Allison_Seymour's Blog

 Some experts are urging caution, saying more research needs to be done before this claim can truly be made but it is very interesting still.

Here's a sad story that shows none of us is immune during these tough economic times...

It seems Ed McMahon, who for decades appeared as Johnny Carson's sidekick on "The Tonight Show," is fighting to avoid foreclosure on his multimillion-dollar Beverly Hills home.

McMahon is said to be $644,000 behind on payments on $4.8 million in mortgage loans. The Wall Street Journal reported  that 85 year old  McMahon hasn't  been unable to work since he broke his neck 18 months ago.

There is a lot of critism of the hip hop culture and urban music these days.  You'll hear people saying that the lyrics and images send the wrong image about women, drugs and violence.  Images we want to keep our young people away from.  Well there are also concerned people raising these questions and seeking answers.  Local teacher and vocalist Lori Williams-Chisolm  is one of those people.  I want to tell you about an event that  I have been invited to be a part of.

It's called "Positive Music For Positive Minds."  Lori has assembled a panel of music experts to talk about the issues facing hip hop and its role in a lot of young lives.  The event is this Friday (5/30) at Wilson High School at 1:30 and put on with the support of the Wolf Trap Foundation Scholarship Program.  I applaud Lori and others like her trying to make a difference that will hopefully be reflected in the future generation.

Below is a list of the participants.  Hope to see you there!

I loved the show last night!  It reminded me of the tv shows that we use to watch as kids.  Variety shows..remember those?  It was cool to be able to watch with my kids and have them dance around and sing with the show. 

My favorite moment was the winning moment for David Cook.  It was touching to see his family and his pure happiness at the announcement.  I also liked how gracious he was to David Archuletta.  He's what they call a real class act.

David A. or David C.?   Either way they have both already won, let's face it.  The exposure that they have gotten on American Idol is invaluable!  If they never record an album they have seen more fame than most people will ever have right?!  But alas, they are "in it to win it" as the saying goes and I think David A. really brought his A game last night.  David C. seemed to be holding back something and I just didn't get the same level of enthusiasm or excitement  from the "rocker." 

Still it is America's choice with the 75 million votes cast after last night's show.  I really hope David A. takes the crown...we'll see!!!

Hi everybody...this morning (5/16) we had a story about Portia DeRossi and Ellen DeGeneres getting married not that California has ruled the ban on same sex  marriage unconstitutional.  Anyway my brush with Portia DeRossi some seven years ago (while the actress was on Ally McBeal) was brought up on the show and I said I would blog about it.

I'm making good on that..sort of.  Let's just say she wasn't that nice to me after I complimented her on how cute her dogs were that she was carrying.  I was bothered by her diva attitude back then but these days it's taught me a greater lesson.

Sometimes you carry grudges against people who have NO IDEA that they have offended you.  She doesn't know me from a hole in the wall but I took it personally.  The lesson for me here...forgive, it much easier than carrying dislike in your heart.

I forgive you Portia and myself for holding a stupid grudge.

Hi everybody...this morning (5/16) we had a story about Portia DeRossi and Ellen DeGeneres getting married not that California has ruled the ban on same sex  marriage unconstitutional.  Anyway my brush with Portia DeRossi some seven years ago (while the actress was on Ally McBeal) was brought up on the show and I said I would blog about it.

I'm making good on that..sort of.  Let's just say she wasn't that nice to me after I complimented her on how cute her dogs were that she was carrying.  I was bothered by her diva attitude back then but these days it's taught me a greater lesson.

Sometimes you carry grudges against people who have NO IDEA that they have offended you.  She doesn't know me from a hole in the wall but I took it personally.  The lesson for me here...forgive, it much easier than carrying dislike in your heart.

I forgive you Portia and myself for holding a stupid grudge.

They are both named David but their styles are night and day.  Young David Archuleta has had a solid run.  He does better when he doesn't take any chances and it has paid off.  David Cook takes all sorts of risks.  He changes songs up...and is not afraid to belt it out and show originality.  I think David Cook should and will win but I am sure that David A. has a HUGE fan base and I wouldn't be surprised if he pulls it off.

What do you think as we head into next week's big finale?  One thing is for sure...it'll be a David :)

So it comes down to this...David A., David C. and Syesha.  I think its a good top three.  My gut tells me that it will be the two David's left standing after tonight but Syesha has come so far and, in my opinion, is a better performer than young David. 

Which begs the question...

Has the show become too predictible?  We all said that the two David's would be the finalist a long time ago.  The show is still a powerhouse in the ratings  but the numbers have been down.  I think it'll be the two David's left standing tonight but I hope a shake-up will happen instead!

What's going on with Jason Castro?!  On Tuesday night he delivers two crazy performances...including one where he forgets the words (has he ever done that?) and the other where he doesn't barely even sing.  When it came time to vote it looks like he mouths the words "don't vote."  Well America didn't deliver those votes he needed to stay in the competition but I felt like he was actually relieved.

I know there are some purists who have a problem with American Idol in general, but it is a trememdous platform for young musicians to make a big impact on the music world.  Jason blew that chance.  I just wonder was he just not into it or if the competition just got to be too much.  I just don't think he took it seriously and that's too bad.

Watching the Idol contestants sing Neil Diamond songs just reminded me of one thing.  Don't try to sing Neil Diamond songs unless ...of course..you are Neil Diamond.

They all sounded like imitators to me.  David Cook was alright, but he was the exception in my humble opinion. 

On a related note...I really think Jason Castro is going home tonight.

Ok, one thing is clear after last night's American Idol results show.  It is definitely a popularity contest and not a singing competition.  No way Carly and Syesha should have been in the bottom two and NO WAY Carly should have gone home.

Period.

Matt McConaughey as the new Thomas Magnum?? Really?  We recently reported on the midday that they are indeed making the hit tv show into a major motion picture.  What's more is they have tapped Matt for the lead. 

Now as a big time fan of Magnum P.I. and say NO!!!  IT'S A MISTAKE!  I just can't see him in the role made famous by Tom Selleck!

SO instead of just complaining, I'm offering a solution...cause its not too late Hollywood...Hugh Jackman as Magnun!

Thoughts?

Ok...what do you think?  Did you agree with Paula who told Brooke, don't ever stop during a performance.  Or Simon who basically called it gutsy for Brooke to ask the band to start over because she "lost the words?"

That's one thought after last night's performances..the other is Man, what a voice on that David Cook!

Besides the false start of Brooke, I didn't think her performance was that good.  I think she will be going back home after tonight's elimination show.