Saturday, April 9, 2011
Have You Ever Seen The Rain?
I don't know how many people 30 and under knows about this song, until Casey Abrams of AI sang it last week. I am definitely over 30 and only learned of this song a few years ago when Rod Stewart coached AI (during Daughtry's season) and plugged his album. I googled that album and listened to the tracks and found this song included in there. I loved it since. But I am sharing here is a clip from the original singer, CCR or Creedence Clearwater Revival featuring songwriter and lead singer John Fogerty. Lyrics here.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
My Weekly AI Review Or Something
Before I go on with my weekly listing of my fave and least fave performances, I must say I recently went to out for dinner on a weeknight, a very rare occurence for me. A friend of ours just got back to the States after a few months overseas and he and his wife and me and my husband went to this tapas place. The selection is not wide and varied, but the dishes were great. I'll blog about this since I have photos to go with it - very soon.
So on to the American Idol perfomance night. I didn't realize that before the season started the producer had announced that this year - with the new judges and all - there would be no theme every week. Howevder, it looked like there is a theme every week, don't you agree?
And last night was Rock and Roll or songs by artists inducted in the Rock and Roll HOF. The top 9 went on to perform and I was pretty much satisfied with the performances. They as a group pretty much upped their game and gave their all. It is a competition after all.
At the end of the night, here are my picks. For this week and the coming weeks, I will refrain from using BOTTOM THREE instead I will refer to it as my LEAST FAVE peformances.
I am still reeling from my successful prediction from last week. On my bottom three last week were Naima and Thia - who were both got the boot.
This week, rock being the theme and my fave themes of all time, I chose the following:
FAVE PERFORMANCES:
1. James Durbin - come on now even if you weren't a fan before this night, didn't he sway you a bit to take a second and closer look at him? I was washing the dishes when the commercial break come on and I told my husband that I predicted James to sing a Beatles song - a slow one since it's a Rock and Roll theme, he'd take the slow route. I was correct on both instances, although the song he chose - WHILE MY GUITAR SILENTLY WEEPS - was not the one I had in mind, but what a clever choice. He came out swinging with his emotional take on the theme. And what a handsome guy he is.
2. Casey Abrams - A few posts down, here, I mentioned how much I love the song HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE RAIN that was a cover by Rod Stewart, originally sung by CCR. My brother has CCR CDS and sometimes when I borrow his truck one of these CDS are in his truck stereo and I get to listen. But I wasn't particularly knowledgeable about the group. Still I was stoke to hear Casey go out and cover this song, the song that I personally believe would be great tune in this day and age and would merit more air time. I thought he did a great job - especially since the song he chose was my favorite.
3. Scott McCreery - Who knew he could do Elvis? And spectacularly well I might add. I was truly impressed with his overall perfomance last night although some of his hand gestures were a bit disconcerting to see. Anyway, I thought he hit the bull's eye with last night's perfomance.
LEAST FAVORITE:
1. Stefano Langone - I did not particularly care for his brand of crooning and the song he chose I thought did not do any justice to his quest. I am not a fan to begin with and with that song choice last night I remained not a fan. You see what I mean. I thought he failed last night to convert nonfans to fans by that song.
2. Lauren Alaina - No one sings that and comes out looking and sounding good, unless you're Kelly Clarkson, which I really haven't seen since I jumped onto the AI bandwagon in Season 4. But I heard Kelly's interpretation and it rocked. But Lauren's Natural Woman - suprised to find it was sung by Queen Aretha - was nowhere near the shadow of the originator.
3. I don't have a third choice.
I'd like to note that I like Haley's raspy almost manic performance last night. I hope she keeps choosing songs like this. Plus, keep the curls Haley, I like the curls on you.
Agree or not, doesn't Pia sounded like Celine Dion every single week. Keep your eye shut and just listen. You would think it's Celine crooning.
Jacob Lusk continues to do well. But I don't think he'll have enough staying power.
So there goes my weekly prediction and blabber about American Idol. Until next week.
So on to the American Idol perfomance night. I didn't realize that before the season started the producer had announced that this year - with the new judges and all - there would be no theme every week. Howevder, it looked like there is a theme every week, don't you agree?
And last night was Rock and Roll or songs by artists inducted in the Rock and Roll HOF. The top 9 went on to perform and I was pretty much satisfied with the performances. They as a group pretty much upped their game and gave their all. It is a competition after all.
At the end of the night, here are my picks. For this week and the coming weeks, I will refrain from using BOTTOM THREE instead I will refer to it as my LEAST FAVE peformances.
I am still reeling from my successful prediction from last week. On my bottom three last week were Naima and Thia - who were both got the boot.
This week, rock being the theme and my fave themes of all time, I chose the following:
FAVE PERFORMANCES:
1. James Durbin - come on now even if you weren't a fan before this night, didn't he sway you a bit to take a second and closer look at him? I was washing the dishes when the commercial break come on and I told my husband that I predicted James to sing a Beatles song - a slow one since it's a Rock and Roll theme, he'd take the slow route. I was correct on both instances, although the song he chose - WHILE MY GUITAR SILENTLY WEEPS - was not the one I had in mind, but what a clever choice. He came out swinging with his emotional take on the theme. And what a handsome guy he is.
2. Casey Abrams - A few posts down, here, I mentioned how much I love the song HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE RAIN that was a cover by Rod Stewart, originally sung by CCR. My brother has CCR CDS and sometimes when I borrow his truck one of these CDS are in his truck stereo and I get to listen. But I wasn't particularly knowledgeable about the group. Still I was stoke to hear Casey go out and cover this song, the song that I personally believe would be great tune in this day and age and would merit more air time. I thought he did a great job - especially since the song he chose was my favorite.
3. Scott McCreery - Who knew he could do Elvis? And spectacularly well I might add. I was truly impressed with his overall perfomance last night although some of his hand gestures were a bit disconcerting to see. Anyway, I thought he hit the bull's eye with last night's perfomance.
LEAST FAVORITE:
1. Stefano Langone - I did not particularly care for his brand of crooning and the song he chose I thought did not do any justice to his quest. I am not a fan to begin with and with that song choice last night I remained not a fan. You see what I mean. I thought he failed last night to convert nonfans to fans by that song.
2. Lauren Alaina - No one sings that and comes out looking and sounding good, unless you're Kelly Clarkson, which I really haven't seen since I jumped onto the AI bandwagon in Season 4. But I heard Kelly's interpretation and it rocked. But Lauren's Natural Woman - suprised to find it was sung by Queen Aretha - was nowhere near the shadow of the originator.
3. I don't have a third choice.
I'd like to note that I like Haley's raspy almost manic performance last night. I hope she keeps choosing songs like this. Plus, keep the curls Haley, I like the curls on you.
Agree or not, doesn't Pia sounded like Celine Dion every single week. Keep your eye shut and just listen. You would think it's Celine crooning.
Jacob Lusk continues to do well. But I don't think he'll have enough staying power.
So there goes my weekly prediction and blabber about American Idol. Until next week.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Random Thoughts and Random Observations
There is nothing much to write about, but something inside me tells I should write something. I fear if I don't post something and let this sit idle I'd lose my momentum and interest.
Needless to say I have been busy - both at and out of workplace. Been to the church meeting after work last night. Was assigned to be the graphic artist, sort of, this big fundraiser we are planning for June. That means I have to design the flyer (done - final edit last night), poster (have a draft that need to be tinkered), donation letter (also given final go by committee last night), and tickets (which I will start working on tonight). That's not the end of my duties. I think I may have to also produce a programme that must be submitted closer to the event date.
Honestly I was overwhelmed by the responsibility. I know a little bit about designing flyers but nothing compared to the magnitude of this job. You see I have no artistic bone in my body. I cannot even draw straight lines. I cannot mix and match colors. I simply am the "wrong" fit for this job. But the task fell onto my lap and I went with it. Scoured the internet for template designs, emailed people for help and/or permission to use their flickr image. It was really a big job.
Thankfully a fellow blogger that I avidly follow since the very beginning of my blogging days - she inspired me to put out a blog when I read her posts - mentioned in her blog that she is doing her church's fundraising flyers and other graphics. She is a professional graphic artist. She was an answer to my prayers. I emailed her for inspiration, she emailed me back with material I could use and did use. God's presence!
My participation in this undertaking is almost over and I haven't enjoyed the experience. I reached that realization today. When the task first came to my desk I was a bit surly. Yes it added to the things I needed to do outside of work. Work has been pretty draining this year, too many things to do, and the last thing I wanted to do when I came home is to do some more work. That is how I approached the job.
A co-worker asked me why I had a frown the day after I got the job. I told her about the assignment I got from the church fundraising and how inept I was at this project. She told me then that the way to approach this was to think that I'd be doing something for God and put all my efforts into it. The results would be coming from God.
Why didn't I listen to her when she said think that this is for God. I never did that. I had some resentments early on because I was doing it for the committee, which is not the case. Oh well. I should take a 180 on this and start enjoying the ride. I shall again do the same thing next year. Not my idea. That was brought up last night too, that this would become an annual thingy - but I already designed the flyer and the logo. Only the dates would be changed in the coming years.
Anyway, I was planning on joining Miss Kayni's giveaway. First because I truly love freebies. And most importantly, the prizes are truly lovely. But the tickets need to be generated tonight, so I pass for now. Till next giveaway.
Before I forget our weekend had been glorious - weather wise. I could not find anything to complain about. We had sun, breeze, and glorious 70F. Bay denizens who had to endure steady rain for weeks and weeks were flapping their wings like free birds and went outdoors to enjoy the sun.
We pulled weeds both days, though looking out in the garden, front and back, it needs more than our efforts combined could give. We are asking a guy - jack-of-all-trades - our guy to come and help us with anything that needs fixing around the house. He can lay out tiles and wood flooring and also do some gardening.
On Sunday was my burger day. No plan for a burger. But we were scheduled to visit with our friends, an elderly couple who asked for burgers. We often bring them some eats when we go and visit with them. During these visits we eat together and then we asked them what we could do for them. They're old and had been very sickly over the past 2-3 years. In fact the husband just got out of the hospital again. He has been the one sick with this and that thing. They only have one son, who hasn't really gotten control of his life. So he's not even stable enough to support/look after his parents (emotionally that is not to mention financially). That's why we take it upon ourselves to peek in once in a while and see how they're doing - in addition to the phone calls.
When we left their house, we decided to go walk a bit. After all there's a burger that needs to be burned. Our choice of park to walk is called Eastshore State Park. We don't come here often since this is located along the very busy Interstate 80, one that is crowded even on weekends. So we avoid coming this way.
However, since we were in the neighborhood and the sun was out we went here. Normally this would be too cold to walk being too close to the water. But Sunday was terrific. I was wearing short sleeves and I was fine.
Furthermore the reason we wanted to visit is to see if the outdoor museum is still there. Refuse, trash, and whatever washes up on the shore some artistic hands create works of art and they stand out near the water. Every local knows about this and enjoy this part. I cannot remember if there are new items - I will post my entry about this on my other blog.
But here enjoy some of the things I found on the net about this place. Here is one. Here is a writeup. And photos. Remember to wait for my entry on my photo blog.
Needless to say I have been busy - both at and out of workplace. Been to the church meeting after work last night. Was assigned to be the graphic artist, sort of, this big fundraiser we are planning for June. That means I have to design the flyer (done - final edit last night), poster (have a draft that need to be tinkered), donation letter (also given final go by committee last night), and tickets (which I will start working on tonight). That's not the end of my duties. I think I may have to also produce a programme that must be submitted closer to the event date.
Honestly I was overwhelmed by the responsibility. I know a little bit about designing flyers but nothing compared to the magnitude of this job. You see I have no artistic bone in my body. I cannot even draw straight lines. I cannot mix and match colors. I simply am the "wrong" fit for this job. But the task fell onto my lap and I went with it. Scoured the internet for template designs, emailed people for help and/or permission to use their flickr image. It was really a big job.
Thankfully a fellow blogger that I avidly follow since the very beginning of my blogging days - she inspired me to put out a blog when I read her posts - mentioned in her blog that she is doing her church's fundraising flyers and other graphics. She is a professional graphic artist. She was an answer to my prayers. I emailed her for inspiration, she emailed me back with material I could use and did use. God's presence!
My participation in this undertaking is almost over and I haven't enjoyed the experience. I reached that realization today. When the task first came to my desk I was a bit surly. Yes it added to the things I needed to do outside of work. Work has been pretty draining this year, too many things to do, and the last thing I wanted to do when I came home is to do some more work. That is how I approached the job.
A co-worker asked me why I had a frown the day after I got the job. I told her about the assignment I got from the church fundraising and how inept I was at this project. She told me then that the way to approach this was to think that I'd be doing something for God and put all my efforts into it. The results would be coming from God.
Why didn't I listen to her when she said think that this is for God. I never did that. I had some resentments early on because I was doing it for the committee, which is not the case. Oh well. I should take a 180 on this and start enjoying the ride. I shall again do the same thing next year. Not my idea. That was brought up last night too, that this would become an annual thingy - but I already designed the flyer and the logo. Only the dates would be changed in the coming years.
Anyway, I was planning on joining Miss Kayni's giveaway. First because I truly love freebies. And most importantly, the prizes are truly lovely. But the tickets need to be generated tonight, so I pass for now. Till next giveaway.
Before I forget our weekend had been glorious - weather wise. I could not find anything to complain about. We had sun, breeze, and glorious 70F. Bay denizens who had to endure steady rain for weeks and weeks were flapping their wings like free birds and went outdoors to enjoy the sun.
We pulled weeds both days, though looking out in the garden, front and back, it needs more than our efforts combined could give. We are asking a guy - jack-of-all-trades - our guy to come and help us with anything that needs fixing around the house. He can lay out tiles and wood flooring and also do some gardening.
On Sunday was my burger day. No plan for a burger. But we were scheduled to visit with our friends, an elderly couple who asked for burgers. We often bring them some eats when we go and visit with them. During these visits we eat together and then we asked them what we could do for them. They're old and had been very sickly over the past 2-3 years. In fact the husband just got out of the hospital again. He has been the one sick with this and that thing. They only have one son, who hasn't really gotten control of his life. So he's not even stable enough to support/look after his parents (emotionally that is not to mention financially). That's why we take it upon ourselves to peek in once in a while and see how they're doing - in addition to the phone calls.
When we left their house, we decided to go walk a bit. After all there's a burger that needs to be burned. Our choice of park to walk is called Eastshore State Park. We don't come here often since this is located along the very busy Interstate 80, one that is crowded even on weekends. So we avoid coming this way.
However, since we were in the neighborhood and the sun was out we went here. Normally this would be too cold to walk being too close to the water. But Sunday was terrific. I was wearing short sleeves and I was fine.
Furthermore the reason we wanted to visit is to see if the outdoor museum is still there. Refuse, trash, and whatever washes up on the shore some artistic hands create works of art and they stand out near the water. Every local knows about this and enjoy this part. I cannot remember if there are new items - I will post my entry about this on my other blog.
But here enjoy some of the things I found on the net about this place. Here is one. Here is a writeup. And photos. Remember to wait for my entry on my photo blog.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
TV Talk
Another performance night is over for American Idol. The top 11 performed Elton John songs last night and most of them did a fantastic job, in my opinion.
My top three based on the performance:
1. James Durbin
2. Casey Abrams
3. Lauren Alaina
Note: I don't know what it is, but Pia Toscano has started to rub me the wrong way. Is it her perfectionist way of singing? Is it her ballad heavy repertoire week after week? Is it her perfect teeth and lovely face and silky long hair? I don't know. But she just fell off my fave wagon.
The bottom three based on performance:
1. Stefano Langone
2. Naima Adedapo
3. Thia Megia
Note: I hate to see Thia in my bottom three but she has not shown any personality in the contest so far. Her voice could only carry her so far. She needs to bring in a total package. I hope that the votes will save her, but for now and until she develops a go-get-it attitude, she will be off my fave list :)
In another Wednesday show, TOP CHEF ALL STARS had their finale last night and Richard Blais was crowned the TOP CHEF. Good for him.
It's hard to be totally happy, since my fave chefs, Dale Talde and Angelo Sosa, were eliminated earlier.
My top three based on the performance:
1. James Durbin
2. Casey Abrams
3. Lauren Alaina
Note: I don't know what it is, but Pia Toscano has started to rub me the wrong way. Is it her perfectionist way of singing? Is it her ballad heavy repertoire week after week? Is it her perfect teeth and lovely face and silky long hair? I don't know. But she just fell off my fave wagon.
The bottom three based on performance:
1. Stefano Langone
2. Naima Adedapo
3. Thia Megia
Note: I hate to see Thia in my bottom three but she has not shown any personality in the contest so far. Her voice could only carry her so far. She needs to bring in a total package. I hope that the votes will save her, but for now and until she develops a go-get-it attitude, she will be off my fave list :)
In another Wednesday show, TOP CHEF ALL STARS had their finale last night and Richard Blais was crowned the TOP CHEF. Good for him.
It's hard to be totally happy, since my fave chefs, Dale Talde and Angelo Sosa, were eliminated earlier.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
One Joyful Year
March 30, 2010. The day started as it had always been for the past two weeks. Being sidelined, recovering from a surgery, I knew I would spend the day by getting a little sun in the backyard, granted it wasn't too cold. And I would spend most of the time taking it easy - watching tv and blogging/bloghopping.
I knew that I had to make a life-changing decision before the day was over. Hubs and I made a decision and there was no turning back from that decision. We had reached the point of no return. Yet I wasn't 100% sure inside as I pretended to be outside.
Still, I dove in. Que sera sera!
Emma's first picture - taken March 31, 2010
You came home with us that night. Spent the first few minutes under the bed. I let you sniff the downstairs living area. After that everything is fuzzy.
Except when it was time to sleep, you jumped into bed and cuddled up with my legs and slept in between them. That's where you sleep ever since.
You made me a cat person, Emma. You are such a good cat. A very entertaining cat. A perfect companion. You knew when I need you on my lap and when I need you to stay beside me so I can have the laptop on my lap instead. We were so pleased with the experience that 7 months after we got you, we wanted another one and got your brother Buster.
Since we didn't know your exact birthday and the shelter told us that you were 2 years old when we adopted you, your dad and I agreed to make your adoption day your birthday. So today, March 30, 2011, my dear Emma you are 3 years old. You are going to get a LOT of treats today my darling.
I don't know how life was before I had a cat, honestly. Now I understand why cat owners seemed cookie/crazy to noncat owners :)
Oh joy!
I knew that I had to make a life-changing decision before the day was over. Hubs and I made a decision and there was no turning back from that decision. We had reached the point of no return. Yet I wasn't 100% sure inside as I pretended to be outside.
Still, I dove in. Que sera sera!
Emma's first picture - taken March 31, 2010
You came home with us that night. Spent the first few minutes under the bed. I let you sniff the downstairs living area. After that everything is fuzzy.
Except when it was time to sleep, you jumped into bed and cuddled up with my legs and slept in between them. That's where you sleep ever since.
You made me a cat person, Emma. You are such a good cat. A very entertaining cat. A perfect companion. You knew when I need you on my lap and when I need you to stay beside me so I can have the laptop on my lap instead. We were so pleased with the experience that 7 months after we got you, we wanted another one and got your brother Buster.
Since we didn't know your exact birthday and the shelter told us that you were 2 years old when we adopted you, your dad and I agreed to make your adoption day your birthday. So today, March 30, 2011, my dear Emma you are 3 years old. You are going to get a LOT of treats today my darling.
I don't know how life was before I had a cat, honestly. Now I understand why cat owners seemed cookie/crazy to noncat owners :)
Oh joy!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
I Haven't Rambled in A While
So here is my rambling in bullets:
- Last Friday, March 18th we had a full blown storm - ala PI - with thunder, lightning, hail, strong winds, and power outage. Hubby was ecstatic to feel the home feel again, reading newspaper by flashlight. Buster was freaked out. Could not figure where all the rumbling was coming from. Backyard went white from all the hail.
- Went to see BATTLE LOS ANGELES. Wanted to see the new Matt Damon movie but changed our minds at the last minute. Wasn't bad, in fact quite entertaining for a war/action movie.
- Had adobong pusit and plain white rice - take out lunch from local Pinoy resto, CABALEN. Totally enjoyed my lunch yesterday.
- Looks like our friends are dragging us to the Central Coast soon. I haven't even posted the photos I took from our 2 night 3 day stay from November and here I am about to go. We'll see they might change their minds and opt for Yosemite instead. Either destination, I would not care. Both are spectacularly scenic in their own rights.
- Would be very busy at work. Looks like I'd be putting in OT for a few weeks in the coming days. I can almost feel the heavy weight of that Canon DSLR in my hands. Husband warns me not to spend the OT money before I earned it. Wise guy, isn't he?
- I am just loving the new batch of judges on AMERICAN IDOL. Jennifer is so insightful and so supportive of the contestants. I heart her!
- And I just adore Steven Tyler's beautiful eyes when he listens to the contestants perform.
- James Durbin's for real, isn't he? Easy on the eyes too :)
- Antonia just got sabotaged by her "cousin" Mike. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you ain't watching TOP CHEF ALL STARS.
- The radio just played HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE RAIN, the version by Rod Stewart. I really really love that song.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
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