The World of Scott Mindeaux

What a Leap Day it was…

I’m fried. Really fried.  It was a long week and next week will be just as busy.  Things have been good at work. The company has been going thru a little growth spurt and we have been establishing our East Coast office.  We are setting up a mini-Studio there and I have been busy getting a few Mac systems ready for that office. In addition, we have several new people starting next week and that has me busy as well.

On the personal front I have been spending some time lately with a friend going thru a change in his life. Over the last few weeks, he and I have been getting to know each other more and I have been able to let my guard down with him on occasion. He’s becoming a good friend. I told him that if he needed someone to talk to this weekend, that I was there and he said he appreciated it.

My dad will be heading overseas soon to have a kidney transplant.  He and my mom will be gone for 2-3 months while he convalesces. I’m still a little leery about medical services overseas, but I have been assured by co-workers and my dad that this is one of the best kidney transplant hospitals there.

I always try to convince myself that Leap day is actually a day that I can take the time to catch up on projects and other things as it’s supposed to be an “extra” day.  I don’t think that was the case. The weekend is coming up and I have to work on Saturday. We’re doing another employee shuffle in Building 3. I have a hair appointment in the morning, then I’m heading over to work on Building 3.

So I told you guys in my last blog posting that I was going to contact the guy I went out with last Saturday. He said he wasn’t looking for anything serious but that’s he’d love to hang out. He said I owe him a stir-fry dinner. During our dinner last week I got all excited about the intricacies of Kung Pao Shrimp and how it is perfect over freshly made white rice. So our next get-together will be at my place and I’m breaking out my wok!

I’m still in shock over Alexandrea being let go on Idol yesterday.

Ok…I’m going to lay down for a bit and then Stargate Atlantis at 10pm…

10,000 B.C.

So I have seen the commercials for that  movie. But tonight, it was a new trailer and the actors were speaking English!

I was wondering how a movie set in 10,000 BC would work out. Shouldn’t it be a bunch or actors and actresses grunting on the screen??

Scientists have theorized that human language started to develop as early as 100,000 years ago – I just didn’t know that English was around back then!

[smile]

American Idol 7.4.2 The Results

I have been on edge all day. I have been complaining all day to co-workers how disappointed I was in last night’s performances.

Now I predicted that Jason Yaeger and Danny (Nancy) Noriega would get the boot this week on the boys side. On the girls side I said that Alaina Whitaker and Kady Malloy would go home.  Did America vote like me?

It’s still early enough in the competitions that the “group” song on results night is so un-interesting to me.  Tonight was a 70′s medley and it was just marginally pleasing.

So first round of the guys.  After a horrible reminder about that Carpenters song..I can’t wait to get to the results.  Its Jason Yaeger and Danny Noriega on the stage. They can’t both be going! It’s Jason Yaeger.  [Tim W... you're a PUNK! You know why!]

The girls are here. I really like Syesha’s Mr. Jones and I had to listen to that awful Hopelessly Devoted. We have Amanda and my girl Alexandrea. WHAT?!?!??! America what is your problem?? You let Alexandrea go home? I just don’t understand.  Why??? WHY?? I’m very sad. So sad. She kinda reminds me of Lauryn Hill. I’m in shock.

Oh no don’t make me cry more. You went over to David Archuleta and hugged him and I think he was crying too. That was so tender.

The girls are back up. It’s down to Kady and Alaina. Again, these two were my choices. Alaina leaves us. Kady was actually shocked. She was ready to go home I think.  The tears are flowing and she sid she can’t sing. Everyone is crying. Danny dry the tears, it will be ok. Wow. The second time around it always sounds better. I actually sang along with you Alaina.

Final road for one of the boys. Next up are David A., Luke, David H, Robbie and David C.  All the Davids are safe. We have Luke Menard and Robbie Carrico left on stage. Both of them look demoralized. Luke is in shock I think. America Voted and Robbie, you are going home.

Now it’s time for the video montage.  I’m a little choked up. Alexandrea you will truly be missed.  Jason I’m also sad to see you leave even tho I voted you off in my head.  You will find yourself, get rid of the blond streak.

So join us next week for the Top 8 Guys and the Top 8 Gals. There are plenty more to pluck out… this was American Idol. Good night.

Couple of Days Later…

So it’s been a few days since my last posting about my last date on Saturday.  Why am I getting all emotional about it. Sure I like the guy, he’s got a good head on his shoulders and we seem to click. So I have decided that maybe I see him more as a potential hang-out buddy/friend than something more serious.  I need to grow into something more serious, I don’t want the seriousness at the beginning.  Taking the time to get to know anyone is key in any relationship, be it friendship or otherwise.

So I’m going to ask him out again and see what he says. If he seems a little reserved on the idea, then I’ll suggest something a bit more casual.  I honestly think we can be good friends.

American Idol 7.4.1 The Top 10 Girls

It’s Day Two of the Top 20 and tonite we have the girls on stage. Looking back to last night’s performances, the girls (and guys) have David Archuleta to contend with. Will anyone here come close to David’s?

We’re still in the 70′s, so here we go!

Carly Smithson
Crazy on You – Heart

OK tattoo girl, bring it! So you’re opening with a great song choice! Strong opening and sounds good. You definitely feel comfortable on stage and the vocals still sound good. I’m worried that now that we’re more than 1/2 way thru, there is alot of “yelling” going on. Randy said it was alright, while Paula is of course complimenting her. Simon said it was better than last week and that she was the one to beat.
Score: 8+

Syesha Mercado
Me & Mr. Jones – Billy Paul

Don’t be a cry baby Syesha! Opening notes sounded a bit iffy. Listen to the music, there were a few moments where you got a tad bit ahead of yourself. Your performance is ok. I’m not getting up from my seat. Nothing special. The last part you tried to get out, but I think you sounded tired. Randy wasn’t into it so much, Paula kinda agreed. Simon said it was silly.
Score: 7

Brooke White
You’re So Vain – Carly Simon

Give yourself a cut beauty school dropout! Ooooh some Carly Simon. You look excited to be there. You started off with playing the guitar, but you took a break to concentrate on singing – I like that. It sounds good Brooke. I’m a little surprised that you did this song well. Good choice for you. Randy and Paula liked it. Did Simon like it? He absolutely loved it, he says. He said it was the perfect choice.
Score: 8+

Ramiele Malubay
Don’t Leave Me This Way – Thelma Houston

Wow…you can do the Hula and the Tinikling! I had to pause and rewind to the beginning of your song. Don’t ask me why, but it bothered me. I think you could have started with a dark stage and started the song as a ballad all leading up to the pop part of the song. But oveall I thought the performance was good. annunciate Ramiele. The words sometimes mix too much. There is a sound, not quality, it’s a sound artifact that you make when you say certain words or constant mixtures. Kinda like a “schs” sound. I’m weird. Anyway, I liked it. Simon agreed with Paula, it wasn’t as powerful as it could have been.
Score: 8ish

Kristy Lee Cook
You’re No Good – Linda Ronstandt

Tomboy eh??? Hmmm. Ok..the horse prancing onto the stage wasn’t winning you any points. A couple of pitchy notes. You’re nervous. We can hear it in your voice. On a good note, I like the outfit. The song was kinda boring for me. Watch the ending there, pitch. Will the judges agree with me? Randy said it was better than last week. Simon says you have potential.
Score: 7+

Amanda Overmeyer
Carry On My Wayward Son – Kansas

Bookworm?? You and David Cook should get together. Ok…more blonde in your hair?? Oh no. Wow..you’re having pitchy notes tonite. My stomach knotted for a second. What’s up with the vocals tonite??? It’s really kinda bad. I don’t know how I feel about tonite’s performance. You’ve never been in my Top 3, but I never considered you in my bottom 3. randy said it wasn’t the right song, Paula agreed. Simon couldn’t wait for it to be over.
Score: 7

Alaina Whitaker
Hopelessly Devoted – Olivia Newton-John

Umm…ok…can we say Sally (When Harry Met Sally). It sounds kinda hollow and nasally. You’re timing seems off for some reason. Its a bit a copy of Olivia’s version. Make it your own. About the only thing you did to make it your own is that you rushed it. Ehhhh. Randy said it was the wrong choice. Paula said it wasn’t as bad as Randy thought. Simon said she needs to be relevant.
Score: 7-

[BREAK] Ooooh a new iPod Touch ad!!!

Alexandrea Lushington
Some Song – Chicago

Ryan still can’t say your name right. I can hear it now, wrong song choice. I like this song, I grew up on it. I just don’t think it was meant to be sung by a female vocalist. Your voice deserves a better song don’t you think? Compared to Spinning Wheel from last week, this performance suffers. I still like you Alexandrea. Randy said she needs to challenge herself. The song was too safe. Paula applauded her turning it into a female version of the song.
Score: 7++

Kady Malloy
Magic Man – Heart

This would have been a good song for Amanda, but not for you. The opening sequence sucked Kady. It’s very pitchy and all over the place. Like many tonite, you look uncomfortable up there and it is translating into your music. I know Simon is going to say you’re trying to emulate another singer and I think he will be right. Randy didn’t like it. Paula said she sings opera well. Paula said to define herself. Simon said you need to find the right song.
Score: 7

Asia’h Epperson
All By Myself – Eric Carmen

First off, I love the hair! I like this song, but for you, it’s already starting off pitchy. I think the low notes you struggle on. You’re gonna be all by yourself if you miss more notes like that. There must have been something in the water on the girls side of the hotel this past week. The girls didn’t bring it this week. Randy said it was ok. Paula said the low notes suffered, but the ending was good. Simon said she didn’t pull it off.
Score: 7+

Girls, overall tonite, you all kinda sucked compared to David’s performance last night. Simon was right. Who is going home? I think Kady and Alaina.

American Idol 7.4 The Top 10 Guys

Here we go! It’s the Top 10 guys and we whittle down 2 more guys from the bunch this week. This week, we learn “secrets” about our contestants.

This week we are featuring songs from the 70′s.

Michael Johns
Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac

Every week the person picked to go first must have butterflies in their stomach. A song like this, which has traditionally been sung by a woman, it hard for a guy to sing. This song belongs to Steve Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. I guess he thought he was bringing his own spin to it. The vocals are ok, pitchy in a couple of places and technique isn’t coming thru. For the first song of the nite it was ok, but not a “grand opening”
Score: 7+

Jason Castro
I Just Wanna Be Your Everything – Andy Gibb

Ok….yes…you’re horrible at interviews!! But can you sing to make up for it? It’s a Bee Gees song..but I can’t place the title. The beginning of the performance was a bit weak for me. Once the band joined in your voice rounded out with the instrumentals. Nice to see the guitar again, but I bet Simon has something to say about that. So the judges agree, lose the guitar and focus on the singing.
Score: 6

Luke Menard
Killer Queen – Queen

So my co-worker texted me and I called him while Luke was on stage. I agree with him that Luke is a cutie. I have to say that this was probably a bad song choice. After you told the world you’re with an acapella group, your performance was ok. It was a tad bit better than last week. Randy and Paula both liked you this week saying this style was more suited to you. Simon thought it was a mistake.
Score: 8-

Robbie Carrico
Hot Blooded – Foreigner

Drag racing eh?? Interesting there Robbie. So the song does fit your personality. The song seems easy for you – but perhaps too easy as there is no “wow” factor here. Your stage presence is boring dude. This is a get up out of your seat kinda song, and it was kinda quiet. Randy said that he’s probably suited to sing something else other than rock. Paula, you’re too nice to everyone. Simon actually liked it. Hmmm…
Score: 7+

Nancy Noriega (Oh sorry…Danny)
Superstar by The Carpenters

What is your hidden secret Danny?? Really? A punk band?? Luv the lisp. So gay. Dude….guys don’t sing The Carpenters. Karen Carpenter is spinning in her grave right now!  This is horrible! Give it up people in the audience, the swaying of the arms in the camera is so distracting and so undeserving. The vocals are a bit weaker this week than last. Watch the pitchy notes there. It wasn’t good dude. I’m scared for you this week. Ummm…did Simon give a compliment tonite? Randy said he looked like he was concentrating too much during the song.
Score: 5

David Hernandez
Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone – The Temptations

So what is your secret David Hernandez. I heard about some secrets about you on the internet this week… Oh, back to American Idol…so gymnastics eh? Somehow it sounded like your interview was way edited and that in the “real” interview you were talking about something else about those white pants. You like the gospel type songs. Your vocals were good. The song wasn’t for me, but compared to what has been on stage so far, your is definitely more towards the top. Ooops..watch that last note bro. Randy luved your performance tonite. Paula said it pierces the heart. Simon said it was the best vocal of the night.
Score: 9-

Jason Yeager
Long Train Runnin’ – Doobie Brothers

I’m going to say it again, get rid of the blond streak in your hair. Annunciation. The words get a little muddy. I remember this song growing up and each word needs to come thru. This is WAY better than Moon River from last week. It’s a nice change. I don’t like that weird break 3/4 thru the song. The judges weren’t too happy with the song. Simon called it ghastly.
Score: 5+

Chikieze Eze
I Believe in Music – Donny Hathaway

I think the original pronunciation of your name is very sophisticated. Your outfit for the stage seems a bit too casual. But what a song! Great opening. Your voice was strong and you seem comfortable on stage tonite. good job on the vocals, work on the clothes. Randy said you were back. Simon said it was a million times better than last week.
Score: 8

David Cook
All Right Now – Free

You’re a word nerd? I’m not sure America is gonna think that helps your ratings. Interesting to come out as a word nerd tho! Ok…we’re sounding a little be “Daughtry” tonite. I was a little confused at the beginning of the song, but it came into light. You look like you’re having fun up there. Good for you. The song seems like a good choice for you tonite. Very strong vocals and your range is excellent. I like you with facial hair, give you an edge. Keep it. Randy and Paula loved it (of course). Simon said it was solid.
Score: 8+

David Archuleta
Imagine – John Lennon

Just cute as a button. The last one to perform, the last that people will remember. Oh my God. I’m sitting here with goosebumps on my arms. I’m tearing up a bit and I’m totally floored. You killed everyone tonite, everyone! I know that everyone in the audience is in awe and in shock, this was magic tonite – absolute MAGIC!! I’m still crying. Randy said he was born to sing. Paula was so funny, she wants to hang him on her rearview mirror. Simon says he is the one to beat and there are 19 miserable contestants in the wings. Fuckin’ awesome!!
Score: 10++++

Clearly, David will move on to the Top 8 guys. So who is going home on Thursday. My vote will be for Jason Yaeger and Danny Noriega.