The definition of security, as a noun, is:
1. freedom from danger, risk, etc.; safety.
2. freedom from care, anxiety, or doubt
So why are seniors concerned that the government will not cover over $23. billion in Social Security checks on August 3? Y'all have been forced throughout your working lives to pay into this so-called "secure" retirement savings and now you're entitled to be reimbursed.
How dare the government take my money with the promise that, when I reach retirement, I will get it back in monthly installments and then renege on their promise? Oh wait, it's the government that's how.
The joke goes something like "How do you know when a politician is lying? He opens his mouth and speaks." Why is Obama using scare tactics to threaten seniors?
I'm outraged that the U.S. is $14.3 trillion in debt. I'm furious to think that you rich a**holes in government want to mess with social security. I'm livid that you want to play around with medicare, which already takes a big chunk from social security checks and offers so little in return that retired folks have to have a supplement to cover costs.
But angrier still after reading an article on MSN Money that ends with suggestions from "Roger D" in the BooMan Tribune. All I can say is, unless this was said in jest, Roger D is a complete idiot!!!!!!!!
1. Cancel services -- cable, cellphones, Internet, newspaper, books -- that were necessities yesterday but now are a luxury.
My response: Yes, all you elderly folks, a lot of whom are already isolated, discontinue everything that will keep you in contact with the outside world.
2. No new clothes.
My response: You never go anywhere anyway, right? WTF? Why in the world would you need anything but your birthday suit to run around the house? Ludicrous!
3. Eat at home, buy generic products at the cheapest grocery stores, and cook them yourself. Drink only water -- and from the tap.
My response: I know canned dog food is getting expensive, too. But hell, you don't have to buy the gourmet brands. What the hell are you thinking?
4. Cut the utility bills by turning off the AC and as many lights as possible, taking fewer baths and showers and unplugging unused devices.
My response: Please take heed to this great piece of advice, especially those of you, who live in the areas that have been experiencing three digit temperatures. You see, the elderly suffer the quickest from heat stroke; therefore, you won't have to worry about any of the above suggestions or those that follow, cuz y'all be dead. Plus you'll be doing the deficit a favor and you'll have the privilege of knowing that you died for your country.
5. Drive as little as possible.
My response: You don't have clothes anyway, (see suggestion #2) you can't eat out, (see suggestion #3) and unless you move to Venezuela, where a gallon of gas will only cost you $0.19/gallon, you really can't afford to drive. In addition, you're too old to drive and, therefore, a menace to society.
6. Sell some belongings. A yard sale might get you by for a couple of weeks.
My response: You know those precious trinkets and things that have sentimental value? Why are you intent on hanging onto them? After all, you won't be around much longer. (see suggestion #4) Do you really need your wedding ring from a gazillion years ago? Good grief, your spouse has been long gone!
7. Ask family and friends for help. These will be tough times, so don't be proud.
My response: The people that Roger D is referring to are those who are currently paying into Social Security for their retirement. That money, however, is currently supporting you, because the government already spent the money you donated. (I don't know this to be fact, but pretty funny thought) Yeah, family and friends want to support you twice. Bet you'll be surprised to know that "Nobody knows you when you're down and out."
In my opinion, seniors, who waited for the "golden years" are being screwed in every way possible. And you know why? Because government is certain that seniors are too old and decrepit to stand up and fight. Government thinks that seniors can't amass at the White House and revolt.
I've got news for you - seniors are fighters!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
America's Got Talent 7/27/11 - The Four Winners in the Quarter Finals
Tonight had to be my favorite show of the whole season - from beginning to end. How could it lose? The legendary Stevie Nicks performed, along with one of the most unique acts of last year - Fighting Gravity.
Fighting Gravity was one of my favorite acts last year, but Stevie Nicks topped them tonight; not with "For What It's Worth," a song from her newest album In Your Dreams, and not with the classic, "Edge of 17," either. She got my vote as number one performer of the night, because she announced that she hired Michael Grimm from last season to be her opening act on tour. WOOT!
But y'all are probably reading this to see who moved on to the semi finals, right? :D
It was surprising to me to see Ian Johnson, Summerwind Skippers and Purrfect Angelz all called to the stage. My first reaction was,"Huh?" Yeah, I thought America had lost their minds, until Nick said that none of 'em were going through. Another WOOT!
So, when Poplyfe and Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. (who has to shorten his name) were called on stage, I knew they were both going through, even before it was announced.
Then came four - Mauricio Herrera, Lys Agnes, Captain & Maybelle and Monet. There was no question in my mind which one of these performers were voted through.
But the last three, Professor Splash, Sh'Boss Boys and Seth Grabel? Well even last night I didn't have a clue. When the Sh'Boss Boys were voted off, it was between the two circus acts, and the judges voted for Professor Splash.
Next week will bring the last 12 performers before the semi finals. Hmmmm...I just might do a poll at that point. Maybe I should do a poll as to whether or not you'd like to see a poll? Nah! Just LOL!
Fighting Gravity was one of my favorite acts last year, but Stevie Nicks topped them tonight; not with "For What It's Worth," a song from her newest album In Your Dreams, and not with the classic, "Edge of 17," either. She got my vote as number one performer of the night, because she announced that she hired Michael Grimm from last season to be her opening act on tour. WOOT!
But y'all are probably reading this to see who moved on to the semi finals, right? :D
It was surprising to me to see Ian Johnson, Summerwind Skippers and Purrfect Angelz all called to the stage. My first reaction was,"Huh?" Yeah, I thought America had lost their minds, until Nick said that none of 'em were going through. Another WOOT!
So, when Poplyfe and Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. (who has to shorten his name) were called on stage, I knew they were both going through, even before it was announced.
Then came four - Mauricio Herrera, Lys Agnes, Captain & Maybelle and Monet. There was no question in my mind which one of these performers were voted through.
But the last three, Professor Splash, Sh'Boss Boys and Seth Grabel? Well even last night I didn't have a clue. When the Sh'Boss Boys were voted off, it was between the two circus acts, and the judges voted for Professor Splash.
Next week will bring the last 12 performers before the semi finals. Hmmmm...I just might do a poll at that point. Maybe I should do a poll as to whether or not you'd like to see a poll? Nah! Just LOL!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
America's Got Talent 7-26-11 - Twelve Performers Fight to Win
Another exciting night on America's Got Talent. Now I know why, in the past, I've only watched starting with the quarter finals. lol
The first act on stage was a group of jump ropers from Boise, Idaho.Summerwind Skippers are fun to watch and their choreography is great. Still, I don't know if I'd pay to watch them jump rope as headliners in Vegas.
It's kind of like the YoYo Kid, Ian Johnson, although Summerwind didn't make as many mistakes as the kid from Hebron, Illinois. As skilled a yoyo-ist as he might be, I'm not shelling out big bucks to see the act.
Now, I might pay to see Sh'Boss Boys. LOL! How cute can you get? The rappers, 5, 6, and 7 years old, from Atlanta, are more then precious little boys, they're talented.
Mauricio Herrera, from Cali, is a consummate entertainer, who offers lots of fun in his act, but does he have the voice to go with the show? In my opinion, he didn't perform Viva Las Vegas as well as Elvis, and didn't come close to Tom Jones, when he sang Delilah. So I ain't giving him a million bucks.
A magician/stunt person, Seth Grabel, from L.A. gave a dramatic Houdini-esque performance, but to me the trick was obvious. He hung upside down in a straight-jacket, over a tank of boiling tar whilst a sawmill type blade threatened to cut through the beam from which he hung.
With a black hood on his head, he began to free himself before the blade even started turning. Once freed, he fell into the boiling hot tar. Don't think so! But someone covered in feathers came from the tank and was carried into a cannon and then shot into a tank of water, where the sans feathered Seth appeared. Sorry, more of a circus act to me.
There were a couple more circus acts, as well. Captain and Maybelle, from Georgia, are just too yucky to watch. Forget the circus, it's a side-show act. Of course when Piers mentioned disgusting, the disgusting duo hi 5'd each other. lol I don't want to go to Vegas to see someone with hooks in their eyelids, nose or tongue.
Professor Splash, a 50 year old, from Denver, who jumped from 36 ft 7 in high into a 12 in deep pool of water at 40 mph is exciting. Nevertheless, it screams circus to me. Even if he loses, he's set a world record.
Oakland, California brought us a band that is better than some professional bands. Poplyfe was so good tonight that Piers retracted his former statement about the lead singer's "I don't go without my brothers" band. They are the epitome of superstars and deserved the standing ovation they received.
And who cleans up real good? Well that be Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr, from West Virginia. He's got "Pizazz" all right. When he sang "Fly Me to the Moon" he actually sang to me, the audience. So, add charisma to his great vocals. Even if he doesn't win it all, I'm certain he'll never wash another car.
Another vocalist, 12 year old, Monet, from N.C. sang "Home." Something that her family lost in 2005 due to a storm. She sings with feeling, but lacks emotion - if that makes any sense. The start was rough, but she ended on a high-note. Nevertheless, I agree with the judges, who pointed out that she wasn't pitch perfect and isn't ready for the big time.
Lys Agnes, an opera singer, from Denver, who lost her significant other a couple years ago, is not only beautiful, but performed Carmen's "Habanera" exquisitely.
Of course, I can't forget the former professional cheerleaders, Purrfect Angelz, from Los Angeles, CA. The choreography was fun and they danced to one of my favorite songs - "Save a Horse and Ride a Cowboy." Mmmhmm - that's my motto, being such an animal lover. :D
There are three acts that I definitely want to see go to the semis: Lys Agnes, Poplyfe and Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. Maybe the Sh'Boss Boys, but I have a feeling America is going to vote for one of the circus acts. Guess, we'll see tomorrow night.
The first act on stage was a group of jump ropers from Boise, Idaho.Summerwind Skippers are fun to watch and their choreography is great. Still, I don't know if I'd pay to watch them jump rope as headliners in Vegas.
It's kind of like the YoYo Kid, Ian Johnson, although Summerwind didn't make as many mistakes as the kid from Hebron, Illinois. As skilled a yoyo-ist as he might be, I'm not shelling out big bucks to see the act.
Now, I might pay to see Sh'Boss Boys. LOL! How cute can you get? The rappers, 5, 6, and 7 years old, from Atlanta, are more then precious little boys, they're talented.
Mauricio Herrera, from Cali, is a consummate entertainer, who offers lots of fun in his act, but does he have the voice to go with the show? In my opinion, he didn't perform Viva Las Vegas as well as Elvis, and didn't come close to Tom Jones, when he sang Delilah. So I ain't giving him a million bucks.
A magician/stunt person, Seth Grabel, from L.A. gave a dramatic Houdini-esque performance, but to me the trick was obvious. He hung upside down in a straight-jacket, over a tank of boiling tar whilst a sawmill type blade threatened to cut through the beam from which he hung.
With a black hood on his head, he began to free himself before the blade even started turning. Once freed, he fell into the boiling hot tar. Don't think so! But someone covered in feathers came from the tank and was carried into a cannon and then shot into a tank of water, where the sans feathered Seth appeared. Sorry, more of a circus act to me.
There were a couple more circus acts, as well. Captain and Maybelle, from Georgia, are just too yucky to watch. Forget the circus, it's a side-show act. Of course when Piers mentioned disgusting, the disgusting duo hi 5'd each other. lol I don't want to go to Vegas to see someone with hooks in their eyelids, nose or tongue.
Professor Splash, a 50 year old, from Denver, who jumped from 36 ft 7 in high into a 12 in deep pool of water at 40 mph is exciting. Nevertheless, it screams circus to me. Even if he loses, he's set a world record.
Oakland, California brought us a band that is better than some professional bands. Poplyfe was so good tonight that Piers retracted his former statement about the lead singer's "I don't go without my brothers" band. They are the epitome of superstars and deserved the standing ovation they received.
And who cleans up real good? Well that be Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr, from West Virginia. He's got "Pizazz" all right. When he sang "Fly Me to the Moon" he actually sang to me, the audience. So, add charisma to his great vocals. Even if he doesn't win it all, I'm certain he'll never wash another car.
Another vocalist, 12 year old, Monet, from N.C. sang "Home." Something that her family lost in 2005 due to a storm. She sings with feeling, but lacks emotion - if that makes any sense. The start was rough, but she ended on a high-note. Nevertheless, I agree with the judges, who pointed out that she wasn't pitch perfect and isn't ready for the big time.
Lys Agnes, an opera singer, from Denver, who lost her significant other a couple years ago, is not only beautiful, but performed Carmen's "Habanera" exquisitely.
Of course, I can't forget the former professional cheerleaders, Purrfect Angelz, from Los Angeles, CA. The choreography was fun and they danced to one of my favorite songs - "Save a Horse and Ride a Cowboy." Mmmhmm - that's my motto, being such an animal lover. :D
There are three acts that I definitely want to see go to the semis: Lys Agnes, Poplyfe and Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. Maybe the Sh'Boss Boys, but I have a feeling America is going to vote for one of the circus acts. Guess, we'll see tomorrow night.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Cheaters
There's a joke about a wife, who walks into the bedroom and catches her husband in bed with another woman. He's shocked that his wife would think he's cheating and says, "What are you gonna believe, me or what you see?"
Actually, it's not a joke, because we all want to believe that the person we love would never cheat. "He loves me too much to hurt me like that." Even when the obvious slaps us in the face, we want to believe him.
Some men (and women too) are so good at cheating that even if you do catch them, they can convince you it's all in your mind.
I've always said, "Go with your gut." You know in your heart when the man you're with is being dishonest; unfaithful. Some women just ignore their instincts, because it's so hard to let go; especially, when you've shared years together; especially, when he professes his love and coddles you and tells you everything you need to hear in a way that you, yourself, are convinced that you're crazy to suspect him of cheating.
How could you possibly think that he's cheating, just because there's a naked woman in YOUR bed, with YOUR husband? Are you truly nuts? lol
I've had married men hit on me, even with their wives in the other room. I guess for that reason I never wanted to get married - even shied away from intimate or steady relationships. Funny part is, if you tell the wife, she won't believe you. Even if a "best friend" has the guts to say, "Your husband/boyfriend is cheating, and I have proof," chances are, you've just lost a best friend.
My best friend's husband hit on me at a party once. I told her - my mistake. Even though it ended our friendship, it did my heart good to know that a year later he left her for another woman. I wasn't happy about it, (well maybe a little) but at least she knows now I wasn't making it up for the reasons he gave her. "OMG! She's got such an ego to think I was hitting on her. She's just jealous that we have a loving relationship." Yeah, right.
I don't know why men (or women) cheat, but I know not all men cheat alike. There are a multitude of reasons for being unfaithful and I've heard them all. The wife doesn't understand him, the wife doesn't have time for him, the wife is frigid, etc.
Some men are compulsive cheaters. They really can't help themselves. They are needy. They need to know they are desirable to the opposite sex, they need their egos fed constantly, they need more sex than one woman could possibly give them without walking funny. But why do these men marry?
There's another situation in which I think women are blind. If you've ever dated a married man, or a guy who was in a relationship and he left his significant other for you - what makes you think, you're the exception? What makes you think that he won't cheat on you? And how could you ever trust him?
I'll tell you how, because cheaters are good talkers. They're manipulating and convincing. They can paint a picture with words akin to a masterpiece. And you're gullible, because you want to believe in happily ever after. You want to believe in the fairy tales (lies) that he's telling you.
I had a friend, who was so infatuated with this guy that even when his parents told her, "He's no good, he's a loser, he has a temper, he's lazy, he runs around with sluts and he'll make you miserably unhappy" she defended him and told them they were wrong. Guess parents really do know their kids.
She was in her last year of high school, an honor student, bright in every way, except one. She fell for his bull. She got pregnant, she quit high school, she ran off with him. On welfare, with one baby and a second on the way, she appeared at her mother's door with blackened eyes and bruises all over her body.
Seems he didn't like to be accused of cheating. The sad part is, he convinced her that it was all in her mind and begged her to come back to him. "I love you more than life itself" "I can't live without you - don't want to" "Think of the kids." Yeah, we women can be dumb when it comes to love.
Someone once told me that I was too young to be so cynical about love and relationships. Guess I've just seen too much to not be cynical. What I do know is, that most men think with their dix and don't think about the consequences of their infidelity until it's too late.
Guess what? It's too late! No matter how much it hurts to walk, you'll be better off in the long run.
Actually, it's not a joke, because we all want to believe that the person we love would never cheat. "He loves me too much to hurt me like that." Even when the obvious slaps us in the face, we want to believe him.
Some men (and women too) are so good at cheating that even if you do catch them, they can convince you it's all in your mind.
I've always said, "Go with your gut." You know in your heart when the man you're with is being dishonest; unfaithful. Some women just ignore their instincts, because it's so hard to let go; especially, when you've shared years together; especially, when he professes his love and coddles you and tells you everything you need to hear in a way that you, yourself, are convinced that you're crazy to suspect him of cheating.
How could you possibly think that he's cheating, just because there's a naked woman in YOUR bed, with YOUR husband? Are you truly nuts? lol
I've had married men hit on me, even with their wives in the other room. I guess for that reason I never wanted to get married - even shied away from intimate or steady relationships. Funny part is, if you tell the wife, she won't believe you. Even if a "best friend" has the guts to say, "Your husband/boyfriend is cheating, and I have proof," chances are, you've just lost a best friend.
My best friend's husband hit on me at a party once. I told her - my mistake. Even though it ended our friendship, it did my heart good to know that a year later he left her for another woman. I wasn't happy about it, (well maybe a little) but at least she knows now I wasn't making it up for the reasons he gave her. "OMG! She's got such an ego to think I was hitting on her. She's just jealous that we have a loving relationship." Yeah, right.
I don't know why men (or women) cheat, but I know not all men cheat alike. There are a multitude of reasons for being unfaithful and I've heard them all. The wife doesn't understand him, the wife doesn't have time for him, the wife is frigid, etc.
Some men are compulsive cheaters. They really can't help themselves. They are needy. They need to know they are desirable to the opposite sex, they need their egos fed constantly, they need more sex than one woman could possibly give them without walking funny. But why do these men marry?
There's another situation in which I think women are blind. If you've ever dated a married man, or a guy who was in a relationship and he left his significant other for you - what makes you think, you're the exception? What makes you think that he won't cheat on you? And how could you ever trust him?
I'll tell you how, because cheaters are good talkers. They're manipulating and convincing. They can paint a picture with words akin to a masterpiece. And you're gullible, because you want to believe in happily ever after. You want to believe in the fairy tales (lies) that he's telling you.
I had a friend, who was so infatuated with this guy that even when his parents told her, "He's no good, he's a loser, he has a temper, he's lazy, he runs around with sluts and he'll make you miserably unhappy" she defended him and told them they were wrong. Guess parents really do know their kids.
She was in her last year of high school, an honor student, bright in every way, except one. She fell for his bull. She got pregnant, she quit high school, she ran off with him. On welfare, with one baby and a second on the way, she appeared at her mother's door with blackened eyes and bruises all over her body.
Seems he didn't like to be accused of cheating. The sad part is, he convinced her that it was all in her mind and begged her to come back to him. "I love you more than life itself" "I can't live without you - don't want to" "Think of the kids." Yeah, we women can be dumb when it comes to love.
Someone once told me that I was too young to be so cynical about love and relationships. Guess I've just seen too much to not be cynical. What I do know is, that most men think with their dix and don't think about the consequences of their infidelity until it's too late.
Guess what? It's too late! No matter how much it hurts to walk, you'll be better off in the long run.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
America's Got Talent July 20, 2011- The Best Four Move On
America has spoken and the best four out of the 12, according to us, are moving on to the semifinals. But first, let me talk a bit about tonight's entertainment.
The first to perform was Hot Shell Ray with their new hit, Tonight, Tonight. Now let me see...we've had the heavy metal and rap, and now what? The group sounded tame by today's standards. No cursing in the song, no screaming, understandable lyrics. Are we going back in time? lol
Then, and I have to say this, "IN YOUR FACE PIERS MORGAN!" When Traces came on stage, I was like, hey, guy making me dizzy going round and round in hula hoop. Actually, it started off pretty boring and if they were an act auditioning, Piers would have buzzed 'em real quick. But when the other members of the troupe came on stage, the action began. And OMG! Piers????? How dare they perform some male pole dancing! Excuse me? What you say? "America's not ready for male pole dancers?" Hmmmm?
All right, I made a mistake in last night's blog. (which by the way, didn't come up in search engines. Thank you Blogspot) Tonight wasn't too unexpected though, as far as I was concerned.
When The Ropers, Thomas John and Silhouettes were called on stage I wasn't at all anxious or sweating it. Obviously, there is only one real talent and that is Silhouettes.
The second three acts called were Steven Retchless, Geechy Guy and Attack Dance Crew. This wasn't even iffy. Well okay a bit iffy, because I wasn't sure America was ready for a male pole dancer, even though his performance far out shined the other two acts. America done good, though, and Steven Retchless, much to Piers's dismay, is heading for the semi finals.
Here was my mistake last night. I chose Daniel Joseph Baker and Dani Shay to move on so, when the two of them, along with Dylan Andre were called, I was like...HUH? Pardon my mistake, I forgot about the Smage Brothers. And if I had to choose between Daniel Joseph Baker and Dani Shay, although I think they're both deserving, it would have to be Daniel Joseph Baker - and yeah, he got America's vote. His "Thank you, America, for letting me be myself," pulled at my heart strings.
Last week, I don't remember the judges having a say in the acts, but this week they did. The next three acts called on stage were Smage Bros., Landon Swank and Mona Lisa. I didn't think Mona Lisa would make it, but America loves magic and so do the judges. This was the first tense moment for me.
When Sharon picked Smage Bros and Piers picked Landon Swank, it was up to Howie. He liked both the acts almost equally, but he went with the most exciting and chose the Smage Bros. woohoo! I would have too. Good choice, Howie.I think we all hope the non-brother, brother doesn't get injured.
Now, hopefully, the search engines will pick this up and y'all can read it. Readership didn't fall off too much, but every 100 counts to me.
The first to perform was Hot Shell Ray with their new hit, Tonight, Tonight. Now let me see...we've had the heavy metal and rap, and now what? The group sounded tame by today's standards. No cursing in the song, no screaming, understandable lyrics. Are we going back in time? lol
Then, and I have to say this, "IN YOUR FACE PIERS MORGAN!" When Traces came on stage, I was like, hey, guy making me dizzy going round and round in hula hoop. Actually, it started off pretty boring and if they were an act auditioning, Piers would have buzzed 'em real quick. But when the other members of the troupe came on stage, the action began. And OMG! Piers????? How dare they perform some male pole dancing! Excuse me? What you say? "America's not ready for male pole dancers?" Hmmmm?
All right, I made a mistake in last night's blog. (which by the way, didn't come up in search engines. Thank you Blogspot) Tonight wasn't too unexpected though, as far as I was concerned.
When The Ropers, Thomas John and Silhouettes were called on stage I wasn't at all anxious or sweating it. Obviously, there is only one real talent and that is Silhouettes.
The second three acts called were Steven Retchless, Geechy Guy and Attack Dance Crew. This wasn't even iffy. Well okay a bit iffy, because I wasn't sure America was ready for a male pole dancer, even though his performance far out shined the other two acts. America done good, though, and Steven Retchless, much to Piers's dismay, is heading for the semi finals.
Here was my mistake last night. I chose Daniel Joseph Baker and Dani Shay to move on so, when the two of them, along with Dylan Andre were called, I was like...HUH? Pardon my mistake, I forgot about the Smage Brothers. And if I had to choose between Daniel Joseph Baker and Dani Shay, although I think they're both deserving, it would have to be Daniel Joseph Baker - and yeah, he got America's vote. His "Thank you, America, for letting me be myself," pulled at my heart strings.
Last week, I don't remember the judges having a say in the acts, but this week they did. The next three acts called on stage were Smage Bros., Landon Swank and Mona Lisa. I didn't think Mona Lisa would make it, but America loves magic and so do the judges. This was the first tense moment for me.
When Sharon picked Smage Bros and Piers picked Landon Swank, it was up to Howie. He liked both the acts almost equally, but he went with the most exciting and chose the Smage Bros. woohoo! I would have too. Good choice, Howie.I think we all hope the non-brother, brother doesn't get injured.
Now, hopefully, the search engines will pick this up and y'all can read it. Readership didn't fall off too much, but every 100 counts to me.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
America's Got Talent 7-19-11 - Twelve More Acts
Another 12 face the hardest audience ever - the general public. We're either gonna like 'em or hate 'em, or we're gonna be undecided. What these acts know, when they get on stage, is that this is their last chance to impress America. Who impressed you?
First we were attacked by Attack Dance Crew from Tallahassee, Florida. *shrugs* With all the other dance groups I've seen this season, I wasn't too impressed.
Next, Dani Shay, from Orlando, Florida. I just know America's heart went out to her when she goofed in Vegas. I'm as happy as she was that the judges gave her a second chance.
Following Dani's so not mainstream song, we were "hammered" with one-liners. Geechy Guy, who hails from Rochester, is the heavy sweater who apparently found an antiperspirant, because he was pretty cool tonight in response to Piers's critique. "I'm not sure what you do for a living, so I'll have to take the word of a professional comic," he said, referring to Howie, who thinks he is funny.
His last joke was hilarious. A guy poses for a Grey Poupon commercial holding open this ginormous sandwich and the line reads "Poupon me." LOFL Guess you had to be there.
Daniel Joseph Baker, from Katy, Texas has - since the beginning - been one of my favorites. Tonight, he appeared on stage sitting at a piano more flamboyant than his character But even the Zebra facade in no way out shined him. He performed, Lady Gaga's "I'm On The Edge," with the confidence of a seasoned entertainer. You're on your way to stardom, "Lady GuyGuy."
And whilst we're all looking for the million-dollar act, I can't say I was too impressed with The Rhinestone Ropers, or their stage-frightened horse, Lucky. Of course, I didn't think they deserved a straight-through to Hollywood, either.
Like they say in show business, never perform with animals or kids. I understood what the lawyer, turned "Wild-West showman," meant about the horse being out of his element with the lights and small stage and all, but this horse failed miserably and the lawyer, "Mounting him from behind" wasn't even exciting.
Maybe they should have kept Lucky on stage for the Pennsylvania boy, Dylan Andre, seeing as they both seemed a bit uncomfortable up there. *shrugs* He's not bad and will grow, I'm sure. But with only one year's worth of experience, he needs more time.
Now if Landon Swank, from Alaska, could adopt some of Baker's stage presence, he'd be a pretty good magician. He could have made that see through mirror trick a lot more exciting.
Speaking of excitement, it doesn't get more heart-pounding than the Smage Bros and their motorcycle act. From a small town in Wisconsin, where I guess there's nothing better to do than motorcycle tricks, they came to Hollywood and wowed the audience with some thrilling stunts. The "brother without a mother of theirs" gets my applause. Just laying there like he did takes guts.
I suppose it took guts for Thomas John the juggler from San Fran to perform his death defying balancing act whilst fumbling more of his bowling pins. Oh well, can't win 'em all.
Steven Retchless, the male pole dancer from NY NY, offered an exquisite performance. Piers doesn't get it, but like Steven said, "It takes a lot of effort to make something look effortless." Hell, he was bleeding after his performance. Thanks to the audience for booing Piers. And thanks to Howie for the comparison, "Last season we had Prince Poppycock, you're like Prince PoleyCock." lol
Named after a work of art, the singing twins, Mona Lisa, from Houston, have great harmony. They've got a lot going for them, but I don't see a million-dollar act. The song they chose, Rascal Flatts, "Bless the Broken Road," whilst some awesome lyrics, didn't offer the wow factor to warrant a million bucks.
But for the wow factor, we got Silhouettes. A group of 42 dancers - the youngest being three - from Denver, Colorado, who perform shadow artistry. It's uniquely genius and entertaining to watch these ballet dancers form scenes with their bodies.
Obviously you're bound to get a standing ovation from Americans when you pay tribute to America with "God Bless America," but daaayuum, they built the White House, Mt. Rushmore, the NY Skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and America spelled out, with their bodies. It was truly awesome!
My picks to move on to the finals: Silhouettes, Steven Retchless, Daniel Joseph Baker and Dani Shay.
Amirite? (I learned that from Ayesee @ It's Gosu. And no, it's not a Greek God like I thought.
First we were attacked by Attack Dance Crew from Tallahassee, Florida. *shrugs* With all the other dance groups I've seen this season, I wasn't too impressed.
Next, Dani Shay, from Orlando, Florida. I just know America's heart went out to her when she goofed in Vegas. I'm as happy as she was that the judges gave her a second chance.
Following Dani's so not mainstream song, we were "hammered" with one-liners. Geechy Guy, who hails from Rochester, is the heavy sweater who apparently found an antiperspirant, because he was pretty cool tonight in response to Piers's critique. "I'm not sure what you do for a living, so I'll have to take the word of a professional comic," he said, referring to Howie, who thinks he is funny.
His last joke was hilarious. A guy poses for a Grey Poupon commercial holding open this ginormous sandwich and the line reads "Poupon me." LOFL Guess you had to be there.
Daniel Joseph Baker, from Katy, Texas has - since the beginning - been one of my favorites. Tonight, he appeared on stage sitting at a piano more flamboyant than his character But even the Zebra facade in no way out shined him. He performed, Lady Gaga's "I'm On The Edge," with the confidence of a seasoned entertainer. You're on your way to stardom, "Lady GuyGuy."
And whilst we're all looking for the million-dollar act, I can't say I was too impressed with The Rhinestone Ropers, or their stage-frightened horse, Lucky. Of course, I didn't think they deserved a straight-through to Hollywood, either.
Like they say in show business, never perform with animals or kids. I understood what the lawyer, turned "Wild-West showman," meant about the horse being out of his element with the lights and small stage and all, but this horse failed miserably and the lawyer, "Mounting him from behind" wasn't even exciting.
Maybe they should have kept Lucky on stage for the Pennsylvania boy, Dylan Andre, seeing as they both seemed a bit uncomfortable up there. *shrugs* He's not bad and will grow, I'm sure. But with only one year's worth of experience, he needs more time.
Now if Landon Swank, from Alaska, could adopt some of Baker's stage presence, he'd be a pretty good magician. He could have made that see through mirror trick a lot more exciting.
Speaking of excitement, it doesn't get more heart-pounding than the Smage Bros and their motorcycle act. From a small town in Wisconsin, where I guess there's nothing better to do than motorcycle tricks, they came to Hollywood and wowed the audience with some thrilling stunts. The "brother without a mother of theirs" gets my applause. Just laying there like he did takes guts.
I suppose it took guts for Thomas John the juggler from San Fran to perform his death defying balancing act whilst fumbling more of his bowling pins. Oh well, can't win 'em all.
Steven Retchless, the male pole dancer from NY NY, offered an exquisite performance. Piers doesn't get it, but like Steven said, "It takes a lot of effort to make something look effortless." Hell, he was bleeding after his performance. Thanks to the audience for booing Piers. And thanks to Howie for the comparison, "Last season we had Prince Poppycock, you're like Prince PoleyCock." lol
Named after a work of art, the singing twins, Mona Lisa, from Houston, have great harmony. They've got a lot going for them, but I don't see a million-dollar act. The song they chose, Rascal Flatts, "Bless the Broken Road," whilst some awesome lyrics, didn't offer the wow factor to warrant a million bucks.
But for the wow factor, we got Silhouettes. A group of 42 dancers - the youngest being three - from Denver, Colorado, who perform shadow artistry. It's uniquely genius and entertaining to watch these ballet dancers form scenes with their bodies.
Obviously you're bound to get a standing ovation from Americans when you pay tribute to America with "God Bless America," but daaayuum, they built the White House, Mt. Rushmore, the NY Skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and America spelled out, with their bodies. It was truly awesome!
My picks to move on to the finals: Silhouettes, Steven Retchless, Daniel Joseph Baker and Dani Shay.
Amirite? (I learned that from Ayesee @ It's Gosu. And no, it's not a Greek God like I thought.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Another DC Area LAN Win for Avilo
Dammit! I gave away the results in the title. :D
CyberGrounds Tournament 6.0 took place today, and I think they had one of the biggest turnouts ever. Of course when I saw Avilo's name in the bracket - TiTs.Avilo? I was like, wtf?
Torenhire, who does the brackets, has had a private joke going with avilo since the last LAN. So now, Torenhire announced on TL that he is the manager of "TitsGaming" and avilo joined the team. I mean why wouldn't he join? Avilo loves playing with Tits...Gaming. Yeah, it's all in fun and that's what Starcraft should be - FUN.
This is probably the first DC LAN that I was unable to watch and I panicked a bit not knowing what was going on, but guess it's just as well. Afterwards, Avilo called me and told me I would have been biting my nails until they bled if I had been able to watch, especially the games between Luckyfool and Sonkie.
Now, why wasn't I able to watch? Because, suddenly the stream died. IPP, who usually casts the CyberGrounds tournaments, was there streaming, then took a really, really long lunch break, then came back, but shortly after that the stream died. I figured he was having problems, because there was more down time than there was casting.
It wasn't until much later I learned he walked out, because he didn't feel like casting for 30 viewers. Someone (and I won't mention names) neglected to list the event with TL, so people didn't know it was happening. :(
Nevertheless, I was a viewer as were 29 other people so, basically IPP was saying, you're not important. Boo Hiss Ipp.
When it went down, I didn't know what was going on, but I kept track of Torenhire's brackets, and especially paid close attention to Tits.Avilo. There were some well known names in the DC area that made it to the last of the BO3. There wasn't a round number in the bracket, so I don't know if that was the semifinals or not.
Sadistx was competing against vile.illusion (same guy as Revillusion)
GosuSonkie v VGAnfield
NrGLuckyFool v IXCMaestro
TiTs Avilo (glares) v Thethys
I knew Luckyfool would beat out Maestro and have to face Avilo. I just laughed when my prediction was right.
So the BO5 was Luckyfool v Avilo and Sonkie v Illusion.
It's Gosu has pretty good team members, and I was almost positive that Avilo would take Luckyfool (hey, I do pretty good with the Liquibets on TL - 9 right votes in a row; 1 wrong) and was sure that Sonkie would take Illusion. So Avilo's final game would be v Sonki. Again, I was right. :D
Avilo is a damn good Terran and has been playing for a long time so, I was confident he would take Sonkie. We talked beforehand and he sounded just as confident. After all, it was a DC area LAN, and Avilo hasn't lost one yet - except maybe the first he attended.
Once he gets in the zone, he's there, and nothing distracts him. He focuses on one thing - WINNING! But like I said, It's Gosu has pretty good players on their team and Sonkie is one of them. The fact that he's a Terran, put me at ease, because Avilo's TvT is impeccable. Next time, It's Gosu will probably send a Protoss. LOL
Around 10:30 p.m. the phone rang. Alls he said was, "3-1, I won." That's my Terran man!
So, avilo, Master of Mech, is still the undefeated champ in the DC area.
He's been competing in more online tournaments, too. Last night - and I almost forgot about Hypercrew, because they've been gone so long - he took 2nd place, losing to Ret - the infamous MLG-Columbus girlfriend thief. lol
Zyori cast that, along with Liz, because Janitor had to go to a wedding. Zyori knows avilo from the DC area LANs and knows what a nice guy he is, but he knows, too, that avilo is a fairly decent Terran. :D
Anyway, I can fall asleep now with my nails in tact. :)
CyberGrounds Tournament 6.0 took place today, and I think they had one of the biggest turnouts ever. Of course when I saw Avilo's name in the bracket - TiTs.Avilo? I was like, wtf?
Torenhire, who does the brackets, has had a private joke going with avilo since the last LAN. So now, Torenhire announced on TL that he is the manager of "TitsGaming" and avilo joined the team. I mean why wouldn't he join? Avilo loves playing with Tits...Gaming. Yeah, it's all in fun and that's what Starcraft should be - FUN.
This is probably the first DC LAN that I was unable to watch and I panicked a bit not knowing what was going on, but guess it's just as well. Afterwards, Avilo called me and told me I would have been biting my nails until they bled if I had been able to watch, especially the games between Luckyfool and Sonkie.
Now, why wasn't I able to watch? Because, suddenly the stream died. IPP, who usually casts the CyberGrounds tournaments, was there streaming, then took a really, really long lunch break, then came back, but shortly after that the stream died. I figured he was having problems, because there was more down time than there was casting.
It wasn't until much later I learned he walked out, because he didn't feel like casting for 30 viewers. Someone (and I won't mention names) neglected to list the event with TL, so people didn't know it was happening. :(
Nevertheless, I was a viewer as were 29 other people so, basically IPP was saying, you're not important. Boo Hiss Ipp.
When it went down, I didn't know what was going on, but I kept track of Torenhire's brackets, and especially paid close attention to Tits.Avilo. There were some well known names in the DC area that made it to the last of the BO3. There wasn't a round number in the bracket, so I don't know if that was the semifinals or not.
Sadistx was competing against vile.illusion (same guy as Revillusion)
GosuSonkie v VGAnfield
NrGLuckyFool v IXCMaestro
TiTs Avilo (glares) v Thethys
I knew Luckyfool would beat out Maestro and have to face Avilo. I just laughed when my prediction was right.
So the BO5 was Luckyfool v Avilo and Sonkie v Illusion.
It's Gosu has pretty good team members, and I was almost positive that Avilo would take Luckyfool (hey, I do pretty good with the Liquibets on TL - 9 right votes in a row; 1 wrong) and was sure that Sonkie would take Illusion. So Avilo's final game would be v Sonki. Again, I was right. :D
Avilo is a damn good Terran and has been playing for a long time so, I was confident he would take Sonkie. We talked beforehand and he sounded just as confident. After all, it was a DC area LAN, and Avilo hasn't lost one yet - except maybe the first he attended.
Once he gets in the zone, he's there, and nothing distracts him. He focuses on one thing - WINNING! But like I said, It's Gosu has pretty good players on their team and Sonkie is one of them. The fact that he's a Terran, put me at ease, because Avilo's TvT is impeccable. Next time, It's Gosu will probably send a Protoss. LOL
Around 10:30 p.m. the phone rang. Alls he said was, "3-1, I won." That's my Terran man!
So, avilo, Master of Mech, is still the undefeated champ in the DC area.
He's been competing in more online tournaments, too. Last night - and I almost forgot about Hypercrew, because they've been gone so long - he took 2nd place, losing to Ret - the infamous MLG-Columbus girlfriend thief. lol
Zyori cast that, along with Liz, because Janitor had to go to a wedding. Zyori knows avilo from the DC area LANs and knows what a nice guy he is, but he knows, too, that avilo is a fairly decent Terran. :D
Anyway, I can fall asleep now with my nails in tact. :)
Friday, July 15, 2011
Do You Have a Sense of Humor? Part II The Starcraft Community
Okay, I bitched about losing my sense of humor when it comes to government. But there's another time I lose my sense of humor and it has to do with the Starcraft community.
The other night I watched the It's Gosu stream of the Omega Divisional competition. Actually, I asked avilo to enter and he did. woohoo! I also watched the Beta and Alpha divisions that took place on Monday and Tuesday, and enjoyed them immensely.
Like I said before, the casters are great and the people in chat are so awesome cool. Well they were in the first two competitions and I certainly expected the same in Wednesday night's competition.
I get serious when avilo competes, but that's okay, I can still find the humor. Of course I want him to win, but I know, too, that he does better at LANs than he does online. People in the It's Gosu chat usually like his play style, the casters even praise his play style, whether they like it or not. Lots of the Koreans that play Terran are using the style he developed in beta, incorporating their own flare. Of course, he won't get any of the credit.
So what makes me lose my sense of humor uncontrollably? When people get dumb!
It's Gosu just signed a Korean Protoss player, who goes by the name of, HwangSin, and he was competing in Wednesday night's competition. Avilo, having made it to the semi finals, had to play HwangSin. Names don't intimidate avilo. He plays his game no matter who he's competing against.
When avilo resorts to allins they call him a "noob" a "cheeser." I, for one, like to watch a game that offers strategic plays, but in a competition you do what you have to do to win. Incontrol and other Starcraft players have allined and cheesed their way to the top and people praise 'em. When avilo does it - he's called names.
As far as I'm concerned HwangSin allined to take avilo - 2-0. Were people happy with what I call all-in games? Well it seemed like it to me. The casters jokingly said, "Avilo did win the APM - 284 to HwangSin's 160." Guess APM doesn't matter too much when it comes to SCII. Anyway, did I lose my sense of humor? I felt it fading, but it wasn't over for avilo.
As avilo and I waited to see who he'd play for third place, we talked. Two of It's Gosu team members were playing each other for the finals - One a Zerg, the other Protoss.
I know little about the game's details. I don't have to know, because I'm a spectator. What I do know are avilo's weaknesses and where he makes mistakes so, I act like a coach - one who knows the player but not the game. lol It's nothing new. Before all his games I give him pep talks and tell him to, "Remember this and don't forget that." Then before he begins, I send him off with a glhf kiss and hug and a "gOgOgo Avilo."
The stream chat was alive with 184 viewers, most of them to support teamGosu, of course. I was there, as usual, for avilo and I think a few others there had faith in him.
When wbc - Protoss won over Zerker - Zerg, I gave avilo another pep talk. Avilo took the first game and I only hoped he remembered what we talked about and didn't do anything dumb.
There were already people in chat booing Avilo and saying nasty things, just like any fan of that player's opponent would do. It hurts me because I know how hard avilo works to succeed, it doesn't bother avilo in the least. Sometimes I think the haters motivate him.
I can't remember now what he did to make me type "Avilo, dammit, I told you to watch out for that." ToweLy, one of the It's Gosu site members, who was in chat accused "us" of cheating. I was driven to tears by a 17 year old and even though Voss, the mod, corrected ToweLy, it was too late.
After that I had no sense of humor. I lost it completely. Everything said, thereafter against avilo was an attack, as far as I was concerned. Once again I was dealing with the TeamLiquid and GR mentality. Nothing was funny anymore.
Avilo lost the second game and he and wbc went into the third. Avilo's in the "zone" when he begins a competition so there's no communication with him. As I read chat I kept repeating the mantra avilo told me say, "Hater's gonna hate." I stopped talking chat and instead of reading it, focused on the game. Then suddenly avilo was gone and the haters had a field day.
"He knew he was losing and rage quit." The tears that rolled down the cheeks of my all too sensitive self turned to sobs, because I knew better. I knew all too well what happened, because it's happened so many times before. I know his situation like no one else does and it's frankly no one's business.
The casters didn't believe he rage quit and gave him time to reconnect. In the meantime, ToweLy and I were having words. I was upset knowing what Avilo was going through and then having to contend with hater's in chat. Finally, I just told ToweLy to "stfu...seriously."
I was shaking by the time avilo got back to me, which was only minutes later. As soon as I got word, I got in chat and announced that his 'puter crashed and he'll be back. I was basically called a liar by haters.
ToweLy typed something, which I'm pretty sure was directed at me about "You're a (blank) and you know it." I have no idea what the blank was and at any other time would have probably replied humorously, because what people say about me, doesn't bother me. Now if I could learn to feel that way when people attack those I love, I'd be fine. But yeah, my sense of humor was gone.
When I was sure that avilo was back in game, I logged off of It's Gosu, so, I didn't see the third game, but I think it was really nice of wbc and admin to start a new third game. Like I said before, It's Gosu has a lot of nice people, and if they weren't so Terran heavy I might suggest Avilo talk to them about a spot. (Actually I did, before I learned how Terran heavy they are) They are to Terran what Reign is to Protoss. If you're a Zerg player, It's Gosu is lacking terribly.
I was disappointed that Avilo lost 2-1, but I'm sure he lost more than concentration and focus during the third game. Avilo keeps telling me to toughen up, but when it comes to those I care about, I'm all soft heart. I cried myself to sleep - not because he came in fourth, which I think was damn good. And yesterday, I spent the day disillusioned with the gaming community so much so that I couldn't even function.
So, yeah, when people attack avilo, I lose my sense of humor. I mean it's okay for me to attack him, though. lol. And ToweLy, I'm so not a blank. hehe
What makes you lose your sense of humor? I'd like to know I'm not alone. :)
P.S. Thanks to Voss, Shakemaster and Juan (new to chat stream) for your kind words of support.
The other night I watched the It's Gosu stream of the Omega Divisional competition. Actually, I asked avilo to enter and he did. woohoo! I also watched the Beta and Alpha divisions that took place on Monday and Tuesday, and enjoyed them immensely.
Like I said before, the casters are great and the people in chat are so awesome cool. Well they were in the first two competitions and I certainly expected the same in Wednesday night's competition.
I get serious when avilo competes, but that's okay, I can still find the humor. Of course I want him to win, but I know, too, that he does better at LANs than he does online. People in the It's Gosu chat usually like his play style, the casters even praise his play style, whether they like it or not. Lots of the Koreans that play Terran are using the style he developed in beta, incorporating their own flare. Of course, he won't get any of the credit.
So what makes me lose my sense of humor uncontrollably? When people get dumb!
It's Gosu just signed a Korean Protoss player, who goes by the name of, HwangSin, and he was competing in Wednesday night's competition. Avilo, having made it to the semi finals, had to play HwangSin. Names don't intimidate avilo. He plays his game no matter who he's competing against.
When avilo resorts to allins they call him a "noob" a "cheeser." I, for one, like to watch a game that offers strategic plays, but in a competition you do what you have to do to win. Incontrol and other Starcraft players have allined and cheesed their way to the top and people praise 'em. When avilo does it - he's called names.
As far as I'm concerned HwangSin allined to take avilo - 2-0. Were people happy with what I call all-in games? Well it seemed like it to me. The casters jokingly said, "Avilo did win the APM - 284 to HwangSin's 160." Guess APM doesn't matter too much when it comes to SCII. Anyway, did I lose my sense of humor? I felt it fading, but it wasn't over for avilo.
As avilo and I waited to see who he'd play for third place, we talked. Two of It's Gosu team members were playing each other for the finals - One a Zerg, the other Protoss.
I know little about the game's details. I don't have to know, because I'm a spectator. What I do know are avilo's weaknesses and where he makes mistakes so, I act like a coach - one who knows the player but not the game. lol It's nothing new. Before all his games I give him pep talks and tell him to, "Remember this and don't forget that." Then before he begins, I send him off with a glhf kiss and hug and a "gOgOgo Avilo."
The stream chat was alive with 184 viewers, most of them to support teamGosu, of course. I was there, as usual, for avilo and I think a few others there had faith in him.
When wbc - Protoss won over Zerker - Zerg, I gave avilo another pep talk. Avilo took the first game and I only hoped he remembered what we talked about and didn't do anything dumb.
There were already people in chat booing Avilo and saying nasty things, just like any fan of that player's opponent would do. It hurts me because I know how hard avilo works to succeed, it doesn't bother avilo in the least. Sometimes I think the haters motivate him.
I can't remember now what he did to make me type "Avilo, dammit, I told you to watch out for that." ToweLy, one of the It's Gosu site members, who was in chat accused "us" of cheating. I was driven to tears by a 17 year old and even though Voss, the mod, corrected ToweLy, it was too late.
After that I had no sense of humor. I lost it completely. Everything said, thereafter against avilo was an attack, as far as I was concerned. Once again I was dealing with the TeamLiquid and GR mentality. Nothing was funny anymore.
Avilo lost the second game and he and wbc went into the third. Avilo's in the "zone" when he begins a competition so there's no communication with him. As I read chat I kept repeating the mantra avilo told me say, "Hater's gonna hate." I stopped talking chat and instead of reading it, focused on the game. Then suddenly avilo was gone and the haters had a field day.
"He knew he was losing and rage quit." The tears that rolled down the cheeks of my all too sensitive self turned to sobs, because I knew better. I knew all too well what happened, because it's happened so many times before. I know his situation like no one else does and it's frankly no one's business.
The casters didn't believe he rage quit and gave him time to reconnect. In the meantime, ToweLy and I were having words. I was upset knowing what Avilo was going through and then having to contend with hater's in chat. Finally, I just told ToweLy to "stfu...seriously."
I was shaking by the time avilo got back to me, which was only minutes later. As soon as I got word, I got in chat and announced that his 'puter crashed and he'll be back. I was basically called a liar by haters.
ToweLy typed something, which I'm pretty sure was directed at me about "You're a (blank) and you know it." I have no idea what the blank was and at any other time would have probably replied humorously, because what people say about me, doesn't bother me. Now if I could learn to feel that way when people attack those I love, I'd be fine. But yeah, my sense of humor was gone.
When I was sure that avilo was back in game, I logged off of It's Gosu, so, I didn't see the third game, but I think it was really nice of wbc and admin to start a new third game. Like I said before, It's Gosu has a lot of nice people, and if they weren't so Terran heavy I might suggest Avilo talk to them about a spot. (Actually I did, before I learned how Terran heavy they are) They are to Terran what Reign is to Protoss. If you're a Zerg player, It's Gosu is lacking terribly.
I was disappointed that Avilo lost 2-1, but I'm sure he lost more than concentration and focus during the third game. Avilo keeps telling me to toughen up, but when it comes to those I care about, I'm all soft heart. I cried myself to sleep - not because he came in fourth, which I think was damn good. And yesterday, I spent the day disillusioned with the gaming community so much so that I couldn't even function.
So, yeah, when people attack avilo, I lose my sense of humor. I mean it's okay for me to attack him, though. lol. And ToweLy, I'm so not a blank. hehe
What makes you lose your sense of humor? I'd like to know I'm not alone. :)
P.S. Thanks to Voss, Shakemaster and Juan (new to chat stream) for your kind words of support.
"Economic Armageddon." Do You Have a Sense of Humor?
I pride myself in having a sense of humor, but I realize - as much as I'd like to maintain one in all situations - mine fails me when it's most important.
For instance, I can't find anything funny about the U.S. deficit or the "Economic Armageddon" America faces. Whereas, I'm certain, if George Carlin were alive, he'd find something hysterically funny.
I wasn't a PolySci major and didn't even involve myself too much in politics until recently. I vote, like many do, with the idea that no matter who you vote for someone else is pulling the puppet's strings.
How dare we elect officials that get U.S. into a 2.4 trillion dollars debt? How dumb are we? How trusting? How naive?
Is there a fix? Sure! From an "I don't know anything about politics view."
Let Congress take a cut in pay. Stop giving raises to retired Congress persons. As a matter of fact, make Congress contribute to Social Security instead of having their own "safe" retirement and health plan.
Stop giving incentives to the rich!
Stop handing money out to other countries.
Stop helping drug-addicts stay on drugs, because you're giving them Social Security Disability, whilst those who truly need it have to fight tooth and nail for the same benefits.
Tax the frickin billionaires!
Make it mandatory for billionaires to tithe to the government! Right now. "Hey, billionaires, millionaires, Uncle Sam needs ya! You are hereby recruited to donate a minimum of 10% of your annual income this Sunday to help us pay off the National debt that we idiots got us into."
Hell, I can go on and on about how to fix things. If we, as a people, working or retired, have to live on a budget, why shouldn't the government? Am I just being blonde?
When I listen to Obama speak about all this crap, I lose my sense of humor. When I hear someone like Whoopie Goldberg shout out that she paid into Social Security and she wants her damn money back, I wonder if she doesn't get it, will she have to go without.
I was in the store the other day and there were several seniors trying to decide if they could afford to buy something - like food for humans. Not funny! An elderly woman passed out in the parking lot due to lack of food and the heat index. She can't afford to cool her house. She was at the store to pick up meds.
So, yeah, this makes me lose my sense of humor. It makes me wanna cry, it makes me frustrated, it makes me angry. I just can't find the funny side of all this debt. I hate that government spends our money and takes care of everyone but the American poor.
What say you?
For instance, I can't find anything funny about the U.S. deficit or the "Economic Armageddon" America faces. Whereas, I'm certain, if George Carlin were alive, he'd find something hysterically funny.
I wasn't a PolySci major and didn't even involve myself too much in politics until recently. I vote, like many do, with the idea that no matter who you vote for someone else is pulling the puppet's strings.
How dare we elect officials that get U.S. into a 2.4 trillion dollars debt? How dumb are we? How trusting? How naive?
Is there a fix? Sure! From an "I don't know anything about politics view."
Let Congress take a cut in pay. Stop giving raises to retired Congress persons. As a matter of fact, make Congress contribute to Social Security instead of having their own "safe" retirement and health plan.
Stop giving incentives to the rich!
Stop handing money out to other countries.
Stop helping drug-addicts stay on drugs, because you're giving them Social Security Disability, whilst those who truly need it have to fight tooth and nail for the same benefits.
Tax the frickin billionaires!
Make it mandatory for billionaires to tithe to the government! Right now. "Hey, billionaires, millionaires, Uncle Sam needs ya! You are hereby recruited to donate a minimum of 10% of your annual income this Sunday to help us pay off the National debt that we idiots got us into."
Hell, I can go on and on about how to fix things. If we, as a people, working or retired, have to live on a budget, why shouldn't the government? Am I just being blonde?
When I listen to Obama speak about all this crap, I lose my sense of humor. When I hear someone like Whoopie Goldberg shout out that she paid into Social Security and she wants her damn money back, I wonder if she doesn't get it, will she have to go without.
I was in the store the other day and there were several seniors trying to decide if they could afford to buy something - like food for humans. Not funny! An elderly woman passed out in the parking lot due to lack of food and the heat index. She can't afford to cool her house. She was at the store to pick up meds.
So, yeah, this makes me lose my sense of humor. It makes me wanna cry, it makes me frustrated, it makes me angry. I just can't find the funny side of all this debt. I hate that government spends our money and takes care of everyone but the American poor.
What say you?
Thursday, July 14, 2011
AGT - Which Four are Going to the Semi-Finals?
Out of the 12 acts in last night's show, only four will proceed to the semi-finals. We can't blame the judges for this one, because the viewers finally had their votes. So, is it based on talent or the amount of friends you have?
The first acts to be called on stage were, Aero Duo, Fearless Flores Family and Snap Boogie. My heart skipped a beat. I was so fearful that "friends" would overrule "talent." Obviously, I knew that Aero Duo wasn't going to make it; nevertheless, there were two popular acts standing on the stage.
Sometimes I hate those dramatic pauses. But when Nick announced the winner as Snap Boogie, I was like YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! Immediately, I thought, "audience has good taste." Then I thought, "Wonder if inmates can vote?" Whatever, I was happy with the results.
Before the next set of acts appeared on stage, we were entertained (matter of opinion) by Avril Levine's "What the Hell."
Then it was a no-brainer between Squonk Opera, J. Chris Newburg and Sandou Trio Russian Bar. There was no question in my mind that Sandou Trio Russian Bar would be going to the semi-finals.
Again, the tension mounted as Dezmond Meeks, Echo and Anna Graceman took the stage. I enjoyed Dezmond's performance last night and I think he belongs in Vegas, but Graceman has an awesome voice and for an 11 year old is a soulful singer. I wasn't surprised that Anna Graceman won; nevertheless, I was disappointed that Meeks didn't.
Following that announcement, the cast of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert entertained the audience with an extravagant and campy production number. Wouldn't expect less with a producer like Bette Midler.
The last acts to await their fate; Miami All Stars, Those Funny Little People and Fiddleheads. As far as I'm concerned, Fiddleheads should have been in the Dezmond Meeks spot, but oh well. Two acts from this group would proceed to the semi finals and I knew it wasn't going to be Those Funny Little People and I was right. So, Miami All Stars and Fiddleheads were voted to the semi-finals.
It's my opinion that the audience actually did a good job; their only mistake was Dezmond Meeks.
The first acts to be called on stage were, Aero Duo, Fearless Flores Family and Snap Boogie. My heart skipped a beat. I was so fearful that "friends" would overrule "talent." Obviously, I knew that Aero Duo wasn't going to make it; nevertheless, there were two popular acts standing on the stage.
Sometimes I hate those dramatic pauses. But when Nick announced the winner as Snap Boogie, I was like YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! Immediately, I thought, "audience has good taste." Then I thought, "Wonder if inmates can vote?" Whatever, I was happy with the results.
Before the next set of acts appeared on stage, we were entertained (matter of opinion) by Avril Levine's "What the Hell."
Then it was a no-brainer between Squonk Opera, J. Chris Newburg and Sandou Trio Russian Bar. There was no question in my mind that Sandou Trio Russian Bar would be going to the semi-finals.
Again, the tension mounted as Dezmond Meeks, Echo and Anna Graceman took the stage. I enjoyed Dezmond's performance last night and I think he belongs in Vegas, but Graceman has an awesome voice and for an 11 year old is a soulful singer. I wasn't surprised that Anna Graceman won; nevertheless, I was disappointed that Meeks didn't.
Following that announcement, the cast of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert entertained the audience with an extravagant and campy production number. Wouldn't expect less with a producer like Bette Midler.
The last acts to await their fate; Miami All Stars, Those Funny Little People and Fiddleheads. As far as I'm concerned, Fiddleheads should have been in the Dezmond Meeks spot, but oh well. Two acts from this group would proceed to the semi finals and I knew it wasn't going to be Those Funny Little People and I was right. So, Miami All Stars and Fiddleheads were voted to the semi-finals.
It's my opinion that the audience actually did a good job; their only mistake was Dezmond Meeks.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
America's Got Talent - Quarter Finals
Admittedly, I have not been an avid fan of AGT. I watched it last season for the first time and then only caught the finals. But from what I've seen this season, I think Piers tongue should fall out for saying "Best talent we've ever seen." If this is the best ever, OMG! I'm glad I missed previous shows. I will, however, agree with Nick Cannon, who added, "The craziest." lol
First up was the Miami All Stars from - whoda thunk it? - Miami, Florida. They're all good dancers individually, but as a group, their timing and precision is on the money. I can't imagine what they would have accomplished with more than two hours rehearsal with a new song. 8/10
Dezmond Meeks, the mix of "Little Richard and "Prince" from Louisiana, performed next. His rendition of the Rolling Stones hit, "Satisfaction," wasn't in my estimation as Howie said, "cheesy" but was pure Vegas. Maybe a little over the top, but he's definitely an entertainer, even though I don't think his voice is that great, I give him a 9/10 in the entertainment department, but 7/10 for vocal.
Like Piers said, Those Funny Little People, from Chicago, "Aren't funny, aren't little and aren't people." But I loved the production number which started out with "Singing in the Rain" and ended with "It's Raining Men," where some sexy studs joined them, wearing little bitty trunks with inner tubes hiding the best part. lol 7/10 performance, 10/10 production.
Never thought the Fearless Flores Family was more than a great alliteration. They're not worth a million bucks, despite the danger factor. They upped it this show by adding mom to the act. Now, the dad has to be fearless for standing in the center of the ball of death whilst three motorcycles whiz around at high speeds. I gave them a 9/10 because it is exciting to watch.
From a barn in Pittsburgh, PA., we get music combined with art, in Squonk Opera. Whilst the production was visually intriguing, I'm pretty sure they need an actual vocalist; however, Piers was rather hard on them with his "This is what Hell is like" remark. 8/10 for visuals 4/10 for vocalist.
Ending his act with a song that, I'm sure, made some people cringe, was comedian, J. Chris Newburg, from Birmingham, Michigan. He plays the guitar and tells jokes - not all that funny. The choir of boys and girls - all in beards - he brought as back-up for his song, "That's Probably A Bad Idea," was, like Piers said, "Probably a bad idea." But I did have to laugh at the line about a night spot named Club Baby Seals. 6/10
A street dancer from Boston, Mass., Snap Boogie, won the hearts of viewers. He's not only a talented dancer, who for the first time danced with back-up, but he's a sweet, genuine kid. And even though during rehearsal, he "felt something pop" in the groin area, he went on like a pro. 9/10
Parrots to me aren't Vegas and aren't a million dollar act, not even Echo of Animal Gardens. He failed miserably in Vegas, but this time his incentive to perform was having his sweetheart, Binky, on stage. Like Howie said,"Its a good birthday party act." 5/10
The Fiddleheads, a blue grass band, from Georgia, didn't feel blue grass to me. I hate blue grass even with a dobro, which they ain't got, but which makes blue grass a lot more interesting to me. Okay, so they're non-traditional blue grass, but with a song like Billie Jean and a lead singer, who couldn't hit all the high notes without a hernia, I think they failed. 6/10
Another disappointment for me was Duo Aero, an aerial act from, St. Paul, Minnesota. What's scary to me is that half way through the act I thought, this is BORING! and Piers agreed. There was nothing unusual or spectacular about the act. 5/10.
Up there with Snap Boogie is 11 year old singer, songwriter, musician, Anna Graceman, from Juneau, Alaska. She beautifully brought her own style to "Wonderful World." AGT = Anna Graceman Talent, Howie. 9/10
Lastly, Sandou Trio Russian Bar act from, Texas. Come on now, you jump 30 feet in the air and somersault onto a bar held by two guys. How in the world can you top that? Jump higher? Ummmm... or maybe add a life or death trick to the act. When I saw a bed of nails under the bar that was bad enough, but half way through fire was added to the bed and an even higher than 30 feet jump. 8/10 for the danger factor.
So, now America votes and, frankly, AGT has lots of fans, who, unlike me, watch the show religiously. I can't wait for it to end.
First up was the Miami All Stars from - whoda thunk it? - Miami, Florida. They're all good dancers individually, but as a group, their timing and precision is on the money. I can't imagine what they would have accomplished with more than two hours rehearsal with a new song. 8/10
Dezmond Meeks, the mix of "Little Richard and "Prince" from Louisiana, performed next. His rendition of the Rolling Stones hit, "Satisfaction," wasn't in my estimation as Howie said, "cheesy" but was pure Vegas. Maybe a little over the top, but he's definitely an entertainer, even though I don't think his voice is that great, I give him a 9/10 in the entertainment department, but 7/10 for vocal.
Like Piers said, Those Funny Little People, from Chicago, "Aren't funny, aren't little and aren't people." But I loved the production number which started out with "Singing in the Rain" and ended with "It's Raining Men," where some sexy studs joined them, wearing little bitty trunks with inner tubes hiding the best part. lol 7/10 performance, 10/10 production.
Never thought the Fearless Flores Family was more than a great alliteration. They're not worth a million bucks, despite the danger factor. They upped it this show by adding mom to the act. Now, the dad has to be fearless for standing in the center of the ball of death whilst three motorcycles whiz around at high speeds. I gave them a 9/10 because it is exciting to watch.
From a barn in Pittsburgh, PA., we get music combined with art, in Squonk Opera. Whilst the production was visually intriguing, I'm pretty sure they need an actual vocalist; however, Piers was rather hard on them with his "This is what Hell is like" remark. 8/10 for visuals 4/10 for vocalist.
Ending his act with a song that, I'm sure, made some people cringe, was comedian, J. Chris Newburg, from Birmingham, Michigan. He plays the guitar and tells jokes - not all that funny. The choir of boys and girls - all in beards - he brought as back-up for his song, "That's Probably A Bad Idea," was, like Piers said, "Probably a bad idea." But I did have to laugh at the line about a night spot named Club Baby Seals. 6/10
A street dancer from Boston, Mass., Snap Boogie, won the hearts of viewers. He's not only a talented dancer, who for the first time danced with back-up, but he's a sweet, genuine kid. And even though during rehearsal, he "felt something pop" in the groin area, he went on like a pro. 9/10
Parrots to me aren't Vegas and aren't a million dollar act, not even Echo of Animal Gardens. He failed miserably in Vegas, but this time his incentive to perform was having his sweetheart, Binky, on stage. Like Howie said,"Its a good birthday party act." 5/10
The Fiddleheads, a blue grass band, from Georgia, didn't feel blue grass to me. I hate blue grass even with a dobro, which they ain't got, but which makes blue grass a lot more interesting to me. Okay, so they're non-traditional blue grass, but with a song like Billie Jean and a lead singer, who couldn't hit all the high notes without a hernia, I think they failed. 6/10
Another disappointment for me was Duo Aero, an aerial act from, St. Paul, Minnesota. What's scary to me is that half way through the act I thought, this is BORING! and Piers agreed. There was nothing unusual or spectacular about the act. 5/10.
Up there with Snap Boogie is 11 year old singer, songwriter, musician, Anna Graceman, from Juneau, Alaska. She beautifully brought her own style to "Wonderful World." AGT = Anna Graceman Talent, Howie. 9/10
Lastly, Sandou Trio Russian Bar act from, Texas. Come on now, you jump 30 feet in the air and somersault onto a bar held by two guys. How in the world can you top that? Jump higher? Ummmm... or maybe add a life or death trick to the act. When I saw a bed of nails under the bar that was bad enough, but half way through fire was added to the bed and an even higher than 30 feet jump. 8/10 for the danger factor.
So, now America votes and, frankly, AGT has lots of fans, who, unlike me, watch the show religiously. I can't wait for it to end.
It's Gosu - A Great Site for All Gamers
As y'all know I was first introduced to It's Gosu from their DC Area LANs - you know the ones avilo always wins. lol Since then, I've enjoyed the casting of Ayesee and Redmajejr on numerous occasions, but only recently realized they had an It's Gosu team and a forum. Duh!
Obviously, forums and I don't get along as evidenced by my experiences in GameReplays and TeamLiquid. But It's Gosu is different.
It's Gosu isn't a forum in the generic sense - it's a "social network" for gamers. Not only Starcraft II gamers, but all gamers. Their mission is to provide a fun atmosphere of learning and competition.
I can tell you first hand, it's a fun group. I registered on the It's Gosu site and found the people who run it, and its members, to be extremely fun, accepting, helpful and welcoming. Like any business, it takes a while to get the word around so, at the moment, the group is small - not so much in numbers as in active participants. (i.e. posters) But they're still growing and as anyone in business knows, growth doesn't happen overnight.
Those, who maintain the It's Gosu site, are hard-working people, devoted to promoting e-Sports. They have a team of awesome players and management. Two of the team players, GoSu.NamchiR and GoSu.Sonkie, recently qualified for the IEM, finishing in the top 16 of around a 100 entrants.
But It's Gosu doesn't just support their team players, they have weekly SCII tournaments for Diamond/Master/GrandMaster league; Gold/Platinum league; and, yes, Bronze/Silver league, among other tournaments.
There aren't too many sites that I've come across that promote the lower league players. And the games are streamed live. Now how cool is that? And whilst there isn't always a cash value on the prize for the lower league players, there is the equivalent - lessons with one of their star players. Hell, some pros charge 100 bucks and up an hour for lessons, so that's pretty awesome.
In addition to events, all pertinent SCII news and announcements are covered, plus there's a forum with some great posters, who actually know what they're talking about (meaning, I post there but know nuttin hehe), and there's a section for blogs, if ya feel so inclined, and replays.
Here I go being verbose again, but I just can't say enough nice things about It's Gosu.
If you're not familiar with e-Sports or you aren't into gaming, but have kids who are, this is a great place to learn more. Watch a live stream event, I guarantee you'll enjoy both the casting and the games.
If you are into gaming (they cover things like SCII, HoN, LoL, DotA2, MvC3, and lots of other games) this site http://www.itsgosu.com/ is worth checking out. But don't just check it out, become a member, introduce yourself, join in the threads or create one of your own - most importantly have fun. Oh, and feel free to give admins a hard time. :D
Once again the site address is:
http://www.itsgosu.com/
You can also follow them on Twitter and FB.
Obviously, forums and I don't get along as evidenced by my experiences in GameReplays and TeamLiquid. But It's Gosu is different.
It's Gosu isn't a forum in the generic sense - it's a "social network" for gamers. Not only Starcraft II gamers, but all gamers. Their mission is to provide a fun atmosphere of learning and competition.
I can tell you first hand, it's a fun group. I registered on the It's Gosu site and found the people who run it, and its members, to be extremely fun, accepting, helpful and welcoming. Like any business, it takes a while to get the word around so, at the moment, the group is small - not so much in numbers as in active participants. (i.e. posters) But they're still growing and as anyone in business knows, growth doesn't happen overnight.
Those, who maintain the It's Gosu site, are hard-working people, devoted to promoting e-Sports. They have a team of awesome players and management. Two of the team players, GoSu.NamchiR and GoSu.Sonkie, recently qualified for the IEM, finishing in the top 16 of around a 100 entrants.
But It's Gosu doesn't just support their team players, they have weekly SCII tournaments for Diamond/Master/GrandMaster league; Gold/Platinum league; and, yes, Bronze/Silver league, among other tournaments.
There aren't too many sites that I've come across that promote the lower league players. And the games are streamed live. Now how cool is that? And whilst there isn't always a cash value on the prize for the lower league players, there is the equivalent - lessons with one of their star players. Hell, some pros charge 100 bucks and up an hour for lessons, so that's pretty awesome.
In addition to events, all pertinent SCII news and announcements are covered, plus there's a forum with some great posters, who actually know what they're talking about (meaning, I post there but know nuttin hehe), and there's a section for blogs, if ya feel so inclined, and replays.
Here I go being verbose again, but I just can't say enough nice things about It's Gosu.
If you're not familiar with e-Sports or you aren't into gaming, but have kids who are, this is a great place to learn more. Watch a live stream event, I guarantee you'll enjoy both the casting and the games.
If you are into gaming (they cover things like SCII, HoN, LoL, DotA2, MvC3, and lots of other games) this site http://www.itsgosu.com/ is worth checking out. But don't just check it out, become a member, introduce yourself, join in the threads or create one of your own - most importantly have fun. Oh, and feel free to give admins a hard time. :D
Once again the site address is:
http://www.itsgosu.com/
You can also follow them on Twitter and FB.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
North American Starcraft League a BIG disappointment?
Okay, all right, I said that I'd never mention the NASL's name again, but someone referred me to Reddit http://www.reddit.com/r/starcraft/comments/ikbgm/why_should_we_support_nasl/ and a post that was made there regarding the amateurish production and quality of the GRAND finals.
The comments that followed were for the most part in agreement with the OP. As a matter of fact the majority of the posters complained about stream quality, audio, production, lighting...well everything, and quite hilariously.
It's a shame that something as big as a league formed to represent North America, turned out to be a total fiasco - indeed an embarrassment.
Granted, MLG had it's problems in Dallas, but they corrected their problems by the time MLG Columbus rolled around. According to some of the posters, NASL is getting worse, not better. "It's falling apart." "Total fail"
I haven't kept up with NASL for reasons I've stated in previous posts. Today, for the first time, I tuned in, because of what I read on Reddit and in TL. People weren't just complaining, some were angry. Angry that they paid $25. for an almost unwatchable show. Several posts proclaimed, "Never again."
Now, it's my understanding that if you don't pay for HQ, you don't get to join chat. Guess they weren't receiving enough revenue so they decided to nickel and dime viewers. There was also an announcement in TL that Incontrol quit. Never read it, because I could care less so, I can't verify that. I do know, however, that he left SOTG; I was tuned in when he made that announcement.
When I pulled up the NASL stream, there was a blonde walking around with a mic looking for people to interview. Chat, after like 15 minutes, finally appeared and the comments were funnier there than on Reddit. Someone said, "They think a blonde is going to make us watch this - we came to see Starcraft."
The producers probably figured that flaunting pretty gals around would distract viewers from the poor quality of the overall production. From what I read their strategy didn't work.
I've seen thread titles in TL asking for input to make NASL better. Either they didn't listen or are so green that they have no idea how to rectify the problems. Cartoons were all over the place making fun of the NASL, it's production, the casters. Unfortunately, THEY are representing North America and it IS an embarrassment. But then, I kinda thought it might fail from the onset so, I can't say I'm surprised.
Sponsors may have been blinded by the NASL hype just like some of the SC community, but after this performance, I wonder how many sponsors will be dumb enough to continue backing them if they don't up their game. Still and all they had over 45,000 viewers, although someone said, "Yeah, it's like watching a train wreck."
The unfortunate part is that there were a lot of good gamers competing, but very little was mentioned by viewers about the games. They were either too busy making jokes about the quality or complaining about the quality.
Like I said, I don't watch it and only tuned in to see what people were complaining about...there wasn't a match in progress, but I think Sen v Darkforce was up next. I didn't hang around for more than 10 minutes.
Now, the question in my mind is - do they have the $100,000. that was promised to the winners? Hopefully, that wasn't just a hype.
The comments that followed were for the most part in agreement with the OP. As a matter of fact the majority of the posters complained about stream quality, audio, production, lighting...well everything, and quite hilariously.
It's a shame that something as big as a league formed to represent North America, turned out to be a total fiasco - indeed an embarrassment.
Granted, MLG had it's problems in Dallas, but they corrected their problems by the time MLG Columbus rolled around. According to some of the posters, NASL is getting worse, not better. "It's falling apart." "Total fail"
I haven't kept up with NASL for reasons I've stated in previous posts. Today, for the first time, I tuned in, because of what I read on Reddit and in TL. People weren't just complaining, some were angry. Angry that they paid $25. for an almost unwatchable show. Several posts proclaimed, "Never again."
Now, it's my understanding that if you don't pay for HQ, you don't get to join chat. Guess they weren't receiving enough revenue so they decided to nickel and dime viewers. There was also an announcement in TL that Incontrol quit. Never read it, because I could care less so, I can't verify that. I do know, however, that he left SOTG; I was tuned in when he made that announcement.
When I pulled up the NASL stream, there was a blonde walking around with a mic looking for people to interview. Chat, after like 15 minutes, finally appeared and the comments were funnier there than on Reddit. Someone said, "They think a blonde is going to make us watch this - we came to see Starcraft."
The producers probably figured that flaunting pretty gals around would distract viewers from the poor quality of the overall production. From what I read their strategy didn't work.
I've seen thread titles in TL asking for input to make NASL better. Either they didn't listen or are so green that they have no idea how to rectify the problems. Cartoons were all over the place making fun of the NASL, it's production, the casters. Unfortunately, THEY are representing North America and it IS an embarrassment. But then, I kinda thought it might fail from the onset so, I can't say I'm surprised.
Sponsors may have been blinded by the NASL hype just like some of the SC community, but after this performance, I wonder how many sponsors will be dumb enough to continue backing them if they don't up their game. Still and all they had over 45,000 viewers, although someone said, "Yeah, it's like watching a train wreck."
The unfortunate part is that there were a lot of good gamers competing, but very little was mentioned by viewers about the games. They were either too busy making jokes about the quality or complaining about the quality.
Like I said, I don't watch it and only tuned in to see what people were complaining about...there wasn't a match in progress, but I think Sen v Darkforce was up next. I didn't hang around for more than 10 minutes.
Now, the question in my mind is - do they have the $100,000. that was promised to the winners? Hopefully, that wasn't just a hype.
Friday, July 8, 2011
VTGaming Now Known as Reign, "Break a Leg"
This is IS IS a Rant!!!!!!
I'm ranting here, because Avilo (dumbass that he can be) "forbade" me from posting what I had to say on TeamLiquid, and seeing as that's HIS playground, I respected his wishes. However, an Italian in rage cannot be stopped altogether SHE WILL HAVE HER SAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I first heard that VTGaming recruited all new players for their Reign team and was in the process of forming a pro house, I told Avilo to start looking for a new team. I wonder now if it was loyalty or effing naivety on his part to think that he wasn't going to get "screwed" royally by VTGaming.
They announced today on TeamLiquid that VT had disbanded. Now mind you, what was left of the VTGaming team (the smart ones got out fast) weren't told this in a meeting. Rather they, like all of the SC community, heard about it for the first time in a TL thread. (Except, and I'm guessing, for Future and Perfect, who probably knew because it was also announced that they would be joining Reign). How low can you get?
When Avilo was first approached by Frank to join VTGaming, I had bad feelings about it and told Avilo to think carefully before making his decision. He knew I wasn't pleased that he accepted the offer, but it's his life and I supported his decision. (There were other ways to get even with him. *evil grin)
When he first told me about the "better" team, I suggested he start looking for a new team. He insisted that management assured the remaining team members, Avilo, Mr. Bitter, GiX, Whiplash, Azz (and Future and Perfect, who were still with VT at the time) that VTGaming was going nowhere. It would be like Reign's sister team, and yes, hotel would be paid for at Anaheim. Avilo even said, VTGaming is going to have a competition and whoever wins will get paid transportation to Anaheim.
When other teams, after hearing Reign's announcement, contacted Avilo with proposals, I suggested he take them up on their offer. But he "Trusted" what VT management told him and when I laughed out loud, he basically told me he knew better. HA! I hate saying "I told you so" so I won't. But I've been around a little longer than Avilo and I know when folks are stringing you along, until they've made final decisions. Unfortunately, we live in a dog eat dog world and everyone is out for themselves.
At least he made a mature post on TeamLiquid regarding the matter. This was my post that he disallowed:
Frankly, anyone with an ounce of sense knew that the VT team was finished. If VT management had had any respect for the VT team they would have told them that from the onset.
After the announcement about Reign, A couple teams approached Avilo, and despite the fact that I told him to grab the opportunity and leave VT whilst he had a chance, (Actually, I was against him joining VT from the start) he trusted that VTGaming was being honest about keeping the old team intact. Now should we call that loyalty or naivety?
Obviously, you want the “best of the best” in a team. Hope Reign is everything everyone thinks it will be. (If it's not, Reign management probably has another team in the works)
Best of luck to the VT team members that were screwed over. (Notice I did not wish REIGN the best of luck.) *gets out my witches manual and mixes up a brew.
Pretty nice, no? I mean I hardly showed my Italian rage at all.
Does anyone else think this was underhanded and a shit way to deal with the situation, or is it just me? Do you think Avilo will ever listen to me, and trust my gut instincts, or will he continue to disregard the wisdom of the woman in his life, who is ALWAYS right? (okay, not always - only 99.9% of the time)
I'm ranting here, because Avilo (dumbass that he can be) "forbade" me from posting what I had to say on TeamLiquid, and seeing as that's HIS playground, I respected his wishes. However, an Italian in rage cannot be stopped altogether SHE WILL HAVE HER SAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I first heard that VTGaming recruited all new players for their Reign team and was in the process of forming a pro house, I told Avilo to start looking for a new team. I wonder now if it was loyalty or effing naivety on his part to think that he wasn't going to get "screwed" royally by VTGaming.
They announced today on TeamLiquid that VT had disbanded. Now mind you, what was left of the VTGaming team (the smart ones got out fast) weren't told this in a meeting. Rather they, like all of the SC community, heard about it for the first time in a TL thread. (Except, and I'm guessing, for Future and Perfect, who probably knew because it was also announced that they would be joining Reign). How low can you get?
When Avilo was first approached by Frank to join VTGaming, I had bad feelings about it and told Avilo to think carefully before making his decision. He knew I wasn't pleased that he accepted the offer, but it's his life and I supported his decision. (There were other ways to get even with him. *evil grin)
When he first told me about the "better" team, I suggested he start looking for a new team. He insisted that management assured the remaining team members, Avilo, Mr. Bitter, GiX, Whiplash, Azz (and Future and Perfect, who were still with VT at the time) that VTGaming was going nowhere. It would be like Reign's sister team, and yes, hotel would be paid for at Anaheim. Avilo even said, VTGaming is going to have a competition and whoever wins will get paid transportation to Anaheim.
When other teams, after hearing Reign's announcement, contacted Avilo with proposals, I suggested he take them up on their offer. But he "Trusted" what VT management told him and when I laughed out loud, he basically told me he knew better. HA! I hate saying "I told you so" so I won't. But I've been around a little longer than Avilo and I know when folks are stringing you along, until they've made final decisions. Unfortunately, we live in a dog eat dog world and everyone is out for themselves.
At least he made a mature post on TeamLiquid regarding the matter. This was my post that he disallowed:
Frankly, anyone with an ounce of sense knew that the VT team was finished. If VT management had had any respect for the VT team they would have told them that from the onset.
After the announcement about Reign, A couple teams approached Avilo, and despite the fact that I told him to grab the opportunity and leave VT whilst he had a chance, (Actually, I was against him joining VT from the start) he trusted that VTGaming was being honest about keeping the old team intact. Now should we call that loyalty or naivety?
Obviously, you want the “best of the best” in a team. Hope Reign is everything everyone thinks it will be. (If it's not, Reign management probably has another team in the works)
Best of luck to the VT team members that were screwed over. (Notice I did not wish REIGN the best of luck.) *gets out my witches manual and mixes up a brew.
Pretty nice, no? I mean I hardly showed my Italian rage at all.
Does anyone else think this was underhanded and a shit way to deal with the situation, or is it just me? Do you think Avilo will ever listen to me, and trust my gut instincts, or will he continue to disregard the wisdom of the woman in his life, who is ALWAYS right? (okay, not always - only 99.9% of the time)
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
AGT - The Stand-by Acts Get Their Shot
Seventeen spots were left to fill and those spots were going to be filled - not by the judges favorites - but by the stand-by acts.
In my ever so humble opinion, (...yeah, who are you kidding) some of the stand-by acts had way more talent than the judges faves and more than some they sent straight to Hollywood.
The Magicians were up first. The first act kept dropping props, so I didn't see him going to Hollywood.
Landon Swank amazed the judges by lifting a crate with balloons. "Gravity" was a perfect song to go with the act. At the end, a beautiful girl (cuz all magicians have beautiful girls in their act) popped out of the levitating crate.
Then came a magician, who I think has real stage presence, only oops, one of his "beautiful" girls goofed, throwing the act off. Still, he and Landon were both sent to Hollywood. And, frankly, were much better than the magicians last night.
Next the kids got to perform. Now I said this last season and I'll say it again, "Can a kid even get into a Vegas club?" Oh well.
Little six year old Tanner danced his heart out, but didn't make it. The Calico Hearts performed "It's Your Thing" and Avery, who will undoubtedly drop the other hearts faster than Diana Ross ditched her "back up" singers, really belted out the tune. The group was sent to Hollywood. The cute little ballroom dancers didn't make it and neither did the three little rappers, who I thought were adorable and talented both times I watched them perform.
But Anna Grayson, the 11 year old, who accompanies herself on the keyboard, made it through, despite a slight mess up. She has an amazing voice. The young girl who sang "Changing" from "Dream Girls" is going to change locations; she's off to Hollywood, too.
Danger thy name is FIRE! Only one act didn't have fire and that was the Smage Bros, but omg, they lit up the stage with their motor bikes. And that was enough to wheel 'em into Hollywood.
The other act to make it through did her acrobats on a bar held by her hubby and brother. She did the same thing at the last audition, but this time she held... FIRE!
Then there was the FIRE eater and the FIRE kid. I think they were pretty hot that they didn't make it through.
Okay, now this was funny. The Dance Groups were next. First the LARGE dance groups were shuffled off to Hollywood. Then came Sam B. Well, hell, the way I see it, he should have been included with the LARGE group. If he doesn't die of a heart attack after his performance, you'll see him in Hollywood, too.
Leonid the Magnificent, IS VEGAS! Dammit. He's a performer, not a Novelty Act, even though his performance is novel. When he was rejected for the third time, he left the stage, looked at the judges and said, "EFF YOU."
As far as I'm concerned, it was an insult for him to be grouped with the likes of a Muscle Man, a Juggler, and those old dudes, who performed at last night's auditions. The act was "improved" by the guy who stands on his head, peeling a banana and taking off his shoes. Okay, I did laugh when in the midst of their act his cell rang. The other novelty act did yo yo tricks. He was good, but again, wtf? A million bucks worth of good? Hell No!
It's no surprise that almost every Male Vocalist played a guitar. The only kid I cared about, and thought should have at least been one of the judges' favorites was, Daniel Joseph Baker. He's got a great voice and plays piano. yay. He was funny and personable in Houston, tonight he was a bit more subdued, until he made it through. Then he told all the people that picked on him and bullied him throughout his life that they can kiss his ass. (psssst DJ, a bit of advice - you didn't win yet so don't get cocky)
Another singer who made it through was Maricio Herrera, the Tom Jones of Costa Rico. Actually, he has Vegas written all over him.
Obviously, there's lots of viewers out there watching this show, because I get more hits writing about it then I did writing about Dancing with the Stars, a show I always enjoy.
In my ever so humble opinion, (...yeah, who are you kidding) some of the stand-by acts had way more talent than the judges faves and more than some they sent straight to Hollywood.
The Magicians were up first. The first act kept dropping props, so I didn't see him going to Hollywood.
Landon Swank amazed the judges by lifting a crate with balloons. "Gravity" was a perfect song to go with the act. At the end, a beautiful girl (cuz all magicians have beautiful girls in their act) popped out of the levitating crate.
Then came a magician, who I think has real stage presence, only oops, one of his "beautiful" girls goofed, throwing the act off. Still, he and Landon were both sent to Hollywood. And, frankly, were much better than the magicians last night.
Next the kids got to perform. Now I said this last season and I'll say it again, "Can a kid even get into a Vegas club?" Oh well.
Little six year old Tanner danced his heart out, but didn't make it. The Calico Hearts performed "It's Your Thing" and Avery, who will undoubtedly drop the other hearts faster than Diana Ross ditched her "back up" singers, really belted out the tune. The group was sent to Hollywood. The cute little ballroom dancers didn't make it and neither did the three little rappers, who I thought were adorable and talented both times I watched them perform.
But Anna Grayson, the 11 year old, who accompanies herself on the keyboard, made it through, despite a slight mess up. She has an amazing voice. The young girl who sang "Changing" from "Dream Girls" is going to change locations; she's off to Hollywood, too.
Danger thy name is FIRE! Only one act didn't have fire and that was the Smage Bros, but omg, they lit up the stage with their motor bikes. And that was enough to wheel 'em into Hollywood.
The other act to make it through did her acrobats on a bar held by her hubby and brother. She did the same thing at the last audition, but this time she held... FIRE!
Then there was the FIRE eater and the FIRE kid. I think they were pretty hot that they didn't make it through.
Okay, now this was funny. The Dance Groups were next. First the LARGE dance groups were shuffled off to Hollywood. Then came Sam B. Well, hell, the way I see it, he should have been included with the LARGE group. If he doesn't die of a heart attack after his performance, you'll see him in Hollywood, too.
Leonid the Magnificent, IS VEGAS! Dammit. He's a performer, not a Novelty Act, even though his performance is novel. When he was rejected for the third time, he left the stage, looked at the judges and said, "EFF YOU."
As far as I'm concerned, it was an insult for him to be grouped with the likes of a Muscle Man, a Juggler, and those old dudes, who performed at last night's auditions. The act was "improved" by the guy who stands on his head, peeling a banana and taking off his shoes. Okay, I did laugh when in the midst of their act his cell rang. The other novelty act did yo yo tricks. He was good, but again, wtf? A million bucks worth of good? Hell No!
It's no surprise that almost every Male Vocalist played a guitar. The only kid I cared about, and thought should have at least been one of the judges' favorites was, Daniel Joseph Baker. He's got a great voice and plays piano. yay. He was funny and personable in Houston, tonight he was a bit more subdued, until he made it through. Then he told all the people that picked on him and bullied him throughout his life that they can kiss his ass. (psssst DJ, a bit of advice - you didn't win yet so don't get cocky)
Another singer who made it through was Maricio Herrera, the Tom Jones of Costa Rico. Actually, he has Vegas written all over him.
Obviously, there's lots of viewers out there watching this show, because I get more hits writing about it then I did writing about Dancing with the Stars, a show I always enjoy.
AGT - Finally In Vegas
If you're expecting to read a precise account of who went straight to Hollywood, who got their chance to perform in Vegas, or which acts were put on stand-by, you ain't gonna git it here. But thanks for dropping by. :D
Out of the 100 chosen for Vegas, only 48 would be left standing, the others would have their dreams shattered. Frankly, some of the acts the judges voted through to Vegas didn't belong there to begin with.
At the opening of the show the acts were told, "Some of you will not be performing for us tonight." I'm thinking wtf???? They bring them all here just to send them home? It's a woman's prerogative to change her mind, not a judges.
Piers asks each act, whose name is called, to stand. Well, first there's that knife swallowing dude, followed by the knife throwing cowboy. Then the kids in a cage. Right away, I'm thinking this is just dumb. I mean why did you even get their hopes up? But then they call out some really talented acts, like the female vocalist who's boyfriend was killed a couple years ago. HUH? Are you people crazy?
After a dramatic pause, and a commercial, Pierce announces that the 10 acts whose names were just called "Will not be performing tonight, because your going directly to Hollywood." With some of the acts they sent to Hollywood, I'm thinking maybe they are crazy.
Now we're down to 38 - the judges faves performed tonight and others are on stand-by. They're only shot to perform is to hope the faves fail.
They categorized the acts to make judging easier, but it wasn't easier for me to keep track of them and I swear there were some really talented acts missing.
First up - Danger! Fire juggler, the dude who broke his forehead on boards, a cyclist stunt team, and Frank, who juggles a million and a half volts of electricity. Someone let me know which one made it through to Hollywood.
Female singing groups Guess I missed some, because all I saw was 4 Play messing up so badly that the judges sent them home immediately and The twins, Mona Lisa, who are going to Hollywood.
Acrobats, which included the Polefessional, Steve, and the other pole dancer Soleil. I think once Soleil watched Steve's act, she knew she wasn't going to make it, so she played the sympathy card. It didn't work. Steve is on his way to Hollywood.
Magicians. Compared to last year, these magicians are amateurs. Fantastic Fig and his card tricks, belong in some bar. Actually, behind the bar, mixing up drinks in between the card trix.
I know Michael had some problems with his act. Even though he continued to make girls appear outta nowhere, he won't be making them magically appear in Hollywood.
Animal Acts. Jack Russel. Fail. MaCaw. Fail. Echo the Parrot, even though he/she didn't feel like performing, is going to Hollywood.
Classical vocalists. Now, if someone could please tell me why they put Landau, the guy that sings like Frank Sinatra, in the classical vocalists with opera singers, I'd appreciate it. Although, he did perform better than poor Cindy Chang, who I really had hopes for. This time out, she failed miserably, and I don't think the body-building opera singer made it through.
Bands The only one I cared about was Pop Lyfe. Piers wasn't pleased with them the first time around, and I think all the judges thought the lead singer could go it alone, but she told them she doesn't go anywhere without her boys. She also said that they'd do more electric next time, and they did. They were great in all aspects of their performance and they're on their way to Hollywood.
Dance acts Ouch! A member of Fatally Unique, was injured and taken to the hospital. She returned with a split lip and the tip of her nose broken. And then the lead dancer from another group twisted her ankle. But who do you think had no mishaps and was just as awesome as he was the first time? That would be Snap Boogie, who is going to Hollywood. Mmmhmmm. Go Snap Boogie, Go Snap Boogie. I don't think he'll be street performing too much longer.
Female vocalists - solo Out of the three finalists in this category, I just wanted Dani Shay to make it to Hollywood. The Justin Beiber look-alike, took a chance and performed a song she had written. She messed up, but has a voice so, the judges gave her a chance to find a well-known song and come back for a second chance.
She sang "Troubled" which was probably appropriately defining the way she felt. I liked the way she performed the song and so did the judges. See ya in Hollywood, Dani.
Comics Having done stand-up for a while in Chicago clubs, the one thing I know for sure is, you need an audience. Three people does not an audience make, especially if they're not guffawers. With Piers, who doesn't find anything funny, the comics didn't stand a chance. I was happy that Melissa Villasenor was one of the 10 sent right through to Hollywood.
I felt sorry for the one female comic, who raced through her routine like she had to take a pee. The heavy sweater with the one liners made it through and I'm pretty sure the guy who makes up short, funny songs made it through.
Not sure what they called the next group, because I was running from TV to office and missed the start, but I'm calling it Novelty Acts A drag queen, who looked gorgeous, but couldn't sing. A ping pong paddle guy? The Funny Little People, who are going to Hollywood - they cute, but not a million bucks worth of cute. Neither is the Kinetic King, but he got sent through, too.
Lastly the Male Vocalist category. Pretty sure there were four, most of whom I missed, but I got to see Desmond, a consummate entertainer, go to Hollywood.
I'll continue to watch it this season, but in the future, I refuse to subject myself to the idiotic acts that AGT considers comic relief. Next season, if there is one, someone is going to have to let me know when the finals are, because watching AGT with all the dumb acts, is just a waste of my time.
Out of the 100 chosen for Vegas, only 48 would be left standing, the others would have their dreams shattered. Frankly, some of the acts the judges voted through to Vegas didn't belong there to begin with.
At the opening of the show the acts were told, "Some of you will not be performing for us tonight." I'm thinking wtf???? They bring them all here just to send them home? It's a woman's prerogative to change her mind, not a judges.
Piers asks each act, whose name is called, to stand. Well, first there's that knife swallowing dude, followed by the knife throwing cowboy. Then the kids in a cage. Right away, I'm thinking this is just dumb. I mean why did you even get their hopes up? But then they call out some really talented acts, like the female vocalist who's boyfriend was killed a couple years ago. HUH? Are you people crazy?
After a dramatic pause, and a commercial, Pierce announces that the 10 acts whose names were just called "Will not be performing tonight, because your going directly to Hollywood." With some of the acts they sent to Hollywood, I'm thinking maybe they are crazy.
Now we're down to 38 - the judges faves performed tonight and others are on stand-by. They're only shot to perform is to hope the faves fail.
They categorized the acts to make judging easier, but it wasn't easier for me to keep track of them and I swear there were some really talented acts missing.
First up - Danger! Fire juggler, the dude who broke his forehead on boards, a cyclist stunt team, and Frank, who juggles a million and a half volts of electricity. Someone let me know which one made it through to Hollywood.
Female singing groups Guess I missed some, because all I saw was 4 Play messing up so badly that the judges sent them home immediately and The twins, Mona Lisa, who are going to Hollywood.
Acrobats, which included the Polefessional, Steve, and the other pole dancer Soleil. I think once Soleil watched Steve's act, she knew she wasn't going to make it, so she played the sympathy card. It didn't work. Steve is on his way to Hollywood.
Magicians. Compared to last year, these magicians are amateurs. Fantastic Fig and his card tricks, belong in some bar. Actually, behind the bar, mixing up drinks in between the card trix.
I know Michael had some problems with his act. Even though he continued to make girls appear outta nowhere, he won't be making them magically appear in Hollywood.
Animal Acts. Jack Russel. Fail. MaCaw. Fail. Echo the Parrot, even though he/she didn't feel like performing, is going to Hollywood.
Classical vocalists. Now, if someone could please tell me why they put Landau, the guy that sings like Frank Sinatra, in the classical vocalists with opera singers, I'd appreciate it. Although, he did perform better than poor Cindy Chang, who I really had hopes for. This time out, she failed miserably, and I don't think the body-building opera singer made it through.
Bands The only one I cared about was Pop Lyfe. Piers wasn't pleased with them the first time around, and I think all the judges thought the lead singer could go it alone, but she told them she doesn't go anywhere without her boys. She also said that they'd do more electric next time, and they did. They were great in all aspects of their performance and they're on their way to Hollywood.
Dance acts Ouch! A member of Fatally Unique, was injured and taken to the hospital. She returned with a split lip and the tip of her nose broken. And then the lead dancer from another group twisted her ankle. But who do you think had no mishaps and was just as awesome as he was the first time? That would be Snap Boogie, who is going to Hollywood. Mmmhmmm. Go Snap Boogie, Go Snap Boogie. I don't think he'll be street performing too much longer.
Female vocalists - solo Out of the three finalists in this category, I just wanted Dani Shay to make it to Hollywood. The Justin Beiber look-alike, took a chance and performed a song she had written. She messed up, but has a voice so, the judges gave her a chance to find a well-known song and come back for a second chance.
She sang "Troubled" which was probably appropriately defining the way she felt. I liked the way she performed the song and so did the judges. See ya in Hollywood, Dani.
Comics Having done stand-up for a while in Chicago clubs, the one thing I know for sure is, you need an audience. Three people does not an audience make, especially if they're not guffawers. With Piers, who doesn't find anything funny, the comics didn't stand a chance. I was happy that Melissa Villasenor was one of the 10 sent right through to Hollywood.
I felt sorry for the one female comic, who raced through her routine like she had to take a pee. The heavy sweater with the one liners made it through and I'm pretty sure the guy who makes up short, funny songs made it through.
Not sure what they called the next group, because I was running from TV to office and missed the start, but I'm calling it Novelty Acts A drag queen, who looked gorgeous, but couldn't sing. A ping pong paddle guy? The Funny Little People, who are going to Hollywood - they cute, but not a million bucks worth of cute. Neither is the Kinetic King, but he got sent through, too.
Lastly the Male Vocalist category. Pretty sure there were four, most of whom I missed, but I got to see Desmond, a consummate entertainer, go to Hollywood.
I'll continue to watch it this season, but in the future, I refuse to subject myself to the idiotic acts that AGT considers comic relief. Next season, if there is one, someone is going to have to let me know when the finals are, because watching AGT with all the dumb acts, is just a waste of my time.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
America's Got Talent - Final Auditions
Cannon called out every state AGT has auditioned hopefuls, but ummmm...where are they tonight? This is the second time I've managed to miss the state where auditions were being held.
Plus, I felt trixed, because last week they said AGT was going to be in Vegas "Next Tuesday Night." OMG! They suckered me into watching more bad acts...or did they?
First, three little girls, 9-10, cute as all get out, until one showed her attitude. "We're the Calico Hearts," said one. Then little miss look at me, said, "No. AVERY and the Calico Hearts." Wonder which one was Avery? lol
They were talented for their ages and whilst Avery was the lead singer, I think either one of the other two could have sang the lead just as well. Then they'd have to change their names to Just Plain Ol' Calico Hearts, because Avery wouldn't allow any one person, other than herself, to feature their name. lol
No matter what they call themselves, they're headed for Vegas.
So, was tonight's show going to be more entertaining than the others? We've heard of people who put blood, sweat and tears into their life's ambition, but Kevin Shelley really did put blood into his performance.
After breaking a bajillion boards with his forehead, no doubt he went hope with one hell of a headache - not to mention a gash so deep I'm sure it needs stitches. Wonder if they put him through because they felt badly. hmmmm.
Desmond Meeks, who sang "Georgia on My Mind" got three yes votes to Vegas. Thomas John, a juggler, who learned to juggle to impress ladies was voted through, too. As was 4 Play, a group of female vocalists, who performed a Beyonce song and J. Chris Newburg, who did a comedic song about Women. Pierce didn't think it was funny, but the other two voted him through. Backstage, J. Chris spontaneously wrote a song dedicated to Pierce. "Hey, Pierce, Suck It."
If you watch the show, you know Howie loves to play practical jokes on Pierce. Well, for a change someone played a practical joke on Howie - the germophobe. He went into his trailer and shouted, "There's P on my toilet!" The camera zooms in and OMG! LOL! There's the letter P, made of wood, sitting on his toilet. Guess I must have been in one of those "silly" moods, because I laughed out loud.
The "Hell no you ain't going to Vegas" votes went to:
King Diamond, who sang "Just My Imagination" really badly.
Manchego, who appeared on stage in a robe and then proceeded to take off a thousand pairs of colorfully designed briefs until finally he was completely exposed. I'm just guessing, because the camera didn't show his lower half, but by audience reaction, he probably should have left the last pair on.
Morton Hyson, an opera singer, declared he was going to hit the lowest note ever written for an aria - Low D. Fail!
Goowin's balloon act was quickly buzzed off, but I'm sure you can hire him for your kiddies next party.
We then suffered through one more "hell no" act, albeit briefly, an off key singer named, Marivana.
When Chicago's Ultimate Tumblers, lead by Orpheus - their mentor, coach, father figure to some - performed, it was exciting. Yeah, it was just tumbling, but their leaps kept growing higher and higher, via a human pyramid that they had to tumble over. And even after the girl at the top was knocked down by one of the tumblers, she just jumped right back up there. The judges were impressed and the tumblers, on their way to Vegas.
Then, the final act, whose names I didn't get and whose act was a mystery. One of them was named Frank. Or was that Fred? Actually, the name of the act was, "Meet Me at Fairfax and 3rd."
Two elderly dudes; one, 67, and the other near death, met at a Karaoke bar. Wait, is Karaoke a talent? A keyboard was set up and a chair, like a prop. Hmmmm?
OMG! They had everyone laughing hysterically. The 67 year old did head stands on the chair in different positions, whilst his friend played the keyboard and sang off key.
Still, no matter how funny it was, they shouldn't have been sent through with three yes votes. I mean, really?
Plus, I felt trixed, because last week they said AGT was going to be in Vegas "Next Tuesday Night." OMG! They suckered me into watching more bad acts...or did they?
First, three little girls, 9-10, cute as all get out, until one showed her attitude. "We're the Calico Hearts," said one. Then little miss look at me, said, "No. AVERY and the Calico Hearts." Wonder which one was Avery? lol
They were talented for their ages and whilst Avery was the lead singer, I think either one of the other two could have sang the lead just as well. Then they'd have to change their names to Just Plain Ol' Calico Hearts, because Avery wouldn't allow any one person, other than herself, to feature their name. lol
No matter what they call themselves, they're headed for Vegas.
So, was tonight's show going to be more entertaining than the others? We've heard of people who put blood, sweat and tears into their life's ambition, but Kevin Shelley really did put blood into his performance.
After breaking a bajillion boards with his forehead, no doubt he went hope with one hell of a headache - not to mention a gash so deep I'm sure it needs stitches. Wonder if they put him through because they felt badly. hmmmm.
Desmond Meeks, who sang "Georgia on My Mind" got three yes votes to Vegas. Thomas John, a juggler, who learned to juggle to impress ladies was voted through, too. As was 4 Play, a group of female vocalists, who performed a Beyonce song and J. Chris Newburg, who did a comedic song about Women. Pierce didn't think it was funny, but the other two voted him through. Backstage, J. Chris spontaneously wrote a song dedicated to Pierce. "Hey, Pierce, Suck It."
If you watch the show, you know Howie loves to play practical jokes on Pierce. Well, for a change someone played a practical joke on Howie - the germophobe. He went into his trailer and shouted, "There's P on my toilet!" The camera zooms in and OMG! LOL! There's the letter P, made of wood, sitting on his toilet. Guess I must have been in one of those "silly" moods, because I laughed out loud.
The "Hell no you ain't going to Vegas" votes went to:
King Diamond, who sang "Just My Imagination" really badly.
Manchego, who appeared on stage in a robe and then proceeded to take off a thousand pairs of colorfully designed briefs until finally he was completely exposed. I'm just guessing, because the camera didn't show his lower half, but by audience reaction, he probably should have left the last pair on.
Morton Hyson, an opera singer, declared he was going to hit the lowest note ever written for an aria - Low D. Fail!
Goowin's balloon act was quickly buzzed off, but I'm sure you can hire him for your kiddies next party.
We then suffered through one more "hell no" act, albeit briefly, an off key singer named, Marivana.
When Chicago's Ultimate Tumblers, lead by Orpheus - their mentor, coach, father figure to some - performed, it was exciting. Yeah, it was just tumbling, but their leaps kept growing higher and higher, via a human pyramid that they had to tumble over. And even after the girl at the top was knocked down by one of the tumblers, she just jumped right back up there. The judges were impressed and the tumblers, on their way to Vegas.
Then, the final act, whose names I didn't get and whose act was a mystery. One of them was named Frank. Or was that Fred? Actually, the name of the act was, "Meet Me at Fairfax and 3rd."
Two elderly dudes; one, 67, and the other near death, met at a Karaoke bar. Wait, is Karaoke a talent? A keyboard was set up and a chair, like a prop. Hmmmm?
OMG! They had everyone laughing hysterically. The 67 year old did head stands on the chair in different positions, whilst his friend played the keyboard and sang off key.
Still, no matter how funny it was, they shouldn't have been sent through with three yes votes. I mean, really?
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Funny Girl - Fiction v Truth
Admittedly, I've loved musicals ever since I was a kid. I did lots of musical theater and I think I've seen every musical ever written for the big screen. Afterwards, the tunes play over and over in my head and it just makes me smile.
When musicals are based on true stories, (well, when any movie is based on a true story) they're even more appealing to me.
Today, for the umpteenth time, I watched Funny Girl, starring, Barbara Streisand (Fanny Brice) and Omar Sharif (Nick Arnstein). Ever since the first time I saw the movie, I swooned over the dashing and debonaire Nick Arstein and fantasized about the wonderful love affair between the two.
Fanny Brice was a successful star of the Ziegfeld Follies and wasn't all that attractive, herself. She was a comedienne, who could sing and entertain, and who, unfortunately, fell hopelessly in love with Arnstein.
The film depicts him as handsome, suave, and a man of the world, who is protective and charming and classy and gallant. God, it hurts when "true" stories aren't at all true.
Unfortunately, Nick wasn't exactly Omar Sharif. As they say, "Love is blind." Not only wasn't he a great looker, but I read that he was a common criminal - a swindler, a con man - who had been arrested several times, throughout Europe.
The movie depicts him as a professional gambler, which he was. He meets Fanny, they fall in love, get married, have a baby, but don't live happily ever after.
As it turns out, Nick Arnstein, one of his aliases, was married whilst wooing Fanny. He thought nothing of moving in with her and her mom and living off Fanny's money. And it wasn't until his divorce was finalized, seven years later, that he and Fanny wed - two months prior to her delivering their first baby.
Funny how creative license works. In the movie, Arnstein turns to crime, because his ego wouldn't allow him to be anything but the breadwinner and the thought of living off his wife's money was unbearable. HA!
When he was fingered as part of a gang that stole millions of securities, he wasn't even man enough to turn himself in. Instead he went into hiding, letting Fanny deal with the press and cops. Plus, she was pregnant with their second child, who was never mentioned in the movie.
The movie not only has him turning himself in, but pleading guilty. From what I read, he spent four years trying to beat the rap on technicalities. Wonder if you can guess who paid the lawyers fees.
Finally, in 1927, Brice woke up and divorced him. Well, he was having an affair with some wealthy, older woman.
I'm guessing that Ray Stark, Brice's son-in-law, and the man who created Funny Girl was afraid Arnstein would have sued him if he wrote the truth. Oh wells, fantasy is always so much better than reality.
When musicals are based on true stories, (well, when any movie is based on a true story) they're even more appealing to me.
Today, for the umpteenth time, I watched Funny Girl, starring, Barbara Streisand (Fanny Brice) and Omar Sharif (Nick Arnstein). Ever since the first time I saw the movie, I swooned over the dashing and debonaire Nick Arstein and fantasized about the wonderful love affair between the two.
Fanny Brice was a successful star of the Ziegfeld Follies and wasn't all that attractive, herself. She was a comedienne, who could sing and entertain, and who, unfortunately, fell hopelessly in love with Arnstein.
The film depicts him as handsome, suave, and a man of the world, who is protective and charming and classy and gallant. God, it hurts when "true" stories aren't at all true.
Unfortunately, Nick wasn't exactly Omar Sharif. As they say, "Love is blind." Not only wasn't he a great looker, but I read that he was a common criminal - a swindler, a con man - who had been arrested several times, throughout Europe.
The movie depicts him as a professional gambler, which he was. He meets Fanny, they fall in love, get married, have a baby, but don't live happily ever after.
As it turns out, Nick Arnstein, one of his aliases, was married whilst wooing Fanny. He thought nothing of moving in with her and her mom and living off Fanny's money. And it wasn't until his divorce was finalized, seven years later, that he and Fanny wed - two months prior to her delivering their first baby.
Funny how creative license works. In the movie, Arnstein turns to crime, because his ego wouldn't allow him to be anything but the breadwinner and the thought of living off his wife's money was unbearable. HA!
When he was fingered as part of a gang that stole millions of securities, he wasn't even man enough to turn himself in. Instead he went into hiding, letting Fanny deal with the press and cops. Plus, she was pregnant with their second child, who was never mentioned in the movie.
The movie not only has him turning himself in, but pleading guilty. From what I read, he spent four years trying to beat the rap on technicalities. Wonder if you can guess who paid the lawyers fees.
Finally, in 1927, Brice woke up and divorced him. Well, he was having an affair with some wealthy, older woman.
I'm guessing that Ray Stark, Brice's son-in-law, and the man who created Funny Girl was afraid Arnstein would have sued him if he wrote the truth. Oh wells, fantasy is always so much better than reality.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)