Pre Show Top Nine Predictions

So tonight they get to pick from the top itunes 100, wow that is quite a range of music the have there. This season has not been as predictable as past seasons, I really don't think these singers are extraordinary or anything like that but they are kind of even and I still think it could be any body's win.

Will vote for the worst succeed in keeping Megan in the competition one more week? Could this be Scott's last week? I hope not. Matt and Allison will have to kill it, they are both great singers but for some reason are not capturing a wide fan base, of course they didn't get as much air time as Danny and Lil did but to me they are just as good if not better.

So, Adam surprised the heck out of me last week. I really thought he was going to do his normal screaming but instead he came out with a slow song that really showed he can clean it up if that was his intention. Still not my favorite as I am not a rocker but he will go far in this competition. In any case, don't count on him being all cleaned up again this week, I just don't think he'll start wearing costumes for each performance.

Kris Allen is a judge's favorite and Anoop is my favorite of the two. While Anoop is the underdog in this competition I have a feeling that he has a wider fan base than people think, I just hope he has another great performance tonight to stay alive.

Realistically Scott and Megan should be bottom two this week, but what will happen could be a whole different story. Just to point out how crazily unpredictable this season has been, Alexis a top favorite is gone and didn't even make it to top 10, and Both Matt and Megan have been bottom three. Yep, anything can happen.

And yet, why do I feel it will be a Danny vs. Adam finale?

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The Weekend

Diego's party was a hit, the car show was a hit too, and the weekend was a hit. On Sunday we all went out for breakfast and then the kids decided to go buy some presents to Diego with part of the look he got for his birthday. Then they all left except Diego, and that pretty much gave mi chica and I a quiet Sunday.

We are almost caught up with the Christmas movies that we still had in the DVR and had not been able to watch, I believe there is maybe one more and then I can officially say we are done until next December. In the meantime I already have Sex In the City, What Happens in Vegas, The Bucket List, and Maid oh Honor in the queve.

Although I spent my morning with Diego I kindda ditch him in the afternoon, he had his handsful wiht all his little friends but still let me know he knew I left him. I, do I smell some major making up, probably.


I left this.


And this...

For these...







But I did get his permission.

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Rock Band Session

As I previously said, today is Diego's birthday. I called him to sing him the happy birthday song but he was visiting his Nanis so I went to Manny's for a little while. Normally when I go to Manny's I have a couple of tacos but today my Son and his whole family came to the house to visit Diego and to wish him a happy birthday, since Diego was MIA they invited me to go eat at Baja Fresh. We had a couple of Mahi Mahi tacos and they were pretty delicious.

Karaoke night usually ends at 9:00 but I had told mi chica I would be home earlier today. For the past month we look forward to Friday because she has been cooking fish. She had never attempted to cook fish before and all of a sudden she is like a pro at it. Man for the fourth week in a row she made the most delicious fish tacos and I am hooked. Doctor's orders for me were to eat more fish and I think we are meeting those demands with no problem whatsoever.

So, I came back home and Diego was back so a huge hug and a bunch of kisses later he asked me if I could join him in a set of songs in Rock Band Hero or whatever the name of the game is. So I did and again we did pretty good. I think the game must have loved us because we kept getting good scores.

Anyway, the perfect close for a good day. Tomorrow he has his birthday party, to say he is excited about it is an understatement.

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Karaoke, a Birthday, and a Car Show

The weeks just fly by too fast which in turn is a contradiction as my days are so slow at work that they seem to take forever, yet here we are, planning another weekend. I may just start things off tonight with going out to Manny's for karaoke and a soda, yep as per doctor's instructions no alcohol will be going into this handsome little body. So, I don't know what kind of patron I will be to the place but I'll make it up as I go. Chips 'n' Salsa and a drink, ummmm big spender ain't I?

You know I'll be hitting the big 5-0 in a few months but when I go to Manny's I'm still one of the young ones there. The karaoke crowd is mostly older people which are really appreciative when listening to others sing, reason enough for me to feel comfortable there. I have been able to sing a lot of different songs without being afraid of messing up or sounding bad. I have repeated a few here and there but I try to keep it fresh. However, my karaoke buddies there insist on singing the same songs every single week, all they do is alter the order that they sing then in. I still think it's too cute and I for one don't mind it either.


Diego and grandpa on a karaoke session at home.

Today is Diego's birthday and tomorrow he gets his party. He is turning 6 and is totally excited about it. Wasn't it just the other that I got news I was going to be a grandpa. Again, how fast time flies. I will have to make some noise tonight and be with him tomorrow in the morning because in the afternoon I will be going to our Spring Car Show. The Copperstate Mustang Club which I have been a member of for 10 years now will host our annual spring show under the lights. The show will take place at our sponsor Ford dealership Berge Ford in the city of Mesa.





This is my pony. A '93 Vert.

I have no chance of placing since my car has been my daily driver for the past 10 years but it will be fun to see how it fairs. I am counting on my son in law to take it to work tonight and clean it up so that it is as presentable as it can be tomorrow.

I'll let you know how things went on another post soon. In the meantime I wish you all a great weekend.

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Top 10 Post Show Predictions

What an exciting night. I really didn't know what to expect as I knew that song choice is the critical decision with this group. Smokey Robinson just could not say anything bad about the idol hopefuls and the Motown theme proved to be an exciting one. One by one the remaining ten took the stage and left their hearts there. There was only one performance that did not meet my expectations but then again I kindda knew it would go that way. So in no particular order here are my thoughts on last night's show.

Danny Gokey: Danny has a sob story and that immediately capture the heart of America and then he sang and showed us that he can sing. His is a soulful voice that so far has accommodated every genre that has been thrown at him. He performed for Smokey and received some advice. Danny decided not to take it. Ummm! I really like Danny and his singing but if you pay close attention he falls in the Taylor Hicks category, he may win but what then. Like Melinda Doolittle he will fall short in the end because they need an Idol they can sell.

Michael Sarver: Total underdog but decent singer. I don't have to be Simon to know that this guy don't stand a chance to go all the way but I thought he deserved to be in the top ten and go on tour. I really expect for him to be there next week, but tonight no doubt he'll be bottom two.

Kris Allen: This kid has had two decent weeks. I guess he is a decent singer crooked mouth and all but I don't think he has what it takes to sell millions of CDs or downloads. The judges consistently give him good reviews, he'll be back next week.

Adam Lambert: I still don't know what kind of nonsense Adam will bring to the table but I'm sure it won't be pretty. Then again, I don't think he shoots for pretty.

OK, this is what I wrote yesterday on my pre-show predictions post. Well, I guess Adam showed me that he can be different. Oh, I knew he can sing, it's just that I am not into his style of music, but in the eyes of those of us that don't like him specifically because of his style of music, last night he totally redeemed himself. Did they go for the Elvis look? I don't know but I think it worked. He'll be around for weeks to come.

Lil Rounds: I remember when Melinda Doolittle was on Idol I had to go back and watch her performance one more time. I always thought she is that good and called her the Queen without a crown. Lil Rounds does not even spark half the interest I had in Melinda. She has received too much air time and attention but if you asked me last night she yelled the song. Last night should have been a fan clinching performance but unfortunately it wasn't. Oh, America will keep her but I think her days too are numbered.

Megan Corkrey: My wife came out of hiding just to see who was singing so aweful. Megan over Alexis? That just did not and still not makes sense. Does she really have no dancing rhytm at all? Not only should she be bottom two but she needs to go.

Anoop Desai: All I can say is that I am a fan. He is actually an underdog with a chance to go far. I mean after all how many Indian/American singers you hear on the radio. Anoop is actually likable and homey can sing. I love it when Ryan asks him if he thinks he can go all the way. He always replies, "Of course, otherwise I wouldn't be here". Anoop really needs to make it to top 5.

Allison Iraheta: Oh man, this girl at the tender age of 16 can probably out sing the whole bunch. Last night she proved again just how good a singer she is. This morning the Country Music station I listen to repeated her performance as they all agreed how good she sounded. Why is she not getting a bigger fan base is beyond me. Last week she was bottom three and her reaction was exactly like mine... What???

Scott MacIntyre: I am just happy he has made it this far and I am hoping he will be back next week. No, I don't think he'll win, I don't think he has a real chance but the further he goes the best his future chances for a recording deal. Last night he gave me the impression of being a sort of Barry Manilow type of performer, and I liked it. I would have never noticed they dressed him in pink last night, and to tell you the truth now I know he wore pink I don't care. But, come on the AI staff can do better than that. Scott said he didn't know he was in pink until a few minutes before the performance.

Matt Giraud: Last night Matt sang his heart out and got great reviews but by the end of the show I had forgotten about him. Yet, I think he is placing himself upon the top contestants for this season. I think he will definitely be back next week.

Well, there you have it. So far I am not set on a favorite. Last season I rooted for Archuleta up unitl the last two shows and then totally shifted for D. Cook. This year for me it's still any body's game.

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American Idol Top 10

So, Alexis Grace was a would be top four was she! Not so fast said Idol. And just like that the huge talent that is Alexis Grace is out of the competition and won't even be a part of the tour. Umm!

Well, as far as I'm concerned Megan was very lucky. So tonight is Motown Week I believe. If I'm correct it should be sort of an easy week for most. I still don't know what kind of nonsense Adam will bring to the table but I'm sure it won't be pretty. Then again, I don't think he shoots for pretty.

Megan's luck should be almost running out, and Michael may surprise us with an easy to the ear song. He in my opinion sounds good on the slow songs. If more than anything tonight's show will be determined mostly on song choice and who'll step up to the plate and sing with lots of soul.

Still, my pre-show predictions for this week are for Megan and Michael to be bottom two again. And as far as I'm concerned, Kris Allen can go too. Did you all hear that Anoop was at the top of the list in popularity. Good for him.

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Que Pasa?

Since Idol has been pushed by one day I will wait until tomorrow to do my predictions. In the meantime I am just going to ramble on as I have no real topic to write about.

The other day I was driving and I saw a billboard for a cellular telephone company, you know the one with more bars in more places. I couldn't help but thing no wonder their employees always sound drunk. Jeez, more bars in more places, reminded me of Mexico. lol

Gallagher the comedian once called a pizza place and asked if he could order a pizza over the phone. Yes, came the reply. Then he called an automotive store and asked if he could order some part he needed over the phone. Yes you can, came the reply. Then he called a furniture store and asked if he could order a TV over the phone. Oh yes you can, came the reply. Then he called the phone company and asked if he could order a phone line over the phone. Ehhhh, no sir, you must come in person to order a phone line. How funny that you can order everything by phone but not a phone line.

Wait, having bars in more places, could that also mean they have more jails in more places. Ummm, thing that make you go ummmm!

Why did Taco Bell used to slogan for their Mexican food related restaurants "Run for the border" were they referring to their cooks? Ummmm I wonder. Talking about fast food restaurants, I want you to know that advertisement works. I can't stand "The King" from Burger King, but can't get enough of Jack the entrepreneur. Thanks to advertisment I choose Jack in the Box over Burger King hands down. By the way, I am happy to hear Jack has recovered and is back to work.

I am a sucker for TV commercials, and not only those of the Super Bowl caliber, but commercials in general.

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The Air Show

So, after the car show I came back home and called my daughter Nikki. For those of you that may not know this her son "Ducky" loves "hairplanes" and she thought it would be great to take him to the Air Show which would take place Saturday and Sunday at Luke Air Force Base. Have you noticed through previous posts how everything is like really close to me. Well, the air force base is no exception. Luke Air Force Base is only about 15 minutes away from where I live.

Nikki came and picked me up at around 12:30 p.m. I had never been to the show although every time they have one we get to see a couple of flyovers. We are not exactly under their flight area but they do stray and fly over all the cities surrounding the Air Force Base waking people up. Those jets can pretty loud. So, I told her to go down Indian School to Litchfield Park and then towards the base. Well, as soon as we turned on Litchfield traffic was at a stand still.

It took us almost 45 minutes to get to the parking lot. A very dusty parking lot at that, and they even charged us $10.00 dollars. A parking attendant told us that the lines to get in were about two hours long. Nikki and I just walked towards the entrance following the people. The said the estimated that some 70,000 people would show up for the show, now I didn't really count them all but I think there were more than that. The place was crowded.

Oh, and lier, lier pants of fire, that attendant must have been hallucinating since it was hot on Saturday. We got to the entrance and it took us maybe a minute to get in, OK two minutes because Nikki actually had to dump all her purse contents on the table at check in. After all it is an air force base we were going into.




Oh, I failed to mention that Michelle told me to go ahead and take Diego to the show as she didn't want him to miss out. So, as soon as we walked in and the kids saw the many planes and helicopters on display the word "awesome" became a fixture word for the whole day.

All day long the small planes went up and did their thing, from loops, to cork screws, to free falls etc. etc. etc. I myself had only been to an air show only once when I was a kid in Mexico. My dad took us to see the Blue Angels and I never ever forgot that experience even though I must have been five or six years old. So I really wanted for "Ducky" and Diego to enjoy the experience.



While they were inside a helicopter that was on display and we were fighting with the "Mother from Hell" that actually wanted to pick a fight with "Ducky" and Diego for "cutting in" (the bitch) a pilot was doing maneuvers not in a jet or small plane, but on a helicopter. It was pointed out that this is one of the few helicopter pilots that makes loops and acrobatic maneuvers, and that he is very good at what he does. After seeing him with my own eyes, I agree he is. What he did was totally defying what a helicopter was built for.

Nikki and I had already walked through the whole thing, we had snapped many pictures, we had seen airplanes to some crazy stuff and we were really not sure as to what to do next. Then I remember that the most important part of the show had not taken place yet. I asked this guy sitting next to us if the Thunderbirds had already performed and then he said no and pointed towards the air field, there they are and they are about to get into their planes.

That was our cue to go and find a shady area so that we could sit to watch the show. We joined hundreds of people sitting under a big canopy actually one of many canopies placed over each plane on display and we sat there. Soon the show started and "Ducky" went from sitting there excited to let me get in my mom's arms, he thought the noise was loud.


We were prepared for that. I had stopped at the store and bought some ear plugs. Once we put a set of earplugs on each kid I can tell you they enjoyed the rest of the show. Since they were wearing ear plugs all their "wows" and "awesomes" were a little bit louder. lol



The show was great. I was really glad to be able to see it live again after so many years, but obviously the highlight for me was to see it through my grand kid's eyes. That certainly made my day. Spending the day with Nikki was really great too.

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Local Car Show

There's a small church right around the corner from where I live and for three consecutive years they have thrown a Hot Rod Car Show. For one reason or another I had never been able to go see the cars but last night told mi chica to wake me up early on Saturday so I could go.

Saturday is my day to sleep late but I had plans for this particular Saturday. Not only was the Hot Rod show going on but the Thunderbirds were in town and there was going to be a huge air show over at Luke's Air Force Base. Our "Ducky" is at his four years of age a huge Hairplaine aficionado and so Nikki thought taking him would be a must. But more on this later on a different post.

Now, back to the car show. I got up and took a refreshing shower so I could wake up. Then I headed to the car show which was about two minutes away from me. Yeap if you guessed that I drove instead of walked you are right. Walking would have taken me abut ten minutes to get there and it was already hot. There was plenty of parking at the church and I was pleasantly surprised to see that there was a great turnout for the event. Both in cars being displayed and in spectators walking around enjoying the show cars.

There was a little bit for everyone, plenty of Chevy's and Fords and some Buicks and Oldsmobiles, Cadilacs, a DeLorean, and even a few custom bikes. I of course concentrated on the Blue Oval kind of machinery but I squeezed a couple of Bow Ties for my son.


Just a small portion of the car on display this morning. It was a little hot but hey it was a HOT ROD show after all.

There were even a couple of old Datsun 240Z, and to my surprise a 59 BMW. Now 59 wow, that is as old as I am. I never stopped to check what a 59 BMW would look like and today there it was right in front of me. Funky little thing isn't it? But sure enough, look closely and there it is right on the front center. The BMW propeller.


This little red BMW just happened to be a '59. How about that. I didn't even know they had BMW back then.

It was hot and sunny and not one cloud on the sky. Many of the people displaying their cars sat there but I am sure it had to be very uncomfortable and sticky. Next Saturday my car club, the Copperstate Mustang Club will be having our Spring Car Show and let me tell you we are pretty smart because we are having the show in the afternoon. So at that time we should only get a short time of heat and then nothing but nice afternoon shade and breeze.

Again there will be more on that show in some upcoming posts.






This are some more shots of the cars on display. From the Datsuns to the Ford to the boney driver on this hot rod. All in all a good show with close to sixty awesome looking cars on display.

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Top 11

I was really looking forward to Country week, but with the exception of Michael it didn't sound too country to me. Yet, there were some memorable performances and a pretty weird and ugly rendition of a Johnny Cash classic.


How ironic that the day that the "top four" were "announced" they all got not too good reviews. things that make you go ummmm! So in no particular order here are my post-show predictions:


Alexis Grace - She kindda looked like a young Dolly Parton (minus the big you know whats) and sang a Dolly Parton song and actually did pretty good. The judges didn't like her and didn't give her the best reviews. We all know it doesn't matter, Alexis is definitely moving on to next week.

Danny Gokey - I didn't like the first part of the song, personally I thought choosing a Carrie Underwood song was a mistake but that's just me. Then he screamed the second part of the song, or at least I thought it was screaming. I was not impressed with his performance at all. But guess what, no worries, homey is very safe. He'll be back next week.

Michael Sarver - I really like this guy and affectionately call him the big underdog. In a showcase designed to showcase The Grand Ole Opry Michael was the only kindda real country boy and he chose an honest to goodness country song. Not his best performance but I liked it. Ironically he will be a bottom three this week. The judges were not kind to him and he is the underdog in this competition.

Kris Allen - I don't care for him but last night he sang a nice enough song. The judges are really warm to him so I am going to say he is safe.

Adam Lambert - WTF was that? The song was being criticised on the radio this morning and they played it. We all agreed it sounded horrible. It sounded as if homey was having and orgasm while singing. In the meanwhile Johnny Cash was probably turning in his grave. Needless to say Simon kept it real while the others basically told him he can do no wrong. And just to think there will be more of that.

Lil "Little" Rounds - LOL Simon just could not stop calling her Little. Disrespectful? Maybe, Funny? Absolutely. She did not impress me at all either, and given the tough competition she may just land as a bottom three this week. No, I don't think she'll leave but this could be an eye opener for her.

Megan Corkrey - OK, just to give her a fair chance I closed my eyes through the performance so I wouldn't have to be looking at the tattoo. Well, that didn't help, she sounded way off and I really didn't care for her performance. Poor thing was sick and she still performed, Paula gave her props for that but will America? She is my third choice for bottom three, and my top choice leave the competition.

Anoop Desai - By far my favorite performance of the night. I got goosebumps while I listened to one of the best renditions of "You were always on my mind". Desai won't win the competition, he is too much of an underdog himself, but this performance just qualified him to be an important part of the Idol tour.

Allison Iraheta - In my opinion she is the top female vocalist, at 16 years of age she sounds like she is older than that and has some very powerful pipes. Unfortunately for her she will not capture a wide fan base like Alexis or Lil will. I am interested to see how far will she go.

Scott MacIntyre - I just vote for him over and over because I like the guy enough to send him on tour. He will be eliminated soon, I just hope not tonight.

Matt Giraud - Matt blew my socks off last night. First I thought "what is wrong with these guys tonight singing women songs?" Like Danny, Matt also picked a Carrie Underwood song, I was disappointed at that but then he opened his mouth and started singing. Wow! is all I could say as I listened. By far the best performance of the night... Oh wait! I said that for Anoop. Oh well, what the heck, it's my review and it's being published on my blog so I can say that for the both of them.

So there you have it. I'll come back tomorrow to show you guys how close or how far my predictions were.

As far as the new look of the show, I can tell they are reaching for more audience and ratings by changing some of the things they had done up to now. From them being announced by a voice, to introducing their new "safe" rule, to having to 13 intead of 12, to the endless bickering and fighting between Paula and Simon and the endless disagreements between Randy and Simon. Are they for real, judges divided, is that their new gimmic? Boooooooring!

Who are your favorites?

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Pre-show Predictions

American Idol, while still very entertaining is losing its credibility. Rumor goes that the top four will be Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert, Alexis Grace, and Lil Rounds. I have been saying for the two seasons that the show has got to be fixed. Although its obvious that these four would be top four anyway the rumor was leaked as a fact.

Last week I voted for three people, no let me correct that I attempted to vote for three people but was only able to vote for two. I dialed our local boy's Scott McIntire, and big (no pun intended) underdog Michael Sarver and had absolutely no problem getting in. Actually every time I hit the send button it was a sure call. However, when I tried dialing Anoop's number it would never do anything but stay on a dead tone. I could not log even one call, I was totally surprised to see he made it to this week. I do think he has a bigger fan base than Michael and even Megan but on Idol mysterious things are happening.

Still, it's fun to try and predict who will be leaving and here are my pre-show predictions.

The bottom three will be: Michael Sarver although he is going to sing his heart out tonight and will probably sound great, I just don't think he has the fan base. Anoop Desai will once again be the target of the judges, specially señor Simon, if it's country week he won't be in his element, I still think people will vote for him just because so far he has been very likable. And lastly Megan Corkrey, eh did I mention I can't get pass her tattoos, I'm not even going to mention her dancing. I really think Megan may be the one living tomorrow.

Who do you think will get the boot?

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I Do Realize How Blessed We Are

I am going to work
And I'm thinking hard
I hope things change soon
I don't want them to be this bad.

Can't live with uncertainty
On the back of my mind
It's easier to keep pacing
one tiny step at a time

Looking around me
It's scary at times
What has happened to others
May just decide to visit us

So I kindly close my door
To keep the uncertainty out
I don't mean to be rude or mean
I just don't want to socialize

I want to know what's coming
I need to be aware
Don't want any surprises
That my heart may just not bear

So waking up each day
Knowing I have a job
I send a quick little prayer
To the almighty up above

Thank you lord for another day
Thank you lord for all you do
Thank you lord for my whole family
The one that was a gift from you

Things could be a lot worse
And yet you are kind to us
I guess we are being lucky
And blessed you are here with us.

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A Family Gathering

Saturday was a pretty fun day. My sister had called to invite the family for a get together, nothing special to celebrate except each other. The menu was "Tacos de Lengua" ummmmmm, tacos! Of course the younger generation spoke in outrage, they are "tongue haters", but my niece was quick to point out that for all the tongue haters they would have hot dogs. So, of course we said we would come, I can't say no to tacos de lengua, no sir I won't.

Mi chica works on Saturday so we had to wait until she got home, we gave her a little time to unwind and get ready and soon we were on our way. When we got there most of the family was there already but they were still heating up the food. Good, the tacos are not gone yet. The grown ups are talking the kids are playing and somehow while the kids are playing 5-year old Diego must have bumped into 4-year old "Ducky" and he comes out crying and into my arms. My daughter goes in to inquire as to what happened and Diego tells her it was an accident. Nikki tells "Ducky" it was an accident baby and from the other corner my 4-year old nephew says, "Don't worry Ducky, my mom says I was an accident too".

My daughter came out laughing from the room to tell us the story. My niece says, "no he was not, he was planned". lol We were all having a good laugh. I guess it is true that kids do say the darnest things.

Nothing like a good family get together. We even got to karaoke a little bit which to me was just icing on the cake.

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Knott's Bound

It sucks! It turns out the hard drive on my lap top called it quits. So, again it seats on the top of a table waiting for the IT guy to see if he can bring it back to life. If I know this guy a little bit, then I know that my computer is far away from being in the top of his priorities. So... who know when I'll have a working computer again.

There is a good chance that all my files are once again gone. But as I said the last time, they are only files and one thing I found out about computers is that they keep getting file after file so that problem will be solved just as soon as I have a computer again.

In the meantime I hug mi chica's desk top computer at home. She kept asking me, "when is your computer going to be ready?" Oops! I think she now knows it won't be any time soon.


Only because I can't afford a new one.

In other news, a lot of us family members will be going to Knott's Berry Farm in April. This is a trip we really love and have done many times before. The whole thing revolves around my Mustang. As many of you already know I am a Mustang enthusiast. Here in Phoenix I am a member of the Copperstate Mustang Club and every year many of the members make the trip to Buena Park California for the weekend for the annual Fabulous Fords Forever car show in Knott's Berry Farm.

We normally take off from Phoenix on Friday afternoon and get to West Covina later that night. Then on Saturday we all go to Knott's and spend the day there. There are many Disneyland addicts in my family but for me Knott's is better for the value. As mi chica and I have grown older, we are no longer the daredevils we once were and just enjoy going there to see the sights and ride some of the lame rides with our grand kids.

I have more fun seeing them discover new things than doing the rides. The last time we went three years ago most of them were too little to have fun, but this year my two older grand kids are 8 and 7 years old, and Diego is about to turn six. These three should really enjoy it. Ducky is only five but I have a feeling he will love it too. The other three are still too young and will bug all day I'm sure, but we'll try to keep them entertained by pushing them all over the park in their strollers.

How funny, because the first time Diego went to Knott's he was only two weeks old. He's been there at least two more times since but I can guarantee you that he'll think this time is his first.

I just got confirmation and my car will be in the show on Sunday. So, while the girls take the day to go out and get pedicures, manicures, and what not us guys will head down to Knott's Berry Farm again and enjoy the show. This show usually attracts about 2000 cars with 60% of them being Mustangs. It sells out every year so I wasn't sure if my late application would still be accepted. I know now I have a spot. This year they will be highlighting the Fox Body Mustangs as it is their 30th Anniversary. I have a 93 which is the last year model for the Mustang Fox Body.


So far there are about 25 of us going, most of us from Phoenix but my niece Crystal and my niece Becca and her boyfriend Danny will join us too. They are locals from L.A. I am really looking forward to this trip. First because my kids and all my grand kinds will be going, and second because even with these hard times we will be able to go out together as a big family without breaking the piggy bank.



Fox Body Mustangs, celebrating their 30th Anniversary.

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The Results

Well, I almost called it right. I really thought that Michael Sarver whom I support would be a bottom three. In any case I did say Jorge would go out and I knew that Jasmine would be bottom three, though I didn't expect her to be the first one to go. I guess the so called new twist won't make much of a difference. Well, it will but given the contestants and their rankings, will it really matter. I am sure the top five contestants already know who they are. Week one is gone and I for one was not impressed, nobody wowed me and to tell you the truth I am not a big Michael Jackson fan. So, all I'm going to say about this week is, beat it, beat it, let's move on to next week and beat it.

My Take on AI

Will American Idol the king of reality shows copy and learn something from shows like America's Best Dance Crew. Well tonight they will let us know as they will have new rules as to who leaves the show. I have a feeling that it's no longer the one with the fewest votes but the one they choose maybe from the bottom three. I don't know exactly if that will be how it's going to be done but we will certainly find out tonight.

They are desperately trying to revive the show, even though it's not dead yet but to them losing a few million votes mean a lot. Did anybody notice that Ryan did not get to introduce the judges last night. And, was Paula drunk on the first show last night? As much as I like this show, I can see it disappearing pretty soon.

In the meantime here's my take on last night:

Alexis Grace, she is definitely safe and a favorite of mine.
Danny Gokey, definitely safe and already a huge favorite.
Michel Sarver, I really liked his performance and hope to see him again, he is a "huge" no pun intended underdog. lol
Kris Allen, judges go gaga over him. I don't care for him and my pick for bottom 3
Adam Lambert, Judges already have him on a pedestal and filling arenas. Me, not being a rocker don't really care for him. I must recognize he can sing.
Lil Rounds, A favorite of theirs but not of mine. She is totally safe.
Megan Corkrey, Yeap, she is kindda corkey. lol I can't get pass the ta too, you know me and tattoos on women. She'll be safe though.
Jasmine Murray, I really like her but the judges will crush her down. She may land on the bottom three too.
Anoop Desai, A big favorite of mine. Despite Simon's efforts to get him out, he'll be safe.
Allison Iraheta, probably the biggest voice this season. Will she find a following though. That remains to be seen. This week though, she'll be safe.
Scott Macintyre, Hometown guy got my vote last night. Not the best but I really hope he goes on tour.
Matt Giraud, good but too much like Justin Timberlake. Another one that will pass to next week.
Jorge Nuñez, I totally enjoyed the arrangement with a Latin flair to his song last night, but someone must go out. He'll land bottom three and I won't be surprise if he leaves. Unless the Puerto Rican community banded together and voted like crazy for him.

Will Jorge Nuñez and Michael Sarver, two big underdogs in this competition go out tonight. Remember it's a double elimination. Stay tuned, we will soon find out.

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My Life Is a Routine

I stare at the screen and nothing happens, I want to see letters appear and spell words but the truth is that it remains white for quite a while. There is a lot I could write about, there is always so much to tell, but I want to think of more uplifting posts, I want to write about hope, and good times, and positive vibes. Instead I come up with sort of the same thing over and over.

Does that mean my life is a routine. Yeah, it probably does, and yeah my life is a routine. That's why the immediate task at hand is to live life to the fullest. You have to think about tomorrow but realizing that tomorrow isn't here yet. Therefore live the today at hand and don't waste a minute.

Today is the day I spend the night at my mom's. I like to go there directly after work because I get the chance to stay with her longer, never mind that we both go to see her telenovela and we fall asleep. Even while catching some zzzzs we still keep each other company. The conversations we have while she is serving me some of the delicious food she cooks are priceless, and I thank God each day for letting me have her one more day.

I also visit her on Wednesday and Thursday but these two days I only stay with her for an hour or two, then it's off to my own house where I wait for my wife while playing with my grand kids.

I guess routines are not too bad after all. If I get to do the things I like and see the people I love I say keep the routines coming, the secret is in not making every day the same.

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Can't Wait For This

My daughter Nikki, niece Alex and I have been waiting for over a year. We somehow thought this was going to be released last year but that did not happen. Well, it's getting closer now. Only four more months.



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Everybody Is a Musician

So everybody is a musician now. While the cats away the mouse will play. That was the case of my grand kids. While mom and dad went to Las Vegas they left the play station hooked up to my big TV and the kids were given total access.

So Diego took it upon himself to teach grandpa how to play. Being the smart kid that he is he lured the grandpa with a microphone. "Here grandpa, I'll play the drum set if you sing". He must know I like to sing. lol -- Of course 98% of the songs they have there I don't know them but I found "Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi and decided to give it a whirl. The song played, Diego banged (can I say bang baby) the drums and I sang my little heart out.

"I'm wanted dead or alive, I'm a cowboy on a steel horse I ride, I'm wanted dead or alive" I sounded like quite the accomplished rocker. Not bad since a rocker I'm not. Everybody knows I am a crooner, mediocre of sorts, but a crooner in my own mind. It's score time, Diego a 58 on drums, grandpa a 97 on vocals, wow I am good. Let's try another one.

He, he, he, I'm hooked. "Go up, up, up, up, stop, let's hear, naw, not that one, I don't know it, go up, up,up, there, that one I know that one press play or or bang the green drum or say open sesame, whatever it is you do but I want that one". Duran Duran, and I'm hungry like a wolf. The song plays, Diego becomes and accomplished drummer right in front of my eyes, and I sing "And I'm hungry like a wolf, Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do doooooo, hungry like a wolf". Yey, sounded good, high five mijo. Even mi chica came out as she heard the noise of a drummer and a singer in perfect harmony. Score time, so what that we kept things simple in the "Easy" level. We didn't claim to be pros. What a 75 for Diego on drums and a 100 for grandpa on vocals. Heck I think my do, do, do, dooooos must have sounded really, really good.

So, Diego has the bright idea to switch. How is it that grandpa is getting those high scores with the mic. So, he decides we will do Dead or Alive again first me on drums and then we will do it again, but we will switch. OK, I think my drumming sucked, I only got like a 58 while he was 91 on his vocals. Yeah, he bit me fair and square, he doesn't know how to read so he has to learn most of the song by ear. That my friends is talent.

Needless to say I had a great time. I am sure I'll be drafted soon by the parents to do a little singing in their grownup Rock Hero sessions.

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And The Winner Is...

Image borrowed form idolbloglive.com


So there is not top twelve but top thirteen. I do believe that there is plenty of talent with all these hopefuls but we all know that America already has their favorites which will not be surprising to see them go far. From the underdogs to the already popular candidates it all starts next Tuesday. Too bad I'm already hating it. I have never been a fan of Michael Jackson's music (Although Matt did great with his Michael Jackson song on Thursday).

I am glad they chose him to be the first one, I would have really hated it if they did Michael Jackson later in the competition.

However more than wanting to know who the wild cards would be, on Thursday I was waiting to see which crew would take the top honor in Randy Jackson's America's Best Dance Crew. At the beginning of last week episode I was still leaning for "Beat Freaks". This all girl group was so consistent throughout the season and actually never had to dance for their lives. They are so good that week after week they were safe.

Clearly my top choice for the title... Until "Quest Crew" danced on their last two performances and totally wowed me with the crazy moves that they come up with. One of their members plays the piano and they used his talent to put together the last performance which they aptly named "OrQuestra", On this one minute routine they pretty much convince all of us that it was them who would take the title and the money.

We all knew Dominic and Hok from a previous season on "So You Think You Can Dance", both of them are stree dancers and yet they did well on that show. Yes there were better dancers but these two guys held their own rather well. It was funny not only to see them again in a different show but to be together in the same crew. I knew at the beginning of the season that with them two in the show it wouldn't be boring and I was right.

Now we wait to see what the next season will bring as it gets harder and harder to top what Quest Crew and Jabbawokies did. And I doubt if another female groupe gets even close to "Beat Freaks", I,m telling you these girls rocked.


Image borrowed from the Internet.


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Pictures

A lot of my family members and many of my readers are all avid amateur photographers. I for one can't go without having my camera with me for the what if there's a photo op. Pictures or in new age terms images since most of them never get printed on paper anymore are and will always be the best way to relive memories. Not even video captures as a photo camera does. It's like a camera captures and freezes the image so it can stand the test of time.

The old black and white pictures are shady, the ones with sepia tones look brownish and old, the first color pictures have turned orange, and Polaroids darkened but still the captured image is still there and when one of those pictures comes out a whole set of memories and emotions surface.

I have to laugh at the one where I am about two years old, it's an old black and white, I'm in my mother's arms, and wearing a little sailor suit. That picture hangs in one of my mom's house walls and every time I stop to see it my mom remembers that if they would put me down on the floor I would immediately start dancing. Ummm, me dancing... naw!

And how about the one where I am posing with my chopper 5-speed bicycle, or the one where mi chica sits on the grass and poses for yours truly. Yeap, memories, memories and nothing but memories.

Have you ever notice that going back to wedding pictures they can be among the goofiest pictures ever. There's the one where the priest is talking to us and my face just looks scared. Mi chica will always point that one out to me. lol She says that my face said "Oh my God, what am I getting into?" He, he, he, 28 years later I'm still trying to find out.

Yeah, pictures are the best way to remember your memories, although story telling comes a close second. I can see pictures by myself but I think it would be silly for me to tell me a story, right?

I cannot bring it here as embedding has been disabled but CLICK HERE for a good example of what pictures can do. Right now one of my favorite songs. Isn't it ironic, normally I saturate my posts with images and yet this one has none. Things that make me go hummmmm!

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American Idol and Best Dance Crew

You know I am an Idol fan so I've been watching and I do have some favorites already, too bad that some of the good singers won't make it. The judges are there to praise or trash the contestants and since they already know who they want in the competition they will not praise a good performance. Often enough you'll hear something like "You are very forgettable" or "I don't know Dawg, for me that was not good".

Well for me, last night had some of the best talent and unfortunately only three will go on to be part of the top twelve, but just in this group alone there were more than three deserving contestants. I am curious to see how they'll do. I am rooting for our Scottsdale hopeful. I don't think he is the greatest but he is good and very likable. I hope he makes top 12.

My other favorite show right now is Randy Jackson's America's Best Dance Crew and this Thursday is the grand finale. It has been the best season yet and the last top two crews battled last Thursday leaving everything they got on the floor.

The all girl crew Beat Freaks is the first all girl crew that had a chance to become champions. Quest Crew has been great all season long but the girls out shinned them on occasion. I though for sure they had it until last Thursday when both their routines came up short while the guys killed it. Last week's show may have been the decisive show and I won't be surprised it the guys take it all. They were absolutely flawless. The girls on the other hand although flawless they did not come up with memorable routines.

If they win, and that is a big if, they deserve it but based on the last performance I am almost sure the guys will come up on top.



In any case, don't miss the finalle on Thursday, they will bring all ten crews one more time for a show full of awesome dancers and crazy routines. Dance did not use to be like that when I was growing up.

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Nice Weather

I can't believe, while the news talk about flight delays and cancellations due to the horrible weather back east we are enjoying some of the best weather we'll probably have all year. Yes, unfortunately for us it's not all roses, eventually it will get go, then it will get hot again and just when you think you are melting it will get hotter. But then again we know that so we are kindda ready for it. But that will be later, for now we enjoy the awesome weather. I'm sorry friends back east.

This morning the weather was about 60 degrees and it was beautiful so I drove with the top down. Yes I wore my jacket but that was all I needed. I love Arizona. Yes, it's hot, but it's a dry heat.

The one thing I dread about this time of year is that my allergies flare up. So far I am not getting that burning sensation in my eyes, but the do tear and itch a lot. They get so red and pouchy that people actually think that I am drunk. I don't even drink.

Then during peak season, I'll get those nasty sneeze attacks. The endless achus just go on and on and on, like the Duracell bunny. But, hey some have to pay that price for the great weather.

Anyway, I just came back from my "lunch walk" and thought I would share with you some of our nice weather. So here it goes... enjoy!