http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss en juleeann@mac.com Sat, 13 Jan 2007 22:43:53 -0500 Sat, 13 Jan 2007 23:09:34 -0500 iBlog 1.4.6 julee Julee's Journal Stuff I find interesting, motivating, and funny. And you might not. julee juleeann@mac.com Julee's Journal Arts & Entertainment http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C212848510/E20060618164325/index.html

I'm only going to say this once. It's official now! I've moved Julee's Journal to it's new home. All the links to old web pages and the archives from this journal can be found there. You can comment on it. I can even post to it while traveling. Hallelujah. So follow along...stay together and keep close, I wouldn't want to lose anyone. Click here----------> New & Improved: That's What I Thought.

]]> Sun, 18 Jun 2006 16:43:25 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C212848510/E20060618164325/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C212848510/E20060613083746/index.html

Don't put it in your favorites, yet, but I'm testing out iWeb on my MacBook Pro. And it is awesome! After 319 posts on this one and a couple of travel journals on eblogger, I'm ready for a change. Time to retire the old iBlog jersey. Click here--------> Third times a charm.

]]> Tue, 13 Jun 2006 08:37:46 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C212848510/E20060613083746/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C212848510/E20060609151451/index.html Now Listening: A Time 2 Love ~ Stevie WonderI've been upstairs for 2 days. No kidding. These are the after pictures. Kinda makes you wonder what the he** it looked like before doesn't it? Assuredly, not like this. Oh well, I'm off to happy hour. Then maybe CARS tomorrow between Bourdon ~ Bolhuis wedding and reception. Have a smear cake all over your face kind of week-end. ]]> Fri, 09 Jun 2006 15:14:51 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C212848510/E20060609151451/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C212848510/E20060606210309/index.html I’m in a funk, again.I shouldn’t be.Cripes.I usually skip over journal posts that start with, “Today was a good day, or last week-end was awesome…”  They bore me. That’s all, so  I will not be offended if you skip this one. I’m gonna avago at sharing how good I’ve had it lately, and maybe I’ll talk myself out of this.  The parenthesis are English translation from Aussie (pronounced: Auzzie) slang.Memorial Day Week-end we arsed off (left in a hurry) to see the rellies (relatives) at the station (big farm or lots of land).  Yeah?Happy hour is back on track, and that’s good cuz it’s never fun to drink with the flies (alone).  Yeah? Yeah?Even though the two sheilas (girls) came home for a fortnight (2 weeks)…they soon racked off (get out fast) to their woop woop (small out of the way town) for the summer.Lee, our old bloke (male friend) lobbed in (drop in to visit) for a bit from Oz (Australia).  I reckon that is one family we do not ever miss a beat with.  He filled us in on his family for the last 12 years and then listened intently to our rendition, including some videos.  I would say the Avery’s are mates (friends) for life and we’re hoping the next rendezvous we’ll be down under with matildas (sleeping bags) in tow….long before we’re crumbly (old). Lee, glad to have you here and see how you’re going….it was good to bat the breeze (idle chit chat) as well as the dinkum (genuine) talks.  No worries, as soon as Mark is done with yakka (work) we’re gonna be the drop kicks (losers) that’ll leave you clagged (worn) out.He buggered about Fruitport while we arsed out across the state to the Paul’s. Ben is marrying into a beaut (good) family.  We enjoyed a cuppa  with the extended rellies and then had no worries while just the moms and daughters waited for the Tiger fans to return.  The day went by like the clappers (fast).  They threw down (put out there) a 4th of July invite that will be hard to argue the toss (dispute).So. She’ll be apples (everything will be all right).  Yeah? Yeah? Yeah?My kids are all gone on someone (in love), and it looks good onya.  They’re gonna be flat out like a lizard drinking this summer (busy).   And by the end of August will be flaked out (worn out)…I’m sure. But they'll all give it a fair go and  will be goin’ off (having a great time) come next Sunday when the campers arrive. I will blow-in (uninvited guest) on them from time to time. Ring me.  Remember the 800# if the mobiles don’t work.  Us oldies (parents) have to stay clued-up (well informed). Crickey (surprise at something)!! I HAVE talked myself out of going round the bend (losing your mind).   Throw another shrimp on the barbie, I abso-bloody-lutely should have no worries. Everythings jake.  That’d be right.  Bob’s your uncle. Yeah? Yeah? ]]> Tue, 06 Jun 2006 21:03:09 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C212848510/E20060606210309/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C212848510/E20060606161109/index.html Everything seemed to be happening in a fog. I was walking down the Paul’s neatly manicured barn yard with row after row of weeping willow trees to shade me from the sun. At every tree there seemed to be a familiar face surrounded by a signature icon, to greet me. First up was Melissa in what appeared to be a music video, her background singers were the YA’s but I only recognized O’s smiling, familiar face. Next came a park like setting lined with quaint streets and homey flats. Seems we lived there next to Jen and Tony and our Australian friends were visiting for the summer. Of course the Eiffel tower was in the backdrop. I finally came to the end of the trees which had turned into an outdoor ampitheatre. Annie handed me a playbill just as Ben came out on the stage to introduce “My Story.” Then I quit my day job and woke from a Tuesday afternoon nap. Needless to say, I'm on the porch writing now. Can anyone interpret dreams? Does this even need interpreting? ]]> Tue, 06 Jun 2006 16:11:09 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C212848510/E20060606161109/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C212848510/E20060606073345/index.html Happy Birthday Baby! ]]> Tue, 06 Jun 2006 07:33:45 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C212848510/E20060606073345/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C212848510/E20060605122151/index.html ]]> Mon, 05 Jun 2006 12:21:51 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C212848510/E20060605122151/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C212848510/E20060601080838/index.html So, I lived in Chicago for 4 years, had kids that did so for 8 years, visit on numerous occasions, and I've never even been to Detroit but damn it, those are MY teams. De....troit Bas.....ket....ball!You got your Mission Impossible 3, your retro comic strip hero: Superman, and your X-men action movies. The one and only movie scene I need for the whole summer (besides CARS) was the following scenerio described eloquently by Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports.At one point during the third quarter Wednesday night, Shaquille O'Neal got the ball right near the basket and headed up for one of his signature monster dunks that usually end with him hanging from the rim and kicking his feet up. It's a demoralizing play, one that is pure power and, for the most part, indefensible. This time, though, there was a defense. Just as O'Neal was about to spring his 7-foot-1, 325-pound body toward the basket, Ben Wallace threw a hand down on top of the ball and with some kind of superhuman strength snuffed out the entire enterprise in its infancy. O'Neal would end up crashing to the floor, eventually falling backwards and sprawling onto his back, while the ball went nowhere and the referees whistled for a jump ball. To recap: Ben Wallace put Shaq on his ass. One-handed. It was power meets power, a play that caused a disbelieving gasp and then a wild roar from the Palace crowd. Encore...Ben Wallace got the jump ball, too. And...that's a wrap.This whole house is a Tom Cruised up mess.But it's good to be home, and on the porch, and only 36 hours away from happy hour.I know I'll miss them when they all leave for the summer, TOMORROW!Ben, I know you're there cuz I saw a picture of you bowling on someone's Xanga site, and you'd think Tony would let us know if anything had happened.Tony Bennet singing "The Way You Look Tonight", Martina McBride's "This One's For The Girl" and the Today shows' video montage for Katie Couric's last day solidified in my mind that Imus In The Morning is the only news talk show that I'll ever watch again.I falling in love with the Dixie Chicks again. Me: "Melissa, there are just two things you have to do for me all summer..."Her: "I know, I know...convert the whole world to Christianity and find the Mother Ship?"Mark, flipping past a body building contest while channel surfing: "Whadda ya mean, go back? You actually like that stuff?"Jen: "No, and you don't like it when cars get in a wreck, but you gotta watch it."Melissa: "I bet Shaq can sweat a small baby during just the 1st half."And the winning comment is:Thelma, after searching all over for the coffee thermos: "Lloyd, I can't find the butler!"Lloyd: "Maybe he quit."Summertime...and the livin' is crazy! ]]> Thu, 01 Jun 2006 08:08:38 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C212848510/E20060601080838/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060530195457/index.html We took an identical picture almost 8 years ago when we dropped our firstborn in the 2nd city. Eat at Ed's 'cause you can't bowl there!She went, she stayed, she roomed, she worked, she studied, she fell in love, she got engaged, and finally, she returned.Jennifer,I am so proud of all you accomplished in Chicago. But I am even more excited to live and learn from you these next few months. We'll let you have a car to go see Tony as long as it isn't snowing, we might even fill it with gas once in a while. You can keep the dishwasher empty for me. I'm sure we will laugh really really hard, we'll probably cry on occasion, we'll get to be together to plan the wedding of your dreams. We can pray together, cheer for the Pistons and lament about the Lions. Let's cherish this time and stock pile the memories. When the day comes for your daddy to walk you down that isle I will forever be grateful for the precious season in my life when I had my baby girl, and friend. Love, Momma ]]> Tue, 30 May 2006 19:54:57 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060530195457/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060530184041/index.html Mark and I (or me...and Mark agreed, or he mentioned it and I had to jump on it, or...both of us) felt the need to get Melissa to the farm to see Grandma and Grandpa before she flits off to Middle and Northern   Michigan all summer.   So as soon as he climbed out of his UPS truck on Friday and before we both climbed into the U-haul truck on the hottest day of the year, we did what parents do best: Make sure their kids experience life along the way.  Trouble with this whole scenario is that Melissa is still on CA time and mode and the grandparents get sleepy at about sundown. There is nothing I’d rather do than sit and chat for awhile with my parents before the world wakes and there is no better place to do it than out in the   bath house porch.  So we got a few things done on their retirement list, laid in the sun, and got to watch the amazing Andretti’s almost win the Indy 500.   We managed to squeeze in a meaningful conversation about life, love, and leaving a legacy.  Grandma’s heaven speech and Grandpa’s tearing up talking about his own mother sent me pondering and Melissa further into her pensive /introspective mood. She isn’t much of a talker unless she is prompted but her eyes never lie. Instead of, “I told you so…let me just say,” someday you’ll  feel   these two guardian angels take your arm and instantaneously you’ll   recall these words and know they were meant just for you…Sometimes when I’m tired I feel (grandpa) take my arm He says, “keep a-goin’, hard work Never did a body harm." And when I’m really troubled And I don’t know what to do (Grandma) whispers, “just do your best, we’re awful proud of you!” I might not know where I’m goin’ But I’m sure where I come from They’re my guardian angels And I’m they’re special one."~Naomi Judd & John Jarvis parenthesis, mine Just a reminder to make sure and savor these days, strengthen the   ties that bind, and always remember, even if you're a million   miles away that home truly is where the heart is. ]]> Tue, 30 May 2006 18:40:41 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060530184041/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060524231450/index.html Almost mission accomplished. Just gotta Ryder Jen home yet over Memorial Day Week-end. Seems like forever since I've had a comment from Annie or seen Tony. The porch is calling your names! You might have to share it with O(thers) this summer. I'll have one more final travel post over at eBlogger and then chances are I'll be back here. There are some awesome photos of Millennium Park just waiting for someone to get their own blog. Click here if the suspense is killing ya. ]]> Wed, 24 May 2006 23:14:50 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060524231450/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060512152218/index.html

I didn't get Julee's Journal moved over to the laptop yet so I guess there's no other choice but to go back here for the next two weeks or so. That, or not post at all and we wouldn't want that would we? Carry On.

]]> Fri, 12 May 2006 15:22:18 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060512152218/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060510221106/index.html Joey Buttafuco, David Blane, Guy whose definition of polygamy includes the word pedophile and hides behind a false facade that shoulda cracked about two Joseph Smith’s ago.

None of you should be in the news.

Romanian children still holed up in nothing but prison cribs and not being loved, touched, and cared for should be plastered all over every day until the orphanages are empty.

This is going to be hard. I love Elvis.
The young Elvis.
But Priscilla...you were scary to watch, so I didn’t.

Oh my goodness Taylor doing Elvis...I’m on my laptop, (Taylor isn't actually doing Elvis and I'm not literally on my lap top so don't comment about my lack of sentence structure skills, Kate) with the smell of new mown grass wafting in my windows. Jailhouse Rock! Have I died and gone to heaven? I don’t care if it was Karaoke with a capitol K it was fantabulous karaoke. And yes, I said fantabulous.

Chirs: Suspicious Minds Loved love love the song. Thoroughly entertained. Why did you have a winter coat on? And sunglasses. Oh I know, you were caught in a trap.

Elliott if there is any justice in the world you won’t go home tomorrow night.

Kathryn You Aint Nothin But A Hound Dog. Melissa’s first solo with the YA's in Kent City. Ahhhhh, you forgot the words. (Not you Melissa, that was "If I Could Have Been".) Yes, and Paula’s drunk AGAIN.

In The Ghetto. Taylor. Full of soul, patrol, and heart. Better than Elvis. If you ever stumble upon this blog you better leave a comment.

Simon to Chris, "you are the only contestant on this show that has actually refused to compromise."
Chris: A Little Less Conversation. Love ya buddy but you compromised on that one.

Elliott: Doesn't matter. Best singer in competition Elliott I’ll shoot someone if you go home tonight.

And because I'm the antithesis of a feminist and because Kathryn thought since she forgot the words she'd show a little junk in her trunk to take the voter's mind off of her Karaoke performance, (And THAT was karaoke with a capital everything)...

I hope it’s an all guy final. Yes I do.

Once again my hopes dashed. Taylor, Kat, and Elliott in the finals. Just want you to know I called the winner from the auditions in Vegas. Still bitter about Mandisa.



So yeah!!! Gooooooo Hippies.

"Dude, you got cricket on your face," BJ to tyler after eating a bowl of grasshoppers and crickets.

Tyler, “I hope they have a date with....not being in the race anymore. We‘ve had that date twice before and got stood up."

BJ & Tyler after learning they were in the top three racing around the world for a million dollars, "It’s on, like Donkey Kong"

God bless these 2 guys that deserve to win this race and weren’t even born when their nomenclature was the latest fad.



Suspicious minds

Are you lonely tonight

Heartbreak hotel

Love me tender

Never let me go

Just can’t help believing

This time the girl is gonna stay

Fools rush in

Lord almighty!! Do ya think Elvis was a little neurotic, paranoid, and psychotic? Can you really blame him though with a wife that would go on national television with a hair cut like that and a daughter that married Michael Jackson.

Hunka hunk hunka burnin’ love

What ya gonna do with all that junk

ALL THAT JUNK IN YOUR....APARTMENT

]]> Wed, 10 May 2006 22:11:06 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060510221106/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060508135110/index.html The Prom Tree is in full bloom. I don't care what they say, the grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side of their fence!Always gotta love a week-end on the farm.Good coffee, good conversation, good food, good dog, good singing, good living room church, good times.I'm trying to live up to my FG roots, so today I will; kiss my husband, e-mail my kids, eat healthy, pet the dog, and not spend very much time on here. Life calls out to be lived, even on a Monday! After all the discussions about caretakers, senior living situations, stuff, and eternity, I'm going to get on with it. There isn't much time to dilly dally. Objects in mirror are closer than they appear. ]]> Mon, 08 May 2006 13:51:10 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060508135110/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060504190602/index.html On the way to work this morning I heard what has to be one of my all time favorite songs. Dusty Springfield's, "Son Of A Preacher Man" I’ve warned you, I’ve begged, I’ve pleaded, I’ve struggled with whether to preach in my blog. I’ve had deep discussions with my family, the most recent, being a 2 hour phone conversation with Melissa about the genocide in Duphar and starving aids infected children in Africa. (Melissa, the one who doesn’t like to talk on the phone.) OK so we bought a Mac Book Pro and a gas grill with our income tax refund. Other than those two things over the past 30 years of marriage we’ve purchased and repurchased an absolutely, disgracing, ridiculous amount of stuff.There’s a wedding song entitled "Household of Faith." Mine should be called a household of stuff. Trust me, I’m not happy about this. First of all I’m not happy that I’ve wasted a truckload of money…and secondly, I’m not happy talking about it.I’m going to get rid of my stuff. Scale back. Down size. Clean Sweep. Shrinky dink it. Simple is my new motto. So yesterday I ventured down into the catacombs, with this motto playing over and over again in my head. Give it away. Throw it away. Put it away. Yup, that's my new motto and I'm going to write it on the basement door in permanent...chalk.If EVERYONE that ventured down there would have just used the motto…pretty sure I wouldn’t have found my original cell phone cord tangled around a broken iron in the original box left over from a hair dryer I don’t even recognize and labeled: notecards for Sidetracked Home Executives. Sidetracked alright.Bandwagons I should have never jumped on or let the kids jump on instead of the trampoline they had to have.Albums (record not photo), 8-tracks, (seriously, I didn't find any 8-tracks down there but I came mighty close) cassette tapes, tape recorders, CD’s, VHS tapes, 8mm, Sony, Digital, DVD’s. I should have just practiced playing the piano or honed my guitar song. Ya know the one..."The Flicker Of The Campfire."Beanie Babies. There was that small window of opportunity when the Princess Di one would have sold for about the price of a couple of Andersen Windows. Too bad my dining room ones don’t even open.Floral Arranging. I can’t for the life of me figure this one out. Must have been my dual personality phase.Paris Décor. (Like an acquaintance of mine once said. I wonder how many kitchens in France have plaques hanging over their sinks that say, I hope you have a good appetite)The Children’s Place, American Eagle, Express, Casual Corner, and Eddie Bauer. It's Target from here on out.Scrapbooking. OK, it’s fine to have a hobby and you know, and I know, that this day will end up scrapbooked. If you’re reading this and I’m gone….stuff can strangle and control your life.Beauticontrol. To everything there is a season and a purpose under heaven, and heaven knows one needs to keep their beauty under control. I should have worked harder on my beauty from within .Kids’ Activity T-Shirts. I spent half of my day cutting T-shirts that I had to have to make a quilt that I don’t need.Once-A-Month meals. Judging by the amount of clothes down there I should have taken this one literally.Youth Workers Activity Idea Books. Should have just exposed them to the underprivileged and told them to stop complaining. I guess size matters when you're buying a telescope. There are enough underinflated balls and shoes, to make some sort of tennis monument/structure. And lastly, I would pay money if someone could tell me why a grown person would put the lid on and shelve a can of paint with NO PAINT IN IT. THINGS DO NOT MATTER. PEOPLE DO. On the way home from work tonight I heard another old favorite; "Candle On The Water" from Pete's Dragon. I think I might watch some old Pop Go The Sailors Video's tonight. Something I have never regretted collecting. ]]> Thu, 04 May 2006 19:06:02 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060504190602/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060502172656/index.html We've been through a lot together, haven't we? And so now let me take you on yet another sentimental journey. I can not begin to express the simple yet perfect relationship that describes Jen and Tony. Oh sure, nobody's perfect, and I've always been an advocate of love is a choice. But the attraction, timing, friendship, devotion, and loyalty almost makes one reconsider the soul mate school of thought. I've been failing miserably at talking any of my kids into joining the blog culture to smear share life stories all over the internet, and so it looks like I will have to keep you all updated. The scene: The one and only quaint church courtyard in Chicago that just by crossing the threshold transposes you to Paris France like a Star Trek episode.The set: Scads of candles and bouquets of flowers that friends from the suburbs and springhill meticulously and romantically placed as if they were set directors from The Bachelor.The time and weather: The last day of April with a hint of spring in the air, obviously around sunset...the only drawback was the windy city kept....well....being windy.The characters: Jen, and Tony, of course. The able bodied set directors; making sure candles stayed lit and encouraging a cheerful crowd.The question: Jennifer Grace, will you marry me?The answer: a simple yesThe moral of the story: Dreams come true.The epilougue: At dinner overlooking the thousands of twinkling lights on Michigan Avenue Jennifer called to tell us the good news and when we asked how everything transpired, she answered in three simple words. It was perfect. ]]> Tue, 02 May 2006 17:26:56 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060502172656/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060501163205/index.html I do not like Ed-mon-ton OilersI do not like those spoilersI would not like them here or thereI would not like them anywhereSay?I do like the De-troit RedwingsI like Red Wings at the JoeI like Red Wings at the farmI like Red Wings that aren't injured (I wanted to use harm to rhyme with farm but, no!)I want Wings to win with MannyI want Wings to win with ShannyI do not care where or howJust win this one that's all *KA-POW*I warned you yesterday that I was going insane and you didn't believe me.Up from a-just-in-case-we-go-into-overtime nap.Six pack of Red Bull just because I'm not hyper enough.I'm going out on a limb hereIt may be late in the gameCould even be a couple of overtimes, butWE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, my friend! ]]> Mon, 01 May 2006 16:32:05 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060501163205/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060430201518/index.html

Was going to watch a little NASCAR at Talladega today, but then fell asleep and had some crazy afternoon dream about writing a book. So it's my site and I'll blog if I want to.

Have some new favorite words. Crikey. Psuedo. Sheesh. Yikers (j/k)

I think I might be going a bit insane. The other day I was not here, ya know, like gone... levitating above and looking down. I KNOW! Crazy, isn't it? I can't even believe I'm admitting all of this, but the me looking down on the me was, in actuality, a computer voice that chimed in at key moments. And this is what it said...
"To respond with a smile, press 1"
"To turn the TV off and go for a walk, press 3"
"To speak to someone on a deeper level, press 4"
"To hear these options again, press 5"
"To get rid of negative feelings, press 7"
(Yeah, just so you know...all the voices in my head are Lily Thomlin's)


I was sharing this with a... well with someone, and they said that instead of numerical, a body needs message buttons to push ... for example: a kiss my a**. button.
And so I researched that for a moment and thought of a few more life buttons I wished I had.
~ get to the point.
~ someone who gives a ****.
~ he** yes.
~ he** no
~ you already said that
~ let's talk about me
~ WTF
Sometimes a conversation could use a fast forward button, or rewind, or delete. You were thinking it, I just have the guts to say it.
I probably need to get Jesus on the mainline.

]]> Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:15:18 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060430201518/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060430184443/index.html Time to get serious now...Grover's got his jersey on! (Sung to the tune of Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On.) Pit's Open! So proud, our first child to graduate from college. Could you read the names any faster we have a party to get to. Redwings on in the other room. One of three things.1. Regrets about his own college perils.2. Subliminal message to his little sister's wherabouts. 3. Redwinds lost. I'm never going out to eat again. ]]> Sun, 30 Apr 2006 18:44:43 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060430184443/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060430132015/index.html

Lately I've been feeling harassed by AI. Andrea Boccelli changed all that. Since I could only hear the sound bites I can only imagine what other gems David Foster gave in his constructive critiscm. All but one took it to heart. Instead of 4 stars I'll give a degree of yeses for my commentary in answer to a phrase I'll blatantly plagiarize from the POP audition tally sheet. "Were you entertained?" Here's how it all went down for me.

Kathryn ~ Stay In My Arms
Julee: Yes. Side comment: A little too much boobage.
Randy: Check it out, dawg.
Porla: You look so pretty in your yellow dress...wonka wonka, It's hard now and I'm going to try and be on that side...wonka wonka...Last week going back to that when you are singing in your false voice watch where your money is...wonka wonka.
Simon: All a bit to cabaret for me.

Elliott ~ Remember When We Were Together
Julee: Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Definitely, yes. Side comment: Best singer on AI ever unless you're delusional.
Randy: See comment for Kathyrn.
Porla: You moved me...wonka wonka...I was watching from when everyone started...wonka wonka...your so handsome voice...wonka wonka...you have moved everyone for me...wonka wonka.
Simon: See comment for Kathyrn.

Kelly ~ Unchained Melody
Julee: No. Side comment: Nice knowing you and by nice I mean butchered for the 2nd week in a row.
Randy: See comment for Elliott
Porla: It's hard for me the six of you...wonka wonka...I don't see your need to raise the bar...wonka wonka...I adore you, but at this point America has fallen in love with you...wonka wonka.
Simon: See comment for Elliott

Paris ~ Memories
Julee: Yes. Side comment: I'll think of you now, not barbra, when I hear Memories. Thank you. Loved the blazer.
Randy: See comment for Kelly.
Porla: You were born to sing...wonka wonka...I did feel like that you maybe did oversing overall...wonka wonka....you were born to sing and I wonka wonka.
Simon: See comment for Kelly.

Taylor ~ Just Once
Disclaimer, remember in the pre song interview Andrea Bocelli and David Foster both said this was an awesome song choice for Taylor.
Julee: Yes. Yes. Yes. Side comment: You are too good for this silly competition. Bow out gracefully, before it's too late and you're the next American Idol. Best entertainer on AI, end of discussion.
Randy: See comment for Paris + It was not the right song for me.
Porla: Ya know what Taylor: I loves (not a typo) James Engram...wonka wonka...and here's the thing, you look handsome every cell in your body...wonka wonka...it was not my favorite songs (again, not a typo) but you look handsome as heck...wonka wonka.
Simon: See comment for Kelly + poor song choice for you.

Chris ~ Have You Ever Loved A Woman
Julee: Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Side comment: You laid it down, literally. Best rocker ever on AI, by far.
Randy: See comment for Paris.
Porla: Love you...wonka wonka...LOVE you...wonka wonka....Love YOU...wonka wonka...LOVE YOU...wonka wonka.
Simon: See comment for Paris.

My favorite this week: The Ford Commercial and a snippet of Kathryn and Bocelli singing in Italian.
Going Home: I already know it was Kelly but I just wanted to say, "enjoy your career pickin' and grinin' at Dollywood."

]]> Sun, 30 Apr 2006 13:20:15 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060430132015/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060427084906/index.html I haven't done a bullet blog in a while. And it's always fun to run my commentary on comments heard while living life. I'm toying with another "poem" and by poem I mean non-rhyming short phrases that describe my heart and seldom make sense. I'm holding back on a sermon about consumption. Fortunately, my minds made up and I'm just going to ramble. Some will affect some and some will not. Here goes.If we were licensed for foster care, chances are Shanita would put a stop to our empty nest.I was invited to happy hour at Gracie's 16th birthday party, but not to the Redwings Room for the first game of the playoffs. Grandma Meg and Aunt Shirl thought Kate and I would bother them during the game. We would have.Jennifer joined the celebration with her sweater buttoned correctly which is more than I can say for her during her audition for acceptance into Cornerstone's music program. She forgot to check her blind spot.Meg makes me miss Melissa more. mmmmmmMark: "Thought we were going to have to send a Taxi down to Kate's to pick you up tonight."Me: "Who's we?"Mark: "Me and the dog."Tony comes and goes now at all hours of the night and sometimes twice a day.Melissa's tour placement for fall warranted a 3am call just to say she won't know anything until May 19.How about them Pistons? And Redwings? And Tigers? Wonder if the Lions have enough quarterbacks?Melissa is learning to apply Romans 12: 15 & 16 to the Young Americans Rollercoaster. " Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Do not be proud but live in harmony with one another."Another 3am call to confirm that it's pretty evident she will call Springhill home for most of the summer. With a 3:30am call close on it's heals cuz she gave Mary her phone to call with her happy Boyne news and Mary scrolled down to mom in Melissa's contact list. Love ya! I'd rather pursue a dream and experience failure, rather than dream a dream and never pursue it. Random quote.I'm thinking Robin Williams' movie RV was rushed to production. Our very own RV dvd is set to premier in just a few short days. No pressure, Ben.Let's hear it for the boy. Footloose by extremely talented middle schoolers was entertaining, uplifting, funny, and moving. I didn't here a pitchy note or see Austin break character in the least. His glue that held him together when the piano player lost her way must have come from his mom and aunt who both now know what it's like to hold your breath and pray all in the same gasp. Austin played Rev. Shaw to perfection and was by far the most believable. Well, him and Willard. Somebody's eyes are always watching and I hope they're mine for all Austin's High School Musicals.Road Trip: Plan BSummer Springhill Participants: 5 and counting.I know I owe you an Idol commentary, but after watching 118 musical acts in the last 2 days for Pop auditions, you're just gonna have to wait. And wasn't my judgeship everything I'd hoped it would be? Yes it was. If Paula Abdul can get a multimillion dollar 5 year contract to clap like a seal and lasso the good looking contestants that are 20 years her junior...I should be able to get a call back for the next couple of years, if for no other reason than the fact that I was sober both nights. ]]> Thu, 27 Apr 2006 08:49:06 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060427084906/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060421093615/index.html

NOW THAT THE BABY IS HERE, CAN WE TALK? OUTLOUD?
AND YES THIS WHOLE ENTRY WILL BE IN CAPS, CUZ I'M SCREAMING.
OK CAPS ARE OBNOXIOUS, BUT JUST KNOW I'M VERY UPSET.
Consumption. There's a good place to start. Hey stupid people, don't buy the tabloid issue that prints the first picture cuz then the magazine will be stuck with the $5,000,000. bill. 5 million folks! ONLY IN AMERICA! Oooops, sorry. Then instead of silent birth, we might get a little relief in the check-out isle. Quiz for ya.
Which one of these events was deliberately planned to coincide with the release of Mission Impossible 3
a. the in-vitro fertilization, birth, and delivery
b. the true confessions that daddy was mean
c. one little monkey, jumping on a couch
d. placenta for dinner
e. here's the church of scientology, here's the steeple, open the door and see all the tools to help you make more money.

Answer: All of the above

Perhaps Katie could have held on to Tom's testicles while she was giving birth to see if he could keep silent.
Let's see what's next. MI-4 The marriage, MI-5 The divorce, MI-6 Need I go on, cuz I will?

Speaking of consumption...
Here's a thought...if you have 2 children and a car that seats 4 people gas will cost you the going rate. For every extra unnecessary seat in your car...your gas price is multiplied by $100. So the typical soccer mom hauling around one screaming kid would have to pay $300-400 per gallon at the pump.
You say you want a revolution...

Remember. Don't buy the tabloid with the first baby picture...think what you could do with the $3.50...hmmm buy a gallon of gas.

]]> Fri, 21 Apr 2006 09:36:15 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060421093615/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060418222126/index.html

Disclaimer. I was so scared for the contestants tonight. Weren't you? Rod Stewart songs? Taylor and Elliott would probably fight over Forever Young. Maggie Mae = Chris. Ace would probably nab...Do You Think I'm Sexy. Stay With Me? And then I remembered that American Idol is all about promoting stars that have run out of money and need to hawk a new album or casino so, whew!
The classics. Heaven, I'm In Heaven. So bear that in mind as I try to critique...6 out of the 7 songs are high on my list of favorites. I watched it live, then played it back without judges commentary and yes, for a short while tonight, I died and went to heaven. Now if only Alan Jackson or Vince Gill would cover the classics, well that would be grounds for divorce. And I would give up my inheritance if one of my girls would decide to sing these ledgendary songs. Yes, just throw in a couple of Judds songs and the money is yours.

Chris ~ What A Wonderful World.
The first three notes and I knew this would be my favorite tonight. Sorry Taylor.
Playback - My favorite tonight.
Paris ~ Foolish Things.
You have a ton of different looks and sounds. Tonight was my favorite. Loved the outfit. Loved the mannerisms. Loved that you didn't take the mike out of the stand. Raw emotion. Classy act. Not too mention your voice.
Playback - Forget Beyonce. Sing Billie and Ella, girl.
Taylor ~ You Send Me.
You send me.
Playback - You thrill me.
Rewind - You move me.
Tivo'd - Honest you do.
Elliott ~ It Had To Be You
Oh yeah! You lean on that mike, boy. You sing those standards, son. I would buy this album and go to your concert even if this was the only song in your repertoire.
Playback - Frankie, Dean, Sammy, move or roll over.
Kelly ~ Bewitched, Bothered, And Bewildered.
You said it we didn't.
Playback - Butchered
Ace ~ That's All
Nice touch with a suit and tie. Wish I could say the same for the pony tail. Strongest vocals you've had so far and that's not saying a whole lot.
Playback - Lucky you, your ace in the hole tonight will probably (should) be Kelly.
Kathryn ~ Someone To Watch Over Me
Almost perfect. You can sing. You can sing in tune. You pick the right songs. You tell a story. You sing effortlessly. You pick great outfits and most importantly...I like your attitude.
Playback - You're scaring me cuz you could win with performances like that. Sorry Taylor.

Overall I loved this night of AI more than any. Real people singing real songs and standing up and taking their medicine (psycho-babble) like seasoned artists. My only regret tonight was that Mandisa couldn't sing "Return To Me." Good Luck to you all, but if Kelly or Ace doesn't go home this thing is rigged.

]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 22:21:26 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060418222126/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060418080127/index.html

Hang the hell on.

]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 08:01:27 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060418080127/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060416223822/index.html ]]> Sun, 16 Apr 2006 22:38:22 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/brannman1/iblog/B1378212587/C147326675/E20060416223822/index.html