Gay Cousin Teddy

The Ditty 7.8.10

gaycousinteddy — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:42:43 +0000

This song has been on my radar for a few months. Many of you have probably heard it, but if you haven’t, it’s Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap. Perhaps as I inch closer to 30 I am drawn to songs capturing the innocence of youth. Perhaps I over-analyze things too…perhaps.

The Rebirth Version 37

gaycousinteddy — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:34:56 +0000

I find blogging to be similar to a lot of interests I have in my life. I love playing the piano and actually take lessons weekly, yet I find it hard to nail down consistent practice time. I enjoy physical exercise, especially running, but there are mornings when I just can’t find the motivation.Writing, I find, is something I whole-heartedly enjoy, but often neglect. Well I’m returning, for now, without any expectations of how long I’ll stay. Maybe a few of you are still checking this.

The last few months were filled with many things that contributed to my writing halt. Increased roles at my church, job stress/craziness, personal and family obligations, etc. I’m hoping I’ll have plenty to talk about (I sure do have plenty on my mind) and hope you’ll find it enjoyable.

See you soon…

American Idol Review: 3.23.10

gaycousinteddy — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:45:05 +0000

Well folks, I nailed it on the head last week when I said Lacy Brown would go home. Can my prediction be correct two weeks in a row!? We’ll see. Last night the producers at Fox gifted us with the undeniable mentoring of the great Miley Cyrus. I mean, I honestly can’t think of what music would look like today without the vast contributions of Ms. Cyrus. If it weren’t for her, I would hardly know that I should actually “put my hands up” whilst partying in the USA. I digress…

Theme: Billboard #1s with celebrity mentor Miley Cyrus (barf).

Initial Thoughts: This could be really great depending on song choice. There are countless options here, so contestants better pick something that really makes them shine before they get fucked by Country Night. Let the show begin!

Lee Dewyze The Letter - I thought the arrangement was a bit too much, but I enjoyed his vocals. I really love the tone of his voice. My only criticism would be that every verse of this song ended up sounding the same. He wasn’t flexible with notes and didn’t provide a ton of difference from line to line. That being said, I really enjoy him and hope he goes far. Song choice was a bit skeptical, but I got what he was trying to do. Score = 8

Paige Miles Against All Odds - WTF happened? This was straight up terrible. A mess, really. I want the Paige who rocks back. She’s in trouble tonight and I’m not sure she has enough of a fan base to avoid elimination. Score = 3

Tim Urban Crazy Little Thing Called Love -Snooze. The performance was boring, his vocals were ok. This didn’t show off what he could do and Simon is quite right: the whole thing was corny. He’s cute though and probably will survive another week. He needs to step it up if he wants a chance at all. Score =4

Aaron Kelly Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – You could tell he was sick as he was holding back a lot of notes. That being said, I can’t criticize him. I might have underrated this one. I’m starting to get his appeal and it’s quite possible he could go far in this competition. Not a bad performance at all for having tonsilitis! Score = 7

Crystal Bowersox Me and Bobby McGee - She just plain rocks doesn’t she? What’s not to like about her. Her vocals were outstanding tonight, as usual. The only thing that bothers me is that the song choice was quite predictable. People have compared her voice to Janis Joplin so I felt this song choice was a bit obvious. I would love to see her without the guitar and doing something completely different. She’s still the one to beat. Score = 9

Michael Lynche When A Man Loves A Woman - Kind of a weird song choice, but pretty good vocals. I like him and want to see him do well, but I think he tries a bit too hard. If he just stood there and tore the song apart, he’d be fine. I like his falsetto and his tone. But this was a bit boring. Score = 6

Andrew Garcia I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Meh. If you’re going to do Motown, put a little stank on it PLEASE! This was boring and uninspiring. What a great song and a sub par performance. I like his voice, but dude needs to figure his shit out. Score = 5

Katie Stevens Big Girls Don’t Cry - I kind of just don’t like her. There I said it. She’s too automatic and her vocals are almost too robotic. She seems so into performing it precisely that she doesn’t seem to pay attention to her pitch and tone. I dunno. People have been raving about her, but I just don’t get it. It was ok, but I didn’t love it. Score = 6

Casey James Power of Love – He’s another one that I just don’t get. He’s kind of hot, plays the guitar well and has a nice voice. But he picks the dumbest songs! I can’t take him seriously as a musician. He’d be a great lead for a cover band. Score = 7

Didi Benami You’re No Good - I actually liked this more than the judges seemed to, but I do see their point. It seemed a bit “showy” and unlike her. I think she has one of the more interesting voices and really think she’ll be around for a while. There were probably 100s of songs that would have suited her better, but I didn’t think it was that bad. Score = 7

Siobhan Magnus Superstition – This was just ok for me. I think she could have done a lot more with the verses and made it a bit more soulful. You can’t deny she can hit good notes, but she has to be more than that. Adam Lambert got a rep for just screaming all the time, but the thing that made it work was how amazing the rest of the song was. She needs to mix it up and come out with something completely different next week. But I liked this to a degree. She’s still one of my favs. Score = 8

Bottom Three: I’m going to predict that Paige, Tim and Andrew are in line for the bottom three tonight. My guess is that Paige is going home. It’s possible it’ll be Andrew and I think Tim has too big of a fan base right now for him to be in trouble. We’ll see! Overall, not a stellar night. This season hasn’t left a lot to be desired.

30 Before 30 Update: 3.23.10

gaycousinteddy — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:12:32 +0000

I went home to Michigan to visit family this past weekend and thought I completely ruined any progress I had made. I drank good beer and ate good food. However, the exercise and biking I did last week must have offset the damage, as I still lost a pound. Up to 17 total, which is very encouraging. I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing and hope for the best. See you next week!

1/26/10     5 lbs
2/2/10        2 lbs
2/9/10        1 lb
2/16/10     2 lbs
2/23/10     2 lbs
3/2/10        0 lbs (boooo)
3/9/10        2 lbs
3/16/10      2 lbs
3/23/10      1 lb

Total: 17 lbs

American Idol Review: 3.16.10

gaycousinteddy — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:16:04 +0000

Alright folks, it’s that time of year again! I originally planned on blogging a bit about the Hollywood and Top 24 weeks, but found myself to be rather uninspired. However, I’m back in the game and ready to dissect the Top 12 week after week. Before I recap the night, here is my prediction for each week’s cast-off!(note: not necessarily how I want it to happen, just how I think it will).

12. Lacy Brown
11. Tim Urban
10. Aaron Kelly
9. Paige Miles
8. Andrew Garcia
7. Michael Lynche
6. Katie Stevens
5. Didi Benami
4. Lee Dewyze
3. Casey James
2. Siobhan Magnus
1. Crystal Bowersox (winner)

Theme: Rolling Stones

Initial Thoughts: Don’t get me wrong, I love the Rolling Stones. Iconic band with amazing songs. However, I’m a little worried about tonight’s episode being completely boring. I’m not sure why, just a feeling. I think this is going to be a hard theme for certain contests to master. I digress…

Michael Lynche Miss You – I love this guy and I love his voice, but he HAS to stop dancing. When he’s stationary and working the microphone he’s kind of sexy. But when he’s dancing around on stage he looks like the State Puff Marshmallow Man! Regardless, I think he’s got mad skillz and a cute baby. An above average performance but nothing I was wowed by. Score = 7

Didi Benami Play With Fire – I really thought this was incredible. I really think she seems more comfortable on stage now and totally believable. I know some people can’t stand her, but I think she’s THE BALM! Score = 8

Casey James All Over Now – Ok. Sigh. I’m so not on the Casey James wagon. Or should I say, I’m not all over his jock like Kara. I think he’s reasonably talented but really not that great. I wonder how comfortable he’d be with the guitar? I felt like this was a very safe choice for him and at times the vocals were pretty weak. It wasn’t horrible, but meh. Score = 5

Lacy Brown Ruby Tuesday – This chick is getting so old to me. I never really loved her, but everything she does sounds the same! There wasn’t a ton of melody to the arrangement, so she couldn’t show much off. There is nothing wrong with her vocals, I just got very bored with this and am getting increasingly bored with her. Score = 4

Andrew Garcia Gimmie Shelter – I think he was a few notes away from having a really fantastic performance. There was something weird when he was singing “war children” and I’m thinking he might have been off-key briefly. It didn’t seem to work with the backup vocals. Regardless, I really enjoy him and think it was a decent performance. Great in spots, not so great in others. I hope he sticks around. Score = 6

Katie Stevens Wild Horses – This was pretty nice. That’s really all i have to say. At times it was sleepy and boring, but overall it was alright. She doesn’t inspire or excite me, but she’s a very talented singer. Score = 7.

Tim Urban Under My Thumb - I do have to give him some props for doing something a bit different with the song. However, it was pretty average. He doesn’t have a commanding voice and he knows this, which is why I commend him for doing something that will show off his talents. However, I think that’s only going to last him a little while before he gets sung right off the stage by the powerhouses. Is tonight is night to go? Score = 5

Siobhan Magnus Paint It Black - Wow. Love it or hate it, this girl has pipes. I’m actually a big fan. I don’t want her to do Screamy McScream every week, but it’s nice to hear what she’s got. She still makes weird faces when she sings, but I can get over that I suppose. Can you? Score = 9

Lee Dewyze Beast of Burden - I can’t help but love him. He’s personable, cute and has an amazing voice. I love his tone. He’s also got some Chicago connections, so I’m rooting for my boy! I really think he’s improved the most out of anyone. He’s a bit more confident and commanding and I really hope he stays around a while. I also have a mad crush on him. Score = 8

Paige Miles Honky Tonk – I really enjoy her and want her to do well. I liked the song choice a lot better than past choices. Had her voice been 100% I think she would have nailed this one. All things considered, she was pretty tight. Go Paige. Score = 7

Aaron Kelly Angie - So it really wasn’t terrible, but I feel like people like him more than they should. I didn’t think it was anything spectacular. However, he’s young and inexperienced and will probably get better. I don’t want to hate him, but I found this performance a bit sleepy and boring. I dunno. He is a cutie though, and quite endearing, so I can understand why no one wants to dog him. Score = 6

Crystal Bowersox You Can’t Always Get What You Want – I still think she’s the front-runner, but I’d agree with Simon: She totally lost the night to Siobhan. That being said, I’m pretty sure she’ll be around until the end. I’m predicting her to win it all. Great song choice, pretty nice delivery, but nothing crazy good about it. It was pretty safe and predictable in a lot of ways. Still, I love her. Score = 8

Bottom Three Prediction: I’m going to go with Lacy Brown, Tim Urban and Katie Stevens for the bottom. I’m guessing Lacy will go home, but perhaps someone like Tim Urban as well. When there are 12, anything can happen as the votes are saturated. Look for perhaps a surprise castaway like Andrew Garcia or Michael Lynche who might have been swept under the rug by the girls.

Thirty Before Thirty Update: 3.16.10

gaycousinteddy — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:10:01 +0000

In case you wondered, the really amazing sausage, egg and cheese thing in a croissant from Dunkin Donuts is 16 points! UGH! How many times have I ate that little bitch? Regardless, I’ve had a few very successful weeks and I’m feeling pretty good. Saucy, really. I know things will slow down and the next 14 pounds will be a bit harder, but 16 is more than I had hoped for at his point!

1/26/10     5 lbs
2/2/10        2 lbs
2/9/10        1 lb
2/16/10     2 lbs
2/23/10     2 lbs
3/2/10        0 lbs (boooo)
3/9/10        2 lbs
3/16/10      2 lbs

Total: 16 lbs

Still Moment: Canada Rules

gaycousinteddy — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:31:15 +0000

Sure our Olympic victory over Canada in hockey was brilliant and stunning. However…these girls are quite right. Canada still kind of kicks ass. I have nothing but love for my northern neighbors.

30 Before 30 Update: 2.23.10

gaycousinteddy — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:43:37 +0000

Sorry for the lack of updates! This week I weighed in and lost another 2 pounds. That puts my total loss at 12 pounds total. I’m pretty happy with Weight Watchers so far and am hoping my progress continues. Something I learned this week: Chipotle is deceiving. I got a burrito bowl, hoping it would be healthier. The whole thing was 19 points! I had chicken, black beans, tomato salsa, lettuce, cheese, quac and sour cream. Now, Obviously the points are in the last three right? I had it again and took out the quac and cheese and it became 13 points. That’s still a lot of points! The rice and beans pack quite a bit of calories. Chipotle always seems healthy, but it’s quite dangerous as you can see.

Anyway, here’s the breakdown of weekly progress.

1/26/10     5 lbs
2/2/10        2 lbs
2/9/10        1 lb
2/16/10     2 lbs
2/23/10     2 lbs

Total Loss 12 lbs

The Ditty 2.2.10

gaycousinteddy — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:22:17 +0000

I need to send a little love in the way of my boo Jason Mraz this week. If you aren’t aware, Jason picked up too (very much deserved) awards this past weekend. Jason one Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for Make it Mine and Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals for Lucky (with Colbie Caillat). I’m so excited for him and send congratulations and love through the ether-waves/blogosphere/whatever. If you know me, you know that I have a bit of a love affair with him. I also read his blog and you should probably do the same.

Congrats Jason! Above is Traveler/Make It Mine from his live dvd recorded in Chicago. I was, of course, in attendance.

30 Before 30 Update: 2/2/10

gaycousinteddy — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:43:33 +0000

I should have blogged last week, but didn’t. Oops. As you might remember, I have a current goal to lose 30 lbs before my 30th birthday. I’m using weight watchers with coworkers as my catalyst. I’m happy to let all of you know that last week I lost 5 lbs after my first full week with weight watchers! Today was my second weigh-in and I lost an additional 2 lbs.

I’m pretty happy with the results so far. Weight Watchers, to be honest, isn’t terribly difficult. I have just found that I’m more deliberate about my eating, the time I eat and definitely what I eat.

As a “diet,” I certainly don’t feel hungry or even like I’m on a diet.If you’re thinking about Weight Watchers as an option, give it a whirl.

1/26/10 5 lbs

2/2/10 2 lbs

Total Loss 7 lbs