Great letter on school safety in today’s CA:

I applaud Mayor Willie Herenton for his leadership and concern for our plight as educators (Feb. 14 article, “Beefing up school safety” ). Metal detectors and more police reinforcement seem to be the way of large urban school districts. These strategies will definitely quell the violence. But is this what we really need in our schools? (more…)

Top 12 girls tonight. Seacrest says several are suffering from the flu, but the show must go on.

Ryan: What’s the name of the universe you live in (Simon)?
Paula: The black hole.

Kristy Lee Cook, 24

Before: “Amazing Grace,” times two. Great outfit in the audition. Big Sky Barbie.

Tonight: “Rescue me” with a nice country twang. A bit stiff; needs to relax her face and smile.

Randy: Not her best. Pitch problems.
Paula: That’s ok, you’re sick, and you went first. Just don’t let it show.
Simon: Song didn’t suit you. Robotic performance.

Final take: She’s sure to get better as she gets well, and she’s easy on the eyes.

Joanne Borgella, 25

Before: The plus-size model. Last to make it through the final cut. Needs to prove herself.

Tonight: “Say a little prayer for you,” a little off beat. Pretty karaoke, but decent.

Randy: Nervous? A little shaky and unsure, for me.
Paula: It’s very nerve-racking. You gotta pull it together. Liked it, didn’t love it.
Simon: Didn’t like it at all. Average cabaret. Very substandard.

Final take: The judges are a bit harsh, but she does need to do better, and can.

Alaina Whitaker, 16

Before: Cheerleader type. Cute exchange with Simon.

Tonight: “I love you more today than yesterday.” Finally some life on stage. Great vocals. Works the crowd well. Nice smile.

Randy: It’s the year of the young ones. I was like, “what?”
Paula: You proved that… you nailed it. Amazing.
Simon: Very good. Made an awful song sound ok.

Final take: She might be my favorite to win at this point.

Amanda Overmyer, 23

Before: Punky biker chick, rock-n-roll nurse. Janis Joplin wannabe.

Tonight: “Baby, please don’t go.” A bit heavy on the guitar and scat. Comfortable on stage. Maybe too comfortable. Doesn’t show off her range.

Randy: I love that.
Paula: You’re the real deal.
Simon: Authentic. Stand out in the crowd. Not her best performance.

Final take: If we have to go with a rocker, we could definitely do worse.

Amy Davis, 25

Before: Thin brunette. Very unique song choice. Sweet personality.

Tonight: “Where the boys are.” Missing every note. Weird hair. Pretty terrible overall.

Randy: Not great.
Paula: The camera loves you. Nerves got you. Not most engaging song. Lackluster.
Simon: Nothing much to add. Missing the country twang. Dull.

Final take: She didn’t show up tonight.

Brooke White, 24

Before: The goody two-shoes. A mop of blond hair.

Tonight: “So happy together.” Weak voice doesn’t meet expectations. Too much make-up covers her natural beauty. A messy performance.

Randy: Started shaky but worked it out at the end.
Paula: You have your own thing. Picked the right song.
Simon: Right song. Struggling with the relevance.

Final take: What were the judges hearing?

Alexandréa Lushington, 17

Before: Girl next door. Friendly. Ballcap and hoop earrings.

Tonight: “Spinning Wheel.” I hate the song, but she does good and makes it fresh. A little odd on the outfit. Nice range. Good stage presence.

Randy: You blew the doors off that. It was hot.
Paula: You took control and thought about the performance. Dope outfit.
Simon: I didn’t get it. Like a horrible show, like an awful ’60s musical.

Final take: For once, I’m with Randy and Paula. She’s smart. Simon will come around.

Kady Malloy, 18

Before: Brittany Spears impressionist. Struggles with finding her own voice. It’s going to be difficult to tell her apart from Alaina.

Tonight: “A Groovy Kind of Love.” A little slow, a little pitchy. Performance doesn’t match the lyrics whatsoever. Her beauty covers a multitude of sins.

Randy: Ok for me. So restrained.
Paula: We need to see more life and fun.
Simon: Like Night of the Living Dead. Going downhill.

Final take: She needs to avoid doing a 180, and don’t over-think it. Just improve.

Asia’h Epperson, 19

Before: A little raspy. Her dad recently died. Fun personality. Cute.

Tonight: “Piece of my part,” hip hop style. Lively. Great smile.

Randy: I was impressed.
Paula: You had fun up there. Some good moments.
Simon: My favorite of the night.

Final take: The judges were a little too easy on her, but she did well.

Ramiele Malubay, 20

Before: Sushi waitress. “Big voice for a little girl.”

Tonight: “You don’t have to say you love me.” The arrangement too dramatic; doesn’t display her voice all that well. Forgettable. Zzzzzz.

Randy: Very classy. Like a pro. That was hot.
Paula: A force to be reckoned with. Beautiful range. Great performance.
Simon: You out-sung every single person.

Final take: Again, I’m not sure what the judges heard. I hope she gets better.

Syesha Mercado, 21

Before: Lost her voice during auditions, but did an outstanding job. Pretty hair.

Tonight: “Tobacco Road.” Nice rockin rhythm. She got lost a little in the mix. Good presence and attitude. Excellent finish, though.

Randy: All in all, I really liked it.
Paula: Consistent. Joyful. Fun. Big.
Simon: It wasn’t your best, but it didn’t matter. Terrific.

Final take: She’ll be around for a while.

Carly Smithson, 24

Before: Tattoo artist. Irish immigrant. Straight black hair. Makes me crave Dolores O’Riordan.

Tonight: “Shadow of your smile.” Sounds very professional, but not very unique. A bit dated. Nice performance.

Randy: That’s what the show is all about. Best vocal of the top 24.
Paula: You’re reliable. Beautiful inflections. You don’t need the power vocals.
Simon: Didn’t get it. Didn’t meet the hype. Way too old fashioned.

Final take: Agree with Simon 100%. I was expecting more.

Top 12 boys tonight; we’ve only heard about half of them audition.

Paula makes a funny: First and foremost, to just give it up to Randy, he only said two “dogs” and three “mans.” It’s very shocking. Actually, it was two “dudes” and three “mans,” but who’s counting? I mean other than Paula’s speechwriter.

David Hernandez, 24.

Flashback to his audition, “Ain’t too proud to beg,” ridiculously heavy on the finger snapping.

Tonight’s selection: “Wait till the midnight hour.” Utterly forgettable in every way.

Randy: Nice opening, but it got a little pitchy at the end.
Paula: It’s hard to be first. Really cool.
Simon: Better than I thought it was going to be. Very stiff and nervous.

Final take: I’ve already forgotten.

Chikezie, 22

He’s going by one name now? Audition flashback was friendly and sweet. Not his first season auditioning. But he probably shouldn’t be here this year, either.

Tonight’s selection: “I love you more today than yesterday.” Way too slow. Boring. Bad orange suit.

Randy: Pretty good. A little old fashioned. A’ight.
Paula: Very nice job.
Simon: Hated the whole performance.

Final take: he’ll be going home soon.

David Cook, 25

Before: The guy with the droopy faux-hawk. Bon Jovi audition a little on the slow side.

Tonight: “So happy together.” Too fast. Poor song choice. Sloppy performance. He can’t figure out if he’s a rocker or a dork.

Randy: You worked it out.
Paula: It was a bit “worthy”… of great praise.
Simon: Good. Shouted a little bit. Weird song to choose. Almost believable.

Final take: the judges like this guy way too much.

Jason Yeager, 28

Before: Not previously aired. Dude with the blond streak up front.

Tonight: “Moon river.” Amazingly, it didn’t suck. Nice, mature voice. A little Disney. Very confident stage presence.

Randy: Pretty good job. Pitchy. Lost focus.
Paula: Simpler songs are more difficult to sing.
Simon: Very cruise ship. Like a dependable old dog.

Final take: the judges are wrong this time.

Robbie Carrico, 26

Before: Boy band singer turned rocker. Skull cap and mullet.

Tonight: “One is the loneliest number.” A little weak voiced. Not very good. Pointless.

Randy: Nice version. I was like, “yeah I like this.”
Paula: Perfect song for you. You’re authentic.
Simon: Only performance tonight with any coherence. Questions the rocker authenticity.

Final take: Bo Bice wannabe. I’ve heard enough.

David Archuleta, 17

Before: “Waiting on the world to change,” a duet with Randy. Really good stuff.

Tonight: “You better shop around.” Wrong song for him, but he did as good as he could. Great on stage. Unfortunately, he takes raspy, audible gasps between every line. It’s a pity, because he’s got a great voice otherwise.

Randy: Really brilliant.
Paula: Brave and bold song choice. Unbelievably confident older soul.
Simon: When you got it, you got it. Best performance of the night.

Final take: very likable, but the breathing thing is unavoidable and grating.

Danny Noriega, 18

Before: “Rolling on a river.” Emo hair. Weird finger snaps and body movements. Highly annoying. Overconfident drama diva.

Tonight: “Jailhouse Rock.” Pretty outstanding, actually. I’m impressed. Good stage presence, and kept up well with what seems like a difficult song.

Randy: Pretty good. Ok vocals. Interesting song choice for me, for you. Kinda hot.
Paula: Very warm. Almost scalding. Amazing vocals. Safer song.
Simon: Verging on grotesque. Hideous performance. Destroying an Elvis song.

Final take: I dislike him alot less.

Luke Menard, 29

Before: Not previously aired. Second season auditioning. Looks like Hugh Jackman.

Tonight: “Everybody’s Talking At Me.” Shaky, pitchy, bland and boring. Awful performance.

Randy: For me, that song… very pitchy. Almost consistently sharp.
Paula: Not the best song choice.
Simon: Forgettable.

Final take: the judges got this one right.

Colton Berry, 18

Before: Not previously aired. Short, shaggy blond hair, white eyebrows.

Tonight: “Suspicious Minds.” His voice wasn’t quite big enough to carry it. Decent vocals and performance. He seems ok, personality wise, but nothing incredibly special.

Randy: Pretty good job.
Paula: Not his best performance, but eager and fun attempt.
Simon: Ok. No relevance in the music industry. Complete waste of time.

Final take: the judges are right again.

Garrett Haley, 17

Before: Not previously aired. Skinny, 80’s hair band look.

Tonight: “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” as a slow, crooner ballad. He’s afraid to be on the stage, but behind that mop, this kid is the next Barry Manalo.

Randy: Didn’t do anything with the song to make it his own. Pitchy. Boring.
Paula: Too slow.
Simon: Boring, whiny and terrified. He needs some fresh air.

Final take: This kid will learn and improve a lot if he sticks around.

Jason Castro, 20

Before: Not previously aired. Rastafarian dreads, blue eyes. Plays guitar and drums.

Tonight: “What a day for a daydream,” with guitar. Very nicely done. Good song selection, and arranged well. Worked the crowd. Excellent.

Randy: Little pitch problems. A’ight, but it didn’t blow me away.
Paula: You did blow me away. Perfect song choice. You nailed “less is more.”
Simon: In the top two performances of the night.

Final take: I’m looking forward to hearing more from him.

Michael Johns, 29

Before: Australian. Slightly odd audition, but good. Plays guitar. His “Bohemian Rhapsody” was outstanding.

Tonight: “Come On Baby, Light My Fire.” Good song choice. Performed well. Looks like a professional on stage.

Randy: That was hot. I love that.
Paula: Excellent way to end the night.
Simon: The most consistent contestant. Natural charisma of a lead singer.

Final take: He’s got to be the favorite to win at this point.

This is my annual pre-season appeal to anyone who would like to play fantasy baseball this year: it’s a fun way to get involved in the games, and good exercise for your analytical side. If you’d like to join our Yahoo fantasy baseball league, contact me or leave a note in the comments.

He’s a charismatic Washington Outsider who energizes certain minority groups. She appeals to women and has experience bringing real change. Is this a winning combination for the Democrats in November? (more…)

I’m pleased to see that 20 Senate Democrats (including Lieberman) were responsible enough to join their Republican colleagues in passing the needed FISA reform (explained previously here). I’m almost equally pleased to find the irresponsible Left unhinged, as usual. Third, I’m pleased to see that Senator McCain recorded a yes vote, while the two waffling Democratic Presidential candidates are found in the Not Voting column.

Update: In a comment, tgirsch says I’m “wrong on Obama,” and provides evidence that Obama voted in favor of an amendment to the bill that failed. There’s a difference between voting for an amendment and voting for a bill, tgirsh. And here’s how Obama voted on the bill itself (or, rather, didn’t vote):

It’s probably the most consequential political issue in Shelby County this year, and yet most people aren’t aware it’s going on. Our county charter is about to be amended because five of our executive offices were never properly established: Trustee, Sheriff, Register, Assessor and Clerk. In order to fix the problem and avoid a legal challenge like the one in Knox county, the county commission has created an ad hoc committee (which includes every member of the commission) to study possible amendments to the charter, and is holding a series of (poorly-attended) public forums throughout the county.

The alarming thing is that the commission is looking into a whole host of related and unrelated issues that could potentially be placed on the August ballot, along with any charter amendment dealing with these five offices (such as the Lunt petition, provided enough signatures are collected). There’s no telling what we could end up with.

To peak your interest, I’ve placed a humorous little video snippet below the fold. (more…)

I’m not exactly sure, but it seems like this could help Allan Ryan avoid living a life of crime.

Another tag from A.C. at Fore Left!

“Here are the rules. The rules are simple. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages), open the book to page 123, find the fifth sentence, post the next three sentences and tag five other bloggers.”

If you’re following Project:BOY, you won’t be surprised that my entry comes from The Daily Bible by Harvest House Publishers. Page 123 falls into the reading for January 28th:

So Moses went down to the people and told them.

And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”

“You shall have no other gods before me.”

I’m a few days behind on Project:BOY, otherwise I would have blogged about this already. At the moment, I’m on the reading for Jan 24.

In the spirit of the Spirit, I’ll tag the five radical leftists at The Flypaper Theory: autoegocrat, Jeff, PeskyFly, kibitzer and The Christian Progressive Liberal.

This morning my mother in law sent me a political email that’s been making the rounds; it’s titled, “The Haircut,” but amazingly enough it’s not about John Edwards. I’ve copied it below the fold, followed by another great Joe Citizens video on the same general topic. Both fit in nicely with my earlier post about Rep. Curry Todd and his free lunch plan. (more…)