Call them the American League Champions, the Comeback Kids; The BoSox made magic yet again in Fenway Park in late October last night, and it is not a moment any Sox fan will forget anytime soon. The Red Sox staged a comeback winning the series after the Indians lead three games to one. Sox fans did not stop believing and apparently neither did the team winning definitively last night 11-2. Matsuzaka pitched for 5 innings allowing only two runs from six hits; "I thought he pitched his heart out. Those were some tough innings. He gave us what we needed," Francona said of Daisuke.
Rookie Dustin Pedroia was a big part of last night's win, "The season is almost over we were down 3-1, you get that sense of urgency, nobody wanted to go home, nobody wanted to say goodbye to each other. Once we got that win in Cleveland, we started to believe." Pedroia hit a homerun, his first of the postseason, and doubled with the bases loaded, arguably the most important hit of the night giving the sox a lead of 5-2. The Indians did have a chance to threaten, but Kenny Lofton was held at third by the third base coach Joel Skinner. Casey Blake then grounded into a double play that ended the inning.
An inning later it was again Pedroia who this time hit a three run double. Okajima, who pitched in the sixth and seventh inning also contributed in a big way getting six outs. Jonathan Papelbon then came on in the eighth with two on base and no outs and retired the next three batters; he also pitched the ninth inning to put the finishing touches on the game.
"It's a great feeling just to go out there and play so well. Just to win here at home....... was unbelieveable. A lot of people doubted us, but we didn't doubt ourselves," said first baseman Kevin Youkilis who batted .500 in the series and had three homeruns and seven RBIs.
Coco Crisp helped to officially clinch the ALCS for the Sox after he made a brilliant catch in the triangle area of right center field.
General Manager Theo Epstein said of the upcoming opponent, "The Rockies are on a magical run and we are going to have our hands full. We're going to try and represent the American League the best we can. We haven't grown up any since '04. That's part of what keeps these guys so good. It keeps us all loose and we never stop believing."
Monday, October 22, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
American Idol................ Now What?
Season 4 (2005)
Winner: Carrie Underwood- http://www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/carrieunderwood , has released one album Some Hearts in 2005 and is about to release her second album Carnival Ride on October 23, 2007. Ms. Underwood is the most successful American Idol winner and contestant to date selling 6 million copies of Some Hearts in the U.S. alone (the album also has been the best selling female country album of 2005, 2006, and 2007 and has had every single she has released be a number 1). Her awards have been numerous including, but not limited to, two Grammys, eight Billboards, four Country Music Television Awards, five Academy of Country Music Awards, two Country Music Association Awards (CMAs), one American Music Award (AMA), and two People's Choice Awards. She is also nominated for four CMAs and three AMAs this year. Ms. Underwood reportedly dates Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
Runner Up: Bo Bice- http://www.bobice.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/bobice , released his debut album The Real Thing in 2005 and will also release his second album on October 23, 2007 (the same day as Carrie Underwood) titled See the Light. Mr. Bice married his longtime girlfriend Caroline Fisher in 2005 and his son Aidan was born later that year. Ben Stiller also invited Bo to sing the song "Blades of Glory" for his movie of the same name in 2007.
3rd: Vonzell Solomon- http://www.officialbabyv.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/officialbabyv , her demo CD, My Struggle, surfaced on itunes in 2007. There has been talk that Ms. Solomon is working on a full length album. She will make her acting debut in the movie "Still Green" to be released in December 2007; the movie is receiving critical acclaim on the independent circuit.
4th: Anthony Fedorov- http://www.myspace.com/anthonyfedorovmusic , continues to tour with other American Idol contestants, but has not released an album.
5th: Scott Savol- http://www.scottsavolonline.com/ , says on his website that he is hoping to release an album in 2008, and is doing a show on a cruise line.
6th: Constantine Maroulis- http://www.myspace.com/constantinemaroulis , has not slowed down since American Idol, he released his debut cd "Constantine" this past summer on an indie label. He has a recurring role on CBS's The Bold and the Beautiful where ironically he plays a rockstar. Maroulis has done lots of Broadway shows since Idol including Rent in 2003, The Wedding Singer in 2006, and Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris in 2007 (where he is currently appearing at the Zipper Theater off Broadway). His single "Everybody Loves" has been featured on The Bold and the Beautiful.
7th: Anwar Robinson- http://www.anwarmusic.com/ , is currently playing the role of Tom Collins in the national and international tour of Rent through at least the end of 2007.
8th: Nadia Turner- http://www.nadiaturner.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/nadiaturner , is currently putting the finishing touches on her debut album, Standing on Love (there is no word on exactly when it will be released, I will post a date as soon as I find one).
9th: Nikko Smith- http://www.myspace.com/nikkostl , performs for private events, but has yet to really break into the music business and release a full length album. He is signed to an indie record label.
10th: Jessica Sierra- http://www.myspace.com/jessicasierramusic , currently is not signed to a record label and performs for private events. She dated fellow Idol contestant Nikko Smith for some time but later confirmed that the two had broken up. She is currently featured on a "Toys R Us" compilation cd.
11th: Mikalah Gordon- http://www.myspace.com/mikalahagordon and http://mikalah-gordon.org/ , Ms. Gordon will be appearing on an episode of "The Unit" on October 30, 2007 on CBS, and hopes to continue acting. She survived a robbery at gunpoint in 2006 in her hometown of Las Vegas in which police said she was lucky to be alive.
12: Lindsay Cardinale- http://myspace.com/lindseycardinale , is currently at work in Nashville with producer Paul Jackson on her debut album.
Winner: Carrie Underwood- http://www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/carrieunderwood , has released one album Some Hearts in 2005 and is about to release her second album Carnival Ride on October 23, 2007. Ms. Underwood is the most successful American Idol winner and contestant to date selling 6 million copies of Some Hearts in the U.S. alone (the album also has been the best selling female country album of 2005, 2006, and 2007 and has had every single she has released be a number 1). Her awards have been numerous including, but not limited to, two Grammys, eight Billboards, four Country Music Television Awards, five Academy of Country Music Awards, two Country Music Association Awards (CMAs), one American Music Award (AMA), and two People's Choice Awards. She is also nominated for four CMAs and three AMAs this year. Ms. Underwood reportedly dates Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
Runner Up: Bo Bice- http://www.bobice.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/bobice , released his debut album The Real Thing in 2005 and will also release his second album on October 23, 2007 (the same day as Carrie Underwood) titled See the Light. Mr. Bice married his longtime girlfriend Caroline Fisher in 2005 and his son Aidan was born later that year. Ben Stiller also invited Bo to sing the song "Blades of Glory" for his movie of the same name in 2007.
3rd: Vonzell Solomon- http://www.officialbabyv.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/officialbabyv , her demo CD, My Struggle, surfaced on itunes in 2007. There has been talk that Ms. Solomon is working on a full length album. She will make her acting debut in the movie "Still Green" to be released in December 2007; the movie is receiving critical acclaim on the independent circuit.
4th: Anthony Fedorov- http://www.myspace.com/anthonyfedorovmusic , continues to tour with other American Idol contestants, but has not released an album.
5th: Scott Savol- http://www.scottsavolonline.com/ , says on his website that he is hoping to release an album in 2008, and is doing a show on a cruise line.
6th: Constantine Maroulis- http://www.myspace.com/constantinemaroulis , has not slowed down since American Idol, he released his debut cd "Constantine" this past summer on an indie label. He has a recurring role on CBS's The Bold and the Beautiful where ironically he plays a rockstar. Maroulis has done lots of Broadway shows since Idol including Rent in 2003, The Wedding Singer in 2006, and Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris in 2007 (where he is currently appearing at the Zipper Theater off Broadway). His single "Everybody Loves" has been featured on The Bold and the Beautiful.
7th: Anwar Robinson- http://www.anwarmusic.com/ , is currently playing the role of Tom Collins in the national and international tour of Rent through at least the end of 2007.
8th: Nadia Turner- http://www.nadiaturner.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/nadiaturner , is currently putting the finishing touches on her debut album, Standing on Love (there is no word on exactly when it will be released, I will post a date as soon as I find one).
9th: Nikko Smith- http://www.myspace.com/nikkostl , performs for private events, but has yet to really break into the music business and release a full length album. He is signed to an indie record label.
10th: Jessica Sierra- http://www.myspace.com/jessicasierramusic , currently is not signed to a record label and performs for private events. She dated fellow Idol contestant Nikko Smith for some time but later confirmed that the two had broken up. She is currently featured on a "Toys R Us" compilation cd.
11th: Mikalah Gordon- http://www.myspace.com/mikalahagordon and http://mikalah-gordon.org/ , Ms. Gordon will be appearing on an episode of "The Unit" on October 30, 2007 on CBS, and hopes to continue acting. She survived a robbery at gunpoint in 2006 in her hometown of Las Vegas in which police said she was lucky to be alive.
12: Lindsay Cardinale- http://myspace.com/lindseycardinale , is currently at work in Nashville with producer Paul Jackson on her debut album.
Monday, October 8, 2007
cleaning your clothes the new fashioned way?
On another night out with a group of my friends, we began discussing our college days. Now college kids have been back in school for a solid six weeks now, so they are settling in to a routine of some sorts hopefully as well as feeling overwhelmed and busy. Some students, especially the ones who also work (I worked) are so busy that they find it difficult to do certain things like.............. cook dinner, do laundry, and have a social life. Of course, we talked about how college kids have this notorious association with Ramen noodles, come on, they're 8 for a $1.00, why wouldn't students buy them. Students will also do things like go to Applebee's for half price appetizer night and fill up on nachos, boneless buffalo wings, and mozzarella sticks. Then there are the bars students go to that offer $1.00 drafts and $5.00 appetizers kind of like an "all you can drink and all you can eat" affair. The most strange thing I heard that night was from a friend who told me that she knew a student who used to "febreze" their clothing instead of washing their clothing. Ok, now I have heard of washing your clothing and then "febrezing", but for goodness sakes, not just "febrezing". I want to state just for the record how much I love febreze, it smells good, but it is not laundry detergent, and I am sure the lovely people who make febreze would agree with that and encourage people not to "febreze wash" their clothes. As for being so busy that a student cannot balance a social life I will discuss this in another entry as well as tell you how it only gets worse after you graduate from college and cite examples.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
American Idol................ Now What?
Season 3 (2004)
Winner: Fantasia Barrino- http://www.fantasiabarrinoofficial.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/fantasiabarrino , has released two albums Free Yourself (2004) and Fantasia (2006). Her first single, "I Believe" was the top selling single of 2004 in the U.S. accoridng to Billboard, she has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, and has won three Billboard Awards and one NAACP Award. In 2005, Ms. Barrino revealed that she was functionally illiterate and went on to play herself in the TV movie Life is not a Fairy Tale, based on her life. Fantasia announced on the Oprah Winfrey Show in Feb. 2007 that she would star as Celie in the broadway musical The Color Purple where she has garnered critical praise.
Runner Up: Diana Degarmo- http://www.myspace.com/dianadegarmo , released her debut album Blue Skys in 2004 and is currently at work on a new album. She starred on Broadway in Hairspray as Penny Pingleton from Feb. 2006- May 2006 and then again from Sept. 2006- Feb. 2007.
3rd: Jasmine Trias- http://www.jasminetrias.net/ and http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=14714856 , released two albums, both titled Jasmine Trias in 2005 (one in the U.S. and one in the Philippines; the album from the Philippines was repackaged and re-released in 2006 with additional songs). She performed for a couple of months in 2007 on the Las Vegas Strip at the Flamingo as part of the "Society of Seven". Ms. Trias hopes to release her second U.S. album in 2008.
4th: Latoya London- http://www.myspace.com/latoyalondon , released her only album, so far, Love & Life in 2005. Ms. London is currently a member of the touring cast of the broadway show, "The Color Purple" playing the part of Nettie.
5th: George Huff- http://www.wordrecords.com/georgehuff/ and http://www.myspace.com/georgehuff , has released two albums, My Christmas (2004) and Miracles (2005). In 2005, Mr. Huff, a New Orleans native had his home damaged in Hurricane Katrina. He will be performing with other Idol contestant Mandisa in the show "Christmas on Main Street" in Salinas, California throughout the month of December 2007.
6th: John Stevens- is currently a student at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass.
7th: Jennifer Hudson- http://www.myspace.com/jenniferhudson Ms. Hudson is an Oscar Winner (2007) for Best Supporting Actress for her performance of Effie in the movie "Dreamgirls". Simply stated, she has won a pluthera of awards including the following awards, Golden Globe, Screen Actor's Guild (SAG), NAACP, BAFTA, Soul Train, and two BET's.
She will play Carrie Bradshaw's assistant in the upcoming "Sex in the City" movie, and is in talks to star as Aretha Franklin in a movie. In 2008, Ms. Hudson will be releasing her debut album and starring in the movie Winged Creatures with Forrest Whitaker.
8th: Jon Peter Lewis- http://www.myspace.com/jonpeterlewis , released his debut album Stories from Hollywood in 2006. He is currently doing a Border's music tour.
9th: Camile Velasco- http://www.myspace.com/camilevelasco and http://www.camile-velasco.com/ , is currently working on a debut album.
10th: Amy Adams- is currently married and has a son who was born in 2005.
Winner: Fantasia Barrino- http://www.fantasiabarrinoofficial.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/fantasiabarrino , has released two albums Free Yourself (2004) and Fantasia (2006). Her first single, "I Believe" was the top selling single of 2004 in the U.S. accoridng to Billboard, she has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, and has won three Billboard Awards and one NAACP Award. In 2005, Ms. Barrino revealed that she was functionally illiterate and went on to play herself in the TV movie Life is not a Fairy Tale, based on her life. Fantasia announced on the Oprah Winfrey Show in Feb. 2007 that she would star as Celie in the broadway musical The Color Purple where she has garnered critical praise.
Runner Up: Diana Degarmo- http://www.myspace.com/dianadegarmo , released her debut album Blue Skys in 2004 and is currently at work on a new album. She starred on Broadway in Hairspray as Penny Pingleton from Feb. 2006- May 2006 and then again from Sept. 2006- Feb. 2007.
3rd: Jasmine Trias- http://www.jasminetrias.net/ and http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=14714856 , released two albums, both titled Jasmine Trias in 2005 (one in the U.S. and one in the Philippines; the album from the Philippines was repackaged and re-released in 2006 with additional songs). She performed for a couple of months in 2007 on the Las Vegas Strip at the Flamingo as part of the "Society of Seven". Ms. Trias hopes to release her second U.S. album in 2008.
4th: Latoya London- http://www.myspace.com/latoyalondon , released her only album, so far, Love & Life in 2005. Ms. London is currently a member of the touring cast of the broadway show, "The Color Purple" playing the part of Nettie.
5th: George Huff- http://www.wordrecords.com/georgehuff/ and http://www.myspace.com/georgehuff , has released two albums, My Christmas (2004) and Miracles (2005). In 2005, Mr. Huff, a New Orleans native had his home damaged in Hurricane Katrina. He will be performing with other Idol contestant Mandisa in the show "Christmas on Main Street" in Salinas, California throughout the month of December 2007.
6th: John Stevens- is currently a student at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass.
7th: Jennifer Hudson- http://www.myspace.com/jenniferhudson Ms. Hudson is an Oscar Winner (2007) for Best Supporting Actress for her performance of Effie in the movie "Dreamgirls". Simply stated, she has won a pluthera of awards including the following awards, Golden Globe, Screen Actor's Guild (SAG), NAACP, BAFTA, Soul Train, and two BET's.
She will play Carrie Bradshaw's assistant in the upcoming "Sex in the City" movie, and is in talks to star as Aretha Franklin in a movie. In 2008, Ms. Hudson will be releasing her debut album and starring in the movie Winged Creatures with Forrest Whitaker.
8th: Jon Peter Lewis- http://www.myspace.com/jonpeterlewis , released his debut album Stories from Hollywood in 2006. He is currently doing a Border's music tour.
9th: Camile Velasco- http://www.myspace.com/camilevelasco and http://www.camile-velasco.com/ , is currently working on a debut album.
10th: Amy Adams- is currently married and has a son who was born in 2005.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Gossip Girl Rules!
After only three episodes I find myself addicted to "Gossip Girl"; I watch every week and not only do I turn up the TV but I cannot take my eyes off the screen. The series is based on a series of books by the same name, and brought to us by executive producer Josh Schwartz of "The O.C." fame.
The show is about priviledged teens from Manhatten's Upper East Side, some spoiled brats and some grateful for second chances, and the few who yearn to be a part of their worlds and receive their opportunities. The main character is Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) who has just returned home from boarding school to be at the side of her younger brother Eric (Connor Paolo) who attempted suicide (Please note that thoughout the show: Gossip Girl informs everyone via text message or her website of Serena and all her latest happenings). Serena has changed from party girl to sophisticated young woman with goals.
Her used to be best friend is Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) who is bent on revenge because Serena slept with her easy on the eyes boyfriend Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford) before she left for boarding school. Blair is determined not to be second to Serena anymore whether it involves Nate, school, the social scene, or anything else for that matter. Nate is dealing with his own issues, he still harbors serious feelings for Serena and is confused with how to deal with all the expectations his father has for him.
Then there is the troublemaker, Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick), a spoiled brat who is always tempting Nate and Blaire to do wrong and pushing his enemies to the brink of madness.
The two outsiders in this world are Dan and Jenny Humphrey (Penn Badgley and Taylor Momsen), the brother and sister team who come from a middle class family. Their dad Rufus (Matthew Settle) is a part of a rock band and a art gallery owner, and he has a history with Serena's mom, Lily (Kelly Rutherford) a socialite.
Dan and Serena meet and he is quite taken by the intelligent beauty who also shows an interest in him and asks him out on a date. Chuck takes things with Jenny too far at the "kiss on the lips" party and Dan and Serena come to her rescue (Chuck makes Dan his enemy). Many people are going to complicate Dan and Serena's relationship (I will explore this in another post).
The young actors in this series are brilliant and right on point. Their lines are delivered with a clever conviction that makes them believable as people. I am already attached to certain characters, for example, my heart sunk for Serena when Blaire told Dan in front of Serena that she slept with Blaire's boyfriend Nate. Dan walked out on Serena at Blaire's brunch and said she was just like everyone else.
The music for the series is hot with everything from Vivaldi to The Killers to Joss Stone to Rooney to Justin Timberlake to Rihanna to Fergie to newcomers like The Bravery and that's just a starting list, bleieve me. The writing is tight, mature and seriously believeable without being over the top with dashes of comic relief in between. "Gossip Girl" is a diamond in the rough, more priceless because it's rare and original. If you aren't watching it yet, you must tune in, you won't be sorry; it's a hit.
The show is about priviledged teens from Manhatten's Upper East Side, some spoiled brats and some grateful for second chances, and the few who yearn to be a part of their worlds and receive their opportunities. The main character is Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) who has just returned home from boarding school to be at the side of her younger brother Eric (Connor Paolo) who attempted suicide (Please note that thoughout the show: Gossip Girl informs everyone via text message or her website of Serena and all her latest happenings). Serena has changed from party girl to sophisticated young woman with goals.
Her used to be best friend is Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) who is bent on revenge because Serena slept with her easy on the eyes boyfriend Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford) before she left for boarding school. Blair is determined not to be second to Serena anymore whether it involves Nate, school, the social scene, or anything else for that matter. Nate is dealing with his own issues, he still harbors serious feelings for Serena and is confused with how to deal with all the expectations his father has for him.
Then there is the troublemaker, Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick), a spoiled brat who is always tempting Nate and Blaire to do wrong and pushing his enemies to the brink of madness.
The two outsiders in this world are Dan and Jenny Humphrey (Penn Badgley and Taylor Momsen), the brother and sister team who come from a middle class family. Their dad Rufus (Matthew Settle) is a part of a rock band and a art gallery owner, and he has a history with Serena's mom, Lily (Kelly Rutherford) a socialite.
Dan and Serena meet and he is quite taken by the intelligent beauty who also shows an interest in him and asks him out on a date. Chuck takes things with Jenny too far at the "kiss on the lips" party and Dan and Serena come to her rescue (Chuck makes Dan his enemy). Many people are going to complicate Dan and Serena's relationship (I will explore this in another post).
The young actors in this series are brilliant and right on point. Their lines are delivered with a clever conviction that makes them believable as people. I am already attached to certain characters, for example, my heart sunk for Serena when Blaire told Dan in front of Serena that she slept with Blaire's boyfriend Nate. Dan walked out on Serena at Blaire's brunch and said she was just like everyone else.
The music for the series is hot with everything from Vivaldi to The Killers to Joss Stone to Rooney to Justin Timberlake to Rihanna to Fergie to newcomers like The Bravery and that's just a starting list, bleieve me. The writing is tight, mature and seriously believeable without being over the top with dashes of comic relief in between. "Gossip Girl" is a diamond in the rough, more priceless because it's rare and original. If you aren't watching it yet, you must tune in, you won't be sorry; it's a hit.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
American Idol................ Now What?
Season 2 (2003)
Winner: Ruben Studdard- http://www.rubenstuddard.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/rubenstuddard , has released three albums: Soulful (2003), I Need An Angel (2004), and The Return (2006). He was nominated for a Grammy Award and has won an NCAAP Award for best new artist in 2004.
Runner Up: Clay Aiken- http://www.clayaiken.com/ , has released three albums: Measure of a Man (2003), Merry Christmas With Love (2004), and A Thousand Different Ways (2006). Aiken has won an American Music Award and three Billboard Music Awards.
3rd: Kimberley Locke- http://www.kimberleylockeweb.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/kimberleylocke , has released two albums One Love (2004) and Based on a True Story (2007). Her holiday album Christmas will be released on November 6, 2007. She has teamed with General Mills to help find a cure for breast cancer (you can help too by checking out one of her websites!) and she is also losing weight with the Jenny Craig program. Ms. Locke will be touring through the fall and continuing her work as a plus size model.
4th: Joshua Gracin- http://www.joshgracin.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/joshgracin , has one album so far, his debut Josh Gracin from 2004; he has an album slated for release at some point this year or early next year titled All About Y'all. Josh is married to his wife Ann Marie and has three kids; Briana, Landon, and Gabriella.
5th: Trenyce Cobbins- http://www.myspace.com/trenyceonline , has yet to release an album and is currently unsigned to a record label. She has performed in her own show at the Sahara in Las Vegas. Currently Ms. Cobbins is touring with the broadway show "Mama's Sweet Potato Pie" (also starring Boris Kodjoe, Sherman Hemsley, and Ginuwine). She is also a member of "Soul Kittens Cabaret" along with Syleena Johnson, Angie Stone, Tatyana Ali, Kenya Moore, and Monifah started by Nicci Gilbert (former member of Brownstone).
6th: Carmen Rasmusen- http://www.carmenrasmusen.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/carmenrasmusenofficial , decided to take Simon's advice and become a country/ bluegrass singer. She is signed to an indie record label and released her debut album, Nothing' Like the Summer this past summer (2007).
7th: Kimberly Caldwell- http://www.kimberlycaldwell.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/kimberlycaldwellofficial , is currently at work on her debut album and has already released the first single "Who Will You Run To". She is a correspondent and cohost on the TV Guide Network's "Reality Chat", "Idol Chat", and "Idol Tonight". Ms. Caldwell also models for designer Michael Antonio.
8th: Rickey Smith- ?
9th: Corey Clark- Most remember Corey Clark as the contestant who was disqualified from American Idol and claims to have had an affair with judge Paula Abdul. His first and only album thus far, Corey Clark, was released in 2005 and received minimal airplay and press.
10th: Julia Demato- Julia is remembered as the sweet cosmetologist and hairstylist who made it to the top ten on idol, but following her fifteen minutes of fame things turned sour. In 2005, Julia was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and cocaine and driving while intoxicated upon failure of a field sobriety test.
Winner: Ruben Studdard- http://www.rubenstuddard.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/rubenstuddard , has released three albums: Soulful (2003), I Need An Angel (2004), and The Return (2006). He was nominated for a Grammy Award and has won an NCAAP Award for best new artist in 2004.
Runner Up: Clay Aiken- http://www.clayaiken.com/ , has released three albums: Measure of a Man (2003), Merry Christmas With Love (2004), and A Thousand Different Ways (2006). Aiken has won an American Music Award and three Billboard Music Awards.
3rd: Kimberley Locke- http://www.kimberleylockeweb.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/kimberleylocke , has released two albums One Love (2004) and Based on a True Story (2007). Her holiday album Christmas will be released on November 6, 2007. She has teamed with General Mills to help find a cure for breast cancer (you can help too by checking out one of her websites!) and she is also losing weight with the Jenny Craig program. Ms. Locke will be touring through the fall and continuing her work as a plus size model.
4th: Joshua Gracin- http://www.joshgracin.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/joshgracin , has one album so far, his debut Josh Gracin from 2004; he has an album slated for release at some point this year or early next year titled All About Y'all. Josh is married to his wife Ann Marie and has three kids; Briana, Landon, and Gabriella.
5th: Trenyce Cobbins- http://www.myspace.com/trenyceonline , has yet to release an album and is currently unsigned to a record label. She has performed in her own show at the Sahara in Las Vegas. Currently Ms. Cobbins is touring with the broadway show "Mama's Sweet Potato Pie" (also starring Boris Kodjoe, Sherman Hemsley, and Ginuwine). She is also a member of "Soul Kittens Cabaret" along with Syleena Johnson, Angie Stone, Tatyana Ali, Kenya Moore, and Monifah started by Nicci Gilbert (former member of Brownstone).
6th: Carmen Rasmusen- http://www.carmenrasmusen.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/carmenrasmusenofficial , decided to take Simon's advice and become a country/ bluegrass singer. She is signed to an indie record label and released her debut album, Nothing' Like the Summer this past summer (2007).
7th: Kimberly Caldwell- http://www.kimberlycaldwell.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/kimberlycaldwellofficial , is currently at work on her debut album and has already released the first single "Who Will You Run To". She is a correspondent and cohost on the TV Guide Network's "Reality Chat", "Idol Chat", and "Idol Tonight". Ms. Caldwell also models for designer Michael Antonio.
8th: Rickey Smith- ?
9th: Corey Clark- Most remember Corey Clark as the contestant who was disqualified from American Idol and claims to have had an affair with judge Paula Abdul. His first and only album thus far, Corey Clark, was released in 2005 and received minimal airplay and press.
10th: Julia Demato- Julia is remembered as the sweet cosmetologist and hairstylist who made it to the top ten on idol, but following her fifteen minutes of fame things turned sour. In 2005, Julia was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and cocaine and driving while intoxicated upon failure of a field sobriety test.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Are we still desperate for Desperate Housewives?
Desperate Housewives premiered its 4th season last night and my question going into it was, am I still desperate to watch the housewives? Let's brielfy recap where "Housewives" left off last season: Susan and Mike finally tied the knot, Lynette found out she has cancer, Bree faked a pregnancy to cover up her daughter Danielle's pregnancy (Danielle meanwhile is away at boarding school), Gabi married Victor who was using her but Carlos wanted her back, and Edie took desperate measures to get Carlos back.
There is a new desperate housewife in town, her name is Catherine Mayfair (played by Dana Delaney); Bree does not like her at all (the funny part will be seeing who is more uptight and more into keeping up appearances). Catherine has a history on Wisteria Lane, she lived there before and moved away. Along with Catherine comes her husband Adam (a gynecologist) and her daughter Dylan (Dylan used to be best friends with Susan's daughter Julie).
First off, Edie is not dead; everyone thought she was a goner last season, but she is fine. Edie is also back to her old tricks again she is willing to do pretty much anything to keep Carlos (lie, cheat, scheme anyone?) even attempt her own suicide; Edie actually set it up so Carlos would think she cannot live without him.
Susan continues to be a spaz about life even though he is married to Mike. She goes to the gynocologist (who just happens to be Adam Mayfair played by Nathan Fillion) and he thinks that she is premenopausal especially when she complains of night sweats (he diagnoses them as hot flashes). Later, Susan and Mike discuss the prospect of having kids and Mike says he doesn't want kids (Susan is thinking she does want kids). Adam later tells Susan she is not premenopausal but pregnant, cue Mike hugging Susan and saying he couldn't he happier.
Lynette has lost her hair and is now wearing a wig, but has not told any of her friends about her cancer. Tom encourages her to tell everyone because she has too much to juggle and cannot handle it because of her illness. Finally when PTA reponsibilites become too much to bear Lynette takes off her wig revealing to everyone at Catherine's "welcome to the neighborhood party" that she has cancer.
Bree is continuing to fake a pregnancy and she also has it out for Catherine. She thinks by having this child it will give her a chance to make things right after messing up with Danielle.
Gabi and Carlos argue about whether or not to have an affair or run away and have a full fledged relationship.
For the most part, I thought this was a great episode. I am really not particularly interested in Catherine; I think her character is really flat thus far, maybe that will change. I am more interested in what happened to her daughter Dylan, why doesn't she remember being friends with Julie? What happened at their house on Wisteria Lane to make them move away? And what happened when they were gone? There are interesting stories to tell there. Also, I love this whole triangle forming between Gabi, Carlos, and Edie, and it will heat up when John (the lawn boy) comes back and tells Gabi his marriage is a sham and he wants her back! It will be interesting to see Susan pregnant, and how will she and Mike be as parents? Lynette may also have her hands full with her mother living in her house and trying to take over the household because she is pretty bossy, look for her to eventually kick her out. Is her potential relationship with Rick (played by Jason Gedrick) over? I think not. "TV Squad" says Bree's daughter Danielle will give birth to a baby boy. Overall though, I give the premiere a: B.
There is a new desperate housewife in town, her name is Catherine Mayfair (played by Dana Delaney); Bree does not like her at all (the funny part will be seeing who is more uptight and more into keeping up appearances). Catherine has a history on Wisteria Lane, she lived there before and moved away. Along with Catherine comes her husband Adam (a gynecologist) and her daughter Dylan (Dylan used to be best friends with Susan's daughter Julie).
First off, Edie is not dead; everyone thought she was a goner last season, but she is fine. Edie is also back to her old tricks again she is willing to do pretty much anything to keep Carlos (lie, cheat, scheme anyone?) even attempt her own suicide; Edie actually set it up so Carlos would think she cannot live without him.
Susan continues to be a spaz about life even though he is married to Mike. She goes to the gynocologist (who just happens to be Adam Mayfair played by Nathan Fillion) and he thinks that she is premenopausal especially when she complains of night sweats (he diagnoses them as hot flashes). Later, Susan and Mike discuss the prospect of having kids and Mike says he doesn't want kids (Susan is thinking she does want kids). Adam later tells Susan she is not premenopausal but pregnant, cue Mike hugging Susan and saying he couldn't he happier.
Lynette has lost her hair and is now wearing a wig, but has not told any of her friends about her cancer. Tom encourages her to tell everyone because she has too much to juggle and cannot handle it because of her illness. Finally when PTA reponsibilites become too much to bear Lynette takes off her wig revealing to everyone at Catherine's "welcome to the neighborhood party" that she has cancer.
Bree is continuing to fake a pregnancy and she also has it out for Catherine. She thinks by having this child it will give her a chance to make things right after messing up with Danielle.
Gabi and Carlos argue about whether or not to have an affair or run away and have a full fledged relationship.
For the most part, I thought this was a great episode. I am really not particularly interested in Catherine; I think her character is really flat thus far, maybe that will change. I am more interested in what happened to her daughter Dylan, why doesn't she remember being friends with Julie? What happened at their house on Wisteria Lane to make them move away? And what happened when they were gone? There are interesting stories to tell there. Also, I love this whole triangle forming between Gabi, Carlos, and Edie, and it will heat up when John (the lawn boy) comes back and tells Gabi his marriage is a sham and he wants her back! It will be interesting to see Susan pregnant, and how will she and Mike be as parents? Lynette may also have her hands full with her mother living in her house and trying to take over the household because she is pretty bossy, look for her to eventually kick her out. Is her potential relationship with Rick (played by Jason Gedrick) over? I think not. "TV Squad" says Bree's daughter Danielle will give birth to a baby boy. Overall though, I give the premiere a: B.
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