[nfb-talk] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #131- White Cane andAmericanIdol

Thu Mar 13 16:30:40 CDT 2008

And you would of with that choice in a country theme! Kirk
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "bright-sunshine" <bright-sunshine at mchsi.com>
To: "NFB Talk Mailing List" <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2008 2:39 PM
Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #131- White Cane 
andAmericanIdol


> It would be nice if it was based on talent, but I am afraid it is more of 
> a
> popularity contest. If it was based on talent then maybe this topic 
> wouldn't
> come up. I have to agree with the judges on the girl who sang 8 Days 
> Aweek.
> That song just doesn't work in country style. It was a very brave thing to
> do though. I guess coming from a music background myself where my whole
> family are musicians and listening to that type of music growing up, I got
> picked on if I sang something wrong.
>
> Jung, Soo Keea
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Alan Wheeler" <awheeler at neb.rr.com>
> To: "'NFB Talk Mailing List'" <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 6:40 AM
> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #131- White Cane
> andAmericanIdol
>
>
>>I started watching AI this season because of an internet acquaintance and
>>it
>> has me wondering how far I could actually get.  There was a time I never
>> would have contemplated it.
>>
>> Yeah, the gal who did that country version of "8 days a week" is my
>> current
>> favorite on there right now, and Simon was a bit harsh with her...but
>> that's
>> Simon for you. LOL!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Alan D Wheeler
>> <awheeler at neb.rr.com>
>> Messenger: awheeler1965 at sbcglobal.net
>> Skype: redwheel1
>> http://alan-wheeler.blogspot.com/
>> http://reporter-guy.livejournal.com/
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>> Behalf Of Powers, Terry (NIH/OD/DEAS) [E]
>> Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 6:35 AM
>> To: NFB Talk Mailing List
>> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #131- White Cane
>> andAmericanIdol
>>
>> Milissa;
>> Have you ever thought of trying again.  Others have tried more than once.
>> If at first you do not succeed, try, try again.  Who knows, you might be
>> our
>> first blind American Idal.  I listened to the show last night, rather 
>> part
>> of it.  I liked that country version of 8 days...
>> That judge sure tore that girl apart.
>> Have confidence and go for it.  If it were not for my epilepsi, I would
>> take
>> a chance at it too.  I sang at one of my sisters wedding and my mothers
>> funeral.  I was going to be in the talent show in Kentucky, but got sick
>> the
>> day I arived.  I just have not gotten the curage to get up there again.
>> Who
>> knows, you might see me there in dalis!
>> Don't let one down fall rouin your corere.
>>
>> Terry Powers
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Kathleen A. Millhoff [mailto:kamillhoff at gdoe.net]
>> Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 5:25 PM
>> To: NFB Talk Mailing List
>> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #131- White Cane
>> andAmericanIdol
>>
>> hi melissa and list,
>> you've confirmed what i've long suspected, not just about these
>> pseudo-entertainment/contest shows, but about games shows and just about
>> all
>> else in the visual media - it's all geared towards those who have some
>> kind
>> of stage presence, definable to producers and presenters.
>> this, however, doesn't mean i think people should determine that the
>> performing world isn't for them - i think with the advances in media,
>> television has had to go in a direction other than mere showcasing of 
>> pure
>> talent.
>> best of luck to you and all the performers on this list; for those of us
>> who
>> only sing in the privacy of our own homes, doors locked, shades rolled
>> down,
>> radio loud enough to drown us out - well, we envy and admire your talent
>> and
>> effort.
>> who was it that said that the successful person experiences 90 failures 
>> in
>> 100? i'm sure the math is mostly true, and i'm equally sure that failure
>> usually has little to do with what you've done, but where you were and 
>> who
>> was the arbiter of your success.
>> best,
>> kat
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org]On
>> Behalf Of Milissa Garside
>> Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 10:38 AM
>> To: NFB Talk Mailing List
>> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #131- White Cane
>> andAmericanIdol
>>
>>
>> Hello All,
>>
>> I auditioned for American Idol back several seasons ago and was not
>> chosen.
>> I do know of other blind people who also auditioned and did not make it.
>> Now clearly all of us blind people are not so bad that at least one of us
>> should have been chosen.
>>
>> As an Auditioner, I got to see a lot of things that happened back stage.
>> For example, most of the time, the producers of the show choose people 
>> who
>> can not sing. Just before I auditioned, a girl who could not even carry a
>> tune was chosen while me and several other talented people were let go.
>>
>> The whole show is rigged and I don't think they will ever allow a blind
>> person to be on the show. Unfortunately, today's music is about looks and
>> stage presence. That is why we have not seen any other big time blind
>> singers like Ray Charles and Stevy Wonder. They were fortunate to come
>> into
>> fame when music was really about the music and not about visually
>> performing
>> and looking good.
>>
>> Milissa
>>
>> "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that
>> matter."
>> Martin Luther King Jr.
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Ray Foret jr" <rforetjr at comcast.net>
>> To: "NFB Talk Mailing List" <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 10:50 AM
>> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #131- White Cane
>> andAmericanIdol
>>
>>
>>> Wait!!!  no need to get all bent out of shape yet; you see, this is
>>> only a hypothetical situation.  IN reality, there was a blind guy who
>>> did attempt to appear before the judges I think back a couple of years
>>
>>> ago; but, as I understand it, he didn't even manage to get in to the
>>> audition room; so, neither Randy, Paula nor the stuffed shirt Simon
>>> was able even to see or hear him.  I have an unpleasant suspicion that
>>
>>> they wouldn't let a blind person on the show anyhow.  But why?
>>> because of the lack of visual stage presence.  What I mean by that is
>>> this.  Does the blind person just stand there still and sing; or, does
>>
>>> the person move around and dance and all that?  You will notice that
>>> Robert has obviously dealt with that question very directly in his
>>> thought provoker.  Read it carefully, and you'll see that Robert has
>>> anticipated this very issue.  Obviously, the blind guy sure just
>>> doesn't just stand there and sing.  Let's give it some thought.  Do
>>> the judges pay more attention to how a contestant looks or how they
>>> sound.
>>> This
>>> is a sighted world; and, whether we like it or not, how someone looks
>>> is almost more important than any other consideration.  So, if you
>>> just stand there still and sing, the chances are you're not  going to
>>> arouse any enthusiasm on the part of either the judges or the
>>> audience.  As I understand it, there was a young blind lady who did
>>> manage to appear before the judges, but, it was her lack of visual
>>> stage presence that did her in; and, she never even got in front of
>>> the  camera in the judging room.
>>>
>>> Sincerely yours,
>>> The Constantly Barefooted,
>>> Ray
>>> Home phone and fax:
>>> (985)360-3375
>>> E-mail:
>>> rforetjratcomcastdotnet
>>> Skype Name:
>>> barefootedray
>>>
>>> God bless President George W. Bush!
>>> God bless our troops!
>>> and God bless America
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Powers, Terry (NIH/OD/DEAS) [E]" <powerst at dcpcepn.nci.nih.gov>
>>> To: "NFB Talk Mailing List" <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 9:30 AM
>>> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #131- White Cane
>>> andAmericanIdol
>>>
>>>
>>> Go Ray, go!
>>> That is a discrace on the blind.  He has no right even saying anything
>>
>>> about the man's cane.  I missed that episode.  I did not even know we
>>> had a blind person on the show.  I think he is the first and I am sure
>>
>>> glad we are finally represented.  I sure hope he stands up for his
>>> rights.  His cane is his means of getting around.  It sure looks
>>> better for the man to use a cane and be able to walk one the stage,
>>> alone, than to have to have a sighted guide.  This reminds me of the
>>> airlines taking away our canes.
>>> If a singer had MS or CP..., would he have the nerve to take away
>>> their walking cane?  I bet not, so why is he questioning a blind
>>> person using a walking cane for navigation.  This could lead to a 508
>>> case if it gets out of hand.  In my opinion, he is being discriminated
>>
>>> against and could be taken to court.  I see he said nothing about that
>>
>>> man with the real long hair!
>>>
>>> Terry Powers
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Ray Foret jr [mailto:rforetjr at comcast.net]
>>> Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 8:23 AM
>>> To: NFB Talk Mailing List
>>> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #131- White Cane and
>>> AmericanIdol
>>>
>>> Well, to me, this is a no brainer.  We all know, of course, that it's
>>> respectable to be blind.  We all know that the white cane draws
>>> attention to us, in one way or another; usually, we hope, a good way.
>>> We know this, but, many sighted still do not know it.  The white cane
>>> would, as a matter of fact, draw attention directly to the performer
>>> rather than away from him.
>>> Besides which, the white cane could be used as part of the appearance
>>> aspect of his performance.  IF some female American Idol contestants
>>> perform BAREFOOTED as part of their appearance or preference, (Kelly
>>> Clarkson comes to mind) Why not the white cane for the hypothetical
>>> blind performer?  As for Simon, well, that stuffed shirt doesn't seem
>>> to like anything or any one; so, what can I say?
>>>
>>> Just my $0.02 (Zero Dollars two cents) worth.
>>>
>>> Sincerely yours,
>>> The Constantly Barefooted,
>>> Ray
>>> Home phone and fax:
>>> (985)360-3375
>>> E-mail:
>>> rforetjratcomcastdotnet
>>> Skype Name:
>>> barefootedray
>>>
>>> God bless President George W. Bush!
>>> God bless our troops!
>>> and God bless America
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Robert Leslie Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net>
>>> To: "nfbtalk" <NFB-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Sunday, March 09, 2008 9:16 PM
>>> Subject: [nfb-talk] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #131- White Cane and American
>>
>>> Idol
>>>
>>>
>>> NFBtalk members
>>> RE:  White Cane and American Idol
>>>
>>> Simon, Paula and Randy are faced with judging if a white cane is a
>>> detractor to the performance of the first blind American Idol
>>> contestant. See if you agree with their Judgment. fellow judges If you
>>
>>> have not read the PROVOKER, it follows.  Recall that I collect
>>> responses and post them upon my web site for all the WWW to read and
>>> learn from and that URL is- Http://thoughtprovoker.info  If you wish
>>> to receive THOUGHT PROVOKERS sent directly to you, just write me and
>>> ask, at-  newmanrl at cox.net
>>>
>>> THOUGHT PROVOKER 131
>>> White Cane and American Idol
>>>
>>> White cane arching, swaying, at times twirling like a baton in his
>>> fingers, the young blind man belted out his vocals and danced in
>>> rhythm to the driving beat of the stage band and supporting voices of
>>> the backup singers, all part of his well rehearsed number for the
>>> audience and judges of American Idol, the hit television show. The
>>> competition was in the third week, eight contestants had already been
>>> eliminated, four in each of the proceeding two weeks. This week four
>>> more, two males and two females would be voted off, sent home by
>>> America's voting audience.
>>>
>>> The live audience responded enthusiastically, obviously having liked
>>> the young blind man's rendition of the eighties rock tune. The radiant
>>
>>> smile and confident movement of the young man on stage told the
>>> watcher that the singer felt he'd given a good performance.
>>>
>>> "Check it out! Check it out! Dog!" Loudly proclaimed Randy, the first
>>> of the three judges standing on his feet, bent arms waving the beat,
>>> looking excited and pleased. "That was hot! That is what we saw in you
>>
>>> from the first tune you sang in front of us.  it's the enthusiasm of
>>> delivery, good clear tone, and the way you handle yourself. Dog! Good
>>> song choice--that was perfect for you. I liked that! This was the best
>>
>>> performance of the night!"
>>> Randy was beaming so hard, he could have been an ad for toothpaste.
>>>
>>> Paula was next, face beaming, still standing where she had risen to
>>> dance behind her chair, "Brent, that was a stunning performance; great
>>
>>> vocals!
>>> Your parents. who are in the audience, can be proud of you. You looked
>>
>>> natural up there; you had the audience loving you! And hey, you can
>>> dance!
>>> We hadn't seen that in your earlier performances.  You looked good;
>>> you need to do more of that. I think you are going to be in the final
>>> twelve and the other singers will have to work hard to beat this
>>> performance."  She sat down, tilting her head and raising her eyebrows
>>
>>> to check what the persnickety judge on her right was going to say.
>>>
>>> The cameras shifted to the final judge. He had sat, arms crossed,
>>> taking in Brent's performance with his usual critical eye and half
>>> smile.  With serious tone and British-accented speech, Simon began one
>>
>>> of his infamous, well known intros to an evaluation of a singer's
>>> performance. "To be honest with you, I have mixed feelings about you."
>>
>>> The audience erupted with hoots and jeering in response to the judge
>>> they loved to hate. "Wait a minute, wait a minute, let me have my
>>> say." And with the return of quiet to the hall, Simon addressed the
>>> now unsmiling, serious young singer. "On the positive side, I think
>>> you actually are one of the top two voices in the competition." The
>>> audience responded favorably but quieted down quickly, knowing that
>>> Simon had more to say. "But my problem is." Simon's eyebrows came
>>> together as he frowned in concentration.
>>>
>>> "Ah, what? The ever eloquent Simon is lost for words!" blustered
>> Randy.
>>>
>>> Turning a serious face to his fellow judge, Simon answered, "Well,
>>> we've never before had a blind contestant and I'm struggling with how
>>> to phrase my comment." Abruptly turning back to the waiting performer,
>>
>>> face determined, Simon continued, "Brent, I will not treat you any
>>> different, I owe you that, and I'm going to tell you what the problem
>>> is. It is . as we tell you all, in this business you have to be
>>> believable. And in your special case, you have to be acceptable." The
>>> audience reacts, Randy and Paula's voices add to the storm of protest
>>> and Simon has to again pause. "Now wait a minute, wait!
>>> Let me finish. Hear what I've got to say." With order restored, Simon
>>> went on, "I did not say a blind singer would not be acceptable! As
>>> everyone else here, I'm aware of Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles, and
>>> other blind musicians who have made it in professional music. But
>>> there's a difference at work here. Now what my problem is--I said your
>>
>>> vocals were one of the best, but on stage I believe you will have to
>>> lose that white stick. It was .
>>> annoying; it kept drawing the eye, taking the focus off of where it
>>> should be, on the singer. Sorry, the stick is not compatible with
>>> being an Idol."
>>> THOUGHT PROVOKER 131
>>> White Cane and American Idol
>>>
>>> White cane arching, swaying, at times twirling like a baton in his
>>> fingers, the young blind man belted out his vocals and danced in
>>> rhythm to the driving beat of the stage band and supporting voices of
>>> the backup singers, all part of his well rehearsed number for the
>>> audience and judges of American Idol, the hit television show. The
>>> competition was in the third week, eight contestants had already been
>>> eliminated, four in each of the proceeding two weeks. This week four
>>> more, two males and two females would be voted off, sent home by
>>> America's voting audience.
>>>
>>> The live audience responded enthusiastically, obviously having liked
>>> the young blind man's rendition of the old rhythm and blues classic.
>>> The radiant smile and confident movement of the young man on stage
>>> told the watcher that the singer felt he'd given a good performance.
>>>
>>> "Check it out! Check it out! Dog!" Loudly proclaimed Randy, the first
>>> of the three judges standing on his feet, bent arms waving the beat,
>>> looking excited and pleased. "That was hot! That is what we saw in you
>>
>>> from the first tune you sang in front of us.  it's the enthusiasm of
>>> delivery, good clear tone, and the way you handle yourself. Dog! Good
>>> song choice--that was perfect for you. I liked that! This was the best
>>
>>> performance of the night!"
>>> Randy was beaming so hard, he could have been an ad for toothpaste.
>>>
>>> Paula was next, face beaming, still standing where she had risen to
>>> dance behind her chair, "Brent, that was a stunning performance; great
>>
>>> vocals!
>>> Your parents. who are in the audience, can be proud of you. You looked
>>
>>> natural up there; you had the audience loving you! And hey, you can
>>> dance!
>>> We hadn't seen that in your earlier performances.  You looked good;
>>> you need to do more of that. I think you are going to be in the final
>>> twelve and the other singers will have to work hard to beat this
>>> performance."  She sat down, tilting her head and raising her eyebrows
>>
>>> to check what the persnickety judge on her right was going to say.
>>>
>>> The cameras shifted to the final judge. He had sat, arms crossed,
>>> taking in Brent's performance with his usual critical eye and half
>>> smile.  With serious tone and British-accented speech, Simon began one
>>
>>> of his infamous, well known intros to an evaluation of a singer's
>>> performance. "To be honest with you, I have mixed feelings about you."
>>
>>> The audience erupted with hoots and jeering in response to the judge
>>> they loved to hate. "Wait a minute, wait a minute, let me have my
>>> say." And with the return of quiet to the hall, Simon addressed the
>>> now unsmiling, serious young singer. "On the positive side, I think
>>> you actually are one of the top two voices in the competition." The
>>> audience responded favorably but quieted down quickly, knowing that
>>> Simon had more to say. "But my problem is." Simon's eyebrows came
>>> together as he frowned in concentration.
>>>
>>> "Ah, what? The ever eloquent Simon is lost for words!" blustered
>> Randy.
>>>
>>> Turning a serious face to his fellow judge, Simon answered, "Well,
>>> we've never before had a blind contestant and I'm struggling with how
>>> to phrase my comment." Abruptly turning back to the waiting performer,
>>
>>> face determined, Simon continued, "Brent, I will not treat you any
>>> different, I owe you that, and I'm going to tell you what the problem
>>> is. It is . as we tell you all, in this business you have to be
>>> believable. And in your special case, you have to be acceptable." The
>>> audience reacts, Randy and Paula's voices add to the storm of protest
>>> and Simon has to again pause. "Now wait a minute, wait!
>>> Let me finish. Hear what I've got to say." With order restored, Simon
>>> went on, "I did not say a blind singer would not be acceptable! As
>>> everyone else here, I'm aware of Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles, and
>>> other blind musicians who have made it in professional music. But
>>> there's a difference at work here. Now what my problem is--I said your
>>
>>> vocals were one of the best, but on stage I believe you will have to
>>> lose that white stick. It was .
>>> annoying; it kept drawing the eye, taking the focus off of where it
>>> should be, on the singer. Sorry, the stick is not compatible with
>>> being an Idol."
>>>
>>>
>>> Robert Leslie Newman
>>> E-Mail- newmanrl at cox.net
>>> Web Site- thoughtprovoker.info
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>> --
>>> --------
>>>
>>>
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