CUPE Strike

I have to toss my 2 cents in regarding the Toronto CUPE Strike. Get back to work! I am not versed in all the issues but when it comes to sick days I do not support CUPE’s wish list. Sick days are there if you get sick. If you do not get sick, great you don’t need them. They are not yours to accumulate and then be paid out. Those are called vacation days. The following is from CUPE’s propaganda, which was given to me by a CUPE member:

Many of us have worked for decades on the understanding that we have a sick plan and would be paid for a portion of unused sick days when we retire. We believed the City’s promise.

I find it hard to believe that many of you were operating on a belief when you have a signed contract. Regardless, you do have a sick plan, if you are sick you are paid. Very few of us have that kind of plan!

The payout for accumulated sick days – which has stringent rules – is the only severance we receive when we retire from the City of Toronto, if we are eligible.

Again, I do not support the idea of accumulating sick days in order to have them “paid out” at a certain point. If you are sick those days are there, if you are not (sick) then move along they are not your days. When you retire you have a pension to live on. And although I am not sure, I imagine the CUPE pension is far better than the on I’ll be getting!

Local 416 and Local 79 members can only get paid sick time after six months of
employment.

So what’s your point? Most companies have wait times before benefits kick in. Why should the taxpayers of Toronto pay someone for sick days within the first 6 months of employment?

In Local 79, only full-time city workers have a payout provision. Members in the
city’s homes for the aged have paid sick days with no payout.

I am sure you have guessed my position on this one. The full-time city workers are lucky and two wrongs do not make a right!

About 10,000 part-time child care, public health, hostel and recreation workers
have no paid sick days at all. Local 79 has been trying for a decade to improve
this situation. Now we are fighting just to hold on to what is already there for
some members.

As a private sector employee I never had paid sick days. However, my employer used to manage sick days on a case-by-case basis. Having said that, I have no problem agreeing to a limited number of paid sick days, however no accumulation. Again these days are not earned by an employee they are a benefit. No one asks to accumulate other benefits like massage or dental coverage. Let’s just add up the benefits I did not use and then have them paid out to me!

You would have to work for 15 years without taking one sick day to earn the
maximum payout after 25 years of service. That means no illness, no having to
stay home to take care of a sick child or an ailing parent for 15 years.

Again, your point is? I think it is great that you can call in “sick” and then stay home and care for your child or parent. That is an amazing benefit that most of us do not share.

Full-time workers in Local 79 and Local 416 must work 10 years before they are
eligible for any payout. The percentage of banked sick days that will be paid
and the maximum to which they will be paid grows with the number of years of
service.

This is an awesome benefit that they should be grateful for. However, spreading this across CUPE is unrealistic and not something I am willing to pay for.

The proposal made by the city to replace our current provisions is a substandard
short-term disability plan.

Like most employees I think you should be offered a reasonable package either paid by your employer or a co-pay plan. If the STD plan is substandard then fight for a good one, which I am and I believe most Torontonians would get behind.

To wrap this up, if you want support then fight for something we can get behind. You have great jobs and you are paid well. The odds of you ever getting fired are slim. Your sick day requests are, simply, unacceptable.

I just watched this video on Global’s website. Ann Dembinski needs a wake up call. Her comments, referring to the Mayor, “if he has time to discuss the details of bargaining with 3 million Torontonians he should get himself to the bargaining table”. What was that Ann? The Mayor is obligated to inform us, the people who pay your salary and clearly he has been at the table. After hearing Ann I have even less support for CUPE.

When I walk past the CUPE workers with signs that say “We work for you Toronto”. I want to yell then get back to work! I do not want to pay you for accumulated days that you have not earned. I am willing to provide a fair and reasonable insurance plan that covers you if you get sick. But shake your collective head. No one gets accumulated sick days. You either use your insurance or you don’t and most of us hope we don’t! Now GET BACK TO WORK!

For the Sake of it

Today I am Blogging for the sake of Blogging. I am in that place of thinking I have nothing to say and if I do say anything I risk coming off as a whiner. The same old stuff coming from the same old stuff. Regardless, I think I might as well use some of the time, before I head off to work, to do some writing.

I am thinking of taking the plunge and starting a business. Nothing new, meaning no new ideas here, just figure I would get into some of the things I want to do but have yet to do. No time like the present! Of course, I worry about spending the money to register the business name. I worry about how I am going to get clients and I worry about whether or not I will be any good at the business I want to run. Worry worry worry, which we all know is useless. Still it has me in its grip.

I also want to start a business with a partner. I believe that a partner would keep me on track and in motion. Things must get done and when I am accountable to others, in most cases, I come through. Trouble is I have had no success in finding someone willing to take the risk with me. I may be onto someone now, but we have to make the time to get to it and I am not sure if that will happen.

In the past I ran a cleaning company with my sister. We worked well together and I would be into creating a family based business. That is tough because, well, lets just leave it at that. I asked my niece but I have not heard back and I often think about asking my nephews. I should but I haven’t.

So, there you go. This is what you get when I Blog for the sake of Blogging. I am confident in my ideas, I really do have great ideas, it is my execution that falls apart. Of course, that was yesterday and this is a new day.

Looking Back

I am sitting here listening to the song “unsent” which came up at a conversation this evening over dinner. I realized that I have very successfully shut out the past of my life. I can see into the great beyond and what happened but I have no clear sight lines and I feel disconnected from it all. In the muddle of memories I do recall the back porch of my house on Broadway. I loved the back porch. It was the place I sat with my Father and watched thunderstorms. It was the place my sister and I escaped to when being inside the house was more than we could handle. It was the same place my other sister joined us when she got home.

I remember raccoons joining us as well. And my Father so brave and unflinching as the raccoon and her family explored the porch and the possibility of breaking into the cage that housed my guinea pigs. I knew my little guinea pigs were safe; my Father was out there. I also remember watching TV out there and jumping the rocks in the rock garden instead of taking the stairs. My Mother frowned on that and one day I torn open my shin and understood her frown a little better. I also remember the glow of my Father’s cigarette and how thin he was and how strong he was.

I recalled him very clearly this evening while I was lying in bed. I was reading and for some reason, I think a cemetery scene in the book, I was taken to his place in the cemetery. I imagined going there and standing over his grave, silently willing him to answer my questions and tell me what to do. Then I would look over my shoulder and there he would be. In those pants that did not fit him, pulled tight with an old worn belt. He would be wearing the T-shirt with the picture of my niece on it; it was so worn out but he kept it and wore it. I had to stop myself, control the image because he was coming in so clear I thought just maybe I would get to see him again. I can hold that imagine in my mind but I am not ready to see him standing in front of me again. I would be swept away.

It takes some form of energy inside me to stand at the edge of this image and not let go. Like pushing down a scream you really want to release. Sometimes, when people leave you there is a space left there that time cannot fill. There are moments when you are unaware of it, you move along doing your thing and then suddenly there it is again, a gap where that person used to be. The phones calls you no longer receive, the jokes that go untold and the advice and support you want so much but cannot hear unless you stop, hold your hand up and listen real close.

I am only sure of this void, the void created by my Father’s death. I recall how the world was suddenly bigger and more dangerous and how I could not figure out why everyone was just going about their business. I remember wanting a day to pretend that it did not happen and having that taken suddenly when my cell phone rang. We had to bury my Father by sundown Monday so I had to meet my family at the funeral home. I do not recall a time, other than the evening before my Father died, that I ever publicly displayed with total abandon my raw emotions. I made a call to Mother and spoke to her threw a torrent of tears and anguish as I walked myself home. I feel that torrent now but it stays in its place inside.

I have no idea what this all means. Remembering. Being blocked from remembering. But I am thinking now of my Mother who, I am sure, would give anything to remember. Age is a cruel partner that walks within us all. It is almost 3am and I am awake. I am tired now and probably could drift off to sleep. I am not sure I will just yet. I need time to settle and perhaps a third bowl of Cap’n Crunch, comfort food to get me through to the morning. The AC is back on and working its magic inside my apartment. I am deeply grateful. Tonight, I will sleep under my comforter in the warmth of my dreams.

Late Night Cat Feedings

Last night I helped a friend of mine that is a volunteer for the Annex Cat Rescue. We went to China Town and Kensington Market and fed the feral cats. It’s fun but last night I was put off by the heat (see the next post) as I knew I could not seek relief at home as the AC was not working. The upside is the conversation as we walk/drive around feeding the cats. And I know I wont offend my friend when I say the cats are even better!

We saw quite a few (cats) and most of them are known to Rondi. I know some, but as I only help when Rondi needs it, my cat acquaintances are falling in number. Last night I met two new cats. One has an owner somewhere. The little guy is not “fixed” and is wearing a collar that, despite my attempts, I could not get off. His eye is infected as well and looks very bad. He is friendly but wary. Anyone want a cat?

The other guy I met is a large thin tom. He was a great cat and seriously had me considering, at least, fostering him until he found a home. He also needs to be “fixed”, which right now I cannot afford. I believe the ACR is going to attempt to trap him. He would make a fine pet cat as he is very friendly and just seems to want food and some lov’n!

It is amazing what lives among our concrete and garbage, the raccoons and cats and mice and rats, all running around the streets. I find the raccoons very endearing. The little ones are so cute and curious. They look at us as if they are saying “hey over here, leave us some too!”. We do, well Rondi does, sometimes I just want to get moving! As for the rats, I have a great time yelling RAT and watching Rondi scream and jump.

That was my Sunday night. It takes about 2 hours to do the route, feed the cats and take a bunch of pictures. I like it when the cats let me pet them. I like the conversation. I like walking down the back lanes of the Annex and commenting on how run down the place is. I do my best to avoid the stinky laneways and I am always grateful to get back in my car and turn on the AC!

Summer sweat - not so sweet!

I am just hot everywhere I go. It seems the past few days has been about sweating and being uncomfortable. I am not sure what I am suppose to learn from this experience, however, I am quite sure that if the heat was off in my building in December it would have been fixed over night! Not to say that I am resentful or bitter about living the past weekend without AC. I believe that what needed to be done was done.

It’s just that it occurred to me that I have not been able to cool off in what seems like days. I have had some moments; I spent Sunday afternoon in Starbucks reading. That was cool. But I sweat when I get to work and I am sweating when I get home. I am warm lying bed and then I begin to sweat when I sit to watch TV! I think it began with the shock of heat I got when I arrived in Virginia Beach. I left Toronto and it was about 22 and I got to VB and it was 37! I have no idea how they cope with that day in and day out.

Being overweight does not help either. I am carrying around an extra 20 pounds at least. I am sure that makes me sweat. I decided that once the AC is working again I will start to ride my bike. That was a great way to put off riding my bike! Of course, it appears that the time has come. The AC is working again, although I am not sure it is in my unit. It either has not worked its way to my place or my unit is now broken. I’ll find out when I get home. If it is working maybe I’ll go out for a bike ride!

This is why I look forward to winter. I am a “sweater” and I need the cool cold air to keep the water in my body! If the heat went off in my building I would not even notice. I turned it on once last winter when the temperature dropped in December. I used it for about 2 days and turned it back off. This is also why I have no qualms using the AC full tilt all summer long. I make up for that in the winter when I use zero energy to heat my home. Even steven if you will.

Fish Tank Frenzy

I discovered, today, a new edition to the fish tank family, a very tiny new member. I am assuming that Etta Mae and Archie had children. I am not sure, as I do not know if the little guy is theirs or the algae eaters. It is so damn tiny I cannot figure it out. The other scary thing is is that Etta Mae is pretty bent of eating the little gaffer. I have been watching Brothers and Sister Season 1. Etta Mae must have been watching too and no doubt she wants no part of a large family. The poor dear, if only I could explain the joys of it all to her.

As I watched the little guy swimming around Etta Mae made a mad dash to consume him. I thought she actually nailed him but to my relief she did not. It took me most of the afternoon to confirm that however, and at this point I, again, cannot find the little guy. It is really tough to spot him. He can get into the gravel and the plants not to mention the little houses. I pray for him, I would love for him to survive and grow, become a contributing member of the fish tank. Of course, my thought after that was it will be that much more difficult for any future new members. Not only will Mom and Dad be after them but so will big brother!

American Idol - Thank God it's over!

The show was predictable. I think everyone I spoke to about it said the same thing. They will start with the top 10 and they did, well the top 13. Then they launched into guest singers, no surprise there. The surprise for me was that it felt good to see the top 13 again. I had forgotten about the Latin guy. I also found myself missing the crazy Puerto Rican chick (Tatiana what a great bit!). It was like being reunited with old friends. I guess that is how they get us. They let us into their lives so we want to go see them when they tour. But the truth is I am not interested in paying to see them. They aren’t that good. That set with Fergie confirmed it for me. Then being subjected to Megan Joy, that just puts the final nail in that coffin. Man no wonder she was voted off, she sucks. Oh well, it saves me the drive to Hamilton!

About the Judges

Simon is great. He says what I, and Nameless, were often thinking. Simon gives good feedback. The person receiving it, if they can see it for what it is, can grab hold of it and actually improve. Paula, well I love her so who cares that she rarely has anything to offer. Kara, well I lost respect for her near the beginning when she trashed her greatest fan. It was a pretty low move and it stuck with me. Randy is Randy. Funny, seems down to earth but again not sure he really offers anything that the performers can use to their advantage. “I mean, look, listen, dog you the dude!”

I also wonder how they get the former winners to go back on that stage. Would they not want to be as far away from it as possible? Maybe I am just cynical, but I was thinking they must go back out of some sense of obligation. Or the shows producers are smart enough to put it in the original contract. Imagine, what you would sign to get on the show and live out your dreams?

Yeow! Then they hit us with those award skits. Is this something they have done in the past? I think not as it was rather pathetic. I guess I expected more. Am I jaded? Have I seen too much and I need more like some kind of junkie? Or am I just not that impressed with this average, playing it safe, show. I mean, “we are the champions” how old and done is that!

I also wondered who called in what favour to get Queen Latifah on the stage with Lil Rounds. Not to mention the other “Stars” that have sunk to this level. That sing song with Jason (I have no idea who he is; am I suppose to know???) was bad bad bad. That is why what’s his name and what’s her name were voted off the stage. That is also why I cannot recall their names. At least I have that to console me; I will return to normal after this evening.

Kiss and Adam. That was something. I will say again Adam is truly an artist. I am not sure I can get past the screeching, which means I doubt I would go see him live or buy his CD but I appreciate his artistry. Actually, I would buy his CD and see him live. After all I have been moaning about how they are all the same. Adam is not the same that’s for sure.

I cannot figure out why people put themselves out there to be ridiculed. Katrina really, it is not worth it honey. It wont build a career, believe it or not even people in Hollywood can tell the difference between a fool and someone that is serious about their craft. Have some dignity. On the other hand, if someone waved a nice cheque in front of me I might just take the blue pill too.


So, Kris wins the show and it does not really surprise me. I did not think that Americans had it in them to vote for Adam. He was way ahead of the pack and a very unique performer. For the most part we want we are comfortable with. The cute looking pop singing Kris. So that is what we get, mediocrity. Ok, I am bored now and it is time to move onto better things.





I am so glad the show is over. I lost interest a few weeks back and for the most part I only watch out of habit. I just cannot commit to TV. I get bored and antsy and I find myself wandering off. Before I go any further I must give a salute to Allsion and Cyndi. Great performance and I love Allsion. I will go see her when she has her own tour. So that is it. It is done and I can go to bed now. I can forget that I was hooked this year, hooked by watching the auditions one episode more than I should have. Hooked because I tuned in during the Hollywood week instead of banging my head against a wall. Next year please remind me to find a good sturdy wall.

I am sitting here listening to the last performance by Danny on AI. I watched the show tonight on mute while I spoke to a great friend of mine. I saw the reaction to Kris and Adam being declared “safe” and my call ended in time for Danny’s good by tune. I must say, I was bored with the whole thing and I missed the show last night. I have renewed interest now, as I really want to see who wins the show.

I thought it would be Danny and Kris facing off, as I did not think the masses would vote for Adam. I know he screeches, and my sister cannot stand him, but I think he is incredibly artistic. I also thought that Danny would appeal more to the masses, as does Kris. So, surprise for me that Adam is safe.

Flashing back for a moment I must say I was sad to see Allison leave the show. I was not however, surprised, as I do not think she is the one to win. What a talent and I admire her courage and I really like her. I have said that many times over the past AI Blogs. She will no doubt go on to bigger and better things. That assuming she does not self destruct in some manner.

Here we are then, with the top 2, Adam and Kris. I will be watching next week, both shows. Whether or not I comment on here who knows. Like I said I was fast losing interest. It has been an experience watching the show, it is my first time but it is one I would not repeat. I do not like getting into TV, I feel sucked dry by it all. Having said that I have also liked watching the auditions so who knows maybe I’ll be doing this all over again in Season 9!

American Idol

Tonight 4 singers so the show is not as difficult to sit through.

I would not be surprised if he does not win the show. He is good, I appreciate his artistic ability but I think that will also go against him. People like what they know. They know Danny and they know Kris. I have a feeling one of those two might just win. I enjoyed his performance although it is still a bit tough to listen too. It’s that screeching voice of his it grates on me sometimes. I will add that I think he is very natural on stage. It is like he has always been on stage, born too it.

I really enjoy her. At her age I think she is incredible. I do not think she will win and that is an experience thing. She is not at that level but know doubt she will be as she continues after the show. I would love to meet her and give her a hug. I feel like I know her!

This performance was a bit flat. That song is gritty and sexy and hard-core and Kris was not. I think you have to have a tough hardcore attitude to pull off that song. Overall I like Kris, he has an easy voice to listen too. I think he could win the show.

It did not work for me. I give him credit for the middle part of the song where Danny can really sing. The do’op crap, what was that? It is rock and roll not jazzy pop do’op do’op do’op! That alone loses my vote. And, yes he went for it but I think he missed the mark, I cringed a bit when he screamed out the last note. Overall, I have liked Danny’s performances but not so much tonight.

The duets are a great idea. It is a really good way to compare their ability. I disagree with Simon however, Kris was better than Danny. They did sound great together. Adam and Allison, I am not in agreement with the Judges. That duet was safe and boring. I am not sure what those judges see; the best duet was Kris and Danny.

Now for the boot show. This is tough; I would say a toss up between Danny and Allison. It would not surprise me if Adam is in the bottom but I say it should be Allison and Danny and based on tonight’s performances, Danny should be gone.

My 2 cents, share yours in the comments!

American Idol

Well Folks, I missed the show tonight. I got called into work last minute and then went for dinner. The AI site does have the performances online yet; hopefully I can catch them tomorrow before the boot show.

Last week I was on the edge of my seat. I could not believe that Allison was in the bottom 3. It should have been Matt. I do not look at their performance in isolation, I think you have to consider what the contestant has done throughout the competition. Therefore; Matt should have been back in the bottom 3. It all worked out in the end, with Anoop and Lil leaving the show.

Lil is a good singer, but there is something missing. I cannot put my finger on it. I just don’t get into her performances. I find myself wandering off to do the dishes. Anoop, well he was so hot and cold it was time for him to hit the bricks. Even though I have not seen the performances, I think the bottom 3 should be Matt; my beloved Allison and Kris. Of the three Matt should go.

I’ll watch the videos when I can and if I change my mind, I’ll let you know.

Tonight on American Idol

Who was up first? Give me a minute…oh right Lil Rounds, a totally forgettable performance. I got about 3 or 4 contestants down and thought who was first? Oh right…wait a minute who was it again?

Kris was great; I really do enjoy his singing. He makes a song his own and of course, he is easy on the eyes.

Danny was not on it tonight. I thought he was boring, although I would not put him in the bottom 3. I guess Disco is just not his thing.

Adam. Wow, what can you say? Nameless summed it up with “this is a competition for second place”. Adam is so far ahead of the pack that if he stopped and sat around for 2 weeks it would make no difference. The rest of them will never catch up.

Allison is just awesome. She can do no wrong. If I were 16 I would be all over her, if she said yes of course. She looked great, put on a good act and she always goes for it. Cara no one cares that Donna Summer won a Grammy for that song. What has that got to do with anything? Sum up Allison's performance and let us move on.

Matt, not bad tonight, much better actually. The scales are tipping between Matt and Danny tonight.

Anoop. I agree with Simon, Anoop just does not cut it. Nameless asked the question, what do the other judges hear? There is a clear bottom 3 and it is no different than last week. I must add here that I did like Anoop’s new look. However, it was a bad performance, he blew and I am left wondering who votes for him. Not many with all those bottom 3’s but he hasn’t been booted yet, perhaps Wednesday night?

Overall, I am glad all the judges are back. It makes a huge difference to hear them all, even though Randy and Cara don’t often say anything. Just lots of blah blah yadda yadda. Paula is not far behind, but I like her and she looked great tonight. Simon, is always bang on. He tells the truth and offers some credible feedback.

So, tonight’s bottom 3:

Musical interlude

This is a great song. Nellie has a great voice, so does James.

I must admit I also like Britney. Well, I like some of her songs. Circus is a pretty good one and so is If You Seek Amy. Apparently, this means you want to get fucked. I am not sure how "if you seek amy" translates into that but I was told that by someone in the know. Maybe someone can explain that to me.

Now lets see, what other songs can I put here for your musical pleasure.

Elton John. Tiny Dancer, what a great song. Most Elton songs are great. Here is another one, This Train Don't Stop There Anymore. This classic EJ and I love this song. Of course, I cannot mention EJ without having a link to Bennie and The Jets. Great retro video from Soul Train. This song is from the move Aloha Bobby and Rose. My sister Chana and I sat through it several times, we loved the movie and the song. We also sat through Death Race 2000 several times. I am not sure what this says about us but we don't care we will always have those two movies and that song.

Okay, a couple of final tunes I have to get to bed. This song is by Linkin Park. It is called In the End and it is true. This live version is not the greatest but it gives me hope; I think I could be a Rap Artist! Here's a tune you may not know. It is from a band called Chalk Circle. I liked them and I actually met the lead singer in a poetry class I took in the 80's or maybe it was the early 90's. Check it out, This Mourning. This last one is a romantic song, it plays to that side of me. I am really a hopeless romantic. Years ago I heard a song and watched the video and it was called Walk Away Joe. I loved the song and honestly I have no idea if this is the same song but it will do. Trisha Yearwood - Walk Away Joe.

I just watched this video again and it really is not romantic. I say we get a gang together and hunt Joe down. We can kick him around a bit before we get all mushy and sappy and forgive him and go through it all again. What sorry saps we are, well most of us anyway. It brings back the memory of my walk away Joe, the Bastard. They say it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. I say poppycock to that. I prefer the saying:

If you love something set it free; if it comes back it's yours. If it doesn't, hunt it down and kill it!

Enjoy the tunes and maybe be tell me one or two of your favourites.

American Idol...bad save

They used the save! What a waste. I would have held off until next week; next week is the critical week. They had the right bottom 3 this week, losing any one of them would not have hurt the competition. Next week the bottom 3 would have been a bit more difficult. My guess for next weeks bottom 3 would have been, Anoop, Lil and Kris. But let’s say it ended up being Danny? Danny would be a far better choice to save. In the end it may not matter because we may end up with the same bottom 3 as tonight. We will lose two of them and continue on. Poor use of the save, they may have well just used it on Scott.

I also think that Cara and Paula should at least pretend that are impartial. They are supposed to be judges and I think their antics influence voters. Randy and Simone play it cool while the woman sway and swoon. Pull it together! Having said that, I read and agree with an article arguing that the new arrangement in judging does not work. Simone is the only judge that has something valuable to say almost all the time. His assessments can make or break a competitor. The way it rolls now it works against the competitors that Simon does not judge and is even unfair. The better solution is to tell Cara, more so than Paula, to shut up. I have no doubt Ryan can handle that. I also support the bandwagon to ditch Cara. she lost my respect very early on and usually has nothing of value to offer.

This “boot” show is too long and boring. Last night I joined Skype and at least had the company of “Nameless” via videoconference. We both agreed that we could do without all the other acts. She switched over to Lost during the singsongs. I say cut the show to 30 minutes and get to the point. Do the Ford commercial, because I understand they need to generate revenue for the show and Ford! Then sit someone on the metal stool then do the big show tune number and then sit two more. One more commercial break and then cut the person lose and let us go to bed. That way I would be spared sitting through Myley’s tinny thin little sing along. What has any of this got to do with the picture of Kris? Well, if you have to ask why I would post a picture of Kris, you are either straight or blind!

Finally, I am not sure the save rule makes any difference. I thought I was there to save a competitor that was voted off for some unknown reason. Example, everyone figured they were safe so they did not bother to vote. That wont matter until the final 4 or 5 so having the save rule that is must be used before the bottom 5 made it redundant. This coming week will be interesting as 2 will be leaving. It should be some combination of last night’s bottom 3 but who knows….

People At Large

I was heading home after work and I saw this guy walking through the PATH. I attempted a picture so he could grace the pages of my Blog but I was not prepared. I captured this blurry image we I can now refer to as art.

Once I was outdoors I spotted this guy and thought he would make a great replacement for the first guy. I thought they both looked great from behind. The bald guy looked like a tough guy (I caught a glimpse of him) but who knows. Anyway, they both dress better than yesterdays Person at Large.

For one final picture I thought I would capture Adelaide Street looking eastbound at around 4:50pm. Funny thing is without my knowledge Nameless (you know my friend from the AI Recaps) and yet another friend of mine were on the other side of the street. They could be in this picture somewhere…

The Top 7

Wow, Adam can perform. That guy really takes it to another level. Consider Anoop’s performance and then consider what Adam did. No comparison. Adam is an example of making a song your own. He is also a great example of taking a risk and having some fun. Why play it safe? No reason. Adam will no doubt be in the top 3. What I cannot figure is why the other contestants haven’t caught on. They do the same old same old. How many singers sit at piano, it’s been done do not do it over unless you make the song your own. That is the key.

Kris is really very good. I liked his song. I think it is because he doesn’t try. He is just a great singer. Randy is off base. Although maybe for him it didn’t work, fair enough. Still, Kris made that song his and did it without waving it in your face. I still think either way, Kris will be safe because he is cute.
I also have to say that Lil blew it. Despite her attempt at the end there to recover her performance does not cut it. That song is a powerhouse of a song, which, I think, only Janis and Bette can perform, certainly not Lil.

Quentin Tarantino, I truly respect his ability to provide meaningful feedback to the competitors. Consider Randy Travis, a nice guy but all he kept saying was “wow you sang that really well, you are going to blow them away”. Now give me a hug. Well, thanks but it does not help. Telling someone they are great is nice and it is safe but it is also useless. Providing feedback based on your expertise is valuable, and it is why you are there, and Quentin offered his feedback without hesitation or apology. Good for him. Had Anopp taken his advice, his performance would have been far superior. As a footnote, Quentin seems embarrassed to be on camera.

Picking the bottom 3 is getting a bit tougher…but here it is:

Pants or Sacks?

What's with this guy's pants?

In this picture you cannot appreciate the sagging ass low riders that these pants are. I do not get it. I must be getting old, however, I say that and I don't mean it. I could never wear my pants down around my ankles, I would have serious crotch burn!

As with the first picture this one shows the turned up cuff. Is this cool now because back in the day someone would have hit this guy. Not that that is a good thing, it's not really. I understand clothing "faux pas" abuse first hand. My Mom made me an outfit and, unknown to her, against my will I wore it to school. I think just for her, I did for her. I was called Pajama Kid within 5 seconds of hitting the play ground. I was hurt and wounded and wanted to defend my Mother's attempt at making me clothing. I didn't I just never wore it again. I wonder what my Mom thought...God love her.

Okay, final picture. I like this shot because it looks like he is going to pick his bum (or he just did). It also gives a better idea of how low his pants are. Plus you can see that both cuffs are turned up, so it is no accident.

My final thought on this it, wow what kind of day did I have that I was taking pictures of some guy in pants! It's fun though. I tried to get a look at his face to gage his age, but he went North on University and I kept heading West.

Ideas

What a day. I am now at home sitting at my computer and up to this moment I was wasting some time. I am waiting to leave for the airport; I am picking up a friend that is flying in from Vancouver. I attempted to download Microsoft’s Virtual Earth but for some reason the download failed. So, I cannot mess around online looking at the world from a million different angles. What next?

I was thinking back to some ideas I have had. Some of the ideas are my own some are generated with friends. Ideas are great things and I have been told that I have great ones, however I do not follow through with them. Right, well some of them I don’t want to follow through on.

A while back a friend and I were going to launch a website called, if I recall correctly, 101011. It was going to be about the end of life as we know it. One of those doomsday prophesies. We wanted to see if we could generate a following and at the time I think we came up with some funny ideas for the site. We also want to make money so we were going to sell T-shirts. Everyone wants a doomsday T-shirt. The idea died as we continued on in our routine daily lives.

Today I experience the rebirth (pun intended) of having children. An idea I had when I was 19 and then again an idea yet another friend of mine and I explored. It came up today when my friend whose womb is pulsating (I have an amazing array of awesome friends) told me she was looking into the cost of In Vitro Fertilization. I offered to be the sperm donor. I was and am serious. I think it would be great to have children and I think my biological clock is telling me to get my genes out there; time is ticking for me too! I have some deep notion to keep my Father’s name going, our line. I am not sure where that comes from, having such a basic almost primal desire to keep it alive. It does, however, cross my mind that if I do not I represent an end of sorts. I imagine that line on the family tree coming flowing from my parents to me but not past me, nobody to carry on for me. No immortality for me. I also have this idea that a child, or children, would give me the reason I need to be fully me and to realize all my dreams.

I have lots of other ideas that really do not matter. They cannot matter until they are acted upon. Ideas are really meaningless until someone pulls them together and creates a result. I like I have an idea for a clothing line and an idea for a line of “bling” for dogs. But, who cares? No one. It is after all just an idea. I also have an idea for a novel but it never materializes because I also have the idea that I cannot write, a novel. It occurs to me that Ideas can be wonderful things that create library systems for a continent or destructive things that prevent you from taking the step. How interesting. That actually gives me an idea….

How the LA times sees it

I just stumbled onto this article. Scott is seriously disabled? I have a friend that would argue that.

The journey of the Scottsdale, Ariz., native was one of the most heartwarming spectacles of “Idol’s” eight seasons. A gentle, perpetually smiling 22-year-old, MacIntyre made his time on the show notable for his good humor and a sense that despair was unknown to him, even as he struggled to perform in his final weeks.

I don’t get this, I really don’t. He was an average singer and although he was having fun and it showed, so what? The other Top Ten are doing the same thing – ok except for Megan that had some kind of ego explosion. I appreciate in the face of being blind he is forging forward but what he is doing does not strike me as a huge overwhelming incredible achievement. No more so than the other contestants and what about the one that lost his wife (was it Danny or Matt?) weeks before he auditioned? That seems to have faded into the background.

The first comment on the piece sums it up almost perfectly.

It's sad, but he wasn't good enough. End of story.

Almost, because I do not think it is sad.

I must be feeling bitchy...

I missed Tuesday nights show. I know, how could I miss it? Let’s just say I had a friend in need and that overrides TV. Even AI!

The elimination show tonight, my immediate reaction. The 8 of them singing together – terrible! It gained some strength as it went along, but man oh man if it wasn’t for my Allison and Adam “The Screecher” Lambert it would have been a total wash.

They sucked in the Ford commercial, ‘nuff said there.

The bottom 3 tonight was bang on. I think the huge debate about saving Scott was an effort to make him feel better about getting the boot. Compared to those who are left standing there is no way the save can be used at this point. Frankly, I would have lost respect for the judges if they had used it. Scott is an okay singer. I would listen to him in a bar but would I pay big and watch him at the ACC, nope. I imagine his career will be in writing music not so much performing. I also think whoever is responsible for “styling” him should be fired. That hairdo is all wrong. A friend of mine read, or is at least quoting, another Blog that said “Scott’s hair is reminiscent of the Golden Girls”. True, very true.

To wrap up this AI recap I have to wonder what is going on in Paula’s pretty little head. Gloves? I love you Paula, don’t ever do the glove thing again. Flo Rida was excellent. Great performance, the total package there. Kelly Pick what who?

Another one bites the dust. So, America voted and it paid off. Megan Joy is gone. Not as in dead just as in gone. Buh bye! I have to say I think she earned it. Her ego grew much faster than her singing voice. “I loved my song and I know my fans did too”. Who the hell is she? “I love Simon but I don’t care”. Yeah right, so why the tears? My nameless friend who I will refer to only as Nameless had this to say.

“Megan Joy. Her bad singing voice, bad attitude, bad 80's jumper are gonzola!!”

Simon kind of hit the nail on the head when he served her words back to her. We don’t care either my dear, it’s over for you. Her last song was terrible and what’s with those dance moves? What dance academy did she attend, the Elaine Benis School of Dance?

I did have some stress tonight watching the bottom 3. My Allison was in it! What’s that all about? It is not American Fashion Idol, so what about her choice of dress. She can sing. She out sings both Anoop and Scott. The next couple of weeks are a no brainer. Scott goes and then Anoop goes or the other way around works for me too. There is no way they can make up all the lousy songs they have sung. The rest of the gang simply have not blown it enough to leave before those two.

Allison above, is saying "Hey Roy, I don't get it either, me in the bottom 3? It makes no sense." And, she is correct. It makes no sense.

Now I must ask, what is up with Lady Gaga? Not only did she look into the camera, (was she taking pointers from Adam backstage???) but also, she sucked. I like that song on the radio and on Youtube but hearing it live made me scrunch up into a little ball and beg to be released from the pain. I’ll be happy to miss her concert tour.

I can rest now for another week knowing that the gang is intact. The righteous voted, the Gods came together and Simon called it yet again. Paula looked fabulous tonight which is a switch for her. Don’t get me wrong, I love her, but if anyone needs a fashion overhaul it is her. In closing I will pass along something else Nameless had to say. “Adam needs to brush his tongue! That is just gross. If you are going to stick out your tongue you should brush it off!” I must admit I agree.

Footnote: I should actually have said; Nameless you called it again! Nameless did, on Tuesday in an e-mail.