Our "One Way ticket To Fabulous" contest winner and her friends had an amazing time Saturday...and so did I!!!!

My morning started at 8am...the limo picked me up and whisked me away to Kathy Thompson's house where she and her two friends Jacqui and Jenn!!!

And then we were off!! Robert, our limo driver took us to Salon on 10th...the experience was as lush as the name of the salon! They really know how to pamper the ladies!!! We were treated to having our hair, makeup and nails done!!! We all had a wonderful time!

Lunch was amazing at the Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel and Suites in the Portside Restaurant. We talked, laughed and were recognized by other diners! For dessert...cheesecake! It was soooo good!!!

And then...it was off to Intercity Shopping Centre to spend our $100 gift cards!! Which we did!! It was soooo much fun shopping with these ladies!! When the people in the stores heard why we were there, they were almost as excited as we were!

And finally, off to Silver City Thunder Bay Cinema's to see...Sex and the City 2!!! It did not disappoint. We loved it. Of course, we behaved ourselves...Danny had given me the speech before I left Friday to make sure we all kept reserved at the movies. Sigh.

And then our experience came to an end...but we have the pictures and the memories of our "One Way Ticket To Fabulous"!!!

American Idol wrapped up last night....our Idol expert Lodi Nacirema has put together her thoughts on how it all went down....


Well, well, well... Lee DeWyze is DeWinner!! I can't say that I am totally
surprised. I even think Crystal thought Lee would win as well. She looked
too calm standing beside him. Can I say that I am happy with the result?
Well, let's just say I'm content. To me, they are both great artists and
have futures in music. Lee is probably more commercial and contemporary,
whereas Crystal is an "old soul" (even though they are the same age). I had
actually forgotten that they both auditioned in Chicago. I liked that one
shot of them sitting almost side by side at the auditions (with one person
between them), not knowing each other. That is kind of eery!

Anyway, about the 2 hour finale. For a while there, I almost forgot that it
was about Lee and Crystal! What a Simon Love Fest!! Although I must say it
was well-deserved. After all, he made that show what it is and I I'm
seriously wondering what will happen next year. It was great to see Paula,
although she is still kind of "out there". Some things never change. The
best part of Simon's farewell I thought was when all the Idol winners (minus
David Cook) came out on stage, followed by their fellow contestants.
Although I didn't see Clay or Adam. That was very cool to see. Now that
would make a great concert tour... The Top 10 American Idol winners.. maybe
even a special. Now there is something to think about after next year of
course.

The rest of the entertainment was good. There were a lot of older acts that
were paired up with the current Top 12. Some of those songs certainly
brought back memories! Overall, it was a decent show. When compared to last
year though I think it fell short. But maybe it was because of the "Farwell
to Simon" part of it.

Sadly, another year is over. We have our new Idol and he will do well. But,
don't count out "MommaSocks". I'm sure that we will be hearing both of them
on the radio soon. It's just too bad they didn't debut a new original song
to promote. I am still confused about that. But let's not go down that road.
It is getting late and I must stop my babbling. I also wish they had of sang
their duet from a few weeks ago. That was awesome!! I sure hope they sing it
on the tour!

Speaking of the tour, that is the next Idol thing on my agenda. The Top 10
Idol Tour 2010 - August 29th - Minneapolis. I already have my tickets and my
gang of fellow Idol fans to join me. It is always fun and I know this year
will not disappoint. I must say bye for now, but I will keep in touch from
time to time. If you are a true Idol fan, you should attempt to make one of
their concerts, either in Minneapolis or in Winnipeg. They are well worth
it.

Until next time,

Lodi

Ooooh!!! It was performance night - Lee and Crystal going head to head, one coming out victorious! Here's Lodi's rundown....

I knew at the onset that this evening would be great. They have been the two
favourites all season long. In my opinion, they have been neck and neck. It
was like a teeter-totter. One would have a good week and then the next week,
the other seemed to be stronger. Tonight was no different.

Round One: Contestant pick - their favourite song from the season. Lee
started and sang "The Boxer" from Inspiration week. Crystal chose "Bobbie
McGee". According to the judges, they liked Crystal better. I don't know, I
liked both. Crystal's was just more upbeat. I say tie, leaning a little more
toward Crystal.

Round Two: Executive Producer's (Simon Fuller) choice. Lee sang "Everybody
Hurts". He came across as a little nervous to me. But I agree with Simon
C... a good choice for him. Crystal was asked to sing "Black Velvet". I was
a little scared for her during her walk down the stairs in those heels. It
took my mind off her singing for a moment that's for sure. Anyway, the
singing to me was okay, but in spots was more like yelling. She has sang
better. I personally would give this round to Lee.

Round Three: Song to be released as single. Lee's song was "Beautiful Day".
Now am I crazy or did that song sound like U2? Don't they sing a song like
that? Anyway, maybe I'm just tired. Crystal sang last with a song called "Up
to the Mountain". All I have to say is WOW!! That to me was Crystal at her
best. It wasn't the typical "Idol" song. It was totally different, just
like her. Round Three to Crystal.

So to sum it up, again they are neck and neck. Like any great race should
be. Who will win the night? My vote goes to .... Crystal. As Ellen said, she
is unique. She has stayed true to herself throughout this whole competition.
I think she was the best tonight. Lee was good, but showed his nerves and
didn't soar like Cystal did. But it all comes down to the votes. Illinois Vs
Ohio. They had four hours to vote and I sure hope that these two got the
support that they deserve.

Tune in for the results on Wednesday night. A two hour finale with the Top
12 back to perform. It will be a special night for Simon as well being his
last show. I'm sure there will be some great moments supplied by Ryan and
the gang. You don't want to miss it!!

Lodi

It's down to the wire on American Idol...looks like Lodi has called the outcome again...

It was almost as if I could have written the script myself. Lee is safe
first, followed by Crystal and we say good-bye to Casey. I think he knew it
was coming. He might have had a little glimmer of hope, like all the Idols,
but it can't last forever. I will miss seeing Casey James every week (sigh),
but hey, I will see him again next Wednesday at the finale, just like all of
the Top 10 (maybe even Top 12).

As the showed finished tonight, there is something that they don't show us.
They flip a coin to to see who gets to sing first or second on nest week's show. This is where the real strategy begins. Everyone wants to sing last. It leaves the longest impression (unless you really blow it), but that is rare. I would say that
90% of the people who sing second win the competition.

As for winning, usually there is a stronger contestant, but not this year.
(Although even in those cases, that isn't a guarantee...Adam Vs Kris; David
Vs David) To top it off, both Crystal and Lee are very personable people.
They both can sing and they both have a great story that is just begging for
a happy ending. They both deserve it. It will be really tough. Over the
course of Idol this year, we have never heard who had the most votes. So, we
really don't know who has more of a following and support. One is from
Chicago and the other a small town in Ohio. So, who will get the strong
support of the Southern States this year? All these are good questions. We
will have to wait and see how they sing next Tuesday. They will sing their
"Idol" song, usually a previous song that was strong for them and a new one
that no one has heard. Three songs... three chances to win votes. I can't
wait. I wish I could vote. I say that every year. Some year I will do a road
trip to Grand Marais to cast my votes, although a lot can be said for
relaxing in my own living room and enjoying the show.

Anyway, rest up and wait for Tuesday. I am truly looking forward to it. It
should be a fantastic show.

Lodi

Lodi Nacirema is back sharing last night's American Idol excitement with us!!

There is nothing I like more than a close competition. Blow-outs are boring.
Although a lot can be said for upsets as well. Last night show might lead
to any of the above. The top 3 sang two songs last night - one of their
choice and one chosen by the judges.

Casey started first. I think he did really well. His voice is actually very
good. Sure, he is nice to look at, but you really have to admit that he can
sing. I think that his looks are his downfall. People don't give him credit
for his talent. Will his two performances be enough to send him through to
the finale? I'm not sure. The judges choice of "Daughters" by John Mayer I
thought was really good. He suited that song and as Kara said, he was
singing to the women. But if the women vote, who knows what will happen!

Next was Crystal. I have to admit, she is my favourite and has been since
the start. She is so different from all the other women contestants that
they have had. She has a lot of talent and I really hope she makes it
through. She sang a Melissa Etheridge song first and Ellen chose a Paul
McCartney song for the second. It was an all right choice for her and she
hit notes that even surprised her! She has been strong this whole
competition.

Finally was Lee. Wow. He was sure in fine voice last night. He has also been
a front runner this year and deservingly so. But he sure picked a great
night to outshine all the others. His choice was a Skinner song which was
good. Not as well known as other ones he could have picked, but I dont'
think it mattered. But the judges choice by Simon was incredible.
"Halleluliah" by Leonard Cohen was the song and it brought the house down.
He is for sure in the finale with that performance.

So, the final two by performances alone should be Crystal and Lee. Casey did
well, but he has been in the bottom 3 in the past. Last week's results with
Crystal being with Michael in the bottom I still feel was a set up by Ryan.
I doubt if she was really in the bottom two. A finale with Crystal and Lee
would be a real show-down. Two great artists fighting to the finish. Casey
and Lee would probably end up being a blow-out which I really don't want to
see. Although I really shouldn't say that. You never know what will happen
in the end. It all depends upon the votes. It was only last year that most
people thought Adam was a shoe-in over Kris and look what happened. As long
as the show is good and they perform well, that's all I can ask for. HOLD
ON... WHO AM I KIDDING? I WANT IT TO BE CRYSTAL AND LEE!!!! Tune in tonight
to find out!!

Lodi

Proud Moments....

You hear about the moments when a mother is about to give birth to a child...the father...in the room...anxiously awaiting the arrival..with the video camera and the camera to capture it all...

Well, if you've been in that position...it can be well...an interesting time...and there comes a time when you don't care who sees what and you just want that baby to come out!

Then when you see him standing there with that camera on you and you're in the middle of a contraction...he's not in any pain....it's probably a good thing he's standing out of reach.....

That's why this story is kind of funny to me...and perhaps some other mothers out there....

I met a woman over the weekend who says she has four beautiful children...and that she and hubby decided that 4 was enough...and instead of her being off for at least 6weeks after an operation...it was also decided that he would be the one to have a procedure...a vasectomy.

We all know what men think and how they react when the word "vasectomy" is mentioned....yikes!! So...I am wondering how he felt when he was just about to have the procedure done.......with his feet in the stirrups....nurses prepping him and the doctor getting ready...as his wife walked in with a camera to capture the moment!!! She had it all set up with the secretary....

Her husband had her removed from the room...but it took some time for the procedure to begin...because the doctor was laughing too hard to...well...go there.....



Water Cooler Conversation…

Spanish researchers claim that people who drink 14 or more glasses of wine each week…catch colds 40% less often than those who don’t drink alcohol at all! Apparentley, the grape skins contain antioxidants which fight common colds!

The magazine "Hello Canada", is out with their ‘most beautiful Canadians list’. Some of them include: Justin Beeber; Michael Buble; Ryan Reynolds; Celine Dion; curler Cheryl Bernard; Glee’s Corey Monteith (he plays Finn).

It was this week back in 1686 – Daniel Fahrenheit was born. He invented the mercury thermometer.

Someone went home on Idol last night...Lodi Nacirema has the details....


Ryan Seacrest should be shot!! How dare he torture me like that! I swear I
was on the edge of my seat the whole second half of the show last night. I
had a hard time enjoying Bon Jovi.. but I did. I kept saying over and over
in my head.... “in no particular order”. That has to be the answer. There is
no way that Crystal could be in the bottom two. Especially after Tuesday’s
performance. I was also thinking that it could be the one of the worst
upsets to date on that show.. and how ironic, when Chris Daughtry is on the
show. Was this going to be a twist of fate? Lucky for me and many others I
am sure, it all worked out. It is sad to see Michael go, but his save in
Week 9 lasted quite a while.

Now for the rest of the show. I was glad to see that Fantasia has come back
down to earth. The last time she performed, it was way out there. She has
talent, she just has to get back on track. Daughtry was outstanding. What a
voice. I still can’t believe he only got to the Top 5. But he is proof that
you don’t actually need to win. Use the exposure you get from this popular
show and run with it. Bon Jovi did not disappoint either. This is one of the
best bands with a great lead singer.

Ryan did not mention what’s up for next week, but usually Top 3 week is
Judge’s choice night. The judges pick a song for each artist to sing and they
also perform another song of their own choice. Don’t forget the highlights
from their trip back home to their home town. It’s usually a pretty
memorable night.

Just one last thing before I leave you for another week. The Top 10 will
also be travelling to Winnipeg on their tour this summer. They will be
there on Tuesday September 7th. Maybe this suits you better than
Minneapolis. Whichever city, it is well worth the drive. Keep it in mind.

Talk to you next week.

Lodi

Another Tuesday..another American Idol!! Lodi Nacerima is here to tell us what happened last night....


I really love music from the movies...even more when I know what movie they
are from. Maybe that is why Simon was so confused tonight. I am surprised
that he didn't research these songs beforehand. I know that they know ahead
of time what each contestant is singing. But, maybe he is above that.

Anyway, I thought it was interesting how Jamie Foxx talked about being a
contestant versus an artist. In my opinion, that divides the group of four
in half for sure. Michael and Casey are contestants while Lee and Crystal
are artists. What a difference for sure! Except to me, Lee fell a bit short
tonight. He is still good, don't get me wrong, but as Randy says... it was
just "okay". On the other hand, Crystal was back with a vengence. She is
"All right" for sure. And boy or boy, I love that microphone stand. Very
cool.

Michael was fine, doing a Michael Jackson song from the movie Free Willy. To
me, I agree with the judges, it wasn't his best. No goosebumps. Casey was
good I thought. His choice of song was funny, especially considering the
"history" between him and Kara. He put a spin on Mrs. Robinson and was back
to strumming his guitar. He seemed much more relaxed. The camera sure eats
him up!

The duets were the best though. I'm not sure of the song that Lee and
Crystal sang, but it sure sounded great. What a pair. I am expecting them to
sing that one again on finale night. Casey and Mike's Bryan Adams' song was
outstanding. More great guitar playing and cool vocals from the boys. I love
that song. It doesn't hurt that it is from a Johnny Depp movie and it was
very fitting coming from these two guys.

So who will go? This is tough. Crystal for sure is safe. Lee will be safe
too, he's too good to go home now. So that leaves Casey and Big Mike. They
have both been in the bottom 2 and Mike almost went home in Week 9. Even
last week, when I thought Casey would go, Mike was in the bottom with Aaron.
So based on history and the performances from tonight , I am thinking it
will be Big Mike.

Waiting to find out is agony for me. To get me through a Wednesday work day,
I think of who will be on the elmination show. They sure have been good so
far this year. This one is no exception...Daughtry, Fantasia and Bon Jovi!!
Wow! It just keeps getting better and better. You don't want to miss that
for sure!

More talk tomorrow,

Lodi

Wow! Getting down to the wire on Idol! Here's Lodi Nacirema with her thoughts on last night's show.....


Well you can't win them all! I knew my record couldn't continue forever. I
was surprised by the outcome of tonight's show, but probably not as
surprised as Casey. When Ryan separated Crystal and Casey in one group and
Michael and Aaron in another with Lee being safe, I felt for sure that it
would be Crystal and Casey in the bottom two. Not because of Crystal, but
just because Casey didn't sing that well Tuesday night. Micahel and Aaron were
really good. As soon as I found out that it was Big Mike and Aaron, I knew
it had to be Aaron. Out of the two, Mike sang better, plus Aaron sang first.
Remember? The kiss of death!! Even if there are only 5 singers. Going first
is not fun. You have to be outstanding for the voters to remember you. I
felt bad for Aaron. I'm sure that he wasn't expecting it.

As for the entertainment, Harry Connick Jr. was very good. He is talented
for sure. The group numbers were good. I still wonder a bit about lip
syncing, but not as much. I'm still suspicious though. Lady Gaga did not
disappoint. What a show. She would be awesome to see live. Guess what, what
a coincidence. She is playing in Minneapolis the same week that the Top 10
Idols are in Minneapolis. Idols on Sunday and Lady Gaga on Wednesday (last
week in August). Save those holidays and go catch some great concerts!

Okay, let's move on to next week. Songs of the Cinema with Jamie Foxx as
mentor. The Top 4 will perform songs from the movies. A broad category. I'm
sure they will "be true to themselves" and pick something that suits their
style. They do have to make those judges happy! Never mind the judges, make
their fans happy and get those votes. They mean more now than ever. We are
getting closer. It's so exciting!!

Talk to you next week.

Lodi

Hello all!! Sorry this is late!! That's what happens when you have to hang out with police at the Landfill and then off to McDonald's for McHappy Day!!!

Here's Lodi Nacirema with her thoughts on last night's Idol.....




Last night the Idols sang Frank Sinatra. Harry Connick Jr. was their mentor and he actually went one step beyond and did the musical arrangements for the contestants. He is one very talented guy!

Anyway, the song choices were pretty good and I thought they all sang well, except for Casey. He really was out of his element. I was a little surprised by that, but he tried at least to look the part. Hair slicked back and a nice outfit. But unfortunately, looks aren’t everything!

It seems to me that now that Siobhan is gone, they have to bug someone and who else but the lone girl! Give Crystal a break. I thought she was great! They told her to be true to herself and don’t change who she is. Come on people, she changed her style to suit the music genre. I saw that, couldn’t they? And by the way… she looked fantastic.

Okay, so lets get down to it. The best of the night I think was Lee. So from top down, my choices would be Lee, Michael, Crystal, Aaron and then Casey. With only 5 left, it is pretty cut and dry. You have to be strong every week from now on. One bad week and you are gone. So too bad Casey James. I guess I will be seeing you on tour in August!

Tune in on Wednesday to find out if I’m right. Lady Gaga sings, so you don’t want to miss that!

Lodi

The good news...the fire ban has been lifted! The bad news...it's not great weather for a bonfire in the back yard...but that's ok!! 'Cause we're above zero! So, while temps aren't scorching they aren't awful!

The kids can play outside, we can go for walks and baseball season, well, practices in the city have started. So, really, pretty decent.

I worked the Folklore Festival Saturday and wow, a lot of people streamed through the doors to check out the entertainment, kids section vendors, food and drink! Right now, it looks as though they may have set a record with about 12,000 people checking out this years festival.


WATERCOOLER CONVERSATIONS.......

Yesterday, marked the 43rd anniversary of the Toronto Maple Leafs last winning the Stanley Cup. 43 years ago to the day, that the Leafs last hoisted the greatest trophy in hockey.

Kate Gosselin’s ex – Jon Gosselin….you gotta feel sorry for this guy. He’s making money anyway he can…including selling his autograph for $10 a pop.

Researchers say their 99% sure they’ve found the remains of NOAH’s ARK on Turkey’s "Mount Ararat". They say they know the wood they found was over 4,000 years old

John Lennon’s hand-written lyrics to one of The Beatle’s most celebrated songs, "A Day In The Life", will go on the auction block at Sotheby’s in New York in June. The sheet of paper is priced at between $500,000 and $700,000. It’s likely to get more than the record $1 million that was paid for the lyrics to "All You Need Is Love", 5 years ago.