As I Reflect on This Year

Well what do you know winter decided to show up here in Phoenix after all, for a moment there I thought I would be able to wear shorts all the way to the end of the year but apparently that won’t be the case. I am a light weight when it comes to being cold which is one of the main reasons I love Phoenix so much so when the temperature drops anywhere below 60 degrees to me it’s already too cold. Then again this is Phoenix, which also means that we may be surprised by hot weather next week. It could happen you know, one day it's cold then the next is hot.

As I reflect on this troubled year and what it brought to many, I realize how blessed I am to have a job and to still have to a certain extent the peace of mind that comes with being employed. Yes we did lose certain benefits that we were used to but trust me that was an easy adjustment compared to the alternative.

Moving forward to the new decade clearly the one with for 2010 is for things to pick up and for the economy to start stabilizing in some way, we all know it won't happen overnight but it is up to us to start making things happen, together let's get those wheels of progress moving again.

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American Idol 2009

And we are off, the first episode of American Idol auditions was last night. What's cool is that of all places they kicked it off here in my home town of Phoenix, Arizona. Now I know that the mass auditions were in Glendale at Gateway City Center where The Coyotes arena and the Cardinals stadium call it home but what they showed on TV didn't match. I think they must have been somewhere in Scottsdale or similar.

First, I wasn't sure if I was going to like having an additional judge. You know what? It didn't make a difference and it actually added balance to the sorting process, and she is not bad looking either. Second, they had a good balance of goofy auditions and the not so goofy. I have a feeling that the better singers, the ones with a real chance didn't get any air time, they save them for Hollywood week. Third, I noticed a new approach to the segment presentations, the editing was better than in previous seasons.

Last season we had Carly Smithson, she was a pretty good singer but for the life of me I just could not get past her tattoos. An Emily Hughes audition and was given a golden ticket to Hollywood. This girl has double the amount of tattoos. Me, I just won't be able to go pass her tattoos either, I say she'll be gone. As much as AI wants to break barriers the winners go on to be role models for our young viewers.



This year's version of Carly. Going to Hollywood but I ask why? But that's just me, I am sure there are millions that will love her.


Guys were weak, at least the ones they highlighted, and out of the whole 2-hour show I really only liked two people, both girls. Again, they probably have some hopefuls hiding under their sleeves and we won't see them until they get to Hollywood, but for now I'll say Arianna Afsar whom by the way reminded me of Mandy Moore, and Stevie Wright whom reminded me of Liv Tyler, both of them sounded really nice and looked like they can be made over very easily.


This is Arianna Afsar, she really did sing good, she is a possitive role model for our youth and is involved in a lot of social activities. And she kept reminding me of Mandy Moore one of my favorite your actresses.



Stevie Wright, another likeable candidate. She really did good and I hope she goes far. Doesn't she look like Liv Tyler?


So, this girl that could actually sing decided it would be to her advantage if she showed up in a bikini to the audition. I mean why not people do show up in costume and usually can't sing, but they know they may get their 5-minutes of fame if picked to be in the episode. Katrina Darrell can actually sing and she did advance to Hollywood week but as far as Simon and Randy were concerned that was secondary. Realistically she'll be cut I am almost sure but it was fun seeing her argue with Paula and Kara (notice I call her Kara as we are on a first name basis already. He, he, he). Did she really think making out with Ryan by the pool will improve her chances? It will be interesting to see how far they take her.


Simon and Randy gave her the gold ticket even before she audition. lol


Did anybody watch the show? Does anybody care anymore? Or am I the only fool left on earth that actually sits there for one or two hours watching? Let me know.