Wake Me Up Before You Go Go - Week 2 Semi Finals

Last night was pretty boring, except for the obvious highlight at the end (strategically placed). As a kid I used to sleepwalk, now I think I've taken on sleepwriting.

ThiSSSSSSSSSSSS is American Idol!

Ryan was amped up at the beginning of the show. Little did he know how positively lame his interviews were going to be with the contestants.

What's that dangling peace sign Randy does? Is it an "I'm so cool and lazy I can't even lift my fingers" move or is he somehow giving a shoutout to cows and their udders? It's kinda weird for me for you Randy. And did Simie really change sides of the table because the lighting was bad? I thought the girls were kookie.

Is it just me or does "Kai Kalama" sound like "high calonic?" That's what I thought Ryan said in the intro. Yuck. I won't go there. REALLY. I WON'T go there.

Finally we're to the first contestant....
Jasmine – I’ve always been kinda down on Jasmine because even though she can carry a tune, I don't think she's THAT great and I think her getting in is way more about the "cute" factor. She took a fun vocal and made it really drab. Totally not for her even though she’s young. And sorry, but this is totally a white girl song. I’m sure the rest of the white girls will get up there trying to sound like Whitney, Mariah, or Aretha and this girl, with a low voice no less, picks "Love Song" by Sarah Bareilles?? Blah. Poor Sarah - that's kick in the gut #2 from this show.

Paula’s cleavage is particularly distracting tonight. Not in a good way. At least not for me.

Matt doesn’t LOOK like an Idol. Actually, he looks kind of like Michael Buble with facial hair. Too bad he doesn't sing like him. "Viva La Vida?!" are you for real? You're going to sing that? No. That masterpiece shouldn't be messed with. Matt sounded breathy and the band was SOOOOOOOOO lame compared to the original music. Matt threw in too many runs and was way too pitchy. Why is Randy calling this a "simple song?" I don’t agree with that at all. Ryan tried to protect the song, Chris Martin (in particular) and Cold Play after Randy's comments, which I agree with, but it was a little bizarre how much Ryan made a point out of it. Is he afraid Chris Martin will de-friend him on MySpace or something?

Paula looks like she’s on sleeping pills tonight. Wake up lady! If anything, take the opposite of sleeping pills for this show, because you're going to need it.

Jeanine – “This Love” by Maroon 5 is her choice. OK, are these the whitest black chicks ever on this show? About this point in the show all the old fogies who watch it (there are plenty) are saying, “What the hell are these songs?” Terrible, terrible. Great body (I noted the legs in my notes prior to the judges), bad performance. Well, at least she can do pantyhose commercials. I hated this performance even more than the last two and that’s bad. Even worse, this contestant TALKS. Oh I hate that. “I’m under the radar!!!!” Woe, shut up. “I haven’t blown it yet, I haven’t blown it yet!” Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Is there anything more annoying than when the contestants give a critique of their own performance? "I think I did well" "I disagree" "America decides!" BLAH BLAH BLAH. You were put here to sing, not speak. We hear enough from the four talking heads plus the mannequin host already.

Paula’s ring….can she open that thing up and add magical ingredients to her Coke cup?

"Norman Gentle" was up next. This guy is going to play it out as long as he can. Let's face it, he won't win. He'll just be on long enough for Simon to worry that he could win and then threaten to leave the show (remember the Sanjaya season?) His dad looked really angry at the beginning of his performance, but I guess later he realized the camera was on him and he put on a smile. Is it ridiculous that he’s taking up a spot on this show? In part, yes. But let’s face it, the last three performances were PURE TORTURE and he’s at least been entertaining. Plus, they’ve brought 36 freaking people to this semi-final, so what the heck, why not?! Paula philosophized that "this is America and singers come in all sizes, shapes, and fashions" (she oughta know – she’s been all of them). Later, Ryan asks Paula a question and she brings the show to an utter standstill (Ryan, if I could only warn you, this is just the first of your awkward interview moments tonight). Then, in typical Paula style, she seems not to know she’s been asked a question. Then she apparently forgets how to answer a question so she goes, “Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah!” Hoooooo boy.

My husband and daughter “HATE” Paula’s hair. Geez....catty, don't you think? ;)

Alison is up. Is it just me, or is it hard to tell whether these people are 28 or 16? They look no different. I guess that's not good for Alison who is 16. Wow, Alison is a SUPER WEIRDO. Good thing she has vocal talent because she’s not going for comedy or public speaking. "Hey Alison, what’s it like being in class?" A: "Well you’re in a room. You’re by yourself. Well you’re not by yourself. It’s easier. It’s a lot of hours. Well it’s not." Maybe this is some kind of conspiracy against Ryan…to just make him look totally awkward. Alison singing “Alone” is better than the previous performances but it still isn’t that great. I predicted that the judges would go wild over it because they're starving for something half-way decent. Prediction correct! Randy: "You blew it out da box" But no, Randy, she didn’t, she really didn't. It was just a'ight and you know it.

Kris Allen - "Man in the Mirror?" Again.....Really?? Really with this song??? What are these people thinking? This guy can't do a Michael Jackson song. (With regard to the song --- can you imagine looking at the man in Michael Jackson’s mirror?! It’s a wonder he doesn’t drop dead each morning!) I thought Kris was OK and that’s it. Nothing special. Seems like a genuine guy, but not really a star.

Oh yay, these performances are downloadable on iTunes! AS IF!!!!

Meagan Corkrey – She is super cute, entertaining, and enjoyable. She’s really different. Not sure what to make of the tattoo sleeve, but it’s all part of the enigma she seems to be. Best performance so far, even with the weird twisting around ("cork"screwing around?) in the Sunday school dress. Finally someone to vote for. She goes through for the girls.

Matt did “If You Could Only See” by Tonic. He’s Ok. If he got up at a party and did this he would blow people away, but I’m not hearing superstar vocals. He’s better than the losers at the top of the program, but again, EH.

Jesse chose Bette Davis Eyes and I thought it was a good choice for her voice. I loved this song when I was a kid. Greatest song ever written? Uh, no. The tone is good but she loses the melody a bit in the middle. I think she was the second best girl but she might have to go wildcard at this point. Plus, she was a BIG talker after her performance which I don't like (see Jeanine's commentary above). Listen, if you have that much to say, go get a blog! ;)

Kai Kalama – I like this guy's wild hair, his warm complexion, he’s one I'm watching right now. Voice is really nice. While I do like the hair I think the Idol stylists will help him out a little. Best guy, so far...but he doesn't stay at the top. I think he'll have to go wildcard as well.

Mishavonna did "Drops of Jupiter" (I know people like this song, but I hate it). Aaaay----aaay----Aaaay----aaay. As every year, one of the major problems with these contestants is that they are trying so hard to perform rather than really being into the song and singing it through and through. Truth be told I don’t know if I can look at her cartoonish face all season (and by cartoonish I'm being kind). The chicks are weird this season, eh?

So Adam from Hollywood comes on and I’m either going to love this guy or hate him. Am I down with the dark hair and eyeliner? Uh, yeah!!! Though there is something troubling about the look. He looks like he tries a little too hard...kinda seems poser-ish. When I heard he was doing "Satisfaction" I thought oh no. That song is SOOOO overrated, but let’s see what he does with it. As uncomfortable as it always makes me feel when guys give "the eyes" to the camera (like Clay Aiken or Constantine or even Justin Guarini did) I have to admit I always secretly like it. It’s so ballsy! This was the only guy to really PERFORM. Man o man. OK, SO I'M TOTALLY ON BOARD!!!! Some people will certainly hate him, but he’s the only one out there SO FAR in the whole competition that used that stage and sang that song. And guess what? That song is DAMN boring and he made it exciting! Adam! Adam! Adam!! Wooo hoooo. A reason to watch the show for another year, yet again. (Don't worry, I promise not to fall in love with him like I did with Jason Castro).

There goes Paula, taking my guys again. ALWAYS. Damn her. Look at her. She’s all out of breath and fawning. Damn you, you cougar!!

Yo! Did you hear the Randy Dog mention My Chemical Romance!!??? Now that's what I'm talking about dawg!! While Adam isn't as cool as Gerard Way, he's got some wicked killer vocals. Wow, what a range! He woke me up before I went went.

So I'll leave you on a high note. Going through tonight: Adam, absolutely....Meagan, pretty certainly, and......well......you know it's probably Norman.

What are your thoughts? Comment or email!

The First Dozen

Yo, yo, yo....here we go!

So last night we were treated to (or exposed to like radiation) the first dozen semi-finalists. Prepare yourself to endure this three more times.

Now despite Randy's claim that this year there is "more talent than we've ever had" (uh....doesn't he say that every year?) last night's show didn't quite back up his claim. Some of the performances were downright abominable, in fact. But we'll get to that later.

Let's start with Jackie from New York. Wackie Jackie. Where to begin, where to begin? OK. The outfit. Big sneakers, black spandax pants, a giant red belt, and a polka-dotted black & white top. It might be the worst outfit I've seen on the show EVER. "A Little Less Conversation" didn't help her much and she came off like kind of a dork. My remarks got me the label of being "just a big Simon" in my house (according to my 11 year old). That's OK, he typically gets it right (as do I!)Is there a resemblance between Jackie and say, a young Linda Lavin (from the TV show "Alice")? ..........wow, I'm aging myself! (Well kiss my grits!) Though, poor wackie Jackie....you can see where she gets her fashion sense from. Check out her beret-wearing Dad and shiny-jacket wearing mom. Sheesh. Yet, this is only one parental fashion faux pas among many to come! Prediction: Jackie doesn't make it this round. She was first (forgettable) and not that great.

Numero Dos was Ricky Braddy, a person who was kept from us during the previous TV coverage. Not sure why they did this, since it isn't like revealing him at this point is some sort of wonderful, unexpected gift. Bad hair, needs a shave, doesn't know how to use the microphone, no star quality (per Me and Simon). Ricky did "A Song for You" which no one on earth will ever do as beautifully as Michael Buble -- I command you to download it now!! So, Ricky didn't stand a chance with me on doing the song justice. I will say he had a nice high note (cue audience = clap, clap) but I think he's the type of guy that knows he has some skills, so he's going to "over the top" every song. You know, he'll stick in runs whenever possible, even if it isn't necessary. The "Braddy Bunch" parents (oh isn't that clever?) got themselves all dressed up for their big TV appearance (NOT). What is with these people. I'd be like, "Mom, Dad! You're not going to the neighborhood block party. Put some effort into it." Prediction: Ricky's not going to make it this round and the Braddy Bunch will have to head back to their inappropraitely sized 3 bedroom home (2 bedrooms and a shared bathroom for 6 kids -- that Mike Brady was some architecht!)

Alexis Grace graced the stage (me use clever play on words!) singing "Never Loved A Man" by Aretha Franklin (minus the giant bow-hat). Randy went all crazy and sh*t. Paula and Kara went on about how cute and petit and young she is and that they can't believe she sounds like that. Why don't they just come out and state the obvious? She's as white as vanilla soft-serve icecream and she's pulling off the tunes of a big, black woman? She was good, but I think they were a little over the top with her. Hey, who out there was confused when Ryan introduced her Dad and they panned to Ted Danson and Neil Patrick Harris? Prediction: She'll get the top girl vote.

The one-dimpled Brent Keith was up next (my son has one dimple as well. I wonder what that's all about? His Dad has two, I have none. Maybe the offspring end up with one? I don't know anything about the science behind dimples). Ok, looking it up...looking it up: Wow! Who knew? Dimples are actually a birth defect! The most common cause is a shortened muscle. Dimples are also a dominant trait...so if neither of your parents have dimples, you're not likely to have them unless you have a spontaneous mutation. So that's your science lesson for the day! See how educational my blog is?! While dimples can be rather endearing, I do have to tell you that they inevitably lead to a wrinkle. Sorry my fine-dimpled friends. Ok, so enough about Brent's lone dimple. First when they tried to introduce Brent they ran into a "tape" problem (the fact that Ryan called it "the tape" made me feel not so old). Brent is cute, but I didn't care for his performance. He even seemed to talk through some of it. Hick Town probably wasn't the best song for him to pick. Paula said he could be like other American Idol country stars "look what Bucky Covington has done." To which Simon said, "What has he done?" Let us not forget that Simon knows absolutely NOTHING about country music. Bucky Covington rules in my opinion! One of the better Idol contestants. Love you Bucky!! (We share the same birthday too). Anyway, Brent doesn't have a chance of making it at this point, probably not later either. He looked like he was crying after his criticism, but maybe he was just looking at his wife's hicktown hairdo from the mid-80s.

Stevie Wright....OMG......she just flat out drowned right before my eyes on that stage. It was like watching a bad act in a middle school talent show. Poor Stevie. Why did Wackie Jackie grab screen time by saying, "I love you" to Stevie's mom? That was weird. Whatever it takes I guess. Stevie's mom had a big, shiny, hideous scarf on....and that's all I gotta say about that. Prediction: no prediction necessary here.

ANOOP! I have to wonder if Randy is going to say, "Anoop dog is in the haaawse" every week? I'm thinking, yeah. Anoop's hair has gotten better since his first audition. Next we'll work on the eyebrows...'kay? I just love Anoop. Not crazy about his song choice, but he still SANG it, am I right? While watching him I came up with a brilliant idea! A boy band made up of only Indian-American teenagers. Cool idea, huh?! OK, don't steal it. PREDICTION: I think Anoop will probably win for the 3rd highest vote. Congratulations also on having the first set of parents to dress with some tact. C'mon native borns....let's get our act together!

Casey Carlson is just the super cutest chickadee I ever did see....but as soon as they announced she was going to do "Everyt Little Thing She Does is Magic" I announced that it would RUIN HER!! I've got witnesses to prove it. First off, just leave this song to Sting. It isn't meant to be covered. It's a unique song and you just can't pull it off. Secondly....she was just horrible all on her own. Didn't move to the song.....should've been jumping all over the stage. She was completely cornball with her cute little winks and weird faces. It was just a disaster. Not sure who was worse, her or Stevie. If she goes through it is only based on looks. Terrible, terrible, terrible. Her mom's leggings and polka-dotted shirt weren't any better either. (Are polka dots back and no one told me?) Prediction: Doesn't make it this time.

Michael Sarver did "I Don't Wanna Be" -- didn't hit the high note in the song. Truth be told I have the nerve to like my guys skinny --- a singer, even skinnier than skinny. So big man Michael is just not for me. Though I'd like to have a beer with him. He was just OK for me, dawg. Prediction: Not going through yet.

I thought Ann Marie picked a good song, until I heard her sing it. I thought "Natural Woman" really suited her, because she does seem like a natural woman. I think she got better half way through, but the beginning was atrocious. When it was suggested that she sing something like "Love Song" by Sarah Bareilles she said, "You mean I should sing something that's not as good?" Woe. SB is not going to be happy 'bout that...eh? I actually think that is a really good song so I don't know why she be hatin' on it. Bad move, newbie. So, after her critique Ann Marie heads back to the group room and sits down on the couch making a weird noise and apparently hurting herself. She said, "Ouch I just sat on the hard part" and Ryan goes all Beavis and Butthead about the comment and can't continue because she said 'hard part.' Grow up, Seacrest. Prediction: Not going through yet.

Stephen Fowler just can't get it right. He takes a fast-paced "Rock With You" and sings it slowly and without much energy. Basically, he bombed. I like the guy, but he's got to figure out what he's doing. Very disappointing. Prediction: Not through this round.

A demure Tatiana del Toro (Tatiana of the Bull?) did "Saving All My Love" which came off OK surprisingly. It is still a shock that this girl can actually sing. Her personality and voice are in such contrast that I'm left speechless. Simon said she is "desperate to be famous." The judges even seemed annoyed that she didn't put on her crazy act. After all, that's the only reason they put her through (RATINGS, PEOPLE). Prediction: No go for tonight.

Danny Gokey did "Hero" (I hope he doesn't only do inspirational songs the whole competition. Give me some dirt, Gokey). It wasn't what I wanted to hear from him, but he did well. Did I think he was BLAZING HOT (Randy) or going to play to SOLD OUT ARENAS (Paula)......no. He's definitely a favorite but they were way over the top. I guess by the end they were really starving for something outstanding. Being the 'Big Simon' that I am, I have to say he was good but I'm not jumping up and down like the three idiots who take up space at the table. Prediction: He'll go through as the top guy.

Alexis, Danny, Anoop. There's your 3 finalists.

Leave me your comments/opinions. Post it here or email me. Let's get this party started.

The Grammy's & Hollywood Week Continued

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to rap a little bit about the recent Grammy show. I give credit to the producers for taking a show that used to drag and be a bit boring to making it into a much more entertaining, smoothly flowing event. Props to the Grammy's. I guess I decided to whip out my notebook when Whitney Houston presented the first award. It was just too kookie to pass up. Ms. "Crack is Wack" herself didn't seem the drug-addled mess we've seen in the past, but there are definitely whole sections of brain that have been pickled. What was up with her showing off her legs and talking like Tina Turner? Just one more bizarre chapter in Whit's show business career. She's a far cry from the girl in the I Wanna Dance With Somebody" video. Yet, I'm not saying I want to hear that either.

OK, who thought Jennifer Hudson looked like she was wearing a paper bib when she won that award? (God bless her family member's souls) but a bad dress is a bad dress.

Apparently, The Rock "lives for the Grammy's" -- who knew? Justin Timberlake lives for Al Green (the General Store joke totally flopped).

Chris Martin and Coldplay are the new gods. They've been good for a while, but Vida La Viva is really just an incredible song. Man did he look good in his little outfit, sorta half-shirt! I heart Apple's Daddy! How about the Coldplay guy that hits the drums like an Ape? That was cool.

Sixteen year old Miley Cyrus ("It's Miley!!!" (all hail Joe McHale (that will be the name of my next blogsite!) and nineteen year old Taylor Swift sing about all the wisdom they have on being a naive 15 year old. Sigh....where did the one year go? I could've lived without that performance.

Robert Plant looked like a Mountain Man. I'm sorry but that Sand album is BOR-ING.

Jo Bros with Stevie Wonder....first off....Joe Jonas is hot, I don't care if my daughter says Nick is cuter. Though Joe looked like he had a stomach-roll with his stretchy shirt over tight pants. Anyone notice that? How about when he fixed Stevie's microphone to face the right way? Anyone notice that? How about when Nick said, "Do you mind if I take this!?" to Stevie and then screwed up the words to "Superstition" -- I KNOW you noticed that!

The only other noteworthy things I can think of are: Blink 182 are back, Katy Perry looked good (I've heard her sound better, but she was moving around a lot), Kanye West -- all I can notice is how he says NOW as "NA" Adele, cute chubby Brit chick, good voice. She won for best new artist. I think she should've ditched the gum for her acceptance speech. The best thing about the "Rap Summit" was MIA who was ready to deliver her baby. After that.....I went to bed and FFW through the DVR of it....Billie Joe Armstrong and Green Day presented Best Album and he is soooooooo dreamy, even as a blonde! If Green Day can match their last recording effort I'd be amazed, but looking forward to their next offering.

OK, now onto the amateurs on American Idol....

Adam did Cher's "Do You Believe" and if you didn't watch --- he sounded exactly like a woman.

Matt, the piano player has big time soul. Kara was a little too excited though.

Jamar's Hey Their Delilah wasn't that great. I'm not a huge fan.

Danny Gokey - his friend - I am a fan. He did "I hope you dance."

Anoop did a Bobby Brown song....who knew an Indian guy could have so much soul?

Jorge - I'm still not impressed.

Scott --- he sounded a little out of breath. Of course my notes say that, but I can't remember who this is.

Kristin McNamara - the blonde who Ryan played a trick on - she's got a good voice but she overdid "Because of You"

Mishavonna - that's a weird name.

Found it amusing when they showed the judges going over the contestant board making their decisions. They made it look like they were some genius scientists working on the process of fusion or something. Give me a break.

So, they kissed Simon goodbye and off to London and then the really horrible acting ensues...I can see why Simon didn't want to take part! Paula made herself look 20 years older than she is with her drawn looking face and the shaky voice was just really over the top. But Kara. Kara was the worst. The bending down like "this is so hard" was so obviously an act. If I were in that room I'd know I was going through. I also knew last night that 3 rooms were going through. No Castro bro this year. Boo hoo.

Tonight we get to see the judge's MANSION...oooooooooh!

Here's some predictions on who won't go through: Jamar, Jorge, Tatiana, and "Norman Gentle" --- expect to see some go through that you haven't seen before. They hold back on us.

OK, tonight Hollywood week will finally be over! Thank you JESUS.

Recap of Utah, San Juan, New York, and Hollywood

Wow, so it's been a while.....and look how far we haven't come. The Idol train just keeps on chugging along, with the speed of an 80 year old with a fist full of coupons in the checkout lane. Sigh................

I will do my best to remedy this by recapping recent events as quickly as bloggingly possible!

The Idol judges visited Utah "the friendliest place on earth" where everyone is blonde and polite (and an Osmond). Yes, an Osmond boy came out to play...and of course he got through to Hollywood. Now here's a montage of the rest of the auditioners -- goth girl with ESP in too tight, too short outfit (Kara says, "We didn't mean to hurt your feelings honey." Snicker, snicker...); A singer with a friend in a bunny suit. I'm sure Simon's picked up some bunnies in his time, but this was probably the first one who's picked him up. Ryan gave a speech to the room of auditioners -- fight for your right to sing or something like that. Rah Rah Ryan. Rah Rah. Frankie Jordan looked like a healthy Amy Winehouse and did an Amy Winehouse song (good choice). Meagan Corkery, the young divorced chick had a very different voice. Really liked her. Austin, Mr. President of the student body, Mr. Positive tells the judges, "You don't want me to fail." I guess they were persuaded by his power of positive thinking and they let him go through. I found him to be quite scary! A 16-year old who moved with her family from the islands to realize her singing dream (and they went to Utah??) was really good and seemed way older than 16. Rose, the hippie chick, who's parents died. Loved her voice and look. Definitely didn't sound 17 years old.

San Juan, Puerto Rico and New York....is there really a difference? Yes. New York has more Puerto Ricans!

Puerto Rico was pretty much a waste of time I think. There were some cool people to go through in New York. The enlightened, nearly bald, bare-footed black chick...she was really good but won't care about winning much. Jackie, a bluesy girl who has a scratchy voice and is very different. Norman Gentle with the headband who started off with a Mary Catherine Gallagher impression and then ended with a Simon/Seacrest joke. Loved that. He can sing, but he's not a great singer. I got a very quick glimpse of a "Kenny" from Havertown, PA and wrote down "OH YES" --- only to find out he's a son of a friend of a friend of mine (now I have to feel guilty because he's like 17 years old). Alexis came back (remember, Take it! Take it! Take it! from last year?) and was worse. She gave them the finger.

Hollywood week (which by the way --- this is a total scam because it is going to last TWO WEEKS for us!) started out with Professor Barry Manilow.

First to get booted was Dennis with the big overbite. He said, "That's ya'lls decision." Yeah, you noticed, Dennis? Whining, crying, sissy Nathaniel said that music is "on his skin and bursts out of him" everytime he's on stage. Let's just hope he wasn't talking about some infectious disease. I'm getting tired at about this point and just have notes like: Anoop! Rose! Stephen Fowler - nice! How did Von get through? Jorge - Kara called him George. Danny - Kiss from a Rose. Norman Gentle - knows he can't compete, so just playing it all the way. And he goes through! Must be for ratings. "Bikini Girl" -- with all the carrying on you'd think we've never seen a girl in a bikini before. What ridiculous hoopla over this. Can't you see that just about any night of the week on any TV channel? What is the big deal? I did find it amusing that when she started kissing Ryan again he squeaked out a little, "I can't." Some girl got sent home and she tried to get them to give her another chance. I think she blew it when she eventually used, "It's my husband's birthday."

Group day --- Ryan uses terms like "blood bath" and "talent like you've never seen before" and "you won't believe what happens on stage" and about 50 "after the breaks" Not much to say about it other than a group named White Chocolate had a great presentation. Some guy said he felt manipulated and assaulted and he saw evil in Paula's eyes (that wasn't evil, that was Percaset!) We find out that Bikini girl has scoliosis and a severe case of the losers. Tatiana is pure crazy. She and her group all sounded terrible and they all went through. "Thank you Jesus!" Finally, annoying gay dude carries on "I tried my huh-huh-huh-hardest!!!!" and somehow gets through to the next round despite his mediocre ability to sing and perform. Let's bring back the kid with the big lips and attitude from last year. At least he had style.

OK, that's it. As fast as I could people! I think next week they'll finally put an end to this drawn out process and give us the finalists. See you then!

For My Adoring Fans....

Hey, is anybody out there? Hellooooooo! Well, anyone who's been waiting for an update, never fear, I will be back. Writing full-time for a living makes it a little hard to write for fun and for the people! :) Look for an update later today. Boy, is this American Idol dragging on or what?