I'm still sad this morning that Jason Castro won't be on Idol next week, and so I offer this YouTube video, a studio edition of Over the Rainbow along with great black and white shots of Jason on Idol.
I'll just have to watch the YouTube videos of Jason until he's got an album out.
-rlh-
Nearly 51 million votes last night and the top three contestants, Ryan told us, all had within 1 million votes of each other. And how, I wondered at the top of the show, would that bode for Jason? Did his fans rise up in protest the moment Simon said, "Pack your bags"? Could be. This is, after all, American Idol.
David A — safe
David C — safe
Stupid phoned in questions. Guest group, Maroon 5. Bo Bice. Amazing how long an hour results show can feel. Thumb twiddling.
And finally the results — Jason goes home. I wish he could have gone out on a higher note. He's talented and original. He said his inexperience was showing last night, and that was true. Also showed he's got wisdom enough to know he doesn't know it all.
Jason, you make an album, I'll buy it. I'm going to miss you on the show a lot, and I confess I don't care as much about who wins Idol now.
Rock & Roll night.
David C. sang Hungry Like a Wolf. I thought it was solid but not anything that made me go, "Wow! I want to hear more like this." Randy and Simon agreed with me. Paula was Paula. 
Syesha tackled Tina Turner's Proud Mary. I thought it was just all right. Randy and Paula liked it, but Simon didn't care for it. And I think Syesha has taken some cues from Paula. Super bubbly.
Jason chose to sing I Shot the Sheriff. He was more animated than I've ever seen him — and I'm not sure it was an improvement. Trying too hard perhaps. I've never hesitated to say how much I like this kid, but I did not like this performance. Randy didn't like it. I don't think Paula did either but she babbled about his likability or something. Simon hated it!
David A. sang Stand by Me. Nice job. Not a wow but nice. Definitely the best so far of the night. Randy sort of over-praised him, I think. Paula said her usual stuff. Simon gave tempered praise — plus another jab at Jason's performance.
Overall, the first half hour has been somewhat of a disappointment. Here is hoping the second round of songs prove more of an enjoyment.
David C. came back with Baba O'Riley. A lot better than first round although I think he's done better over the weeks. Randy liked it, Paula rattled around, and Simon welcomed back David Cook.
A Change is Gonna Come is the song Syesha chose for round two. Good choice. She performs it with both restraint and a few big notes. I loved it. And might I say, without sounding too much like Paula, that she looked gorgeous. Randy thought it was overdone. Paula gushed and did a standing O (and brought Syesha to tears). Simon agreed with Paula (which totally destroyed Syesha).
Jason's second song was Mr. Tambourine Man. I had my fingers crossed for a much better round, and I got it. Sort of. On the stool with guitar, Jason was back the way I like him. His voice. His style. And then he forgot some of the lyrics. Bad news. And Simon told him to pack his bags.
David A brought the show to a close with one of my favorites by Elvis, Love Me Tender. But David's version of it was so totally changed in melody that I didn't find much to like. The words were there but not the lovely tune. Judges all loved it. Simon even said David "crushed" the competition tonight.
Hmmm. I have been surprised before, but I think that Jason will go home tomorrow. 
What do you think?
-rlh-
Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a romantic at heart. I love a love story. I love the hope I find in the promise of a wonderful HEA (happily-ever-after). I also love to laugh. So put love and laughter together and I'm usually right there with you. I will also freely admit that I am somewhat easily entertained. I am not the world's toughest critic. Not by a long shot.
Entertainment Weekly has put together a list of 24 Bad Romantic Comedies. Kind of fun to look through these. I have enjoyed a few of the movies on the list. I may have only given them a three out of five stars on Netflix, just an "I liked it" and not an "I loved it," but I was still at least mildly entertained. But there are quite a few that I haven't seen because even the synopses let me know I wouldn't like them. Others that I have seen were truly BAD.
I thoroughly disagree, however, about Father Goose. Okay, it may be a bit corny, but I've seen it more than a dozen times through the years, thanks to cable/satellite and the classic movie channels, and I always smile over the silliness.
So fess up. Which one of these "bad" romantic comedies do you like? And do you have some "bad" ones that you would add to this list?
Ready. Set. Comment.
-rlh-
On May 1st, I began the second of my three times reading through the New Testament in 2008. The first time through, I used the New Living Translation. This time, I chose the wonderful Eugene Peterson paraphrase, The Message. I haven't used this version since 2004, and I am loving being in it again. For serious study, I go for a more literal translation, but for reading and soaking in the Word, The Message is a wonderful option.
Like these wonderful verses:
[Jesus said,] “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matt 11:28-30)
I know that I haven't posted anything about my Bible reading in a while, but my heart is to encourage believers to get into the Word and feast on it regularly. It is so important. For how else, if we don't know what God has to say, can we sift out the whispered lies of the enemy?
[Jesus said,] “Stay alert. This is hazardous work I’m assigning you. You’re going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don’t call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove." (Matt 10:16)
We won't be cunning as snakes if we are not on the alert, and we will not be on the alert if we don't study what God has spoken. As Christians, we need the Bread of Life to sustain our spirits just as we need food to sustain our physical lives.
Some while ago, I got a wonderful email from a reader in Sydney, Australia who serves on my prayer team, and I asked her if I could share her words on my blog. I'm thankful that she agreed. It's a long letter, but I hope you will take the time to read it all the way through because I know it will bless you.
Dear Robin,
Back in January, after receiving one of your special prayer bulletins, I emailed you for your schedule for reading the New Testament through three times in one year - and you responded, thank you very much.
I thought long and hard prior to January about the way you've often mentioned how you read the Bible: through the complete Bible one year, and three times through the NT in the next two years. Also, your themes, that come to you as you prayerfully consider how you can get closer to God that year.
In December last year I decided that if you could do it, so could I. And, unbelievably, like a pebble tossed in a pool, this is having an amazing effect on the people around me. I'm writing to let you know about it, because I'm awestruck by what's happening.
After much prayer I also asked God for a theme/thought for the year, and - in big bold letters that surely got writ on my forehead, it came back as: STICKABILITY. Okay, that sounds a bit naive, but it totally fits my personality. I need to *stick* at things... like - gee, reading the Bible through in a year! If you want to reinvent the word I guess I can retranslate it as PERSEVERANCE. Not a bad theme at all for my Christian walk. So, I'm praying for stickability. And I think it's working. How brilliant is that?
As for reading the Bible through in a year, that's also working, and I'm so so *so* excited about it! I had a copy of a chronological Bible at home that I - yes yes, always meant to read it but, you know, no time, rush rush rush, no stickability, life got in the way, etc etc...
CONTROLLING INTEREST
by Elizabeth White
THERE'S TROUBLE IN RIVER CITY...
Matt Hogan's Memphis detective agency has been on the skids since a recent attack of conscience cost him an important case. When a wealthy investor steps in and saves River City Investigations, Matt thinks all his prayers have been answered-until he finds out that with the investor comes a new partner.
Fresh out of criminal justice school and a two-year stint in the Tunica County Sheriff's Department, Natalie Tubberville is out to prove she can cut it in the world of private investigations. But her reluctant partner is just as determined to have nothing to do with her--until Natalie makes him an offer he can't refuse! If Matt solves the next case before she does, she will return her share of the company.
And the race is on. As two strong personalities compete, mutual attraction grows…while a simple case of a runaway bride threatens to become an international incident. Will Matt and Natalie call off the competition-or discover an entirely new arrangement?
A little Q&A with Elizabeth:
What's the craziest thing you ever did in the name of research?
You mean besides get married?? JUST KIDDING! Once when I was working on "The Trouble With Tommy," I went on a coon hunt with my uncle and my son. I did not carry a gun--but my son did. He was about fourteen at the time and had never been hunting before. You coon hunt at night, so we all wore these helmet like hardhats with headlights on the front. We put the dogs in their carrier on the back of the four-wheeler and they're barking their heads off as we drive through the woods. Finally we stop and let the dogs out and follow them, listening for the change in their baying. When a dog trees a raccoon it's very distinct. Even an ignoramus like me can hear it. So my son was so excited he could hardly hold onto the bullets as he loaded them in the gun. I won't go into the details, but it was hilarious and gross and totally a South Mississippi experience.
Who's your favorite author?
(Click to read the rest of the interview)
If you've been to the grocery store lately, you know that the cost of groceries is on the rise. The thing is, Americans have been very focused on the price of gas to fill our cars but we tend to grab off the store shelves what we want/need without thinking about the price too much. After all, we've grown up in an era of prosperity. Well, we're thinking about it now, especially those on fixed incomes. And we're thinking about what is happening around the world because we are no longer isolated and economically strong.
If you're a believer, remember that we were born for such a time as this. God has a plan. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His heart is for restoration, reconciliation, redemption. We can make a difference in the crises the world is facing: Corrupt and immoral leadership/government; poor health and disease; environmental decline; world hunger; human injustice (human trafficking); illiteracy; confusion and spiritual deadness. My church, through what is being called Isaiah 61 ministries, is dedicated to reaching out and making a difference in these seven identified world crises. God is calling His people to action.
Here is a good article from USA Today that is worth reading:
'Silent tsunami' of hunger washes over poor nations
Since the 1970s, aside from isolated famines caused by social upheaval, world hunger has been on the decline. Undernourishment in the developing world dropped from 37% of the population in 1969-71 to 17% in 2002-04, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization.
Improved agricultural techniques, smart planning and global trade all played a role in this success. In fact, too much food was produced in some places, including the USA, and more farmers were paid not to produce food.
But suddenly, hunger is again plaguing the planet, threatening human beings and political stability. The crisis, stoked by soaring commodity prices, is hitting the world unevenly.
In the USA, rising costs for staples such as white bread (up 16.3% in the past year), milk (up 13.3%), eggs (34.8%) and bananas (17%) are causing hardship for lower-income Americans.
Read the remainder of the article here.
-rlh-
In answer to some questions from Rebecca on yesterday's post about the Kindle, I took a few more pictures. All can be enlarged by clicking on them. One is of the Kindle the day I received it compared to one of my trade size paperback novels.
There are two "next page" buttons, one on the upper right (long one) and one on the lower left (smaller one). On the upper left (longer one) is the "previous page" button. The very small button on the lower right, lower than the bottom of the screen, is the "back" button. The "back" does more than just go to a previous page in the book. It will take you back to a different screen or to a different book or whatever you were looking at previously. The small roller on the right side of the screen is how you select items. You pretty much do everything with your thumbs. Although if I'm looking for a book on the Kindle store, I usually type with my index finger. I'm not as good with my thumbs as some "texters" are.
As for the text size, I took a shot of the screen choices for text size. As you can see (I hope), I use the third from the smallest. It is similar to what I find in most trade paperbacks. I could go much larger or somewhat smaller.
I hope these photos help a little. It's not easy since I don't have someone else to ask to take the photos while I'm using the Kindle. Between my digital camera and my iMac camera, I think I may have managed it. Hope so anyway.
-rlh-
It's been just over two weeks since my Amazon Kindle arrived on my doorstep, courtesy of the FedEx driver. A blog reader asked me how I was liking it, so I thought I would do a quick update.
First of all, I love my Kindle. Never did I think I would like it as much as I do. In fact, I like having it with me so much that I bought a bigger purse/tote just so I could drop the Kindle into the bag before I head out the door. Here's some pros and cons in no particular order (click on photos for larger views):
The Kindle holds a charge for more than 30 hours. How much more, I don't know. I ran it for 17 hours straight before it showed that half the "juice" was used up. And it recharges fast. From a totally drained battery, it only takes two hours or less to charge.
Not every book I would like to buy is available for the Kindle, but there are still plenty of books to choose from. Over 119,000 at this point, up from 90,000 in November.
Some owners wish the Kindle was backlit. But not being backlit is one reason the Kindle is easy on the eyes. I already spend lots of hours looking at a computer screen. I don't want to feel like I'm still on a computer when I'm reading for pleasure.FYI, I am currently reading Try Dying by James Scott Bell. It is a fabulous book. I don't like and can't read (due to nightmares) really scary suspense books or thrillers. But I can read Jim's books. They keep me guessing but don't scare me.
If you're interested in a Kindle, I'd love to have you buy it via my Amazon store. But none of the above has been a sales pitch. I just really love mine.
With apologies to my male readers, I'm going to share some favorite cosmetics items with my readers of the fair sex. I'm a low maintenance kind of gal. I don't like to spend too much time fussing, and after I have done some fussing, I don't want to do a bunch of retouches through the day. I also don't want to spend a small fortune to look good.
Anyway, I'm using a few things that are so good, I want to share them with others.
First up, Cover Girl's Outlast All Day Lipcolor. Because I don't think about touch ups, lipstick that lasts is really important, especially when I'm at a conference. I've tried the long lasting lipsticks in the past and hated them. They made my lips feel so dry. Then two or three years ago, some writer girlfriends did a shout out for Cover Girl's Outlast. I gave it a try. Love it. Love it. Love it. This stuff works, and it doesn't dry out my lips. My favorite colors are #553 and #558.
Next up, Loreal's Bare Naturale's mineral foundation. The minerals are good for your skin. It is easy to apply, and it looks good all day. I've also used Maybelline's Mineral Power foundation. I like it too, but it isn't quite as convenient as the Loreal brand which has the brush "built in" to the container (easier to travel with). Both companies have mineral blushes as well. I use Maybelline's Mineral Power blush in soft mauve. It's perfect for my skin tone.
Last but not least, help for the eyebrows. For many women of a certain age, the eyebrows begin to thin out. That's happened to me. I've never cared much for drawing new brows with the old eye pencils. Enter The Body Shop's Brow and Liner Kit. The powder is brushed onto the brows with a stiff brush and it looks very natural. It helps my eyes stand out, and for me, it is all about the eyes.
So there you go. My recommendations for the beauty regime.
How about you? Any recommendations for your girlfriends?
-rlh-
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