In my two ESPN brackets, I had UNC and Georgetown as winning it all. I guess I liked the East.
Two Number 1s and two Number 2s. That hasn't happened in over 10 years. The Elite 8 had no one lower then a 7 seed; which I am certain does not count as Cinderella. The games have been generally close (even the UNC-G'Town game went OT before the Hoyas took over).
And there is a possibility of a Florida-OSU championship again!
This has been an outstanding tournament.
My quick predictions: I will stick with G'Town over Florida. As I said below, Florida should take the championship, but I like these Hoyas. I also like UCLA, who I think will have the heart to beat OSU, though I am nervous after the way OSU played against Memphis.
Finally, I see a championship for another Thompson-Ewing combo.
3.26.2007
3.21.2007
That's Gratitude for You
My two boys are taking the MCAS tests, which are Massachusetts' state standardized tests. My oldest son had a comprehensive essay yesterday on the topic, "Who is Your Hero?" His answer: his Dad! It is a wonderful feeling.
My youngest son had his comprehensive essay yesterday on the topic, "The Best Day of Your Life." His answer, the day he, his younger sister and I spent together while Mrs. Tilam and the oldest (see above) traveled out of state to a Jazz competition. I am two for two!
Mrs. Tilam, who has been a stay at home Mom, and his psychotically devoted to the kids and the family is none to pleased...
My youngest son had his comprehensive essay yesterday on the topic, "The Best Day of Your Life." His answer, the day he, his younger sister and I spent together while Mrs. Tilam and the oldest (see above) traveled out of state to a Jazz competition. I am two for two!
Mrs. Tilam, who has been a stay at home Mom, and his psychotically devoted to the kids and the family is none to pleased...
3.15.2007
A long string of lies, is there more to come?
Okay, I'm done with Pete Rose. For the longest time we've all suspected that he bet on his own team, the Reds, which he had vehemently denied. Of course, he also vehemently denied betting on baseball for 15 years before finally admitting that he did. Well, of course he bet on the Red, he bet on them every night!
Okay, last straw for me. Being a racist (Ty Cobb), a womanizer (Babe Ruth was the FIRST of many), a drunk (Mickey Mantle), those are different from a) betting on baseball (which, frankly, I could have forgiven eventually), and b) betting on YOUR OWN TEAM.
But Pete says he "always bet on them to win". Sorry, how the hell are we supposed to believe that? You've lied about EVERY serious betting allegation against you, why should this be any different? I'm done with Pete. No, I don't think he should be in the Hall of Fame anymore. No, I don't want him reinstated; if he was, what's to say he wouldn't do the same thing? Nope, goodbye Pete Rose, the major league hit king.
As for saying "I should be reinstated, because I'm the best ambassador baseball has"? Not even close, Pete. Good riddance. :(
Okay, last straw for me. Being a racist (Ty Cobb), a womanizer (Babe Ruth was the FIRST of many), a drunk (Mickey Mantle), those are different from a) betting on baseball (which, frankly, I could have forgiven eventually), and b) betting on YOUR OWN TEAM.
But Pete says he "always bet on them to win". Sorry, how the hell are we supposed to believe that? You've lied about EVERY serious betting allegation against you, why should this be any different? I'm done with Pete. No, I don't think he should be in the Hall of Fame anymore. No, I don't want him reinstated; if he was, what's to say he wouldn't do the same thing? Nope, goodbye Pete Rose, the major league hit king.
As for saying "I should be reinstated, because I'm the best ambassador baseball has"? Not even close, Pete. Good riddance. :(
3.13.2007
One Quickie on Coaching
I live in a mid-size town in Massachusetts. We have a relatively strong youth sports program and one thing it does is try and keep the level of coaching high. I have coached every fall and spring at least one team for eight straight years, and have seen a great improvement in the level of coaches. (I do not consider myself a great coach. My strength is identifying talent and directing that talent on the field to maximum success. My weakness is that I get emotional. Too emotional for my tastes, especially in soccer.)
In youth soccer, it now requires coaches to go to clinics and get certified depending on age. I must say, I am in favor of this though it is a pain.
In baseball, you must apprentice as a coach for Little League. Yes, apprentice. This, I think, is a bit much.
In youth soccer, it now requires coaches to go to clinics and get certified depending on age. I must say, I am in favor of this though it is a pain.
In baseball, you must apprentice as a coach for Little League. Yes, apprentice. This, I think, is a bit much.
Around the Horn
Okay, my take on things:
Politics:
-Scooter Libby. Scooter got convicted of the same thing Martha Stewart got convicted of. But on (arguably) less solid evidence. I am not partisan enough to say he should get off any less or that Bush should pardon him now. Was it a political show trial? Sure, but that is Washington right now. And he is a Republican. Democrat and Clintonista Sandy Berger got off with a slap on the wrist for destroying classified material (which he lied about), but he is a Democrat.
Unfair? Certainly, but that is the way the media and Washington work.
-Iraq. The current conditions seem to be affecting the situation positively. (I don't thing the "surge" can take all the credit.) Iraq will be a mess for years, our job is to get the mess to a level manageable by the Iraqis themselves.
-Dems 2008. Anyone who thinks Obama has a shot is smoking something. Hillary will be the nominee. Barack has too much baggage that is only trickling out. The Clinton op-force is patient and will strike fast and brutally when the time is right. The Clintons INVENTED the politics of personal destruction.
-Attorney Firings. More political hay. Dems and Repubs are shocked (SHOCKED) that this sort of thing goes on. (Hillary also fired 93 attorneys when the Clintons came to town. But, claim Democrats, that was DIFFERENT! Of course, it was. ) I simply do not see the problem with firing a political appointee if that appointee is not carrying on the administration's wishes. NEXT!
-GOP 2008. I am not sure any of the current Big 3 will be nominated. McCain does not want to make nice with the more conservative wing, Romney still makes people uneasy with his flip-flops and religion, and Gulianni has appeared too many times in a dress.
Two words: Fred Thompson.
Sports:
-UConn. I weep. Nothin'. Not even an NIT bid. I think the this might mark a real transition year in NCAA Hoops. Calhoun (and every other DI coach) will need to understand how to work with very talented freshman/sophomores and mid-level upperclassman that do not have the talent to go early. But Calhoun will clean house in the off-season.
-Tournament Time. Wow. Who knows? I would think that UNC should walk away with it. Or Florida. But I like Kansas (who has the hardest road) and UCLA is a legitimate contender. I am still down on the Big 10, but I think Maryland has a real shot if they can stay up for the games. (But then everyone who can stay up for the games does.)
My choice right now: UNC.
-38 Pitches. Love him or hate him, Curt Schilling is a worthy read. He has a blog, 38 Pitches, that I have added on the left. Check it out.
-Cleats. Okay, so I am in a sports shop looking at the clearance rack and I find these Kelme cleats. For $29! One slight problem is the biggest size they have is an 8, which I passed long ago. But a deal is deal, so I make like freakin' Drizella trying to cram her doggies in that glass slipper before Cinderella gets a shot. With about as much luck. Damn, so close.
-The Kids. Youth sports starts soon. My eldest has his first lacrosse practice tonight, Little League tryout are in a few weeks and spring soccer starts soon. More observations on the insanity that are kids' sports leagues to follow.
Politics:
-Scooter Libby. Scooter got convicted of the same thing Martha Stewart got convicted of. But on (arguably) less solid evidence. I am not partisan enough to say he should get off any less or that Bush should pardon him now. Was it a political show trial? Sure, but that is Washington right now. And he is a Republican. Democrat and Clintonista Sandy Berger got off with a slap on the wrist for destroying classified material (which he lied about), but he is a Democrat.
Unfair? Certainly, but that is the way the media and Washington work.
-Iraq. The current conditions seem to be affecting the situation positively. (I don't thing the "surge" can take all the credit.) Iraq will be a mess for years, our job is to get the mess to a level manageable by the Iraqis themselves.
-Dems 2008. Anyone who thinks Obama has a shot is smoking something. Hillary will be the nominee. Barack has too much baggage that is only trickling out. The Clinton op-force is patient and will strike fast and brutally when the time is right. The Clintons INVENTED the politics of personal destruction.
-Attorney Firings. More political hay. Dems and Repubs are shocked (SHOCKED) that this sort of thing goes on. (Hillary also fired 93 attorneys when the Clintons came to town. But, claim Democrats, that was DIFFERENT! Of course, it was. ) I simply do not see the problem with firing a political appointee if that appointee is not carrying on the administration's wishes. NEXT!
-GOP 2008. I am not sure any of the current Big 3 will be nominated. McCain does not want to make nice with the more conservative wing, Romney still makes people uneasy with his flip-flops and religion, and Gulianni has appeared too many times in a dress.
Two words: Fred Thompson.
Sports:
-UConn. I weep. Nothin'. Not even an NIT bid. I think the this might mark a real transition year in NCAA Hoops. Calhoun (and every other DI coach) will need to understand how to work with very talented freshman/sophomores and mid-level upperclassman that do not have the talent to go early. But Calhoun will clean house in the off-season.
-Tournament Time. Wow. Who knows? I would think that UNC should walk away with it. Or Florida. But I like Kansas (who has the hardest road) and UCLA is a legitimate contender. I am still down on the Big 10, but I think Maryland has a real shot if they can stay up for the games. (But then everyone who can stay up for the games does.)
My choice right now: UNC.
-38 Pitches. Love him or hate him, Curt Schilling is a worthy read. He has a blog, 38 Pitches, that I have added on the left. Check it out.
-Cleats. Okay, so I am in a sports shop looking at the clearance rack and I find these Kelme cleats. For $29! One slight problem is the biggest size they have is an 8, which I passed long ago. But a deal is deal, so I make like freakin' Drizella trying to cram her doggies in that glass slipper before Cinderella gets a shot. With about as much luck. Damn, so close.
-The Kids. Youth sports starts soon. My eldest has his first lacrosse practice tonight, Little League tryout are in a few weeks and spring soccer starts soon. More observations on the insanity that are kids' sports leagues to follow.
3.05.2007
World Wide Visibility
So you know that we are far reaching in our Blog...
A special call out to our readers in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan. A hockey breeding place if there ever was one - that's where the tough players grow up.
Also, referencing the comment from our anonymous poster..."Well Kelly has a real talent for BUTCHERING songs...NASCAR anyone? Her HYPE is sooo over. She's terrible live." We'd like to thank Justin Guarini for his comments, and thank him for reading the drivel that is this blog. :) And my return comment..."well, at least Kelly is better than Britney (or, dare I say, Paris Hilton?).
A special call out to our readers in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan. A hockey breeding place if there ever was one - that's where the tough players grow up.
Also, referencing the comment from our anonymous poster..."Well Kelly has a real talent for BUTCHERING songs...NASCAR anyone? Her HYPE is sooo over. She's terrible live." We'd like to thank Justin Guarini for his comments, and thank him for reading the drivel that is this blog. :) And my return comment..."well, at least Kelly is better than Britney (or, dare I say, Paris Hilton?).
Serious URL Mistakes
1. A site called "Who Represents" where you can find the name of the agent who represents specific celebrities:
www.whorepresents.com
2. Experts Exchange, a knowledge base where programmers can exchange advice and views at:
www.expertsexchange.com
3. Looking for a pen? Look no further than Pen Island at:
www.penisland.net
4. Need a therapist? Try Therapist Finder at:
www.therapistfinder.com
5. The Italian Power Generator company:
www.powergenitalia.com
6. The Mole Station Native Nursery, based in New South Wales:
www.molestationnursery.com
7. If you're looking for computer software, there's:
www.ipanywhere.com
8. The First United Methodist Church in Cumming, Georgia:
www.cummingfirst.com
9. Brainless art designers, at Speed Of Art:
www.speedofart.com
10. Want to holiday in Lake Tahoe? Try their brochure website at
www.gotahoe.com
www.whorepresents.com
2. Experts Exchange, a knowledge base where programmers can exchange advice and views at:
www.expertsexchange.com
3. Looking for a pen? Look no further than Pen Island at:
www.penisland.net
4. Need a therapist? Try Therapist Finder at:
www.therapistfinder.com
5. The Italian Power Generator company:
www.powergenitalia.com
6. The Mole Station Native Nursery, based in New South Wales:
www.molestationnursery.com
7. If you're looking for computer software, there's:
www.ipanywhere.com
8. The First United Methodist Church in Cumming, Georgia:
www.cummingfirst.com
9. Brainless art designers, at Speed Of Art:
www.speedofart.com
10. Want to holiday in Lake Tahoe? Try their brochure website at
www.gotahoe.com
An Open Letter to CPAC Sponsors and Organizers Regarding Ann Coulter
Conservatism treats humans as they are, as moral creatures possessing rational minds and capable of discerning right from wrong. There comes a time when we must speak out in the defense of the conservative movement, and make a stand for political civility. This is one of those times.
Ann Coulter used to serve the movement well. She was telegenic, intelligent, and witty. She was also fearless: saying provocative things to inspire deeper thought and cutting through the haze of competing information has its uses. But Coulter’s fearlessness has become an addiction to shock value. She draws attention to herself, rather than placing the spotlight on conservative ideas.
At the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2006, Coulter referred to Iranians as “ragheads.” She is one of the most prominent women in the conservative movement; for her to employ such reckless language reinforces the stereotype that conservatives are racists.
At CPA2007 Coulter decided to turn up the volume by referring to John Edwards, a former U.S. Senator and current Presidential candidate, as a “faggot.” Such offensive language–and the cavalier attitude that lies behind it–is intolerable to us. It may be tolerated on liberal websites but not at the nation’s premier conservative gathering.
The legendary conservative thinker Richard Weaver wrote a book entitled Ideas Have Consequences. Rush Limbaugh has said again and again that “words mean things.” Both phrases apply to Coulter’s awful remarks.
Coulter’s vicious word choice tells the world she care little about the feelings of a large group that often feels marginalized and despised. Her word choice forces conservatives to waste time defending themselves against charges of homophobia rather than advancing conservative ideas.
Within a day of Coulter’s remark John Edwards sent out a fundraising email that used Coulter’s words to raise money for his faltering campaign. She is helping those she claims to oppose. How does that advance any of the causes we hold dear?
Denouncing Coulter is not enough. After her “raghead” remark in 2006 she took some heat. Yet she did not grow and learn. We should have been more forceful. This year she used a gay slur. What is next? If Senator Barack Obama is the de facto Democratic Presidential nominee next year will Coulter feel free to use a racial slur? How does that help conservatism?
One of the points of CPAC is the opportunity it gives college students to meet other young conservatives and learn from our leaders. Unlike on their campuses—where they often feel alone—at CPAC they know they are part of a vibrant political movement. What example is set when one highlight of the conference is finding out what shocking phrase will emerge from Ann Coulter’s mouth? How can we teach young conservatives to fight for their principles with civility and respect when Ann Coulter is allowed to address the conference? Coulter’s invective is a sign of weak thinking and unprincipled politicking.
CPAC sponsors, the Age of Ann has passed. We, the undersigned, request that CPAC speaking invitations no longer be extended to Ann Coulter. Her words and attitude simply do too much damage.
Tilam
While I normally do not "sign" letters of this sort, civility is something I believe separates conservative voices from the liberal left. Captain Ed makes a personal stand.
Ann Coulter used to serve the movement well. She was telegenic, intelligent, and witty. She was also fearless: saying provocative things to inspire deeper thought and cutting through the haze of competing information has its uses. But Coulter’s fearlessness has become an addiction to shock value. She draws attention to herself, rather than placing the spotlight on conservative ideas.
At the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2006, Coulter referred to Iranians as “ragheads.” She is one of the most prominent women in the conservative movement; for her to employ such reckless language reinforces the stereotype that conservatives are racists.
At CPA2007 Coulter decided to turn up the volume by referring to John Edwards, a former U.S. Senator and current Presidential candidate, as a “faggot.” Such offensive language–and the cavalier attitude that lies behind it–is intolerable to us. It may be tolerated on liberal websites but not at the nation’s premier conservative gathering.
The legendary conservative thinker Richard Weaver wrote a book entitled Ideas Have Consequences. Rush Limbaugh has said again and again that “words mean things.” Both phrases apply to Coulter’s awful remarks.
Coulter’s vicious word choice tells the world she care little about the feelings of a large group that often feels marginalized and despised. Her word choice forces conservatives to waste time defending themselves against charges of homophobia rather than advancing conservative ideas.
Within a day of Coulter’s remark John Edwards sent out a fundraising email that used Coulter’s words to raise money for his faltering campaign. She is helping those she claims to oppose. How does that advance any of the causes we hold dear?
Denouncing Coulter is not enough. After her “raghead” remark in 2006 she took some heat. Yet she did not grow and learn. We should have been more forceful. This year she used a gay slur. What is next? If Senator Barack Obama is the de facto Democratic Presidential nominee next year will Coulter feel free to use a racial slur? How does that help conservatism?
One of the points of CPAC is the opportunity it gives college students to meet other young conservatives and learn from our leaders. Unlike on their campuses—where they often feel alone—at CPAC they know they are part of a vibrant political movement. What example is set when one highlight of the conference is finding out what shocking phrase will emerge from Ann Coulter’s mouth? How can we teach young conservatives to fight for their principles with civility and respect when Ann Coulter is allowed to address the conference? Coulter’s invective is a sign of weak thinking and unprincipled politicking.
CPAC sponsors, the Age of Ann has passed. We, the undersigned, request that CPAC speaking invitations no longer be extended to Ann Coulter. Her words and attitude simply do too much damage.
Tilam
While I normally do not "sign" letters of this sort, civility is something I believe separates conservative voices from the liberal left. Captain Ed makes a personal stand.
3.02.2007
Idol Time 2
Daughtry Rules! Sorry...lost it for a second.
I am not a big Kelly Clarkson fan, nor am I too enamored of Carrie Underwood. Idol has has some great singing talents...they just have not won. Which leads to comment two.
Looks. The fact is that the hot girls (and to a certain extent, guys) will survive over the great singers. The "Mandissas" of this year are LaKisha and Melinda: each has a great voice but they are too *ahem* big to make it. Antonella is the Kelli Pickler of Season 6: she can't sing very well, but she is very cute. (Actually, I thought Kelli was not cute at all, but Antonella is.)
So the voting seems to first get rid of mediocre looks, then mediocre talent and then talent without the look.
***
To answer Thew's question: incest is statutorily defined. The state statute will say "incest is when A has a certain type of sex with B, C, or D" and B, C, and D will be very specific (sometimes grossly so). It is not usually up for interpretation. As you can see in the MA statute, if you are prohibited from marrying someone and that someone is consanguine to you (descendant), then it is incest.
I am not a big Kelly Clarkson fan, nor am I too enamored of Carrie Underwood. Idol has has some great singing talents...they just have not won. Which leads to comment two.
Looks. The fact is that the hot girls (and to a certain extent, guys) will survive over the great singers. The "Mandissas" of this year are LaKisha and Melinda: each has a great voice but they are too *ahem* big to make it. Antonella is the Kelli Pickler of Season 6: she can't sing very well, but she is very cute. (Actually, I thought Kelli was not cute at all, but Antonella is.)
So the voting seems to first get rid of mediocre looks, then mediocre talent and then talent without the look.
***
To answer Thew's question: incest is statutorily defined. The state statute will say "incest is when A has a certain type of sex with B, C, or D" and B, C, and D will be very specific (sometimes grossly so). It is not usually up for interpretation. As you can see in the MA statute, if you are prohibited from marrying someone and that someone is consanguine to you (descendant), then it is incest.
American IDULL
Not a fan. The excitement factor died with me shortly after "To Kelly from Justin" hit the big screen.
Kelly Clarkson is a REAL talent.
Where is Ruben Studdard? Clay Aiken seems to have a fringe career somewhere, but his first song was about stalking some nice girl "if i was invisible, I would hide in your room".
Carrie Underwood is another talent, although she has shifted into country and has a successful career going.
I saw Taylor Hicks on Letterman, or the Tonight Show, or something like that a couple of days ago, he was awful.
I don't know why Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul were picked for the panel, but I admit I'm a fan of Simon.
Other shows that really NEED to be cancelled:
Survivor
MTV's Real World
The Surreal Life (and any other shlocky assinine reality show on VH1)
Ty Pennington's house fix up show needs to go too.
Reality shows that you really want to watch:
The Contender (although Ray Leonard is REALLY annoying with his dramatic speeches)
The Ultimate Fighter
America's Next Top Model (although *I* might not be in favor, my wife and 15 year old daughter love this show)
Project Runway (I hate to admit my feminine side, but this show is interesting)
******
News from the world of sports
NBA - there's an NBA? Actually, I have a close neighbor who used to work for the Portland Trail Blazers as a personnel advisor, keeping their young elitist thug punks in line with advice, accountability, and tutlege. Portland fired him. 'Nuf said.
MLB - Hello spring training. Quit bitching and whining Bernie Williams, you need to earn your starting spot, but I think a roster spot isn't out of the question. However, if you're holding out like a primadonna and you get cut, you have no one else to blame. For years you have been associated with the great WS winning Yankee teams of the late 90's, now you're just an over the hill no skill having whiny little geriatric. TEAM first dood...
More steroids probes and allegations, this time not on the west coast, on the east coast (New York). Biggie Smalls v Tupac all over again? Look, MLB needs to understand that people ARE USING performance enhancing drugs, they just have to find those offenders.
NHL - Lots of trades, the HUGE one being Ryan Smyth out of Edmonton to the Islanders. WTF is Edmonton thinking?! Wayne Gretzky, then Mark Messier, now Ryan Smyth? There is something to be said about trading the heart of your team...
NFL - nuttin...
*****
In the question of legalities, I heard about a case where a father who was involved sexually with his daughter is going to jail for incest. HOWEVER, I'm not sure this is a crime for the following reasons:
- the girl was his step-daughter
- she was an adult, age 22
- she admitted to this being a concensual relationship
Morally abhorrent? Yep.
Sick and twisted? Oh Yeah.
But here's the question. Is that incest? Our resident legal expert, Tilam will weigh in...
NOTE: It is unknown at this time whether or not he has legally adopted her.
Kelly Clarkson is a REAL talent.
Where is Ruben Studdard? Clay Aiken seems to have a fringe career somewhere, but his first song was about stalking some nice girl "if i was invisible, I would hide in your room".
Carrie Underwood is another talent, although she has shifted into country and has a successful career going.
I saw Taylor Hicks on Letterman, or the Tonight Show, or something like that a couple of days ago, he was awful.
I don't know why Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul were picked for the panel, but I admit I'm a fan of Simon.
Other shows that really NEED to be cancelled:
Survivor
MTV's Real World
The Surreal Life (and any other shlocky assinine reality show on VH1)
Ty Pennington's house fix up show needs to go too.
Reality shows that you really want to watch:
The Contender (although Ray Leonard is REALLY annoying with his dramatic speeches)
The Ultimate Fighter
America's Next Top Model (although *I* might not be in favor, my wife and 15 year old daughter love this show)
Project Runway (I hate to admit my feminine side, but this show is interesting)
******
News from the world of sports
NBA - there's an NBA? Actually, I have a close neighbor who used to work for the Portland Trail Blazers as a personnel advisor, keeping their young elitist thug punks in line with advice, accountability, and tutlege. Portland fired him. 'Nuf said.
MLB - Hello spring training. Quit bitching and whining Bernie Williams, you need to earn your starting spot, but I think a roster spot isn't out of the question. However, if you're holding out like a primadonna and you get cut, you have no one else to blame. For years you have been associated with the great WS winning Yankee teams of the late 90's, now you're just an over the hill no skill having whiny little geriatric. TEAM first dood...
More steroids probes and allegations, this time not on the west coast, on the east coast (New York). Biggie Smalls v Tupac all over again? Look, MLB needs to understand that people ARE USING performance enhancing drugs, they just have to find those offenders.
NHL - Lots of trades, the HUGE one being Ryan Smyth out of Edmonton to the Islanders. WTF is Edmonton thinking?! Wayne Gretzky, then Mark Messier, now Ryan Smyth? There is something to be said about trading the heart of your team...
NFL - nuttin...
*****
In the question of legalities, I heard about a case where a father who was involved sexually with his daughter is going to jail for incest. HOWEVER, I'm not sure this is a crime for the following reasons:
- the girl was his step-daughter
- she was an adult, age 22
- she admitted to this being a concensual relationship
Morally abhorrent? Yep.
Sick and twisted? Oh Yeah.
But here's the question. Is that incest? Our resident legal expert, Tilam will weigh in...
NOTE: It is unknown at this time whether or not he has legally adopted her.
Idol Time
The truth is I am not an Idol fan. But it is a show that the whole family can watch. So, we have begun TiVo'ing and watching it with the kids in the early evenings.
But I can't sit idoly by (sorry for the pun) and not make a couple of comments.
Song Choice. Okay, there is a pretty hard and fast rule that, if you are a girl, DO NOT pick a song from Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston or Celine Dion. (Some add Mariah Carey to the mix, but I don't for reason's mentioned below.) These are three women who you simply can not imitate. They are also big enough that their signature songs are pretty well tailored for them.
So stop it! Mariah Carey is a different matter. I don't place her in the same league as BWC and if you really have chops, you can pull off a Mariah song. But any pitchiness will kill you.
Guys do not have the same problem, BUT they do have a totally verboten song: Unchained Melody. Everyone hears the Righteous Brothers in their head and there is no way you can do what Bobby Hatfield did on this song; and many (Willie Nelson, Barry Manilow, Elvis) have tried. The only half-way good rendition was done by a woman: LeeAnn Rimes.
More later...
But I can't sit idoly by (sorry for the pun) and not make a couple of comments.
Song Choice. Okay, there is a pretty hard and fast rule that, if you are a girl, DO NOT pick a song from Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston or Celine Dion. (Some add Mariah Carey to the mix, but I don't for reason's mentioned below.) These are three women who you simply can not imitate. They are also big enough that their signature songs are pretty well tailored for them.
So stop it! Mariah Carey is a different matter. I don't place her in the same league as BWC and if you really have chops, you can pull off a Mariah song. But any pitchiness will kill you.
Guys do not have the same problem, BUT they do have a totally verboten song: Unchained Melody. Everyone hears the Righteous Brothers in their head and there is no way you can do what Bobby Hatfield did on this song; and many (Willie Nelson, Barry Manilow, Elvis) have tried. The only half-way good rendition was done by a woman: LeeAnn Rimes.
More later...
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