Well, I got most right, but that's not difficult given the group. I did feel good seeing that I had some of the same thoughts and comments as the executive producer.
Interesting on the girls as it seems Jen and Hallie just couldn't pull through. What was more interesting though was that Jen was given a chance to sing and Hallie wasn't. More odd was Brielle given the chance. Maybe too many blondes worked against her? The top 8 girls were close and these results showed it.
I was certainly more surprised on the guys side. Jermaine and Heejun making it through straight up were both shockers. Because of that, the others guys didn't get much chance, but calling back Jeremy , Deandre and Reed over Adam and Aaron was bad as well.
So now we have the top 13
Colton Dixon
Phillip Phillips
Joshua Ledet
Jeremy Rosado
Jermaine Jones
Heejun
Deandre Brackensick
Skylar Laine
Hollie Cavanough
Shannon Magrane
Jessica Sanchez
Elise Testone
Erika Van Pelt
I'm just not liking the guys so much but of course each week will tell. But I'll pick a top 4 here
Hollie Cavanough
Elise Testone
Jessica Sanchez
Phillip Phillips
Darkhorse options to make the Top 5 (with good coaching)
Skylar Laine
Erika Van Pelt
Deandre Brackensick
Joshua Ledet
So far my biggest disappointing cuts have to be Hallie Day and Adam Brock.
Now starts the real fun, but I hope we don't run into another Sanjaya or Taylor Hicks fandom over talent issue.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
AI 11: Women's Semi-final performance review
Women's Semin-finalist Performances Review and Predictions
Previously I skipped over some of the women in my reviews as they didn't stand out. I think this episode confirmed that.
Chelsea Sorrell
The hometown girl and all, but I'm still not a fan. Interesting take on the song, but more served to highlight that she wasn't in the same league.
Erika Van Pelt
Admittedly confused here. The problem is that song is done all the time and so my brain hurts hearing it. I do like her tone though and the performance was solid. Just having a mental block with the song choice.
Jen Hirsh
Though I have liked her throughout, I didn't like this performance as much. Mostly because the audience seems to reward the big notes more than anything. Song coice again may be skewy me as I just didn' tlike this song too much.
Brielle Von Hugel
I seem to hate the youth of our country, but again I struggle with kids singing certain songs. Certainly ones they could not relate to. I did like her engery, confidence and stage presence. But given that the song was done a lot in Hollywood Week and it just sounding funny to my ears with a child's voice, this was not great.
Hallie Day
Still a front runner and this performance helped that. Even with my bias towards Michael Buble, she didn't seem too pale in comparison (though a few parts got away from her). Her overall looks and stage presence help out as well.
Skylar Laine
She definitely brought the energy and swagger again, but this time it seemed more appropriate and polished. Sticking to country helped but it will be interesting to see what happens if she makes it to further round.
Baylie Brown
Just seeemd off key the whole time. I couldn't get past that.
Hollie Cavanough
Brought the solid, good tone, controlled voice again. It's one thing to have big notes, but control is important and this seperates her from many other women (and men). This performance brought her up to the front as well.
Haley Johnsen
Love the song – the original and the Marilyn Manson version actually. I liked her stage show – did well to stand out. Unfortunately I just didn't like the voice that went with it.
Shannon Magrane
Good overall performance. A safe performance really – calm, controlled, nothing crazy or too difficult, but all done well.
Jessica Sanchez
Thanksfully another young one that doesn't sound like it. Good presence and control. Well done all around.
Elise Testone
I seem to favor those that can play an instrument as well (3 of the guys as well at least). I like the voice.
So let's get to the judgements.
Top 6 in
Jen Hirsh
Skylar Laine
Hallie Day
Hollie Cavanough
Shannon Magrane
Jessica Sanchez
Bottom 4 out
Chelsea Sorrell
Brielle Von Hugel
Baylie Brown
Haley Johnsen
On the bubble:
Elise Testone
Erika Van Pelt
It is interesting though as I could see voting on the women difficult. Jen and Hallie's performances might not have beeen as good as prior ones, but their reputations so far should carry them. Shannon is a fan favorite, but went safe. Elise and Erika have different voices and that could be good or bad.
So now I'll watch the results show and see.
Previously I skipped over some of the women in my reviews as they didn't stand out. I think this episode confirmed that.
Chelsea Sorrell
The hometown girl and all, but I'm still not a fan. Interesting take on the song, but more served to highlight that she wasn't in the same league.
Erika Van Pelt
Admittedly confused here. The problem is that song is done all the time and so my brain hurts hearing it. I do like her tone though and the performance was solid. Just having a mental block with the song choice.
Jen Hirsh
Though I have liked her throughout, I didn't like this performance as much. Mostly because the audience seems to reward the big notes more than anything. Song coice again may be skewy me as I just didn' tlike this song too much.
Brielle Von Hugel
I seem to hate the youth of our country, but again I struggle with kids singing certain songs. Certainly ones they could not relate to. I did like her engery, confidence and stage presence. But given that the song was done a lot in Hollywood Week and it just sounding funny to my ears with a child's voice, this was not great.
Hallie Day
Still a front runner and this performance helped that. Even with my bias towards Michael Buble, she didn't seem too pale in comparison (though a few parts got away from her). Her overall looks and stage presence help out as well.
Skylar Laine
She definitely brought the energy and swagger again, but this time it seemed more appropriate and polished. Sticking to country helped but it will be interesting to see what happens if she makes it to further round.
Baylie Brown
Just seeemd off key the whole time. I couldn't get past that.
Hollie Cavanough
Brought the solid, good tone, controlled voice again. It's one thing to have big notes, but control is important and this seperates her from many other women (and men). This performance brought her up to the front as well.
Haley Johnsen
Love the song – the original and the Marilyn Manson version actually. I liked her stage show – did well to stand out. Unfortunately I just didn't like the voice that went with it.
Shannon Magrane
Good overall performance. A safe performance really – calm, controlled, nothing crazy or too difficult, but all done well.
Jessica Sanchez
Thanksfully another young one that doesn't sound like it. Good presence and control. Well done all around.
Elise Testone
I seem to favor those that can play an instrument as well (3 of the guys as well at least). I like the voice.
So let's get to the judgements.
Top 6 in
Jen Hirsh
Skylar Laine
Hallie Day
Hollie Cavanough
Shannon Magrane
Jessica Sanchez
Bottom 4 out
Chelsea Sorrell
Brielle Von Hugel
Baylie Brown
Haley Johnsen
On the bubble:
Elise Testone
Erika Van Pelt
It is interesting though as I could see voting on the women difficult. Jen and Hallie's performances might not have beeen as good as prior ones, but their reputations so far should carry them. Shannon is a fan favorite, but went safe. Elise and Erika have different voices and that could be good or bad.
So now I'll watch the results show and see.
AI 11: Men's Semi-final performance review
Ok, Men's Semi-finalist performances done and here are my thoughts before watching the results show.
First, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of performances from the guys (ie, I wasn't expecting much).
Reed Grimm
Brought the energy and range of talent. Thought he did a better job of singing at first, yet in the wrap up they showed more of the vaudeville part.
Adam Brock
Another fine, energetic performance.
Deandre Brackensick
I guess there's something about a guy and a high voice that does it for women (girls). This would explain all the boy bands, Beiber fever, and the love for Deandre. I just don't get it.
On the good side though, he seems nice, confident, and performs well.
Colton Dixon
He certainly stepped up his game and surpased my previous judgement. Most aggressive performance and obviously had the passion. He just seems too small/weak to pull off the tough rocker act.
Jeremy Rosado
Nice guy, all around fan favorite. I still stand saying he's too young and doesn't stand out.
Aaron Marcellus
Energetic performance, nice take on the song. Interesting wardrobe change up. For some reason as much as I wanted to like him and this performance, it seemed just above karaoke-like.
Chase Likens
Played the country angle well. Picked a good energetic song and played to the crowd. But much like Aaron, just seemed a little short of the goal.
Creighton Fraker
Unique is a word here of course. And the high pitched thing well apparently play well with the female vote. But this was too unique for me.
Phillip Phillips
And now you see why I put him through as a darkhorse. Very interesting take on that song. Well done.
Eben F
Just too young. The songs don't seem right coming from him.
Heejun
another all around nice guy and fan fav, but the enunciation and lack of stand out ability hurts.
Joshua Ledet
Apparently losing his mind up there still works. Clearely can sing and has passion. I'm just wondering if he can sing more calmly or not.
Jermaine Jones
Obviously I was surprised here as I guessed he would not be called back. Apparently they understood the need to counter Deandre's voice. And while his performance was powerful and moving, the question will remain can a baritone moved past ballads (not that I'm knocking them, I love Dick Haymes, but it's hard to be mainstream these days).
Now we know voters decide based on the recent performance, but also using the past and general personality preferences. As such, it's hard to guess what they may say, but here's what I would say.
I think they go from 24 to 12 or 13? And I think it's and even gender split. So here would be the top 5 guys to make it in:
Reed Grimm
Adam Brock
Colton Dixon
Phillip Phillips
Joshua Ledet
Aaron Marcellus
And the bottom 4 out:
Jeremy Rosado
Eben F
Jermaine Jones
Creighton Fraker
Now we are left with 3 guys and 1 slot. However, I think there will be a 13th slot, chosen by the judges and so it may end up being another guy. I think the 1st 2 here are judge and fan favorites, and the last probably just don't have enough love to make it through (though I'd go in reverse order here myself).
Deandre Brackensick
Heejun
Chase Likens
Stay tuned for the Women's Semi-finalist review and predictions
First, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of performances from the guys (ie, I wasn't expecting much).
Reed Grimm
Brought the energy and range of talent. Thought he did a better job of singing at first, yet in the wrap up they showed more of the vaudeville part.
Adam Brock
Another fine, energetic performance.
Deandre Brackensick
I guess there's something about a guy and a high voice that does it for women (girls). This would explain all the boy bands, Beiber fever, and the love for Deandre. I just don't get it.
On the good side though, he seems nice, confident, and performs well.
Colton Dixon
He certainly stepped up his game and surpased my previous judgement. Most aggressive performance and obviously had the passion. He just seems too small/weak to pull off the tough rocker act.
Jeremy Rosado
Nice guy, all around fan favorite. I still stand saying he's too young and doesn't stand out.
Aaron Marcellus
Energetic performance, nice take on the song. Interesting wardrobe change up. For some reason as much as I wanted to like him and this performance, it seemed just above karaoke-like.
Chase Likens
Played the country angle well. Picked a good energetic song and played to the crowd. But much like Aaron, just seemed a little short of the goal.
Creighton Fraker
Unique is a word here of course. And the high pitched thing well apparently play well with the female vote. But this was too unique for me.
Phillip Phillips
And now you see why I put him through as a darkhorse. Very interesting take on that song. Well done.
Eben F
Just too young. The songs don't seem right coming from him.
Heejun
another all around nice guy and fan fav, but the enunciation and lack of stand out ability hurts.
Joshua Ledet
Apparently losing his mind up there still works. Clearely can sing and has passion. I'm just wondering if he can sing more calmly or not.
Jermaine Jones
Obviously I was surprised here as I guessed he would not be called back. Apparently they understood the need to counter Deandre's voice. And while his performance was powerful and moving, the question will remain can a baritone moved past ballads (not that I'm knocking them, I love Dick Haymes, but it's hard to be mainstream these days).
Now we know voters decide based on the recent performance, but also using the past and general personality preferences. As such, it's hard to guess what they may say, but here's what I would say.
I think they go from 24 to 12 or 13? And I think it's and even gender split. So here would be the top 5 guys to make it in:
Reed Grimm
Adam Brock
Colton Dixon
Phillip Phillips
Joshua Ledet
Aaron Marcellus
And the bottom 4 out:
Jeremy Rosado
Eben F
Jermaine Jones
Creighton Fraker
Now we are left with 3 guys and 1 slot. However, I think there will be a 13th slot, chosen by the judges and so it may end up being another guy. I think the 1st 2 here are judge and fan favorites, and the last probably just don't have enough love to make it through (though I'd go in reverse order here myself).
Deandre Brackensick
Heejun
Chase Likens
Stay tuned for the Women's Semi-finalist review and predictions
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
American Idol: Season 11: Semi-finalist Review
With all the crappy Reality TV out there, not enough mention of one the best shows, American Idol. Many copycats these days, but only one original. Ok, granted this is the adult version of Star Search, but hush up.
Anyway, it’s always fun to root for your favorites, try to predict the winners, and generally get let down by the lack of talent in these young whipper snappers these days. Sadly, though AI is a great vehicle for the talent search, the results are not always indicative of good things. Taylor Hicks jumps out of course as most surprising winner and the documented troubles of Ruben Studdard and Fantasia Barrino are unfortunate. Luckily we have Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson as true standouts, and recently David Cook and Lee DeWyze doing well. Last year we got Scotty McCreery as the hometown favorite. Don’t forget Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson as non-winners who have made it big as well.
Recent seasons have been sparse with the talent and Danny Gokey was the upset knockout and I needed earplugs for Adam Lambert’s high pitched squealing in season 8. Kris Allen has to be the scrawniest winner of all time (including the women). Though season 9 was also lacking quantity of talent, Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox were personal favs from the start and I loved their duet. Season 10 again lacked talent, but brought us the hometown winner, Scotty McCreery. The outrage over the early ousting of Pai Toscano seemed too much, but perhaps a matter of taste. Perhaps the best thing about season 10 was it brought us the “angry muppet”, Casey Abrams.
So when I tuned in to season 11, I wasn’t expecting much. But after quickly playing and fast forwarding through the season (thank you DVR!), I’m surprised at the overall talent this year and actually think selection for the top 24 went well.
So now it’s time to have fun and make a few comments on notables below.
Aaron Marcellus
Good tone, mature, confident. Should do well.
Adam Brock
Unique voice and passionate, but perhaps too emotional.
Colton Dixon
Return success and sucks his sister didn’t make it as well. I want to sit on him and shave his head. Ok, but I don’t see going far.
Creighton Fraker
Interesting perhaps, but thinking just average.
DeAndre Brackensick
Should see Scotty McCreery to find out what a man’s voice should sound like.
Eben Franckewitz
The name alone will kill him (Steve Lawrence was born Sidney Lebowitz after all). Too young to make it.
Heejun Han
The focal point of many snippets of coverage so far, and nice enough, but needs to work on complete enunciation.
Hollie Cavanagh
Projects well. But one of a ton of blondes this year.
Jen Hirsh
Fun, confident, should do well.
Jeremy Rosado
Nice guy for sure, but not seeing anything to stand out. Young.
Jessica Sanchez
Big voice. Young but seems confident and in control. Should do well.
Joshua Ledet
Interesting big voice and just letting go, but don’t know if that will work enough.
Hallie Day
Tall (though not as tall as Shannon Magrane), confident, consistent. Should do well.
Phillip Phillips
Going with average overall but with upside.
Reed Grimm
Nice, fun, funny, but too vaudeville. Well rounded, confident, great performer, multi-talented, but not seen any real, full performances. Simon might not have let him through.
Shannon Magrane
Actually seems to have a good voice, but might be too young and unpolished to really compete. But I can’t be impartial here since I have a fascination with Amazon women.
Skylar Laine
Though I have love for country singers, I’m just not feeling it here. Too young, too much swagger, not enough everything else.
Early on, there was a lot of love for NC hopefuls, but only one made it through to the top 24, Chelsea Sorrell.
Now there’s the call back of one of the following 4 guys:
Jermaine Jones
Real man’s voice obviously, but seems too opera like.
Johnny Keyser
Probably has the look they want and by default should make it out of this callback.
Richie Law
Another deep voice, but the guy was just irritating the whole time.
David Leathers
Nice kid, loved his comments after final cut. But too young and nothing to stand out.
So then here are my predictions for Top 10
Aaron Marcellus
Adam Brock
Hollie Cavanagh
Jen Hirsh
Jessica Sanchez
Joshua Ledet
Hallie Day
Phillip Phillips
Reed Grimm
Shannon Magrane
And the Top 3
Jen Hirsh
Jessica Sanchez
Hallie Day
Hard to pick a winner yet but I can’t imagine the guys doing too well. Apparently the producers spotted that as well, bring a guy back just to help.
Now we get to sit back and enjoy and revisit the predictions each week.
Anyway, it’s always fun to root for your favorites, try to predict the winners, and generally get let down by the lack of talent in these young whipper snappers these days. Sadly, though AI is a great vehicle for the talent search, the results are not always indicative of good things. Taylor Hicks jumps out of course as most surprising winner and the documented troubles of Ruben Studdard and Fantasia Barrino are unfortunate. Luckily we have Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson as true standouts, and recently David Cook and Lee DeWyze doing well. Last year we got Scotty McCreery as the hometown favorite. Don’t forget Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson as non-winners who have made it big as well.
Recent seasons have been sparse with the talent and Danny Gokey was the upset knockout and I needed earplugs for Adam Lambert’s high pitched squealing in season 8. Kris Allen has to be the scrawniest winner of all time (including the women). Though season 9 was also lacking quantity of talent, Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox were personal favs from the start and I loved their duet. Season 10 again lacked talent, but brought us the hometown winner, Scotty McCreery. The outrage over the early ousting of Pai Toscano seemed too much, but perhaps a matter of taste. Perhaps the best thing about season 10 was it brought us the “angry muppet”, Casey Abrams.
So when I tuned in to season 11, I wasn’t expecting much. But after quickly playing and fast forwarding through the season (thank you DVR!), I’m surprised at the overall talent this year and actually think selection for the top 24 went well.
So now it’s time to have fun and make a few comments on notables below.
Aaron Marcellus
Good tone, mature, confident. Should do well.
Adam Brock
Unique voice and passionate, but perhaps too emotional.
Colton Dixon
Return success and sucks his sister didn’t make it as well. I want to sit on him and shave his head. Ok, but I don’t see going far.
Creighton Fraker
Interesting perhaps, but thinking just average.
DeAndre Brackensick
Should see Scotty McCreery to find out what a man’s voice should sound like.
Eben Franckewitz
The name alone will kill him (Steve Lawrence was born Sidney Lebowitz after all). Too young to make it.
Heejun Han
The focal point of many snippets of coverage so far, and nice enough, but needs to work on complete enunciation.
Hollie Cavanagh
Projects well. But one of a ton of blondes this year.
Jen Hirsh
Fun, confident, should do well.
Jeremy Rosado
Nice guy for sure, but not seeing anything to stand out. Young.
Jessica Sanchez
Big voice. Young but seems confident and in control. Should do well.
Joshua Ledet
Interesting big voice and just letting go, but don’t know if that will work enough.
Hallie Day
Tall (though not as tall as Shannon Magrane), confident, consistent. Should do well.
Phillip Phillips
Going with average overall but with upside.
Reed Grimm
Nice, fun, funny, but too vaudeville. Well rounded, confident, great performer, multi-talented, but not seen any real, full performances. Simon might not have let him through.
Shannon Magrane
Actually seems to have a good voice, but might be too young and unpolished to really compete. But I can’t be impartial here since I have a fascination with Amazon women.
Skylar Laine
Though I have love for country singers, I’m just not feeling it here. Too young, too much swagger, not enough everything else.
Early on, there was a lot of love for NC hopefuls, but only one made it through to the top 24, Chelsea Sorrell.
Now there’s the call back of one of the following 4 guys:
Jermaine Jones
Real man’s voice obviously, but seems too opera like.
Johnny Keyser
Probably has the look they want and by default should make it out of this callback.
Richie Law
Another deep voice, but the guy was just irritating the whole time.
David Leathers
Nice kid, loved his comments after final cut. But too young and nothing to stand out.
So then here are my predictions for Top 10
Aaron Marcellus
Adam Brock
Hollie Cavanagh
Jen Hirsh
Jessica Sanchez
Joshua Ledet
Hallie Day
Phillip Phillips
Reed Grimm
Shannon Magrane
And the Top 3
Jen Hirsh
Jessica Sanchez
Hallie Day
Hard to pick a winner yet but I can’t imagine the guys doing too well. Apparently the producers spotted that as well, bring a guy back just to help.
Now we get to sit back and enjoy and revisit the predictions each week.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
DFL 2011 is over and looking forward to 2012 season.
Well, it's all finally over. The 2011 season of the Domincan Football League is finished. Let me start off by saying congratulations to the medaling teams:
1st Place: Popcorn Boobs (Joy)
2nd Place: Team Station (Kyle)
3rd Place: Masters of Evil (Kookie)
Congratulations all around for finishing a good year that much stronger.
Now that all of that is out of the way... That's it. No more of this tomfoolery. This year, Joy became the third (I think) back to back champion (02-03 Whitey took it; 04-05 Skoot took it; and 06-07 Marie took it, I think). So, let me say this. No more.
This year there were a lot of distractions in the league (namely newborns). But that's an excuse and excuses are just like asses - everyone's got them and they are very stinky (just like newborns!). So, here's how it's going to be next year. I am taking the gold in the 2012 season. So far I've taken silver twice and bronze once in the DFL and 2012 is going to be the year of Phil.
But here's the thing. I'm not just going to squeak by next year. I am going to murder in cold blood each and every one of you chumps in this year. You know what? Not enough. I'm going to destroy you jerks. Geez, the English language just doesn't have the right word. So, I'm going to make one up. I'm going to trafackle you bastards!
Even before the draft, you know what I'm gonna do? I'm going to throw down my predictions for the end of the year:
1st Place: Phil
2nd Place: Phil
3rd Place: Phil
4th Place:
5th Place:
6th Place:
7th Place:
8th Place:
9th Place:
10th Place:
11th Place: Everyone else
12th Place: Joy
That's right. I'm taking all of the medals, and then I'm putting buffer in there so that you lollygaggers don't tarnish thems. And what's that? Joy's going first to worst next year. No more of this drooling your way to the championship. FIRST TO WORST, FIRST TO WORST!!!!
So, be ready for the trafackling next year, hosers. I'm taking back commissionering, and the weekly write ups will be coming back. Please note, those write ups will not be for the faint of heart. Like I said I'm not holding back this year. It will be the year of Phil!
Long Live Phil!!!!
Down with Taco (I mean Joy)!!!!
1st Place: Popcorn Boobs (Joy)
2nd Place: Team Station (Kyle)
3rd Place: Masters of Evil (Kookie)
Congratulations all around for finishing a good year that much stronger.
Now that all of that is out of the way... That's it. No more of this tomfoolery. This year, Joy became the third (I think) back to back champion (02-03 Whitey took it; 04-05 Skoot took it; and 06-07 Marie took it, I think). So, let me say this. No more.
This year there were a lot of distractions in the league (namely newborns). But that's an excuse and excuses are just like asses - everyone's got them and they are very stinky (just like newborns!). So, here's how it's going to be next year. I am taking the gold in the 2012 season. So far I've taken silver twice and bronze once in the DFL and 2012 is going to be the year of Phil.
But here's the thing. I'm not just going to squeak by next year. I am going to murder in cold blood each and every one of you chumps in this year. You know what? Not enough. I'm going to destroy you jerks. Geez, the English language just doesn't have the right word. So, I'm going to make one up. I'm going to trafackle you bastards!
Even before the draft, you know what I'm gonna do? I'm going to throw down my predictions for the end of the year:
1st Place: Phil
2nd Place: Phil
3rd Place: Phil
4th Place:
5th Place:
6th Place:
7th Place:
8th Place:
9th Place:
10th Place:
11th Place: Everyone else
12th Place: Joy
That's right. I'm taking all of the medals, and then I'm putting buffer in there so that you lollygaggers don't tarnish thems. And what's that? Joy's going first to worst next year. No more of this drooling your way to the championship. FIRST TO WORST, FIRST TO WORST!!!!
So, be ready for the trafackling next year, hosers. I'm taking back commissionering, and the weekly write ups will be coming back. Please note, those write ups will not be for the faint of heart. Like I said I'm not holding back this year. It will be the year of Phil!
Long Live Phil!!!!
Down with Taco (I mean Joy)!!!!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
North Carolina Constitution Ammendment.
Normally, I try to stay out of politics around here because the system is so screwed up that I'm not entirely sure that it matters any longer. However, something came up that *DOES* matter. Recently, the North Carolina Senate passed a resolution to ammend the state constitution to define marriage between one man and one woman.
Here's the senate bill:
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2011&BillID=s514&submitButton=Go
And here are the votes:
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/voteHistory/RollCallVoteTranscript.pl?sSession=2011&sChamber=S&RCS=933
In case you are wondering about the votes in the house, here you go:
http://www.wral.com/news/state/story/10121625/
And here's who's currently in the house:
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/members/memberList.pl?sChamber=House&sSortOrder=district
(Sorry, I couldn't find something nice like the Senate...)
Anyway, this is *really* important, as now the way has been cleared for the populace to vote on the definition of marriage. Say what you will, this a huge deal because North Carolina is the last state in the South East not to have a formal definition of marriage in its constitution. So, if you are 18 or older and live in North Carolina, you *need* to get out to vote on the referendum on May 8.
(Fun side note - guess when my marriage anniversary is - May 8!)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Now that the facts are out there, please allow me to commentate for a moment.
Hi, I'm Phil. If you are reading this, then we probably know each other at least well enough to be facebook friends (since really - who else reads this blog?). So, you *probably* know where I stand on this issue. In case you don't, here it is: I am absolutely against this amendment. First off, North Carolina laws on the books are quite clear regarding gay marriage. Essentially gays can't get married, and gay marriage from other states is not recognized. So, this amendment won't change anything day to day anyway. So, why is it so important? (As a side note, I also think that these laws are backwards and wrong, but that is a topic for another blog post...)
Well, first of all, North Carolina is the only state in the South East without a definition of marriage in the constitution. So, the writing is on the wall. Sooner or later marriage probably should be defined. But do we really want to have such a 20th century outlook on it? (It's true! the "traditional marraige" that people keep going on about is a fairly recent invention.) How about defining marriage as a contract between two consenting adults, regardless of gender? The real problem as I see it is that if this amendment passes, it's going to be incredibly hard to reverse it.
Secondly, why should we be adding more things to the books? Thomas Paine said "That government is best which governs least." I definitely agree with this. So, even if you like the status quo of only straight people should be able to get married, then why bother voting to ammend the state constituion? It's just more stuff on the books. (And this stuff isn't even good stuff...)
Next, why should this even be an issue? I'm a bit embarrassed that gay marriage isn't allowed. You know what? I'm actually aghast that there is a different term for straight marriage versus gay marriage. Are there two people who love each other and want to spent the rest of their lives together? It's called marriage. Period.
One of the big arguments for this is religious. In virtually every holy book from around the world, homosexuality is a sin. Personally, I am a Baha'i and my religion also condemns homosexuality. So, why would I be in favor of gay marriage? Because of two reasons:
Firstly, I do not think that laws (let alone constitutional amendments!) should be based on religious laws. Baha'is also teach drinking and smoking is wrong. But I also do NOT think that these should be made into laws. If my moral code does not allow for it, then guess what, I should be free to choose not to do it.
Secondly, I actually don't think that homosexuality is wrong. God gave us an intellect to work things out for ourselves. In my mind, holy books are good guidelines, but they are just that. Guidelines. At the end of the day, you (and you alone) are responsible for your actions. Now, if you sit down and think about it, you come to the conclusion that homosexuality is still wrong (AND there should be a constitutional amendment stating such), then please let me know your thought process. Cuz even if you do come to the conclusion that homosexuality is wrong WITHOUT the help of a holy book, then really what is the harm in allowing it? Nobody is getting hurt. So why legislate against it?
Now, if you are really getting hung up on the religious part of it, then you should really be pushing for the following things to also be outlawed:
- Polyester and other blended fabrics (Leviticus 19:19)
- Shaving and short haircuts (Leviticus 19:27)
- Cussing your parents (Leviticus 20:9 - It's a capital offense, BTW)
- Shrimp, Crab, etc (Leviticus 11:10-12)
Another common argument that I hear a lot is that it's a slippery slope. The argument goes "Well, if you allow gay marriage, then you have to allow any sort of marriage." (Common examples are a marriage between a man and a pet, or a man and a piece of furniture.) That is, frankly, bullshit logic. There are certain drugs that are legal, but others that are not. There are certain cars that are legal, but others that are not. And if you want to go slippery slope, then couldn't the same slippery slope argument be made about banning gay marriage? It would go something like this: "Well, if you only allow straight people to get married, then you must also restrict it down to straight people of child-bearing age. Oh, and while we're at it, of the same ecconomic background. Heck, why not just throw same religion and race in there too?" The end result is that we're only talking about one thing: Gay Marriage. None of the other slippery slope arguments are relevant.
One last argument that I hear is that people are trying to "protect the sancitity of marrige". What ... the ... hell? Seriously? This is a real argument? There are at least two reality shows that I can think of that try to get two strangers to meet and get married in a few weeks time. (The Bachelor and the Bachelorette are what I'm thihnking of.) And what about those perfectly legal Vegas weddings that disolve in less than a year? Are those really sacred?
In the end, I just don't get why there is any curfuffel over two loving people getting married. From a legal point of view, it should just be two people who are essentially entering a contract, which will grant extra privelleges to both parties (such a hospital visitation rights, and tax filing priveleges). So, why should the law care what gender the people entering the contract are? From a religious point of view, I can certainly see where there would be a stopping point But why should I be forced to practice someone else's religion? How would you feel is Sharia law was instituted just because there was an overwhelming majority of Muslims in your area?
So, please, get out and vote on May 8. Volunteer to help raise awareness. Do something. This vote, unlike many other votes, is actually very important.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Oh my, that was awkward
You wouldn’t think you would say that watching The Amazing Race perhaps, but there you are. So I’m continuing my inane trek to catch up on all season on TAR, and I just started Season 8. True fans will realize this is the first “family” season, and one of the highest rated “most annoying teams”. But let’s get right to the oddities.
Right out of the gate, they announce the families and already it hits home this is going to be an odd season. “…and we have the Weaver family, blah, blah, blah, … and we have the Black family..”, who indeed, were black. Thankfully their last name was actually Black and this wasn’t some racist announcer. On a sad note, they seemed nice, calm and friendly, and were first to be eliminated.
Next we have a dad and his three daughters (guessing 2 in high school, 1 in college). Then we have 3 brothers and 1 sister, all college age. This only gets awkward as the brothers start talking about the daughters. Dude, that’s jailbait. Of course, this was made worse when one of the daughters mooned the siblings. Yeah, I said that. Of course the guys responded in kind later, but you expect that from guys honestly. Though maybe not on TV.
The Paolo family had a fun NY accent. Unfortunately they couldn’t stop yelling and actually hitting each other. You might expect this from the dad, but he was rather collected. But the oldest son and his mom kept smacking each other around. Hello, child services?!
Yet the families weren’t the only one to make us feel weird. The producers decided to have a stop and activity in Talladega. There they had to go out on the track and race a weird family bicycle. This was fine for everyone. Everyone except the family who’s dad had been killed on a racetrack. You’d think someone might have looked that up ahead of time. Even more impressive, the producers had yet another race event later in the show. This time go karts, but still. Why not just punch that family in the gut upon arrival and get it over with?
There was also a family where the dad is old school biblical and believed the man rules everything. They were eliminated early. In the end, the young siblings edged out the dad/daughter team by only minutes to win it all. Sadly, not much “where are they now” gossip to be found on this season. Perhaps everyone just wants to forget the awkward.
Clay “sorry to hear about the bumps on your ass” Berry
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