JPF Home Page Forums General Messages General Message Forum Favourite Karaoke Singer?

I gotta rant a bit...
I find it strange that here, of all places something like Karaoke Idol gets serious attention! Sure,they can sing well, maybe they've worked hard at it, but come on...it's glorified Karaoke!

Any Biblical types should be especially offended; that whole 'false idols' thing. These people have songs handed to them to sing, sure they make 'arrangements' of some songs but really folks, make them write a song to win with and we'll see how the future of the show unfolds...

They might just as well make a show for people who read music really well, and give them chart after chart to play, all cover tunes of course.

there...had to get that off my chest!

I also find it bizarre that on a songwriting forum where the accent should be on home produced stuff so much attention is devoted to AI.
I detest all these amateur shows. In recent years there has been a spate of them on both sides of the pond. What really annoys me is the exploitation of the people who obviously have "problems" who are made a fool of on national TV.
I have had my fingers burned for daring to say that these IDOL shows were all glorified Karaoke singers with little or no talent and Simon Cowell was a crook who has done nothing but harm to our profession.
Marc I am afraid you and I are in the minority but it is nice to meet a kindred spirit.

Idol is the worst thing to ever come along.
It has killed the live music scene.
If these "idols" could play the songs that they are performing I MIGHT watch.
DIE American Idol !

JJ

I agree with almost everything said here.

RE: Idol. I watch the auditions but that is about it. But I would have to say that I would rather see 'dancing with the bleep-ing stars' DIE first.

We really need more people inn the mp3 and lyric forums. There are thousands of people here and only a fraction of those post in those forums.

Hi All:

I know this thread is really about American Idol and I have many issues with it. That being said... it is entertainment... sometimes! I enjoy trying to pick the poor soul to whom the "phone-in teeny-boppers" are about to reject.

On the other hand... if this thread had really been about exactly who is my favorite Karaoke Singer... my choice, without hesitation... would be: GRAHAM HENDERSON

JPF has not been the same without this guy from "Down Under." We miss you Graham. Drop us a line here sometime... just to let us know you're still alive and kicking.

Dave

There is a good side to AI etc. It makes you more appreciative of good music after hearing that crap.

Ok so we have a show where people go on and sing songs someone else wrote. They are young. They are trying to make it in a business that has the odds stacked against them.
They get up on a stage every week and sing in front of millions of people who will make fun of every little mistake they make. Then have the courage to get up on the stage the next week and do it again.
I wonder how well the folks that make fun of them would do under those same lights with Simon Cowell sitting there ready to call them an idiot in front of 50 million people?
Now this has been said to be the worst thing to happen to music in the last century.
It should be banned.....how dare they allow people to be on TV and sing songs they did not write. It does not matter how good they can sing.. Dammit they didn't write the songs so it's all bullshit, it's criminal I say. It's CRAP.
Anyone who sings someone else's songs ain't nothing but a crappy Karaoke singer.

Then we have
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=687727&songID=6303809

And
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WISX2oSExIA

and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuQKYOxV_h0

Of course I could go on but I think you get the idea.
These folks should be banned from the music world. They didn't write these songs. They are just crappy Karaoke singers.

Yes Bill you are correct. These people deserve their place over all the talented people who can sing and can play and can write. Life sucks. It is a relief that they are there to redress the balance.

Big Jim what is it that you have against these people? They aren't doing anything you don't do. They are not doing anything Janice Joplin didn't do, or Johnny Cash, or any other singer who has ever recorded someone elses song. Or any other young singer with a dream. Why do you detest these people so?


The fact that you don't think they have any talent is irrelevant. I happen to think many of them are extremely good vocalists. Some better than others, some should have stayed home.
But this hatred you seem to have for the contestants is bordering on irrational.
25 to 50 Million people watch this show every year. And many of the AI contestants have developed into very good singers/songwriters/performers.
Kelly Clarkson, Kelly Pickler, Clay Aikin, Chris Daughtry. to name a few.
Have you sold 5 Million Albums? Clay Aikin has. But you think he sucks. That's OK. I can't stand Rascal Flatts. Not because they have no talent tho. I just don't like the way the lead singer sings through his nose. But I don't hate the guy. And I sure don't think I am better than he is. If I was I would be selling millions of albums.


Making a decent living as a club singer and being an international star are worlds apart. Is that the problem. you didn't make it so no one should.
Whether Simon Cowell is an ass or not is not the issue. You think they are just exploiting these kids. I guess they are to an extent but isn't every major label or producer out there exploiting performers to a degree.

Jim I really like you but you really need to take a step back and think through this.

Everyone who has never once sang - or recorded - a cover tune is surely entitled to complain about AI being "karaoke". It would also be appropriate for any gold or platinum recording artists who want to post complaints.

I guess Celine Dion, Frank Sinatra, and countless others artists who only sang songs they DIDN'T write don't deserve their fame.

Otherwise, it's a bit of the pot calling the kettle black. Either that or a bit of sour grapes. [or as they say on the AI board: "you're jus' jellus!"]

I played in front of 5,000-8,000 people when I was touring, which is a nice rush. But performing in front of 25 MILLION people - I can't even imagine the pressure or the adrenaline...

Karaoke mostly has a dozen or two people in the beer-guzzling or pizza-eating audience.

C'mon, the AI fans HERE are not stupid (although I might question the rationality of some of the voters), and we all know that AI is NOT infallible, but it does provide a very real opportunity for those who can somehow, some-way get enough attention, and gain enough popularity to make it to the top 5 or so. Then they have a real chance at BIG success in this business. I don't think that's a BAD thing at all. Will the best singer win? Probably not, but it will be a good singer. Whether they can also sell CDs is another matter, but they at least got the shot at it.

...but hey, if you guys need a rant thread, have at it.

I have to agree with Bill and Larry. The truth is, the business end of music has always been about exploitation of the artist to one degree or another. Some of the best singer/songwriters/artist in history were screwed by the businessmen in charge of getting the music played. Not all of them but a whole lot of them - at least when they first started and didn't know what to watch for.

AI does something no other show has done. It gives aspiring singers a chance to be heard by millions of people. And if you aren't a seasoned performer, which most of them aren't, I think it takes a whole lot of guts to get up there and take the chance that most of the viewers will think you suck.

There are a lot of reasons for the demise of the live music scene. AI isn't one of them. The live music scene hasn't had a good year since the late 80's or early 90's at best - at least 10 years before AI started. The exception of course, being the JPF road trips...

If next year is anything like this year as far as talent goes, they should rename it, "American Idle"

OK Bill and Larry plus anyone else who agrees with you. I will spell it out for you. I have nothing against people singing cover versions of other peoples songs. Hell I do it for a living.
My gripe is that people, mostly undeserving, are being thrust into fame fortune and stardom without the necessary talent or experience. There are countless very talented people "In the business" who do not get the chance to show off their talent. So why drag people with mediocre pedigrees off the street and make them stars. Give someone who actually has talent the chance first. When there is so much talent out there performing new original songs why re record old faithfulls sung by third rate pop tarts and boy bands. It staggers me to think that people actually enjoy this crap and want more. It is even more surprising that people on a songwriting forum who HAVE TALENT cannot see through this hype and con and vehemently defend this mediocrity.
Please show me which part of my argument is so wrong.

Well Big Jim I guess that is the problem.
I don't see any reason why these contestants should not have a chance at the brass ring.
No more than any other mediocre diva or boy singer that has been thrust into stardom.
Sure, there are countless other people out there that have a ton of talent that never get the chance. Does it make it wrong that these contestants get the chance.
What you are saying is that because you might know someone who is talented and not getting a break, why should these people get a break.
If you can't have it no one should have it.
That's irrational.
What I find hard to believe is that you believe life is fair.
You believe these contestants can't sing, have no talent, and are mediocre.
Well, quite frankly, I believe most of the bands or singers I hear on radio or whatever are pretty bad as well. They got a break and we get to hear them. There are countless other bands playing bars and county fairs that will never reach stardom.
That does not mean that no one should.

Just sounds like so much sour grapes to me. Sorry you feel that way.
Oh one more thing

Give someone who actually has talent the chance first?

Where are these people? why don't they try out?

Exactly Jim, NONE of your arguement is wrong!!!!! and thanks for agreeing with me. I posted that with a little trepidation yesterday. You and I, and hopefully anyone else here work hard at the honig,tunig, tweaking, perfection and hopefully eventual mastery of our art and craft. And yes people like Sinatra, Dion (eeeeew!) and the rest...they are mouth pieces for someone elses labours, interpreters.

I haven't said the AI fns are stupid, but they are pandering to mediocrity, accepting and even encouraging it. What is this forum about? Songwriters primarily but also composers and technicians, NOT people looking to have their material given to them...ever wonder just how those glossy idols 'write' their whole CD and have it released mere months after their win???

What can be taught is tempo, phrasing (a bit) lyric memorizing, mic. technique, smiling for the camera, what cannot be taught is pitch control,either you have it or you don't...you can encourage and even train yourself to recognize the difference between pitches (higher/lower) but a 'tone deaf' person can never be beaten into awarenes of pitch. Pitch control for someone who is capable can certainly be enhanced. Which is exactly the same thing as a beginner guitar student who can tell something's wrong with the tuning of their instrument, but don't know which string should go up or down.

Most of the technical part of singing comes from the left brain, the words,the syllables, the purely mechanical part. It is the right brain's influence to turn these mechanical bits into song, your right brain has control of your pitch manipulation; modifying and monitoring it and also the inflections and subtleties of that control ie vibrato, volume.

We have a left brain-centric society, one which rewards those who can memorize long pages of facts and figures, who can follow established routines, 'hold the line'; intuition is hardly ever encouraged adn is often dis-couraged in school aged kids. Dance is almost entirely right brained in it's spatial sence ie body position, speed, rhythm, that is exclusively the domain of the right brain, the left brain counts and remember positions.

So singing shows encourage the right brain to inject some intuitive performances into established forms (songs) and the dance shows encourage the spatial sence of body position and control with an original routine each week. The major difference in the shows is that the singers are not given the job of writng a song or two each week,the dancers have to learn new routines every week. The singers stand still (more or less) and the dancers are forced to allow their righ brain to take control and move them over the dance floor. It comes down to copying/imitating or creating,why encourage copying?

Bill you are twisting my words I did not say that at all. What I am saying is that we are being bombarded with so much crap from these Karaoke type shows that it is stifling real talent and people with real talent are not getting a chance to bloom. It is not sour grapes or envy it is anger that our business is suffering. I am nearly 55 and thinking about retiring what have I got to be envious of. Sure lots of money would be nice but no big deal if I never see it. As for fame well had a taste of it once did not like it.
Yes you are correct about the quality of stuff on radio and TV being crap. That is why I feel so bad about the whole thing. I would prefer to listen to Soundclick or Ourstage or even some of the stuff on JPF. I am sure that there is a hell of a lot stuff there more deserving than AI or any of those other similar shows so why do these people not get a chance.
I do not want to fall out over this I just have a very strong opinion on MUSIC something that has been part of my life for so long. I hate to see good talent go to waste and third raters getting everything.

Marc you posted same time as me. I told you I got it in the neck for daring to criticise AI. Now I got it in the neck again. Good job we neanderthals got good strong necks.

Big Jim, as Bill said above, there have always been many people with boatloads more talent than those who become stars. That's probably true in almost any field but very true in music. But American Idol did not start that trend. I'm sure we've all known singers, musicians and songwriters who blew us away but never "made it." There are many reasons why this happens but it has been noted many times that persistence almost always wins over talent.

American Idol wasn't the first to "exploit" singers though it's a pretty clever way to do it. What American Idol does offer is a chance for someone who thinks he/she can sing, to have an instant audience and a chance to get exposure he/she would most likely not be able to do on their own. This is a very valuable opportunity but there's a price just like anything else. To me, if you can get up and perform well knowing 30 million people are watching and you don't choke, you are deserving of at least the attention you are getting.

I used to watch AI more but it doesn't bother me to miss any shows. I like to record it and play it back later so I can zip through commercials and most of the banter. I think the appeal of the show is mostly for those who just want to enjoy something on TV a couple of nights a week. It's not for everyone but clearly, a lot of people like it. That doesn't make anyone wrong. It's just a preference. You don't want anything to do with it and that's no problem. Some of us enjoy it and that shouldn't be a problem either.

That said, a part of me totally understands your POV so I certainly don't begrudge what you are saying. I just don't think shows like AI are as responsible for the ills of the current state of the biz as you seem to think.

I assume you're talking about my stuff. I'd be more 'n happy to help you out. I just posted a new song called "Ain't That Broke". Go ahead, give 'er a listen and let me know what you think.

T

Well Big Jim
If there are people so much more deserving on Soundclick or JPF then why are they not out there standing in line to get a shot.
All it takes is to go to the audition.
Are you suggesting that they would NOT get chosen BECAUSE they have talent?
I don't think I am twisting your words at all. You are saying there are better singers out there who will never get the chance. OK I can accept that.
But...why not? Why won't they get the chance? what is stopping them? American Idol does not have a sign that says "talented need not apply". do they?

We had a couple people here who tried out for Nashville Star. If memory serves me right they did not make it. Both admitted there was a lot of very good talent there and they were the ones that got picked.

This is a disagreement, nothing more. So we are cool

One more question Big Jim

Can you truly say to me that Carrie Underwood is a mediocre singer? Or Chris Daughtry?

It's not to say that ALL participants are mediocre, you get plenty of great performers at the most unassuming open mic nights, those two (and others) are the 'cream that rose to the top', but what would they have done if not for AI? Nothing? Something? Everything was given to them to do, come on, even the losers get gigs out of that show!

LOL

ok so what we need is a show that:

Contestants must;
Write their own lyrics
Compose their own music
play the music(all the music, no band)
Manage their own career
Book all their own gigs.

well lets do this right
Be the soundman
run the lights
Do all the engineering
Mastering
Sales promotion
Graphic for the CD
Play all the instruments

And in the future only folks that write their own songs will be allowed success in the music business.
So us wannabe songwriters might as well give it up.

Well, isn't that the beauty of it!!?!?!? It's a shot in the dark opportunity at something that some of these contestants may never have had a chance to experience without AI ... it's a long shot avenue to a crazy dream!!!

You know, many of this year's participants ARE people who have been working in the music business.
IDK ... I am a working musician. If American Idol came through my neighbor (when i was much younger, of course) and I had been banging on doors trying to break into the music world .. you bet your butt I would be in line at the audition!
I don't see how going after a new opportunity would make me any less of an artist! That's just plain silly thinking!

In the meantime, I will continue to write songs, play gigs .. submit songs and hope that maybe I'll hear some "karaoke" singer singing my songs!!!
JMHO
Joanne

YYYEEEEEAAAAAA me too.

Good questions but what would happen to someone who went the "traditional" route and didn't get "lucky" somewhere along the way? If you are saying American Idol is a "shortcut" for some, I agree. But that doesn't mean they don't deserve it any more than someone who "paid their dues." IMO, If you're that good, you should be heard whether you take the long road or the short road to fame.

If you're not that good, you shouldn't be heard IMO but who's ultimately going to decide? The people will either reject or support an artist who has a chance to be heard. There have certainly been many artists liked by a lot of people who I thought were crap. Does that mean they shouldn't have been heard? I say no. We all have our own standards of good and bad and if enough people want to hear what I don't like, I don't have the right to deny that to them.

And while it's true that I believe my standards are right and everyone else's standards are wrong (those who disagree with me :)), I'm not so arrogant to believe that my standards should be forced on everyone else. That being the case, the only possible issue for me with shows like AI, is the contestants are taking the fast track to exposure without "paying their dues." And as someone who has paid a few dues but not enough to deserve to be heard... yet... I really can't say I blame these contestants for taking the fast track if it's available to them. If someone gave me a fast track today rather than the road I still have left to take, I'd jump on it in a heartbeat.

None of this means that I'm going to rush out a buy a CD of the winner. Many times, I don't like them enough to buy their music. But if others want to spend their money on it, that's okay by me.

What's wrong with the argument? Are you serious?

Following this (il)logic, we should NOT be helping out random hurricane or other disaster victims who go out of their way to seek assistance.

We should ONLY give the money to those who MOST deserve it - not people with a "mediocre" need. We should send someone to explore each of the affected areas to seek out those most deserving. Just because someone shows up and asks for some assistance doesn't mean they're the MOST deserving person - they should not get ANY assistance if those needing it the MOST don't get it first. They may not be deserving of much assistance at all, so why bother with them? It's unfair to those really deserving a break.

I'm sure there are THOUSANDS of people more deserving of aid than those who receive it. Just because they show up and put in the effort doesn't mean they deserve it the most.

That logic would also fail in a regular employment situation: You shouldn't hire the first person who shows up for the interview because they are probably NOT the best person for that job. However, they fulfill the minimum requirements and most importantly - they're there. But the above logic says you can't give them a chance because there are more qualified people out there. As a manager, I'd want to hire the person to fill the vacant position.

On a related note...

This site isn't limited to singer/songwriters performing their own works. Many people here write exclusively for other people to perform their works. Would either of you guys still have your noses up in the air if Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, or (gawd forbid) Celine Dion wanted to record one of your tunes? If you would accept the opportunity, then you are both hypocrites since without AI, the opportunity to pitch to most of those people wouldn't exist. If you would PASS on the opportunity, then I think you'd be less smart than you should be.

The "losers" are placing 3rd or 4th out of 100,000 who auditioned and 50 who even got to go to Hollywood. Not all of the top 10 are going to make it. In reality, the entire "package" to make it (and sell CDs) only happens to one or two people per year who are in the top 5.

Again, giving these people an opportunity is bad why? Because YOU didn't get the opportunity? Because they didn't write the songs? It just sounds so conceited that you would deny opportunities to others just because you didn't get it or that YOUR assessment of the best didn't get the opportunity. Platinum-selling artists are not "born". They are manufactured: great songs, great performances, great recordings, and plenty of the big, ugly marketing machine behind them.

Based on some of the recent songs written by artists (and following your logic), I could certainly argue that artists should NOT write. They are mostly "mediocre" writers and are therefore denying opportunities to much better songwriters than them. Why should they get mediocre songs recorded just because they wrote them? They should simply perform and leave songwriting to the songwriters. You would get better songs.

I agree with my sitar making friend, Tom, that the talent this year ranks a little lower on the scale than in years past, with a couple of exceptions. But, all in all, I think he is right about this year's group as a hole.

I have a couple of thoughts about the American Idol process/show. I watch it about two-thirds of the time. If the Cardinals are on TV at the same time, I watch the game rather than American Idol. Big Jim, the Cardinals are our local professional baseball team. I am not obsessed with watching it. I do not quit whatever I am doing just to go watch it. If I'm doing nothing else at the time, I watch. But when I do watch it, I usually enjoy it. That said, I have never once voted for anyone. As I said, I usually enjoy it...I'm just not obsessed with it.

First, regarding the overall talent as a group: The contestants that the judges have to choose from are not initially from a culled group. As the process goes along, yes they are culled by three judges and, ultimately, the voting public. But, the original aspirants are those who simply choose to stand in line for 16 to 30 hours, regardless of weather, etc. That certainly does not mean that they are more talented than a lot of other folks...it means only that they have both the tenacity and desire to be considered for the show. There are probably thousands of more talneted folks who will not do that. Thus, the talent pool from which the judges have to choose is determined by whomever chooses to show up, regardless of talent, rather than those meeting a minimal talent level. That is not the fault of the jusges. The intent of the show is to prove that if you do have talent, in the eyes of the judges and the American audience, you can acheive success in the music business. That is simply the way the show has been put together by its producers. You and I do not have the privilege of deciding the how the contest is run.

Second, the fact that people with significant talent do not show up in any appreciable numbers is disappoiting. But, it is their choice to not show up. That leads right back to my first point...the talent pool is formed by those with the most tenacity than it is with more folks who probably have the most amount of talent. So, the knock that there is not better talent goes on the talented folks who choose to not participate. I admire the tenacity of those who do wait forever in endless lines, although my admiration is usally tempered a bit later when they open their mouths.

I do think there is at least a small amount of sour grapes from those who have mentioned all the hard working musical types who have been workin their rear-ends off and have never had major success outside their local area, for the most part. Keep in mind, though, that many of these folks who think that they are more talented, and you are probably right in many instances, may not be the type of talent that American Idol is looking for and have little to no chance of getting beyond the intitial round of judging. we ghave some amazing talent here at JPF. But, many of the folks here are not what American is looking for. American Idol is not looking for Jazz singers, crooners, Latin music performers, Rappers, Grunge, World, Americana performers, etc. They are primarily looking for mainstream Pop-Rock or Contemporary Country types, although Taylor Hicks and Reuben Studdard somewhat deviate from that model. None the less, those two were not performing in any of the relatively obscure genres, or genres with a minimal fan base. That immediately eliminates a lot of folks with more talent than what you see on the show. Some folks say that well, they ought to let those more talented folks on the show. But, that is neither the design nor the intent of the show. So, it most likely is not going to happen. And then, I once again go back to my original statement...the more talented folks that you and I know, or know of, who are more talented and fall into the category that American Idol is looking for, have chosen to not participate. Perhaps they do not want to take 6 - 12 months off from their careers. Perhaps they cannot afford to do so. But, whatever their reasons are, they have chosen to not participate. And, like I said, remember that the show determines the type of talent they are looking for. You and I do not make that choice.

Of the ones who remain into the later rounds, are they all mediocre karaoke singers? I do not think all of them are. But I would agree that some of them are. But, I would never classify Chris Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and similar talents, as mediocre by any definition.

And finally, I do not understand why the folks who do not like the show simply allow the folks who do enjoy do so in peace without being more or less chastised for doing so. I absolutely cannot stand the taste of sour cream...it is one of the most horrible, disgusting food items that a person could put in their mouth, in my opinion. However, I do not question the taste and/or sensibilities of those who do like it. I let them eat it in peace and do not look down upon them for it. I have my opinion...they have theirs. And that's okay! If you do not like American Idol, why do you watch it? If I didn't like something as intently as you folks apparently do not like American Idol, I surely wouldn't torture myself for an hour of it every week. And if you do not watch, how can you comment on it with any credability? Do you really torture yourselves for an hour just so you will have something to complain about?

I have never understood why those who do not like something...anything...always want to try to trash for those who do....or trash those who do like it. To me that sounds almost elitist...my taste is better than yours, and I can't wait to tell you why. It seems the "Live and let live" attitude does not apply to things you do not like...only if other folks agree with you.

I'm done!

Al

AMEN

Interestingly, Frank Sinatra got his start on "The Original Amateur Hour." I believe it was while Major Bowes was the host. When I was a child, Ted Mack hosted it and more recently Willard Scott has hosted it.

I've never particularly liked song contests as entertainment. If I want to watch contests, I watch sports or politics. If I want art, I listen to music or look at paintings. Nothing wrong with contests, they just don't float my boat. So, I've never seen more than maybe 10 minutes of AI, ever. But, there's always an outcry about the new from the old. I remember the "Disco Sucks" movement, the criticism about modern pop reminds me of that.

Personally, I have yet to hear a genre of music that didn't have good and bad music. In all my life, there has yet to be a time during which the current music wasn't dismissed as inferior to previous music. The folkies thought the Beatles sucked. The flower children thought the glam rockers sucked. The glam rockers thought the punks sucked. The punks sucked, but they were proud of it. It's the same in Country, the same in Bluegrass, the same in Irish music.

Pretty funny.

OH MY GOODNESS Alan!! You just made so many wonderful points I almost had to "QUOTE" the whole post!!!

Now .. listen to me ... I am certain if you tried Sour Cream the way "I" prepare it ... i am sure you would love it!!! HAH! 'cmon.. just try it!!!

Joanne

As a former punk rocker from way back when, I have to take exception with ..... oh wait... Yeah, you're right.

I cannot believe that I am actually witnessing so many people defending mediocrity. As I said before if you get enough of it before long it becomes acceptable, the norm.
I often wonder what the business would be like without Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood or Simon Cowell oh well sweet happy dreams are what keep us going.

What Al said

except the part about the sour cream


MMMMM big heaping spoonfuls ona baked potato

OH! how could you have Beef Stroganov without sour cream...

C'Mon Al...Live a little.

The business without Carrie Underwood?
Hmmmmmm A little less enjoyable?

And since Simon don't sing I don't care

Big Jim,

I am not defending mediocrity per se. I am simply defending the right for it to exist if that's what some people want. Also, as are so many words, the term mediocrity is defined by the person using it at a given time. Your mediocrity may be my star-studded prize that shines above all else; or it may be my swamp of drudgery that does even rise to the level of what I call mediocity.

But, regardless of how we may disagree on this and a few other things, you're still one of my favorites folks at JPF!

Al

Bill,

That's why I do not eat it! For my baked potato, give me way too much butter, a ton of salt and pepper, either melted or shredded cheddar, some bacon bits and a few jalapeno slices and I'm good to go. In fact, the dat before yesterday helen and I had baked potatoes and a large green sald for lunch. they were those huge, one pound plus baking spuds. She had a glass of sweet tea and I had a Dr. Pepper. We finsihed if off with a slice of cherry cheesecake. Now, if you fine folks will excuse me, I'm going to go fix Helen and me some lunch!

Bill, I am living a little. I eat jalapenos on a BUNCH of things! Now, why don't you live a little!??!

Al

Joanne,

I am sure that anything you fixed would be marvelous!

Alan

the ? is who is my favourite Karaoke singer?...well that would be me, when i'm chock full o' drink and finally don't give a hoot about my performance :o)

I think that we're down to the real issue: Mediocrity is in the eyes of the beholder, as is beauty.

Hmmmm...I wonder...if mediocrity didn't exist, how would we know if something was better than that?


[...and if a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it...]

Bill Beef strog is one of my favourites we have it regular. My wife is a great cook. As a matter I just bought some beef strips for tomorrows dinner. Open invite anytime you want some.

After considerable thought on the matter I have determined that Sour Cream is Mediocre and Moker Jarret is not.

I just went to the frig and took out the Sour Cream. Opened it and had a little taste....yep mediocre. No stars, no bells went off, I didn't get chills up my spine. Not much taste at all actually.
Yep...Mediocre

Now Jalepeno's ...well now that's another story. I like Jalepeno's. I even wrote a song called Jalepeno Mama. And I don't think it's mediocre. I was hoping for a Karaoke singer to want to sing it and I'd get to hear it on the Radio Karaoke circuit.

But a little while ago I happened to listen to "I Got A Phone Call Yesterday" for about the two hundreth time and Yep Moker is NOT mediocre.

Well actually Moker I think the subject was a clever disguise to introducing another American Idol thread for bashing it.
Brian has already said he doesn't want another AI thread.

I do agree that jalapenos are NOT mediocre. Mostly, they are well above the norm.

...but which is more mediocre, sour cream or guacamole?

What's a jalapenos?
I know guacamole and that is slightlly the wrong side of mediocre. Yoghurt is a sort of sour cream and it is not mediocre unless it is natural then it is mediocre. I like unnatural flavoured yoghurt now that is not mediocre unless it does not have bits of fruit in it then it is mediocre.
Now bran flakes has a whole category of its own.
Now Moker is not mediocre. although he sounds it. It takes all kinds now if we did not have mediocre then we would just have average. Now some people are exceptionally tall like me and some people are short below average but some are just average I suppose you could call them mediocre but it does not sound right.

Jalepenos
Mexican/Texas Hot pepper....mediocre

Not to be confused with Habeneros. Now there's a pepper
Wear rubber gloves when you handle them babies

I like peppers but do not go to the toilet after handling a Scottish bonnet (that is the best pepper on the market) Brings a whole new meaning to feeling HOT HOT HOT. LOL

I once drank a whole bottle of Tabasco hot pepper sauce for a bet. I should have just bought the drink that won. I thought I was going to die.

Luckily, I never get to watch it cuz I'm busy GIGGING every night.. WHOO HOOO!

On the Scoville Heat scale Scottish Bonnet's rank slightly below the Habenero, but they are so close it does not matter.
I would NOT want to eat either.

But they pale in comparison to a Joloki from india. Them will kill ya.