Reality shows revisited

American Idol is dull except for last nite when big mike almost got voted off. Do you care? I love Ellen on the show but all the judges seem to beg Simon to agree with them...am over Simon. But the best news ever is that Top Chef Masters is BACK! Who knew? not me! when I had time today, I turned on my dvr to catch up with Criminal Minds and saw Top Chef Masters was taped as programed last year to tape only new episodes. Oh joy of joys, I got to watch a really good reality show.

And Project Runway and Biggest Loser are coming to the judgement day end of the season.

You probably think I am crazy and you are correct,  I am. Too much time on my hands though the weather has been terrific so have been doing a lot of running around.. Face it, this is better than reading about te tea parties and obstructionist Republicans............watching reality shows is way less confrontational. Well some of them any way.

That's all for now folks, see ya

Stupidity or Schmucks? You decide

I know I haven't blogged alot lately but its the old saying....the world is too much with us...too much to try to organize into words. That said, sometimes things happen that spur me to speak out. Yes, I am sparked by emotion, injustice, and today, stupidity.

COBRA health plan administrator companies, ever heard of them? Usually in larger companies a health plan administration company is hired to manage the health benefits and more. They also handle COBRA for disengaged former employees.  This is my opinion based on PURE FACTS. While I was on COBRA and this company handled my plan, I was struck by their lack on intercompany communication and their stupidity and inability to follow up. I cannot tell you the number of mistakes they made.Now they have susspended one of my former colleagues COBRA even though they admitted they have a trail of communication that dispute the suspension. Why? A supervisor needs to review this. How long has the supervisor had to review this: Try 6 months. It is NOT the former employee's fault, really, its not. This company has charged people for COBRA when they were not on it. They denied a health claim for me saying I wasn't on COBRA when I had proof I was and they still have not rectified it. I have now turned it over to an attorney and advised my former colleague to do the same and to report them to the Insurance Commissioner of Maryland. And even though the Schmuck's Forest is not yet up and running, I am creating a forest just for them. They are located in Hunt Valley, MD. They know who they are.....and, they should know, we have just begun the fight.

American Idol: people what were you thinking? Todrick, Lily and Lee? Are u nuts? this has been the worst American Idol ever. Boring with bright spots that are now gone. Judges who have literally driven the contestants crazy with their inconsistent comments. I think it will be their last season. I may have a section for them in the Schuck's Forest.

Thank goodness for Ruby, Project Runway, CSI and Criminal Minds for distractions.

So, what's on your mind?

More to come.................................

Idol Worship? More like the biggest loser, pun intended

American Idol, one of my flight from reality shows that keeps me going, has gone. Sad to report. I am thinking of sitting Shiva (a period of mourning following a death) for it. They have switched seats of the judges so many times, like that is going to make for a better show? I love Ellen but she has not hit her stride yet and looks very uncomfortable in the judges table. Simon had looked like he wanted to be anywhere but on Idol...last night he seemed better but not by much. What's with Kara looking at Simon everytime he speaks as though she "idolizes" him. I have to restrain myself from vomiting.

The men? puleze......not too many are good; none seem to be star quality. Some of the people they let go were better then what is there. The women are better but not by much though am hoping tonight they come through.

For the first time, I switched stations constantly during the show. I kept watching Biggest Loser (which is the name Idol should use this year). I love Biggest Loser, it keeps you attached emotionally. Idol used to but so far this year, it frankly sucks.

Thank goodness Ruby is back, and Project Runway is up to speed; even Amazing Race is back and always great.

Reality shows keep me from dealing with the reality of no job. Funny isn't it? reality shows keep me from reality....hmmmm maybe I should do a reality show on job hunting...any one interested? Of course, there's always the ForestofFools or the Schmuck's Forest (in progress watch this space). Shame they are not up yet, I would have planted Senator Bunning...more to come.

View from a townhouse: the 2nd blizzard, of this and that

I hate to admit it but I am bored by this year's American Idol. Even Ellen couldn't save the show last night though it was good to see her add some light to the dull. Earlier episodes showed a really not with it Simon who seemed angry at everyone. It really apears that he barely tolerated Kara. Maybe he should have left this year.

On the other hand, Project Runway is back to its best. Love it.

Ok late yesterday we got some snow which seemed to stop for a few hours last night. Since 6AM EST its been snowing like crazy, our second blizzard in 4 days. This is the view from my front door: that's my Honda in the driveway and the snow is piled high to the left of it from shoveling 2 days ago combined with about 10 innches so far on top of it, taken early in am. Now cannot take pictures because the wind has kicked up and the snow is blowing so fast and furious, it seems like a blur of white everywhere. I am praying my power stays on. By the way, DC can't get it together to clear snow? This is our nation's capital. And the Federal Government is closed? Spare me. though it has been quiet with the Congress not in the news. And that is great!

Now from my kitchen looking out on the deck and trees in the background. Snow combined from other day that was impossible to move due to ice on the top.

the deck is abou 12 feet above the ground but it looks like one with the ground and trees which are about 100 feet tall.

Ravens, American Idol, Project Runway; the distractions from reality are back!

Yeah, nothing like reality to shake up one's actual reality and put some fun back in a dull unemployed existance.

The Baltimore Ravens: who knew? they lost so many games this year due to penalties and frankly poor performance. I had no expectations when they played New England but wow what a turn around. Does good for the souls of the underdogs doesn't it? Now if they can bring it again to the thieves of the Colts name and history, life would really be good.

American Idol: it's back without Paula but with Ellen and I can't wait. Simon said no more after this year. Did he forget Idol made him rich and famous? He was doing very little prior to Britains Pop Idol when he came here with American Idol. Personally, I think he is making a big mistake and hope Idol will hire a major record executive to take his place. That said, I can hardly wait for this to start even if its on opposite Biggest Loser. Thank goodness for the DVR.

Project Runway is back in New York with Michael and Nina. HURRAY. This is the greatest distraction and who doesn't love fashion?

Yep, life is good. More to come.....................

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Part 7??

I have done so many posts with this title I can't remembe what number I am on. But here goes:

What makes me happy?

American Idol starts in 2 weeks as does Project Runway, back in New York, Hurray! Biggest loser starts their next season in 1 week and new cooking competition shows. Yeah, life is good. These are such great distractions from the incredible burden of trying to find a job.

My grandchildren and family. Over the holidays, we got together with family and friends. Here are some pictures which of course feature my grandkids as well as their cousins:

Lexi, 8 1/2 months delicious

Chloe almost 3 with cousins (and my cell phone!)

Family, Kids, Joy

I wish for all of us the happiest and healthiest new year with joy, peace, and love.

Ellen DeGeneres, New Judge on American Idol

Yes, no healthcare reform post today. It is what it is. The President did his best, and so did I. The fact that the GOP sat like blubs and looked like spoiled children with several screaming liar to the President, says more for who they are and what they represent, then anything else I could say or do. So I am moving on....to good news: Ellen is the new 4th Judge on American idol.

It doesn't hurt that she is best buds with Ryan Seacrest, or that Simon loves her, more then that, we all love her. She says she represents the average potential buyer of music. I believe her. And she is not a teeny bopper. She will certainly revitalize the show which is badly needed. Shame the President didn't pick her as the health reform czar...that would have really ticked off the conservative right...hahahaha.

Thank goodness for Drop Dead Diva, Top Chef, and Project Runway...even Joan Rivers' show: How'd they get so rich, relief from the political pundits, news outlets and fox, no they're not a news network, at least in my mind.

More to come........................

The good, the bad, the ugly, the irrelevant

Good: Laura Ling and Euna Lee are home. Well done Al Gore and Bill Clinton! Diplomacy wins. We need to have dialogue with enemies. Haven't you heard of keeping your enemies close?

Bad: conservative pundits second guessing this (health care reform, gas guzzlers, and more). Does the media have nothing to report? Yes report, factual reporting not dissertations. What will the media do when the Jackson report comes out? Fear the TV then.

The Ugly:NY mom driving on wrong side and killing kids and herself in accident was drunk and under drug use . What went wrong? No history of alcohol or drug use prior to this. How awful for everyone affected.

Ugly continues: shoot out at gym in Pa. Many injured. Seems responsible person had blog that spoke of his doing this. no one picked it up?

The irrelevant to some but to me, the escape from reality: Food Network has a new cook and she looks like she will be an excellent resource for real people to cook great meals. Why not show on cooking for 1?

Irrelevant continues: top chef masters is great and getting to the top chef is soon. Can't wait for Top Chef!! AND Project Runway is finally only 2 weeks away!!!! Hurray for distractions!

Irrelevant again but sad: Paula Abdul is out of American Idol. Who knew? Yes she talks too much but so do I. Yes she is sometimes crazy but who isn't? But she has heart and seems to care about people, maybe that's a precursor for being fired?

Joan Rivers has a new show that I cannot wait to watch: How did they get so rich on wed on TV Land. Don't know time but will record if on opposite Top Chef Masters. She may be nasty but she is one smart woman who has outlasted many people and many of her own challenges.

America's Got Talent: actually has some talent especially a 75 year old comedianne who is hysterical. I like the show because all the talent are amateurs who are trying to seek their dreams and overcome life challenges. It's sappy but a feel good show.

I don't know about you, but I like to feel good....more to come.

No Boundaries: Worst Song Ever

The Idol finale may go down in history as having the worst Idol song ever in their history. What was Kara thinking? The pressure to create a song while being a judge must have been tough but this song is horrible.

I think both finalists did what they could with this song. Not sure Elmo could do a better job.

I had so much trouble getting through last night on phone lines. Only voted once. Today I read its too close to call. I also read about the so-called Christian vote. I thought we were past all that. I thought we reached the point where people were judged on their merits. Or is this just a media thing?

If Adam does not win, it will be more about a judges backlash. They were so pro Adam, right or wrong, that they generally made viewers feel why vote?

For me, right now, all I want is another good reality show: PROJECT RUNWAY where are you????

Amercan Idol, before the finale

American Idol may be extraordinarily popular this season but at least one journalist sees much more to this season's talent than is apparent to most.

Ann Powers of the Los Angeles Times writes on : Idol's Bigger Message. See http://www.latimesblog.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2009/05/american-idols-bigger-message.html.

She speaks of the friendship between 2 finalists who appear to be on different spectrums of our cultural society and given the conservative right so-called influence on who or what is right and appropriate, this friendship may be a mark of who we have become as a society.

Adam and Kris are friends yet they are 2 very different types of performers, and people. There is a message here far greater then who is titled season 8 winner. Read the article.

I can't wait for tonight. They are both winners in my book! Just need Project Runway to start soon.

American Idol, almost unbearable to watch

Could not wait for the semi final tonight. Don't know why....the show was excruciatingly drawn out. Katy Perry sounded awful; Jordan Sparks not much better. The results announced in literally the last 5 minutes of the show. This was the worst semi final ever but Kris and Adam made it to next week. Good for them. Bad for Danny who has a tremendous voice and will probably do very well.

All in all a very talented season though the judges really were petty and childish. Ok, come on Project Runway.

Biggest Loser? Maybe you. Reality Shows vs. Medicare

I wanted to personally thank American Idol and Biggest Loser for helping me to maintain my sanity. I can't believe I am saying that. But it's true. Yesterday I found out I may not be eligible for COBRA assistance under President Obama recovery plan because I could be eligible for Medicare.

This makes no sense. On the day it was announced that Medicare is in financial trouble, and with my layoff being eligible for full health coverage under COBRA for 18 months, why would they force me to go to Medicare. In fact, I am truly eligible for Medicare NEXT YEAR. By choosing to go on it now, I have to pay double the premiums for Medicare A and B, a whopping $182 monthly for a 20-80 coverage (I pay 20%) AND no prescription coverage unless I pick up part D for close to $50 per month. If I want to add a supplemental coverage to cover those things not covered by Medicare, I have to choose a Medicare Advantage Plan for close to $150 per month or a supplemental for close to $200 per month. If I got the Recovery Act Cobra, my FULL health coverage would only be $150 per month for EVERYTHING!!! Without it the assistance, my COBRA is $538 per month vs. $482 for Medicare.

Most people think Medicare is free: it is NOT free nor does it cover health needs for the average person. In fact it penalizes aged people by not covering most preventive tests. So here is what you get when you get older: coverage that lets you get sick, or die and you pay for it. Nice huh? For those of you not yet of Medicare age, get ready. This is your great so called entitlement program. I was so angry I decide to plant all those who created this wonderful option that I never asked for (got laid off), I decided to put these programs and people in my schmuck's forest: a forest filled with trees I plant (in my mind) by giving names for them. Then I let them go and move on. This doesn't mean I won't fight for what is right! Feel free to join me.

Not winding up in my forest are American Idol and Biggest Loser. Thank goodness for this distraction, though will have to wait till next season for more Biggest Loser. And only one more week for Idol. Where is Project Runway when you need them????????????? The copy cat show on Bravo called Fashion Show is TERRIBLE. Watched it once and no more. Hmmmmm, maybe they belong in my forest.

So on to the gym to work out the stress. Still looking for a job...........or a great new reality show, which ever comes first!

Yeah, American Idol is on Tonight; refuge

I go back home late today. I want to stay at my daughter's today to help as there is no air conditioning and the temperature is in the 90's. We made due last night and it is cooler this morning but will be hot again today. What happened to Spring? The air conditioner man is coming today.

Starting to feel myself more and more. The number of people who have stopped by my blog and left wonderful comments has made me feel like I am not alone. I can't thank all of you enough.

And, tonight is American Idol and Biggest Loser. I will tape one and watch the other though since I don't have to get up early tomorrow, I can watch both! They are helpful in not having to deal with my reality....even though they are known as reality shows. Who knew?

Tomorrow, food shopping, house cleaning, redoing my resume and talking to the 401K people. I have to decide whether to start drawing on this pittance in my retirement fund and what the ramifications are.

Nice to know its there even though its small.

Whoops, my granddaughter is up calling for me...more to come.