Whine & Cheese

Size Queen

Had a funny episode (well at least I think so) this past week at the ballpark. To wash down my $4.75 hot dog, I asked for a "medium" Pepsi -- this immediately sent the woman behind the counter into a state of utter confusion. She took turns displaying the 3 cup sizes and asked me which one I wanted. I pointed to and said "the middle one."

She then informed me that the 3 available sizes were: Large, Extra-Large, and Jumbo.

I guess with the astronomic prices for any baseball park food/beverage, this is just a small attempt to make one feel they are getting some kind of bargain. It seems a (insert sarcastic tone) a whole lot better spending $4.25 on an extra-large drink as opposed to a medium-sized one.
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I hit a blog hit milestone this past week - 5,000 hits! I am always looking at how folks are getting to my blog but rarely look at the overall number. I average about 200 hits/week, but I was still surprised to see that I hit the 5k mark (according to NedStatBasic which I started using the 2nd week of January).

I tried to come up with how I reached it. Here are my best guesses:

900+: Probably the number of hits I am personally responsible for...checking to see if my entry properly uploaded, confirming that I still have no comments, and keeping an eye on my BlogRolling list for new entries from my favorite bloggers.

400+: Guess-timate hits from Todd. This not only helps him to determine what kind of mood he is going to encounter upon returning from work but also prepares him for the inevitable question "Did you read my blog today?"

2,000+: Search hits related to American Idol...the first week the show aired I received 909 hits for that week alone or nearly 20% of my total hits thus far in 2004! Apparently I was one of the few web sites to mention the contestants by name. The hit parade has continued thanks to (like 'em or not!) my regular Idol updates... though a large percentage just want to know which contestants are gay... or see them naked/nude or barefoot (even some under-age ones...eek!)

700+: My two blog mascots, Josh Duhamel & Nate Berkus. The traffic generated by these guys (along w/ Idol) ultimately led to the creation of my off-shoot
blog "index" - Water Blogged - to answer those frequently asked questions. Yes, 95% are looking for nude, naked, or shirtless pix. They are out there for Joshie, while Nate has yet to show any noteworthy skin.

300+: Naked or nude anyone! If you want to increase search hits, just innocently slip in either of those two words and mention any well-known person (not necesarily in relation to each other) into your blog and watch the numbers turn...whether you think so or not, someone will likely want to see them in some state of undress.

150+: Gay anyone! See above... not nearly as popular as nudity, but there is still a definite curiosity about what gender people are choosing to get down with.

550+: So that leaves us to the most important group: the "real" readers of my blog...those that seem to have at least a passing interest in my obsessions, my rare serious thoughts, and/or fairly hum-drum daily going-ons...and likewise, the folks who have also opened a window into their world that I have thoroughly enjoyed, been entertained by, or been thought-provoked by (I know not a real phrase, but you know what I mean!)

Have a great weekend... however you got here!

Idol Week 9 Results: Don't Leave Me This Way

Another shocker on Idol last night, well not really...as I said yesterday, anything could happen and it certainly did. While I was disappointed, I did not lose any sleep over it.

By now, we know now that talented ousted contestants (even some not very talented) will be just fine. It is probably best that LaToya did not win and be as fully obligated to the dog-and-pony show that endlessly trots back past finalists to the show. Perhaps subconsciously LaToya was ready to leave. She talked about "already being a winner" and achieving her goal of mass exposure. She always exuded cool confidence (not always an endearing quality w/ the public)...but her perceived early (and undeserved) exit will only garner her more attention. In her tribute tape, Elton John spoke that he would immediately sign her to a record contract... perhaps he should try and figure out how to get her into the lead on his production of "Aida" - a role that I think would be perfectly suited for LaToya.

So where does this leave the remainder of the competition? Shouldn't they have asked the psychic that last night?!? Similar to the John Stevens/J-Hud debacle, Jasmine will probably suffer backlash next week and be voted off. That is if the judges shut up and Seacrest (Out!) remains an impartial host (as a typical male, he pretty said anything to stop the tears). The judges Tuesday night smackdown proved once again that it only rallies the voting troops. They were surprised that folks supported a genuinely sweet girl that they reduced to a crying jag on national television?? Unfortunately for Jasmine, she now joins the ranks of Nikki McKibben and John Stevens as an Idol spoiler.

Idol Week 9: Duck! It's Disco Night!

Here are my thoughts about Disco Night:

Jasmine: Randy nailed down Jasmine's vocal problems last night, she tends to hit one bad note and has a hard time recovering. This was pretty evident in her first selection, but honestly I did not think she did all that bad with "It's Raining Men" - though following Kelly Clarkson and Kimberley Locke in the previous two seasons it might not have been the smartest choice. Hopefully America will put Jas out of her misery tonite...was kind of tough watching her break down after her harshest criticism of the competition. But will the tears just earn her sympathy votes and push her into the final 3?

LaToya: Again agree with Simon here, we all know what a great vocalist LaToya is, so there is really little to say at this point. The first song was pretty boring, but she hit it out of the ballpark (or as Paula would say "Touchdown!") with a smokin' version of "Don't Leave Me This Way."

Fantasia: Probably my least favorite "BoBo" night of the competition... but her charisma/star quality should propel her to the finals. But what exactly is the point of having theme nights when contestants can pick songs totally outside the genre?! Fantasia has been the biggest offender. If a song from "Footloose" is considered disco, then hopefully I will be seeing a social security check about 10 years sooner than expected. Likewise, last week's Freddy Mercury/Queen song released in 1979 qualifies as big band? With all the songs available, I am thinking just a special arrangement should not qualify it as a genre song.

Diana: As much as Jasmine is self-destructing, Diana seems to be gaining momentum. As with the others, I wasn't floored with her first song...but her "No More Tears" (in front of Donna Summer no less!) finale was the best performance of the evening.

I don't really know what to expect from tonight's vote. Jasmine should go, but there are certainly plenty of potential explanations for the exit of any of the others.

Amber Alert

Is the Survivor finale over yet? I know it is always a 3-hour shindig, but it seemed to go on forever.  Todd's parents were up for Mother's Day...and having not watched any of the show this season... by the end they said they felt like they knew everything that went on during the All-Star edition!

So what to think?  I was starting to think that my predictions was going to be wrong as Rob put up a much better fight in the final voting than I thought he would... but heck with his proposal he pretty much could not lose.  Is it just me... were Rob and Amber better looking after 39 days on the island than at the reunion show?

As seems to be a Survivor tradition, much of the jury questioning and reunion part circled around the moral high ground.  Bitch, bitch, bitch, bitch, bitch...about getting
lied to, backstabbed, voted off...blah, blah, blah.  I know the All-Stars was much more personal this time around given that being part of Survivor puts you in this elite members-only type of country club...but time after time, I am still amazed that people lose sight of what this show is all about. I would have expected more, especially from this group of "veterans." So kudos to the NY audience for booing Lex and Jerri for their whining. Granted I don't think Rob is an angel, but he is not evil incarnate either. 

So who should win the $1 million popular vote?! I am certainly not going to be participating...these folks have already been justly rewarded with both publicity and money (though not sure what the payouts were this season, but rumor has it that the All-Stars were quite nicer than usual on the financial side).  I certainly would not vote for anyone who won the million already (Richard, Tina, Ethan, Jenna M, Amber), Boston Rob though deserving already has the benefit of the $1 mil, the whiners (Lex, Tom, Alicia, Kathy, Jeri) just deserve to continue chowing down on sour grapes, and those who didn't last long this time around certainly don't deserve it.  So that gets it down to (for me at least) to) Shii Ann, Rupert and Jenna.  Out of that group I like Shii Ann the best...especially for her calm perspective on the whole game, but she did pretty much coast through the game. The other two were personally annoying... Jenna (wouldn't shut up, too desperate for the $$), Rupert (delusions of self-importance, babyish demeanor)...but I suspect that the wildly popular Rupert will probably win the bonus pool.

Goodbye To Thursday Night TV

After all the fuss maybe it is a little hard to believe that Friends is no more (well, except for living on in infinity on syndication)!  I have to say that I haven't watched the show as much in the past few years once Survivor decided to go head-to-head with it.  But with TiVo joining our household, I have been back watching the final season. 

Thought it was a pretty good episode, nothing spectacular or shocking...but a fitting, if all too predictably happy, end.  Though I am not sure these friends are meant to be parents!  When she decided to move to Paris, Ross pined over the loss of Rachel but nary a mention about baby Emma.  But alas Emma was given a brief mention, though still unseen, last night as we learned she would be joining her Mom in a week's time.  Then we have the one shock of the evening - the birth of surrogate twins for Monica and Chandler.  The birth was surprising emotionless with not a tear of joy shed during the delivery - this was only topped by the new parents repeatedly leaving the newborns alone while dealing with their other baby, Joey!   

But alas they are not totally gone... I believe I have read that a special Friends Thanksgiving "reunion" show is already in the can... and then we have the debut of Joey in the fall... though I think I will have a hard time thinking of Drea de Matteo as Joey's sister as opposed to Adrianna on The Sopranos.
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Speaking of Survivor... as we head towards the Sunday final I was starting to think we had the stupidest bunch of Survivors for not knocking out the power couple of Rob and Amber.  Week after week, we see these All-Stars put all their trust in Rob only to find themselves on the sidelines. 

But now I am thinking that the smartest thing any of the remaining Survivors could do is bring Rob into the finals.  But figuring out how to get to the final two with him is probably the biggest challenge...given that Rob/Amber seem to be best prepared for the immunity challenges (the last one usually being one of endurance). 

There is an angry bunch of jurors with enough knives in their backs to start their own Ginsu collection that the lovebirds could not possible win in the end.  Often their is talk of "respect" the way a person outwitted and outplayed them (this is where I see Amber having a chance)...but given the outcast interviews I have seen, no one is speaking kindly of Rob even months after being off the island. 

Fearless predictions:
If Amber gets to the final 2, she wins.
If it is Rupert or Jenna vs. Rob, Rob loses.
If it is Rupert vs. Jenna, Rupert wins.

Idol Week 8 Results: Sweatin' To The Oldies

Poor George... voted off and all folks seem to want to talk about it his arm pit sweat stains! Though kudos to Paula, for putting herself back to together again in a mere 24 hours. But back to George, put oneself in a stressful situation plus add enough stage lights to light up a small town and try not to sweat just a little bit (even with an anti-perspirant)!

Was not all that surprised that we are left with an all-female final four. The judges seemed to speak of girl power right from the audition phase. I would have preferred at least another week of George over Jasmine, but I guess at this point it was fairly clear that neither of them were going to make it to the finals...so I guess the order of exit does not really matter all that much at this point.

So next week is "Disco Night"... don't you think it is time for the show to stop forcing the final contestants through musical genre hoops? I don't expect we'll be seeing a Barry Manilow Latin-Country-Disco tribute album from any of them in the near future. They have had weeks to show off their "versatility" so why not just let them sing what they want to for the remainder of the competition?!

So are we headed to the Fantasia/LaToya final two showdown? I hope so but who knows. Season 1 should have been Kelly vs. Tamyra (though Justin Guarini - or should I say soon to be Mr. Nicole Richie? That's the rumor folks! - had the school girl squeal appeal) while Ruben/Clay seemed to be destined to be the final 2 not too far into Season 2. So we'll see... I will go out on a limb and predict Diana will be in the final two.

Idol Week 8: Big Band

Okay folks, we are getting into the home stretch for this season's American Idol and there is not a whole heck of a lot to say that has not already been said. I am in the Fantasia/LaToya Final 2 camp, but that said, I have a feeling it will not happen.

As far as last night's "Big Band" night, my order of finish is:
LaToya - strong vocals and "performance"
Fantasia - not the greatest showing, but still head-and-shoulders above the rest of the competitors and in a horse-race w/ LaToya
Diana - on a mini-comeback vocally the two weeks, a fashion disaster again and starting to detect a bit of fatigue
George - nothing exciting last night, I would still place him above Diana overall, but with his bottom 2 finish last week he does not seem destined for the finals
Jasmine - the most "deserving" to go tonight, good but not great vocals and shoot the stylist who told her jeans w/ chains was appropriate attire for "big band" night

But the bigger question last night was what exactly was going on with Paula Abdul? More loopy than usual, the meds she must be on from her near fatal manicure really puffed up her face as well...or something!

Reluctant Martyrs?

For the past two weeks the death of Pat Tillman, a former ASU and Arizona Cardinals football player who was killed in action in Afghanistan, has dominated the local news scene. While Tillman's story is truly extraordinary, giving up a multi-million dollar NFL contract to join the fight against terrorism,  Tillman refused to make a big deal (i.e. no media interviews) about his decision to enter the military.  But his death has been a HUGE deal.  We live just a two miles from the Cardinals training facility.  When a make-shift Tillman memorial was created at that site -- local news channel helicopters buzzed over the site and the parking lot was overrun with satellite trucks from not only the local, but national, news outlets. 

Instantly there was instant discussions about tributes to honor Tillman - re-naming freeways, football stadiums, plazas, etc.   This talk was mostly likely fueled by another early casualty of the war on terror... Lori Piestewa, the first Native American woman killed in action (in Iraq).  A five-year moratorium was circumvented and a local mountain was renamed Piestewa Peak shortly after her death (to further complicate the issue - the mountain's original name, Squaw Peak, had been mired in controversy for years as "squaw" is an offensive term for a Native American woman).  An accompanying freeway (again with the "squaw") was also re-named in her honor.

Some flags remain at half-staff here in Arizona for Tillman.  Again, I don't belittle the sacrifices of Tillman and Piestewa. But what about Nathan White, Fernando Padilla-Ramirez, Michael Williams, and Jay Thomas?  These are other Arizonans killed in action...and sadly I had to look up these names on the Internet.  They did not make the front page of the paper for more than a day or have their memorial services bombarded (thankfully!) by the media.   They too are someone's son, wife, father, or sister...and their contribution deserves no more or less "honor" that their media "newsworthy" christened comrades.   

Much to their credit, the Piestewa and Tillman families have stayed out of the spotlight... mourning in private, not relenting to incessant requests for comments or interviews from the media.  I can not help but believe their now deceased family member who was would want anything different. 

Tillman and Piestewa must be looking down upon all the frenzy over their deaths with more than a little disdain.  They unselfishly and anonymously made a decision to serve their country.  They probably hoped to be just a small part of making the world a better and safer place. 

Sadly in war time, there is no way to adequately honor each and every individual sacrifice with a memorial or newscast or special section of the newspaper. There are not enough highways nor mountain tops nor stadiums for every life lost.  Is the second Native American woman's combat death or an athlete who may have only had his glory on a high school football field any less worthy of honor?

Obviously I can not know what was going on in the minds of Piestewa or Tillman...but I can not help but think they thought of themselves simply as a soldier - not defined by the ethnicity or their chosen profession.

Mission Accomplished

My parents safely back East yesterday afternoon.  I think I can proudly hang a banner proclaiming "Mission Accomplished" without worry all that much about it coming back to bite me on the ass!

It was a fun but exhausting week with the folks.  As I mentioned pre-visit, my hosting duties have been fairly non-existent since I moved to Arizona.  My dad is pretty high maintenance, so it was just a matter of keeping his contentment level high to determine the make-or-break level.  Granted I stumbled a few times, but more often than not I was able to keep ahead of him.  My mom was just so pleased to finally get out here for a visit, I think I could have done next to nothing and she would have been on the proverbial Cloud Nine.

We got to see a good baseball game on Monday night as our Arizona Diamondbacks (backed by Randy Johnson) pounded the Chicago Cubs.  Tuesday through Friday it was off to Las Vegas for a bevy of buffets and a gaggle of gambling.  The parents even enjoyed the 6-hour drive from Phoenix to Sin City... back East wide-open spaces (miles and miles of desert and mountains) just don't exist so it was all new/different for them.  Vegas was also a nice change from the geriatric Atlantic City crowd.  My parents (both well retired) feel like youngsters among the motorized wheel chairs and oxygen tanks of the East Coast gambling mecca.  With a car we were also able to scoot all around town... and with that you can still find those famed bargain buffets but off the famed LV Strip!  We paid  $5.99 for most days for belly-busting breakfasts and anywhere from $9.95-$11.99 for dinner (the $11.99 one boasting filet mignon and shrimp scampi!).

I managed to luck out and get free stay at the Rio thanks to a "invitation only" slot tournament... so I relentlessly banged on a slot machine for 15 minutes on Wednesday and Thursday...didn't win, but heck it was worth some carpel-tunnel for a 600+ square foot suite overlooking the Strip for 3 nights!   Granted I gave a lot of $$ back to the hotel with a pathetically poor run on video poker.  As successful as last trip was on the machines, this one was not!  But as the oft-heard phrase goes... Vegas was not built on winners.  The good news though is that my parents did take home about $600 worth of profit...so that certainly softened my own losses... I would by far rather have seen them win than myself... well at least this one time!

So life has returned to normal... empty house (well except for my four-legged family), back to work (thankfully no major fires to put out, but at least some work that kept me from returning to bed this morning), and a crap-load of stuff to watch on TiVo that was recorded in my absence last week... and alas a return to blogging as well.   I am sure there will be many more tales to tell from the week....so stay tuned!   (Again, under the delusion that anyone actually cares...)