Tag Archive for: Winners

Who’ll Be the Next American Idol?


I’m an American Idol fan. My kids and I started watching the show the year Carrie Underwood won. It was a good year to start. Carrie has a powerful voice and a strong presence. She’s sure of herself, and even now, throughout all her success, she seems (from the outside) to be sure of herself and to know who she is.


Then Daughtry came along. I liked him, but haven’t bought his music. What struck me most about Daughtry was his marriage and his commitment to his wife. He’s been on a good ride from what I’ve seen, I like his music, and I hope he’s still with his wife and that fame hasn’t compromised his values.


Last year, Adam Lambert took the spotlight. His success has been phenomenal. He’s been clear about his goal–fame. He’s super talented, has his hit song, One, and is still riding his skyrocket to superstardom.


It’s all good, but this year I’m rooting for Lee DeWyze. I like Casey and Crystal, but Lee’s humbleness and his transformation from shy to confident has been great to watch. He seems like a genuinely nice person (as they all do), and his authenticity makes him so likable. Like Daughtry, he seems to be so grounded and is truly astounded by his own journey and success so far. And his version of Hallelujah was really phenomenal. I love his husky voice and the emotion which comes through his singing.


Lee’s safe for another week, and may end up being the American Idol. We’ll know in a week whether it’ll be him or Crystal, but regardless, they’re all winners and all three of the final contestants are worthy and authentic. Heck, I’ll buy all their Cds.



American Idol is fun, but what I like most is seeing real people who appreciate the opportunity they’ve been given and are moved by moment they’re living in.


Are you an American Idol fan? Who are you rooting for?


~Misa

Hallopalooza Reveal & Winners!

Thank you for joining us on our first Hallopalooza – our first Stiletto Gang Scavenger Hunt. We hope you had fun, enjoyed the mystery, and found some new blogs to visit on a regular basis!

If you’d like to read the entire mystery in one location, we are including a link to the Evelyn David website where you’ll find a PDF file of the story.

The Halloween Ball Mystery introduced a new character, Private Detective Milla Adams. Milla had to interview many suspects over the weekend, sort through many red herrings, and travel down many blind alleys. Sometimes the best way to figure out “whodunit” is by eliminating the suspects who “couldn’t have dunit.” Milla and the winners did just that.

Steven McCall killed Carla Jordan. Wearing a cape and witch’s mask, he followed her to the conservatory after she stole a file from G. Winston Howard’s study. The file contained information about McCall’s crooked construction company – Sticks & Stones. Carla Jordan tried to reveal her killer’s identiy by clutching several pebbles and a stick in her hand. Milla eliminated the other suspects based on what they were wearing during the party, their opportunity to commit the crime, and their lack of a motive.

Congratulations! The readers who solved the mystery are:
Cate Matheny
Tara Woods
Helen Kiker
Shirley Nienkark
Kathleen Spencer
Janet Cearley
Darcy Odden

A random drawing from the names above was held.

Janet Cearley is the winner of the $50 gift certificate to a book store of her choice, plus a copy of A Savage Wisdom by Dr. Norman German.

The runners up win the following:
Cate Matheny – Misa Ramirez mystery
Tara Woods – Susan McBride mystery
Helen Kiker – Rachel Brady mystery
Shirley Nienkark – Marilyn Meredith mystery
Kathleen Spencer – Maggie Barbieri mystery
Darcy Odden – Evelyn David mystery

The winners will be contacted by e-mail to make arrangements for delivery of the prizes.

As of noon on Nov. 2, 2009, we also have the following information from these blog owners about the winners of their individual blog prizes. Please check at the individual blogs for more information and for other winners:

Poe’s Deadly Daughters:
http://poesdeadlydaughters.blogspot.com/
Winners are:
Sandra Parshall’s Crime and Punishment mug goes to : PK the Bookeemonster
Lonnie Cruse’s signed book goes to: Helen Kiker
Sharon Wildwind’s signed book goes to: Shirley (boots9k)

Morgan Mandel’s Blog – Double M’s Take on Books, Blogs, Dogs, Networking & Life http://morganmandel.blogspot.com/
Winner of a Killer Career cap or tee shirt is Jonnie (edmontonjb) from http://momofboyswithtoys.blogspot.com/

Mysterious Musings
http://www.juliabuckley.blogspot.com/
Winners for Mysterious Musings:
Copy of The Dark Backward by Julia Buckley – kaisquared and janel
Winners should e-mail Julia with their contact information.

Meanderings & Muses
http://meanderingsandmuses.blogspot.com/
The winner at Meanderings and Muses:
Copy of Sharon Potts’ In Their Blood – Penny Tuttle

America Comes Alive
http://www.americacomesalive.com/blog/
The winners from America Comes Alive:
$20 Amazon gift certificate—Anne Pichette
Copy of Election Day – boots9k

Lesa’s Book Critiques
http://www.lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com/
Winners from Lesa’s Book Critiques are:
Jessica Blair won Hex in High Heels by Linda Wisdom Janewon Sharon Fiffer’s Scary Stuff.

Fang Face
http://fangplace.blogspot.com/
Winner of copy of Fang Face is: Edith Max

The Stiletto Gang