Tuesday, September 27, 2011

RIP Shelby (d:09/26/2011)


Shelby - 05/14/2011
Shelby, a black-lab mix we had gotten from the Lafayette Humane Society a little after Christmas, 2002, died this morning.

When my wife moved up here in July, 2001, she'd had to leave her dogs. The cats we had were ok, but she really wanted a dog. So I promised her a dog for Christmas. Early in 2002, we began looking. We went to Lafayette, where my parents lived, and to Lafayette's Humane Society. We'd gone to look for a small dog, but they didn't have any at the time. Among the dogs they did have, this black lab was super friendly, and Chris decided she wanted her.

When we got her, we were told they thought she was 2 to 2-1/2 years old. Also, when we got her, they thought she'd been spade. We took her to the vet's, got her shots, and he said he thought she'd been spade., but I'm getting a bit ahead of myself.

Shelby was a "mama's dog", meaning she hung out around Chris all day, including "vulturing" from the back of the couch over her as she watched TV or read. (For those who remember, think of Snoopy on a limb or the back of a chair.)

2002
She also considered herself a lap-dog. Chris would get home from work, sit down, and Shelby would be in her lap, licking away. (I called her a Yaegermeister - you know... A black licker! LOL)

She was a pretty good dog. We'd take her out back, and if she wandered out of our yard, we'd call her, and she'd come running back to us. We tried to give her a "run" with a wire stretched across the yard, and a relatively long leash, so she had the run of most of the back yard. But the noise the wheel made on the wire scared her, so all we could do was tie her up.

Well, seems there was this male black lab mix running around the neighborhood at the time. We tied her up outside to do her business, and apparently, HE did HIS. A few short months later, and we had puppies. Here are the updates I sent to friends at the time about Shelby, her puppies, and what our cats thought about the situation:
As mentioned, we kept two of her puppies - Kirby and KC.

Chris visited home at least every month or so, and Shelby and the other dogs tended to be very depressed when she was not home. But when she got back, they almost attacked her, hoping onto her lap and licking away.

Well, Chris' 12yo rat-terrier became pregnant by the next-door neighbor's Spitz. In September, she had three puppies. In October, Chris went back to Fort Branch, and when she came home, she had one of the puppies, she called Jake. Shelby and the "grrls" nosed and licked him, and he had a home.

Whenever we went out on our deck, Shelby and KC would wrestle a bit, and Jake would try to join in. Kirby tended to shy away, though she'd join in now and then. Over the years, Jake came to "rule the roost", and he and Shelby would "wrestle" around the living room. Jake would growl and nip at her back legs, she'd run around with him chasing her, and he'd stand over her chewing on her ears. The others were scared when they did - I think Shelby could be a bit rough, and with Jake growling and such - they tended to huddle by Chris or me.

2003 





Shelby also tended not to hang around OUR yard, but visited the neighbors' at times. However, early on, we didn't worry about that. All of the dogs would go out with Chris or me, and would come right back in, when they were done. But, there was this one day ---

I got home from work before Chris. I took the dogs out, and they did their business. However, Shelby wandered on down the street while I was dealing with the other two. I called to her and she kept right on wandering down toward 39. Kirby and KC wanted to follow, but I corralled them and ushered them into the house. Then I headed down toward 39, calling Shelby's name. By the time I got to 39, and a little north on it, I saw a black lab being loaded into a car - Actually, the people opened the car door, and the dog jumped in! I was SURE it was Shelby, but couldn't be positive. I went back home, grabbed the leash, and headed back out to 39. I went the same direction, and by the time I got to Brendenwood's stop-light, I was sure that Shelby was gone. About that time, a pickup went through the light, across to the gas station, carrying a man, a woman and ... a black lab. I crossed 39, and as I was getting close to the truck, I asked if that were their dog. They said no, that they didn't have a phone right now, and was going to call the number on the tag. I asked if the number was - our number - and they said yes. So, I hooked up Shelby, and dragged her back home. At the time I had a hard boot on one foot (after a surgery), and at the distance I had already walked, it was hurting. Anyway, I got her home, and shortly after, I believe, Christopher got all three dogs tags with name, address, phone number, etc., on them.

2008
That was a long time ago. More recently, Shelby was much slower than the other dogs in coming back in for Chris (no leash, again). She tended to stop and smell the air. (We live close to Pizza Hut, so that's probably part of what she was smelling.) Her eyes were starting to get a little cloudy, but she seemed to be able to see and hear ok, Still, she was getting old - about 84-90 in dog years.

Well a couple of days ago, there was no real indication that anything was going to happen. Shelby and Jake wrestled a bit, and Shelby acted quite normally - taking her time outside,... laying by the food bowl (guarding it) and munching while laying down... etc.

We had a garage sale, and for the last part of each day - Friday and Saturday - the dogs were out, greeting people, enjoying the freedom, etc. Shelby was the last to come back in, but again, that was normal.

I got up Sunday at about 12:45, and Shelby was laying in the bathroom. She normally would get up and go into the living room, but she didn't. She bent out of my way. She was panting, but that was relatively normal for her at times, too, so I didn't think anything of it.

I went out to the living room and a few minutes later, Shelby came out of the bathroom. She came into the living room, and I noticed she was kind of wobbily on her feet. She hacked up some mucus, and wandered toward me, heading into the laundry room. I called her out of there, because I knew she'd probably poo there. She came back, and about 1/2-way back, she gacked again. When she got to me, I petted her. She sat down, like normal, but then she laid down, breathing hard, on her side.

I petted her a few minutes, and after she didn't move much, I called Chris, and told her something was wrong with Shelby.  She got up and took the dogs out and Shelby didn't even try to get up. When she came back in, I told her about the gack - mostly food in one - I'd already cleaned up, and the two new puddles

Then we put a sheet under her and dragged her into the living room, so I could use my wheelchair into and out of the kitchen. She didn't even raise her head when we did this. She laid in the living room, and Chris laid by her all day. Chris got up a couple of times to take the others out, and Shelby struggled to her feet, and went out, but either Chris had to pick up her front end and drag her in (very bad for her already bad back, but I couldn't really help very well from the wheelchair, and if I'd have tried standing, I'd have fallen over), or as soon as she hit the hardwood floor inside the door, she'd lay down, and Chris would have to drag her over to the sheet.

Chris had also looked up some things on the internet. We thought maybe she had a stroke, and some sites said that the dog could not only survive, but with time, could recover from one. We called Indianapolis Emergency Vet Hospital to ask questions, but they wanted us to bring her in, which we could NOT afford. We discussed if there were no changes taking her to one of the local vets, and if they couldn't do anything, to have her put down.  Chris had been syringe-feeding her water most of the day, and one time Shelby sat up enough to drink some water out of a bowl.

This went on for some time, and we called the boys to tell them if they wanted to see Shelby again, they should come by. Christopher had a video-speech to give, and Chris told him she wasn't going to be able to come. (He had to have a certain number of people, and Chris and I were in the count.) He'd gotten my other son, Matthew, to come. When he stopped by for my tripod, on the way, he found out about Shelby. I told him to come back afterward, and he did.

After he left, Chris decided to stay out in the living room with Shelby, and I stayed up doing other things. Every time there was an odd noise, Chris sat up and looked at Shelby. She had been breathing hard all day.  About 4:30, Chris got up, took the others out and tried to get Shelby to go. She wouldn't. Chris laid down and was watching Shelby, when she said "She just died." She'd taken three deep breaths, and stopped breathing.

Chris texted Christopher (so if they were asleep, it wouldn't wake them or Katie up), and we were surprised when he texted back. We needed help getting Shelby outside and burying her. He came over a little after 5 and took Shelby out back. Chris went with him, and they buried her behind our trees.

Shelby was a pretty good dog. There were times she didn't listen, but there are a LOT of dogs out there that do the same. We hope she lived a good life, despite the times we yelled at her for various things.

RIP, Shelby.

2010 - Shelby's favorite position

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

America's Got Talent (AGT) (2011) - 6th Season - 09/14/2011 - Finale Results Show

Links:
America's Got Talent at NBC
Full Episodes, Clips and Videos
Official America's Got Talent Facebook page

Montage of many acts, mostly the top 10.
Opening Segment
Four acts, one winner, one prize.
Intro of the judges

Intro of the Finalists:
Team iLuminate
Landau Eugene Murphy Jr
Poplyfe
Silhouettes

Montage of last night's performances with some judges' comments
Piers: I think America had a very hard time (picking a winner). One act, we know from their emotions, that they let themselves down, I don't agree. The pressure on America to vote was huge. The pressue on these acts is tremendous.

The acts will each perform with one of their heroes tonight.

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr with Patti LaBelle
Song - "You're All I Need (To Get By)"
LEM - It's been a dream come true. When all this started, my mother asked me who I would like to sing with, and I said, Miss Patti LaBelle.
GREAT performance by both - Patti at 67, Landau at 37. WOW.

Commercials / Segment #2

Def Leppard perform short versions of "Rock of Ages" and "Pour Some Sugar on Me".
VERY COOL. These guys still got it!

A look at what was going on backstage when they had a technical issue (Backstage doors wouldn't open. This is when they played the montages at the end.)

Commercials / Segment #3

Team iLuminate perform with Cobra Starship
Song: "You Make Me Feel"
Neat. Never heard of Cobra Starship (I'm old. Sue me!) but I liked the song.
And Team iLuminate showed they were more than just a fancy light show.

Commercials / Segment #4

Judges - How they have no clue what they're going to see when they come into auditions.
Showing a lot of the acts that were buzzed by all, and many that Nick joined them.

The Audition All Stars perform.
That was so bad it was good. LOL

Commercials / Segment #5

Silhouettes perform with LeAnn Rimes "Give"

Commercials / Segment #6

What the judges think of each other.
Sharon: This thing between Piers and Howie... It makes me feel like a school marm.
Montage of the judges, especially Piers and Howie.
Sharon: This is the wackiest year ever.

Auditions for next year start in October. See NBC.com/AGT

One Republic perform short versions of "Secrets" and "Good Life"
Good songs. I'm gonna have to start paying attention to music again!

Commercials / Segment #7

Jerry Springer joins Nick onstage.
The winner will get not just a million dollars but will headline a show in Vegas.
Details: Starting Oct 28 at Caesar's Palace in Vegas with Jerry Springer, all top 4 acts, the best of the top 10 and Michael Grimm, last year's winner.

Orville Lounge After Party

Tony Bennett and Queen Latifa perform "Who Can I Turn To"
Wonderful.

Commercials / Segment #8

Poplyfe and Stevie Wonder perform "Higher Ground"
Pretty damn good.
Stevie, does Poplyfe have it? They got it. It's Poplyfe and Team Wonder!

Commercials / Segment #9

Cirque du Soleil perform
That's one of those "How in the Hell do they do some of that stuff?" acts.

Top 4 are welcomed to the stage.
Silhouette, Landau Eugene Murphy Jr, Poplyfe, and Team iLuminate
For one act, the end of the road.
America has voted. The act finishing in fourth place and leaving the competition is: Poplyfe
Montage of the AGT journey from Auditions to now, mostly the judges' comments.
Favorite memory - Probably the one we just made (performing with Stevie Wonder). We had so much fun.
Piers: Watching their very first audition, it's hard to believe it's the same band. Be proud, go on, continue, and win the next competition you enter.

Commercials / Segment #10

Next act out: America has voted. The act finishing in third place and leaving the competition is: Team iLuminate (ARE YOU KIDDING ME?)
Montage of their AGT Highlights.
[It's GOTTA be that America figured they were already stars and needed to help someone else. GEEZE!]
This was the most amazing experience of our lives. Thank America for the opportunity, the judges for their comments...
Sharon: Every time they have performed, their concept has amazed myself, the other judges and America.

[I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I'm sure. I hope that producers around America and the world are watching this show. There are a LOT of good acts that haven't made it. Every one of the top 10 deserve their own acts somewhere, and there are at least several in the groups before them.]

Commercials / Segment #11

Montage of Jackie ... Best selling debut artist ever, and latest album went straight to #1.
Jackie Evancho performs Nessun Dorma (an aria from the final act of Giacomo Puccini's opera Turandot)
WOW! Fan-damn-tastic.

Commercials / Segment #12

America, your top two acts are Silhouettes and Landau Eugene Murphy Jr
Howie: They are both phenomenal. The only bad thing there is only one winner, and one million dollars.
Montage of both acts "jouney" through AGT... Silhouettes first, then Landau.
The whole competition has been leading up to this moment.

America has voted. The winner of the $1,000,000 and the star of the headline show in Las Vegas is: LANDAU EUGENE MURPHY JR. Wow! (From carwasher to $1,000,000 crooner.)
Thank you so much for believing in me. It's been a long hard journey.
He's surrounded by every one of the Silhouettes.

LANDAU WINS!

That's it, America. You voted for the crooner. And he proved tonight he can do more. What a year! This was one of the best ever. I hope to see you all next year.

TTFN! ;-)

America's Got Talent (AGT) (2011) - 6th Season - 09/13/2011 - The Finals

Links:
America's Got Talent at NBC
Full Episodes, Clips and Videos
Official America's Got Talent Facebook page

Four acts. There can be only one winner.

The Top 4 acts are:
Silhouettes
Landau Eugene Murphy Jr
Team iLuminate
PopLyfe

Opening Segment
Nick mentions special performance by Terry Fator tonight, too.
Intro of the Judges
Montage of many of the best remembered acts and the final four from this year, with judges comments mixed in. Auditions, Vegas Week, Hollywood, and Top 10.

Four acts will perform. America will vote. On at 8PM tomorrow.

Commercials / Segment #2

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr - Singer
Bio montage.
Piers: Could I see him in Vegas tomorrow? Absolutely.
Song - "My Way"
[GREAT JOB!]
Standing Ovation - including the judges.
Piers: What a moment Landau. You've come such a long way on this show. You took your hero's best sone, and sang it absolutely from the heart. I can tell you right now, that is the marker. That is a million dollar performance.
Sharon: You gave me goose-bumps. It was perfectly sung. I heard your vocal range. You didn't play it safe tonight. You gave it your all.
Howie: Landau Eugene Murphy - I have to tell you that there is a good chance that you just sealed the deal.
[It's going to take some to top that, but I'm sure the others will do their best!]

Landau performing a duet with Patty LaBelle tomorrow night.

Commercials / Segment #3

The acts coming into Vegas...

Team iLuminate - Hard to describe - Dancers, actors, technological performances...
Montage of TI practicing.
Standing Ovation, including judges.
Sharon: Technology, creativity, and someone with a vision. And you are the reason our show is so much different than any other. Singers rely on other peoples' songs. You just do it all from zero. And it's just brilliant. It was bigger and better tonight.
Howie: Original. Wonderful. I think you're at just a little bit of a disadvantage. Because people will vote based on a connection, and it may just be that a single act (Landau) may have a better chance than a group your size. But America, if you believe that this group should win, you have to vote.
Piers: We normally just say that you're what this show is about. But you are what this country is about. Smart young people with vision to create jobs, create

Team iLuminate will perform with Cobra Starship tomorrow.

Commercials / Segment #4

Poplyfe - Band
Bio.
Sharon: I can see no reason Poplyfe can't win. They're young and talented and can go all the way.
Songs: (Queen) - We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions\
Some ovation, but judges stayed seated.
Howie: I believe you are champions and you have what it takes, but some of the notes...
Piers: Everyone on the top 4 is going to win. I thought some of the singing was a bit off, and the performace was a bit frenetic... But
Sharon: Your singing wasn't quite on tonight, but your passion is. You are a star.

Poplyfe performing with Stevie Wonder tomorrow.

Commercials / Segment #5

Technical problems for Silhouettes act.
Montage of some first auditions
Montage of Nick at some of the sites, and some of his reactions to acts.

Silhouettes
to "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
Great. Standing Ovation by all again.
Piers: I think like Landau and Team iLuminate you saved the best for last.
Sharon: Inpirational.
Howie: They had the perfect ending - the word Love. We loved it. America loves it. America has to vote for their favorite act.

Biggest decision you have to make - Pick a winner.

From tonight's performance, it would be Team iLuminate, though Landau and Silhouettes were fantastic, too, and Poplyfe is MUCH better than tonight's performance.

I won't be (too) upset, no matter who wins.

Cya Tomorrow for the Finale. ;-)

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

America's Got Talent (AGT) (2011) - 6th Season - 09/07/2011 - Top 10 Results Show

Links:
America's Got Talent at NBC
Full Episodes, Clips and Videos
Official America's Got Talent Facebook page

 The Top 10 are:
Team iLumninate
PopLyfe
Lys Agnes
Miami All Stars
West Springfield Dance Team
Silhouette
Landau Eugene Murphy Jr
Anna Graysman
Landon Swank
Smage Bros Riding Show

Of those 10, only four will go through. America only voted (no judge's choice).

Segment #1
Montage of acts from last night
Intro of Nick Cannon
Highest vote of the whole season last night.

Green Room - The acts waiting to be called out.
Also tonight, Il Divo
Intro of judges

Sharon: Excited is not the word. The anticipation has been killing me all day long. For us, it's been a phenomenal year. This is the first year we've had a band and magician in the top 10.

10 acts, 4 spots in the finals
First group:
Smage Brothers Riding Show and Team iLuminate
Howie: It's really tough. Smage Brothers, I've never seen what you do inside. And Team iLuminate, you're the 2nd best fun I can have in the dark.
America has voted. The act going through to the finals is: Team iLuminate
SBRS: It's been a roller coaster ride with breakdowns and people getting hurt. But it's been great.
TI: (Ready for the finals?) Yes. Thank you America.
Howie: I think there's a good chance you're going to take this all the wsy.

Commercials / Segment #2

Orville Lounge After Party

Next group:
Miami All-Stars and Lys Agnes
Piers: This is bigger than last night. We've seen you both before, getting better and better. It's a testiment of the talent we've had this year, that one or both of you are going home.
America has voted. The act going through to the finals is: [Lys or neither]... Neither. I'm sorry. You both are going home.
MAS: Favorite memory. I remember when Piers saw our Swing, and he said it was our favorite performance of the night. How can we not be grateful to America.
Lys: Standout moment: Last night was a big moment. My whole life I've been hard to define. And I want to thank all those who got it... who understood...
Piers: What lovely speeches to make. We know how devastated you are. One thing I know is you couldn't have done any more than you did. I know we'll hear more from both of you.

Commercials / Segment #3

Next group:
Poplyfe and Landon Swank
Sharon: I do love both acts. Mixed emotions. At this stage, you're all winners. Remember you're all hear because America has voted you here. Even if you go home, you have a fanbase. This is only the beginning.
Less than 1% difference in their totals
America has voted. The act going through to the finals: Poplyfe
Landon: Life-changing. Thank you (judges) for your kind words. Now lets go out and support Landon Swank.
Poplyfe: (Plans for the finals) Something epic.
Sharon: I am just so happy for you guys. Congratulations.

Commercials / Segment #4

Backstage w/Nick showing Piers' trailor; wardrobe; food table; and more... Sharon; Howie ("naked).

Il Divo perform "Wicked Game"

Commercials / Segment #5

Next group:
Silhouette and West Springfield Dance Team
America has voted. The act going into the finals is: Silhouette
WSDT: (Highlight) The experience has been so amazing. We honestly didn't expect to come this far.
Howie: I can't tell you how exciting I am for you (Silhouette). This is the year of the dance. Already in the top 4 we have two dance groups. You are so special... so unique...

One spot left, 2 acts remaning.
Landau and Anna

Commercials / Segment #6

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr and Anna Graceman
America has voted. The act going into the finals is: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr
Anna: This experience has been amazing. I am so lucky to be here, and I'm so happy for Landau (she was crying, but hard to tell if it was because she lost, or Landau won!)
Landau: Dream come true. It's hard being up here in the competition and taking it from these kids.

So, America, the final four are:
Landau Eugene Murphy Jr
Silhouette
PopLyfe
Team iLuminate

Finals are next Tuesday. Results will be Wednesday.

Cya then! ;-)

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

America's Got Talent (AGT) (2011) - 6th Season - 09/06/2011 - Top 10

Links:
America's Got Talent at NBC
Full Episodes, Clips and Videos
Official America's Got Talent Facebook page


Montage of the acts from tonight

The Top 10 are:
Team iLumninate
PopLyfe
Lys Agnes
Miami All Stars
West Springfield Dance Team
Silhouette
Landau Eugene Murphy Jr
Anna Graysman
Landon Swank
Smage Bros Riding Show

I see way more than 4 in this group I'd like to see in the Finals. I guess it depends on what and how they do tonight.

Opening segment
Live from Hollywood
Nick intro
Finals, next week. Only 4 spots for the finals. No judges picks this week, but they still have their buzzers.
Judges intros

Sent the acts off to a top celebrity hang out where they got to hang out with the judges.
From 100,000 acts for this season, whittled down to these 10.

Michael Grimm performs "Stay With Me (Baby)"
He's on tour with Stevie Nicks promoting his new album. Almost done building his grandmother's house, and got married.

Commercials / Segment #2

Miami All-Stars - Dance Group
All born in Miami, but all come from different countries
Sharon: A dance group has never won AGT, but this group could do it.
Piers buzzed before 2nd song started
[Not quite as thilling as before, but cool.]
Piers: You became a cheerleading act. You had the silly chicken. It made you look a bit silly, so you came from an explosive act to a silly act. It's only my opinion, but I think it was a mistake.
Sharon: The theme of this, I'm not in love with the theme. The energy was fantastic, but I think you let yourself down with this performance.
Howie: It is NFL kickoff week on NBC. I think you are all-stars, but I think you took the Miami  out of the all-stars. I loved the Latin flare.
[It was a neat act, and only one of the many dances they've done, but this is the one that gets them into the finals. I think, llke the judges, they blew it.]

Commercials / Segment #3

Lys Agnes - Operatic singer
Mother was a singer in Vegas. When the show closed, she didn't have work.
Piers: If Lys delivers the same as she did in the last round, she'll make it through.
She wants to fuse rock and opera together.
Aerosmith's "Dream On"
[That woman has a helluva range!]
Sharon: At the beginning of the song, I thought I was listening Cher. When you sing in your lower register, it just doesn't sound as good. It picked up in the middle.
Howie: The scary thing - The positive and the negative is you're a great singer. I don't know if the risk
Piers: Ignore them. They're talking complete clap trap. The worst thing you could have done is to come out and do the same thing you've done. I thought you were perfect pitch in the lower register. And when you hit the big note, I felt it. I think the American public will say this is a proper bona-fide performance.
Lys: My roots are in rock, and I wanted to share that with everyone.
[THAT was interesting. I think something from Tommy or Jesus Christ Superstar or Cats or something like that would have suited her voice better, but DAMN that girl can sing. Power in the lower register, and she did it well. Sharon said the song was written for (by, Sharon) Steven Tyler who has one of the highest registers... No... He can flat out sing, too. And he's learned how to scream those high notes on key, as other rockers have. Why can't Lys?]

Commercials / Segment #4

Landon Swank - Illusionist
Not sure being in the Top 10 has sunk in, yet. Grew up in Alaska, a small town (Wassilla). Grew up watching Copperfield.
Piers: Landon's problem is magic acts have not made the finals. He's got to do it tonight.
He does a type of Copperfield performance. Sometimes it can seem a little slow.
Sharon and Howie standing o.
Howie: You're a conjurer. You conjur things up.
Piers: I'm not sure what I just watched. Did it work the way it was supposed to? (Yes - This is the first time it has!)
Sharon: I love the relaxed way you perform. There's none of those capes and flashy stuff. I loved it.
Landon: (Nervous?) Absolutely. Like I said, this is the first time it's actually worked!
[The only thing that bothers me about him is how slow the act goes. He's good at what he does, and he's very theatrical (like Copperfield). I hope he has a real chance.]

Commercials / Segment #5

Anna Graceman (sorry for the misspellings earlier) - Singer (11yo)
She's from Juneau Alaska
Howie: Where do you get such soul, such talent out of an 11 year old\
[She's not at the piano...]
Song: Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors"
[Hard to believe that girl is 11 years old!]
Piers: You think you sang well? (yes). You have an extraordinary voice, but when you're in the lower register, you go flat. (I didn't hear it.) The obvious comparison is with Jackie, last year. A great performance, but it's going to be a tough night.
Sharon: Loved the song choice. I felt with you on the "grassy knoll" didn't let you perform as well. I'd love to have seen you flat on the stage. Well done.
Howie: You're 11yo. You're already a star. I don't know if this song or this performance will do it.
Anna: I didn't use the piano this time, because I really wanted to connect with my audience.
[I don't think Piers was right. Anna hit all the notes right. She did a great job, and she's got a helluva chance.]

Commercials / Segment #6

Silhouettes - hard to describe
There are children in Silhouettes who have life-threatening illnesses. Don't let life's obsticals stop you.
Song: I Believe (that Love is the Answer)
Standing ovation by everyone, including all judges.
Sharon: My goodness me. That was exquisite. That was breathtaking, and beautiful and exquisite (audience STILL cheering).
Howie: If I repeat what she said, I don't know, because I couldn't hear what she said. I think this is the first final act of the show tonight.
Piers: As I was watching it tonight, what a story you told. America's having a tough time. You come along and make people proud of being Americans. It AGT... This act to me, THE best performance of the night by far.
S: This has been the most amazing journey most of us have been on. We're just so happy to be here.

Commercials / Segment #7

Smage Brothers Riding Show
Piers: The Smage Bros nearly killed themselves and their family last performance. How they step it up from there, I don't know.
[WOW!]
Howie: OMG! First thing I have to ask are you ok? Mr Small you got hit in the head... (He's ok). So you said last time you were going to make Wisconsin
Piers: Very exciting, dramatic and so on. I didn't think it was as good as last time... You made several mistakes. Overall, I still love you as an act, but as an act in the Top 10, a litte disappointing.
Sharon: I disagree with Piers... I thought it was exciting and wonderful.
[I thought they were damn good, too. I don't know what show Piers is watching tonight. Probably his own on his iPhone.]

Commercials / Segment #8

Tomorrow - Il Divo and Howie Mandal as you've never seen him before

Poplyfe - Band
Howie: Song choice is huge. Beatles last time was wonderful, but where do you go from there?
Jackson Five - "I'll Be There" at the beginning. "Oh Baby Give Me One More Chance"... "Stop the Love You Save"...
Sharon and Howie (and audience) Standing Ovation - They get Piers up.
Piers: For the first time in his miserable little life, Nick Cannon is right. That does deserve a standing ovation. You are a great pop band. That's what you are.
Sharon: A great idea to come up with that Jackson medley. There's such a place for you in the industry right now. Kids relate to you.
Howie: Everybody in America, you are idiots if you don't vote. These people deserve it.
P: We wanted something to be different. You don't have to sing Rap and rock. We wanted to bring back some of the feel-good music.
[She sounded VERY much like a young Micheal. The songs were a little fast, but they were damn good. They DO deserve to go on.]

Commercials / Segment #9

West Springfield Dance Team ... Dance Team
Sharon: These are high-school kids. They've gone from YouTube to the top 10 and they could make it to the finals.
Piers buzzed. [Fun, but a little slow]
Sharon: Now, whenever you're going to be on the show, there's no surprises. It's too predictable for me, now.
Howie: I thought it was very good, but I don't think it was stepped up from last time.
Piers: If I'd have been you guys, I wouldn't have done the horror stuff tonight. I think I'd have surprised us and shown your full dancing capbabilities. I think we're all feeling it. It was predictable and a little boring. Sorry.
[I don't know about predictable and boring, but it was VERY slow and plodding this time. As the judges said, not a top-10 performance, though good jobs.]
   
Commercials / Segment #10

Auditions for next season start in October.

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr - Singer
Piers: This is a dream. This is a guy who washes cars. Now he's that close to a million dollars.
The thing that's missing in Vegas is the crooners. (Landau)
Song: "Ain't That A Kick in the Head"
[The guy sounds JUST like Sinatra]
Everybody is on their feet - Audience, judges, and more!
Howie: Dean Martin. I'd like to kick America in the head and tell them to vote for you. You're amazing. You're a great guy with great talent.
Piers: you got your mojo back! You were struting the stage. I was watching you. We were talking about his earlier tonight. If I ware to spend my own money on any act tongiht, it would be Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.
Sharon: You are one helluva class act. You look ... Wooo. So smart you look. You know when you are listening to something great.
LEM: I love everybody out here.

Commercials / Segment #11

Team iLuminate - Hard to describe - Music, Dance, Technology
Howie: They've set their performance to such I high level, it's going to be hard to beat.
The girl who runs the computer is going to dance with the team.
WOW! Standing Ovation by everyone, including judges.
Piers: You can tell by the reaction of the crowd, its been an amazing night. That was, by far, your best performance. I've done this show for 6 years. I don't think I've seen any more original act before.
Sharon: I'm in Vegas, right now, watching a million dollar act.
Howie: What a night. You were spectacular. I can tell you as a judge sitting right here, one of the best acts I've seen. They've gotta VOTE!

Remember there are no judges' picks this time. Only FOUR acts will make it.
My choices: Team iLuminate, Silhouettes, Landau Eugene Murphy Jr, and ... SH-T! I want them them ALL to go through... One more, huh? Ok... I'll say PopLyfe, though I wouldn't be upset if Lys Agnes, Anna Graceman or Smage Bros Riding Show make it through.

Results show tomorrow.

Cya then. ;-)