“Get the hell out of here.”

I don’t know if that’s a new addition to Donald Trump’s usual “You’re fired” line, but he’s been using it in most of The Celebrity Apprentice episodes. Hopefully he’ll stop saying it soon because it’s tacky and really uncalled for. Also, because I think of this video when I hear that phrase:

I’ll dedicate a post to what’s been up all week soon, but I just caught up with a few shows I DVRed while out of town Thursday.

Survivor was the first show to shock me when the Fans decided to kick out one of the very few physically strong men on the team. I think it’s a little too early in the game, but what do I know? I just watch the game. Wait, they did too.

I watched enough of the American Idol elimination show to know that one of my ponies, Alaina Whitaker, was voted out. America, why not Rocker Nurse or Britney Impersonator??? Seriously? Alaina is young and maybe a little inexperienced, but I think if we had given her more time, she would’ve been a memorable finalist. Oh well, kudos for the rest of the elimination choices. I won’t have to endure Sir Karaoke Smiles-A-Lot or Redneck Rocker any longer.

Finally, I watched The Celebrity Apprentice which was slightly anticlimactic. I guess because it a cut-and-dry choice. It’s weird, this season has been full of either cut-and-dry cases or long drawn out drama sessions. Not sure what to think, but if Trace Adkins doesn’t win, I will cry a little inside. If Omarosa or Piers wins, I will cry a lot outside.

Oh, Paula!

My favorite American Idol quote ever, like EVER EVER, was uttered last night as Paula was wiping away tears after David Archuleta’s performance.

“I want to squish you, squeeze your head off and dangle you from my rearview mirror.”

I understand you completely, Paula.

American Idol: Season 7 Ponies.

Thankfully, this season has no Sanjayas or Taylor Hicks. After watching the top 24, here are my predictions (or maybe more of my wishful thinking):

MALES:

Michael Johns - He’s had strong performances throughout the competition so far. I rolled my eyes when he picked “Bohemian Rhapsody” a week ago, but he ended up totally impressing me. The “white, soul singer” should make it to the top five as he’s got the charming Aussie look and the authentic, powerful voice. (youtube - “Bohemian Rhapsody”)

David Archuleta - Okay, I’ll admit it. I’ve got a weird “he’s like eight years younger than me, but he’s totally cute omigosh” thing for him, but I assure you there’s more reasons to keep him around. He’s just 17, having gone through vocal problems, only to come back like nothing happened. His voice sounds quite mature for 17 plus his humbleness and megawatt smile make me want to root for this young’un. (youtube - “Heaven”)

Notable Contestants: David Cook is decent, but a bit too close to Michael Johns and Michael has the edge. We’ll see if he “rocks it out” a bit more. Danny Noriega is a strange one. After his first audition, Paula was astounded that his voice belonged to him because after all, “you know who you are.” I think what she meant is that for a feminine guy (okay, so he’s presumably gay), he’s got a very strong man voice. I second Paula’s sentiments. Although the voice doesn’t fit the body, he should be sticking around for awhile.

FEMALES:

Syesha Mercado - Did anybody catch that she lost her voice but managed to belt out “Chain of Fools” last week? Um, and how adorable was it that she made little posters instead of talking? No doubt, she has the best vocals out of all the contestants. Yes, that’s what I said. (youtube - “Chain of Fools”)

Alaina Whitaker - Randy pointed it out, this is a season full of awesome young’uns. She had one of the best performances in the top 24 and she’s only 16 with no professional voice training??? Plus, she’s got the look. Talent + eye candy = force to be reckoned with. Hopefully, her age and inexperience doesn’t doom her too early. (youtube - “Stronger”)

Notable Contestants: I know, you’re surprised I’m not totally rooting for my fellow Filipina, Ramiele Malubay. She’s good, but there’s something about her that I can’t back up. Kady Malloy started off strong, but I’m not so sure after her top 24 performance. She’s definitely marketable though and it depends largely on if she ends up building up confidence or allowing the judges to remind her that her Britney impersonations are better.

I think there is definitely tough competition with the girls and I’d list more of them, but then I’d end up listing almost all of them. With all the talent learning towards the girls, I’d be super surprised if a girl doesn’t win American Idol. Unless Michael Johns takes it all!

Good riddance, Time Warner Cable!

I just switched over to AT&T’s U-VERSE service this week. Took two weeks for an installer to come out and another two hours for him to get everything setup, but now my home theater is complete (for now.) With over 30 HD channels streaming in, I can finally make use of my new fancy TV. I’ve enjoyed several on demand shows and lots of movies from the movie channels have kept me company. There’s the occasional digital glitch or two, but so far, excusable problems. This is a young service with promises of being better.

Just in time too, I just read this article - Time Warner: Download Too Much and You Might Pay $30 a Movie - which basically says TWC is trying out extra charges to those who use extra bandwidth. With HD content and more music and movie streaming, they are onto something. Milking the cash cow, that’s what. I think it may be too early to try this tactic, but whatever! Tomorrow I return my hardware to TWC and finally bid adieu.

In other TV news:

I’ve been keeping up with The Biggest Loser for the first time. It’s actually pretty inspiring. Instead of taking a nap, I went and worked out after watching this the other day! I am incredibly intimidated by trainer Jillian Michaels and think I would hide if I saw her in real life.

I didn’t understand Gene Simmons’ move on The Celebrity Apprentice. I’ve never seen Donald try and help someone so much. I think Simmons may be “too smart for his britches.” Hard to believe he rocked it with KISS, he’s so serious.

I am very glad Friday Night Lights still has new episodes and has not been canned.

Finally, my mom called me right after American Idol Wednesday night. I was behind fifteen minutes because I was watching it on my DVR (to avoid commercials!) so I didn’t know what she was laughing about. And then I saw. The “Asian man dressed like Elvis” my mom described was actually a “Filipino man dressed like a Simon worshiping angel.” It was very strange. (And admittedly, catchy!) But I did chuckle when Paula Abdul started breaking out the dance moves. Oh Dallas, you disappoint me sometimes.

I am your brother
Your best friend forever
Singing the songs, the music that you like.

We’re brothers ’till the end of time
Together or not, you’re always in my heart
Your hurt, your feelings in you will worry no more.

America, I am going to punch you!

I won’t say anything. But read this recap on American Idol this week. Even though the writer ends up cheering a little for Sanjaya and his “no!hawk!” it is an admittingly hilarious summary of Tuesday night’s performances. Seriously, I laughed out loud a few times.