Nevermind...Registration Off

I don't like it. I can't stand it.

Sooooo....no more registration.

However, I think we need to all be vigilant about letting folks know they are welcome...but they need to comment with some kind of name.

Anonymous comments aren't cool!

This is your brain.

This is your brain on Anonymous comments.

Any questions?

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Better...Not Amazingly Fantastic...But Better

The boys on American Idol did manage to improve their game from last week...but I'm still feeling that the girls might have the edge this year.

Here's my quick run down from Tuesday night (real quick...as I'm pooped and want to head to bed). Believe it or not...I felt Simon was dead on for all of his critiques.

Phil Stacey -- I don't get it...he dedicates "I Ain't Missin' You at All" to his fellow military men and women? Okayyyyy. Let's face it...the guy never starts strong with his songs. He improves as he sings, but this is not exciting or unique. I've heard better male singers at my church. That's not a put down...just an illustration of how commonplace it is. That said, I think he's safe this week.

Jarod Cotter -- And for the creepiest song dedication of the night, Mr. Cotter decides to sing "Let's Get It On" to his parents. Um...gross...my Cringe-O-Meter tops out at 11 (out of 10). Plus, he stinks the song up like a pair of socks in my brothers' laundry hamper. And...oh...let me be sure to mention the little hand move down the face. All I could think of was "Alien face hugger." My Cringe-O-Meter suddenly spiked at 25. I fear widdle Jarod might be spending next week with his mommy and daddy...'cause he could go home after that one. Yikes.

AJ Tabaldo -- I hate to admit this...but I liked his performance (of some soulful song I didn't know, but that he dedicates to Ma and Pa Tabaldo). The guy cheeses me out more than y'all can understand...but I have to give him props. However...AJ, if you plan to continue to win me over...please, for the love of all that's good and right in the world...quit with the arms-over-the head dancin'. Buddy, that move is lame with a capital GOOBER. I think he saved himself this week.

Sanjaya Malakar -- When, oh, when, will the Michael Jackson fedora crap end? Sanjaya is such a cutie...he didn't need to overdo the look. His performance, "Steppin' Out," was dedicated to his late grandfather. His voice is lovely...but he sings as if he forgets to actually breathe. He is so silent and low-key that I want to check his pulse. If he would embrace his sexiness (which is hard for 17-year-old...I know) and gain some confidence, it would help so much. I fear for Shamalamadingdong this week.

Chris Sligh -- Chris took on the musical manna...Ray Lamontagne's "Trouble," dedicated to his cutie-pie wife. He does a great job and truly makes the song his own. I don't think it was his shining moment, but it was good enough to keep in the competition.

Nick Pedro -- Nick comes out singing "Fever" for his sweetie girlfriend. I gotta say, this guy has a fantastic voice...probably my favorite male voice this season. The performance is 1,000 times better than last week's, but he's still needing to gain some comfort on stage. (He gives me an Elliot Yamin vibe.) I think he's safe this week...but he's going to have to step it up...majorly.

Blake Lewis -- Blake was a little off his game this week. He tackled "Virtual Insanity" by Jamiroquai (dedicated to his parents). He does good enough to stay in the game, but not enough to be called a stand-out tonight. I still like him and am rooting for him, 'cause the guy has a lot of talent.

Brandon Rogers -- Dedicating "Time After Time" to his grandmother...Brandon walked out onto stage...and gave an utterly amazingly...boring performance. The guy really needs to head home. Sorry Branny.

Chris Richardson -- Another performance for granny...Chris sings some Jason Mraz song that I don't know...but that I really like. He has improved greatly from last week. He chose a song with lots of tongue-twisting lyrics like Blake did...but he totally kicked Blake's butt. However, I have to say my Cringe-O-Meter did register a strong 11 when I realized he was singing "I could be the one to take you home. Baby, we could rock the night alone"...to his Gram Gram. Just...yikes. (Didn't anyone think about this stuff BEFORE these kids decided to sing sexually explicit songs to their relatives?) However, Chris is safe...this kid has "STAR" written all over him.

Sundance Head He Who Shall Not Be Named -- HWSNBN sang "Mustang Sally" as a dedication to his newborn son, Levi. Okay, the stuff about his baby was sweet. And it's good for him that he chose an upbeat song. However...ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz. The only thing that kept me from totally falling asleep was sitting there in amazement that he didn't put potholes in the stage with those anvil feet of his. It's not just that the guy can't dance...he can barely walk. Please send him home.

Okay...those are my thoughts. What are y'all's?

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Entertainment Weekly's write-up. I'm usually with Michael Slezak...but I think he's a little off with his Jarrod Cotter lovin'.

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Let's Play da Fun Game dat Helps Us Learn Each Udder's Names

For those of you who haven't seen Disney's "Heavyweights"...
it's Monkbot Assignment time...
GO TO BLOCKBUSTER RIGHT NOW!
(I secretly am in love with Lars)

Wow...our little site is really growin'!

I've noticed in recent days that there has been somewhat of an increase in regular site traffic to Monkbot...this pleases me.

And all the new faces in the comment section has me thrilled. Please allow me to formally welcome...mouser, spaceytracy, SoulPatrolShari, Chaos, Hatson, Karen (or have you been around these parts before?), NoTaylorObsession, and jcitysoul.

I've also noticed quite a few Anonymous commentors...and y'all are welcome, as well.

However, because having more than one Anonymous makes things confusing...and because I like to know a little bit about the folks coming to my site to comment...I have decided that (UPDATE) ALL BOLD MONKBOTS SHOULD ENCOURAGE SHY MONKBOTS TO AT LEAST MAKE UP A NAME FOR CLARITY SAKE Monkbot needs a registration process.

Okay...before anyone panics...let me assure you that this isn't my way of censoring anyone. Rather, I think it's a good way for me to keep order on the site.

Anyone who has posted at Gray's knows you have to include an e-mail address before submitting that nerve-racking FIRST POST! This will be much the same (I think).

At least let me try it out and see how it works before y'all start throwing wet fish at my head. Okay?

And I don't want anyone to worry about encountering any difficulty in registering. I'll implement the "body system" (see Lars reference above) to help in times of crisis. The system works like this...if anyone has a problem...e-mail me at monkbottalk@gmail.com and I'll be your "body" (buddy) and try to help you through it.

If it causes too many problems for too many people...I'll remove the process.

Thanks to all for your patience...now...go register so you can comment on what a pain in the butt it is to register!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR A GOOGLE ACCOUNT.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR A BLOGGER ACCOUNT. (Which is basically the same thing as above because Google owns Blogger.)

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UPDATE: Okay...y'all let me know if this is worth the effort. I know it's easy...but I was hoping to get more information on everybody through their profile information. Since that ain't happenin'...I guess it's still good that folks are required to at least post under an actual name...instead of anonymous. I need feedback from everyone. Let me know if this is too much of a pain in the @$$, 'cause I'll remove it if so.

Thanks.

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Escape from Wackadoo Island

Let's face it...when you tell someone you're in the Soul Patrol...oftentimes you brace for the worst.

On more than one occasion, I've had people giggle or...if they are related to me...roll their eyes, point their fingers, and outright laugh at me for being a Soul Patroller.

I had someone introduce me to a group of people I had never met as "Our resident Taylor Hicks fan."

I've had more than one friend, when I've told them I like Taylor, look at me incredulously and ask, "Why?"

I had my relatives shun the "Taylor Hicks" CD I bought as a Dirty Santa gift this Christmas...they actually wanted the lava lamp and thermos set OVER the CD. (The nerve.)

And my cousin said, "When I saw your present, I said, 'I'll be sure to not pick that one...it's from Shelley and I'll bet it's a Taylor Hicks CD.'"

Yeah...there have been many occasions when I've felt I was a novelty for liking Taylor...like I was some bizarre baboon sitting inside a glass case, being studied by statisticians and pointed at by the public.

For as much fun as it is to be a fan of Taylor Hicks...America has attached to it a stigma. And that stigma seems to say...being in the Soul Patrol means you must be slightly nutty.

I can't say I like that at all...especially for how self-conscious it makes me at times.

I don't like that when I get ready to go out in public, I hesitate before reaching in my closet for my "Got Soul?" shirt.

I don't like that I turn the radio down a little when I'm jammin' to Taylor and I come to a stop light surrounded by other cars.

I just don't like folks making assumptions about my personality or behavior based on my music choice.

I guess it comes with the territory...but I wish it didn't.

Now, honestly, I don't feel this is Taylor's fault. The guy is charming and created some pretty amazing catch-phrases that are forever embedded in popular culture.

I think, sadly, the Soul-Patrol-Equals-Gooberish equation was fostered by the connection to American Idol...and that will take a long time to wear off. (Though the Taylors, Jennifer Hudsons, and Kelly Clarksons are helping this cause greatly.)

So...'fess up.

Who has found themselves banished to Wackadoo Island by friends, co-workers, family, and strangers?

Who fights the good fight to prove that being in the Soul Patrol doesn't automatically mean you end every sentence with a hand clap and a shout of "Soul Patrol! Wooo!"?

What is the worst pigeon-hole you've been placed in by admitting your Taylor fanship?

And, finally, how do you plan to Escape from Wackadoo Island?

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A Totally Egotistical, Self-Serving Post...Happy Birthday to Me

Thirty-seven years ago today, the sun began to shine a little brighter and all the birds in the trees learned a new song.

From that day on, many people found they smiled a little more, and the joyous laughter of children warmed the earth with a blanket of happiness and hope.

Yes...that day...that glorious day...was...Shelley's Birthday.

Happy Birthday to Me.

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NOLAgirl, Squeebee, Texan, DD, Monklex, Mini-DD, Quossum, and Shrewspeaks...y'all made me cry.

Thank you so much.

(And the secret iTunes gifter was Bama...thanks, chick!)

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P.S. Y'all make me feel so blessed.

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Chicken & Chocolate...A Monkbot Smorgasbord

Here it is folks...the official food post.

Come here to swap recipes...share thoughts about food...obsess about chocolate...whatever.

I know, I know...it probably should be Chicken and Waffles. But I'm here to keep it real for my peeps...and we don't give a flying flip about waffles. We're (apparently) about the chocolate here.

So...since Monkbots don't conform to other group idiosyncrasies...it's Chicken and Chocolate time!



Look for a permanent link to this page on the right-hand side of the page.

And, as always, keep it clean.

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"I'm Gonna Kill Jim Halpert"

Thursday night was probably one of the best nights of television in a long time...for two reasons...

Pam Beasly and Denny Duquet.

I was so proud of Pam for gaining her newfound courage...and acting on it. Very proud of her.

And I have to say, she made me even more proud with how she responded to Roy's rage about her kissing Jim. Her, "It's over" was a true triumph for our little Pammy...oh, oops...we're not supposed to call her that.

As for "Grey's Anatomy," I loved it. I cried from start to end...and Denny's face when he said, "Izzy" melted me into a puddle of weepy kitten tears. I loved him so much and thought the entire episode was brilliant...especially Sandra Oh saying, "Try it again" like she was possessed.

Great television.

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On the AI front...I lied. I watched the show. (Sorry...but I can't help myself.)

All I have to say is...goodbye, Amy, Nicole, Rudy and Paul...I hardly knew ya...and I'm okay with that.



Though I gotta admit...my heart did go out to Amy for having to sing "I Can't Make You Love Me"...especially after asking if she could sing a different song.

Poor girl...life sucks, I know...but she's thin and younger than me...so I really don't feel that sorry for her.

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P.S. Did anyone other than me hear Simon say "I like this guy" about Chris Sligh after he apologized for ribbing Simon too hard on Tuesday?

Nice.

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Idol Makes Too Many Girls Feel Like a Natural Woman

If I have to hear one more mutilation of an Aretha Franklin song...I'm going to scream.

Attention every current and future contestant on American Idol...DO NOT SING ARETHA. IT IS TIRESOME AND SHOWS A LACK OF IMAGINATION.

Plus...you pretty much stink at it (accept Melinda Doolittle). Seriously, only Aretha should do Aretha.

Okay...on to more important things.

Let it be known on this, 21st Day of February, 2007, I, Shelley Powers, am admitting freely and willingly (and once only) that Double DD was right. (Okay, DD...let us have it.)

The girls are way better than the guys...and will possibly take the crown this year.

Sure I still love Chris Sligh and Blake Lewis (and I have a tiny space in my heart for Nick Pedro for whatever reason...I think it's his pretty eyes)...BUT...the rest of the guys should go home, too.

And...to be fair...for the girls I don't love...I REALLY don't love them...and they need to go on home.

As a matter of fact...why don't we send everyone packing but Chris Sligh, Blake Lewis, Melinda Doolittle, Sabrina Sloan, Gina Glocksen, Stephanie Edwards, and Lakisha Jones.

I think they are all we really need for a serious competition.

But...since I don't have a say in the process (well, except for my measly phone votes)...I guess I'd better give my thoughts on all who performed last night...whether I think they should stick around or not.

Stephanie Edwards - Talented and peppy with a nice voice...but she's going to have to step it up to compete with Lakisha and Melinda.

Amy Krebs - This girl disappointed me. Boring. She'll probably go home.

Leslie Hunt - Awkward and strange. I thought her song choice was terrible and she sang in the back of her throat.

Antonella Barba - Like Aretha, Aerosmith is an act that can't be done any way but the right way...and Barba did it the wrong way. I hate "Don't Want to Close My Eyes," but I hated it even more when Barba sang it. However, my brother, Cooper, made me vote for her...and I had to because I owed him from last year when he voted for Taylor for me. Grrrrrrrrr

Jordin Sparks - Technically she sings great. But as far as being emotive...she has a looooong way to go. I think she's safe for now...but I don't think she'll be around long.

Haley Scarnato - Beautiful with a nice voice...but it won't hold up next to her competition.

Nicole Tranquillo - Horrible. I thought she was seizing on stage. I'm guessing she will go soon...very soon.

Sabrina Sloan - Great...but I hate that she's competing this year because I don't thing she is as good as Lakisha and Melinda. But I really, really, really like this girl.

Alaina Alexander - Honey..."Brass in Pocket" is a stinky song and you're a stinky singer. Put those too things together and you come up with a rancid, putrid mess.

Melinda Doolittle - She's a doll...with a warm and wonderful voice. I didn't mind her doing Aretha...because it was a song I didn't know. I love her vitality and modesty.

Gina Glocksen - I thought she did a great job. But, I think "All By Myself" is way overdone, and I think she was too full of herself when she was being judged.

Lakisha Jones - The girl is amazing. She is the one to beat in this competition. Absolutely wonderful.



Download mp3 of Lakisha's wailin' here.

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UPDATE: EW's review

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The Perfect Taylor Hicks Set list for the Monkbot Convention

Okay...Double D and Shrew had a great idea...let's put our thinkin' caps on and come up with the perfect set list for Taylor when he hits The Big Easy on March 14.

Keep your list to 16 songs and one encore only.

Be sure to list in your comment if you will be attending the show!

I'll start...

1. Soul Thing
2. Hold on to Your Love
3. Just to Feel That Way
4. Feelin' Alright
5. The Runaround
6. The Fall
7. Georgia
8. Levon
9. Poor Boy (by Ray Lamontage...think Taylor could sing some sweet harp in this)
10. Hell of a Day
11. Ain't No Sunshine
12. Louisiana 1927
13. Heaven Knows
14. Use Me
15. The Right Place
16. Hollywood Nights

Encore: Taylor pulls Shelley on stage and sings "You Can Close Your Eyes" with her while he plays the guitar...no other instruments.

Spotlight fades...curtain closes...

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(I guess it's pretty obvious I like the slow stuff best...ha.)

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Top 12 Guys...Quick and Dirty

Rudy Cardenas -- Forgettable (okay...so my brother Cooper liked him). But I didn't. He was cheesy and campy. Reminded me of "The Darkness." I predict he may go home.

Brandon Rogers -- Cutie-pie...but very out of tune...or "pitchy" to use Randy's overused term. He could...and probably will...be better. And I think America will keep him around a little while.

Sundance Head -- Awful and boring. He was like a lump on the stage...and that weirdo coat and those pointy white shoes made him look like one of those scary Pierrot clowns. He's safe this week...but not for long (unless Vote for the Worst has anything to say about it).

Paul Kim -- Dude, you're not Jack Johnson or Donovan Frankenreiter. Put. Your. Shoes. On. And. Get. Over. Yourself. He oversang. And even when he didn't, he wasn't great. I think he's safe this week...but he won't be around long.

Nick Pedro -- I think he's adorable and his voice is soft and just husky enough to be sexy. BUT...he needs to bring some life to his performances. I want to see him stay a while, but I doubt many people will Vote for Pedro if he doesn't get on the ball.

Chris Richardson -- A doll. Loved him. He has to gain some confidence, but he'll be around a while. Thought for the first time out, it was pretty great.

Blake Lewis -- I love this guy. Absolutely love him...and I think America will, too. He's a contender for the crown and a shoe-in for Top 10.

Sanjaya Malakar -- Aww...such a cutie baby. But I really hated his song choice (some random Stevie Wonder thing). Sanjaya...don't let your sister pick out your songs anymore...please! He's safe this week.

Jarod Cotter -- Looked good but....ZZZZZzzzzzzz. This was the night's more boring performance. He safe for now, but not for long.

Chris Sligh -- Absolutely loved it. He didn't disappoint at all. This was the only time tonight I disagreed with Simon. I think Chris will be around awhile.

AJ Tabaldo -- If I were a bettin' woman...I'd put money on AJ goin' home this week. Truly cheese whiz.

Phil Stacey -- All I could think was...Britney Spears. How unfortunate for Phil that Brit-Brit shaved her head this week. Phil did end the song strong, but his beginnings are all over the map. I don't like this guy. He creeps me out. He might make Top 10, but he won't win.

In all honesty, folks, I really don't care to watch the girls tomorrow. I will...but only for the benefit of Monkbot. I can't think of a single girl who impresses me like Blake Lewis and Chris Sligh.

Oh well...what did y'all think?

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UPDATE: Here is the EW write-up.

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Jim Halpert or Chris Sligh...How Is a Girl to Choose?

Baby Duck sent me this article from The New York Times last night (thanks, sweetie).

Starting this week, Fox is spreading AI on with a friggin' trowel...with three nights of Idol...Tuesday-Thursday...for the next three weeks.

Please let me make clear something to The Idol Powers That Be...YOU DON'T HAVE A TAYLOR HICKS THIS YEAR, FOLKS! I'm not giving up three nights a week to this inane show...no matter how cute Ryan Seacrest is. I'll tape it or I'll do what all other normal people do...read about it the day after.

I won't be missing "Ugly Betty," "The Office," "Grey's Anatomy," or "Men in Trees" for some bloated results show.

I mean, a girl's gotta have her principles.

Plus...Jim's so hot.

(Thanks for link to vid, Holeigh)

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The Voracious Soul Patrol's Unsatiable Appetite

If you'll look down the right-hand column of this page, you'll see a little red button called "View Site Stats."

I click this button about twice a day to see how we're doing here at Monkbot.

On an average day, we have about 50 - 70 new hits (folks who have never visited the site before) and about 35 - 40 regulars (folks who have visited at least once).

It's always my goal to raise the latter number...which we have...slowly, but steadily.

But as you can see from the chart I put at the top of this post...there are those rare days where our site visits spike.

And, other than the day I featured my interview with Gray Charles...which made Monkbot history by bringing more than 1,000 total hits to the site in one day...every post I make that mentions Taylor Hicks sees increased numbers.

It definitely helps when Gray puts a link from his site to mine...like he did with his interview and on Sunday, when I featured NOLAgirl's Endymion write-up.

But I can also see by my little site counter that the mere mention of Taylor Hicks brings new folks and more return visitors to the site.

This is to be expected, I guess, but what always amazes me is the frenzy by which it happens. The visits are almost swarm-like. Folks will hear that there is a little tidbit about Taylor and they run to that tidbit...then run back to their favorite site to discuss.

It happens with every new group of pictures of Taylor...Swarm

Every news snippet of Taylor...Swarm

Every new video of Taylor...Swarm

Every new audio post from Taylor at Gray's...Swarm...Fawn...Swarm some more

And during the down times...between pictures and snippets and video and audio posts...there's always some rumblings of how great Taylor is and what he should perform/record and how he looks and the like.

All of it is fun...to a degree...but what puzzles me is how it has managed to maintain the intensity.

Taylor Hicks was crowned the Season 5 American Idol nine months ago in an explosion of fireworks, a shower of confetti, and a simultaneous "WOO!" from the thousands of Soul Patrollers who had phoned, texted, blogged, chatted, analyzed, hoped, strategized, and prayed to get him there.

Not to minimize the magnitude of Taylor's talent and general likability, but how is it now...after all these months...the fervor is still fever pitch? Why are we all still compelled to follow his every move? Download his every song? Watch his every video? Write blogs posts about it all?

Is he really that magnetic?

I mean...basically he's just a soulful Southern boy with a killer harp and some really nice pipes...right?

Since Taylor's coronation, a dozen or more Taylor fan sites have come to life on the Web...Taylor-related posts at Gray Charles have continued to bust at the seams with comments...Taylor's performances have been very well attended...Taylor's guest appearances are anticipated and watched with excitement...multiple copies of Taylor's albums were bought by individual fans (me included)...reviews were written and read and argued...and tons of folks created fan vids at GoFish and YouTube.

Nine months is a long time. And in the pop culture world...it's almost a lifetime.

In an age where fame is more fleeting than an Elizabeth Taylor marriage...how has this guy from Alabama...who, despite his propensity for f-bombs and his less-than-trendy bar blues sound...continued to cause a fandom ruckus?

Sure he's cute...okay, really cute. And yeah, his live performances are totally electrifying. But his songs haven't stopped the world from spinning and he's hit a sour note or two. On more than one occasion he's left one too many buttons undone on his shirt and he's even tripped over his own words in the media. He's far from perfect (who isn't)...so, I don't get how he's maintained the magic.

But I do have a theory.

My theory is that...it isn't solely Taylor's charisma driving the swarm...it's the general demographic make-up of the swarm...that drives the swarm.

Anyone who has paid attention knows that the bulk of Taylor's fans (at least the online bulk) are women, age 30 to 60.

This group is quite a crew...women in the prime of life who are learning or have learned to speak their minds and not apologize for it. Women who love the fact that Taylor is still a young man but looks older and is singing music that spans a broad generational gap...which, can connect someone older with the sense of being a part of something youthful again.

I've been fortunate enough to meet some really great folks in this group...some strong women who have a lot to share and a lot of heart. But putting aside these folks and all the good that comes with a gaggle of women from ages 30 to 60, I have to say that the group that makes up the bulk of Taylor's fan base is a little scary, too.

This group can be pushy and demanding. It can be biting and abrasive. The women in this group have worked long enough to afford pursuing what they want, and they have taken care of themselves long enough to feel entitled to what they want.

And what they want right now is Taylor Hicks.

...

Okay...I have to stop here and say that I've reached the point in my post where I feel I've made my argument...but I'm still confused.

I know these women want Taylor (maybe because he seems attainable in some way, maybe because he simply turns them on, or maybe because the whole "thing" makes them feel youthful or carefree or gives them an escape from reality) but I'm still lost when I try to figure out "why the swarm?"

Why is the hunger so great?

Why is the need to find out more so insatiable?

Why go to 15 concerts when one or two would suffice?

Why spend all the money? Admonish anyone who dares criticize Taylor? Download all the media? Comment on every post at Gray's?

Does it feel good...does it give a sense of conquest...or has it merely become habit?

I've been in this crazy mix since Taylor warbled his first notes on AI. It wasn't too long ago that I was all consumed. Heck...you may have noticed I even started my own blog about all this nonsense.

But, over the last several months, my fervor has died...a lot.

My crush on Taylor is gone. My obsession with seeing all his clips has vanished. I've even...gasp...deleted some of my Taylor media.

I've become sane again...well, as sane as I can be.

Sometimes I even feel like a kind of fraud when I put up posts on Taylor...because I'm so NOT in the know about this or that and I'm way behind on what's happenin' at Gray's.

I think I know now what my co-workers and family were thinking about me when I was caught up in this whirlwind that is Taylor Hicks...because it's what I'm thinking about everyone else still in the swarm.

I'm thinking...Huh? What? Really?

So, tell me, how has this managed to maintain? Is all the fuss just about making a fuss...or is it still about Taylor?

Will...or can...the Soul Patrol ever "get enough"?

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Taylor Hicks Performs at Endymion Ball...a Monkbot Exclusive

Our dear little NOLAgirl has had a rough year and a half...what with Hurricane Katrina destroying her home and city. So, she richly deserved her special night last night at the Endymion Ball in New Orleans where Taylor Hicks gave a private show as part of the Mardi Gras celebration. And the wonderful girl she is, our NOLA was gracious enough to share her experience with us. Thanks, NOLAgirl.

Taylor at Endymion

A Monkbot Exclusive by NOLAgirl (a.k.a. Katie)

Click here for photos of the event.

It was a chilly 30-minute wait to get into the Dome for the Extravaganza (my mom told me to bring a wrap but I thought I'd be fine. Duh.). Wind was blowing, excitement growing. It was about 6:30. BRING IT ON. Got into the warmth of the Dome and trekked our way to table DD 29 (coincidence? I think not!). We had a GREAT table (thanks Mr. Keith!) and the first 2 pics show the stage from our table. (The Taylor pics are from closer up, we just walked right up to the barricade) Pretty cool set, huh? No AI tin foil high school prom crap. Nice. Local band The Cheeze Weez entertained us until the parade arrived around 8-8:30ish.

As his float was entering the Dome the announcer gave a little background on Taylor, mentioning that he was a Southern boy and then stupidly saying he also attended Auburn University, to which the boos rang loud and clear (including my own AND the friends in our group that went to Alabama). Taylor was still chucking beads and cups like a champ but you could tell he had to be pooped. I am sad to report that I did NOT catch anything from him on his grand marshal float. However, my friend Meaghan said she DID she him say "Katie, I love you!" So I felt better, naturally. I didn't get a pic of him on the float, but you've seen some cute ones already here at Monkbot.

Covered in beads, we moseyed back by our table to unload (the woman next to me by the parade route got clocked in the face with beads and had to put an ice pack on her eye - ouch.) and get ready for Al Green. He made it do what it do and toward the end of his set Meaghan and I (the blonde in the pics) headed to get in position for Taylor. She didn't know much about him, but I think she was somewhat impressed, or at least enjoyed it. (I talked to her today and she went online to search for Taylor to find out more about him and his music, so that says something!) They had the stage divided into two sides so that the musical acts could transition without having to wait for the crew to change out all the equipment and stuff. So as Al Green was finishing out, I saw Brian, Jeff, Zippy, Sam and Mitch come onto the darkened side of the stage and get into position. I told Meaghan that Taylor was coming soon because that was his band and she was impressed with my skillz and "inside info." Word.

So then the fun REALLY began! He came out ready to rock and started with "Call Me the Breeze." He then did "Hey Pocky Way" with some tagging ("When the Saints Go Marching In" and that "Hey, the Mardi Gras" callback thing to the audience we've heard him do before). He did two originals, which he announced as such, "Soul Thing" and "Hell of a Day," and then did "Gonna Move." They were all great and I was so feeling it (and no, it wasn't just the gin and tonic). The up-close crowd seemed to be, too. His circles dance and harp seemed to get the most response, naturally. He then closed it out with "Dance to the Music" (fun!) tagged with a little "Higher." He of course gave props to all the LMBO guys like usual. Didn't talk much, just the usual "How y'all doin', New Orleans!!!!" and "Happy Mardi Gras everybody!!"' sort of thing. It was short (less than an hour) but SO sweet!



The woman next to me during the performance turned to me after it was done and said "Aww, he didn't sing that song!" and I said "What song?" "That 'make you proud' song," she said. "Ohhh," I said. "Yeah, I don't think that's one of his favorites. You know, not really his style." (trying to be "PC" with this stranger). "Well I like it!" she said, "And he did make me proud!" So one woman was a little disappointed in not hearing DIMYP ... but this woman had no complaints, all around! (except that Taylor didn't call me up on stage to dance with him, as my office mates had predicted Friday - those nutcases).

(In other news, Styx was pretty damn good. "Come Sail Away" was by far the most fun of their set. It sounded like the whole Dome was singing along! Journey ... meh. We left before they were done, as it was already nearing 3:00 a.m.)

I have to say my friend Melissa's parents (her dad rides) were so sweet to me in particular, as they knew I was a big Taylor fan. They made sure we got a good spot and seemed to enjoy us enjoying him (and the whole ball, to tell you the truth!) Her dad came up to me at one point in the night and showed me some pics on his camera from the Friday night more casual dinner that Endymion has. He got some good ones of Taylor. He said Taylor was so gracious and signed autographs and took pictures with anyone who wanted them for two hours. Mr. Keith seemed impressed by him, so that was neat.

Shell, that's all I can think of now! Sorry it's not that creative, but it's the facts baby!

---

NOLAgirl...no apologies, babe. That RAWKED! :)

Laissez les bon temps roullez, baby! Yeah!

---

Just to avoid confusion that Mardi Gras is all revelry and no pain...here's proof of the dangers inherent in having plastic beads hurled at you...our own Double D got this contusion at the parades in Mobile.



---

Laissez le Bon Temps Roullez....with Taylor Hicks

From Double D, "All of my favorite worlds collide.

Check out how dirty his hands are....from the beads. I know they say "Throw 'til it hurts", but after 3 and half hours of throwing cups and beads, his right side's gonna be paralyzed for a week."

Thanks for the pictures, DD.

A Quick Weekend Hello

---

Steaming Hot Mug of Shut Up

So I got my GrayCharles.com mug in the mail today...mmm, there's nothing like cozying up with a little Gray...Earl Gray...what'd ya think?!

---

A Post to Discuss Thursday Night on the Boob Tube

I actually cried when Michael showed up at Pam's art show and wanted to buy her painting of Dunder Mifflin. And I ached for her when Oscar and his partner showed up and trashed her work....that was pretty tacky.

But I didn't know what was worse...having Roy try too hard to like her "art" or not having Jim even show his face. Brutal night for Pam.

However, the scenes with the bat...priceless. Especially Angela wearing that plastic rain babooshka and having Jim act like he was turning into a vampire.

Hilarious.

---

On Grey's...I cried pretty much the whole way through.

I thought it was a great episode. The writers are really bringing Karev out as a layered character. (DD...don't pull a muscle springing to the keyboard to type "I told you so.") And I really felt Addison was talking about me when she said how sad it was to be alone and wondered if anyone would notice if she went missing. Karev really took her breath away telling her he would miss her.

WHERE'S MY KAREV, WORLD?!

shakes fist violently in the air

As for Meredith...seriously?

Are we to believe the character the entire show is named for is going to DIE?

Pfftthhhh

However, I will say, I think we're in for some pretty comical opening scenes next week as she whines to her "angels."

Speaking of those angels...I'm guessing Meredith is in Heaven because...Kyle Chandler AND Jeffery Dean Morgan? Geesh...some girls have all the luck.

I guarantee if it was me waking up to the Great Beyond, my angels wouldn't have sexy stubble or twinkly eyes...they would probably look Lon Chaney and Ernest Borgnine.

shakes fist violently in the air...again

I will say this about the show though...I know Meredith was walking toward the light, so they let Izzie do the closing narration while everyone wrung their hands about poor Mer.

But am I the only who found Iz's little soliloquy weird and ill-timed? I mean, one of her bestest buddies is dying and she's going on about eating a tub of butter and the calories not counting and telling George he shouldn't have married Callie (of whom this week we only saw her eyes...she must be working a major outbreak of fever blisters to be hiding behind that O.R. mask in her one and only scene this week).

I honestly thought the writers could have done a better job with the ending. We viewers at least deserved that for enduring a three-part episode!

shakes fist violently at writers

---

A Long, Cold, Bitter Post

If you have a man...and he's decent and good and loyal and loving...

I don't want to hear how awful he is when he DOESN'T do something.

I don't want to know you wanted flowers for Valentine's Day instead of just a card.

I don't want to hear that he leaves the toilet seat up or that he burps his fish.

I. Don't. Want. To. Hear. It.

I don't.

When women complain about their husbands or boyfriends I want to scream until my throat bleeds...okay...maybe until their ears bleed.

I want to tell them THEY picked this man to spend their life with. It's not my problem they picked wrong. So, keep their mouths shut.

I've been alone for 10 years. TEN YEARS!

I haven't so much as been asked out on a date or stolen a kiss or held a hand or had a hug...in 10 years.

I want more than anything to have a loving, Christian man to share my life with.

I wake every day and think about how it seems it will never happen for me.

I think of how I am almost 37 years old and probably won't ever have children and how my predicament screams "SPINSTER!" so loudly I could wear a T-shirt with the word emblazoned across my chest and no one would bat an eye.

I think of how I'm going to take care of myself when I'm elderly and alone.

I think of always having to do my own taxes, take out my own garbage, mow my own lawn.

I think of how nice it would be to have someone to take care of...someone to exist with.

I think of needing someone to want me.

And then I hear that someone is mad because they didn't get any damn tulips?

Give me a break.

People are so selfish.

Honestly, I feel when women do that...complain about a spouse or significant other...it's the epitome of smearing the crap that is my love life in my face. I feel they "fuss" about their man because "it's cute." Like they have a man...so they should act like they don't care and that they are bothered by it. Such behavior absolutely makes my blood boil.

If you are reading this and you have a DH (a term that when I read it pierces my heart with jealousy and longing)...promise me that you won't complain about him to someone who DOESN'T have a DH.

I know people fight at times (my parents have been together for nearly 40 years...trust me...I've seen fights)...and I know that folks get on each others' nerves.

But for the love of all that's good and right in the world...be thankful for those fights and all that having a special someone in your life includes.

Be thankful for love.

Be thankful for companionship.

Be thankful even for the old, dirty socks laying on the comforter.

Be thankful that you have those things...because if you didn't...you might find yourself, one cold February day, watching a pair of hands which seem too old to be your own, fervently type a long, bitter diatribe into a blog post.

---

Oh No, He Didn't!

After making it into the Top 24 (despite mistaking yelling for singing)...Sundance Head...very ungraciously...told Thomas Daniels, his losing opponent, "If I do make it big, dude, I'll make you my bodyguard. You're pretty big."



Um...me no likey Sundancey. Me wanty him to go home.

I refuse to focus anymore effot on Sundance (from here on out...I plan to write his name this way) when there are 23 other hopefuls now in the Top 24.

What did y'all think of everyone selected?

I was happy with all the guys...and I gleaned a new appreciation for a couple of the girls (though I thought the girl who went head to head with Antonella in the room with the judges deserved to stay...she was very Susan Tedeschi-ish).

Here's the breakdown (don't kill me for messing up the spelling of some of the names)...I've marked my favs *.



Boys
Sundance Head
Phil Stacey
Jarod Cotter
Chris Richardson **
Nick Pedro *
Brandon Rogers
Rudy Cardenas *
AJ Tabaldo
Paul Kim
Chris Sligh ***
Blake Lewis **
Sanjaya Malakar *

Girls
Antonella Barba
Haley Scarnato
Lakisha Jones ***
Jordin Sparks
Stephanie Edwards
Melinda Doolittle **
Alaina Alexander
Gina Glocksen
Amy Krebs **
Leslie Hunt
Sabrina Sloan *
Nicole Tranquillo

Alright...let's hear what y'all have to say.

Here's the contestant page on AI site.

And for those interested...here is the write-up from Entertainment Weekly.

This quote from EW's Michael Slezak cracked me up...

"Let's make this quick. Antonella Barba, you forgot the words on your final rendition of ''Until You Come Back to Me,'' and you hang with skanks."

And Slezak sums up my feelings on Tami and Sean perfectly...

"And finally, in the most genuine, unironic way possible, I'd like to dedicate tonight's column to Tami Gosnell, Ebony Jointer, Jenry Bejarano, Rachel Zevita, and Sean Michel, five folks whose voices captured our hearts during the audition rounds but who, inexplicably, never got the chance to sing on air again. I bet the semifinals would've been a lot more interesting (and competitive) had you made it, but lest you lose hope, there's always season 7."

---

How Deep Is Your Love...for Chris and Beat Box Guy?

Mine's pretty dang deep.

---

Was Taylor a Diva on AI...and if so, Who Cares?

A little gossip tidbit from MSNBC says Taylor Hicks was the biggest diva on Season 5 of the show.

First of all...any source that doesn't give their name sorely looses credibility points in my book.

Second of all...who really gives a rip? That was LAST YEAR. He'll give up his crown in a couple of months. Seriously, why bother?

Okay...so I'm going all "grassy knoll" on y'all...but does anyone else smell sabotage? And if so...why? What would be the purpose? Or is all of this the result of some needy lacky behind the scenes at AI who is on a little power trip for getting a chance to be quoted in a "news" story?

Lastly...let's say Taylor is a diva. Does anyone care? Not in the sense that Taylor is so great that his underwear never needs washing...but in the sense that everyone in show business is likey to be somewhat of a diva (let's face it...you got to have a pretty healthy libido ego* to push yourself into any spotlight)...so why should we care about this guy from Alabama following suit?


*thanks to dr. bob for pointing out my libido/ego typo. though i'm sure taylor has a pretty healthy libido, too. bwahahahaha

---

Happy Stinkin' Valentine's Day

I hate this day.

I hate hearts.

I hate lovey dovey poems.

I hate cupids.

I hate boxes of chocolate.

Well...okay...so I don't hate boxes of chocolate.

But I do hate heart-shaped boxes of chocolate.

---

Last night on AI...we said good-bye to our little Sean Michel. I have to say, I was sad.

However...I was very, very, very pleased with Chris Sligh and Beat Box Guy's group performance. It rawked.

And how much do I love the little brother who cried for his sister? So sweet (but not sweet enough for me to look up how to spell his name. Boy, am I lazy.)

Great show...brutal cuts...can't wait to see Top 24. Will anyone outdo Taylor Hicks' Top 24 Walk Harp Solo? How DO you outdo that? Make the Top 24 Walk playing the piano?

UPDATE: Great write-up by "Entertainment Weekly's" Michael Slezak. I agree with absolutely everything he said...especially about Sundance (whom, I think, is overrated).

---

Oh...and from the category of "Ideas Beyond the Realm of Simply Bad."

Um...seriously?

---

Here's y'all's official Valentine's gift...



---

Congratulations, KD...Welcome, Baby!

Our sweet KD gave birth yesterday, Feb. 12, at 2:41 p.m. to a 8-pound, .5-ounce, 21-inch baby boy.

Congratulations, KD!

We love you!

---

"The Guy to Watch is Ben Powers"

My brother, Ben, as many of you know, is a graphic designer in Memphis.

Well...what you may not know is that he designed some promotional materials for this year's Grammys. (See his work at left.)

And because he is so friggin' awesome...the Memphis Commercial Appeal has done an article on him and his co-worker.

Just thought I'd brag...er...share.

is very proud

---

Liquid Plumber Power Jet...I'll Be Your Next Spokeswoman

OH. MY. GOSH.

This stuff is amazing.

I don't mean to go all commercial on y'all, but I honestly and truly thought sharing my thoughts on this product would be of help to someone.

My bathroom sink has drained slowly for four years (since I bought the house). Periodically, I have had the pleasure of removing the stopper and cleaning out wads of goo and hair (yum).

It's disgusting.

Well, my sink recently has been draining slower than usual. I removed the stopper and cleaned it out...and it was still slow.

I bought some Liquid Plumber Foaming Pipe Snake (4 bottles)...and it was still slow.

As a last resort to having to call a plumber...I bought a can of the Liquid Plumber Power Jet.

The can says..."blasts clogs away in three seconds."

It was absolutely true. (You can watch a demo here.)

My little sink is draining better than it has in four years.

It's rare that a product lives up to its claims...so, when it does...I want to let folks know.

If anyone ever has a stubborn clog in a sink or tub (it's not to be used on toilets)...go buy some of this stuff. It's fantastic.

Not only did it unclog my sink...it saved me from having to spend money on a real plumber...and from having to witness the unsitely vision of "plumber's butt."

---

The Police, Christina, Corinne, and John x 2

I hope everyone got a chance to watch the Grammys last night...for three reasons:

1. The reuniting of The Police. They were great...in look and sound. I really could have listened to more.
   
   
   
   
2. The James Brown tribute by Christina Aguilera singing "This is a Man's World." Oh. My. Gosh. The girl blew it out. Fantastic.
   
   
3. The trio that was Corinne Bailey Rae, John Legend, and John Mayer. Truly, television doesn't get better than moments like this. (If anyone finds the clip, e-mail me so I can post it...it wasn't up when I went to bed last night.) See top of post for clip.

Not that my opinion means much...but...I have to say, I think John Mayer is one of the most talented recording artists out there right now. He is truly fantastic.

Like a Star - Corinne Bailey Rae


Where Did My Baby Go - John Legend


Slow Dancin' in a Burning Room - John Mayer


---

Write Your Own Caption

Here's a pic of Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee arriving at Clive Davis' Pre-Grammy Party on Feb. 10.

I thought it would be a fun one for everyone to try and write a caption for it.

However...

1. Don't be mean.
   
   
2. Snarking is fine...but don't deliberately trash Miss McPhee. (I know it's a fine line...but I trust my Monkbots to walk it safely.)

Here are a few of my own...

Direct Taylor Quotes
"I said I wanted a blonde!"

"Is it hot in here...or do I have a touch of McPheever?"

"Waaaa! I liked the yellow cleavage dress better."


Cutline Form
At Clive Davis' Pre-Grammy shindig...Taylor Hicks errupted into a spontaneous version of "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard.


Katharine McPhee Thought Bubble
"Grandpa?"

Okay...now y'all try...

If you want to see other pics of Taylor arriving at this event...click here.

---

UPDATE: Wow...just 6 comments in and someone became a mean little person who posted ugly things anonymously and ruined the fun for everyone else. The offensive comments have been deleted and commenting for this post will stay off.

---

Igor the Scottish Monkey

Last week I received the most wonderful care package...it contained...

Tomato Ketchup Crisps
Brown Sauce
Shortbreads
Tartan Beanies
A Crown
Beautiful Postcards

and

A Monkey

The package was from our dear little Rowan...who obviously has a healthy sense of the ridiculous (all the reason to love her more and more).

I cracked up as I opened the box and started fishing out the contents.

I immediately dove into the shortbreads (Walkers) and now...a week later...am sad to say...they are entirely GONE! So delicious! I loved them.

The potato crisps were a bit of a leap for me. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to potato chips...maybe add BBQ flavor...but mostly...I prefer them plain.

I took a deep breath and dove in.

They tasted like French fries with the ketchup built in! I finished off the grab bag with a smile. Can't wait to share these with my folks.

I don't know what quite to use the brown sauce for...Rowan...help me out.

The beanies are hilarious. They come fully equipped with a pom-pom atop and a shock of red hair at the bottom. Hilarious.

The postcards are from Dundee and the River Tay. And they have the sweetest messages.

The crown fits perfectly on Igor the Monkey's head.

And speaking of Igor...

He's a chatterbox, with the prettiest green eyes. And he certainly will keep me company while Traveling Monkbot is out and about. I have to say, though, Sadie didn't really love him as much as I do. Ha.

Here's a clip so everyone can enjoy Igor.



Rowan, thank you so much for my care package. It was truly delightful. Oh, and thanks for sending two of the crisps, sauce, and hats so I can pass them on to Bama. I know she'll love them all!

---

How to Fix an Oven with Vice Grips, a Cell Phone, and Perseverance

Thanks, Dad, for all your help!

---

A Post for Hickschick4soul

Here's a little get well gift for you, sweetie. Feel better soon.




I'm trying out a little freebie pop-up audio player....excuse the lack of sophistication.


Click to Play Messsage for Hickschick4soul

---

Pavlovian Conditioning and Meredith's Long Walk off a Short Pier

I loved the opening segment of "The Office" with Jim conditioning Dwight to want an Altoid when the computer beeps. Classic.

What I didn't love was the rest of the show. It was pretty lame...except for Kelly's special circumstance for wearing white to Phyllis' wedding..."'cause I look good in white."

The whole thing with Jim and Pam was pathetic. I would have settled for the longing glances rather than the miscommunication and contrived emotional mire we were left with.

And...as much as I love Michael...his schtick got really old and really unbelievable.

Not the best episode.

---

On the other hand...we had "Grey's Anatomy." Other than the Christina/Burke tension (can't they give it a rest for at least ONE episode), the show was phenomenal.

I loved that Karev is getting such a heart. His score on the Shelley Sexy-o-meter is about a 7 out of 10...it had been about a 3 out of 10. Keep it up Karev.

Callie...totally back to irritating the ever-lovin' crap out of me.

Why couldn't Callie get knocked off the pier instead of Meredith?

---

Um...yeah...I know I said I was going to "reclaim my life" and tape Thursday night T.V.

I couldn't do it. I HAD to watch.

I did cut out Sunday nights, totally...and "Studio 60," totally.

I guess I'm gonna have to take baby steps.

So sue me.

---

Lip-Ring Girl...Tami Gosnell

I'm smelling the pungent aroma of competition, folks.

Love this girl.

Here's her website.

UPDATE: After listening to her songs...I'm a little mixed. Maybe I just don't like her songs...but her voice gets a little grating at times...and her lyrics are little predictable and her performance a little stilted.

---

I'm Coming off a High from One of Those Infamous American Idol Montages, but...

I have to admit...American Idol truly is a celebration of life...the beautiful...the pitiful...and the amazingly talented hidden treasures lurking behind faces in the crowd.

I really liked lip-ring girl...and the woman who sang "Think."

Discuss Wednesday night AI here.




---

Discussion of Idol Tuesday

I liked the cousin guy who wore the baby blue ball cap and sang an awful rendition of "Amazing Grace," graciously accepted the judges' "no," and then played to the camera upon leaving the room by yelling at the judges.

Hilarious...but not as hilarious as the picture of Randy at right.

I also loved the cutie-pie girl who the judges turned down then brought back...she's by far the strongest female contender.

And I loved the last guy, who sang "Cupid."

But again...the show overall was pretty boring.

---

"This Land Is Your Land. This Land Is My Land. So, Stay on Your Land."*

*Quote from Maxine, Hallmark spokeswoman


Okay...okay...so I said I wouldn't be posting every day, but this won't be much of a post.

I just HAD to climb onto my soapbox for a minute and mention one of my all-time-hands-down-most-irritating pet peeves.

Cars parked outside of designated parking spaces.

I'm not talking about parallel parking...a poor job at parallel parking is at least forgivable.

I'm talking...pull-your-car-between-two-yellow-lines parking.

Check out the picture above. I witnessed first-hand the awesomeness that was this parking job.

Then, when the driver and passenger emerged from the car and I saw that their mean age was no less than 75...I got really steamed.

Now...I'll save my rant about elderly drivers for another day. (But trust me...it's a doozy.)

The reason I'll save it is because I know that failure to park properly is NOT confined to the elder set.

It's an across-age, across-gender, across-culture, and across-race problem.

Seriously...if you are either too lazy or too nonchalant or too stupid or too inept to park your car properly between those lines...TAKE THE BUS FROM NOW ON.

Not to mention those folks who drive SUVs that can't even FIT into a parking space.

Taking more than your fair share of a parking lot is rude and inconsiderate...not to mention nervy.

I swear, the more I think about it...the more irate I get.

Years ago, I saw a flier stuck under the windshield wiper of a car that was WAY over its allotted parking area. The flier featured a picture of Mickey Mouse flipping the bird and telling the recipient of the flier a thing or two. It absolutely cracked me up.

Not that I advocate leaving such a vulgar note...but just the idea of it made me feel better.

(For those curious...you can Google it and find it pretty easily...but I'm not posting it here because the language is pretty vile.)

Thanks for letting me vent. I feel quite better now.

Climbs down from soapbox.

---

P.S. Check back in later this week, as I got a wonderful package in the mail today and I'll be sharing all about it!

---

Moving Toward Simplicity

I've written a lot of words in the last year.

And I've read about ten times more than I've written.

I've clicked probably a million links...watched hundreds of videos...listened to thousands of audio clips.

I've spent countless hours online and in front of my television.

I've daydreamed about Taylor Hicks for the better part of each waking day.

I've planned and gossiped and quipped and chatted and talked and griped and theorized and strategized.

And now I'm ready for a change.

Other than "American Idol" nights, I don't want to sit in front of my t.v. anymore. I'll download "Heroes," "Ugly Betty," "The Office," and "Grey's Anatomy" and watch them in one sitting...either Friday afternoon or sometime over the weekend. I no longer plan to devote any of my time to "Desperate Housewives," "Brothers & Sisters," "Studio 60," and "Men in Trees."

I must reclaim my life.

As for Monkbot...I'll still do it...but not every day.

I'm sure it's hard to believe, but this little site has nearly consumed me. From checking on it before I even pee in the mornings to monitoring it while at work to hitting my front door after work and coming straight to the computer to write/comment for the few hours between eating, t.v., and bed, my life has become this gray spiral of work, Monkbot, t.v., bed, work, Monkbot, t.v., bed, work, Monkbot, t.v., bed...

I honestly think I'm going to crack up if I don't give it a rest.

Plus...I've been really disheartened with my writing as of late here at the site because...well...I'm tapped out. Posting only a few times a week will take away the drudgery and allow me to LIVE my life so that I can actually write about something interesting.

I've felt this way for a while, but I didn't want to write this post for fear of losing my readership.

I've finally reconciled with myself about that.

I figure...even if I write less often, folks might be willing to return if I offer richer thoughts or more humorous musings. After all...Dave White only writes once a week and folks chomp at the bit to read him...right? (Not that I'm remotely as talented and funny as Mr. White...but, you get the point.)

And if folks don't come back...well...I'll live. I have other things in my life that desperately need my attention and I've put them off too long.

What I need to be working on is my own writing...my fiction. I've used Monkbot as an excuse to put it off...and that's pretty lame.

I also need to get my home in order...dust on occasion...hit the toilet with the scrub brush every now and then...manicure the yard every blue moon...and pet my dog WAY more than I do.

I sincerely hope y'all will understand.

Thank you...

---

Now THIS is a Spiritual

Thanks for the link, Shrew...fantastic.

And for the record, Oprah...this Southern white girl wouldn't have been like "Huh, what?"...she would have been like..."Praise the Lord!"

---

From the "Let It Go, Enough Already" File

What's

the

point?

Comment to Your Heart's Content

Wooo!

Comments have been fixed...kind of.

I know y'all are used to the pop-up window comment box...but Blogger is experiencing some kind of "comment bug" right now and the antidote is putting a "2" after the "www" in the comment address bar...something that can't be done with the pop-up window.

If all that sounds confusing...ignore it and just...

DANCE WITH JOY!



---

By the way...I have a couple of issues with last night's Grey's.

First...what on EARTH did Chief Webber EVER see in Meredith's mom? She's the meanest, most twisted person I've ever seen. I don't get it...at all. I think he really did make the best decision by staying with Adelle.

Second...does anyone else have a problem with Izzy giving away all her $8 million for that clinic...especially to Bailey? I can't believe Bailey accepted it after she had told Izzy that she needed to deposit the money and NOT use it to get personally involved with patients.

But Izzy said she would ALWAYS get personally involved...and then she walked out on the first and only patient the clinic saw.

Weird.

Plus...did it really take ALL $8 million for that little clinic? And what was with it being built in 8 days? How convenient....pffthhh. If they were going to "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" the whole process...they could have at LEAST given us a little Ty or Pauly (I have more than a little crush on Paul Dimeo...too bad he's married).

I also HATED how "Callie O'Malley" (giggle) was back to irritating the ever-lovin' crud out of me. I was just starting to like her...then she WALKS AWAY FROM HER NEW HUSBAND WHO HAS BEEN POISONED BY TOXIC BLOOD?!?!?!?!

I wanted to drop-kick her in the face.

Stomps foot in irritation of cheap shots Grey's writers took with this episode

(I did love how Christina accepted Burke's proposal...and I loved how yummy Karev was looking last night.)

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And I can't put this post up with the mention of one, tremendous event in all our lives...

Dwight Schrute in a bra.


Life is a good.

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P.S. Do you use Tide detergent?

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Sorry about the Comment Problem, Folks

I have NO idea what the problem is with the comments...but I do know it's not just with Monkbot.

Quite a few folks have posted complaints and alerts to Blogger's Help Message Board about this situation (which has now gone on for about 24 hours).

I ask that y'all please remain patient and keep checking back!

And for you diehards...don't forget about Monkbot Chat (click the Monkbot)...it's still working.

Thanks and...Viva le Monkbot!

o--{:8)}=

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UPDATE: Just got this message in the help forum from Blogger...

"Hi all,

Sorry for the recent difficulties with commenting and thank you for
reporting these problems. We're aware of the problem and actively
investigating the cause. I'll let you know when I've got more
information.

Thanks for being patient!
Jordan"

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Just to keep y'all posted.