Another fallen “Idol”

We’ve long had a bit of a fast and loose attitude in this space with regards to what actually constitutes “celebrity.” We have to, if only so we can be sure to include the seemingly never-ending waves of reality stars who appear to be anxiously awaiting their chance to be complete a-holes.

Which brings us to Jermaine Jones.

Jermaine was a contestant on “American Idol” – you know, that show that people still inexplicably watch for some reason. He had spent a significant part of his time on the show throwing out sob story after sob story, including one about his absentee dad who suddenly reappeared when his son was on the verge of fame.

Some episodes of “Survivor” are unforgettable, and this week's episode is one of them. For the first time in 24 seasons, the tribe that won the immunity challenge actually chose to give it up so they could go to tribal council and vote off one of their own. Even the host, Jeff Probst, was visibly stunned to see the men's tribe at tribal council, because they won the puzzle relay immunity challenge by a landslide. Sure, in the past we've seen teams lose the immunity challenge on purpose to accomplish the same thing, but viewers and even Probst have never seen a tribe win the challenge, take the immunity “god” back to camp and then willingly hand it over to the opposing team. But somehow, 21-year-old Colton Cumbie of the Manono tribe convinced his team to do just that in order to get rid of 28-year-old Bill Posley, a stand-up comedian from California. I had a chance to speak with Posley about his short-lived experience on “Survivor” and what his team needs to do to stay away from tribal council. 

The Maine Edge: Is it bothersome that this is the first time in 24 seasons that a team chose to go to tribal even though they won immunity?

Bill Posley: I would rather make history and risk making a big move [like that] than go off quietly. I want to be kind of one of the memorable ones. If they were willing to give up immunity and go to tribal to get rid of me, they would be willing to throw the next challenge. Me exiting the way I did last night made me proud of the game.

(With sincere apologies to anyone with actual poetic talent.)

When you first took the Sox job,

You were barely out of school.

The youngest GM ever,

Compared to Dan Douquette, you were too cool.

You always dreamed big,

Really shooting for the moon.

Your team almost made the series in ’03,

Until that Aaron Freakin’ Boone.

Golf is a gentleman's game, and gentlemen usually wear pants. I for one, do not always like to wear pants. How do I quench my thirst for the links without donning a pair of slacks? Enter, any of the thousands of golf video games made over the years.

From the old Golden Tee machine at the bowling alley to the grid style putting greens of PGA Tour Golf II for my old Mac Classic, to the surprisingly good version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour '12 for the iPhone, I've played my share of golf video games. Some people like shooting zombies, others like creating and destroying civilizations. Me, I like to do something I am usually just to lazy to go out and do for real.

Komen Maine and Hollywood Slots honor Denise Hodsdon

BANGOR – The Susan G. Komen Maine Race for the Cure-Bangor and Survivor Sponsor Hollywood Slots Hotel and Raceway are proud to honor Survivor of the Week, Denise Hodsdon of Brewer. Hodsdon is co-chair of the 2011 Bangor Race.

“My journey with Susan G. Komen started in 2003,” said Hodsdon. “My town manager’s daughter-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 20s. It’s frustrating when you want to do something to help, but you don’t know what to do. My sister had been involved with the Race for Cure and she mentioned to me one day that there was a committee meeting coming up. I went, and immediately decided this is something I want to do to try and help.”

Hodsdon was a registration co-chair from 2003 to 2007, volunteering her time at five consecutive races. In the fall of 2007 Hodsdon resigned from her position at the Race for the Cure, feeling that it was time to move on to something different.

Back to school stresses of both kids and parents

BANGOR - There's nothing scary about Stephen King's latest work, but he is hoping his newest project will get people talking. The well-known horror writer and Zone Radio Corporation owner has hired former U.S. Vice Presidential candidate Pat LaMarche, and former newsman Don Cookson, to host The Pulse Morning Show on WZON 103.1 FM and WZON 620 AM weekdays, starting Sept. 12.

"I've missed in-depth coverage of Maine events and politics in the Bangor market. We're going to be provocative, informative and amusing, and we think everyone will enjoy the show except for certain politicians," explained King with a chuckle.

His new team plans not only to discuss local and national politics but also homelessness, welfare, healthcare, the job market and the rising costs of education; nothing is off limits.

 “I was such a mess. I lost 40 pounds in three weeks. I usually weigh about 145 pounds but I was down to 105. I knew very well that I was close to death. According to the police report, I thanked the officer for arresting me. I told him I was an addict and couldn’t get clean and he was probably saving my life.” - Jesse, 27 of Bangor. Recovering bath salts user.