  Phil was safe.  Some of the other acts who performed at the WDCH, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, included Rascal Flatts, Josh Groban, and Kelly Clarkson and Jeff Beck.
      The footage about malaria in Africa was very disturbing.  There are preventative measures so I hope that some of the money raised will help treat this killer of a disease.  LaKisha was safe.  Phew!  So, I thought Jordin would be eliminated, hence the shock.
      Then there was a phenomenal duet between Celine Dion and "Elvis" - how'd they do that?  It looked as though he was actually on the stage.  Very, very clever.  And I enjoyed seeing Annie Lennox again.
      Chris was safe.  That left Jordin, and the audience was literally stunned into silence.  What a shocker!  But, here's the kicker, Jordin was also safe.  No one went home last night.  What a wonderful gesture.  However, next week, two are going home.  Next week Bono is their music mentor.
      The show ended with the final six all singing "American Prayer".  It was a priviledge to have been able to offer what little I could to help alleviate people's suffering and struggles both here and in Africa.  Thank you American Idol.

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D A N C I N G   WITH  THE  S T A R S  (April 23rd, 2007)
April 24th, 2007
      It was a mixed bag of dances last night, with some doing the jive, some the paso doble, the rumba, the samba, the mambo, and a cha-cha.  With just seven couples left, things had to continue to get better, and they did, somewhat.
      First up was Joey and Kym. Their samba was fast and fabulous.  Joey can really shake his booty.  A joy to watch and very entertaining.  27/30
      Second to shake her thang was Heather and her partner Jonathan.  Their paso doble was very energetic with lots of flinging around and sliding on the dance floor.  Great choreography.  23/30
      John and the bizarrely-clad Edyta were third on the dance floor for their mambo.  She was all over the place but he looked like a blob of jello - not much style and heavy-footed.  He's outta there.  Lovely to see "Norm" in the audience.  19/30
      Fourth out there was the lovely Laila and the oh-so-painful Maks.  Theirs was a cha-cha.  Not an easy dance but Ms. Laila put all she could into her performance, as well as a little funk.  She wasn't too dainty or elegant but her fantastic dress showed off her hip swings.  28/30
      Billy Ray and Elena were fifth with their jive.  It was more like a hillbilly hop.  At times he looked lost - you can't stop for a second while you're dancing in a competition.  It looked nothing like a jive which is usually such fun to watch.  Billy Ray had fun, and poor Elena danced her tail off.  21/30
      Sixth out there was Apolo and Julianne doing the rumba.  Tough to follow their 30 out of 30 last week, the rumba is a much more sedate dance, with sexy moves.  Very, very nice performance.  28/30
      Last and seventh to perform were Ian and Cheryl.  This week they did the paso doble, the love-hate dance.  Beautiful movement and control, and I loved it even though it wasn't perfect by the judges.  24/30
      Everyone had to learn a second dance for the group swing.  Here they could virtually do whatever they wanted.  Fun, fun, fun.  It was a little tough to concentrate on anyone in particular, but, I did like Apolo and Heather and just loved Laila picking up and carrying Apolo.  Also nice to see Leeza in the audience and a "Beverly Hills 90210" co-star.
      Samantha's white dress with black trim was elegant and becoming.
      RESULTS:  An encore performance of the group swing which was so much fun.  Joss Stone also sang in her familiar barefeet.  Loved the metallic mini and her dark tresses.  The other night's entertainment was in the form of the cast of "Dreamgirls" dancing and singing.
      The bottom two places were filled with John and Heather, with Heather being the one going home.  Wrong!  It should have been John, people!
      This show is so much fun and we're quickly running through stars.

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A M A Z I N G   R A C E  (April 22nd, 2007)
April 23rd, 2007
      Four teams left - the heat is really on now.  I do miss U & J and Rob and Amber and I'm still going for O & D to win.
      So, they all left Hong Kong for Macau, China.  With E & D having to finish first or suffer a 30-minute delay, everyone's wits were on high alert and I'm sure they could taste the million dollars.  It was off to the Macau Tower and there was a yield they could use.  O & D were out of money and D & K couldn't yield again, so the guys sold the yield to the beauty queens who yielded E & D again.  Bad move for the guys.
      E & D were still behind but they were all delayed because the Macau Tower only opened at 11 a.m.  Sixty one floors up and then, oh my god, they had to walk around the perimeter of the observation deck and then jump (be lowered) 660 feet.  I'd have puked.  I don't know if I could have even contemplated a descent like that, even for a million dollars.  One of the beauty queens came down first followed by Danny and then Charla.  E & D weren't pleased they were yielded again - I was pleased because I can't wait to see the backs of these two.
      Next it was a detour between making noodles or taking a dragon head and a drum on foot to a boat.  Everyone except O & D chose to make noodles - O & D went in search of the dragon and the drum but their taxi driver took them to the destination instead of to the start.  In the meantime, E & D caught up and overtook the cousins while O & D were getting more and more lost while finally en route to their destination.  Next they had to drive themselves in a little car to the next pitstop and the poor cousins had a dud car (or they just couldn't drive it) and couldn't get it into reverse.
      O & D finally reached their destination but were in last place and still had to drive themselves to the pitstop.  The beauty queens came in first with E & D arriving second but having to wait 30 minutes before they could be checked in. The cousins arrived next and O & D a few minutes later, but they got lost once again, looking for the pitstop, and those few precious minutes were enough to let E & D check in and push the friends into last place.  However, it was the last non-elimination pitstop so they live another week, with them having to arrive in first place next week or endure a 30-minute delay.  Yay, at least they're not out.

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S U R V I V O R   (April 19th, 2007)
April 20th, 2007
      Mookie goes and tells Dreamz about the Immunity Idol and freaks out Alex.  Earl was clutching at straws as to who he can hook up with now that Michelle's not there.  The first reward was yet another comfort reward with a trip on a yacht with food, and one going to Exile Island.  The challenge was they had to answer questions about each other which Cassandra won.  She chose Mookie for a trip to E.I. and she took Dreamz, Yau-Man, and Boo with her.  Dreamz told her and Earl that Mookie had the Immunity Idol and upset the others, including Yau-Man who has the other idol.
      The immunity challenge, now an individual immunity, was a stick-it-out-as-long-as-you-can-for-hours physical challenge.  Yau-Man won the new immunity necklace, which for him, was fantastic - no one knows he has the other idol.
      What a twist!  What a turn around.  From zero to a hundred in just a few episodes.  I couldn't believe how gripping and tense this episode was after so many boring ones.  People were running from one to the other in the hopes that they would find out just a little more to help them inch closer to the final four.  While strategizing, everyone kept changing who they'd vote for, and I got lost.  First it was Earl, then Alex, then Mookie (he gave the idol to Alex and the others found out!, so they thought they'd take him by surprise), then Cassandra, then Edgardo.  Earl said it: "chaos".  Dreamz was going from side to side.  I think this vote is going to really upset the apple cart.  Alex played the Immunity Idol and the smiles widened amongst the "four horsemen".  Not for long.  The grins were wiped off their faces as Edgardo was voted off.  It was either he or Cassandra they voted for (one vote for Mookie which shook his foundations) - clearly a division.  Yau-Man knows what he's doing but I didn't like that he blurted out the way to get someone - cut off his legs or cut out his men (words to that effect).  He just gave them the ammo they needed.
      The only one with a smile was Yau-Man.  Yes!  The yucky part is that next week they scratch in Yau-Man's things and find his idol.  Sneaks.  Now Yau-Man is clearly my favorite to win.

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A M E R I C A N   I D O L   (April 17th, 2007)
April 18th, 2007
      Last night's mentor was Martina McBride.  No one competitor in my mind stands out as particularly "country", so I was keen to see how they would cope.  It had to be better than last week's Latin fiasco.
      Phil was up first and I thought that country suited his voice but he lacks great stage presence.  Even though he "mingled" with the audience, he walked casually instead of swaggering some.  Not bad at all.
      Jordin, the brave girl, chose a Martina McBride song and then blew it out of the water.  Full of drama and emotion and just wonderful.  Jordin is a real chance taker (maybe it's her youth) and her risks pay off.  Sterling performance.
      Sanjaya was next and he wore a dumb bandana and his dumb-ass hair looked as though he'd stuck his fingers in an electrical outlet.  Hated the performance and I think Bonnie Raitt was cringing at home too.  Boring and painful to listen to.  Again, ill-mannered and no acknowledgements for the judges, just that inane grin.  Get rid of this git!
      Ryan, too, was annoying as he childishly continues to pick on and rile Simon in the hope that he will stir him up.  Thankfully Simon told him to shut up.  It's unnecessary and quite frankly, Simon can out-argue Seacrest any day of the week.  Watch your step, kiddo.
      LaKisha - the best voice in the competition, I think.  She took a country song and turned it into a gospel experience (sort of) for me.  What guts.  What emotion.  What a voice!  Utterly wonderful.  God bless you darlin'.
      Chris has the country lilt in his voice but he doesn't have a strong voice which made the song painful to listen to.  It looks as though he feels comfortable in this genre but he needs training.  He could be in danger of going home.
      Melinda - Yay, I could hear exactly what she was singing.  An uptempo song which she delivered beautifully.  I still feel this competition is between Melinda and LaKisha.  Even Simon loved her performance.
      Blake was up last with a Tim McGraw song.  I do like his voice and he didn't do a bad job at all.  Lots of ups and downs with his voice, per the song, which he struggled with here and there, but overall it wasn't bad.  He reminds me a little of a young Sting.
      The ladies took it this week, again, with Jordin, LaKisha, and Melinda leading the way.  There's one clear and completely obvious elimination this week, so get it right America!
      RESULTS:  Thankfully Ryan and Simon cleared up the misunderstanding that Simon didn't care about Chris' sentiments about the disaster at Virginia Tech.  I didn't think for a moment that Simon was so callous.  Well done for setting the record straight.
      A fun show with not one, but two star performances.  Fergie and Martina McBride.  What a bonus!  However, I was mortified to see Blake and LaKisha in the bottom three.  With only seven left, it's only natural that the better ones will eventually be in the bottom three.  Remember when Fantasia was in the bottom three?  Unbelievable.  My saving grace was that at least Sanjaya was with them.
      Wow, Blake was safe so it was down to Sanjaya and LaKisha - how bizarre.  Doesn't make sense - it was chalk and cheese.  At last, at long friggin' last, Sanjaya was voted off.  Very touching and sweet was the split-second shot of Blake tenderly wiping away LaKisha's tears.  I'm going to have to vote exceptionally hard next time.

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D A N C I N G   WITH  THE  S T A R S  (April 16th, 2007)
April 17th, 2007
      There's so much to look forward to in this series as everyone seems so focused and all are improving.  Some are very good.  That's with the exception of two!  This week's contestants danced the samba or the rumba.
      First to dance was Ian and his partner Cheryl, for their samba.  A fabulously fast and frenetic dance with Swivel Hips Ziering delivering a superb effort.  24/30
      Second up was Clyde and his lilac-clad partner who both had to go to China to learn their rumba.  It's a slowish but very sexy dance.  Clyde's got the slow down but he's neither sexy not suave on the dance floor.  He's still as flatfooted as ever and he looked as though he hadn't had a single dance lesson in his life.  In a word, mechanical.  So bad it was laughable.  13/30
      Heather and Jonathan were third to strut their stuff and theirs was the samba.  I had to wonder if she could handle it but she's such a trooper.  At least she used every part of her body, and could she shimmy!  She finally fell over but not while she was dancing, at the end.  Great fun and an admirable performance.  You could see she thoroughly enjoyed herself.  I liked Jonathan's hairy chest!  21/30
      Fourth out there was Joey and his Australian partner Kym.  How apt!  I just thought of it.  A joey is a baby kangaroo!  Theirs was the rumba.  Could he cope with a slower-paced dance I had to wonder.  It was very romantic but it didn't knock my socks off.  More than passable though.  25/30
      Off fifth was John and the painful Edyta and they had the samba to contend with.  Much better to watch this week as he actually looked as though he was dancing.  A little uncertain at times but lots of fun and he doesn't deserve to be eliminated.  This week. 18/30
      Sixth on the dance floor was Laila and the self-absorbed Maks.  Theirs was the rumba and Ms. Ali was smooth and very romantic.  I didn't think it was their best dance but it was convincing and sexy.  I loved Laila's fiancé's input during practice - so funny and a nice touch.  The judges thought otherwise and she got a 10!  28/30
      Seventh on the trot was Apolo and Julianne for their samba.  I couldn't wait.  Smooth and sexy and really, really, good.  Julianne however, with her 99% perfect body, stole the entire show.  She looked fabulous and dances so beautifully it was captivating.  Her body is absolutely stunning.  They got a standing ovation.  Awesome.  30/30!
      Up eighth and last for the night was Billy Ray and Elena, with their rumba.  His was a little disjointed (jerky) at times, but he managed to look sexy, despite his horrendous shirt.  Hated it.  17/30
      Without a doubt it's got to be Clyde who leaves the show this week, otherwise there's no justice in the world.  He's clearly got too much on his plate to be able to commit to seriously learning how to dance.  Sayonara.
      RESULTS:  A so-so show last night, with the exception of Apolo and Julianne's repeat performance.  He's so rubbery and such fun to watch.  Past contender Lisa Rinna's blah performance of her Broadway role in "Chicago" and Macy Gray's rather dull song didn't do much to lift things.  The bottom two couples were Clyde and Elena and Heather and Jonathan.  Mistake!  John and Billy Ray are both not better dancers than Heather, and they both have two legs!  Clyde's out.  Hallelujah!  Amen.

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A M A Z I N G   R A C E  (April 15th, 2007)
April 16th, 2007
      The excitement builds as only five teams remain.  Last night it was off to Hong Kong - how fabulous.  Funny how so many flights on this program are fully booked - adds to the tension I guess.  Nerves were frayed as everyone was on a waiting list, but D & O were the only ones who got on the flight.  The claws came out as the cousins and D & K bickered about who was first on the other standby list - D & O had given the cousins their other booking code (they had cleverly wait listed themselves on two flights) and they then tried to manipulate the check-in staff into putting them ahead of D & K on the list.
      My goodness, what an astronomically huge city Hong Kong is - buildings, buildings, and more buildings.  D & O got a Fast Forward and had a stuntcar sequence to contend with at a movie studio/airport.  They had to be passengers in a stunt car hurtling around like crazy.  Both were shaken but they made it and it was then off to the next pitstop - the Hong Kong Jockey Club.  I have a "connection" to horse racing in Hong Kong but that's another story altogether.
      D & K had to climb the outside of a building (on scaffolding) while dodging swinging kung fu fighters.  The cousins chose the "lost in translation" detour but changed their minds and did the kung fu one instead, still with their annoying accents.  But, they got on the wrong ferry and were going to Kowloon instead of Hong Kong Island.  Their taxi driver had actually driven them to their destination via a tunnel, to which Mirna asked him if he knew where he was going.  Which, could have given E & D time to catch up, and they nearly did.
      After kicking down doors as the second task, D & K had to pull a gnome on a boat across a pool before driving themselves to the Jockey Club to meet Phil and arriving in second place.  Danny and Oswald found the Jockey Club and arrived in first place, penniless, and they won a trip back to Hong Kong.  Driving themselves through rush-hour traffic, the cousins were a little daunted but pressed on and finished third.  In the meantime Eric wasn't asking for directions (typical male) and tried futilely to defend his stupidity for getting them lost, and therefore delayed.  They came in last but were not eliminated, sadly.  I've had enough of these two fighting their way through each week.  The usual applies to them next week in that they have to finish first or endure a 30-minute penalty delay.
      At this stage I am now gunning for D & O to win the race - none of the others are in my radar.  The race is on!

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S U R V I V O R  (April 12th)
April 13th 2007
      I wondered whether or not a merge would take place, especially as there were now ten left.  With Ravu only having four members, they would more than likely be picked off one by one.
      Everyone had to paddle out to Exile Island where they thought they were going to live from now on.  They did merge, and to the relief of everyone, they weren't going to relocate to Exile Island.  Instead, they were all going to live at the Moto Motel.  As it turned out, the reason they went to E.I. was because everything was taken away from camp so that when they returned, it looked as though no one had ever been there.  Everything from the site had been taken away.
      Their new name was Bula Bula (hello) and they got new purple buffs and made a new flag.  It was panic stations as everyone suddenly became nervous and worried about old and new alliances.  The four Ravu had a strong committment, but there was a crack.  At least they were using their heads a little and carefully dissecting all possibilities.  I got a little confused as I'd forgotten (during all the moaning and groaning episodes) as to who was cool with whom.  It seemed they decided it would be Boo as the first to leave, and then Stacy.
      Their first challenge pulled the newly-merged team apart - a green team and an orange team randomly sorted by picking green or orange stones from a bag, and they had to compete against each other for a steak and vegetable feast, and/or Tribal Council for the losing team.
      It was another puzzle and clue challenge.  The green team consisted of Alex, Mookie, Dreamz (old Ravu), Stacy, and Michelle.  The orange team was Yau-Man, Edgardo, Boo, Earl, and Cassandra.  Yau-Man won the challenge for the orange team by switching the puzzle pieces at the last minute.  Yay, Yau-Man.  Immediatey they had to head to Tribal Council without being allowed to strategize, which for Ravu, should have been a good thing.  They had three of their members on this green team as well as one of those they picked to leave.
      It was Michelle who was voted out - Dreamz switched and voted for Michelle, so now their whole trust issue went down the tubes, and Earl isn't going to be pleased as Michelle was his ticket.  What I didn't understand was why the girls voted for each other.  That made no sense.
      Finally, a nail-biting finish.  The heat is really on now.  Yau-Man has rapidly emerged as my fave to win the series.  He's the only one who has stood out as being self-sufficient and capable - we haven't really seen all that much in-depth stuff on Moto so I don't really know them.

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A M E R I C A N   I D O L   (April 10th, 2007)
April 11th, 2007
      Eight contestants remain.  Can we take the irritation of seeing Sanjaya another week?  He has to understand that it's nothing personal (we don't even know the guy), it's just that he doesn't sing well and shouldn't be there this far into things.
      Ms. Jennifer Lopez was the star mentor and this week was Latin-themed, which as it turned out, was a difficult genre to conquer - they all battled, except one.  And, again, my comments were made before the judges passed their opinions.
      First up was Melinda.  I didn't like the look, the first thing you notice, (too old-fashioned) but her voice is just sooo good.  She could have a hit with "Happy Birthday".  She's a diva and in my opinion is going to have a great career, despite Simon's comments.
      LaKisha was up next and she took on Gloria Estefan's "Conga" which couldn't have been easy.  It's such a great song but I think she struggled just a bit, but that voice is hard not to love.
      Chris was next but sadly he didn't do Rob Thomas proud - such a great song but totally out of his league.  Not very good at all, dude.  You might be hopping a bus home.
      Haley (is she still here?) sang "Turn the Beat Around", a much too ambitious song for her.  I couldn't hear what she was singing.  You're not going to win this competition by wearing shorts!  I don't care how gorgeous your legs are.  It was rubbish.
      Phil was next and although has a pleasant enough voice, I don't think it's star quality, at all.  His performance was boring and last night could be his downfall.  Also, I hate the horrible hats this guy wears - they are so corny and very pretentious.
      Ms. Jordin sang "The Rhythm Is Going to Get You" which is also a tough song and she also struggled with it.  I didn't feel the voice I know she has.  She's so talented I don't think this so-so performance will harm her this week.
      Blake, the wise man he is, chose a Marc Anthony song.  And he did it justice.  Did he ever!  I enjoy his stage performance and he looks so comfortable up there.  I loved his moves too.  Great voice - the best performance last night.
      Finally, Sanjaya got his chance (I wouldn't have closed the show with him though) and he chose to sing in both Spanish and English - couldn't understand a word he sang in either language.  No spark.  Bor-or-oring!  Please vote him out.  He gives me the creeps and he doesn't have the decency to say thank you to the judges or to Ryan, he just grins that forced and scary grin.  He donned yet another crazy hairstyle - very girlish this week.  I think this competition is not going to do his confidence much good as he's just too immature to handle all of it.
      The Latin beat isn't easy for everyone, as was proved last night, as everyone struggled one way or another, except Blake.  Elimination is wide open with Chris and Phil leading the pack, and Sanjaya and Haley close behind.
      Final word - Whoever dressed the contestants last night should be fired - they all looked a little dorky and out of their natural style.
      RESULTS:  It was great to see Sharon Osbourne in the audience - she's so glamorous I could die.  I saw her on the panel of "The X-Factor" (I think that was what it was called) in London last year, along with Simon.
      Well, the bottom three did not include Sanjaya as it should have.  Instead, it consisted of Phil, Chris, and (yay) Haley.  Then Jennifer Lopez gave a sizzling performance (I'd never seen her perform before) which was a treat.  Then, homeward bound, finally, was Haley.  I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but it should have been someone else, right?

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D A N C I N G   WITH  THE  S T A R S  (April 9th, 2007)
April 10th, 2007
      With nine stars left, last night was the turn of the waltz and the paso doble.  Firstly, the ladies wore the most fabulous costumes I've ever seen.  But of course, Ms. Edyta had to show some skin so hers was more or less a next-to-nothing garment.
      Laila and Maks were up first with their paso doble.  She looked a little unsure of herself here and there but she moved beautifully to an uptempo number (can't for the life of me remember the name of it).  Ms. Laila looked like a beauty queen.  21/30
      Second up was Apolo and Julianne performing the waltz.  A tough dance for a young 'un like Apolo, but my goodness, he nailed it.  Graceful and a leading man to boot.  Loved it.  26/30
      Leeza and Tony were up third on the dance floor with their paso doble.  She looked fierce but her dancing was a little mechanical and she had too many halting moments.  Ravishing to look at but no "go" or convincing passion the paso is famous for.  Still looking so fabulous for 50.  16/30
      Fourth to dance was Ian and his amazing partner Cheryl for the waltz, to a Shirley Bassey (love that woman!) song.  Very smooth and romantic.  Elegant and convincing.  Great job!  24/30.
      John and scantily clad Edyta were up fifth.  John looked a little more practiced than before but I didn't feel he was enjoying himself that much.  He looked like a bull, a bit, and seemed to struggle.  16/30
      Dancing in sixth place was Clyde and Elena with the waltz.  Now, I was hoping that the Glydster would be able to glide, and that his elegance on the court would translate to the dance floor for this dance.  It did, kind of.  He's a little flatfooted and lacks any kind of flow.  I feel he has to go this week.  15/30
      Seventh to go were Billy Ray and Karina with their paso doble.  Old Billy let rip as best he could with just a few fumbles.  A feisty performance to "Black Betty".  Not wonderful, but fun.  Karina looked gorgeous.  21/30
      Eighth up was Heather and Jonathan's waltz.  Remember, you can't point the toe of a prosthetic leg.  She makes it look so easy even though she lacked emotion (or so it seemed) out there.  It was really beautiful to watch, and her skirt was absolutely stunning.  A superb effort.  23/30
      Up last and ninth to perform were Joey and Kym.  I had to wonder what he had up his sleeve this week.  The paso doble, that's what.  My goodness, did he deliver!  Vibrant and full, full, full of emotion and drama.  He even stomped the ground a la toro.  Poor Kym was flung hither and thither, and they totally enthralled the audience.  Absolutely superb.  SUPERB!  Unquestionably the "stars" of the night.  28/30
      I enjoy watching this show so much as everyone seems to put their heart and soul into their performances.  And let's face it, not being dancers, they're not perfect.  Who is?  So, whatever they do is a kazillion times better than most of us can do, which is why it's such fun.  Great show last night.
      Oh, and wasn't Joey's little girl just the cutest?
RESULTS:  Leeza Gibbons was voted out of the competition but she took it in good spirit and was a gracious loser.  In my opinion she should have been there for another two weeks.  It makes no sense whatsoever - how can you possibly, in all honesty, put Clyde through?  He's not a good dancer and this is a dancing competition not a popularity contest.  Be fair to those who can at least dance a little.  Come on, now.

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A M A Z I N G   R A C E  (April 8th, 2007)
April 9th, 2007
      Okay, so where to this time?  Krakow to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia via Frankfurt or Paris?  Or wherever else.  D & O took the latter and U & J took the former, with bad results.  The cousins were once again getting on everyone's nerves, not letting E & D share the two computers they found, and tensions were tight.  But, their strategy paid off as they got to Kuala Lumpur first, and having asked someone on the flight, were well on their way catching buses and trains (which everyone had to figure out for themselves) to Batu Caves.  Still with their patronizing "lingo" which riles me no end.  Don't talk down to strangers!!!
      Searching through 600 boxes of cookies for one with a piece of licorice in it was one of the tasks, or making a long strip of batik art.  The cousins were first on the scene and chomped their way through a zillion cookies but couldn't find the treasure, so after what seemed like hours, they headed off to go and do the batik, meeting up with D & K who were almost done.  O & D also went the cookies route, backed out of it, had a fight, returned to the cookies, but ultimately headed off to the batik.  E & D were more patient and in not much time they'd found the licorice piece and were off to discover that D & K had yielded them.  In the meantime, there was no sign of U & J.  Eeeek.
      Next they had to ride a bicycle with a flatbed contraption on its left, and collect old newspapers for recycling.  Apparently everyone recycles in Kuala Lumpur so there was no shortage of newspapers which people in the neighborhood willingly came out to donate.  The blonde women (D & K, Mirna, and D) didn't have much problem having people bring them newspapers but poor old Danny had to work hard, sweat a lot, and even stop for something to drink, before resorting to purchase all the newspapers from a gas station store to make up his quota.  D & K checked in first with the cousins close on their heels in second.  Still no sign of U & J.  So, E & D, despite being yielded, made it in third with D & O in fourth.
      With four minutes of the show left, U & J touched down in Kuala Lumpur, still in good spirits, but they were eliminated.  Oh, boo hoo, I'm so sad.  Still, the odds of them winning twice were remote.  Quite frankly, now I don't mind who wins - I don't care much for any of the remaining teams.  I will still watch for the travel aspect.

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S U R V I V O R   (April 5th, 2007)
April 6th, 2007
      Well, I wondered who'd take over Cocky Rocky's griping, and it wasn't long before I discovered it was Lisi.  Right off the bat Mookie found the other Immunity Idol while Dreamz and Lisi were sleeping just a few feet away.  Brazen, daring, and cunning.  Hey Lisi, they did get up early and they did fool an old cat like you, and you shouldn't have told anyone where it was.
      The first reward challenge was to learn a Fijian dance, which to me, was more like it should be.  Then Lisi chimes in that challenges weren't worth winning.  What was she thinking?  Of course you've got to win, if not only to get food, to show that you're strong and competitive.  Moto on the other hand, can't seem to put a foot wrong and they took the dance challenge and an authentic Fijian feast.  They sent Lisi back to Exile Island once again, "so that no one else could get anymore clues" as to the whereabouts of the Immunity Idol.  Ha ha, they underestimated Lisi.  The dancing was fun to watch with the tribes still in their challenge outfits and war paint.  It was on Exile Island that Lisi again said that she felt like quitting and that her team was a bunch of losers.
      The immunity challenge (they're getting better and more appropriate) was an archery challenge - blowdarts, spears, and a bow and arrow, scoring points by getting as close to the bullseye as possible.  Ravu just can't seem to get anything together, even though Edgardo thought he'd be good with the bow and arrow.  Not.  He could barely hold the bow or the arrow, and didn't even hit the target.  They must be praying for a merge.  Leave things to the old dog Yau-Man, who cautiously selected the straightest arrow, and who also took a running throw with his spear and taught the young 'uns a thing or two.  He's playing the game - working really hard to show his teammates that he's worth keeping, yet he has the Immunity Idol.  Now this is someone I could, for the first time, pick as a potential winner.
      So, it was back to Tribal Council and prior to going, Lisi said she wanted another chance and that she'd changed her mind, much to the annoyance of her team members.  The men on this losing team can't be feeling very manly, especially when I suspect they initially chose all men to make up a strong team.  Don't they know about all the women who've won "Survivor"?
      Thankfully though, we won't have to suffer Lisi's moaning and complaining, man, anymore.  She's the second member of the jury so now she and Rocky and nag each other to death in the meantime.

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A M E R I C A N   I D O L   (April 3rd, 2007)
April 4th, 2007
      So happy to have had the opportunity to watch a Tuesday's "Idol" for a change.  Gone are the rockers, just beautiful and lyrical songs, big band style, with Tony Bennett in the house.
      Blake sang "Mac the Knife" which was a hard act to follow Clay Aiken's faultless performance.  A classic song which the showman Blake did very well.  I loved it.
      Phil was next with "Night and Day", a soft love song.  He showed good control and good diction.  Not really wonderful but really good.
      Melinda sang "Rhythm".  I love this lady's voice and her stage presence.  Superb diction, too.  Gooooosebumps.  Fa-a-a-abulous and she's so unassuming it's refreshing.  The judges couldn't fault her.
      Chris sang "Mr. Saturday".  He looked charming but I thought his voice a little immature for such a big song.  Good job though.  The judges liked him.
      Jordin had "On a Clear Day" to contend with and I think she's comfortable in any musical genre.  She hit the strong notes very well and I do like her voice very much.  She's a breath of fresh air and hard to believe she's so young.
      Gina's choice was "Smile" which I didn't think suited her, but having the good voice as she does, she should be able to sing just about anything.  And sing she did.
      Sanjaya - what can I say?  All these silly hairstyles and feigned swoony looks and flirting with the audience and Paula, are becoming annoying.  No personality, bland, and boring.  He's GOT to go.
      Haley (is she still there?) sang "Ain't Misbehavin'" which wasn't the worst I'd ever heard but she ain't in the same league as the others.  Far from it.
      Finally, LaKisha delivered "Stormy Weather" in fine form, which was a sultry song and suited her.  A big song and she did it justice.  A voice like hers deserves to win.  I'd pay money to see her live.  I love her passion.
      I'm convinced the classic songs are the real test of a good voice, so when young rockers or hip hoppers or whatever have a go at them, the wheat from the chaff is sorted.  I cannot wait until tonight's results show.
      It's pure garbage that Sanjaya wasn't even in the bottom three.  WHY THE DICKINS NOT?  This makes no sense.  As this show was only half and hour long, with a celebrity performing a song (Michael Bublé in this case as Tony Bennett had the flu), you didn't have to wait too long to find out who was eliminated.  Gina went home.  So not right.  I nearly blew a gasket when Haley was told she was safe.  I hope this show doesn't put me off reality TV for good.

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D A N C I N G   WITH  THE  S T A R S  (April 2nd, 2007)
April 3rd, 2007
      I missed the results show last week but wasn't surprised that Ms. Porizkova was first to go.  I do like this bunch of stars and it's going to be tough seeing one go each week.
      Last night it was the tango and jive and when I heard that, my first thought was for Heather Mills.  She just cranked up her leg and got on with it.
      First up was Shandi and Brian - They jived to "Crocodile Rock" and she looked like she was having fun but even with those fab legs she couldn't move them well enough in this fast-paced dance.  She looked lovely but she doesn't have "dancing legs".  (21/30)
      Second up was John and Edyta - John looked the part and he moved convincingly.  Great job with his tango - not marvelous but okay.  Thankfully Edyta had some clothes on this week but her off-stage wear is dire, to say the least.
      Clyde and Elena were up third for their jive.  Not very impressive and a little robotic.  Elena on the other hand, had non-stop bouncy legs.  He must be going home, surely.  16/30
      Up fourth was Laila and Maks - Where has this wonderwoman been all this time?  She really keeps out of the limelight.  He had his work cut out for him as Ms. Laila measures up perfectly.  She's very convincing and she moves so gracefully.  Loved her outfit and she's wonderful to watch.  21/30
      Up fifth was Apolo and Julianne - not a patch on his quickstep last week, but these two really look as though they have so much fun.  He looked a little unsure of himself this week.  23/30
      Joey and Kym danced sixth - Who'd have thought you could dance a tango to the "Star Wars" theme?  Evidently you can.  Joey is such a natural that he makes it look so easy.  This week it was Kym's turn to show some flesh - she's too skinny in my opinion.  24/30
      Seventh to hit the floor was Ian and his partner Cheryl - What a great performance - I bet he never knew he had it in him!  Even the cameraman fell off his chair.  Of course it's hard to watch any of Cheryl's partners because she's so magnetic, and she can jive anyone right off the floor.  24/30
      Eighth to go was Leeza and Tony with the tango.  Subdued but so dramatic you could feel it.  Slightly stiff moves but very convincing.  (missed their score but I think it was around 24/30?)
      Heather and Jonathan hit the floor ninth for her jive.  She looked like a real 50s American girl and she tackled what probably was her most challenging performance with great aplomb.  Not being able to point her left toe couldn't have been easy and she did really well.  24/30
      Up tenth and last was Billy Ray and Karina for the tango.  Fancy Feet Cyrus really put his best foot forward and brought it home!  I didn't think the judges will see it as a true tango though.  Entertaining and fun.  Loved the Kasbah song.  21/30
      Everyone seems to have improved considerably, making last night's show a very nice one to watch.  I think the obvious one to be eliminated would be Clyde.  I'll have to tune in tonight - I'm not working!
      The band and singers are really good I have to say.
      Tuesday April 3 - I got to watch the results show and I couldn't believe that Clyde wasn't in the bottom two.  Leeza shouldn't have been there with Shandi.  However, Shandi left the competition, wrongly in my opinion.

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A M A Z I N G   R A C E  (April 1st, 2007)
April 2nd, 2007
      Bonus!  A two-hour special!  Only six teams left and it was off to Warsaw, Poland.  The first hour was a scramble to get to Poland from Zanzibar, and last week's winners' famously condescending charm didn't get them a flight, they had to wait, while Kandice and Dustin hopped a plane without much hassle.  Uchenna and Joyce went via Johannesburg while the rest of the teams hung around the same travel agency for hours, trying to get flights.  By this stage Eric and Danielle got my vote to get the boot - they were like bickering children.  Last in line were the Guidos who eventually caught up with the Whiners, E & D.  It was fantastic that so many routes were taken - some via Frankfurt or even via Kilimanjaro.
      Dustin and Kandice met up with Uchenna and Joyce at Frankfurt but for some reason U & J weren't allowed on the plane - no explanation was given which was annoying.  The annoying cousins were once again patronizing to a native, this one being a Polish cab driver, asking him if he liked Polish sausage and Polish hot dogs, while chuckling away to themselves.  He ignored them.  Good move, dude, they needed a little bringing down a couple of notches.  D & K made it in first while U & J got lost and went to the wrong place, but they eventually managed to finish third.  Oswald and Danny kept breaking the piano string they were supposed to tune as part of their challenge, finally managing to do it, and they left the cousins to continue struggling.  They couldn't tune the piano string so they opted for the mannequin task (dragging a mannequin around the corner and having it x-rayed for the clue).  O & D finished in second place.  In the meantime, E & D and the Guidos hadn't even reached Warsaw and I had to hope that the Guidos would sneak in second to last but they didn't, they were last.  But yay, they weren't eliminated.  They had to finish the next leg in first place or suffer a 30-minute delay.
      In the second hour the teams went through an emotional tour of Auschwitz and most were moved.  I know how they must have felt for I was so moved and somewhat disturbed when I visited Dachau in Munich.  The buildings in Poland were very beautiful (if you could get more than a glimpse) and very pretty at night.  The race changed when they got an intersection and some had to wait for another team so they could form a team of four, destroying all leads they may have had.
      U & J teamed up with O & D and together they successully completed their task and went straight to the finish line, with all four making it together into first place, with O & D graciously offering U & J the first place prize.  D & K had to wait patiently for the next team to arrive to hook up with whoever pitched up first, and it happened to be C & M.  The rest of the teams had a detour (which the winning teams didn't have to perform) which involved making and eating Polish sausage or making and baking bagels.  They chose to make sausages - Wa Ha!  Those Polish sausage remarks came back to haunt C & M.  So, it was E & D and the Guidos who teamed up and chose to make bagels but they couldn't find the place so resorted to making sausage instead.
      Most of these two hours seemed to be in the dark as the scenery aspect wasn't as attractive as it could have been.  The girls all ate with their fingers, and having 24 inches of sausage, it couldn't have been easy.  The Guidos and E & D finally arrived, squeezed out their sausages, and then ate sedately with knives and forks and they all finished, beating the girls, and leaving Charla barfing for all she was worth.  The teams then broke up and had a road block which involved dressing in a knight's armor in medieval times, and leading a horse around.  This was where I felt sorry for Charla as she chose to be the knight and looked comically sad.  Then it was an individual team race to the finish where they drove themselves, in the dark, to meet up with Phil.  D & K finished in third place and the cousins in fourth.  Team Guido came in fifth but had to endure their 30-minute delay.  There was no way E & D were going to be 30 minutes behind, so unfortunately, the Guidos were knocked out.  So sad.
      Great spirit guys, and I wish you both another happy 20 years together.  Thanks for your competitive attitude and grace under pressure.

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S U R V I V O R  (March 29th)
March 30th, 2007
      Okay, so now it's up to these moaning minnies to get ahead.  "Twelve are left.  Who'll be voted out tonight?"  I hope it's Rocky.
      Moto have hardly been challenged as survivors, so I'm not convinced this series is true to its concept.  Dear Yau-Man found the Immunity Idol, bless his heart.  And, who knew he had an evil streak!
      The first challenge's reward was a skiplane ride to an amusement arcade, The Kava Bowl, to play games and have hot dogs and beer.  Stupid, stupid, stupid.  With the flame-throwing reward challenge, finally, Ravu won.  They chose Earl to revisit Exile Island, which he promptly christened "Earl Island".  Ravu didn't know what to do with themselves at the arcade - they were like kids in a candy store.  I had to ask myself what an arcade had to do with a deserted island and surviving?  It makes no sense.
      Naturally, they climbed into the food, chowing down double and triple hot dogs and jugs of beer.  Of course, as was expected, there was not a lot of self-control and everyone felt sick.  Everyone except Cocky Rocky, who even though he looked rather green around the gills, tried to rationalize things in his own inimitable way.  Does this jerk ever keep his mouth shut?  Does he ever stop his constant criticism of everyone?
      In the meantime, Moto had a wake-up call and were preparing for if they lost the immunity challenge, blind man's bluff/piñata, and a puzzle.  What's with all the puzzles?  Moto won immunity after all, still undefeated, crushing the newly-found confidence of Ravu.  By this time I was still hoping that Rocky would get the chop, even though he'd shut up some by this stage.  Probably still hungover.  Wouldn't he be shocked as he thinks nothing's wrong with his motormouth. 
      Mookie had to think on his feet as he didn't want to break his alliance with Rocky, and he tried convincing Dreamz to go along with Rocky and him.  It was nail-biting which is more than I can say for the last several episodes.
      Yay!  The hothead was voted out - he was the first member of the jury so it's not the end of his rantings.  I still cannot choose a potential winner as no one in particular appeals to my sense of sportsmanship or shows potential survivor skills.
      I guess I'm in the for long haul.

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A M E R I C A N   I D O L  (March 28th)
March 29th, 2007
      Before I get to my blog on the "Idol" results show, I have to just comment on the new "reality" show, "The Great American Dream Vote".  In particular, last night's show.  What a silly money wasting show this one is.  Please.  I could think of many wonderful ways to spend the money this show gives away.  Also, no frikkin' way to frikkin' Audrey's swimsuit frikkin' dream.  Where is your self respect, woman?  And decorum?  You don't curse on television, especially when you're trying to attract frikkin' votes.  Dumb doesn't begin to describe the frivolity and waste of our time.  Oh, and those two mothers with grown children still at home - chuck them out!  What's the matter with you?  Was it necessary to show the world just how pathetic you are?  Jeez.
      Now, onto more serious things.  People with talent, well, three, who deserve to have their dreams come true.  By all accounts it's probably just as well I missed Tuesday's show - sad that I missed my three faves, though.
      So, it's down to nine and I wasn't feeling any tension because from Ryan's introduction, wearing a pseudo-mohawk wig, and the teeny snippets of the previous night's performances, I was pretty confident the inane and childish Sanjaya had to be booted off.  He's far too infantile to handle winning this competition.  Heaven help us all if he does win.  If he does win, I'm going home to God.
      Oh poop!  The dinghead wasn't voted off.  Why on earth not?  Wake up America!  You didn't even vote the other talent-challenged contestant out!  You're depriving true talent the chance of going further.  It's so obvious I can't believe the agony is being allowed to go on.  Simon, can't you do anything?  Please?  I don't really understand Chris Sligh being voted off - he'd not have won the competition but he's miles better than the other two.
      I was sorry to have missed Gina's performance, and of course, Miss LaKisha's song.  It sounded as though the guys weren't too horrible, for a change.
      And Gwen Stefani - I couldn't understand much of what she was singing, and the less I say about her outfit, the better.  Nice gams.

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D A N C I N G   W I T H   T H E   S T A R S (March 26th)
March 27th, 2007
      Once again, I've just briefly commented on the individual performances, and as usual, my comments were passed before the judges expressed their opinions.  Last night it was the mambo for the ladies and the quickstep for the men.  Last week's scores were added to last night's scores.
      Out first was the amazing Apolo and Julianne.  I couldn't wait for his chance at this exciting dance.  He looked elegant in his tails and I loved, loved, LOVED his footwork.  He looked so professional, he could have fooled anyone.  Fabulous. 26/30 (47/60)
      Out second on the dance floor was Shandi and Brian.  She's got such a great body but she was a little all over the place and lacked style.  She looked lovely, but once again, this is not a beauty competition.  We know she can win those, but I have my doubts about this competition.  20/30 (39/60)
      Up third was Clyde and Elena.  I think he looked a little happier doing this dance but he still looked clumsy and unsure of himself.  He's not a natural dancer and having a partner substantially shorter couldn't have helped.  He might go tomorrow night.  18/30 (34/60)
      Fourth out on the floor was Leeza and Tony.  Happy Birthday, Ms. Leeza.  You look fabulous at 50!  Great legs, too.  A lot more relaxed this week, but she was still a little wooden.  I loved the enjoyment reflected in her smile.  She's lovely to watch.  21/30 (36/60)
      Fifth to step out was Ian and his instructor Cheryl.  He whizzed across the fance floor, hopped and bounced and glided his way through the quickstep.  Not a bad peformance.  Cheryl of course, is superb, and so much fun.  What energy!  22/30 (43/60)
      Paulina was the sixth star out and danced to La Bamba, which is a great song as you have to move.  Still very stiff and too many "still" moments when she should have been moving, even if it were just her hips.  It was as though she was waiting, thus seeming a little disjointed.  I hated Alec's awful outfit - surely they could have found him something better to wear.  21/30 (40/60)
      Up next and seventh on the dance floor was Billy Ray and oh, I couldn't wait to see this one.  The quickstep is such a fun dance and everyone looked as though they were full of merriment - Billy Ray certainly seemed to enjoy himself.  It was so much fun to watch, and much, much better than last week.  Loved Karina's scarlet glittery dress.  21/30 (34/60)
      Heather and Jonathan were number eight out on the dance floor and she was so much more watchable than last week.  She can really move, and what she lacks in legs, she more than made up for it with her sexy hip and shoulder movements.  A great performance, especially her unexpected flip over.  24/30 (42/60)
      Ninth out of the stalls was John and his partner Edyta.  He didn't do a bad job of this fun dance.  In fact, he seemed to enjoy himself.  I did feel that his partner's flowing outfit was rather distracting but he put in a great and entertaining performance.  This woman truly has the worst taste in clothes (you should have seen what she was wearing during rehearsals!) and is so affected, it's painful.  21/30 (38/60)
      I was patiently waiting for tenth competitor Laila and her partner Maks to come out.  Good grief!  This lady can dance!  She was fantastic, with wonderfully sexy moves.  I was so impressed I had goosebumps.  I think her dress was too short which wasn't very flattering.  If it were a little longer it would have been perfect.  However, nothing in this world is perfect, so no harm done.  27/30! (50/60) (They are in first place.)
      Lastly, out eleventh was Joey and Kym.  I couldn't wait for Joey's performance (after Apolo and Laila's), and worth the wait it was.  Twinkle Toes Fatone.  My goodness, their performance was fabulous to watch.  I loved his performance the most tonight.  Kym had on a beautiful dress, too.  24/30 (48/60)
      After this much higher quality show, my choice for the winner is still Joey or Apolo, with Laila in a tight third place.  A great show last night.  Go to the previous blog.

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A M A Z I N G   R A C E  (March 25, 2007)
March 26th, 2007
      With Uchenna and Joyce having to arrive first on the next leg, or take a 30-minute penalty delay to stay in the game, the excitement (for me, that is) was on.  So, it was off to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, another stop in Africa, and then to the island of Zanzibar.  Very romantic.  Right off the bat I was getting irritated with the cousins who were suddenly speaking in halted English - rather condescending.
      A mad scramble to get flights - panic stations.  Not all scrambled however.  The cousins quickly hopped a flight to Johannesburg and then to Dar es Salaam, way ahead of everyone else.  Good move.  Teri and Ian and Bill and Joe (Team Guido) were left behind, while Eric and Danielle were issued tickets by mistake and had to disembark.  They weren't alone as four others were also scheduled to take the next flight the next day!  They went via South Africa and Malawi and the others went via South Africa - a huge delay.
      In the meantime, Charla and Mirna clobbered everyone else and won this leg of the race, and a catamaran to boot.  They didn't know what a catamaran was.  This after a puking episode on the dhow to Zanzibar!  Danny and Oswald came in second and Uchenna and Joyce rolled in third.  My nerves were frayed.  I loved them jumping with the Masai - my heart swelled with emotion.  I don't think their lives will ever be the same again.  My father spent years in Tanzania and speaks Swahili.  They had to wait out the 30-minute penalty, and were safe!  Phew.  The fight for second to last place was between Team Guido and Teri and Ian.  My choice was for Team Guido, naturally, as I couldn't stand another week of Ian's griping and irritating ways.  Besides, she wanted to go to Miami so badly.
      A close finish but Team Guido made it.  The fight's on.

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M I S S   U S A   2 0 0 7
March 23rd, 2007
      Finally, a beauty pageant (as opposed to a talent show), but we couldn't vote.  I'm not keen on cattle calls, as I call them, they're so passé.  Haven't women moved way beyond all this nonsense?  There should be a competition for women who've done something to help world hunger, world poverty, or done something for education or the environment.  All this parading and posing is pitiful.
      The Miss USA Pageant begged to be jumped all over, so I did.  One thing I will say, is that a more starved, pinched, pulled, and whitened bunch of women I've not seen.  I wasn't truly impressed as no one in particular looked especially fabulous.  Isn't that what the pageant is all about?  Looking stunningly beautiful?  It's all too false, too fickle, and too forced.
      Miss Utah had something "old Hollywood" about her, and I chose her to win.  She also had great legs.  Miss Michigan's mouth was unattractive and a little frightening.  Miss Tennessee was too thin and looked like a stick insect.  Miss Virginia was also far too thin - so much so that she looked ill and I wondered how she had the energy to stay upright.  Miss Kansas' (who I thought would make the top three) body looked a little more substantial and normal.  Both Miss Missouri and Miss Nevada's boobs didn't move.  Unnatural and rather scary-looking.  Miss Missouri did have a lovely face.  Miss Hawaii was also quite nice and I thought she may have a good chance of taking the crown, and the same for Miss North Carolina.  Miss Wisconsin looked like an amateur porn star, parading and posing as she did - sorry to say, but somebody should have shown her how to stand and walk elegantly.
      The Top Ten were Virginia - Hawaii - Missouri - Texas - Tennessee - Nevada - California - Kansas - Utah - Rhode Island.  The evening gowns were not that glamorous.  I thought Miss Rhode Island's dress was stunning with its pinkish glittery top half and soft and silky flowing bottom half.  Miss Texas had pretty glitter horizontal stripes on a white background with a flowing bottom half - very elegant.  However, the very worst was Miss Missouri's horrible and unsightly blue thing.  It was frightfully hideous.  One other worth a mention was Miss Tennessee's orange dress with a low-back and flattering front.  I despise satin evening dresses, so those who wore satin don't get a mention.  It's just too tacky, especially if it's all one color.
      The Top Five who made it through were Nevada - Tennessee - Kansas - Rhode Island - California.  Why Miss California, I don't know.  She wasn't very attractive and her black satin dress made me wince.  I couldn't believe Miss Utah didn't make it through, nor Miss Hawaii.  When it came to the questions and Miss Nevada answered, "Me and my friends...", I nearly kaplonked.  "My friends and I!"  When are people going to learn to speak properly?
      Next up was reigning Miss USA, Tara Conner, who had a final prance across the stage.  She wore a pretty tiara but a sloppy red SATIN dress which looked completely amateurish.  Thankfully her airy hair was tied back and you could actually see her face.
      Finally, crunch time.  Fifth was Miss Nevada; Fourth was Miss California; Third was Miss Kansas; Second was Miss Rhode Island, and the winner was Miss Tennessee.  What a disappointment - the stick insect won.  No real beauty, mind you.  The mind boggles as to the fascination of beauty competitions.  What difference does it make if you're "pretty" or not?  In the real world, not a lot.  Anyway, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, not the one wearing the crown.  And it seems America is still obsessed with thin.  Let it go.

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UPDATES:   S U R V I V O R   &   A M E R I C A N  I D O L   (March 21st)
March 22nd, 2007
      Thirteen "Survivors" left.  Thirteen too many cry babies, whiners, and moaners.  To the shock of everyone, new tribes were chosen last night.  I guess the producers finally realized how boring this series was becoming.  All the men were picked first, forming the new Ravu tribe.  Last one standing was Lisi, who wasn't pleased and voiced her thoughts of how she can now go home, was sent to Exile Island.  Great.  About time this lazy one roughed it.  Boo hoo.
      Green buffs (Moto) won and went to the luxury accommodations, while the orange buffs (Ravu) got the economy digs.  Ravu enjoyed some food when they returned to their camp (a gift) and then caught fish.  From one extreme to the other.  All strategies and alliances were shook up and everyone was scrambling to sort themselves out (we didn't see much of Moto).  Mistakenly, some thought they had it all sorted out.
      Moto won the immunity challenge leaving the Ravu tribe with some first-time losers.  Poor Anthony was overshadowed by big mouth Rocky who ran his mouth off and said some really unspeakable things, and berated Anthony so much, I could have smacked him in the mouth.  His social skills are naught, bro!  Cocky Rocky should have been unceremoniously chucked off.  Stupidly, they voted Anthony off, and with Lisi coming to join them, the two hotheads are probably going to make viewing almost unbearable.
      Sadly, this season I seem to not be able to watch the Tuesday performances of "American Idol", as I've had to work.  Catching the recap was all I got, and from the snippets I did see, I couldn't really form an opinion, other than Melinda sounding perfect on the Shirley Bassey (one of my all-time favorite singers in the whole wide world - what a voice!) song, and Jordin belting out another great performance.  Actually, I don't really mind who sang what, or even how they sang, it's just high time Haley and Sanjaya caught the next bus home.
      I nearly puked when they, along with Gina, were told they were safe!  This makes no sense at all!  What the freakin' dickens is going on!!!  Stephanie and Chris Richardson in the bottom two?  Come on, America, get with it.  Stephanie voted off and going home is a crime.  Even on her worst day (and she might have had a bad night on Tuesday), she far outclasses both Haley and Sanjaya.  America's taste is in her mouth.  That's all I have to say.
      Oh, and I loved the ladies' new straight hairdos.

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D A N C I N G   W I T H   T H E   S T A R S (March 19th)
March 20th, 2007
      I wasn't sure how I was going to blog about this new series.  I'm not technically savvy when it comes to ballroom dancing (who is?), but you can usually spot talent, or clumsiness (no style) fairly easily, so I decided to comment on each contestant as they appeared, their dance and costume.  There's a truly varied array of participants this season, with athletes, actors, singers, a beauty queen, a talkshow host, a model, and even one with only one leg.  I have to say something about the dance instructors - all have lovely supple bodies with unhinged hips and tight clothing.  I'm not commenting on the judges, and, my comments were written down before the judges expressed their opinions.  It was foxtrots for the ladies and cha-chas for the men.
      First up was Ian Ziering who was teamed with reigning champion Cheryl Burke for his cha-cha, which must have been scary for him.  He looked like he has potential (may be a little stiff) but Cheryl stole the moment.  She is just fabulous, and her costumes!  Ian was rated 21/30 by the judges.
      Paulina Porizkova and Alec Mazo were second on the floor for her foxtrot.  She looked elegant with her endless legs and long flowing dress.  She appeared a little mechanical and it was difficult imagining her doing something more physical like a tango.  She scored 19/30.
      Up third was Billy Ray Cyrus and Karina Smirnoff.  A self-confessed "left-footed Hillybilly from Kentucky", and not having danced before, he didn't do too badly I thought.  I've seen worse.  It didn't look anything remotely like a cha-cha but hey, it's the first round and everyone's getting their feet wet, so to speak.  He scored 13/30.
      Fourth on the dance floor was Leeza Gibbons with Tony Dovolani.  She said she was the oldest competitor (I didn't think so) but she has the great Tony to guide her old self.  She looked fabulous in her blue gown but wasn't a very flowing dancer and was somewhat strained, but her spectacular smile lit up the room.  Positively radiant.  She scored 15/30.
      Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson were fifth to appear.  They cha-cha'd to a song from "Saturday Night Fever"!  It worked!  Joey can move!  Must be all those 'n Sync performances.  He wasn't put off even though his microphone came loose and formed a wild tail during his routine.  Pretty professional-looking and he got 24/30.
      Boxing professional Laila Ali and Maksim Chmerkovskiy were the sixth couple up.  Now, I would think that a boxer would be light on her feet, and she was, despite her being a largely-built (no disrespect intended, Ms. Ali) woman, and she moved like a butterfly.  Sorry, I couldn't resist.  Lovely, lovely, lovely she was.  I wonder what her pop thought of her performance.  Sadly though, I find her partner Maksim overbearing and I can't stand watching him.  Fortunately, Ms. Ali was so attractive, you couldn't help but focus on her.  She racked up a 23/30 score.
      John Ratzenberger and Edyta Sliwinska were the seventh couple to perform.  John's feet looked all over the place but he looked as though he was having fun, and he was fun to watch.  Much like Jerry Springer was.  Edyta always seems to show an excess of skin with her "hardly-there" costumes - very unflattering, despite her gorgeous legs.  And, less is more, dear - easy on the suntan spray.  John is the oldest competitor, and he scored 17/30.
      Eighth up was Shandi Finnessey and her partner Brian Fortuna for the foxtrot.  Shandi looked like a natural out on the dance floor, with fluid movements and oh my gosh, what legs!  She smiled her way through and looked good but very Barbi-esque.  She scored 19/30.
      Up ninth as Clyde Drexler and Elena Grinenko.  I had to wonder how the 6' 7" basketball player would measure up to his 5' 4½" partner.  He seemed a little unsure of himself but I felt that with a little more practice, he could really loosen up and let go.  Otherwise, a little iffy.  His score was 16/30.
      Heather Mills and Jonathan Roberts were tenth up for her foxtrot.  Here's the kicker - Heather's only got one leg.  Like she said, she hopes she can encourage anyone who has just lost a leg.  Just seeing her dancing will hopefully help others.  Good one, 'Evvah.  A very nice effort and not a bad outing for a complete novice.  She scored 18/30!
      Last up and eleventh in line was Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough.  Speed skater and multi Olympic gold medal winner, Apolo, with his partner who is the youngest dancer, made a great couple.  Fabulous on the dance floor and rather captivating and energetic they were.  I think with a little more practice, he could easily take the competition.  His score was 21/30.
      I couldn't help myself - I know this is a dance competition and not a beauty pageant, but with all the shiny costumes and make-up and hairstyles, I couldn't resist.  It's all part and parcel of the show and, they're begging for it, right?
      Who do I think could win?  Possibly Apolo and then Joey or Laila.  All need to work on their dancing but for me, Apolo and Joey have a naturalness about them on the dance floor.
      See ya next week.

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A M A Z I N G   R A C E (March 18th)
March 19th, 2007
      At the very bottom of the South American continent, teams found themsleves on a glacier, digging for a clue.  The scenery is astounding on this series.  I'm so enjoying this wonderful series as I love to travel (can't afford to now anymore) so I get to go all over the world from the comfort of my sofa.
      The cocky blondes put their feet in it when they didn't pick up their compass before getting to the glacier and had to go back for it.  They had just said that they were keeping a low profile so as not to appear "clever".  However, they still overtook Danny and Oswald who were way ahead of them at the beginning.  With Team Guido in first place, their next destination was Mozambique, Africa - a neighboring country of my homeland South Africa.  I think the teams are evenly matched, if not physically, then at least attitude-wise.  Which is half the battle in my opinion.
      In Maputo they worked with trained rats.  Rats!  BIG RATS!  They were so wonderful though, as they wore little harnesses and looked for landmines.  How adorable.  Love those friendly rats.  It's amazing how much "nicer" a tamed animal becomes.  The rats I didn't like were Eric (and Danielle) who kept on and on about Team Guido.  So childish.
      I found Uchenna and Joyce's enthusiasm for "returning to the motherland" charming.  I was chewing my nails as the teams made their way to the pitstop and they were in last place - some temporary lapse in concentration I think I would attribute their slowness to.  Phew!  Thankfully though, it was a non-elimination pitstop so we get to see the Uchenna/Joyce determination one more week.
      Love, love, LOVE this show.

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A M E R I C A N   I D O L (March 14th)
March 15th, 2007
      Sorry to say I missed Tuesday's show but at least I got to watch the results show.  There's no excuse for not knowing the words.  At this level, any sign of being unprofessional is criticial and wins you a ticket home.
      Not having watched much of the guys' performances, I hardly "know" them.  However, during their tribute to Diana Ross, Sanjaya and Haley stood out as nowhere near the high standards of the others (read: women).  I cannot believe they managed to get this far.  What is America thinking?  It wasn't surprising that the bottom three were all guys.  But, oh, come on!  WHY wasn't Sanjaya sent home?  Even he looks stunned he is still where he is.  Put him out of his misery.  This just doesn't make any sense.  Are you as frustrated as I am?  Haley and Sanjaya should have hopped a bus ages ago.  How much longer is this torture going to go on?  I apologize for not voting as I said I would - I was working.
      A frothy Diana Ross performance was a bonus last night.

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A M A Z I N G   R A C E (March 11th)
March 12th, 2007
      With so much on television on a Sunday night, it's difficult to watch a program in its entirety.  Last night's "Amazing Race" was just as edge-of-your-seat exciting with the remaining teams doing their utmost to get ahead of Rob and Amber, my heroes.  What a wonderful life these two young people are enjoying.  They truly are a team and work so well together.  On screen, at least.  Even though the others are playing the game hard, you need an edge against these two.
      I keep saying how important spelling is (I hate Instant Messaging and Text Messaging and Chat Room shorthand), and because Rob couldn't spell Philippines, they fell way behind, abandoned their task and took on the alternative one.
      This show really keeps you on your toes - it's action, activity, keeping your wits about you, travel, and using your brain.  I have to say that if I had a bossy and naggy husband like Ian, I'd have bopped him on the head long ago.  Doesn't he stop nagging Terri?  On top of his nagging her to hurry up, which she did, he took the wrong turning and they had to double back.  The cousins are just as annoying.
      Sadly Team Rob & Amber checked in last and were eliminated.  Shocking, and I think I heard a collective "Yay" from America.  They were gracious in defeat and for that alone I say, "Bravo".  Will the next episode be worth watching?  I'll now have to root for Uchenna and Joyce.  Otherwise, I'll just tune in for the fabulous scenery on this show.
      Where will Rob & Amber pop up next?  I know, "Survivor" should have a couples edition.  Why not?  It couldn't be worse than the present series with all the bickering.  As for "The Apprentice", also on last night and which I didn't watch, there's too much nastiness, petty fighting - I'd not employ any of the tryouts  Could it be Mark Burnett's light is finally fading?

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UPDATES: S U R V I V O R   &   A M E R I C A N   I D O L (March 8th)
March 9th, 2007
      Having these two shows on one night, at the same time, is killing me.  I've almost lost complete interest in the most boring of seasons of "Survivor".  I don't really know what to say about this decline of interest in my one-time favorite show.
      On last night's Survivor I was appalled by the childish behavior of Stacy and Lisi towards Cassandra and Dreamz.  It was humiliating to watch two grown women treating two other grown people like little kids on the playground.  For what?  I couldn't stand their condescending head nods and shakes towards the other two.  What is their beef with them?  Just because you don't necessarily like a person, doesn't mean you can be rude and nasty to them, on national television no less.  How short-sighted and basically, stupid are these two women?  Idiots.  You keep "friends" until you are within reach of the million dollars.  If you show your colors, the rude people you are, you haven't a snowball's chance in hell of getting any votes come the time to choose a winner.  Dummies.  Did I say stupid?  It's okay not to like every single person on the team, but to outwardly show hostility is just plain not acceptable, on a desert island or in society.  Shame on you both, Stacy and Lisi.  However, these two were the first to congratulatory grab Cassandra upon winning her turn at a challenge.  The two-facedness was incredulous.
      The rest of the show was like watching paint dry it was so uninspiring.  The losers, Ravu, moped around like angry little children.  At least Anthony enjoyed a spectacular view from the top of a cliff.  Ho hum, how banal to watch grown people playing a kids' game of memory and matching tiles they'd already seen.  Disinterested and sloppy play from the losing team, who couldn't find their way out of a wet paper bag, with no connectedness, no bond, is not good television.  The whining and moaning and groaning is becoming too much to bear.
      American Idol I didn't watch but flipped over to see who was voted off.  I nearly panicked myself into having a coronary.  I couldn't see LaKisha in the bunch who moved on.  I nearly collapsed at the thought of her being voted out.  Before Antonella?  No, this wasn't possible.  I was especially scared when I saw that Haley was still there.  Not good for my blood pressure.  Then, thankfully, I saw that Antonella (yay, at last) had been voted off, along with (shock, horror, sadness) Sabrina.  Why Sabrina and not Haley?  The two are chalk and cheese and miles apart in terms of talent.
      Is this phenomenon of discovering a singing sensation in our own living rooms becoming too trite?  Is it too much of a good thing?  All I know is that for the first time in a long time, I'm going to physically and personally vote my fingers off for LaKisha.  I have to say it again: "People, this is not a beauty competition!!!"  Listen with your eyes closed and you'll have a much better chance of hearing which are the better singers.  Try it.

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A M E R I C A N   I D O L (March 7th)
March 8th, 2007
      Again, my comments were written before the judges' comments.
Jordin hardly moved while belting out this rocking song, so it seemed as though she wasn't really into things.  I like her voice a lot and she has an infectious smile.
      Unfortunately Sabrina's strong voice last night featured too much shouting.  Loved the dress, which has nothing to do with anything, but I loved it.
      Antonella's performance was lackluster and I could barely understand a single word she sang.  Poor diction, and let's face it, she can't really sing and I can't fathom why she's still in the competition.  I am also put off by her cockiness, yah ha.  Maybe she should pick up the violin again.
      Haley had no boom in her voice.  She also looked good in her outfit, but people, this is not a fashion competition.  She's out tonight, along with Antonella.
      Stephanie has great diction and a great Top 10 voice, but not a winning voice (at least not this season) I don't think.
      LaKisha delivered a chillingly fabulous performance.  Goooooosebumps.  I've not felt anyone like this since Clay the Magnificent.  This is the winner.  Even Simon said she looked beautiful (I know it's not a beauty pageant).
      Gina's rocker chick was fantastic.  I like watching Gina as she's gutsy and fun but I don't think she can win this show.  Not the strongest voice but great fun.
      Melinda was the last to perform and she was worth waiting for.  Pure diction - I don't think I ever knew the words to this song until last night.  More chills from another superb voice.
      LaKisha is Queen!  Melinda is runner up with Jordin or Stephanie following.
      Another great show from the ladies.  I can't be judging the guys as I have been working the last few Tuesday nights so I keep missing them, and from all accounts, I haven't been missing much.

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A M A Z I N G   R A C E (March 4th)
March 5th, 2007
      Last night's Amazing Race enforced my addiction to quality and competitive reality television.  With the "Amazing Race" clashing with "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and the "Grease" audition show, it's not been easy to concentrate on this series.  However, last night I did just that.  It's the All Stars race and it's very exciting.  You've got to love and admire Rob and Amber (the most famous reality television double act - I don't even know their surname) - they are fierce and wily competitors who keep everyone on their toes.  I can't imagine a competition without them.  I also love Uchenna and Joyce's competitive spirit - who can forget Joyce losing her locks in India?  Brave Woman!
      Joe and Bill have a such superb connection that I find myself rooting for them too.  After Rob and Amber that is.  The exquisite scenery last night in Chile makes this such an interesting program.  Of course the scenery in most parts of the world on most episodes of every series, is always a huge attraction for me.  I can't wait for next week's episode - this is more exciting than the current "Survivor" series (see my blog below).  There's never a dull moment with competitors clashing hither and thither attempting to make the finishing line first.  No sitting around camp moaning and groaning about this or that one's attitude, or that they're hungry, or that one's not pulling their weight.
      I've enjoyed Team Rob & Amber on Survivor, on Amazing Race, and now again on the All Stars edition.  Gotta love 'em.

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S U R V I V O R   (March 1st)
March 2nd, 2007
      Survivor has always been my all-time favorite reality television show.  This season however, it's sunk to an all-time low.  Neither team has even one dominant personality.  It's boring because it's so one-sided with a blasé Moto team beating Ravu at everything.  I've not connected with any one contestant and cannot choose a favorite at all.  As for the reward challenges, how pathetic.  They win food and utensils and beds and pillows and blankets - how wussy!  This is Survivor, not summer camp.  The more they "suffer" out there, the stronger their will to win will become, except in the case of Ravu that is.  I mean, for heaven's sake, last night the winning team would not forfeit their comfort to go and live at Camp Losers and instead chose to vote one of themselves off, and they'd just lost a teammate for health reasons.  Where is the logic?  I'd have been dashing to keep my tribe as large as possible.  Then, they vote off a strong member!  One night of discomfort to keep your team intact, strong, and be able to prove that you can "survive"?  The mind boggles.
      I really don't agree with babying them with creature comforts as rewards.  I hate it when they go on eating and refreshing rewards and have to choose one or two to accompany them.  Or the burger, fries, and coke rewards.  They should win the local fare instead, or a lesson in fishing or some other outdoor survival activity.  The challenges are okay, some are silly, like the standing on a square inch platform for hours and hours.  What does that prove?  There should be fishing competitions, fruit collecting challenges - things that would give them the edge if they were survivors.
      Sad to say, but my interest and devotion is waning rapidly.

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A M E R I C A N   I D O L   (Feb 28th)
March 1st, 2007
      Well, I was wrong about which ladies would be eliminated last week.  I was shocked to see Antonella get another chance.  Simon, as usual, was right.  When he spoke to Melinda and said how lesser talented people have a bad attitude (or words to that effect), he couldn't have anticipated Antonella's raised eyebrows and rolled eyes after her performance.  For heaven's sake, vote this talent-challenged wannabe off.  It's the LaKisha and Melinda Show as far as I'm concerned.  Jordin is still in with a huge chance, as is Stephanie and Sabrina.  Sabrina gets extra props for acknowledging the band.  I'd be happy with a top three featuring Melinda, LaKisha, and Jordin or Stephanie, in no particular order.  I'm sure all three will get recording contracts no matter the final outcome.  The rest, you're nowhere near these four ladies, so you'll have to work extra hard.  Sorry, but I didn't catch the guys this week.  Go to the previous blog.

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A M E R I C A N   I D O L   (Feb 21st)
February 22nd, 2007
      Last night's "Idol" was spectacular.  The ladies blasted the men right out of the competition.  I don't profess to qualify as a judge, but I know a good voice when I hear one.   For the record, I wrote these comments before the judges uttered a word.
      My Top Three for the competition are: LaKisha Jones, Melinda Doolittle, and Sabrina Sloan, with LaKisha taking the crown with flying colors.  Ms. Jones easily outsang everyone in the competition, and what a lovely disposition!  If there is a guy in the top three, I would have to pick Blake or the one who resembles Justin Timberlake.  The men, in my opinion, are weak this season.
      Other ladies who impressed me were Jordin Sparks and Gina Glocksen.  The "best dressed" went to Haley Scarnato.
      I pick Antonella Barba and Alaina Alexander to be eliminated on Thursday.  I don't know how many are scheduled to be knocked out.
      One last item - Ryan Seacrest.  His childish petulance on Tuesday night stands a good chance of spoiling this series for me.  He's not in Simon's league and I wish he wouldn't try to reprimand him in front of everyone.  He comes off the loser every time.  However, he redeemed himself last night when he actually agreed with Simon on one performance.  Much more professional and grown up.  This is not the Simon and Ryan show.  Go to the previous blog.

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G I F T S  AND  T H A N K S
February 20th, 2007
      I'm in shock.  And I don't shock easily!  A friend of mine told me about the e-mail she received from her granddaughter regarding her son's upcoming second birthday.  Nothing in her message like, "Hi, grandma, how are you?", just straight to the point.  She had listed gift ideas and the stores from where you could by them, as well as the prices.  Have you ever!  A two-year-old with a birthday gift wish list!  You can understand a list for a wedding, but for a small kid, I don't think so!  Without question, this is pure bad manners and complete greediness.
      Now, this might be a new trend but I am hoping that it will not catch on.  I for one, will not be dictated to as to what I should have to buy as a birthday gift for a child.  What utter nonsense.  A gift is a voluntary expression of one's kind thoughts, and as far as how much to spend, that's entirely up to me, and of course, my budget.  Unfortunately gift giving has grown out of all proportion.  What happened to a kind gesture from one to another, and incidentally, with an immediate and gracious thank-you?  Have you ever seen those home movies of children opening Christmas presents and the look of utter indignation and disgust at the gift they were given?
      Children should be taught to accept a gift graciously and to show their appreciation, not, ever, to throw it down and cry and scream because it's not something they'd hoped for.  If it were my child, that present would have been taken away, as well as all the other opened and unopened ones, with an explanation that that's not how you behave and that some other disadvantaged kids would love them.  If you're not grateful, you don't get anything.  A tough lesson but one well learned; in life you don't always get what you want.  What values are these mothers teaching their young children?  You cannot demand what you want from others - you accept their willingness to give you a gift and be thankful that they had the generosity to even get you one.  Buying gifts takes time and energy and money, and should be acknowledged for what they are - gifts, not demands.
      My second gripe today is that many people don't even have the decency and good manners to send a thank-you to people from whom they've received gifts.  Said granddaughter still hadn't said thanks for the Christmas gifts their grandmother so kindly sent to them, but has the audacity to send a wish list not even two months later.  A "thank you for my gift/dinner/good deed/kind thought, etc.", can be in any form: a telephone call, a thank-you card, a thank-you e-mail, or just a little thank-you note.  The gift giver will appreciate your gratitude and won't think twice when it comes to giving you another gift at a later stage.  It's a pleasure to seek out gifts for those who appreciate them.  I would resent having to buy another gift for anyone who doesn't have the courtesy to at least say thank you.  For me, it's a case of 'what goes around, comes around' - you don't say thanks, you don't get anything else.
"Of course I agree with you completely - it's the thought that matters, not the actual gift."  Colin Cowie www.colincowie.com.

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G E T T I N G   A H E A D   I N   L I F E
February 16th, 2007
      Why does searching for a job seem like such a slog?  Any job.  I've been where I am for the past four years and haven't been able to find a suitable job at all.  I did have a temporary waitressing job, and a job in a high school kitchen which went to pot because of a personality clash, and I substitute at my local library now and then.  Not enough for me to get a place of my own and start over again.  I've been living in a friend's unfinished basement and getting around on my bicycle.  From time to time I get a little proofreading work in, which helps, but I am hankering after a place of my own (a little apartment will be fine) and being able to stand on my own two feet.  I did it before so I know I can do it again.
      It's not like I am not intelligent enough, heck, I am more eloquent and worldly than many, I have a cheery disposition, am friendly and honest, trustworthy, and diligent to get the job done properly.  I take pride in my work.  When I look around and see so many incompetent people working (cashiers who can't add simple numbers together, incredibly bad spellers (see anywhere on the Internet), bad manners when it comes to dealing with the public, know-alls who shun others, and the like), and I think, why not me?  My main problem is that I don't have a car so it's difficult to get to jobs.  Secondly, I have been working towards doing my own thing which is why I have such an expanding website and why I pursue publishers for the book projects I am working on.  Thankfully, I have found a publisher for one of my projects but sadly they don't offer an advance.  What a bonus it would be to be able to move into my own little place and work from home.  No amount of soliciting sponsors or advertisers to my website and/or books has brought forth anything.  It's really difficult and demoralizing not to be able to finance your own projects, not to mention almost impossible to get ahead.  Thankfully you can get free web space on the Internet - otherwise I'd not be here.
      Although I have published one book, it hasn't made me any money, hence this blog.  I am looking for companies who would like to advertise on my website, as well as in a book I am working on, but as mentioned above, bad manners rule, with very few people actually acknowledging your request at all, let alone saying "thanks, but no thanks".  Depression sets in rather easily and far too comfortably with me - the vicious cycle is my only course and it's now boring me beyond belief.
      I have to admire (and sometimes seriously wonder about) the many people out there who "accidentally" make it.  It's not about education as there are plenty of people who have made it without a college degree.  Besides, I come across "educated" people all the time who can barely make themselves understood (mainly due to not having good grammar), are semi-literate, ask inane questions that if they just thought about it they'd get it (part and parcel of the problem of lazy people in this country - too much is done for you so you forget how to do things for yourself, like think), "educated" people with no common sense and who come across as dim.  For instance, people who don't read what you say in your letters/messages/proposals but respond to what they think you wrote, making fools of themselves.  However, they have jobs.  They're "educated".  What's with it!
      I don't want to be a high-powered executive (not my ambition or passion) but I do want to earn a living and get ahead with my projects to use as tools to raise funds for charity.  I know that charity begins at home and that I should be sorting myself out first, but it's difficult to do if you are consumed with the passion and drive to help others.  I cannot wait to be in a position to hand over checks to deserving charities, money I have personally raised.
      If you know of anyone in the food industry perhaps, who would like to help me earn a living while working towards making the lives of those less fortunate a little better, please e-mail me or get them to e-mail me.  I have banner advertising space on my website, as well as space in the book projects I am working on.  Helping others is a wonderfully rewarding job.  I help out wherever I can and don't even think about not being paid for what I do.  The reward is that you feel great that you can help someone else.  Little things like running errands for people, talking with them, helping them with little things around the house, etc.
      I'm not asking for much and I am not greedy.  I have paid my dues and just want to get ahead in my life.  Is that too much to ask? 
      Will fortune ever smile on me?

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A M E R I C A N   I D O L
February 1st, 2007
      Okay, Okay, OKAY!  What do the producers of American Idol take us for?  Do they think we are complete idiots?  Seems so.  While I sometimes appreciate a good laugh at the expense of another's false bravado and plain stupidity, enough is enough.  We tune in to watch potential talent and occasionally the silly goose who mistakenly thinks they are the next very best thing, but now it's out of hand.  A couple of episodes of this silliness would be fun, but to go on and on showing really pathetic performances by people who obviously have no clue as to why they are auditioning (why on earth would any serious performer wear a banana, or a spaceman's outfit, or be dressed as Uncle Sam to a serious audition where their lives could dramatically change for the better?), is a waste of advertisers money, not to mention the audience's time.
      I cannot believe that serious television producers would allow such inane stupidity to go on - they have to have an initial screening process to eliminate all the really bad singers wouldn't you think?  The divide between some of the not-so-good singers who just don't make it, and the pathetically sad, the attention-seeking twits, and the excruciatingly bad is huge.  This cannot be.  It should be about the ones who make it through and those who nearly make it through, not the truly talentless (who should have been weeded out much earlier in the process and never allowed to actually get in front of the judges), but it seems that watching bad "talent" and desperate pleading brings in the ratings - I truly hope that these people watch themselves back on television and can really see and hear that they are not destined to be singers or performers.  For me, no more.  There are other things I could be doing and I don't have to have my intelligence insulted week after week.  I shall wait until the final twelve where I can watch people who can sing. 
      Finally, I have to feel embarrassed that "American Idol" would subject professionals like Carole Bayer Sager and Olivia Newton John (both of whom I don't believe knew what they were in for) to the pithy and childish display of non-talent - they both deserve much better.  Leave the guest judges to nearer the end when all this poppycock is over.

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33rd  G O L D E N  G L O B E  A W A R D S
January 16, 2007 (See the Annual People's Choice Awards below this blog.)
      I'm the last one to talk about clothes (I don't even have a wardrobe, literally), but I do know and appreciate style and classy outfits.  One thing I know for sure, is that you can't buy style.  You either have it or you don't.  I think I'd have liked to have been a clothing designer.  Or a shoe designer.  But, I can't draw.  I admire good taste and abhor common and slutty outfits, especially worn by the famous when out in public.  Of course I don't even have a classic figure so I couldn't even begin to dream about wearing anything remotely like what we saw last night on the Golden Globe Awards.  This is about the feminine fashions.  Sorry guys, you're just not as fetching as the ladies.
      There wasn't a preshow on NBC last night so I had to make do with passing glimpses at the fashions seated at tables.  Like, Cate Blanchett, Teri Hatcher, Sheryl Crow, Penelope Cruz, Beyoncé, and Jada Pinkett Smith among others.  Felicity Huffman, thankfully, wore a chest-covering outfit which looked fabulous.  Did she read this column last week?  So, I'm only mentioning the truly stunning and the truly awful.
      I can't possibly pick a best-dressed and worst-dressed as I didn't see all the fashions.  So, I'll name the best of what I saw.  Drew Barrymore was easily one of the most elegantly dressed ladies there.  She looked so grown up with her up hairdo and white strapless gown.  Very classy.  Selma Hayek looked like a goddess in her white floor-length gown and her luscious dark tresses.  Vanessa Williams, the clotheshorse that she is, never (hardly ever) disappoints - her flattering copper and goldish colors looked stunning.  And that hair!  Fabulous.
      Eva Longoria looked gorgeous in a midnight blue outfit, a sparkly shoulder strap full-length dress.  Her up hairdo suited her as well.  Hilary Swank looked like a forties film star icon in her fitting and fabulous dress.  I loved her bejeweled hair accessory.  Lorraine Nicholson, Jack's girl, who was an attendee on stage, also looked stunning in her glittery gown.  Very poised and elegant for one so young.  Meryl Streep looked a little rumpled in her "Romanesque" outfit but she's still so gloriously wonderful and funny.  Kyra Sedgwick looked a little out of her element but was visually attractive with her off-white toga-style dress - loved her tumbling curls.
      The lesser appealing outfits were worn by Jennifer Love Hewitt - a chocolatey brown cake ornament is what she resembled.  Just too much going on.  Thankfully Chandra Wilson (Grey's Anatomy) looked more grown up this time, in gold.  I rather liked the idea of Emily Blunt's dress but it was far too tight and looked like a bodystocking.
      On the whole, a glamorous and rather stylish affair, and it was nice to see so many colors, not the usual dark shades.  I still think most of these ladies do well when they don't dress themselves.

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33rd  A N N U A L  P E O P L E ' S  C H O I C E  A W A R D S
January 10, 2007
      If you watched the 33rd Annual People's Choice Awards last night, see if you agree with me.  I usually enjoy awards shows - the gowns, the hair, the up close and personal, etc.
      This year's People's Choice Awards was a little scary I have to say.  I know it's much more casual than other awards shows but, come on.  The dresses scared me.  And you can't say it's not about the dresses!  Felicity Huffman's bony chest sticking out was anything but sexy; Halle Berry's (Favorite Female Action Star winner) dress looked short enough to look tacky - a pity because I loved the color on her; Chandra Wilson from "Grey's Anatomy" was the laughing stock of the evening - she looked like a court jester or like her mother dressed her for a fancy dress party when she was 3 years old - absolutely hideous - this is why celebrities use stylists!  Gina from "Guiding Light" wore some black and white creation as she stumbled along the aisle (she looked as though she'd been imbibing earlier) with heavens knows what slung around her neck.  Too affected for my liking, thanks.
      However, all was not lost - Cameron Dias looked lovely with her dark hair and sparkly gown.  Vanessa Williams, stunning as always, looked glamorous and sophisticated - finally, someone truly classy.  Queen Latifah, who hosted the show, looked stunning in her gorgeous gowns - she was poised and elegant.  Eva Longoria's dress was the appropriate length and very flattering.
      Was there something wrong with the cameras or microphone?  Jennifer Aniston (loved her dress) and Emily(?) of CSI both looked somewhat out of it (couldn't be nerves, could it?) as they both battled to get out a full and intelligible sentence.  Christina Applegate's face looked lopsided (I apologize if anything happened to her that I didn't know about) which at first I thought was a bad camera angle.
      Some of the men looked elegant and well-groomed (a change), like Kiefer Sutherland and Randy Jackson (Favorite Competition/Reality Show winner for "American Idol"), who both wore exquisite suits and ties - very classy, gents.  Vince Vaughan (Favorite Leading Man winner) on the other hand, looked as though he'd just stumbled out of bed and onto the stage.
      I loved Robin William's speech - I never tire of his ad libbing.  Kenny Chesney - now here's someone who's grown on me - I can't name one of his songs but I find him so humble, and he has a great voice - is anyone so popular?  Rascal Flatts' (what a name!) guy in the middle looked zonked and was slurring his words and blinking slowly - a sure sign things are not right.
      I know this is not a sophisticated affair, more laid back, despite some of the better outfits, but if anyone had been imbibing beforehand, they should know better.  It's belittling and unbecoming, and more importantly, not necessary.
      I used to be so up on pop culture but I'm so behind now - I've been to the movies about five times in the past ten years.  I hardly know any pop stars today, and music was my life - at least I know a few television shows.  I guess I'm just getting old and have to move on gracefully.

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H A I R D R E S S E R S
December 27, 2006
      I'm so fed up when it comes to getting my hair cut.  You can call around until you're blue in the face, asking questions like if they have anyone there who knows what they are doing; can they assess your face vs the style you have in mind; or if they have anyone there who actually listens to what their clients want.  It doesn't matter what you ask because they will all say "yes".  And prices are not an accurate indication of the quality of the services they offer either.  Most are around the same price but when you are broke and want to at least look presentable, money does factor largely.  For example, I'm unemployed and cannot afford the services of a high-priced salon, so I tried calling around for a less expensive place to go to.
      Now, my hair isn't the most difficult to cut (it's thin and straight) but it's important to get a good cut so that it lasts for at least five months (no money for upkeep which is a huge consideration for me), which can be achieved if you have a hairdresser who has talent and who can assess the growth pattern of your hair, the way it falls, and the shape of your face.  I have come across such a person - one with true talent and one whose haircut and style lasted six months - it was cut well so it grew out well.  He trained with Vidal Sassoon in London.  I know that not every hairdresser can be trained at the esteemed Vidal Sassoon schools.  And I also know, from firsthand experience, that even a basic cutting course can stand you in good stead - that's what I did and I don't leave people with chunks cut out of their hair, or one side longer than the other, and I am always upfront about what I am capable of doing.  I do not, ever, just go crazy with the scissors and hope for the best.  I am not a hairdresser but I learned to cut hair.  Sadly, the genius lives on another continent.
      I recently went to a salon for a $12 haircut - I should have known.  $12 was all I could afford but it was one of those mornings when you wake up and just know that your hair has to be cut, today!  Before I even sat down I asked him if he could trim my hair in the style it was already in and to not cut my crown too short, as I have a double crown and it has to have some length otherwise it stands up.  "Yeah, yeah, I can do that," he answered.  So, I had my hair washed and proceeded to prepare for the execution of a new do.  Right off the bat I should have stopped him and walked out (wet hair or not) because he was rattling on about all sorts of nonsensical things, looking around the shop, heming and hawing away (he was hard-pressed to emit a coherent sentence), and had such a soft touch that I could barely feel him working.  I asked for the lower back of my hair to be gradated and shaped after he'd cut a bob with the heavier hair above (he didn't listen and cut it too short around my crown).  He took out a man's clipper and proceeded to comb and shave (the way you cut men's hair), giving me the creeps.  When he was done I had a look and told him that the one side was longer than the other, so he corrected that.  He hadn't even checked himself.  I left with wettish hair as I couldn't afford to have it dried as well, and I was seething.
      Well, the next day when I looked in the bathroom mirror, I was horrified.  Not only had he not listened to what I requested, he had literally hacked away at the lower back part of my hair - no shaping whatsoever and it looked like the mice had had a go at my hair overnight, with one side thicker than the other.  I was so peeved I almost called him to complain.  I blamed myself saying that I got what I paid for.  If I could have a Hollywood or New York haircut by someone you see in magazines and on television, or by a proper stylist, I'd be so happy.  I guess I've had my once in a lifetime haircut already.
      Hairdressers who are below average (they know who they are, if they're honest) should not call themselves "hairdressers".  It takes skill to do good work, and women pay hard-earned money to have their tresses tended.  It's heartbreaking to realize that you let some incapable jerk (innocently trusting their capability) do your hair, but if you only have $12, I guess that's what you get.
      Now I've decided that I am going to grow my hair again (painstakingly waiting for highlights to grow out is the worst!) so that I can have a little ponytail (minimum upkeep and maintenance) - I am too old to have long hair, I think.  I just wish the standard of training was higher so that women can get what they want, not what some ditz ends up giving you because they weren't concentrating or listening to what their customer wants.  Women know what their hair does and how it falls, and when we ask for something, we should get it.  A talented hairdresser will tactfully tell you if it's not practical or if the style won't suit you.
      It's hardly likely that a $12 hairdresser will ever land a job in a Hollywood salon or as a magazine hair stylist, so there needn't be any panic out there.  I just hate wasting money and I detest being conned.  If only I could cut my own hair.

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S K I N N Y   M O D E L S  Blog Home Page  (or click on "Back" in the top left of the page)  Top of this Page
October 12, 2006
     There has been so much in the media about underweight models, but the last straw for me was catching a glimpse (in more ways than one) of the skinny model featured on ET as their preview story for the next day's show on October 12th.  My jaw hit the floor, and I'm not easily shocked.  This poor young woman looked like a toothpick with a little cloth draped over her.  The clothes she was modeling went unnoticed as I couldn't take my eyes off her exposed rib cage and sticky-out shoulder blades.  This was all in about a 5-second promo.  (see picture)
   This girl looked as though she weighed about 75 lbs, if she's lucky.  I defy any man to say he finds her physically attractive.  I have to wonder whether this young woman sees herself as fat, just right, or ghostly thin when she looks at herself in the mirror.  To me, she looks malnourished - just look at some of the involuntary starving people in Africa.  (see pictures)  I wonder if she cannot see herself as looking like a walking skeleton or if she is happy with her "look".  She certainly cannot be healthy and I would love to know if she feels healthy and strong.  With many eating disorders there is the strong possibility of internal organ damage (liver, kidneys, heart, and others).  It's eerie and rather disturbing to look at someone so thin.  It's haunting and frightening.
     I do not understand, for the life of me, how people at fashion shows can allow such sick-looking models to work.  Neither can I understand how designers can allow such ghost-like creatures to wear their clothes, not doing their design creations any justice.  The clothes aren't even noticed so the fashion show becomes a joke.  To perpetuate such unhealthy bodies is a crime against humanity.
     Skinnyness is not limited to fashion models - it spreads to other people in the limelight as well.  Have you see how wasted Nicole Richie looks?  (see picture one and picture two)  How emaciated Lara Flynn Boyle is?  (see picture)  Others who appear gaunt are Kate Bosworth (see picture) and Kiera Knightly.  Apart from harming your body, you're also harming your mind and your perception of yourself.  Other people see you differently, so when you see someone gaping at you, or who goes into shock when they see you, realize it's you who doesn't look right because you're too thin and sickly-looking.  Young girls (and often older girls, and women, too) have enough to contend with growing up, so to have to worry that they are not perfect, is too draining and debilitating.
     What is perfect anyway?  If only we all could acknowledge that no one is perfect, at least not here on earth, then we'll be eliminating huge weights and burdens from our minds.  To celebrate our differences (big or small, tall or short, narrow or wide, light or heavy, etc.) should be our goal.  We'd have fewer people with eating disorders and other illnesses, and suicides (that's basically what they're doing) all because people think they'll never be perfect.  No one will be perfect so you're chasing an elusive and damaging image.  See People magazine cover picture.
     Come on, eat up.
See fashion stylist-to-the-stars Sam Saboura's comments on skinny models.

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CIGARETTES vs ALCOHOL  Blog Home Page  (or click on "back" in the top left of the page)  Top of this Page
October 13, 2006
      I've had enough of the constant talk about more tobacco taxes (last night's news discussion) and the "horrors" of smoking - not only in this country, but in many other countries too.  Smoking is not good for your health, or the health of your family and the general public, so if you can quit, do so.  The health risks of both cigarettes and alcohol are undesirable.  But, I have to say, that even though tobacco is bad for you, it does not alter your perception the way alcohol does.
    How many people have been arrested for smoking while driving?
    How many parents beat up their families after a few cigarettes?
    How many people pass out from a night of smoking cigarettes?
    How many people choke on their own tobacco-induced puke and die?
    How many people do you know go to Tobacco Anonymous (even though it's probably the hardest habit to stop)?
    Why is it that you have to be 21 to legally drink alcohol but you can legally smoke at any age (not that that's right, I have to add)?
    Why isn't alcohol being taxed to death like cigarettes?
    Why the constant tobacco bad-mouthing when alcohol has much more immediate and potentially detrimental consequences to all in close proximity to a drinker and/or alcoholic?
      Cigarettes don't interfere with most medications, unlike alcohol which could be fatal.  I'd rather socialize with a smoker than a boozed-up drinker.  Tobacco doesn't make you incoherent or impair your judgment, something you need at all times.  Why isn't alcohol being banned from being consumed in public places, i.e. bars and pubs?  Duh, too many people would go out of business.
      It's absurd that only tobacco gets so much attention.  It's inconceivable to think the same doesn't apply (more so) to alcohol.  Children see and feel the horrors of an intoxicated parent which, in my book, is more damaging than smoking - assuming you smoke outside the house and not around the children, or any children.
      My philosophy is that if you want to damage your health by smoking or drinking, go ahead, but do it in the privacy of your own space and where there are no kids around.  Whatever your personal vice may be, do so responsibly, and always be considerate of the people around you.
      Everything in moderation is key.  Preferably though, try and stop these bad habits altogether.

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