Thursday, March 31, 2011
My Journey: Day 88
American Idol Review: Thursday, March 31
The Bottom Three
Naima Adedapo
Thia Megia
Paul McDonald
Who Went Home
Leaving Idol this wee is Thia and Naima. I'm not totally surprised based on the rest of the competition and based on their overall performances since they have been on the show. I have felt that Thia could have left each week and Naima was pretty bad most of the time. I really liked Naima this week, but it may have been too little too late for her.
Who Should Have Gone Home
I had Thia and Stefano going home after their poor performances this week. Tonight was tough because two people had to leave. I was correct on Thia and Stefano just has too many fans. At times Stefano has been good, but I thought he struggled this week. It's all about connecting to the audience and this week Stefano apparently did that.
Sundown In The City 2011 Lineup!
April 21 — Randy Houser with JC and The Dirty Smokers
May 12 — Better Than Ezra with Johnny Astro & The Big Bang
May 19 — Umphrey's McGee with Zach Deputy
June 2 — Jonny Lang with Megan McCormick
June 16 — Warren Haynes Band with The Black Cadillacs
http://www.sundowninthecity.com/
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
My Journey: Day 87
American Idol Review: Wednesday, March 30
It's Elton John night on Idol. This should be a good night because his songs reach such a wide audience that each contestant should be able to find a good song for them. Here's how it went down:
Scotty McCreery - Country Comfort
Scotty was able to find a country song in the songbook and he made is sound good. Scotty is talented and he can definitely make every country song sound good.
Naima Adedapo - I'm Still Standing
I applaud Naima for making the song her own and turning it into a reggae song. I actually liked it a lot. It flowed really well and the reggae twist actually worked great for this song. This was the first time I liked something Naima did. The judges didn't get it, but I did.
Paul McDonald - Rocket Man
Paul is starting to get comfortable performing on the Idol stage and it is showing. Last week was good and this week was really good. Paul has such a unique characteristic in his performances. He is really damn good and he proved that he is here for real.
Pia Toscano - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
Another ballad from Pia here. There is no denying that this girl can sing. Based on pure voice alone, Pia is among the top in the competition. This is a great song and she sang it really well. The problem I have from her is that she hasn't swayed away from the ballads. I want to see her switch it up and do something fun next week.
Stefano Langone - Tiny Dancer
This is one of my favorite Elton John songs and I can honestly say that Stefano didn't do it justice. It wasn't that he did a bad job or anything, but he wasn't that good. Compared to the other contestants tonight, Stefano could be in jeopardy of going home this week.
Lauren Alaina - Candle In The Wind
I wasn't feeling this performance to be honest with you. It wasn't a bad performance by any means, but I felt like the song was too big for her.
James Durbin - Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
Overall, It was a very good performance. It was kind of nuts. There was running around, fire, screaming, it was crazy. That was definitely a good rock performance. James knows what he likes to do and he has a good time doing it.
Thia Megia - Daniel
This wasn't that great. Vocally it was good, but Thia is just boring up there. Compared to the others, she should fall in the bottom this week.
Casey Adams - Your Song
This was Casey in a new way. A much humbler Casey up there on the stage. He did pretty good tonight. The guy is visibly shaken after what happened last week and he needed a good solid performance like this to get his confidence back.
Jacob Lusk - Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
It's been noted that I'm not much of a Jacob Lusk fan. I would maybe like him better if he pronounced his words better. He just sounds like he is mumbling the whole time up there. If I wanted to hear vocals like that, I would just listen to my five week old son.
Haley Reinhart - Bennie And The Jets
Haley turned it up a notch and had a pretty good performance this week. She was able to show some passion tonight and it helped enhance her performance. She showed some passion and it was nice to see.
Knox Animal Top Three Of The Night
1. Paul McDonald
2. Casey Adams
3. Naima Adedapo
Knox Animal Bottom Three
1. Stefano Langone
2. Thia Megia
3. Lauren Alaina
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
My Journey: Day 86
Music Video of the Day: Brett Dennen - Sydney, I'll Come Running
Brett Dennen - Sydney, I'll Come Running
Monday, March 28, 2011
My Journey: Day 85
It was chest and triceps destruction day. I am doing my best to strengthen my chest and today I attacked it with incline dumbbell press, flat barbell press, pullover machine and machine flyes. For triceps, I did v-bar pressdowns, one-arm pressdowns, overhead extensions and then a burnout set of bar pressdowns.
I then headed over to the elliptical and did 20 minutes to close out the workout. It was a good way to start off the week.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
My Journey: Day 84
Vols Hire Cuonzo Martin
Saturday, March 26, 2011
My Journey: Day 83
Also, my diet tracker is estimates only. It is nearly impossible to track all of my food intake with 100% accuracy, so I wanted to make that clear. I will do my best to record it as accurately as possible, but getting the exact values of some food just isn't going to happen. The important thing is that I am making better choices in all the food I am consuming. Being aware of what you are eating is very important no matter what your fitness goals are.
Friday, March 25, 2011
My Journey: Day 82
Today's workout was good. I hit my back, shoulders and biceps pretty hard. I was exhausted after, but because I was so pissed off after the weigh-in- I did 20 minutes on the elliptical to close out the workout.
My diet slipped this week and I paid for it. Diet has always been the biggest obstacle in my way and it needs to change now. I have goals and I will reach them.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
My Journey: Day 81
American Idol Review: Thursday, March 24
The Bottom Three
Thia Megia
Stefano Langone
Casey Abrams
Who Went Home
According to America Casey should have gone home, but the judges used their one save this season to keep him on the show. He is the best in the competition so obviously they kept him on. This is just ridiculous that he didn't receive the votes to stay this week. It really makes me question who the people that watch this show are.
Who Should Have Gone Home
I was definitely not in agreement with America this week. I would have gladly seen Stefano, Thia, Naima or Haley go home tonight. The fact that they all got more votes than Casey makes me really question who is watching this show and voting. This is insanity at its finest.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
My Journey: Day 80
Check out the tracker below for the workout specifics, but I will say that doing both the front squat and hack squat machines are wearing me out. They are taking my legs to a new level without the lower back strain of a back barbell squat. It doesn't matter what exercise I am doing, I am pushing myself to failure and that's the way I like it. I workout for myself and only myself. I like the challenge and I am tired of wanting a good body, it's time to go get it.
American Idol Review: Wednesday, March 23
Casey Abrams: I Heard It Through The Grape Vine by Marvin Gaye
It was a good performance. It wasn't great, but it was far from bad. It was a good song choice for him and he did a good job.
Thia Megia: Heatwave by Martha & The Vandellas
She doesn't know how to pick her songs. It was very much a karaoke performance for me up there. I feel like she is a good singer, but she has not been doing very well in this competition. Let's be honest, she deserves to go home. It might not be this week, but it's coming soon.
Jacob Lusk: You're All I Need To Get By by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
If there was ever a week that Jacob should do well, this would be it. I don't know though. He just continues to underwhelm me. I could understand him a little better this week, so I appreciate him taking my advice to heart. I just didn't think he did this song justice. The judges can love it all they want, but it just wasn't great. Steven Tyler needs to be fired because that guy is the worst judge in the history of judges. Whatever... This dude is not good.
Lauren Alaina: You Keep Me Hanging On by Aretha Franklin
This wasn't bad. She actually did really well with it. She has great stage presence and she showed that she deserves to be on this show. I liked it.
Stefano Langone: Hello by Lionel Richie
It was a good performance if he was just a dude singing in a bar or something, but at this stage on American Idol, he just isn't cutting the cake. His days could be numbered on this show.
Haley Reinhart: You Really Got A Hold On Me by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Nice legs. That was about the only thing nice about this performance. She was trying way too hard. It just didn't work at all. She should one again be in the bottom three.
Scotty McCreery: For Once In My Life by Stevie Wonder
It was a pretty good job by Scotty. He was definitely out of his comfort zone this week, but he kept it country and I think it paid off for him.
Pia Toscano: All In Love Is Fair by Stevie Wonder
It was a little boring to me. I am usually wowed by Pia, but not tonight.
Paul McDonald: The Tracks of My Tears by Smokey Robinson
He is definitely better with a guitar in his hands. The awkward movement factor was at least cut in half and it came across much more natural. He did really well this week and I could really get into this performance. It still isn't the best that Paul can give. He is talented as hell and he needs to let it out. He is getting there, but he isn't quite there yet.
Naima Adedapo: Dancing In The Street by Martha & The Vandellas
This was pretty terrible. It could be the last time we see this girl on stage.
James Durbin: Living For The City by Stevie Wonder
It was okay. It kind of dissapointed me a little bit. I expected a lot more out of him, but he can't be the best every week.
Knox Animal Top Three Of The Night:
1. Lauren Alaina
2. Casey Abrams
3. Paul McDonald
Knox Animal Bottom Three:
1. Haley Reinhart
2. Stefano Langone
3. Naima Adedapo
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
My Journey: Day 79
Today was my wife's birthday, so we went to Wasabi - a fine Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar here in Knoxville. I had the filet and chicken dinner - a usual of mine when going to Wasabi. I was interested in trying some sushi, so I went with the ever popular California Roll. It wasn't bad and I may even start eating sushi more often.
Monday, March 21, 2011
My Journey: Day 78
At the gym at 5:30 a.m. My chest is really weak. It's probably the weakest part of my body. I am going to be working very hard to improve my strength in that area. It's tough to get stronger on a cut, but I am going to be busting my ass to make sure it happens.
Incline Dumbbell Bench Press (3x12)
Bench Press (3x12)
Machine Pullovers (3x12)
Machine Flyes (3x12)
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldowns (3x12)
Machine Dips (3x12)
V-Bar Pushdowns (3x12)
One-Arm Cable Pulldowns (3x12)
I was completely finished after this workout. After work, I did some abs and called it a day.
Knox Comedy: April 10
The Upstairs Underground is BACK with a now monthly stand-up comedy showcase upstairs at Preservation Pub in Downtown Knoxville, TN. Convenient and FREE parking at the Market Square Garage!
Cover: $3
Showtime: 8:00 p.m.
This month we welcome Austin, Texas comedians Steve Cox and Jim Kirkland to the Upstairs Underground! The duo is completing a run that includes the Laughing Skull Festival in Atlanta and will be stopping by Knoxville for JUST ONE NIGHT!
Also on the bill will be Corey Forrester (just signed on to appear on Comedy Central), Knoxville Comic Riley Fox and Cocke County Tennessee's finest comic Grady Ray.
Hosting will be nationally touring comic and KnoxComedy.com founder Matt Ward.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
My Journey: Day 77
One Day At a TimeOne Set At a TimeOne Rep At a Time-Knox Animal
Saturday, March 19, 2011
My Journey: Day 76
In the past, weekends are what gave my diet the most trouble. I would either splurge and take in way too many calories, or my calories would be okay, but my protein intake would be way down. I am now aware of my past mistakes and am making adjustments to make sure that isn't going to happen anymore. To make sure the day got started right, I made a protein shake as soon as I woke up and before I went to bed. I'm on a mission to make sure that I never take in less than 300 grams of protein per day again.
Friday, March 18, 2011
My Journey: Day 75
1. the state or quality of being intense
2. extreme force, degree, or amount
Today's leg workout was intense. Here's how it went down:
At the gym at 5:30 a.m.
I warmed up for five minutes on the bike then stretched the legs out after. They were going to be abused today. My legs are weak - so it's time to change that.
Standing Leg Press (4 sets)
I warmed up with 315 for 25 reps. Notched it up to 345 for 15 reps and then 375 for 10 reps. What the hell, I did 375 for 10 more reps to get a little burn going.
Front Squat Machine (5 sets)
I have never used this machine, so it was more experimental than anything. I threw a 45 on each side and did 15 reps. Then I threw two 45's on each side and did 15 reps. Three 45's for 12 reps. Four 45's for 10 reps. Let's do four 45's for 10 more reps. There was a nice burn going now, but I'm only getting started.
Hack Squat Machine (4 sets)
Here is another exercise that I have never done before. We are learning a lot during this workout. No worries, I can learn and work hard at the same time. I threw a 45 on each side and busted out 15 reps. The legs were burning pretty good, but I still had some work to do. I threw two 45's on each side and did 10 reps. Repeated that for two more sets and had a nice burn going.
Leg Press (4 sets)
I have never done leg press as a fourth exercise in a workout. It has always been number one or two on the agenda, but I wanted to really push today. I threw two 45's on each side and did 15 reps. Three 45's for 12 reps. Four 45's for 10 reps. Five 45's for 10 reps. Legs are toasted, but it's not quitting time yet... Far from it.
Seated Calf Raises (4 sets)
I threw two 45's on each side and did 20 reps. I threw another 45 on and did 15 reps. And another for 10 reps. Legs were on fire, but I needed to get at least 5 more. I got 6.
Leg Extensions (4 sets)
Legs are jello. No excuses. I put the pin at 155 and did 10 reps. 170 for 10 reps. 185 for 10 reps. 200 for 10 reps (PR). Quitting time? Nope.
Standing Leg Curl (3 sets)
Gotta work the hammy's. This is my favorite exercise to end my leg session with. I use it as a definite stretching exercise. Strong hamstrings help out the lower back, which I have trouble with from time to time. This is a must do exercise for me. I did three sets of 10 reps at 100 lbs.
Time to stretch... Out the door at 6:40 a.m.
It was a good workout today and I like the way my week ended at the gym. I was feeling a bit pukey at the end of the session, but that's how I like it. I know that I busted my ass and that's the way to get things done. I need to make every gym session that intense. That's a new goal.
I weighed in today at 278.6 lbs. It was one pound increase from last week, but honestly I'm not too worried about it. The last couple weeks, I noticed that my protein levels and calories were slipping a bit. I was most likely losing muscle mass and that cannot happen. I am proud of the way I ate this week and my gym workouts have been intense as hell. I don't feel like I gained a pound, so I'm okay with it. It will be interesting to see what happens next week as a comparison. If I gain again, I will need to drop some calories. I'm currently trying to take in 3,000 - 3,200 calories a day. I may need to drop a hundred cals or so, but I'm not making that decision until next week.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
My Journey: Day 74
As for working out, I am still feeling the burn in my biceps from my workout Wednesday. I love it. Tomorrow's leg workout should be good. I cannot wait.
American Idol Review: Thursday, March 17
The Bottom Three
Haley Reinhart
Naima Adedapo
Karen Rodriguez
Who Went Home?
Karen Rodriguez was the unlucky contestant tonight. She is leaving and I can't say I argue much with this result. In my mind it could have been a toss-up between her and Haley. Both are equally shitty, but I feel like Karen is actually a little better than Haley. So with that being said she should have stuck around another week, but oh well - I'm not complaining.
Who Should Have Gone Home?
Haley Reinhart should have went home this week. She doesn't have a strong voice and she has been picking songs of artists that do. This week she chose to sing a Whitney Houston song and frankly she sounded like a little kid singing a big girl song.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
My Journey: Day 73
I have never been a fan of chest day. It has always been one of my weakest areas, but it needs to change fast. I was looking for intensity fatigue from a chest workout. I decided to switch things up a bit and attack the weakest part of my body with several different exercises. Here is how it went down:
Incline Dumbbell Press - 3x10
I haven't done this exercise in years. It's time to bring it back. I got a nice burn going to start the morning off.
Bench Press - 4x8
I just threw on a 45 lb plate on each side and did slow reps of eight for four sets. I wanted to concentrate on contractions and not so much on the amount of weight.
Machine Pullovers - 4x10
I have never used this machine before, but I plan on using this regularly during my chest workout. I started with 150 for three sets and turned it up a notch and busted out 10 reps at 180. The burn was nice.
One-Arm Chest Press Machine - 10,8,6
My chest was pretty much toasted at this point, but I wanted to close it out with something else. I threw a 45 lb plate on each side and busted out three sets. That third set was tough, but I had to push through.
EZ Bar Curls - 3x10
Grabbed a ready-made 55lb EZ bar and knocked out three sets of 10. It's starting to burn.
Dumbbell Curls - 3x10
Grabbed a pair of 50 lb dumbbells and repped out three grueling sets. Arms were toasted, but we still had a long way to go.
Cable Curls w/ Rope - 2x10
I wanted to intensify the burn, so I did a couple sets of rope curls.
Dumbbell Hammer Curls - 3x10
I grabbed a pair of 40 lb dumbbells and repped out three sets of hammer curls. Arms = finished. But, not quitting time yet.
Dumbbell Wrist Curls - 3x10
I I haven't worked my forearms directly in over two years. Why not start now? I did three sets and decided I didn't like these too much. Will probably use a barbell or do a different form of wrist curls next time.
Light Dumbbell Curls - 3x10
My arms were telling me to quit, but I wanted more. I grabbed a pair of 35 lb. dumbbells and closed the workout out with three grueling sets.
I was absolutely exhausted, but needed to do some cardio. I did 20 minutes on the elliptical and called it a day.
American Idol Review: Wednesday, March 16
We are back for another round of American Idol and the theme this week is songs from the year they were born. This should be interesting:
Naima Adedapo - What's Love Got To Do With It by Tina Turner
This song started horrible and it never really got any better. She should be in the bottom three this week.
Paul McDonald - That's Why They Call It The Blues by Elton John
I actually liked this performance. I dig Paul's quirkiness and his voice is very unique. I think he could be a good recording artist when this is all said and done.
Thia Megia - Colors Of The Wind by Vanessa Williams
I wasn't a fan of the song at all, but at least she sung it well. Thia has a good voice, but the song was boring as hell. Thia has dissapointed me the last two weeks.
James Durbin - I'll Be There For You by Bon Jovi
James is a straight up performer. The dude owns the stage when he performs. He was really good tonight. He wasn't as good as last week, but it was still good.
Haley Reinhart - I'm Your Baby Tonight by Whitney Houston
This wasn't very good. When you sing a Whitney song, you have got to be good or at least have a strong voice. Haley is not good and does not have a strong voice. Bad overall performance starting from the song choice.
Stefano Langone - If You Don't Know Me By Now by Simply Red
This was an alright performance. It didn't blow me away or anything, but it wasn't bad. He was better than last week, so that's always good when we see contestants improve. He did good tonight.
Pia Toscano - Where Do Broken Hearts Go by Whitney Houston
Now when Pia sings a Whitney song it doesn't sound so bad. Pia is by far the best girl on this season and she might be one of the favorites to win it all. I didn't like this song choice very much, but she sang it well.
Scotty McCreery - Can I Trust You With My Heart by Travis Tritt
This was good, but it didn't wow me. It was definitely a solid performance once again from Scotty, but I am always looking for more from him.
Karen Rodriguez - Love Will Lead You Back by Taylor Dayne
Could she have picked a more boring song? This was pure garbage.
Casey Abrams - Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana
Nobody has ever done a Nirvana song on Idol before. This wasn't my favorite Casey performance, but it was okay. Overall it was good and compared to the shit that I have seen earlier in this show, it was very good. Casey is willing to take risks and that is what is so exciting about watching him on this show.
Lauren Alaina - I'm The Only One by Melissa Etheridge
This was so much better than last week it's not even close. She redeemed herself amazingly. It was a great song choice and she did it well despite having the flu.
Jacob Lusk - Alone by Heart
Look at Jacob singing a rock song. Nope, still didn't do it for me. It wasn't horrible and I will say that the chorus was really good, so that is the first positive thing I have had to say about this guy. Look, he seems like a nice guy and everything but every time he sings I feel like punching a hole in the wall.
Knox Animal Top Three of the Night:
1. James Durbin
2. Casey Abrams
3. Lauren Alaina
Knox Animal's Bottom Three
1. Naima Adedapo
2. Haley Reinhart
3. Karen Rodriguez
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
My Journey: Day 72
Monday, March 14, 2011
My Journey: Day 71
It is officially the last week of winter. So with the warm air approaching, I have explored the idea of doing some light cardio around the neighborhood. It is supposed to rain the next 24 hours, so it probably won't happen yet - but I am thinking about it. When I was in the best shape of my life, freshman year of college - I ran a couple miles on a daily basis. I'm not quite sure I am ready to have that approach yet, but we will see. I haven't really done much running since then, but it doesn't mean I can't pick it up again.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
My Journey: Day 70
The plan for this week is to continue doing the three-day split. Whether or not I do deadlifts and squats this week greatly depends on how I feel each day. It would be nice to do both of those lifts, but we will have to see.
My diet this week should be pretty good. I picked up six pounds of chicken from Sam's to eat each for my mid morning snack and lunch each day. I also have plenty of greek yogurt stocked for snacks or breakfast.
Good luck to everybody in their fitness goals for the week. Remember, one day at time.
2011 NCAA Tournament Bracket
The bracket is here! The Vols are the No. 9 seed in the West and square off against No. 8 Michigan March 18. It should be an interesting game and could set up a matchup against Duke in round 2. I have seen Duke play a couple of games this season and they have been fairly inconsistent. They are definitely a good team, but they are beatable. I would like to the think the Vols could beat them, but the men in orange have been one of the most up and down teams this season. They are capable of being a good team, but their lack of outside shooters always hurts them. It could be interesting, but after all it is March Madness.
You can check out a PDF version of the bracket from ESPN at the link below.
http://a.espncdn.com/i/ncaa/11mens_bracket.pdf
You can check out a PDF version of the bracket from ESPN at the link below.
http://a.espncdn.com/i/ncaa/11mens_bracket.pdf
Saturday, March 12, 2011
My Journey: Day 69
Friday, March 11, 2011
My Journey: Day 68
I weighed in this morning at 276.8 lbs., which is a little less than a pound down from last week. It wasn't a great number, but the important thing is that my weight is still dropping. As long as that happens, I'm not going to be too disappointed.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
My Journey: Day 67
American Idol Review - Thursday, March 10
Overall, I thought this week was pretty good. There were a couple bad performances, but neither of them were in the bottom three. So the bottom three this week was Ashthon Jones, Karen Rodriguez and Haley Reinhart.
Going home this week is Ashthon. I can't say I argue with the decision because she is probably the weakest of the 13. I actually thought she had a bigger fan base than she apparently did, but I should have known better because she was a wild card from Randy. I actually thought a couple people were worse than her this week, but their time will come.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
My Journey: Day 66
American Idol Review - Wednesday, March 9
Lauren Alaina: Any Man Of Mine by Shania Twain
This was not very good. It started off shaky for me and really never got going. It was very average and not what I would expect from a Top 13 contestant.
Casey Abrams: With A Little Help From My Friends by Joe Cocker
What an amazing song choice for Casey. This dude is for real. It's going to take a lot for somebody to be better than Casey this season. This guy will be famous.
Ashthon Jones: When You Tell Me That You Love Me by Diana Ross
I don't know man, this wasn't that great to me. It was okay, but it bored me. If I get bored, it isn't very good.
Paul McDonald: Come Pick Me Up by Ryan Adams
This is one of my favorite songs, so I had high expectations. It was good, but I've seen better from Paul. He moved around way too much in this performance for me. I would have liked to see him sitting through the first part of this song and then stand for the first chorus and I think that would have had a bigger impact. He is awesome though and I think he can do great things this season.
Pia Toscano: All By Myself by Celine Dion
This chick is good. I cannot stand this song, but Pia sounds really good singing it. Her voice is incredible and she is by far the best girl on this season.
James Durbin: Maybe I'm Amazed by Paul McCartney
Unfreaking believable. James killed it. This was one of my favorite American Idol performances of all time. That was incredible, there is nothing more I can say.
Haley Reinhart: Blue by LeAnne Rimes
I hate this song soooo much. It makes me rage just hearing it. She did a good job singing it, so I can't knock her too much for having a horrible taste in music. She is a talented girl and she has good performer qualities about her. She did a good job, but for the love of God, never pick this song again.
Jacob Lusk: I Believe I Can Fly by R. Kelly
I don't know what it is about this guy, but whenever he opens his mouth I feel like my ears are dirty because I cannot understand a word he says. It is amazing to me that people find this guy good. I find him annoying as hell and one of the worst contestants of the season.
Thia Megia: Smile by Michael Jackson
I didn't really get it. It didn't flow very well to me and the background music didn't really go with the song. I had high hopes for this kid, but she let me down.
Stefano Langone: Lately by Stevie Wonder
Started a little rough for me. I didn't really like this performance at all. It was a little painful to watch to be honest with you.
Karen Rodriguez: I Could Fall by Selena
It wasn't a bad performance, but it was a long way from being impressive. It should be good enough to keep her on the season, so she should be happy about that.
Scotty McCreery: The River by Garth Brooks
This was a very solid performance for Scotty. I like the fact that Scotty doesn't hide the fact that he is country. I feel like he should have been sitting for this song though. It seemed a bit awkward with him just standing there. But oh well, he did the song justice.
Naima Adedapo: Umbrella by Rihanna
She did a really good job with this song. She is definitely a marketable recording artist. She has the best choreography that has ever been on the show. She still had some issues with her voice, but overall it was very good and much better than I thought she was going to be.
Top Three Performances Of The Night
1. James Durbin
2. Casey Abrams
3. Pia Toscano
Tiki Barber Is Coming Back
When news broke that former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber was coming back to the NFL after being retired for two seasons, I didn’t believe it. Here we have a guy that seemingly retired too soon because he wanted to pursue other career opportunities. Apparently he missed the game enough to announce an un-retirement and he will return to the game he walked away from.
I have never been a fan of Barber. He always seemed like a whiny little bitch to me. He was a player that had a couple of good years mixed in very average ones. It’s hard to say what a 36-year-old running back can bring to table for an NFL team, but I’m not expecting too much. His legs should be fresh, but being out of NFL contact for a couple years cannot be good for an aging body.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
My Journey: Day 65
Monday, March 7, 2011
My Journey: Day 64
Today, I just did wide-grip pulldowns and some v-bar pushdowns. It wasn't much, but it was good to just go through the motions again. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and called it a day. It was nowhere near as intense of a workout I am used to doing, but it was still enough to get a good sweat going.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
My Journey: Day 63
The plan for this week is the three-day split. I plan on doing light workouts and cardio Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I want to make sure I don't do anything to aggravate my back, so I may skip the squats and deadlifts this week.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
My Journey: Day 62
Weekends are more of a rest time than ever right now. With my wife taking the night baby duties during the week, it's daddy duty on the weekends. Thankfully Caleb was good last night, so I was actually able to get some sleep. My back has made great improvements over the past day, so I am fully expecting to go to the gym on Monday. My main goal this weekend is to take care of the back and get ready for the upcoming week, and I am pleased with the progress so far.
Friday, March 4, 2011
My Journey: Day 61
I weighed in this morning at 277.6 lbs., which is two pounds down from last Friday. The goal of losing weight is still going, but I'm afraid that I have lost a little strength the past couple of weeks because of the missed workouts. I'm not worried about it in the long run because I know I will regain strength, it's just frustrating right now to not be able to go to the gym to deal with it.
American Idol Review: Thursday, March 3
America's Top 10
Scott McCreery
This kid is talented. He was the best country singer in auditions and he has proven to be very good on this short journey so far. I expect big things from Scott and he should be around for a while.
Casey Abrams
Casey is the best contestant this season. He is unique, has a great voice and he seems like a really cool dude. He is my early favorite to the win the whole thing.
Paul McDonald
Paul is quirky and that's what I like about him. He is talented as hell and I look forward to seeing what he can bring to the table each week.
James Durbin
James is the heavy metal rocker type this season. He has great range, but I would like to see him not scream in every performance. I know that's his thing, but it will eventually get annoying as hell.
Jacob Lusk
Everybody loves this guy. However, I cannot stand him. He may be good, but frankly I cannot understand a word he says. He needs to be less excited about everything so he can keep his mush mouth under control. I would not have included him in the final 13.
Pia Toscano
Pia is the leader of the pack for the girls this season. She has a great voice and I love the control she possesses. I expect her to be in this competition for a long time.
Lauren Alaina
She is good, but she has a lot of maturing to do. I feel like she could be a real sleeper in this competition.
Thia Megia
Like Lauren, Thia is just a kid. She has the talent and if she can learn a few things along the way, she could surprise some people in this competition.
Karen Rodriguez
Karen has a good voice. It will be interesting to see how she does from this point on. I think she will be only as good as the songs she chooses.
Haley Reinhart
I actually enjoyed Hayley's performance of Fallin by Alicia Keys. The judges didn't like it so much, but it showed the range that Haley has. She needs to fine tune in on her talents and if she does, she could make the judges believers.
The Judges Wild Card Picks
Ashton Jones
I just cannot get into any of her performances. I don't know, but I'm still waiting to see something from her that impresses me.
Stefano Langone
Stefano is actually pretty good. He could do well in this competition, but based on the fact that he wasn't one of America's top five guys, he needs to build his fan base a bit.
Naima Adedapo
I don't agree with this one at all.
Biggest Snub
Robbie Rosen
Robbie is very talented. But, he is also very young. He could come back next year and be a finalist without a doubt.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
My Journey: Day 60
My back is still a little sore, so it doesn't look like I will be doing any weights tomorrow in the gym.Tomorrow is also weigh in day so it will be interesting to see if my weight has gone down any this week.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
My Journey: Day 59
The goal is to do my back workout on Friday, but it may just be a cardio day if the back is still sore. I am not going to even think about doing deadlifts unless my back is 100%. More than likely I will get back into deads next week and just do a light workout Friday.
American Idol Review - Wednesday, March 2
Ta-Tynisa Wilson: Only Girl by Rihanna
What the hell. This is horrible.
Naima Adedapo: Summertime by Ella Fitzgerald
Naima did a good job. I wasn't necessarily digging it, but she had really good stage presence. She was impressive tonight.
Kendra Chantelle: Impossible by Christina Aguilera
It was alright. She was no Christina Aguilera and maybe that's why it wasn't over the top for me. It was a good performance from her though, but if she wants to keep progressing in this competition she is going to need to be better than that.
Rachel Zevita: Criminal by Fiona Apple
This girl is weird as hell, but I actually liked this performance. Her voice is pretty cool and I think she can do some neat things in this competition. This particular performance was a little too old school for me, but overall I think it was pretty good.
Karen Rodriguez: Hero by Mariah Carey
Usually people say you can't do Mariah Carey because she is so good or whatever. However, I cannot stand her so I don't mind it when people perform her songs. The part of this performance that I did not get is where Karen integrated some Spanish lyrics into it. It was an okay performance, but I wasn't loving it.
Lauren Turner: Seven Day Fool by Etta James
This was actually really good. Lauren surprised the hell out of me. She completely owned that song.
Ashthon Jones: Love All Over Me by Monica
As karaoke as they come. Nothing special here and frankly I was bored as shit. I could not wait for her stop to be quite honest with you.
Julie Zorrilla: Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson
This was horrible. It was a terrible song choice for her and it just didn't work. The background vocals ruined her voice and it came across as being very week. Julie is one of the most talented girls on this season and she might have blown it. It was painful to watch.
Haley Reinhart: Fallin by Alicia Keys
This was a huge risk in my opinion, but Haley made it work. She took a great song and dominated it. You have to be good to sing this song and she proved that she is very good and one of the best on this season.
Thia Megia: Out Here On My Own by Irene Cara
I didn't really get the song, but it wasn't bad. It was pretty irrelevant for me.
Lauren Alaina: Turn On The Radio by Reba McEntire
It was our first taste of country on the night and it was okay. It wasn't special or anything, but I don't feel like she butchered it. It did seem a little amateurish, but then again she is only a teenager.
Pia Toscano: I'll Stand By You by The Pretenders
She is good and she is definitely one of the best of the night. Pia can definitely sing and she should be in the competition for a while.She has the confidence and voice to be in this competition for the long haul.
Knox Animal Top Three Of The Night
1. Pia Toscano
2. Lauren Turner
3. Haley Reinhart
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
My Journey: Day 58
American Idol Review - Tuesday, March 1
It's that time again, and I will be reviewing American Idol contestants each week. I will be telling it like it is, so if a contestant is horrible, it will be known. If a contestant is good, I will praise them. I will be making my judgments based on performance and vocals only. I couldn't care less what the contestants look like or how they dress. Here goes my first week of reviews, so let's get this started.
Clint Jun Gamboa: Superstition by Stevie Wonder
What a horrible way to start the show. Clint blows. Not impressive at all for this point of the competition. This should be the last time we see this guy on the American Idol stage. I was not a fan at all.
Jovanny Barreto: I'll Be by Edwin McCain
What the hell was with the background vocals? This was as bad as Clint's performance. If you want to talk about an underwhelming performance, this is it. Jovanny reminds me of a poor man's Bruno Mars, the only difference is that Bruno knows what the hell he is doing.
Jordan Dorsey: Oh My Gosh by Usher
Absolutely terrible. Horrible. Jordan was trying to be Usher and he clearly isn't. He can't dance like Usher and he can't sing like Usher. Jordan's ego got a hold of him in this one, and it bit him in the ass.
Tim Halperin: Streetcorner Symphony by Rob Thomas
This wasn't that good either. What the hell is going on? These guys are so average it's ridiculous. Terrible song choice for Tim in my opinion.
Brett Loewenstern: Light My Fire by The Doors
It was okay. Dude is weird as hell. There is no getting past that. However, for the first time tonight, I actually enjoyed a performance. Good for Brett, he didn't make me want to turn the TV off.
James Durbin: You've Got Another Thing Coming by Judas Priest
James owned the song and it was the first pure performance of the night. Awesome song choice and overall performance from James.
Robbie Rosen: Spent All Your Time Waiting For That Second Chance by Sarah McLachlan
This was a very nice performance from Robbie. He made the song his own and it was very good. It definitely wasn't his best performance, but it wasn't bad at all. He is one of the most talented contestants this season without a doubt.
Scotty McCreery: Letters From Home - John Michael Montgomery
This is really damn good. Scotty sounds like a seasoned veteran country singer out there. He had great stage presence and he showed that he is for real.
Stefano Langone: Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars
It was a great song choice for Stefano. He was very comfortable singing this song on stage. It didn't blow me away, but it wasn't bad.
Paul McDonald: Maggie May by Rod Stewart
Paul did a good job performing this song. It's one of the greatest songs in history, but Paul did a good job with it. It didn't feel too big for him. Paul knows what he is doing and he came through with a great unique performance.
Jacob Lusk: A House Is Not A Home by Luther Vandross
I could not understand this dude. He could have been speaking a different language and I wouldn't have known. What the hell, brah?
Casey Abrams: I Put A Spell On You by Jay Hawkins
This was a very good performance. Casey is the best contestant this season by a mile. He is head and shoulders above everybody else and I look forward to seeing what he will do each and every week going forward.
Knox Animal Top Three Of The Night
1. Casey Abrams
2. Scotty McCreery
3. James Durbin
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