X is for ...

X-FACTOR

Well, seriously, just how many words that start with the letter “X” can I find to write a blog on that I actually have pictures of? So, yes, this might be a stretch, but we are going to roll with X-Factor because that is the best (and the only thing) I’ve got thus far!

For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about when I say “X-Factor”, let me give you a quick refresher … Simon Cowell, ahhhhh!, who helped start American Idol, also came up with another singing reality show that did not have the restrictions that American Idol often placed on their contestants. He debuted this show in the UK where it became an instant hit and produced several key artists, including Leona Lewis. The premise behind the whole show as finding the “it” factor that the contestants needed; also known as the “x” factor – something the judges knew to look for and try to bring out of the contestants in hopes of making an unknown individual into a big name superstar worldwide. Contestants could be any age, from youngsters on up; and they could also be groups; plus they were all mentored by one of the judges. It brought a lot more variety to what American Idol lacked.

Eventually, Simon decided to take the X-Factor on the road and bring it across the pond from the UK to the USA. The X-Factor (UK) featured a panel of dominant judges including: Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh, with an occasional other addition. Those three together would make audiences laugh and could dust the dirt off some of these unknown artists and see the jewel lying beneath. I personally had hoped he would even bring the same judges from the UK show over to America. I mean seriously who would NOT want to see Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne go all crazy at each other? (Rawr!!) Unfortunately for me, I did not get my wish and there would be no Simon and Sharon USA showdown (bummer!)

The X-Factor is similar with American Idol in that it does go on the road and hold auditions throughout the country. But one key difference between the two shows it that the X-Factor auditions are done not only in front of the judges’ panel but also in front of a live studio audience, who almost act as a fifth judge! My friend Allison and I learned that auditions were coming to Greensboro, North Carolina, so we got tickets to go to the auditions as members of the audience. I was stoked because yes, that meant, I was going to get to see Simon Cowell, since he would remain on the judging panel albeit without Sharon by his side (sniff, sniff!)

So, off we head merely 80 miles west on I-40 to the metropolis of Greensboro and what seems to be my second home of the Greensboro Coliseum (I seriously think my car could drive itself there as many times as it has been there in the past three or four years!). The lines to get in where almost like a zoo – lines for those auditioning (obviously NOT me!), lines for fans in the audience, lines for family members. It was quite chaotic, but we figured it out and made our way inside for the first taping of the Greensboro auditions. It is quite interesting to see all the behind-the-scenes production work that goes in to putting one of these shows together. But what absolutely amazed me was the sheer size of the massive stage that these contestants had to walk out on. If they in the least bit had any stage fright, they would be doomed immediately with this immaculate set-up. Our seats were not down on the floor close to the judges’ panel, but we still had a good view and as long as I could see Simon, I really could care less!

We knew in advance who the judges were going to be and I was severely depressed by the selection – L.A. Reid, Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell and the one they tried making the queen superstar, Britney Spears. I have never been a huge Britney fan so to have to sit and endure her was going to be a challenge for me, especially when all I could think of was “why not Sharon? Sharon would be the best!” Nonetheless, it was fairly entertaining to see some of the performances. We had a mixture of ages, singles and groups that performed. A few really stood out and eventually did make it past the first round, but in honesty, I don’t ever recall seeing any one from Greensboro actually make it further in the program. It makes you wonder what happened to all these people who I thought really could sing much better than some that actually made it on to the TV show.

Overall, the X-Factor experience was pretty cool. I was able to say I have been in the same room with Simon Cowell now and all his glory!! Sadly, the X-Factor was not as big of a hit in the USA as it was in the UK (well, hello, the reason is obvious – Simon, Sharon and Louis!). But, it was something we can now say we have been a part of. It does make you wonder though what the true “X” is that they are searching for in the contestants because I still have yet to see it those who auditioned, much less actually won the show!

And for what it’s worth, this is why the X-Factor (UK) was so much better than the USA – no holds bar! Go Sharon, Go!!

W is for ...

WILMINGTON

We all have favorite cities or places that we like to visit. I have a whole host of favorites. But ever since I was a little girl, the city of Wilmington, North Carolina, has always had a special place in my heart, so much so that I used to call it “my city”. For those of you who have never been to Wilmington, it is a very historic city yet one that is also very modern. Downtown Wilmington sits right along the Cape Fear River, and the outer lying fingers of the city limits is just mere minutes from the local beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. What a perfect place to reside, right?

I have always loved the historic downtown area with its many unique shops and the relaxing river walk. One of my favorite places to visit is the Cotton Exchange. This is a collection of buildings that once was used as a cotton mill, but has since been converted into many shops and restaurants that are still housed within the original building. If you ever visit the Cotton Exchange, please make sure to stop by Top Toad, and you absolutely MUST eat at Paddy’s Hollow. Oh! This makes me wish I was there right now! After visiting the Cotton Exchange, I usually either take a stroll down Front Street or go for a stroll along the peaceful river walk and watch some of the many boats and ships that come in to the Port of Wilmington. You can even climb the stairs of the courthouse much like Andy Griffith used to do in Matlock!

Another of highlight along the Cape Fear River is the USS North Carolina Battleship. The USS North Carolina is docked within the Cape Fear River across from Downtown Wilmington. It is such a neat sight to see when you are walking down the river walk and look across to see this giant World War II battleship on display. I have toured the battleship when I was younger and was absolutely amazed at its size. This is another must see in the Wilmington area. It makes you truly proud of all the servicemen who served our great nation and seeing that all they had to endure.

But in all honesty, my most favorite sight and landmark of Wilmington is probably something that most people would think rather odd. No, it’s not the battleship or any shop in particular, it’s not one of the beautiful historic homes or churches or any of the flower gardens, but ironically, it is the drawbridge. The drawbridge in Wilmington is one of the most unique pieces of architecture I have seen. I have always been enthralled by it. Crossing it as a child used to absolutely amaze me as I could not believe we were driving across something that you could practically see through! When you see most drawbridges open to allow the ships to pass thru the waterway underneath them, most will typically split in half and open up vertically and others may spin to the side to open, but the drawbridge in Wilmington is a bit different. The entire middle section will actually rise apart from the rest of the bridge and lift heavenward to adjust to the size of the ship coming thru below. When the U.S. Coast Guard’s Eagle came in to Wilmington for an annual nautical parade, the drawbridge had to be raised to its highest point and even then the Eagle barely squeaked by below. No matter when I go to Wilmington, I always have to take a picture of the bridge. Sure it never changes, but it is just a signature element within the Wilmington landscape. It is affectionately also known as “Meredith’s bridge” – okay, in reality it is not, that’s just a name we gave it.

Fortunately for me, whenever I am feeling some Wilmington blues, I just have to jump on I-40 and head eastbound and can usually get there in a little over an hour from my home. It is a city that I often go to for day trips and even just for shopping trips. It is a fun place, though traffic can be an absolute nightmare, but you learn the side and back roads to avoid all of that. I have often said that when I get old and grey, I want to retire there to one of the historic homes perched up on the banks of the Cape Fear River. I guess I will ultimately have to hit the jackpot or something to afford that, but I can keep dreaming! Go visit Wilmington or your favorite city and keep the small town charm alive!