ajzepp

Can you guys comment on Ruffalo? I typically enjoy his performances, but I was a bit surprised that he was nominated for best supporting actor. I have yet to see this film, but definitely plan to soon. Was just curious on whether he was deserving of the nom. James, I'll definitely be keeping tabs on your blog

James, seriously, WTF?? You've had a movie blog since 2009 and you never told us?? I post enough on here that I would have seen you mentioning it...no link in your sig?? STOP HOLDING OUT ON US, DAMMIT lol If you don't really enjoy that film, I'm gonna be very disappointed in you, young man. (No pressure)

Well, there was good news and bad news from the show tonight...the good news is that a few of the guys were better than I thought they'd be and should go a long way toward keeping the weekly performances strong. The bad news is that a few of the guys I THOUGHT would show up completely crapped the bed. Here are my rankings from tonights show: 1) James Durbin...the guy knows how to LISTEN!! He went a long way toward becoming a legit talent by not screaming and screeching his way through the song. Nice job! 2) Jacob Lusk...this guy is transforming into a female right before our eyes, but he surely can sing. 3) Casey Abrams...keeps it interesting 4) Stefano Langone...I think this kid may have the most upside of anyone. Nice job on the Bruno Mars song. 5) Clint Jun Gamboa...great way to open the show...kid's got some chops 6) Paul McDonald...Wasn't crazy about his Rod Stewart impression, but I enjoy his style of music. Screw the rest of 'em! EDIT: Actually, I want to send out a slight "F-U" to mr abdominals. "I'll Be" is one of my favorite songs ever, and this guy turned it into elevator music! I hope that fukker gets kicked off the show this week just for that

Yeah, that's why I say if it was anyone other than little Jacee....he deserved better for sure.

If it were anyone other than jacee, it wouldn't have been a big deal. But jaecee is so well loved that it came off like a real douche move. But if I were in LA or whatever and I had to look out for #1, anyone who was holding me back would get their ass booted, too.

I totally agree Mark. In past seasons it may not have mattered that much, but this top 24 is really damn good. I'd hate to see a deserving contestant not make it because of the boy/girl quota...stupid.

I was lol'ing when the first place team showed up and he goes, "well, the bad news is that you look ridiculous..."

Oh, well in terms of what the producers do, I think they have their hand in things or sure. I just meant in terms of the contestants themselves. Even on survivor you can pull off a schtick or find ways to sort of schmoooze and manipulate to your advantage. On Amazing Race, those opportunities just dont exist. You will encounter opposition, stress, time constraints, etc...and I really do feel that these things can break you down into your most basic components as a person. But yeah, I know on some reality shows they actually say in the credits that outcomes are determined in part by the producers. Top Chef says this right in their credits after the show is over.

So in addition to having a big arm and great scrambling ability, he's from one of the coldest climates in the country (prior to moving to Cali) and he's smart. What's not to like about this kid? This is the first QB prospect in this year's draft that I've really gotten excited about....would love to see us draft him.

I've been a pudgy bastard the last few years...Amazing Race needs a pudgy bastards team dammit!!

The more I learn about this kid, the more I like him. I didn't realize how big/tall he was until I saw an interview. He was towering over the reporter! Doesn't seem to have a big head or take himself too seriously. I agree the previous poster who said that most of the highlight clips you find are him running, which actually impresses me more given how tall he is. He does seem to have a knack for putting the ball in tight spots though, and he can also throw on the run. This is just based on what I've seen on tape, though, not from actual games...I've never seen the kid play in a single game so take this analysis with a grain of salt. But I'd MUCH rather draft a stud defensive player with our first pick and then grab this kid in the 2nd as opposed to taking a chance on Newton or Gabbert. Let Kaepernick sit behind fitzy for a year or two and who knows....maybe this kid can be the next great B-lo QB?

That's exactly why this is the most "real" of all reality shows. You can take whatever schtick,or strategy, or whatever you want to bring into this race, but it will all go out the window once Phil starts it. This show puts relationships to the test like no other and it brings out the racers true personalities. Sure, you can still get a particular edit that may lend itself to a positive or negative opinion by the viewer, but in the long run it's just you and the cameras. You can tell by watching this show just how intense each leg is. As soon as they depart, until the time the leg is over, they are racing their ASSES off. The only break they get is when the sleep, when they are on the plane, or when they are waiting for their partners to finish a task. Aside from that, they are racing non-stop around the world. I dig that. And Pooj, if you ever need a partner...

I know the judges offered criticism to that Jacob guy for being too intense too much of the time, so hopefully they'll talk with James, too. Adam Lambert grated on my nerves, and this new kid screams even more frequently than Lambert did. They both need to just chill and save the really intense vocals for the appropriate points in the song. He's gonna get the fast-forward treatment from me if he keeps this up, and that would be too bad cause the kid has potential. Wish I could see that link you posted...stupid work computers

Never heard that song, but I like it...Johnny Cash's voice could really convey the nature of the song. Really sorry to hear about the little guy not making it Sounds like you have a heckuva nice family there

What's up brother!!

That's awesome...I really need to revisit some of his earlier stuff with Queen. Do you know about what year that Live Aid show was? I want to see if they have it on bluray or DVD or something. Definitely. First time I heard that in person I lost it. Was all I could do to keep it inside.

this list reminded me of one other song I forgot to mention... I grew up on the BeeGees to a degree, but when I picked up their best of compliation a while back I got to hear some of their pre-disco stuff. One of the songs that really made me think was "I started a Joke". It reminds me of something that John Lennon would write.

You know, as popular as he is and was, I still feel the guy is underrated. Truly one of the greatest front men of all time and one HELL of a talented dude. RIP Freddy! I love this...this is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever recorded, IMO.

Not sure how accurate this is, but apparently this is what the guys will be singing on Tuesday... 1. Clint Jun Gamboa – Superstition by Stevie Wonder 2. Jovany Barreto – I’ll Be by Edwin McCain 3. Jordan Dorsey – OMG by Usher 4. Tim Halperin – Streetcorner Symphony (Come On Over) (Rob Thomas) 5. Brett Loewenstern – Light My Fire – Doors 6. James Durbin – You Got Another Thing Comin’ by Judas Priest 7. Robbie Rosen – Arms of an Angel by Sarah McLachlan 8. Scott McCreery – Letters From Home – John Michael Montgomery 9. Stefano Langone – Just The Way You Are – (Bruno Mars) 10. Paul McDonald – Maggie Mae by Rod Steward 11. Jacob Lusk – House is Not a Home 12. Casey Abrams – I Put a Spell On You

Hey guys...just wanted to let you know that I came home tonight to find a big ass box sitting by my door...from the end of the auction to my doorstep, it took less than one week. Can't wait to get it (the Total GYm) hooked up Happy bidding!

Definitely agree about the guy not fitting the idol look...that's the part I find most interesting about the show, though...transforming these raw materials into something marketable, you know? This kid may look exactly the same by the end of the season, in which case I can't see him winning either lol. That being said, if we did a top 5 list of who we think will WIN, my list would look totally different. I do think Lauren Alaina has a really good shot. I heard (before I heard her sing) that she was like a younger kelly clarkson, and that comparison holds up well. This girl has a great look, she's got a really outgoing-but-not-too-annoying personality, and she can had a very nice range. I think she's not only the favorite, but by a large margin. Paul McDonald is the type of singer/songwriter that is my preference in terms of the music I buy. Amos Lee, Ray LaMontaigne (sp?), Jack Johnson, etc, etc...that's my style and I could see myself really enjoying this guy's stuff. Will he win? Hell no. He'll be able to get to like the last 5 or 6, but then he'll be voted off in favor of the more pop-ready performers. But this is the sort of show that this kid can use for exposure and end up really having a nice launch to his career. I love the human voice. I love vocals that are unique and/or powerful, and there are a lot of contestants who fit that mold. I think this may be a pretty good season...I know I've said that like three times, but I'm really hoping, cause if we have another repeat of the last two years, then I can see myself bailing for sure. It also gives me hope that maybe when Simon gets back on the air with his $5million prize in hand later this year, that he'll be able to find some prospects with potential for that X Factor show.

Even though I have chick-fil-A all over down here, I love those BK chicken sandwiches. I can always go for a whopper too... I usually go for the Advil because my headaches are typically sinus-related. I took a discus to the head back in the 8th grade and it disrupted my right frontal sinus, so I'm a bit more prone to sinus pressure. The Advil seems to lessen the pressure a bit better than Tylenol for me. Tylenol is safer for when you take something relatively frequently. Advil can really mess up your stomach and kidneys...people need to take that seriously. I've treated several patients with acute renal failure secondary to Advil use over the ten years I've been an RN.

Let's see...my list will probably be completely different, but that speaks partly to how good the talent is this year. I really think that certain voices shine once they get some amplification behind them (i.e. when they use a mic). I often get compliments for my voice, but never as often as I used to when I have spoken over a microphone. I think it's the same with singers. Some of them sounded pretty good with just the a'cappella audition, but others really came alive once they got on the mic. I still can't believe how strong some of those Vegas performances were...anyhooo... My top five...not in order, but these are the ones I'd pick for the top 5 grouping Lauren Alaina (tyler lover girl) Retarded Elton John guy (clint something) Lauren Turner (needs to make sure she's always got make-up on) Paul McDonald (skinny furry guy...James blount meets Ray LaMontaigne) Stefano Langone (car crash guy...really turned it up in Vegas) It's gonna be a really strong top-12...these weekly shows will be the most entertaining they've been in a while!