Reflection: For A Change

From my April 27 Daily Kabbalah Tune Up: "A great Kabbalist once said, "When you get busy worrying about the welfare of others, the Light gets busy worrying about you." ----- The Kabbalah Centre

Lately (up until now actually), I have been bothered by a lot of things on decisions I have made and what repercussions it may bring forward. I have been having sleepless nights, listless moments, and times when I just stay still for a long time - lost in my thoughts.

I'd say that I am at a stage in my life where, after years of bliss, I am facing one of my toughest challenges and this reminder presents me a new perspective - to worry about others instead.

Tough order, but may be worth a shot. I am not 100% sold to it yet, but possibly I should leave it all up to my old man upstairs. I know he has something better for me. Things happen for a reason.

Fearless Forecast: American Idol Season 9

It's just four weeks to go and the new American Idol will be identified! Who would it be? Who would America choose? Who would Simon, Paula, Randy, and Kara be rooting for?

I've been loyally following this season's show. There were only two runs when I missed it, all because of work! Then I missed the replays as well, but saw the elimination shows anyway.

As of this writing, there are only five of them left - Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey, Alison Iraheta, Matt Giraud, and Kris Allen. I would have to agree with Randy Jackson's comment that this season has one of the best contestants in the Top 13. And they're getting better and better as well as they inch themselves to the finale.

Obviously the crowd-faves are Adam and Danny who from the onset were already evident stars in their own right. Matt and Alison has been in the show's bottom three a couple of times while Kris has never been in it and is emerging to be the "dark horse" of the group.

Adam Lambert's theatrical background and love for singing has honed his vocal skills. His falsetto is amazing. Paula even compared him to the likes of the Rolling Stones. He does not fear to be different from the rest and continues to claim his performances as his own show. Apart from this, he is also good looking, confident, and his seeming dark aura makes him very appealing to both the female and male fans. In spite his allegedly gay photos circulating on the web, he remains to be much loved by his fans. He would definitely be in the final three.

Danny Gokey is one of the contestants featured during the auditions. He auditioned with his best friend who was equally good but was eliminated during the Hollywood week. Part of what was revealed about him was his wife died and so his singing is a tribute to her. At first I found that endearing but at some point I felt he used it a bit to increase his popularity. The judges often praise him for his perfect vocals. He reaches notes that are very difficult to do so. This guy is good. So good he can be a bore, but absolutely one of the top three.

Alison Iraheta, the last woman standing from the Final 13. This 16-year old can definitely sing and how powerful and bold she could be when she does so. What I like about her is she carries herself so well she shows who she really is. She's not a typical teenager with goody-good looks. She likes to be different, she dresses and acts according to her whim. This is manifested in her rocker-like look, red hair, and overall persona. Alison will definitely be someone to watch out for. At her age, she may still improve and perhaps someday become a recording artist. But for now, I'd say she's not going to win.

Matt Giraud. The judges, in spite Simon Cowell's equally fearless forecast that he's not going to win anyway, decided to use their "one-save" when he was pitted against Lil Rounds s a few weeks ago. He started strong with his Hollywood week audition with a Ray Charles song but week after week, with lousy song choices and his often been included in the bottom three has perchance dampened his spirits. He is struggling to stand out from among the best in his group. No doubt about it, he could sing well but like Alison, he will not make it.

Kris Allen. Ah, the singer with the boy-next-door looks. He just becomes a darling when he starts singing! I'd say that Kris began with lackluster appeal and seemingly subtle confidence but with the constant judges' prodding and advises for him to look and feel certain, he indeed is coming out from his shell and is rocking! His song renditions are varied and original. His rendition of "Ain't no Sunshine" while playing the piano and acoustic version of "She works hard for the money" were two of his best performances. Let me add that these were also two of the most memorable and original ones in the show! He's a genius! Sure ball top three.

So, is it going to be Adam, Danny, or Kris?

ADAM will be the shoo-in winner. But DANNY and KRIS will be great contenders and will undeniably have recording contracts after AI 9.

P.S. I like Adam Lambert but I heart Kris Allen!!!

Photo Credits: American Idol

Review: Project Runway Season 5

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This is one of my two fave fashion-related shows. The other being America's Next Top Model. Project Runway has never ceased to entertain me because of the over-the-top personalities that always take advantage of the camera and most of all, like any other reality show, I love the candidness!

This season's highlights were its episodes on creating something environment-friendly (Episode 2: Grass is Always Greener), designing sports wear (Episode 4: Rings of Glory), making clothes for Brooke Shields of Lipstick Jungle (Episode 5: Welcome to the Jungle), and realizing a look based on astrological signs (Episode 9: What's your sign?). Some of the episode runs were a constant from previous seasons such as the designers creating clothes for each other, making something out of scratch, and transforming ordinary people's fashion for whatever purpose (like in this season, making over college graduates to help them enter the workforce). At one point, I felt bored and wanted to get through the judging part to know who won and who was out.

There were 16 designers who in my opinion were very talented but some of them lacked personality and pizzas. My darlings were: Kenley Collins (she's the one at the left on the photo below) for her fierce attitude, beautiful hair, and 50's-inspired creations; Stella Zotis (one in middle) for her rock style which she stubbornly integrated in all her creations; and Blayne Walsh (one at the right), who being the youngest (and gay) in the group added humor and drama on the show.


I'd say that this season's contestants were much much tame compared to previous seasons where there was Jay McCaroll (who would ever forget his no-holds-barred behavior?) of Season 1, Santino Rice (his mimickry of Tim Gunn was outrageous and he was often very outspoken during judging time) of Season 2, Jeffrey Sebelia (a friend of Santino who was equally eccentric but inspirational because of his determination to get past his previous lifestyle) of Season 3, and Christian Siriano (gay and fabulous, need I say more?) of Season 4. Oh how I loved their funny antics, tantrums, fights, and what-have-you's. They were totally amusing! I bet Project Runway gained more views in the past compared to Season 5.

On one hand, the fashion designs were contemporary, chic, and refreshing. I especially liked Leanne Marshall's (season winner) play of pastels, structure, and flow which she mentioned was inspired by water waves. She was also the only designer who showed variety by having dresses, pants, shorts, and skirts.

Kenley Collins' wedding gown was gorgeous, it was her best in her collection of 50's outfits (which by the way is her signature look). Her creations were so nice but all the judges agreed that they look like a famous designer's work, in other words, copy cat, whoah!

Korto Momolu's outfits were beautifully structured as well, but perhaps lacked some oomph. She had challenges finishing her work before the finale as she had to redo most of her gowns.

It is also notable that this was the first season to have an all-female team to have made it on the finals. That's right, the fashion week finale was dominated by women! Girl power to the max!

The show also had more guest judges like Brooke Shields, LL Cool J, RuPaul (hilarious episode!), etal. It was also mentioned during the finale that Jennifer Lopez was supposed to be a judge but was not able to make it. Tim Gunn replaced her on the last minute.

Generally, Season 5 was amusing especially during judging time with Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and Heidi Klum. Of course, I won't forget the ever-poised and critical (yet sensible) Tim Gunn's visits in the designers' work room where he would often be right on when he provides his comments and suggestions to the contestants' work.

I'm definitely looking forward to Season 6, which by the way going to air on Lifetime instead of Bravo.

Photo Credits: BravoTV and Whatshaute