05/31/05 (12:00 AM) -- Tired  [Music: "You Had Me" by Joss Stone  I  Mood: Tired]

Happy Birthday Elizabeth Quintanilla!

05/30/05 (11:58 PM) -- Memorial Day!  [Music: "Fallin'" by Alicia Keys  I  Mood: Tired]

Memorial Day!

05/29/05 (12:00 AM) -- Busy  [Music: "Alive" by Pearl Jam  I  Mood: Busy]

Busy.

05/28/05 (12:00 AM) -- Busy  [Music: "The River" by Garth Brooks  I  Mood: Busy]

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Graduation Commencement (Audrey Ahuero graduating)!

Mary Carroll High School Graduation Commencement!

05/27/05 (11:45 PM) -- Busy  [Music: "Bless The Broken Road" by Carrie Underwood w/Rascal Flatts  I  Mood: Busy]

The Levi Smith Band performs at First United Methodist Church gym (Levi Solo) in Temple, TX @ 7:00 PM!

05/26/05 (02:45 PM) -- Carrie Wins!  [Music: "Independence Day" by Carrie Underwood  I  Mood: Busy]

Happy Birthday Kenny Polk!

I usually don't like saying this, but since I got so many Bo Bice letters yesterday saying how stupid I was for thinking Carrie was going to win ... I TOLD YOU SO!!!!!  Haha, sorry the Bice Squad wasn't happy with the outcome, but I thought the decision was right on the money.  Carrie was the better singer and I think the right person won.  To me, the highlight of the night was when she sang with Rascal Flats.  That didn't seem like America Idol ... that literally seemed like the Country Music Awards or something.  They sounded that good together!  Both will put out records and both will sell fine, but I think Carrie is really on her way.

So yesterday night I had a dinner meeting so I had to TiVo the shows.  Well, the dinner meeting ended up lasting way longer than I was expecting, so on the drive back I didn't listen to the radio or answer calls because I didn't want to find out who won until I saw it on TiVo.  You know, I wanted to see it "live".  Anyway, My dinner meeting was right next door to where a friend works, so I went in to say "hi" to her, did the meeting, and then headed back to watch the show.  When I got home, for some stupid reason, probably just habit, I looked at the computer screen and there it was ... an IM with "CARRIE WON!!!!!!!!!!" typed in huge bold letters!  I was SO pissed.  She actually IM'd be and ruined it for me!!!  I mean, I know she didn't mean to, but I was so pissed!  So when I wanted back the program, it wasn't with the normal amount of suspense that wold have been present.  I already know who won.  The show was still okay though.  Like I said, I'm happy Carrie won.  But of all the days to have a spoiler happen ... on the finale!!!  Totally sucked!

Anyway, I've been pretty busy this afternoon so I haven't been able to get anything on the site until right now.  I still have a lot to get done, so I should probably end this one right here.  Plus, I guess there really isn't much else to write, hence me sitting here at the keyboard for the last few minutes in a total blank stare at the monitor.  Hope everyone is having a great Thursday and hope it continues into the Memorial Day weekend.  Talk to y'all tomorrow.  -- Michael

05/25/05 (10:15 AM) -- Carrie vs. Bo  [Music: "Alone" by Carrie Underwood  I  Mood: Tired]

So I had to stay up extra late last night to watch all the TiVo, and consequently I was a little rushed this morning.  This post is coming a little late, but I wanted to get it on here to break down tonight's vote.  It looks like a legitimately close call.  So let's break it down like a sporting event, detail by detail:

Vocal Ability:  Both are good singers.  Bo seems to sing within a niche though, rather than being able to sing versatile.  Carrie has a much more broad vocal range, has a keen ear for being on pitch and key in every song, and has lungs like no other.  Edge: Carrie

Stage Presence:  This can also be called 'Emotion'.  Carrie has gotten better in the last few weeks, but this is no contest.  Edge: Bo

Cross-Genre (Versatility):  Bo is a rocker by nature.  Every song he sings, he uses the same influence in his delivery.  "Free Bird", "Vehicle", "Heaven", "I Don't Want To Be" ... they're essentially all the same song.  The only song he went wide with was the Motown classic "For The Love Of Money" and he did great.  However, one song is not enough to be considered "crossover" material.  Carrie is a country girl who nailed songs by Rascal Flats and Martina McBride.  She also gave the performance of the season (in my opinion) with the 80s power ballad, Heart's "Alone".  She also did well on "Love Is A Battlefield", and the other main stream selections she had.  Bo has a career as a rocker, nothing more.  Carrie, on the other hand, has range.  Edge: Carrie

Breathing:  This is actually a bigger deal than most people think.  Proper breathing speaks to a singer's ability to hit, and more importantly, sustain and then recover from a strong note.  It's the power of one's voice.  They are both good with this.  The only reason I think Carrie has a slight edge on this is because when she goes strong, she then goes strong once again without any break or "rest".  Bo can go hard on a note, but then hides his recovery time very well.  Albeit slight ... but still.  Edge: Carrie

Hot-o-meter:  This one's hard to gauge.  Carrie is hot as hell, and has a likeability to her.  She definitely has the look that a producer wants and can work with.  Bo has a certain bad boy rocker appeal, and according to most all my female friends ... they dig Mr. Bice.  As much as I think Carrie is beautiful, Bo seems to be more comfortable with who he is and that translates in his appearance.  I hate doing this, but ... Edge: Bo

Career Potential:  This is tough to call.  It all depends on which direction music turns.  Carrie seems to be ahead in this because she could do Pop or Country.  However, rock, good rock, never really goes out of style.  I think, if managed properly, both have decent career's ahead of them.  Edge: Push

Performance in Finals:  The first round went to Carrie.  The second round was a push for me.  The third round was the tricky one.  I actually think Carrie out sang Bo in each respective song in the third round.  Carrie absolutely belted her original song.  I mean she sang the hell out of it.  In my opinion, she couldn't have done any better.  She hit every note, showed emotion, was strong in her delivery, and totally was right on the money.  However, she literally sang herself out.  It was completely right on until the last ... the VERY last note.  She brought her voice down, threw a perfectly timed and in-tune run, and then just ran out of breath.  And when I mean ran out of breath, I mean she had nothing left.  She song was perfect until that very last second.  And y'all, that note was bad.  It was like she was running the marathon of her life, and then two inches before the finish line she dehydrates and falls.  Some people might not have noticed it, but I did.  And if I did, others must have too.  You just can't do that in a final.  It was only one note, but because of it I have to give the night to ... Edge: Bo

Overall Season Performance:  they both did well, but Bo came on strong more towards the end.  Carrie was more consistent throughout the season as a whole.  Edge: Carrie

History:  The only previous female vs. male showdown was Kelly Clarkson winning over Justin Guarini.  True, you can make a case that Ruben vs. Clay was male vs. female also, but we'll refrain for that for now, haha.  If history holds serve ... Edge: Carrie

Trends:  Though girl beat boy before, I do see a possible trend that might take place.  Season 1 was a white girl.  Season 2 was a black dude.  Season 3 was a black girl.  What's left?  Edge: Bo

According to my completely unscientific break down, Carrie as the edge 5-4-1.  There are also a few more things to consider.  Carrie is the only contestant to never be in the bottom three in any of the weekly votes.  Bo was in the bottom two the same week Nadia got booted.  I think most of any dudes voting will vote for the hot girl because that's how shallow dudes are.  Women I think will vote differently.  It will be split, some will vote for Bo because they like him, and others will vote for Carrie because they think she is good.  They aren't as shallow as we are in terms of voting merely on appearance.  Simon picked Carrie early on, and never wavered from his pick.  Even though there are a ton of people out there who love Bo, the key is who is actually going to take the time to vote.  And honestly, I think that demographic leans more towards Carrie.

That said, my prediction is not so solid as it has been all season.  Bo has really done well over the last few weeks.  It really is a close call.  And even though I won't be surprised if he wins, I still think Carrie has done enough to pull it out.  Prediction: Carrie wins American Idol.

There y'all have it.  We'll see how right I was.  Will Carrie be the next Kelly Clarkson or Martina McBride?  Or will she be destined to a lifetime of performing mediocre songs at Dollywood?  Will Bo prove that a rocker can be an Idol, or will we not see him again until 2007 when he has an ABC Primetime Live special about how he  banged Paula Abdul while they were droppin' pain killers, downin' Jim Bean and Milwaukee's Best, and smokin' the best stuff this side of Ricky Williams?  They all sound possible.  -- Michael

05/24/05 (06:30 AM) -- Busy  [Music: "Ace In The Hole" by George Strait  I  Mood: Busy]

Happy Birthday Laura Kaufman!

05/23/05 (01:30 AM) -- It's Been Awhile!  [Music: "It's Been Awhile" by Staind  I  Mood: Relaxed

Hey everyone.  I'm back from my break and ready to get caught up.  I came back a little early, though it still feels like I have been gone for a long time.  The site needs to be updated, which I'll do after I am finished with this post.  As always, thanks to the peeps that write in.  I have tons of e-mails in the Inbox.  This will probably take me a little bit of time to get caught up on, but I'll start hammerin' out responses shortly.  Have patience with that please.  I'll do my best on the correspondence, time permitting.  Anyway, there's a lot to get caught up on, so I'll dive right into it ...

Submitted information:  Thanks to all who submitted information during the last week or so.  Sorry I have had the autos turned off.  I received it all though, so no worries there.  I should hopefully have the site up-to-date as soon as possible.  Any new information will be posted accordingly.

Communication:  I've kinda explained this above.  I'm definitely backed up on the cmmunicato, but I'll hopefully be caught up soon.  I'll get back to everyone as soon as I can.

Idol:  I TiVo'd everything from the last week or so.  I'm still getting caught up on all that when I have time, so please no spoilers from anything last week yet.  I should hopefully be caught up with all that son.  I did already see Idol though.  Carrie and Bo in the final two is exactly what I thought from the very beginning.  Cool to have predicted it, but sucks that she season was somewhat predictable.  I still can't believe I got hooked on that show.  I must admit though, it had kept me entertained each week.  We'll see how they do on Tuesday night.  I'll give my prediction on Wednesday.

Star Wars: Seriously, how can anyone not like the Star Wars movies?  To be our age and grow up when we did, it's such a part of our culture and generation.  Most everyone likes the originals.  Of course I do too.  But I also liked the first two new ones also, despite the fact that they got kinda shotty reviews.  I caught Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, and I must say, that is my favorite of them all.  It's a pretty damn good movie if you ask me.  More than anything else, it ties the two trilogies together, which I think is pretty cool.  It's getting great reviews, and it seems to be the last Star Wars movie ol' G.Luc is going to make ... so it's no wonder it is shattering box office records right now.  That movie is making a killing.  I highly recommend it to y'all out there, even if you aren't a Star Wars fan.  It's worth the ticket.

NBA Playoffs:  Considering I missed a ton of games last week, I got caught up on what's been happening recently.  I was pissed that Dallas went down to Phoenix.  The final four teams are all pretty good though.  This is the first year in quite a long time where, literally, it seems like all final four teams have a legitimate chance of winning it all.  It's really though to pick a clear cut favorite right now.  Reining Champs Detroit vs. Shaq-lead Miami will be a great series.  I'm pulling for Miami in that one.  I'm glad the Spurs won in Phoenix in Game 1.  Hopefully they can keep winning.  The Suns and Steve Nash are pretty damn good though.  It will be a tough series.  Let's hope the Spurs pull it out.

... Umm, I probably have more to write about, but this post is getting long enough and I want to make some updates right now also.  So I'll end this one here and write more later.  Hopefully when y'all read this things will be updated.  Alright, time to work on the other stuff.  Talk to y'all tomorrow.  Bye!  -- Michael

05/22/05 (10:15 PM) -- I'm Back!  [Music: "Vertigo" by U2  I  Mood: Busy]

I'm back y'all ... a little early also.  I'm busy right now, so I'll write and get caught up a bit later.  -- Michael

05/21/05 (12:00 AM) -- Gone  [Music: "Gone" by *NSYNC  I  Mood: Gone]

Happy Birthday Jennifer Rodela!

The University of Texas at Austin Graduation Commencement!

Gone.

05/20/05 (12:00 AM) -- Gone  [Music: "Gone" by *NSYNC  I  Mood: Gone]

Gone.

05/19/05 (12:00 AM) -- Gone  [Music: "Gone" by *NSYNC  I  Mood: Gone]

May Thirsty Thursday @ 6:00 PM: Corpus Christi Texas Exes at Executive Surf Club; Austin Area Texas Exes at Opal Devine's!

The Levi Smith Band performs at Starbucks (on Midkiff) (Levi Solo) in Midland, TX @ 8:00 PM!

Gone.

05/18/05 (12:00 AM) -- Gone  [Music: "Gone" by *NSYNC  I  Mood: Gone]

Gone.

05/17/05 (12:00 AM) -- Gone  [Music: "Gone" by *NSYNC  I  Mood: Gone]

Gone.

05/16/05 (12:00 AM) -- Gone  [Music: "Gone" by *NSYNC  I  Mood: Gone]

Happy Birthday AnaMaria Fratila!

Gone.

05/15/05 (01:45 AM) -- Lopez fan?  [Music: "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers  I  Mood: Normal]

Happy Birthday Jenny Coleman!

Happy Birthday Cindy Rodriguez!

Today was fun, though busy.  I finished with all the e-mails today, which is a great feeling.  So now I am completely caught up with all my responses, for now at least.  As always, thanks to all the peeps who write in.  Along with time in front of the computer, I had some family things today, as well as a friend's gathering that I was able to make.  That was cool because I didn't think I was going to originally be able to.  After all that, I caught Monster-In-Law.  Umm, it's a funny movie; but unless you are a major fan of Lopez, Fonda, or Vartan ... I would probably recommend waiting for it on DVD.  It was funny, but it kinda felt like a poor man's (or woman's) Meet The Parents.  So go at your own discretion.

Anyway, I am taking a break for a while, so the website will have to sit pretty until my return to it.  There are a few bugs that I have to fix.  They're all under-the-skirt time things, so it's not like they majorly affect how y'all view it.  Nonetheless, I'll work on them when I'm back.  Until then though, I'm going to turn off the auto-posting stuff.  So if y'all submit a post to anything and wonder why you aren't seeing things ... it's because I have turned off the auto stuff for now.  Likewise, I'll respond to all e-mails next week.  And the Latest News will be timed accordingly.  So yeah, this is it for now.  I'm out y'all.  Talk to y'all next week.  -- Michael

05/14/05 (01:30 AM) -- Congrats Grads!  [Music: "I Love This Bar" by Toby Keith  I  Mood: Sick]

Texas A&M University Graduation Commencement!

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi Graduation Commencement!

The Levi Smith Band performs at J & B Coffee Co. in Lubbock, TX @ 8:00 PM!

Dude, it feels so good to be completely done with things right now.  Yesterday (Friday) I finished all that I needed to, turned in things accordingly, and then started hammerin' out responses to everything in the 'ol Inbox.  I am very happy to say that I am completely caught up with all.  Wow, just saying that feels so damn good.  So yeah, I'm happy.

I didn't really do much yesterday other than the above.  It took me until late in doing so, so I caught the basketball games on TV and relaxed for a bit.  It sucks because I was supposed to be in Houston for yesterday and today, but previous commitments did not allow me to.  So while my friends are doin' it up in H-Town, I am not.  Oh well, there will be other times.  Anyway, later today I am tied up with a few things, but hopefully I'll find some time to get a few TiVo'd shows in.  I need to get caught up with that too.  In fact, I need to find the time to watch them all today, because I'll have ass loads of shows to watch from the upcoming week since I won't be able to watch them.  I've said it before and I'll say it again ... I love TiVo!

Anyway, I don't have much else to ramble about.  I feel a little sick too, so I am going to end this one here.  Hope everyone has a great Saturday.  I'll talk to y'all later.  Until then ... -- Michael

05/13/05 (10:30 AM) -- T.G.I.F.  [Music: "In Bloom" by Nirvana  I  Mood: Busy]

Happy Birthday Becca Wyatt!

The Levi Smith Band performs at The Bean Counter in Abilene, TX @ 9:00 PM!

I don't have much time to write much today.  I have a lot of stuff due in a few hours, so I gotta make sure everything is in order accordingly.  After that I am going to try to respond to all the e-mails in the Inbox today; I want to be caught up on that by tomorrow at the latest.  Anyway, so that will be the rest of my day, trying to finish all that and then getting ready to head out for a while.

I haven't seen any shows from last night, so please don't write or IM me about them yet.  Last night someone IM'd me about a show, and it ALMOST screwed it for me (I realized it was about a show and closed the window before I would read it!).  I probably won't get to watch any of them until hopefully tomorrow, if not then way into next week.  So please, no spoilers!

Yesterday was a long day, which was capped with a game.  I was really surprised at how well I played, in the first game at least.  I was hitting every shot, and was the leading scorer for our teem in a win obviously.  I play well every now and then, but this was exceptional.  And that's because I didn't even have a chance to warm up any since I got there late.  Brittany couldn't believe how I was hittin'!  And it made it better because she wasn't making hers.  Dude, she's an awesome Division I athlete ... she knows what she is doing!  But then after that first game, I played okay in the second, and then my ankles came back to reality.  At that point the 'kles were so hurtin' that it was tough to continue.  And of course that's when she started taking advantage of the injured!  Haha!  I swear dude, I loved all my years of competition, and still miss it a little, but I am paying the price for it now.  My body is so jacked it is unbelievable.  Pain is an everyday occurrence now.

After I was the hero in the first game, and then got schooled by a girl, I showered, ate, and started preparing for today.  I watched a little bit of the Spurs game because I was out!  I guess the no sleep caught up to me.  Anyway, I gotta get back to the task at hand, so I'll be on this bitch tomorrow.  Talk to y'all then.  -- Michael

05/12/05 (01:15 AM) -- Mavs Win!!!  [Music: "Desperately" by George Strait  I  Mood: Tired]

Happy Birthday Rachel Horton!

Today was a decent day.  It was busy, but I got a lot done.  So Gaythony Federov got voted off Idol last night.  I saw that one coming, even though I wanted Vonzell to get the boot.  If Vonzell actually makes it to the final two, there will be no doubt that the fix is in.  There's just no denying that Carrie and Bo are the best two by far.

Lost was good too, though I wish they would get to the explainin'.  The next two episodes look so good.  That show is so good.  And the Mavs won too!  I hope they kick the Suns asses.  The NBA playoffs are starting to get pretty good.  The first round was kind of a sleeper.  But with the Mavs and Pacers both pullin' upsets tonight, the playoffs are starting to heat up.  Sports in HD is the shit.

Not much else to talk about right now.  The e-mail is backed up as always, but I am makin' a dent.  I should be all caught up within a day or two, hopefully.  Thanks to all the peeps, especially the new ones, who have been gettin' in touch.  Today is going to be kind of a long day, but it should go pretty quick.  Thursdays usually do.  Alright dudes, enough for now.  Pretty bland post ... but cut me some slack.  I've been writin' a lot lately.  Talk to y'all tomorrow.  -- Michael

05/11/05 (08:00 AM) -- Screw Randy Jackson!  [Music: "Young" by Kenny Chesney  I  Mood: annoyed]

It's Wednesday, so it's time for my American Idol recap (yes I like the show damnit!)...

The show overall:  Look, I don't know if Lee Harvey Oswald was the lone gunman, or if Neil Armstrong in fact did walk on the moon, or if O.J. actually killed Nicole and Ron ... but I am POSITIVE that Idol is rigged in some way, shape, or form.  At the very least, I think they make the judges skew their commentary to reflect how they want the voting to come out.  I just finished watching last night's episode right now on TiVo, and I was so driven by the show that I had to write my thoughts this very second!  (I haven't watched The Amazing Race let, so please don't spoil it for me.)

Carrie Underwood:  Seriously y'all ... is there any doubt that this girl is going to win?  C'mon people, if she doesn't win it will be the biggest bunch of horse shit ever.  Country:  Of course we knew she was going to hit this one out of the park.  When I head she was singing "Sin Wagon" though, I got a little nervous.  I didn't quite know if she was going to be able to sell the song because of it's up-tempo feeling.  She did really well though.  REALLY well.  The girl is coming around in the stage presence category.  She still has room to learn ... but that was a good performance.  Philly Soul:  This right here is why Carrie will win the competition.  In my opinion, she sang the hell out of "If You Don't Know Me By Now".  Yes, the arrangement was a little funky, but still.  The difference between Carrie and the rest is she can take any song, from an genre of music, and sing it.  There is no substitute for on-key, pitch perfect singing ... none!  That's what this girl from Mobile-homa brings to the table.  In fact, I didn't think they had people like this in that bitch-ass Sooner state Joke-lahoma.  When she finished her song, I was floored with how well she sang.  I mean, let's face it.  There aren't many white folk that have real soul in their voice.  Only Joss Stone, Rob Thomas, and maybe Michael McDonald come to mind.  But Carrie surprised the hell out of me.  She sang that bitch!  I mean she REALLY kicked ass.  When that piece of shit Randy Jackson said that it sucked, my mouth literally dropped, and so I had to rewind it right then and there to see if I heard the same song.  Yup, same song and she hit every note.  His critique was ridiculous.  Paula, well I understand Paula tearin' into it a little because she is realizing Carrie will have more of a career than music videos with animated characters like "Opposites Attract".  Plus, she can't screw Carrie like she did with Corey Clark.  At least Simon got it right, as he always does.  It was the band's fault for fucking the arrangement.  I'm not sure how much input the singers have on that, but even with a botched arrangement Carrie proved why she will win.  I never saw it coming.  The girl's got some soul tucked down in there.  In fact, I would venture to say that she proved more in that performance that in any other prior.  Hands down, she's the best and definitely the one to beat.  I've been saying it all season, and I'll be right.

Bo Bice: Country:  I understanding picking Travis Tritt, but I didn't like the song choice ... too mellow for his energy.  He should have chosen "T-R-O-U-B-L-E".  I think he would have done well with that one.  He sang his chosen song well, but it just didn't have enough spunk in it.  For some reason, when I thought of Bo singing country, I immediately thought of Hank Williams, Jr..  I think Bo could have killed with a little "Family Tradition" or "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight".  You know he would have had the redneck vote!  The only problem with "Family Tradition" would have been that I doubt that Hollywood yuppie audience would have known when to throw the required "TO GET DRUNK", "TO GET STONED", "TO GET LAID" comments.  Philly Soul:  I had a feeling he might do well with the right song, and sure enough he did.  Bo's got a knack for providing a song with the right emotion.  "For The Love Of Money" was a great choice, and I was very impressed with how well he did.

Anthony Federov:  Whoa!  I totally didn't see this one coming.  It looks like Clay Aiken 2.0 raised his level of game!  Country:  VERY impressed with how well he sang Lonestar's "I'm Already There".  This was his best night by far.  I never would have thought he would have done this well, but he sure as hell did.  He picked a perfect country song for his voice, and it showed.  Philly Soul:  Again, very impressed.  Maybe I just have low expectations for Gaythony, but he sang the same song as Carrie (which was weird), and again, it was right on key.  I do think the band's arrangement of the song was much better for him (conspiracy?).  I totally didn't see these performances coming.  He shocked me.  His two songs were MUCH better than last week.

Vonzell Solomon:  I want to like this girl so much.  She has such a great personality, it's hard to not like her gusto.  But there is no room for being nice ... it's all about being real.  By the way, did I miss something?  Why was she crying and what the hell happened that they were all indirectly referring to?  Country:  This was a joke.  Poor poor Vonzell.  She has had the benefit all these weeks of having the genre's catered to her style of music.  And this was her moment to show that she has the versatility of ... say ... Carrie, and she blew it.  Seriously Baby-V, "How Do I Live"???  What the hell were you thinking?  Again, someone has lied to this poor girl and told her she is much better than she really is.  So far, she has tried to sing Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, and now indirectly LeAnn Rimes?  Her other performances I don't ever remember.  I actually was hoping Carrie might sing this song because I think it fits her voice well, but Vonzell?  She completely butchered the song.  It was absolutely horrible.  She was in the wrong key, an octave too high, an she ALWAYS tries to run her high notes ... but on a country song?  Please!  VERY VERY bad performance.  Philly Soul:  This was a little better.  Actually it was a lot better, but it should have been because she is this type of singer.  Again though, she just doesn't have the vocal ability or potential of Carrie or Bo ... or judging from tonight ... of tracheotomy boy either.  I love to see her smile, but I can't stand to hear her sing.  And of course, bad as she can be, the judges still sugar coat their comments.  It's such bullshit.  Do the girl a favor and tell her the truth.  She isn't as good as some mean bastard told her she is.

After last week, I would have said that Aiken 2.0 was a lock to go home this week.  But after last night's ep, he proved me wrong.  The bottom three (if there are three): Hank Williams IV, A-Fed, and She-Who-Over-Sings-Every-Song.  If there is only a bottom two: Bo is safe.  But, my in honest opinion, America is smokin' something REALLY REALLY good if Vonzell is not the one who gets voted off tonight.

Sorry for the long post.  I'm backed up on the e-mails again, but I'll try to get some responses out to y'all today.  Until then ... talk to y'all later.  Bye!  -- Michael

05/10/05 (07:00 AM) -- Go Romber!!!  [Music: "The Good Stuff" by Kenny Chesney  I  Mood: Hungry]

Happy 4th Anniversary Jenny (Sullivan) & Husband Vernon!

So yesterday was nothing special.  It was actually a pretty frustrating.  I spent the better part of the morning and afternoon working on something, just to figure out that it was all for not.  Before I could even begin to start making the changes and new concepts that I needed to do, there was still so much that had to be done by other people.  That sucks because it pretty much meant that all the stuff I had done to that point was kinda for not.  Kind of frustrating, but it also gave me a little bit of free time since I couldn't move forward.  Then I had a meeting in the PM.  It wasn't quite a waste of time, but it also wasn't the most effective use of time either.  Sometimes people with strong personalities tend to handicap creative thinking since they usually don't have much allowance for other people's ideas.  I'm sure some of y'all know what I am talking about on that.  Then the Mavericks lost.  Frustrating day!

Today should be cool.  There's a lot to do, but it shouldn't be that bad.  Tonight is the final four on American Idol.  I'm curious as to what the theme will be.  Whatever it is, I'm sure Carrie will kick, and Gaythony will make he sick.  Something I suggest to also watch, is the finale of The Amazing Race.  Do any of y'all watch that show?  I never did until this season.  And the only reason I watched it was because I am big fans of 'Boston' Rob and Amber from Survivor, who are now on the Race show.  I seriously love everything about those two, from the way they play their game ... to the way Rob says "Ambuh" in his thick-as-hell "Bahstin" accent.  Anyway, the show is pretty interesting, and at time can be very exciting.  Tonight is the two-hour season finale on CBS at 8:00 CST.  I suggest y'all check it out if you have nothing else to watch.  Needless to say, my TiVo will be in overdrive again tonight.  American Idol final four, 'Romber' kicking ass on The Amazing Race, the Spurs and Heat games ... I swear May sweeps makes me the most unproductive bastard in the world!  -- Michael

05/09/05 (02:00 AM) -- "It's the new 'peeps'."  [Music: "Lovesong" by The Cure  I  Mood: Tired]

Happy Birthday Samantha (Sutherland) Tuley!

The Levi Smith Band performs at Cool Bean Coffee Co. in Temple, TX @ 8:00 PM!

Okay, so NOW we can talk about The O.C., ER, and all my other shows people!  I am completely caught up with all of my TiVo'd shows for the week, and I must say it feels pretty damn good.  I know I know, it took me a while, and some of y'all wanted to converse about some eps, but y'all gotta wait until I see them because I HATE when someone spoils it for me!  Seriously, I'm liable to go postal.  Anyway, if y'all still want my opinions about any of the shows from last week, hit me with your best shot, and I'll fire away.

Nothing special went down on Sunday.  Well, yes it was Mother's Day, and that was cool.  But I mean nothing beyond that.  Outside of the momma stuff, the day was spent with cramming, reading, watching TiVo'd shows, watchin' the Spurs and Heat kick ass, and attempting to start a different project.  It was busy.  I have a lot to get done this week, so I picked up the pace a little.

So there were other things I wanted to write about today, but honestly I'm too tired to hit it.  So I'll get to that good stuff later in the week.  I'm going to finish the last three e-mails I have to hit back, then I'll be completely caught up with e-mails!!!  How cool is that?  I KNOW!  This was such a productive weekend.  Damn I'm good!  Okay, so I'll talk to y'all bitches later.  Hey, shut up.  "Bitches" is a term of endearment.  It's the new "peeps".  I'm still going to use the p-word though because I love it so much.  Anyway, I said I was going to finish like 20 seconds ago, and yet here I still am typing.  Okay, for real this time ... OUT!!!  - Michael

05/08/05 (02:20 AM) -- Mavs baby!  [Music: "Holla Back Girl" by Gwen Stefani  I  Mood: Tired]

Happy Mother's Day!

So today was a pretty ho-hum Saturday.  I pretty much spent the whole day getting caught up on paperwork, reading, and e-mails.  I am SO close to being finished with all my e-mail responses, which is awesome.  I should definitely get them all hammered out by tonight (Sunday).  I was also able to catch the Mavs kick the shit out of the Rockets in Game 7.  That was brutal.  I was happy though.  As much as I like all the Texas teams, the Mavs are my slight favorites, but it is very slight.  So I was glad to see them move on.  I can't wait to see them stick it to Phoenix ... hopefully!

Anyway, right now I am typing this and laughing my ass off at the same time.  I am talking to a friend right now on the phone and she is blitzed ass drunk.  It is hilarious.  It will be even more funny when she reads this later in the day while experiencing her inevitable hang over.  Oh yeah, she is gone and this convo is hilarious.  So I am going to get back to it for a bit.  Talk to y'all later.  -- Michael

05/07/05 (02:00 AM) -- Nothing new  [Music: "Push" by matchbox twenty  I  Mood: Tired]

Yeah, I'm still pretty backed up on the e-mails.  I am going to try to actually get completely caught up today.  So if you haven't received word from me from an e-mail you sent me recently, hopefully everyone will have received a response by the end of the weekend.  That's the goal at least.

So it's the weekend which is always good.  I hope there is some fun to be had, time permitting, because it is well needed.  In the meantime though, paperwork, reading, and busy work will be calling my name.  Not to mention that I still have a few TiVo'd shows from this week that I have to watch.  And who knows, I just might get around to actually doing a little updating on the site.  Anyway, this is enough for now, so I'll talk to y'all later.  Sorry for the bland post ... there's nothing really new and cool to write about.  Hopefully I'll have better stuff the next time.  Bye y'all!  -- Michael

05/06/05 (12:30 AM) -- No Spoilers!  [Music: "Holla Back Girl" by Gwen Stefani  I  Mood: Sleepy]

Happy Birthday Jenni Trevino!

Happy 2nd Anniversary Carla (Fly) Strasheim!

The Levi Smith Band performs at The Frog Theater on TCU campus in Fort Worth, TX @ 7:30 PM!

Okay, so by now most of y'all who read this regularly have to know that TiVo is like my best friend.  I think it is the absolute best invention since ... well, sliced bread wasn't all that great to begin with.  Anyway, I TiVo all my shows and watch them when I have the time to do so.  It's pretty much only the reality shows that I try to watch, at the very least, later in the same evening of which the respective show aired.  My point is, though, that a lot of times I don't get to watch a program when it actually airs.  I end up TiVo-ing it and watch it later, usually during the weekends.

Keeping that in mind, PLEASE DON'T CONTACT ME AND IMMEDIATELY SHARE THE OUTCOME OF A GIVEN SHOW!!!  Last night I got home and there was an IM with, "OMG, can you believe Greg just got voted off Survivor!"  That TOTALLY pissed me off because I hadn't seen the episode yet.  Then, at 9:00 PM I got FOUR calls with all the same sentiment, "Can you believe how The O.C. just ended?".  In each, I had to quickly interrupt with, "WAIT, I haven't seen it yet!!!".  So please y'all, if y'all are going to IM, call, or e-mail me something about a show, DON'T GIVE AWAY ANYTHING BECAUSE I MIGHT NOT HAVE SEEN IT YET!!!  No spoilers!

For the record, I have seen Survivor and The Apprentice from last night (Thursday).  I have yet to see The O.C., ER, or any other shows.  TiVo ... it's my best friend!  -- Michael

05/05/05 (02:00 PM) -- Scott down  [Music: "Time After Time" by matchbox twenty  I  Mood: Full]

Okay, so sorry for the late post today.  I got off to a kinda late start this mornin'.  It's cool though, the mornin' went well and productive.  I just finished eatin' some lunch, so I have a few minutes to post the goods ...

I officially hate Scott Savol because he is making me look like a jackass.  I thought he was going to go home for like the last two weeks prior.  Of course, he escaped the vote and made me look stupid in the process.  So this week I actually go with another contestant (Gaythony Federov), and then Scott ends up going home.  It's like The Body was purposely trying screw with my predictions!  Nonetheless, he's out and the final four are A.Fed, Baby V, the Bice Squad, and the best thing to ever come out of that shit state Oklahoma ... ever!  I've been saying it since the beginning of the season, Carrie will win it!

Anyway, I have an ass load of e-mails to respond back to.  And I'm talkin' about a big ass!  I am so behind on the Inbox.  So I am going to take a few mins to hammer a few out.  Talk to y'all tomorrow!  -- Michael

05/04/05 (10:45 AM) -- Idol Recap  [Music: "Smooth" by Santana feat. Rob Thomas  I  Mood: Hungry]

So it's Wednesday, which means it's time for my American Idol critique...

Carrie Underwood -- So let me explain why I think Carrie deserves to win the show and why she is my favorite.  To put it simply, the girl has more vocal talent than any of the other contestants, far more.  She's just an excellent singer.  She's pitch perfect in every song she sings.  She's proven that she is more than just a country singer, which shows her versatility.  Hands down, she's the best.  Her problem though, is that hasn't yet learned how to "perform" properly.  Her facial expression is the same for every song, and she does her one dance move in every song also.  If you close your eyes and just listen to her sing, it's like a CD because she is that good.  It can be so painful to watch her though, because she is so damn talented vocally, but she just can't express her feeling.

It's funny, because it reminds be of something from high school.  A friend performed in a show, and basically when we watch the video of it, he is SO stiff and off on his dancing.  It's pretty funny to watch because, at least in that performance, he has like no rhythm.  And when he watched it back, his response was, "Dude, I thought I was jamming!  I didn't know I looked that stiff.".  I think that's the same thing Carrie says.  I think she tries so hard, but on TV it still looks like she is stiff and with no facial expression.  Regardless though, the girl can sing any song, she is hot, and I think she has a big fan base.  Remember, she is the only one so far that has not been in the bottom three.  She kicked ass last night, and she is still my pick to win it all.

Bo Bice -- If there is anyone who will challenge Carrie for the win, it's Bo.  Bo's got the rocker thing going, but he is also showing that he is just versatile enough to switch genres.  Personally, I thought he sang "Stand By Me" well, but I was blown away when he sang Los Lonely Boys' "Heaven".  I LOVED his rendition of that song.  His voice is perfectly suited for such a song.  And that's the thing that Bo keep's doing so well ... he keeps picking the right songs to sing.  He's a seasoned performer and he will be in the final two.

Scott Savol -- Okay, so this dude has escaped getting voted off for like the last few weeks.  I like Scott's story and all, but he has screwed a few notes recently.  I didn't expect him to be in the top five.  I'll tell you what though, he did really well last night.  I thought he sang with a chip on his shoulder, and he gave a better performance than in recent weeks.  His second song was perfect for him, a song by Brian McKnight.  I have always thought that Scott kinda has a R&B black voice (Luther Vandross, Brian McKnight, Freddie Jackson, etc.).  It was perfect song choice for his vibrato.  Scott's days are still numbered and he certainly isn't going to win it, but he did well.  And I must say, I love his arrogance.  I do.  It's refreshing to see someone up there with confidence and say he won't be voted off.  I hate all the cutesy politically correct crap of "anything can happen ... I'm just happy to be here".  Good for you Scott!  If you feel you deserve to be there, then say it damn it!  It's an athlete's attitude.  That's exactly what I would do.

Vonzell Solomon -- I really like Vonzell ... as a person.  She seems nice and fun.  I like how her personality comes through.  But I just can't help it; I can't stand her singing.  To me, she is someone who thinks she is much better than she really is.  She is the epitome of a driving singer who belts at the top of her lungs while on the freeway thinking she is as perfect as the CD, and then she picks up someone and the other person is like, "Dude, shut up!".  Don't get me wrong, she can carry a tune at times.  But I just hate how she tries to throw a run on every elongated note.  Whatever happened to just holding a note, and not making it go all over the place?  Pre-drugs Whitney did that the best.  Christina Aguilera is the only person, in my opinion, who can run a note well.  It sounds good when she does it, and she does it in tune.  Mariah does it too much and not as well.  The fact that Vonzell tries it on every song leads me to believe that someone lied to her, telling that poor girl that she is in the class of Whitney, Christina, and Mariah.  Well, she's not, and the more she sings like that she shows as much.  I give her a lot of credit for her guts in song choice.  But I just can't make myself like her.  I cringe when she sings.  She sounds flat and I also think she sings an octave higher than her voice is capable of.  She won't go home because I think she has a decent fan base.  She'll probably be third place (which I don't agree with) ... but she is no where near as musically talented as a Bo Bice, and certainly no where near as good as Carrie.

Anthony Federov -- The guy shot himself in the foot last night.  He stunk so bad, he single handedly saved Scott for yet another week.  His first song was a mess ... and what the hell was he thinking singing the new Backstreet Boys song?  No diss on the BSB (sadly, I actually like that song), but that is a five-part harmony and Mr. Federov only has one voice.  It was a terrible song choice to sing as a solo.  Horrible choice.  I have no clue what he was thinking.  It was his worst performance of the season.

So I am torn in making my prediction for this week.  In all honesty, I think Scotty "The (Big) Body" saved himself for another week.  I honestly don't think he will be going home yet.  And since I have Bo and Carrie in the final two, that leaves Anthony and Vonzell.  And in my opinion (I can already hear some of y'all bitching at me), I honestly think Vonzell "she who over-sings every song" Solomon should go home because of what I just said in her nickname.  However, she'll probably get enough votes to hang around for one more week.  That being said, the bottom three will be: Scott, Vonzell, and Anthony ... with A Fed going down (pun completely intended) for the count.  -- Michael

05/03/05 (12:00 AM) -- Busy  [Music: "Don't Let Me Down" by matchbox twenty  I  Mood: Busy]

The Levi Smith Band performs at The Watershed in Lubbock, TX @ 7:00 PM!

05/02/05 (01:30 AM) -- Fluff  [Music: "Sweet Emotion" by Aerosmith  I  Mood: Tired]

Hope everyone had a good weekend.  It's Monday already.  I'm pretty tired as usual, but this seems like a nice time to put a quick something on the site.  There really isn't much to write.  I'm almost caught up with most all of what I have been working on, which is a good thing.  I met with some peeps this weekend also.  Now that I think about it, the weekend was pretty damn productive.  I got a little bit of needed rest too, which is always welcomed.  Anyway, I'm rambling because there really isn't anything special to write about, hence me writing that same sentiment twice in one paragraph already.  Wow, this post is pretty much fluff.  Oh well, y'all read it anyway.  So I'm out for now.  Reunion peeps, I'll be in touch either soon.  Later y'all.  -- Michael

05/01/05 (03:30 PM) -- May Already?  [Music: "Lonely No More" by Rob Thomas  I  Mood: Busy]

Happy Birthday Veronica (Briones) Martinez!

Happy 1st Anniversary Alison (Friedrich) & Chris Berry!

Well, it's already May.  This is year is going by pretty fast.  Then again, I feel like say that about every year.  The last few days have been pretty normal.  I don't really have much time right now.  I just wanted to get on here real quick to update the site and get the new month on here.  Anyway, I'll write more later on.  In the meantime, I gotta get back to workin' on some stuff.  Hope everyone is havin' a great weekend.  Talk to y'all later.  Bye! -- Michael