Friday, March 23, 2007

I'm Moving . . .

I'm moving over to MySpace because it's funner and I get to put more stuff on there that is cool. I don't know if I'll still blog about Days. I did watch last week but only Wed - Fri cause due to Daylight Savings Time my DUMB VCR didn't automatically change the time like I thought it did, so it taped PASSIONS instead. UGH. The only reason I was able to see Wed - Fri was because I stayed up Sunday night and watched them on SoapNet. So anyway, I don't know if you have to have a MySpace account to read my blog, if not then please come visit me.

http://www.myspace.com/amycougar

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Sanjaya continues to reign . . . KILL. ME. NOW.

I just can't believe that Sanjaya is now in the Top 10 and will TOURING with the group this summer or whenever they do the Idol Tour!!!!! UN-FRIKKIN-BELIEVABLE!!! Tuesday night's show was beyond entertaining though with LuLu's screeching and that little girl blubbering over Sanjy, it had me in stitches. I honestly like To Sir, With Love but that rendition that LuLu graced us with last night was truly horrible. It didn't even sound like the original sound. I guess with all the years of smoking damaging her vocal cords . . . I did like Peter Noone's There's a Kind of Hush. However, I noticed he was wearing the same frikkin' outfit that he had on Tuesday night and I think when he was mentoring the guys!

So what can I say about this weeks contestants? I can say that Stephanie deserved to go because she truly was not good this week. Didn't Nadia Turner do that song and completely nailed it? I'm thinking she did. Jordin Sparks was unbelievable. Loved her. Liked her footage with LuLu cause when LuLu's like, "You need to [scream]!" and does that, "EEEEEK!" Jordin responds with her own startled yelp and says, "Oh, my!" BA-HAHAHAHA. Classic.

I am an emotional wreck since my medications are all screwed up and I'm guinea pigging this new stuff so even though the Crying Girl completely CRACKED me up when I first saw her sobbing over Sanjy, she had ME crying at the end of the show when Ryan has her come up on stage and she's hugging everyone. Jimmy kept saying she was from the Make a Wish Foundation but I said she's just a star-struck 12 year old. And that's what she turned out to be! Unfortunately for her, AI continued to show her clip so I'm sure once she went back to school, her classmates were giving her hell over crying over Sanjaya Malakar. I bet she has a lot to cry about now.

Phil was 10 times better than he was last week and I was proud that I new Tobacco Road which Jimmy didn't! HAHAHA. Jimmy thinks he's the ultimate song expert cause he can "name that tune" with the first note as he constantly flips channels on the car radio. I'm glad Gina made it through and of course no surprise that Blake, Melina and Lakisha breezed through. I don't know but Blake had me all light-headed with the Zombie's "Time of the Season" -- except when he looked all cross-eyed as this horrible picture depicts. I'm sure Blake is having a cow that this picture made it to the website. But maybe he doesn't even look at the website because if I did I'd be pitching a fit and demanding that it be taken down. I absolutely cracked up when Ryan was doing those funky moves after the critique. Hilarious. I'm telling you, this season is just a totally different ball-game. Um. Didn't care for Chris Sligh. I still like his personality but personality is not going to get you a recording contract. At least it wouldn't for me -- this day and age anyone can get a recording contract it seems. I've been reading Mary Wilson's DreamGirl when the competition was fierce between artists and you actually had to be GOOD to make it.

Katherine-McPhee-Wannabe Hayley was guaranteed another week with the help of her hot pants and slinky boob top. Simon's comment, "You naughty girl," was hilarious. But as you can see it worked cause she wasn't even in the bottom two. I have to say the Ford commercial they did was much better than last week's. It was funny because I wasn't really paying attention when it came on and I happened to look up and was thinking, "Hunh, that looks like Melinda from American Idol." HA. Speaking of Melinda -- don't like the new hair cut. It makes her head look that much larger and accentuates the fact she has no neck. Anyhoo, next week should be interesting. There is a girl on MySpace who is on a hunger strike until Sanjy is kicked off. Maybe I'll join her.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Craziness ensues . . .

So sucking pond water wasn't good enough to get voted off cause Sanjaya IS STILL THERE FOR ANOTHER WEEK!!! UN-FRIKKIN-BELIEVABLE. At least he WAS in the bottom three. If he hadn't been there, I really would have gone off. As I guessed, Hayley got the sympathy vote. I wonder if she's going to cry every week now so people will feel sorry for her? I definitely don't think Phil Stacey deserved to be in the bottom three. This show is just crazy sometimes. I guess I should mention that Brandon the Backup Singer got the boot. You would've thought he'd won a prize the way he was smiling though. Maybe that was his defense to keep from crying cause he got voted off and Hula Boy didn't.

Well, let's talk about Diana. Obviously the word DIVA originated to describe her cause boy, what a Diva she was last night. Jimmy and I stifled laughter when she first came out and started that, "Wheee! Yeeah! Wheee!" We definitely thought it was going to be reminiscent of the Super Bowl half-time show but she actually did start singing. "Eh" is all I can say. Wasn't really that great for me, man. Kinda pitchy, you know? I did have to laugh when Ryan asked her who she thought was going home and she laughs, "Me!" Good answer. I don't know why they ask that question anyway. Like she would've said, "I think that Sanjaya Malakar should go home! P.U.!"

That Ford commercial they did was horrendous. I didn't think they could make Chris Sligh's hair any bigger but they did. It was just really scary overall. Blech. And their performance of the Diana Ross melody was pretty stinky too. I tell you, this is the weakest bunch of contestants I've seen on this show. If Lakisha, Melinda, Jordin and Brandon weren't on there, I don't think I would even be watching this season.

All I can think about now is how bad will Sanjy do next week and will people wise up and STOP VOTING FOR HIS HULA @$$???!!

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

And I didn't think Sanjaya could be any worse . . .


But boy was I wrong! He sucked pure pond water last night and THAT HAIR. OMG. He PERMED it. It was almost as big as Diana Ross's and that's BIG. I LOL'ed when she asked, "Can you dance?" He should've said, "No but I can hula!" and then start doing his little hula dance for her. I absolutely ROLLED when Simon said that wherever Diana Ross should be watching the show, she was squealing like a beached whale -- or something to that effect. HOW did this no-talent MJ (now Diana Ross!) wannabe get to the Top 12?? But not only was Sanjy just horrid but also Haley and Brandon -- the other two DUDS from last week that shouldn't have made it this far. And when Simon didn't rake her over the coals, Haley actually collapsed in tears!

As always Melinda and Lakisha (Kiki) brought it as did Jordin Sparks. These three are truly the only ones that have real talent. I swear I have more talent in my big toe than Sanjy, Haley and Brandon all combined. Hey, I rock Karaoke Revolution(TM)! ;) Phil Stacey did sound a lot better than he did last week and Blake was eh. I really didn't care for his version of . . . what was it? Can't even remember it now. Let's see. What else? Oh, Gina did well with Love Child, I thought. I thought it was kinda weird that Paula described it as an "upbeat" song. I guess she meant the tempo because the content of the song is less than upbeat -- singing about your illegitimate child is not exactly a feel good story. I was in a weepy mood to begin with cause I've started a new medication (after having a horrible allergic reaction to the previous one) so I boo-hooed when Paula and Melinda were boohooing. Even Simon made me boohoo when he goes, "Melinda! Why are you crying?" but was laughing at Paula.

Is it even wise to admit that one of your musical influences is Michael Jackson? I was asking that question when Blake revealed that during his question and answer session. Maybe before all the pedophile accusations and before he bleached himself white and his nose fell off -- but I just don't think that's WISE to admit now. But it's not me up there.

Totally loved Melinda's response to "what's the hardest thing about doing this competition" and she says, "The dresses and these high heels!" Totally agree with you on that!

Lakisha looked smashing in her elegant white evening gown but I think she should've done the mic stand. That would've made it even more classy.

I dunno about Diana Ross as an individual. Her hair is REALLY REALLY BIIIG. She didn't seem she had much advice to give except "work the crowd" and "work the stage". She was kinda boring but pretty outspoken about whom she did and didn't like of the contestants. Strange combination.

Once americanidol.com posts pictures from last night, I will add a few here to give you a taste of what I'm REALLY talking about. Tonight is results night and I have a horrible feeling we're going to be seeing more of Sanjaya even though he is absolutely HORRID and never should've made it this far. Also think that Haley is going to get the sympathy vote for her breaking down into tears last night. :(

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

American Idol's Top Twelve

I can't lie. I actually CHEERED when Barbarella got cut last week from the Top 12. Seriously. I waved my arms in the air and yelled, "YEAH! YEAH! YEAH, MAN! WOO WOO WOO!" However, I was stunned when Hula Boy made it through and NOT Sundance!!! Where's the justice in that?? And what about that Haley Scranato -- Disney singer extraordinaire -- over Sabrina???? You could even tell the judges were dumbfounded on that one as well. So this season's Top Twelve is definitely a mixed-bag from the get go. Of course we all know that Lakisha, Melinda and Blake definitely deserved the Top 12 status and they are there. But the ones who squeaked by on the seat of their pants . . . ? Boooooo.


Carrie Underwood performed her new hit "Wasted" on last week's vote-off show and the one thing I have say is "EATING DISORDER"!!! I couldn't BELIEVE how incredibly SKINNY she is now! Does she have "eating" in her schedule, I wonder? Lord have mercy! But as always, Carrie delivered a perfect performance and we were reminded what Simon said to her during Season 4 -- "You will go on to sell more records than any Idol winner . . ." and she has certainly proved him right. Grammies, CMT awards, you name it -- she's won it. I am definitely a Carrie fan and wish her all the best, but I definitely wish she would eat a few cheeseburgers and gain back some of the weight she's lost!


OK -- I'm sure you're wondering who I'm glad that made it through and who I think shouldn't have. On my list of "SHOULDN'TS" are: Brandon the Back-Up Singer, Sanjy the Hula Boy (who CAN'T hula!), and Haley the Disney Cruise Ship Singer (everything she's sang has sounded straight out of Aladdin). I definitely don't think these three deserved making it to the Top 12 AT ALL. Everyone else that made it I say, "Right on." Unfortunately, I see these 3 hanging on and passing up the ones that should stick around. Can't wait for that! UGH.


So tonight is Diana Ross's coaching? That should be interesting. I'm not a big fan of Diana and think she is idolized way too much. Yes she was a significant part of the girl groups from the 60s but you can tell she is a diva and has to be the center of attention at all costs -- no matter who gets hurt. The other Supremes could tell you that. Plus I can't forget that Super Bowl half-time show she did that one year and all she "sang" was, "WHEEE WOOO WHEEE WOOO!" from the edge of that helicopter while she kept brushing that bush of hair out of her face. I'm actually interested in what she has to tell these contestants as far as advice and guidance.

Looking forward to tonight -- except for the 3 duds performances. :(

Something Stupid This Way Comes . . .

I was pretty bored overall with last week's Days. We get to see Steve all strait-jacketed up in the loony bin and he pretty much snows his doctor into getting him out of the strait-jacket but only if he takes a sedative. Of course we all know what he's really after and that's her cell phone. I still can't figure out if he's totally under EJ's control or only half and half and he's just an idiot now. BECAUSE HE CALLS EJ TO GET HIM OUT OF THE HOSPITAL. Stupid stupid stupid. I had to laugh at his antics with the doctor. Especially that part where he makes a big production of swallowing the pills and then kissing her on the nose.

Belle and Shawn are still on that island and all of a sudden Claire has blood poisoning. Shawn decides he'll build a raft to get them off the island while Belle stands there and berates him for even thinking of such a stupid idea. He makes a valid point in that if they don't try and get off the island, Claire is as good as dead so even if they do drown or get sucked into a whirl pool at least they tried instead of sitting around on their hineys. That shuts her up -- but only for about 5 seconds. All they have done while stranded is take turns blaming each other for the predicament they're in. Or maybe that's Shawn blaming himself a good 90% of the time while Belle goes back and forth between, "I can't believe we're in the situation" and "You're the man Shawn! I'd follow you to the ends of the Earth!"

You would think Lucas would finally realize that Sami is totally off her nut and needs some good therapy or maybe a good dose of Prozac. This girl has had moods swings the like I'VE never even seen. And I have mood swings, people. One minute she's all, "I'm good! Let's get married in the church!" and then she's, "GAK! GAK! WE'VE GOT TO LEAVE SALEM NOOOW! NOW LUCAS! NOOOW!" This is one time I REALLY wish they would do something totally different and have her actually CONFESS it all to Lucas. And also NOT forge the stupid medical records. Why not SURPRISE the viewing audience for ONCE? Hmmm? Even Celeste tells her that fake medical records aren't going to cut it with EJ but I read where she goes ahead and does it anyway -- this time dragging Nick into it. Like he doesn't have enough problems of his own.

Yeah, Nick and Chelsea are getting really cozy with the calculus tutoring. I never knew math could be such a stimulate but I guess it was all that yodeling, "Lowdy hi -- mody low" or whatever he was trying to teach her. He's flying high in the sky when he goes to tell Abbey his wonderful news and just like good ol Abbey she calls him a "chump" and says Chelsea is just paying him back for the whole Shane Patton thing. I would SO love to slap that smirk off her face. I absolutely CAN'T STAND HER!!!!!! I've tried to like her. I really have, but it's times like these that remind me what an absolute JERK she is! Her name should be Debbie Downer because that's ALL she does. Bring people down. Except for her precious MAX. Ugh. How she thinks he walks on water is beyond me. Even he himself has pointed out what an ass he's been to every girl that's had the unfortunate privilege to fall under his spell. But dumb Abbey just continues to sing his praises. And I still can't accept his sudden attraction for his "star" mechanic. It wasn't but three months ago when he compared her to a little sister -- or was that a puppy? Either way he had NO interest her whatsoever. And Jed's pretty stupid too to be all hung up on her because she's been nothing but rude to him ever since he made the mistake of talking to her that day at Java Cafe.

Nick and Chelsea's happiness is the shortest-lived EVER. He decides it's a GOOD idea to tell her about sleeping with Billie! OMG. He must've took the entire bottle of Stupid Pills. No one can talk ANY sense into him -- until he actually talks to Chelsea and comes THEES close to spilling the beans and she's the one who's like, "All that's in the past. I don't care what you did in the past with some older woman." And then it's BILLIE who comes busting in all flustered and yapping, "OMG! You didn't tell her did you?!" and it takes Chelsea all of 2 seconds to put it all together (that she should've put together the very night Nick and Billie did the deed) and she's absolutely horrified and grossed out. Nick gets a big slap on the face and Chelsea tells her mother she means nothing to her now! "GROSS!! ICK! I can't believe you two! BLECH! I'm going to throw up now!"

So Willow sinks even further is the depths of disgrace and shame when she asks EJ for a JOB. Ugh. Had to laugh though when he tells her to "turn around and BEND over"!! BA-HAHAHAHAHA! And she acts all worried! You would think she'd be used to that kind of talk and not think twice about it. Yes. That was mean. But I truly can't stand her and her pork chop lips. Plus, like he's going to boink her right in front of the Java Cafe? EJ's pretty scummy but he's NOT that scummy. He tells her he's going to write her a check -- what ELSE would he be doing? And her assignment? To break into Bo and Hope's house and steal Hope's jewelry. Of course we know this is to make Bo want to have Billie's STOOPID security system installed so EJ can spy on them. Like we couldn't see THAT one coming from a mile away. Like an elephant on the horizon! Geesh. Willow refuses but then has to reconsider when EJ calls the YMCA and informs the Den Mother that Willow is pregnant. So the Den Mother has to throw Willow out on her ear because of their policy of "no children". Technically, Willow doesn't have a child yet -- it's still in the oven -- you would think they would let her stay there until the birth or at least until she could find another place. But as you all know, this is a soap and stuff like that doesn't happen on soaps --just the stupid and unbelievable. So after the Den Mother calls to tell Willow she's out, Willow is forced to accept EJ's offer. Wonder what she'll spend all THAT money on? She stated, "This is two years salary!" Maybe Jed's independent study in cosmetology?

A lot more idiocies went down in the town of Salem but they're really not that important. I'm sure there'll be lots more to talk about NEXT week! Isn't there always?

(Screen Caps courtesy of Days2 with my own added captions)

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Sanjy Likes Ta Hula . . . Cripes.

The guys were back to being weeeeak this week. HA. It was also "secrets revealed" and some of them would've been better off keeping their secrets to themselves. Take Sanjaya -- this kid obviously is desperate to get voted off. His confession of being able to hula was just LAME LAME LAME. Plus the fact he can't even hula well. What an insult to all the professional hula dancers out there. Ick. His hair also left much to be desire. Obviously he got his hands on a straightening iron and somebody needs to promptly take it back. Horrendous. He looks much better with the waves though I think he should lop that mop off regardless. What did he sing? I can't remember but I do remember that it was awful. Again. I won't even predict that he gets the boot cause I'm sure all those teeny boppers and Children of the 80s who want to remember Michael Jackson as normal wore their fingers off dialing and texting in their votes.

Even though I said I like Phil, he made me absolutely CRINGE with his rendition of LeeAnn Rymes' "I need You." Ghastly! As Simon would say. Simon cracked me up with his comment of, "That hat and those big eyes . . ." Ryan asked Phil if he would squint next week. I suggest he definitely pick a better song! And of course Jimmy and I were totally off the mark on who would be signing the LeeAnn song. We thought Brandon the Backup Singer would considering he fits that image of singing female ballads. He attacked Cyndi Lauper's Time After Time last week. And killed it. I actually did like Brandon better this week but I think he's not going to last much longer. But who am I to predict who stays or goes? Lord knows I got it all wrong last week with the exception of Farrah Fawcett Hair. But I digress.

I think Blake is the one to contend with because he is just so original and nothing the likes of American Idol has seen before. Plus none of the judges recognized the song he did but they still loved it. Couldn't tell you what it was either.

I voted for Jared because I just like him. He did do good on the Stevie Wonder song and I'm not a Stevie Wonder fan by any means. I think they have WAY too many Stevie Wonder performances on this show in the first place. If he makes it to the top 12 I hope they do something with his wardrobe cause that argyle sweater he was wearing last night did nada for me. He also reminds me of that dude on Young and the Restless -- Malcolm? Something like that. I don't watch Young and the Restless but still know who the major characters are. I've watched it few times when I've been waiting in dr's offices and I'm always stunned how REAL the storylines and characters are. Nothing like the craziness of Days where you have to suspend all notion of reality. Any hoo, I'm totally getting off track . . .

Sundance was eh. Nothing great. He sang a Pearl Jam song and I really wasn't impressed. I still hope he's around next week cause he has such a nice personality and loved his "secret" of being a thin person in disguise " . . . but there no pictures to prove it". Too funny. Especially when they stuck his head on a skinny body and made his teeth sparkle when he winked at the camera.

Chris Sligh, whom I'm going to refer to as Jack Osborne from now cause that's who he totally looks like, sang some weird song I'd never heard of. He can still sing though and still makes me laugh with his quirky personality. Interesting to know all those "luscious" curls don't come from a box. That was his big secret.

Well, folks it's time for the girls, so I'm going to go watch the show now. More tomorrow . . .

Please feel free to leave comments! I always enjoy hearing what other people have to say and at least it lets me know somebody is reading my blog. :)

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

The Husband has Replaced the Butler

Reminiscent of the Laci Peterson murder we now have a new face of evil. Stephen Grant -- who is accused of murdering and dismembering his wife Tara Grant. Just look at that face. Makes me shudder. Tara certainly didn't get the coverage that Laci acquired but her death is no less tragic. In recent news reports it is stated that Grant has not offered a motive for strangling and dismembering his wife's body. We only know they argued over her frequent business trips to Puerto Rico. The day before she disappeared she had just returned from one of the trips and she and Grant argued heatedly. The next day she disappeared (February 9) and Grant didn't report her missing until five days later because his story was that she'd received a suspicious phone call the night before and took off in a "dark sedan". Well, that should've been a heads up right there that everything wasn't on the kosher side. Unfortunately for Tara none of that happened. Maybe if it had she would still be alive and Stephen Grant wouldn't be facing Murder One. As always the husband becomes a "person of interest" and a lot of people might think this is unfair to the genuinely distraught man who really has lost his wife to some sicko, but sadly enough 9 times out of 10 the sicko ends up being the deceitfully distraught husband. What is wrong with this picture? What suddenly happens to make someone do this to the person they've promised to honor and cherish the rest of their lives? Is there some deeper evil that we rational people have no concept of? A deeper evil that shrouds them and makes them forget who they are and what they stand for? What is even more tragic about this case is the two children that are left without a mother and left with the knowledge that their father is the one who committed this despicable crime. They were even in the house when Tara Grant fought for her life and was strangled, but thankfully asleep in their beds.

Not only did Stephen Grant strangle his wife but he also dismembered her as well -- supposedly at his family's tool shop according to police reports. Sick sick sick. And the eternal question is WHY. What did Tara Grant do to deserve this kind of death? Absolutely nothing I tell you. I didn't know Tara Grant only first hearing of her existence when she was reported missing. But I can tell you just by looking at her picture that she didn't deserve this kind of ending to her life. What must have she been thinking the night her husband killed her? I can't even imagine. If Stephen Grant thought she was having an affair or not being 100% devoted to their marriage, it certainly didn't give him the right to decide whether she lived or died. But then sociopaths don't think the same way as rational people. If they did, then there wouldn't be any Laci Petersons or Tara Grants turning up missing and then dead and dismembered. The only comfort I can give myself is that the Scott Petersons and Stephen Grants of the world will get theirs in the end. Judgment Day is coming and it's not going to be pretty for the likes of them and all I can say is, "BRING IT ON." Until that day, I pray for the innocent lives affected by these grisly acts and hope the children are being loved and comforted the way they should be. It seems every day we are reminded what a tragedy life really is and that we are not meant for this world but only a short time. Too bad we can't live that short time in peace and harmony without the sonsofbitchs screwing things up.

Monday, March 5, 2007

DrOOL -- And They Get Dumber and Dumber . . .

My, My -- I wonder if Kayla feels really stupid? If she had listened to Steve when he first wanted her to have him arrested, half of last week's insanity would never have happened. John would still have both of his kidneys and Steve wouldn't be a raving lunatic foaming at the mouth. Instead we have the lunacy of Kayla who is not even a SURGEON do major surgery on a comatose patient in a nasty warehouse. Another dumb thing is Marlena is no where in sight. We only hear that "she's giving her statement" to the police when Bo first shows up at the hospital to investigate John's strange disappearance. Oh yeah, and how about Roman's dumbass comment to Bo, "Do you really think Steve was programmed to do the Dimera's bidding?" Well, um, uh, let's see . . . YES YOU FRIKKIN' IJIT! Half the town's been programmed at one time or another by the Dimeras and you have two of the main pawns standing around going, "Duuuuh. I dunno. Maybe Steve just is a psycho!" Who could ever forget BoBo Mime? I did like how Steve reminded the audience and informed newbies that it was him that kidnapped John (then known as The Pawn) from Stefano and brought John to Salem, but as EJ reminded HIM only at the behest of Victor Kiriakis.

So Nick saves Chelsea from Dr. Creepert and it was all good. I had to laugh though when Creepert tells Chelsea, "I know that you were picked up on prostitution." Remember that little show? Maybe it will give her food for thought later on down the road . . . Loved it when Nick yanked Creepert from the car, flung him on the ground and yelled, "DON'T YOU EVER TOUCH HER! EVER!" I could even tell that it made Chelsea weak in the knees, Nick being all forceful like that. It was all a perfect set-up for her to finally forgive him and realize that he never meant to hurt her by pretending to be Dr. Shane Patton. I got tired of Nick continually stating that it was all his fault for her being in that situation but was impressed when Chelsea finally admitted that he wasn't too blame for everything. Chelsea also realizes how mushy Nick makes her and they[the writers]even let them kiss! Nick convinces her to file a complaint against Creepert and I was impressed again at how fast they wrapped that up. Probably because Creepert was a fourth-rate character and no need to spend any amount of time on dragging out a sexual harassment case. Loved how Creepert tried to implicate Nick regarding the whole Internet thing but the Affirmative Action officer states that he knows all about that. BA-HAHAHA! Next we see Creepert with his box of belongings being escorted from the lab. What I thought was funny is all of sudden the lab has a staff of like 20 people when up til that time, we've only saw Nick and Rebert working there.

So, it seems Abbey is still "helping" Max out at the garage. But, um, shouldn't somebody tell her that the oil filter and pan are not underneath the trunk of the car? I distinctly remember Max saying, " . . . still need to do an oil change on this car," which turns out to be Jed's whom Abbey is totally rude to again. She's so snobby and stuck-up that she actually thought he stalked her to the garage. Loved her sheepish look when Max informs her that it's Jed's car she just repaired or whatever you want to call it. Max is still dealing with Mimi so can't really focus on his new-found crush on Abbey. Jed must be a sucker for punishment cause he's still determined to get Abbey to go out with him and she finally agrees! I think she's jealous cause he's prettier than she is. They end up at Chez Rouge (of course) where Maggie feeds them on the house and Jed's all, "Thank you ma'am!" and Maggie obviously does not like being called "ma-am" cause she is quick to correct him. "It's Maggie, dear." Just when we thought things were going really good between these two, Brandon spots Nicole. Oops, I mean, Jed spots Willow and Abbey unknowingly informs him that "that troublemaker is a former prostitute who keeps bugging Maggie about rehiring her". Had to laugh when Brandon, uh, Jed, glares at Abbey and says, "Let me reintroduce myself. I'm Jed STARK. Willow is my sister!" I could almost see Abbey visibly shrink to 2 inches tall at that revelation! Jed confronts Willow who is noticeably shaken to see her brother and she tries to brush off his questions and accusations. Finally she flees the premises and he starts to follow her but Abbey tells him to just let her go cool off and he says, "I don't even know where to find her!" And for some reason, Abbey's line, "I hear she's staying at the Y," just totally amused me.

Did Willow not tell Shawn that she's pregnant with his baby? If so, he'd better be fessing up to Belle before that train she keeps comparing their life to suddenly derails, crashes and burns. I see a headon collision on the horizon! Wooooo Wooooo! In looking at their shelter, I would like to know where they stuffed Claire. During their whole dramatics after Shawn kissed Belle, who certainly didn't protest much but made out like he tried to ravish her, we just see them kinda pointing to the pile of sheets or whatever whenever Claire is mentioned. And HOLY MOLY BATMAN! When Shawn decides to strip down to his underwear, there is pretty much NOTHING left to to the imagination. The entire time I'm thinking, "Those tighty whiteys aren't so tighty!" The reason he does that is because after standing around holding a palm leaf over his head, he finally decides that he might as well just get naked and take a shower if he's going to be forced to stand out in the rain while Miss Belle goes on and on about him "groping" her and just thinking she was a "willing sex partner". Because you know, that's what Willow was -- a willing sex partner. But Belle did make a good point when Shawn claimed he didn't have any feelings for Willow and Belle points out that he was quick to have her move in with him and hide her from Belle during the whole custody arrangement. Kinda got you there, Shawn. He was a pretty big idiot during all that. Shacked up with a prostitute, playing messenger boy between two criminals (EJ and Patrick) . . .

Psycho Phil arrives back in town and pretty much relishes telling Bo that Shawn and Belle jumped overboard with "his daughter" and got "his daughter" killed. He dumps a box marked "Remains" on Roman's desk which contains Claire's teddy bear, Shawn's hat(?) and part of the ripped up lifeboat. He gets in Bo's face about while he was off "serving his country and getting his face blown off" that Shawn and Belle were plotting against him to take Claire away from him. Bullsh!t!!! Uh, HELLO??? You LEFT Salem! You sent Belle divorce papers (which did she ever sign??)! And actually Shawn and Belle were fighting amongst themselves over Claire. They weren't even giving Phil a second thought. And I'm absolutely SICK of Phil referring to Claire as "HIS daughter"!!! She is NOT his daughter!!! I was cheering Bo on when he grabs Philip by the shirt neck and shakes him like a sack of potatoes and tells him to shut his pie-hole. I wish Bo'd stomped him flat but instead he flings Phil away. Philip gets all cocky again and smirks, "I've always looked up to you Big Bro but I've never been afraid of you." I ALWAYS forget these two are half-brothers. I hooted when Bo snarled, "YOU'RE NO BROTHER OF MINE!" and throws him out of the office. BA-HAHAHAHA

Later Bo makes the discovery that Shawn & Co. are alive by this code Shawn supposedly left on the side of the raft. He explains the theory to Roman who pretty much has the usual, "What da hell" look on his face. Something about flags of different countries representing letters of the alphabet. The gist being Shawn scratched the word "SAFE" on the side of the raft and ripped the raft up for show to throw Philip off their trail. We did find out the blood was Claire's. Told you that was some cut finger. I find it absolutely asinine that the Australian coast guard or whoever called off the search after only one hour of looking and finding the torn up raft. However Bo tells Roman to call the Australian authorities to form another search and rescue. His Sailor Man is alive! You know what cracks me up? If a word was missing from his message -- like it really reading, "NOT SAFE". Now, that's funny stuff.

So Mimi finds out that SHE is the one who killed her dad. Man, can this girl cry. Snot running out of her nose, cheeks drenched in tears. She makes Marlena look like an ice queen. And here's Max -- trying to be a good boyfriend so to speak. I guess the whole thing with the surrogate has gone by the wayside. It was interesting that Bonnie said Victor was the one who posted her bail. I just assumed it was because she used to work for him and he's not totally turned to stone. But I read on Dustin's page, I think, that it could've been a part of Victor finding out about the surrogate. Who knows. Methinks this will be one of those storylines that gets swept under the rug never to be heard from again. And actually? I could care less. Bonnie convinces Mimi to let her take the wrap and for Mimi to go to Arizona to be with Conner. Bub-bye Mimi. It was nice knowing you and your many different colors of hair.

Let's see. What else was going on? Oh, yeah. EJ, Sami and Lucas. EJ confronts Sami on knowing about her pregnancy and I laughed when he whispers, "I went through your trash!" and she's looking at him like he's crazy. But all I can say is "Sami, Sami, Sami," as she falls right back in her old ways of trying to cover things up when we all know that it will blow up in her face and she'll be left with nothing. You would THINK that she had learned her lesson by now, but NOPE. Not this girl. Her biggest problem is she's not willing to trust the people that love her to stick by her. Especially in THIS particular situation. Anybody with two cents would know it wasn't her fault regarding the whole EJ thing and she did what she thought she had to do to save Lucas. GEESH. EJ threatens to tell Lucas all about their night of sin if she doesn't get a paternity test to prove who's the father. And strangely he remembers their encounter much differently than what really happened. I honestly think he's convinced that she actually liked it! But what's scary is that Sami looks like she's starting to be convinced too! ICK. Anyhoo, EJ finally agrees to move out of the apartment as he'd promised Lucas previously. This is only after Lucas tells him that he'll quit Mythic and move his family away from Salem. Oooooh. You go Lucas in your awesome tight blue shirt that makes you look sooooo goooood. Ahem.

Maggie must've taken Hope on a Mighty Guilt Trip for Hope to show up at Willow's room at the Y and offer to pay for her doctor's appointments and time with a nutritionist! Plus give her extra money to buy groceries and other things she needs. I liked how Hope eavesdropped on Jed and Willow when she first showed up. We hear Jed giving Willow the what-for for lying to him about being this big "executive" and such. He wants to know how many tricks she turned to make $10,000. Ouch. He leaves and Hope ducks to the side making sure he doesn't see her. Hope is really laying it on thick as far as playing the do-gooder. She tries to make like she's happy to help out Willow and the baby but Willow quickly reminds her how she reacted when Willow first came to her for help. Hope asks what happened to the $10,000 that Willow received for lying on the stand and Willow snarks that she smoked $10,000 worth of Crack. Hope becomes livid and grabs Willow and tells her to NEVER say something like that because she KNOWS what it feels like to lose a child. Plus, I was thinking about when JT was born and Hope thought she caused his birth defects by drinking while pregnant (which wasn't the case of course). Willow looks stunned for only a moment but then dramatically falls back on the bed saying, "Oh! You got me with both barrels that time!" This girl just makes my skin itch. Also I would like to wipe that pork chop grease off her mouth. Willow then has the audacity to suggest that she come home with Hope!!! OMG! Thankfully, Hope refuses and tells Willow that she has a mean streak when things don't go her way and there's no way Hope would trust her being around Doodlebug. I had forgotten about Doodlebug. Are they EVER gonna name that poor kid? Regardless, I was scared too death we were going to have a repeat of the "Let's have Jan Spears Live With Us" fiasco. Lord have mercy on our souls if that should happen . . .

Until next time . . . and please feel free to leave comments!

(All pictures courtesy of Days2 with my own added captions)

Friday, March 2, 2007

What a Let Down . . .

Well, I should've known the voting would be all skewed. Cheerio-Lips is around for another week of horrendous singing. She can't sing Aerosmith, can't sing Celine (what made her think she could after butchering Aerosmith?!) so I guess we'll get to see what else she can't sing. UGH. I was going to refer to her as "Blow-Hole Mouth" but I figured that would be on the offensive side considering the sex photo scandal she was involved in last week. The only one that I predicted would get the boot that actually got the boot was Farrah Fawcett Hair. And she's the only one who deserved it. Nick and AJ certainly didn't deserve to go over Michael Jackson Wannabe Sanjaya and Boring Brandon the Backup Singer. Jimmy and I really liked AJ and he made us happy with his spunky personality. Even Sanjaya was absolutely "SHOCKED" that he was safe for another week. Obviously he's got all those swooning teeny-bopper votes and the people who remember Michael Jackson when he looked normal before he turned into an alien with removable body parts -- I totally thought Sanjy was going to sing Billie Jean the other night. The hat, the shirt, the pants, the skinny physique. C'mon. He certainly was not emulating Tony Bennett.

Last night was certainly a night of "Firsts" for American Idol -- at least since I've been watching. I've never seen anyone not be able to sing their encore performance but Farrah Fawcett Hair proved that you can break down on stage and not be able to get through the misery of being voted off. Also, Dog Walker Girl added her own lyrics to her good-bye performance when she sang, "I don't know why I skat cause America doesn't care about that!" Or did she say "doesn't care about jazz"? Either way it was pretty damn funny. We certainly have an emotional bunch of contestants this season cause every time the camera would pan over to Sundance, he was wiping his eyes, fighting back tears or just boo hooing. I swear he reminds me of somebody I know. I do know he looks like a big teddy bear that I would like to give a big squeeze.

It was good seeing Kellie Pickler again! I really liked the song she sang and I'm wondering if that was directed towards her mother?? I'm thinking her mom ran out on her when she was little? Cause I know she's lived with her grandparents most of her life while her dad's been in and out of jail. And I think he's back in jail cause I remember reading something about him getting in trouble for fighting a few weeks ago. However, I didn't care for Kellie's hair style and really thought it made her look 10 years older -- maybe even 20 years. Jimmy said he thought it was fine though, but I think he was paying more attention to her dress which accentuated her boobies and butt. He participates in the American Idol discussion board and said the talk on there was how Ryan was trying to get her to say she bought new boobs with her money instead of just shoes. I did like those silver heels she had on and commend her for being able to walk without falling cause I would be flat on my face with the first step. I wish they would let the returning Idols talk to the judges after they sing -- just to see how the judges think of them now. I had a feeling that Simon was less than thrilled to see her back just observing his body language. He was somewhat turned away from the stage when Ryan introduced Kellie and after she came out on stage. If Kellie noticed any negative reactions, she would never point them out. Loved how she was describing "spider" sushi to Ryan. And just for the record, my first taste of calamari was probably 2 years ago at Carraba's Italian Restaurant and I absolutely loooooove it. But only if it's cooked right. You can get calamari that tastes like you're chewing rubber bands. NOT GOOD. Carraba's is the best BY far. Anyhoo!
Join me next week for more Idol recaps!

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Begone Stupid Antonella!

I hope that Antonella Barba gets the boot. I haven’t liked her from day one. Well, actually since Group Day during Hollywood Week. The crowning moment was when they sent her on through to the Top 24 over that other girl who actually remembered her lyrics! I think they just picked her because she's pretty (as Paula and Randy have pointed out continuously). Certainly didn't take any time for the racy pictures to start surfacing either -- Antonella being the first target. I wonder what her parents have to say about them even though the X-RATED ones are being denied as her? Anyhoo! The other gal that I think will go tonight is the one who sang the Dixie Chicks song. Jimmy calls her Farrah Fawcett Hair. She’s pretty boring and unforgettable as Simon would say. And you would think they would’ve learned by now not to start anything with him! But obviously not, considering that dumb Antonella made that snide comment about him not liking Jennifer Hudson and he reminded her that he wasn’t the one who voted her off. HA! I loooove Simon. My favs last night were Lakisha and Melinda Doolittle. Melinda looked much more comfortable than she has. She's not resembling a frightened turtle as much as she did. Can’t wait for tonight cuz Kellie Pickler is going to be on there and I love her. She cracks me up. She needs to get her own talk show or something. She's done a few of those coorespondent gigs on the Tonight Show and I thought I would bust a gut laughing at her antics in New York and interacting with celebrities such as Justin Timberlake and Will Ferrell.

The guys were much better this week though Sanjaya and Brandon the Backup Singer were extremely weak and boring. I predict they will get the boot but who knows. We all know that this show is totally unpredictable but if it wasn't then no one would be watching. My favs from the guys are Blake the BeatBoxer, Phil Stacey and Chris Sligh even though he made Simon mad with that Telletubby comment. I had no clue that that was Simon's first major success as a record producer! I like Sundance as well but really think he's not going to last that much longer. I think I like his personality much better than his singing ability. That Jared guy CRACKED ME UP when Simon compared his Marvin Gaye rendition to an episode of the Love Boat and Jared goes, "Yeah, but it would've been a great Love Boat." HAHAHAHA! Even cracked Simon up.

After last week sucking so bad, it appears after this week we're finally getting a real competition. I was really worried this season was going to be extremely BLAND compared to the last 2 seasons. For the record, I didn't start watching American Idol until Season 4. My favorites from seasons 4 & 5 were: Carrie Underwood (of course!), Bo Bice, Vonzel Solomon, Nadia Turner, CHRIS DAUGHTRY (loooove him), Taylor Hicks and Kellie Picker. Contestants that I LOATHED from seasons 4 & 5 were : Anthony Federov and Scott Savol -- both from Season 4! I really didn't have any from Season 5 though I thought there were those that lasted longer than they should have. We all know that it should've been Chris Daughtry and Taylor Hicks at the end of last season (with Chris being the winner!) so I was less than thrilled that Katherine McPhee was runner-up. But we also know WHO from last season has made it bigger than the last 2 standing could ever hope for themselves. Anyhoo! All Seasons under the bridge . . . time to start focusing on the new faces of Season 6 and how far my favorites will go in the competition! Rock On!

Yes, Jesus . . . I'm Still Here.

One of the things I hold most dear is my faith in Jesus Christ. Unfortunately for me I'm still a struggling human. Most of my adult life I have battled with my inner demons, battled with others and battled with myself to survive. Living with bipolar disorder doesn't help either and also the realization that I more than 99.9% likely inherited it from my father. For those of you who are relatively sane, I commend you. Or actually envy you. At the moment I'm having a pretty good week but it's one of those things where you don't know what's going to happen to change the good week or the good day or the good month or the good year. I don't even remember the last time I went more than 30 days without suddenly feeling I'm the most worthless thing on the planet. I don't know what's worse. The utter sense of hopelessness or just feeling worthless.

In all my misery I have always tried to hold on to the fact that God is there to support me, to make it better, to lead me through the darkness and back to the light once again. I just wish I would quit getting lost. I've been lost for almost a year now. Haven't been to church since . . . last summer, I think. But that's not to say I haven't had talks with God or walked with Him since that time. In fact I had the most wonderful spiritual experience last September called the Walk to Emmaus. A friend of mine who had already done the Walk sponsored me. A group of 30 women gather for a 4 day weekend to listen, discuss, participate in God's purpose for them and their spiritual walk thereafter. That weekend was the first I had ever experienced Agape love. People that I had never laid eyes on were there to serve us meals, pray for us and show us that things of this world can be left behind for a greater meaning. We took our problems, fears, self-doubt and gave them all to God. However I have a hard time letting Him keep my problems. I slowly start stealing them back from Him and I can almost see Him shaking His head with sadness at the fact that I refuse to let it all go.

Not to say I haven't let a lot go over the last 15 years of my adult life. My dad's suicide when I was a high school senior, the rage that would pulse through me that I was convinced was his essence trying to take possesion of me even in death, my post-partum depression after Victor was born and the horrible guilt I felt for things I thought. In all my deepest misery, some how, some way, I would stumble my way back to the only saving grace I had ever experienced. God's love. For people who are atheists, agnostic or even were raised believing but now don't care, I can't imagine how they get through horrible dark times. Turning to alcohol, drugs, sexual addictions are what most of these poor souls find. For all my turbulent times growing up with an emotionally abusive father, not once did I turn to any of these vices. And I truly owe it to my faith in my Lord and Savior. But I also live with the realization that I'm not perfect and never will be. I will continually fall but continually pray to God that He will be there to pick me up.

I am not afraid to call myself a sinner. I am. Anyone who says they're not a sinner are kidding themselves. We are human. We are prone to make bad choices. Lord knows I have made a crapload and I will keep on making bad choices. But I have comfort in the fact that I have the desire to make better choices for myself and my family. I have comfort in the fact that God will lead me down the right paths even though I'm looking off to the side to that wide lane of highway where everyone else seems to be having such a good ol time. Who said being a Christian is easy? They are a liar. Being a Christian is the hardest thing a person can be. You care constantly scrutinized by non-believers who are quick to point out your downfalls from the path of faith. You are also scrutinized by your fellow Christians who can be judgemental and unforgiving. This is why I have to remind myself that PEOPLE will always let me down but Jesus Christ will never let me down. I think that's one reason my desire to be a part of an organized worship service has soured. Too many masks -- even the pastor wears a mask at times. Powerful behind the pulpit but stone-cold one on one. Who needs that? I need a spiritual advisor that's going to comfort me and remind me of the power of God and prayer. I have experienced the power of prayer too many times to deny that I have something in my life that is beyond my complete understanding.

That's not to say I can't feel Satan working on me. He loves to plague me with doubts -- doubts in myself and my faith. He also likes to show me things that I could have or achieve if I would just come over to his side and take that wide path that so many people are traveling. Yeah, being a Christian is constant war between good and evil. However once you accept that saving grace from God, there's nothing you can't get through. I'm living proof of that and if you knew me personally you would understand exactly. I used to be scared of death. Not really knowing what was on the other side. If there was even a other side, but now my biggest fear is people that I love that have no relationship with God will not have the comfort that I have in trusting there is a better place waiting for us. My new fear of this life is growing old. My body giving out on me. My husband leaving me alone while he goes on to be with God. My friends, my family. But then it all comes back to the knowledge that it's all a stepping stone and it's only temporary. I will see them again. I have faith. And you can too . . .