Reality Show Catch Up-An "Apprentice LA" Wrap up; Dance With Stars-Down to Six; Bachelor 07 Down to Nine; Cooking

You might know who won the title of "Apprentice LA" but you can't wrap it up until you read my final summation and advice to The Donald if he wants to keep this thing going.

And Dance With the Stars continues with six left.

A quick check in with the Bachelor finds him down to six choices.

Pic of the Day

---

Quote of the Day There will only be 49 contestants in the Miss Black America Contest this year, because no one wants to wear the banner that says, IDAHO. Don Imus

Web Site Worth the Visit Government Consumer Web Site Free government publication This is a 174 page book on consumer action published by the government. I understand that it is stuffed with valuable information that most would find useful. Also it is a good site to bookmark. ABOVE SITE HERE

TIDBITS FREEZER TIPS: To extend shelf life of flour, store in sealed containers in the freezer. To store baked goods in freezer, wrap well in plastic wrap and place in sealed containers or freezer bags. To thaw, remove from freezer and allow to thaw in sealed container/bag. This way the moisture lost during freezing will be re-absorbed upon thawing. Don't let leftovers die in the refrigerator. Think ahead and use them the next day in omelets, chili, soups, stir-frys, casseroles like macaroni and cheese, and salads. Develop knife skills. Cutting up your own chicken and boning your own meat saves considerable money. Plus, you have bones for making stock. Whole vegetables are cheaper than cut-up ones, too. Use your freezer intelligently. Take advantage of supermarket sales. Buy in bulk ground meat, chicken cutlets, poultry parts, steaks, and chops. Wrap and save leftovers from large casseroles such as baked lasagna, meat from roasted leg of lamb, or a baked ham. And date everything you put in the freezer.

 


"Dancing With the Stars" 2007 Performances 4/23/07

On the evening of this writing, 4/30/07, ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" is scheduled to continue on with six contenders remaining. This critique and commentary is written for the performances on 4/23/07-a week ago. On that evening, Heather Mills was sent packing. The remaining contenders are:

Ian Ziering
Billy Ray Cyrus
Joey Fatone
Laila Ali
John Ratzenberger
Apolo Anton Ohno

The evening's performances began with Joey Fatone doing a Samba. An odd vignette had last year's contender, Jerry Springer, returning during Fatone's practice session to allegedly "make him masculine". Now Joey Fatone is quite masculine but he had been criticized for being a bit too "feminine" in an earlier dance. I'm supposing that Springer was a popular contender on the series and the producers were looking for a way to believably bring him back for a quick visit. Only I didn't believe that Jerry Springer was any expert on masculinity for a second.

At any rate, during Fatone's Samba he sure exhibited some manly "pumping" actions that were almost x-rated. The Judges declared Joey messed up a little bit but he was awarded a total of 27 points out of 30 so he couldn't have messed up too bad.



Heather Mills and her partner performed a Paso Doble to the tune "Don't Cry for Me Argentina". I noticed some fine hand movements and this was the first dance that had me actually seeing Heather's fake leg. The judges declared the performance "fantastic" but said Heather could improve some. Heather and her partner were awarded 23 points, not a shabby score.

The viewing audience evidently didn't agree as the following night Heather was voted off the show.

John Ratzenberg was next. John performed a Mambo, a dance described as being "all about feet and hips". John's partner Edita wore one of the sexiest outfits so far this season and the duo danced to a tune called "Mambo Swing".

The truth is Ratzenberg does not dance very well although the Judges charitably declared that he was like a "dancing teddy bear". John and his partner scored 19 points out of a possible 30. Even though this was the lowest judge-awarded score of the evening, Heather was the dancer sent home. That's been the rather odd pattern this season; the women, even though better dancers, are sent packing way quicker than their awkward male counterparts. I don't know if this is because the likely female-dominated audience jealously sends the pretty females packing or, a more likely scenario, the male audience, few and far between and likely light in the loafers, jam the phone lines to send home the females.

Lailia was up next and she danced a Cha-Cha to the tune "Hold On, I'm Coming". Laila looked as pretty as I've seen during this series with sexy curly hair and some fine dancing. Laila and her partner scored 28 points out of 30.

Billy Ray Cyrus danced a Jive to the tune "We Love to Boogie". Billy Ray, besides John Ratzenberger, is another awkward dancer and he'd tell you that his own self. During Cyrus' performances the focus was more on humor and fun than technique. Several of the moves during this performance were cuter than all get out-including the end with the hat over his crotch and the one quick dance move that had the female upside down with legs spread wide. Billy Ray took a quick peek in-between and giggles abounded.

The judges declared Billy Ray as "always entertaining" and he and his partner scored 21 points.



One of my favorites, Apolo, performed a Rumba. A chair prop was used although the judges grumbled about this. I thought Apolo did a great job and I genuinely enjoyed watching his performance. The judges declared the performance featured "beautiful, fantastic choreography" and the team received 28 points out of a possible 30 total.

Ian Ziering ended the evening with a Paso Doble to the tune, "Waiting for Tonight". I thought the performance as just okay, I certainly was not moved as I had been with Apolo's performance.

The judges commented on Ian's posture, or lack of, and awarded Ian 24 points.

That same evening all the dancers performed a group Swing dance and it was enjoyable to watch. The following night, as stated, Heather Mills was sent home, leaving six left.

My predictions for the top three are:
1-Apolo
2-Laila
3-Joey Fatone

DANCING WITH STARS POST LINKS

OPENING NIGHT
Quick Step and Rumba Night
Ten Down to Nine
Nine Down to Eight
Eight to Seven
Seven Down to Six

"The Bachelor" Whittles the Field Down to Six

Once again, this commentary is about the episode which aired on 4/23/07. On the evening of this writing yet another episode of this rather weird reality series will continue but for now, let's talk about the nine which are now down to three.



Frankly it's been difficult for me to follow all these ladies but I'm supposing that with a narrowing field I will come to know the contenders for Andy Baldwin's heart a bit more. Up until now, they all seemed like pathetic females who are so desperate for a man that they sell their soul and dignity.

This episode began with all the contenders and Andy taking a trip to Lake Tahoe. Of course Bevon had an injured ankle from the prior week and was unable to partake in the fun on the slopes. Bevon through a hissy fit and Andy, being a doctor and everything, had to comfort her. This to the supreme jealousy and cattiness of the other contenders.

At Lake Tahoe there would be two so-called "group dates" and one so-called "one-on-one" dates. I have no idea how these very cherished dates with Andy are chosen in terms of the female who would attend, but this week it was contender Amber who would be alone with Andy.

The first group date featured Tessa, Kate, Tina, and Stephanie from South Carolina. Some interesting things happened on this group date, which seemed to be an afternoon on the slopes. Kate turned out to be a very bad skier and as she was sent home during the Rose Ceremony of Humiliation (my title), I must guess that Andy is an avid skier and this is why he sent Kate packing. No wait. Later Kate and Andy share a gondola and Kate takes that opportunity to declare that another contender is not for him. Hey, it was a catty moment, the sort of stuff women do. It was probably not a good idea for this series as go with me here, likely all the contenders think the other contenders are bad for Andy.

On the same date, Stephani T. warned Andy that Amber was too passive/agressive for him. Heh. This is called using psycho jargon to attack a challenger for a guy's affections.

Tina, on the other hand, asked Andy about money and wow, I thought, a common sense question here. I mean, go on, the issue of money is tip-top on most females' minds when they are considering a possible male lover. Andy declared that the yacht and fancy car used on the show are not his and that he is but a humble naval Lieutenant medico, not obscenely wealthy at all.

Another group date included Nicole, Danielle, Bevon and Stephani from Kansas. Bevon, being of injured ankle, was blessed with some special private time with Andy during their gambling group date. What a hoot.

First Andy maintained that he was always a nerd and pretty Bevon, of course, declared that she too was nerdy and always a social outcast. Heh. If those two perfect human beings are nerds and outcasts than there is no hope for the rest of us.

This duo did share some kisses and once again I must comment that if Andy the perfect male really kisses like what I'm seeing he can just forget it. For it's not enough to be a doctor, handsome, personable and seeking a permanent relationship. A fellow also needs to know how to KISS dammit, and those flat-lipped things Andy's giving out just ain't gonna do it. But then perhaps he's not allowed the kiss he'd like to give due to producer commands.

Amber and Andy had a date by a roaring fire and Andy did give Amber a rose, determining that she would not be sent home that night. This duo discussed all the cattiness and the prospect of the contenders questioning his motives. Which made me wonder what the hell did he expect? One handsome guy and 25 ladies vieing for his affections, go with me here, cattiness would be the norm. Perhaps Andy needs lessons on how women think?



As is the tradition, a rose ceremony was held later and Stephanie from South Carolina, whew...she wore a dress that amply showed off her very un-natural breasts. Three contenders were sent home that night: Stephanie with the artificial boobs, Kate and Nicole. One contender, Tessa, is the only one so far to display some common sense. She expressed some trepedation about this whole concept and suggested she might like to go home and give the whole crazy idea up.

Thus far, with six left, it seems that Andy does like ankle-injured Bevon quite a bit. Beyond this all the ladies seem to melt together for this viewer. Tonight I will watch this reality show again and try to get a "feel" for these ladies to determine if even any of them are worth beloved Andy's affections.

Bachelor Ladies LEFT:
Tessa
Danielle
Bevon
Tina
Amber
Stephanie from Kansas

BACHELOR 2007 LINKS-Officer and Gentleman
Let the Roses Begin
Wiggly Jiggly Boob Night
Down to Nine
Three More Gone; Down to Six
Three More Gone; Down to Six

"The Apprentice" 2007 Ends; A Winner Emerges



This year's Apprentice series, named "Apprentice LA" ended at the Hollywood Bowl on 4/22/07. The winner was Stefani.

The prior week the teams were given a task to create a commercial for the air freshener Renuzit. Frank and Nicole's offering, a disjointed thing concerning a hospital, an injured son and a worried mother, was determined to be the loser of the two offerings. Frank and Nicole were fired right away.

This left Stefani and James. By me, James deserved to win the thing although I still don't know why Trump fired JAmes and I certainly did not understand his rather mysterious comment that he was sending JAmes home because of some dialogue they had earlier. "You know what I'm talking about," Trump declared and hey, I didn't know what he was talking about. And it was never explained either.



All this being now stated, it's no mind. This year's show barely survived and as I've stated often, if Trump wants to keep this thing going he needs to revamp his concept. First, some things he should NOT do. One-DO NOT HIRE MARTHA STEWART TO FIND AN APPRENTICE. Two-FORGET OUTSIDE TENTS.

Trump needs to somehow involve his viewing audience in this thing. Yes viewer voting is all the rage but hey, it works. Viewers who have a stake in the possible winners tend to tune in. Also, Trump might want to consider giving viewers a chance to suggest actual tasks for the would-be contenders.

Whatever the case, I will be surprised if this reality show pops up again next year.

APPRENTICE 2007 LA LINKS
First Show 1/7/07
Swimsuit Task 1/14/07
Michelle Quits 1/21/07
Pollo Loco
The Honey of a Task
Priceline Trips and Language
Marketing the Lexis
The Soap Opera Task
Universal Studios Task
The LA Times and Mouthwash
Three Teams of Two
Renuzit Task
The New Apprentice 2007 WINNER!

More TV Reviews HERE
===============



Add POST to Technorati Favorites
=======================

Down to Six; American Idols

ELIMINATED THE NIGHT OF 4/25/07:
Everyone is safe. I'll explain later.


Below was written BEFORE the elimination show of 4/25/07 was aired.

American Idol 2007 continues by "giving back" during this week of inspiration. It'll be down to five when it's all over and just as soon as the elimination round is over we'll be posting it all to the Blog.

We're still watching The Bachelor, Officer and a Gentleman. We're still critiquing, tongue solidly in cheek.

Pic of the Day

---

Quote of the Day Celebrity Quotes Part 2 "I had a lazy summer. I went nuts with the barbecue. Now I'm back with a new album and video. To be honest, I had more fun with the barbecue." - Singer, John Mayer "I actually like Bush. In some ways I'm the George W. Bush of hip-hop... nobody likes me, but I'm still gonna run it for the next four years." - Rapper 50 Cent "I showed up for work late once, and I got fired. I didn't get a scathing letter from an executive, I got canned!" - Shannen Doherty, on how Lindsay is getting better treatment then she did when she was young "I garden topless. I'll be in my garden, you know, just being natural." - Alyssa Milano "When I started shooting "Police Woman", someone asked me if I had ever played a sleuth before. I said, 'Yes, many times'. I thought they were asking me if I had ever played a slut. I didn't know what a sleuth was". - Angie Dickinson

Web Site Worth the Visit COOL PERSON TEST Think you're so cool you must always wear a coat? Take this test and prove it. Blog Site HERE

TIDBITS Building Trivia If you count only habitable space and measure from the sidewalk level of the main entrance to the structural top of building (excluding flagpoles and spires), then Chicago's Sears Tower may still be the tallest building in the world. *** The Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas, Nevada is the tallest observation tower in the United States. *** The Eiffel Tower was originally built for the 1889 World Fair, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. *** World Trade Center twin towers of New York City ranked fifth and sixth (at 1,368 ft and 1,362 ft) on this list until their destruction on Sept. 11, 2001. *** The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat has defined 4 categories for measuring tall buildings: (!) Height to the structural or architectural , (2) Height to the highest occupied floor, (3) Height to the top of the roof (4) Height to the top of the antenna.

 


American Idol 2007 "Gives Back"



I got a bit confused when, on 4/18/07, host Ryan Seacrest said that this week American Idol would be "giving back" in a spectacular show that would start right after the normal Tuesday night performances. While I thought it seemed like a good idea- for giving away money to those less fortunate is almost always a nice thing- I didn't realize that the then six finalists would still be competing or that the following night, which would be the very evening of the day this missive is written, a contender would be eliminated per normal.

Thus I didn't schedule an American Idol post for this evening and once I understood how this was going to work, I had to scramble to get my act together.

Actually I'm not too crazy about that Bono crazy being a mentor for the week of giving back and the notion of throwing even more money at Africa doesn't cheer me. Sure innocent children in Africa suffer but everyone knows that throwing any money at the mess that is Africa too often goes to their self-appointed thieves, thugs and despots. And malaria is a disease that has been wiped out eons ago except the vaunted UN continues to ban DDT, a pesticide that really works. The DDT ban only affects Africa and we ask, could there be some not so nice people who prefer keeping an entire continent sick and dysfunctional for their own benefit?

Editorials now aside, Africa is just one of the many charities that will benefit from Newscorp's contribution of ten cents per call-in vote up to a total of five million dollars. Newscorp is the parent company of American Idol.

What a wonderful idea! First, the concept encourages phone calls to vote for the Idol contender who inspires. Second, it's a great promo for the contest. Face it, American Idol is the most amazing and successful music idea and reality show to come along in about forever. Finally, piling on the concept, the songs sung by the contenders were songs that inspire.





All this being said, we move on to the final six, their songs and thoughts on their performances on the night of Tuesday 4/24/07. As always, the results of the elimination round will be posted right after the show. This post that you read now was written BEFORE the elimination of one aspiring American Idol.

First up, Chris Richardson sang the Eric Clapton's "Change the World". There are times that I studiously make notes during performances and as the contender stands before Randy, Paula and Simon to hear the critique, those vaunted judges totally disagree with my notes. It doesn't happen all that often, ahem, but it does happen. For I thought that Richardson's performance was flat, out of tune and pitchy, according to my notes.

The judges, every one of them, loved Chris' performance and praised him effusively. So what do I do? Do I scratch my notes and ultimately my opinion? Or do I stick with my original thoughts jotted as I listened and look dumb?

Well I choose to look dumb because I did not like Chris Richardson's performance and besides, my notes indicate he sang a distinctly sour note in the middle of his performance. It's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Melinda Doolittle has proven herself to be a consummate performer and she kept it up with her performance of Faith Hill's "There Will Come a Day". Melinda is a sweet person, any fool can see this. She's got a pleasant understated sense of her self and her talent is at the top of the pile. Paula called Melinda "magical". I have to agree.

I was very discouraged that Blake was in the bottom three last week as this is a fellow with talent and then some. Randy even remarked on the shock of having Blake stand with Sanjaya and Lakisha as the bottom three while Chris Richardson and Phil Stacey scored higher. I'd always considered that Blake would end up the highest ranked male out of this year's contenders but now I worry that Blake's amazing talent might not be the stuff of the young America who buys most of the music cranked out in this era.

Blake sang John Lennon's "Imagine", which is a song I consider to be so silly as to cause me guffaws but for Blake, it was a perfect song choice. I noticed that Blake does tend to have an odd hangdog look when he sings slower songs. I wonder if the rest of America, perhaps tuning in now that the annual competition is down to a few, saw Blake and his odd facial expressions and took him to be a kook. Whatever the case, Blake did a great job with a tune that is really insipid but definitely in the "inspiring" category as required.

I softly suggest that Lakisha Jones will likely be voted off very soon. The woman has an amazing voice but Lakisha is up against so much overwhelming talent and she competes against some with more palatable traits than Lakisha possesses. We've already had a single mother win this contest and, in fact, Lakisha performed "I Believe" by Fantasia for her inspirational song. Fantasia milked the single mother story and, indeed, even was in a made-for-tv movie about her entry into the American Idol contest. Being up against Jordin, who has a refreshing and pretty youth, and Melinda, who looks professional and will likely be a seriously professional singer, I fear Lakisha will get rolled over in the shuffle.

All that being typed, Lakisha did a great job and her dress was beautiful and flattering to her lush figure. The judges all expressed some vague displeasure for Lakisha's performance. Frankly I think they all were discombubulated by the notion of having an American Idol contender sing a former American Idol winner's song. Yes, it's been done before but there are many similarities between Fantasia and Lakisha. It was a bit eerie and might have distracted from Lakisha's powerful voice and performance.

Phil Stacey sang "The World Will Not Change Me" if I got the title correctly. I was surprised because the song was very pretty and held my attention during the entire song. Paula declared it was Stacey's best performance and we were treated to shots of Phil's pretty wife.

Judge Randy and Simon seemed to want to push Stacey toward a country/western genre as he'd performed exceptionally well in that genre on Martina McBride night. Which got me to wondering if a singer could ever be happy singing a genre that they do not like. Actually I'm not sure which genre Phil prefers to sing but he sure is being given hints at what SHOULD be his best.

Finally, my fave to win this thing, Jordin Sparks, sang the most beautiful rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" that I've ever heard. In fact, Simon mentioned that if Jordin's version of this 60 year old song were to be recorded and sold on the mass market, it would be a hit.

For sure I'd download Jordin's song and have it saved on my precious IPOD that I can play it anywhere.

Jordin sang this tune, a song that can be really horrible if done wrong, sweetly without any dramatic theatrics that would not suit Jordin's personality at all. In fact, I sang the ENTIRE song right along with Jordin! Jordin, by the way, was much better.

Randy said Jordin's performance of this song was the best performance EVER, of all the American Idols...of ALL TIME.

It was.

My eyes tear up everytime I just THINK of Jordin's version of that song. If that performance doesn't win the title for Jordin than nothing will.

BEST PERFORMANCE-Jordin Sparks
BEST DRESS-Lakisha Jones
BEST SONG CHOICE FOR VOICE-Blake Lewis
WORST PERFORMANCE-Chris Richardson
BIGGEST SURPRISE OF NIGHT-Jordin Sparks...best performance EVER on American Idol with the song "You'll Never Walk Alone"
MY GUESS AS TO NEXT ELIMINATION-Lakisha Jones, sadly

AMERICAN IDOL 2007 LINKS
Seattle and Minneapolis 1/16/07 and 1/17/07
Birmingham 1/30/07
San Antonio 2/6/07
The Top 24 2/12/2007
First Four Eliminated
3/1/07-Down to 16
The Top Twelve
Diana Ross and the Top Twelve
British Invasion
Gwen Stefani Tribute
Andy Williams Special
Jennifer Lopez Night
Martina McBride Night
Down to Top Five as Idol "Gives Back"

Below, the TOP SIX American Idol Finals for 2007:
Jordin Sparks
Lakisha Jones
Melinda Doolittle
Blake Lewis
Chris Richardson
Phil Stacey

True Crime-Mary Winkler's Trial; A Verdict Almost as Bad as Oj's

True Crime-Youths attack a trian. The mystery of the abandoned ship, the Johnson Space Shooting, some thoughts on Va Tech and the mad man named Cho. Lots of detail on the joke of a Winkler trial. For why divorce your husband when you can just kill him?

Pic of the Day

---

Quote of the Day Celebrity Quotes Part 1 "I never leave my house, so I don't know how I'm going to find him." - Shannen Doherty, on the likelihood of meeting Mr. Right "I just want to start off by saying, awkward, a little bit." - Nick Lachey, accepting his award for Choice Love Song at the Teen Choice Awards, which were hosted by his ex-wife, Jessica Simpson. "I was always, 'I'm not comfortable with that. Somebody check the lens. We better do another take.' I got as many kisses as I could fit in there." - Scarlett Johansson, on smooching Hugh Jackman for her role in 'Scoop.' "I contemplated 'peace out, homies.' That just didn't feel completely right." - Katie Couric, on developing her signature sign-off "I don't like going to clubs--the music is too loud. I sometimes feel like my grandfather, asking them to turn the music down!" - Superman Brandon Routh "I go to Montecito to get away from people like them. It's really going to lower the tone of the place." - Oprah after she learned Brit and K-Fed were mansion shopping in her 'hood. "I actually had to go to the director and go, 'Can you please stop putting me in the bathtub?'" --Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria "I have three daughters, and it's the Lindsay Lohan fan club at my house." - Meryl Streep, defending her 'Prairie Home Companion' co-star.

Web Site Worth the Visit Laughing Baby At first you'll think this is video is a bit silly. A father somewhere is doing something to make his baby laugh. And said baby does laugh in response. Then the baby laughs some more. Then the baby continues to laugh. Keep watching, I beg you. No nothing changes. The baby continues to laugh at his silly father. But I promise just a minute or so watching this baby's pure joy will make the rest of your day be wonderful. You'll thank me for it. Above Web Site HERE

TIDBITS Below are four (4) questions and a bonus question. You have to answer them instantly. You can't take your time, answer all of them immediately. OK? Let's find out just how clever you really are.... Ready? GO!!! (scroll down) First Question: You are participating in a race. You overtake the secon d person. What position are you in? Answer: If you answered that you are first, then you are absolutely wrong! If you overtake the second person and you take his place, you are second! Try not to screw up next time. Now answer the second question, but don 't take as much time as you took for the first question, OK? Second Question: If you overtake the last person, then you are...? (scroll down) Answer: If you answered that you are second to last, then you are wrong again. Tell me, how can you overtake the LAST person? You're not very good at this, are you? Third Question: Very tricky arithmetic! Note: This must be done in your head only. Do NOT use paper and pencil or a calculator. Try it. Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000 . Now add 30. Add another 1000. Now add 20. Now add another 1000. Now add 10. What is the total? Scroll down for answer..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Did you get 5000? The correct answer is actually 4100. If you don't believe it, check it with a calculator! Today is definitely not your day, is it? Maybe you'll get the last question right... Maybe. Fourth Question: Mary's father has five daughters: 1. Nana, 2. Nene, 3. Nini, 4. Nono. What is the name of the fifth daughter? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Did you Answer Nunu? NO! Of course it isn't. Her name is Mary. Read the question again! Okay, now the bonus round: A mute person goes into a shop and wants to buy a toothbrush. By imitating the action of brushing his teeth he successfully expresses himself to the shopkeeper and the purchase is done. Next, a blind man comes into the shop who wants to buy a pair of sunglasses; how does HE indicate what he wants? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ He just has to open his mouth and asks... It's really very simple.

 


The Winkler Verdict Almost As Bizarre as the OJ Verdict

I have always been an ardent defender of the jury system in this country. Even with the terrible verdict in the Winkler trial, I still defend the notion of being tried by a jury of one's peers and if forced, I'd accept eagerly a free Mary Winkler over any system that an elite group of professional jurists would run.

But my goodness where was the jury's brain with the verdict handed down for Mary Winkler? For the woman woke up one morning, grabbed a loaded shotgun and pointed it to her sleeping husband, pulled the trigger and shot him in the back. She then kissed him, expressed her love and regrets, moved the phone away from his dying body that he not call for help, gathered their three daughters and ran off like the criminal she was. Mary Winkler committed the most cold-blooded crime I can imagine and to the father of her three daughters. All of this and the jury charged Mary Winkler with Manslaughter!

In but a few years, Mary Winkler will be a free woman.

So what is my basis for considering this an unjust verdict? Thought you'd never ask.

First, Matthew Winkler was SLEEPING when his wife shot him in the back. He was not threatening Mary or any of their children. He was not screaming nasty words at his wife or beating a child. The man was SLEEPING. There is no need to go further because even if the man was Jack the Ripper reborn, a sleeping man is danger to no one whilst he sleeps.

The defense did bring up the suggestion that the shotgun discharged by accident. I'm not familiar with this defense argument but I must suppose the jury bought it. Although Mary did admit that she shot her husband in a bout of personal ugliness to prosecutors right after her arrest, later the story changes to an accidental shooting. The jury did hear the tape on which Mary confessed to the shooting.

Mary Winkler testified that her husband regularly beat the children and that he was a bit of a pervert.

From WKRN.com:

Winkler also testified that Matthew Winkler beat the children and took them out of school so people wouldn't see the bruises.

Shockingly, Mary Winkler said her husband had her watch pornography and made her dress up "slutty" for sex.

The “stripper” shoes Winkler allegedly wore sat next to her on the witness stand.

Defense Attorney Steve Farese: “Where you ever asked to look at his computer?”
Mary Winkler: “Yes sir.”
Farese: “What were you asked to look at pornography?”
Winkler: “Yes sir.”
Farese: “What kind of pornography;still photos, movies?”
Winkler: “I think they were moving, movies.”
Farese: “Were any of them still?”
Winkler: “They might have been.”

She also testified Matthew made her have anal sex and when she complained about pain that Matthew said there were surgeries that could fix it.

From Chron.com:

Several witnesses for the prosecution said they never saw any sign that Matthew Winkler was abusing his wife. The couple's 9-year-old daughter, Patricia, testified that she had a good father and she never saw him mistreat her mother.

Last week, prosecutors played an audiotape in which Mary Winkler acknowledged shooting her husband, telling investigators her "ugly came out." She told authorities that her husband criticized her constantly and that she got tired of it and just "snapped."

First, was 9 year old Patricia Winkler LYING when she took the stand and declared her father a good Dad and that she never saw him mistreat her mother? I mean, the jury surely would had to have heard the child's testimony yet they obviously believed the woman who shot a man while he slept over the word of an innocent child. Sure kids tend to lie to cover abuse but surely the prosecutors knew this, surely they vetted Patricia's assertion, surely they checked for abuse on the children, hospital records, that sort of thing? Absolutely nothing save Mary Winkler's testimony pointed to any kind of abuse to either wife or children. In fact one child's testimony pointed AWAY from any familial abuse on the part of Matthew Winkler.

One thing that was provided for the jury to see was some pornography found on various Winkler computers. Mary Winkler also provided a pair of very high heels and a blond wig, sex props Mary Winkler would have us believe that Matthew insisted she wear.

Okay, an extensive pornography collection, if in fact that's what it was, points to someone I'd wonder about. But I suggest softly, there is an adult porn industry and not all couples who watch such stuff are abusers and/or murderers. Yes one would think a minister would not be engaging in such stuff but beyond that, it's all a matter of moderation isn't it?

As for the high heels and blond wig, come on. My husband could pull out a pair of high heels and all the wigs in the world and maybe suggest I try them on. But if I don't want to wear them he doesn't beat me. You must understand, Mary Winkler wanted the jury to believe that her refusal to participate in such sex play (which is hardly the end of the damn world go with me here...high heels and a wig) would cause her to suffer Matthew Winkler's physical wrath. Something that's never been proved by any legal or medical document that the defense could produce. My but the defense got those computer porn pics quickly enough, eh?

Mary Winkler also testified that Matthew Winkler wanted to participate in sex that made Mary uncomfortable. Well if this isn't a story as old as Adam and Eve? It seems Matthew wanted to have sex with Mary's "bottom". Again, the jury had to believe that Mary would suffer Matthew's physical wrath if she didn't participate for why else was Matthew's predeliction for anal sex even part of a court discussion at all? I'd suggest quite a few males in this country would be shot dead in their morning beds if a desire for anal sex was reason enough for murder. Further, Mary went on to testify that Matthew wanted other unusual sex, one specific kind Mary stipulated was "oral sex". Well now damn Sam. Oral sex, go to hell, Matthew Winkler was really a sexual nutjob eh?

I've looked at this case from every angle and I'll never understand that jury's logic. I'll give Mary Winkler's defense team a big hooray.

So far as this citizen sees it, when someone shoots another human in the back while they sleep, then deliberately leaves them to die....that's murder. NOT manslaughter. Anything else Matthew Winkler did is irrelevant. He did not deserve to die by Judge and Jury Mary Winkler. Wives should not be given free reign to kill husbands who want anal sex and ask them to wear high heels during sex.

It's as simple as that. If there is a juror out there who served on the Winkler jury, please contact me. Because True Crime buffs are scratching their heads over this one. I'll give an open forum on this Blog to explain that verdict and I promise anonmity if requested.

Nutjob Shoots Supervisor at Johnson Space Center

The crazies had some fun last week, including a certified Korean lunatic which we mention lightly, scroll down.

There is no one more dangerous than an individual who does not wish to continue living and is willing to take others out with his or her self. Witness Islamofacist suicide bombers who cause more damage than brigades or well-armed soldiers in a war setting.

From Chron.com:

A contractor who shot and killed his supervisor at NASA's Johnson Space Center before killing himself thought he was about to be fired after his job performance came into question, officials said today.
``You're the guy who's going to get me fired,'' electrical engineer William Arthur Phillips Jr. said upon walking into the office of his supervisor, wielding a gun.
Within minutes he had killed Wesley David Beverly, 62, of San Leon, a highly regarded NASA engineer. He took as hostage Francelia ``Fran'' Crenshaw, 56, of Houston, and bound her with duct tape. Though escaping serious injury, she witnessed much of the horror of the ordeal, including Beverly's death.

The sad thing here is that Phillips' contractor employer says there was no danger of him losing his job. It would seem a tortured soul wanted to die and this same tortured soul blamed his boss. Hey, mental illness knows no sane logic.

We had another nutjob decide to kill himself along with 32 other innocent human beings at Virginia Tech this past week. I've ended this post with a pic of Cho for posterity but even The Wise I had no words to explain it. No rush for more gun control will stop crazies like Cho. All societies have nuts and some of them are loose and some of them get guns.

The operative word here is "some". America is a country of 300 million people. Goodness knows our borders are very porous and we've got all sorts of places with large numbers of unarmed people in abundance. A kook gets it into their head to kill a bunch of innocents, they can't be stopped. Statistically speaking, what with the total population and the few incidents, it happens rarely.

But it DOES happen. And it will happen again. We do the best we can out here in la-la land to cope and defend ourselves. Beyond that, common sense is our guide. So as the politicos stand on soap boxes and pontificate the need for gun control or the freedom to put people in institutions if we "think" they might be nuts, us normal people who carry this country on our backs mourn, shrug, and return to class and job.

Liberal/Conservative On Trial

My oh my but isn't this flying under the radar?

From Commercialappeal.com:

Eleven days into former state Sen. John Ford’s public corruption trial, Asst. U.S. Attys. Tim DiScenza and Lorraine Craig rested their case Monday afternoon.
Having called FBI agents, a controversial federal informant and several state officials to the witness stand, federal prosecutors attempted to prove to the jury that Ford accepted $55,000 in cash bribes for his official action and threatened the life of undercover agent L.C. McNeil and informant Tim Willis when the Memphis Democrat suspected the pair might be working with the government.

Ever notice how, when Democrats are on trial, you don't hear much about it? Of course the media is on the side of the Dems but wouldn't you think a Repub or two would get in front of a camera and mention it? The Dems regularly complain about phantom Republican crimes with no compunction whatsoever.

At any rate, it would seem that John Ford not only is on trial for accepting bribes, a regular thing with our congress critters it seems, but this fine fellow also threatened the life of FBI informants! Now the congress critters are threatening to KILL PEOPLE!

I've yet to see a single Repub anywhere in sight mentioning this. Imagine please if Karl Rove, the man the Dems love to hate, were accused of threatening the life of an FBI informant.

At any rate, the prosecution rested its case. This was a sting operation and there's videos and audios of this corrupt politico. It'll be interesting to see the defense on all of this. Hope John Ford hired Mary Winkler's defense team.

Meanwhile, rest assured that the case of where Ann Coulter votes is being followed devotedly by the libs.

From the NYPost:

COULD THE sexy but controversial conser vative gadfly Ann Coulter go to jail? According to Observer columnist Joe Conason - Ann is guilty of voter fraud. He says when the far-right Coulter registered to vote in Palm Beach back in 2005, she wrote her address as her Realtor's office. She then signed the form despite its warning that falsifying any information on it makes one liable to felony prosecution.

Gotta admire how they don't give up. Let's see, Ann allegedly voted in the wrong precinct in 2005? It's now 2007 and they are on the trail of this woman. She should be thrown in jail I tell ya!

Understand here, that if Ann Coulter were discovered to have voted more than once, however the confusion about her correct precinct came about, she'd have been handcuffed and thrown in jail just as soon as she exited the voting booth. Trust that there is no proof whatsoever that she voted more than once so hey, voting in the wrong precinct is...well go with me here, it's not the worst crime ever committed in this country.

Better than anything is Ann's description of Palm Beach officials as "syphilitic and mentally defective" . Gotta love Annie.

The Mystery of the Ghost Ship

Here's an intriguing development. A yacht has been discovered floating off the Australian coast. Computers onboard were running and food was set out to eat. Yet not a single living soul was onboard.

Three men alleged to have been sailing the boat were nowhere to be found and their families have been notified of their disappearance.

From News.com.au:

A YACHT has been found drifting off the north Queensland coast with computers running and even food on a table ready to eat - but no crew.
Police said the men, aged 56, 63 and 69, were believed to have left Airlie Beach on Sunday for Western Australia.

Emergency equipment was found still on board but no life rafts were found.

Could these men have gone diving and met with a disaster? Could they have been the victim of sea pirates? Could one have fallen overboard and attempts to rescue resulted in an untimely death of all the men?

Should an answer be found it'll be reported on this Blog.

Could This Be Duke Fallout

Rapists across the fruited plains can thank Mike Nifong for raping a woman will now be much easier.

In this case reported in the State.com: the alleged rapist was found "not guilty".

HARTSVILLE — Ginger Lloyd, one of the teens who told police Kenneth Glenn Hinson kidnapped, raped and held her and a friend in an underground bunker last year, is stunned by the jury’s verdict Monday

Now perhaps the rapist was, in fact, not guilty. Although, ahem, the fellow had already been convicted of raping a 12-year-old at knifepoint. The jury was not allowed to know this little detail.

Two girls allege that Hinson raped them then left them in a small hole in a shed. They chewed off the duct tape on their mouths and struggled to escape. It's been reported that the girls were reported to have told friends that their story is totally made up, that they were trying to steal Hinson's marijuana stash.

Much of the trial details is unknown as of this writing. I'm surmising that somebody testified about the girls' story of stealing marijuana. One of the girls was raped and I'd assume a rape test was made. I'm not clear on when the rape was reported.

Whatever the case, this guy was CONVICTED or a prior rape of a child. Whatever the case, I'll always believe that rape victims might yell rape from time to time even though none occurred but they'll rarely suffer through a long trial to prove their false claim. Even Crystal Magnum, the Duke alleged rape victim, didn't follow her false claims through to court. My point being, this Hinson fellow very likely, in my very non-juried mind, did the deed those girls accuse him of. Anybody can get on the stand and say the victims told them they lied with their charges.

In summary, Mike Nifong, that he could get elected, has muddied the waters for rape victims everywhere. Rapists owe him a debt of gratitude.

Child's Remains Found in Crocodile

The manager of this wildlife park was not around when a bunch of kids jumped the fence and decided to have some fun tormenting the park's crocodiles. The manager is under arrest and hey, if he broke the law then so be it.

From CNN.com:

BEIJING, China (AP) -- A crocodile shot to death in south China during a search for a missing 9-year-old student was found to contain the
child's remains, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

The child, surnamed Liu, disappeared Friday after Liu and three other children climbed over the fence around a pool in the park that had been used to stage crocodile shows, Xinhua said.

"The children shot the animals with catapults and beat them with wooden sticks," the agency said. "One of the irritated crocodiles bit Liu's clothes and dragged him into water, where he was eaten by a swarm of crocodiles."

Note please that these kids were tormenting these crocodiles. Climbing a fence to a predator way more powerful than you, then tormenting it and teasing it....it's Darwin's law when you think about it.

More "Youthful" Mischief

This fine group actually stopped a train on the tracks and assaulted a train engineer so bad he had to be hospitalized.

From SFGate.com:

Amtrak police have arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of assaulting a Capitol Corridor engineer who was dragged from his train and attacked with rocks and bottles.

Vernae Graham, an Amtrak spokeswoman, said the boy, whose name was not released because of his age, was caught shortly after the attack and arrested Tuesday. Another juvenile who was also held for questioning was released, she said.

The engineer was attacked after a group of youths stood on the tracks and halted the train Monday around 10:15 p.m. The engineer opened a door when a conductor was threatened by the group, authorities said.

The Face of Evil

I don't care how troubled he was, how depressed he was, how confused, isolated or alienated he was. Thousands of Americans across the fruited plains are troubled and/or depressed.

He is evil, nothing less. We place his evil pic here for posterity.



More True Crime Updates HERE
================


Add POST to Technorati Favorites
=======

Review Lifetime's "The Staircase Murders", NBC's "I'm Glad You're Here". The Spring garden

This fellow had female friends and wives falling and getting killed on staircrosses across the planet.

Could they all really be accidents? A review of Lifetime's premiere move "The Staircase Murders".

And read this now for I shall watch no more. This TV reality show is not funny, though "Thank God you're Here Purports to Be".

Finally, finally it's spring. A visit to my early spring garden with more promise than flowers.

Pic of the Day

---

Quote of the Day HEADLINE OF THE WEEK From Sunday's Reno Gazette-Journal: "Global Warming Rally Cut Short by Cold Weather." The paper noted that the freezing cold weather in Reno on Saturday "prevented the use of solar ovens for a potluck picnic."

Web Site Worth the Visit Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance The elder amongst us will remember the famous Pledge of Allegiance by comedian Red Skeleton. Here's a site with that pledge written, complete with appropriate artwork and emphasis. Web Post HERE

TIDBITS 15 Spectacular tricks to teach your body....... 1.) If you've got an itch in your throat, scratch your ear. When the nerves in the ear get stimulated, they create a reflex in the throat that causes a muscle spasm, which cures the itch. 2.) Having trouble hearing someone at a party or on the phone? Use your right ear…it's better at picking up rapid speech. But, the left is better at picking up music tones. 3.) If you need to relieve yourself BADLY, but you're not anywhere near a bathroom, fantasize about RELATIONS. That preoccupies your brain and distracts it. 4.) Next time the doctor's going to give you an injection, COUGH as the needle is going in. The cough raises the level of pressure in your spinal canal, which limits the pain sensation as it tries to travel to your brain. 5.) Clear a stuffed nose or relieve sinus pressure by pushing your tongue against the roof of your mouth…then pressing a finger between your eyebrows. Repeat that for 20 seconds…it causes the vomer bone to rock, which loosens your congestion and clears you up. 6.) If you ate a big meal and you're feeling full as you go to sleep, lay on your left side. That'll keep you from suffering from acid reflux…it keeps your stomach lower than your esophagus, which will help keep stomach acid from sliding up your throat. 7.) You can stop a toothache by rubbing ice on the back of your hand, on the webbed area between your thumb and index finger. The nerve pathways there stimulate a part of the brain that blocks pain signals from your mouth. 8.) If you get all messed up on liquor, and the room starts spinning, put your hand on something stable. The reason: Alcohol dilutes the blood in the part of your ear called the cupula, which regulates balance. Putting your hand on something stable gives your brain another reference point, which will help make the world stop spinning. 9.) Stop a nose bleed by putting some cotton on your upper gums…right behind the small dent below your nose…and press against it hard. Most of the bleeding comes from the cartilage wall that divides the nose, so pressing there helps get it to stop. 10.) Nervous? Slow your heart rate down by blowing on your thumb. The vagus nerve controls your heart rate, and you can calm it down by breathing. 11.) Need to breathe underwater for a while??? Instead of taking a huge breath, HYPERVENTILATE before you go under, by taking a bunch of short breaths. That'll trick your brain into thinking it has more oxygen, and buy you about 10 extra seconds. 12.) You can prevent BRAIN FREEZE by pressing your tongue flat against the roof of your mouth, covering as much surface area as possible. Brain freeze happens because the nerves in the roof of your mouth get extremely cold, so your brain thinks your whole body is cold. It compensates by overheating…which causes your head to hurt. By warming up the roof of your mouth, you'll chill your brain and feel better. 13.) If your hand falls asleep, rock your head from side to side. That'll wake your hand or arm up in less than a minute. Your hand falls asleep because of the nerves in your neck compressing…so loosening your neck is the cure. If your foot falls asleep, that's governed by nerves lower in the body, so you need to stand up and walk around. 14.) Finally, this one's totally USELESS, but a nice trick. Have someone stick their arm out to the side, straight, palm down. Press down on his wrist with two fingers. He'll resist, and his arm will stay horizontal. Then, have him put his foot on a surface that's half an inch off the ground, like a stack of magazines, and do the trick again. Because his spine position is thrown off, his arm will fall right to his side, no matter how much he tries to resist. 15.) Got the hiccups? Press thumb and second finger over your eyebrows until the hiccups are over - usually shortly.

 



Upcoming TV Programs of Note

THIS JUST IN…

from CBS Entertainment

NEW YORK, April 20 -- Sanjaya Malakar, the most recent contestant eliminated from "American Idol," presents the Top Ten List on the LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN, Monday, April 23 (11:35 PM-12:37 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Malakar, 17, cultivated a popular following and strong fan base during this season's edition of "Idol," and despite lack of critical acclaim, managed to become one of the top seven finalists before being voted off the show Wednesday, April 18. The LATE SHOW is a production of Worldwide Pants Incorporated. Barbara Gaines, Maria Pope, Jude Brennan and Rob Burnett are the executive producers.
=========================
On Wednesday, April 25 th, It will be doggie day on the Oprah show

...this is what it said on her site:

Loving Our Dogs
Calling all dog lovers! Meet the world's smallest and the tallest...he can talk!?! Then, worried about the recent pet food recalls? What Oprah feeds her own four-legged "kids." Plus, the problem that drives dog owners crazy! We are going to show you how to fix it. And, Oprah's personal dog coach shares her breakthrough method for badly behaving dogs! This is going to help you! Today's Oprah

NBC "Thank God You're Here"

It would seem that this might be the last time I ever write about this new show from NBC, and it's also the last time I will write about it.

This show premiered on 4/18/07 and according to NBC's web site on the show:

From the producers of "American Idol," the improvisational hit comedy series that originated in Australia, "Thank God You’re Here," comes to America this Spring. Hosted by David Alan Grier ("In Living Color") and presided over by judge, Dave Foley ("NewsRadio," "Kids In The Hall"), "Thank God You’re Here" showcases the improvisational skills of a group of four brave actors each week, as they walk into a live sketch without a script, their only armor and unforeseen and unexplained wardrobe change. The only thing the celebrity can count on when walking into the scenario is a desperate greeting from a fellow actor in the skit, proclaiming, "Thank God You’re Here!"

The concept seemed a hoot and myself is always up for a laugh. Only I found giggles at a premium as I watched the awkward action as four relatively unknown actors and/or comics walk into a comedic scene where they had to improvise without the help of a script.



One such guest, a Chelsea Handler, walked into a wedding scene in which she was the bride. There ensued a makeshift comedic wedding that involved a lot of toilet and pregnancy humor. I didn't crack a single smile during the whole scene.

Another actor, a George Dukay if I spell it right, a star of the show "Heroes", was a bit funny. George was thrust into a surgery scene and at one point Dukay pointed out that the patient's Adam's apple was in the wrong spot.

There is a judge, Dave Foley (I have no idea what his qualifications are to judge comedy) and he pronounced Dukay's routine as "excellent".

The absolute worst was guest comedian Tom Green. If memory serves me, Tom Green is a bit of a controversial fellow, often getting involved in outrageous stunts on MTV. Why I would have thought this fellow would be perfectly suited to this innovative show!

Instead, Green was hesitant and awkward as comedic lines were handed to him. It appeared as if Green was thinking his response carefully before he answered and in fact, he often did not respond at all to laugh lines practically thrown in his face.

In the end, Judge Dave Foley award Chelsea Handler the winner of the evening although I thought George Dukay was much better.



NBC is really going to have to spiff up this series if it wants success. I figure I'm one to laugh as much as the next guy and the whole hour was but a big bore.

Lifetime's "The Staircase Murders"

My ears perked up when I heard that Lifetime would be premiering a movie based on Michael Peterson of Durham, North Carolina. Note that's "MICHAEL" Peterson, not "SCOTT" and that the locale is "DURHAM" not "DUKE".

I had read this story in a book but it had been many years and my memory was vague. I did recall that Michael Peterson, an author, seemed to have a problem with women in his life falling down the stairs and ending up very dead.

The dynamics of Michael Peterson's life were a bit confusing. Peterson had been married to his first wife, Patty, who was the mother of his sons. He remarried Kathleen, who was stepmother to his children, including two daughters that were adopted by Michael and his first wife. At least I think I have the relationships right, the detail of it all was very confusing. The children were all fond of Kathleen, Michael's second wife.



I counted up five children of Michael Peterson but frankly I never did figure out who was a biological child, who was adopted, and just who the mothers of these children were. Later in the story I did come to understand that two daughters, one named Caitlyn who was instrumental in Michael's trial, were children of an Elizabeth Radcliffe, a woman Michael and his first wife Patty knew from Germany.



Elizabeth's husband did die from a strange death and Elizabeth herself also managed to meet her demise by tumbling down a staircase, again at the same time approximately as a late night visit from Michael. Michael adopted Elizabeth's daughters after her death, which the German police had declared an accident.

Several important items of note...Michael Peterson seemed to really be into porn, judging by the amount of it found on his computer. He also once ran for Mayor of Durham when he claimed to have won two purple hearts but could never produce them upon request. Peterson and his wife Kathleen were also over $142 thousand in debt.

The biggest surprise of all was the revelation that Michael Peterson was gay. Wait. Make that "Bisexual", as Peterson claims. During his trial, a male escort testified as to having made a date with the intention of sexual intimacy.

The investigators were suspicious at the very beginning over Kathleen Peterson's death. The coroner maintained there was no way a fall down the stairs could cause the horrific injuries on Kathleen Peterson's skull. Once it became known that yet another female acquaintance of Michael Peterson met her death by falling down the stairs, prosecutors would not be swayed.

It was daughter Caitlyn who first realized that her father was an accomplished liar. Evidently all of Peterson's other children considered him innocent and it appears that they defend his innocence to this day. A jury found Michael Peterson guilty of murder and Michael Peterson will spend the remainder of his life in prison with no possibility of parole.

Caitlyn Peterson won a wrongful death civil suit against her father. An appeal filed by Peterson's defense team in 2006 did not overturn the original verdict.

Michael Peterson's life story is a strange one, a story of a man who felt no compunction about bashing in the skulls of women who got in his way. And he almost got away with it and as it is, he got a free murder in Germany.

This story will be airing on Lifetime probably many time over the next few months. Make it a point to check it out. Treat Williams does a fine job portraying Michael Peterson. Tune in just to see evil in action.

More TV Reviews HERE
===============
 


The Gardens of Spring 07 Tempt and Tease

April of 2007 was a horrible month. In the entire month, up until the day of the pics below, there had been not one single sunny day. Sure, the April month is notorious for wild weather, including rain, snow and in the year of our Lord 2007, one spectacular Noreaster that spanned over four days.

The gray bleak began to wear on my last gardening nerve.

Finally a sunny day showed up and I was surprised. Of course I have a head cold that won't quit but still I work the gardens.

Roses tempt and wave thorny vines. Azaleas allow magenta blooms to peek through. The Wigelia raises its limbs to the sky and promises pretty pink bloom to come. The daffodils already bloomed and these were a blessing during the endless gray. A few tulips raise their bright red blooms as acknowledgement that no mind the gray, it is STILL spring.



So the leaves are raked and the gardens tidied. The sun has finally returned to Serendipity Shore and even as the mucous in my head swirls around with each movement, I feel the warmth of the spring sun and my gardener soul comes alive.





Add POST to Technorati Favorites
=======================

"The Bachelor" Continues on His Quest to Find True Love; Dance With Stars Critique 4/16/07

"The Bachelor" 2007-Andy Baldwin also known as "too good to be true" continues on his quest for true love. We've got a review of episode 4/17/07 as well the latest and greatest on the "Dancing With the Stars" reality show.

Pic of the Day

---

Quote of the Day Classic Quotes by Frances Perkins (1880-1965) American educator Being a woman has only bothered me in climbing trees. --------------- The quality of his being one with the people, of having no artificial or natural barriers between him and them, made it possible for him to be a leader without ever being or thinking of being a dictator. --------------- Most of man's problems upon this planet, in the long history of the race, have been met and solved either partially or as a whole by experiment based on common sense and carried out with courage. --------------- But with the slow menace of a glacier, depression came on. No one had any measure of its progress; no one had any plan for stopping it. Everyone tried to get out of its way. ---------------

Web Site Worth the Visit MR MONKEYS WORLD OF HATS I'm not making this up. It must be seen to be believed. ABOVE BLOG POST HERE

TIDBITS RANDOM TIDBITS More than 50 percent of the people who are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States and who go untreated still survive. *** A mile on the ocean and a mile on land are not the same distance. On the ocean, a nautical mile measures 6,080 feet. A land or statute mile is 5,280 feet. *** To clean tarnished copper bottoms of pots and pans, spread a little ketchup onto the bottom. Let it sit for about one minute. Wipe it clean and rinse. *** I can barely put a 10 word sentence together... In the book, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, is one sentence that is 823 words long. When Victor wrote to his editor inquiring about their opinion of the manuscript, he wrote, "?" They answered, "!" *** I'd hate to need a book about zebras... If you stretched out all the shelves in the New York Public Library, they would extend eighty miles. The books most often requested at this library are about drugs, witchcraft, astrology and Shakespeare. *** That is totally amazing! In 1939 an author named Ernest Vincent wrote a 50,000 word novel called Gadsby. The only thing unusual about the novelis that there is not a single letter e in the whole thing.

 


Samba and Rumba and Seven are Left

There were eight couples on 4/16/07 when Clyde Drexler was finally voted off. While this was no surprise, Heather Mills falling in the bottom two was. For sure Billy Ray Cyrus needs to go home soon. Heather is a dancer with one freaking leg and she does a hell of a job with it. But then this year's "Dancing With the Stars" seems to be anathema to females as they've been voted off in droves right from the start while males with questionable talent remained to dance again.



The Samba, we are told, is a party dance consisting of rhythmical forward moves. The Rumba is a dance featuring slow, seductive movemtns with many rope spins and "rumba walks".

Ian led the night off with a Samba. Dressed in all black, Ian certainly has the build and silhouette of a real dancer. The judges took exception to Ian's performance, declaring it was time for him to go to "the next level". I thought Ian did a fine job but the judges have a point. Ian needs to pack a punch from now on because he's got Apolo and Joey Fatone competing against him and they've moved on several levels beyond Ian. Ian and his partner got 24 points out of 30 for their performance.

Clyde and his partner did a Rumba. For some reason I didn't understand, Clyde was in China during the week he needed to practice. As stated earlier, Clyde was eliminated on the following night's elimination show. Which should have happened because as my notes indicate, the man dances by standing perfectly still and moving his feet. Clyde and his partner danced to the tune "What's Going On". It was a very bad performance, garnering 13 points out of a possible 30. Clyde is no longer in this year's competition and even he's glad it's over.



Moving on to Heather we have a Samba. First, however, for reasons unclear to me, Heather's partner underwent a procedure to remove the hair from his chest.

First, I LIKED the hair on his chest for God's sake. Second, it's not like the fellow had just a few hairs on his chest, goodness. His entire chest was covered with hair-fur, a masculine trait that was a bit of a turn-on. The wax procedure was filmed in detail and it was cruel, yon ladies and gems, just cruel.

Heather wore a dress with a hem of varying lengths, allowing a viewer to see both of her legs and for the life of me, I couldn't tell which one was fake.

I wasn't thrilled with the choreography of Heather's dance routine but the judges declared it a "great performance" and awarded Heather and her partner 21 points out of 30.

Joey Fatone stepped onto the dance floor and began a sexy Rumba. For a snicker, I noted that the tune that Joey and his partner danced to was "Besame Mucho", the same tune sung by American Idol's Sanjaya on Latin night.

The judges said that Fatone's performance was "feminine" and "overperformed". First, of all the male performers this year, or at least the ones who can really dance, Fatone is the most masculine of them all. No way does this guy dance like a girl. Ian? Definitely. Apolo? Occasionally. Joey Fatone is a man's man dancer.

Joey and his partner received 25 points out of a possible 30.

Former "Cheers" Star John Ratzenberger performed a Samba to the tune "Love Is In the Air". I would characterize John's performance as akin to a father dancing at his daughter's wedding. He's passable as a non-professional dancer but sort of lunkish in a father-of-the-bride way.

The judges, however, greatly enjoyed Ratzenberger's performance, declaring it was "great fun" even though the footwork got a little messed up. Ratzenberger received a standing ovation from one judge and was awarded 18 points out of 30 points.

Laila, daughter of former champion boxer Mohammad Ali and also a boxer herself, performed a Rumba. Laila's fiance joined Laila and her professional dancer partner during the pre-dance vignette. I couldn't shake the notion that he was a jealous fellow and wanted to comfort himself that Laila was not into hanky-panky with her dance partner.

Laila danced a Rumba to the tune of "Three Little Birds". I thought the dance kind of boring at the start but it got very sexy and appealing as the dance continued on.

The judges declared Laila was the "comeback kid" and named the female boxer "Lucious Laila". Laila and her partner received a total of 28 points out of 30.

Apolo and his partner performed the dance of the night and this guy is going to be hard to beat. Performing a Samba to a rap-type song, this dance team moved their hips, feet, arms and other sexy body parts to dancing perfection. The judges adored Apolo's performance and Apolo and his partner got the first perfect score of the 2007 competition....30 points!

The evening ended with Billy Ray Cyrus performing a Rumba to the tune "What's Love Got to Do With It". Understand that Billy Ray Cyrus is no dancer and he'd be the first to admit it. His dancing was awkward and boxy, sort of like a country/western singer dancing a Rumba.

The judges compared Cyrus' performance to screwing in the back seat of a Chevy. To which Cyrus pointed out that he's had some great times in the back seat of a Chevy and the man had a point.

Billy Ray and his partner received 17 points out of a possible 30. I predict that Cyrus will be gone from this year's competition soon.

My prediction for the top three this year:
1-Apolo Ohno
2-Ian Ziering
3-Laila Ali

DANCE WITH STARS LIST 2007
===========
Ian Ziering
Billy Ray Cyrus
Joey Fatone
Laila Ali
John Ratzenberger
Heather Mills
Apolo Anton Ohno

DANCING WITH STARS POST LINKS

OPENING NIGHT
Quick Step and Rumba Night
Ten Down to Nine
Nine Down to Eight

=================

"The Bachelor"-Officer and Gentleman-4/16/07

I continue to watch this reality series and it keeps me interested enough to continue tuning in. On the night of 4/16/07 we had two "group dates", a twisted ankle, and one "2 for 1" date. There was also a visit to boot camp and three would-be fiances of Andy Baldwin were sent home.

Allow me to elaborate.

The show began with the introduction of some stereotypical drill sargeant character whose job was to whip the ladies into shape and give them a glimpse into life in the military. As Andy Baldwin, 2007 bachelor is a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.

He made the girls scrub the bathroom floor with a toothbrush and perform military style exercises. Bevon, a contender for Andy, hurt her ankle during one exercise routine. As almost pre-ordained, in comes Doctor Andy who feels up Bevon's swollen foot then sends her off to the hospital. Which I could have done and I'm no doctor. All for the drama of the thing I imagine.

For the first group date, Amber, two Stephanies and Tina all went to a spa. The spa featured a mud bath, all for therapy of course. However it's couched, we had a bunch of scantily clad ladies wallowing around in wet mud with lucky Andy joining in on the fun.



For each group date, one lady would be chosen by Andy for some special "one on one" time with Andy. During the mud bath group date, Stephanie W was chosen for a special time with Andy. Stephanie was "rewarded" with the privelage of giving Andy a massage. Which she did, telling us each time she rubbed Andy's prone body how "hard" his body and muscles were. Heh. Notice how sex lurks right under every activity on this show.

Not that this is a bad thing. Heh.

For a second group date, Erin, Kate, Danielle and Amanda joined Andy for a few hours at the race track.

Andy, it seems, has a fondness for fast cars. So the ladies chosen for this group date were expected to actually drive a race car around the track with Andy as passenger. Erin is a blonde contender and this woman fits every blond stereotype I've ever heard. Andy declared during one of his private vignettes, that Erin reminded him of a "Barbie doll". Heh. It turned out that Erin could not drive a stick shift and why does this surprise anyone? Oddly, Andy chose Erin as his choice for special private time on this group date and a realization hit me.

Being chosen for special private time does not necessarily mean that the bachelor is particularly interested in the female chosen. I knew as soon as Andy picked Erin for the special private time that he was planning on sending her packing. I think he gave her some extra time to "redeem" herself from her personal hell as a Blonde dumbell. She did not. Later that night, Erin was not given a rose. Andy done sent her home.

Tessa and Peyton were chosen for the coveted "2 for 1" date. How this works...two ladies are chosen to go on a date with Andy. Andy has only one rose. At the end of this literal "double" date, one of the ladies would be given a rose by Andy. The other would be going home.



Andy and his two dates visited an aircraft carrier featuring a real helicopter. Andy gave his rose to Tessa and Peyton was sent home.

Later still, Andy spent some private time with Amanda. This was during an evening at the mansion with ALL the ladies in attendance. When Andy chose to go outside for a few words with Amanda I knew she would be going home. Amanda was tongue-tied and hardly fine company.



Every one of these women declare that they are Andy's soul mate. Well damn they ALL can't be his soul mate, right? I mean we only have one or two soul mates on this planet, isn't that the popular wisdom?

I've not seen any amazing personality or intelligence thrusting out from these ladies but given time I suppose it'll come out.

Andy did give one of the females on his "2 for 1" date a kiss, the first one I've seen between Andy and one of the contenders so far during this competition and it was a pathetic peck of two hard lips of Andy. Damn I hope he kisses better than that.

For now, goodbye to Erin (who needed to go), Amanda, and Peyton.

Do I have any possibilities right now out of the nine left? Well he seems to like Tessa and Stephanie, I'm not sure which Stephanie. We'll be keeping an eye out for possible finalists in future shows.

BACHELOR 2007 LINKS-Officer and Gentleman
Let the Roses Begin
Wiggly Jiggly Boob Night
Down to Nine


More TV Reviews HERE
===============



Add POST to Technorati Favorites
=======================

Trump's "Apprentice LA" Going Down to the Winnah-Task for 4/15/07 Critiqued

Trump's "Apprentice LA" winds down to the last week.

We've got a review of the 4/15/07 show and some thoughts on the winnahs.

Pic of the Day

---

Quote of the Day Classic Quotes by Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) American president A Bill of Rights is what the people are entitled to against every government, and what no just government should refuse, or rest on inference. --------------- A coward is much more exposed to quarrels than a man of spirit. --------------- A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine. --------------- A superintending power to maintain the Universe in its course and order. --------------- A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor and bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government. --------------- Advertisements contain the only truths to be relied on in a newspaper. --------------- All the world would be Christian if they were taught the pure Gospel of Christ! --------------- All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent. --------------- All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression. --------------- Always take hold of things by the smooth handle. --------------- An association of men who will not quarrel with one another is a thing which has never yet existed, from the greatest confederacy of nations down to a town meeting or a vestry. --------------- An enemy generally says and believes what he wishes. --------------- At last now you can be what the old cannot recall and the young long for in dreams, yet still include them all.

Web Site Worth the Visit Try These Directions For a Smile Take 60 seconds to do this, I guarantee you will show someone else, it's too funny not to. If you are planning a trip abroad, just check out the direction on Google! This is funny! 1. go to Google.com 2. click on "maps," above the search bar... 3. click on "get directions" 4. type "New York" in the first box (the "from" box) 5. type "Paris" in the second box (the "to" box) 6. click on "get directions" 7. scroll down to step #23

TIDBITS The Woodpecker Might Have To Go

 


2007 Apprentice LA Down to Four on 4/15/07; Finale Set for Upcoming Week

This is the first time myself has followed Donald Trump's "Apprentice" reality series so closely. I have, from time to time and year to year, followed the final few or watched an episode now and again. This year I've gathered an all-around feel for the candidates, what a winner needs for this thing, the producer's style of "warning" a viewer.

My first new but true impression of this reality series is that it will soon be over unless The Donald finds a way to involve the audience. Indeed the most sucessful reality shows all involve the audience in some form or fashion and "The Apprentice" needs to figure out to make this dynamic happen or the series' time is up. That's my take on the show's future but that being said, I'd like the show to continue for it is a test of business leaders and I like to consider myself just that sort of thing.

For the final show with a task, at least as I understood The Donald's summation at the end of this show, all four finalists will come back next week and a winner will be chosen. How and why they will be chosen is unclear.

On the show of 4/15/07 the four remaining would-be apprentices were: Frank, Nicole, James, Stefani. These teams split into two, one with Frank and Nicole and the other with Stefani and James. These two then could pick two former contenders for Apprentice of 2007 to join their team. Frank and Nicole chose Surya and Tim while Stefani and James chose Aaron and Angie. After a strictly promotional meal with five previous Apprentice winners, the final task was revealed.





The two teams were charged with creation of a mini-movie for the air freshener Renuzit. Their little movie would be filmed in front of a live audience at an AMC movie theater where the audience reactions, along with the advertising gurus at Renuzit of course, would be taken and a winning mini-movie would be chosen.

Frank and Nicole's team chose a story about a working mother sent to a hospital to comfort and be with her injured child. It wasn't all that clear whose idea the hospital was but Frank expressed great concern about it. The Donald had made very clear at the start of this task that there would be no project managers.

Stefani and James' team created a movie about a Dad charged with stinking up the family home. The Dad was taken to court where the "charges" against him were presented. But ah....a container of Renuzit deodorizer is found and of course the Dad is "not guilty". For any stink he may have created were eliminated by the Renuzit air freshener thus the Dad's stinkiness is evidence not found due to Renuzit.

Frankly I thought the court room mini-movie was much better. Nicole and Frank's film about the Mom at the hospital seemed disjointed and nonsensical. This while the court room drama was believable and humorous. But my opinion means pretty much nothing but that everyone has one. Just what Donald or his son or daughter thought of the mini-movies was not discussed on this evening of Renuzit. As The Donald told us at the end of this show, next week he will be choosing the 2007 for Apprentice from the remaining four.

My predictions? Thought you'd never ask. First, no way is either Nicole or Stefani going to win this. In fact, I'll never quite understand why Nicole made it to the finals. This girl is but a real child and throughout the competition she showed basically no business savvy beyond playing kissy-face with fellow Apprentice contender, Tim. As for Stefani, I'd choose her over Nicole but given that I'd not give her a whisper of a chance over either Frank or James. Stefani's shown nothing much beyond being a good worker bee.

I'm putting my money on Frank. Goodness knows his chance at winning was "broadcast" enough thoughout this year's competition. He barely hung on during one task and practically got down on his knees and begged The Donald to stay. In one boardroom episode, Donald Jr. expressed an eagerness to hire Frank to help whip the construction crews in shape for Trump's building projects. Finally, Frank has been deeply involved in all tasks, an essential to make his victory believable.

Not that James couldn't win this thing but if the Trump business needs construction experience at this time, this gives Frank the edge. For Frank's experience is in this very same arena.

Early next week we'll wrap up this year's Apprentice 2007 series and store it in the vault of golden memories.

APPRENTICE 2007 LA LINKS
First Show 1/7/07
Swimsuit Task 1/14/07
Michelle Quits 1/21/07
Pollo Loco
The Honey of a Task
Priceline Trips and Language
Marketing the Lexis
The Soap Opera Task
Universal Studios Task
The LA Times and Mouthwash
Three Teams of Two
Renuzit Task

More TV Reviews HERE
===============



Add POST to Technorati Favorites
=======================