text:
This isn't a top 10 that would be known for its soul (the them for the night). Good voices, mostly so. Stage presence and heart? Not so much.
Fortunately, Lee DeWyze gave a brilliant vocal and salvaged another so-so night. He was by far the best. Biggest disappointment: Siobhan Magnus.
The bottom three? Tim Urban again, of course. He earned it with a lounge singer take on Anita Baker with all the soul of Carrot Top. Siobhan earned it, too. She has been a favorite but she was godawful. Didi Benami also will likely land there as well, though I didn't think it was quite as bad as the judges did.
The top 10 ranking: 1. Lee 2. Andrew 3. Crystal 4. Casey 5. Michael 6. Didi 7. Tim 8. Siobhan 9. Katie 10. Aaron
I found Katie and Aaron kind of boring and lacking connection with their songs. Youth did not prevail in either case. But I suspect they'll both be safe.
For folks looking for modernity, there wasn't much. Only two singers picked relatively recent songs. Guest mentor Usher brought some good advice at times but wasn't always followed. (See Aaron.)
first up: Siobhan Magnus ("Through the Fire" Chaka Khan) – She missed notes, didn't sound like she was really in command. She then threw off a few big screams – again. Stop it!
Randy: "It was a little all over the place for me."
Ellen: "To start off the night with you is like the dessert before the meal. But it wasn't your best performance."
Kara: "Your lower register wasn't strong enough. Every artist is entitled to an off night."
Simon: "It sounded to me as if you'd run a marathon and singing while you were running."
second up: Casey James ("Hold On, I'm Coming," Sam & Dave) – He's still a bit lethargic on stage for my taste but for Casey, this was a relatively good performance.
Randy: "This was another hot night for you. You stayed in your element."
Ellen: "You're consistent. You're always good. It felt a little generic."
Kara: "I think you have more range in you."
Simon: "It was strongest night so far."
third up: Michael Lynche ("Ready For Love" India Arie) – A little on the dull side but he does get into a genuine emotional place.
Randy: "Very sensitive song. You're in the zone."
Ellen: "That was beautiful."
Kara: "I never heard that song. You did an incredible job with it."
Simon: "The first time since I've seen the live shows that I can take you seriously as an artist. What you demonstrated tonight between being original, having a moment and being a silly little karaoke singer. You did a terrific job. I believed that performance."
fourth up: Didi Benami ("What Becomes Of the Broken Hearted" – Jimmy Ruffin) – I find her pronunciation of words amusing, almost lisping e.g. "bwoken." She was messing around with the melody. I didn't think it was that bad because it was heartfelt.
Randy: "It flatlined for me."
Ellen: "It was dramatic. I love your voice. I thought that was way dramatic."
Kara: "It's over done girl. This is confusing. I don't know who you are. I'm very puzzled."
Simon: "It was like swimming in jelly. It was so over the top. so old fashioned, so off melody. That song is actually an incredible song and has a great climax. It just didn't do it."
fifth up: Tim Urban ("Sweet Love" Anita Baker) – Vocally, he was in tune. Otherwise, he seemed to be doing it in an oddly cheesy way. Vote For the Worst must be in heaven!
Randy: "It had no swag. There was no vibrato in love. Put a little grease on it. It fell flat for me."
Ellen: "There's a drinking game every time I call you adorable. So I'm calling you adorable… That is a tough song to sing. You were mostly in key but the way you were walking like sneaking into a bedroom. We can see you."
Kara: "Broadway times Vegas. You took the soul out of the song."
Simon: "Like a mouse picking a fight with an elephant. It doesn't matter. The audience will vote for you. So you'll be back next week. Well done."
Sixth up: Andrew Garcia ("Forever" Chris Brown) – He's been flatlining himself lately. But he actually gave a warm, crunchy granola take on this sturdy R&B pop song. It should save him this week. I wish he would warm up a bit on stage and really give more of himself.
Randy: "Andrew is back. I like the outfit. It's dope you took a Chris Brown song and you turned it into your own. Your best performance for me in a long time."
Ellen: "That was an amazing strong performance."
Kara: "Nothing makes me happier. That was one giant leap in the right direction."
Simon: "Miles better than what we've heard the last couple of weeks. The only problem I have with you as a person… you come off as very boring."
Seventh up: Katie Stevens ("Chain of Fools" Aretha Franklin) – Textbook version of this song that any pageant singer could do. She is playing a role and it does not feel convincing at all.
Randy: One of the best vocal performances of the night. You showed you have the pipes.
Ellen: I wish the song had been a little more current.
Kara: This is one of your best vocal performances. But I agree with what she said. You have to make it young and commercial.
Simon: To compare her to Christina is crazy. It was very robotic.
Eighth up: Lee DeWyze ("Treat Her Like a Lady" Cornelius Brothers) – He's really sounding like Dave Matthews with a smidge of Chad Kroeger. Someone also said Bruce Springsteen. He sounded better than he ever has. And he almost seems comfortable on stage. Not quite but he's improving. And voters love that.
Randy: Best I've heard you in weeks. That was the bomb!
Ellen: There you go! Unbelievable performance!
Kara: You brought the song into your world. Amazing!
Simon: I've always believed in you. I want you to go home and watch the show back and understand this night might be the night your life changed forever.
Ninth up: Crystal Bowersox ("Midnight Train to Georgia" Gladys Knight & the Pips) – She hadn't played piano in years and you could tell she was a bit focused on that, which might have taken away from the vocal. But I enjoyed it, especially after she left the piano and just sang. I wish she had a few more big moments at the end to really let it pop. It ended too soon.
Randy: You did that song proud. I like the way you switched it up.
Ellen: You're always great. That was another side of you. You are in it to win it.
Kara: I'm so glad you took that risk.
Simon: Your choice of song was sensational. The vocals at time were incredible. The problem was the backing vocals made it old fashioned. You were uncomfortable with the piano and overthinking it. Do not let this process suck the identity out of you.
Pimp spot: Aaron Kelly ("Ain't No Sunshine" Bill Withers) – He is too young for this song. He has no edge but pretends to have edge. And it doesn't strike me as sincere or real.
Randy: It was just alright for me.
Ellen: It was a good song choice.
Kara: I liked it. I thought you could go higher.
Simon: Compared to Lee as an example, the main course, that was a little like a cupcake. I've heard that song so many times. It wasn't as good as last week because you didn't believe it as much. But you'll be back next week.
The polling from coveritlive.com. A real split decision with Siobhan!
Crystal 75% voting for sure, 13% good, not voting; 13% wants to go home
Lee 67, 33, 0
Casey 33, 60, 7
Siobhan 24, 41,35
Andrew 17, 67, 17
Aaron 14, 43, 43
Didi 14, 29, 57
Tim 13, 13, 73
Michael 8, 77, 15
Katie 8, 62, 31
March 30th, 2010
10:32 pm
1. Lee – hats off tonight
2. Casey
3. Didi – I enjoyed this one the most
4. Katie
5. Andrew
6. Mike
7. siobohan
8. tim
9. Aaron
10. For totally disrespecting the audience – Crystal – she knows she was fake tonight
March 30th, 2010
10:34 pm
1. Crystal: in a league of her own.
2. Lee: perfect song choice. His best yet.
3. Siobhan: not her best, but come on! She was unfairly crucified by the judges. She is by far this season's most interesting contestant.
4. Didi: gets better every week, especially in confidence. She has the most distinctive voice of them all. Unfairly criticized tonight.
5. Andrew: his first decent performance since Straight Up. That's not saying much.
6. Casey: you should never grin while playing an electric lead guitar solo (unless you're Eddie Van Halen). Cheeeeese-ball.
7. (tie) Katie/Andrew: B-O-R-I-N-G.
9. Mike: sooooo overrated.
10. Tim: he should go home. Seriously
March 30th, 2010
10:41 pm
I think this is the first time in a long while that I've seen Andrew perform something good again. Lets be honest he's been relatively disappointing and while I'm tired of seeing him make everything acoustic like it's his one and only stick but we can all agree that when he does it right, he does it great. He really is like Mraz in that sense, he can't do everything but when he does what he does, we love it. Show your support for your favorite idol at, the official AI9 opinion channel on Baduku(dot)com. http://www.baduku.com/americanidol9
March 30th, 2010
10:44 pm
Siobhan is *overall* an excellent contestant. Tonight she was pretty bad. Not as bad as Katie, but bad. Like the judges said, everyone has an off night. Tonight was hers. Didi was pretty bad.
Crystal is amazing. I want her to get on the train and come give a concert here NOW.
I liked Mike tonight for the first time. (Yeah, even his so-praised woman's work song left me cold–he comes across to me as so cheesy). But tonight… fabulous. Lee was great. Casey was great. Katie was grate–as in grating. On my nerves. Andrew was good, though, and I didn't despise Aaron as much as usually.
Tim… Tim, Tim, Tim. Why are you here?
A far better week than last week for most of 'em, overall… Katie makes me shake with paroxysms of rage. I'm not even sure why, except she has this smug look. Her vocal wasn't awful tonight (which was unusual), but… but… she's so… anger-inducing. Please, America, vote her off. It will do my blood pressure good.
March 30th, 2010
10:55 pm
My top 10:
1) Lee – awesome tonight, and better than ever!
2) Crystal – *gasp!* was that a smile?! Equally as awesome as Lee.
3) Casey – a solidly great performer, but he won't win unless he stops flying under the radar.
4) Mike – good…nothing more to say about him.
5) Katie – see Mike's comments. I was confused though – weren't they supposed to pick old songs? Why did she get ripped for picking an old song when Crystal sang "Midnight Train to GA" and everyone kissed her butt?!
6) Didi – it pains me to put her below Mike and Katie but she's starting too sound too much like Megan, and thus like nails on a chalkboard. I thought the judges were too harsh to her this week.
7) Andrew – I'm glad your mom likes you….
Siobhan – the only reason you're getting ranked above Aaron this week is because of your track record. Not good this week, and you need to try to relate to your fans. You seem a bit snobby.
9) Aaron – shaky and unsure. He needs like 2 more years of ripening before he earns my vote, but he'll stick around till about the top 5, is my guess.
10) Tim – ugh! The Sanjaya of Season 9. Have fun on the tour because your next 10 paid gigs after that will be people's weddings….
March 30th, 2010
11:10 pm
So im gonna start by saying that this week performances were so much better and actually harder to rank.
1. Crystal- Although her performance was a little bit fake she still made it outstanding
2.-Big Mike- Until this performance i was never a fan of his he showed me some feeling and a great performance
3.Casey James- His performance was very entertaining tonight and sounded like himself tonight
4. Andrew Garcia- I counted him out of this competition until he brought back the Andrew we all knew and loved
5. Lee Dewyze- I have never been a huge fan of Lee's but tonight i kind of heard a nice voice and not just the growl he normally had.
6. Didi Benami- didi in my opinion is one of the most consistent performers and has great potential to win the competition even though i am ranking her six tonight she is bound to improve
7. Katie- The arrangement tonight i didnt find appealing at all but her voice was outstanding.
8. Aaron- He is really going downhill. He was not worthy of a pimp spot
9. Tim Urban- He honestly did not do too bad tonight. His performance tonight could clinch him a spot in the Top 9
10. Siobhan- One word "Awful" tired of the scream and her in general. Needs to Go home.
March 30th, 2010
11:13 pm
Allright, 1st of all you all owe me $7 for calling Crystal's song last week. The girl is great and all, but predictable. Her performance was pretty good, but she needs to stay away from the fauceto. 8/10
Shibonbon had a rough go tonight. The judges trashed her and I assume most everyone else will too. So I'm going to say something good about her since she's my favorite. She tried a song tonight that no one, NO ONE, else in the competition could even touch. And for that she still earns some respect from me. 6/10
Lee – was really good. First time I've believed in him. It reminded me of Eddie Vedder. 8/10
Tim- he got hosed by the judges and I really didn't understand why. He did much better than they slammed him for. 7/10
Drew- I didn't understand the love from the judges. It was ok, but still wasn't great by any means. He went from crap to ok and the judges praised him for it. There is something wrong about that. It's still too much like the Paula song. One trick pony. 6/10
Casey – not bad, but wipe that stupid grin off your face please. He lacks sincerity. 6/10
Mike – sorta like Crystal for me. Very good, but predictable. Nevertheless, he has the sincerity that some contestants just don't. 8/10
Katie – sometimes her high notes just rub me wrong. She has potential, but it ain't there yet. 6/10
Aaron- Someone should of slapped him when he said he was singing Ain't no Sunshine. Sigh, way too put on. Way to fake. He didn't do anything but stand out there in a hooded sweatshirt and sing. Lame, lame lame. 5/10
Didi – this was a snoozer. She is just bad. Doesn't have it mentally or vocally. Worst of the night for me. 4/10
I think that's everyone.
March 30th, 2010
11:15 pm
[...] the original here: 'American Idol' top 10 performance recap, rankings, poll [...]
March 30th, 2010
11:16 pm
I admit that Sioban was not as good as she has been and Crystal was off… but no chance of either of them being in the bottom (in my opinion, of course). The worst three and most likely to be in thebottom are Tim, Didi, and Aaron. Judges liked Aaron, but I don't get it… VFTW has had Tim in the bottom for the last two weeks, so he miht get the "screw-up the vote" vote… I think Didi might be in trouble.
March 30th, 2010
11:27 pm
Oh yeh, I think Didi is going home.
With Aaron and Tim joining her in the bottom 3.
March 30th, 2010
11:43 pm
1. Lee – confidence rising; gets better every week
2. Crystal – owns whatever she sings – would buy her CD right now
3. Mike – usually tries too hard and comes off a little loungey — not tonight. great voice
4. Andrew – picked a good song for himself tonight and nailed it – but he has way too narrow a range for this competition
5. Casey – lots of charisma, great guitar; but his voice is rather weak and narrow ranged. Don't be surprised to see him stumble as they move into other genres
6. Siobhan – certainly not her best; the screaming is getting way old
7. Aaron – talk about sucking the life out of a song; is it my imagination or is he getting worse technically?
8. Katie – how do you spell karaoke?
9. Tim – who is voting for this guy? Dead man walking.
10. Didi – The Didi supporters fascinate me. Not only is her voice weak and characterless, she can't sing on pitch and has zero sense for phrasing. And that dress . . . ugh! Time to go honey.
March 30th, 2010
11:47 pm
Hey bebes of tommorow
Siobhan could have been bettah but she is indeed a good singer. Not bottom three at awwll.
Crystal was ovahrated. She was indeed very faake, is it not, mates?
March 31st, 2010
12:18 am
This week I did something a little different. I wrote down my grade and thoughts about a performance before hearing the judges' remarks and did not change my grades after hearing their remarks.
That said, this is what I thought of the performances, the judges comments, and the contestants' reactions:
1 – Casey James – "Hold On. I Comin'" – A
Great guitar work. Good smile. Bluesy voice. He looked like he was having fun. His enthusiasm was contagious.
Lee Dewyze – "Treat Her Like a Lady" – A
I thought it was a very good performance. He needs to look like he's having a little more fun. I still think he just needs to have a little more confidence in himself.
Crystal Bowersox – "Midnight Train to Georgia" – A
I did not like her remark last week, "I have big plans for next week", because it lacked the humility I had seen in the prior weeks. She did fine on the piano. It did seem second nature to me. After she stood up from the piano bench, I thought she missed a note. I thought she was very good again except for the one note. She did not look comfortable without her guitar, though. I totally get and agree with what Simon said. Ryan's question to Crystal about Kara's outfit was totally lame.
Andrew Garcia – "Forever" – A-
This was the best I have seen him. I am not a fan, but more performances like this one could make me one. Ellen made a good point about smiling. Bringing Andrew's mother up was inappropriate. It was like they were wanting Andrew to beat out Tim. "I wouldn't be here without her". Duh? You think?
Tim Urban – "Sweet Love" – B+
I thought it was his best performance so far. I thought it had a Rat Pack feel to it. I got it. He has a great attitude. I liked it.
Aaron Kelly – "Ain't No Sunshine" – B+
Great song. Good choice. Looks like a young Randy Travis. Not totally smooth. Great voice though. He didn't knock it out of the park, but clearly one of the better performances of the night. I once again agreed with Simon. "I don't think you believed it as much as you last week".
Didi Benami – "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" – B
I believed it. I disagree with Kara. I thought she did a good job. I did not see the "over the top". I thought it did "do it".
Michael Lynch – "Ready for Love" – B-
A little boring to me. Sang it well. Not one of my favorite performances. I still feel Michael can improve on his skill at connecting with the audience. Many times I get the impression he is performing for himself, not for the audience.
Katie Stevens – "Chain of Fools" – C-
Out of tune – first line – I didn't connect with the head movement from side to side. She's a white girl, and she looked like she was trying to be a black girl. I saw no connection with the audience. The word "chain" was out of tune frequently. Song was too big for her. I agreed with Simon. I thought the Christina comparison was way off. I agreed with Simon about what kind of artist she would be. I do not see her as an R&B singer at all. Pop, yes. R&B, no way. I too thought she was a bit cold in the performance.
Siobhan Magnus –"Through the Fire" – D-
Easily her worst performance. I agreed with Simon wholeheartedly. I haven't liked the screaming she has done at the end of each song for the last four weeks. She is this year's Adam Lambert. Some people love her. Some don't. I'm in the latter category. She just is not my cup of tea. I aslo did not like the way she talked back to Simon. When he said, "If this was the first time I heard you …", she interrupted him and said,, "but It's Not". Then , when Simon said, ""I'm going to call it manslaughter", she sarcastically said, "Thank You".
I am not an Usher fan, but I thought he did a very good job as mentor this week.
I liked the backstage views.
March 31st, 2010
12:44 am
Can we send about three of them home tomorrow?
March 31st, 2010
1:32 am
Thank you fast forward button. Not because it was a bad show, but because it was a good show filled with an hour of fluff. One thing we learned tonight: a great mentor can actually make a difference. I was impressed with the individualized advice Usher gave.
For my breakdown: I couldn't take Casey because of that goofy grin. Was he singing, I don't know because he just looked like he got a little something back stage and couldn't wipe that smile off his face. Siobhan, the worst part was that outfit. Borrow Didi's boots next time, she might not need them after tomorrow. Crystal, I'd love to jump on the hater bandwagon (which seems to be picking up steam) but she was incredible. Lee… well we're starting to have a competition now.
Great night, I needed a night of solid performances, even though my favorite underperformed, at least others stepped it up.
March 31st, 2010
1:50 am
There are 3 groups right now.
Group 1: Crystal…..clearly the best in this lot, one of the best since this show began 9 years ago. Shows once again how versatile of an artist she is tonight, by coming out of her element and doing something totally different. Her vocals are simply unmatched by anyone in the competition.
Group 2: Lee, Casey, Michael, Andrew…..all are great singers. Lee is improving each week as a performer, although at times is stiff, but is vocals are superb. Casey is coming into his own. Mike is very consistent romantic balladeer, makes you feel the music. Andrew lost his way for a bit, but I think he found himself again tonight. Was one of my favorites early, and might be able to pick up steam again
Group 3: Katie, Didi, Siobhan, Tim, Aaron………I have no idea why Tim is still here but he is, and I think he will be again after tomorrow night. I predict Didi will be going home. With Sobhan, Tim, and Katie soon to follow. The one out of this group who is my wild card is Aaron.
March 31st, 2010
3:34 am
Sioban is the best – quit being haters.
March 31st, 2010
6:00 am
Usher, one of the best mentors I have seen. Too bad some of them did not listen. Sioban what happened tonight? You are still one of my favorites. Maybe you were just too nervous meeting Usher. My favortie of the night and keep playing him is Lee. He surprised me tonight. Cristal is still the one to beat. She has natural raw talent and know who she is and willing to take risks. Tim or Didi need pack their bags. I love Anita Baker and Tim just did nothing for that song. Nobody should sing Anita Baker, Chaka Khan or Whitney Houston. They will always be compared to them and they can't be matched or changed up to sound better.
March 31st, 2010
7:00 am
Repeat from last thread, in falling order:
1. Lee – knew he had it in him. Expect him to get better every week, now that he's "found" himself.
2.Katie – why the constant judge hate? "Old song"? Not much olde than 'Midnight Train", I bet. Fit her perfectly; good hair and outfit… and he girl can sing.
3. Aaron -also gets slammed for being too young. Well, "judges", you set the rules, and you pick the kids.
4. Mike – a bit sugary, but a pleasant voice to listen to.
5. Andrew – took many weeks, bu he finally got a song he could connect with. Usher seemed to be of help too,
6. Casey – looked like he was "having fun".
7. Siobhan – my favorite…failed. Bad song, poorly executed, horrible outfit. Hair a magpie's nest.
8. Crystal – washed and dressed up; in heels and at the piano. Felt fake, fake, fake.
9. Tim – wouldhave been last but
10. Didi – was the worst of the lot. She wobbled and emoted the heck out of her song.
March 31st, 2010
7:09 am
for me casey has the whole package, excellent voice, can play the guitar well, has charisma & charm. i mean what more could you ask for? (biased )
but well im particularly happy that most of the contestants did well today. forget siobhan never really liked her, but most of the guys in general did seem to pick up the pieces from the horror performances last time. hope they keep it up and i'll keep watching as well!
March 31st, 2010
7:31 am
Last night was a vast improvement. Lee finally stepped up to the plate. Siobhan learned that she's going to have to work for it. Andrew gave us a sample of why he's in the top 10, Crystal was amazing as usual, Katie took a step up the ladder with a solid performance and Casey became a dark horse candidate. Mike bored me last night. Didi was awful, Aaron was ok and Tim made me cringe.
Nutmeg…your rage issues regarding Katie don't seem to be shared by anyone else here. Maybe it's just you. She's definitely not the best and she will NOT win so relax. She actually did well last night.
grey…one bad(and not really bad, just not as good as usual) night for Siobhan and you put her in the bottom group overall. I don't think so.
March 31st, 2010
8:20 am
Since Nicholas Sparks wrote the screenplay, you know that in "The Last Song" someone will fall in love, painfully, and someone will die, also painfully. Since it's a Miley Curys vehicle and the girl is 17, obviously she's the one falling in love,,, but who will die, and how? Miley's younger brother, who's been warned about the ocean at dad's gorgeous beach house? Dad (Greg Kinnear), who has a mystery cough? Mom (Kelly Preston), who seems to be commuting the dangerous, long stretch New York – Tybee Island most weekends? What about the too-good-to-be true new boyfriend (Liam Hemsworth)?
These and other questions will occupy your mind as you chaperone your tweeners to "The Last Song", an amiable, age-appropriate movie for young Miley and her fans. Savannah Beach (today's Tybee) looks lovely, as does Wormsloe Plantation, standing in for the Rich Boy's home.
March 31st, 2010
8:20 am
Can't say that I've been as engaged in Idol this year. But I caught bits of tonight's performances. And Lee DeWyze's in particular. Sounds a little like Jon Bon Jovi. For me, that's a good thing!
March 31st, 2010
8:22 am
Well, I was actually pleasantly surprised last night. While not anything overly special, the night was also not the succession of mediocrity that last week was. Almost everyone raised their games a little bit, with three notable exceptions. I thought Usher did a really good job with his advice also, that was a pleasant surprise too.
Anyway, on to the rankings:
1. Crystal Bowersox – Midnight Train to Georgia – Crystal changed it up a little, got out of her comfort zone some, and absolutely hit this one out of the park. The girl is just a flat out excellent singer and performer. BUT, she may have some real competition now:
2. Lee Dewyze – Treat her Like a Lady – We have all been saying that Lee was right on the cusp of getting everything together, and tonight it all fell into place. Simon was dead on in his remarks – This was the night that changed Lee's life forever. Lee has firmly stamped himself as someone who is here to win this thing, and he sent notice to MommaSox that this will not be a cakewalk to the title. By far his best performance of the season.
3. Michael Lynche – Ready For Love – Any doubts at all about Michael's voice, pitch, range, etc were answered tonight. He absolutely slayed this gorgeous ballad. This was just a flat out beautiful velvety smooth performance. But, one small nitpik, we know Michael can sing the love songs, now it is time to change it up and go up-tempo. Is he up to the challenge.
4.Casey James – Hold on, I'm Coming – Well, if there were any doubts what a Casey James album will contain they were answered tonight. This song was dead in Casey's wheelhouse. Strong vocals, excellent guitar work. The kid is destined to be a blues singer, end of story. But, as with Mike, Casey needs to now stretch it out a little and show us he can get out of his little box.
5. Katie Stevens – Chain of Fools – By far Katie's best performance of the year. Loved the little head bobs and sassiness of the performance, but have to agree with the judges that it all looked a little too planned and not totally believable. Her voice however was absolutely beautiful tonight, so good job overall.
6. Andrew Garcia – Forever – Andrew's best performance of the season, and yet I only have him sixth, that in and of itself says a lot about Andrew. He did really well on this song, and I liked it a lot, but it was not quite up to the level of the top 5.
Aaron Kelly – Ain't No Sunshine – OK, I will actually admit it, for once I was actually digging Aaron's voice a little. The kid did not totally annoy me or make me attempt to rip my ears off. Vocally he was probably in the top 5, but this song requires a depth and grit from the singer that Aaron just does not have. I liked it, but this was not a great song for him to attempt.
8. Siobhan Magnus – Through The Fire – My how the mighty have fallen. Siobhan slipped a little last week, and totally fell off the pedestal this week. Completely wrong song choice. All Siobhan did with this song was highlight all the worst parts of her voice, and show just what an amazing singer Chaka Kahn was. This was nasally, all over the place, and just plain bad.
9. Tim Urban – Sweet Love – Ummm yeah. This was about the biggest steaming pile of mediocrity one could imagine. It was not horrible, but it was not good. Tim is basically department store background music at this point, you don't really notice it while it is playing, and you won't notice it when it is gone. But, the puppy dog eyes and infectious personality may keep him around a little while because there was much much worse.
10. Didi Benami – What Becomes of the Broken-Hearted – I don't even know where to begin with this disaster. Off key, all over the place, totally devoid of any emotion,and just plain awful. Didi is such a conundrum. One week she is captivating and the next she is horrid. How do you manage to completely suck every single ounce of emotion out of this amazing song? Just bad, really really really bad.
SHOULD GOHOME: Based on this week it is Didi by a mile, based on the complete body of work it is Tim by a mile.
WILL GO HOME: I think for the third week in a row Tim may get saved by a complete trainwreck performance. Hate to see Didi leave us, but I honestly think she is in huge trouble. I would also not be shocked to see Siobhan in the bottom 3, but I think she probably has the fan base to avoid it. If I had to bet I would say Didi, Tim, Andrew; with Didi going home.
March 31st, 2010
8:31 am
I just cannot get on the Siobhan band wagon. She annoys me, her style is so contrived with her dressing so weird to be different, she doesn't come off as different to me, but more trying to hard to be different. The screams – ugh, just ugh!
Was anyone else feeling awkward when Ryan and Didi were holding hands last night and she said he is wanting me to say I was singing to him? I know there were rumours about them at one time. That, and her startup story was so dramatic, that her performance was twice of a let down!
Crystal and Mike were stand outs tonight. But why, why why are they all singing such old songs? Is that all that can be cleared? I mean, the theme is R&B, and that didn't die out years ago, look at Usher!
March 31st, 2010
8:41 am
Lara, we got the whole list that was given to the contestants this time. Check out the thread where Rodney printed it. R&B Songs Idols Can Choose From.
March 31st, 2010
8:42 am
My impression of Tim Urban's face when he's told he's safe:
Just watch for it.
March 31st, 2010
8:45 am
The songs they sing is a no brainer — 99.99999999999999% of today's music is melodyless CRAP. They have to go back 20-40 years just to find anything singable.
March 31st, 2010
8:45 am
ROFL — you nailed it Rickster, and yes I think Bobby Sherman will be safe another week.
March 31st, 2010
8:46 am
I guess we can't impress everyone huh? Just a week or two ago, some of you guys are saying that Crystal is a one-trick pony and has no versatility. And now, she changed it up a bit musically and visually, and you call her performance fake? Give me a break. It was different than what she usually does but I would not go as far as calling it fake. If there was any performance that was fake, I would give it to Tim.
March 31st, 2010
8:53 am
Deirdre–I may be the only Katie-hatah here, but fortunately I'm not the only one at all. Just Google(TM) Pageant-Bot.
I don't get calling Crystal fake. She seems utterly genuine to me (even to the point of being off-putting sometimes–you don't get more genuine than that!). So those who say that–what do you mean?
March 31st, 2010
8:58 am
Nutmeg…I'm just amazed by the depth of your hatred for Katie. she's an innocuous little girl who has no chance of winning. But then, I'm feeling the same way about Tim who is, imo, far more robotic and "programmed" than Katie.
And Crystal was magnificent last night. The voice is amazing, the performance was moving and inspiring.
March 31st, 2010
9:00 am
Mike – So overated.
Siobhan – SHUT UP (I'm screaming). Her performance last night was awful.
Crystal – So overated. She soooo thinks she has it in the bag. NOT!!
Lee – Don't love his voice, but he was awesome last night and I just noticed he is a really handsome guy and THOSE EYES.
Aaron – weak performance last night. Has a decent voice though. I bet he has a shocker performance still to come.
Tim – Can you please leave now? He's a cut guy though.
Didi – Doesn't have the greatest voice, BUT they judge her too harsh just to pimp Crystal. Her performances are not awful.
Andrew – had a decent performance last night, but he's just not that good to me.
Katie – Don't like her voice. I turn the channel everytime she sings.
Casey – His looks will keep him around. He had a decent performance last night.
March 31st, 2010
9:10 am
Last night's show sparkled, and all the rockets went off when Lee performed. I thought everyone raised his/her game except Siobhan, but that was partly because the others did better compared to her.
This is the AI I love. Flabby diecting, yes, but that's when I completed my NYT double crostic. Color me re-fanned.
March 31st, 2010
9:14 am
Re Crystal: She looked a little less moribund last night but still not quite all there. Mannered, effete. . . I want to love her but I don't.
March 31st, 2010
9:15 am
OK…it's official! WE HAVE A SEASON! Improvements were just about everywhere. Some of these kids CAN sing!
March 31st, 2010
9:21 am
Good morning all. I've got one bone to pick.
People keep saying look at how Crystal "took a risk" or "really stepped out of her comfort zone" and stuff like that. WRONG. She took no risk. That song isn't out of her comfort zone. The Indigo Girls did a nice version of that song too, which is why I predicted Crystal was going to do it. The song is not risky nor difficult. She did great with it. Just don't go saying she really went out on a limb because she didn't.
Now let me get down off this soapbox..
March 31st, 2010
9:27 am
RxDawg,I agree with you that Crystal didn't venture out of her comfort zone. Indeed, she assured Simon as she was leaving the stage that she would never do anything that wasn't comfortable!
March 31st, 2010
9:37 am
Good Morning Everybody.
No quote today, but will have one tomorrow.
Missed the show last night for something more important. Yep, I do have things that are more important to me than Idol.
Hubby and I went to Villa Rica with my son to our grandson's home to see our great granddaughter whom we haven't seen in two years. She and her mother lives in Tampa and this is the first time that the mother has allowed her to come to visit her dad. What a wonderful time we had with her! She is now 2 1/2 and is adorable. She took to us like she saw us everyday and such a loving child. My grandson and his wife is taking her back to Tampa this afternoon, but he will have her again in early May. And speaking of great grands, Robert has gained up to 4.10 pounds and may get to go home this week. Robin is still struggling but has managed to gain up to 3.15, so she still has a way to go. I know that some will find this post boring and could care less, but for those of you who have been here with support will understand what I'm so excited about concerning Robert and Robin.
March 31st, 2010
9:38 am
I think the stilettos were WAY out of her comfort zone.
However, predictable as the song might have been, she gave it a poignancy I haven't heard in it before. She didn't sing a carbon copy of it and she enhanced it. She is way better in her niche than the other contestants are in each of their niches. That's the difference.
I haven't hear Mike do anything different, or Casey. They are always the same although Casey upped his game last night, imo. Lee always sings in the same style, although he, too, raised his own bar last night. So I'm really surprised by the claims that Crystal is the only one who hasn't really changed it up. Neither have any of the others with the exception of Didi who just doesn't seem to know where she is.
March 31st, 2010
9:38 am
My take on last night:
1. Crystal – She nailed another great performance and as Randy "Name-Dropper" Jackson said, she did Gladys proud!
2. Michael – Mike consistently gives a good performance and connects with the song AND the audience! He'll fill the void left by Luther Vandross.
3. TIE: Casey – Casey did a great job and, as Mike S. said, this was right in his wheelhouse. He's a blues man.
Lee: Really opened up on Treat Her Like A Lady. First time he's seemed comfortable on stage and with his song selection. Still not the MOST comfortable or compelling on stage, but much improvement.
5. Andrew – His best effort in a while but that's not really saying much. Only ranked here because Siobhan shot herself in the foot.
6. Siobhan – Great song choice. Just not for her. She was definitely all over the place with tiny bits of excellence. But she also definitely has trouble with her lower register and should avoid it in the future! I place her here not just because she had an off night but because a couple others (Casey. Lee) stepped it up.
7-9: Interchangeable –
Tim "What The Hell Were You Thinking" Urban – Anita Baker? Leave the destruction of female artists' songs to Andrew!
Katie – Aretha?! Props for having the guts to try it but she has neither the grit or attitude to pull this off.
Aaron – Bet this sounded great at the family reunion where Mom and Dad pushed him out in front of the clan (after the cousins and their dueling banjos!) Can't get anymore whitebread than Aaron on this Soul classic!
10. Did – This is unfortunate 'cause I really do like Did but she just hasn't shown much for the past few weeks and this was the worst. No real emotion throughout the song (no matter what Ryan tried to get at). I think what we've seen most from Did is that she simply doesn't have the temperament for the business. Her 'heart-on-her-sleeve' persona is starting to come across as a bit whiny – like she's pleading with us to stay but offering no real reason why she should! …Other than that, she was great.
March 31st, 2010
9:39 am
Nana, congrats on Robert and we'll still be lifting Robin with our prayers.
March 31st, 2010
9:40 am
Has there ever been an AI season where so many people deserved to be in the bottom three each and every week? With the exception of Lilly Scott, I don't think there's been a single person whose presence in the bottom three didn't evoke an, "Okay, I can agree with that." response.
March 31st, 2010
9:44 am
Nana, thanks for the news on the twins. Still in our prayers. Congratulations on catching up with the great-granddaughter!
March 31st, 2010
9:44 am
Not usually a fan of Katie, but I loved the cool head bobbing (or is there another name for that?) attitude!
March 31st, 2010
9:47 am
I think the bottom 3 will probably be Didi, Tim and Andrew, with Didi going home. Of course, Aaron and Katie might split the tween vote ending up with one of them in the bottom 3.
March 31st, 2010
9:50 am
If this were "Out of your comfort zone Idol" we'd have nothing but a season full of Tim. Crystal still isn't my favorite, but I refuse to be two-faced about all the contestants like the judges are.
March 31st, 2010
9:51 am
I can't say for sure, but I think Kara's head bob is the equivalent of shaking the eight ball. She bob's her head and in a few seconds the things she's going to say float up behind her retinas!
March 31st, 2010
9:53 am
Sorry, that was kinda mean. I actually think Kara has shown a lot of improvement this season. It's just that when I read melissa's mom's comment, that was the first thing the right side of the brain threw out!
March 31st, 2010
9:54 am
The stilettos, yes.
March 31st, 2010
10:02 am
Highlander…melissa's mom was talking about Katie, not Kara.
March 31st, 2010
10:04 am
Thanks Mike $ – last week when I mention Bobby Sherman, nobody seemed to know who he was.
And Rodney, here's a possible topic for a new thread.
ESPN is reporting the results of a survey among NHL players that ranks Carrie Underwood the "Hottest NHL Wife" – even though she's only engaged.
March 31st, 2010
10:10 am
Garcia, Stevens, Urban will be bottom 3 – Stevens going home. please don't save any of them.
Lee, Chrytal, Casey top 3, then Lynch, Siobhan should be top 5 when all said and done, how the other go and what week is the only question
March 31st, 2010
10:14 am
OK, some people are assuming "out of thier comfort zone" apparently means the style of song they are singing. There are a lot of elements that go into a comfort zone:
since the discussion is about Crystal, here is my reasoning for saying she stepped out of her comfort zone — AND SHE DID all protestations aside.
Midnight train to Georgia – right in her wheel house, yes this was dead in her zone — BUT Crystal's COMFORT ZONE is a t-shirt, Jeans, holding her Guitar and standing barefoot on her rug. THAT IS HER ZONE.
A sexy (yes I actually said sexy in conjunction with Crystal) tight red dress, stiletto heels, playing the piano for the first time in years….. WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY OUT OF HER COMFORT ZONE!!!!
And if you don't think putting a person in different style of clothes, different setting, different instrument, etc can throw them completely off then you do not know music. That Crystal did this and still belted that song out like a pro is a testement to her performing ability.
So while she may have picked a song she could sing forward and backward in her sleep, don'r even try to say she was not out of her comfort zone.
Now I will get off of MY soapbox.
March 31st, 2010
10:16 am
Carrie Underwood will win the survey for the HOTTEST anything on this planet. RoWRRRRRR
March 31st, 2010
10:30 am
Really good show last night. As usual Crystal was the best. I thought Lee was second and Casey a surprising third. Michael held his own and was a solid fourth. The rest take your pick except Siobhan who was awful! She sang and acted as if she stumbled upon a stash that Paula forgot to take with her. Last = Siobhan.
March 31st, 2010
10:33 am
Amen Mike RE:10:16 post!
March 31st, 2010
10:34 am
Kate Gosselin's reaction to her DWTS performance:
March 31st, 2010
10:35 am
Heck… Kate Gosselin's reaction to just about ANYthing:
March 31st, 2010
10:35 am
March 31st, 2010
10:40 am
Folks, I've already reported the above comment. Hopefully it'll be gone in less time than it will take the commenter to slip back into irrelevance.
March 31st, 2010
10:40 am
Congrats Nana on the progress of your great grandchildren!
March 31st, 2010
10:45 am
WOW! Seems someone got their wheaties pissed in this morning. WTH was that all about?
March 31st, 2010
10:58 am
Enter your comments here
March 31st, 2010
11:01 am
Ah heck, I missed it!
Keeping in mind that we're in prime Spring Break time, we'll just pretend not to notice.
March 31st, 2010
11:05 am
Michael Slezak's opening paragraph of last night's review:
American Idol is kind of like an axe murderer in a horror-movie franchise. Just when you think it's good and dead, and you're ready to walk away from it and start your life anew, it lurches into the upright position, clutches you by the ankle, and drags you back to your inevitable fate — sitting on the couch every Tuesday and Wednesday night from now through the end of May.
March 31st, 2010
11:07 am
Here's the link to the rest of the review for those who are interested:
March 31st, 2010
11:19 am
Thanks for reporting the offensive comment, Rickster. Signs of a small mind include name calling.
Nana, I don't even have any grandkids yet and I can't even imagine the joy of reconnecting with a great-grand. So happy that happened for you.
Family history is a treasure.
March 31st, 2010
11:22 am
"So while she may have picked a song she could sing forward and backward in her sleep, don'r even try to say she was not out of her comfort zone"
Sorry Mike, I can't understand where your coming from. That statement seems contradicting. She did play piano, but I bet it hasn't been years since the last time she played. Not sure where you got that info. She did wear high heels. That's really important in a singing competetion…
Look, she was great. One of, if not the best, performances of the night. But her double standard treatment is annoying me. I guess that is one of the perks if your good week in week out.
March 31st, 2010
11:24 am
Deirdre: perfect quote from Michael Slezak. That is what happened to me.
It's good to remember the "Report this comment" feature and don't assume that someone else will do it. Also, if it offends you report it even if someone else already did.
March 31st, 2010
11:27 am
RxDawg…the "Years since she played" came from the show. They talked about how she needed to practice the piano a lot since it's been years since she played. You must've zoned out on that one.
I think that was the MAIN thing I noticed about her being out of her comfort zone. She was being real careful with that piano.
March 31st, 2010
11:28 am
somebody needs to email me about the reported comment. I missed it and I'm nosy!
March 31st, 2010
11:31 am
RxDawg "But her double standard treatment is annoying me"
I have to disagree with you. When Crystal consistently makes every song she sings her own she is told to step outside her comfort zone. Everyone else is told to make the songs their own. What?
It seems to be standard this season for the judges to be two faced. Katie needs to sing young songs, what about old man Andrew? Tim needs to stop smiling, but Casey couldn't wipe that stupid grin off his face even when he was singing. Make a song your own, but look at how we beat up those who do just that.
March 31st, 2010
11:35 am
"You must've zoned out on that one."
Ha, wouldn't be the first time.
March 31st, 2010
11:44 am
Hey y'all,
NANA! I'm glad you got time with family. Thanks for giving us an update on the blog babies. Will continue to think good thoughts and blessings for Robin.
Last night: Lee was really good. Crystal was different and enjoyable, but I think she was too distracted with the piano playing. Though, she did look great. Didi…*sigh* I like Didi, really, I do. So last night pained me. Though I don't think she was as bad as everyone else seems to think. I hope she doesn't go home tonight, but we shall see.
Who I wouldn't mind going home: Turban, Kim Jong Il, Pageant Princess. Perhaps Boyband Kelly. Seriously, HE got the pimp spot?
March 31st, 2010
11:45 am
I know I go somewhere when Tim is singing. I think it's a self-preservation reaction.
March 31st, 2010
11:52 am
I agree about Crystal being pimped. She has never performed a tender song but looks for the easy songs she can belt. Midnight Train is not difficult to sing because the notes are easy. I was in a "glee" type club in high school where we would travel and compete. So I know what I'm talking about. We had a black girl that could sing the pants off this bohemian wannabe. I didn't get to see Crystal's performance last night but I'm sure it's not NEARLY as wonderful as Mike $ says it was because I've yet to be impressed by her. But I do believe he is her biggest fan.
March 31st, 2010
11:59 am
Yes! Another comment removed after I reported it!
March 31st, 2010
12:03 pm
YES! Finally someone that can relate to what I'm talking about. Jenna you feel what I feel. Except that I do think Crystal is a fantastic singer. She just has picked songs on a begginer to intermediate difficulty level. Which is probably smart at this point in the competetion. The question is, will she ever really step it up toward the end? This could be Danny Gokey part duece.
March 31st, 2010
12:15 pm
Lee, Casey, and Crystal dominated the top ten last night, proving they all deserve to stick around for the rest of the season. The others? Well, results were mixed. Katie, Andrew, and Tim once again scraped along the bottom – even though the judges liked Andrew (shockingly). The biggest surprise of the night? Didi and Siobhan's underwhelming performances. Could one of them be going home tonight?
March 31st, 2010
12:15 pm
I actually believe that Crystal will have a lot of difficulty winning the competition. She's not mainstream. She's not gorgeous. She's not Miss Personality. She's not really Idol material. She's definitely the best singer but she's probably not going to win.
March 31st, 2010
12:25 pm
I read this on CNN's Marquee blog:
"Alex Lambert may not have made it to the Top 12 on "American Idol," but he's not done with the reality bandwagon just yet. The 19-year-old has landed a spot on the web series "If I Can Dream," PEOPLE reported. The show follows the lives of a group of aspiring musicians and actors living in a house in the Hollywood Hills. The series, which appears on Hulu.com, is the project of "Idol" creator Simon Fuller."
Re: Crystal last night. She did better than I thought she would but that Falsetto note was worse than any screeching Siobhan has done. It really hurt my ears. She's definitely a lower register singer.
March 31st, 2010
12:40 pm
Suddenly a change for me – Siobhan is going downhill FAST! Such a beautiful voice, totally wasted the past 2 weeks. One more and she's outta my top 10.
Crystal by a mile. Love her, love her song choices, and agree with Simon – nothing needs to be changed.
Lee – every time he starts a song, I think "uh oh, this is really nasally and blah, then about 20 secs in, he changes it up and gets really good.
Casey – really like him – gets better every week.
Still do not like Didi at all (hate quavery voices), Andrew still not good for me, and I cannot for the life of me get Mike – just a weak, femaley, wavery voice.
Do really like Katie's voice – with some seasoning (think Beatles-Hamburg) she'll be great.
The rest just blah blah blah for me.
March 31st, 2010
12:49 pm
DiDi I knew you would have problems. Pack your bags honey your going home that was awful..such a pretty song but Not for you. Maybe you should have picked a much softer song. Like Poetry Man or Fast Car or some soft soul song..that does not require a strong vocal. In the words of Paula Abdul.but you looked beautiful. Casey..you better play that bass! That was the highlight for me..Mike is still Mike. but I like the softer side more humble attitude. And he didnt flex his muscles or try to pick anyone up.
Ryan probably got jealous and talk to him about it. He dosent want Mike picking anyone up unless its Him! heh heh..Ryan you sly dog you. Still waiting on you to make the announcement. Talk to Ricky Martin and Clay Akien they will tell you exactly how to do it.
The screamer, Siobhan..the screams only made it worst. and how many voices was she using? I believe she screamed her way into the bottom three. Oh well, boring. Looking forward to Usher how really has grown up and mature. I am very proud of him now. Very well spoken and good guidence and tips..You go Raymond!
March 31st, 2010
12:50 pm
I thought there were several good performances. Here is my order
1. Lee-interesting version and sounded great
2. Crystal-trying too hard to impress judges but sounded great
3. Mike-when he doesn't oversing he is really good
4. Andrew-unique/cool vibe…pretty good singing
5. Casey-can see in any bar
6. Aaron-kid can sing but not connecting with song
7. Siobhan-impressed in last minute but rest was boring
8. Katie-karaoke but good
9. Tim-Cheese
10. Didi-off key/choked under the pressure
March 31st, 2010
12:51 pm
1. Lee
2. Crystal
3. Casey
4. Katie
5. Andrew
6. Aaron
7. Tim
7. Mike
9. Siobohan
Why can some grin like a fool and be praised, and others dissed for the same?
Why can some have boring dull perfomance and be praised and others dissed for the same?
Why is being off-key ok for some and for others they get blasted?
Why is Tim still there?
because there is always someone worse than he,
and Tuesday I found or two or three
'…with low expectations comes high acheivement potential…'
March 31st, 2010
1:01 pm
Nana, you were practically in my backyard last night!!
This week I've gotta go with Crystal and Lee.
I had a exciting night, last night! The screaming bangees returned in full force (coyote) One was right outside my back door! I can live without an all night long coyote concert!
March 31st, 2010
1:05 pm
Hoo boy. This American Idol fan enjoyed last night. Performances were generally better and Usher did the job of mentor well.
My faves would have to be Casey, Lee and Katie. I thought they all did well. So, one will probably leave tonight! (hope not).
Still can't get on the Crystal bandwagon. Guess I'm just strange that way.
Poor Didi. What a babe, but probably going home soon. Bummer.
And whenever Idol ends (many years from now I hope!), I am going to enroll in Emoticon University! That's the ticket…
March 31st, 2010
1:28 pm
Was anyone else bothered by Crystal's comment "…say hello to Gladys …for 'me'…?
…really???? Her long time pal???
March 31st, 2010
1:33 pm
@ Raxor: That's because she thinks she's a star already. Kara busted Tim last week for touching girls hands and said he wasn't good enough to do that yet and now BowerSux is telling the judges to give props to people who really ARE stars. As if she is one herself. one good ole pal to another.
Cystal BowerSux! Hah!
March 31st, 2010
1:37 pm
I don't know what you guys are hearing on Didi. Her voice is what you actually could recognize on the radio. I think people hate her solely for being a young emotional blond, when in fact she's not "hot" enough to just get handed a record deal. She's worked hard to get where she is and to stand out from a sea of similar singers, whereas people like Ke$ha get a deal for no discernable reason.
March 31st, 2010
1:38 pm
raxor – nearly everything about crystal bothers me. Plus, I think she was flat out lying to say she hasn't "played the piano" in years. Maybe not as a performance, but no way she hasn't practiced that and then just decides to break it out on national tv.
March 31st, 2010
1:48 pm
ugaaccountant, you'd be surprised what real musicians can do. Her version of not playing and yours may be two totally different things.
March 31st, 2010
1:49 pm
Do you guys really hate Crystal so much that you will take her comment regarding Gladys completely out of context? Randy name dropped, and Crystal followed that up by showing a little personality (for once).
I'm starting to be a fan of Crystal, not because I like her style of music, but because the haters are just becoming so irrational.
March 31st, 2010
1:55 pm
Over the years we've had contestants like Danny Gokey, David Archuleta, Melinda Dolittle who week after week delivered consistently good to great performances. And then we've had David Cook and his rendition of "Billie Jean", Kris Allen's "She Works Hard for the Money", perfomances that establish the artist as a contender. I truly think we saw that last night with Lee Dewyze. God help the competition if he gets a hitch in his giddyup and realizes with a bit of self confidence that he could be in it to the bitter end.
March 31st, 2010
1:57 pm
Now that's a strange reason to suddenly become a fan of someone but to each his own I guess. We're not irrational but it's just that everyone is so bad this season that a mediocre performer like BowerSux suddenly will land a million dollar contract at the end of the season. There are way more deserving people across this country who are better and should have been on the show rather than BowerSux. I just don't like her conceitedness that she thinks she's better than she is – not.
March 31st, 2010
1:59 pm
Agree with JT. Seriously? Crystal throws Randy a comment about saying hello to Gladys and y'all see that as her thinking she's a star?????????? Grasping at straws people!
March 31st, 2010
2:03 pm
Where's the hot babes this year????? Siobon is the only female who puts out a vibe I would actually buy. And the ugly hippy girl????? Sounds like some of the stuff the cannibas groupies from the 60's would party to.
March 31st, 2010
2:04 pm
Leslie…Bowersox is the best singer this season. Doesn't mean she'll win…she probably won't… but it means that anti-Sox people are coming out of the woodwork…which is something JT really enjoys.
Just because the judges are lavishing praise on her doesn't mean they're wrong. She's the most accomplished performer up there. Not your thing is understandable. Dissing her in order to push for your favorite is even kind of understandable. Bad-mouthing her because she's the judges' favorite is kinda childish. It isn't HER fault that the judges like her. She's NOT paying them to like her. They just do.
March 31st, 2010
2:06 pm
Somone made a comment about the double treatment standards and that's why I bring up the say hello to Gladys comment for me. Tim got slammed for pretending to be a star but no one called BowerSux for doing the same thing. Tim was just having fun and showing personality last week too so why does BowerSux get a free pass for doing the same thing. This show has gone down hill fast with the fakeness and the pimping. BowerSux could take a poop on stage and they would still congratulate her on her originality.
March 31st, 2010
2:08 pm
JT – I do not hate Crystal at all. In fact, she has been one of my favorites. She and Aaron. Crystal is becoming more, i don't know, desperate, or something..i guess it is the pressure from Simon. .
March 31st, 2010
2:08 pm
To be fair, I agree that Kara should never have complained about Tim touching the audience. Idols have been doing that for years. This was Kara's mistake and had nothing to do with Crystal. None of the other judges agreed with Kara on this foolish statement to Tim.
March 31st, 2010
2:19 pm
Thanks for link to Michael Slezak's review, D.! As always, he's right on target. "Ryan Seacrest did everything but kick Didi Benami in the shins to try to activate her tearducts" – I was quite impressed with Didi's way of refusing to let her personal tragedy turn into this season's running Gokey drama.
Didi let it be known during the try-outs that she was doing "Idol" in rememberance of a dead friend, and maybe that's why her performances are so awkward – she hasn't worked through her loss yet.
Many artists have created deep, memorable work from personal tragedies. But these songs, paintings, poems, or whatever, only resonate when the loss that inspired them has helped the creator reach "the other side."
Didi is too raw, too emotional, right now and this makes her perfomances uncontrolled and uncomfortable to watch.
March 31st, 2010
2:24 pm
I'm pretty bored and sleepy, so I'm gonna actually post my thoughts on last night.
1. Siobhan Magnus – I was disappointed with her performance. She is by far my favorite this season, and I was surprised she didn't handle this song too well. I've seen her youtube videos of her in musicals – she can definitely sing and not just "scream", so that was surprising. House of the Rising Sun??? That was great! What happened? PS: Why do the judges keep saying she screamed? Those were high notes, people. Was very amazed that they kept saying that, rather annoyed. It wasn't screaming.
2. Casey James – Thought he did good, he has a good voice. He hasn't really caught on for me, but I'm not really giving the guys a chance this year anyway. Good voice.
3. Michael Lynche – He did great. My favorite performance of his I think. Very personal… it just worked. He is a great singer. Interesting performance placement – on the riser behind the judges, and I liked the lighting.
4. Didi Benami – Well she looked great. I actually thought the first half of the song was pretty good, but then when she started pushing and going big, it was not… good.. her voice isn't meant for big songs, like Kara said – Terrified type of songs is her thing (which is Katharine McPhee's song, again).. very soft and unique, not overdone. But she pushes out these high notes and big notes and they are kinda messy. If she wants to impress the judges she has to stick to what she does best. I don't get why she hasn't yet learned that . . .
5. Tim Urban – Not horrible, but plain. There's nothing to him really. He's not a bad singer, but he's not… I don't know. Not really worthy of his place I think. sorry!!
6. Andrew Garcia – Andrew is better than the judges and the public make him out to be. He's underrated. Sure he hasn't performed to his best, but I can see who he wants to be as an artist and he sings well. He is different. He does need to get out there and be daring though. Clearly he is better than people like… Aaron, Katie, Tim, to say the least… and ok so that is not the important thing – getting to like the final 2 is important, but still he should place higher than them. Yeah.
7. Katie Stevens – Despite my love for a couple of her pre-Idol youtube videos, I have collected that she probably just isn't as good as I thought she was. Really… she isn't that great of a singer. Or at least she hasn't shown it. She sang Chain of Fools and tried to be "fierce" with it, but it didn't really work… and her vocals were very stiff. She has a stiff voice to me. Not sure I like it. She could have done things with the song, but she didn't so it was pretty boring. And pitchy. She could have been better this season but maybe she's just not quite ready? There's just not a whole lot she can do with her voice.
8. Lee DeWyze – He has a really good voice. And he has potential to go far, but there are just other people I like better. There are a couple special people in the competition (hint hint, SM) and I don't want him to take away their spot. I feel like if there will be a guy in the finals (which is likely because then the whimpering little girls will cry) then it will be Michael or Lee. As long as SM is there, all's well.
9. Crystal Bowersox – It's looking to be her and Lee in the finals, which is a shame, because I want Siobhan so bad. Hopefully she can pull it together. Anyway, Crystal again did very well. I'm not completely crazy about her, but she's ok to put up with cause she doesn't have a snarky arrogant personality and she has an interesting voice that is believable. But, again, there are just people I like better (SM). I do think she could have done more with this song.
10. Aaron Kelly – Another contestant I don't think is very deserving of their spot on the show… he just does nothing for me. Sure he's young, but so? That means he's not ready if he can't do well. He doesn't have a bad voice, it's just very thin and doesn't do much. AT LEAST he is picking songs that suit his voice (sort of) so therefore not resulting in trainwreck performances. He is getting better, but still not good enough. Meh.
I guess I'm just selfish? My favorite has never won this show. That is why I think it is time for it to happen.
March 31st, 2010
2:25 pm
Leslie: strange reason, yes, but I never said it was a good reason. There may be more deserving people across the country, but they aren't in the competition. I refuse to compare Crystal to all the street musicians that I refuse to drop even a quarter on, because I can't vote for those people. We have a Top 10, I'll focus on that.
Good point regarding the double standard, but I won't put down Crystal or Tim just because the judges are all over the place. However, I will continue to mock the judges.
Tim has personality, he knows it might buy him a few more weeks which is why he can ignore the judges. Thankfully, Crystal is finally starting to show some personality, because between her and Katie I just couldn't take it. Personality is the only thing that has kept me interested in Kim Jong-il, so personality does come into play especially in Idol.
March 31st, 2010
2:25 pm
Um, who is "Gladys"?
March 31st, 2010
2:33 pm
Fair enough everyone. It's not her fault the judges make such a big deal out of her. I'm beginning to wonder though how much Simon Fuller comes into play as to who wins. If you remember during Top 24, Simon Cowart actually criticized Crystal on her performance. The next thing we know he does a 180 saying he re-watched and owed her an apology. Since Simon Fuller is bankrolling this little gig, he may be pulling the strings behind the show and asking the judges to pimp certain ones. Just a possible theory.
March 31st, 2010
2:34 pm
Gladys Knight…originator of Midnight Train.
Why is it that when people get mad at the judges, they put the blame on the singer? So you don't like the judges' inconsistency? Why is that Crystal's fault?
So you punish the judges by not voting for their favorite singer? Even if that particular singer actually IS the best? Isn't that like cutting off your nose to spite your face?
So Crystal gets punished because it indirectly punishes the judges? GROW UP PEOPLE!
March 31st, 2010
2:34 pm
Gladys Knight
March 31st, 2010
2:36 pm
Leslie…Idol doesn't care who wins.
The judges have NO stake in the winner.
The Idol organization has a stake in EVERY contestant so it makes no difference to them who wins.
Seriously! NO DIFFERENCE. They're going to make money on their favorite whether their favorite wins or not.
March 31st, 2010
2:36 pm
Usher was great as a mentor. Even my husband liked him, except he kept calling him Ludicris by mistake. My husband's not up on the hip hop.
March 31st, 2010
2:37 pm
Mercedes, she's the original singer with the Pips who sang Midnight Train to Georgia. I'm still a Tim fan and think he shows alot of personality. I love his smile and his attitude. He never gets angry or upset. He's a funny, likeable kid. There have been alot of cheese acts over the years. People still bring up Ace and Constantine. Tim surely isn't the worst cheese we've seen on Idol…he's just THIS year's cheese. JMO.
March 31st, 2010
2:40 pm
now now leslie that is not quite true — it would greatly depend on the location on stage, the color and the consistancy of the poop before the judges would praise it. It also will depend greatly on the performance — I am sure an "oops I dropped a doodie" quick squirt would be roundly criticized by the judges, as would an all out full on Gur-bustingGrunt-a-thon. One must be very careful when grading stage poop.
March 31st, 2010
2:42 pm
Eagle, "THIS year's cheese" classic. Now we just need to get Rodney to start referring to Tim simply as This Years Cheese.
March 31st, 2010
2:50 pm
That's Bobby Sherman Cheese mister!
March 31st, 2010
2:50 pm
I wasn't going to say it, but the accountant did "I think she was flat out lying to say she hasn't "played the piano" in years"
The piano is difficult, she played it very smooth. A little too smooth to not have some kind of heavy background in it.
by the way, ugaacountant have you seen the movie "The Accountant"? It's a short Indie film (bout 45min or so). It's hillarious, but very very dark. You really should check it out.
March 31st, 2010
2:52 pm
Thanks all., for filling in my blanks… of course I know who the Pips Lady is.. don't see the big deal, then.
March 31st, 2010
2:54 pm
Tim's not cheesy. Tim's not anything! This year's zero!
RxDawg…..my kid hasn't played the piano in 10 years but this Christmas played a perfect version of Deck the Halls. We're still trying to figure out how he did it. He says "muscle memory". His fingers just went where they were used to going.
March 31st, 2010
3:03 pm
Just had a lengthy comment get trapped in the zone, but wanted to get this through: as a pianist with 30+ years of experience, I believe Crystal when she said she hasn't played it in years. Difficulty level was almost nil.
March 31st, 2010
3:05 pm
I used to play the keys quite a bit myself. I can sit down and wing it still, but after about 2mins the muscles in my forearms begin to throb with pain.
Nut, your probably right that what she played wasn't very difficult.
March 31st, 2010
3:08 pm
And she only played for what? About 30 seconds?
March 31st, 2010
3:09 pm
Mike S that was too funny!!! Thank you for that enlightening poop dissertation! Deirdre, as for fingers going where they were used to going, that makes sense. Anyone who learned how to type on the Selectrics remembers correct placement of fingers. I don't even know if they teach typing classes anymore. Some of us oldies will remember having our instructor tell us to place our fingers on the home keys and hit s, return, s, return, s, return…over and over for each and every key on the board! I'm sure it's the same with piano in a way.
JTesla, I like that one…THIS YEARS CHEESE..someone should probably go back each season and identify those title holders.
March 31st, 2010
3:13 pm
Leslie…I did not direct my 2:34pm rant at you. That was just a general "don't blame a singer for the mistakes of the judges" rant.
Sorry for the crankiness everyone….the wedding is 18 days away and I've hit a wall.
March 31st, 2010
3:14 pm
Maybe a minute, Deirdre–and look at the death stare she was giving to her hands while she played. It was still fabulous to me vocally, but I was amused. RxDawg–I have a form of arthritis, and piano is a double-edged sword: it still hurts, but it also keeps my hands much more limber than they'd be otherwise.
March 31st, 2010
3:16 pm
Melissa's Mom–are you sure your husband wasn't just saying Usher *was* ludicrous? (Kidding, of course). He did a decent job, though the opening segment made me think he was going to be more deeply critical. I want somebody to go mentor them like Sharon Osborne or something–someone who is going to tell the mediocre contestants that they're mediocre but they could improve if they do X. Agree that he got through to Andrew, though.
March 31st, 2010
3:40 pm
That's true, she didn't play anything difficult last night on piano. So that could have been practiced up quickly. I just have learned not to take AI at it's word on stuff that can be "interpreted" a little differently and change the meaning.
Like didn't Didi's friend die years ago? I think they even said it originally, but most people don't remember these details very long, just the overall saying.
And they haven't been saying "tonight's bottom 2 vote getters are x & Y, who's going home". I'm not sure they've been paring the bottom 2 every time, as they seem to have gone to the dramatic pairing several times. Like when they implied Casey was in danger, come on.
March 31st, 2010
3:41 pm
Did anyone else notice that Usher's mentoring was nearly identical to Miley's? Same type comments pretty much for everyone.
March 31st, 2010
4:08 pm
Ugaacct… "same type comments pretty much for everyone"… just like horoscopes.
March 31st, 2010
4:55 pm
Did anyone else notice that Usher's mentoring was nearly identical to Miley's? Same type comments pretty much for everyone.
Yea, but I would say Miley was better, Usher is just flat out naturally talented, you can't teach what he has. Miley on the other hand is not as talented but very successful, she has to learn more and prob knows more tricks to the trade to make yourself look better.
I want to see follow mentor/themes
Prince – Sing any song from his paisley production years, Prince, Shelia-E, Morris Day, stuff
Alt/Grunge – Sing any song from 90's 2000's grunge era, PearlJam, REM, Nirvana, STP Hootie and blow fish stuff
Simon vs Kara Night – He picks one song, she pick one song for each artist. Randy judges what song they did better at, see what judge can pick best song for the contestent.
March 31st, 2010
4:55 pm
I hope everyone has a good evening. I'll check in tomorrow morning to see who got voted off. My predicted reaction? "I'm not surprised."
Unless Tim Urban gets voted off.
March 31st, 2010
4:59 pm
In the words of the late great Skip Caray, "So long, everybody."
March 31st, 2010
5:04 pm
And for the few Carrie Underwood fans who visit this blog:
March 31st, 2010
5:53 pm
Thanks for the link, Rickster!
Usher was definitely not as critical as he first stated he was going to be, but he still did a good job. And, as usual, the advice went right through some contestant's ears!
March 31st, 2010
6:19 pm
Off to Savannah; reading the comments here later will be almost as good as watching the show!
March 31st, 2010
6:45 pm
Simon Says…I like your suggestion. Who DOESN'T like the Purple One. I still listen to the Purple Rain album over and over. And grunge was absolutely brilliant….akin to the 60's hippie/psychedelic movement – grunge was relevant to the decade we lived in. So many unbelievable music came out of Seattle early 90's and that would be a spectacular theme week.
March 31st, 2010
6:52 pm
Simon…I just noticed your list…Hootie was NEVER grunge…wasn't a big fan of theirs but they were considered pop.
March 31st, 2010
6:55 pm
hmmmm….someone is upset.
March 31st, 2010
6:58 pm
Rickster, I don't think Tim will get voted off yet. I may be the only one here in the blog who thinks so, but I think he's entertaining. And I'm no spring chicken so it's not just the tweeners keeping him around.
March 31st, 2010
6:58 pm
Harm, I thought about you last night while I was in Villa Rica. Hope your wrist is doing much better.
Can anyone tell me who was sent home last night on DWTS?
March 31st, 2010
6:59 pm
LOL, well, i'm not a huge prince fan, eagle, so i guess i'm the "exception to the rule" this time out. and the references to the hippie chick (crystal) make me laugh. having been part of that time, it's fun to see what people assume hippie chicks are like! i agree about the greeting to Gladys, it was a little dig at Randy more than name dropping on her own part.
i think Lee's going to do quite well if he keeps his confidence up. i love his look and his voice!
sorry i couldn't stay with you guys last night… but at least we got the truck outa the shop!
Nana! so good to see you around lady! and so so happy to hear all the good g'grands news!!!
here's hoping tim gets the ouster but not counting on it at all. Didi probably will go.
March 31st, 2010
7:09 pm
mercedes, did you ever scoop on Clash of the Titans? kids want us to go as a fambly to see it, wondering if the 3d is worth it?
March 31st, 2010
7:15 pm
reported. unnecessary. mean-spirited. obnoxious. and talk about boring!
March 31st, 2010
7:20 pm
thanks, team. you're the best!
March 31st, 2010
7:24 pm
(no, i'm not going crazy….someone had made a particularly mean-spirited comment to a denizen of the blog….so i took JT's advice, followd Rx's lead, and reported it! and VOILA! it's now gone!)
March 31st, 2010
7:25 pm
Nana, Shannen Doherty got the boot on DWTS. Don't ask me why…she wasn't very good but the astronaut and Kate +8 are both horrible.
March 31st, 2010
7:26 pm
That idiot has been after one of us all day. I hope they block him/her!
March 31st, 2010
7:27 pm
At least Buzz Aldrin has personality and is a bit of an American Culture hero. Kate, no matter what she is, is just …. well, i'll be nice. (hand over mouth) i do NOT like her. Deirdre, that was funny, i'm watching the results DWTS show, and JUST as they announced the one leaving on my DVR, YOU posted it!!!! how's that for timing???
March 31st, 2010
7:29 pm
i wondered, D, if it might be the same person, of course, i never saw the other "reported" comments at all, with my banned-at-the-office situation *grumble*
March 31st, 2010
7:30 pm
The one good thing about last night's DWTS was Kate's partner not putting up with her crap. Jon should watch and see how it's done.
March 31st, 2010
7:31 pm
I didn't see any of the comments either. But JT filled me in. Meet me on email.
March 31st, 2010
7:37 pm
i just wish Kate had gone. she's wooden, clumsy, not very attractive imho, and anyone who would do to her children what she's done (not talking about divorce, talking about the tv "reality" BS) well….. (slapping hand over mouth AGAIN), guess you can figure out a bit of how i feel, eh?
March 31st, 2010
7:40 pm
She's a piece of work alright! Not my favorite person either. And man! She Cannot dance!
March 31st, 2010
7:41 pm
amen and AMEN!
March 31st, 2010
7:41 pm
hmmmm i wonder :angel:
March 31st, 2010
7:41 pm
hmmmm how about
March 31st, 2010
7:42 pm
March 31st, 2010
7:52 pm
March 31st, 2010
7:52 pm
I thought that might work.
March 31st, 2010
7:55 pm
I can't believe Kate Gosselin didn't get the boot either. One of the worst dancers we've seen but it IS vote for your favorite. Go figure. Didn't know Kate had that many fans.
March 31st, 2010
7:56 pm
am trying to catch up on Lost right now… funny to see the scene
March 31st, 2010
7:56 pm
lol eagle, that would be my question too….just how many "fans" could she have?!?!
March 31st, 2010
7:59 pm
oh, lol, i didn't finish my sentence! got interrupted….Jin and whatshername in the hotel, NOT married….that was funny
March 31st, 2010
7:59 pm
Lost is beyond excellent this year. Sad to see it go but happy they made the decision to end it after a certain number of seasons.
March 31st, 2010
8:00 pm
Not so funny later in the episode linny. Sun and Jin
March 31st, 2010
10:45 pm
Usher and Miley both need to be told not to chew gum on camera. It looks tacky. Also, Usher needs to take off his sunglasses while inside. Nothing screams @$$hole worse than that.
April 1st, 2010
11:17 am
Eagle – not sure why I put Hootie in the list other then they were same era and people would know them, more main stream songs.
Would be funny to see someone have to Sing Smashing Pumpkins, wow.
April 7th, 2010
11:58 pm
Top Four for me.
* Crystal- would buy her CD if it came out tomorrow. I think I would like the music she would put out.
* Lee- would buy his CD if it came out tomorrow too, LOVE his voice.
* Casey- love the jams and the voice.
* Siobohan- like her voice and goofy personality
Katie- nice voice, kinda fake though.
Andrew- I really liked him in the beginning but..not so much anymore.
Mike- I just don't get into his singing but seems fun to hang with. Didn't like that they saved him but it doesn't matter because he won't win.
Aaron- love the country twang but I can listen to Rascel Flats and get the same thing
Tim- My 15 year old and her friends love him but he's just not a good performer, maybe in a few years.


text:
Watch Austin and McClain, two freshman Bloggers, guide you through a virtual tour of Samford's campus. Bow Wow Bulldogs, Bow Wow Bloggers!
Imagine a trapeze artist- beautiful, delicate and graceful. They look as perfect as can be; but if an unexpected change occurs, such as weight added or a gasp from the crowd, balance and concentration could be thrown off, causing them to wobble or even fall down.
To me, life can be seen the same way- a giant balancing act where anything new thing added has the ability to make one fall if not handled correctly. In college, one must balance things like schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and friendships that all play a role in making your college experience.
Recently I have had to balance numerous things like my health, my relationships with family and friends, my study schedule, my extracurricular involvements, and most importantly my sleep. According to leading psychologists, it is vital to get about 8 hours of sleep every night, which is something that seems quite farfetched to achieve from the perspective of a college student. However, sometimes the good of trying to do everything does not outweigh the bad things that can happen with sleep deprivation. Even moderate sleep loss is serious whether you realize it or not. It affects your mood and attentiveness, which can ultimately affect your grades and many other things. For me, getting a proper amount of sleep left me feeling more energized to tackle the activities of each day.
Here is some advice as I leave you for now: decide early what truly interests you and what you can and cannot handle in terms of work load and stress level. The ability to say "No" is a gift, not a limitation that can help you in so many ways. Also, make it a point to schedule some quiet time each day. One of the most significant things in my life that helps maintain my "sense of balance" is dedicating part of my morning to God and leaning on His understanding, not my own. I have found that when I give God time He shares more than I could have ever imagined.
The best of luck to you all!
-xoxo Dominique
Email:firstname.lastname@example.com: Cummings, GAMajor: Nutrition & DieteticsFun fact: "I've been kissed on the face by a giraffe at the LA Zoo."

subset: commoncrawl


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These new faces are just what Hustler is looking for! Armed with hot bodies and a craving sex constantly, these girls are easy to nail! Hunting season is NOW open!


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text: New Products more Quad low power A/D converter runs at 160 Ms/s 14-bit 4-channel A/D takes only 203 mW/channel Device configures as boost or inverting converter The LT8580 is a current mode, fixed frequency step-up dc/dc converter that can be configured as a boost, SEPIC or inverting converter. 1 Tbyte SSD takes very little power A next-generation client-class solid state drive Wireless charging coil yields 70% efficiency Powdered-iron-based coil handles 10 W Miniature crystal is accurate and stable The crystal's small form factor suits high-density board applications for wide range of products, including handheld devices, notebook computers, and other computer perip HCMOS oscillator matches chip-set voltage levels The FXU-HC51 XpressO-ULTRA oscillator series lets designers employ a compact, 1.8-V, ultra-precision HCMOS oscillator that works at the same circuit level as modern chip Low-noise OCXOs suit PLL, synthesizer apps The HPXO series of high-performance, oven-controlled crystal oscillators deliver phase noise performance of -140 dBc/Hz typical at 100 Hz offset. Relaunced MEMS oscillators fit standard footprints Originally launched in 2013, the oscillators are now being fabricated using enhanced production processes that further reduce manufacturing costs. Copper piezo actuators raise performance bar Third generation actuator features copper electrodes Small OCXO aims at telecomm, wireless savings At $45 each in 100-piece quantities, the Model 149 oscillator offers significant cost savings. New Products Archive > >


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Economics of Competitive Advantage
|Course code GECO6410
|Units 10
|Level 6000
|Faculty of Business and LawNewcastle Business School
The terms 'competitive advantage' and 'competitive strategy' are embedded in the language of the modern business world. This course aims to equip students with the knowledge to critically analyse these terms, and practically apply the insights to guide coporate decision-making. The uses and limitations of traditional microeconomic approaches are explored, thereby providing a foundation in which to develop a more relevant contemporary approach. A core emphasis is on Michael Porter's concepts of competitive advantage and strategy. Students are encouraged to use the insights provided by these theoretical approaches to investigate how competitiveness is created in industries in which they have an interest.
Not available in 2014
|Previously offered in 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004
|At the conclusion of this course students will:
* Have basic knowledge of the assumptions, tools, theories, models and the language of
* Be knowledgeable about alternative theories, applications, debates and recent developments
in the area of applied microeconomics, especially concepts about competitive advantage and
* Be able to apply the theories, models and concepts to case studies, as well as their own
* Be capable of critically discussing issues relating to microeconomics and competitive
* Be able to develop and present a critically reflective, well written case analysis.
* Develop skills to analyse complex business issues and strategies.
* Apply microeconomic tools for policy analysis.
* Able to use and analyse on-line data sources.
|This course uses modern microeconomic advances in the study of the strategic positions of the firm. It integrates insights from consumer theory, theory of the firm, industrial organisation and strategy research and uses applications and case studies to illustrate how the economic principles of strategy apply to the real world. Concepts covered include: nature and scope of microeconomics; demand and revenue analysis, theory of the firm; analysis of market structure; structure, conduct and performance (SCP) paradigm and industry analysis; economics of scale and scope; the dynamics of pricing rivalry; strategic behavior and entry barriers; strategic positioning and competitive advantage; and sustainability of competitive advantage.
|Replacing Course(s)
|Not applicable
|Industrial Experience
|Assumed Knowledge
|No prior study in economics is necessary although it will be assumed students have a basic grasp of mathematics.
|Modes of Delivery
|External Mode
Flexible Delivery / Student Centred Learning
Internal Mode
|Teaching Methods
|Case Study
|Assessment Items
|Contact Hours
|Lecture: for 36 hour(s) per Term for Full Term


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Nov 15, 2012 | 02:17 PM
| Daniel Fitzgerald
nonferrous scrap exports,
aluminum scrap,
copper scrap,
zinc scrap,
nickel scrap,
Daniel Fitzgerald
NEW YORK Nonferrous scrap metal exports fell in September as volume leader aluminum dipped 5.6 percent month on month.
Exports of all nonferrous metals tracked by AMM totaled 296,282 short tons in September, down 4.8 percent from 311,224 tons in August and 9.7 percent below the 328,212 tons shipped abroad in September 2011, according to U.S.....
NEW YORK Nonferrous scrap metal exports fell in September as volume leader aluminum dipped 5.6 percent month on month.
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The 5K Road Race is a social tradition for serious and casual runners alike. At 7:40 a.m., Sunday morning, a local exercise group gets the runners ready with a short set of warm-up routines.The race begins promptly at 8 a.m. The race course leads the runners through Historic Downtown Duluth, returning to end at the Festival Center. Complimentary refreshments are provided to the participants while they await the race results. The Festival 5K Road Race Course is USA Track & Field (USATF)-certified as a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race.
First place awards are presented to men and women competing in 15 different age groups from age 10 (and under) through ages 75 (and over).
Race Proceeds
Proceeds from the Road Race benefit the Duluth Historical Society and the Historic Strickland House.
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Tibet House Mendoza Reviews
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The hostel is nice in good location. karma (the owner) is very nice and helpful and very very good advices!
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- Couple, 18-24
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Karma was very helpful and organised tours for me that offered an English speaking guide while the tour agents down town were not prepared to.
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Place was good, nothing fancy but very clean and all the basics covered. Great location. Would recommend more for those on a short budget and in large groups Owner of the place was incredibly housewarming, a really nice person and trustworthy
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Company Overview of The Reynolds and Reynolds Company
BOARD MEMBERS AFFILIATED WITH Donald K. Peterson *
MOST CONNECTED PEOPLE TO Donald K. Peterson
|Bart Friedman
|289 Relationships
|Donald R. Caldwell
|239 Relationships
|Roger W. Ferguson
|142 Relationships
|Sidney A. Ribeau
|139 Relationships
|George H. Conrades
|132 Relationships
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Why Strong Job Descriptions are a Must for Success
As a business consultant, teacher and writer in the kitchen and bath industry, I have several areas of business management that cause me a lot of frustration. Being the owner/manager of a small business is not an easy job. You are required to know a lot of things in a lot of different areas – and some of them may not be your favorite part of running your business.
You're probably a darn good kitchen/bath designer. If you're like many of us, you're creative, and your favorite part of running your business is most likely working with clients to create "dream projects."
Well, the fact is, if you want to be as successful as you can possibly be, you must become proficient in a number of other areas besides design. It's essential that you also are:
- A strong financial manager;
- A strong human resource manager;


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Some citizens aren't waiting to find out if the White House and Republicans in Congress will be able to reach a last-minute deal to pull the country away from the "fiscal cliff."
They are selling securities while capital gains tax rates are still low or transferring millions into trusts for the benefit of children and grandchildren before estate tax laws become more stringent. Others are getting out of the markets and parking money in less risky accounts.
"Some people are going to get hit hard," said John Bacci, a financial planner in Linthicum, who has gone down his client list and run projections on what higher taxes would look like for them. He's looking at tax-friendly alternatives for some clients, such as annuities or rental property.
Three weeks from now the country will leap off the so-called fiscal cliff unless politicians reach a compromise on mandated spending cuts and the expiration of the Bush-era tax cuts.
For most investors, the expiring cuts will mean that the tax rate for long-term capital gains will rise from 15 percent to 20 percent. Dividends also will no longer be taxed at 15 percent but treated as ordinary income, which could mean a tax rate as high as 39.6 percent. And individuals with multimillion-dollar estates will find much more of their money subject to the federal estate tax.
Estate planning lawyers say the demand is so intense that they are putting in grueling hours to set up trusts.
"I took Thanksgiving off. That's about it," said Jeffrey Gonya, an estate planning lawyer in Baltimore who says he's been putting in 15-hour days for about a month.
Most observing the political jousting in Washington expect taxes will go up even if the political leaders reach a deal — they're just not sure how much. Many aren't taking any chances.
Jim Ludwick, a financial planner in Odenton, said one client in his late 50s cashed out stock and bond funds totaling $1.7 million not long after the election and stashed the proceeds in a money market fund.
The client, anticipating a market plunge due to the "fiscal cliff" and other issues, said he spent his entire working life building up a nest egg and wouldn't have time to wait for his portfolio to recover, according to Ludwick. The client fears it won't be safe to re-enter the stock market for another year.
"We have a number of clients who are taking capital gains this year, expecting that if they wait until next year, they will have to pay higher taxes on those same gains," said Daniel McHugh, president of Lombard Securities in Baltimore. Some of those clients are realizing six-figure gains but are still willing to take the tax hit now, he said.
Of course, the downside is that the stock market could take off, and these investors will miss out on even higher gains, McHugh said. But, he added: "Given the state the economy is in, that's a very small risk."
Some financial professionals say clients are worried, even if deep down they expect an 11th-hour deal between Congress and President Barack Obama.
"They ask the question: Is the 'fiscal cliff' going to hurt them," said Michael Dougherty, vice president of investments at Chapin Davis, a Baltimore financial firm. He added: "This team of elected officials has conditioned everyone to expect that kind of last-minute result."
Denise Leish, president of Money Plans in Silver Spring, said she anticipates that the stock market will temporarily tank whether a deal is struck or not. She doubled or tripled the usual 5 percent cash position in her clients' portfolios when it became clear the president would be re-elected.
She's not selling their securities to benefit from today's low tax rates. "We only sell stock if we don't like it, not for tax reasons," she said.
But that doesn't mean this isn't a good time to sell, especially if investors have too much money in one stock, Bacci said. "It's a good idea, too; the market is up."
Bacci said some clients are facing the potential of bigger tax bills, largely because of higher tax rates on dividends. In addition, higher-income households — individuals with income over $200,000 and joint filers making more than $250,000 — will pay an additional 3.8 percent on investment income next year as part of the Affordable Care Act. Under the law, they also will pay an extra 0.9 percent on wages in Medicare taxes.
One client has $200,000 in annual investment income and could see his tax bite go up by 270 percent next year, Bacci said.
Many wealthy Marylanders also are trying to beat the clock on the estate tax.


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Opinion Shop
Backstories, insights and unofficial musings fromthe Chronicle's opinion pages.
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President Obama targets patent trolls
Patent trolls are such a scourge to the tech business that no one less than President Obama went after them last week. "They don't actually produce anything themselves," the president said. "They're just trying to essentially leverage and hijack somebody else's idea and see if they can extort some money out of them." The business […] [Read More]


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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
SaintStryfe said...
I wasn't big on it either - but two recent macros I've tried have made it better. If you're in a fight where you aren't changing targets (Say Sarth)
/castsequence reset=18/combat Flame Shock, Earth Shock, Earth Shock
If you're in a fight where you move between a few different bosses (say Blood Princes)
/castsequence reset=target/combat Flame Shock, Earth Shock, Earth Shock
And if you're in a fight where it's a lot of little movements or Trash, I just stick with Earth Shocking.
I just keep all three barred up and toss the appropriate one onto my keybinding when I'm ready to use it. You can even do it mid-fight if you're good.