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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > July > 22 > Entry
7/22: Jennifer Hudson on GMA, another Broadway gig for Diana DeGarmo, more on the Jordin Sparks appearance
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Check this site out to see Jennifer Hudson on “Good Morning America” promoting her new album out Sept. 30 and singing “Spotlight.” Do you like her page boy haircut? The song sounds kind of old school R&B. I’m not sure it will become a big radio hit but it’s showing some signs of life. It’s climbing the charts, No. 14 on the urban AC chart and No. 31 on the broader urban chart, according to Radio & Records.
-I’m not sure what this means for Diana DeGarmo’s pursuit of a country career but she has nabbed yet another Broadway gig, this time in a revival of “Godspell,” according to playbill.com
[Gavin] Creel (as Jesus) and DeGarmo, who made her Broadway debut in Hairspray, will co-star in the eagerly awaited production of the Stephen Schwartz/John-Michael Tebelak musical, which will begin previews Sept. 29 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre with an official opening scheduled for Oct. 23.
She had two successful stints as Penny in “Hairspray” in 2006 and 2007, sandwiched by a lead role in the national tour of “Brooklyn: The Musical.”
She’s now living in Nashville, is signed to John Rich’s production company and recently performed a few potential cuts at the recent CMA Festival.
DeGarmo also recently appeared at Midtown gay club Wet Bar for a benefit:
-“Nashville Star” surprised me Monday with original songs. Honestly, I was bracing for a huge wad of turd but it actually ended up being the best night so far. I’m really glad Sophia and Lauren, the two 16 year olds, didn’t make it or we could have been truly assaulted. I even liked Ashlee Hewitt, who came up with a catchy song even if I’m still not a huge fan of her voice. Too bad she was eliminated before Shawn Mayer. Mayer’s song is your typical soaring Nashville ballad (Faith Hill, Martina McBride could cut it, as John the judge noted. Too bad she simply lacks the voice to pull it off properly. I agreed with John Rich that Gabe Garcia still has a major personality deficit, even if he created a radio-friendly song, which was decent, if a bit generic. Coffey’s voice is pretty poor and his song is amusing, but totally a novelty. Melissa Lawson, given she’s a novice at songwriting, did a fairly good job. I enjoyed it.
Would “Idol” ever dare do an original songs week? I think that would be fascinating!
-I got more info about Jordin Sparks’ appearance in Atlanta Sept. 1, speaking with Stephanie McCartt, the executive director of the U.S. 10 K run and the nonprofit organization which distributes monies to children charities.
She said this is the biggest act the group has ever booked for the race, that in the past they usually relied on local bands or cover bands. They first went after the Dave Matthews Band but since the founder Donald Whitney is an “Idol” fan, they sought out Jordin Sparks, since she’s supportive of children’s charities.
The organization managed to get her at a greatly reduced rate though she wouldn’t reveal the amount. The hope is Sparks will draw even more money than the cost of her coming. “It’s a family weekend, a family event, you can’t go wrong with ‘American Idol,’ ” McCartt said.
The concert is available only to race participants and volunteers. It’ll start at 9:30 a.m. on Labor Day and last an hour. It will be in the parking lot of Whitewater. She will also do an autograph session during the family entertainment festival the day before.
You can sign up for the race or volunteer here.
Here’s the mission statement for the nonprofit group:
One hundred percent of the profits from The U.S. 10K Classic and the Family Festival benefit children’s charitable organizations. These organizations are chosen as partners in an effort to make a difference in the lives of children in Georgia and from around the world. After all the running, skating, cycling, celebrating, entertainment and good times, the real bottom line is that this event was created first and foremost as an annual and growing fundraiser for children in need.
One of the beneficiaries is:
The World Children’s Center is a 710 acre planned community in Haralson County, Georgia for approximately 500 homeless, orphaned and/or neglected children from Georgia, the U.S. and the World. Groundbreaking commenced on January 4, 2007, with the first phase of homes to be built by National Builder of the year John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods. When complete the World Children’s Center will consist of 100+ homes serving 500+ children with two surrogate house parents and up to six children in each home.
Comments
By JTesla
July 22, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this
I don’t know what to think of Jennifer Hudson. I’m very confused. What the heck am I looking at? What is wrong with… I mean they… umm they. Yeah. And does she dress herself?
Let’s just stick with the hair BAD. Decent enough song once I get the funky eggplant vision out of my head. That video will haunt me.
By Sue
July 22, 2008 3:02 AM | Link to this
Regarding Diana’s country cd, she’s finished her demo and is doing the Broadway show while her team shops the demo and tries to work out a deal. She was working in the studio with John Rich right up until a couple days before her return to NYC so this is a simple case of having a great opportunity land in her lap. She’s wanted to be part of an original cast for a long time. She’ll do Godspell probably until late 2008 or early 2009 and then will return to Nashville.
By Menana
July 22, 2008 6:51 AM | Link to this
Good Morning to All!!!!!!
The pix of JH must be of her before the weight loss. Last week on here there was a pix with a much smaller Jennifer. I do like the hair style. It seems to suit her.
Diana will do okay on Broadway, as she did before. She seems to have the natural talent that is needed to be successful on stage. I, for one, would like to hear her country CD when it comes out. If it’s good enough, may even purchase it. Under the wing of JR (whom I don’t care for,) she may really do good.
Missed NS last night, but I did hear that Ashlee was terminated.
By DawnH
July 22, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
Hey - good morning everyone! I heard on the radio this morning a sort of tongue-in-check comment about Big & Rich. They were talking about NS, and the DJ mentioned JR and his pursuits since B&R “broke up.” I thought Big Kenny had some sort of surgery and was taking time off. Does anyone know if the due has actually called it quits?
By Deirdre
July 22, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
Morning!
Did anyone else have storms last night? We had no rain but a lot of wind and we were out early this morning picking up the tree debris from our yard. We heard thunder and saw lightning but it never actually rained.
By Lara
July 22, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Good morning blogsters!!! D - I didn’t know about any storms but when I left my neigborhood this morning there was debris everywhere!
Nashville Star was pretty good last night. I was hoping 1 of 2 would be going and neither of them left! Why is Coffey still there? His original song was like a countrified rap song. There were times he seemed so out of breath! Melissa’s song was awesome and she sounded great singing it. Ashlee’s song was cute, I was sad to see her go before Coffey or Shawn (man, her song was BORING!!!). I see this as a fight between Melissa and Gabe, with her having the upper hand in likeability!
By flats
July 22, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
Thanks D.Good morning all!!!!!
By Menana
July 22, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
I haven’t heard anything about B&R breaking up. I did hear that Kenny was having surgery, but no mention of a breakup. This is news to me. I think JR is just so full of him self and very cocky, that it wouldn’t surprise me that the duo did split.
I have heard through the rumor mill that Paula A has been asked to do DWTS. She was quoted as saying she would love to do the show if the schedules could be worked out. Since AI and DWTS are both live and on different networks, this may be a challenge. Also, will her contract with AI allow it? I’m anixous to see if she does, and how she will accept the critique from those judges, especially from Lyn.
By Deirdre
July 22, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
I can’t imagine Paula on DWTS. For one thing…she’s a DANCER. Wouldn’t that make it a little unfair? For another, doesn’t it run around the same time as Idol? Isn’t she a little busy then?
John Rich may not actually BE a walking ego but he sure comes across like one on TV.
By Menana
July 22, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
Lara: I am with you on Melissa. I hope she takes it all, and think she will. I was suprised that Ashlee was eliminated instead of Shawn or Coffey. They will be the next two to leave. If not, I will be totally shocked.
By flats
July 22, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
Did digarmers get a boob job?
By Menana
July 22, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Yes, Paula is a dancer and it would seem to be unfair to the others. The time slots for both shows are around the same, so this would make a difference in her doing both. I can see where she would want to do DWTS and she would probably be really good, but I can’t imagine that AI would allow it. There most likely is a clause in her contract that would prohibit her from competing on another network during the season. In the off time, it may be different. DWTS is on twice a year, once before AI begans, so it would be possible that something COULD be worked out. I don’t know. I guess we will have to wait and see. You know how rumors are.
We also had a bad storm last night. Rain, hard winds and lots of thunder and lightening.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 22, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
Gooooooooood Morning Mushblog-Land!
i dunno who likes Coffey, and am thus totally stunned that he was not eliminated. And even more so that Ashlee went before Coffey and Shawn. Oh well, I mean, what do I know about such stuff, right? Oh well. I have a feeling that Jewell may take her “under her wing” and get her promoted and produced in Nashville. It would look great for Jewell to “lend a hand” to a struggling young singer/songwriter, much like the Reba/Kelly relationship — Kelly was doing OK in general, but with Reba’s backing, she’s going to do a lot MORE in the country genre — and it IS all about exposure—radio play— and making the bucks to keep on doing it some more, right?
I am STILL laughing over the eggplant comment, but … well I was thinking Barney, but we’re on the same page. I actually kind of like the hairdo — i guess i’m tired of big hair or fake long hair, and her do is simple. Maybe not the BEST for her, but… i kinda like it, after thinking about it a little bit.
AGT tonight — is it finally Vegas callbacks, or more auditions? anyone know?
See you guys later!
By woodpappy
July 22, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Hey Deirdre, I got 1/2 inch of rain, lots of wind, lightning, and….Georgia Power tree cutters in my yard all day probably.
By Menana
July 22, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
News Flash for you Batman lovers.
CNN has just posted that Christian Bale is being questioned by Scotland Yards on allegations that he assaulted his mother and sister the night before his European Premiere of “The Dark Knight”. Both mother and sister stated to the police that he assualted them both in a London Hotel room. No cause for the alleged assualt nor extent of the injuries was given to the media.
By Deirdre
July 22, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
woodpappy..I wish we had gotten some rain last night…sounds like you got the worst of the wind, too.
I don’t know why that doesn’t surprise me about Christian Bale. He’s very intense. I hope it isn’t true but…
By harrietth
July 22, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
I think the storms extended from your area of GA all the way through the Upstate area of SC and down to Columbia. We had terrible storms at around 3:00 PM, felling trees onto homesd, power out, etc. I had no power by the time I finally got home at 6:30 PM. It came back on around 7:00 though. I watched it come in from my vantage point of the sixth floor office window, and it was spectacular. Lots of trees bent over, with rain sheeting and blowing over the rooftops. They are calling for some of the same this PM, but hopefully not with the same intensity.
I thought the competition as far as song-writing was fairly intense on NS last night. I am with those here who think Coffey should have been long-gone. Someone wants him there. Do you remember the lead-in comments when the show premiered? Someone kept saying how “huge” it would be if one of them won it all. I believe they were speaking of Coffey, since there has not been a major African-American country artist since Country Charlie Pride came on the scene in the 1960s. No way in heck is Coffey in the same league with Gabe, and most assuredly not with Melissa. I hated Coffey’s song and thought it was self-indulgent to a fault. Who cares? In reality, I believe that Shawn is a pretty good songwriter and a pretty fair singer. Just not nearly good enough to win, of course. Now, I am going to engage in a bit of heresy. IMO she is better than Idol’s country gal this year. Please—don’t throw rocks!! It is just MHO. Should be Melissa, though, all the way! (Sorry about the long post. I got carried away!)
By Deirdre
July 22, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
harrietth…do you think those storms were from the tropical storm…Cristobol or something like that..that’s just off the coast?
I agree that Melissa on NS is MUCH better than KLC on Idol! And as for Coffey still being there….I’m sure he has a group of loyal voters determined to see him win whether he’s good or not.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 22, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
LOL Harrietth, i am in TOTAL agreement with you on the comparison of KLC to Shawn. Shawn kinda grows on you, and these last two weeks she’s been a lot better. While it may have seemed indulgent and self-centered to “fire” JR and go to Jeffrey, I think it was a sound “business” decision — she has a product, and JR just could not bring it out in her in a good way. After 2 weeks, Jeffrey had her on track. Is she better than Ashlee, Gabe and Melissa? No freaking way! but she’s better than Coffey!!!!!
just imho, of course :-/
By Deirdre
July 22, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Sorry…I meant Shawn! :-)
By DawnH
July 22, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
I am so jealous of those of you who got storms last night! I love thunderstorms. I walked my dog about 11:00 last night and there was some lightning and a very faint rumble of thunder, but it never amounted to anything, and I don’t believe it rained. (This weather report is from Kennesaw.)
I have not seen NS in the past couple of weeks - there is FINALLY something else on to watch - The Closer followed by Saving Grace. Love Saving Grace! Anyway, in the shows of NS I did see, the judges weren’t all that complimentary of Coffey. I always found him to be a step below karaoke - maybe a wannabe singer who has had a couple too many and thinks he should perform at the office party… or talent night at AA. Anyway, I didn’t like him. Guess he is improving…?
As for Gabe not having much stage presence, a lot of country stars don’t - especially the ones who have been around a while. Alan Jackson and George Strait come to mind. They just pretty much stand on the stage and sing.
By harrietth
July 22, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
D, they said the storms moved in from the West, so I guess it was all part of the “cold” front that moved across both states. It was not the tropical storm. That left a couple of days ago. Only effect from that was the fact of rip currents. Believe those are even gone now.
By flats
July 22, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Dawn…I love bad thunderstorms.More destruction the better.
By harrietth
July 22, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
I think Melissa, unless she stumbles badly, should win NS. Gabe could, too, of course, but she is the better performer. I just wish she’d stop wrinkling her nose at every opportunity. It is cute the first time, but not the entire song. Wish someone would take her aside and tell her to stop. She is awesome, though. Gabe has a website and evidently has been performing around Texas for awhile. Think he has a little of a following back home. I Googled him awhile back and found it.
By harrietth
July 22, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Flats sounds like The Joker.
By Rodney Ho
July 22, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Paula could do DWTS in the fall when AI isn’t on.
As for America’s Got Talent, I sure hope they get to Vegas. I think they finally do cos man, those auditions lasted FOREVER.
By flats
July 22, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
LOL!!!!were the storms a result of tropical storm cristoboL?.the storm that hasn’t affected dry land in the US .LOL!!!!!!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 22, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
LOL harrietth, funny you should mention the nose — hubby LOVEs it!!! he comment on it for the first time last night — the “samantha” nose twitch he called it. go figure.
By Deirdre
July 22, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Thanks harrietth…I guess I haven’t been paying much attention to the weather lately. I know that tropical storms come with feeder bands and since most of the heavy weather was in the eastern part of GA, I thought that might be the case.
Maybe Melissa thinks wrinkling her nose is cute….or, it’s just natural to her expression and she can’t help it.
By Menana
July 22, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Coffey will NEVER EVER come close to Charlie Pride (know that’s not what you meant harrietth)but I had to say that. CP has the charisma and charm that helped make him the star he is. Don’t see that in Coffey. There is just something about the man that doesn’t wash with me. If Melissa doesn’t win, there is something wrong. Of course, he probably has the Latinos backing him. And, as we all know, there are plenty of them here. I don’t mean that in a negative way, so please no bashing.
harrietth: You do have to keep a watch on the storm that is headed in your direction. The winds are already up to 70mph. Be cautious.
By flats
July 22, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
LOL!!!
By flats
July 22, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
D…We might get some huge feeder bands from Dolly after it makes landfall in southern Mexico..Menana,what storm is heading towards South Carolina?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 22, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
We had awesome lightning and thunder — and maybe 20 drops of rain. Oh well. At least the wind was not horrible here in li’l A. WP you musta got all ‘my’ wind down the road your way, or something! sorry!
By flats
July 22, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
REMINDER:WEATHER AND SPORTS ARE MY THANG!!!!!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 22, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
oh.
wait.
that didn’t come out quite like i meant it.
um. let’s see.
the wind we should have gotten didn’t happen, so WP maybe it went your way instead?
sheesh.
the ,,,=^..^=,,, is ALMOST blushing here
By Deirdre
July 22, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
I was over at mjsbigblog and she has a bunch of videos of Canadian Idol(which is running right now)in case anyone is interested. she also has a bunch of pictures and videos of the Idols’ tour.
By Menana
July 22, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Cristobal(sp) is making its way up the coast and its direction has it going into Nova Scotia later. Right now it is just a tropical storm but winds already 70mph, that may change.
Thanks Rodney for verifying that DWTS is on in the fall before AI starts back up. I was almost sure that it was, so it’s possible that Paula could very well do it.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 22, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Rodney at least the auditions for AGT are entertaining, LOL. Some disasters, but they don’t spend 40 minutes per disaster, if you get my meaning…
By flats
July 22, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Thanks…I was just wondering what storm was heading toward to the carolinas.
By Deirdre
July 22, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Maybe they could have a special ‘former dancers’ competition on DWTS so Paula can compete. That’s the only way I could see it being fair to the other contestants. I mean, isn’t or wasn’t the point of the whole show to take famous people not known for their dancing skills(football players being the perfect example) and turn them into dancers? I thought they stretched the rules to have Kristie Yamaguchi on….she may not be a ballroom dancer but she had some dance training.
By Menana
July 22, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
My payroll just came in, so I will be off for a few hours. Have to get my employees paid.
Be back later.
By DawnH
July 22, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Isn’t DWTS ballroom dancing? While Paula WAS a dancer, I think ballroom dancing is so different that maybe it isn’t that unfair. Besides, it’s Paula! She can barely walk these days. Watching her dance would be a riot. Wasn’t there a hip hop star on there recently - a blonde girl. I think she is on a kid’s show or something. Anyone remember, or did I dream that…?
By harrietth
July 22, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
There is NO storm headed for the Carolinas now.
I don’t see how Paula can compete on DWTS and save face. What if she doesn’t win, and her a professional dancer? Would she take a chance on that?
Rodney, I believe there is at least one more week of auditions on AGT. Remember on the ads for the upcoming show, there is a woman who just blows the judges away. She is African-American, and Piers tells her she could win the whole thing. Sharon asks where she has been hiding, and Hoff tells her she just knocked their socks off. Think that is tonight.
By flats
July 22, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Thanks..there never was.
By Deirdre
July 22, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Dawn…I’m pretty sure that they’ve used people who have dancing in their background..Joey Fatone danced with his boy band…but who are not known as dancers. Dancing was Paula’s claim to fame….certainly not singing! :-)
By Longtime AI watcher
July 22, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Hey, I finally got a chance to check in. So I am going to respond to a couple questions from earlier.
Dawn, you asked about B & R splitting up. From what I heard (and things could surely change) is that JR asked Kenny if he could do a solo album while Kenny was recouperating. He said he would only do it with Kenny’s blessing. When JR left Lonestar he recorded a solo album that was never released. After B & R became famous, the album was released with very little sales so I don’t know that JR would have a successful solo career.
Harrieth, you were talking about Coffey being the next big African American artist since Charley Pride. I definately feel there is room for someone but I just don’t believe that Coffey is the one. Darius Rucker of Hootie & The Blowfish has a country single (Don’t Think I Don’t Thik About It)out now that is fantastic and has a CD coming out later this year. Rissi Palmer is working on her sophmore project. Her current single is a country version of Jordan Sparks song No Air. Coffey is too arogant to listen to what the judges are telling him which is going to make it hard for him to be successful. Garth, Tim & Kenny Chesney had to listen to others until they proved themslves and established their names.
By harrietth
July 22, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
LT, you misunderstood, or maybe I was not clear. I said “somebody” wants Coffey to win. They claimed it would be “huge,” and I said they probably thought that because there has been a dearth of country artists of color. Charley Pride was the last great one, and Coffey couldn’t carry his shoelaces.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 22, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Dawn, Sabrina of the Cheetah Girls is who you’re thinking of and she was in-F*ing-credible — the whole contestant group was so stunned when she was eliminated, and the pros also, that they all work “cheetah” temporary tats the next week in her honor. She wasn’t slender tall typical dancer, she was a little chunky and a powerful dancer in ANY mode. Another who’s danced, ON stage, was what’s her name, Melissa? Marissa? something like that — from last year who was on broadway singing AND dancing. So they’ve had dancers before, just not ballroom pros, as contestants.
By Deirdre
July 22, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
And they all got voted off with the exception of Kristie…who wasn’t actually a dancer, just employed dance skills in her skating routines.
I’d love to see Paula on DWTS…she’d be an absolute hoot…but, there would be definite resentment on the voters part.
By Longtime AI watcher
July 22, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Harrieth, I did misread, sorry for that. It is obvious they are pushing for Coffey to win. XM has Nashville Star Radio every week. They have the remaining contestants and talk with them about their performance and the judges comments and replay the performance.
When they played Melissa’s version of “My Baby Love’s Me” it sounded so good on the radio. The judges all said she was over the top.
Coffey sounded awful on the radio and about as bad on the show but they praised him. Not because of his singing but because he showed emotion. William Hung showed emotion but that didn’t sound good in my CD player either. With talent like Angela Hacker, Chris Young, & Buddy Jewell struggling to make it or not even having a record deal, I don’t think Coffey will ever make it. Can we say Julio Iglesias, Jr?
By harrietth
July 22, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
LT, the more it goes on, the more it seems like they are looking for anything and any excuse to find favor with Coffey. The judges were very hard on him at first, but somehow he has found some favor with them lately. JR, especially, has lightened way up on him. I cannot for the life of me figure out why he is still there. As I said before, his songwriting is terribly self-indulgent. And, you are absolutely dead right about his arrogance. He will not stop and listen to anyone. I noted his arrogant response to the wee bit of criticism last night, addressing the audience and telling the judges that ok, whatever, the audience and I understand each other and had a great time tonight. Something like that. A little humility is truly in order.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 22, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
outa here for the p.m., gotta go load — and unload — a moving truck with my youngest….NOT a day i prefer to be doing this, especially if the temp in athens reaches near 100 like it did yesterday!!!
see you guys manana — IF i survive!!
By flats
July 22, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
?
By Deirdre
July 22, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Bye linny…have fun on moving day(man, I HATE moving day)
By woodpappy
July 22, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Linny, On a Hot day like yesterday, I’ll take any and all kinds of wind I can get. LOL (blushing)
By Menana
July 22, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
I apologize to the ones in the carolinas about the storm that WAS heading in that direction. I got the information from the national weather service and I guess by the time I posted it, it had change.
By Deirdre
July 22, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
More on the Christian Bale arrest:
The actor’s reps released the following statement to TMZ: “Christian Bale attended a London police station today, on a voluntary basis, in order to assist with an allegation that had been made against him to the police by his mother and sister. Mr. Bale, who denies the allegation, co-operated throughout, gave his account in full of the events in question and has left the station without any charge being made against him by the police. At this time, there will be no further comment by Mr. Bale.”
By Michelle
July 22, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
How come Jennifer Hudson doesn’t look like her album cover?
By Michelle
July 22, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
How come Jennifer Hudson doesn’t look like her album cover?
By JTesla
July 22, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Well Michelle, you can’t Photoshop reality.
By Longtime AI watcher
July 22, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
OK I’m sad. I just read that Estelle Getty (Sophia on Golden Girls) passed away. She was such a good actress on the show. Her one liners were hilarious.
By flats
July 22, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
MENANA…The storm formed off the coast of the carolinas and was never forecasted to make landfall in the united states.That’s all i was saying.
By flats
July 22, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
JT…Does Digarmers do it for you?
By harrietth
July 22, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Makes me sad, too, LT. However, even sadder was her slow decline into dementia. Her Golden Girls co-stars said she stopped knowing them years ago. Hopefully, she has found rest today.
Bye guys and gals. I am headed home now. Safe travels and good evenings! And, Linny, have a glass of wine, girl, and put your feet up and rest from your labors!
By JTesla
July 22, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Definitely flats, but I’ve seen better pictures of her.
By flats
July 22, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
She puts a rise in my levis!!!!
By trena
July 22, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
I wish Diana luck with her new Broadway role. She’s a talented young woman. I would love for her to sing “Day by Day” in Godspell.
By Menana
July 22, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Flats: That’s okay. All is well and no hard feelings.
Estelle Getty was such a good actress. I love to watch the reruns of Golden Girls. She made the program.
Remember that tomorrow is joke or story day, so have yours ready.
By War Eagle
July 22, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
McCain 08
By how to run a car on water
July 22, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
I am happy for Diana Digarmo, but I wish she would perform somewhere other than Broadway where we could see her.
how to run a car on water
By Harmony
July 22, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
I got the storms yesterday and today, they even had lots of rain with them(highly unusual). I have come to the conclusion that I also got high winds too, when I got back from the grocery store I found my large butterfly bush up-rooted. On my drive home from the store I was assaulted fiercely by hail, not too fun,the rain felt GREAT!
I do not have a new MOLE candidate, my original choice was executed. I will still say A male singer will win AGT, I think Emily and the new Ventriloquist will go far though. Joshua is still my favorite dancer and Gabe my pick on NS. I can not stand John Rich!
Deirdre, Best of luck regarding the decision with your mother.
War Eagle, I second the nomination!
By Deirdre
July 23, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
Morning!
Harmony…I wish we were all capable of summing it all up like you did. And thanks.
War Eagle….I think you might be preaching to the choir on this particular blog. :-)
A letter to the editor in today’s AJC mocked Fox and The Wall Street Journal about not being ‘fair and balanced’. I think they may misunderstand the word ‘balanced’. In order to balance the left leanings of CBS, NBC, ABC, PBS, NPR, The NY Times, The LA Times, ad nauseum, Fox may have to lean pretty fat to the right. Now, if these organizations would move a little more toward the center, I’m sure Fox would be happy to join them.
By flats
July 23, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
Thanks D…Always knew you were a republican…GOOD MORNING ALL!!!!I’m so jealous!!!WE CANT BUY A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM!!!!
By harrietth
July 23, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Well, I have to say I have had a lifelong stake to the left, so I will be the resident Democrat. Long-time family tradition. I do not enjoy sparring over such things, however, so will leave that to others. I only say this so that you will know that there is not a complete unity of opinion here. I have lots of friends who are Republicans, however! This IS South Carolina, you know! LOL!
By Longtime AI watcher
July 23, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
No Harrieth, you are not alone. No way will this vote go to the publicants.
By harrietth
July 23, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Thanks, LT. I just wanted that out there for the good friends on the blog to know about me. Now, I won’t talk about it any more. Enough said as far as i am concerned. I do not enjoy political parrying. Lots of folks have vehement responses to differences of opinion, and that only serves to alienate people one from another. Just the old hippie in me, I guess! LOL!
By flats
July 23, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
LOL!!!!!!LONGTIME!!!I hear you!!!
By flats
July 23, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
LOL!!!!!!LONGTIME!!!I hear you!!!
By flats
July 23, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Longtime..you need to head over to the special blog.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 23, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
morning mushblog-land.
oy. sad news about the esteemed Ms. Getty, indeed (yes I know i’m half a day late, but i did say i wouldn’t be around yesterday, right?)
Seems the Nat’l Enquirer has scooped some big news regarding a former presidential candidate. won’t get into it here, if you’re interested, you’ll have to look for it grin … Mystery of the Day (at least for a little while, eh?)
Warning: Try NOT to have to move an apartment’s worth of furniture on a July afternoon. whooooweeee it was HOT!!!! really saps the strength right out of you!!!
By Deirdre
July 23, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Most of us on here tend to sit somewhere in the middle. As I’ve said before, I roll more Libertarian that the other 2 parties. I can find a lot of fault on both sides.
But when it comes to the media, I think it’s been pretty well established that they espouse the left side of many issues. That’s fine…until someone other than opinion editors…i.e. newscasters, network anchors and the like..start leaning so far in one direction that it smacks of favoritism. It grates on my nerves.
I’m all for the battle between the political parties…how else would we get to hear more than one side of an issue? How else can we learn different ways of solving a national problem?
Trouble is…Dems tend to NOT listen to the Repub side and Repubs tend not to listen to the Dems side. They both prosper by making what they say a ‘my way or the highway’ proposition. Both sides gain when we regular people are at odds with each other.
By harrietth
July 23, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the info. linny. I had never seen that story before. Mind-blowing in this day and age of “gotcha.” Anyone stupid enough to try and pull that one off just doesn’t have all their marbles. Americans are generous and giving, but we all know how we feel about frauds!
By the way, Rodney. I heard that there is even one MORE week of auditions on AGT. That’s what they said last night. The woman who sang the Aretha song was incredible.
By harrietth
July 23, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
And, Linny, you must not have followed my advice yesterday. See my post at 4:18 PM.
By harrietth
July 23, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Good points, D. I just hate the hard feelings that come with discussions of politics and religion. So, that is why I follow my grandmother’s advice on that score and try not to argue about either one.
By Deirdre
July 23, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
I don’t blame you, harrietth! :-)
linny…hope you survived the move…and you’ll have to give me a hint on that story…I’m not finding anything…apparently, I’m looking in the wrong places. Wouldn’t be a first for me! :-)
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 23, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
D, once again we’re pretty much on the same page — my political leanings are pretty much “I want my gov’t to defend me and protect me, but i DON’T want my gov’t to run my every-day life.” Whether that happens at any given moment to be Dem, Rep, or Libertarian, depends on the representatives of the various parties, i guess. In the 60s i was pretty clearly democratic; over the years, the dems moved to the left, and out-of-step with that, i moved a LITTLE bit to the right (having kids and bills will do that sometimes). But ONE thing for sure, i do not swallow ANY candidate/party line whole-hog. I try to think for myself, LOL!!!
Harrietth, close (4:18 post) - i fixed a nice tall screwdriver and propped my feet up, LOL. Didn’t have any wine i particularly like at home, and no WAY i was going back out!!!
By Deirdre
July 23, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Vodka always works just as good as wine…sometimes better! :-)
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 23, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
LOL D — when I read that, for some wild and crazy reason I thought of Dan Ackroyd and Steve Martin …
By flats
July 23, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
LOL!!!!!
By Deirdre
July 23, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Two WILD and CRAZY guys!!!!!!
I love that bit!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 23, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
^5 D — i had NO doubt you’d know exactly what I was talking about!
ok…back to work now… if i MUST…
By Longtime AI watcher
July 23, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
One story for today…I’ll post another later
CHOCOLATE SINGS
One day I had a date for lunch with friends. Mae, a little old ‘blue hair’ about 80 years old, came along with them—-all in all, a pleasant bunch. When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Mae who said, ‘Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate.’
I wasn’t sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. ‘Along with heated apple pie,’ Mae added, completely unabashed. We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time. But when our orders were brought out, I didn’t enjoy mine. I couldn’t take my eyes off Mae as her pie a-la-mode went down. The other ladies showed dismay. They ate their lunches silently and frowned.
The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Mae. I lunched on white meat tuna. She ordered a parfait. I smiled. She asked if she amused me. I answered, ‘Yes, you do, but also you confuse me. How come you or der rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible? She laughed and said, with wanton mirth, ‘I’m tasting all that’s Possible.
I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life’s so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good. This year I realized how old I was. (She grinned) I haven’t been this old before.’ ‘So, before I die, I’ve got to try those things that for years I had ignored. I haven’t smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many books I haven’t read. There’s more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead.
There are many malls I haven’t shopped. I’ve not laughed at all the jokes. I’ve missed a lot of Broadway hits and potato chips and cokes. I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace. I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long di stance calls to the folks I love the most.
I haven’t cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind in my hair. I want to fall in love again. So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I’d say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart’s desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired.’
With that, I called the waitress over.. ‘I’ve changed my mind,’ I said. ‘I want what she is having, only add some more whipped cream!’
This is my gift to you - We need an annual Friends Day! If you get this twice, then you have more than one friend. Live well, love much & laugh often - Be happy.
SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS.
Be mindful that happiness isn’t based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people we love and respect. Remember that while money talks, CHOCOLATE SINGS!
By harrietth
July 23, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Wonderful sentiments, LT! And, the glass is always half full!
By harrietth
July 23, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
On my way out of town for a meeting. Later!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 23, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
LT, sweeeet!
By Menana
July 23, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
24 TIPS FOR A BETTER LIFE
Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate antidepressant.
Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
When you wake up each morning, complete the following statement, “My purpose is to___ today.
Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less that is manufactured in plants.
Drink plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds and walnuts.
Try to make at least 3 people smile each day.
Don’t waste your energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you can’t control. Instead invest your energy in the postive present moment.
Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out credit card.
Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
10.Life is to short to waste time hating anyone.
11.Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.
Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?”
Forgive others.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
GOD heals everything
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Your job won’t take of you when you’re sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__. Today I accomplished___.
Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
By Deirdre
July 23, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Such nice thought from both LT and Menana. Thank you!
By Longtime AI watcher
July 23, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
This is funny but something to think about too…
Priceless
A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.
The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer.
The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up.
He took her to the police station where she was searched, finger printed, photographed, and placed in a holding cell;
After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
He said, “I’m very sorry for this mistake.
You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him.
I noticed the ‘What Would Jesus Do’ bumper sticker, the ‘Choose Life’ License plate holder, the ‘Follow Me to Sunday-School’ bumper Sticker, And the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, Naturally… I assumed you had stolen the car.
By ybpnk eozyc
November 13, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this
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