Delivering just what is needed when the student is least able to ask for it or accomplish it themselves.
or
The art of removing bureaucracy and compliance from the task of learning.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Betrayal, and the art of irresponsibility.
I don't know when I realized I was different from everyone else. I used to joke that what made me different was that i was so perfectly normal. Of course, at this point in my life i realize how absurd that really is.
The older I get, the more 'out there' I feel. And oddly enough (no pun intended) the more out there I feel I need to get to be free. To feel complete with myself and my world.
I think as I look back at things I've done, how they turned out and how they might have turned out, the answer becomes more clear. All my adventures started out innocently enough, full of all the usual promise and hope of a great life changing undertaking. But gradually, some thought or pressure of compliance kicks in. My dreams slowly get hijacked by thoughts of what I ought to be doing, and who I ought to be responsible for and to. And I fail. One after another all the same.
A creative brain can not be tethered to function properly and completely.
I think if I could look back and see that all these compromises culminated in some great career, or family life, or other serendipitous outcome, i could smile at all the silly detours and adventures. But always, I'm disappointed in myself, and my resolve to put my vision ahead of life's pressures. And always I come crashing back to a way of life that I do not fit in. Like a paddle ball smashing into the paddle; one wrist flick at a time.
And so now, after smashing into the paddle so many times, and feeling the rubber band stretching a little once more, I wonder if this is the time I stretch it a little too far? Is this the time that the rubber band breaks and i am no longer tethered to one head smashing fall to earth after another.
And if this be the time that I finally gain my freedom, if this be the time i soar with no rebound to fear, what does that mean? Will I be free? Or will i be as useless and lost as a paddle ball sans paddle?
The older I get, the more 'out there' I feel. And oddly enough (no pun intended) the more out there I feel I need to get to be free. To feel complete with myself and my world.
I think as I look back at things I've done, how they turned out and how they might have turned out, the answer becomes more clear. All my adventures started out innocently enough, full of all the usual promise and hope of a great life changing undertaking. But gradually, some thought or pressure of compliance kicks in. My dreams slowly get hijacked by thoughts of what I ought to be doing, and who I ought to be responsible for and to. And I fail. One after another all the same.
A creative brain can not be tethered to function properly and completely.
I think if I could look back and see that all these compromises culminated in some great career, or family life, or other serendipitous outcome, i could smile at all the silly detours and adventures. But always, I'm disappointed in myself, and my resolve to put my vision ahead of life's pressures. And always I come crashing back to a way of life that I do not fit in. Like a paddle ball smashing into the paddle; one wrist flick at a time.
And so now, after smashing into the paddle so many times, and feeling the rubber band stretching a little once more, I wonder if this is the time I stretch it a little too far? Is this the time that the rubber band breaks and i am no longer tethered to one head smashing fall to earth after another.
And if this be the time that I finally gain my freedom, if this be the time i soar with no rebound to fear, what does that mean? Will I be free? Or will i be as useless and lost as a paddle ball sans paddle?
Poetry and lies.
The dance and music of nature.
The damp memory of a spring drizzle
awakening the breath of new life.
So much promise, and hope that can lift away
so much construct and angst.
Hypnotized to peace.
One frog to another, "fuck me",or "get away, far away"
sounds so much the same.
The rot of fall limbs that succumbed to autumn bluster.
And feces frozen through winter, now decaying.
hastened by new rain.
How poetry transforms stench.
And i do like it. It is true. I side with poets.
I believe in their desire to believe.
But even so, as
One set of sensory overload is replaced by another.
Which is truer, which is more real?
The poet in me sides with nature,
the reality
of what must be left behind,
and what must be dealt with says another.
The damp memory of a spring drizzle
awakening the breath of new life.
So much promise, and hope that can lift away
so much construct and angst.
Hypnotized to peace.
One frog to another, "fuck me",or "get away, far away"
sounds so much the same.
The rot of fall limbs that succumbed to autumn bluster.
And feces frozen through winter, now decaying.
hastened by new rain.
How poetry transforms stench.
And i do like it. It is true. I side with poets.
I believe in their desire to believe.
But even so, as
One set of sensory overload is replaced by another.
Which is truer, which is more real?
The poet in me sides with nature,
the reality
of what must be left behind,
and what must be dealt with says another.
AI 5 Results
Hmmm...
Well the outcome was as expected. Matt is done. I thought his final performance was done very well. But it was a bit surprising to see Adam in the bottom three.
I'm not sure what to think of all that. Could it simply be a Daughtry kind of result with Adam being so far ahead that his supporters have grown lethargic, or is theatrical twist a bit of a turn off for too many.
The other thing I think it shows is that with Anoop and Lil going home last week the great benefactor of their absence and their voters might just be Allison. And I guess that shouldn't be surprising as that leaves her as the only female, the only minority (kind of), and the obvious recipient of the grandma vote.
I still think that Adam is the front runner, although he does seem fallible now. My order going into week 4:
Adam
Danny
Allison
Kris
It appears to be anybody's to win. It'll be a great final stretch run.
Well the outcome was as expected. Matt is done. I thought his final performance was done very well. But it was a bit surprising to see Adam in the bottom three.
I'm not sure what to think of all that. Could it simply be a Daughtry kind of result with Adam being so far ahead that his supporters have grown lethargic, or is theatrical twist a bit of a turn off for too many.
The other thing I think it shows is that with Anoop and Lil going home last week the great benefactor of their absence and their voters might just be Allison. And I guess that shouldn't be surprising as that leaves her as the only female, the only minority (kind of), and the obvious recipient of the grandma vote.
I still think that Adam is the front runner, although he does seem fallible now. My order going into week 4:
Adam
Danny
Allison
Kris
It appears to be anybody's to win. It'll be a great final stretch run.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Breakfast invitation.
A bowl, sliced bananas covered with Frosted Flakes.
Tony Tiger Terrific.
My favorite, left out just for me.
But who knows this about me?
Who'd leave this here, knowing I'd be by if it weren't meant for me?
Nobody would know this.
It's not for me.
It belongs to another,
someone who stepped out to fetch a spoon,
or a glass of orange juice.
But not for me.
But then somebody just like me, maybe someone who likes the same things.
With tastes for flakes and nanners?
A match, and a Grrrrreat one at that.
I'll wait. With spoon in hand, eager.
But not so close, how rude.
But milk makes flakes wilt if left so long.
Watching,waiting. Hungry.
Tony Tiger Terrific.
My favorite, left out just for me.
But who knows this about me?
Who'd leave this here, knowing I'd be by if it weren't meant for me?
Nobody would know this.
It's not for me.
It belongs to another,
someone who stepped out to fetch a spoon,
or a glass of orange juice.
But not for me.
But then somebody just like me, maybe someone who likes the same things.
With tastes for flakes and nanners?
A match, and a Grrrrreat one at that.
I'll wait. With spoon in hand, eager.
But not so close, how rude.
But milk makes flakes wilt if left so long.
Watching,waiting. Hungry.
On Ripples
It is quite interesting to see how the ripples of an event affect those further out from the first rings. wings of a butterfly. More interesting, and more dynamic and unpredictable though, is what happens when many smaller ripples seemingly unrelated converge. sometimes unexpectedly. All sorts of weird water events can occur, sometimes there is a big splooge of water that erupts as these things come together.
i remember when i lived in Monterrey, watching waves, occasionally a big wave would come out of nowhere, double or triple the size of all others. no explanation. it just happens. At least once a year one of these would jump up and grab someone off of the shore and carry them away.
In creating art we sometimes like to capture the ripples of an event. we have control as artists. But it also makes us predictable, and mechanical in our creation, as A often follows B by necessity. what's more interesting is to create secondary ripples and see how they interact with the main element. Far more difficult to create, and less predictable to both the artist and the reader. It's very difficult to capture the splooge, and present it in a believable fashion. but far more interesting.
Not that it's a surprise at all, like the waves in Monterrey you could see them develop, you just couldn't believe it or control it, you just stopped and watched, and waited for the explosion of wave against stone. and really sometimes it takes both a great main event and a great set of secondary events to create great art. Great complexity portrayed with great simplicity yet communicating extraordinary nuance, is magic.
Much like a great surfer, is nothing without a great wave. and a poor surfer is nothing even with a great wave. both things need to come together, and then it's magic.
i remember when i lived in Monterrey, watching waves, occasionally a big wave would come out of nowhere, double or triple the size of all others. no explanation. it just happens. At least once a year one of these would jump up and grab someone off of the shore and carry them away.
In creating art we sometimes like to capture the ripples of an event. we have control as artists. But it also makes us predictable, and mechanical in our creation, as A often follows B by necessity. what's more interesting is to create secondary ripples and see how they interact with the main element. Far more difficult to create, and less predictable to both the artist and the reader. It's very difficult to capture the splooge, and present it in a believable fashion. but far more interesting.
Not that it's a surprise at all, like the waves in Monterrey you could see them develop, you just couldn't believe it or control it, you just stopped and watched, and waited for the explosion of wave against stone. and really sometimes it takes both a great main event and a great set of secondary events to create great art. Great complexity portrayed with great simplicity yet communicating extraordinary nuance, is magic.
Much like a great surfer, is nothing without a great wave. and a poor surfer is nothing even with a great wave. both things need to come together, and then it's magic.
AI 5 Rat Pack Standards
Nice night. They seemed to get better as the evening went on. Kris looked solid, and then Allison looked great. Matt was odd, I think it was the arrangement. He sang really well though. But Danny and Adam were definitely in a different league.
Beast:
Adam. I really don't know how much the theatrics is going to hurt him. He's so much more talented than everyone else it might not matter. But in the end it's about who America likes the best and not who's most talented. Right now, I'll say that when he sings you forget about every one else. And i think that's a huge thing in his favor.
Danny. I think Jamie fox pulled him back a bit, and force him to use his strength which is connecting with the audience. it was a big step in the right direction that clearly separates him from all but Adam. And if America wants true pop and not Broadway, Adam may not have a great advantage once this thing boils down.
No least tonight, only the rest.
Kris. solid but safe. i think he missed a great chance, a better arrangement with more dynamic horns would have really helped him. He's never going to give a powerful memorable performance with just his vocals. He'll need something else to provide that and use his voice as contrast. I think he's safe, but bottom three for sure.
Allison. I think she's coming to the end. she does well, but she needs to lose the add on phrase of "for a sixteen (17) year old". And I don't see it. these other kids are just solid. she needs to stand up on her own to get much deeper. i predict she makes it one more week. But without a killer performance next week coupled with a poor showing from a contender, she's one week from going home.
Matt. he started pressing a few weeks ago. And he hasn't lost the look of desperation. I think he goes home. And i think he should feel good about it. Everyone left is really a monster, including him. Someone has to go right?
so there you have it.
Beast:
Adam. I really don't know how much the theatrics is going to hurt him. He's so much more talented than everyone else it might not matter. But in the end it's about who America likes the best and not who's most talented. Right now, I'll say that when he sings you forget about every one else. And i think that's a huge thing in his favor.
Danny. I think Jamie fox pulled him back a bit, and force him to use his strength which is connecting with the audience. it was a big step in the right direction that clearly separates him from all but Adam. And if America wants true pop and not Broadway, Adam may not have a great advantage once this thing boils down.
No least tonight, only the rest.
Kris. solid but safe. i think he missed a great chance, a better arrangement with more dynamic horns would have really helped him. He's never going to give a powerful memorable performance with just his vocals. He'll need something else to provide that and use his voice as contrast. I think he's safe, but bottom three for sure.
Allison. I think she's coming to the end. she does well, but she needs to lose the add on phrase of "for a sixteen (17) year old". And I don't see it. these other kids are just solid. she needs to stand up on her own to get much deeper. i predict she makes it one more week. But without a killer performance next week coupled with a poor showing from a contender, she's one week from going home.
Matt. he started pressing a few weeks ago. And he hasn't lost the look of desperation. I think he goes home. And i think he should feel good about it. Everyone left is really a monster, including him. Someone has to go right?
so there you have it.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
A very fun weekend. (or a lot of T&A)
Track and Athletes
Friday was a nice start to the weekend. It started with the Hamline elite meet invitational. As mentioned in a previous post one of my high jumpers qualified for this meet. There were twelve girls entered and she would have of course been the twelfth seed with a 5'3" entry. She ended up jumping 5'2" which is off her best, but still very good since the heights are new to her. She doesn't yet have the consistency to jump at her best every time. A big part of it was the weather. It was a little windy, but mostly it had become a little cold and that can play into it. But even with her jump she still managed to place 5th. A very nice job for a girl who only a month ago was hoping to get to 5 feet.
Another cool feature to this event is that it's a good snapshot as to what to expect at state if you get there. There are a few more jumpers that weren't at the meet for one reason or another but the state meet is split into two classes. So you really do end up with a similar field although one could argue the very best jumpers are split and maybe the state meet is easier than this one to get a decent place.
Talent & Absence there of.
The next part of the weekend was a nice Karaoke party at Fifi's place. She lives in a high rise community and they had a nice event. She invited me to attend since she knows I enjoy singing a little. It was a little different crowd then I'm used to, older so the song choice was a little subdued. But still I had a blast, and I wasn't as terribly rusty as I thought I'd be. I also met some very nice community members that Fifi lives with.
Track Again
Saturday was seemingly a repeat of Friday. Hamline had a day two which was a relay day. We had two girl relays entered and two boys entered. Even though I am the high jump coach and my entrant was done Friday, I am still heavily involved and interested in the outcome for our team, so I went along. We had a great day with all teams making great improvements and all placing well.
The other T&A
Saturday was Fifi's b'day celebration and so I headed over for that. It was a very nice party, and I was able to see people I hadn't seen in a very long time. Plus Fifi showed everyone her ass and boobs. No one knows why, but she did it repeatedly. Tequila??
Friday was a nice start to the weekend. It started with the Hamline elite meet invitational. As mentioned in a previous post one of my high jumpers qualified for this meet. There were twelve girls entered and she would have of course been the twelfth seed with a 5'3" entry. She ended up jumping 5'2" which is off her best, but still very good since the heights are new to her. She doesn't yet have the consistency to jump at her best every time. A big part of it was the weather. It was a little windy, but mostly it had become a little cold and that can play into it. But even with her jump she still managed to place 5th. A very nice job for a girl who only a month ago was hoping to get to 5 feet.
Another cool feature to this event is that it's a good snapshot as to what to expect at state if you get there. There are a few more jumpers that weren't at the meet for one reason or another but the state meet is split into two classes. So you really do end up with a similar field although one could argue the very best jumpers are split and maybe the state meet is easier than this one to get a decent place.
Talent & Absence there of.
The next part of the weekend was a nice Karaoke party at Fifi's place. She lives in a high rise community and they had a nice event. She invited me to attend since she knows I enjoy singing a little. It was a little different crowd then I'm used to, older so the song choice was a little subdued. But still I had a blast, and I wasn't as terribly rusty as I thought I'd be. I also met some very nice community members that Fifi lives with.
Track Again
Saturday was seemingly a repeat of Friday. Hamline had a day two which was a relay day. We had two girl relays entered and two boys entered. Even though I am the high jump coach and my entrant was done Friday, I am still heavily involved and interested in the outcome for our team, so I went along. We had a great day with all teams making great improvements and all placing well.
The other T&A
Saturday was Fifi's b'day celebration and so I headed over for that. It was a very nice party, and I was able to see people I hadn't seen in a very long time. Plus Fifi showed everyone her ass and boobs. No one knows why, but she did it repeatedly. Tequila??
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Cool Day
Well the coaching is going along swimmingly, i mean runningly, er I mean jumpingly. We were hoping to qualify one of my high jumpers for this weeks elite meet. We thought she might get in with a qualifying jump of 5'3" as that would have been good enough last year. Unfortunately this year required 5'4". :(
But the sun was shining and fate was on our side and one of the jumpers who had qualified pulled out and my jumper qualified. It was doubly sweet as in today's meet she jumped a new personal best of 5'4". Meaning had she been one week faster she would have qualified anyway. But how tough would it have been to miss this meet knowing you were good enough. So yay us.
I feel very lucky. The last time I coached was twenty some years ago. My last year I also had an elite jumper. It's very rare, you're talking about one of the maybe top 10-12 in the whole state. that's a lot of schools and a lot of jumpers. The thing is that you don't create elite athletes, you uncover them. It requires coaching sure, but also a lot of luck. What's extra cool is that she's only a tenth grader. Not that she can go much higher but she has two more years to perfect her jump. If she can find another four inches over the next two years she could be a state champ. Not bad.
The coaching is going well. I'm not sure what the other coaches think of me, I'll probably quiz them in the next few weeks, but I'm having a blast. The middle school coaches have pawned off their high jumpers on me, and I think it's great. So altogether I'm working with close to twenty kids.
I'm starting to wonder about the future. I'm getting vested in these kids, and I don't know if I'll be able to coach next year. I don't know if they'll want me back, or if I'll be working a job that won't let me continue. It's completely possible the school will get their funding for another coach and it will go to a past coach or someone internal and they won't have a need for my services. I guess I'll have to take that as it comes.
One kid told me he thinks I'm the best coach there. I know what it takes to be a good coach, and I'm quite sure I'm not as good as the two head coaches or the distance coach, and i know the weight coach is also doing very well, but it was still nice to hear.
But the sun was shining and fate was on our side and one of the jumpers who had qualified pulled out and my jumper qualified. It was doubly sweet as in today's meet she jumped a new personal best of 5'4". Meaning had she been one week faster she would have qualified anyway. But how tough would it have been to miss this meet knowing you were good enough. So yay us.
I feel very lucky. The last time I coached was twenty some years ago. My last year I also had an elite jumper. It's very rare, you're talking about one of the maybe top 10-12 in the whole state. that's a lot of schools and a lot of jumpers. The thing is that you don't create elite athletes, you uncover them. It requires coaching sure, but also a lot of luck. What's extra cool is that she's only a tenth grader. Not that she can go much higher but she has two more years to perfect her jump. If she can find another four inches over the next two years she could be a state champ. Not bad.
The coaching is going well. I'm not sure what the other coaches think of me, I'll probably quiz them in the next few weeks, but I'm having a blast. The middle school coaches have pawned off their high jumpers on me, and I think it's great. So altogether I'm working with close to twenty kids.
I'm starting to wonder about the future. I'm getting vested in these kids, and I don't know if I'll be able to coach next year. I don't know if they'll want me back, or if I'll be working a job that won't let me continue. It's completely possible the school will get their funding for another coach and it will go to a past coach or someone internal and they won't have a need for my services. I guess I'll have to take that as it comes.
One kid told me he thinks I'm the best coach there. I know what it takes to be a good coach, and I'm quite sure I'm not as good as the two head coaches or the distance coach, and i know the weight coach is also doing very well, but it was still nice to hear.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
AI 6 Disco Night
Well tonight we saw the last performances of two artists. The only question is which two get sent home. At this point I'm starting to see the same things week to week. And this group is so strong it will get more and more difficult to predict as they're all so talented, even the ones i don't like. So from Beast to Least:
Beast:
Adam. He's just showing off now. this was still a cool rendition of this song. i think it might have been a little stronger if he would have pulled back a little. Classic over acting if you ask me. But clearly started in another league and is letting no one in. Still his to win.
Kris. He get's better with his artistry every week. He's really showing something in that. He still comes off a bit forgettable, but i now look forward to seeing what he's going to come up with. and I think that at least keeps him interesting.
The Rest:
This next spot is a toss up between Danny and Allison, but I've got to believe Danny has a little more up his sleeve so he get's the nod.
Danny. Somewhere along the way he stopped connecting and went straight for performance. It's either going to do him in or it's brilliant. He'll need to connect to win this thing, and holding off on that will make it more powerful when he decides to turn it on. But is it a plan, or is he becoming a bit self-indulgent?
Allison. At least this didn't come off as karaoke this week. But it still was, it was just such a contrast in her style to the genre. But it's oh so safe, and she's oh so loved. So it should get her to the final four if she doesn't trip up. It will take a little more to get to the finals.
The Least:
Matt. He did OK. I thought the thing was a mess myself, but he performed well. and i completely agree with Simon in that he looked a little desperate and pressing. He was clearly better than Anoop or Lil, but he's getting his vote demographic washed out by the three other guys ahead of him.
Anoop. that was an incredibly boring performance. I don't care how well he sang it, I didn't recognize it and I couldn't imagine that song being on the radio the way it came off. But he keeps surprising me by staying alive.
Lil. sorry baby, you're just being out classed by great artistry. this group is just too good for you. But it was a good run.
Beast:
Adam. He's just showing off now. this was still a cool rendition of this song. i think it might have been a little stronger if he would have pulled back a little. Classic over acting if you ask me. But clearly started in another league and is letting no one in. Still his to win.
Kris. He get's better with his artistry every week. He's really showing something in that. He still comes off a bit forgettable, but i now look forward to seeing what he's going to come up with. and I think that at least keeps him interesting.
The Rest:
This next spot is a toss up between Danny and Allison, but I've got to believe Danny has a little more up his sleeve so he get's the nod.
Danny. Somewhere along the way he stopped connecting and went straight for performance. It's either going to do him in or it's brilliant. He'll need to connect to win this thing, and holding off on that will make it more powerful when he decides to turn it on. But is it a plan, or is he becoming a bit self-indulgent?
Allison. At least this didn't come off as karaoke this week. But it still was, it was just such a contrast in her style to the genre. But it's oh so safe, and she's oh so loved. So it should get her to the final four if she doesn't trip up. It will take a little more to get to the finals.
The Least:
Matt. He did OK. I thought the thing was a mess myself, but he performed well. and i completely agree with Simon in that he looked a little desperate and pressing. He was clearly better than Anoop or Lil, but he's getting his vote demographic washed out by the three other guys ahead of him.
Anoop. that was an incredibly boring performance. I don't care how well he sang it, I didn't recognize it and I couldn't imagine that song being on the radio the way it came off. But he keeps surprising me by staying alive.
Lil. sorry baby, you're just being out classed by great artistry. this group is just too good for you. But it was a good run.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
AI week 7 NON-elimination night.
Well the bottom three was as I expected. The public chose for Matt to go home, based on performance probably the right choice. I would have sent Lil or Anoop before him but it is what it is. The judges however decided to intervene and used their one time save to keep him around for another week.
I'm not sure if I like the save. I think I like the intention of it, to correct an obvious anomaly. But this didn't seem like that. The three in the bottom to me, have defined themselves pretty clearly as also rans in this competition. Better to have used the save in the last week than to waste it on someone who won't win the competition. But they used it, and we will not have to wonder about the save again this year.
so wait til next week to send two home.
I'm not sure if I like the save. I think I like the intention of it, to correct an obvious anomaly. But this didn't seem like that. The three in the bottom to me, have defined themselves pretty clearly as also rans in this competition. Better to have used the save in the last week than to waste it on someone who won't win the competition. But they used it, and we will not have to wonder about the save again this year.
so wait til next week to send two home.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
AI 7 recap
Once again I had to miss the actual show but was able to watch it on the AI site. of course i don't get the advantage of listening to the judges comments. maybe that's good, maybe not. But it is what it is.
Adam showed his sick self again. He's just in another league. I had thought maybe someone would be cutting into his lead but people seem to be faltering as he remains sharp. He gave a more memorable performance than the rest so I 'll put him in top spot this week. I was pretty disappointed with all the rest of the performances. They're trying so hard to be 'artistic' they're murdering the tunes. Lil rounds did well but was so yesterday in her styling it may as well have been karaoke. Allison likewise played way to safe. And Kris while singing one of the coolest songs of the season in 'falling slowly' proved that boring voices should not sing boring songs. I love the song, don't get me wrong but it's not the most dynamic song ever written, it really requires an interesting every man voice to pull it off, that's not Kris. Maybe Danny could have pulled that off. Anoop sang well but may as well change his name to A...sleep. so without further ado this weeks top seven in order from beast to least.
Adam. Over the top, but it's fine as he's just building his resume at this point. He won't need to slay and connect until finals. One or the other will do just fine for him at this point.
and all the rest
Danny. Not in love with this performance, just OK really, but sadly the best of the rest.
Kris. i very reluctantly put him here. He did well again, he does every week but he's just so damn boring.
And the least
Allison. Another karaoke version. this time very lame, she took every safe route offered in a song with a lot of opps to shine. she'll be OK because i think she's positioned well. but she better kill soon or people may make their minds up about her. and not to her favor.
Lil. she may be the one going home. she proves time and time again she just doesn't get it. I put her up here because I thought Matt was a mess and I think Anoop is the one to go home. But right now, when just two weeks ago I thought we'd have a strong finish, all three of these bottom dwellers look ready for the long bus ride.
Matt. What a mess of an arrangement. At least it was a little interesting which puts him ahead of mister Asnooze.
Anoop. I hope you pack well. Beautiful voice, but don't put the audience to sleep. who's going to call your number in if you just sang the nighty night lullaby to all your fans. So finally, my least favorite goes home, I hope. Although, contrary to what I thought the guy can actually sing, and very well. He may have a nice future, thinking about usable voices, his is very nice. Just like Kris really, but not as likable.
Adam showed his sick self again. He's just in another league. I had thought maybe someone would be cutting into his lead but people seem to be faltering as he remains sharp. He gave a more memorable performance than the rest so I 'll put him in top spot this week. I was pretty disappointed with all the rest of the performances. They're trying so hard to be 'artistic' they're murdering the tunes. Lil rounds did well but was so yesterday in her styling it may as well have been karaoke. Allison likewise played way to safe. And Kris while singing one of the coolest songs of the season in 'falling slowly' proved that boring voices should not sing boring songs. I love the song, don't get me wrong but it's not the most dynamic song ever written, it really requires an interesting every man voice to pull it off, that's not Kris. Maybe Danny could have pulled that off. Anoop sang well but may as well change his name to A...sleep. so without further ado this weeks top seven in order from beast to least.
Adam. Over the top, but it's fine as he's just building his resume at this point. He won't need to slay and connect until finals. One or the other will do just fine for him at this point.
and all the rest
Danny. Not in love with this performance, just OK really, but sadly the best of the rest.
Kris. i very reluctantly put him here. He did well again, he does every week but he's just so damn boring.
And the least
Allison. Another karaoke version. this time very lame, she took every safe route offered in a song with a lot of opps to shine. she'll be OK because i think she's positioned well. but she better kill soon or people may make their minds up about her. and not to her favor.
Lil. she may be the one going home. she proves time and time again she just doesn't get it. I put her up here because I thought Matt was a mess and I think Anoop is the one to go home. But right now, when just two weeks ago I thought we'd have a strong finish, all three of these bottom dwellers look ready for the long bus ride.
Matt. What a mess of an arrangement. At least it was a little interesting which puts him ahead of mister Asnooze.
Anoop. I hope you pack well. Beautiful voice, but don't put the audience to sleep. who's going to call your number in if you just sang the nighty night lullaby to all your fans. So finally, my least favorite goes home, I hope. Although, contrary to what I thought the guy can actually sing, and very well. He may have a nice future, thinking about usable voices, his is very nice. Just like Kris really, but not as likable.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
another step
Bro Scott asked me to join his weekly jam session this Friday. And so following a lovely dinner cooked to perfection by his lovely bride I headed off to St. Paul to make some noise.
I have plucked at the bass now and then over the years, but very rarely. I had not actually jammed, played live with another musician for probably at least five years. a little rust but not so much. I had really expect some timing issue, but it was actually pretty good. the message from my brain to my fingers didn't always make it's way to the fretboard but all in all I was quite happy.
I don't know what makes a musician a certain way. why one instrument fits so well while another not so well. You would think it'd flow nicely from one instrument to another. Music is music right? But no, I'm so comfortable and intuitive on the bass and always not quite sure of myself on guitar. And i watch people who are exactly the opposite of me, they can play guitar nicely but are a bit clunky on the fat strings.
Well following my existential plan I am taking the next step. To catch up, the coaching was to be my inspiration to make some changes and move in a direction a little better suited for me. The idea is to not create a path, but rather to take a step and then be prepared for the next step that follows, what ever that may be. So i had just started going to a local coffee shop to work through my coaching notes, and do some reading. that led to a talk with the owner about her business and her desire to add some music and try to expand the customer base a bit. And so i decided to help out and am trying to locate acts for her. No money in it for me, just the step that presented itself. it may be a dead end, may go no where but so far it has forced me to reconnect with folks I have been meaning to. it's a good thing.
I have plucked at the bass now and then over the years, but very rarely. I had not actually jammed, played live with another musician for probably at least five years. a little rust but not so much. I had really expect some timing issue, but it was actually pretty good. the message from my brain to my fingers didn't always make it's way to the fretboard but all in all I was quite happy.
I don't know what makes a musician a certain way. why one instrument fits so well while another not so well. You would think it'd flow nicely from one instrument to another. Music is music right? But no, I'm so comfortable and intuitive on the bass and always not quite sure of myself on guitar. And i watch people who are exactly the opposite of me, they can play guitar nicely but are a bit clunky on the fat strings.
Well following my existential plan I am taking the next step. To catch up, the coaching was to be my inspiration to make some changes and move in a direction a little better suited for me. The idea is to not create a path, but rather to take a step and then be prepared for the next step that follows, what ever that may be. So i had just started going to a local coffee shop to work through my coaching notes, and do some reading. that led to a talk with the owner about her business and her desire to add some music and try to expand the customer base a bit. And so i decided to help out and am trying to locate acts for her. No money in it for me, just the step that presented itself. it may be a dead end, may go no where but so far it has forced me to reconnect with folks I have been meaning to. it's a good thing.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
AI 8 recap
Well I had a track meet to coach on Tuesday and so did not get to watch the show. Tonight I watched the elimination and found the performances from Tuesday to catch up with. It's a tough night to pick a great performance. there were some very good ones but nothing stands out. Adam was spectacular as usual but I found the song rather boring. Alisson did a rather nice cover of Bonnie Raitt's song 'I can't make you love me'. And i liked Kris's performance. Both Danny and Matt did a nice job but Danny's was a little too contrived for my tastes and Matt just seems incapable of hitting a home run but constantly delivers. I guess all that time working as a piano man pays off. Lil is now officially in trouble. Artistry is the vogue, and she don't get it. i feel a bit bad for her, in past years she'd be so solid she'd fly through to at least four. she better step up her game or she may be gone next week.
Scott was himself and that made him not quite good enough. Finally the sentimental vote could not defeat reason. He went home. tonight.
My faves in order, tough to choose but I'll do it anyway.
Allison: for the first week takes the number one spot. She might be the only one that can pull off a karaoke version of a song and not get called on it, her voice is that unique. I think now that the sentimental vote is free since Scott is out I can see her and Danny picking up votes this week. i still think she has too much to prove to get to the top four, but I'm seeing weakness in all but Adam now, so maybe she can do better. top three and anything can happen.
Kris. He's gone from one of my least faves to moving up. he's delivering week to week, always a tad forgettable but gaining in confidence which is making his performance a little more attention grabbing. tonight I finally felt where he fits in. the horns behind him to add flare to his smooth as butter voice and provides what he lacks. It's a great career although short on fame and big money. I'd like to see him go for that. I don't even know what genre it'd be. white boy blues? maybe.
Well the first two stood out, next come the solid but not spectacular group.
Adam. And of course Adam gets the first seat here being the clear front runner, although I wouldn't put his performance ahead of Danny or Matt this week. The thing with Adam is that he knows if he performs well he's got a ticket to the finals. He can get away with showing his skill set and versatility off and not risk elimination. And really this was a great performance showing a different part of his vocal ability. It was just a little boring to watch. A judge pleasing performance if you will. Plus as long as the judges still have the 'save', he's safe. They'd never send him home, he's money.
Danny. I think this is the first week where i can see how he could be beat by someone other than Adam. He was not convincing, very contrived, very insisting on himself. I believe Simon would typically call that indulgent. Up until tonight it has seemed like he has pulled every performance out of his soul, this one seem to come out of his ass.
Matt. Well he's officially made himself a long shot. clearly a middle runner all the way through. Pretty soon the middle becomes the one waving goodbye. I don't think he has that special ability to connect that it takes. all entertainer and very good at it, but that's just not enough to win this thing. Especially not this year.
and the rest:
Anoop. i'll put him ahead of Lil tonight. But i think it's a bad situation when you kill a song and fail to impress. I think he's suffering Matt's fate without the solid performance and showmanship skills. this week or next for him barring a fall from the others.
Lil. My girl is on her way out. I thought she'd do well. but her inability to find relevance in this competition is showing her the door. she better kill in the next two shows or she's done. I thought she was final three fo' sho'. But isn't that how idol usually works.
Scott. See ya bud.
Scott was himself and that made him not quite good enough. Finally the sentimental vote could not defeat reason. He went home. tonight.
My faves in order, tough to choose but I'll do it anyway.
Allison: for the first week takes the number one spot. She might be the only one that can pull off a karaoke version of a song and not get called on it, her voice is that unique. I think now that the sentimental vote is free since Scott is out I can see her and Danny picking up votes this week. i still think she has too much to prove to get to the top four, but I'm seeing weakness in all but Adam now, so maybe she can do better. top three and anything can happen.
Kris. He's gone from one of my least faves to moving up. he's delivering week to week, always a tad forgettable but gaining in confidence which is making his performance a little more attention grabbing. tonight I finally felt where he fits in. the horns behind him to add flare to his smooth as butter voice and provides what he lacks. It's a great career although short on fame and big money. I'd like to see him go for that. I don't even know what genre it'd be. white boy blues? maybe.
Well the first two stood out, next come the solid but not spectacular group.
Adam. And of course Adam gets the first seat here being the clear front runner, although I wouldn't put his performance ahead of Danny or Matt this week. The thing with Adam is that he knows if he performs well he's got a ticket to the finals. He can get away with showing his skill set and versatility off and not risk elimination. And really this was a great performance showing a different part of his vocal ability. It was just a little boring to watch. A judge pleasing performance if you will. Plus as long as the judges still have the 'save', he's safe. They'd never send him home, he's money.
Danny. I think this is the first week where i can see how he could be beat by someone other than Adam. He was not convincing, very contrived, very insisting on himself. I believe Simon would typically call that indulgent. Up until tonight it has seemed like he has pulled every performance out of his soul, this one seem to come out of his ass.
Matt. Well he's officially made himself a long shot. clearly a middle runner all the way through. Pretty soon the middle becomes the one waving goodbye. I don't think he has that special ability to connect that it takes. all entertainer and very good at it, but that's just not enough to win this thing. Especially not this year.
and the rest:
Anoop. i'll put him ahead of Lil tonight. But i think it's a bad situation when you kill a song and fail to impress. I think he's suffering Matt's fate without the solid performance and showmanship skills. this week or next for him barring a fall from the others.
Lil. My girl is on her way out. I thought she'd do well. but her inability to find relevance in this competition is showing her the door. she better kill in the next two shows or she's done. I thought she was final three fo' sho'. But isn't that how idol usually works.
Scott. See ya bud.
Friday, April 3, 2009
The magic of Face book Continues
So as one friend finds it's way to another and the network slowly grows there are some magical twists. So today I made contact with my grade school sweetheart, and my high school sweetheart. I heard back from both. It was way cool.
Sheila is my high school girly and I'm hoping we can get together for coffee soon. It's been about 26 years since I've seen her. We talked briefly about 16 years ago on the phone. Lynae is my #1 girlfriend from grade school. I last saw her 37 years ago. yikes. I think that makes me ancient some how. I may find time to see her someday as well, there are a few people I went to school with up in the same area so maybe it'd be worth a drive for a cool day of reminiscing.
I've got to say it's nice to be connected. I kind of dig it. It suits me well.
I'll post more about this if these meetings occur.
Sheila is my high school girly and I'm hoping we can get together for coffee soon. It's been about 26 years since I've seen her. We talked briefly about 16 years ago on the phone. Lynae is my #1 girlfriend from grade school. I last saw her 37 years ago. yikes. I think that makes me ancient some how. I may find time to see her someday as well, there are a few people I went to school with up in the same area so maybe it'd be worth a drive for a cool day of reminiscing.
I've got to say it's nice to be connected. I kind of dig it. It suits me well.
I'll post more about this if these meetings occur.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Wednesday wrap up
Goodbye Megan. i have a feeling we'll see her again. She was actually OK tonight. I think if she would have sang like that enough quirk would have seeped through to keep her in another week. it's cool she made the tour, she needs a good year of seasoning to make use of her oddity.
Anoop bugs me more and more, I hope he's out next week. while watching the journey song Scott laid out a line that impressed me, he's got a better voice hiding inside. I'm not sure his piano man voice is as good as his rock voice. probably the opposite of Matt. Matt want's to be the rock star and Scott wants to be the piano man. Go figure.
Well Megan was probably the least talented and it's probably right that she's out but I think the show just became boring. i take that back, we'll still be able to look forward to Adam.
Anoop bugs me more and more, I hope he's out next week. while watching the journey song Scott laid out a line that impressed me, he's got a better voice hiding inside. I'm not sure his piano man voice is as good as his rock voice. probably the opposite of Matt. Matt want's to be the rock star and Scott wants to be the piano man. Go figure.
Well Megan was probably the least talented and it's probably right that she's out but I think the show just became boring. i take that back, we'll still be able to look forward to Adam.
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