It's That Season Again!

Time for American Idol, my seasonal guilty pleasure! I just love the unscripted drama, the funny moments and the talent. I love to loath the dim-witted Paula Abdul and enjoy Simon's unbridled and brutal honesty.

So grab a bowl of popcorn and let me unveil my predictions for this year's contestants. Here's a list of my picks for top 6 male and top 6 female contenders:

David Cook: While somewhat "vanilla," I think he's someone that could appeal to a wide range. He's "worthy", as Simon would say, of being in the top 12 finalists but I doubt that we will see him much beyond that. To see him perform: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=David+Cook&search_type=

Robbie Carrico: (Voted off show 2/28/08.)With his bad-boy rocker edge, he'll win allot of fans. I think his voice is quite versatile and he may surprise everyone. I don't think he'll finish strong, though and we won't see him in the race to the finish. He's also a professional singer and that may play against him in the eyes of the voters. Watch Robbie at: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Robbie+Carrico&search_type=

Danny Noriega: Really the least talented of the men in this group but because of the high "tween" girls that vote, I think he'll hang on longer than he deserves. I must say, I'd give anything to have his lips! Here's Danny: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Danny+Noriega&search_type=

David Hernandez: This guy can really sing. Unfortunately, his looks and personality are somewhat forgettable and he may end up leaving early for his lack of charisma. Too bad, I think he's talented. David's performances: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=David+Hernandez&search_type=

David Archuleta: The 17 year old wonderboy! This kid has it all: warmth, personality, and most of all, talent. David was a "Star Search Junior" winner several years ago. He is very at-ease on stage and has great range, control and power. I only hope that his "Oh, do you really like me. Gosh, golly..." humble routine doesn't wear on some people's nerves like last season's Melinda Doolittle did. He should be one of the top contenders for the title. See David perform: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=david+Archuleta&search_type=

Michael Johns: This guy is my number one favorite. He has it all: looks, personality and great talent. I loved his "Bohemian Rhapsody". He has to convince allot of people that someone from Australia should be an American Idol, however. Watch Michael: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=michael+johns&search_type=

For the women:

Brooke White: A throw-back to the days of earthy-folky, crunchy-granola singers. Her voice is pure but I think her nerves will get the better of her and ruin her chances for holding on very long. For a bit of Brooke: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=brooke+white&search_type=

Amanda Overmyer: The rocker-biker chic nurse with the heart of gold. Very powerful pipes but if she doesn't show more diversity in her style, she will be out sooner than later. I love her energy and courage to wring all the juice out of a song. Watch her in action: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Amanda+Overmyer&search_type=

Ramiele Malubay: This girl is this season's dark horse. I think she is more talented than others that will last longer. Unfortunately, her charisma-meter is registering "low" and she will be out way before she deserves. See what I mean: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ramiele+Malubay&search_type=

Carly Smithson: Here we go: another foreign import. This girl's voice is as rich and thick as rice pudding. She has two strong strikes against her: she's NOT American and she has had a record contract in her past. I'd like to see her make it at least to the top 6. Here she is: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Carly+Smithson&search_type=

Asia'h Epperson: This is the girl that struggled to get through her audition, singing "How Do I Live" in honor of her dad, who had passed away less than 48 hours before. Courage, dignity, humility and talent, just what America is looking for. See what I mean: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Asia%27h+Epperson&search_type=

Syesha Mercado: Has the strength, determination and talent of a winner. She really impressed me when she could not speak because she had laryngitis, yet she belted out a song that was effortless and powerful. All I can say is "Wow." Listen up: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Syesha+Mercado&search_type=

NOW FOR THE REALLY BIG QUESTION:

Who do I think will win?

Anybody's game. I think that Michael John, David Archuleta, Syesha and Asia'h should be in the final showdown. The girls are very similar in looks and style so they may cancel each other out.
We'll just have to watch the drama unfold, now won't we?

[Note: this BLOG posting is in response to an on-going friendly rivalry. JR: whatever happened to Taylor Hicks? ]

On Being Sick

There's nothing worse than being sick.

This week I suffered with a cold. The truth is, this cold started at Christmas as a nagging tickle at the back of my throat that just wouldn't go away. I coughed. I sniffled. I made gurgling sounds. I even had larengitis for a day. I tried to will it away. Nothing would move this tickle.

Finally, I decided to tackle it with gusto. I bought a nasal spray. I bought cough drops. I bought Nyquil. The clerks at CVS know me by first name and thank me for providing them with job security.

A funny thing happened when I began my attack. I got worse. The tiny, nagging tickle became a sloppy mess of runny nose, watery eyes and a real cough that still didn't move anything. I got a sinus headache and my body became a limp noodle.

... and then, I did the one thing that I rarely do: I took a day off from work. To me, taking a day off is like surrendering. I hate to cave in and admit that I need to rest but it did the trick and I am on the road to recovery.

This morning I woke to the familiar sounds of hacking and coughing. Great. Now my husband has my cold. If I were you, I'd buy some stock in CVS.

Here are some great links if you are suffering a cold:
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/9-tips-to-treat-colds-and-flu-the-natural-way
http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/47/33.cfm