Dream Big; Reach High

February 11, 2011 by

I’m still watching American Idol. Yes, even though I was sure all the changes (especially the exit of Simon Cowell) would be its demise.  And yes, I take a lot of criticism for claiming to love music, yet watching a show that highlights the more commercial aspects of an art form.

Even though I’m the type of person who cares very little what others think or say, I’ve been really thinking about what Idol’s appeal is. If the ratings are any indicator, it isn’t what everyone believed it is. No Simon this year, and everyone is still tuning in.

Yes, a fraction of the pie is the music and the talent, but another piece–a larger piece–is about the people and their dreams.

I’m sure there are a great number of viewers who believe that those who put themselves in the spotlight have a need for attention. Those people don’t understand what it’s like to have a dream, to want something so bad you’ll do almost anything for a chance of making that a reality. Even if it means laying yourself bare in front of millions of people.

That’s what I see in the tears of those who are sent home. Not a missed moment of celebrity, but a heart breaking.

Putting your heart and soul into something you want is a huge risk. Like with most gambles, sometimes you win, but a lot of times you lose. Of the more than 300 people who made it through to “Hollywood Week” (which began airing last night) only twelve will make the final round. Only twelve will be faces we remember six months from now.

But as someone who tends to dream big, I know if you have a hunger, it’s the only way to go. How does the saying go…play tough or go home? On another level, I think the only way to really live this life we’re given is to dream big…and reach high.  Playing it safe might save you from disappointment, but you’ll miss out on a world of experience and the high of reaching for the stars and holding them in your hands.

Filed Under: Life, TV, Writing Life Tagged With: , ,

Monday Musings: A Good Read and The Week Ahead

April 12, 2010 by

I hope to resume my “Breaking it Down” series this week with Wednesday’s blog post being on characterization and Friday’s on pacing. This of course hinges on whether or not I’m called for jury duty.  I’m on standby and could spend all of one or several days downtown. I’ll try to keep you updated, but if I’m called to serve, any left over free moments will have to be devoted to my manuscript.

In the meantime: Through the many writing email groups I belong to I was pointed to a Donald Maass book called The Fire in Fiction. I’m a huge fan of Writing the Break-out Novel and I’m not sure how I missed this one, but quickly ordered it. I’m only about thirty pages in, but must recommend it to anyone trying to amp their skill up a notch. I just (Yes, as I was typing the doorbell rang) received a second craft book I was enticed to buy. (You know how Amazon can be with that ‘people who bought this book also bought…”) After I get into it, I’ll let you know what I think.

While I’m not looking forward to the possibility of jury duty this week there are a few things I am looking forward to. And, yes, they are all TV related. Glee and Deadliest Catch return with new episodes on Tuesday as well as American Idol.  I’ve been disappointed with the hugely anticipated Survivor: Heroes vs. Villeins, and if things don’t switch up there soon will give up on the remainder of the season.

Filed Under: Life, Writing Life Tagged With: , , , , ,

Published at BC: American Idol Finalist, Jason Castro, Kicks off First Headlining Tour

March 31, 2010 by

Jason Castro, who finished third on the 2008 season of American Idol, announced his first ever headlining tour today. The tour will launch on April 17 at The Loft in Castro’s home town of Dallas, Texas – just days after his debut, self-titled album hits the shelves — and will continue through mid-May. A second round of summer dates are slated to be announced soon.

(Continue reading)

Filed Under: Blogcritics Links, Music Tagged With: , , ,

Worth the Struggle?

February 19, 2010 by

Yes, the reality TV season is in full swing. I’ve had one eye on the Olympics, but have also been delighting in some of my favorite indulgences. Surprisingly, in this week’s American Idol and Survivor there was a moment of real empathy and one of  teaching to be had.

Let’s start with the empathy: the moment the wonderfully talented (and some say mama’s boy) Thaddeus Johnson was given the news he did not make the cut for the top 24. I am often amazed at the strength these young kids have. They bare their souls and display their talent to four judges who can, at times, be very harsh.  As those of us in competitive careers know, rejection sucks no matter the age. Courage is hard, even after you’ve been seasoned by life’s experience. But what made the whole thing so much more worse for Thaddeus (in my opinion) was the way the judges let him down. There were no “You are very young, go home and work on x, y or z.  No, instead, what Kara offered was “You did nothing wrong.” and “You are so talented, you just didn’t make the cut this year.”

I recognized the pain in his heart when he collapsed in tears. As I already stated, rejection sucks. It might not have been easier to get some criticism, but when the pain did subside, he would have had something to address. Yes, he is young and I fully expect (or dearly hope) we’ll see this talented man in the future.

I also hope he tuned into Survivor last night and heard some of what Boston Rob had to say while starring adversity in the face.

Last week’s teaser for this week’s show scared me. I’ll admit it. To show poor Boston Rob unconscious in the jungle with medic’s saying “Can you hear me?” made my heart drop. First and foremost, I’d hate to see anyone injured or ill and second, he’s really the only one on the Villains’ team whose trying to play the game. For those not watching, let me wrap it up.  It’s been raining like mad, and no one on the Villains’ team has wanted to expend the energy to build shelter, start a fire, or really do anything at all. (Rob did build a fire without flint and has encouraged work on the shelter, but his pathetic team mates have only raised his stress level) So, not feeling well, he went for a walk only to be found passed out a little later by a team mate.

Medical is called in. He’s given water and begins to come around. They diagnose him with the flu and leave the decision about staying or leaving the game up to him. A surprise to no one, he decides to stay, but instead of immediately retuning to camp he and Jeff take a few minutes to talk. The tough guy from Boston begins to break down as he realizes he let the rest of his team interfere with his game and reaffirms his intent to win the ‘whole damn thing.’  Shortly thereafter, he proves his dedication by outperforming every one (on both teams) in the challenge proving (to me at least) that anything can be done as long as you are determined and follow your heart. But also, put on a pair of blinders. You know, the kind you see on racehorses so they can concentrate on their own run, unaffected by those around them. Watching how others act and react to situations shouldn’t effect our drive or the paths we take, but we’re only human and forget the only journey we should focus on is our own.

Set your sights on what you want to achieve, and don’t let anyone around you negatively  influence your road to the top!

Filed Under: Life, Music, TV, Uncategorized, Writing Life Tagged With: , , , , ,

A Dose of Reality (TV)

February 3, 2010 by

Okay…I’ll admit it.  I’m a bit of a reality show junkie.  I don’t really get into the high-charged, MTV kind of stuff, but I do like American Idol, Survivor, and (Of course) Deadliest Catch. So needless to say, I was pretty sad to hear the news about Captain Phil Harris yesterday.

For those who don’t know, this announcement was made Jan. 30:

Deadliest Catch star Phil Harris is currently in hospital after suffering a stroke while unloading his boat.

Early this morning, follow up reports on the larger media outlets, including TMZ, said he woke up from his medically induced coma yesterday, squeezed his sons’ hands, and told the attending medical personal, “Don’t f*ck up.”

Well, that’s a good sign, I guess.

It would seem he’s on the road to recovery.

I’ve always had a special fondness for “Captain Phil” As a mom, I could relate to the family situations: dealing with two kids you want to throttle one moment and in the next fear for their safety.  I watched as he went through his medical crisis two season’s ago (A pulmonary embolism) and the aftermath/recovery last season. It’s so sad that he’s having to deal with medical issues again.

Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for the captain, because it just wouldn’t be the same Deadliest Catch without him and the rest of the Cornelia Marie crew.

Since last night was an American Idol night, I feel like I should comment about that too.  I’ve been extremely underwhelmed by this year’s auditions. Oh, don’t get me wrong, there have some really good singers come through the doors — a few I still remember days and weeks later.  But, I’ve yet to see real star power. There hasn’t been an Adam Lambert, a Danny Gokey, or a David Cook.  I haven’t watched an audition and said “That’s your winner, right there.”  I haven’t found a personality I could latch onto and really be a fan of going into Hollywood week.  I’m sort of disappointed and have low expectations out of this season. Maybe that’s what the producers are shooting for. They’ll wait until Hollywood to really show us the talent they’ve found.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed, because as of right now I found myself saying “Good enough to move forward, but if she/he makes the top 24 I’ll be shocked.”

Filed Under: Life, Music, TV Tagged With: , , , , ,

And Then There Were Two…

May 13, 2009 by

Or so there will be after tonight.  And if it’s not Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert in the finals, I’ll…

Yeah, I know.  I’ll bitch and moan a lot but there really isn’t anything I can do.

Kris making it to the top three and pushing Allison home last week was one of those huge travesties that seems to happen every year on the show, but Kris in the finals. Wow, I just can’t imagine it.  There’s no denying that Danny and Adam have been ‘my boys’ since the beginning, but the main thing I think they both have over Kris is consistency.  They’ve brought it every week. Kris has only ‘brought it’ about 1/2 the time, and when he’s off…man is he off.

So who do I think is going to walk away the next American Idol? Though everything would indicate Adam, there’s still a little voice whispering it’s going to be Danny.  Honestly, I would be happy and content with either one. I’d feel like America got it right.

adam-lambert-01-2009-03-10

danny-gokey

But I am looking forward to tonight’s show. One of my favorite things of the whole season is watching the homecoming celebrations. I realize the contestants have full schedules on those trips and not everything makes AOL, but this clip in particular from Danny Gokey’s (video from someone who was there) was of particular interest to me. Just another reason Danny is cool.

Filed Under: Music, TV Tagged With: , , , ,

An Inteview with 30 Seconds to Mars; Some Quick American Idol Comments

March 26, 2009 by

This interview was conducted back in April of 2006, when 30STM was just beginning to break out. They were another artist that served as one of our ‘Featured Artists’ and one of the first face to face interviews I’d ever done.  Hope you enjoy!

About a week ago I had the chance to sit down with Matt Wachter and Tomo Milicevic of the band 30 Seconds to Mars and discuss their music, their videos, and how they stay connected to their ever-growing fan base. The band had been running late with back-to-back interviews so Jared and Shannon Leto were unable to sit down with us, though Jared was able to join us for a few minutes midway through. The interview took place on the band’s tour bus on March 31.

When I was prepping for this interview I came across the Mars TV podcast. How did you come up with the idea?

Matt: Actually, that was something that Jared came up with, something to be one more facet to the world of 30 Seconds to Mars and actually (he calls out) Andre … oh Andre, (then explains to me) Andre is our video editor. He’s the guy who films and edits with Jared. They put all the footage together.

It’s really great, I’ve never seen anything quite like it before.

(Andre comes up from the back of the bus): Oh you’re asking about the video podcast?

Yes

Andre: Yeah, it’s just another way for us to spread that … connectivity …

To the fans? I noticed you have a huge internet following.

Tomo: Yes! And you get to see what happens in our boring mundane life until we take the stage for an hour. Other then that it’s pretty dull.

Matt: I wouldn’t say dull in the true sense of the word. There is a lot going on.

Repetitive maybe?

Matt: No, not even repetitive, there is something new every day. We’re getting ready to shoot the video for “The Kill.” So tomorrow we play Chicago, then we’re going to go back to Toronto and we’ll shoot the video for two days. It’s going to be a busy week.

And with your schedule the shows happen one right after the other.

Matt: No rest for the weary! We will sleep when we’re dead.

How often do you plan to update the podcast?

Andre: As often as possible, I mean we’re definitely not lacking in material.

Tomo: What Andre is planning is it will be Mars TV and every week will be a new episode. So ideally, if he can keep on his game, which is easier said than done.

Matt: We usually make sure he keeps on his game.

Yeah, you do. I’ve seen him running around here while I’ve been waiting. You keep him busy.

Tomo: He’s a hard-working man.

Matt: Everyone in the family is hard-working. There is always something to be done.

In the first podcast, Jared mentioned you had finished the concept for the next video, that was for “The Kill?”

Matt: Yes.

Do you, as a band, always set the vision for the videos?

Matt: Yeah, we’re basically involved with every aspect.

Tomo: Yeah, there is nothing that happens that we didn’t create or come up with on our own.

“Attack” was just an incredible video; you did a beautiful job with it using the scratch negative technique.

Matt: That was very painstaking. A lot of time was put into that video.

The new album is so much more intimate and personal then the first one. Was that a conscious decision?

Tomo: I’m sure it was in some way conscious.

Matt: That is really more of a Jared question, but I think he definitely wanted to open up a bit.

Tomo: He still wrote it in his “Jared style” as far as the lyrics being kind of metaphoric.

And that’s what is great about the songs, everyone can draw their own interpretation of them.

Tomo: That’s the beautiful thing about music and kind of art in general. Even a painter that paints houses and trees leaves things open to interpretation.

(Jared walks on to the bus and hesitates when he realizes he is interrupting. He then joins us) Jared: Hi! How are you?

I’m great, thank you.

Jared: How is everything going in here?

Real good.

Jared: They have me slaving away out there. I’d much rather be in here having a nice conversation with you.

I understand completely. (Jared excuses himself and goes to the back of the bus, closing the door between the front compartment and the series of bunks.)

Actually, this next one is more of a Jared question too – but I’m interested to hear how you will answer. I read you took 40 songs into the studio. How do you even begin to take that down to 10?

Jared: (peeks back behind the door) Scissors! (and then slides the door shut again.)

Matt: (laughing) We flip coins. It’s difficult but the songs that are going to stand out start to stand out very quickly.

Tomo: And we picked the 10 that told the story the best.

Yes, there is a real connection between the songs.

Tomo: Right, there is cohesiveness and a flow to it.

How are they translating live?
(Jared slips back into the front compartment.)

Matt: Real well.

Tomo: Amazingly well.

Jared: Like Tchaikovsky (with a laugh).

Matt: You will see tonight.

Yes! I’m looking forward to tonight.

Matt: It’s certainly no secret, the kids know the words to the songs. It really is exciting because in the very beginning it was a little difficult.

Because no one knew the songs?

Matt: Right.

Tomo: But I will say this, in the beginning there were people singing “The Fantasy” back to us.

Matt: Oh yeah, right!

Tomo: And I’m sitting back thinking, wait a minute the album’s not even out yet.

The Internet?

Matt: Yeah, we had Internet leakage.

(To Matt) I heard you cut your finger and actually had to cancel a few dates in the beginning?

Matt: I sure did!

How’s it doing?

Matt: It’s actually completely healed. I’ve actually lost some feeling in the tip, but I’ll survive. (smile and a laugh)

Good! Well, I won’t keep you any longer. I know you have somewhere else to be. I appreciate your sitting down with me, and I look forward to the show tonight

###

Last night’s American Idol was really an out-of-the park kind of show.  I know the judges were hard on Scott, Megan, and Lil’ too, but the only performance I really didn’t enjoy was Micheal’s.  He should have been the one to go last week, and I truly believe it will be him tonight.   He just hasn’t been able to make the transition to singing in bars to the big stage, if you ask me.

Of course, the stars of the night were Adam, Danny, and Allison–with the biggest shock coming out of Adam.  Proving to one and all that he is diverse and can reinvent himself if necessary, I stick my prediction that he and Danny will be your final two… but (as much as I hate to say it) Adam may pull ahead of the pack.

Filed Under: Music, TV Tagged With: , , , ,

Standing at the Crossroads: Plotting and Villains Plus American Idol

March 18, 2009 by

This week I’ve been working on the last 30 – 40 pages of the newest novel. It’s the point where, if I’ve done my job right, all the bits and pieces come together in a high tension, yet satisfying conclusion. Although I do plot the basic story arc before I ever write word one, and I often revisit that outline and retool it as I go, I’m never really sure how it’s all going to come together until I’m putting the words on the pages. So, I wasn’t completely surprised yesterday when that little voice deep in my gut started saying “what if…”.

And it just wasn’t one ‘what if’ but several of them which would essentially change how the story ends, an ending I’ve been envisioning since I wrote page one.

Again, I wasn’t really surprised my muse was trying to change my direction a bit. You see, there are two (prominent) bad guys in the story. One you know is evil to the core from the first time he’s mentioned, and the other is (or should be) a complete and total shock when it’s revealed. I always planned for one of the two to be killed off. The problem, my muse always ends up liking the bad guys. She’s a lot like me that way. She’s also forward thinking; whispering in my ear that if this book gets picked up and a sequel is written that she knows I’m going to want this delightfully sinful guy around for everyone to hate.

She has a point.

What do I do when this situation arises? In this case, I mulled it over pretty good last night, trying to figure out how things would play out with each decision and I’m pretty sure I’m going to stick to the original plot line…unless it falls apart for me in the writing. When it’s not so crystal clear, I write both scenarios and then decide which is the more logical and satisfying conclusion to the story I wanted to tell.

By then end of the day I should know how it’s going to work out.

American Idol
When I heard the other day it was going to be country week, I was a bit worried about my ‘boys’, especially Adam Lambert. I suspected Danny Gokey would pick something similar to what he did (“Jesus Take The Wheel”) and hit a home run (which he did), but what would my little rocker do? The answer–take a classic and spin the hell out of it. His “Ring of Fire” was certainly one of those love it or hate it kind of performances. (As demonstrated both by the judges and the armchair judges in my house. For the record I loved it, hubby hated it.)

I fully realize a lot people aren’t going to get it. It was out there. But I do believe his fan base is way too strong for this to be the end of him. Or at least I hope.

My prediction for who’s going home: Micheal Sarver

He picked a song with a very small range that didn’t show any real vocal skill other than he can sing fast. And then gave a mediocre performance of it.

Filed Under: Fiction, Life, Music, TV, Writing Life Tagged With: , , , , ,

I Still Heart Danny Gokey; Adam Lambert a Close Second

March 11, 2009 by

For the first time in a long L-O-N-G time, I watched American Idol and could sincerely say I don’t want anyone to leave.  Don’t get me wrong, there were cringe worthy performances, and in a perfect world where the person who gave the weakest performance goes home, we would be saying a tearful goodbye to Anoop and Jorge. (yes, my opinion, take i for what it’s worth.)  But it isn’t a perfect system.  Like the real music world, artists grow fanbases and I can see Jorge dodging a bullet because he’s made such an impression along the opening rounds of the competition.

Two will go home tonight because of the (supposed) snap decision to make this a top 13 instead of a top 12, and we were told there will be an additional twist to the whole process announced tonight.  Simon’s clue that some of the voting public’s voice is being taken away makes me think the judges are now going to have some sort of vote as to who stays,  (Whether be additional votes or the ability to ‘save’ someone).  I’m anxious to see how it plays out, but have to wonder if they aren’t fiddling with the process too much.  If a fan-favorite loses an edge because the judges see marketability in someone else, there’s bound to be outlash. On the other hand, the more controversy they can create, the more ratings go up.  It’s the attraction of the reality show market.  We all want to see that horrible train wreck.

BUT, positive person that I am, I would rather focus on what rocked the house. I’ve made no secret of the fact that I absolutely love Danny Gokey and last night he gave me yet another reason.  his rendition of “PYT” was spot on. And how can you not want to hug a guy who has enough security in himself to say ‘yeah, I know’ when Simon told him his dancing was awful.  For all the style, grace and pop sensibilities Danny delivered, my second favorite of the night was Adam Lambert.  With his black leather and gritty-contemporary rendition of “Black and White”, he  totally shook things up. In fact, if I were being totally honest with myself, the only reason I can give for favoring Gokey’s performance over Lambert’s is that ‘building a fanbase’ point I made earlier.  Danny wormed his way in just a bit earlier.

Is it too early to call the final two now?

ALSO … I’ve rsumed my BC Music Goodie Bag feature this week.  head over to Blogcritics.org to read BC Music Goodie Bag: Peter Yorn, Papa Roach, Elliot Yamin, and Kicksville.

Filed Under: Life, Music, TV Tagged With: , ,

American Idol, ER, and why I Don’t Blog General Hospital Anymore

March 6, 2009 by

Let’s start at the end (of my title):

Several months ago I gave up my MTR@GH column at Blogcritics. At the time part of it was because I was so busy, but I’d be lying if I said another part was just a lack of subject matter. With the shows unwillingness to stray for the formula repetition, it got pretty boring highlighting the same stuff over and over.

I realized this week, it’s gotten even worse. I’m teetering on the edge of turning the channel on this one.

I had a really busy week this week; several activities ate up my afternoon hours. So Wednesday I found myself sitting down to watch three episodes. Err… so I should say skim through three episodes.
First, there was the Claudia/Sonny passion… eewww fast forward through that, lest I go blind. Can’t believe these two could ever really ‘dig’ each other. They’ll never be happy ’cause the fact Claudia’s responsible for Mike’s shooting will come out, and then Sonny’s going to freaking kill Claudia. So, why bother?

Also fast forwarded through the Rebecca/Emily look alike and Nikolas scenes. REALLY hated Emily the first time around, Got oh-so tired of hearing Nik mourn her for more than a year. I don’t care what twisted Cassadine-ish plot their using to bring her back. Would have enjoyed Nikolas with Nadine so much better had they actually played out the Prince and the naive small town girl twist they had going.

Watched the Scrub scenes, even though I’m so sick of Robin’s PPD and Patrick’s inability to stand up, be a man, and insist there is something wrong. When did he become a mousy non-confrontational guy? Yes, GH has ruined my favorite couple and completely disseminated both of there families. (YOU SUCK!) I do have to say I like Matt a lot better now that he’s a Drake though.

So, yeah, the only scenes I did watch were the ones involving Spinelli. At least I was able to watch 180 minutes of programming in about 30.

American Idol

I’m so glad all the preliminaries are over. Wasn’t crazy about some of the choices the judges made for the wild card show, but was happy with the Final “13″. My money is still on Danny Gokey, but I think it shall be a pleasant journey to his finale.

ER

Several several seasons ago I stopped watching ER, and I remember exactly why. It was the night before I had to have a minor surgical procedure and I tuned in to watch, what was at that time, my favorite show. I kid you not, on this particular episode every single person who stepped into the ER died. Didn’t matter if they had a hangnail, they left the hospital via the morgue.

The next morning, after they had given me the pre-anesthesia to relax, my doctor came in to talk to me and I remember telling him he just better “be better than those doctors on ER last night”. I came though fine, but I don’t think I watched again until about three years ago. I tuned in by chance, and have stayed faithful ever since.

The reason is clear. Crystal clear. And the direct opposite of the ‘why I don’t watch GH’. The writing.

The writing has been incredible–especially in this the final season.

Yet, for about three weeks I’ve been sitting on the edge of my seat over what most would probably call a minor or ‘b’ plot line. The pairing of Archie with Claudia. I absolutely LOVE these two. It’s perfect and I’ve so dug the growth of the characters as they’ve come together…but I’ve been dreading what I’ve seen as an inevitable ending. Come on, she’s a cop. She’s going to killed in the line of duty, right?

So last night, when the gunshots came at her through the door, and she fell into a pool of her own blood, the words flying from my mouth weren’t very lady like. I just KNEW it! But, much to my surprise…. yay! she didn’t die! And we were treated to a extremely special ‘proposal’ at episodes end.

As I have with every episode this season, I was reaching for the tissues. But I still have this gnawing in my gut that they won’t see that happily-ever-after I want so badly for them.

Pessimistic much? Oh yeah!

Filed Under: TV Tagged With: , , ,
«Older Posts