By Deirdre

November 6, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

I think the theory on voting is just a little weird!

By JTesla

November 6, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

I think it’s a big stretch to link Idol to increased voting. I don’t know that anyone, aside from us crazies, discusses the actual voting. Everyone else is interested only in the performances.

Taylor Dayne is still around? Oh wait you asked about that Justin guy. I liked Taylor back in the day. Before I start to get a reputation I’d like to point out that I was a teenager back then, so cut me some slack.

Thanks for the picture Rodney, but I don’t know who that is ;)

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

November 6, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

LOL!!! Goooood try, JT!!! luck wit’ dat!!!

I don’t know. As far as a direct influence, no, but the concept that taking the time to vote about something MIGHT make a difference…we’ve never had a culture of “voters” before like the current AI, AGT, DWTS, SYTYCD, Dance Crew, etc etc etc, so MAYBE there’s a little bit of influence… i don’t think it’s by any means meaningful, but hey… and I think Rodney’s right, it was Obama’s charisma (and God-only-knows what promises made) that pulled a lot of folks off their collective azzzezz and got them out there. we’ll just have to see where it goes in future years, i guess.

Carrie DOES look pretty good there, RH… the boys should be smiling about now…

By kellyfan

November 6, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

I don’t know that I buy that Idol affected the election, really. I mean, hello, look at everything else going on….there are few more important things, IMO.

Justin as a country singer? Oy! That’ll be, um, interesting. I might watch…maybe.

Carrie: “Ooooh, shiny!” I’m really feeling a need to read up on fashion now. I mean, I do want to look my best at work. ;) BTW, JT, The rest of the pics on Elle are so unlike her. She’s trying something new, and I think it works.

By harrietth

November 6, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Yes, Rodney, just in time!

Yay, linny! Missed ya, girl!

By Deirdre

November 6, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Justin on Gone country…sure, why not? Mickey Dolenz…ok…Taylor Dayne…maybe…but Richard Grieco???? NO!

Carrie looks great…and JT has no idea who she is! No…really! :-)

By Deirdre

November 6, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

The following is a question directed to Archie and his answer:

Warning do not take a drink of something before you read it….that’s how I got ice tea all over my computer:

What are your plans for your 18th birthday? I don’t have any. It would be nice to be home and spend time with my family and friends. But it’s so weird–I don’t feel like I’m, like, growing up.

By Regan

November 6, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Justin get a JOB your 15 are over and nobody cares about your BUTT. Take your bad hair and Obama coloring and try to find a JOB.

By Tray

November 6, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

This election was American Idol voting, plain and simple. People woted for a popular contestant against the experienced contestant. Plain and simple…

By Nana

November 6, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

I really don’t think that any of the voting shows had any impact on the election. IMO, Obama made the difference. There is something about him that makes the people want to reach out and touch him in a good way.

Justin on Gone Country? Nah, I can’t see that, but he may surprise us all and actually be very good at it. We will find out in January.

RH…..Thanks for the new thread. We appreciate it and it was in the nick of time.

Welcome back linny. Knew you wouldn’t be out long.

By tenaciousd

November 6, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

There is some truth to this. Style over substance is today’s culture.

By Deirdre

November 6, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

If you’re talking about presidential elections, they have mostly been style over substance since JFK was elected. I’m not saying he didn’t have substance…what I’m saying is ‘style’ is what got him elected. We went back to ‘substance’ with Nixon and then he fraked it up. Carter was a kneejerk reaction to Nixon, Reagan started out with substance then relied on style, Bush One was all about Reagan, Clinton was all style, Bush Two was an effort to keep that Clinton down-home vibe going and Obama is all style…time will tell if there’s any substance there…we just don’t know yet.

Sorry…I am now stepping away from the soapbox!

By Dan

November 6, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Absolutely, quite frankly it was idol all over again. Ironically so many of O’s admirers are even crowing about his image and theatrics and how he makes people feel good. The reality of his lack of experience and blatantly socialist leanings are completely ignored. Thankfully the strength of our system, won’t allow him to do too much damage, or he may even prove to have the ability to jump from image to reality, he just hasn’t had to make that leap til now

By JTesla

November 6, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

I guess we need to get back to closed room deals and party bosses. Maybe we should do that with Idol too, or maybe we already have that.

Hey, I have a question for everyone: what has happened to all the other Idol contestants from Season 7? So far we’ve heard from the David’s and Michael Johns, what happened to everyone else? If I remember correctly we usually hear more from other contestants regarding getting record deals, peddling ice cream, or some other venture. The prime time for them will soon be over as we will have moved on to Season 8. To be honest, I want a good laugh so please tell me what Jason Castro is up to!

By Deirdre

November 6, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Not to change the subject but…regulars here will remember that I constantly harp about needing emoticons. Well here’s a little article that agrees with me:(I love to be agreed with. :-))

Use Emoticons or Suffer the Consequences By Rick Broida, PC World Gmail emoticons

Late last month, Google trotted out a big ol’ batch of emoticons for Gmail users. PC World’s Ian Paul has that story, but it got me thinking: How much pain and suffering could have been avoided if Gmail had done this sooner?

Hear me out. I know plenty of people despise emoticons, and some flat-out refuse to use them. But, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I submit to you that emoticons are not only useful, they’re often vital.

Consider: How many times have you been sucked into an e-mail or message-board argument over some misinterpreted comment? It happens, and happens often, because written words don’t always convey the intent of the writer.

Consequently, an otherwise genial and spirited online discussion can quickly turn ugly, or an e-mail intended as a joke can genuinely hurt someone’s feelings. Like when I told Digital Focus blogger Dave Johnson that some band he recommended made my ears bleed, he got all bent out of shape. True, he’s a big baby, but I’d neglected to cap my comments with that familiar wink-smile emoticon so he’d know I was joking.

Obviously this is a different kind of “hassle” than I normally address, but the Gmail announcement reminded me how valuable those little emoticons can be. And, hey, if you’re not one for smileys, there’s always the dancing lobster. Nothing says “I’m kidding” like a dancing lobster.

By Nana

November 6, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Although he is a very smart and educated man, his lack of experience is what really concerns me. His popularity should be the least of what should concern Americans. I think his first year in office should be able to say what kind of President he will be and what, we as Americans, can look forward to.

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

November 6, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

whew! got some heavy stuff goin’ on here!!!

i don’t think that “american idol viewers” suddenly began voting. what i DO think is the concept of actually voting and having it count may have, as the writer suggested, entered the brains of some people as an alternative to just grousing about things.

Deirdre, your analysis from the soapbox was right on! I think there will always be an element in any election of “how does s/he make me FEEL…” the problem comes when all there is is feeling, and the substance proves to be just so much hot air. A nice combination of brains and personality-brawn are certainly welcome, even when i don’t necessarily agree with the opinions… because at least someone with brains should be able to articulate the “why” of their opinion… what scares me is the “just because i say it’s so” charisma that people tend to follow senselessly (in the absolute meaning of that…without looking, without listening, without “smelling”, without touching… they just follow without questioning in any way).

[linny kicks the battered soapbox back under the blog to await someone else’s need to climb up and wax philosophical]

By SAR

November 6, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

If Idol did have an impact, please don not tell Oprah. She thinks she is the reason Obama was elected. Which is bigger, her ego or her butt.

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

November 6, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Nana, i absolutely agree with your 2:30 post. He GOT there by, in large measure, popularity. Now that he’s “in” … the question is, should be, and WILL be, IMHO, how he performs there. What he does COULD affect every american life and family in very real ways. Anyone who, as frankly the left did 4 and 8 years ago, attempts to disrespect, denegrate, vilify and disregard the sitting president only is asking for trouble. Once the “competition” for the office is over, we should come together and work for the betterment of ALL; the disrespect shown to President Bush over the last 8 years has NOT helped americans, their lives OR our collective reputation in the world as something to aspire to. We should all pray to our respective dieties for Mr. Obama’s wisdom, well-being, and guidance in the future. Yammering negative things because we disagree with his philosophy will not get us anywhere—fight for out beliefs, YES, work for the kind of change we want to see, but disrespect—NO please!!!

oh crap, there i go again, climbing up on the soapbox. linny slides back off sheepishly

By Deirdre

November 6, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

JT, Jason Castro writes a personal blog which appears every now and then over at MJ’s. Other than that…I don’t know.

Kristie Lee had a cd come out that kinda tanked.

By JTesla

November 6, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, KLC. Who gets to sell ice cream this year?

I’m sorry people, but now I have to finally get this off my chest.

Obama has as much, if not more, experience as: a governor of Texas, or a governor of Arkansas, or a governor of California, or a governor of Georgia. Did you see what I just did there? I just listed the prior experience which each President has had since 1976, except there is one person missing. That missing one, well he had more foreign affairs experience than almost any man ever elected to the office, but we only let him serve one term. The measure of substance, and of experience, has been significantly lowered and we are the ones to blame.

By Deirdre

November 6, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

SAR…while I think Oprah’s butt size is irrelevant….I will agree that, lately, her ego has gotten way out of hand.

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

November 6, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Oprah, i found it somewhat amusing that in all the Grant Park shots, when they found her she was crushed between various persons of various persuasions, shapes, colors, and sizes…. and not up on the dias or in some special box

By Deirdre

November 6, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Agree with that, JT!

We are linked to the front page…if anyone is wondering about the visitors.

If you have questions about anything, JT, send your email address to Rodney and give him permission to pass it on to linny or me.

By JTesla

November 6, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

We should run a poll as to which cabinet post Oprah will have. I’m thinking Secretary of the Interior or would it be posterior?

Deirdre, oops is that how that works? I think I have things figured out, but I’ll let Rodney pass it on to you guys just in case.

By Deirdre

November 6, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Rodney can also give you the latest news if you’d rather not give out your address.

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

November 6, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

…I got a pretty good chuckle of John Kerry wanting to be Secretary of State. The flagmakers need to be sure to buy LOTS of white linen or polyester, or whatever they make flags from, if that’s the case.

OW did i say that in my out-loud voice????

By Deirdre

November 6, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Well, I guess another day of blog-chatting has come to an end.

My favorite shows are on tonight so my DVR gets a workout. The Office, Grey’s Anatomy, ER(rumors are flying again that George Clooney WILL be back before it closes its doors forever).

See y’all tomorrow(unless something comes up where I just HAVE to comment) :-)

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

November 6, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

LOL…. enjoy the tv & dvr gleanings D…I’ll catch you guys on the morrow…

nite, all!! (unless, as D says, something comes up that just canNOT wait for a comment…)

By JTesla

November 6, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

I’d say “see you tomorrow”, but I never leave. :)

In a few months we’ll have to get the night crew going again, and see if we can corrupt Harmony.

Clooney back? I was really happy with the last time he came back. The “waiting for Julianna Margulies” scene made for some nice closure.

By Deirdre

November 6, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

I agree, JT (see, I never really leave either) That was very heartwarming and Clooney didn’t have to say a word. I’m pretty sure that, if he comes back, however briefly, Juliana Margulies will, too.

The night crew was fun! I think, this year, the day crew might have a good time as well!

By Deirdre

November 6, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

WE!!!!!

We’re waiting for you to join us again!

By Deirdre

November 6, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

DawnH…we’ll be expecting you to come back and join us. Amy, we hope you can return, too. Mike, of course. Mitch…be happy to hear from you again. Shay drops in every now and then. Wanda(where are you), KPH, we miss you! If I missed anybody, and I know I did(JT says listing names is a slippery slope) blame it on my fading memory banks rather than anything else!

We’re ready for the new season to get started!!!!! With luck, we’ll have a better format by then.

And we’re looking forward to your opinions!

By AI Fan

November 6, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

I didn’t realize opinions were allowed here. I thought if you didn’t agree with certain people here then your opinion doesn’t count. Either that or you’re wrong. That’s why I don’t post, when you disagree with most of you, you end up getting lambasted. Also, the racist, homophobic troll that’s usually on here is quite disgusting. That’s why I only come here once in a while.

By Deirdre

November 6, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

AI Fan: We’re very opinionated around here(and so are you, if I remember correctly) but we like differences of opinion…honestly…what else keeps this place moving but a good, old-fashioned, intelligent discussion. As for the troll, totally agree…but, you’re relatively safe for the moment.

By JTesla

November 6, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Seems we will always have one troll if not another. I can hear all the hens cackling as I type.

By Luci

November 6, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

AI Fan

You hit the nail on the head. I think that’s why many have left the blog.

By Deirdre

November 6, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Luci..if you hate this place so much, why do you hang around? To be honest..many people left this blog and started another one because of ONE person who harassed them unmercifully until they had no other choice.

We are not a fan site! We talk about the show as a whole. Many feel that, because we don’t get all googly-eyed over one Idol or another, that we attack their particular favorite….not true…we attack all the Idols. We’re an equal opportunity blog.

If that’s not your thing, there are plenty of fan sites where only good things are said and the world remains all lollipops and rainbows.

This place isn’t like that.

By War Eagle

November 6, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Good evening my blog friends. I was hoping that McCain could pull it out but that didn’t happen. So now I will do what a true American should do and throw all my support behind our next President.

I’m not going to comment on what happens on this blog because I really don’t care.

I hope everyone is doing well.

Oh, I got a joke that I thought was a little funny,

The 7 Dwarfs go to the Vatican and, because they are the 7 Dwarfs, they are immediately ushered in to see the Pope. Grumpy leads the pack

‘Grumpy, my son,’ says the Pope, ‘What can I do for you?’

Grumpy asks, ‘Excuse me your Excellency, but are there any dwarf nuns in Rome?’

The Pope wrinkles his brow at the odd question, thinks for a moment and

answers, ’No, Grumpy, there are no dwarf nuns in Rome.’

In the background, a few of the dwarfs start giggling. Grumpy turns around and glares, silencing them.

Grumpy turns back, ‘Your Worship, are there any dwarf nuns in all of Europe?’

The Pope, puzzled now, again thinks for a moment and then answers, ‘No, Grumpy, there are no dwarf nuns in Europe

This time, all of the other dwarfs burst into laughter. Once again, Grumpy turns around and silences them with an angry glare.

Grumpy turns back and says, ‘Mr. Pope! Are there ANY dwarf nuns anywhere in the world?’

The Pope, really confused by the questions says, ‘I’m sorry, my son, there are no dwarf nuns anywhere in the world.’

The other dwarfs collapse into a heap, rolling and laughing, pounding the floor, tears rolling down their cheeks, as they begin chanting…..

‘Grumpy screwed a penguin!’ ’Grumpy screwed a penguin!’ ‘Grumpy screwed a penguin!’

By Deirdre

November 6, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

WE!!!!! I knew you were hanging around somewhere! Funny joke!

By harrietth

November 6, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

Wow! I just peeked in to see what had happened since I had to leave this afternoon after lunch. As the resident democrat, I probably keep a lower profile. I was always taught to be a gracious winner or loser, so I try to be. JT, I love, love, love your assessment of the experience factor. It is superb and thought-provoking.

I have to be away tomorrow, so I hope everyone has productive and entertaining thoughts to contribute, so I can come home and read how your day went.

BTW, Oprah said she had no idea of who the man was upon whose shoulder she leaned and cried.

Night everyone. Have a good day tomorrow!

By Deirdre

November 6, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

‘Night, harrietth…we’ll miss you tomorrow.

By JTesla

November 6, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

Nice to see you WE, great joke.

I think I’ve hit the point where I’m done with the old hens that like to come around and pick at old wounds. They state that people here don’t allow different opinions, but they themselves are not open to accepting of the fact that others may have opinions different from their own. Oh well, they continue to obsess, and there is no sense trying to reason with them. Pitiful, especially considering how good some of them have it.

Harrietth, wait a minute, I don’t mind you being the resident Democrat, but are you saying that you are the resident Oprah watcher? I don’t know if we can have that ;) I hope you had a good day, and a good weekend if we don’t see you before then.

By linny@home

November 6, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

WE! Luci! AI Fan! and all others lurking out there! as Deirdre said, come on in, the opinions are fine… sometimes a little warm, sometimes a little “cold” and sometimes jussssst right! but genuine discussion of opinions, sometimes the more differing the better, is always welcome. But there’s no troll under the bridge, so come on in!!!

We’d love to see you back, or have you join in if you haven’t before, especially once AJC gives us a new format to play in!!!

By swolf4810

November 6, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

You have GOT to be kidding! With the problems this country now faces….hell no Idol didn’t have anythig to do with the voter turnout. And what an insult for anyone to suggest that it did!

By linny@home

November 7, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

swolf, LOL, relax! while obviously voting for a talent contestant is certainly not THE reason for voter turnout, there is a certain logic that by changing the mindset socially, one can effect changes in other areas… i speak from experience and firsthand knowledge when i say that for at least 40 years, people have been feeling that “my vote doesn’t count, i’m just one person” … the simple fact that “voting” is a now-popular form of expression, form of contribution, socially, makes that a PART of the change in attitude about the more serious and important act of voting politically.

hon, you need to relax! to be so rigid that you see only the tree, and not the beauty of the whole forest, leaves you missing a lot!!!

By JTesla

November 7, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this

Kellyfan: I finally got a chance to see the other pictures that Carrie did for Elle, they are not for me. I like bad girls to be bad, and good girls to be good. I watched a video with behind the scenes footage where Carrie talked about doing the shoot, she enjoys dressing up, getting into a character, and she normally wears sweats around the house etc. It is great that she can have fun with it.

By Nana

November 7, 2008 6:54 AM | Link to this

Good Morning!

Well we did it, finally made it to Friday. What an interesting week we have had. A new Prez, the old one leaving office, Lady “O” leaning and crying on strange shoulders, and let’s see what else. Oh, lurkers laying low and strike when they see something they don’t like. Isn’t this a fun place? I just love it.

Hey WE, glad to know that you are still around. Hope things are going well with you. How’s the new grand baby?

Yeah, where are some of the old regulars? Shay, DawnH, Harmony, MikeS, are you still out there?

By Deirdre

November 7, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

Morning!

You’re so right, Nana! A very busy week. Time to stop licking our wounds and welcome the new President-elect. Time will tell what kind of President he’ll be but it will be nice to have children in the White House again.

And a special mention of President Bush, who has been gracious this week in the face of overwhelming antagonism. His pledge to make this a smooth transition and his invitation to the new leader to join him in the Oval Office are both classy and thoughtful(and also reminds us of the less than smooth transition offered to him by the Clintons, a subject even the most liberal in the media have been talking about)

By Nana

November 7, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

I commend President Bush for his endeavors in welcoming the Obama family to the White House to introduce then to their future home and for making the transition as easy as possible. This is no easy task and has got to be a hard adjustment for both families. It will be nice to have small children in the WH again. I can still see Caroline and John John frolicking on the front lawn and that always brought a smile to my face. What would this world be like if there where no child’s laugher to be heard? It would be a sad place. My prayer is that ALL Americans stand behind Obama and support him in all the ways that matter to make America a greater and better country for all.

By Deirdre

November 7, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

Did anyone out there see Archie on the Tonight Show last night? That’s way past my bedtime and, with all the dvr-ing I had going on last night, I forgot to record it.

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

November 7, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

not me, D…i was up but i never watch the show, so i didn’t even know he’d be on. [meant in fun…] isn’t that way past Archie’s bedtime? ~¿@

Oh lordy…. the memory of the non-transition from Clinton-to-Bush in the white house…. I remember thinking that once upon a time the tone was set by the First Couple as to elegance, grace, etc, but the Clinton fiasco (or their staff) really changed the face of that… The Bush’s have brought back a little of it. I’m hoping that their leadership will spark the same grace from other republicans, but…. well, i’m a cynic sometimes…

see you guys later today, perhaps…

have a wonderful Friday :-)

By kellyfan

November 7, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

TGIF, Y’all!

I’m definitely gonna stay out of the political discussion…just like Carrie. lol. I agree with her on that.

JT: I get what you’re sayin’. I think it was fun and a different look. I like people who can play dress up. Though, I think she can make a pair of sweats look stunning. ;)

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

November 7, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

kf, lol…more and more i’m thinking you should change your nick to “kelly&carriefan”

but you’re right!

By GAgirl

November 7, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Morning Everyone Happy Friday and hope you are all doing well. Have to agree with D, it will be nice to have children in the White House again. As a dog lover, I’m anxious to see what type of dog the family will chose. Hopefully from a rescue or shelter. There are so many that need good homes.

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

November 7, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

oh that’s right, Mr. O did promise the girls a puppy…said they’d “earned” it!!! LOL

Lord knows, dogs have played some interesting roles in the white house occupants’ lives!!! and in history!

By Deirdre

November 7, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Specially Barney yesterday. He bit a reporter. He’s a terrier and they do not like their space entered if they’re not in the mood!

As a dog lover, I’ll be very interested to meet the Obama’s new puppy.

I just read on MSN that Idol will begin on Jan 13th! I think we need a countdown! :-)

By Deirdre

November 7, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

I just read this on tmz.com…it’s accompanied by a nice picture of the 2 of them:

American Idol” champ David Cook’s relationship with “Idol” castoff-turned-reporter Kimberly Caldwell is still going strong.

The pair met after Kim interviewed David for a TV show she was working on.

Finally, something in Kim’s life lasts longer than 15 minutes.

By JTesla

November 7, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

“… longer than 15 minutes” Ouch! I wish I had thought of that comment.

By GAgirl

November 7, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

They do make a cute couple. Speaking of couples, Alec and Edyta’s dance on DWTS the other night was smokin’. They are HOT!!!! Can’t wait for the new season to start in Jan. Should be interesting with 4 judges. Wonder how they will handle a tie vote on who goes thru to Hollywood???

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

November 7, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

GAgirl, i’m thinking that the producers have already given the “judges” their outline of who’s to go and who’s not to go through… call me cynical!!!

“cynicalinny”????

By Deirdre

November 7, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

GAgirl…I believe a tie will be broken by Simon. Not always a good thing!

By Igashu

January 18, 2009 3:33 AM | Link to this

hi all. Think of yourself as an incandescent power, illuminated and perhaps forever talked to by God and his messengers. I am from Ukraine and also am speaking English, please tell me whether I wrote the following sentence: “If you are serious about your espresso, you need to spring for the best machine you can get.”

Thank :P Igashu.