American Idol Top 11 try to do Sir Elton John proud

First the good news (for the remaining 11 American Idol contestants): All 11 of them are going on the summer tour -- and pocketing a big chunk of change as a result. Now the bad news: instead of one contestant going home tomorrow, two will be. Though depending on who those two are, it could be welcome news for me (and millions or thousands of other frustrated American Idol viewers).

And while there are many -- and I mean many -- great Elton John songs to choose from*, including lots of ballads for Pia, Thia, and Stefano to warble, and last week's Songs of Motown theme went down waaaay better than feared, I do not have high hopes for Elton John night. (Were most of these kids even born when Sir Elton had his biggest success or are we going to be hearing a lot from The Lion King? How much y'all wanna bet that Thia Megia -- who I am so tempted to call Thingy Majiggy -- sings "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"?)

Wonder if Casey Abrams will sing "I'm Still Standing"... (though I think "Honky Cat" is a better choice vocally)

ANYWAY, on with the show.

Scotty McCreery singing (big suprise! not!) "Country Comfort": Okay, I didn't realize Elton John actually released a country song. So this should be a no-brainer for Scotty. Though it would have been fun to see him wearing a pair of big glasses with sequins and a feather boa -- and high-heeled cowboy boots (for Steven Tyler). [Listening.] So... what can I say? ("It's Alfred E. Newman!" said the spouse.) Another solid if not awe-inspiring performance from Mr. Country Music. We give Scotty McCreery an A-.

Naima Adedapo singing "I'm Still Standing," as a reggae song: (She was my second choice for singing "I'm Still Standing," though it will be ironic if she goes home tomorrow. And the way Jimmy Iovine set that up it doesn't sound like he has a whole lot of confidence in Naima.) So... I like it. Who knew Elton John was like "this" with Bob Marley? (Though they probably knew each other.) Seriously, I would download this song. "It's the best thing she's done," said the spouse. Yup. Even J-THREE-O dug it. WHA?! What you talkin' 'bout Jennifer Lopez? Randy mon? You too? That was NOT corny. Guess J. Lo and the Dawg want Naima gone. Hm. Our grade for Naima Adedapo: A-

Paul McDonald singing "Rocket Man": Dude, lose the jacket -- and the pants. And... is Paul high? (Probably not but he sounds like he's on something.) Don't know about all of you, but this rocket misfired. Did it crash and burn? Eh, wasn't that bad but it totally didn't work for me. It was... listless. No spark. That jacket has way more flash than that performance had. Time to send Paul home. Our grade for Paul McDonald: B-

Pia Toscano singing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me": Oh goody, another ballad from Pia! (Shoot me.) And I totally don't believe she's going to "get us moving" next week. Yeah, yeah, yeah, Pia can sing -- and fill out a dress nicely. But I am so BORED. All of her performances sound the same -- and to me lack real emotion. (But the spouse really liked it.) Clearly guys love her, people without penises, not as much. Our grade for Pia Toscano: A for singing (and styling), B for boring (from me and J-THREE-O). Hope she does shake things up next week. (Btw, you could level the same criticism at Scotty.)

Stefano "Hey, Doesn't He Kinda Look Like Tony Danza?" Langone singing "Tiny Dancer": OMG, is Stefano wearing a Rasta cap?! Also, is that a death sentence Jimmy Iovine has just pronounced on the Italian stallion? (Do I see a horse's head in Stefano's future -- or bed?) More importantly, when can I get off this cruise ship? I'm starting to get a little sea sick. You had a busy day today, Stefano. But will the Tiny Dancer live to see another week? Maybe. Our grade for Stefano "Long Gone" Langone: B [H/T to friend of the blog VB for the Tony Danza ID.]

Lauren Alaina singing "Candle in the Wind": I know this sounds (is) catty but could American Idol please flip for Louis Licari to fly out and properly color Lauren's hair? She's a very attractive girl, but she needs a professional to cover those brown roots properly. (She also could stand to lose 15-20 pounds.) That said, the girl can sing. It was a beautiful, "sensitive" performance. [And a great comedic performance by Steven Tyler.] And I'm really liking Lauren again. Our grade for Lauren Alaina: A

James Durbin singing "Saturday Night's Alright (for Fighting)": Faint praise (?) again from Jimmy Iovine. Doesn't bode well.... Hmm... why does this performance remind me of the Bay City Rollers, and not in a good way? (And yes, I know it's not the same Saturday song, people.) "His singing is just not that good," said the spouse. And, uh, what's the deal with the flaming piano? Is that to distract us from James's mediocre singing (and big ears)? Can't believe the judges loved it. It was off-key and derivative -- definitely not a great singing performance. Not big James fans. Our grade for James Durbin: C

Thia Megia singing "Daniel": SIGH. I've had it with this chick. She will no doubt be safe, but I want her gone. Again, she can sing, but enough with the plodding ballads. The girl is 16. Stop acting like you're 66. Heck, I know 66 year olds who act younger than Thia. To her credit, this is her best ballad to date -- no doubt because she can relate to the lyrics. But OMG could it be any slower?! I've heard faster funeral dirges. Actually, the way Thia's singing "Daniel," it sounds like a funeral dirge. And, oh God, are those TEARS?! No way is J. Lo going to be able to say anything negative now. Though bravo to Randy for keeping it real, dawgs. And Steven Tyler may have nailed it when he said she sang a great song well (as in not great). Our grade for Thia Megia: B (for Boring)

Casey Abrams (who is dating Haley Reinhart and didn't shave off his beard and mustache) singing not "Honky Cat" (boo) but "Your Song": BAD SONG CHOICE, especially after he was almost eliminated last week. Proof that lust makes men stupid. (Btw, that funny feeling inside? It's ulcerative colitis, which Casey suffers from.) Like Casey, didn't like that performance. But he's probably safe after the big save. Our grade for Casey Abrams: A-/B+ (I was underwhelmed but the spouse liked it. Put the kid to sleep though.)

Jacob Lusk singing "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word": It also seems to be the hardest word for the judges to utter, along with "that sucked." Well, so much for not over-dramatizing.... [The dry ice machines are working overtime.] It's sad. So sad. It's a sad sad situation when a contestant sounds like he's performing in a cruise ship lounge. What have you got to do to make me love you, Jacob? Cut the cheese and just sing the damn song. Not a good song choice (though great blog fodder). I don't care what Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez say: Hated it. Our grade for Jacob Lusk: B-

Haley Reinhart singing "Bennie and the Jets": Not liking this arrangement. At all. And this was one of my favorite Elton John-Bernie Taupin songs -- until tonight. Another bad song choice. SIGH. Too screechy. And I have NO idea what Jennifer Lopez or Randy Jackson are talking about. WHA?! Our grade for Haley Reinhart: B

Personally, I thought Motown night was waaaaay better.

Can't wait for Idol to go down to one hour.

Will add who got voted off tomorrow night. J-TWO-O out.

*Not that you asked or care but my favorite Elton John songs are (in no particular order) "Crocodile Rock," "Bennie and the Jets," "The Bitch Is Back," "Daniel" (one of the very few ballads I like -- of any artist -- though now I think I hate it), "Honky Cat," "I'm Still Standing," "Island Girl," and "Take Me to the Pilot."

UPDATE 1: VB informs me that she didn't mean Stefano Langone looks like Tony Danza (though he does) but that "Tiny Dancer" sounds like "Tony Danza," as in "Hold me closer, Tony Danza." Oooooh. Also, I meant to add that I still think the Top 3 will be Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, and Pia Toscano.

UPDATE 2: Say goodbye to Thia and Naima. (Next to go: either Paul or Stefano.)

Facebook: Blessing, Curse, or Both?

Yesterday, there was an article on MSNBC titled "Docs warn about teens and 'Facebook depression': Some teens feel they don't measure up, warns American Academy of Pediatrics." And my two immediate reactions were: a) It's not just teens; and b) I am so glad my daughter changed her mind about getting a Facebook account.

In a nutshell, researchers have "discovered" what many of us already knew, that Facebook is a minefield for kids (and adults) with low self-esteem (like me!) -- and can trigger depression. (If you are the parent of an adolescent or two who is on Facebook or is considering getting a Facebook account, read the article, which is short, and/or watch the embedded Matt Lauer interview with a pediatrician on what parents can do to help their kids safely navigate the social media minefield.)

"If you really didn't have that many friends and weren't really doing much with your life, and saw other peoples' status updates and pictures and what they were doing with friends, I could see how that would make them upset," said one 16-year-old girl. Yup.

(Seriously, I was once near tears when I saw a "friend's" pictures of her Christmas party, to which we were not invited to, though I thought we were friends. And I often find myself envious of certain "friend's" seemingly always exciting, jet-setting, filled with dozens or hundreds of friends lives, even though I know I shouldn't -- and that the poster is probably really insecure and needs to make himself feel really glamorous and important.)

That said, there are many benefits to being on Facebook, such as connecting with friends and family, sharing pictures and articles, exchanging ideas, and promoting one's blog. Indeed, thanks to Facebook I have re-connected with many old friends, made new friends, and have been turned on to many great articles, books, and good causes. And for that I am grateful. But some days.... Some days I just want to delete my Facebook account -- Twitter too. Though I can't because of work. (Indeed, one of my editors recently told me that I was her social media star -- and that the reason I keep getting assignments is that I use social media to promote my articles.)

So what do you all think of Facebook -- and why? I am really curious to know. Even if you don't like commenting, I would appreciate a comment.

Cutest. Baby. Video. Ever.

I'm cold*. I'm cranky. I'm fed up with war and threats of a government shutdown and greedy bankers and executives. And while my heart goes out to the people of Japan, if I read or watch one more story about radiation levels in Japan or nuclear reactors, I'm going to start glowing in the dark. And, oh yeah, it's only Monday.

Which means... time for a really cute baby video! This one is titled "Emerson - Mommy's Nose Is Scary!" (I am assuming Emerson is the name of the baby, who is pretty darn cute -- and makes an excellent scared face.)



*It was 24 degrees Fahrenheit this morning -- and it's not much warmer right now. Punxsutawney Phil has a lot of 'splainin' to do.

Miniature giraffe, I has it*

Forget teacup pigs, miniature horses and giant rabbits, and baby elephants. What I really need is a petite lap giraffe from Sokoblovsky Farms, Russia's Finest Purveyors of Miniature Lap Giraffes -- just like you've seen on those DirecTV ads. (Click on the link, above, to see the miniature giraffe cam.)



Just remember, Mother's Day is less than two months away....

[H/T to friend of the blog CRR]

*OK, technically I'm No. 172,268 on the wait list, BUT someday I will has petite lap giraffe.

Always wear underwear

[Alternate title: "Don't Hike on a Bluff in the Buff."]

Unless you are Sharon Stone or Britney Spears, ladies, remember, it is always a good idea to wear underwear -- if not full attire -- when hiking. Because you never know when you might get stuck and need to be rescued -- with a camera crew filming the incident and airing it on Fox News and YouTube.



[When you have a minute, check out the comments on YouTube.]

Note to self: Remember to pack extra undies for your San Diego trip -- and avoid Black's Beach at Torrey Pines State Park.

UPDATED: It pays to have relatives in La Jolla. Here's a video featuring the very attractive (formerly naked) hiker! Enjoy!

American Idol Top 11: Motown = Mo of the same? (UPDATED)

What happened to American Idol taking a fresh new approach in Season 10, shaking things up a bit? Cause except for a couple of new judges (Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez), I'm seeing and hearing same old, same old. And now we get yet another tired American Idol theme night, the songs of Motown.

I've got nothing against the songs and sounds of Motown, but been there done that -- multiple times. Guess American Idol sponsor Ford thought it would be good for business.

Anyway, on with the show....

[Judges aside: What is with J. Lo's ballerina outfit and the light-blue eye shadow and over-rouging? I love J. Lo and think she's fierce, but... she's not 19 anymore.]

Casey Abrams singing "I Heard It through the Grapevine": Good song choice for Casey. The boy's got soul. I heard it through the grapevine that Casey's making it into the Top 10. My grade for the pinstripe-suit-wearing Mr. Abrams: A. (I agree with Steven Tyler: Casey Abrams is a [great] entertainer. But then again so was Taylor Hicks. The big question: What kind of album would Casey make, and would it sell? That said, he's got my vote.)

Thia Megia singing "Heat Wave": Finally, something up tempo (in theory). So listen, I know the girl can sing -- and this is definitely a better choice for Thia, but... she still doesn't sound like a 16-year-old, and she kinda turned it into a ballad. I have a feeling the judges will love it, but it was just all right for me, dawg. ("Let loose"?! Really? Yikes. Though J. Lo was dead on with the acting/connecting to the lyrics comment. Good call. And I agree with Randy Jackson that she kicked it up a notch tonight, though still has more to do.) My grade for Thia Megia: B+

Jacob Lusk singing "You're All I Need to Get By": Another good song choice (in theory). But... toooo sloooow. Don't know bout y'all but I like me some fireworks. Again, Jacob has a beautiful voice and has good stage presence but it seems like he's holding back (and that jacket is doing him no favors. Get me wardrobe -- stat!). Jacob will definitely make it into the Top 10, but it was not an OMG performance. Sorry Randy. My grade for Jacob Lusk: A-

Lauren Alaina singing "You Keep Me Hanging On": So is Lauren a little diva? Is American Idol creating a monster? Hmm... But getting back to Lauren's performance, she sounds as though she's still not feeling 100 percent. Again, the girl's got mad vocals, and a big personality, but she seems a bit subdued tonight (though props to her stylist and makeup artist). Our grade for Lauren Alaina (cause the spouse is in the house): A-/B+. She can do better, though she'll totally make it into the Top 10.

Stefano Langone singing "Hello": Goodbye. I HATE "Hello." Actually hate is not a strong enough word. Hearing "Hello" makes me want to cut myself or curl up in a ball. So the fact I am actually listening to this is a supreme act of selflessness. No, Stefano, it is not you I am looking for. And I don't really think you love me. But I know of a couple of cruise ships that are hiring. You want to win my heart? Promise me you will never ever sing a Lionel Richie song again. EVER. Sigh. Made it. Based on the song choice alone, I would give Stefano an F, but based on vocals, and the spouse, we give Stefano Langone's performance a B-. (Jennifer Lopez may be right, though not in the way she meant: after tonight's performance Stefano may be flying off the stage... home.)

Haley Reinhart singing "You Really Got a Hold on Me": Okay, she's got a hold on me. And got some good advice and direction from Jimmy Iovine. Good performance. Really like her voice, and she's definitely connecting better, but she's just not exciting the spouse (a former musician), which doesn't bode well. The problem for Haley is still: Who is she? What kind of artist does she want to be? She sang the song very well, but that's not enough to win it. She should be safe this week. My grade for Haley Reinhart: B+/A-

Scotty McCreery singing "For Once in My Life": Beware the lounge singer (aka the Curse of Simon Cowell)! Love Scotty, but I suddenly feel like I'm watching an episode of Hee Haw or an old episode of Live from the Grand Ole Opry. YES, Steven Tyler, that totally sounded like Glen Campbell, but not in a good way. I agree, it wasn't Scotty's best performance, but he should be safe (fingers crossed). Our grade Scotty McCreery: B ("It was cheesy," said the spouse.)

Pia Toscano singing "All in Love Is Fair": Don't know it, but that may not mean anything. Sounds like Jimmy Iovine has already decided she's a winner (if not the winner). And that outfit is definitely going to win Pia some votes. But... I'm bored. Yawn. Yeah, yeah, yeah, she too has mad vocals (to quote Randy Jackson, "the girl can sing!"), but that performance left me flat. Please, Pia, could you sing something up tempo? Please? Enough with the ballads. Like J. Lo, I need more. Our grade for Pia Toscano: B/B+. Again, she's safe, but she needs to switch it up.

Paul McDonald singing "Tracks of My Tears": Heck, everything makes Paul jump around the stage. And it sounds like Jimmy Iovine is a big Paul fan. Interesting. Like Paul's voice, and glad he's feeling better this week, but he's just not wowing me with this performance. I think it was the wrong song choice. And his pawing at the stage like a horse is disconcerting. (Hate to break it to you, Paul, but you're not the life of this party, at least not tonight.) Our grade for Paul McDonald: B

Naima Adedapo singing "Dancing in the Street": Finally, another up tempo song. Yay! ("Not expecting good things from her," says the spouse, the killjoy.) And I'm lovin' her outfit and look. You go, girl. A little too slow, but at least it's not pitchy! I will say this for Naima, she definitely owns the stage and always looks likes she's having fun. Just wish she'd focus a bit more on her singing. Still, not bad, dawg, not bad. We give Naima Adedapo a B (a compromise between my B+ and the spouse's B-, who keeps saying "she's just not that good" and "this is why you need Simon Cowell").

James Durbin singing "Living for the City": Sorry, can't get past James Durbin as Adam Lambert Lite. Yes, he can sing, but whenever I see and hear him I am instantly reminded of Adam, who I thought was way more original. Good performance, but I just don't see a "wow" factor, though I'm not a 16-year-old girl (or Jennifer Lopez). To once again quote (the old) Randy Jackson, it was just all right for me, dawg. But James is totally in the Top 10. Our grade for James Durbin: B+

All right, Idol fans, that's it for me tonight. Will be back tomorrow to add who got voted off.

J-TWO-O out.

UPDATED 3/24/11: Wow. Wow. Wow. I cannot believe Casey Abrams was in the bottom three -- and that America chose Stefano Langone over him. WTF America?! Hurray for the judges' save. Note to self: Vote for Casey next week. Just when you think American Idol cannot surprise...

Death by Chocolate

Okay, maybe "death" by chocolate is a bit strong. But if I had had one more piece, bite, or sip of chocolate yesterday afternoon on our Boston Chocolate Tour of Beacon Hill, I would have surely gone into a sugar coma. Indeed, my blood sugar is still recovering. (My daughter, on the other hand, felt she had died and gone to heaven after spending 2.5 hours sampling all sorts of fabulous chocolates on our Boston chocolate tour.)

So how much chocolate did I consume over the course of 2.5 hours? Too much. But rather than describe each stop or chocolate confection in words, I will share with you some pictures I took on the Beacon Hill Boston Chocolate Walking Tour (because a picture is worth 1,000 calories).

Our first stop was boYO, for Boston Yogurt, where we were served oreo frozen yogurt (which the group felt was good but a bit too tart)...















The next stop on the tour was Beacon Hill Chocolates, a lovely little chocolate shop chock full of all milk, dark, and white chocolate treats, some of which are pictured below.

We got to sample the Beacon Hill Signature (Dark) Chocolate and the Gentille, a "rich and creamy milk chocolate mocha ganache mixed with coffee bean pieces and coated in Belgian milk chocolate" (which were gobbled up too quickly for me to get a picture of them).

















































A few doors down was Twig, a florist that also sells candles and... (wait for it) chocolate! Among Twig's several chocolate offerings was this heavenly smelling MarieBelle Aztec Hot Chocolate, which we didn't buy. But we did buy a package of the Taza Guajillo Chili Chocolate Mexicano (not pictured -- but which you can see and buy if you click on the link). OMG. Soooo amazing. (Talk about hot chocolate!)






















Just a couple doors down was Isabelle's Curly Cakes, a cupcake bakery run by Isabelle English, daughter of chef Todd English (which was good, but it paled in comparison to my friend Little Miss Cupcake's Sugar Daze in Paris).






















At Isabelle's Curly Cakes, we sampled the Triple Chocolate cupcake, which was topped with a Cocoa Puff streusel. (While I was not cuckoo for the Cocoa Puffs, I liked the chocolate butter cream frosting -- and thought many of Curly Cakes' other cupcakes looked and sounded better. But many others on our tour loved the cupcakes and bought some to go.)






















And just when I was absolutely positive I could not possibly eat one more piece of chocolate we arrived at 75 Chestnut for our Chocolate Soup (below) -- which is one of the most amazing chocolate desserts I have ever sipped (or eaten). Espresso? HA! That's for wimps.

















But we were not done! (Groan.) We still had two stops left on our Boston Chocolate Tour, including Boston's own Finale Desserterie and Bakery, where mercifully I only had to consume a single bite of brownie, albeit with chocolate ganache on top. (As delicious as they all looked, no way could I have consumed one of these delectable chocolate dessert pastries pictured below. Maybe next time.)















On the verge of going into a sugar coma (did I mention I'm hypoglycemic?), we arrived at The Melting Pot, our final destination, for... yes, more chocolate! Specifically, chocolate fondue -- four different kinds.

I bravely dipped some banana and strawberry into the dark chocolate and marshmallow fondue placed in front of me, but I drew the line at dipping the chocolate-covered (and regular) marshmallows and cheesecake and brownies on offer, or trying the other three chocolate dipping sauces. (J-THREE-O and her friend had no such qualms.)

Finally, chock full of chocolate, and barely able to move, we said our goodbyes, hiked back down Charles Street, retrieved our car, and motored home.















I will never eat chocolate again. (Or at least not for the next 24 hours. ;-)