Reviving AI that is DOA
I tried to quit the show. It was Season 3. My mother started watching the show. This was my sign that AI was no longer hip and trendy. I boycotting that Fantasia Barrino year. I found new hobbies and new shows. Life was fine, but Idol kept bringing me back. She was the girlfriend I just couldn’t shake. For me, that “girlfriend” took the form of Carrie Underwood. She brought me back to the show. The thought of meeting a new “Carrie” kept me intrigued for the next five years. Some would argue that Carrie Underwood would be just another news anchor in Oklahoma if not for the platform of AI. That would be a bummer….(To borrow an ad term from Miller Lite – that would be a trav-sham-mockery). On the positive ledger of AI, at its best, you gotta love the excitement, the office chatter, the format and most importantly…Idol was the fertile ground where major artists were found. Kelly Clarkson. Jennifer Hudson. Kellie Pickler. Chris Daughtry. And of course…. Carrie.
Unfortunately, the last few years of AI reminded me of my scalp in my early 20’s. With every passing year there has less and less reason for joy. The Idol franchise was transformed from Fabio to Mr. Clean.
American Idol lost its way. Let me pinpoint the wrong turns…
Too many theme shows that viewers don’t care about. It’s hard to find true creative spirit in a contestant when they are forced to sing Elvis and Sinatra. Those picks would have been fantastic choices….in 1965. Not now. You want relevant artists in contemporary genres and then you give them these choices? It would be like telling English students they can write an essay on their life, but can’t use any words invented in after the Middle Ages.
The emphasis on the judges’ role on the show is WAY too much! This year I would love to stopwatch the screen time of contestants vs. judges. I’ve seen enough of Simon, Kara, Ellen and Randy. After 1500 reviews, Simon and Randy don’t have a whole lot of unique observations in the tank. Ellen needs to find a new role on the show…like a sideline reporter or backstage. DioGuardi is pretty, but adds little. The best seasons of AI focused on what the finalists would sing and do. You could jettison the judges’ comments. We knew they were good and compelling.
This pains me to say. I miss Paula. She was wacky and unpredictable. Thos two elements are desperately missing this year.
Ryan Seacrest got a big head. In the early years, he added so much to the show. He was quick, witty and the smoothest person the set. That’s why he got 7 different jobs. Now, he is a distraction, long winded and his interplays with Simon remind me of a bad radio morning show that completely cuts out the audience.
I don’t care about the finalists. They lost the “Olympic Coverage treatment” of these individuals. Stir some emotions AI producers! Make me feel SOMETHING about these people. I have more connection to the strangers in a karaoke bar in Sioux City.
There is a talent void. Maybe after nearly a decade..all the good singers are found? I have an idea to fix this. More on that later.
Too many darn rules. AI has made a fortune. They can cover the rights to just about any song. How about a few weeks of “Sing whatever the heck you want night”.???
There has been an abundance of contestants (especially the last few years) that had the personality of toast. Additionally, I get the feeling a lot of these people have no clue what kind of artist they want to be. It’s like they are a college student with a “General Studies” major for four years. Think about the successes of AI.
Carrie Underwood – Country
Chris Daughtry – Rock
Adam Lambert – Theatrical
Kelly Clarkson – Pop
Jennifer Hudson – Broadway
Much like the AI franchise, too many contestants have lost their way and true spirit.
Here’s how to fix Idol for one more glorious year before that new Cowell show takes over.
1. Get the band back for one more year. Simon. Paula. Randy.
2. Ellen talks to fans in the crowd
3. Kara watches from home. No offense. Just one too many cooks in the kitchen..and this isn’t about the judges.
4. Have AI alumni do produced pieces that tell us what they are up to now (both good stories and bad)
5. More back stories on the contestant.
6. Shorten up the season.
7. This one is key. Go to bars, musicals, and recording studios. Get some talented MUSICIANS. Think Adam Lambert, Chris Daughtry, Carly Smithson etc. Just make sure they don’t have a current deal. Past recording deal? Yep. That’s fine…and…preferred.
8. Find the entertaining non winners like Sanjaya, William Hung, Pants on the Ground guy. Head to You Tube. I can find you 25 contenders in one day of surfing the web.
9. No themes. Unless, they are extremely vague like “Song you have heard on the radio” night or “Songs recorded in the USA” night
10.Original song night. Look, they will eventually all be doing their own songs or lesser known songs, let’s start that process now. There are 5,000 songwriters waiting tables in Nashville alone. Tap into that.
11. Minimize that AI theme song. Enough already! Play it once a show. That’s good.
12. Return the Q&A segment from viewers.
13. Highlight various excerpts from AI bloggers / journalists. Think of Bruce Miller’s witty comments, positive and negative words about the people in the Finals. These people need a thick skin to survive. Get used to it.
14. Ban the following phrases from the AI vocabulary “Song choice”, “100 – whatever percent”, “Dawg”, “This is American Idol”, “Sing the phone book”, basically 70% of judges comments.
15. No more “Up with People” singing montages.
16. The Ford commercials go into the commercial break.
17. Easy on the ballads. Give me some tempo.
18. Bring back the homeless kid living in his car..Josiah Leming.
19. Shoot on location at a bar or arena one week
20 Show the votes. Have breakdowns by state. Think election night. The drawn out mysterious spooky music bed is dated – much like the franchise.
I believe I may be a little too invested into this little tv show. It’s sad really. I just want one more season…done right. I’ve put in about 409 hours into American Idol…which coincidentally is the length of Taylor Hicks’s post Idol career.
Send all hate mail to tony@ksux.com.
Tony Michaels
KSUX Program Director / Morning show host / AI Addict
Desperate Measures - Week Two Review First off, Congrats to KSUX afternoon on-air dude Ronnie Lee! He is melting away the L-B’s and still finds time and energy to blog dang near hourly. Here are some highlight / low lights from this past week at the Norm Wait Sr. YMCA in South Sioux City: * No speeding tickets this week! Although 25 mph on that road to the Y feels like a snail’s pace. * I can’t swim. Never could. I tried many times as a youth and as an adult. I’ve come to realize this body doesn’t float. Bummer. With a wee bit of trepidation, I tried "Water Aerobics". It was actually really enjoyable and I never realized I could sweat so much in a pool. I didn’t die. And if there was ever inspiration to get a toned body, going shirtless in front of media elite will fuel your desire to hit the treadmill. My biggest fear during the session was the uneasy feeling that my swim trunks were going to shimmy off to never never land in the deep end. If given the choice, I may plot to run for a towel than retrieve the trunks. Sorry. I don’t float. * My personal trainers (Angela and Melissa) have a weird sense of humor. One day last week we met on the basketball court to "play cards". I imagine this is the way you have to "play cards" in prison. Hearts are running lines, Spades are push-ups, Diamonds are sit-ups, Club’s are mountain climbers and Jokers are a 60 second (what crime did I commit?) wall sit. So, for example, if you draw a Queen of Spades - you will do 10 push-ups, then it’s on to the next event. It was a very challenging hour and I will never look at a deck of cards the same way again...or prison. * Personal Trainer Susie enters the picture for "Group Ride". It sounds like a leisurely outing where we look at pretty trees on the big screen projection wall, but this turns out to be a grueling cardio work-out. My favorite line from Susie was: "Just resign yourself to the fact this is going to be hard, then just do it". That’s pretty good stuff right there. I’m not sure if she coined that phrase or if it was "borrowed" from Michael Jordan’s biography but she did an outstanding job of motivating. She welcomed me as "the first timer to the group" and said if I do this on a regular basis, the L-B’s will melt away. After 45 gut wrenching minutes...I am drenched with sweat and an odd sense of accomplishment. After all my workouts this week (including some treadmill work) and even a jog through my neighborhood it was time to hit the scale, in front of the trainers who have invested their time and did their very best to inspire me.... In full disclosure, I ate slightly better than last week but skipped a few workout sessions due having some work gigs and family stuff. (Drumroll please......) I am down 4.4 pounds from last week. I am just 6 pounds away from my "wedding weight" in 1998 - back when I had "Fabio-like" thick tufts of hair... I need some more "inspirational quotes" to keep me going. "Get moving chubby baldy" is nice, but if ya can top that e-mail me.
Tony@ksux.com
By the way, they are forming a new "Desperate Measures" class soon, just call the Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA... Be prepared to sweat. The staff there is top notch and never once referred to me as chubby.
Desperate Measures - Week one review
As many of you may know, our buddy Bruce Miller from the Sioux City Journal joins us in studio every Friday morning to educate us on all things cinema, tv and entertainment. Sometimes, we learn far more. He asked us if we were doing the media challenge at the Norm Waitt Senior YMCA. I asked around the station and sheepishly called the YMCA and queried "Are you guys having a chubby media people challenge and can I get involved?". Melissa on the other end of the phone was very gracious and told me I needed a "partner". I chose our afternoon guy Ronnie Lee and off we went to "orientation" that next Saturday.
I cheerfully checked in for Day one at the Y. After changing in the locker room, I opened the door to the studio where we were meeting...ready for a new "toned" me, I asked "Hey, is this where all the chubby media people meet?". A nice young lady responded, "No, this is Palates". I turned a deep shade of red, uttered "Crap" and ran out of the room.
Finally in the right spot, I meet our competition that included Tim Seaman and News Director Carla Kreeger from KCAU, Bruce and Amy Hynds from the Journal, and Monica from another radio station. We did push-ups, sit-ups, and a battery of tests. One of those tests on the treadmill measured our POV2 score. Lance Armstrong has a score of 70. I eeked out a 28. Our trainer Melissa said that wasn’t too good, but we’ll get it better. For the record, my partner Ronnie scored an 8. Just kidding. Read his blog for his take.
That night, I watched the Huskers on Pay-per-view. Hey, I spent $30 on it, I felt obligated to celebrate with El Fredos right?
Sunday - day of rest.
On Monday, I raced over to South Sioux City from work to meet at 11am and get our flash drives complete with our workouts. At this point in the blog, let me point out that the speed limit on that road to the Y is actually 25 mph and not 42 mph. I made a mental note to leave earlier next time after a nice conversation with a SSC cop. I start the cardio workout 15 minutes late. Then, do some relatively easy lifting.
I met with Angela on Tuesday night with Bruce and Ronnie. Holy torture! I’ve never been to boot camp, but this is the closest I’ve ever been. We marched around the Y with weights, did "suicides" in the gym, did what seemed like 3 hours lifting weights (it was probably 30 minutes) and then we all worked on our "cores". I don’t think my "core" has been worked in 20 years. Yikes.
Wednesday morning, my lovely wife left town and my youngest son had a fever. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) no workout today. Bummer.
On Thursday, I could not extend my arms because of pain. I walked around like "Hans" from the old SNL skits. It was this day, I learned the importance of stretching before, during, and after workouts.
On Friday, I was a bum. No good excuse here.
Saturday, I met with Bruce for a class called "Group Power" with Alfredo. 60 minutes of lifting weights to Euro - techno poppy music inspired to motivate us. They did throw in one Rascal Flatts song "Fast Cars & Freedom" during a contemplative moment when I felt like crawling into a fetal position and crying. The group was comprised of 15 very fit women, and 2 other men. They were all very welcoming. The instructor and several members all offered to help me and my buddy Bruce. I met with our instructor Alfredo afterwards and he told me that he does a 5:45am class on Mondays with about 15 - 20 very driven, dedicated people. Where do these people find the inspiration to work out that hard on a Monday Morning?
Afterwards, I was talked into doing a Power Kick Aerobics class with Carrie. I am not graceful at all. This class proved it. I did bounce around a lot and ducked out after 30 minutes. My highlight was shadow boxing to the song "Baby Got Back". My sweaty body gyrated and grooved in ways I haven’t seen my Senior Prom. That’s another blog.
On my way out, I saw a throng of people competing in the Tri-Sate Tri. I am nowhere near that athletic. I was hoping some of their inspiration would rub off on me by simply watching them go by....
Ok, here’s the Week One tally after taking a few days off to recover, El Fredos Pizza and Cheese Runzas from my adorable and enabling wife.... I lost 1.8 pounds and I feel a wee bit more energetic. I’m sure my POV2 score is up to a 29. Watch out Lance!
This blog is where we like to highlight encouraging and inspiring Siouxland organizations that make such a difference in so many lives. This week, we chose to highlight the Siouxland Community Blood Bank. This organization provides Siouxlanders with blood in their time of need. Whether it's labor and delivery patients, surgeries or treatment, blood is needed. The Siouxland Community Blood Bank relies on generous donors, who answer the call, especially during the upcoming holidays. For more information about donating blood, the Siouxland Community Blood Bank and Blood Mobile locations, log onto SiouxlandBloodBank.org
Desperate Measures - Week one review As many of you may know, our buddy Bruce Miller from the Sioux City Journal joins us in studio every Friday morning to educate us on all things cinema, tv and entertainment. Sometimes, we learn far more. He asked us if we were doing the media challenge at the Norm Waitt Senior YMCA. I asked around the station and sheepishly called the YMCA and queried "Are you guys having a chubby media people challenge and can I get involved?". Melissa on the other end of the phone was very gracious and told me I needed a "partner". I chose our afternoon guy Ronnie Lee and off we went to "orientation" that next Saturday. I cheerfully checked in for Day one at the Y. After changing in the locker room, I opened the door to the studio where we were meeting...ready for a new "toned" me, I asked "Hey, is this where all the chubby media people meet?". A nice young lady responded, "No, this is Palates". I turned a deep shade of red, uttered "Crap" and ran out of the room. Finally in the right spot, I meet our competition that included Tim Seaman and News Director Carla Kreeger from KCAU, Bruce and Amy Hynds from the Journal, and Monica from another radio station. We did push-ups, sit-ups, and a battery of tests. One of those tests on the treadmill measured our POV2 score. Lance Armstrong has a score of 70. I eeked out a 28. Our trainer Melissa said that wasn’t too good, but we’ll get it better. For the record, my partner Ronnie scored an 8. Just kidding. Read his blog for his take. That night, I watched the Huskers on Pay-per-view. Hey, I spent $30 on it, I felt obligated to celebrate with El Fredos right? Sunday - day of rest. On Monday, I raced over to South Sioux City from work to meet at 11am and get our flash drives complete with our workouts. At this point in the blog, let me point out that the speed limit on that road to the Y is actually 25 mph and not 42 mph. I made a mental note to leave earlier next time after a nice conversation with a SSC cop. I start the cardio workout 15 minutes late. Then, do some relatively easy lifting. I met with Angela on Tuesday night with Bruce and Ronnie. Holy torture! I’ve never been to boot camp, but this is the closest I’ve ever been. We marched around the Y with weights, did "suicides" in the gym, did what seemed like 3 hours lifting weights (it was probably 30 minutes) and then we all worked on our "cores". I don’t think my "core" has been worked in 20 years. Yikes. Wednesday morning, my lovely wife left town and my youngest son had a fever. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) no workout today. Bummer. On Thursday, I could not extend my arms because of pain. I walked around like "Hans" from the old SNL skits. It was this day, I learned the importance of stretching before, during, and after workouts. On Friday, I was a bum. No good excuse here. Saturday, I met with Bruce for a class called "Group Power" with Alfredo. 60 minutes of lifting weights to Euro - techno poppy music inspired to motivate us. They did throw in one Rascal Flatts song "Fast Cars & Freedom" during a contemplative moment when I felt like crawling into a fetal position and crying. The group was comprised of 15 very fit women, and 2 other men. They were all very welcoming. The instructor and several members all offered to help me and my buddy Bruce. I met with our instructor Alfredo afterwards and he told me that he does a 5:45am class on Mondays with about 15 - 20 very driven, dedicated people. Where do these people find the inspiration to work out that hard on a Monday Morning? Afterwards, I was talked into doing a Power Kick Aerobics class with Carrie. I am not graceful at all. This class proved it. I did bounce around a lot and ducked out after 30 minutes. My highlight was shadow boxing to the song "Baby Got Back". My sweaty body gyrated and grooved in ways I haven’t seen my Senior Prom. That’s another blog. On my way out, I saw a throng of people competing in the Tri-Sate Tri. I am nowhere near that athletic. I was hoping some of their inspiration would rub off on me by simply watching them go by.... Ok, here’s the Week One tally after taking a few days off to recover, El Fredos Pizza and Cheese Runzas from my adorable and enabling wife.... I lost 1.8 pounds and I feel a wee bit more energetic. I’m sure my POV2 score is up to a 29. Watch out Lance!
This blog is where we like to highlight encouraging and inspiring Siouxland organizations that make such a difference in so many lives. This week, we chose to highlight The Sioux City Art Center. This organization offers a variety of artwork, classes and much more! To find out more about The Sioux City Art Center, log onto their website at siouxcityartcenter.org
This blog is where we like to highlight encouraging and inspiring Siouxland organizations that make such a difference in so many lives. This week, we chose to highlight Support Siouxland Soldiers. This group, which provides care packages for Siouxlanders deployed overseas, is always willing to add another area soldier to their list. Of course, they also accept donations for the soldiers, such as beef jerky, goldbond powder and Q-tips. For more information about Support Siouxland Soldiers, their care packages and their upcoming events, log onto SupportSiouxlandSoldiers.com
Big Brothers/Big Sisters recently opened their new location at 3650 Glen Oaks Boulevard in Sioux City. This organization pairs children with adult mentors. Volunteers are always needed. For more information or to become apart of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, log onto bigbrothersbigsisters.com
What a nice treat tonight to see the highlights from this past summer's CMA bash in Nashville. Upgraded to a 3 hour sepecial, ABC did a good job of making the special move pretty fast. It's always interesting to view the acts ABC thinks is the most star-worthy. They often put he big names at the top and bottom of the hour to attract new viewers that might be switching over. Check it out:
7:30 - Taylor Swift "You Belong With Me"
8:00 - Taylor Swift "15"
8:30 - The soon to be broken up Brooks & Dunn
9:03 (lil' late) - Kid Rock and Martina McBride duet
9:30 - Trace Adkins
Go ahead and check the DVR
Some early thoughts:
* Julianne Hough is spunky.
* That new Swift song is pretty darn good. Is there a more talented 19 yr old artist in music? Ever?
* I wish I had seen Hootie & the Blowfish when they played Lewis & Clark.
* Sugarland sang a REM song? Really. Wow, didn't see that one coming.
* Miranda sang a Rod Stewart song "Stay with Me". See above.
* Kid Rock is one heckuva entertainer. Did Martina McBride seem too "wholesome" to sing "Picture" or is that part of the charm of the pairing?
* Where was Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Toby, Tim & Faith??
* When will the Zac Brown Band come to Siouxland. What a fun show that would be....
* Jake Owen got a nice time placement. Was it based on the strength of his WinnaVegas show?
Overall, a surprisingly good show for the Summer TV duldrums. I give it a B - plus. Hey, anything beats Shaquille O'Neal in a pink speedo. How much is that Husker Pay per View again?
~ Tony Michaels
There are many exciting and innovative projects underway in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Three big South Sioux City projects were recently announced by Governor Dave Heineman. To stay up-to-date on their progress, log onto southsiouxcity.org
Minnesota native, Dennis Warner, will be at the South Sioux City Public Library, for a concert on Friday night September 18th, 2009.

Accompanying his smooth vocals with his six and twelve string guitars, Dennis has performed his adult/family oriented concerts at not only major theaters, clubs and some of the best festivals around, but also in the small towns throughout America, drawing inspiration for songs that appeal to the universal aspects of our lives.
His many credits include hosting Jammin' with Dennis Warner, a special live radio show broadcast by National Public Radio affiliates. Dennis has also been featured on numerous regional T.V. and radio programs, as well as national broadcasts of NPR's Great Acoustics, Live! and River City Folk.
The Siouxland Christian Food Pantry will host an Awareness Raiser in Friday night September 11th at the South Sioux City Library Anex 2101 Dakota Avenue, South Sioux City, Nebraska. The goal of the Awaireness Rasier it to raise community awareness of the services provided by the Siouxland Christian Food Pantry. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by Jamie Nieman, whio does a Patsy Cline Tribute Concet. The event is free and open ot the public.
The bag of The girl shows her The individuality style, mood, and status of a woman is depicted via her handbag. The frame of the handbag that we select should fit us pretty well. Often girl purchase glossy purses and yet do not know that the purse can change their overall appearing.
Carrying a handbag that is in proportion with the form of your body is the ultimate way to look fashionable and trendy since it actually assists to enhance and also to change your overall appearance. You should understand that regardless of the elegance and style of the handbag you carry, it will not look fashionable if it does not compliment your figure. To help you select a bag that matches the structure of your body properly, here are some tips.The handbag you opt in for should be opposite to your body size. huge bags, clutch handbags, and large shoulder bags should be selected by those who are slim and tall. Clutch bags are alike to purse and do not boast of any strap to hang over the shoulder. handbag styles are best for tall persons.
Shopper purses are unsuitable for them.You cannot gain a good outlook by opting in for purses of a smaller size, since you will look taller. Small hand bags are suitable for short women. Satchel and Hobo bags are suitable for them. The single or dual straps that the satchel bags have go over one shoulder and across the body. They should select a short handbag and keep it close to their body.
Carrying a barrel hand purse looks fabulous on you, if you are thin and short. bags that end well before the hip and have a short strap are suitable for Large hipped women. Those boasting of a heavy top should go for long strap shoulder handbags. The Classic hobo purse is suitable for one and all and is found in both small and big designs.The bags color should complement most of your outfit. These purses are available suitable for the clothes worn by you for occasions. Try to go in for single colored and plain purses. People generally go in for the neutral black color that suits most.
October begins a new program called “Casual Conversations in English/Spanish”. The group gives individuals an opportunity to practice another language in a non-classroom setting. Practice the Spanish you learned in high school, or the English that you use at work. The group will meet on the first Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the library meeting room.
We will also begin a “Casual Conversations” program for English/Somali. These programs will not only allow us to better learn a new language, but they will also be a way to learn to know our neighbors, as well. This group will meet on the third Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the library meeting room.
This press release came from Odessa Meyer, Youth Services Librarian, for the South Sioux City Public Library.
"Come join us at the South Sioux City Public Library Thursday September 10th for Books Before Bed at 7:00. This program will last approximately half an hour.
Come in your pajamas with your pillow and favorite stuffed toy to snuggle up in the library and listen to some of our favorite stories, or grab a book off the shelf and enjoy reading it. Hope to see you there!"
For more information you may call Odessa at the South Sioux City Public Library, 402-494-7545.
Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike will appear at the South Sioux City Public Library on Friday night September 4th at 7:00 p.m.
Valerie Smith's musical soul has its roots in the Missouri River Valley of Kansas City, Missouri. Born to musical parents, she was exposed to such divergent styles as western, jazz, bluegrass, gospel and opera.
Smith is a talented singer/songwriter who plays guitar, old time fiddle, clarinet and piano. She has assembled in Liberty Pike a talented band, whose musical styles flow from bluegrass to folk, to swing without missing a beat. But the heart of the music is bluegrass.
Valerie Smith's website is http://www.valeriesmithonline.com/. From there you can find out about new releases, Valerie's biography, concert schedule and more.
The South Sioux City Public Library is located at 2121 Dakota Avenue, in South Sioux City, Nebraska. If you would like more information on the concert, call me at the library, 402-494-7545.
Here a must...
You HAVE to check out this video. It was shot on Mother's Day 2009 at the Race for the Cure with the Komen Foundation. Get some kleenex ready...
This was a tailor-made TiVo event. There were some hits and misses throughout the evening, but overall it was a nice representation of the country music format. I would have enjoyed it a little more if CBS would pop for decent sound equipment. The stripped down performance sounded passable, but the rest of the mini-concerts sounded hollow and made me question why I spent so much money on a HDTV. The CMA’s ALWAYS sound better and are a much smoother presentation.
Highlights:
1) The Trace Adkins song “Til the Last Shots Fired” was one of those classic tv moments that sent chills up and down my spine. It was a very classy performance from one of the classiest guys in music. The intro by the young man in the wheelchair was a tender genuine moment. “It’s not about the war, it’s about the warrior”. Wow, that line resonates. The backing military choir made the song unforgettable.
2) John Rich sang his heart out. Country music does a great job of allowing a platform for musicians to tell real stories about real people. The live version of “Shuttin’ Detroit Down” had an edge to it, the studio version does not have.
3) Who was Kenny Chesney’s date. HOLY TACOS! The internet machine said she was a realtor from Boca Raton, FL. Maybe, Kenny is buying some more houses / islands / countries…
4) Nice to see long time Nashville writer Jamey Johnson get some love.
5) Matthew McConaughey was hilarious. Great story about the boots.
6) Carrie Underwood’s “I’d like to see those boots Matt” line. Funny stuff.
7) Keith Urban can really play that ax. AI reference.
Lowlights:
1) Carrie’s HUGE prom dress. It reminded me of that one 90210 episode where Donna wears that dress that she couldn’t move around in at the prom. I was waiting for duet partner Randy Travis to pop out during the performance.
2) HDTV in black and white? Bummer.
3) Sugarland is NOT a duo. A duo requires the use of 2 microphones. It’s just Jennifer Nettles and a musician. Leave it at that.
4) Billy Ray Cyrus and his endless plugs for his music, his daughter’s movies, tv shows etc. Just put your personal needs aside and introduce your daughter with class.
5) Montgomery Gentry have been spending a lot of time at the buffet lines.
6) Where was Tim McGraw?? Rumors point to a disagreement with ACM production staffers. He probably complained about the hollow sound of the telecast!
As you know in Trace Adkins' "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" he says "How'd she get those britches on?" That made me think that we don't use the word "britches" anymore. Why is that? We don't use slacks, poppycock, sneakers, sike, you look great-NOT, sofa, davenport, etc... Are there any phrases you miss and think we should bring back?
I think sike and NOT can stay in the past, but the rest are still pretty cool, right?
I showed just how country I am Wednesday while chatting with Tony Michaels. I said in high school my friends and I would cruise the loop and he looked at me with more confusion than he normally does. Tony, being from Omaha, had no idea what a loop was. Me, being the caring soul I am, shared my wisdom with this city boy. A loop is basically a stretch of pavement where you and your friends drive round and round for hours to waste gas for no good reason. This may seem like a silly passtime, but some of my best and most embarassing moments occured on or near the loop. Did you have a loop in your hometown? Any stories come to mind?
Thanks for checking out my blog. I love that that sounds dirty ;) Josie
I got this in an email this week and wanted to share it. Some funny things and some true rules of Iowa!
1. Pull your droopy pants up. You look like an idiot.
2. Let's get this straight; it's called a 'gravel road.' I drive a
pickup truck because I want to. No matter how slow you drive, you're
going to get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way.
3. They are cattle. That's what they smell like to you. They smell
like money to us. Get over it. Don't like it? I-80 goes east and west,
I-29 & I-35 go north and south. Pick one.
4. So you have a $60,000 car. We're impressed. We have $250,000
combines that are driven only 3 weeks a year.
5. So every person in every pickup waves. It's called being friendly.
Try to understand the concept.
6. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of ducks are coming in, we
WILL shoot it out of your hand. You better hope you don't have it up
to your ear at the time.
7. Yeah, we eat Iowa pork chops & corn on the cob. You really want
sushi & caviar? It's available at the corner bait shop.
8. The 'Opener' refers to the first day of deer season. It's a
religious holiday held the closest Saturday to the first of December.
9. We open doors for women. That is applied to all women, regardless of age.
10. No, there's no 'vegetarian special' on the menu Order steak. Or
you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the 2 pounds of ham &
turkey.
11. When we fill out a table, there are three main dishes: meats,
vegetables, and breads. We use three spices: salt, pepper, and
ketchup!!
12. You bring 'coke' into my house, it better be brown, wet, and
served over ice. You bring 'Mary Jane' into my house, she better be
cute, know how to shoot, drive a truck, and have long hair.
13. College and high school basketball is as important here as the
Lakers and the Knicks, and a dang site more fun to watch.
14. Yeah, we have golf courses. But don't hit the water hazards -- it
spooks the fish.
15. Colleges? Try Iowa State University , University of Iowa, or
University of Northern Iowa . They come outta there with an education
plus a love for God and country, and they still wave at passing
pickups when they come for the holidays.
16. We have lots of folks in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines,
so 'Don't Mess with Iowa'. If you do, you will get whipped by the
best.