Taking a break for some serious discussion. To some of you this may seem like science fiction or just plain craziness. No, I'm not a paranoid schizophrenic. I'm informed. And the more informed I become, the more I wish I were a paranoid schizophrenic.
What could I be talking about? Well, you may already be aware of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) that I have spoken about in years past. In very simple terms, this is the government's control over what type of animals you can have, buy, sell, produce, etc. As of March 1, 2007, in my home state of Michigan, cows were required to be microchipped and your property (if you own cows) was required to be "registered". The registration is essentially a global coordinate to your home. That means they can use an updated, daily version of Google Earth to spy on you if they want to.
Then there's the spying that goes on with microchipping your favorite products, also known as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). Gillette has been the leader of this wave of intrusion into our lives by voluntarily chipping a few of it's products (the last I heard, anyway) like your razors, so they can keep track of purchases, and you. Why can't they do this by inventory slips at WalMart? I have no clue. And it's happening right under your nose.
As if all that is not enough for you, there is the RFID microchipping of our State ID, also known as your driver's license. May of 2008 was when it supposedly went into effect for Michigan. I had to renew my license then, but saw hide nor hair of this in my new ID, at the Secretary of State office or in any of their literature. Eventually you will not be able to fly, take a train or enter a federal building without one. How's that for control?
Now we have the Smart Grid. The Smart Grid is much like the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) that I previously mentioned. The President (not mine, mind you) has deemed this spying so necessary, that it is to be funded with the Stimulus Package, which is supposed to go for emergencies only. The Smart Grid program will be implemented within 60 days of the bill passing. What it does is gather info about individual energy use by using embedded sensors in businesses and homes. IBM and GE will be the two highest paid companies to benefit from the Smart Grid. Essentially the government will be collecting information about you, your habits and your possessions. According to this article, it's already happening in South Bend, Indiana, Florida and California.
Up until now I was thinking that us rural folk will be able to get away with more, since the city is where the most control seems to be focused on. Well, apparently I'm wrong. I envision eventually putting up camoflaged tents over my property so that satellites can't see what I'm doing or what I have on my land. I envision going off grid so that the Smart Grid can't monitor me and my household....how much we shower, what we eat, how much we eat and how long I spend in the bathroom. Oh, and did I mention how high you keep your thermostat? Does this sound like something you want to be a part of? Well, keep researching (And don't stop at the over-simplified explanations on Wikipedia linked to above and other sites in favor of it. They are getting paid a pretty penny to speak highly of it.) because this is what your current president wants rushed through with the stimulus package. Oh yes. Barack Obama. The beginning of the end.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
American Idol's Season 8, Wild Card Results Show
Oh man! What a night. About 1/2 way through the performances, something popped into my head. I thought to myself that it wouldn't surprise me if they did a top 13 instead of a top 12. It was a fleeting thought and I didn't say anything to my husband, because I quickly dismissed it. Uhg! I should have said something because when they announced that they were going to do just that, I screamed, "I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!", thrusting my fist at the TV and kicking myself across the room. I hate when I figure something out that would impress my husband and then not say anything! LOL In case you didn't get to watch it, here is what happened:
The final FOUR chosen from the Wild Card night were the following: Jasmine Murray, Megan Corkrey, Matt Giraud and Anoop (Dog) Desai
Jasmine I could have lived without, if I'm to be honest. Jasmine sang Christina Aguilera's "Reflection". She is cute, she is talented and no doubt could do well in this competition, but I'm just not a fan. Perhaps it's because I'm a girl and girls like relationships. I know very little about her and have no connection to her as a person. I appreciate what she brings to the table, but that's about it. I am very attracted to humbleness and a relationship with our God. If I discern that in a person, it's all the better. (think Jason Castro from last season) I also like unique individuals which leads me to my next finalist chosen as a Wild Card....
...Megan Corkrey. Megan is so unique and cute. You gotta love her little quirks. What I was disappointed to see what that on this night, none of the judges made a comment about her vocals. She sang KT Tunstall's "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree". They all made comments about her quirkiness or how she looks, but nothing positive about her vocals. I'm actually surprised they put her through to the top 13.
Matt Giraud looked good that night, despite what Simon said (it was Simon that said that, wasn't it???). I disagreed with Simon when he told Matt that he saw Taylor Hicks in him. Wow, I saw Justin Timberlake. So Matt returned to the bluesy sound that won everyone over to begin with by singing Jackson 5's "Who's Loving You" (which I never heard....and I thought I have heard ALL of the Jackson 5 tunes!).
Anoop (Dog) Desai was the surprise #13 singing Bobby Brown's "My Perogative" (again, though the judges were okay with him doing it, just not Tatiana). I like him but I think they could have chosen someone else for the #13 spot. It's actually not surprising that they would put him through, as they really seemed to give over the top comments about his performances and how he did. They seemed crazy about him, which was out of proportion to what he did as a performer. I think Jesse Langseth would have been a better choice here, but hey, who am I? I suspect it's the ratings game -- again.
Speaking of those that didn't make it and Jesse Langseth, who should have....she performed Chaka Khan's "Tell Me Something Good" this evening. No, the performance wasn't all that and a bag of chips, but I still think she has more interesting things to offer than Anoop. (sorry buddy). She's so sassy and interesting. I think she would have been really interesting to watch. I'm really hoping that the AI people didn't pick Anoop because he was different....as in race. I have nothing against his race, if he can do the job and sell himself, but I wouldn't put it past AI to put him through so that they can appear to be more politically correct and all-encompassing. IDK. I really like him though. Just not an interesting enough singer for me.
Von Smith was a disappointment for me during his performance of Elton John's "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word". He started off pretty rough, with his lower vocals (can you tell I'm not a music person....I don't even know what it's called!) When the judges were criticizing him, I felt so bad. Actually, they weren't all that harsh, but he knew he was not going to make it and he looked as if he was going to cry. I hope someone in the music industry picks him up. He deserves another chance.
Ricky Braddy is one of those that has great vocals, but he does absolutely nothing for me. I think he looks MORE geeky since he got rid of his glasses. I liked his glasses. They were hip. They weren't duct taped, so I don't know what the big deal was and why he chose to get rid of them. So, his vocals during his performance of "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder was pretty darned good. He's not unique enough for me, or something....I just can't get into him, but the crowd sure could. I'm surprised they elimated him, which just proves that AI is fixed and manipulated and not as much of a reality show as we would like to think. Disappointing.
Tatiana Del Toro was up next and sang her heart out to Whitney Houston's "Saving All My Love" -- AGAIN. As much as her behaviour is unpredictable her song choice isn't. I think the judges and AI are really using her for the drama. It's pretty obvious, but I'm SO glad they chose not to keep her around any longer. I can't even look at her she is so disturbing to me. I'm embarrassed for her. Someone said that she will have a good career in acting. How true.
So there you have it folks. Jen's opinions on all things Idol. Fascinating, huh? :-D From here on out, when the urge hits me, I will comment on further shows. It may not be from every show, but I will blog about it.
Don't forget to subscribe to the blog, so you get up to date information on all things current! (see right side bar)
The final FOUR chosen from the Wild Card night were the following: Jasmine Murray, Megan Corkrey, Matt Giraud and Anoop (Dog) Desai
Jasmine I could have lived without, if I'm to be honest. Jasmine sang Christina Aguilera's "Reflection". She is cute, she is talented and no doubt could do well in this competition, but I'm just not a fan. Perhaps it's because I'm a girl and girls like relationships. I know very little about her and have no connection to her as a person. I appreciate what she brings to the table, but that's about it. I am very attracted to humbleness and a relationship with our God. If I discern that in a person, it's all the better. (think Jason Castro from last season) I also like unique individuals which leads me to my next finalist chosen as a Wild Card....
...Megan Corkrey. Megan is so unique and cute. You gotta love her little quirks. What I was disappointed to see what that on this night, none of the judges made a comment about her vocals. She sang KT Tunstall's "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree". They all made comments about her quirkiness or how she looks, but nothing positive about her vocals. I'm actually surprised they put her through to the top 13.
Matt Giraud looked good that night, despite what Simon said (it was Simon that said that, wasn't it???). I disagreed with Simon when he told Matt that he saw Taylor Hicks in him. Wow, I saw Justin Timberlake. So Matt returned to the bluesy sound that won everyone over to begin with by singing Jackson 5's "Who's Loving You" (which I never heard....and I thought I have heard ALL of the Jackson 5 tunes!).
Anoop (Dog) Desai was the surprise #13 singing Bobby Brown's "My Perogative" (again, though the judges were okay with him doing it, just not Tatiana). I like him but I think they could have chosen someone else for the #13 spot. It's actually not surprising that they would put him through, as they really seemed to give over the top comments about his performances and how he did. They seemed crazy about him, which was out of proportion to what he did as a performer. I think Jesse Langseth would have been a better choice here, but hey, who am I? I suspect it's the ratings game -- again.
Speaking of those that didn't make it and Jesse Langseth, who should have....she performed Chaka Khan's "Tell Me Something Good" this evening. No, the performance wasn't all that and a bag of chips, but I still think she has more interesting things to offer than Anoop. (sorry buddy). She's so sassy and interesting. I think she would have been really interesting to watch. I'm really hoping that the AI people didn't pick Anoop because he was different....as in race. I have nothing against his race, if he can do the job and sell himself, but I wouldn't put it past AI to put him through so that they can appear to be more politically correct and all-encompassing. IDK. I really like him though. Just not an interesting enough singer for me.
Von Smith was a disappointment for me during his performance of Elton John's "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word". He started off pretty rough, with his lower vocals (can you tell I'm not a music person....I don't even know what it's called!) When the judges were criticizing him, I felt so bad. Actually, they weren't all that harsh, but he knew he was not going to make it and he looked as if he was going to cry. I hope someone in the music industry picks him up. He deserves another chance.
Ricky Braddy is one of those that has great vocals, but he does absolutely nothing for me. I think he looks MORE geeky since he got rid of his glasses. I liked his glasses. They were hip. They weren't duct taped, so I don't know what the big deal was and why he chose to get rid of them. So, his vocals during his performance of "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder was pretty darned good. He's not unique enough for me, or something....I just can't get into him, but the crowd sure could. I'm surprised they elimated him, which just proves that AI is fixed and manipulated and not as much of a reality show as we would like to think. Disappointing.
Tatiana Del Toro was up next and sang her heart out to Whitney Houston's "Saving All My Love" -- AGAIN. As much as her behaviour is unpredictable her song choice isn't. I think the judges and AI are really using her for the drama. It's pretty obvious, but I'm SO glad they chose not to keep her around any longer. I can't even look at her she is so disturbing to me. I'm embarrassed for her. Someone said that she will have a good career in acting. How true.
So there you have it folks. Jen's opinions on all things Idol. Fascinating, huh? :-D From here on out, when the urge hits me, I will comment on further shows. It may not be from every show, but I will blog about it.
Don't forget to subscribe to the blog, so you get up to date information on all things current! (see right side bar)
Thursday, March 5, 2009
American Idol's Season 8, Top 36 - Group 3
I was just saying last night that people who are unique or strong singers are more apt to be recognized right away and get a record deal, even at this stage of the game. For example, Adam Lambert from last week's show is recognizable. If he had not gotten through to the top 12 for some reason, I would have been okay with that, because I know that he would be noticed by the record companies by now. I am interested in seeing the underdog (s) get their chance to shine, week after week. Get recognized and perhaps succeed. I'm kinda tired of only the ones who have a ton of experience and especially past record deals getting through. They had their chance. Let someone else try. As much as I liked Nick Mitchell (aka Norman Gentle), he is now someone who has been seen and heard and he is definitely recognizable, even if you haven't really been paying all that much attention to AI this year.
Another observation of mine, in case you're interested: the third group has a distinct advantage over the first two for several reasons. One, they have more time to figure out what they are going to sing, and practice their music. They also have the advantage of hearing the criticisms of the judges and still have time to change from their previously boring song to one that will hit a chord with Randy (WHAT??), Kara (I-want-to-know-who-you-are), Pauler and Siiiimon.
So, we started off the night with the adorable Von Smith. Except for his hair, I love him. He reminds me a bit of Rick Astley. Rick, I mean Von, sang Marvin Gaye's "You're All I Need to Get By".
Taylor Vaifanua sang Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You". My opinion? Forgettable.
Alex Wagner-Trugman is the resident geek. Okay, so he's really sweet and stuff and I wish him well, but he certainly doesn't have the package thing they are looking for. Perhaps they are thinking he may be another Clay Aiken, who I understand is or was pretty geeky. I didn't watch that year's American Idol, so I'm not sure. Alex sang an Elton John tune, "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues". It's my opinion that he just tried too hard. He added an affect to his voice that just didn't do anything for me.
Ariana Afsar was next with her version of ABBA's "The Winner Takes It All". I felt really bad for her. She is so freakin' cute and has a beautiful voice, but really botched this one bad. Now, again, I'm no expert on "pitchy-ness" and vocal ability, but I kept thinking throughout the song, "Is it supposed to sound like this?". I know there are songs out there that sound weird to me and they are supposed to be "good", but I wasn't sure about this one. The way the judges were commenting, apparently it wasn't just me. Sorry Ariana. I really liked you.
Ju'Not Joyner was next with his rendition of the Plain White T's "Hey There Delilah" and I thought he did an awesome job! He mixed it up nicely and I hope he gets noticed by a record label.
Kristen McNamara is so darned cute and I like her and all, but she really doesn't have a style to call her own. She sang Tracy Chapman's "Give Me One Reason", which I love, but it was not remarkable.
Nathaniel Marshall sang a Meatloaf song, of all things. "I Would Do Anything For Love" was okay. It had no personality, despite the interesting look of Nate. His headband style has got to go. In some ways I like him, but his performance left a lot to be desired.
Felicia Barton sang Alicia Keys' "No One". If you recall, Felicia didn't originally make the top 36, which is a mystery to me. She has good vocals, so what gives? She was called up to replace Joana Pacitti, who I can't recall the reason for her demise on the show. Felicia did a great job with the song even if it was a bit "copy cat" according to Simon.
Scott MacIntyre is someone who I think may just be my "Jason Castro" replacement for this year. Anyone who knows me knows how enamoured I was with Jason last season. (okay, that's an understatement) For me it was the whole person, or the "whole package" as the judges like to say. Scott has a good voice and I love him as a person. He is sweet, humble and dare I say cute in his own way? I think if they do some current styling with his hair, he'd be even cuter. Heck, they were able to transform David Cook's geeky hair-do, I'm sure they can do something for Scott as well. Anyway, Scott sang Bruce Hornsbys' "Mandolin Rain". I love his passion and agree with the judges when they say that he feels the song and his passion comes through it. I think that's important in a performer.
Kendall Beard in her sunny yellow dress sang Martina McBride's "This One's For the Girls". She's definitely a country singer and even though I'm not a huge fan of country music, I really like her. I think she has good vocals and she is cute. The Whole Package? Perhaps.
Jorge Nunez was next with his slightly accented version of "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" by Elton John and it was pretty good. I don't think I would like him as an artist, but he definitely has a cute personality! The spanish he blurts out cuz that's all he has in his head, is so endearing.
The final spot this evening was by Lil Rounds. What a unique name! I think that alone completes the "whole package" and will get her far. Okay, she has great vocals as well, but heck, who can forget her name? Lil sang "Be Without You" by Mary J. Blige.
Here are the finalists that made it through: Scott MacIntyre, Jorge Nunez and Lil Rounds.
Competing in the Wild Card Show, airing Thursday night are: Von Smith, Jasmine Murray, Ricky Braddy, Megan Corkrey, Tatiana Del Toro (eegads!), Matt Giraud, Jesse Langseth, and Anoop Desai.
I'm very happy to see Megan Corkrey, Matt Giraud and Jesse Langseth get a second chance. Actually, I'd like to see what Von Smith can pull off too. I HATE that they asked Tatiana to come back. Uhg! I can't stand her and I guess that the drama is what they are looking for. Yuck. I really can't stand her fake laugh and her fake crying and her fake everything. She's such a fake and a flake. Can you tell I don't like her? Have mercy on us and don't call in a vote for her. Ever.
Stay tuned for my final thoughts from tonight's Wild Card show.
Another observation of mine, in case you're interested: the third group has a distinct advantage over the first two for several reasons. One, they have more time to figure out what they are going to sing, and practice their music. They also have the advantage of hearing the criticisms of the judges and still have time to change from their previously boring song to one that will hit a chord with Randy (WHAT??), Kara (I-want-to-know-who-you-are), Pauler and Siiiimon.
So, we started off the night with the adorable Von Smith. Except for his hair, I love him. He reminds me a bit of Rick Astley. Rick, I mean Von, sang Marvin Gaye's "You're All I Need to Get By".
Taylor Vaifanua sang Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You". My opinion? Forgettable.
Alex Wagner-Trugman is the resident geek. Okay, so he's really sweet and stuff and I wish him well, but he certainly doesn't have the package thing they are looking for. Perhaps they are thinking he may be another Clay Aiken, who I understand is or was pretty geeky. I didn't watch that year's American Idol, so I'm not sure. Alex sang an Elton John tune, "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues". It's my opinion that he just tried too hard. He added an affect to his voice that just didn't do anything for me.
Ariana Afsar was next with her version of ABBA's "The Winner Takes It All". I felt really bad for her. She is so freakin' cute and has a beautiful voice, but really botched this one bad. Now, again, I'm no expert on "pitchy-ness" and vocal ability, but I kept thinking throughout the song, "Is it supposed to sound like this?". I know there are songs out there that sound weird to me and they are supposed to be "good", but I wasn't sure about this one. The way the judges were commenting, apparently it wasn't just me. Sorry Ariana. I really liked you.
Ju'Not Joyner was next with his rendition of the Plain White T's "Hey There Delilah" and I thought he did an awesome job! He mixed it up nicely and I hope he gets noticed by a record label.
Kristen McNamara is so darned cute and I like her and all, but she really doesn't have a style to call her own. She sang Tracy Chapman's "Give Me One Reason", which I love, but it was not remarkable.
Nathaniel Marshall sang a Meatloaf song, of all things. "I Would Do Anything For Love" was okay. It had no personality, despite the interesting look of Nate. His headband style has got to go. In some ways I like him, but his performance left a lot to be desired.
Felicia Barton sang Alicia Keys' "No One". If you recall, Felicia didn't originally make the top 36, which is a mystery to me. She has good vocals, so what gives? She was called up to replace Joana Pacitti, who I can't recall the reason for her demise on the show. Felicia did a great job with the song even if it was a bit "copy cat" according to Simon.
Scott MacIntyre is someone who I think may just be my "Jason Castro" replacement for this year. Anyone who knows me knows how enamoured I was with Jason last season. (okay, that's an understatement) For me it was the whole person, or the "whole package" as the judges like to say. Scott has a good voice and I love him as a person. He is sweet, humble and dare I say cute in his own way? I think if they do some current styling with his hair, he'd be even cuter. Heck, they were able to transform David Cook's geeky hair-do, I'm sure they can do something for Scott as well. Anyway, Scott sang Bruce Hornsbys' "Mandolin Rain". I love his passion and agree with the judges when they say that he feels the song and his passion comes through it. I think that's important in a performer.
Kendall Beard in her sunny yellow dress sang Martina McBride's "This One's For the Girls". She's definitely a country singer and even though I'm not a huge fan of country music, I really like her. I think she has good vocals and she is cute. The Whole Package? Perhaps.
Jorge Nunez was next with his slightly accented version of "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" by Elton John and it was pretty good. I don't think I would like him as an artist, but he definitely has a cute personality! The spanish he blurts out cuz that's all he has in his head, is so endearing.
The final spot this evening was by Lil Rounds. What a unique name! I think that alone completes the "whole package" and will get her far. Okay, she has great vocals as well, but heck, who can forget her name? Lil sang "Be Without You" by Mary J. Blige.
Here are the finalists that made it through: Scott MacIntyre, Jorge Nunez and Lil Rounds.
Competing in the Wild Card Show, airing Thursday night are: Von Smith, Jasmine Murray, Ricky Braddy, Megan Corkrey, Tatiana Del Toro (eegads!), Matt Giraud, Jesse Langseth, and Anoop Desai.
I'm very happy to see Megan Corkrey, Matt Giraud and Jesse Langseth get a second chance. Actually, I'd like to see what Von Smith can pull off too. I HATE that they asked Tatiana to come back. Uhg! I can't stand her and I guess that the drama is what they are looking for. Yuck. I really can't stand her fake laugh and her fake crying and her fake everything. She's such a fake and a flake. Can you tell I don't like her? Have mercy on us and don't call in a vote for her. Ever.
Stay tuned for my final thoughts from tonight's Wild Card show.
American Idol's Season 8, Top 36 - Group 2
So I slacked a little. I didn't give my opinions of last week's Group 2. I think that was because it was unremarkable for the most part. But,for the benefit of my readers, here goes:
Before I get into commenting on the finalists, I have to say that I have observed some really weird things this year and I'm not so happy about them. It's just really chaotic. First, the judges cannot figure out how they are going to sit or how they are going to give their comments (the order in which they do that). I liked it better when Simon was last and he either agreed with the rest of the judges or disagreed. It seemed more interesting that way. IDK, something small, but I noticed and I'm sure you did too. I also noticed that Ryan mixed it up from the first week, where they spoke with the contestant's family just prior to their performance. This week, they kept the families in the audience and did the blurbs about them on the big screen. I really don't care one way or the other, I would just like some consistency. It appears as though AI doesn't really know what they are doing this year and that's sad to me.
I can't even figure out how the Wild Card night is going to look. Once, I heard someone on AI say that they would be selecting 12 cast-offs to re-perform and then they would decide three from that. Then I hear they are going to select one from each night to make up the three and there won't be any more performances from them. Make up my mind, you know?
Okay, so the first contestant in Group 2 was Jasmine Murray. I think Jasmine tried too hard to be something she wasn't. I like her, but her song choice just wasn't her. She sang Sara Bareille's "Love Song", which I like, but again, not for her. She can't hit the low notes and the beginning of the song was horrible.
Our own Michigan's Matt Giraud was kind of a disappointment. I was waiting for the bluesy style he did so well in Hollywood Week, when he sang Ray Charles' "Georgia". Instead, he performed something that was totally not his style by Coldplay -- "Viva la Vida". He didn't make it and I think that was why.
Jeanine Vailes' song choice, once again, left something to be desired. I don't know what I would have liked to see her sing, since I had no clue who the heck she was! They showed nothing of her in previous weeks and I didn't even know she made the top 36 until the Group 2 night. Jeanine sang Maroon 5's "This Love". All I kept thinking about was when Blake Lewis did it a few years ago and how well he did.
I have to say that I think Idol really has a lot of influence over who makes it and who doesn't, just by allowing a lot (or none at all) of "face time" each week for each of the contestants. This is disappointing too because we, the fans, like to think that we have most of the control over who succeeds and who doesn't. They really do like to amp up the drama (which they did brilliantly this year), in a desperate attempt to get more viewers. What about us faithful? If you are anywhere on the boards, you will realize that those of us who are AI diehards are really struggling with all the stunts AI has been performing for ratings. Could the changes be because Nigel Lythgoe is gone?
Okay, so on with my critique of the finalists:
Nick Mitchell aka Norman Gentle was up next. He is a riot! I struggle each week with wanting to see more of what he would do, but then, I felt like if he went through another round, it may just be making a mockery of the actual singing the contestants were there for. Yet, he can sing! I do hope he gets noticed by someone and gets a gig somewhere. The only thing that bothered me is that he would always do the same song. It was beginning to get old. I wanted to see something new from him, even if it was ridiculously funny and not at all serious. Norman, I like you, but I'm glad you didn't make it through. Sorry buddy.
Allison Iraheta, the dyed redhead, did pretty well. She reminded me of a cross between Gina Glockson (season 6 and one of my husband's favs) and Amanda Overmyer with her raspy voice. I liked her a bit more than Amanda though, as she wasn't too niche-y. She seemed to be a little more well-rounded in her style. I think it was good she went through. Allison sang a Heart song - "Alone". Seemed appropriate for her.
Though Kris Allen did well in his vocals, I didn't think he was all that memorable. Obviously I was wrong, or the votes wouldn't have gotten him through. Kris sang "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson. At first, when I heard he was going to do Michael, I got nervous because the judges are always saying not to "touch" songs like that, but I think he pulled it off.
Megan Corkrey was the cutest thing ever. I love her style (hippie-ish), her voice (jazzy) and just - her (fun). I had hoped she got through, but she didn't :-( . Perhaps she will be one of the Crazy Cards, Wild Cards, Whatever Cards. I just want to see her again! Oh, and for those of you who didn't see her, she sang "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Baily Rae.
And then there's Matt Breitzke. Though I love the guy and I think he's a sweetheart, I think he's boring as an artist. This week Matt sang Tonic's "If You Can Only See", which is a song I really like, but it was nothing special in my opinion. Now, this is coming from someone who likes the entire package. His vocals seem to be spot on, but I suck at that anyway, so I can't be sure they really were. Whenever the judges tell a contestant that they were "pitchy", I don't always hear it. That's why I don't sing!
Jesse Langseth was an interesting one. I loved her rendition of "Betty David Eyes" by Kim Carnes but her personally, I'm not sure about. She is a typical sassy red head (Yes, I'm stereotyping - sue me). That may just prove to be interesting in coming weeks, if she had made it through. She didn't. Perhaps she will be a wild card.
Kai Kalama aka Sayid (ABC's Lost). Sayid, oh, I mean Kai sang "What Becomes of a Brokenhearted?" by Jimmy Ruffin. He sang it well (though I found his facial expressions to be a bit distracting) and I like the song, but it wasn't contemporary enough or showed who he was. Now I sound like Kara. Anyway, I think Simon's comment about being a "good backup singer" did him in and that's why he didn't go on. Wild card? Maybe.
Mishavonna Henson. What a pretty name. I loved her dress. That's about it though. I don't really remember her performance and had to go back for a reminder in order to write this about her. She sang "Drops of Jupiter" by Train. Her vocals were good. Really good in fact, but it was not memorable for me.
Adam Lambert hit it out of the park according to the judges. I knew he would even if it was a bit too theatrical. I'm not so keen on his style, but he's cute in his own way and I wish him the best. I hope he doesn't get the AI title, simply because it's not my thing AND I think he is a bit too much of an actor and not a musician, but whatever happens, happens. Right? Oh, and he sang The Stone's "I Can't Get No Satisfaction". I have to say though that I can't help but to think that there is some manipulation on the judges part. I felt this way when I saw the extreme excitement that they portrayed when he was finished. It didn't feel real. It was overdone. IDK. Maybe that's just me.
My dear, dear Jason Castro, from last season's AI (white dreadlocked boy who came in 4th) was supposed to perform his new song Wednesday for the results show (like Brooke White and Michael Johns/Carly Smithson did the previous two weeks) but they couldn't fit him in. It was the Wild Card portion that took up the extra time. I should boycott AI for that one (okay, I won't) but we better see him soon!!!
To summarize: The three that ended up going through were: Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta.
Before I get into commenting on the finalists, I have to say that I have observed some really weird things this year and I'm not so happy about them. It's just really chaotic. First, the judges cannot figure out how they are going to sit or how they are going to give their comments (the order in which they do that). I liked it better when Simon was last and he either agreed with the rest of the judges or disagreed. It seemed more interesting that way. IDK, something small, but I noticed and I'm sure you did too. I also noticed that Ryan mixed it up from the first week, where they spoke with the contestant's family just prior to their performance. This week, they kept the families in the audience and did the blurbs about them on the big screen. I really don't care one way or the other, I would just like some consistency. It appears as though AI doesn't really know what they are doing this year and that's sad to me.
I can't even figure out how the Wild Card night is going to look. Once, I heard someone on AI say that they would be selecting 12 cast-offs to re-perform and then they would decide three from that. Then I hear they are going to select one from each night to make up the three and there won't be any more performances from them. Make up my mind, you know?
Okay, so the first contestant in Group 2 was Jasmine Murray. I think Jasmine tried too hard to be something she wasn't. I like her, but her song choice just wasn't her. She sang Sara Bareille's "Love Song", which I like, but again, not for her. She can't hit the low notes and the beginning of the song was horrible.
Our own Michigan's Matt Giraud was kind of a disappointment. I was waiting for the bluesy style he did so well in Hollywood Week, when he sang Ray Charles' "Georgia". Instead, he performed something that was totally not his style by Coldplay -- "Viva la Vida". He didn't make it and I think that was why.
Jeanine Vailes' song choice, once again, left something to be desired. I don't know what I would have liked to see her sing, since I had no clue who the heck she was! They showed nothing of her in previous weeks and I didn't even know she made the top 36 until the Group 2 night. Jeanine sang Maroon 5's "This Love". All I kept thinking about was when Blake Lewis did it a few years ago and how well he did.
I have to say that I think Idol really has a lot of influence over who makes it and who doesn't, just by allowing a lot (or none at all) of "face time" each week for each of the contestants. This is disappointing too because we, the fans, like to think that we have most of the control over who succeeds and who doesn't. They really do like to amp up the drama (which they did brilliantly this year), in a desperate attempt to get more viewers. What about us faithful? If you are anywhere on the boards, you will realize that those of us who are AI diehards are really struggling with all the stunts AI has been performing for ratings. Could the changes be because Nigel Lythgoe is gone?
Okay, so on with my critique of the finalists:
Nick Mitchell aka Norman Gentle was up next. He is a riot! I struggle each week with wanting to see more of what he would do, but then, I felt like if he went through another round, it may just be making a mockery of the actual singing the contestants were there for. Yet, he can sing! I do hope he gets noticed by someone and gets a gig somewhere. The only thing that bothered me is that he would always do the same song. It was beginning to get old. I wanted to see something new from him, even if it was ridiculously funny and not at all serious. Norman, I like you, but I'm glad you didn't make it through. Sorry buddy.
Allison Iraheta, the dyed redhead, did pretty well. She reminded me of a cross between Gina Glockson (season 6 and one of my husband's favs) and Amanda Overmyer with her raspy voice. I liked her a bit more than Amanda though, as she wasn't too niche-y. She seemed to be a little more well-rounded in her style. I think it was good she went through. Allison sang a Heart song - "Alone". Seemed appropriate for her.
Though Kris Allen did well in his vocals, I didn't think he was all that memorable. Obviously I was wrong, or the votes wouldn't have gotten him through. Kris sang "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson. At first, when I heard he was going to do Michael, I got nervous because the judges are always saying not to "touch" songs like that, but I think he pulled it off.
Megan Corkrey was the cutest thing ever. I love her style (hippie-ish), her voice (jazzy) and just - her (fun). I had hoped she got through, but she didn't :-( . Perhaps she will be one of the Crazy Cards, Wild Cards, Whatever Cards. I just want to see her again! Oh, and for those of you who didn't see her, she sang "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Baily Rae.
And then there's Matt Breitzke. Though I love the guy and I think he's a sweetheart, I think he's boring as an artist. This week Matt sang Tonic's "If You Can Only See", which is a song I really like, but it was nothing special in my opinion. Now, this is coming from someone who likes the entire package. His vocals seem to be spot on, but I suck at that anyway, so I can't be sure they really were. Whenever the judges tell a contestant that they were "pitchy", I don't always hear it. That's why I don't sing!
Jesse Langseth was an interesting one. I loved her rendition of "Betty David Eyes" by Kim Carnes but her personally, I'm not sure about. She is a typical sassy red head (Yes, I'm stereotyping - sue me). That may just prove to be interesting in coming weeks, if she had made it through. She didn't. Perhaps she will be a wild card.
Kai Kalama aka Sayid (ABC's Lost). Sayid, oh, I mean Kai sang "What Becomes of a Brokenhearted?" by Jimmy Ruffin. He sang it well (though I found his facial expressions to be a bit distracting) and I like the song, but it wasn't contemporary enough or showed who he was. Now I sound like Kara. Anyway, I think Simon's comment about being a "good backup singer" did him in and that's why he didn't go on. Wild card? Maybe.
Mishavonna Henson. What a pretty name. I loved her dress. That's about it though. I don't really remember her performance and had to go back for a reminder in order to write this about her. She sang "Drops of Jupiter" by Train. Her vocals were good. Really good in fact, but it was not memorable for me.
Adam Lambert hit it out of the park according to the judges. I knew he would even if it was a bit too theatrical. I'm not so keen on his style, but he's cute in his own way and I wish him the best. I hope he doesn't get the AI title, simply because it's not my thing AND I think he is a bit too much of an actor and not a musician, but whatever happens, happens. Right? Oh, and he sang The Stone's "I Can't Get No Satisfaction". I have to say though that I can't help but to think that there is some manipulation on the judges part. I felt this way when I saw the extreme excitement that they portrayed when he was finished. It didn't feel real. It was overdone. IDK. Maybe that's just me.
My dear, dear Jason Castro, from last season's AI (white dreadlocked boy who came in 4th) was supposed to perform his new song Wednesday for the results show (like Brooke White and Michael Johns/Carly Smithson did the previous two weeks) but they couldn't fit him in. It was the Wild Card portion that took up the extra time. I should boycott AI for that one (okay, I won't) but we better see him soon!!!
To summarize: The three that ended up going through were: Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
American Idol is back! Season 8's top 36 - Group 1
Okay, so a lot has been said about the contestants this year and I don't agree with all of it. I will say, I have not heard one person say something about Tatiana Del Toro that I didn't agree with! She's such a flake and a fake. I have a difficult time just looking at her because I'm so embarrassed for her. Sad.
For those of you who are remotely interested and have not been keeping up like the die hard fan that I am, I will fill you in on the basics.
They mixed things up a little over there at American Idol. Why? Who knows. This year, instead of a top 24, they have a top 36 and are separating them in groups of 12 each week, eliminating 9 each time. They are keeping the highest voted male, highest voted female and the next in line for highest votes. Three in all each week. Confusing.
(pics of AI finalists above from http://www.americanidol.com/top_36/group_1)Group 1 (first set of 12): Tuesday was performance night and Wednesday was results night. On Tuesday we saw Jackie Tohn, Anoop Desai, the infamous drama queen Tatiana Del Toro, Stevie Wright, Casey Carlson, Stephen Fowler, Alexis Grace, Ricky Braddy, Michael Sarver, Anne Marie Boskovich, Brent Keith and the Robert Downey Jr. look-alike Danny Gokey.
Jackie was first up and even though her vocals weren't all that, I did like her performance. She was fun to watch and it definately made up for the vocal.
Ricky Braddy was next. His vocals were great, but his performance was forgettable, as the judges would say. I didn't care for it. It's a package deal, when you come right down to it.
I don't recall who came next, but it was mostly downhill from there. Stevie Wright is so cute and I wanted her to do well, but it was a poor song choice. It made her look dorky.
Anoop Dog was okay. I like him, but the performance wasn't really memorable. There's still the Wild Card thing that I'm still not so sure I understand. What it means is the ones who are eliminated from each group of 12 still have a chance to come back and be included in the top 12. So, I guess that means that there willb e three Wild Cards, huh? Is Anoop one of them?
Casey Carlson bombed out on that song choice. She picked Every Little Thing She Does is Magic, by the Police. I LOVE that song, but it was so blaaaah! She stayed in one tight little spot, singing in a bland way. I like her but she has to go.
OH! I forgot Alexis Grace! How could I?? She was AWESOME. I love her and her style. I think she will go far in this competition.
Michael Sarver, though he made it through, was not all that. I was actually surprised he made it.
Danny Gokey sang Mariah Carey's Hero. I love Mariah, so this was a good choice in my opinion! :-) Anyway, who can blog without mentioning Danny? He was criticized on someone's blog for several things. One, it was mentioned that he was being pretty shallow when Tatiana lost and he won (they were standing together, waiting for Ryan to give the results). What I think happened is that Danny was as put off by her previous antics as the rest of us were and was afraid to hug her or get too close to her. I felt his pain. I would be the same, I think. Torn between wanting to comfort and not wanting to appear too sympathetic to The Strange One. Who wants to be associated with someone who is that unpredictable anyway? We'll be seeing more of him, so the truth about whether or not he's as self-centered as some may think will come out in time. My bet is he's not. As for his glasses....well, I think that AI will polish up his look and make him look shnazzier than he does already. Heck, look what they did for David Cook? I didn't care for this week's white spectacles choice, but that's okay. He has more, I'm sure. Perhaps he will wear a different pair each week. I still like him, his music, his voice and everything so far.
As for the rest of the contestants that I did not mention, they were either unforgettable in their performance/song choice or I just didn't like them. I'd really rather not dwell on the negative.
Who made it through on Wednesday's results show? Danny Gokey (of course), Michael Sarver and Alexis Grace.
My fear is that I will like no one like I liked (loved?) Jason Castro of last year's AI. I've become totally Cougarized with that boy! That's a whole 'nother blog about reliving my teen years. There has to be group therapy for people like me somewhere, right??
Next week's Group 2 finalists are: Megan Corkrey, Kris Allen, Matt Breitzke, Allison Iraheta, Mishavonna Henson, Kai Kalama, Nick Mitchell (aka Norman Gentle), Matt Giraud (from Michigan), Jasmine Murray, Jesse Langseth, Adam Lambert and Jeanine Vailes.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
It's been a while
A lot has happened since I posted last.
My husband thought he lost his job. That was a little stressful. It made me realize all my rantings over my own job is kinda stupid. In fact, I thought about deleting those posts, because I am suddenly embarrassed to have been spouting off like that, even though I truly felt that way. It just seems dumb to me now. Oh well. That's me!
So during the moments following what my husband and I thought were his work demise, I left my laptop for a moment to collect myself and came back moments later to a water bottle that was tipped over onto the keyboard of my laptop. Now, because this is a laptop, it fried the whole thing! My stupid kitty did that. She can't pass up a water bottle, don'tcha know?
I have also been working on this spaghetti dinner fundraiser for Kayla's school. I'm the chair person and panicking because there are only a few on the committee who are doing anything. Praise God for them! I don't know what I would do otherwise! It's a lot more work than I anticipated. That's what stinks about being an optimist. I always underestimate a situation! Like, I think it will take less time to cook the spaghetti or set up for the dinner than it actually will. It's coming up on the 7th, so I had better be able to get all of the donations from local restaurants and such, really soon! It will be nice when this one is over! :-D
I fear this blog isn't going to be terribly exciting. Work is slow, I have a lot of time on my hands. I'll have to blog more regularly. I have a lot to say, but I never seem to be able to get to the computer when I want to. I plan on changing that soon. So, we'll see.
My husband thought he lost his job. That was a little stressful. It made me realize all my rantings over my own job is kinda stupid. In fact, I thought about deleting those posts, because I am suddenly embarrassed to have been spouting off like that, even though I truly felt that way. It just seems dumb to me now. Oh well. That's me!
So during the moments following what my husband and I thought were his work demise, I left my laptop for a moment to collect myself and came back moments later to a water bottle that was tipped over onto the keyboard of my laptop. Now, because this is a laptop, it fried the whole thing! My stupid kitty did that. She can't pass up a water bottle, don'tcha know?
I have also been working on this spaghetti dinner fundraiser for Kayla's school. I'm the chair person and panicking because there are only a few on the committee who are doing anything. Praise God for them! I don't know what I would do otherwise! It's a lot more work than I anticipated. That's what stinks about being an optimist. I always underestimate a situation! Like, I think it will take less time to cook the spaghetti or set up for the dinner than it actually will. It's coming up on the 7th, so I had better be able to get all of the donations from local restaurants and such, really soon! It will be nice when this one is over! :-D
I fear this blog isn't going to be terribly exciting. Work is slow, I have a lot of time on my hands. I'll have to blog more regularly. I have a lot to say, but I never seem to be able to get to the computer when I want to. I plan on changing that soon. So, we'll see.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
OMG, it's finally happening!!! No more kid's books, kid's clothes and thrift stores for the thrifty.
I don't even know where to begin. This is HUGE.
I am going to start off by saying that this has got to be the epitome of big government putting the kabash on the little people.
In case you haven't heard, there is a new law going into effect February 10 of this year, that prohibits the distribution (sale, resale, giving, loaning) of children's products including books, DVDs, CD's, toys and clothing unless it has been tested for lead. Small businesses, thrift stores and mom-to-mom sales will not survive. It costs between $500 and $1500 to test one book for lead. See the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act for more information.
Do you realize that you will no longer be able to get books or anything child-related (those products intended for children 12 and under) on Amazon, e-bay or any such venue unless it's brand new (and probably more expensive)?
I'm amazed to say that I'm virtually speechless! Here is an article I received from a homeschool mom and concerned citizen on this issue:
==========================================================
The Homeschooler's Notebook
Encouragement and Advice for Homeschool Families
==========================================================
Vol. 10 No 2 January 8, 2009
ISSN: 1536-2035
==========================================================
Copyright (c) 2009 - Heather Idoni, FamilyClassroom.net
==========================================================
Welcome to the Homeschooler's Notebook!
If you like this newsletter, please recommend it to a friend!
And please visit our sponsors! They make it possible.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSOR:
Time4Learning.com: Online Interactive Homeschool Curriculum
http://www.time4learning.com/tracking_links.php?go=hnjan5curr
Affordable & engaging interactive curriculum with lessons,
multimedia exercises, and assessments for PreK - 8th Grade.
http://www.time4learning.com/tracking_links.php?go=hnjan5currprek_8
Our program includes thousands of student-paced lessons,
printable worksheets & graded activities for Language Arts,
Math, Science & Social Studies:
http://www.time4learning.com/tracking_links.php?go=hnjan5student
Parents like the simplified lesson planning & record-keeping:
http://www.time4learning.com/tracking_links.php?go=hnjan5lessonplans
Students like learning on the computer.
Only $19.95 for 1st child, $14.95 for each additional child.
14 Days RISK FREE. No Contracts. Try the Demos Here:
http://www.time4learning.com/tracking_links.php?go=hnjan5lessondemos
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
=================
IN THIS ISSUE:
=================
Notes from Heather
-- Children's Books Banned
Helpful Tip
-- Launchball Science Game
Winning Website
-- Electronic Naturalist
Reader Question
-- Curriculum Compromise?
Additional Notes
-- Newsletter Archives
-- Sponsorship Information
-- Reprint Information
-- Subscriber Information
=======================
Notes from Heather
=======================
The Sale of Children's Books to be Banned
---
Oh, how I wish this were a joke! But it is a grim and looming,
almost Orwellian, reality.
Effective February 10th, in the United States, the sale of
all children's books (books intended for children ages 12 and
under) is to be PROHIBITED. Every single book printed prior
to the ruling is affected, whether new or used. New books in
production are required to include a "lead-free" certification
and will be the only books that are legal to offer for sale.
What does this mean to the homeschooling family?
Well, for one, curriculum fairs across the country will be
cancelled as book vendors scramble to figure out how to comply
with the new ruling. Complete book inventories will have to be
destroyed -- the ruling even prohibits giving away the books!
Local thrift stores will be hard hit -- most will likely have to
close their doors -- yes, even Goodwill and Salvation Army.
Clothing, toys and books -- even CDs and DVDs are included in the
ruling. Thrift stores will no longer be able to accept or process
anything (including clothing) that would be intended for a child.
No more library sales. Libraries will not be permitted to give
away or sell book donations. It is unsure yet, however, how
the libraries' shelves themselves will be impacted (the ruling
doesn't explicitly mention "loaning" books, just selling or
giving them away). The key word, however, is "distribution" --
libraries may well be required to destroy books from their shelves.
(The ruling that originally passed was about toys, but the EPA has
since made a statement that clothing, books and media are included
in "children's toys".)
Just how serious is this new law?
Amazon.com has already notified all vendors of their need to comply.
No book can be sold at the Amazon site that was printed prior to
compliance. And the "compliance" must be coordinated at the manu-
facturing stage. At the time of this article there is no clause
to be able to grandfather-in older books or even rare out-of-print
books. It can cost between $500 and $1500 to test a book for lead.
I happen to own a children's bookstore specializing in living books
from the 1950s and '60s. My punishment for selling a book after
February 10th? Up to $100,000 and 5 years in jail. And yes, it is
a felony charge. For selling a SINGLE book.
(Although I don't think the S.W.A.T. team scenario would become a
reality overnight, at the same time I would be leery of blatantly
violating Federal law.)
So what can you do to help save your local used bookstore that
sells children's books? Or that homeschool curriculum business?
Or your EBay business selling children's items?
ACT NOW before the quickly approaching deadlines:
1) Email or call the CPSIA - the office of the CPSC ombudsman at
888-531-9070. http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/newleg.aspx
Comments on Component Parts Testing accepted through January 30,
2009. Or email: Sec102ComponentPartsTesting@cpsc.gov
2) Contact your local representatives. For their contact informa-
tion, just enter your zip code.
http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/dbq/officials/
3) Make your voice heard by voting on this issue! The top 3 in
each category will be presented to President-elect Obama.
http://change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia
4) Sign the petition.
http://ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/index.html
5) Spread the word! Forward this article. Send an email. Write
about this on your blog. Tell others about this issue and
encourage them to do the same.
---
For the complete story, read the following links:
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
Consumer Product Safety Commission Summaries on Legislation Index
page for Children's Products Containing Lead; Lead Paint Rule and
other rulings
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/legislation.html#summaries
Office of the General Counsel FAQ on retroactive inventory require-
ments -- The use of forward effective dates appears to force current
inventories to adhere to the ruling on February 10th, 2009
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/summaries/101brief.html
Specific FAQ on their interpretation of books and other media to be
included in the testing of lead based products
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/101faq.html
Effective Date: Lead content limit of 600 ppm becomes effective 180
days after enactment. An advisory opinion regarding the application
of the new lead limit to inventory existing at the effective date
can be found on our web site at
http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/advisory/317.pdf
Getting the Lead out: There is no lead in children's books
http://news.bookweb.org/news/5695.html
There is no lead in Children's books: From a Pediatrician
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/childhealth/3955/is-there-lead-in-baby-books/
---
I am going to start off by saying that this has got to be the epitome of big government putting the kabash on the little people.
In case you haven't heard, there is a new law going into effect February 10 of this year, that prohibits the distribution (sale, resale, giving, loaning) of children's products including books, DVDs, CD's, toys and clothing unless it has been tested for lead. Small businesses, thrift stores and mom-to-mom sales will not survive. It costs between $500 and $1500 to test one book for lead. See the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act for more information.
Do you realize that you will no longer be able to get books or anything child-related (those products intended for children 12 and under) on Amazon, e-bay or any such venue unless it's brand new (and probably more expensive)?
I'm amazed to say that I'm virtually speechless! Here is an article I received from a homeschool mom and concerned citizen on this issue:
==========================================================
The Homeschooler's Notebook
Encouragement and Advice for Homeschool Families
==========================================================
Vol. 10 No 2 January 8, 2009
ISSN: 1536-2035
==========================================================
Copyright (c) 2009 - Heather Idoni, FamilyClassroom.net
==========================================================
Welcome to the Homeschooler's Notebook!
If you like this newsletter, please recommend it to a friend!
And please visit our sponsors! They make it possible.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSOR:
Time4Learning.com: Online Interactive Homeschool Curriculum
http://www.time4learning.com/tracking_links.php?go=hnjan5curr
Affordable & engaging interactive curriculum with lessons,
multimedia exercises, and assessments for PreK - 8th Grade.
http://www.time4learning.com/tracking_links.php?go=hnjan5currprek_8
Our program includes thousands of student-paced lessons,
printable worksheets & graded activities for Language Arts,
Math, Science & Social Studies:
http://www.time4learning.com/tracking_links.php?go=hnjan5student
Parents like the simplified lesson planning & record-keeping:
http://www.time4learning.com/tracking_links.php?go=hnjan5lessonplans
Students like learning on the computer.
Only $19.95 for 1st child, $14.95 for each additional child.
14 Days RISK FREE. No Contracts. Try the Demos Here:
http://www.time4learning.com/tracking_links.php?go=hnjan5lessondemos
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
=================
IN THIS ISSUE:
=================
Notes from Heather
-- Children's Books Banned
Helpful Tip
-- Launchball Science Game
Winning Website
-- Electronic Naturalist
Reader Question
-- Curriculum Compromise?
Additional Notes
-- Newsletter Archives
-- Sponsorship Information
-- Reprint Information
-- Subscriber Information
=======================
Notes from Heather
=======================
The Sale of Children's Books to be Banned
---
Oh, how I wish this were a joke! But it is a grim and looming,
almost Orwellian, reality.
Effective February 10th, in the United States, the sale of
all children's books (books intended for children ages 12 and
under) is to be PROHIBITED. Every single book printed prior
to the ruling is affected, whether new or used. New books in
production are required to include a "lead-free" certification
and will be the only books that are legal to offer for sale.
What does this mean to the homeschooling family?
Well, for one, curriculum fairs across the country will be
cancelled as book vendors scramble to figure out how to comply
with the new ruling. Complete book inventories will have to be
destroyed -- the ruling even prohibits giving away the books!
Local thrift stores will be hard hit -- most will likely have to
close their doors -- yes, even Goodwill and Salvation Army.
Clothing, toys and books -- even CDs and DVDs are included in the
ruling. Thrift stores will no longer be able to accept or process
anything (including clothing) that would be intended for a child.
No more library sales. Libraries will not be permitted to give
away or sell book donations. It is unsure yet, however, how
the libraries' shelves themselves will be impacted (the ruling
doesn't explicitly mention "loaning" books, just selling or
giving them away). The key word, however, is "distribution" --
libraries may well be required to destroy books from their shelves.
(The ruling that originally passed was about toys, but the EPA has
since made a statement that clothing, books and media are included
in "children's toys".)
Just how serious is this new law?
Amazon.com has already notified all vendors of their need to comply.
No book can be sold at the Amazon site that was printed prior to
compliance. And the "compliance" must be coordinated at the manu-
facturing stage. At the time of this article there is no clause
to be able to grandfather-in older books or even rare out-of-print
books. It can cost between $500 and $1500 to test a book for lead.
I happen to own a children's bookstore specializing in living books
from the 1950s and '60s. My punishment for selling a book after
February 10th? Up to $100,000 and 5 years in jail. And yes, it is
a felony charge. For selling a SINGLE book.
(Although I don't think the S.W.A.T. team scenario would become a
reality overnight, at the same time I would be leery of blatantly
violating Federal law.)
So what can you do to help save your local used bookstore that
sells children's books? Or that homeschool curriculum business?
Or your EBay business selling children's items?
ACT NOW before the quickly approaching deadlines:
1) Email or call the CPSIA - the office of the CPSC ombudsman at
888-531-9070. http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/newleg.aspx
Comments on Component Parts Testing accepted through January 30,
2009. Or email: Sec102ComponentPartsTesting@cpsc.gov
2) Contact your local representatives. For their contact informa-
tion, just enter your zip code.
http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/dbq/officials/
3) Make your voice heard by voting on this issue! The top 3 in
each category will be presented to President-elect Obama.
http://change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia
4) Sign the petition.
http://ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/index.html
5) Spread the word! Forward this article. Send an email. Write
about this on your blog. Tell others about this issue and
encourage them to do the same.
---
For the complete story, read the following links:
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
Consumer Product Safety Commission Summaries on Legislation Index
page for Children's Products Containing Lead; Lead Paint Rule and
other rulings
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/legislation.html#summaries
Office of the General Counsel FAQ on retroactive inventory require-
ments -- The use of forward effective dates appears to force current
inventories to adhere to the ruling on February 10th, 2009
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/summaries/101brief.html
Specific FAQ on their interpretation of books and other media to be
included in the testing of lead based products
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/101faq.html
Effective Date: Lead content limit of 600 ppm becomes effective 180
days after enactment. An advisory opinion regarding the application
of the new lead limit to inventory existing at the effective date
can be found on our web site at
http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/advisory/317.pdf
Getting the Lead out: There is no lead in children's books
http://news.bookweb.org/news/5695.html
There is no lead in Children's books: From a Pediatrician
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/childhealth/3955/is-there-lead-in-baby-books/
---
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